Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-05-21 Council (Regular) MinutesCounty of Newell Meeting Minutes Council May 21, 2026 The regular Council Meeting of the County of Newell was held in the County Office and livestreamed to the public on Wednesday, May 21, 2026 commencing at 10:32 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 N.Johnson B. Hofer ABSENT: K. Christman STAFF: M. Fenske, Chief Administrative Officer T Green, Director of Agricultural Services L. Johnson, Director of Corporate Services M. Jackson, Planning and Development Supervisor G. Tiffin, Manager of Planning, Development and Engineering S. Luchies, Newell Regional Fire Chief C. Cochrane, Newell Regional Deputy Fire Chief A. Ferguson, Fire and Disaster Services Administrative Assistant C. Siakaluk, Communications Officer (Moderator) A. Nielsen, Executive Assistant OTHERS IN S. Stanway, Brooks Bulletin ATTENDANCE: J. Seely, STARS D. Declerq, Brooks and District Health Foundation D. Axelson, Brooks and District Health Foundation 1. 2. C-168/26 CALL TO ORDER Reeve A. Doerksen called the meeting to order at 10:32 a.m. EXCUSED FROM MEETING MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ADENA SKANDERUP that Councillor K. Christman be excused from the meeting. MOTION CARRIED Regular Council May 21, 2026 3. ADOPTION OF MINUTES C-169126 4. 5. C-170126 6. 3.1 Minutes - Council (May 7, 2026) MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HOLLY JOHNSON that the May 7, 2026 Council Meeting minutes be adopted as presented. MOTION CARRIED CALL FOR POST AGENDA ITEMS Reeve A. Doerksen called for post agenda items. ADOPTION OF AGENDA MOVED BY COUNCILLOR BENJAMIN HOFER that the agenda be adopted as presented. MOTION CARRIED 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. 10. AGRICULTURAL SERVICES BUSINESS 10.1 Agricultural Fieldman's Report (May 2026) The Director of Agricultural Services presented the Agricultural Fieldman's Report to Council. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. The Director of Agricultural Services responded to questions regarding the annual tree planting event at the Brooks Aqueduct and the County BBQ available for rent. He provided an update on strychnine, indicating the first order has not been received yet. C-171/26 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR DAN BAUMGARTEN that the Agricultural Fieldman's Report for May 2026 be accepted as presented. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING T Green left the meeting at 10:43 a.m. 11. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS 11.1 City of Brooks Request to Acquire Ownership of Land within the County The Director of Corporate Services provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. He indicated an annexation request from the City of Brooks is anticipated in the future and provided details on the annexation process. Page 2 of 9 Regular Council May 21, 2026 C-172/26 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR NEIL JOHNSON that County Council consent to the City's acquisition of a 22.65 acre privately owned property located within the County of Newell (Roll Number 0000451000, legally described as SE 28-18-14-W4). MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING L. Johnson left the meeting at 10:48 a.m. 11.2 County -Brooks Recreation, Parks & Culture Services Agreement The Chief Administrative Officer provided background information on this item and provided a summary of the highlights. ARRIVED AT MEETING J. Seely arrived at 10:50 a.m. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. The Chief Administrative Officer responded to questions regarding funding for capital expenditures. C-173/26 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR GREG SKRIVER that Council approve the Recreation, Parks & Culture Services Agreement between the County of Newell and the City of Brooks for the term commencing January 1, 2026, as presented. MOTION CARRIED 11.3 Councillor Payment Sheets (April 2026) C-174/26 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HOLLY JOHNSON that the April 2026 Councillor Payment Sheets be accepted with the amendments recommended by the Councillor Compensation Review Committee. MOTION CARRIED 11.4 Requests for Functions of Council 11.4.1 Brooks & District Community Fund Spring 2026 Grant Presentation (May 27, 2026) C-175/26 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HOLLY JOHNSON that Councillor G. Skriver be permitted to attend the Brooks & District Community Fund Spring 2026 Grant Presentation in Brooks, AB on May 27, 2026 as a function of Council. MOTION CARRIED 11.4.2 Hands & Harvest Community Garden Project Ribbon Cutting Ceremony (May 30, 2026) C-176126 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ADENA SKANDERUP that any Councillor be permitted to attend the Hands & Harvest Community Garden Project Ribbon Cutting Ceremony in Brooks, AB on May 30, 2026 as a function of Council. MOTION CARRIED Page 3 of 9 Regular Council May 21, 2026 ARRIVED AT MEETING S. Luchies and A. Ferguson at 10:54 a.m. C. Cochrane arrived at 10:57 a.m. 11.4.3 Pacific Northwest Economic Region Annual Summit (July 19-23, 2026) Discussion followed regarding potential meeting conflicts. The Chief Administrative Officer indicated that the Committee of the Whole meeting scheduled for July 20, 2026 could be rescheduled to July 23, 2026, if necessary. C-177/26 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR BENJAMIN HOFER that up to three (3) Councillors be permitted to attend the Pacific Northwest Economic Region Annual Summit in Edmonton, AB on July 19-22, 2026 as a function of Council. Discussion followed. Reeve A. Doerksen called the question. VOTE ON MOTION C-177126 — MOTION CARRIED 9. DELEGATIONS 9.1 STARS Update J. Seely thanked Council for attending the tour of the STARS base in the fall. She provided information on the new President & CEO of STARS, noting that STARS has been in operation for over 40 years. J. Seely provided the 5-year mission report statistics for the County of Newell and the current annual operating costs versus funding sources. Currently, 95% of Alberta municipalities support STARS and over 80% of those are regional leaders. ARRIVED AT MEETING D. Declerq and D. Axelson arrived at 11:13 a.m. J. Seely thanked Council for their continued support. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. LEFT THE MEETING J. Seely, S. Luchies, C. Cochrane, and A. Ferguson left the meeting at 11:17 a.m. 9.2 Brooks & District Health Foundation Update D. Declerq provided information on the Brooks & District Health Foundation's fundraising activities over 2025 and 2026. Current projects include upgrades to the palliative care rooms, the emergency department family room, and the chapel. She indicated that investments in medical equipment are made as needed and these improvements have been helpful in attracting and retaining medial staff as well as keeping families close to home. She provided an update on the eSIM Lab project which should be complete by July and will provide emergency simulation training. D. Declerq provided information on physician Page 4 of 9 Regular Council May 21, 2026 recruitment and retention efforts and expressed appreciation for the City & County Councils' investment in housing. She provided information on upcoming fundraising events, which include the Aarit Hok Memorial Birthday Auction (June 8-13, 2026), Brooks Smoker Wars (July 17-28, 2026), and the Brooks & District Health Foundation Gala (September 26, 2026). ARRIVED AT MEETING M. Jackson arrived at 11:26 a.m. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. D. Declerq provided an update on funding for the maternity ward. Council thanked the Brooks & District Health Foundation for their continued work within the community. LEFT THE MEETING D. Declerq and D. Axelson left the meeting at 11:29 a.m. RECESS Council RECESSED at 11:29 a.m. and RECONVENED at 11:34 a.m. C-178126 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LYNETTE KOPP that we move into Public Hearings at 11:34 a.m. MOTION CARRIED 7. PUBLIC HEARINGS 7.1 Bylaw 2125-26 - 26 LUA 003 NE 36-14-14-W4 (A-GEN to R-RUR) Reeve A. Doerksen called the Public Hearing to order at 11:34 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 2125-26. The intent of this bylaw is to amend Land Use Bylaw 2016-21 by rezoning approximately 6.19 acres (2.504 hectares) in NE 36-14-14-W4 from Agriculture, General (A-GEN) District to Residential, Rural (R-RUR) 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. There were no persons in attendance speaking either in favor of or in opposition to the proposed bylaw The Applicant provided background information and responded to questions from Council Page 5 of 9 Regular Council May 21, 2026 Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. C-179126 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HOLLY JOHNSON that we move out of Public Hearings at 11:37 a.m. MOTION CARRIED 8. BYLAWS 8.1 Bylaw 2125-26 - 26 LUA 003 NE 36-14-14-W4 (A-GEN to R-RUR) The Planning & Development Supervisor provided further background information on this item and responded to questions from Council regarding the service road. C-180/26 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR DAN BAUMGARTEN 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 SECOND reading. MOTION CARRIED C-181/26 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR GREG SKRIVER that Bylaw 2125-26 be given THIRD and FINAL 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 regarding the market value for the closed portion of road allowance. C-182126 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ADENA SKANDERUP 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 9-22-17-W4, be given SECOND reading. MOTION CARRIED C-183/26 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HOLLY JOHNSON that Bylaw 2112-26 be given THIRD and FINAL reading. MOTION CARRIED 8.3 Bylaw 2127-26 Access to Information & Protection of Privacy The Executive Assistant provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-184126 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LYNETTE KOPP that Bylaw 2127-26, being a bylaw to establish the administrative structure and fees in relation to the Access to Information Act and the Protection of Privacy Act, be given FIRST reading. MOTION CARRIED Page 6 of 9 Regular Council May 21, 2026 C-185/26 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR DAN BAUMGARTEN that Bylaw 2127-26 be given SECOND reading. MOTION CARRIED C-186/26 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HOLLY JOHNSON that consent be given for Bylaw 2127-26 to receive third reading this 21st day of May, 2026. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY C-187126 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR NEIL JOHNSON that Bylaw 2127-26 be given THIRD and FINAL reading. MOTION CARRIED 8.4 Bylaw 2128-26 Records Management The Executive Assistant provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-188/26 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR BENJAMIN HOFER that Bylaw 2128-26, being a bylaw to provide regulations and procedures for the creation, retention, and disposal of Municipal records, be given FIRST reading. MOTION CARRIED C-189/26 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR GREG SKRIVER that Bylaw 2128-26 be given SECOND reading. MOTION CARRIED C-190126 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR DAN BAUMGARTEN that consent be given for Bylaw 2128-26 to receive third reading this 21st day of May, 2026. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY C-191126 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LYNETTE KOPP that Bylaw 2128-26 be given THIRD and FINAL reading. MOTION CARRIED 12. MUNICIPAL SERVICES BUSINESS 12.1 Joint Use & Planning Agreement - Grasslands School Division The Manager of Planning, Development & Engineering provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-192126 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LYNETTE KOPP that Council approve the Joint Use & Planning Agreement with Grasslands School Division as presented. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING G. Tiffin and M. Jackson left the meeting at 11:55 a.m. Page 7 of 9 Regular Council May 21, 2026 13 COMMITTEE REPORTS 13.1 Grasslands Regional FCSS Councillor H. Johnson reported on a meeting with MLA/Premier D. Smith yesterday where potential funding sources were discussed. Grasslands Regional FCSS is holding an open house at their new office on May 27, 2026 from 2:30 - 4:30 p.m. 13.2 Newell Housing Foundation Councillor A. Skanderup provided updates on tiny homes to be constructed in Bassano and current housing vacancies. 13.3 Recreation Board - Duchess & Area A written report was submitted. Councillor B. Hofer responded to questions from Council. 13.4 Recreation Board - Bassano & Area A written report was submitted. 13.5 Community Planning Association of Alberta Conference A written report was submitted. 13.6 RiskPro Conference A written report was submitted. 13.7 Newell District 4-H Show & Sale (May 24-25, 2026) Councillor H. Johnson provided information on the Newell District 4-H Multi -show on May 24, 2026 and the Beef Show & Sale on May 25, 2026 at the Silver Sage Community Corral. 14. POST AGENDA ITEMS There were no post agenda items to discuss at this meeting. 15. INFORMATION ITEMS 15.1 Strategic Priorities Chart This item was accepted as information. 15.2 2026 Q1 Financial Information Package This item was accepted as information. Page 8 of 9 Regular Council May 21, 2026 15.3 RCMP Report (Bassano) This item was accepted as information. 15.4 RCMP Report (Brooks) This item was accepted as information. 16. QUESTION PERIOD A question period was held. No County Ratepayers were in attendance. The moderator indicated that there were no questions from the public. 17. IN CAMERA C-193/26 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR GREG SKRIVER that we move in camera at 11:59 a.m. to discuss the following matters: • Advice from Officials -Access to Information Act Section 29. MOTION CARRIED C-194/26 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR BENJAMIN HOFER that we move out of camera at 12:32 p.m. MOTION CARRIED 18. ADJOURN Being that the agenda matters have been concluded, the meeting adjourned at 12:32 p.m. Signed this L d y of '5J V-R_ 2026 L.ti2., z'�A­- Reeve County Administrator Page 9 of 9