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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015 Annual Report - newspaper version 2015 ANNUAL REPORT COUNTY OF NEWELL ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING MAY 5, 2016 7:00 P.M. COMMUNITY HALL GEM, AB REEVEÔS REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDING 2015 by Molly Douglass, Reeve - County of Newell Interacting daily with the people we represent many years. The dramatic slowdown in our local and helps to remind local government councillors of Alberta economy has brought these topics even more our responsibilities. One of our most ÐformalÑ into the focus and framework of our decision making. The purposes of a municipality are laid out within the statements, or a summary of them, along with the provinceÓs Municipal Government Act. To provide auditorÓs report of this information to the public each good government and to maintain safe and viable communities are two of these purposes. To provide of NewellÓs Annual Report contains summaries from services, facilities, or other things that, in the opinion our three major departments - Agricultural Services, of council, are necessary or desirable for all or part of Municipal Planning, and Public Works. These reports the municipality is the third purpose. Yes, opinion is provide updates of work accomplished in 2015. A recognized as critical to the discussion. wide array of other services such as information technology, tax assessment, safety, emergency, and To this end, our Annual General Meeting is viewed as an opportunity for residents and ratepayers to gather Newell operations.and exchange information, ideas and opinions with The sustainability and viability of providing and past practice of hosting our AGM in hamlets, Gem improving services to residents and ratepayers within our region have been guiding the decisions 7:00 p.m. on Thursday May 5. We look forward to seeing you there. ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING AGENDA May 5, 2016 beginning at 7:00 p.m. Location: Gem Community Hall 1. Welcome & Introductions 2. Approval of the Minutes of the 2015 Annual General Meeting 3. Presentations a. Presentation of 2015 Year End Audited Financial Statements & Financial Overview (M. Fenske) b. c. d. e. f. Divisional Boundaries (L. Johnson) g. 4. Question & Answer Period The National Public Works Week Committee and Council accepting an award from the Canadian Public Works Association in the First Time Entry Category 5. Round Table Discussions MUNICIPAL PLANNING COMMISSION REPORT by Clarence Amulung, Municipal Planning Commission Chair In addition staff issued 142 development permits are scheduled when there are decisions necessary construction permits compared to 431 in 2014. regarding subdivisions or other discretionary gas, plumbing and sewage disposal systems. Staff dealt with all these permits except for 21 which were and fair to the applicant as well as all other county residents. In this regard, even though it is only 3 years old, a major review of Land Bylaw 1755-12, the public is always welcome and we are fortunate that members of the press are usually present to help Planning and development always means that you keep the public informed. We certainly encourage have to respect your neighbours, whether they are individuals and corporations to attend when their individuals or municipalities. For this reason the applications or topics that concern them are on the agenda.with most municipalities within and immediately bordering it. This process continued in 2015 with new During 2015, 27 subdivisions were started but only intermunicipal agreements (IMDPs) with the town were approved although one was appealed and achieved. Previous agreements have been made upheld in regard to one of the conditions applied agricultural quarter sections. The remainder were acknowledge the efforts, hard work and guidance previously subdivided or fragmented parcels. This is of our staff Alyce Wickert, Manager of Planning and compared to 2014 when there were 26 applications Development; Shanna Lee Simpson, Development started, 21 approved and one refused and also denied on appeal. P AGE 2 C OUNTY OF N EWELL - 2015 A NNUAL R EPORT SUMMARIZED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF THE COUNTY OF NEWELL For the Year Ending December 31, 2015 information represents only excerpts 2015. complete 2015 Annual Financial Report. www.countyofnewell.ab.ca. 2015 MUNICIPAL EXPENSES2015 MUNICIPAL REVENUE Rec/Library/FCSS Fire/Bylaw/Disaster Legislative/General Airport Rec/Library/FCSS 0.69% Other Services/Corp Safety Fire/Bylaw/Disaster 1.8% 0.5% 3.6% 1.88% 1.00% Services/Corp Safety Administration 7.3% 26.9% MPC/ASB/Eco.Dev./Bus Water/Sewer/Garbage 37.43% 9.6% Water/Sewer/Garbage Property Taxes 9.1% 50.83% Public Works/Shop MPC/ASB/Eco.Dev./Bus Public Works/Shop General/Administration 41.3% 1.33% 2.89% 3.95% C OUNTY OF N EWELL - 2015 A NNUAL R EPORT P AGE 3 SUMMARIZED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF THE COUNTY OF NEWELL For the Year Ending December 31, 2015 2015 PROPERTY TAXES2015 ALLOCATION OF PROPERTY TAX Christ the Redeemer S.D. Commercial/Industrial/Railway Alberta School #3 21.76% Foundation 0.44% 29.06% Residential 11.50% Newell Foundation 2.10% Farmland Linear Property Municipal 2.07% 64.66% 68.39% P AGE 4 C OUNTY OF N EWELL - 2015 A NNUAL R EPORT MUNICIPAL SERVICES REPORT by Mark Harbicht, Director of Municipal Services Municipal Services is responsible for municipal Hamlet Infrastructure Improvements¤ Grading 2015 saw some changes in this area of operations with services, enforcement, transportation (roads), water, required upgrades and replacements of their own sewer, storm water drainage, and solid wasteÏall water and sewer systems. The hamlets of Scandia items that contribute to the quality of rural life. Through and Tilley have accepted such responsibility with responsible management, innovation and teamwork, Scandia completing upgrades in 2014 and Tilley is on will take each operator 20 working days to cover their our Department strives to provide dependable, high track to be complete in 2016 as outlined below.area of responsibility, or once per month. This change quality services at reasonable costs.has reduced our operating expenditures and capital In 2015 work completed included the installation of a replacement. In an effort to engage the public, our staff participated deep sewer mainline tied to a new lift station, as well ¤ Drainage and Culverts in National Public Works Week (NPWW) in May as decommissioning of two deteriorated lift stations. The Department completes numerous projects 2015. This included hosting public education events Some road restoration has been completed; however, throughout the year including ditch improvements, culvert installations, and culvert replacements. In 2015 the Department invested approximately $735,000 into NewellÓs submission won the First Time Entry category one freeze-thaw cycle. Therefore, in 2016 remaining roadside ditch improvements, including installation of as announced in Phoenix, Arizona at the American road restoration work will be completed. Local new and replacement of existing culverts. Improvement Project costs will come into effect for ¤ Road Signs and Highway Markings residents of Tilley in 2017, with the average household responsible for approximately $1,400 per year in control devices (Stop, Yield, Speed Limit, etc.), in recognition of our efforts. It proudly hangs in the levies for 25 years. DepartmentÓs hallway.School Bus Stop Ahead, etc.), to information signs Regional Water Pipeline Project is complete with new pumps/pump headers, electronic monitoring, and back-up generation systems. A new Signs are always in need of replacement/repair and completed work on the regional water pipeline project new installations are required to improve road safety and put the line into service May 5, 2015. Delivery with this work. The bulk water station is the new pin for motorists. The Department invested approximately of potable water from the Brooks Treatment Plant to pad type, identical to those installed at previously $142,000 in maintenance and repairs of road signs. all urban municipalities is now in place. In addition to servicing the urban municipalities, the regional water annually. Some locations receive a treatment of paint where other locations receive permanent markings (Thermoplastic with 5-7 year life expectancy whereas EID/County Partnership on Drainage This partnership, now in its sixth year, continues with of the paint. The program costs approximately County of Newell Water Project (CNWP)improvements of $2 million annually ($1 million each $120,000 with 541 KmÓs of line painted annually. Additionally, $32,000 of permanent markings were 2016. Progress as of March 29, 2016 is:Progress in 2015 included the completion of 35 of installed in 2015, as warranted. 65 KmÓs of drainage in the Rainier area. Previously ¤ Road Rehabilitation ¤ Rolling Hills (Div. 1) Î Activated on July 4, 2013, cost effective method for improving roads to current ¤ Tilley (Div. 2) Î Activated on October 11, 2013, (33 KmÓs).standards. In 2015 the Department completed 44 KmÓs of shoulder pull at an investment of $1,144,000 or water.Paved Road Program$26,000 per Km. 2016 will be the third year of carrying ¤ Kinbrook Island (Div. 2) Î Activated on May 10, Paving projects for 2015 included the overlay of the out such work with 52 KmÓs planned to be complete. East Scandia Access and the paving of ScandiaÓs ¤ Vegetation Control Services water, including the supply of potable water to internal streets. Infrastructure is now upgraded and When grader operators are not snow plowing during Alberta Parks for use at their facilities.new making this a very attractive community. ¤ Patricia (Div. 3) Î Activated on June 17, 2014, members tend to vegetation control. This includes clearing brush that causes motorist sightline issues, water, including the supply of potable water to Government to partner in secondary highway paving. Alberta Parks for use at their facilities at Dinosaur snow drifting across roadways, and encroaching on Park.Island to # 36 (including the portion of # 535 to Tilley) ¤ Scandia/Rainier (Div. 4) Î Activated on July of methods in vegetation control which includes chainsaw operation for tree cutting, chipping of trees receiving water.Operations up to 300 mm (12Ñ) in diameter, and mulching using ¤ Cassils (Div. 5) Î Activated on July 24, 2015, Our Operations Department provides a number of a multi-terrain tracked loader (skid-steer) mounted services to residents, as summarized below:mulcher. Through effective vegetation control, the water. ¤ Dust Abatement (Calcium) ¤ Bassano (Div. 6) Î T.A. Excavating has been motorist safety. Additionally, effective management successful with Bac-T and Pressure tests. reduces other operation expenses. Outstanding is with getting turbidity to meet standards on that section of water line in the area industrial applications make up 75 KmÓs, and the Municipal Enforcement of Township 22 Range 19. This area is anticipated Municipal Enforcement Department activities continue to be in service by the end of April 2016.paved roads, gravel road surfaces paralleling paved with service provisions in our partnering communities ¤ Rosemary (Div. 7) Î Activated on June 3, 2015, including the Town of Bassano, Villages of Duchess are established. The program costs approximately and Rosemary, and the Eastern Irrigation District. In water. $740,000, with approximately $135,000 revenues December 2015 Municipal Enforcement entered into ¤ Duchess (Div. 8) Î Activated on January 22, from paid applications and takes approximately 20 working days to complete. enforcement services. The department continues to receiving water.¤ Gravel Re-Surfacing and Stockpiling communicate and engage the public. The monthly ¤ Gem (Div. 9) Î K-Line continues installing pipe. priorities for the department match that of the Selective 100 Km of 105 Km of pipe is complete. Some program to complete 350 KmÓs annually, consuming structure installs remain. Expected completion is approximately 40,000 cubic meters of crush. This summer 2016. ¤ North Brooks (Div. 10) Î Activated on September approximately $620,000 annually. Following the Thank you to our dedicated team of the staff who get gravel re-surfacing is stockpiling at key locations for receiving water.next yearÓs program. Stockpiling takes approximately you for your efforts, contributions, and dedication to *NOTE: Numbers of registrants for Divisions 6 and 9 60 working days and costs approximately $295,000 have not been reconciled, and therefore not included.annually. C OUNTY OF N EWELL - 2015 A NNUAL R EPORT P AGE 5 2014 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING MINUTES May 7, 2015 MEMBERS PRESENT:STAFF PRESENT: MEDIA PRESENT: M. Douglass, ReeveS. Stanway, Brooks Bulletin G. SimpsonM. Fenske, Manager of Finance A.M. Philipsen T. Schroeder, Manager of Operations T. FyfeT. Green, Director of Agricultural Services E. UnruhN. Berg, Grader Operator (Division 9) B. de JongK. Martin, Manager of Fire & Emergency Services L. JussA. Nielsen, Executive Assistant Reeve M. Douglass called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m. The Director of Municipal Services responded to questions regarding the road two miles north of Lakeside Road to One Tree Road, indicating that 1. Welcome & Introductions crews are currently cleaning up the road allowance and a contractor has been hired for a shoulder pull, which could lead to secondary work with and staff in attendance. following the meeting. 2. Approval of the Minutes of the 2013 Annual Meeting d. MOVED BY HOLLY JOHNSON that the 2013 Annual Meeting minutes be adopted as presented. R. Juska, Manager of the Newell Regional Solid Waste Management MOTION CARRIED Authority (NRSWMA), provided background information and historical 3. Presentations stations which are paid for by an annual per capita levy that covers about a. Presentation of 2014 Year End Audited Financial Statements & and industrial waste. R. Juska provided details regarding last yearÓs Financial Overview construction project, which included new cells and leechate ponds where The Manager of Finance presented the 2014 Year End Audited Financial historical municipal solid waste and industrial waste and a picture of what most garbage per person; of all the provinces, Alberta creates the most is not as economical as disposal. The NRSWMA promotes recycling and subsidizes Newell Recycling. There are recycling depots throughout and further increases in 2013 and 2014 for local improvements and the Brooks for processing. There is a compost site where compost is made 5-10 years, which is aggressive but manageable. The Manager of Finance available to residents for free. R. Juska displayed a graph showing sale displayed a chart showing annual surplus versus tangible capital asset acquisitions over several years. Annual surplus funds are put into roads, of complaints regarding not accepting plastic, but there is no place to send it. Money is better spent getting rid of cardboard and household plastics are inert. Agricultural plastics are more of a problem and R. Juska showed a graph of how these are being disposed of, either by recycling, burning, of bale wrap and twine being burned, as this is illegal and creates toxic The Manager of Finance displayed a chart showing a steady increase byproducts. 2014 include the rural and regional water systems, paving, Tilley sanitary R. Juska provided details regarding the Southern Alberta Energy from system, equipment, EID drainage partnership, Tilley water system, and Waste Association, which is working to create an energy-from-waste facility in Alberta. Energy will be created from burning waste. borrowing practices, indicating that investments are currently earning people throwing whatever they want into dumpsters. R. Juska replied that he has been in contact with the company that supplies the dumpsters and in the event of potentially higher taxation and less business revenue as a result of the shift in government. The Manager of Finance replied that indicated that an information sheet should be given along with the bin saying what can and cannot go in it. Information on what is and is not accepted the Municipal Sustainability Initiative, which is being received in small replied that a siting study had been conducted that looked at population centres, road networks, wildlife issues, and other factors. Three potential of Newell has the second lowest expenditure rate compared to similar locations were suggested and then tests were done to determine the municipalities in Alberta. The large capital projects have been looked after geology. A ratepayer asked if anything was planned for the old Town of linear assessment revenue to the urban municipalities, but indicated that there would be pressure placed on government organizations to reduce the impact. 4. QUESTION & ANSWER PERIOD b. Municipal Services contract for the Gem area with work to begin in the fall. Divisions 4, 5, and 7 should be receiving water in the next few months and pipeline is currently being installed in Division 6. The Regional Water System began does not know where the growth is supposed to occur. She indicated that 55 delivering water to Bassano this week, which is the starting point for plan and amended the priorities slightly and discussions will continue with community have been on the market for over a year and others are planning to move away. Other hamlets and villages will be facing local improvement costs as well. She acknowledged that the improvements were necessary, but Municipal Services also indicated that the Scandia East Access Overlay is scheduled to be paved in 2015. over 20 years and asked if there was a way to extend the repayment period. The Manager of Finance indicated that he would investigate an opportunity to c. EID Drainage Partnership amend a local improvement tax. Reeve M. Douglass noted that communities vote to decide whether to proceed with local improvements. The Director of Municipal Services provided background information indicated that phase one of the projects in Rainier involves 66km of noting that the no till drills have been used more since John Deere stopped roadside drainage and this will likely take two years to complete. Drainage renting them in town. acknowledged that the residents of Rainier would like to see all the work 5. ADJOURN done, but noted that alternative drainage basins must be considered. P AGE 6 C OUNTY OF N EWELL - 2015 A NNUAL R EPORT The County of Newell participated in National Public Works Week (May 17-23, 2015) by giving tours and demonstrations to students from elementary schools in Gem, Rainier (Alcoma), Rolling Hills, and Tilley. CHECK IT OUT AT THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING! MEET YOUR COUNCIL MEET YOUR COUNCIL DIVISION 2 Tilley DIVISION 3 Patricia/Millicent DIVISION 4 Rainier/Scandia/Bow City DIVISION 5 Cassils/Lake Newell Resort DIVISION 1 Rolling Hills (403) 793-2076 (403) 964-2292(403) 377-2596 hammergrenw@newellmail.cafyfet@newellmail.ca amulungc@newellmail.casimpsong@newellmail.caphilipsena@newellmail.ca DIVISION 6 Bassano DIVISION 7 Rosemary DIVISION 8 Duchess DIVISION 9 Gem DIVISION 10 Brooks (403) 641-2274(403) 641-2562 jussl@newellmail.ca christmank@newellmail.cadouglassm@newellmail.ca unruhe@newellmail.ca dejongb@newellmail.ca C OUNTY OF N EWELL - 2015 A NNUAL R EPORT P AGE 7 AGRICULTURAL SERVICE BOARD (ASB) REPORT by Todd Green, Director of Agricultural Services way safety and also for aesthetics. Over 3950 miles of road (one way) Brooks Regional Airport and the Bassano Regional airport. The Agricultural Service BoardÓs mission is: Emerson Bridge Park: Ð Working together we strive to guide viable growth and sustainability in 2013 we collected $35,194.00, in 2014 we collected $51, 400.00 and 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 Ñ normal conditions. We are excited to see the use of the park increasing. Emerson Bridge Park has seen major renovations and upgrades and we are happy to promote it as a family oriented park with large sites and a a number of programs and services. friendly atmosphere. Weed ControlEnvironmental Programming and training programs The ASB helps to train ratepayers in areas we are capable of and are requested to do so. The ASB also partners with industry and other properties, hamlet open spaces and partner with many urban and other Municipalities in areas of common interest. In 2015 the following programs governments. Prohibited Noxious and Noxious weed control takes were offered and our landscape.Government programs administered: a. Environmental Farm plans Î 2 completed b. undertake spraying of some of these sites, and offer help to ratepayers in a. (Southern Alberta Grazing School for Women Î 53 participants, the area of invasive species control. b. Weeds spread in many different ways. The ASB tries to control this spread of Newell) on as many of the vectors that resources will allow. For instance, in 2015 c. Responsible Gardening evening (25 attendees) the ASB managed weeds on the road network (highways and local Î 695 d. Weed ID School (Primarily for industry Î 60 attendees) and destroyed).Rental Equipment The Ag Service board has multiple rental units that can be used by Major weeds of concern include but are not limited to: Downy Brome, Rental units are charged out as close to cost recovery as possible. Usage for 2015 is as follows: In an effort to improve weed inspecting efforts and to help out our ¤ Livestock Scale Î 14 renters ¤ Rosemary and Duchess for weed inspecting services. The ASB was also ¤ able to help control weeds in the public areas of these municipalities. ¤ Weed Wipe Sprayers (2) Î 2 renter ¤ 3 point hitch sprayer Î 2 renters Pest Control¤ Brillion Seeders (2) Î 6 renters, 379 acres Many programs are implemented by the ASB to deal with pests such ¤ No Till Drills (2) Î 42 renters, 2962 acres ¤ programs include:¤ Functions ¤ ¤ Trap Rentals Î Skunk/Racoon traps Î 12 renters, 166 rental days, sold 3 new traps ¤ Magpie traps Î 1 renter, 14 rental days, sold 3 new trapspest and agronomic recommendations. The ASB also partners with ¤ Issuance of pest control devices and products ¤ ¤ Railway, Volker Stevin, Alberta Infrastructure, the local oil and gas industry Other pest issues dealt with and monitored in annual surveys:and other municipalities. Grasshoppers, Fusarium graminearum, Bacterial Ring Rot, Verticilium The ASB continues to be active in promoting and protecting agriculture. If you have concerns or require more information please feel free to Mowing All local roads and areas in subdivisions and hamlets are mowed in order www.countyofnewell.ab.ca. ASB related issues and concerns are dealt to complement weed control efforts, improve drainage, improve right of Follow us on Twitter!Like us on Facebook!Download our App! Visit us online! Newell Connect @County of NewellCounty of Newell www.countyofnewell.ab.ca P AGE 8 C OUNTY OF N EWELL - 2015 A NNUAL R EPORT