HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-09-25 Council (Regular) MinutesCOUNTY OF NEWELL
MINUTES OF REGULAR COUNCIL
September 25, 2025
The regular Council Meeting of the County of Newell was held in the County Office and
livestreamed to the public on Thursday, September 25, 2025 commencing at 10:21 a.m.
Notice was posted at the front entrance advising the public of the meeting.
MEMBERS A. Doerksen, Reeve
PRESENT:
COUNCILLORS: D. Short
A. Skanderup
L. Kopp
H. Johnson
G. Skriver
K. Christman
E. Unruh
A. Philpott
N. Johnson
STAFF: M. Fenske, Chief Administrative Officer
M. Jackson, Planning and Development Supervisor
M. Harbicht, Director of Municipal Services
L. Johnson, Director of Corporate Services
C. Siakaluk, Communications Officer (Moderator)
A. Nielsen, Executive Assistant
1. CALL TO ORDER
Reeve A. Doerksen called the meeting to order at 10:21 a.m.
2. EXCUSED FROM MEETING
All members were in attendance at this meeting.
3. ADOPTION OF MINUTES
3.1 Minutes - Council (September 11, 2025)
C-277/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HOLLY JOHNSON that the September 11, 2025 Council
Meeting minutes be adopted as presented.
MOTION CARRIED
4. CALL FOR POST AGENDA ITEMS
Reeve A. Doerksen called for post agenda items.
Regular Council
September 25, 2025
5. ADOPTION OF AGENDA
C-278/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ELLEN UNRUH that the agenda be adopted as presented.
MOTION CARRIED
6. QUESTION PERIOD/NOTICE OF MOTION
A question period and notice of motion was held. No County Ratepayers were in
attendance. The moderator indicated that there were no questions from the public.
ARRIVED AT MEETING
M. Harbicht arrived at 10:23 a.m.
7. BYLAWS
7.1 Bylaw 2106-25 Local Improvement (Lake Newell Resort Pathway)
The Director of Corporate Services provided background information on this item
and responded to questions from Council.
C-279/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HOLLY JOHNSON that Bylaw 2106-25, being a bylaw for the
purpose of authorizing the Council of the County of Newell to impose a local improvement
tax in respect of all lands that directly benefit from the "Lake Newell Resort Pathway" local
improvement project, be given FIRST reading.
MOTION CARRIED
C-280/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that Bylaw 2106-25 be given SECOND
reading.
MOTION CARRIED
C-281/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LYNETTE KOPP that consent be given for Bylaw 2106-25 to
receive third reading this 25th day of September, 2025.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
C-282/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR DAN SHORT that Bylaw 2106-25 be given THIRD and FINAL
reading.
MOTION CARRIED
7.2 Bylaw 2107-25 - Land Use Bylaw (LUB) Text Amendment - Agricultural
Buildings
The Planning & Development Supervisor provided background information on this
item including an overview of the proposed text amendments and policy pertaining
to agricultural buildings and structures. Council was given the opportunity to ask
questions. The Planning & Development Supervisor indicated that permits would
be required for Agricultural Buildings and Structures constructed after this bylaw
has been passed and that the workload would be managed with clear
processes. An update to the Schedule of Fees bylaw will be required. Discussion
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Regular Council
September 25, 2025
followed and Council requested an estimate of costs associated with this process
change that will affect both the landowner and the County. The Chief
Administrative Officer provided additional information, indicating that requiring
permits can prevent costly mistakes requiring the removal of a structure.
Further discussion followed. Council acknowledged that the majority of
developers complete the required preliminary work, but there are opportunities to
improve the process to prevent errors. The ChiefAdministrative Officer requested
clarification, indicating that administration could compile costs associated with
correcting some current development issues and determine the value of
improvements that are at risk in the event of a stop work order. The Planning &
Development Supervisor suggested including costs associated with repairing
municipal infrastructure resulting from development not meeting the required
setbacks.
C-283125 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR DAN SHORT that Bylaw 2107-25, being a bylaw to amend
Land Use Bylaw 2016-21 by including policy for Agricultural . Buildings as indicated in
Schedule A, be given FIRST reading.
Further discussion followed. The Planning & Development Supervisor responded
to further questions regarding proposed fees.
Reeve A. Doerksen called the question.
Vote on Motion C-283/25 — MOTION DEFEATED
Further discussion followed and the Chief Administrative Officer requested
direction from Council regarding specific amendments to the proposed bylaw.
C-284/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR GREG SKRIVER that Administration be directed to return to
Council with a new bylaw that excludes non -permanent Agricultural Structures from
requiring a Development Permit and
further, that Administration prepare a proposed Schedule of Fees that will apply to
Development Permits required forAgricultural Structures.
MOTION CARRIED
7.3 Bylaw 2108-25 - Land Use Bylaw (LUB) Text Amendment - Solar
(Freestanding)
The Planning & Development Supervisor provided background information on this
item including an overview of the proposed amendments to the allowable size of
freestanding solar installations and required setbacks. Council was given the
opportunity to ask questions.
C-285/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that Bylaw 2108-25, being a bylaw to
amend Land Use Bylaw 2016-21 by updating policy for solar (freestanding) and setbacks
to subdivision roads as indicated in Schedule A, be given FIRST reading.
MOTION CARRIED
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Regular Council
September 25, 2025
LEFT THE MEETING
M. Jackson left the meeting at 11:29 a.m.
RECESS
Council RECESSED at 11:29 a.m. and RECONVENED at 11:35 a.m.
8. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS
8.1 Insolvency and Property Tax Receivable Proposal
The Director of Corporate Services provided background information on this item
and responded to questions from Council. The Chief Administrative Officer
provided additional information regarding the proposal and the estimated cost of
reclamation. Discussion followed.
C-286/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR NEIL JOHNSON that Council authorize Administration to
enter into a tax payment agreement with the purchaser of the Prospect Oil & Gas assets,
requiring payment of the prorated 2025 and 2026 property taxes prior to cancellation of
the tax arrears incurred by the previous owner;
further, subject to the transaction closing and the terms of the agreement, that
Council approve the cancellation of property tax arrears in the amount of $485,665.32
together with the prorated portion of 2025 property taxes (dependant on the purchase
date) for roll numbers 0005377500, 0008004900, 001418150'0, and 0014181600, in
accordance with Section 347 of the Municipal Government Act. -
MOTION CARRIED
LEFT THE MEETING
L. Johnson left the meeting at 11:42 a.m.
8.2 Councillor Payment Sheets (July 2025)
Discussion followed.
C-287/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR GREG SKRIVER that the July 2025 Councillor Payment
Sheets be accepted with the amendments recommended by the Councillor Compensation
Review Committee.
MOTION CARRIED
8.3 Councillor Payment Sheets (August 2025)
Councillor D. Short indicated that the Compensation Review for the August 2025
Councillor Payment Sheets was not completed in time for this meeting.
C-288/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HOLLY JOHNSON that the August 2025 Councillor Payment
Sheets be TABLED to the October 9, 2025 Council agenda.
MOTION CARRIED
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Regular Council
September 25, 2025
8.4 Requests for Functions of Council
8.4.1 Brooks Newell Leadership Breakfast (November 5, 2025)
C-289125 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR GREG SKRIVER that any Councillor be permitted to attend
the Brooks Newell Leadership Breakfast in Brooks, AB on November 5, 2025 as a function
of Council.
MOTION CARRIED
9. MUNICIPAL SERVICES BUSINESS
9.1 Tender Award - BF77009 & BF76826
The Director of Municipal Services provided background information on this item
and responded to questions from Council.
C-290/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LYNETTE KOPP that Council accepts the low tender as
submitted and awards the BF77009 & BF16826 tender to Bullin Construction Co. Ltd. for
the tendered price of $515,229.65.
MOTION CARRIED
LEFT THE MEETING
M. Harbicht left the meeting at 11:48 a.m.
10. COMMITTEE REPORTS
10.1 Airport Commission
Councillor A. Skanderup submitted a written report.
10.2 Calgary Catholic Immigration Society
Reeve A. Doerksen submitted a written report.
10.3 City of Brooks Recreation & Parks Board
Councillor G. Skriver reported that the board reviewed their bylaws to clarify their
role in the City's recreation discussions. A new Director of Recreation Services
has been hired. Two members -at -large from the County representing the Brooks
Recreation Area are required for the board. A visioning workshop is in the planning
stage.
10.4 Brooks Region Tourism Association
Councillor A. Skanderup reported that last week's meeting has been rescheduled
for October 2, 2025, the same day as the Annual General Meeting.
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Regular Council
September 25, 2025
10.5 County of Newell Library Board
Councillor L. Kopp reported that the County of Newell Library Board is seeking a
member -at -large representing the Gem Library Area.
10.6 Shortgrass Library Board
Councillor L. Kopp reported that the Shortgrass Library Board had a meeting and
a tour of the Brooks Public Library and JBS Canada Centre. Security has been
increased at the Shortgrass Library System Office.
10.7 Newell Recycling Association
Councillor L. Kopp reported that she will be submitting a report on the Alberta Care
Conference to a future Council meeting. She provided an update on the
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) program and funding from the Newell
Regional Solid Waste Management Authority.
10.8 SPEC Association Annual General Meeting
Councillor A. Skanderup and Councillor L. Kopp attended the Annual General
Meeting on September 16, 2025. The SPEC Association is also seeking board
members. The Annual Report is available.
10.9 Joint Services Committee
Councillor K. Christman stated that the final meeting of the Joint Services
Committee was held on September 9, 2025. All municipalities have agreed to the
establishment of an Intermunicipal Affairs Committee that will meet quarterly.
10.10 Newell Regional Solid Waste Management Authority
Councillor N. Johnson provided information on a press release that will be
distributed tomorrow regarding an energy from waste project.
10.11 Southern Alberta Energy from Waste Association
Councillor N. Johnson and Councillor K. Christman have not attended any recent
meetings of the Southern Alberta Energy from Waste Association.
10.12 Recreation Board (Bassano & Area)
Councillor K. Christman reported that the Bassano & Area Recreation Board will
be recommending a 2% increase to recreation funding. They also reviewed
policies for next year's funding during their most recent meeting.
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Regular Council
September 25, 2025
10.13 Commemorative Forest Tree Dedication Ceremony
Reeve A. Doerksen attended the Brooks Commemorative Forest Tree Dedication
Ceremony on September 24, 2025.
11. POST AGENDA ITEMS
There were no post agenda items to discuss at this meeting.
12. INFORMATION ITEMS
12.1 Strategic Priorities Chart
This item was accepted as information.
13. QUESTION PERIOD
A question period was held. No County Ratepayers were in attendance. The moderator
indicated that there were no questions from the public.
14. IN CAMERA
C-291/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR AMANDA PHILPOTT that we move in camera at 12:03 p.m.
to discuss the following matters:
• Intergovernmental Relations — Access to Information Act Section 26.
MOTION CARRIED
C-292/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LYNETTE KOPP that we move out of camera at 12:20 p.m.
MOTION CARRIED
15. ADJOURN
Being that the agenda matters have been concluded, the meeting adjourned at 12:20 p.m.
Signed this day of ��-✓
12025
Aeeve
County Administrator
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