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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-01-15 Council (Regular) MinutesCOUNTY OF NEWELL MINUTES OF REGULAR COUNCIL January 15, 2026 The regular Council Meeting of the County of Newell was held in the County Office and livestreamed to the public on Thursday, January 15, 2026 commencing at 11:07 a.m. Notice was posted at the front entrance advising the public of the meeting. MEMBERS PRESENT: COUNCILLORS: ABSENT. A. Doerksen, Reeve D. Baumgarten A. Skanderup L. Kopp H.Johnson N.Johnson B. Hofer G. Skriver K. Christman STAFF: M. Fenske, Chief Administrative Officer 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 C. Siakaluk, Communications Officer (Moderator) A. Nielsen, Executive Assistant OTHERS IN S. Stanway, Brooks Bulletin ATTENDANCE: M. Iwaasa, Brooks Newell Region Economic Development R. Schroeder, Grasslands Public Schools (BJHS Sports Field Proposal) J. Hofer, Delegation Member (BJHS Sports Field Proposal) B. Senecal, Delegation Member (BJHS Sports Field Proposal) R. Slenders, Delegation Member (BJHS Sports Field Proposal) B. Hofman, Delegation Member (BJHS Sports Field Proposal) 2. C-01126 CALL TO ORDER Reeve A. Doerksen called the meeting to order at 11:07 a.m. EXCUSED FROM MEETING MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ADENA SKANDERUP that Councillor G. Skriver and Councillor K. Christman be excused from the meeting. MOTION CARRIED Regular Council January 15, 2026 3. ADOPTION OF MINUTES 3.1 Minutes - Council (December 11, 2025) C-02/26 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR DAN BAUMGARTEN that the December 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. 5. ADOPTION OF AGENDA C-03/26 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 2105-25 Road Closure & LEASE (NE 33-14-15-W4) The Planning & Development Supervisor provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-04/26 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HOLLY JOHNSON 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 SECOND reading. MOTION CARRIED C-05126 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ADENA SKANDERUP that Bylaw 2105-25 be given THIRD and FINAL reading. MOTION CARRIED Page 2 of 9 Regular Council January 15, 2026 7.2 Bylaw 2109-26 Schedule of Fees The Chief Administrative Officer provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-06/26 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR DAN BAUMGARTEN that Bylaw 2109-26, being a bylaw for the purpose of establishing a schedule of fees, be given SECOND reading as amended. MOTION CARRIED C-07/26 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR BENJAMIN HOFER that Bylaw 2109-26 be given THIRD and FINAL reading. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING M. Jackson left the meeting at 11:16 a.m. 8. DELEGATIONS 8.1 Brooks Newell Region Economic Development (BNRED) Report M. Iwaasa provided a written report containing an overview of the Brooks Newell Region Economic Development program including a history and recent changes to the governance structure. He asked Council to review the 2022-2025 Regional Strategic Plan prior to the session scheduled for February 11, 2026 Some key elements of the economic development function include business retention and expansion, business investment attraction, and workforce development. ARRIVED AT MEETING L. Johnson arrived at 11:19 a.m. M. Iwaasa provided additional information regarding key partners and how success is measured. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. M. Iwaasa responded to questions regarding the NewGrow program, translating networking efforts into economic development success, and becoming investment ready. " LEFT THE MEETING M. Iwaasa left the meeting at 11:36 a.m. Page 3 of 9 Regular CounciL January 15, 2026 9. AGRICULTURAL SERVICES BUSINESS 9.1 2026 ASB Conference Resolutions The Director of Agricultural Services presented the resolutions being brought forward at the 2026 Provincial Agricultural Services Board Conference. Council decided to vote on the resolutions in the following manner. 1-26 Emergency Registration of 2% Liquid Strychnine for Richardson's Ground Squirrel (RGS) Control - Yes 2-26 Exemption of Agriculture Equipment from Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 Emission Limits - Yes 3-26 Marked Fuel Program Review - Yes 4-26 Rural Water Distribution and Connectivity Funding - Yes PC1-26 Modernizing Alberta's Rat Control Program - Yes PC2-26 On -Farm Meat Processing - Yes PC3-26 Legal Entity Aligned with ASBs - Yes PC4-26 Urgent Reforms to CFIA and PMRA - Yes E1-26 Vacant Biological Control Scientist Position - Yes Discussion followed regarding designated voters. C-08/26 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ADENA SKANDERUP that Councillor D. Baumgarten and Councillor A. Skanderup be the designated voters during the Resolution session at the 2026 ASB Conference. MOTION CARRIED 9.2 Additional Spending Request -Ag for Life The Director of Agricultural Services provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. Discussion followed. C-09/26 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HOLLY JOHNSON that Council directs Administration to include an Agriculture for Life sponsorship in the amount of $2,500 in the 2026 Final Budget. MOTION CARRIED 9.3 BMO Calgary Stampede Farm Family Awards This item will be discussed during the In Camera portion of this meeting. 10. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS 10.1 Provincial Education & Designated Industrial Requisition Credits (PERC & DIRC) The Chief Administrative Officer provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-10/26 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR NEIL JOHNSON that Council approves writing off the 2025 taxes in arrears in the amount of $11,069.22 from tax rolls 800006477, 0005126000, 8000005643, 0006101500, 0005590000, 0008001100, 0006338210, 8000022895, Page 4 of 9 Regular Council January 15, 2026 0005320500, 2310091613, 0005596000 as detailed in Appendix A and that an application be made for these to the PERC & DIRC Programs for the above tax rolls listed in Appendix B. MOTION CARRIED 10.2 Rural Municipalities of Alberta (RMA) Spring 2026 Convention -Meetings with Ministers The Executive Assistant provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. Council provided the following direction for meetings with Ministers: • Minister of Municipal Affairs - police funding model and impact to municipalities, declining capital grants, provincial tax accountability strategy, assessment model review • Minister of Environment & Protected Areas - irrigation and water use, invasive species (zebra mussels); Newell Regional Landfill • Minister of Technology & Innovation - developing data centres 10.3 Councillor Payment Sheets (November 2025) C-11/26 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HOLLY JOHNSON that the November 2025 Councillor Payment Sheets be accepted with the amendments recommended by the Councillor Compensation Review Committee. MOTION CARRIED 10.4 Councillor Payment Sheets (December 2025) C-12/26 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR BENJAMIN HOFER that the December 2025 Councillor Payment Sheets be accepted with the amendments recommended by the Councillor Compensation Review Committee. MOTION CARRIED LUNCH Council RECESSED for lunch at 12:07 p.m. and RECONVENED at 12:55 p.m. ARRIVED AT MEETING R. Schroeder, J. Hofer, B. Senecal, R. Slenders, and B. Hofman arrived at 12:55 p.m. 8. DELEGATIONS - continued 8.2 Brooks Junior High School (BJHS) Sports Field Proposal J. Hofer provided information on the proposed multi -sport outdoor facility located at the site of the current Brooks Junior High School to be demolished in March 2027. He indicated that the new facility would create a stadium atmosphere with Page 5 of 9 Regular Council January 15, 2026 a regulation -size field to be used for local tournaments and practices. Brooks Community Football members have had to travel for home games for the past two seasons due to the lack of an adequate field in Brooks. J. Hofer provided an explanation of the conceptual site plan and a proposed timeline for construction. Phase 2 of the project will include a field house. Cost estimate for both phases is roughly $3 million. J. Hofer indicated that the City of Brooks has committed $500,000 in their 2025 and 2026 budgets with a recommendation for an additional $500,000 in 2027 and 2028. Brooks Community Football is currently fundraising and seeking corporate sponsorships. There is also matching grant funding available. R. Schroeder provided additional information, indicating that costs for the project would be lower if the field was built at the same time as the school. J. Hofer provided information on the proposed turf field, which would require less maintenance than a grass field. R. Schroeder indicated that other school divisions and local groups use Grasslands School facilities. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. J. Hofer indicated that the project aligns with the County's vision statement and that he hopes the County will be a partner. LEFT THE MEETING R. Schroeder, J. Hofer, B. Senecal, R. Slenders, and B. Hofman left the meeting at 1:42 p.m. 10. ADMINISTRATION - continued 10.5 Requests for Functions of Council 10.5.1 Global Green Energy Group Canada - Energy from Waste Presentation (January 14, 2026) C-13/26 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LYNETTE KOPP that the Global Green Energy Group Canada - Energy from Waste Presentation on January 14, 2026 in Brooks, AB be approved as a function of Council for any Councillor. MOTION CARRIED 10.5.2 Community Planning Association of Alberta (CPAA) Lunch & Learn (January 13, 2026) C-14126 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HOLLY JOHNSON that the Community Planning Association of Alberta (CPAA) Lunch & Learn session attended by Councillor L. Kopp on January 13, 2026 via Microsoft Teams be approved as a function of Council. MOTION CARRIED 10.5.3 Economic Development for Elected Officials (January 30, 2026) C-15/26 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HOLLY JOHNSON that any Councillor be permitted to attend Economic Development for Elected Officials in Barnwell, AB on January 30, 2026 as a function of Council Page 6 of 9 Regular Council January 15, 2026 MOTION CARRIED ARRIVED AT MEETING G. Tiffin arrived at 1:45 p.m. 10.5.4 Palliser Economic Partnership (PEP) Fundraising Dinner (February 9, 2026) Reeve A. Doerksen and Councillor H. Johnson provided background information on this item. Funds raised at this event will be in support of the Vet Med Scholarship Fund. Discussion followed. C-16/26 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HOLLY JOHNSON that up to four (4) Councillors be permitted to attend the Palliser Economic Partnership "Conversations with the Premier - A Fundraising Dinner with Regional Focus" event in Brooks, AB on February 9, 2026 as a function of Council. MOTION CARRIED 10.5.5 Eastern Route Rising - Tourism & Economic Power Summit (March 5, 2026) Discussion followed. Councillor B. Hofer provided information on the Veteran's Memorial Highway Association, indicating that the membership fee is increasing to $1.10 per capita. The Chief Administrative Officer provided additional information, indicating that Councillor B. Hofer's attendance is approved as the County's representative to the Veteran's Memorial Highway Association. C-17/26 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LYNETTE KOPP that one (1) additional Councillor be permitted to attend "Eastern Route Rising: Tourism & Economic Power Summit" in Hanna, AB on March 5, 2026 as a function of Council. MOTION CARRIED 11. MUNICIPAL SERVICES BUSINESS 11.1 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. The Director of Municipal Services and the Chief Administrative Officer responded to questions from Council. 11.2 Tender Award - JBS Access Road The Manager of Planning, Development & Engineering Services provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-18126 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ADENA SKANDERUP that Council awards the contract for the JBS Access Road Construction, Township Road 192N and Highway 873 Intersection Improvements project to Brooks Asphalt and Aggregate Ltd. MOTION CARRIED Page 7 of 9 Regular Council January 15, 2026 LEFT THE MEETING M. Harbicht and G. Tiffin left the meeting at 2:05 p.m. 12. POST AGENDA ITEMS There were no post agenda items to discuss at this meeting. 13. INFORMATION ITEMS 13.1 Payment Registers This item was accepted as information. 13.2 Strategic Priorities Chart This item was accepted as information. 13.3 Bassano RCMP Monthly Mounty Memo (December 2025) This item was accepted as information. 14. QUESTION PERIOD A question period was held. No County Ratepayers were in attendance. The moderator indicated that there were no questions from the public. 15. IN CAMERA C-19/26 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HOLLY JOHNSON that we move in camera at 2:10 p.m. to discuss the following matters: • BMO Calgary Stampede Farm Family Awards - Access to Information Act Section 22 (Confidential Evaluations); • Business Interests of a Third Party —Access to Information Act Section 19. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING Councillor H. Johnson left the meeting. C-20/26 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LYNETTE KOPP that we move out of camera at 3:10 p.m. MOTION CARRIED Page 8 of 9 Regular Council January 15, 2026 C-21/26 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR NEIL JOHNSON that the Director of Municipal Services Report for December 2025 be APPROVED as presented MOTION CARRIED C-22/26 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ADENA SKANDERUP that on behalf of the County of Newell Ag Service Board, Council nominates the Donald & Kathleen Jacobson family for the 2026 BMO Bank of Montreal Farm Family Award. Furthermore, that Councillor H. Johnson attend the Awards banquet on behalf of the County of Newell ASB. MOTION CARRIED 16. ADJOURN Being that the agenda matters have been concluded, the meeting adjourned at 3:11 p.m. Signed this Z9 day of 2026 //1 L R e County Administrator Page 9 of 9