HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-04-23 Council (Regular) MinutesCounty of Newell
Meeting Minutes
Council April 23, 2026
The regular Council Meeting of the County of Newell was held in the County Office and
livestreamed to the public on Wednesday, April 23, 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
C. Siakaluk, Communications Officer (Moderator)
A. Nielsen, Executive Assistant
OTHERS IN S. Stanway, Brooks Bulletin
ATTENDANCE: L. Tiffin, City of Brooks
S. Sgt. R. Harms, RCMP - Brooks
Sgt. J. Schmidt, RCMP - Bassano
A. Kassem, Global Village
B. Johnston, Global Village
1. CALL TO ORDER
Reeve A. Doerksen called the meeting to order at 90:11 a.m.
2. EXCUSED FROM MEETING
All members were in attendance at this meeting.
3. ADOPTION OF MINUTES
3.1 Minutes - Council (April 8, 2026)
C-128/26 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR DAN BAUMGARTEN that the April 8, 2026 Council Meeting
minutes be adopted as presented.
MOTION CARRIED
Regular Council
April 23, 2026
4. CALL FOR POST AGENDA ITEMS
Reeve A. Doerksen called for post agenda items.
5. ADOPTION OF AGENDA
C-129/26 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that the agenda be adopted as
amended.
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.
16. IN CAMERA
C-130/26 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR NEIL JOHNSON that we move in camera at 10:13 a.m. to
discuss the following matters:
• Brooks Recreation Agreement - Advice from Officiais - Access to Information Act
Section 29;
• Healthcare Attraction Incentive - Intergovernmental Relations - Access to
Information Act Section 26.
LEFT THE MEETING
L. Tiffin left the meeting
MOTION CARRIED
C-131/26 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ADENA SKANDERUP that we move out of camera at
11:09 a.m.
MOTION CARRIED
RECESS
Council RECESSED at 11:09 a.m. and RECONVENED at 11:12 a.m.
ARRIVED AT MEETING
S. Sgt. R. Harms and Sgt. J. Schmidt arrived at 11:12 a.m.
9. DELEGATIONS
9.1 RCMP Quarterly Reports - Brooks
S. Sgt. R. Harms presented the Brooks RCMP Quarterly Report to Council,
including an overview of statistics and significant events. He a/so provided an
update on the public consultation that determined the policing priorities for the
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Regular Council
April 23, 2026
year. The 2026 priorities for the Brooks RCMP are traffic safety, property crime
reduction, drug enforcement, and community engagement. Council was given
the opportunity to ask questions. S. Sgt. Harms responded to questions
regarding copper wire theft and reasons for crime rate changes.
ARRIVED AT MEETING
M. Jackson arrived at 1126 a.m.
8.2 RCMP Quarterly Reports - Bassano (Sgt. J. Schmidt)
Sgt. J. Schmidt presented the Bassano RCMP Quarterly Report to Council,
including an overview of statistics and significant events. He a/so provided an
update on the public consultation that determined the policing priorities for the
year. The 2026 priorities for the Bassano RCMP are property crime, traffic
safety, community engagement, and drug enforcement. Council was given the
opportunity to ask questions. Sgt. J. Schmidt responded to questions about deer
activity and the Police Review Commission. S. Sgt. R. Harms provided
additional information regarding the Police Review Commission.
LEFT THE MEETING
S. Sgt. R. Harms and Sgt. J. Schmidt left the meeting at 1139 a.m.
C-132/26 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LYNETTE KOPP that we move into Public Hearings at
11:40 a.m.
MOTION CARRIED
PUBLIC HEARINGS
7.1 Bylaw 2124-26 - 26 LUA 002 NW 8� SW 6-19-14-W4 (A-GEN to A-SML)
Reeve A. Doerksen called the Public Hearing to order at 11:40 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 2124-26. The intent of this bylaw is
to amend Land Use Bylaw 2016-21 by rezoning a portion of NW 6-19-14-W4 and
a portion of SW 6-19-14-W4 from Agriculture, General (A-GEN) District to
Agriculture, Small Lot (A-SML) District.
The Planning & Development Supervisor provided background information on
this item indicating that a copy of the document had been circulated to adjacent
landowners and to a list of affected agencies. No responses have been received
from adjacent landowners. None of the affected agencies have indicated any
objections.
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Regular Council
April 23, 2026
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-133/26 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that we move out of Public Hearings
at 11:42 a.m.
MOTION CARRIED
8. BYLAWS
8.1 Bylaw 2124-26 - 26 LUA 002 NW & SW 6-19-14-W4 (A-GEN to A-SML)
C-134/26 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ADENA SKANDERUP that Bylaw 2124-26 being a bylaw to
amend Land Use Bylaw 2016-21 by redesignating a portion of NW 6-19-14-W4 and a
portion of SW 6-19-14-W4 from A-GEN Agriculture, General District to A-SML
Agriculture, Small Lot District, be given SECOND reading.
MOTION CARRIED
C-135/26 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR GREG SKRIVER that Bylaw 2124-26 be given THIRD and
FINAL reading.
MOTION CARRIED
8.2 Bylaw 2125-26 - 26 LUA 003 NE 36-14-14-W4 (A-GEN to R-RUR)
The Planning & Development Supervisor provided background information on
this item and responded to questions from Council. She indicated that the Land
Use 8ylaw does not specify a required distance between a dugout and a
residence. The Planning & Development Supervisor responded to questions
regarding a residential lot next to industrial lots and the previous use of the land.
C-136/26 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that Bylaw 2125-26, being a bylaw to
amend Land Use Bylaw 2016-21 by redesignating approximately 6.19 acres
(2.504 hectares) in NE 36-14-14-W4 from Agriculture, General (A-GEN) to Residential
Rural (R-RUR), be given FIRST reading.
MOTION CARRIED
8.3 Bylaw 2116-26 Loan - Rolling Hills Agricultural Society Post Office Project
The Director of Corporate Services provided background information on this item,
indicating that the Rolling Hills Agricultural Society has raised the funds
necessary to proceed with the purchase of the post office and a loan from the
County is no longer required. Council was given the opportunity to ask
questions.
C-137/26 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR NEIL JOHNSON that Bylaw 2116-26, being a bylaw to
authorize lending money to the Rolling Hills Agricultural Society for the purchase of the
structure which houses the Rolling Hills Post Office facility, be given SECOND reading.
MOTION DEFEATED
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April 23, 2026
8.4 Bylaw 2123-26 Tax Rates
The Chief Administrative Officer provided background information on this
item. council was given the opportunity to ask questions.
C-138/26 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LYNETTE KOPP that Bylaw 2123-26, being a bylaw to
authorize the rates of taxation for various purposes in the year 2026, be given SECOND
reading.
MOTION CARRIED
C-139/26 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR GREG SKRIVER that Bylaw 2123-26 be given THIRD and
FINAL reading.
MOTION CARRIED
10. AGRICULTURAL SERVICES BUSINESS
70.1 Legislative Appointments
Council was provided with background information on this item.
C-140/26 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HOLLY JOHNSON that the County of Newell appoints
Remy Strach, Ashley Koenning, and Claudia Pardy as Inspectors pursuant to Section 7
of the Weed Control Act until such a time that their employment with the County ceases.
MOTION CARRIED
C-141/26 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ADENA SKANDERUP that the County of Newell appoint
Remy Strach, Ashley Koenning, and Claudia Pardy as Inspectors pursuant to Section 10
of the Agricultural Pests Act until such a time their employment with the County ceases.
11. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS
11.1 2025 Annual Report
MOTION CARRIED
The Communications Officer provided background information on this item and
responded to questions from Council. Council reviewed the 2025 Annual Report
document and provided feedback.
C-142/26 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR BENJAMIN HOFER that Council APPROVES the 2025
Annual Report as presented.
MOTION CARRIED
11.2 Adoption of Strategic Priorities
The Chief Administrative Officer provided background information on this item
and responded to questions from Council.
C-143/26 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HOLLY JOHNSON that Council adopts the strategic
priorities and follow up action items included in the Strategic Priority Setting Session
report as presented.
MOTION CARRIED
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Regular Council
April 23, 2026
ARRIVED AT MEETING
A. Kassem and B. Johnston arrived at 11:57 a.m.
9. DELEGATIONS - continued
9.3 Global Village - Mental Health Program
A. Kassem and 8. Johnston provided Council with information on a mental health
and addictions support program provided by the G/obal Village Centre.
A. Kassem provided additional information regarding provincial funding for
mental health supports and indicated that Alberta Counselling will be taking over
Alberta 211 for mental health counselling. 8. Johnston provided background
information on himself and his work as a mental health services provider for the
Global Village Centre. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions.
LEFT THE MEETING
A. Kassem and B. Johnston left the meeting at 12:11 p.m.
LUNCH
Council RECESSED for lunch at 12:11 p.m. and RECONVENED at 12:47 p.m.
LEFT THE MEETING
Reeve A. Doerksen left the meeting before Council reconvened after Iunch.
Deputy Reeve K. Christman assumed the chair.
11. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS — continued
11.3 Newell Pro Rodeo Pancake Breakfast (June 5, 2026)
The Executive Assistant provided background information on this item and
responded to questions from Council. Discussion followed.
C-144/26 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LYNETTE KOPP that Council accepts the invitation from the
City of Brooks to participate in the Newell Pro Rodeo Pancake Breakfast being held on
June 5, 2026 at 7:00 a.m.; further, that the County of Newell agrees to cover 50% of the
costs.
MOTION CARRIED
11.4 Councillor Payment Sheets (March 2026)
Discussion followed regarding the Council conventions budget.
C-145/26 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ADENA SKANDERUP that the March 2026 Councillor
Payment Sheets be accepted with the amendments recommended by the Councillor
Compensation Review Committee.
MOTION CARRIED
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Regular Council
April 23, 2026
11.5 Requests for Functions of Council
11.5.1 2026 Agricultural Service Board Summer Tour (July 14-16, 2026)
Discussion followed. The Executive Assistant will complete registrations
for those Councillors interested in attending.
11.5.2 Crop Diversification Centre South Newell Ag Summit
(June 18, 2026)
Councillor L. Kopp and Councillor G. Skriver provided background
information on this event. Discussion followed.
C-146/26 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR GREG SKRIVER that any Councillor be permitted to attend
the Crop Diversification Centre (CDC) South Ag Summit in Brooks, AB on June 18,
2026 as a function of Council.
MOTION CARRIED
12. COMMITTEE REPORTS
12.1 Grasslands Regional FCSS
Councillor H. Johnson reported that Grasslands Regional FCSS has moved
offices and an open house will be held in May. The Volunteer Expo will be held
on Apri125, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the JBS Canada Centre.
12.2 Recreation Board (Patricia Area)
Councillor L. Kopp reported that the board had a meeting to allocate recreation
funding to the Fish & Game Association and the Millicent Ladies'Annual Picnic.
12.3 Shortgrass Library System
Councillor A. Skanderup reported that the Shortgrass Library Board continues to
update bylaws. A letter will be sent to Municipal Affairs expressing concerns with
Bill 28.
12.4 Brooks Regional Tourism Association
Councillor 8. Hofer submitted a written report and provided information regarding
a roadside selfie sign initiative.
12.5 Veteran's Memorial Highway Association
Councillor 8. Hofer submitted a written report and responded to questions from
Council.
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Regular Council
April 23, 2026
12.6 HALO Annual General Meeting
Councillor L. Kopp submitted a written report.
12.7 2026 Local to Global Forum
A written report was submitted by Reeve A. Doerksen and Councillor
N. Johnson.
12.8 Alberta CARE Spring Seminar
A written report was submitted by Councillor D. Baumgarten, Councillor L. Kopp,
and Councillor H. Johnson.
12.9 Premier's Summit on Fairness for Newcomers
Councillor K. Christman submitted a written report and responded to questions
from Council.
12.10 Alberta Seniors & Community Housing Association Conference
Councillor G. Skriver submitted a written report.
13. POSTAGENDAITEMS
13.1 Top 7 0ver 70
Deputy Reeve K. Christman provided background information on this item. The
Chief Administrative Officer outlined the sponsorship levels. Discussion followed
and Council asked that a$2500 sponsorship be discussed during the next
Intermunicipal Affairs Committee meeting.
14. INFORMATION ITEMS
14.1 Payment Registers
This item was accepted as information.
14.2 Police Review Commission Stakeholder & Community Update (April 2026)
This item was accepted as information.
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Regular Council
April 23, 2026
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 — continued
C-147/26 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HOLLY JOHNSON that the County of Newell supports the
Healthcare Attraction Incentive proposed by the City of Brooks.
The Chief Administrative Officer responded to questions from Council and provided
additional information. Discussion followed.
VOTE ON MOTION C-147/26 — MOTION CARRIED
17. ADJOURN
Being that the agenda matters have been concluded, the meeting adjourned at 1:20 p.m.
Signed this =C� day of �`"� , 2026
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Reeve
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County Administrator
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