HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018 Annual Report - short versionFOR THE YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2018
2018 ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORT
SUMMARIZED VERSION WITH DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS
Photo by S. Stanway, Brooks Bulletin
County of Newell - 2018 Annual ReportPage 2
REEVE’S REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDING 2018by Molly Douglass, Reeve - County of Newell
Once again it is Annual Report time. As required by Alberta’s Municipal Government Act (MGA), this document must provide our residents with the County of Newell’s financial statement and auditor’s report, as well as Councillors’ and the Chief Administrative Officer’s salaries. As the level of government charged with providing “services, facilities, or other things that in the opinion of Council are desirable for all or part of a municipality,” we are responsible for developing and maintaining safe and viable communities. More recent legislated add-ons to our purpose include fostering the well-being of the environment and working collaboratively with neighbouring muncipalities to plan, deliver and fund intermunicipal services. As follow up, the province has mandated that Intercollaboration Frameworks (ICF’s) be signed with all bordering urban municipalities by April 2020 as well as those on our rural boundaries by 2021.
Within the following pages you will find information regarding daily operations of our public works, planning/development, and agriculture departments. Other critical services such as information technology, records management, assessment, municipal enforcement, safety, environment, finance, and administration round out the business of the County of Newell, similar to the 63 other rural municipalities in Alberta.
In all municipalities, roads remain an ongoing priority due to the fact they support local economies. After many years of offering a partnership with the province to improve their secondary highways (SH) within our Newell boundaries, the paving of SH 873 and 535 finally took place in 2018 with the final
lift of pavement to be completed this summer. In addition, preparation work for paving of SH 876 began with an end date of 2020 for completion. These pavement upgrades support not only the viability and sustainability of agriculture, all industry and tourism, but also enhance our public’s safety, health and welfare. They also add value to our region.
Another area of local/municipal jurisdiction is the development of bylaws. Reading and passing of bylaws is part of most Council Meetings. Bylaws cover a wide range which means the discussion regarding a bylaw could be anything from responsibility of animal control to subdivisions to road closures and leases to local improvement taxes or cannabis consumption in public places. Along with passing bylaws comes the task of enforcement, which is in the job description of our Community Peace Officers. Bylaw work definitely adds variety to the Council’s mandate.
These days it is plain to see the County of Newell’s connections to the bigger world. Agricultural concerns related to trade with China are in the news. Canada’s regions seem to be battling more than ever to acknowledge the role our Alberta resource industry plays in the national economy, a disagreement which hugely impacts our region. The longstanding conversation regarding the importance of diversifying our economy and of the marketing of our region never ends. In 2018 interest in solar installations and in cannabis related development stood out as new to our region.
Public engagement and dispersal of information remain a focus and have evolved to the point where Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and our websites countyofnewell.ab.ca and regionalwg.ca are common places to deliver or find the news. As well, Council Meetings are now videotaped and can be found on YouTube. Our local newspapers also remain a source of information, for which we are grateful in these challenging times in their industry. It was also gratifying to see and hear everyone who came out to the recent round of Open Houses on the topic of regionalization. Work on the “nuts and bolts” of regionalization continues so that data, facts, figures, and case studies as requested by ratepayers of the region will be assembled.
Always feel free to contact your County of Newell Councillors or Staff by phone or email when a need arises for information or to report a concern. Your input is valuable and your time given is appreciated.
County of Newell - 2018 Annual Report Page 3
Clarence Amulung(403) 793-3813amulungc@newellmail.caDIVISION 1Rolling HillsCouncillor Wayne Hammergren(403) 501-8909hammergrenw@newellmail.caDIVISION 4Rainier/Scandia/Bow CityCouncillor Tracy Fyfe(403) 793-2076fyfet@newellmail.caDIVISION 5Cassils/Lake Newell Resort Councillor Huby Kallen(403) 362-1777kallenh@newellmail.caDIVISION 2Tilley Councillor Anne Marie Philipsen(403) 793-0574philipsena@newellmail.caDIVISION 3Patricia/MillicentCouncillor Kelly Christman
(403) 641-2274
christmank@newellmail.caDIVISION 6BassanoCouncillor Ellen Unruh
(403) 793-3369
unruhe@newellmail.caDIVISION 7RosemaryCouncillor Brian de Jong
(403) 501-8378
dejongb@newellmail.caDIVISION 8DuchessReeve Molly Douglass
(403) 363-9203
douglassm@newellmail.caDIVISION 9GemCouncillor Lionel Juss
(403) 362-0947
jussl@newellmail.caDIVISION 10BrooksLike us on Facebook!
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Municipal Planning Commission and Council meetings are open to the public, but we realize that it is
difficult to take time during the day to attend. These meetings are recorded and posted to our
YouTube channel. Find us by searching “County of Newell” or access the links from our web page.
County of Newell - 2018 Annual ReportPage 4
SUMMARIZED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF THE COUNTY OF NEWELL
For the Year Ending December 31, 2018
The accompanying summarized financial information represents only excerpts derived from the audited
financial statement of the County of Newell as at December 31, 2018.
Those individuals interested in the County’s financial position, results of operations
and cash flows are encouraged to read the complete 2018 Annual Financial Report.
Copies are available upon request or by visiting the County of Newell’s website at
www.countyofnewell.ab.ca.
1
COUNTY OF NEWELL
Consolidated Statement of Financial Position December 31, 2018, with comparative information for 2017
2018 2017
Financial assets: Cash and cash equivalents (note 2) $ 3,349,499 $ 2,648,535 Taxes and grants in place of taxes receivable (note 3) 1,700,222 1,312,676 Trade and other receivables (note 4) 12,149,564 14,820,227 Land held for resale 19,748 31,491 Investments (note 5) 81,671,584 72,549,878 Notes receivable (note 6) -- 789,542 Other financial assets 6,495 9,819
98,897,112 92,162,168
Financial liabilities: Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 4,212,382 2,407,267 Employee benefit obligations (note 8) 1,580,098 1,604,991 Unearned revenue (note 9) 297,964 22,000 Long-term debt - operating (note 10) -- 789,542 Long-term debt - capital (note 11) 14,882,255 20,020,644 Provision for landfill closure and post-closure costs (note 12) 361,378 662,535 Provision for gravel pit closure and post-closure costs (note 12) 416,059 331,814 Deposit liabilities (note 2) 269,291 212,408
22,019,427 26,051,201 Net financial assets 76,877,685 66,110,967 Non-financial assets:
Prepaid expenses 131,631 118,829 Tangible capital assets (note 7) 199,229,568 202,274,435 Inventory for consumption 2,139,527 1,170,123
201,500,726 203,563,387 Contingent liabilities (note 20)
Accumulated surplus (note 13) $278,378,411 $269,674,354
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
County of Newell - 2018 Annual Report Page 5
SUMMARIZED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF THE COUNTY OF NEWELL
For the Year Ending December 31, 2018
15
COUNTY OF NEWELL Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements Year ended December 31, 2018 15. Government transfers: Budget 2018 2017 Transfers for operating: Provincial government $ 394,074 $ 448,368 $ 405,145 Local government 232,500 237,520 233,365 626,574 685,888 638,510 Transfers for capital: Provincial government - 99,880 173,520 Local government - - - - 99,880 173,520
$ 626,574 $ 785,768 $ 812,030
16. Expenses by object:
Budget 2018 2017
Salaries, wages and benefits $ 8,330,118 $ 7,893,075 $ 7,895,217 Contracted and general services 5,021,703 3,793,283 3,455,799 Materials, goods, supplies and utilities 5,487,940 4,602,510 4,796,641 Transfers to organizations 1,605,651 1,608,763 2,920,646 Bank charges and short-term interest 8,500 6,407 6,014 Interest on long-term debt 439,187 423,942 551,044 Other expenditures 40,000 49,120 810,395 Amortization 7,155,882 6,916,087 6,528,819
$ 28,088,981 $ 25,293,188 $ 26,964,575
Net municipal property taxes82.07%
Special levies0.28%
User fees and sale of goods8.21%
Government transfers for operating1.70%
Penalties and cost of taxes0.69%
Investment income4.96%Licenses and permits
0.53%
Other revenue1.30%Government transfers for
capital0.25%
2018 Revenues
Legislative1.8%Administration18.5%
Roads, streets, walks, lighting & fleet 45.1%Utilities & Solid Waste
13.4%
MPC/ASB/Eco.Dev./Bus
9.7%
Protective Services6.9%
Rec/Library/FCSS4.2%Airport0.4%
2018 Municipal Expenses
County of Newell - 2018 Annual ReportPage 6
SUMMARIZED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF THE COUNTY OF NEWELL
For the Year Ending December 31, 2018
14
COUNTY OF NEWELL Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements Year ended December 31, 2018 13. Accumulated surplus (continued): (2) Restricted surplus is comprised of funds internally restricted as follows: 2018 2017 Paving $ 1,851,997 $ 127,805 Infrastructure 46,001,809 38,522,787 Future Projects 15,711,327 19,513,713 Vehicles, Machinery & Equipment 10,972,276 9,478,581 Regional Enhancement 2,258,874 4,428,874 Stabilization 3,150,000 5,400,277 Facilities 3,114,988 2,893,968 Fire Apparatus 3,756,959 3,156,346 Recreation 2,825,027 1,417,008 Tilley 50,662 50,662 Unexpended Budget Appropriation 1,206,449 1,141,591
$ 90,900,368 $ 86,131,612
14. Net municipal property taxes:
Budget 2018 2017
Taxation: Real property taxes $ 17,729,360 $ 17,683,991 $ 17,285,035 Linear property taxes 28,442,640 28,442,234 27,732,086 Government grants in place of property taxes 380,191 380,191 366,827
46,552,191 46,506,416 45,383,948 Requisitions: Alberta School Foundation Fund 12,520,449 12,517,231 12,207,543 Newell Foundation 901,696 901,696 898,029
13,422,145 13,418,927 13,105,572
Net municipal property taxes $ 33,130,046 $ 33,087,488 $ 32,278,376
Commercial/Industrial
/Railway
24.05%
Residential
12.37%
Farmland
2.42%
Linear Property
61.16%
2018 Property Tax
Christ the
Redeemer S.D. #3
0.49%
Alberta School
Foundation
26.43%
Newell Foundation
1.94%
Municipal
71.15%
2018 Allocation of Property Tax
County of Newell - 2018 Annual Report Page 7
SUMMARIZED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF THE COUNTY OF NEWELL
For the Year Ending December 31, 2018
16
COUNTY OF NEWELL Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements Year ended December 31, 2018
17. 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:
2018 2017
Benefits & Salary (1) Allowances (2) Total Total
Council: Division 1 - Amulung $ 30,865 $ 5,452 $ 36,317 $ 37,104 Division 2 - Kallen 27,683 5,312 32,996 7,696 Division 2 – Simpson - - - 24,801 Division 3 - Philipsen 35,145 5,641 40,786 33,655 Division 4 - Hammergren 24,966 2,658 27,624 28,652
Division 5 - Fyfe 27,043 5,283 32,326 32,705 Division 6 - Christman 27,480 5,303 32,783 33,897 Division 7 - Unruh 32,331 5,517 37,848 33,093 Division 8 - De Jong 28,812 1,450 30,262 27,132 Division 9 - Douglass 43,902 2,155 46,057 52,522
Division 10 - Juss 27,284 5,294 32,578 29,954
$ 305,512 $ 44,065 $ 349,577 $ 341,212
Chief Administrative Officer $ 225,125 $ 48,420 $ 273,545 $ 269,835
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.
County of Newell - 2018 Annual ReportPage 8
AGRICULTURAL SERVICE BOARD (ASB) REPORTby Todd Green, Director of Agricultural Services
Agricultural Service Boards are established across Alberta to aid in determining agricultural programming needs
in the municipality. ASBs primary functions are to work within the Agricultural Services Board Act, the Weed
Control Act, the Agricultural Pests Act and the Soil Conservation Act.
The County of Newell ASB 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 order to fulfill this mission, the Agricultural Services department enacts many programs in the area of weed
control, pest control, environmental programming and vegetation maintenance.
Weed Control:
Different weed control programs are operated to promote proper vegetation management on the right of ways,
County owned properties, Hamlet open spaces and within our partner Municipalities. Prohibited Noxious and
Noxious weed species take precedence over aesthetic species as those weeds pose a significant threat to our
landscapes.
Regulated invasive plant species are a constant battle. The ASB employs 4 Vegetation Management Technicians
to aid ratepayers in their control efforts as well as identify risks and maintain established infestations. Invasive
species spread via transportation corridors and water ways and the ASB inspects as many of those corridors as
possible. 2018 programming saw weed populations controlled on:
1. CP line (66 miles) (including 2 patches of Phragmites Australis),
2. GPS/inspect all, private contractor 61 miles, ASB 5 miles
3. Road network (598 miles sprayed – local roads and highways, selective control),
4. Road Network (226 miles sprayed – local road shoulder non-selective control),
5. Road Network (52 miles sprayed – non-selective control for construction)
6. Bow River (60 miles of control work – spraying and picking),
7. Inspected EID delivery system (300 miles in 2018),
8. 185 acres controlled under the Private Weed Control policy.
Major weeds of concern include but are not limited to: Scentless
Chamomile, Black Henbane, Downy Brome, Baby’s Breath, Yellow
Toadflax, Canada Thistle, Burdock, Tall Buttercup and Phragmites
Australis.
Pest Control:
Pest control under the ASB sees programming to help with monitoring
and control of pests and nuisances under the Agricultural Pests Act.
The ASB surveys the county for:
1. Clubroot 371 Fields during flowering, 3 fields during swathing
2. Grasshopper Populations (44 sites)
3. Coyote Populations (3 routes, 25 km each, 1250 sites total)
4. Bacterial Ringrot (3 Fields, twice)
Ag Services staff member Digging out a
prohibited noxious weed, Purple Loosestrife
County of Newell - 2018 Annual Report Page 9
The ASB also offers programming and sale programs to help mitigate the effects of pests in our County. They include:
1. Coyote Control Incentive Program (1742 coyotes)2. Trap Rentals – Skunk/Racoon – 13 renters, 180 rental days3. Magpie traps – 2 Renters – 16 rental days, sold 7 new traps4. Richardson Ground Squirrel control (1256 bottles of 2%LSC sold, 63 producers)5. Sold 11 flasks of Phostoxin for grain bin fumigation6. Operated 2 hamlet gopher control programs using Rozol RTU (3 weeks)7. Rabies Surveillance Partnership (1 week of trapping/monitoring)
Environmental Programming:The ASB attempts to forward relevant news and information from the Provincial government to producers and ratepayers. Many new programs come down the pipe and we are happy to promote them as best we can if they have a fit. The ASB also partners with other jurisdictions and industry on areas of common interest.
In 2018 the following opportunities were available and utilized:
Government Programming:1. 29 Environmental Farm Plans completed
Courses/Training:1. Southern Alberta Grazing School for Women (31 attendees)2. Farming Smarter Conference (282 attendees, 4 from the County of Newell)3. Weed ID School (70 Participants, hosted in County of Newell)
This Tandem Axle BBQ is available for use within the
County!
Rental Equipment:The ASB has a number of equipment rentals available. Rental units are charged out as close to cost recovery as possible. Usage for 2018 is as follows:
1. Loading Chute and Panels – 4 renters2. Calf table – 2 renters3. Livestock scale – 13 renters4. 30 foot weed wipe – 1 renter5. 10 foot weed wipe – 1 renter6. Boomless sprayers (2) – 4 renters7. Three Point Hitch Sprayer – 2 renter8. Insecticide Sprayer – 1 renter9. Double disc drill – 10 renters, 1114.6 acres10. No Till Drills (2) – 42 renters, 2378.7 acres11. Brillion Seeders (2) – 4 renters, 28.3 acres12. Tandem Axle BBQ – 44 users, plus rodeo week
Mowing:The ASB operates 2 distinct mowing programs. Right of way mowing and County owned property mowing. Both take place to compliment weed control efforts, improve drainage, improve right of way safety and for aesthetics. In total the ASB mowed 4000 miles (one way) on the roadsides (averaging 4.34 miles mowed per hour) and invested 1200 hours in hamlets, subdivisions and airports maintaining vegetation.
Weed ID School at the Rolling Hills Hall (June 2018)
County of Newell - 2018 Annual ReportPage 10
Emerson Bridge Park Campground:
Emerson Bridge Campground operation and maintenance also falls under the responsibility of the ASB. The
campground has a total of 64 designated campsites, 49 of which are power sites, 9 non-power sites and
6 overflow sites. The average occupancy of the campground during the 112-night season in 2018 was 32%
(2017 – 37%). Revenues from Park operations have steadily increased since beginning the infrastructure
revitalization, from less than $20,000 in 2008 to $82,000 in 2018. Emerson Bridge Park also hosted a wedding
in the later part of the season with over 200 guests in attendance.
Other Programming:
The ASB also operates other programming not inclusive of the other categories. Other activities include the
Calgary Stampede Farm Family Award, Rural Beautification Program (9 nominated yards, 45 tour participants),
Alberta Young Farmers and Ranchers field day, Rural Roots Ag Day, seed cleaning plant inspections/licensing,
roadside seeding (52 miles) and offers various pest and agronomic recommendations.
The ASB continues to partner with other organizations in projects of mutual benefit. These partners include
Alberta Conservation Association, Newell Regional Solid Waste Management Authority, Partners in Habitat
Development, Canadian Pacific Railway, Volker Stevin, Alberta Infrastructure, Grasslands Public Schools, the
local Oil and Gas industry, TD Tree Days and other municipalities.
The ASB continues to be active in promoting and protecting agriculture. If you have questions/concerns or
require more information on any of the programming, please feel free to contact the ASB office at 403-362-3266
or check out our website www.countyofnewell.ab.ca and remember to follow the County on social media for
timely information sharing. ASB related issues and concerns are dealt with at regular Council meetings.
Russian Knapweed infestation that has been sprayed Spraying a gravel pit
County of Newell - 2018 Annual Report Page 11
MUNICIPAL PLANNING COMMISSION REPORTby Clarence Amulung, Municipal Planning Commission Chair
www.countyofnewell.ab.ca/notify
REGISTER TODAY!
Newell Notify is a notification system managed by the County of Newell that will send emergency and informational alerts to the
ratepayers of the County of Newell.
These notifications are sent by SMS (text), Voice, and Email.
Keep in the Know with Notifications
from the County of Newell!
The County of Newell Municipal Planning Commission met nineteen
(19) times during 2018. Its meetings, if necessary, are scheduled
before all regularly held Council meetings and commence at 10:00
a.m. and are usually adjourned well before 11:00 a.m. They are
always open to the public. All members of the public who may have
a particularly invested interest on any agenda item are encouraged
to attend. All ten members of Council are the voting members
of the Municipal Planning Commission. Agenda items usually
centre around subdivision applications and permits where there
may be ambiguity, variances or unclear direction given through
county bylaw. MPC members always strive to find solutions that
are legal, balanced and fair to applicants as well as to the County
and its residents. In these efforts they are ably guided by our own
staff and our County Planner who is provided by the Oldman River
Regional Services Commission.
Thirteen (13) subdivisions were approved during 2018. This
compares to sixteen (16) in 2017, fourteen (14) in 2016 and
sixteen (16) in 2015. Of the thirteen, eight (8) were parcels out of
previously undivided quarter sections with the rest being various
rearrangements and consolidations.
During the past year, 101 development
permits were issued as compared to 91
last year and an average of 126.6 in the
previous 5 years. Of the 101 issued, 70
were residential, 24 were non-residential
and 7 were Home Occupation Businesses.
During the year, 409 construction permits
were issued compared to an average of 423
in the previous 5 years. Construction permits
consisted of 73 building, 198 electrical, 64
gas, 57 plumbing and 17 private sewage
disposal. It is interesting to note that the value
of these construction permits was $172,434
compared to the 5 year average of $164,530.
It should be realized that the vast majority of
permit applications are dealt with by County
of Newell Planning & Development staff and
only those not covered by bylaw reach MPC
meetings. For more detailed information
concerning Municipal Planning Commission
meetings, all minutes are available on the
County of Newell website.
County of Newell - 2018 Annual ReportPage 12
MUNICIPAL SERVICES REPORTby Mark Harbicht, Director of Municipal Services
Municipal Services consists of multiple smaller departments which include Fleet Services, Municipal Enforcement, Public Works & Engineering - Transportation (Roads), Airport, Water, Wastewater (Sewer), Storm Water, and Solid Waste Services — all items that contribute to the quality of rural life. Through responsible management, innovation and teamwork, these Departments strive to provide dependable, high quality services at reasonable costs.
The following are key highlights from the various Departments in 2018.
Fleet ServicesCounty Council was presented with an opportunity to partner with enterprise Fleet Management (eFM) with seven ½ ton fleet trucks. The aim of the partnership is to reduce the overall cost of ownership of fleet. The partnership consists of eFM providing fleet services to the 7 fleet units for a twelve-month period. The County confirmed with eFM the business purpose of each of the seven trucks. Included were the goals of securing the most affordable, most economical, and highest return at time of resale for lowest cost of ownership. eFM is an industry expert in fleet management employing specialists who have established relations with motor vehicle manufacturers including specialists who monitor global markets for best timing of resale of units based on mileage and age. The County will monitor the partnership to determine if eFM brings added value to the County in management of its fleet.
Municipal Enforcement ServicesMunicipal Enforcement Department activities continue with service provisions in partner jurisdictions including the Town of Bassano, Villages of Duchess and Rosemary, the Eastern Irrigation District, and the Village of Hussar. Partnership services are cost recovered on an hourly rate basis under contract. The Department continues to engage and educate the public. Monthly priorities for the department match that of the Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) of the Province, which are identified on the Alberta Traffic Safety Calendar.
The Department patrolled partner jurisdictions for 718.5 hours. In addition to this, the Department patrolled County jurisdictions for 1410 hours. A combined total of 2128.5 hours of time was spent by officers on patrol in 2018.
The Department issued 396 tickets and 527 warnings in 2018 related to Provincial offences within the County and partner jurisdictions. The Top Ten Provincial offenses, representing 78% of all offences in 2018, included violations of: Speeding (318), Vehicle Equipment Regulation (72), Traffic Safety Act (61), Fail to Produce Insurance (60), Use of Highway and Rules of the Road Regulation (55), Driver Not Wearing Seatbelt (47), Commercial Vehicle Safety Regulation (36), Operate Unregistered Motor Vehicle (36), Failure to Produce Registration (20), and Failure to Produce Licence (19).
16 tickets and 180 warnings were also issued
in 2018 related to Bylaw offences within the
County and partner jurisdictions. The Top
Ten Bylaw offenses, representing 86% of all
Bylaw offences in 2018, included violations
of: Sidewalk Snow/Ice Control (35), Unsightly
Property (29), Dog Control – At Large (22),
Unauthorized Road Use – Unauthorized
Deposit of Materials onto the Road (22),
Sprinkling of Road Allowance (16), Dog Control
– Not Licenced (13), Unauthorized Road
Use (10), Traffic - Detached Trailers (8), Dog
Control – Barking (7), and Traffic – Parking (7).
County of Newell - 2018 Annual Report Page 13
Public Works & Engineering ServicesThe Public Works & Engineering Departments collectively and collaboratively manage 1466 Km’s of gravel road and 230 Km’s of paved road surfaces, through established preventative maintenance and capital improvement programs.
The Departments strive to provide well maintained gravel surfaced roads utilizing 8 grader operators responsible for an average of 185 Km’s of gravel road each. It takes 20 working days (1 month) to complete one round of maintenance services per beat. Over the course of the spring, summer, and fall maintenance seasons grader operators in 2018 performed 8606 Km’s of gravel road surface maintenance. Additionally, the Departments re-surfaced 295.0 Km’s of gravel roads in 2018, or 20% of the total gravel road surfaces in the County. This program consumed 31,767 cubic meters of crushed aggregates and was completed at a total cost of $490,632 averaging $1,666/Km.
The Departments offer Dust Abatement services where 140,776 linear meters (140.78 Km’s) of dust abatement were applied to gravel surfaced roads in 2018. The program consisted of 616 applications from Residential and Non-Residential applicants, as well as County Aggregate Haul Roads and intersection treatments, consuming 2,412,177 litres of dust abatement product over 19 working days with two active crews consisting primarily of County forces at a total cost of $691,653 averaging $4.91/Lm.
The Departments completed 58.0 Km’s of Road Shoulder Pulls in 2018 in effort to return roads to standard classified width, to elevate and re-shape the road surface.
In addition to the gravel road network the County provides a ban free paved road network. The ban free driving surface permits producers to transport commodities from field to market year-round, unrestricted. In 2018 the County Council entered into 50/50 Partnership with Alberta Transportation to improve Hwy 873 from Kinbrook Island Access south and west to Hwy 36, including Hwy 535 unpaved portion from Hwy 873 east. The contract was awarded in the amount of $13,750,000, including professional engineering fees, for work consisting of grade, base and pave for 21.9 Km’s of Provincial road. Top lift of asphalt was completed in 2018, however with the onset of winter remaining work will be deferred to 2019. The total project costs to date are $11,852,548. The Partnership also included improving Hwy 876 from Hwy 1 north to Hwy 544, of which replacement and improvements to bridges was substantially complete in 2018 at a cost of $850,000 (awarded in a separate contract from the road improvements), and whereas grading work is scheduled in 2019. Base and pave work is scheduled later in 2020. This contract was awarded December 6, 2018 for the total amount of $19,700,000.
The Departments were also successful in working
in partnership with Alberta Transportation to see
replacement of sidewalks in the Hamlet of Tilley
along Hwy 876 pavement overlay, including the
improvement to pedestrian safety at the intersection
of 2nd Avenue where concrete extensions and
painted crosswalks were made to enhance the
visibility of pedestrians.
County of Newell - 2018 Annual ReportPage 14
The Departments, now in the ninth year of partnership with the EID, continue with improvements of $2 million annually ($1 million each party), as approved by EID Board and County Council. Progress in 2018 included the completion of 8.4 Km’s of drainage in the Rainier south area, whereas 10.3 Km’s were completed here in 2017. 12.7 Km’s are outstanding in Rainier south area which is scheduled for completion summer of 2019. Previously completed projects include Cassils (15.2 Km’s), Rolling Hills (36.8 Km’s), Scandia (33 Km’s), and most recently Rainier (65 Km’s) and Millicent (28.8 Km’s – 4.5 Km’s of outstanding work as approval from Her Majesty the Queen (HMQ) is yet to be received). Future planned work includes Rainier North, consisting of 38.3 Km’s of drainage improvements where 75% of the landowners have signed on to the program for which construction is planned to start in 2019. Bow City area is scheduled in 2020 and consists of 13.9 Km’s of improvements. Following that, the program is scheduled to move north to Rosemary where 99.3 Km’s of improvements are planned over 4 years commencing in 2021.
Water ServicesThe County Rural Water System consists of 1151 Km’s of water line servicing residences and businesses. The number of active water users as of December 31, 2018 is 1151 of 1555 registered user’s, or 74% active.
Closing RemarksI want to thank the Municipal Services team for their dedication and continued efforts in supporting and improving the quality of life everyone enjoys in the region. I also want to thank County Council and the CAO for their support and decision-making leading our region into the future.
183037
RGE RD 1
4
5
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YOU COULD
WIN$250
CREDIT!
ENTER FOR A CHANCE TO WIN $250.00 OFF YOUR COUNTY BILL!
(3 prizes available)
When you call 9-1-1, one of the first questions is “Where are you?”
The answer is your MUNICIPAL ADDRESS!
Municipal Addressing Bylaw 1922-18 states that you are responsible
for your sign. Is it damaged? Is it in the correct place?
See our website for full contest details, rules, and more information.
To enter, submit a photo of your Municipal Address sign (hamlet/rural) and answer the 3 questions
below using NewellConnect, via e-mail to municipalservices@newellmail.ca, or in person.
1. What is your Municipal Address?
2. When would you use your municipal address?
3. Who should know your municipal address?
Name:
Phone:
E-Mail:
Questions must be answered correctly and your Municipal Address sign must be displayed as per Bylaw 1922-18 to be eligible. You are allowed to correct your answer and resubmit your entry.
The personal information collected on this form is protected by the privacy provisions of the Freedom of Information & Protection of Privacy Act (FOIPP Act) of Alberta and will be used for contacting the contest participants regarding their entries. Contact the FOIP Coordinator at 403-362-3266 or administration@newellmail.ca if you have any questions about the collection and use of this information.
ENTRIES MUST BE SUBMITTED BY JULY 12, 2019 DRAW DATE: JULY 25, 2019