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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-12-11 Council (Regular) MinutesCOUNTY OF NEWELL MINUTES OF REGULAR COUNCIL December 11, 2025 The regular Council Meeting of the County of Newell was held in the County Office and livestreamed to the public on Thursday, December 11, 2025 commencing at 10:20 a.m. Notice was posted at the front entrance advising the public of the meeting. MEMBERS A. Doerksen, Reeve PRESENT: COUNCILLORS: D. Baumgarten A. Skanderup L. Kopp H.Johnson G. Skriver K. Christman N.Johnson B. Hofer STAFF: M. Fenske, Chief Administrative Officer S. Hanson, Controller L. Johnson, Director of Corporate Services T. Green, Director of Agricultural Services M. Harbicht, Director of Municipal Services G. Tiffin, Manager of Planning, Development and Engineering Services M. Jackson, Planning and Development Supervisor S. Simpson, Development Officer E. Sinclair, Planning and Development Administrative Assistant S. Christensen, Manager of Personnel and Safety Services C. Siakaluk, Communications Officer (Moderator) A. Nielsen, Executive Assistant OTHERS IN S. Stanway, Brooks Bulletin ATTENDANCE: J. Pickett, Applicant - Road Closure Approval to Proceed L. Pickett, Applicant - Road Closure Approval to Proceed G. Mahura, Tiger Calcium 1. CALL TO ORDER Reeve A. Doerksen called the meeting to order at 10:20 a.m. 2. EXCUSED FROM MEETING All members were in attendance at this meeting. Regular Council December 11, 2025 3. ADOPTION OF MINUTES 3.1 Minutes - Council (November 27, 2025) C-340/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that the November 27, 2025 Council Meeting minutes be adopted as presented. MOTION CARRIED 4. CALL FOR POST AGENDA ITEMS Reeve A. Doerksen called for post agenda items. 5. ADOPTION OF AGENDA C-341125 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HOLLY JOHNSON 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. 7. BYLAWS 7.1 Bylaw 2109-26 Schedule of Fees The Chief Administrative Officer provided background information on this item, including an overview of specific changes. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. Discussion followed regarding road lease rates. The Chief Administrative Officer indicated that the proposed lease rate is based on the minimum rate per acre for undeveloped County land. C-342/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that Bylaw 2109-26, being a bylaw for the purpose of establishing a schedule of fees, be given FIRST reading. MOTION CARRIED 8. AGRICULTURAL SERVICES BUSINESS 8.1 ASB Update The Director of Agricultural Services presented an update on the recent activities of the Agricultural Services Department. The Coyote Control Incentive Program started December 1, 2025. Pale yellow iris, a prohibited noxious weed, has been discovered at Lake Newell Reservoir and the Eastern Irrigation District is working on control measures. The Director of Agricultural Services provided an update on the ASB Convention, environmental farm plans, and staffing. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. The Director of Agricultural Services responded to questions regarding the case of avian influenza recently discovered in the County. Discussion followed. Page 2 of 9 Regular Council December 11, 2025 LEFT THE MEETING T Green left the meeting at 10:32 a.m. ARRIVED AT MEETING G. Tiffin arrived at 10:33 a.m. 9. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS 9.1 2026 Interim Budget The Controller provided background information on this item. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. Discussion followed regarding Fire Services capital items requested under budget. The Chief Administrative Officer indicated that items requiring more information can be removed from the Interim Budget prior to approval and revisited before approval of the final 2026 budget. ARRIVED AT MEETING E. Sinclair arrived at 10:37 a.m. Discussion followed regarding the Emergency Response trailer. The Chief Administrative Officer provided additional information. C-343/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HOLLY JOHNSON that the New Emergency Response Trailer under Function 23 — Fire, Machinery & Equipment, be removed from the 2026 Interim Budget. Discussion followed. The Chief Administrative Officer responded to questions, indicating that the County is not obligated to provide specific fire services and that Administration would identify risks associated with responding to specific types of emergencies. VOTE ON MOTION C-343125 — MOTION CARRIED The Chief Administrative Officer responded to questions regarding the Patricia Fire Department Training Grounds, identifying other fire departments that have dedicated training grounds. The Chief Administrative Officer responded to questions regarding estimated costs associated with the Lake Newell Resort Wastewater system for the next two years, indicating that the Wastewater Service Agreement with the City of Brooks will be updated and a meeting will be held with the Lake Newell Resort Community Association to discuss potential impact to residents. ARRIVED AT MEETING S. Christensen arrived at 10:45 a.m. Page 3 of 9 Regular Council December 11, 2025 C-344125 The Chief Administrative Officer continued, indicating that details including potential grant sources and the local improvement share are yet to be determined. The Chief Administrative Officer responded to questions regarding the JBS Access Road project and the New Gem (Ballast) Pit Road Construction project. Council expressed concerns with the amount of funding allocated towards paving and asked about the possibility of actual costs being higher. The Chief Administrative Officer indicated that the numbers provided in budget are estimates and several factors can affect the actual costs. Each of the projects mentioned by Council exceeds the threshold for Administrative approval and will come back to Council for approval. Council requested additional information on economic development benefits and other justification for paving such as traffic counts. MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that the 2026 Interim Budget be APPROVED as amended. Further discussion followed. The Director of Municipal Services responded to questions regarding the cost of annual gravel road maintenance versus paving. Discussion followed regarding traffic counts and the Director of Municipal Services indicated the proposed projects where traffic count information was included in the Interim Budget Summary information. VOTE ON MOTION C-344125 — MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING S. Hanson left the meeting at 11:00 a.m. ARRIVED AT MEETING S. Simpson arrived at 11:03 a.m. 9.2 Road Closure -Approval to Proceed (NE 8 & NW 9-22-17-W4) The Planning & Development Supervisor provided background information on this item. J. Pickett, the applicant, provided additional information and reasons for closing the road allowance, including facilitating development and increasing safety by not having to cross the road to travel between the shop and house. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. J. Pickett responded to questions regarding the road north of the proposed closure, which is used for farmland and oilfield access. The Planning & Development Supervisor showed on a map the location of the County of Newell rural water line and identified access to the proposed house. She indicated that the applicant owns only the land east of the proposed road closure. Adjacent landowners will be notified during the public hearing process. The applicant responded to further questions, indicating that a closure and sale would be preferred. Council expressed concerns with proceeding with a closure and sale as the adjacent landowners have not been consulted. The Planning & Development Supervisor outlined the road closure process and responded to further questions from Council regarding Page 4 of 9 Regular Council December 11, 2025 setbacks for the proposed shop and alternate access. L. Pickett provided additional information regarding alternate access to the property and the Eastern Irrigation District canal crossing. Discussion followed. C-345/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR GREG SKRIVER that we proceed with the process for closing and SELLING the road right of way between NE 8 & NW 9-22-17-W4. MOTION CARRIED RECESS Council RECESSED at 11:30 a.m. and RECONVENED at 11:36 a.m. 9.3 Road Closure - Approval to Proceed (E 28 & SE 33-20-12-W4 and W 27 & SW 34-20-12-W4) The Planning & Development Supervisor provided background information on this item. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. The Planning & Development Supervisor responded to questions regarding the amended lease rates included in the new Schedule of Fees bylaw and provided additional information on access to the nearby wellsite and pivot circle. C-346125 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LYNETTE KOPP that we proceed with the process for closing and LEASING the road right of way between E 28 & SE 33-20-12-W4 and W 27 & SW 34-20-12-W4. MOTION CARRIED 9.4 Safety Codes Inspection Agency Contract 2026-2029 The Planning & Development Supervisor provided background information on this item. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. LEFT THE MEETING J. Pickett and L. Pickett left the meeting at 11:46 a.m. The Planning & Development Supervisor responded to questions regarding the transition period, indicating that permits in progress will be completed by Park Enterprises. C-347/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HOLLY JOHNSON that the County signs a three-year contract with the Inspection Group Inc. to provide inspection services as per the County's Quality Management Plan and the Alberta Safety Code. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING M. Jackson, G. Tiffin, S. Simpson, and E. Sinclair left the meeting at 11:47 a.m. 9.5 Corporate Health & Safety Committee - Council's Statement of Commitment The Manager of Personnel & Safety Services provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. Page 5 of 9 Regular Council December 11, 2025 C-348/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LYNETTE KOPP that Council confirms its commitment to the Health & Safety Management System by approving the modern revision of the Statement of Commitment as presented. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING S. Christensen left the meeting at 11:49 a.m. ARRIVED AT MEETING G. Mahura arrived at 11:50 a.m. 9.6 Policy Review - POL-030-25 Personnel The Chief Administrative Officer provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-349125 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR NEIL JOHNSON that Policy POL-030-25 Personnel be adopted as presented. MOTION CARRIED ARRIVED AT MEETING L. Johnson arrived at 11:55 a.m. 9.7 Support for City of Brooks Alberta Community Partnership (ACP) Grant Application —Transportation Study The Chief Administrative Officer provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-350/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LYNETTE KOPP that Council support the City of Brooks submission of a 2025/26 Alberta Community Partnership (ACP) — Intermunicipal Collaboration grant application for a Regional Transportation Study, and further, that the County of Newell participate as a project partner in the study. MOTION CARRIED 9.8 Appointment of Member -at -Large - City of Brooks Recreation & Parks Board The Director of Corporate Services provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-351/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR GREG SKRIVER that County Council recommend to the City of Brooks Council the appointment of Bob Chrumka as a Member at Large residing within the County of Newell to the City of Brook Recreation and Parks Board. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING L. Johnson left the meeting at 11:56 a.m. Page 6 of 9 Regular Council December 11. 2025 9.9 Re -Appointment of Member -at -Large - County of Newell Library Board (Patricia) The Executive Assistant provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-352125 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR DAN BAUMGARTEN that Julie Musgrove be re -appointed as a Member -at -Large to the County of Newell Library Board representing the Patricia Library Area for a three-year term expiring December 11, 2028. MOTION CARRIED 9.10 Requests for Functions of Council 9.10.1 Alberta Irrigation Districts Association (AIDA) Conference (Feb. 2-4, 2026) The Executive Assistant provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-353/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HOLLY JOHNSON That any Councillor be permitted to attend the Alberta Irrigation Districts Association (AIDA) Conference in Lethbridge, AB on February 2-4, 2026 as a function of Council. MOTION CARRIED 9.10.2 Community Planning Association of Alberta (CPAA) Conference (April 27-29, 2026) The Executive Assistant provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-354/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ADENA SKANDERUP that two (2) Councillors be permitted to attend the Community Planning Association of Alberta (CPAA) Conference in Red Deer, AB on April 27-29, 2026 as a function of Council. MOTION CARRIED 9.10.3 RiskPro 2026 Symposium (April 28-30, 2026) The Executive Assistant provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. Councillor K Christman provided additional information, indicating that there is a Council stream and that she would be attending through the Rural Municipalities of Alberta. The Chief Administrative Officer confirmed that the RiskPro Symposium is approved as a function of Council through Policy POL-011-25 Councillor's Compensation & Expenses. Discussion followed regarding attendance. 9.10.4 Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) Annual Conference The Executive Assistant provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. Discussion followed. C-355125 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that all Councillors be permitted to attend the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) Annual Conference in Edmonton, AB on June 4-7, 2026 as a function of Council. MOTION CARRIED Page 7 of 9 Regular Council December 11, 2025 9.10.5 Alberta Municipalities' Convention (September 23-25, 2026) The Executive Assistant provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-356/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HOLLY JOHNSON that three delegates will be selected at random to attend the Alberta Municipalities Convention in 2026, 2027, and 2028. MOTION CARRIED 10. MUNICIPAL SERVICES BUSINESS 10.1 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. C-357/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HOLLY JOHNSON that the Director of Municipal Services Report for November 2025 be APPROVED as presented MOTION CARRIED 10.2 Tender Award -Dust Abatement Supply (2026 —2028 & Option for 2029) The Director of Municipal Services provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council C-358125 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR GREG SKRIVER that Council award the Dust Abatement Supply for 2026-2028 to Tiger Calcium Services Inc. for value of $522,240.00 for 2026, $546,720.00 for 2027 and $546,720.00 for 2028 with the option to extend to 2029 for $563,040.00 (if exercised by August 11, 2028). MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING M. Harbicht and G. Mahura left the meeting at 12:13 p.m. LUNCH Council RECESSED for lunch at 12:13 p.m. and RECONVENED at 12:48 p.m. 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. Page 8 of 9 Regular Council December 11, 2025 13. 14. C-359/25 C-360/25 15. 12.2 Brooks RCMP Report This item was accepted as information. QUESTION PERIOD A question period was held. No County Ratepayers were in attendance. The moderator indicated that there were no questions from the public. IN CAMERA MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ADENA SKANDERUP that we move in camera at 12:48 p.m. to discuss the following matters: • Update - Crop Diversification Centre (CDC) South - Access to Information Act Section 19; • Fundraising Society of the Rolling Hills School - Access to Information Act Section 29; • Intergovernmental Relations -Access to Information Act Section 26; • CAO Performance Evaluation - Confidential Evaluations - Access to Information Act Section 22. MOTION CARRIED MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that we move out of camera at 2:01 p.m. MOTION CARRIED ADJOURN Being that the agenda matters have been concluded, the meeting adjourned at 2:02 p.m. Signed this -day of uc" \ 2026 Red County Administrator�� Page 9 of 9