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REEVE'S REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDING 2009
by Molly Douglass, County of Newell No. 4 Reeve
The Municipal Government Act requires
all municipalities to provide financial
statements, or a summary of them, along
with the auditor's report of this information,
to the public each year. That mandatory
information forms part of this 2009 Annual
Report. In addition, the County of Newell
is inviting all of its residents and ratepayers
tothe Heritage Inn at 7:00 pm on Thursday,
May 13th for an information and question/
answer get-together.
As elected officials, one major duty of
councillors is to develop and evaluate the
policies and programs of our municipality
so that in turn our administrators and staff
can carry out their roles. In 2009 Council
streamlined its traditional meeting system.
Rather than four regular time slots every
month and five every second month, our
whole council now meets twice a month.
Obviously, topics requiring Council
decisions still come to the table. Less
commitment of meeting time might make
it easier for people to consider running for
council positions... and this is municipal
election year.
Sustainability pops up everywhere
these days and well it should. Many of
Alberta's smaller municipalities, including
those within our boundaries, struggle to
provide services to cover off residential
and commercial expectations, let alone
deal with hope for expansion. To this end,
our Council continues to look for projects
to promote cooperation and regional
partnerships that produce positive benefits
for our "community."
The day-to-day operations of the County
involve a diverse array of occupations -
Information Technology, Tax Assessment,
Engineering, Accounting, Weed Inspecting,
Heavy Equipment Operation, Planning
and Land Use, Payroll, Equipment Repair,
Management - to name only a few required
to provide service to our residents and
ratepayers. When you receive your 2010
tax notices, also included will be a short
survey for your feedback regarding the
provision of services. Your earlier input
received this year about our Municipal
Development Plan was valuable and
appreciated.
Please look further in this publication for
an outline of the May 13th Annual General
Meeting. There are definitely items
included that should interest everyone.
Staff and Council look forward to seeing
you there.
MUNICIPAL PLANNING COMMISSION CHAIRMAN'S REPORT
by Anne Marie Philipsen, Municipal Planning Commission Chairman
The County contracts the services of
the Oldman River Regional Services
Commission (ORRSC).
ORRSC provides awide range of municipal
planning services and advice to a total of
40 municipalities, towns, and villages in
Southern Alberta.
The planners at ORRSC helpthe Municipal
Planning Commission (MPC) make
informed decisions, based on the County's
Land Use bylaws and their experience
with other Municipalities. Land use bylaws
help regulate and control land use and
development of land and buildings in the
County. These bylaws were fine tuned in
2007 to make the process more consistent
and transparent. The County made some
changes to their Land Use districts to
reflect the requests of taxpayers.
In 2008, ORRSC helped the County and
the City of Brooks write an Inter Municipal
Development Plan (IMDP). The IMDP
will provide both municipalities with a
framework for decision making for future
development around the City. It was
importantto identify the growth strategies of
the City and to ensure that these strategies
were compatible with the development
and land uses in the County of Newell.
While each municipality is responsible
for decisions within their boundaries, a
Joint Planning Committee will provide
a recommendation for development
applications in the joint plan area. The
IMDP provides for orderly and properly
controlled development surrounding the
City of Brooks as well as timely expansion
with minimal land use conflicts. The IMDP
will direct country residential and other
non-agricultural development to locations
which are the least disruptive to the
agricultural community.
The Alberta government encourages
regional planning. Municipalities have to
look at the whole region when planning
for agriculture, industry, and residential
growth.
The Alberta government is establishing
regional land use plans based on 7 land
use regions. Each will have a Regional
Advisory Council. Our region is called The
South Saskatchewan.
The purpose of this Land Use Framework
is to manage growth and to sustain our
growing economy, ensuring a future with
opportunities and a healthy environment.
ORRSC developed a position paper for
all the communities in their service area.
All the comments from these communities
were sent to the government. One of the
main concerns is maintaining control of
their own planning.
For all your Planning questions, call
Diane Horvath at the Oldman River
Regional Planning Commission 1-877-
329-1387. For development permits, call
Alyce Wickert, Development Officer at the
County office 362 3266.
There were a total of 27 Subdivision
Applications in 2009, creating 73 new lots.
# of Lots Created 73
Residential 1
Commercial 0
Industrial 44
Country Residential 22
Agricultural 3
(Institutional/Public 3
AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENT OF THE COUNTY OF NEWELL NO.4
For the Year Ending December 31, 2009
The accompanying summarized
financial information represents only
excerpts derived from the audited
financial statement of the County of
Newell No. 4 as at December 31,
2009.
Those individuals interested in the
County's financial position, results
of operations and cash flows are
encouraged to read the complete
financial statements. Copies of the
audited financial statements are
available upon request or by visiting
the County of Newell's website at
www. cou ntyofn ewel I. ab. ca
Net municipal property taxes:
Requisitions:
Alberta School Foundation Fund 12,018,493
Newell Foundation 584,528
12,603,021
2009 ALLOCATION OF PROPERTY TAXES
Municipal
65.59%�
Newell Foundation
1.46% —
\7 m
Alberta School'
Foundation Chnst the Redeemer
29.53% S. D.#3
0.42%
County employees (left to right) Tom Martin and Karen Lemieux installing
the first Rural Addressing Sign in Division 1. The project began in Division
1 in late January and to date 562 address signs have been successfully
installed in Divisions 1, 2, 4, and 10. If you have any questions about the
Rural Addressing project, please contact Geoff Tiffin at (403) 362-3266.
I�
Linear Property---
67.79%
roperty67.79%
2009 2008
$ 12,638,657
Budget
27,206,532
(Unaudited)
Taxation:
38,173
Real property taxes
$ 12,689,274
Linear property taxes
27,140,020
Government grants in place of property
taxes
285,745
40,115, 039
Requisitions:
Alberta School Foundation Fund 12,018,493
Newell Foundation 584,528
12,603,021
2009 ALLOCATION OF PROPERTY TAXES
Municipal
65.59%�
Newell Foundation
1.46% —
\7 m
Alberta School'
Foundation Chnst the Redeemer
29.53% S. D.#3
0.42%
County employees (left to right) Tom Martin and Karen Lemieux installing
the first Rural Addressing Sign in Division 1. The project began in Division
1 in late January and to date 562 address signs have been successfully
installed in Divisions 1, 2, 4, and 10. If you have any questions about the
Rural Addressing project, please contact Geoff Tiffin at (403) 362-3266.
I�
Linear Property---
67.79%
roperty67.79%
2009 2008
$ 12,638,657
$ 12,394,564
27,206,532
25,644,797
286,551
38,173
40,131,740
38,077,534
12,018,189 12,272,686
584,527 435,959
12,602,716 12, 708,645
$ 27,512,018 $ 27,529,024 $ 25,368,889
2009 PROPERTY TAXES
,Commercial /Industrial
Railway
21.43%
a
—land
2.05%
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING AGENDA
May 13, 2010 beginning at 7:00 p.m.
1. Welcome & Introductions
2. Approval of the Minutes of the 2007 Annual
General Meeting
3. Presentations
• Regional Water System
(Newell Regional Services Commission)
• Expansion of Water Delivery to Rural
Residents (MPE Engineering)
• New County of Newell Facilities
(Barr Ryder Architects & Interior Designers)
• Planning & Development
(Oldman River Regional Services Commission)
4. Round Table Discussions
5. Question & Answer Period
in
2009 2008
$ 27,529,024 $ 25,368,889
725,363 811,565
800,859 685,892
1,733,210 2,141,579
112,218 76,391
1,448,226 2,388,286
27,125 31,495
161,852 122,375
{391478)
COUNTY OF NEWELL NO. 4
32,198,399
Consolidated Statement of Financial Activities
419,156
411,868
Year ended December 31, 2009, with comparative figures for 2008
1,735,325
2,350,381
Budget
216,334
197,892
(Unaudited)
926,748
Revenues:
91,733
10,142,187
Net municipal property taxes
$ 27,512.018
2,304,183
Special levies
724,166
41,217
User fees and sale of goods
694,981
168,179
Government transfers
1,523,975
166,050
Penalties and cost of taxes
80,500
674,439
Investment income
1,000,706
9,634)
Licenses and permits
35,800
20,074,374
Other revenue
120,850
Loss on disposal of tangible capital assets
31,692,996
Expenses
Legislative
477,450
Administration
2,046,275
General
1,626,266
Corporate safety services
279,795
Fire and by-law enforcement
1,083,858
Disaster and emergency services
15,925
Roads, streets, walks and lighting
38,425,268
Water and waste water
14,437,670
Waste management
234,309
Family and community support
43,406
Municipal planning
257,974
Community and agricultural services
1,106,414
Subdivision land and development
325,965
Recreation and parks
667,152
Culture and library
124.721
Other
61,131,646
Excess (deficiency) of revenues over
expenses before the undernoted
(29,438,650)
Other:
Contributed assets
70,000
Govern(�enI transfers
39,748,938
Excess of revenues over expenses
10,380,288
Accumulated surplus, beginning of year
101,614,483
Accumulated surplus, end of year
Expenditures by object:
$111,994,771
Budget
(Unaudited)
Salaries, wages and benefits
$ 6,063,926
Contracted and general services
35,324,412
Materials, goods, supplies and utilities
2,552,776
Transfers to organizations
16,642,703
Bank charges and short -tern interest
700
Interest on long-term debt
398,229
Other expenditures
148,900
Amortization
-
2009 2008
$ 27,529,024 $ 25,368,889
725,363 811,565
800,859 685,892
1,733,210 2,141,579
112,218 76,391
1,448,226 2,388,286
27,125 31,495
161,852 122,375
{391478)
(300j90)
32,198,399
31,59 ,642
419,156
411,868
1,846,899
1,735,325
2,350,381
3,285,615
216,334
197,892
953,991
926,748
12,314
91,733
10,142,187
13,503,831
13,464,843
2,304,183
234,308
233,743
41,217
40,880
216,496
168,179
1,141,585
1,308,869
166,050
15,700
701,270
674,439
137,222
123,720
9,634)
51,649
32,034,619
20,074,374
463,780 11,521,268
624,420
710,670
26,771`73C
8,426,937
27,859,930
20,658,875
101,827,656
81,168,781
$129,687,586
$101,827,656
2009 2008
$ 5,499,995
4,850,898
2,009,729
16,327,408
528
391,030
70,262
2,884,769
$ 61,131,646 $ 32,034,619
$ 5,395,633
4,314,291
2,217,314
5,932,034
563
428,683
104,892
1,680,964
$ 20,074,374
2009 MUNICIPAL REVENUE
fMPC/ASB/Su bd ry/Eco.
Public 1 Dev
Works/Bylaw/Shop 187%
9.10%
Administration
0.27%
Legislative/General Water/Sewer/Garbage
4.71% 35.93%
I�
Fire/Rec/Libra ry/Parks
Property Taxes 1.26%
45.86% Disaster/Corp. Safety
0.17%
Operating Contingency
0.83%
2009 MUNICIPAL EXPENDITURES
NOTE: Includes Expenses Net Annual Depreciation, MPC/ASB/Subdiv/Eco.
Net Transfer To Reserves, Net Capital Purchases
& Repayment of Capital Long Term Debt. Dev
4.77%
Disaster/Corp. Safety
0.76%
Legislative/General
9.50%
Water/Sewer/Garbage
46.62% /
6.17%
Public
Works/Bylaw/Shop
26.54%
/Library/Parks
/FCSS
5.64%
2009 CAPITAL ASSETS PURCHASEDICONTRIBUTED
MPC/ASB/S
3,
Public Works/Bylaw/Shop
63.22%
4.13%
County of Newell No. 4 Administration Building
707 - 2nd Ave. East, Brooks, AB
(403)362-3266
ary/
5
0.96%
COUNTY OF NEWELL NO.4
Councillors
Division 1 - Rolling Hills
Councillor Wayne Daniels
(403) 744-0141
Division 2 -Tilley
Councillor Ike Schroeder
(403) 377-2587
Division 3 - Patricia/Millicent
Councillor Anne Marie Philipsen
(403) 378-4724
MMIN
Division 4 - Rainier/ScandiaBowCity
Councillor Ryan Andrews
(403) 793-8144
Division 5 - Cassils
Councillor Jack Harbinson
(403) 362-2274
Division 6 - Bassano
Councillor Sheila Evans
(403) 641-2102
Division 7 - Rosemary
Councillor Allen Eastma
(403) 378-4280
Division 8 - Duchess
Councillor Brian de Jor
(403) 362-4587
Division 9 -Gem
Reeve Molly Douglass
(403) 641-2562
Division 10 - Brooks
Councillor Harold Wutz
(403) 362-2141
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:
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.
ELECTION
Yes, October 18th marks local elections in all Alberta communities. If you look to the left,
you will see the names of your current councillors and the ten divisions they represent.
Within the County of Newell, residents of each division vote to choose their representative,
who also must live within the divisional boundaries. Although councillors represent a
particular area, their number one general duty is "to consider the welfare and interest of the
municipality as a whole and to bring to council's attention anything that would promote the
welfare or interests of the municipality." At the first meeting after the October election and
each following October, a reeve (like a rural mayor) is chosen by the 10 councillors for a
one-year term.
The Municipal Government Act outlines the regulations for local elections as well as the
duties associated with being a councillor. It does allow for some variations, which means
not all local governments are set up in exactly the same fashion.
Our Newell Council meets on Thursdays twice a month and all meetings are open to the
public. As well, each councillor sits on committees ranging from Rural Crime Watch to
Newell Foundation. If you want to come and see what council is all about, drop in to a
meeting. Call our office at 362-3266 for more details or go to www.countyofnewell.ab.ca
where you will find other information. M
2009
2008
Benefits &
Salary (1)
Allowances (2)
Total
Total
Council:
Reeve
$
6,000
$
6,000
$ 6,000
Division 1
23,250
3,782
27,032
33,764
Division 2
30,840
593
31,433
29,467
Division 3
30,060
4,086
34,146
35,845
Division 4
23,625
1,126
24,751
24,624
Division 5
25,620
3,888
29,508
27,619
Division 6
26,535
3,929
30,464
26,467
Division 7
24,870
3,854
28,724
30,957
Division 8
27,204
1,285
28,489
26,487
Division 9
34,260
1,881
36,141
34,748
Division 10
30,810
2,228
33,038
31,407
$
283,074
$ 26,652
$ 309,726
$ 307,385
Chief Administrative Officer
$
147,697
$ 31,508
$ 179,205
$ 166,375
Designated officers (1)
$
90,477
$ 18,347
$ 108,824
$ 100,475
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.
ELECTION
Yes, October 18th marks local elections in all Alberta communities. If you look to the left,
you will see the names of your current councillors and the ten divisions they represent.
Within the County of Newell, residents of each division vote to choose their representative,
who also must live within the divisional boundaries. Although councillors represent a
particular area, their number one general duty is "to consider the welfare and interest of the
municipality as a whole and to bring to council's attention anything that would promote the
welfare or interests of the municipality." At the first meeting after the October election and
each following October, a reeve (like a rural mayor) is chosen by the 10 councillors for a
one-year term.
The Municipal Government Act outlines the regulations for local elections as well as the
duties associated with being a councillor. It does allow for some variations, which means
not all local governments are set up in exactly the same fashion.
Our Newell Council meets on Thursdays twice a month and all meetings are open to the
public. As well, each councillor sits on committees ranging from Rural Crime Watch to
Newell Foundation. If you want to come and see what council is all about, drop in to a
meeting. Call our office at 362-3266 for more details or go to www.countyofnewell.ab.ca
where you will find other information. M
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING MINUTES - MAY 4, 2009
The 2008 Annual Meeting of the County of Newell No. 4 was held at the Heritage Inn on Monday, May 4, 2009 commencing at 7:05 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT:
STAFF PRESENT:
M. Douglass, Reeve
K. Stephenson, Administrator
W. Daniels
L. Johnson, Assistant Administrator
I. Schroeder
M. Harbicht, Superintendent of Public Works
A.M. Philipsen
M. Kreke, Municipal Intern
R. Andrews
T. Green, Agricultural Fieldman
J. Harbinson
R. Miller, GIS Analyst
S. Evans
R. Berkeley, Grader Operator - Div. 1
A. Eastman
R. Arsenault, Grader Operator - Div. 3
B. de Jong
R. Havinga, Newell Regional Services Corporation
H. Wutzke
A. Clapton, Executive Assistant
18 ratepayers and media were in attendance for the 2008 Annual Meeting of the County of Newell No. 4.
Reeve M. Douglass called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m
1. WELCOME & INTRODUCTIONS
The Reeve welcomed everyone to the meeting and introduced the
Councillors, staff, and ratepayers seated at each of the tables.
2. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE 2007 ANNUAL MEETING
reasons for this include the need for more space, current shortfalls
in the electrical and mechanical systems, and the desire to have all
County departments operating out of a single location for improved
productivity and efficiency. He noted that grant funding was being
investigated to ensure there was no impact on the ratepayers. A
committee will be established to determine the size and features of
the facilities, and they are currently looking at land south of the new
arena as a potential location.
MOVED BY Art Eckert that the 2007 Annual Meeting minutes be 5. QUESTION & ANSWER PERIOD
adopted as presented. MOTION CARRIED Reeve M. Douglass opened the floor for general discussion.
3. GROUP DISCUSSION
A group discussion was held among the members of Council, staff
and ratepayers at each table. The topics included:
• Reserve fund allocations
• Paving projects for 2009
• Municipal addressing
• Calcium program
• Lake Newell Resort
• Regional Water System
• 10 Year Paving Plan
• Financial Statements
• Roadside cutting
• New County facilities
• 4 -way Stop north of Rosemary
4. PRESENTATION OF 2008 YEAR END AUDITED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS
The ChiefAdministrative Officer presented the 2008Year End Audited
Financial Statements and gave an overview of the major changes.
Assets have increased with the largest being due to increased cash
and investments as well as capital assets. Liabilities, equities, and
reserve balances have also increased, and accounts payable and
expenditures have decreased.
The Chief Administrative Officer explained the Regional Enhancement
Reserve, which was created to be a funding source for community
projects thatwould encourage sustainability and growth, and gave an
overview of the allocation for each community and division. He also
gave an overview of the major reserves and expenditures, including
paving and regional water.
A summary of the 2009 budget was presented, with the major
changes from the 2008 budget indicated. The Chief Administrative
Officer provided details on the changes involving the road networks
and regional water. An application has been submitted under the
Building Capital Fund for upgrades to the hamlet sewage lagoons.
C. Amulung questioned what additional services the County is
providing that has resulted in new staff requiring more space. The
Chief Administrative Officer replied that there have not been many
new positions created, but they are looking towards the future, which
may include shared services and an expansion of the corporate safety
and information technology departments. There is also a need for
more staff in the planning, development, and financial departments.
C. Amulung asked if the plans would continue if the County was
unable to sell the current facilities. Reeve M. Douglass replied that
work on the new facilities probably could not proceed without the
funds that would come from the sale of the current County buildings.
C. Amulung inquired about the County accessing provincial and
federal infrastructure funding. The Chief Administrative Officer
replied that the Grant Administrator, a shared position with the City
of Brooks, has been responsible for investigating and submitting
applications for grant funding.
C. Vermeeren expressed concerns with the calcium program and
how the roads are graded. He suggested that an anonymous survey
of the grader operators be conducted. He also indicated that there
were issues with snow removal thiswinter, where gravel was scraped
into the ditch. Reeve M. Douglass replied that the grader operators
would be attending a training program within the next few weeks.
J. Pokorney expressed concerns regarding the dangerous situation
created with irrigation on the roads. Reeve M. Douglass replied
that complaints are received every year regarding this, and the
Community Peace Officers are responsible for enforcing the bylaws
and levying fines. She encouraged ratepayers to report these
offenses. R. Arsenault noted that grader operators also report
instances of irrigation on the roads.
A. Peltzer thanked the County for their work in making the turning
lanes larger.
The Chief Administrative Officer also presented information 6. ADJOURN
regarding the plan to build new County facilities in 2011. The Reeve M. Douglass adjourned the meeting at 8:10 p.m.
PUBLIC WORKS REPORT
The County of Newell No. 4 Public Works
department is looking forward to meeting the
challenges of the approved 2010 work program.
County Council has approved 30.42 miles of
gravel road upgrading to non banned paved status
including:
• Lake Newell Resort Access Road from Silver
Sage Road south to the resort - 5.20 Miles,
• Fleury/Boswell Subdivision and Intersection -
0.53 Miles,
• South Finnegan Access from SH 556 to SH
862 - 6.79 Miles,
• Township 20 Road 4 north of Patricia from SH
876 east to P.R. 130 - 1 Mile,
• Township 19 Road 4 and Range 14 Road
5 from SH 873 to the Brooks Airport - 1.50
Miles,
• Antelope Creek Road from Hwy 36 west to
Range 16 Road 4 - 6.20 Miles, and
• Township 21 Road 2 north of Duchess and
east to SH 876 - 9.22 Miles.
The ongoing goal/mandate is to increase non-
restricted access and support the local economy
in these slower economic times when prices
are reduced. The estimated program costs of
$20,000,000 will be funded through the Paving
Reserve.
Approximately 20 miles of reconstruction of local
gravel roads has been approved for 2010. In
comparison, the department completed 12.5 miles
of local gravel road reconstruction in 2009, and
19.5 miles in 2008. The cost for reconstruction of
local gravel roads on a per mile basis averaged
$67,672 and $75,185 for the 2008 and 2009 years
respectively.
The department continues to investigate alternative
means for the construction and revitalization
of our paved roadways. Base stabilization
is one such alternative and is a specialized
process incorporating a blend of cement and
other construction materials that allows for a
more efficient and cost effective stabilization
of the road base and/or sub -grade. Compared
to conventional "cut and fill' methods, benefits
include conservation of aggregate, energy, and
other natural resources. Currently neighbors to
the North (Special Area Board No. 2) and South
(M.D. of Taber) are using such alternatives. Alberta
Transportation recently used base stabilization on
Secondary Highway 862. These roads are then
surfaced with hot mix asphalt, oil, cold mix, and/
or chip seal product as determined by preference
to the agency. Assessment for performance, life
expectancy, and value of such construction over
conventional methods continues to be monitored
as these construction practices are relatively new
to North America.
The Gravel Program kicked off early with the
seasonally warm temperatures, but came to an
abrupt halt with the severe winter storm in mid-
April. Trucks are back hauling and for 2010 the
department is approved to spread 51,750 cubic
yards (typ. 250 cubic yards per mile) of gravel
over 207 miles of roadway. In comparison, the
department placed 57,268 cubic yards of gravel
(typ. 250 cubic yards per mile) over 241 miles
of roadway in 2009. Staff pursue alternatives to
reduce aggregate consumption in an effort to
preserve this limited resource. It should be noted
that some Municipal Districts and Counties, though
limited in numbers, have completely exhausted
their aggregate and now pay to have it trucked into
their communities. Our Public Works department
acknowledges this issue and will be focusing on
an Aggregate Resource Management Strategy to
ensure our resources are utilized effectively.
Compared to water, oil, oil emulsions, and other
road dust control agents, liquid calcium chloride
(CaC12) outlasts and outperforms. Its natural
properties allow it to retain moisture for extended
periods of time, significantly reducing road dust.
In 2009 crews completed the Calcium Program in
record time. However, due to the lack of moisture
throughout summer, the department determined
rehabilitation was necessary, and through
application of water and in some instances
additional calcium, some locations were re-
treated. In total the County placed 100 miles of
calcium, as applied for by ratepayers including
haul roads and intersection treatments in 2009.
In 2010 we are estimating the program to be
consistent with 2009 applications, though reduced
haul road miles as new pavement will replace
graveled roadways. With that said, calcium
chloride remains one of the most environmentally
friendly dust control agents on the market. It has
received recognition for the lowest toxicity rating
among dust abatement products, and in addition,
due to the chemical reaction between CaC12
ions and clay particles in the soil structure, we
experience increased road stability.
The Municipal Addressing project officially kicked
off with erection of the first sign January 28, 2010
at the George Murray residence in Division 1. To
date, Public Works has successfully installed 562
address signs for residents in Divisions 1, 2, 4, &
10. The Hamlets of Rolling Hills and Scandia have
yet to be completed, and will be done utilizing
typical urban house numbering systems. The
installation of address signs is being completed
by County staff, working from the south to the
north, with Divisions 5 - 9 remaining. The project
is on track to come in under budget, and should
be completed by the end of October 2010.
The Hamlets of Patricia and Scandia will undergo
major Storm Water Improvements in the coming
months. Some major accumulations of moisture
in recent years have created flooding which has
impacted private property. The improvements
include installation of new culverts and excavation
and re -shaping of Hamlet ditch networks to
contain runoff. Rural drainage improvements will
continue to be addressed on a priority basis.
The Public Works department under new
initiatives has experienced the expected savings
with the 2009 purchase of two Cat 160 M Series
Graders. Not only are these smaller units
meeting performance expectations previously
fulfilled by the much larger 14 H and M Series,
but also reducing operational costs through
m
Units 273, 274, 275, and 276
New Plow Sander with side mounted Wing
reduced daily fuel consumption. Of interest is the
initial investment savings of nearly $50,000 per
unit as well as up to 80 L/day reduction in fuel
consumption. The 160 M units have been active in
Divisions 1 & 2 for nearly a year, and the purchase
of two new units is being considered.
In 2009, Public Works approved 1524 permits
through automated online services and 171
manually by our office. (Permits are for over -
dimension and over -weight equipment, such
as rigs.) The existing County system may be
changing in the future as the province and
municipalities work cooperatively to bring the
Transportation Routing And Vehicle Information
System (a.k.a. TRAVIS) to reality. This service
is a multi -jurisdictional online system to provide
industry one stop shopping, promoting efficiency
and better control/monitoring of permitted moves.
The system will include permits such as: Advance
Rig Move Detail, Annual Dimension, Monthly
License, Multi -Trip, Single Trip Dimension,
Single Trip License, Single Trip Overweight/
Overdimension. etc.
2009/10 Winter Road Maintenance included
nearly 2400 hours of plowing and sanding and
1900 hours of grader plowing and winging. A
recent addition to our fleet is a side wing mounted
to our plow truck. This is the first time the County
has utilized a wing on a plow truck and we are
happy to report it has greatly improved our service
levels. This wing permits an operator to plow an
additional 7 to 8 feet of roadway in a single pass.
Complete with the plow that means one truck
can effectively plow 20 feet, pending plow and
wing angles, in a single pass. That translates into
plowing roads, full width shoulder to shoulder in
half the time, resulting in more timely response
to providing safer driving surfaces during winter
storm events.
Public Works continues with preventative
maintenance on paved road surfaces through
crack sealing. Crack sealing is the most effective
measure of preventing moisture from entering the
road base to stop premature failure of roadways,
including potholes. The department purchased
the necessary equipment and is forecasting a
savings of nearly $180.00/mile of road versus
tendering the work to a third party.
Thank you to all Public Works Staff, as well as
Council, for their continued, dedicated services.
Newell Regional Services Corporation ongoing
support of our hamlets and the water/wastewater
systems they operate on our behalf is also
appreciated.
Our crews will soon be on location in construction
zones and other operation areas so everyone
please remember to reduce your speed to keep
our workers safe.
Unit 2022 - New 2009 160 M Grader
AGRICULTURAL SERVICES REPORT
The present Agricultural Service Board (ASB)
is comprised of the ten elected members
of Council who are supported by five staff
representatives.
The Agricultural Service Board's mission is
"Working together we strive to guide viable
growth and sustainability in the County of
Newell by implementing programs in areas
of weed, pest and soil control as well as
programs focused on sound agronomics and
environmental stewardship"
In fulfilling this mission, the Agricultural
Service Board (ASB) undertakes a number
of programs and services.
Weed Control
Invasive species of plants are a serious
concern and a constant battle forASB staff. In
order for us to keep invasive species at bay,
there are a number of programs undertaken
to address these issues. The County
employs three weed inspectors who monitor
previously identified infestations as well as
locating new sites. The weed inspectors also
undertake spraying of some of these sites,
and offer help to ratepayers in the area of
invasive species control.
Weeds have many vectors for moving from
place to place. Vectors that the ASB tries to
control this spread on are: the road network
(highways and local - 963 miles sprayed in
2009), CPR mainline (66 miles), rivers (Bow
River 60 miles, plus some on Vulcan Side,
Red Deer River 50 miles)
Major weeds of concern include but are not
limited to: Downy Brome, Common Burdock,
Showy and Common Milkweed, Yellow
Toadflax, Scentless Chamomile and Canada
Thistle.
Pest Control
Many programs are implemented by the
ASB to deal with pests such as Richardson
Ground Squirrel, Coyotes, Skunks and
Racoons. These programs include:
• Coyote Control Incentive Program
(CCI P) (1115 coyotes)
• Trap Rentals
• Issuance of pest control devices and
products
• Ground Squirrel Control (217.5 litres of
2% Liquid Strychnine sold)
Other pest issues dealt with and monitored in
annual surveys:
• Grasshoppers
• Fusarium
• Bacterial Ring Rot
• Clubroot
Mowing
All local roads and areas in subdivisions and
hamlets are mowed in order to complement
weed control efforts, improve drainage,
improve right of way safety and also for
aesthetics. Over 3700 miles of road were
mowed in 2009 and 250 hours were spent
in hamlets, subdivisions and the Brooks
Regional Airport.
Emerson Bridge Park
The Agricultural Service Board took
over the management and operational
responsibilities of the Emerson Bridge Park
Campground in early 2008. Much of the first
year was learning and determining where we
were deficient. In 2009 a shower and flush
washroom facility was added and power
was installed to 25 campsites. This enabled
the park to qualify and be put in the Alberta
Hospitality Association and has lead to the
occupancy almost tripling. We have also
seen an increase in local ratepayers using
the park in 2009.
Alberta Environmentally Sustainable
Agriculture (AESA)
The County employs one full-time Rural
Conservation Technician. This program
promotes environmental stewardship
through various programs including:
• Shelterbelt Planting (7 landowners and
15578 trees)
• Environmental Farm Plans (6 completed)
• Courses (Southern Alberta Grazing
School for Women - 36 participants)
• Demonstrations (Put a booth in the Earth
Day Expo, partnered with PFRA on an
Eco Buffer trial involving spring and fall
tree planting)
• Extension related activities involving
improving range and pasture practices
and livestock watering systems
• SACA Conference (254 attendees, 25
from the County of Newell)
Three newsletter articles and various
articles in local papers
Started the process of forming a County
wide watershed group that involves all
municipalities within our boundaries and
the Eastern Irrigation District.
Rental Equipment
The Agricultural Service Department has
multiple rental units that can be used by
ratepayers of the County. For a full list please
check out the website. There are grain drills,
sprayers, livestock equipment and some
traps. All rentals are charged out as close to
cost recovery as possible.
Other activities in 2009 included the
Rural Beautification Program, Calgary
Stampede Farm Family Award, roadside
seeding and various pest and agronomic
recommendations. The ASB also partners
with other organizations in projects of mutual
benefit. These partners include: Partners in
Habitat Development, Alberta Conservation
Association, Newell Regional Solid Waste
Management Authority, Tillebrook Provincial
Campground, Canadian Pacific Railway,
Volker Stevin, Alberta Infrastructure, Newell
Further Ed, Alberta Parks, the local oil and
gas industry and other municipalities.
Appreciation is extended to Agricultural
Services staff (Todd Green, Patricia Dirk,
Robert McTavish, Will Schaap, and Holly
White), for their dedicated service.
The ASB continues to be active in promoting
and protecting agriculture. If you have
concerns or require more information
please feel free to contact the ASB office at
(403) 362-2772 or check out our website
at www.countyofnewell.ab.ca. ASB related
issues and concerns are dealt with at regular
Council meetings.
q., Emerson Bridge Park opens for the
season on May 19, 2010.
For more information, visit our web site:
www.emersonbridgepark.com