HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007 Annual Report
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Reeve's Report for the Year Ending 2007
by Molly Douglass, County of Newell No. 4 Reeve
meetings and functions. In each edition of our Councillor sits on four or five other
newsletter the items of discussion at the twice-committees ranging from Rural Crime Watch
monthly Council Meetings are highlighted in to Disaster Services. There is opportunity for
"Council Notes". Along with Council, there all opinions and information to be heard with
are three other committees with more specific this set-up and for everyone's strengths to be
mandates, but equally as important as Council. utilized. All Councillors and Chairs are
Each Committee Chair has provided a 2007 required to vote when motions are presented, a
fact many are surprised to learn.
summary in this Annual Report.
The Municipal Committee meets at the Being an election year, 2007 brought two new
beginning of each month, to discuss the faces-Ryan Andrews and Brian deJong- along
with a "returnee", Jack Harbinson, to our
business of public works, protective services,
engineering, water and wastewater. The Chair Council table. Our thanks for past public
of our Municipal Committee is Ike Schroeder, service goes to Art Eckert, Mara Nesbitt and
Councillor from the Tilley area. Chris Vermeeren.
Working together with our provincial and
Another committee that meets monthly is the
Municipal Planning Commission, chaired by federal counterparts resulted in road paving,
Once again it is time for the County's Annual
Anne Marie Philipsen, Councillor from the regional water accomplishments, and PFRA
General Meeting and Report. Both provide an
Patricia-Millicent area. This committee undertakings in 2007. At a local level, we
opportunity to better understand the workings of
revised our Land Use Bylaws with the goal of
primarily makes decisions regarding land use,
your local government. As well, the meeting is a
subdivisions, and development permits. a less wieldy process. Many policies were
time to exchange ideas and give feedback, which is
updated. Support of our hamlets, along with
appreciated.
Every second month, the Agricultural Service partnering work with the other municipalities
Board meets with Chair Allan Eastman, within our boundaries, remained a priority. Of
Municipal government takes in a broad range of
Councillor from the Rosemary area, to discuss course, infrastructure improvements and
issues and spreads the responsibilities of decision
a variety of rural topics such as noxious efficiencies always stay a top-level concern.
making among all councillors as a team. As a
weeds, roadside mowing, and pest control.
Councillor I represent the Gem area. As Reeve, I
Council and Staff look forward to a variety of
am responsible for chairing Council Meetings and
accomplishments in 2008. We hope you enjoy
All ten Councillors share the responsibilities
representing the County of Newell at a variety of
of these four "big" committees. As well, each the format of this year's AGM.
County of Newell No. 4 - Annual General Meeting
The County of Newell Annual General Meeting will be held on Thursday, May 8, 2008
at the Heritage Inn in Brooks commencing at 7:00 p.m.
This meeting provides an excellent opportunity to discuss issues and concerns as well as to
hear reports on the 2007 operations of the County. There will also be short presentations
and representatives available to answer any questions you may have on such issues as
regional water, planning, economic development, and infrastructure.
All County residents and ratepayers are welcome to attend.
Council and staff look forward to seeing you on May 8th!
2007 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING MINUTES
The 2006 Annual Meeting of the County of 3. Adoption of Agenda however they have not seen fit to implement
Newell No. 4 was held at the Heritage Inn on the program. At this point the County of
Monday, May 7, 2007 commencing at 7:00 MOVED BY D. ERDMAN that the Agenda be Newell is requiring an address within the
p.m.adopted as presented. MOTION CARRIEDCounty for the person to receive payment
under the program
MEMBERS PRESENT:
4. Approval of Minutes of the 2006 Annual John Pokorney asked about getting provincial
M. Douglass, Reeve
Meeting government involved in control the coyote
W. Daniels
problem.
I. Schroeder
The following changes were made to the 2006
A.M. Philipsen
Annual Meeting minutes:Steve Wylie indicated that the provincial
C. Vermeeren
Page 4 - Sandra Hajash's comment regarding government has been contacted, but it is too
M. Nesbitt
S. Evans
development - insert "and has expanded to much of a political issue to get involved in.
A. Eastman
include two other businesses." after "nothing
A. Eckert
has been finalized".Tom Livingston stated that the coyote control
H. Wutzke
can be taken care of on a local level.
MOVED BY S. HAJASH that the 2006 Annual
STAFF PRESENT: Meeting minutes be adopted as amended. Jack Harbinson stated that he feels the
MOTION CARRIEDprogram is working.
N. Moriyama, Administrator
B. Keith, Assistant Administrator
S. Wylie, Superintendent of Public Works
5. Business from Minutes MOVED BY A. EASTMAN that the Agricultural
T. Green, Assistant Agricultural Fieldman
J. Dell, Assessor
Service Board Chairman's Report be adopted
C. Jakobsen, Administrative Secretary
Sandra Hajash requested that the secondary as presented. MOTION CARRIED
K. Halsted, Assessor
trucking business beside her property be
S. Rodwell, Accounting Supervisor
investigated.
D. Erdman, Economic Development
8. Municipal Committee Chairman's Report
& Tourism Coordinator
R. Roycroft, Development Control Officer
6. Reeve's Report The Municipal Committee Chairman,
30 ratepayers and media were in attendance Councillor Daniels, presented this report.
for the 2007 Annual Meeting of the County of Reeve Douglass presented the Reeve's
Newell No. 4. Report. Jack Harbinson asked when did the
government go back to the 25%/75% payment
The Administrator called the meeting to order Jack Harbinson asked where is the County at for paving of roads.
at 7:00 p.m. and welcomed ratepayers to the regarding the regional water system.
2007 Annual Meeting. Introductions by staff Councillor Daniels stated that the County will
and council at the head tables were then Councillor Daniels advised that all the be paying 25% and the province 75% for the
made. municipalities are in agreement except paving of S.H. 876 and P.R. 130, otherwise the
Duchess, therefore creating a for-profit roads may not have been paved.
1. Election of Chairman company and that the agreement should be in
place within six to eight monthsJohn Pokorney inquired about the dust on the
The Administrator called for nominations for road legally described as SW 15-16-13-W4M.
the position of Chairman. Councillor Philipsen
nominated Lynn Pye-Matheson. There were MOVED BY M. DOUGLASS that the Reeve's Councillor Daniels advised that calcium would
no further nominations.Report be adopted as presented. be put on the road in discussion this year.
MOTION CARRIED
Lynn Pye-Matheson was declared Chairman David Andrews requested that the County look
and assumed the Chair.into the dust control on the road just off of
7. Agricultural Service Board Chairman's Highway 539 to the Bow City Colony Gravel
Report Pit. A letter will be left with the Secretary with
2. Election of Secretary their objection.
The Agricultural Service Board Chairman,
Chairman Lynn Pye-Matheson called for Councillor Eastman, presented this report. Councillor Vermeeren advised that the County
nominations for the position of Secretary. Jack will be contacting the company shortly to try to
Harbinson nominated N. Moriyama. There Jack Harbinson asked about getting adjacent get the agreement finalized, and that it is
were no further nominations.municipalities surrounding the County of written within the development permit that the
Newell to expand/initiate the coyote control applicant must have dust control procedures.
MOVED BY COUNCILLOR VERMEEREN that program in their area.
nominations for the position of Secretary Councillor Daniels advised that there will be a
cease. MOTION CARRIEDSteve Wylie advised that other municipalities Municipal Planning Commission the last
have been contacted, including Wheatland Tuesday of this month and that the
N. Moriyama was declared Secretary.County, M.D. of Taber and Cypress County, agreement is to be completed by
PAGE 2County of Newell No. 4 - 2007 ANNUAL REPORT
2007 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING MINUTES- continued
this time. If the agreement is not signed by Livingston that a copy of the proposed Act can worked on.
then, the County will deal with issuing a stop be forwarded to him.
order.Rudy Peltzer inquired about the increase in the
Councillor Nesbitt indicated that within the Disaster Service budget.
changes the landowners could have the ability
MOVED BY W. DANIELS that the Municipal to negotiate.Councillor Nesbitt advised that the Disaster
Committee Chairman's Report be adopted as Services Committee now has a joint services
presented. MOTION CARRIEDCouncillor Eckert advised that there is no with the City of Brooks, an Emergency
request to open the Act, just to amend it.Operations Center in the County of Newell
Administration office, and after the well blow
9. Assessor's Report Tom Livingston indicated that he appreciates out from last year an emergency trailer has
the County's support on this matter.been ordered.
The County Assessor, John Dell, presented the
Assessor's Report. Dan Wester inquired about the increase in Noel Moriyama advised that the budget also
additional contracted services.included GPS units for the fire trucks that were
MOVED BY J. DELL that the Assessor's not purchased; therefore the money was
Report be adopted as presented. Noel Moriyama advised that the following carried forward.
MOTION CARRIEDitems were contracted throughout the year:
- A grader for the calcium programRob Brown questioned if the County will be
- A Grader Operator for Division 7 providing more funds towards the recreation
10. Open Discussion - Planning and Development with Dillon complex.
Consulting
Chairman Lynn Pye-Matheson opened the Councillor Douglass commented that there has
floor for general discussion.Jim Baksa inquired about spraying on private been no formal discussion on this matter.
property
Jeff Van Wert inquired about the weed Vern Parker questioned if it is possible to hold
inspection done within the County as he feels Todd Green advised that some private the Annual General Meeting a month earlier,
that if the weed inspectors do not have spraying is done, but on a cost recovery basis.so that farmers do not have to leave the field.
jurisdiction or authority to go onto private land
it is a waste of taxpayer's money.Vern Parker inquired about changes to the Noel Moriyama explained that the earliest the
Subdivision Act and process.meeting could be held would be around the
Todd Green advised that because Kochia is third week of April, as the County has to wait
not considered a noxious or nuisance weed Councillor Daniels advised that the Council till the auditors present their report.
under the Weed Control Act there is nothing has not voted on anything regarding Planning
the County can enforce.processes.Councillor Vermeeren commented that the
County has to wait for the auditors.
Councillor Veremeeren indicated that this is an Councillor Vermeeren indicated that there are
ongoing concern and that educating the public issues regarding zoning issues and from that a Councillor Douglass stated that the County
may help the situation.Planning retreat was held to see how planning could look at having the meeting earlier.
and development processes could be
John Pokorney asked if there is anything the streamlined and be more user/ratepayer Noel Moriyama indicated that the meeting
County can do to get the provincial friendly.could be held earlier, however the printout
government involved.would come out after the meeting.
Vern Parker stated that he feels like he is
Steve Wylie advised that a resolution caught in a no win situation as he is Jack Harbinson questioned why the union
regarding Kochia could be drafted and sent to representing an owner who wishes to received a wage increase of up to $10.00, with
the Provincial Agricultural Service Board.subdivide.no negotiations.
Dan Wester cautioned the County getting the Councillor Schroeder advised that if Mr. Parker Councillor Douglass advised that because of
provincial government involved.wishes to get the subdivision completed to staffing problems in the Public Works
continue on with the application.Department last summer there were some
Randy Berkeley inquired about the wastewater increases to keep the staff and not to lose
issue in Rolling HillsDan Wester commented that he would like to them to the private industry.
thank the Council for the direction they have
Vern Parker asked if the County was to taken in providing services to the county.Noel Moriyama advised that through the
suppose to have a program in place by May collective agreement signed in January some
1st.Rob Brown asked if the County looked at classifications did see an increase of up to
lowering the mill rates due to the assessment $10.00.
Councillor Daniels advised that by May 1st increase.
there is suppose to be a plan regarding Councillor Vermeeren indicated that there were
emptying the lagoon in place.Councillor Douglass stated that the County has three council members present at the
not looked at this.negotiations.
Steve Wylie advised that Gil Dufresne has
contacted the Eastern Irrigation District who Councillor Nesbitt advised that the surplus is John Hartley asked with the increase in wage
has agreed to flush the canal and test the being put towards different things for the near rates will the ratepayers be seeing more work
water, and that Gil is working with Alberta future.production
Environment.
Councillor Eckert stated that the County of Councillor Schroeder advised that the Council
Randy Berkeley stated that Council needs to Newell mill rates are low compared to other expects a lot of work from the employees, but
look at the immediate clean up of the situation.municipalities within the province.are still short on Heavy Equipment Operators.
Tom Livingston inquired about the Surface Charlie Charlton inquired about condition of
Rights Act, in particular opening up the act and the Bow Slope Road.11. Adjourn
the removal of the pattern of dealings.
Councillor Eckert commented that he agreed MOVED BY J. VAN WERT that the meeting
Councillor Douglass advised Mr.with Mr. Charlton that the road needs to be adjourn at 8:41 p.m. MOTION CARRIED
County of Newell No. 4 - 2007 ANNUAL REPORTPAGE 3
2007FINANCIALSTATEMENTS
AUDITOR'S REPORT GOES HERE
2007 ALLOCATION OF
2007 PROPERTY TAXES
Municipal
PROPERTY TAXES
63.87%
Linear PropertyCommercial
Newell Foundation
69.04%Industrial / Railway
1.28%
19.50%
Residential
8.54%
Christ the Redeemer S.D.#3
0.55%
Alberta School Foundation
Farmland
34.30%
2.92%
PAGE4County of Newell No. 4 - 2007 ANNUAL REPORT
2007 MUNICIPAL EXPENSES
2007 MUNICIPAL REVENUE
Public Works
NOTE: Includes Operating Fund & Capital
NOTE:Includes Both Operating Fund &
60.00%
FundExpenses, Net Transfer To Reserves
Capital Fund Revenue
& Repayment of Capital Long Term Debt.
Administration
0.39%
General
Operating Contingency
8.01%MPC/ASB/Subdiv/Eco.Dev
Public Works/Bylaw
7.69%
4.78%
24.80%
Fire/Rec/Library/Parks/FCSS
Property Taxes
MPC/ASB/Subdiv/Eco.Dev
3.31%
59.47%
1.70%
Ambulance/Disaster/Corp.
Safety
0.49%
Operating Contingency
2.99%
Water/Sewer/Garbage
Administration
1.10%
8.90%
Disaster /Corp. Safety
Water/Sewer/Garbage
Fire/Rec/Library/Parks
0.17%
14.83%
1.37%
County of Newell No. 4 - 2007 ANNUAL REPORTPAGE5
PAGE 6County of Newell No. 4 - 2007 ANNUAL REPORT
PICTURE
OF
COUNCIL
Council of the County of Newell No. 4
2007
Front Row: Sheila Evans (Div. 6), Reeve Molly Douglass (Div. 9),
Anne Marie Philipsen (Div. 3)
Back Row: Jack Harbinson (Div. 5), Allen Eastman (Div. 7),
Ryan Andrews (Div. 4), Deputy Reeve Ike Schroeder (Div. 2),
Harold Wutzke (Div. 10), Wayne Daniels (Div. 1),
Brian de Jong (Div. 8)
Municipal Planning Commission Chairman's Report for 2007
by Anne Marie Philipsen, Municipal Planning Commission Chairman
The planners at ORRSC help MPC make 2007 saw 38 new subdivision applications
informed decisions, based on the County's within the County of Newell - 1 industrial,
PICTURE
Land use bylaws and on their experience 10 Agricultural and 169 Country
with other Municipalities. Land use bylaws Residential. Out of the 169, there are 84
OF
help regulate and control land use and at Lake Newell Resort and 38 at Westland
development of land and buildings in the Acres.
ANNE MARIE
County and these by laws were fine-tuned
in 2007 to make the process more Just for comparison, the County of Taber
PHILIPSEN
consistent and transparent. The County saw 59 subdivision applications, with 64
made some changes to their Land Use Country Residential and the County of
districts to reflect the request of taxpayers.Cardston had 57 subdivision applications
with 92 Country Residential.
The Alberta Government encourages
Regional planning. To look at the whole For all your Planning questions you can
region when planning for industry, call Diane Horvath at the Oldman River
In 2007 the County decided to contract the
residential growth and agriculture. The Regional Planning Commission 1-877-
Services of the Oldman River Regional
County is working closely with the City of 329-1387.
Services Commission (ORRSC). ORRSC
Brooks on an Intermunicipal Development
provides a wide range of municipal
Plan. This plan will outline the procedures For development permits you can call
planning services and advice to a total of
for future subdivisions and developments Alyce Wickert , Development Officer at the
34 municipalities, towns, and villages in
around the City of Brooks.County office 362-3266.
Southern Alberta.
County of Newell No. 4 - 2007 ANNUAL REPORTPAGE 7
Agricultural Service Board Chairman's Report for 2007
Roadside Mowing
by Allen Eastman, Agricultural Service Board Chairman
All local roads are mowed at least once each
year along with areas in subdivisions and
Weed Control
hamlets. Over 2500 miles of road were
Weeds or Invasive Species are a serious
mowed in 2007.
concern and a constant battle for ASB staff.
PICTURE
There are a number of programs in place to
Alberta Environmentally Sustainable
address these issues including:
Agriculture (AESA)
OF
The County employs one full-time Rural
Employment of Weed Inspectors, Roadside
Conservation Technician. This program
Spraying (933 miles), Spot Spraying (all roads)promotes environmental stewardship through
ALLEN
various programs including:
River Walk (Red Deer and Bow), Special
Programs (Private Land)
Trees (7 landowners and 10315 trees)
EASTMAN
Environmental Farm Plans (38 completed)
Major weeds of concern include but are not
Courses (Grazing School 39 participants)
limited to: Downy Brome, Burdock, Milkweed,
Demonstrations (Millet swath grazing trial)
Toadflax, Scentless Chamomile and Canada
Extension
Thistle.
SACA Conference (195 producers)
The present Agricultural Service Board (ASB) Pest Control
Other activities in 2007 included the Rural
is comprised of ten elected members and five Many programs are implemented by the ASB to
Beatification Program, Calgary Stampede
staff representatives. The ten elected officials deal with pests such as the Richardson Ground
Farm Family Award, Roadside seeding and
currently sitting on the board include Allan Squirrel, Coyotes, Skunks and Racoons. These
various pest and agronomic
Eastman (Chairman and Division 7 programs include:
recommendations.
Councillor), Wayne Daniels (Division 1), Ike
Schroeder (Division 2), Anne Marie Philipsen Coyote Control Incentive Program (CCIP) (1720
I would like to take this opportunity to thank
(Division 3), Ryan Andrews (Division 4), Jack coyotes), Trap Rentals, Issuance of pest control
the Agricultural Service Board members as
Harbinson (Division 5), Sheila Evans (Division devices and products, Ground Squirrel Control
well as staff (Steve Wylie, Robert McTavish,
6), Brian deJong (Division 8), Molly Douglas (900 kg of ready to use wet strychnine).
Will Schaap, Todd Green and Holly White), for
(Division 9) and Harold Wutzke (Division 10).
their dedicated service.
Other pest issues dealt with include
The Agricultural Service Board's mission is to grasshoppers, Fusarium, Bacterial Ring Rot, and
The ASB continues to be active in promoting
provide and administer agricultural programs Clubroot. All are monitored in yearly surveys.
and protecting agriculture. If you have
and services to the agricultural community to
concerns or require more information please
encourage sustainable farming practices West Nile Virus Program
feel free to contact the ASB office at 362-2772
within the municipality. In fulfilling this mission, One coordinator was hired in 2007 to perform
or check out our website at
the Agricultural Service Board (ASB) surveillance. Traps were set up around Tilley
www.countyofnewell.ab.ca. ASB meetings are
undertakes a number of programs and and Rolling Hills and were monitored weekly for
held in Council Chambers every other month
services. infected mosquitoes.
beginning in January so please join us if you
have issues or ideas.
Municipal Committee Chairman's Report for 2007
by Ike Schroeder, Municipal Committee Chairman
2007 was another busy year in the Public Policy; the Hamlet Services Policy;
PICTURE
Works Department. Most of the initiatives theConstruction on Road Allowance Policy
identified by Council were completed.and the Road Maintenance Policy.
OF
Paving projects completed in 2007 were the Studies that were undertaken in 2007 included
Smith Trucking Road/Range Road 14-2; the a master drainage plan for Patricia and
IKE
GemAccessRoad(RangeRoad16-4)andScandia;theLakeNewellResortwater
the North Bassano Access Road (Township treatment plant assessment; the Hamlet
SCHROEDER
Road 18-5). Paving projects completed in wastewater treatment assessment and the
2007 that the County partnered with the Rolling Hills storm water master drainage plan.
Province of Alberta on a 25/75 cost sharing
basis included the PR130 and SH 876.The Municipal Committee has updated the
County 10 year paving program and approved
Also, the 2007 gravelling program was the 2008 road work plan which identifies the
completed as well as the majority of the gravelling program , the drainage projects, the
drainage and construction projects. Projects construction projects, the calcium program
is anticipated the Hamlets of Lake Newell
not completed in 2007 will be carried forward and carry forward drainage and construction
Resort, Scandia, Rainier, Rolling Hills and
to 2008.projects not completed in 2007.
Patricia will have potable water service by the
spring of 2010. As well work continues on a
In 2007 the County changed the process for The Regional Water project continues. The
Unanimous Shareholders Agreement,
applying calcium and from comments received estimated total project cost is $63m and it is
Corporation bylaws and finalizing the
from the ratepayers this was very successful anticipated Province of Alberta grants will total
incorporation documents for the Newell
and we will continue this process in 2008.$51.6m with the remainder of the costs to be
Regional Services Corporation.
paid for by the member municipalities. We
The Municipal Committee approved a number have been approved for a $37m grant for
I would like to take this opportunity to thank
of policies in 2007 such as the Calcium Î Cost Phases I and II of the Regional Water
the Municipal Committee members as well as
Sharing Program for Haul Roads; the Calcium initiative. Currently we are finalizing the route
Public Works staff for their continued
Î Spot Calcium Cost Sharing Program; the for potable water lines and the design of the
dedicated service.
Kinbrook Island Park Road Maintenance water treatment plant in the City of Brooks. It
PAGE 8County of Newell No. 4 - 2007 ANNUAL REPORT