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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-10-09 Council (Regular) MinutesCOUNTY OF NEWELL MINUTES OF REGULAR COUNCIL October 9, 2025 The regular Council Meeting of the County of Newell was held in the County Office and livestreamed to the public on Thursday, October 9, 2025 commencing at 10:01 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, ChiefAdministrative Officer M. Jackson, Planning and Development Supervisor M. Harbicht, Director of Municipal Services L. Johnson, Director of Corporate Services T. Green, Director of Agricultural Services G. Tiffin, Manager of Planning, Development and Engineering R. Ayotte, Engineering Supervisor S. Luchies, Newell Regional Fire Chief C. Cochrane, Newell Regional Deputy Fire Chief A. Ferguson, Fire and Disaster ServicesAdministrativeAssistant C. Siakaluk, Communications Officer (Moderator) A. Nielsen, ExecutiveAssistant OTHERS IN S. Stanway, Brooks Bulletin ATTENDANCE: K. Steinley, Newell Regional Services Corporation Endersby Farms Family Philpott Honey Producers Family B. Biette, Brooks Elks C. Bosman, Brooks Elks K. Swanson, Brooks Fire Department CALL TO ORDER Reeve A. Doerksen called the meeting to order at 10:01 a.m. 2. EXCUSED FROM MEETING All members were in attendance at this meeting. . _ ___ _ Regular Council October 9, 2025 3. ADOPTION OF MINUTES C-293/25 __ _ _ 3.1 Minutes - Council (September 25, 2025) MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ADENA SKANDERUP that the September 25, 2025 Council Meeting minutes be adopted as presented. MOTION CARRIED 4. 5. C-294/25 CALL FOR POST AGENDA ITEMS Reeve A. Doerksen called for post agenda items. ADOPTION OF AGENDA MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ELLEN UNRUH that the agenda be adopted as amended. MOTION CARRIED 6. 11 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. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS 11.1 Shortgrass Library System 2026 Budget Request The Chief Administrative Officer provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-295/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR NEIL JOHNSON that Council APPROVES the 2026 budget submitted by the Shortgrass Regional Library System. MOTION CARRIED 11.2 Amendment to Recreation, Parks & Culture Services Agreement — Brooks & County The Chief Administrative Officer provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-296/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that Council approve an amendment to the Recreation, Parks & Culture Services Agreement with the City of Brooks to extend the term from five (5) years to six (6) years, with all other provisions of the agreement remaining in effect, in order to allow both municipalities' Administrations adequate time to renegotiate and update the agreement. MOTION CARRIED Page 2 of 11 Regular Council October 9, 2025 11.3 Councillor Payment Sheets (August 2025) Councillor D. Short reported that the Councillor Compensation Review Committee had no changes to the August 2025 Councillor Payment Sheets. C-297/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LYNETTE KOPP that the August 2025 Councillor Payment Sheets be accepted as presented. MOTION CARRIED ARRIVED AT MEETING T. Green arrived at 10:07 a.m. 11.4 Requests for Functions of Council 11.4.1 CBC Calgary Community Input Session (September 11, 2025) Councillor H. Johnson provided background information on this item. Councillor H. Johnson and Reeve A. Doerksen responded to questions from Council. C-298/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ELLEN UNRUH that participation in the CBC Calgary Community Input Session on September 11, 2025 be considered a function of Council for Reeve A. Doerksen and Councillor H. Johnson. MOTION CARRIED 10. AGRICULTURAL SERVICES BUSINESS 10.1 Agricultural Fieldman's Report (September 2025) The Director ofAgricultural Services presented the Agricultural Fieldman's Report to Council. ARRIVED AT MEETING M. Harbicht and G. Tiffin arrived at 10:15 a.m. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. Council expressed appreciation for the work done by the Agricultural Services Department on the Crop Diversification Centre South revitalization initiative. The Director of Agricultural Services responded to questions regarding knapweed control C-299/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR AMANDA PHILPOTT that the Agricultural Fieldman's Report for September 2025 be accepted as presented. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING T. Green left the meeting at 10:26 a.m. Page 3 of 11 . _ _ . _ Regular Council October 9, 2025 ARRIVED AT MEETING R. Ayotte arrived at 10:27 a.m. 12. MUNICIPAL SERVICES BUSINESS 12.2 Director of Municipal Services Report The Director of Municipal Services presented his report to Council, giving an overview of the highlights. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. The Director of Municipal Services responded to questions regarding the road construction at Lake Newell Resort. 12.3 School Zone Speeding - Gem School The Director of Municipal Services provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-300/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HOLLY JOHNSON that Council accepts the traffic data collected as information and declines the request for electronic speed signs at Gem School. MOTION CARRIED 12.4 Tender Award - 2025 Gravel Road Construction Program The Engineering Supervisor provided background information on this item. ARRIVED AT MEETING K. Steinley arrived at 10:39 a.m. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. The Manager of Planning, Development & Engineering explained how the gravel roads were evaluated and prioritized. C-301/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ADENA SKANDERUP that Council award the 2025 Gravel Road Program Tender to Brooks Asphalt & Aggregate for the revised tender amount and extend the completion date to June 30, 2026. MOTION CARRIED 12.5 Long Range Aggregate Supply Plan The Manager of Planning, Development & Engineering Services provided background information on this item. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. The Manager of Planning, Development & Engineering responded to questions regarding estimated costs and permit requirements. C-302/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR DAN SHORT that Council accepts the Long Range Aggregate Supply Plan as information. MOTION CARRIED Page 4 of 11 Regular Council October 9, 2025 12.6 Tilley West End Lot Development Considerations The Manager of Planning, Development & Engineering Services provided background information on this item including an overview of the lot layout options. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. Discussion followed on costs associated with servicing new lots through grant funding or a local improvement tax. The Chief Administrative Officer indicated that the concept plans have been shared with the Palliser Economic Partnership to determine whether Canadian Infrastructure Bank funding is available. LEFT THE MEETING G. Tiffin and R. Ayotte left the meeting at 11:00 a.m. 12.1 Utilities - NRSC Report K. Steinley presented The Utilities - NRSC Report to Council, giving an overview of the highlights. He provided an update on wastewater lagoon discharge in Scandia, Rolling Hills, Patricia and Tilley and fall preventative maintenance activities. K. Steinley provided information regarding an issue with the Scandia distribution system and how it was resolved. He thanked individual members of Council for their service on the Newell Regional Services Corporation board. ARRIVED AT MEETING L. Johnson arrived at 11:00 a.m. Council was given fhe opportunity to ask questions. K. Steinley responded to questions regarding the process for NRSC staff accessing private lands, indicating that a full protocol has been drafted. He responded to further questions regarding preventative maintenance activities. C-303/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR GREG SKRIVER that the Director of Municipal Seroices Report and the Utilities - NRSC Report for September 2025 be APPROVED as presented. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING K. Steinley left the meeting at 11:10 a.m. RECESS Council RECESSED at 11:10 a.m. and RECONVENED at 11:15 a.m. Page 5 of 11 _ _ _ . Regular Council October 9, 2025 13. POST AGENDA ITEMS 13.1 Funding Request - Gem Community Association Facility — Emergency Cistern Repair The Director of Corporate Services provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. 13.2 Appointment of County Member at Large to City of Brooks Recreation and Parks Committee The Director of Corporate Services provided background information on this item. Councillor G. Skriver provided additional information. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. C-304/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that Council APPROVES the allocation of funds required for the emergency replacement of the Gem Community Association potable water cistern (estimated to be $40,000), from the Division 9 Regional Enhancement Reserve account. MOTION CARRIED C-305/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR GREG SKRIVER that Council APPROVES the appointment of Cathy Safronovich as the Rural Brooks Area Member at Large to the City of Brooks Recreation and Parks Board. MOTION CARRIED 13.3 Update - Meeting with Mayor of Colwood B.C. - Physician Attraction & Retention Reeve A. Doerksen provided an overview of a meeting with Mayor D. Kobayashi from the City of Colwood, B.C. regarding the municipality's efforts to hire doctors and organize a medical facility with support from the provincial government. Reeve A. Doerksen responded to questions from Council. 13.4 Update - University of Calgary Veterinary Student Support Reeve A. Doerksen provided information regarding an initiative to set up a municipal scholarship program for veterinary students. Discussion followed and Council expressed concerns with limiting the scholarship to a specific field of study as there are shortages in other professions. ARRIVED AT MEETING M. Jackson arrived at 1122 a.m. 13.5 Update - Newell Regional Hydrogen Hub The Director of Corporate Services provided an update indicating that the Brooks Newell Regional Hydrogen Hub was not successful in receiving funding under Page 6 of 11 Regular Council October 9, 2025 the Emissions Reduction Alberta Continuous Intake Program. Other funding options will be explored. LEFT THE MEETING L. Johnson left the meeting at 11:23 a.m. C-306/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HOLLY JOHNSON that we move into Public Hearings at 11:35 a.m. MOTION CARRIED PUBLIC HEARINGS 7.1 Bylaw 2104-25 Road Closure 8� LEASE (SE 23 & NE 14-20-17-W4 and W 26-19-17-W4) Reeve A. Doerksen called the Public Hearing to order at 11:35 a.m. Reeve A. Doerksen did not review the procedures that would be followed for the hearing as there were no new persons in attendance. The Planning & Development Supeniisor stated that the intent of the Public Hearing is to hear representations on Bylaw 2104-25. The intent of this bylaw is to close and LEASE the road allowances adjacent to the SE 23 and NE 14-20-17-W4 and the road allowance adjacent to the W 26-19-17-W4. The Planning & Development Supervisor provided background information on this item, indicating that a copy of the document had been circulated to alI adjacent landowners as well as to a list of affected agencies. No responses were received from adjacent landowners. All responses have been received from the required referrals and none have indicated any objections. There were no persons in attendance speaking either in favor of or in opposition to the proposed bylaw. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. 7.2 Bylaw 2105-25 Road Closure & LEASE (NE 33-14-15-W4) Reeve A. Doerksen called the Public Hearing to order at 11:38 a.m. Reeve A. Doerksen did not review the procedures that would be followed for the hearing as there were no new persons in attendance. The Planning & Development Supervisor stated that the intent of the Public Hearing is to hear representations on Bylaw 2105-25. The intent of this bylaw is to close and LEASE the road allowances adjacent to the NE 33-14-15-W4. The Planning & Development Supervisor provided background information on this item; indicating that a copy of the document had been circulated to all adjacent landowners as well as to a list of affected agencies. No responses were Page 7 of 11 Regular Council October 9, 2025 received from adjacent landowners. All responses have been received from the required referrals and none have indicated any objections. There were no persons in attendance speaking either in favor of or in opposition to the proposed bylaw. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. C-307/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that we move out of Public Hearings at 11:39 a.m. MOTION CARRIED E� BYLAWS 8.1 Bylaw 2104-25 Road Closure & LEASE (SE 23 & NE 14-20-17-W4 and W 26-19-17-W4) The Planning & Development Supervisor provided additional background information and responded to questions from Council about the road closure process and lease rates. C-308/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR DAN SHORT that Bylaw 2104-25, being a bylaw for the purpose of closing to public travel and LEASING the following described roadway: ALL THOSE PORTIONS OF GOVERNMENT ROAD ALLOWANCE ADJACENT TO THE MERIDIAN 4 RANGE 17 TOWNSHIP 20 SECTION 13, THAT PORTION OF THE NORTH WEST QUARTER WHICH LIES NORTH OF THE NORTHERLY LIMIT OF THE CANAL RIGHT OF WAY ON PLAN IRR848 CONTAINING 57.1 HECTARES (141.2 ACRES) MORE OR LESS (COT 991 082 128 +4) _►� ALL THOSE PORTIONS OF GOVERNMENT ROAD ALLOWANCE ADJACENT TO THE MERIDIAN 4 RANGE 17 TOWNSHIP 20 SECTION 24 QUARTER SOUTH WEST CONTAINING 64.7 HECTARES (160 ACRES) MORE OR LESS EXCEPTING THEREOUT ROAD PLAN NUMBER 8811108 (COT 991 082 128 +5) AND ALL THOSE PORTIONS OF GOVERNMENT ROAD ALLOWANCE ADJACENT TO THE MERIDIAN 4 RANGE 17 TOWNSHIP 19 SECTION 26 QUARTER SOUTH WEST (COT 201 235 272) AND ALL THOSE PORTIONS OF GOVERNMENT ROAD ALLOWANCE ADJACENT TO THE MERIDIAN 4 RANGE 17 TOWNSHIP 19 SECTION 26 QUARTER NORTH WEST (COT 201 235 272), be given FIRST reading. MOTION CARRIED Page 8 of 11 Regular Council October 9, 2025 8.2 Bylaw 2105-25 Road Closure & LEASE (NE 33-14-15-W4) C-309/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ELLEN UNRUH that Bylaw 2105-25, being a bylaw for the purpose of closing to public travel and LEASING the following described roadway: ALL THOSE PORTIONS OF GOVERNMENT ROAD ALLOWANCE ADJACENT TO THE MERIDIAN 4 RANGE 15 TOWNSHIP 14 SECTION 33 THAT PORTION OF LEGAL SUBDIVISIONS 9 AND 16 IN THE NORTH EAST QUARTER CONTAINING 32.304 HECTARES (79.75 ACRES) MORE OR LESS (COT 221 149 364 +7), be given FIRST reading. LEFT THE MEETING M. Jackson left the meeting at 11:42 a.m. RECESS Council RECESSED at 11:43 a.m. and RECONVENED at 11:47 a.m. ARRIVED AT MEETING 100 Year Farm Awards Recipients arrived at 11:48 a.m. DELEGATIONS 9.1 100 Year Farm Awards Presentation MOTION CARRIED Reeve A. Doerksen provided opening remarks and welcomed the 100 Year Farm Awards recipients to the Council meeting. The Director of Agricultural Services provided background information on this item. 100 Year Farm Awards were presented to the following: • Philpott Honey Producers (Allen Philpott) . Endersby Family (Dan Endersby) A representative from each of the families in attendance provided background information on their family and a history of their farm. LEFT THE MEETING The 100 Year Farm Awards recipients left the meeting at 11:59 a.m. LUNCH Council RECESSED for lunch at 11:59 a.m. and RECONVENED at 1:00 p.m. Page 9 of 11 Regular Council October 9, 2025 ARRIVED AT MEETING S. Luchies, C. Cochrane, A. Ferguson, K. Swanson, B. Biette, and C. Bosman arrived at 1:00 p.m. 9. DELEGATIONS — continued 9.2 Brooks Elks - Donation to Fire & Emergency Services The Newell Regional Fire Chief provided background information on this item. 8. Biette presented a donation in the amount of $5,000 on behalf of the Brooks Elks. The Newell Regional Fire Chief indicated that the Brooks Elks will receive a plaque in recognition of their support for Fire & Emergency Services in the region. LEFT THE MEETING S. Luchies, C. Cochrane, A. Ferguson, K. Swanson, B. Biette, and C. Bosman left the meeting at 1:08 p.m. 13. POST AGENDA ITEMS — continued 13.6 JBS & Food Processing Skills Canada Board Meeting Reeve A. Doerksen provided background information on this item, indicating that he and Mayor J. Petrie brought greetings to the group. Reeve A. Doerksen responded to questions from Council. 14. INFORMATION ITEMS 14.1 Payment Registers This item was accepted as information. 14.2 Strategic Priorities Chart This item was accepted as information. 15. QUESTION PERIOD A question period was held. No County Ratepayers were in attendance. The moderator indicated that there were no questions from the public. Reeve A. Doerksen noted that this was the final Council meeting for Councillor D. Short, Councillor E. Unruh, and Councillor A. Philpott and thanked them for their service to the County of Newell. Page 10 of 11 Regular Council October 9, 2025 16. W CAMERA There were no in camera items to discuss at this meeting. 17. ADJOURN Being that the agenda matters have been concluded, the meeting adjourned at 120 p.m. Signed this ��ay of QL, �� , 2025 �� Reeve County Administrator Page 11 of 11