Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011 Annual Report - newspaper version�2 o C Y 0 F -NEWEL ,- ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING � i Y 24, 2O1Z 7:00 P.M. .ter• ``: A- PAGE 2 REEVE'S REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDING 2011 by Molly Douglass, County of Newell Reeve The Municipal Government Act (MGA) requires all municipalities to provide a summary of their financial statements, along with the auditor's report, to the public each year. That information is provided in this publication. As well, there are summaries from three departments - agricultural services, municipal planning and public works. These are areas of local government responsibility mandated within the MGA and indicate the rather broad and varied scope of Council's decision making. Reading these department updates will hopefully assist in your understanding of the work of your local County of Newell government. Currently the County of Newell is engaged in a variety of infrastructure undertakings, both above and below ground. Although the costs associated with infrastructure development and ongoing maintenance are huge, the benefits are equally as huge and necessary to ensure desirable rural communities and economic growth into the future. That is why wastewater treatment, regional potable water, roads, drainage, and community facilities are high on our Council agenda. Our Council has taken a leadership position with its regional approach to development and growth within our boundaries to include the five stand alone municipalities - Bassano, Brooks, Duchess, Rosemary and Tilley. We believe that our communities must have appealing amenities such as arenas, halls, pools, paths, parks, and sports/ camping areas, as well as schools, hospitals, and seniors' facilities where possible, to provide for growth and sustainability. The values of the "rural way of life" need to be promoted to attract and retain people. To this end, Council has continued financial support to these communities. Along with its wealth of tourism sites, the diversity of its agricultural business, and the extent of its energy industry, our region is positioned well to move forward. Although we are not mandated to have an annual meeting, all of us on Council believe it is an important function that allows for concerns and comments (or perhaps even the occasional compliment...) to be expressed. This year we decided to host "in the County." Please join us in Scandia at the Hall on May 24, 2012 at 7:00 p.m. Come early and have a look at the work being completed on the lagoon expansion and lift station replacement - truly exciting in our municipal world! MUNICIPAL PLANNING COMMISSION CHAIRMAN'S REPORT by Anne Marie Philipsen, Municipal Planning Commission Chairman The Municipal Planning Commission (MPC) of the County of Newell is a decision making body consisting of the full elected county Council that reviews discretionary development and subdivision applications within the regulations of the County's Land Use Bylaw. The Commission meets before every Council meeting and acts as the approval authority for all outstanding applications. The meetings are open to the public, just like Council meetings, and people are welcome to listen to the decision making process. If members of the public want to voice concerns during the review of a particular application, they may request to be added to the meeting agenda. The County of Newell contracts the services of the Oldman River Regional Services Commission (ORRSC) for their planning needs. ORRSC provides a wide range of municipal planning services to a total of 40 municipalities, towns, and villages in Southern Alberta. Planners at ORRSC help the County of Newell's Municipal Planning Commission (MPC) make informed decisions based on the County's Land Use bylaw Land Use bylaws help regulate and control the use and development of land and buildings in the County of Newell. In 2011, a "Land Use Bylaw Review Committee" reviewed the bylaws in place at the time and suggested possible changes to council. An open house to review the proposed changes was scheduled forApril 2012. As development within the county changes, the Land Use Bylaws need to be fine- tuned to keep the planning and development process consistent, transparent and appropriate to the time. In 2011 the Municipal Planning Commission saw the creation of 30 new lots in the County, fewer than the 54 that were created in 2010. The MPC also dealt with applications for "permitted uses" including new houses, additions, garages, decks, development permits for a work camp, advertising signs, additions to an existing shop, home occupation permits for a horse riding school, equipment broker and hotshot delivery service, just to name a few. Overall, the number of development permits also went down in 2011. Several staff members assist the Municipal Planning Commission to facilitate land use in the County of Newell. The Manager of Planning and Development, Alyce Wickert, and the Development Clerk, Darby Lester, can be contacted with questions about development permits and subdivisions within the County of Newell. They can also assist people in addressing site suitability, necessary zoning, and Private Sewage Disposal System (PSDS) permits. As planning and development go hand in hand with economic development, the Manager of Planning and Development works closely with the County's Economic Development & Tourism Coordinator, Michelle Gietz. The Economic Development & Tourism Coordinator helps with business retention and expansion, not only in the County, but also in the City of Brooks and the smaller municipalities within the region. The County delivers a newsletter to your mailbox every two months in the Brooks & County Chronicle with lots of information on both the planning and economic development functions. VAINE r�-_k .ki_.i - ' • SUMMARIZED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF THE COUNTY OF NEWELL For the Year Ending December 31, 2011 COUNTY OF NEWELL Consolidated Statement of Financial Activities Year ended December 31, 2011, with comparative figures for 2010 Expenditures by object: Budget 2011 2010 (Unaudited) (Restated Salaries, wages and benefits $ 6,616,165 $ 6,063,168 -note 2) Revenues 4,675,013 6,532,596 3,354,805 Net municipal property taxes (note 13) $ 25,352,870 $ 25,337,414 $ 25,357,073 Special levies 783,825 685,797 784,728 User fees and sale of goods 611,980 828,787 798,453 Government transfers (note 14) 974,890 1,198,557 1,601,670 Penalties and cost of taxes 100,500 167,589 138,669 Investment income 713,185 1,371,013 1,180,134 Licenses and permits 81,000 70,292 30,700 Other revenue 383,730 271,655 114,928 Gain (loss) on disposal of tangible capital assets 3,441,900 130,537 91,464 32,443,880 30,061,642 30,097,819 Expenses (note 15) Legislative 459,500 456,142 438,302 Administration 2,909,895 2,303,142 2,046,183 General 803,438 827,195 854,291 Corporate safety services 269,600 236,523 238,257 Fire and by-law enforcement 978,328 881,245 1,032,879 Disaster and emergency services 169,900 133,965 180,571 Roads, streets, walks and lighting 12,106,050 12,581,127 8,628,420 Airport 39,000 112,297 90,641 Water and waste water 3,301,287 2,906,261 6,612,354 Waste management 315,000 255,619 249,413 Family and community support 43,000 41,668 43,949 Municipal planning 396,700 260,789 224,308 Community and agricultural services 1,488,145 1,048,306 1,140,078 Subdivision land and development 209,040 174,056 171,491 Recreation and parks 733,214 731,661 733,752 Culture and library 142,650 139,473 138,125 Other - 37,454 76,245 24,364,747 23,126,925 22,899,259 Excess of revenues over expenses before the undernoted 8,079,133 6,934,717 7,198,560 Other Contributed assets - 106,193 1,667,917 Government transfers (note 14) 17,190,807 17,648,743 13,323,847 Excess of revenues over expenses 25,269,940 24,689,653 22,190,324 Accumulated surplus, beginning of year 152,792,589 152,792,589 130,602,265 Accumulated surplus, end of year $178,204,849 $177,482,242 $152,792,589 Expenditures by object: The accompanying summarized financial information represents only excerpts derived from the audited financial statement of the County of Newell as at December 31, 2011. Those individuals interested in the County's financial position, results of operations and cash flows are encouraged to read the complete financial statements. Copies of the audited financial statements are available upon request or by visiting the County of Newell's website at www.countyofnewell.ab.ca. Fire/Bylaw/Disaster 2011 Municipal Expenses Services/Corp Safety Rec/Library/FCSS� 5% 4% Water/Sev gF 14 MPC/ASB/! o.Dev./N 64 Airport Legislative/General 1% \ 6% _Administration Fre/Bylaw/Disaster Se ,m /CocpS-"ty 2011 Municipal Revenue 154% Rec/L,b,.7/FOSS Oir at gContingency r/Sewer/6arbagel 073% I 150% 1602% \ MPC/ASB/Su bd iv/Em Nv / Minibus 1 zl% PubLc Works/Shop 629% Ad -,q -,on 0 18% Legs. rive/Gen 1 1954% Works/Shop 54% rty T.x !99% -_ PAGE 3 Budget 2011 2010 (Unaudited) Salaries, wages and benefits $ 6,616,165 $ 6,063,168 $ 5,731,502 Contracted and general services 4,675,013 6,532,596 3,354,805 Materials, goods, supplies and utilities 3,224,569 2,401,879 1,935,961 Transfers to organizations 4,468,740 4,039,138 8,150,298 Bank charges and short-term interest 600 508 497 Interest on long-term debt 335,660 325,913 357,911 Other expenditures 89,200 225,295 38,960 Amortization 4,954,800 3,538,428 IM329,325 $ 24,364,747 $ 23,126,925 =2,899,259 The accompanying summarized financial information represents only excerpts derived from the audited financial statement of the County of Newell as at December 31, 2011. Those individuals interested in the County's financial position, results of operations and cash flows are encouraged to read the complete financial statements. Copies of the audited financial statements are available upon request or by visiting the County of Newell's website at www.countyofnewell.ab.ca. Fire/Bylaw/Disaster 2011 Municipal Expenses Services/Corp Safety Rec/Library/FCSS� 5% 4% Water/Sev gF 14 MPC/ASB/! o.Dev./N 64 Airport Legislative/General 1% \ 6% _Administration Fre/Bylaw/Disaster Se ,m /CocpS-"ty 2011 Municipal Revenue 154% Rec/L,b,.7/FOSS Oir at gContingency r/Sewer/6arbagel 073% I 150% 1602% \ MPC/ASB/Su bd iv/Em Nv / Minibus 1 zl% PubLc Works/Shop 629% Ad -,q -,on 0 18% Legs. rive/Gen 1 1954% Works/Shop 54% rty T.x !99% -_ PAGE 3 SUMMARIZED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF THE COUNTY OF NEWELL For the Year Ending December 31, 2011 Net municipal property taxes: Salary and benefits disclosure: Disclosure of salaries and benefits for elected municipal officials and the chief administrative officer as required by provincial regulation is as follows Budget 2011 2010 2010 (Unaudited) Benefits & Taxation Salary (1) Real property taxes $ 12,395,385 $12,602,000 $ 12,393,753 Linear property taxes 25,228,094 24,927,486 25,228,093 Government grants in place of property $ 6,000 $ - $ 6,000 taxes 286,565 269,162 284,764 33,192 37,910,044 37,798,648 37,906,610 Requisitions 34,291 29,357 Municipa Division 3 Alberta School Foundation Fund 11,950,160 11,830,795 11,942,524 Newell Foundation 607,014 630,439 607,013 23,091 12, 557,174 12, 461, 234 12, 549, 537 35,552 27,563 Division 6 Linear Prop Net municipal property taxes $ 25,352,870 $ 25,337,414 $ 25,357,073 65.95% Salary and benefits disclosure: Disclosure of salaries and benefits for elected municipal officials and the chief administrative officer as required by provincial regulation is as follows Chief Administrative Officer $ 188,200 $ 38,111 $ 226,311 $ 197,004 1) Salary includes regular base pay, bonuses, overtime, lump sum payments, gross honoraria and any other direct cash remuneration 2) Benefits and allowances include the employer's share of all employee benefits and contributions or payments made on behalf of employees including pension, health care, dental coverage, vision coverage, group life insurance, accidental disability and dismemberment insurance, long and short-term disability plans, professional memberships and tuition Benefits and allowances figures also include the employer's share of the costs of additional taxable benefits including special leave with pay, financial planning services, retirement planning services, concessionary loans, travel allowances, car allowances, and club memberships, if applicable PAGE 4 IM -0 -0 2011 Property Taxes Comm/Rail �I�ndustrial /Railway 2011 Allocation of Property Tax Christ the Redeemer S.D. #3- nnR Alberta School Foundation 30.82% d =well Foundation 1.67% ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING AGENDA May 24, 2012 beginning at 7:00 p.m. Location: Scandia Community Hall 1. Welcome & Introductions 2. Approval of the Minutes of the 2010 Annual General Meeting 3. Presentations • Financial Report • County of Newell Water Project • Rural Road Study • Oldman River Regional Services Commission 4. Round Table Discussions 5. Question & Answer Period 2011 2010 Benefits & Salary (1) Allowances (2) Total Total Council Reeve $ 6,000 $ - $ 6,000 $ 6,000 Division 1 27,695 5,497 33,192 31,267 Division 2 33,683 608 34,291 29,357 Municipa Division 3 34,828 5,741 40,569 39,241 67.03% Division 4 21,856 1,080 22,936 23,091 Division 5 22,448 1,104 35,552 27,563 Division 6 25,888 4,700 30,588 27,894 Division 7 28,577 5,485 34,062 28,967 Division 8 31,337 1,466 32,803 28,118 Division 9 37,295 2,010 39,305 36,608 Division 10 29,238 5,513 34,751 31,627 $ 298,845 $ 33,204 $ 344,049 $ 309,733 Chief Administrative Officer $ 188,200 $ 38,111 $ 226,311 $ 197,004 1) Salary includes regular base pay, bonuses, overtime, lump sum payments, gross honoraria and any other direct cash remuneration 2) Benefits and allowances include the employer's share of all employee benefits and contributions or payments made on behalf of employees including pension, health care, dental coverage, vision coverage, group life insurance, accidental disability and dismemberment insurance, long and short-term disability plans, professional memberships and tuition Benefits and allowances figures also include the employer's share of the costs of additional taxable benefits including special leave with pay, financial planning services, retirement planning services, concessionary loans, travel allowances, car allowances, and club memberships, if applicable PAGE 4 IM -0 -0 2011 Property Taxes Comm/Rail �I�ndustrial /Railway 2011 Allocation of Property Tax Christ the Redeemer S.D. #3- nnR Alberta School Foundation 30.82% d =well Foundation 1.67% ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING AGENDA May 24, 2012 beginning at 7:00 p.m. Location: Scandia Community Hall 1. Welcome & Introductions 2. Approval of the Minutes of the 2010 Annual General Meeting 3. Presentations • Financial Report • County of Newell Water Project • Rural Road Study • Oldman River Regional Services Commission 4. Round Table Discussions 5. Question & Answer Period PUBLI 2011 has come and gone, and its events will not be soon forgotten. Significant snowfall and the resources and equipment required to maintain roads pushed operators to their limits. The spring thaw was expected, but nothing we could have prepared for, given the circumstances. Flooding of numerous areas throughout the region, as well as in many neighbouring municipalities resulted, even though efforts to clear drains and thaw culverts were coordinated in advance to reduce the impact. A few families were evacuated as the water rose to points threatening their homes. Approximately 72 hours after the thaw began, runoff subsided. The real work was about to begin. Damaged infrastructure required the efforts of all. Contractors were retained to assist County crews in restoration of infrastructure and restoration costs exceeded $275,000.00. Fortunately, spring, summer, and fall treated us rather well, permitting the completion of annual programs and scheduled projects. Rural Water Distribution Project Upon realizing completion of the majority of the Regional Water Pipeline the we are excited to be moving forward with delivery of potable water to rural residents. MPE Engineering has been instrumental in project design and is overseeing project delivery. The project officially broke ground December 1st, 2011 in Division 8 (Duchess Area). At year end approximately 20 Km of pipe were installed, with the remaining to be completed prior to 2012 spring seeding. A contract was also awarded for Division 1 and work commenced there with project completion expected by the end of 2012. The budget for the Rural Water Distribution Project is $53,812,000.00 and is scheduled for completion by the end of 2014. Regional Water Pipeline Project The County of Newell, Town of Bassano, and Village of Duchess were approved for the extension of the Regional Water Pipeline to Bassano and Duchess under the Water for Life Strategy. The budget for this final component of the Regional Water Pipeline is $7,594,000.00 with provincial grant funding approved in the amount of 90% of eligible costs up to $6,834,600.00. The tender was awarded to Brooks Asphalt & Aggregate Ltd. for $3,651,370.00 plus GST for Schedule 'A' Rosemary to Bassano and included $265,370.00 plus GST for Schedule 'B'to the Village of Duchess. Wastewater Treatment - Lift Stations and Treatment Facilities On the flip side of water we have wastewater collection and treatment, in each of Lake Newell Resort, Patricia, Rolling Hills, and Scandia. Lake Newell Resort planned improvements are to reduce and prevent future corrosion of interior lift station components, by installing dehumidifying components and heat for an estimated $63,000.00. Patricia requires expansion of the lagoon to include a second cell for treatment with project costs budgeted at $1,233,006.00. Lands are currently being negotiated for this expansion. In Scandia, the expansion from a single cell lagoon to two cell treatment including replacement of the lift station remains a work in progress with expected commissioning in spring of 2012. Project completion costs are to be within the budget of $1,935,000.00. The Rolling Hills Lift Station, a deteriorated concrete structure, is currently under replacement and is also slated for commissioning spring 2012. This project was budgeted at $1,474,000.00. Hamlets are also under investigation by way of studying underground infrastructure, drainage networks, and roadways. These studies are being performed to confirm collection and distribution piped networks, pipe material and condition, restrictions within the existing system as well as capacity for future expansion. These studies will serve as a master plan for which infrastructures are scheduled for maintenance, upgrading, and growth improvement purposes. EID/County Partnership on Drainage The County and Eastern Irrigation District Partnership on Drainage kicked off the summer of 2011. This was the first year of work under the 3 -year partnership. Cassils was the area of focus and efforts to improve main drains and receiving basins was priority. Upon completion, nearly 13 Km's of roadside ditches were rehabilitated and connected to the main drains at a cost of nearly $1,000,000.00 as budgeted. This Partnership is a new approach and the best approach to ensure that problem areas are rectified. The planning and coordination of activities and work require acknowledgement to the EID who have been instrumental in seeing this work through. We look forward to this continuing Partnership in the years to come. Residential Dust Abatement Program (Calcium) The County offers a dust abatement program annually. This program is completed on a cost shared basis, to control dust generated on rural gravel roadways at residential locations. This program is completed utilizing County resources including two graders, one water truck, and necessary equipment to pack the finished surface, including staff, one contract truck and operator to spread the calcium. 2011 saw the placement of 60 Km's of calcium dust suppressing agent at 230 residential locations at a cost of $3.80 per linear meter, however, County policy provides a subsidy for this service with applicants being required to pay just $1.10 per linear meter, plus GST. Non -Residential Dust Abatement Program (Calcium) The County provides dust abatement services for Non - Residential purposes. The costs associated with this work are 100% cost recovery, at $3.80 per linear meter, plus GST. Road Maintenance - Gravel This involves approximately 1500 Km's of gravel road. There are three primary components of Gravel Road Maintenance. They are: Grader Maintenance (Summer Blading and Winter Plowing); Gravel Road Rehabilitation (reconstruction); and Road Gravelling. A priority is placed on maintenance of gravelled roads as this is the backbone for transporting goods from the distant areas within the County to markets. Gravel road rehabilitation/reconstruction is under review, through a detailed study of all gravel surfaced roads. Genivar Engineering was commissioned to undertake the updating of the 2001 Gravel Road Study. Going forward, this document will provide an unbiased ranking of every gravel road segment in the County based on a predefined criteria. The study will serve as a basis for making future decisions on gravel road reconstruction and ensure that we are proceeding in an economically responsible manner. In 2011 nearly 354 Km's of road gravelling was completed at an average cost of $2274.00 per kilometre. These costs include, but are not limited to, the crushing, equipment, labour, and transporting costs. Road Maintenance - Paved Paved roads add another 190 Km's to the inventory of roads. All County paved roads are constructed to a non -banned standard, as determined by Council to promote efficient, effective means of travel for ratepayers, visitors, agriculture, and industry. In 2011 the inventory increased by nearly 14 Km's, and included the overlay of 1.6 Km's of paved road. Improvements to 8.5 Km's of the road to Lake Newell Resort were completed as well as 4.8 Km's completed on T21-2 from R14-4 to Hwy 876. A late start in the year did not permit completion. Other maintenance functions include snow and ice control completed by our fleet of five heavy trucks (used for road gravelling programs then equipped with plows and sanders for winter operations) plus ten staff members. In order to meet winter maintenance demands, the compliment of ten staff members permit split shifting, where necessary, to keep these trucks on the road for extended hours. 2011 Paved Road Capital Program Upgrading of gravelled road surfaces to non -banned paved surfaces is completed through collection of a special tax levy. Council has committed to the paving of roadways as identified in the Paving Plan in effort to provide paved connector routes throughout the County. This included the recent paving of 11 Km's of R15-5 (South Finnegan Access) from Hwy 556 north to Hwy 862 and Hwy 862 for 4.8 Km's from R15-5 west to R16-2. That project was completed under an agreement with Alberta Transportation to provide a non -banned roadway as an alternative route connecting the north divisions to Wheatland County and areas west, such as Calgary. The tender was awarded and construction started on 15 Km's of T21-2 from R14-4 north of Duchess east to Hwy 876 north of Patricia. Completion is expected mid July 2012. The department continues to negotiate with landowners to see the paving of R15-5 from Hwy 1 to Hwy 550 completed in the 2012 construction year. The Truck Route land acquisitions remain in progress with all required lands to be acquired before 2012 year end. CPO Enforcement Officers In September 2011 the County of Newell ended the Shared Servicing Agreement for Enforcement Services with the City of Brooks. Since that time two officers have been retained to oversee the enforcement needs of the County, the Eastern Irrigation District, Town of Bassano, and Villages of Duchess, Rosemary, and Tilley. The primary objective of our Enforcement Services Department is to focus on educating motorists and protect County infrastructure. Other Projects in 2012 The department continues with the replacement of two graders annually (5 year replacement program), with a recent tender awarded to Brandt Tractor for two 870 GP John Deere graders valued at $636,000. One new gravel/plow truck with combination box was budgeted for and the tender awarded to Prairie Hydraulics for $244,911.00. This was an identical unit to the 2011 acquisition. The Public Works team will be reviewing currently owned Aggregate Resources and expected useful life as well, as the investigation and potential securement of future additional gravel reserves. Adetailed inventory and condition assessment of road signs and culverts is underway and will serve as a planning tool for future replacement/budgeting and be a management tool for regular maintenance and inspection needs. A multi-year plan for drainage improvements for areas not covered by the Partnership with the EID will be developed. Department staff also worked at the new County Office and Shop facility preparing the yard site in advance of our move to the new location. I express my thanks to a very supportive team, including contractors who made the difference in 2011 restoring our infrastructure and completing annual programs. Thanks must be extended to the other supporting departments of the County of Newell, as well as the leadership of the CAO and Council. Respectfully Submitted, Mark Harbicht Superintendent of Public Works PAGE 5 2010 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING MINUTES The 2010 Annual Meeting of the County of Newell No. 4 was held at the Heritage Inn on Thursday, May 19, 2011 commencing at 7:09 p.m MEMBERS PRESENT: STAFF PRESENT: OTHERS PRESENT: M Douglass, Reeve K Stephenson, Chief Administrative Officer R Havinga, Newell Regional Services Corp C Amulung M Harbicht, Superintendent of Public Works P Brouwer, MPE Engineering Ltd I Schroeder T Schroeder, Assistant Superintendent of Public Works R Juska, NRSWMA A M Philipsen T Green, Agricultural Fieldman E Wilson, Eastern Irrigation District M Nesbitt S Christensen, Corporate Safety Services Supervisor D Shanks, Newell Recycling J Bulger R Nesbitt, Corporate Safety Services Officer A Eastman A Wickert, Development Control Officer MEDIA PRESENT: B de Jong D Horvath, County Planner - ORRSC S Stanway, Brooks Bulletin L Juss D Crapo, Information Technologist C Lindsay, Brooks & County Chronicle A Nielsen, Executive Assistant M Fitzgerald, The One R Berkeley, Grader Operator (Div 1) J Petrie, The One N Berg, Grader Operator (Div 9) 20 ratepayers were in attendance for the 2010 Annual Meeting of the County of Newell No 4 Reeve M Douglass called the meeting to order at 7 09 p m 1. Welcome & Introductions The Reeve welcomed everyone to the meeting and introduced the Councillors seated at each of the tables 2. Approval of the Minutes of the 2009 Annual Meeting MOVED BY S. EVANS that the 2009 Annual Meeting minutes be adopted as presented MOTION CARRIED 3. Presentation of 2010 Year End Audited Financial Statements The Chief Administrative Officer presented the 2010 Year End Audited Financial Statements and gave an overview of the mayor changes to assets, liabilities, and accumulated surplus Tangible Capital Assets have increased by $27 million and the accumulated depreciation is $39 million Reserves have decreased by $5 million due to these funds being allocated to capital projects For detailed information on revenues and expenditures, he directed ratepayers to view the graphs provided in the Annual Report document He displayed an overview of expenditures by object, indicating that general contract services and transfers to organizations are down The Chief Administrative Officer displayed the County's assessment and mill rate compared against other Alberta municipalities, indicating that the County's mill rate is lower than average for farmland and higher than average for linear He presented an overview of the 2011 Capital & Operating Budget, which was approved in December The County of Newell will continue to focus on creating partnerships with neighboring municipalities and working together on projects of mutual benefit He presented updates on current projects, including the paving plan, Regional Water, wastewater upgrades in Scandia, Rolling Hills, and Patricia, and the drainage partnership with the Eastern Irrigation District He gave a brief progress report on the new County of Newell facilities, which is anticipated to be complete by March 2012 The County of Newell Water Project (CNWP), formerly known as the Rural Potable Water Distribution System, will begin in Division 8 in 2011 4. Presentations a. Eastern Irrigation District E Wilson provided background information on who is responsible for drainage in the County of Newell Both parties have the jurisdiction to make improvements to natural drainage, but there is no obligation to provide drainage for every parcel In most cases, the drainage systems alongside roads and in farmland are connected in some way In the fall of 2010, County Council and the EID agreed to the creation of a three-year point drainage plan The process will begin with an evaluation of all drains, which will then be given a priority for rehabilitation Each year, the list of drains to be completed will be reviewed by both County Council and the EID Board of Directors He displayed a map showing the priority projects in Cassils, Scandia, Patricia, and Rolling Hills that they would like to complete in 2011 EID engineering staff will complete the survey and design work Where required, the County will acquire right of way adjacent to the roads, and the EID will acquire right of way in farmland The EID and hired equipment will complete the construction work Both the County and the EID have committed $1 million per year for this project plus a contingency of PAGE 6 $200,000 00 for projects not identified E. Wilson indicated that they anticipate being able to begin this project in early June and work on drains when they are not busy with canals Newell Regional Services Corporation R Havinga provided some history on the Newell Regional Services Corporation (NRSC), which has been in operation for 2.5 years and is comprised of members from the County of Newell, City of Brooks, Town of Bassano, and the Villages of Duchess, Rosemary, and Tilley He reported that the Brooks Water Treatment Plant is nearly complete except for outside work This plant has been operating since April 16, 2010 and produces water for Brooks and Tilley The plant and transmission main system was designed by MPE Engineering Ltd and is operating more efficiently than the previous plant Currently, they are monitoring, tracking, and reporting raw water usage for each community through a SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) system There are two operators running the plant for 8 hours each day The other 16 hours are automated Water samples are taken and lab work is performed daily He reported that Tilley has been receiving treated water since October 2009, Lake Newell Resort was connected in January 2010, and Scandia, Rainier, and Rolling Hills were connected in April 2010 The water main to Patricia and Rosemary should be complete and connected by mid-July He gave an overview of the operations of the NRSC water treatment plants and the duties of the operators, indicating that 7 water treatment plants will be decommissioned by the end of September Newell Regional Solid Waste Management Authority R Juska provided background information on the Newell Regional Solid Waste Management Authority (NRSWMA) He displayed a map showing transfer stations and recycling depots within the County He then displayed an aerial view of the landfill site, noting the key areas including ponds and cells Wind screens are in place to prevent garbage from blowing away and surveillance cameras are used to determine what trucks are hauling into the landfill He displayed pictures of the new recycling building in Duchess and the transfer stations in Millicent, Rainier, and Tilley R Juska also noted that the NRSWMA will begin operating the landfill themselves in the near future and are in the process of obtaining equipment and hiring staff Newell Recycling D Shanks provided background information on Newell Recycling and displayed pictures of the recycling trailers in Duchess, Tilley, Rainier/Scandia, Rolling Hills, and Lake Newell Resort He displayed photos of the new Newell Recycling building and gave an overview of the special needs work program D Shanks also reported that discussions have taken place regarding starting a blue box recycling program within the City of Brooks D Shanks opened the floor to questions M Harbicht inquired about recycling compact fluorescent light bulbs D Shanks replied that the bulb eater had been demonstrated during the trade show and that they have crushed approximately 1,600 bulbs since He requested that bulbs be brought during the facility's operating hours so that they don't get broken and gave a short explanation on how the machine works He also indicated that e -waste only covers computers and televisions He gave an overview of other items that are accepted for recycling at their facility e. Oldman River Regional Services Commission D Horvath gave an overview of the Oldman River Regional Services Commission (ORRSC) This year, the County's Land Use Bylaw will be reviewed and updated as the document needs to stay relevant to the municipality's growth The Land Use C_a�,VTY OF REPORT 2010 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING MINUTES May 1 11 AL I bylaw must also be an effective regulatory instrument that is in compliance with the policies of the municipality She gave an explanation of the purpose of the Land Use Bylaw, the overall goals of which are to achieve orderly, economical, and beneficial land use, to maintain and improve the physical environment, and to implement the policies within the County's long-term planning documents She gave an overview of the provincial requirements that need to be incorporated in the Land Use Bylaw by the Municipal Government Act. The Land Use Bylaw Steering Committee began meeting in February and will continue to work towards a draft bylaw There will be opportunities for public input in the Fall 5. Question & Answer Period Reeve M Douglass opened the floor for general discussion H Dyck asked if anything could be done about the Telus lines that are dug up and left in ditches Reeve M Douglass replied that Telus had been present during a Council meeting and indicated that they have a limited budget to complete thiswork and that the County could pay to rebury the lines However, Council feels that this is not the County's responsibility She indicated that this is a province -wide issue H Dyck replied that reburying the Telus lines should be included in road construction if it is part of that Reeve M Douglass replied that sometimes even new lines are not buried H Dyck expressed concerns regarding spring flooding and the apparent lack of plan on the part of both the County and the EID for dealing with this Reeve M Douglass replied that the spring weather was unusual and will be considered a learning experience H Dyck indicated that drainage should be considered when roads are constructed and if a solution exists that does not adversely affect another area, it needs to be acted on J Hofer asked for a timeline when the Westside Water users group would be able to connect to the Rural Potable Water Distribution System (County of Newell Water Project), as the Chief Administrative Officer had indicated Lakeside is cutting off their water supply The Chief Administrative Officer replied that he will consult with the Committee and have a letter sent out to confirm the anticipated construction date to the Westside Water Users T Doerksen commended the County on the projects they have been working on, particularly with improving the roads to non -banned status He inquired about the status of the East Gem Road, which is on the schedule for two years from now, and whether the rural water project would affect the budget for paving The Chief Administrative Officer gave an overview of paving funding and levies Reeve M Douglass indicated that the paving program would not to stop in favor of the Rural Potable Water Distribution System and that Gem was on the paving program for 2014 F Allan inquired about the status of Range Road 14-5, which has an unpaved section in the middle where a pipeline crosses the road The Superintendent of Public Works provided background information on the road He indicated that the road is on the County's paving plan, but the City needs to be involved as the southern portion of Range Road 14-5 lies within city limits A time frame has not been determined and funding sources need to be investigated As there were no further general questions, Reeve M Douglass encouraged any ratepayers with individual questions to visit with the various staff and/or Councillors available to obtain further information 6. Adjourn Reeve M Douglass adjourned the meeting at 8 44 p m Emerson Bridge Park opens for the season on May 18, 2012. For more information, visit our web site: www.emersonbridgepark.com Division 1 - Rolling Hills Councillor Clarence Amulung (403) 964-2292 Division 2 - Tilley Councillor Ike Schroeder (403) 377-2587 Division 3 - Patricia/Millicent Councillor Anne Marie Philipsen (403) 378-4724 Division 4 - Rainier/ScandWBowCity Councillor Ryan Andrews (403) 793-8144 Division 5 - Cassils Councillor Mara Nesbitt (403)362-3037 Division 6 - Bassano Councillor Joel Bulger (403)641-4469 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 Lionel Juss (403)362-5689 PAGE 7 AGRICULTURAL SERVICE BOARD IASBI REPORT Lwd Green, Ag " n The County of Newell Council serves as the County of Newell Agricultural Service Board. They are supported by a team of dedicated Agricultural Services Staff in fulfilling the mandate for the Board. The Agricultural Service Board's mission is: "Working together we strive to guide viable growth and sustainability in the County of Newell by implementing programs in areas of weed, pest and soil control as well as programs focused on sound agronomics and environmental stewardship" In fulfilling this mission, the Agricultural Service Board (ASB) undertakes a number of programs and services. Weed Control Invasive species of plants are a serious concern and a constant battle for ASB staff. In order for us to keep invasive species at bay, there are a number of programs undertaken to address these issues. The County employs three weed inspectors in order to monitor previously identified infestations as well as to find any new sites. The weed inspectors also undertake spraying of some of these sites, and offer help to ratepayers in the area of invasive species control. Weeds have many vectors for moving from place to place. Vectors that the ASB tries to control this spread on includes the road network (highways and local - 700 miles sprayed in 2011), CPR mainline (66 miles), and rivers (Bow River 60 miles, Red Deer River 50 miles) Major weeds of concern include but are not limited to: Downy Brome, Common Burdock, Showy and Common Milkweed, Yellow Toadflax, Scentless Chamomile and Canada Thistle. In an effort to improve weed inspecting efforts and to help out our urban municipalities, the County ASB partnered with Bassano, Rosemary and Duchess for weed inspecting services. The ASB was also able to help control weeds in the public areas of these municipalities. The City of Brooks also utilized this service relying on the ASB to help in their battle against weed pressures. It is the intention of the ASB to continue to grow these partnerships into the future. Pest Control Many programs are implemented by the ASB to deal with pests such as Richardson Ground Squirrel, Coyotes, Skunks and Racoons. These programs include: • Coyote Control Incentive Program (CCIP) (1798 coyotes) • Trap Rentals Skunk/Racoon traps — 18 renters, 569 rental days, sold 1 new trap Magpie traps — 7 renters, 154 rental days, sold 3 new traps • Issuance of pest control devices and products • Ground Squirrel Control (42.75 litres of 2% Liquid Strychnine sold) • Stored Grain Pests Control (6 flasks of Phostoxin sold) Other pest issues dealt with and monitored in annual surveys: • Grasshoppers, Fusarium graminearum, Bacterial Ring Rot, and Clubroot Mowing All local roads and areas in subdivisions and hamlets are mowed in order to complement weed control efforts, improve drainage, improve right of way safety and also for aesthetics. Almost 4000 miles of road (one way) were mowed in 2011 and 350 hours were spent in hamlets, subdivisions, Brooks Regional Airport and the Bassano Regional airport. Emerson Bridge Park Even though we started spring 2011 with most of the park underwater, it turned out to be our busiest year on record (it's a good thing we thought to install a drainage ditch PAGE 8 in 2009). In 2010, we collected $34,121.00 in camping registrations. In 2011, that number increased to $40,658.00. We also continue to see a rise in campers from within the County. In 2011, we constructed an additional outhouse to accommodate needs in the overflow camping area. We converted 8 non -power sites around the ball diamond into 11 power sites, one of which is a group site with 2 power pedestals. We installed a cell tower up on the hill which greatly improved our communications with our park manager and for the first time ever campers could call the park directly to book campsites! We dug the dugout for our irrigation system and installed all of the lines and sprinklers for the irrigation system in the fall. Overall, we had a great camping season and are really looking forward to being able to use our irrigation system in the spring. Environmental Programming The County employed one full-time Rural Conservation Technician until August. This position's goal was to promote environmental stewardship through various programs. The programs still exist but the Assistant Agricultural Fieldman now oversees them as part of their regular duties. 2011 programming included: • Shelterbelt Planting (2 sites, 1000 trees planted by County, 57530 distributed to County residents, this includes trees planted by the County and Partners in Habitat Development) • Growing Forward Applications (18 completed) • Courses (Southern Alberta Grazing School for Women — 28 participants) • SACA Conference (282 attendees, 10 from the County of Newell) • Three newsletter articles and various articles in local papers • Rural Beautification Tour — 55 attendees Rental Equipment The Ag Service board has multiple rental units that can be used by ratepayers of the County. For a full list please check out the website. Rental units are charged out as close to cost recovery as possible. Usage for 2011 is as follows: • Livestock Scale — 20 renters • Chute and panels — 21 renters • Calf Table — 6 renters • Cattle Squeeze — 5 renters • Tag Reader —1 renter • Weed Wipe Sprayers (2) — 3 renters • 3 Point Hitch Sprayer— 3 rentals • Boomless Sprayer — 3 renters • Insecticide Sprayer -2 rentals • Quad Sprayer -2 renters • Brillion Seeders (2) — 6 renters, 270 acres • No Till Drills (2) — 37 renters, 2509 acres • Conventional Drill —17 renters, 1748 acres • Fertilizer Spreader — 1 Renter • Tandem Axle BBQ — 30 Users Other activities in 2011 included the Calgary Stampede Farm Family Award, roadside seeding and various pest and agronomic recommendations. The ASB also partners with other organization in projects of mutual benefit. These partners include: Partners in Habitat Development, Alberta Conservation Association, Newell Regional Solid Waste Management Authority, Tillebrook Provincial Campground, Kinbrook Island Provincial Park, Canadian Pacific Railway, Volker Stevin, Alberta Infrastructure, the local oil and gas industry and other municipalities. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Agricultural Service Board members as well as staff (Todd Green, Holly White, Will Schaap and Harold Forrest), for their dedicated service. The ASB continues to be active in promoting and protecting agriculture. If you have concerns or require more information please feel free to contact the ASB office at 362-3266 or check out our website at www.countyofnewell.ab.ca. ASB related issues and concerns are dealt with at regular Council meetings.