HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-02-26 Council (Regular) MinutesCounty of Newell
Meeting Minutes
Council February 26, 2026 -10:00 AM
The regular Council Meeting of the County of Newell was held in the County Office and
livestreamed to the public on Thursday, February 26, 2026 commencing at 10:11 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, ChiefAdministrative Officer
M. Jackson, Planning and Development Supervisor
L. Johnson, Director of Corporate Services
S. Biette, Corporate Services Supervisor
T. Green, Director ofAgricultural Services
C. Woods, Projects Coordinator - CDC South Revitalization
C. Siakaluk, Communications O�cer (Moderator)
A. Nielsen, Executive Assistant
OTHERS IN S. Stanway, Brooks Bulletin
ATTENDANCE: E. Norrish, Brooks and District Food Bank
S. Biette, Brooks and District Food Bank
P. Lunn, Brooks and District Food Bank
D. Perkins, Brooks and District Food Bank and Brooks Housing Society
R. Radke, Brooks Housing Society
L. Schrader, Brooks Housing Society
M. Nesbitt, Brooks Housing Society
CALL TO ORDER
Reeve A. Doerksen called the meeting to order at 10:11 a.m.
2. EXCUSED FROM MEETING
Reeve A. Doerksen noted that Councillor N. Johnson would be arriving late to this
meeting.
C-51/26 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HOLLY JOHNSON that Councillor N. Johnson be excused
from the meeting.
MOTION CARRIED
Regular Council
February 26, 2026
3.
G52/26
_ __ _
ADOPTION OF MINUTES
3.1 Minutes - Council (February 12, 2026)
MOVED BY COUNCILLOR DAN BAUMGARTEN that the February 12, 2026 Council
Meeting minutes be adopted as presented.
MOTION CARRIED
4.
5.
C-53/26
CALL FOR POST AGENDA ITEMS
Reeve A. Doerksen called for post agenda items.
ADOPTION OF AGENDA
MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LYNETTE KOPP that the agenda be adopted as amended.
MOTION CARRIED
C'�
7
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.
BYLAWS
7.1 Bylaw 2104-25 Road Closure & LEASE (SE 23 8 NE 14-20-17-W4 and W 26-
19-17-W4)
The Planning & Development Supervisor provided background information on
this item and responded to questions from Council.
C-54/26
MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN 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)
AND
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)
/1�1�:
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Regular Council
February 26, 2026
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)
�►►
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 SECOND reading.
MOTION CARRIED
C-55/26 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HOLLY JOHNSON that Bylaw 2104-25 be given THIRD and
FINAL reading.
MOTION CARRIED
9. AGRICULTURAL SERVICES BUSINESS
9.1 Legislative Appointments - Manager ofAgricultural Services
The Director of Agricultural Services provided background information on this
item and responded to questions from Council.
C-56/26 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ADENA SKANDERUP that the County of Newell appoints
Catherine Hok as an Inspector pursuant to Section 7 of the Weed Control Act until such
a time that her employment in that capacity with the County ceases.
MOTION CARRIED
C-57/26 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR GREG SKRIVER that the County of Newell appoint
Catherine Hok as an Officer pursuant to Section 10 of the Agricultural Pests Act until
such a time that her employment in that capacity with the County ceases.
MOTION CARRIED
C-58/26 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR DAN BAUMGARTEN that the County of Newell appoint
Catherine Hok as a Soil Conservation Officer pursuant to Section 15 of the Soil
Conservation Act until such a time that her employment in that capacity with the County
ceases.
MOTION CARRIED
9.2 Funding Request - Foothills Forage 8� Grazing Association
The Director of Agricultural Services provided background information on this
item and responded to questions from Council. Discussion followed. The
Director of Agricultural Services responded to questions regarding the Foothills
Forage & Grazing Association.
C-59/26 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR GREG SKRIVER that the County of Newell continues with
the $2,000.00 sponsorship as budgeted for 2026 and invests in local events hosted by
the Foothills Forage & Grazing Association.
Page 3 of 10
Regular Council
February 26, 2026
Further discussion followed. The Director of Agricultural Services provided
additional information regarding the Foothills Forage & Grazing Association and
responded to further questions regarding budget allocations.
Reeve A. Doerksen called the question.
VOTE ON MOTION C-59/26 — MOTION DEFEATED
C-60/26 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LYNETTE KOPP that Council approves additional spending
in the amount of $3,000.00, for a total sponsorship of $5,000.00 for the Foothills Forage
& Grazing Association in 2026.
MOTION CARRIED
The Director of Agricultural Services provided an update on the Crop
Diversification Centre South.
LEFT THE MEETING
T. Green left the meeting at 10:31 a.m.
10. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS
10.1 Planning & Development Report (2025 Year in Review)
The Planning & Development Supervisor presented an update on the recent
activities of the Planning & Development Department. Council was given the
opportunity to ask questions. The Planning & Development Supervisor indicated
that Planning & Development staff continue to draft a process regarding
permiiting for agricultural buildings. She also provided details regarding the open
house with The Inspections Group held on February 12, 2026, indicating that it
was beneficial but not well attended.
C-61/26 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LYNETTE KOPP that the Planning & Development Report
for 2025 be accepted as presented.
MOTION CARRIED
10.2 Rural Municipalities ofAlberta (RMA) Spring 2026 Convention Update
The Executive Assistant provided background information on this item, indicating
that only the meeting with the Minister of Environment & Protected Areas has
been confirmed so far. Discussion followed. Reeve A. Doerksen, Councillor
H. Johnson, and the Chief Administrative Officer will attend the meeting with the
Minister of Environment & Protected Areas.
10.3 Councillor Payment Sheets (January 2026)
C-62/26 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ADENA SKANDERUP that the January 2026 Councillor
Payment Sheets be accepted with the amendments recommended by the Councillor
Compensation Review Committee.
MOTION CARRIED
Page 4 of 10
Regular Council
February 26, 2026
10.4 Requests for Functions of Council
10.4.1 HALO Annual General Meeting (March 26, 2026)
Councillor L. Kopp provided background information on this item and
expressed interest in attending.
C-63/26 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LYNETTE KOPP that one (1) Councillor be permitted to
attend the HALO Annual General Meeting in Medicine Hat, AB on March 26, 2026 as a
function of Council.
MOTION CARRIED
10.4.2 Newell Regional Emergency Management Plan Retreat
(March 23-24, 2026)
Discussion followed regarding the Newell Regional Emergency
Management Plan retreat scheduled for March 23-24, 2026. Reeve
A. Doerksen and Councillor D. Baumgarten, the County's Regional
Emergency Advisory Committee representatives, are the only members of
Council required to attend the afternoon of March 24, 2026. The Chief
Administrative Officer responded to questions from Council.
10.4.3 Digital Innovation Forum (March 4, 2026)
The Chief Administrative Officer provided background information on this
item. Discussion followed.
C-64/26 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR GREG SKRIVER that two (2) Councillors be permitted to
attend the Petroleum Technology Alliance Canada (PTAC) Digital Innovation Forum in
Calgary, AB on March 4, 2026 as a function of Council.
MOTION CARRIED
RECESS
Council RECESSED at 10:51 a.m. and RECONVENED at 11:01 a.m.
ARRIVED AT MEETING
E. Norrish, D. Perkins, P. Lunn, S. Biette, L. Johnson, T. Green, and C. Woods arrived at
11:01 a.m.
8. DELEGATIONS
8.1 Brooks Food Bank Foundation
E. Norrish provided background information on the Brooks Food Bank
Foundation and a proposed community garden initiative.
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Regular Council
February 26, 2026
ARRIVED AT MEETING
R. Radke arrived at 11:05 a.m.
She indicated that this initiative is based on a similar community garden operated
by the Taber Food Bank that has been successful. E. Norrish provided further
details. The Brooks Food Bank Foundation is requesting the use of a 1-acre plot
at the Crop Diversification Centre South and the existing irrigation system for a
nominal fee. The community garden will be maintained by volunteers from local
community groups and overseen by P. Lunn. E. Norrish provided further
information. No formal grant funding applications have been submitted at this
time.
ARRIVED AT MEETING
Councillor N. Johnson arrived at 11:10 a.m.
Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. C. Woods provided
information regarding the proposed space for the community garden. E. Norrish
responded to questions, indicating that the garden would start with one acre and
expansion will be considered for the future. P. Lunn responded to questions
regarding other community gardens located in Brooks. He provided information
regarding the types of vegetables to be grown. D. Perkins provided additional
information, indicating that excess vegetables will be distributed to other food
banks in A/berta. C. Woods responded to questions regarding access to the plot.
C-65/26 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR BENJAMIN HOFER that Council approves the request from
the Brooks Food Bank Foundation for the use of a one-acre plot and the existing
irrigation system located at the Crop Diversification Centre South for the purpose of a
community garden.
LEFT THE MEETING
MOTION CARRIED
E. Norrish, P. Lunn, S. Biette, L. Johnson, T. Green, and C. Woods left the meeting at 11:19 a.m.
ARRIVED AT MEETING
L. Schrader and M. Nesbitt arrived at 11:19 a.m.
9.2 Brooks Housing Society (R. Radke 8 L. Schrader - 71:30 a.m.)
L. Schrader provided statistics on rental vacancy, rates, and new unit
construction in Brooks. There is an immediate shortage of affordable, accessible
rental units in Brooks. An Affordable Housing Report completed in 2019
identified current and future affordable housing needs. The primary providers of
affordable housing in the Newell region are the Newell Housing Foundation and
the Brooks Housing Society, and both organizations have a continuous wait
list. L. Schrader also noted a lack of larger (3-4 bedroom) units.
L. Schrader provided background information on the Brooks Housing Society and
the Prairie Village Housing Complex and its tenants. He gave an overview of the
Page 6 of 10
Regular Council
February 26, 2026
proposed Phase Three expansion project, which includes three new 8-plex units,
and indicated that they are currently working to secure the required funding. The
City of Brooks has donated the property for the Phase Three development and a
letter in support of a Federation of Canadian Municipalities grant application.
Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. R. Radke responded to
questions regarding placement of tenants, the Brooks Housing Society's
business model, and the tenant criteria. When a tenanYs income goes over a
certain threshold, they must move out. M. Nesbitt and L. Schrader responded to
further questions regarding the tenants. R. Radke provided information
regarding funding sources, including fundraising and grants, and indicated that
the Brooks Housing Society has applied for charity status. The purpose of
today's delegation was to provide an overview of the Brooks Housing Society and
the proposed expansion.
LEFT THE MEETING
R. Radke, D. Perkins, M. Nesbitt, and L. Schrader left the meeting at 12:03 p.m.
LUNCH
Council RECESSED for lunch at 12:03 p.m. and RECONVENED at 12:45 p.m.
11. COMMITTEE REPORTS
11.1 County of Newell Library Board
Councillor A. Skanderup reported that the County of Newell Library Board
received a tour of the Brooks Public Library, audited the list of books for the
hamlet and County libraries, and worked on an Artificial Intelligence policy
11.2 Shortgrass Library System
Councillor A. Skanderup reported that there are some concerns regarding a
Government of Alberta decision on banned books in public libraries that are
housed within schools. Policies are being updated to incorporate the new
Access to Information and Protection of PrivacyActs.
11.3 Grasslands Regional FCSS
Councillor H. Johnson reported that Grasslands Regional FCSS reviewed their
four-year strategic plan with no major changes as progress on goals is being
made. Grasslands Regional FCSS took over the cleaning and meals on wheels
programs January 1, 2026. Two microgrants were approved for local events.
11.4 City of Brooks Recreation & Parks Board
Councillor G. Skriver and Councillor N. Johnson attended a meeting last week
where S. Fraser gave a presentation on Brooks Minor Ball. The board discussed
ideas for usage fees for external groups using the ball diamonds. The board
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Regular Council
February 26, 2026
continues to work on the recreation master plan and update bylaws. The election
of Chair and Vice Chair will be held next meeting.
11.5 Newell Housing Foundation
Councillor A. Skanderup provided an update on a recent flooding incident,
indicating the broken pipe has been repaired and three units had to be
completely redone. Some debts have been written off. Policy updates and
strategic planning activities continue. Councillor G. Skriver indicated that seniors
housing in Duchess will become a priority after housing in Bassano is complete.
11.6 Newell Recycling Association
Councillor L. Kopp reported that the Newell Recycling Association's Annual
General Meeting will be held on March 25, 2026. Mayor N. Gerestein will be
representing the City of Brooks on the Newell Recycling Association
board. There are confidential shredding events planned for 2026.
11.7 Alberta Irrigation Districts Association Conference
(February 2-4, 2026)
Reeve A. Doerksen submitted a written report and responded to questions from
Council.
11.8 Palliser Economic Partnership
Reeve A. Doerksen reported that the fundraising event on February 9, 2026 was
successful and significant funds were raised for the Community Foundation of
Southeast Alberta endowment fund. The event included information on Palliser
Economic Partnership initiatives and a presentation by the University of Calgary's
veterinarian school. He indicated that the funds would likely be presented to
CFSEA at the Palliser Economic Partnership Board Meeting on March 13, 2026
in Medicine Hat.
11.9 Bassano Pro Rodeo Fundraiser (March 14, 2026)
Councillor K. Christman provided details regarding a fundraiser for the Bassano
Pro Rodeo that is scheduled for March 14, 2026.
71.10 Rural Municipalities of Atberta (RMA)
Councillor K. Christman reported that she and other Rural Municipalities of
Alberta members attended Council meetings in Vulcan County and the MD of
Foothills yesterday President K Westerlund is attending today's provincial
budget presentation with Municipal Affairs.
Page 8 of 10
Regular Council
February 26, 2026
12. POST AGENDA ITEMS
12.1 Request for Letter of Support - Reversal of the Decision to Close the
Lacombe Research 8 Development Centre
The Chief Administrative Officer provided background information on this item
and responded to questions from Council. Discussion followed.
C-66/26 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LYNETTE KOPP that the County of Newell provides a letter
to Lacombe County signed by the Reeve in support of their efforts to reverse the federal
government decision to close the Lacombe Research & Development Centre.
MOTION CARRIED
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 Brooks RCMP Report (January 2026)
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-67/26 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HOLLY JOHNSON that we move in camera at 1:05 p.m. to
discuss the following matters:
• Disclosure harmful to business interests of a third party — Access to Information
Act Section 19.
• Rolling Hills Post Office — Access to Information Act Section 28.
• Advice from officials — Access to lnformation Act Section 29.
MOTION CARRIED
C-68/26 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ADENA SKANDERUP that we move out of camera at
3:05 p.m.
MOTION CARRIED
Page 9 of 10
Regular Council
February 26, 2026
Councillor D. Baumgarten provided background information on the Rolling Hills Post
Office, indicating that the postmaster must provide a suitable building. The Rolling Hills
Agricultural Society is requesting a/oan from the County of Newell in order to purchase
the trailer that currently houses the Rolling Hills Post Office.
C-69/26 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR NEIL JOHNSON that Council approve a$30,000 secured
loan to the Rolling Hills Agricultural Society to purchase the Rolling Hilis Post Office Atco
Trailer, to be repaid over a term of five (5) years at a fixed interest rate equal to the
Government ofAlberta Local Authorities Lending Rate in effect for a five (5) year loan;
and further that, Administration be directed to prepare the bylaw to authorize the loan in
accordance with the Municipal Government Act and finalize and execute a loan
agreement, including repayment terms and default provisions, to the satisfaction of the
ChiefAdministrative Officer.
MOTION CARRIED
16. ADJOURN
Being that the agenda matters have been concluded, the meeting adjourned at 3:08 p.m.
Signed this IG' day of �'�� , 2026
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County Administrator
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