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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008 Annual Report County of Newell No. 4 H OME OF D INOSAUR P ROVINCIAL P ARK 2008 ANNUAL REPORT A NNUAL G ENERAL M EETING - M ONDAY, M AY 4, 2009 - 7:00 P.M. - H ERITAGE I NN, B ROOKS, AB REEVEÔS REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDING 2008 by Molly Douglass, County of Newell No. 4 Reeve Everything we do in our daily lives involves communication. Regardless of the purpose, the successful exchange of information presents a diversity of challenges, whether it occurs in the family circle, the social scene or the work place. The business of municipal government revolves around constant communication among staff, councillors, other levels of government, and most importantly the residents or ratepayers. The task of Ðgetting the word outÑ within the County of Newell is performed in a number of ways. Our local media works diligently to bring you timely updates and we are grateful for the credible job they do. Council meetings are open to the public. Our in house production, the Newell Newsletter, is distributed every two months. Councillors meet with residents at divisional meetings and local organizations, such as the Chamber of Commerce, often invite councillors to be their guests or to provide presentations. In addition, there is the Annual General Meeting. Although the name suggests otherwise, the Ðannual general meetingÑ is not an annual requirement. Financial statement information is a requirement and that can be found within this publication. Because the AGM is one more method of communication, our council and staff continue to schedule this event. As well, we try to alter the format from year to year to encourage public interest and involvement. This year there will be a round table/small discussion set up as well as the usual question-answer session. My colleagues who chair the Municipal, Municipal Planning and Agricultural Service Boards have provided written summaries that provide an overview of what Council has been doing in 2008. All of Council and Staff hope you are able to join us on May 4 to learn more about your local government within the County of Newell. MUNICIPAL CHAIRMANÔS REPORT by Ike Schroeder, Municipal Committee Chairman through third party contracted services. initiative in 2009 to step down to Cat 160 The current Operations Manager assured M Series Graders. The department actively Council that internal staff could complete this works to reduce fuel consumption and cost program much cheaper. TodayÓs program operates with a budget of $350,000, half experienced in the 14 H Series. The 160 M of the 2004 cost, and is completed within 2 months, as compared to taking all season. 1 & 2. The program consists of calcium application in the middle of the roadway, permitting the One of the most prominent and exciting product to leach over time to the edges of initiatives is the realization of Regional Water. the roadway and preventing contamination We are proud to recognize, in conjunction of vegetation.with the City of Brooks and surrounding municipalities, Newell Regional Services I am pleased to report that the County of The Gravel Program continues as usual. Corporation (NRSC), as the regional Newell No. 4 Public Works department is Staff members pursue alternatives to reduce authority. Contract 1, the water transmission looking forward to accomplishing the 2009 aggregate consumption so as to preserve main to Tilley and Lake Newell Resort is work program, after a challenging winter of this limited resource, a challenge that many on schedule as two construction crews real prairie weather.other Counties and Municipal Districts are work in effort to complete the line in timely now facing. The purchase of two belly fashion. Contract 2 is out for tender closing For 2009 County Council has approved dump trailers in 2008 has provided Public April 23, 2009, and includes the extension 40 miles of road upgrading to non banned Works with a more effective means to control of transmission lines to Rainier, Scandia, paved status, including the Duck Lake Road, gravel spread, resulting in more effective and Rolling Hills. Concurrently, there will be Crawling Valley Access, Old Highway 1 from management of our aggregates.a contract for the tie in of the transmission the City of Brooks limits to SH 875, as well as mains to the various treatment plants in each the Lake Newell Resort Access Road from Also being investigated are alternative community south of Brooks. Completion Silver Sage Road south to the resort. The means for the revitalization of roadways. is expected for late 2009. Most exciting ongoing goal/mandate is to increase non-Base stabilization is a specialized process is the re-construction of the City of Brooks restricted access to industry and as well, incorporating a blend of cement and other Water Treatment Plant, which includes support the local economy in these slower construction materials that allows for a more upgrading of existing systems to the most growth times. The estimated program current technology making the plant one of costs exceed $20,000,000. We are happy the road base and sub-grade. Compared to the most advanced water treatment plants to report receipt of Resource Road Funding in Alberta. With completion of projects in the from the Alberta Government in the amount include conservation of aggregate, energy south our attention will then turn and focus of $1,500,000 towards the Old Highway 1 and other natural resources.on our partners to the north of Brooks, with project and are grateful for ongoing provincial anticipated completion by the end of 2010. support through the Municipal Sustainability Municipal Committee has made a Initiative.commitment to pursue municipal addressing I would like to take this opportunity to thank standards for all residents in the County of the Municipal Committee members as well Public Works staff deserves recognition for Newell, which means installation of address as Public Works staff for their continued the Calcium ProgramÓs overhaul. In 2004, signs over the next few years.dedicated services. the annual expenditure for our extensive Calcium Program exceeded $650,000 The Public Works department has taken Page 2 C OUNTY OF N EWELL N O. 4 - 2008 A NNUAL R EPORT KPMG LLP Telephone(403) 380-5700 Chartered Accountants Fax (403) 380-5760 500 Lethbridge Centre Tower Internetwww.kpmg.ca th 400Î4Avenue South Lethbridge AB T1J 4E1 Canada AUDITORSÓ REPORT To the Reeve and Members of Council Newell No. 4 as at December 31, 2008 and for the year then ended on which we expressed an opinion without reservation in our report in accordance with the applicable Assurance Guideline of The Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants, is to report on the summa- - Chartered Accountants Lethbridge, Canada March 6, 2009 2008 ALLOCATION OF PROPERTY TAXES 2008 PROPERTY TAXES Municipal 66.62% Linear Property 67.35% Commercial Industrial / Railway 21.70% Newell Foundation 1.14% Residential 8.61% Christ the Redeemer S.D.#3 0.49% Alberta School Foundation Farmland 31.75% 2.34% C OUNTY OF N EWELL N O. 4 - 2008 A NNUAL R EPORT Page 3 2008 MUNICIPAL REVENUE NOTE:IncludesBothOperatingFund& CapitalFundRevenue Administration Legislative/General 0.06% 8.01% Public Works/Bylaw/Shop 11.59% MPC/ASB/Subdiv/Eco.Dev 1.23% Property Taxes 62.21% Water/Sewer/Garbage 12.51% Operating Contingency 2.69% Disaster /Corp. Safety Fire/Rec/Library/Parks 0.25% 1.45% 2008 MUNICIPAL EXPENSES NOTE: Includes Operating Fund & Capital FundExpenses, Net Transfer To Reserves & Repayment of Capital Long Term Debt. Public Works/Bylaw/Shop 46.88% Legislative/General 23.73% Operating Contingency 1.40% MPC/ASB/Subdiv/Eco.Dev 4.41% Disaster/Corp. Safety Fire/Rec/Library/Parks/FCSS 0.51% 4.14% Administration Water/Sewer/Garbage 4.98% 13.95% C OUNTY OF N EWELL N O. 4 - 2008 A NNUAL R EPORT Page 4 COUNTY OF NEWELL NO. 4 Councillors Division 1 - Rolling Hills Councillor Wayne Daniels (403) 964-3628 Division 2 - Tilley Councillor Ike Schroeder (403) 377-2587 Division 3 - Patricia/Millicent Councillor Anne Marie Philipsen (403) 378-4724 Division 4 - Rainier/Scandia/Bow City Councillor Ryan Andrews (403) 793-8144 Division 5 - Cassils Councillor Jack Harbinson (403) 362-2274 Emerson Bridge Park opens for the season on May 13, 2009. For more information, visit our web site: www.emersonbridgepark.com Division 6 - Bassano Councillor Sheila Evans (403) 641-2102 Division 7 - Rosemary Councillor Allen Eastman (403) 378-4280 Division 8 - Duchess Councillor Brian de Jong (403) 362-4587 Division 9 - Gem Reeve Molly Douglass (403) 641-2562 Division 10 - Brooks Councillor Harold Wutzke (403) 362-2141 C OUNTY OF N EWELL N O. 4 - 2008 A NNUAL R EPORT Page 5 A NNUAL G ENERAL M EETING M INUTES - M AY 8, 2008 The 2007 Annual Meeting of the County of Newell No. 4 was held at the Heritage Inn on Thursday, May 8, 2008 commencing at 7:04 p.m. MEMBERS PRESENT: GUEST SPEAKERS: STAFF PRESENT: M. Douglass, ReeveP. Brouwer, MPE Engineering Ltd.K. Stephenson, Administrator I. SchroederD. Erdman, Economic Development & TourismB. Keith, Assistant Administrator A.M. PhilipsenD. Horvath, Oldman River Regional Services R. Berkeley, Grader Operator, Div. 1 R. Andrews CommissionS. Christensen, Corporate Safety J. HarbinsonT. Krahn, Newell Regional Expo Services Supervisor S. EvansD. McIntyre, Alberta TransportationR. Dumonceau, Operation Manager A. EastmanL. Pye-Matheson, Grasslands Regional FCSST. Green, Agricultural Fieldman B. de JongS. Hanson, Accounting Supervisor H. Wutzke A. Clapton, Executive Assistant 15 ratepayers and media were in attendance for the 2007 Annual Meeting of the County of Newell No. 4. Reeve M. Douglass called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m. per month, and on the Community Advisory Group, which meets once per month on every third Wednesday. He then invited everyone 1. W ELCOME & I NTRODUCTIONS present to celebrate community diversity with the Newell Regional The Reeve welcomed everyone to the meeting and introduced the Expo in October. Councillors and staff seated at the head table as well as the staff seated in the audience. e. Newell Regional Services Corporation D. McIntyre indicated that the County of Newell No. 4 Regional Water 2. A PPROVAL OF THE M INUTES OF THE 2007 A NNUAL M EETING System was one of many proceeding in the province under the Water MOVED BY DAVID ANDREWS Î seconded by Mara Nesbitt Î that for Life project. The three main goals of this project are safe, secure the 2007 Annual Meeting minutes be adopted as presented. drinking water, healthy aquatic environments, and a secure water MOTION CARRIED supply for economic development and growth. He gave a short 3. P RESENTATIONS overview of the funding available and the grant structure for these Reeve M. Douglass commenced the presentations. projects. a. Oldman River Regional Services Commission P. Brouwer gave a short history of the project, indicating that MPE D. Horvath introduced herself as a planner with the Oldman River Engineering Ltd. had been working with the County for over six years Regional Services Commission (ORRSC) and gave a short overview to create a cost-effective, fundable project. The goal is to deliver of her role with the County of Newell No. 4. ORRSC is a cooperative potable water to all County residents through one water treatment comprised of a number of municipalities in the southern Alberta plant. He indicated that they were currently in the middle of the region and they provide assistance with land use, subdivisions, and detailed design, and that Phase 1 would see the delivery of potable long term planning. water to Lake Newell, Rolling Hills, Scandia, Rainier, and Tilley in 2009. b. Economic Development D. Erdman introduced himself and presented some background 4. Q UESTION & A NSWER P ERIOD information on the Economic Development and Tourism department, which has been with the County of Newell No. 4 for about 3.5 years. The Economic Development & Tourism Advisory Committee is made P. Ketchmark asked if the Regional Water System would eventually up of representatives from each of the ten divisions, and this committee lead to the privatization of water delivery throughout the County of is responsible for creating an economic development strategy for the Newell No. 4. County of Newell No. 4. Community Economic Development helps organizations develop increased capacity. Their projects include the Councillor I. Schroeder replied that there were no plans for Newell Regional Database, the Bassano Chamber of Commerce, privatization and that the intention was to keep the water for County strategic planning for a regional agricultural society, the Newell residents. Regional Tourism Association (NRTA), and Canadian Badlands. The business development portion is focused on attracting, supporting, D. McIntyre indicated that the Regional Water System was not retaining, and expanding business for the region. Ketchmark of the municipality who had a regionalized water system c. Grasslands Regional FCSS and ended up paying more for their water. L. Pye Matheson introduced herself as the Executive Director of Grasslands Regional Family & Community Support Services. Formed P. Ketchmark then inquired how the water licensing would be handled. in 2004, Grasslands Regional FCSS supports preventative social programs throughout the County as part of a regional initiative. She P. Brouwer replied that there were already water licenses in place also mentioned the volunteer resource center, which started in 2007 through Alberta Environment, and that these licenses would be and services the entire region. The major projects of Grasslands retained by the hamlet, town, village, or city that owned it Î not Regional FCSS include the Citizen of the Year Award and the transferred to the Newell Regional Services Corporation. The point upcoming Newell Regional Expo. of diversion for the water would be moved to the Lake Newell intake d. Newell Regional Expo P. Ketchmark asked if community growth had been taken into T. Krahn introduced himself and gave an explanation of the Newell account. Regional Expo project, recognizing L. Pye-Matheson and D. Erdman as volunteer members of the steering committee and thanking Council that is the rationale behind the design. Regional Expo is planned for October 3-5, 2008 and offers many * * * different participation opportunities for communities, organizations, M. Nesbitt inquired about the status of the project to pave the old No. and individuals. He indicated that they hope to have heritage 1 Highway. displays and performances by local artists, and extensive tours have been proposed for some time in 2009. T. Krahn then requested more Councillor I. Schroeder replied that funding had been applied for rural representation on the steering committee, which meets twice under the Resource Road Program, but this application had been denied. The County intends to reapply for this funding next year, Page 6 C OUNTY OF N EWELL N O. 4 - 2008 A NNUAL R EPORT and other options to complete this project are currently being explored.$219 per capita over a 3-year period. The province had intended * * *for urban and rural municipalities to get together to fund mutually B. Thomson inquired about the possibility of paving the roads in different components Î core capital, community capital, operating. paving guidelines and how requests for paving are addressed.Recently, the guidelines were changed and the municipalities have been given the funding with fewer restrictions. Councillor H. Wutzke replied that there are options other than paving * * * that may be more feasible for Westland Acres, and that these are D. Andrews inquired about how the capital and operating costs of the being investigated. Regional Water System were going to be allocated among ratepayers, and what the cost per household estimate would be. B. Keith indicated that he would pass on the procedures to be followed to request a local improvement for a paving project to Mr. Thomson.K. Stephenson replied that the pipelines were being paid for through a reserve fund, and this would not impact water rates for users. Councillor H. Wutzke mentioned that a request for paving directly However, decisions still need to be made on how to fund the necessary from the residents of Westland Acres would likely be accepted, improvements to the distribution plants. He indicated that a grant especially if the residents were open to funding the project through a application had been submitted through the Alberta Municipal Water/ local improvement.Wastewater Partnership, which would cover the recognized hamlets, * * *and that an off-site levy has been established for the hamlet of Lake M. Nesbitt requested an update on the progress of the Regional Water Newell Resort. He also mentioned that the Newell Regional Services System pipeline, which was supposed to be in place for distribution Corporation has agreed to use a standardized rate for all users in the to Tilley by 2008.County, which is estimated to be approximately 30 cents per cubic meter. He spoke to the concerns regarding privatization, indicating P. Brouwer replied that, initially, they had planned to have water that water is a municipal asset and it should remain that way. distribution to Tilley by November or December of 2008, but this has been delayed to February or March of 2009 due to an Environmental D. Andrews asked if water users would be metered and charged for Impact Assessment that needs to be completed at a certain time of their usage. the year. * * *K. Stephenson replied that there would be a manhole each for rural C. Amulung asked when Highway 525, the southeast gateway to the users and cooperatives, and that the meters would be restricted for County, would be paved.a certain limit. If cooperatives require more water, they will have to establish manholes for individual houses. Councillor I. Schroeder replied that this item is a high priority for the * * * County. He explained that there had been a meeting with Alberta M. Nesbitt inquired about the extra charges that residents of Lake Transportation in March, where they went over road counts and other Newell Resort were having to pay and why they were being treated information, and paving Highway 525 is not a high priority for the differently because they were a new hamlet. She also asked what province, but that the County would continue lobbying to have this would have happened if they had not become a hamlet. completed. K. Stephenson replied that his understanding was that so many new C. Amulung indicated that, as it is connected with Highway 825, hamlets have been established recently that the province had to cut off the funding. unsuitable for heavy weights. He expressed concerns about paving D. McIntyre explained the criteria for a hamlet used by Alberta bad and usually avoid it.Transportation, which are small lot sizes, the provision for land * * * C. Amulung inquired about the Municipal Sustainability Initiative that designation of hamlet status by Alberta Transportation. He indicated was available and what type of projects would qualify for this funding.that water reservoirs and funding for them were a low priority for the Alberta Municipal Water/Wastewater Partnership and that there was Reeve M. Douglass explained that the Municipal Sustainability a large waiting list for the program, so he encourages municipalities Initiative was funding that was coming to municipalities from the to use other sources of funding that are available. province and could be used for many different projects, as long as M. Nesbitt indicated that Lake Newell Resort currently has a water indicated that the County had decided to make this funding available treatment plant that is in need of upgrades for the community as well to the municipalities based on a per capita rate and they are currently as for the Regional Water System. establishing the guidelines for acceptable projects. C. Amulung asked how a community would access this funding, once and expressed hope for the upgrades. they had determined a project.* * * V. Parker requested an update on the Rolling Hills storm system. Reeve M. Douglass replied that each community would have to M. Douglass replied that a study had been done on the quality of the community. She gave the example of the Hamlet of Patricia, where water in the storm pond and that more tests will be continued through they are in need of a new community hall. 2008. She noted nothing harmful has been found in the pond in the tests so far. Councillor J. Harbinson noted that Councillor W. Daniels had proposed to Council that each division form a committee that would look at V. Parker expressed concerns about this water being released into project proposals, and then make recommendations to Council. As the drainage system. nothing has been formalized, he advised C. Amulung to discuss with Councillor W. Daniels the creation of a committee for Rolling Hills. K. Stephenson indicated that AMEC had completed the water study about a month ago. Testing had been conducted at three different C. Amulung asked if this funding was going to be ongoing from the locations and the levels indicated that water in the pond had no higher province.readings than water already present in the canal system. Tests to date indicate that the water meets irrigation standards. The AMEC Reeve M. Douglass replied that the province has made a commitment study will address all options for current and future releases of the for 10 years, and this would be the third year. storm retention pond. K. Stephenson explained that the Municipal Sustainability Initiative 5. A DJOURN funding was going to be distributed based on population at a rate ofReeve M. Douglass adjourned the meeting at 8:28 p.m. C OUNTY OF N EWELL N O. 4 - 2008 A NNUAL R EPORT Page 7 MUNICIPAL PLANNING COMMISSION CHAIRMANÔS REPORT by Anne Marie Philipsen, Municipal Planning Commission Chairman The Alberta Government encourages more consistent and transparent. The County Regional planning. They want municipalities made some changes to their Land Use to look at the whole region when planning for industry, residential growth, and agriculture. Open houses on the IMDP were held and the In 2008, ORRSC helped the County and public gave their input, and voiced concerns the City of Brooks write an Inter Municipal and also approval. Public participation has Development Plan (IMDP). The IMDP will been an important feature in the planning provide both municipalities with a framework process. for decision making for future development around the City. It was important to identify In 2008, 51 development permits were issued. the growth strategies of the City and to These ranged from garages, gravel pits, and ensure that these strategies were compatible shops to an aircraft hangar, a community The County contracts the Services of the with the development and land uses in the hall, bed and breakfasts and manufactured Oldman River Regional Services Commission County of Newell. While each municipality homes. (ORRSC). ORRSC provides a wide range of is responsible for decisions within their municipal planning services and advice to a boundaries, a Joint Planning Committee will 2008 saw 48 new subdivision applications total of 40 municipalities, towns, and villages provide a recommendation for development within the County of Newell - 1 Industrial, in Southern Alberta. applications in the joint plan area. The IMDP 8 Agricultural (Homestead Separations), provides for orderly and properly controlled 1 Commercial, and 38 Country Residential. The planners at ORRSC help the Municipal development surrounding the City of Brooks Planning Commission (MPC) make informed as well as timely expansion with minimal For all your Planning questions, call decisions, based on the CountyÓs Land Diane Horvath at the Oldman River Use bylaws and their experience with other country residential and other non-agricultural Regional Planning Commission Municipalities. Land use bylaws help regulate development to locations which are the least 1-877-329-1387. For development permits, and control land use and development of land disruptive to the agricultural community. and buildings in the County. These bylaws AGRICULTURAL SERVICE BOARD CHAIRMANÔS REPORT by Allen Eastman, Agricultural Service Board Chairman concern and a constant battle for ASB staff. year along with areas in subdivisions and There are a number of programs in place to hamlets. Over 3500 miles of road were mowed address these issues, including:in 2008. Employment of Weed Inspectors Roadside Spraying (933 miles)Alberta Environmentally Sustainable Spot Spraying (all roads)Agriculture (AESA) River Walk (Red Deer and Bow)The County employs one full-time Rural Special Programs (Private Land)Conservation Technician. This program Major weeds of concern include but are not promotes environmental stewardship through limited to: Downy Brome, Common Burdock, various programs including: Shelterbelt Planting (5 landowners and Scentless Chamomile, and Canada Thistle.11,785 trees) Environmental Farm Plans (49 workbooks Pest Control distributed) The present Agricultural Service Board (ASB) Many programs are implemented by the ASB to Courses (Grazing School 26 participants) deal with pests such as the Richardson Ground Demonstrations (Winter Pea Trial) Squirrel, coyotes, skunks, and racoons. These Extension currently sitting on the board include Allen programs include:SACA Conference (230 producers) Eastman (Chairman and Division 7 Councillor), Coyote Control Incentive Program (CCIP) Wayne Daniels (Division 1), Ike Schroeder (1509 coyotes)Other activities in 2008 included the Rural (Division 2), Anne Marie Philipsen (Division 3), Trap Rentals Ryan Andrews (Division 4), Jack Harbinson Issuance of pest control devices and Family Award, Roadside seeding and various (Division 5), Sheila Evans (Division 6), Brian de productspest and agronomic recommendations. Jong (Division 8), Molly Douglass (Division 9) Ground Squirrel Control (240 litres of 2% and Harold Wutzke (Division 10).Liquid Strychnine sold)I would like to take this opportunity to thank Other pest issues dealt with:the Agricultural Service Board members as The Agricultural Service BoardÓs mission is Grasshopperswell as staff (Todd Green, Patricia Dirk, Robert ÐWorking together we strive to guide viable Fusarium McTavish, Will Schaap, and Holly White), for growth and sustainability in the County of Bacterial Ring Rottheir dedicated service. Newell by implementing programs in areas Clubroot of weed, pest and soil control as well as All are monitored in yearly surveys.The ASB continues to be active in promoting programs focused on sound agronomics and and protecting agriculture. If you have concerns environmental stewardshipÑ West Nile Virus Program or require more information please feel free to One coordinator was hired in 2008 to perform surveillance. Traps were set up around Tilley our website at www.countyofnewell.ab.ca. Board (ASB) undertakes a number of programs and Rolling Hills and were monitored weekly for and services. infected mosquitoes.ASB meetings are held in Council Chambers every other month beginning in January so Weed ControlRoadside Mowing please join us if you have issues or ideas. Weeds or Invasive Species are a serious All local roads are mowed at least once each C OUNTY OF N EWELL N O. 4 - 2008 A NNUAL R EPORT Page 8