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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-02-12 Council (Regular) MinutesCounty of Newell Meeting Minutes Council February 12, 2026 -10:00 AM The regular Council Meeting of the County of Neweil was held in the County Office and livestreamed to the public on Thursday, February 12, 2026 commencing at 10:23 a.m. Notice was posted at the front entrance advising the public of the meeting. MEMBERS PRESENT: COUNCILLORS ABSENT: STAFF: A. Doerksen. Reeve A. Skanderup L. Kopp H.Johnson G. Skriver K. Christman N.Johnson B. Hofer D. Baumgarten M. Fenske, ChiefAdministrative Officer M. Jackson, Planning and Development Supervisor S. Biette, Corporate Services Supervisor M. Harbicht, Director of Municipal Services G. Tiffin, Manager of Planning, Development and Engineering T. Green, Director ofAgricultural Services E. Sinclair, Planning and DevelopmentAdministrativeAssistant S. Hanson, Controller S. Simpson, Development Officer C. Siakaluk, Communications Officer (Moderator) A. Nielsen, Executive Assistant OTHERS IN S. Stanway, Brooks Bulletin ATTENDANCE: K. Steinley, Newell Regional Services Corporation L. Hopp, Applicant - Bylaw 2111-23 Road Closure and LEASE T. Roskey, The Inspections Group R. Nixon, The Inspections Group N. Paggett, The Inspections Group CALL TO ORDER 2. G35/26 Reeve A. Doerksen called the meeting to order at 10:23 a.m. EXCUSED FROM MEETING MOVED BY COUNCILLOR GREG SKRIVER that Councillor D. Baumgarten be excused from the meeting. MOTION CARRIED _ . . _ _ _ _ _ __ Regular Council February 12, 2026 3. ADOPTION OF MINUTES C-36/26 4. 5. C-37/26 3.1 Minutes - Council (January 29, 2026) The following changes were made to the January 29, 2026 Council Meeting minutes: Page 5- Item 11.6 - should read "..the Newell Recycling Association's Annual General Meeting will be held March 25, 2026 at 7:00 p.m." MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LYNETTE KOPP that the January 29, 2026 Council Meeting minutes be adopted as amended. MOTION CARRIED CALL FOR POST AGENDA ITEMS Reeve A. Doerksen called for post agenda items. ADOPTION OF AGENDA MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that the agenda be adopted as presented. MOTION CARRIED 6. 11 The Planning & Development Supervisor provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. ARRIVED AT MEETING S. Biette and T. Green arrived at 1028 a.m. C-38/26 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that the request for a time extension to subdivision application 2024-0-007 be APPROVED for one (1) year to February 12, 2027. MOTION CARRIED 11.2 Road Closure by Resolution (Ptn. of Centre Street 8� Lane - Hamlet of Cassils) 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 Subdivision Extension Request - 2024-0-007 (NW 14-21-17-W4) The Planning & Development Supervisor provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. Discussion followed. Page 2 of 10 Regular Council February 12, 2026 C-39/26 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HOLLY JOHNSON that WHEREAS, the lands hereafter described are no longer required for public travel. NOW THEREFORE be it resolved that the Council of the County of Newell does hereby close the following described road, subject to rights of access granted by other legislation. PLAN 8709 CH THAT PORTION OF CENTRE STREET WHICH LIES NORTH EAST OF FIRSTAVENUE AND SOUTH WEST OF THE SOUTHERLY LIMITS OF LOT 3, BLOCK 5, PLAN 151 3141 CONTAINING 0.104 HECTARES (0.26 ACRES) MORE OR LESS EXCEPTING THEREOUTALL MINESAND MINERALS AND LANE ON PLAN 8709 CH, IN BLOCK 2 THAT PORTION WHICH LIES SOUTH EAST OF CENTRE STREETAND SOUTH AND WEST OF THE SOUTH AND WEST LIMITS OF LOT 3, BLOCK 5, PLAN 151 3141 CONTAINING 0.039 HECTARES (0.10 ACRES) MORE OR LESS EXCEPTING THEREOUTALL MINESAND MINERALS. MOTION CARRIED 11.3 County of Newell Minibus Service Summary Report (2025) The Corporate Services Supervisor provided background information on this item, giving an overview of the highlights from 2025. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. The Corporate Services Supervisor provided more information regarding requests to use the minibus for events outside of regular service hours. She a/so indicated that Brooks residents can use the County minibus to travel within the County and back. The City of Brooks has its own minibus service that operates within Brooks. ARRIVED AT MEETING K. Steinley arrived at 10:38 a.m. The Corporate Services Supervisor responded to further questions from Council. LEFT THE MEETING S. Biette left the meeting at 10:38 a.m. 11.4 Requests for Functions of Council There were no requests for functions of Council to discuss at this meeting. ARRIVED AT MEETING M. Harbicht arrived at 10:41 a.m. 12. MUNICIPAL SERVICES BUSINESS Page 3 of 10 Regular Council February 12, 2026 12.1 Utilities - NRSC Report K. Steinley presented the Utilities - NRSC Report to Council. Highlights included: • update on the Lake Newell Resort sewer force main - repairs completed January 24, 2026; an additional break was discovered yesterday and is currently being repaired • two fire hydrants replaced in Tilley • replacement pump for the Scandia pumphouse is in transit • meter proving for pumphouses to ensure the readings are accurate • year end reporting forAlberta Environment & Protected Areas Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. K Steinley responded to questions regarding the life span of fire hydrants and the Lake Newell Resort force main breaks. LEFT THE MEETING K. Steinley left the meeting at 10:52 a.m. ARRIVED AT MEETING G. Tiffin arrived at 10:53 a.m. 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 tree trimming along the roads maintained by Volker Stevin. The Manager of Planning, Development, & Engineering provided an update on the JBS Access Road construction project. C-40/26 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HOLLY JOHNSON that the Director of Municipal Services Report and the Utilities - NRSC Report for January 2026 be APPROVED as presented MOTION CARRIED 12.3 Tender Award - Bridge File 78874 & 70919 The Manager of Planning, Development & Engineering provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-41/26 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ADENA SKANDERUP that Council awards the contract for the replacement of Bridge Files 78874 and 70919 to Brooks Asphalt & Aggregate Ltd for the tendered prices. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING Page 4 of 10 Regular Council February 12, 2026 M. Harbicht and G. Tiffin left the meeting at 11:04 a.m. 10. AGRICULTURAL SERVICES BUSINESS 10.1 ASB Update The Director of Agricultural Services presented an update on the recent activities of the Agricultural Services Department. The Weed Control Act has been updated, adding twenty-two (22) weeds to control and removing creeping bellflower and perennial sow thistle. The Agricultural Services Department is working with the Eastern Irrigation District to control pale yellow iris. Interviews for seasona/ staff are scheduled for next week. Three (3) new hawk nesting poles have been requested. Advertising is underway for Emerson Bridge Park Supervisors. The Director of Agricultural Services provided an update on the Emerson Bridge Park pump track and the Crop Diversification Centre South. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. LEFT THE MEETING T. Green left the meeting at 11:12 a.m. RECESS Council RECESSED at 11:13 a.m. and RECONVENED at 11:30 a.m. ARRIVED AT MEETING M. Jackson, E. Sinclair, L. Hopp, and S. Hanson arrived at 1125 a.m. C-42/26 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that we move into Public Hearings at 11:30 a.m. MOTION CARRIED 7. PUBLIC HEARINGS 7.1 Bylaw 2111-26 Road Closure & LEASE (E 28 & SE 33-20-12-W4 and W 27 & SW 34-20-12-W4) Reeve A. Doerksen called the Public Hearing to order at 11,-30 a.m. Reeve A. Doerksen reviewed the procedures that would be followed for the hearing. The Planning & Development Supervisor stated that the intent of the Public Hearing is to hear representations on Bylaw 2111-26. The intent of this bylaw is to close and LEASE the road allowances adjacent to E 28 & SE 33-20-12-W4 and W 27 & SW 34-20-12-W4. Page 5 of 10� __ _ _ __ Regular Council February 12, 2026 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 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. The applicant, L. Hopp, provided additional background information. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. The Planning & Development Supervisor responded to questions regarding the annual lease rate. L. Hopp responded to questions regarding the reasons for closing the road allowance and indicated that there is a separate access to the adjacent parcel owned by a different landowner. 7.2 Bylaw 2112-26 Road Closure & SALE (NE 8& NW 9-22-17-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 2112-26. The intent of this bylaw is to close and SELL that portion of road allowance adjacent to NE 8 and NW 9-22-17-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 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-43/26 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR BENJAMIN HOFER that we move out of Public Hearings at 11:41 a.m. MOTION CARRIED 8. BYLAWS 8.1 Bylaw 2111-26 Road Closure & LEASE (E 28 & SE 33-20-12-W4 and W 27 8 SW 34-20-12-W4) The Planning & Development Supervisor provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. Page 6 of 10 Regular Council February 12, 2026 C-44/26 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HOLLY JOHNSON that Bylaw 2111-26, being a bylaw for the purpose of closing to public travel and LEASING the following: all those portions of government road allowance adjacent to NE 28-20-12-W4; all those portions of government road allowance adjacent to SE 28-20-12-W4; and • all those portions of government road allowance adjacent to SE 33-20-12-W4 be given FIRST reading. MOTION CARRIED 8.2 Bylaw 2112-26 Road Closure & SALE (NE 8& NW 9-22-17-W4) The Planning & Development Supervisor provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-45/26 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LYNETTE KOPP that Bylaw 2112-26, being a bylaw for the purpose of closing to public travel and SELLING that portion of road allowance adjacent to the most westerly portion of NW 9-22-14-W4, be given FIRST reading. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING Councillor N. Johnson declared a pecuniary interest as he is the owner/applicant for 26 LUA 001 and left the meeting at 11:43 a.m. 8.3 Bylaw 2113-26 26 LUA 001 (NW 3-19-14-W4 -A-GEN 8� I-GEN to R-RUR) The Planning & Development Supervisor provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. She indicated that a subdivision application will be presented to the Municipal Planning Commission in the future. C-46/26 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that Bylaw 2113-26, being a bylaw to amend Land Use Bylaw 2016-21 by redesignating a portion of NW 3-19-14-W4 from A-GEN Agriculture, General District and I-GEN Industrial, General District to R-RUR Residential, Rural District, be given FIRST reading. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING M. Jackson, E. Sinclair, and L. Hopp left the meeting at 11:49 a.m. ARRIVED AT MEETING Councillor N. Johnson returned at 11:49 a.m. Page 7 of 70 __ _ Regular Council February 12, 2026 C-47/26 __ _ _ _ 8.4 Bylaw 2114-26 Loan - Fundraising Society of Rolling Hills School The Controller provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. MOVED BY COUNCILLOR NEIL JOHNSON that Bylaw 2114-26, being a bylaw to authorize lending money to the Fundraising Society of the Rolling Hills School for the construction of its barn project, be given FIRST reading. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING S. Hanson left the meeting at 11:50 a.m. 13. POST AGENDA ITEMS There were no post agenda items to discuss at this meeting. 14. INFORMATION ITEMS 14.1 Strategic Priorities Chart This item was accepted as information. 14.2 Bassano RCMP - Monthly Mountie Memo This item was accepted as information. 14.3 Update - Police Review Commission (PRC) This item was accepted as information. LUNCH Council RECESSED for lunch at 11:54 a.m. and RECONVENED at 12:59 p.m. ARRIVED AT MEETING S. Simpson, T. Roskey, R. Nixon, and N. Paggett arrived at 12:59 p.m. 9. DELEGATIONS 9.1 The Inspections Group T. Roskey provided background information on The Inspections Group, indicating that they are focused on providing fair and efficient service. He gave an overview Page 8 of 10 Regular Council February 12, 2026 of the inspection process and stressed the importance of communication and ongoing feedback. R. Nixon indicated that the inspectors are trained to be professional and educate applicants on requirements of the Safety Code. He outlined the process for an applicant requesting a review of an inspector's decision by a supervisor and provisions for conflict resolution. R. Nixon a/so gave an overview of an online permit application process where applicants can log in and view progress updates. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. N. Paggett responded to questions regarding working with rural municipalities in Alberta. R. Nixon responded to questions regarding the permitting process. N. Paggett provided information regarding permits issued by The Inspections Group in the County of Newell since January 1, 2026. LEFT THE MEETING S. Simpson, T. Roskey, R. Nixon, and N. Paggett left the meeting at 126 p.m. 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. 16. IN CAMERA C-48/26 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LYNETTE KOPP that we move in camera at 127 p.m. to discuss the following matters: • Healthcare Professional Housing - Intergovernmental Relations - Access to Information Act Section 26. MOTION CARRIED C-49/26 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR BENJAMIN HOFER that we move out of camera at 2:25 p.m. MOTION CARRIED C-50/26 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ADENA SKANDERUP that Council approve the County's participation in a 50/50 partnership with the City of Brooks to purchase and furnish a residential property in the City of Brooks for the purpose of providing temporary housing to newly recruited healthcare professionals, subject to: 1. Council approval of a maximum County contribution of $200,000 from the Stabilization Fund toward a total project budget of $400,000; and 2. Execution of a formal intermunicipal agreement addressing ownership, management, cost-sharing, and disposition of the property. MOTION CARRIED Page 9 of 10 _ _ Regular Cowcil February 12, 2026 17. ADJOURN Being that the agenda matters have been concluded, the meeting adjourned at 226 p.m. Signed this l� day of t�W�- , 2026 1��� Reeve � County Administrator Page 10 of 10