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COUNTY OF NEWELL
2016
ANNUAL REPORT
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
MAY 11, 2017 7:00 P.M.
COMMUNITY HALL BASSANO, AB
REEVEÔS REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDING 2016
by Molly Douglass, Reeve - County of Newell
Our County of Newell is a large rural municipality a few. Provision of services is a main purpose of
with four additional urban municipalities or ÐlocalÑ municipal government and it follows that it should be
governments within its boundaries - Bassano,
Brooks, Duchess and Rosemary. Our Newell The philosophy behind the regional approach is to
residents, about 7,500 in number, reside around avoid costly duplication of services to residents -
these Ðurbans,Ñ as well as living in other small not a new way of thinking for those of us within the
communities and hamlets throughout our large area County of Newell, but now a mandated one by the
of 1.5 million acres. In Canada as well as municipal province.
governments like ours, there are two other levels -
the federal or national government headquartered Along with a Summary of Financial Statements from
in Ottawa and our provincial Alberta government 2016, within this Annual Report are updates from
operated from its Edmonton legislature. Federal our three main areas of responsibility - Planning,
and provincial government decisions often affect Municipal Services and Agricultural Services.
municipal government, particularly in regards to These three departments are common to all rural
funding. municipalities in Alberta and form the Ðnuts and
boltsÑ of most work performed for ratepayers.
In 2016 much local and provincial discussion
occurred in Alberta regarding revisions to what is emergency service providers. All departments are
now the Modernized Municipal Government Act. supported by the CountyÓs information technology,
This provincial act lays out the responsibilities of
municipalities and the regulations around those staff. Since 2013 with the opening of the new County
responsibilities. A newly mandated requirement of facility, staff members have all worked together from
Inter-municipal Collaborative Frameworks (ICFÓs) the same building, a positive move for operations.
will mean additional work and commitment for rural
municipalities like the County of Newell. ICFÓs are Our Staff and Council view the Annual General
agreements that will have to be signed off with all Meeting as an important occasion to give residents
of our bordering municipalities. As well as ensuring the opportunity to exchange information and ideas
better land use planning, the purpose of ICFÓs is to and for us to listen and learn. This year we will meet
on Thursday, May 11 in Bassano at 7:00 pm at the
Community Hall. We hope to see you there!
water, wastewater, transportation, policing - to name
MUNICIPAL PLANNING COMMISSION REPORT
by Clarence Amulung, Municipal Planning Commission Chair
The Municipal Planning Commission is composed of
all the elected members of County of Newell Council. average of 444. These numbers are an indicator
They are ably supported by staff consisting of: Alyce that there still is activity in the County.
Wickert, Manager of Planning and Development;
Shanna Lee Simpson, Development Clerk; Pam It should also be recognized that the vast majority
Elliott, Administrative Assistant - Planning; and Diane of these permits are handled exclusively by staff
Horvath, County Planner and Senior Planner from and that very few are dealt with by MPC. Only
The Oldman River Regional Services Commission. those where there are variances, ambiguity or lack
The MPC meets at 10:00 a.m. before every Council of direction from County Bylaws come before the
meeting if there are items needing the CommissionÓs Commission. In these instances, MPC will attempt
decision. During 2016, MPC met for deliberations
a total of 20 times. All MPC meetings are open to applicant as well as to the County and its residents.
the public and the media except if it goes in camera
when a sensitive land, legal or labour issue arises. One of the most prominent bylaws used for guidance
Those instances are very rare and the Commission by MPC is Land Use Bylaw 1755-12. It was hoped that
encourages the public to attend especially when 2016 would bring a completed amended Land Use
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
decisions are made that directly concerns and Bylaw. Although the majority of the amended bylaw
AGENDA
affects them. has been reviewed and approved a troublesome
May 11, 2017 beginning at 7:00 p.m.
section dealing with signs has pushed its completion
Location: Bassano Community Hall
During 2016, 22 subdivisions were started, 13 into 2017.
1. Welcome & Introductions
were processed, 10 were completed and 3 are still
2. Approval of the Minutes of the 2015
ongoing. Of the 10 that were completed, only 2 were Another area which will demand considerable
Annual General Meeting
attention in the immediate future will be the
The remaining subdivisions were out of previously direction our provincial government has given
3. Presentations
for municipalities to be more collaborative and
a. Presentation of 2016 Year End
cooperative with our neighbouring municipalities.
Audited Financial Statements &
in the County is 13.8. If we use this as a gauge In the past, this has always been encouraged and
Financial Overview
of economic activity, it can be seen that 2016 was our area has been fortunate to have made some
b. Fire & Emergency Services
slightly below average but certainly not disastrous.
c. Recreation Services
legislated with timelines. This certainly will impact
d. County of Newell Water Project
Another indicator of economic activity would be the planning and development and will be a challenge
(Rural Water)
number of development and construction permits as well as an opportunity for both staff and elected
e. Website & Online Services
that are issued. During 2016, 131 development
f. Community Engagement
permits were issued which is slightly above the 5
4. Question & Answer Period
year average of 126. Meanwhile 420 construction
5. Round Table Discussions
P AGE 2
C OUNTY OF N EWELL - 2016 A NNUAL R EPORT
SUMMARIZED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF THE COUNTY OF NEWELL
For the Year Ending December 31, 2016
COUNTY OF NEWELL
Consolidated Statement of Financial Position
December 31, 2016, with comparative information for 2015
information represents only excerpts
2016 2015
of the County of Newell as at December
Financial assets:
31, 2016.
Cash and cash equivalents (note 2) $ 21,192,048 $ 19,514,847
Taxes and grants in place of taxes receivable (note 3) 1,294,382 1,058,710
Those individuals interested in the CountyÓs
Trade and other receivables (note 4) 20,187,853 23,127,515
Land held for resale 31,491 31,881
Investments (note 5) 46,452,097 42,262,136
Notes receivable (note 6) 1,773,637 2,995,066
complete 2016 Annual Financial Report.
Other financial assets 9,895 9,890
Copies are available upon request or by
90,941,403 89,000,045
visiting the County of NewellÓs website at
www.countyofnewell.ab.ca.
Financial liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 2,201,452 3,528,800
Employee benefit obligations (note 8) 1,528,839 405,626
Unearned revenue (note 9) 196,685 182,984
Long-term debt - operating (note 10) 1,537,923 2,247,288
Long-term debt - capital (note 11) 24,414,424 29,357,355
Provision for landfill closure and post-closure costs (note 12) 313,533 317,901
Provision for gravel pit closure and post-closure costs (note 12) 335,341 350,594
Deposit liabilities (note 2) 198,874 243,991
30,727,071 36,634,539
Net financial assets 60,214,332 52,365,506
Non-financial assets:
Prepaid expenses 114,985 106,111
Tangible Capital Assets (note 7) 226,952,338 220,958,311
Inventory for consumption 1,390,753 1,719,459
228,458,076 222,783,881
Contingent liabilities (note 20)
Accumulated surplus (note 13) $288,672,408 $275,149,387
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
Expenses by object:
Budget 2016 2015
Salaries, wages and benefits $ 8,319,137 $ 7,430,179 $ 7,451,402
Contracted and general services 4,748,440 3,725,751 4,040,966
Materials, goods, supplies and utilities 4,954,203 3,985,928 3,966,506
Transfers to organizations 4,103,102 4,264,050 4,892,329
Photo submitted by C. Petersen via Newell Connect
Bank charges and short-term interest 4,500 5,370 4,246
Interest on long-term debt 684,025 670,082 735,351
Other expenditures 20,000 1,158,712 9,285
Amortization 5,670,089 6,227,082 5,744,761
$ 28,503,496 $ 27,467,154 $ 26,844,846
2016 MUNICIPAL EXPENSES2016 MUNICIPAL REVENUE
Fire/Bylaw/Disaster
Water/Sewer/Garbage
Services/Corp SafetyRec/Library/FCSS
15.23%
Legislative/General
3.28%1.15%Other
Airport
Rec/Library/FCSS
Fire/Bylaw/Disaster
1.7%
0.00%
0.4%
3.9%
MPC/ASB/Eco.Dev./Bus
Services/Corp Safety
Administration
Public Works/ShopPublic Works/Shop
MPC/ASB/Eco.Dev./Bus
0.48%
General/Administration
Water/Sewer/Garbage
5.60%
10.6%
Public Works/Shop
39.5%
Property Taxes
72.68%
P AGE 3
C OUNTY OF N EWELL - 2016 A NNUAL R EPORT
SUMMARIZED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF THE COUNTY OF NEWELL
For the Year Ending December 31, 2016
Net municipal property taxes:
Budget 2016 2015
Taxation:
Real property taxes $ 15,567,293 $ 15,611,840 $ 14,680,494
Linear property taxes 27,328,192 27,489,906 27,461,535
Government grants in place of property
taxes 371,825 355,528 328,780
43,267,310 43,457,274 42,780,809
Requisitions:
Alberta School Foundation Fund 12,529,765 12,754,794 12,529,765
Newell Foundation 910,166 910,166 893,217
13,439,931 13,664,960 13,422,982
Net municipal property taxes $ 29,827,379 $ 29,792,314 $ 29,047,827
2016 PROPERTY TAXES2016 ALLOCATION OF PROPERTY TAX
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:
2016 2015
Benefits &
Salary (1) Allowances (2) Total Total
Council:
Division 1 $ 30,076 $ 5,071 $ 35,147 $ 30,275
Division 2 29,817 5,060 34,877 36,135
Division 3 30,386 5,084 35,470 36,624
Division 4 24,936 2,561 27,497 32,337
Division 5 28,128 4,986 33,114 33,076
Division 6 27,144 4,943 32,087 35,510
Division 7 28,519 5,003 33,522 34,127
Division 8 26,707 1,393 28,100 33,213
Division 9 49,018 2,409 51,427 54,012
Division 10 27,079 4,940 32,019 32,126
$ 301,810 $ 41,450 $ 343,260 $ 357,435
County staff and volunteers working to install new playground equipment
in the Hamlet of Tilley in early May 2016.
Chief Administrative Officer $ 216,307 $ 49,294 $ 265,601 $ 261,869
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 employerÓs 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 employerÓs 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.
On August 24, 2016, we celebrated the completion of the County of
Newell Water Project, an initiative to provide potable water to every
resident and business in the County. The celebration was held in Gem,
AB - the location of the last of ten contracts that made up the project.
P AGE 4
C OUNTY OF N EWELL - 2016 A NNUAL R EPORT
MUNICIPAL SERVICES REPORT
by Mark Harbicht, Director of Municipal Services
Municipal Services is responsible for municipal ¤ Bassano North and Gem Booster Stations program to complete 350 km annually,
infrastructure including, but not limited to, Fleet, Î Consisted of the installation of building consuming approximately 40,000 cubic
Enforcement, Transportation (Roads), Water, complete with pumps to boost pressures in meters of crushed aggregate. This takes
Wastewater (Sewer), Storm Water, and Solid the pipelines to service Bassano and Gem approximately 80 working days at a cost of
Waste Services - all items that contribute to areas due to elevation challenges presented. approximately $620,000 annually. Following
the quality of rural life. Through responsible This contract cost $657,856.the gravel re-surfacing is stockpiling at key
management, innovation and teamwork, our locations for next yearÓs program. Stockpiling
In summary, there are 1057 users receiving water
Department strives to provide dependable, high takes approximately 60 working days and
of 1570 registered users, or 67% active.
quality services at reasonable costs.costs approximately $240,000 annually.
¤ Grading
Water Meter Program
County of Newell Water Project (CNWP)
The County completed the installation of water 8 grader beats maintain approximately 185
The CNWP was completed in August 2016, with
meters in each property located in Hamlets where km, up from 150 km. It takes each operator
pressurized water services are provided. This 20 working days to cover their area of
area. The project commenced in 2011 with the
project started in 2012 and was completed at a responsibility, or once per month.
objective to complete the project in 5 years.
cost of $229,141.
The project was completed in 6 years, installing
¤ Drainage and Culverts
1151 km of water line at a cost of $53,634,601.
The Department completes numerous
Hamlet of Tilley
Grant funding supporting the project amounted
projects throughout the year including
In 2016, the Department completed the remaining
to $30,934,815 (MSI - $27,000,000, Federal Gas
ditch improvements, culvert installations,
road restoration work, bringing closure to the
Tax - $2,559,815, Alberta Agriculture Growing
and culvert replacements. In 2016, the
complete replacement of water, wastewater
Forward - $1,375,000.) Below is a summary of
Department invested approximately
(sewer), road, and sidewalk improvements in
costs per project including active vs non-active
$380,000 into roadside ditch improvements,
the Hamlet. Work originally started in 2015
water users respectively as of March 30, 2017:
including installation of new and replacement
¤ Rolling Hills (Div. 1) - Activated on July 4,
of existing culverts.
Ðshort term priorityÑ. Cost savings under that
2013, there are 67 of 90 (74%) locations
contract presented the Hamlet residents with an
¤ Road Signs and Highway Markings
receiving water. This contract cost $2,402,450
and consisted of installing 98 km of pipe.
The County manages a number of signs from
as Ðmedium-long-term priorityÑ. Consultation with
¤ Tilley (Div. 2) - Activated on October 11, Hamlet residents provided the Department with
Limit, etc.), warning devices (Curve Ahead,
2013, there are 136 of 174 (78%) locations direction to proceed. That deep utility infrastructure
Cattle at Large, School Bus Stop Ahead,
receiving water. This contract cost $5,762,195 was completed, including the replacement of most
etc.), to information signs (Destination,
and consisted of installing 157 km of pipe, curb, gutter, and sidewalks as well as placement
Tourism, Cultural, etc.) including highway
including Kinbrook Island.of hot mix asphalt throughout the entire Hamlet
markings (Line Paint, Crosswalks, Stop
road network.
¤ Kinbrook Island (Div. 2) - Activated on May
Bars, etc.). Signs are always in need of
10, 2013, there are 27 of 42 (64%) locations
replacement/repair and new installations are
EID/County Partnership on Drainage
receiving water, including the supply of
required to improve road safety for motorists.
This partnership, now in its seventh year,
potable water to Alberta Parks for use at their
The Department invested approximately
continues with improvements of $2 million
facilities.
$200,000 in maintenance and repairs of road
annually ($1 million each party), as approved
signs in 2016, up from $142,000 in 2015 due
¤ Patricia (Div. 3) Î Activated on June 17,
by EID Board and County Council. Progress in
to the department replacing and standardizing
2014, and there are 63 of 84 (75%) locations
2016 included the completion of 65 of 70 km of
signs in Hamlets. Highway Markings are
receiving water, including the supply of
drainage in the Rainier area, as well as 7.2 of
reviewed and addressed annually. Some
potable water to Alberta Parks for use at their
12 km of drainage in the Millicent area. Previously
locations receive a treatment of paint where
facilities at Dinosaur Park. This contract cost
completed projects include Cassils (15.2 km),
other locations receive permanent markings
$4,981,806 and consisted of installing 97 km
Rolling Hills (36.8 km), and most recently Scandia
(Thermoplastic with 5-7 year life expectancy,
of pipe.
(33 km).
¤ Scandia/Rainier (Div. 4) Î Activated on July
premature wearing of the paint. The program
County of Newell Pathway Î Connecting to the
28, 2015, there are 88 of 115 (77%) locations
costs approximately $115,000 with 521 km of
City of Brooks
receiving water. This contract cost $5,439,593
line painted annually.
Municipal Services completed the County
and consisted of installing 122 km of pipe.
Council approved pathway, connecting the new
¤ Road Rehabilitation
¤ Cassils (Div. 5) Î Activated on July 24, 2015,
The County has adopted road shoulder pulls
there are 170 of 287 (59%) locations receiving
City of Brooks pathway network ending at the
as a cost effective method for improving
water. This contract cost $7,776,516 and
Centennial Regional Arena. This extension offers
roads to current standards. In 2015, the
consisted of installing 120 km of pipe.
an additional 700 meters of walking/jogging/
Department completed 52 km of shoulder pull
biking opportunities at a cost of $118,000.
¤ Bassano (Div. 6) Î Activated on March 30,
at an investment of $1,144,000, or $26,000
2016, there are 27 of 69 (39%) locations
per km. In comparison, the Department
Operations
receiving water. This contract cost $5,343,199
competed 53.6 km of shoulder pull at a cost
Our Operations Department provides a number of
and consisted of installing 113 km of pipe.
of $1,493,839, or $27,840 per km, in 2016.
services to residents, as summarized below:
¤ Rosemary (Div. 7) Î Activated on June 3,
¤ Dust Abatement (Calcium)
2015, there are 72 of 103 (70%) locations
Municipal Enforcement
receiving water. This contract cost $2,652,722
Approximately 180 km of dust abatement is
Municipal Enforcement Department activities
and consisted of installing 82 km of pipe.
applied to gravel road surfaces each year, or
continue with service provisions in our partnering
12% of the CountyÓs 1486 km of gravel road
¤ Duchess (Div. 8) - Activated on January 22, communities including the Town of Bassano,
surfaces. Residential and Non-Residential
2013, and are 178 of 230 (77%) locations Villages of Duchess and Rosemary, the Eastern
applications make up 80 km, or 44% of the
receiving water. This contract cost $5,574,851 Irrigation District, and the Village of Hussar.
overall program. The County places 100 km,
and consisted of installing 127 km of pipe.Partnership services are cost recovered on an
or 56% at intersections leading up to paved
hourly rate basis. The department continues to
¤ Gem (Div. 9) Î Activated on August 18, 2016
roads, gravel road surfaces paralleling paved
engage and educate the public. Monthly priorities
and are 48 of 91 (53%) locations receiving
highways, and where County gravel haul
for the department match that of the Selective
water. This contract cost $6,674,927 and
routes are established. The 2016 program cost
consisted of installing 140 km of pipe.
approximately $836,000, with approximately
Province.
$135,000 revenues from paid applications
¤ North Brooks (Div. 10) - Activated on
and takes approximately 20 working days to
September 9, 2014, there are 181 of
Thank you to our dedicated team of the staff who
complete, weather depending.
264 (69%) locations receiving water.
This contract cost $5,429,683 and
commend you for your efforts, contributions, and
¤ Gravel Re-Surfacing and Stockpiling
consisted of installing 95 km of pipe.
dedication to the County and the ratepayers we
The County has standardized the gravelling
serve.
P AGE 5
C OUNTY OF N EWELL - 2016 A NNUAL R EPORT
2015 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING MINUTES
May 7, 2015
The 2015 Annual Meeting of the County of Newell was held at the Community Hall in Gem, AB on Thursday, May 5, 2016 commencing at 7:11 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT:STAFF PRESENT: OTHERS PRESENT:
M. Douglass, Reeve
R. Havinga, Newell Regional Services Corporation
C. AmulungL. Johnson, Director of Corporate ServicesJ. Harrington, Alberta Agriculture & Forestry
G. SimpsonM. Fenske, Manager of FinanceB. Nummi, MPE Engineering Ltd.
A.M. PhilipsenM. Patton, Finance Intern
W. HammergrenM. Harbicht, Director of Municipal Services
T. Fyfe
T. Schroeder, Manager of Operations MEDIA PRESENT:
K. ChristmanS. Stanway, Brooks Bulletin
E. UnruhR. Fernell, Director of Information & Technology
B. de JongT. Green, Director of Agricultural Services
L. Juss
A. Nielsen, Executive Assistant
17 ratepayers were in attendance for the 2015 Annual Meeting of the County of Newell.
operator will come out to test the water quality and turn the service on. He
Reeve M. Douglass called the meeting to order at 7:11 p.m. provided contact information for NRSC, noting that water quality analyses
are posted on the website twice per year.
1. Welcome & Introductions
The Reeve welcomed everyone to the meeting and introduced the Councillors d. County of Newell Water Project
and staff in attendance.The Manager of Engineering Services provided background information on
the County of Newell Water Project. The goal of the project was to supply
3. Presentations potable water to every rural residence and business in the County. The
a. Presentation of 2015 Year End Audited Financial Statements &
to supply rural users. The Manager of Engineering Services outlined the
Financial Overview
The Manager of Finance presented the 2015 Year End Audited Financial
Statements and Annual Report document. He provided an overview of
that demonstration units have been set up. The initial plan involved
and reported on April 7, 2016. He explained that two thirds of tax revenue construction of six service areas at a rate of one per year. About 40% of
comes from linear assessment, which includes things like oil pipelines and the total users registered for service during the initial registration period
and it was discovered that landowners wanted the service sooner and for
less money. The plan was revised to ten service areas that were loosely
and explained the extent to which future revenues will be required to fund based on the CountyÓs electoral divisions and the registration fee was
transactions and events. He noted that 2015 ended with a slight increase lowered to $1,000.00 instead of $7,000.00. After the second registration
in the ratio, with $2.43 in assets for every $1.00 of liability. M. Fenske period, 81% of total users had signed up. The Manager of Engineering
provided an explanation of the CountyÓs borrowing limits and displayed a Services explained the blanket easements that were used in order to
chart showing debt limits versus total debt. He also showed a breakdown
of what makes up property taxes, noting that a minimum tax has been to ensure they were knowledgeable and had adequate resources. The
established for farmland parcels beginning in 2016. Manager of Engineering Services indicated that pipelines were installed
using either plowing or directional drilling, depending on the situation. He
b. Municipal Services provided details for each of the construction contracts, including timelines,
The Director of Municipal Services provided a report summarizing the costs, pipelines, and service connections. He provided an overview of
activities of the Municipal Services Department in 2015. He provided an subsidies available through the Eastern Irrigation District for people with
update on the paving plan, indicating that Council has decided to move
East Gem Road higher on the priority list. Negotiations with Alberta associated with the project, including obtaining easements without offering
Transportation are ongoing regarding cost-sharing paving for SH873,
compensation, communication, and hardware issues and commended
SH876, and the unpaved portion of SH535. M. Harbicht provided an Council for remaining consistent throughout the project. The Manager of
overview of the areas of responsibility covered by Municipal Services, Engineering Services outlined policies moving forward. The lines were
designed for additional capacity so new users can connect after paying a
solid waste management. Newell Regional Services Corporation is the registration fee of $7,700.00. They are also responsible for the full cost of
contract operator for water services in hamlets. He provided information connecting to the line and bringing the service to their yard site.
regarding the National Public Works Week events held in 2015, noting
e. Growing Forward Grant
He provided an update on the County of Newell Water Project which has J. Harrington provided an overview of the Growing Forward Grant program,
which provides funding to agricultural producers for water supplies. He
of infrastructure upgrades that have been completed in Scandia and are explained the On-Farm Water Management Program, which provides
underway in Tilley. He provided information regarding the EID Drainage standard and special incentive categories. The grant program provides
Partnership and plans for Scandia, Rainier, Cassils, and Millicent. Work reimbursement for costs associated with connecting to the County of Newell
was completed in Scandia last year for the internal roads and east access Water Project system. J. Harrington outlined the eligibility requirements,
roads under the paved roads program. The CountyÓs paving priorities are which include being an agricultural producer, meeting applicable legislation,
available on the web site. M. Harbicht provided background information
on the dust abatement program, outlining changes that have been made. management plan for the farm. He indicated that he is available to assist
Calcium chloride is applied to 180km of County roads each year. He also producers in creating the plans. He noted that no work can be done on the
provided information regarding the gravel program, road rehabilitation, and applicantÓs portion of the project until the plan is approved. J. Harrington
vegetation control.indicated that he would provide application forms and assistance following
the conclusion of the meeting and asked that those in attendance tell their
c. Regional Water Update neighbours about the grant program.
R. Havinga provided background information on the Regional Water
Project. Previously, there were ten water treatment plants and nine f. Newell Connect Demonstration
wastewater collection and treatment sites and maintaining all of these was The Director of Information & Technology provided an overview of Newell
not feasible. He acknowledged A. Doerksen, who was MLA at the time, as Connect, a smartphone application developed by the County of Newell
being instrumental in preparing the provincial grant funding package for the and the City of Brooks. The app provides ratepayers another way to
project. R. Havinga commended the residents and municipalities involved
communicate with the City of Brooks and the County of Newell. She
for their cooperation in this the Regional Water Project. The Regional indicated that, since the app was launched publicly at the Brooks & District
Water System was designed to accommodate service for rural residents Chamber of Commerce Trade Show at the end of April, there have been
as well. A partnership committee was formed to implement the project 278 downloads. The Director of Information & Technology provided an
and establish an authority for the Regional Water System. R. Havinga overview of the functions. Primarily, users will be able to make service
explained that Newell Regional Services Corporation (NRSC) is owned by requests through the app. Users can also follow requests made by others,
the municipalities within the County and is not a private corporation. He
provided an overview of the system. The water treatment plant in Brooks campground information, among other things. She indicated that feedback
can process 32 million liters of water per day and there are 175km of and suggestions are welcome. In addition to promotional items and
regional transmission mains. The nine water treatment plants that were instructional pamphlets available at the meeting, an iPad was available for
decommissioned are now used as storage reservoirs and pumping facilities. hands-on demonstrations.
The Regional Water System was completed in four phases with a total of
thirteen construction contracts. The cost for the project was $57 million g. Divisional Boundaries
with $48 million provided by provincial grant funding. The project started in Reeve M. Douglass provided background information on this item, indicating
that Council is interested in getting feedback from the public on the topic.
on May 5, 2015. R. Havinga indicated that NRSC operates and maintains
all systems in the hamlets and the rural water system. Bassano, Duchess, options include reducing the number of Councillors from ten to nine, seven,
and Rosemary operate their own distribution systems. He provided an or something else. He asked whether divisional boundaries should be
overview of testing required by Alberta Health Services and Environment realigned based on population or eliminated entirely, with Council elected
from all over the County. He indicated that, from a CAOÓs perspective, the
savings in operational costs and capital investments. Costly upgrades are County of Newell is one of the best run municipalities in the province and
the governance is great. He noted that, if changes are to be in place before
There is also room for growth. R. Havinga reported that NRSC operators
are established and communicated. The Director of Corporate Services
reported that water will soon be available in Gem and outlined the process indicated that a census completed in 2009 revealed that the population is
for connecting. Once the system is in, landowners can call NRSC and an not evenly distributed among the electoral divisions.
Since launching in April of 2016, the Newell Connect app has been downloaded
over 1,200 times and we have been able to resolve nearly 500 reported issues!
Download Newell Connect today!
P AGE 6
C OUNTY OF N EWELL - 2016 A NNUAL R EPORT
2015 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING MINUTES
May 7, 2015
2. Approval of the Minutes of the 2014 Annual Meeting
MOVED BY HARRY PHILIPSEN that the 2014 Annual Meeting minutes be
adopted as presented.
MOTION CARRIED
4. QUESTION & ANSWER PERIOD
A ratepayer asked if other municipalities have done away with
electoral boundaries and elected Councillors-at-large. The Director
of Corporate Services replied that it is more common in urban
municipalities. The ratepayer asked how much it would cost to
replied that it would be mostly staff time and advertising. Reeve M.
division was obtained in 2009.
a paving priority and asked what the range was for priorities that
are expected to proceed. The Director of Municipal Services replied
that the variables are the level of funding in the paving reserve and
the cost of the project, as the intent is to mobilize the contractor
once and maximize the money spent on the project. He noted that
some reserve funding has been used for recent projects within
hamlets. Reeve M. Douglass indicated that they continue to work
towards a cost sharing partnership with Alberta Transportation
priority for paving Î SH873, SH876, and the portion of SH535 that
was left unpaved. This will be discussed further during an upcoming
meeting with Alberta Transportation South Region staff. Efforts
have been diverted from lobbying to get SH862 paved in favor of
the East Gem Road, which is the school bus route. The Manager
of Finance indicated that $2.1 million per year is allocated for paving
and there is currently $7.2 million in the paving reserve. The Director
of Municipal Services explained the composition of the East Gem
Road, indicating that there is 16km of road that must be paved.
The same ratepayer expressed concerns with the numerous wire
A ratepayer asked what the downtime is for existing water users
when a new user is added to the line. The Manager of Engineering
Services replied that, depending on the size of the line, downtime
would be none to a few hours at most. Existing water users may not
notice any downtime if there is water in their cisterns.
A ratepayer stated that he appreciated having a Council
representative from the Gem area. He asked if it was possible for
electoral boundaries to be based on tax dollars generated within an
area rather than population. The Manager of Finance replied that
this could be done for residential, commercial, and industrial, but the
Come to the Annual General Meeting to learn more!
M. Douglass indicated that the provincial government is currently
revising the Municipal Government Act and there is a lot of concern
with linear tax revenue being redistributed by population. She
indicated that the Regional Water Project would not have happened
without sharing between the County of Newell and the City of
Brooks, and that the County wants to continue to share our linear
assessment revenue with the municipalities within it.
5. ADJOURN
Reeve M. Douglass adjourned the meeting at 8:56 p.m.
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
Councillor Tracy Fyfe
Councillor Clarence Amulung Councillor Gordon SimpsonCouncillor Anne Marie PhilipsenCouncillor Wayne Hammergren
(403) 793-2076
(403) 362-8223
(403) 964-2292(403) 377-2596(403) 378-4724
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
Councillor Lionel Juss
Councillor Kelly ChristmanCouncillor Molly Douglass
Councillor Ellen Unruh
Councillor Brian de Jong
(403) 362-5689
(403) 641-2274(403) 641-2562
(403) 378-4292
(403) 362-4587
jussl@newellmail.ca
christmank@newellmail.ca
douglassm@newellmail.ca
unruhe@newellmail.ca
dejongb@newellmail.ca
P AGE 7
C OUNTY OF N EWELL - 2016 A NNUAL R EPORT
AGRICULTURAL SERVICE BOARD (ASB) REPORT
by Todd Green, Director of Agricultural Services
The County of Newell Agricultural Services Board the Bow River (60 miles of control of Scentless the Agricultural Services Department is to provide
mission is:Chamomile and Black henbane picked and a well-maintained campground for patrons to
destroyed).enjoy but at the same time be near cost recovery
Ð Working together we strive to guide viable for operating expenses.
growth and sustainability in the County of Major weeds of concern include but are not limited
Newell by implementing programs in areas to Downy Brome, Common Burdock, BabyÓs Environmental Programming and Training
of weed, pest and soil control as well as Programs
programs focused on sound agronomics and and Canada thistle. In 2016 we discovered the The Agricultural Services Department partners
environmental stewardship.Ñpresence of Phragmites australis along the CP
line near Brooks. We are working in conjunction government groups to provide environmental
We achieve this by ensuring we have an with the CP, Alberta Environment and Parks, programs and workshops. In 2016 the following
exceptional staff of well-trained individuals who and Alberta Agriculture and Forestry to combat programs were offered:
can provide quality advice and consistency in this weed before it spreads. Phragmites is not
programming to our rate payers. The department currently on the noxious weed registry in Alberta, Government programs administered:
consists of 7 full-time employees and 15 a. Environmental Farm Plans Î 4 completed
seasonal. Our full-time staff is comprised of b.
individuals who have been chosen based on their To improve weed inspecting efforts and help out exam)
unique skill sets, aptitudes, and backgrounds. our urban municipalities, the County Agricultural
Working together, the members of the Agricultural Services Department partnered with Brooks, Courses/Training:
Services Department can provide balanced, Bassano, Rosemary and Duchess for weed a. (Southern Alberta Grazing School for Women
comprehensive agricultural programs and inspecting and contract pesticide applicator Î 51 participants, hosted in Cypress County)
services. The County of Newell dedicates itself services. b. Farming Smarter Conference (250 attendees,
to ongoing education and professionalism. We 25 from the County of Newell)
do our best to make sure all our staff members Pest Control c. Weed ID School (Primarily for industry Î73
The Agricultural Services Department provides attendees)
their areas of expertise. We strive to provide programming and control devices to assist our
consistency in our programs by guaranteeing the ratepayers in dealing with agricultural pests that Rental Equipment
right processes and procedures are in place to cause problems for their operations. Usage for The Ag Service board has multiple rental units
guide our activities, decision-making, and training.2016 is as follows:that can be used by ratepayers of the County.
¤ Coyote Control Incentive Program (CCIP) For a full list please check out the website. Rental
Our department is governed by our Agricultural (1339 coyotes brought in)units are charged out as close to cost recovery as
Service Board, which consists of all ten members possible. Usage for 2016 is as follows:
¤ Trap Rentals Î Skunk/Raccoon traps Î 11
of our County Council.
renters, 86 rental days, sold 1 new trap
¤ Livestock Scale Î 12 renters, 4 of them 4-H
¤ Magpie traps Î 9 renters, 116 rental days,
Weed Control clubs
sold 3 new traps
Weed control in the County of Newell is an ¤ Loading Chute and panels Î 15 renters
ongoing battle. To help combat the spread ¤ Calf Table Î 1 renter
¤ Issuance of pest control devices and products-
of weeds, the County Agricultural Services ¤ Weed Wipe Sprayers (2) Î 5 renters
18 1080Ós (Chicken Heads) distributed
Department manages various spray programs ¤ 3 point hitch sprayer Î 1 renters
¤ Ground Squirrel Control (84 producers bought
to promote proper vegetation management on ¤ Brillion Seeders (2) Î 7 renters, 140 acres
1193 bottles of 2% Liquid Strychnine)
the road right of ways, private property, County ¤ No-Till Drills (2) Î 44 renters, 4367 acres
owned properties, and open spaces in hamlets. ¤ Conventional Drill Î 12 renters, 1344 acres
¤ Stored Grain Pests Control (2 producers
Prohibited Noxious and Noxious weed control ¤ Tandem Axle BBQ Î 37 Users + Rodeo Week
take precedent as these species pose the and 2 County Functions
¤ Rocon Applicator - 1 rental
landscape. Other activities in 2016 included the Calgary
Other pest issues dealt with and monitored
Stampede Farm Family Award, Rural
in annual surveys: Grasshoppers, Fusarium
Invasive plants species are a constant challenge
graminearum, Bacterial Ring Rot, Verticilium Wilt
for Agricultural Services staff. The County various pest and agronomic recommendations.
and Clubroot
employs one full-time Vegetation Management The ASB also partners with other organizations
Technician and three seasonal Vegetation
Mowing
Management Technicians (VMTÓs) to monitor include Partners in Habitat Development, Alberta
All local roads and areas in subdivisions and
Conservation Association, Newell Regional Solid
hamlets are mowed to complement weed control
lookout for new sites and emerging threats.
efforts, improve drainage, improve right of way
The VMTÓs undertake control of some of these Railway, Volker Stevin, Alberta Transportation, the
safety and also for aesthetics. Our operators
locations and offer assistance to ratepayers in the local oil and gas industry and other municipalities.
mowed 3400 km of road (one way) and spent 712
area of invasive species control if the sites are on
hours in hamlets, subdivisions, Brooks Regional
private land. The Agricultural Services Department continues
Airport and the Bassano Regional Airport in 2016.
to promote best management practices to aid our
Weeds spread by many different modes of ratepayers in the protection and enhancement
Emerson Bridge Park:
transport such as environmental, mechanical, of agricultural lands and systems. If you have
During the 2013 camping season we collected
human and animal vectors. The Agricultural concerns or require more information, please feel
$35,194.00, in 2014 we collected $51,400.00, in
Services Department tries to control this spread
2015 we collected $57,003.00, and in 2016 we
by proactively identifying vectors that spread at 403-362-3266 or check out our website at
collected $87,854.51 in park registrations and
weed seeds and devising a strategy to eliminate www.countyofnewell.ab.ca. Concerns related to
or control these vectors. For instance, in 2016 Agricultural Services programs are dealt with at
fees to $20/trailer for non-power, $30/unit for
the Agricultural Services Department managed regular County of Newell Council meetings.
power and $15/tent for non-power. Interest in
weeds on the road network (highways and local Î
camping at Emerson continues to increase even
695 miles sprayed), CP Mainline (66 miles), and
with the increase in camping rates. The goal of
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Newell Connect
@County of NewellCounty of Newell
www.countyofnewell.ab.ca
P AGE 8
C OUNTY OF N EWELL - 2016 A NNUAL R EPORT