The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink About2009 Annual ReportR p Nuvd -1V10NIAOud A i unVS0NIQ =1O 3wOH ad 's)loosa N N I 3 VIIN3H 'W'd 00 :L OLOZ "£L Avw ON1133W IVS3N30 i v n N N V A -Z c Alf, All • lot \ � J Nuvd -1V10NIAOud A i unVS0NIQ =1O 3wOH ad 's)loosa N N I 3 VIIN3H 'W'd 00 :L OLOZ "£L Avw ON1133W IVS3N30 i v n N N V A -Z c 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