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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010 Annual Report140, A,Nff UAL 411 E N ER -A -1- - -# lEl T I N G -- ,R . -.7:-0 0 P. K A G .f 'A N ! i_=i AL_ REEVE'S REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDING 2010 by Molly Douglass, County of Newell No. 4 Reeve Local governments consist of a council and staff who work together to serve residents of a municipality. According to the Municipal Government Act, the first duty of councillors is "to consider the welfare and interests of the municipality as a whole and to bring to council's attention anything that would promote the welfare and interests of the municipality." The second duty is "to participate generally in developing and evaluating the policies and programs of the municipality." The head of staff, commonly known as the chief administrative officer, ensures that the policies and programs of the municipality are implemented and advises/informs the council on the operation and affairs of the municipality. 2010 was a year of change around our County Council table. October local elections brought four new Councillors - Clarence Amulung, Mara Nesbitt, Joel Bulger, and Lionel Juss - to work with the other "seasoned" six. Staff doesn't turn over in the same numbers as Council members, which is usually a good thing for a municipal system to function smoothly. With the attraction and retention of municipal staff an ongoing Alberta challenge, we are fortunate to have prudent and service-oriented employees who understand they work for you, the residents. Infrastructure projects remain a big item on all government agendas. Long term planning for seasonal work continues to improve local roads, including the paving of those identified as important to residents of our ten divisions. Although the infrastructure we see and travel is usually foremost on our minds, that which is less visible or underground, is aging in all of our province and thus the reason for ongoing improvements in wastewater facilities in our hamlets. With the financial support of the province, our regional water initiatives now see potable water flowing from the newly upgraded Brooks Treatment Plant to Tilley, Scandia, Rainier, and Rolling Hills with Rosemary and Patricia next in line. The rural part of this plan is now taking shape after almost a decade of discussion. The County of Newell and our municipal partners, Bassano, Brooks, Duchess, Rosemary and Tilley, along with the EID, continue to look for efficiencies and ways to enhance life for our residents. In 2010 the EID and County agreed to a three year joint project for drain rehabilitation. This will address improvements on large spillways and drainage from irrigated land, as well as natural drainage adjacent to roads. With a rainy 2010 and the plentiful snowfall this winter, this is an opportune project. The Municipal Government Act requires all municipalities to provide financial statements or a summary of them, along with the auditor's report, to the public each year. The complete audited financial statements are available either by request or on our website at www.countyofnewell.ab.ca. Summarized financial information has been provided in this report. In addition, the County of Newell hosts an annual meeting for residents and ratepayers, which is Thursday, May 19 at 7:00 pm at the Heritage Inn. Please look further in this publication for an outline of the Annual General Meeting. 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 of Newell contracts the Services of the Oldman River least disruptive to the agricultural community. Regional Services Commission (ORRSC). ORRSC provides a wide range of municipal planning services and advice to a total of 40 municipalities, towns, and villages in Southern Alberta. The planners at ORRSC help the 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. This year, a "Land Use Bylaw Committee" is again reviewing the bylaws and might suggest changes to Council. 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 important to 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 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 established Regional Land use Plans based on 6 new Land use Regions. Each region will have a Regional Advisory Council. Our Region is called the South Saskatchewan region. 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 retaining control of our own planning. Recently the South Saskatchewan Regional Advisory Council's advice to the Government of Alberta for the South Saskatchewan Region was released. It is important to note that this is advice from the advisory council; it is not the government's draft plan. You can find the advice document online at www.landuse.alberta.ca. 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, Manager of Planning & Development, at the County of Newell Office at (403) 362-3266. SUMMARIZED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF THE COUNTY OF NEWELL NO. 4 For the Year Ending December 31, 2010 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, 2010. 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.countyofnewell.ab.ca. COUNTY OF NEWELL NO. 4 2010 MUNICIPAL REVENUE Consolidated Statement of Financial Activities F,r./Reubbr ry/Pa*s/FCS =/momng Year ended December 31, 2010, with comparative figures for 2009 Revenues Net municipal property taxes Special levies User fees and sale of goods Government transfers Penalties and cost of taxes Investment income Licenses and permits Other revenue Gain (loss) on disposal of tangible capital assets Expenses Legislative Administration General Corporate safety services Fire and by-law enforcement Disaster and emergency services Roads, streets, walks and lighting Airport Water and waste water Waste management Family and community support Municipal planning Community and agricultural services Subdivision land and development Recreation and parks Culture and library Other Excess of revenues over expenses before the undernoted Other Contributed assets Government transfers Excess of revenues over expenses Accumulated surplus, beginning of year Accumulated surplus, end of year Expenditures by object: Budget 2010 2009 (Unaudited) 1,667,917 624,420 $ 25,599,034 $ 25,357,073 $ 27,529,024 784,728 784,728 725,363 396,640 798,453 800,859 2,024,363 1,632,870 1, 733, 210 80,500 138,669 112,218 777,657 1,180,134 1,448,226 34,400 30,700 27,125 46,315 114,928 161,852 2,878,217 32,621,854 479,900 2,707,857 3,122, 567 266,399 1,029,446 170,929 9,864,793 90,675 9,258,191 249,414 43,000 286,940 1,369,333 240,773 748,064 141,165 30, 069, 446 91,464 30,129, 019 438,302 2,046,183 854,291 238,257 1,032,879 180,571 8,628,420 90,641 6,612,354 249,413 43,949 224,308 1,140, 078 171,491 733,752 138,125 76,245 22,899,259 (39, 478) 32, 498, 399 419,156 1,846,899 2,350,381 216,334 953,991 12,314 10,142,187 13, 464, 843 234,308 41,217 216,496 1,141,585 166,050 701,270 137,222 (9,634) 32, 034, 619 26 MPOAsba,bd��/ _/M,n,b� vawaboR ­kW.rks/Bys /shop \`1`1y/ I- I AMN 2010 MUNICIPAL EXPENSES Fir./R u/bb,.ry/Park,/FCS 2,552,408 7,229,760 463,780 535,522 1,667,917 624,420 29,568,274 17,188,314 26,771,730 32,656,204 26,085,991 27,859,930 129,687,586 129,687,586 101,827,656 $162,343,790 $155,773,577 $ 129,687,586 wor� P,.g., Er e /M1n,bs 2010 CAPITALASSETS PURCHASED/CONTRIBUTED R r./R.abbr. /Parks/FCss o ",t IAd-.1- Wa r/sewer/­ba Pm17431 $ 30,069,446 $ 22,899,259 $ 32,034,619 Budget 2010 2009 (Unaudited) Salaries, wages and benefits $ 6,254,854 $ 5,731,502 $ 5,499,995 Contracted and general services 3,560,805 3,354,805 4,850,898 Materials, goods, supplies and utilities 2,300,054 1,935,961 2,009,729 Transfers to organizations 13,008,732 8,150,298 16,327,408 Bank charges and short-term interest 700 497 528 Interest on long-term debt 365,506 357,911 391,030 Other expenditures 179,190 38,960 70,262 Amortization 4.399.605 3.329.325 2.884.769 Er e /M1n,bs 2010 CAPITALASSETS PURCHASED/CONTRIBUTED R r./R.abbr. /Parks/FCss o ",t IAd-.1- Wa r/sewer/­ba Pm17431 $ 30,069,446 $ 22,899,259 $ 32,034,619 Net municipal property taxes: Budget 2010 2009 (Unaudited) Taxation. $ 6,000 Reeve $ 6,000 Real property taxes $ 12,604,408 $ 12,393,753 $ 12,638,657 Linear property taxes 25,284,301 25,228,093 27,206,532 Government grants in place of property 24,150 Division 6 24,195 taxes 267,499 284,764 286,551 Division 9 38,156,208 37,906,610 40,131,740 Requisitions Alberta School Foundation Fund 11,950,160 11,942,524 12,018,189 Newell Foundation 607,014 607,013 584,527 12, 557,174 12, 549, 537 12, 602, 716 Net municipal property taxes $ 25,599,034 $ 25,357,073 $ 27,529,024 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 Salary (1) Council $ 6,000 Reeve $ 6,000 Division 1 27,255 Division 2 28,875 Division 3 34,905 Division 4 22,095 Division 5 24,150 Division 6 24,195 Division 7 25,035 Division 8 26,925 Division 9 34,800 Division 10 29,085 $ 283,320 Chief Administrative Officer $ 163,041 Designated officer (1) $ 98,018 2010 Benefits & Allowances (2) Total 4,012 482 4,336 996 3,413 3,699 3,932 1,193 1,808 2,542 $ 26,413 $ 33,963 $ 23,035 2010 PROPERTY TAXES 2009 Total Alb-aS` 6,000 $ 6,000 31,267 27,032 29,357 31,433 39,241 34,146 23,091 24,751 27,563 29,508 27,894 30,464 28,967 28,724 28,118 28,489 36,608 36,141 31,627 33,038 Ch-tthaR,, $ 309,733 $ 309,726 197,004 $ 179,205 121,053 $ 108,824 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING AGENDA 2010 ALLOCATION OF PROPERTY TAX awau wunaadon 6A. 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 May 19, 2011 beginning at 7:00 p.m. 1. Welcome & Introductions 2. Approval of the Minutes of the 2009 Annual General Meeting 3. Presentations • Financial Report • Eastern Irrigation District • Newell Regional Services Corporation • Newell Regional Solid Waste Management Authority/Newell Recycling • Oldman River Regional Services Commission 4. Round Table Discussions 5. Question & Answer Period PUBLIC WORKS REPORT In 2010 Public Works faced numerous challenges. The winter season saw accumulations of snow in ditches and drains, along with cold weather which kept us active with maintenance activities. Spring and summer was cool with an abundance of rain, resulting in flooding and additional efforts to preserve property from damage and loss. Fall was a period where annual programs were worked on for extended hours and by the arrival of winter we had successfully completed most planned projects. Those that were not completed were secondary priorities. Since the onslaught of winter, crews have been kept busy with winter road maintenance activities with little time in between snow events for other activities. Road Maintenance - Gravel This involves 1570km of gravel roads. There are three primary components of Gravel Road Maintenance. They are: 1. Grader Maintenance (Summer Blading and Winter Plowing); 2. Gravel Road Rehabilitation (reconstruction); and 3. Road Gravelling. A priority is placed on maintenance of gravelled roads as this is the backbone for transporting goods from the distant areas within the County to markets. Ten grader beats maintain these road surfaces. Of these ten grader beats, eight average 160km in length while two beats, within the immediate vicinity of Brooks, average only 110km due to higher traffic volumes. Grader beats have been revised in this manner to balance responsibility and deliver consistent road surface conditions County wide. These beats will be managed and adjusted as more gravelled roads are upgraded to paved surfaces as per the approved Paving Plan. Annually, nearly 13,000 hours of maintenance are performed by graders. In 2010 nearly 440km of road gravelling was completed, compared to 390km in 2009, at an average cost of $1430 per kilometre. These costs include, but are not limited to, the crushing, equipment, labour, and transporting costs. The 2009 average cost per kilometre was approximately $1560. Residential Dust Abatement Program (Calcium) The County offers this program annually on a cost shared basis to control dust generated on rural gravel roadways at residential locations. This program is completed with County forces including two graders, one water truck, and necessary equipment to pack the finished surface, including staff and one contract truck and operator to spread the calcium. The past 2 years have seen placement of an average of 52km of calcium dust suppressing agent. This has been at a 2 year average cost of $3.66 per linear meter. At this time approved policy requires the applicant to pay $1.08 per linear meter ($0.33 linear foot). Haul Route Dust Abatement Program (Calcium) The County, EID, and Industry cooperate to control dust generated on haul routes. Haul routes are determined by staff and Council, then approved, with costs averaging $205,000.00 annually. Road Maintenance - Paved Paved roads add another 140km to the inventory of roads. All County paved roads are constructed to a non -banned standard, as determined by Council to promote efficient, effective means of travel for ratepayers, visitors, agriculture, and industry. In 2010 the inventory increased by nearly 14km, and included the overlay of 1.6km of paved road. Improvements to 8.5km of the road to Lake Newell Resort were started; however a late start in the year and the arrival of winter stopped progress. Other maintenance functions include snow and ice control completed by our fleet of five heavy trucks (used for road gravelling programs then equipped with plows and sanders for winter operations), and ten staff members. In order to meet winter maintenance demands, the compliment of ten staff members permit split shifting, where necessary, maintaining all five trucks on the road. 2010 Paved Road Capital Program As stated above our inventory of paved road increased by nearly 14km. Upgrading of gravelled road surfaces to non - banned paved surfaces is funded through a special tax levy, including a portion of the Mill Rate. Council has committed to the paving of roadways as identified in the Paving Plan in effort to provide paved connector routes throughout the County. This included the recent paving of 10km of T18-4 (Antelope Creek Road) from Hwy 36 west, 4.2 km consisting of T19-2 and R14-5 to the Brooks Regional Airport from Hwy 873, and 1.5km of T20-4 north of Patricia from Hwy 876 to Provincial Road 130 (providing an alternative access to Dinosaur Park), and nearly 1.5km of the Fleury Boswell Subdivision roads including Intersection Improvements. Council also awarded contracts for the upgrading of 15km of T21-2 from R14-4 north of Duchess east to Hwy 876 north of Patricia and 11 km of R15-5 (South Finnegan Access) from Hwy 556 north to Hwy 862. This includes Hwy 862 for 4.8km from R15-5 west to R16-2 under an agreement with Alberta Transportation. This will provide a non -banned roadway as an alternative route connecting the north divisions to Wheatland County and areas west, such as Calgary, and will be completed in spring of 2011. Bridge Construction, Rehabilitation, and Maintenance Public Works is responsible for the re -construction, rehabilitation, and maintenance of approximately 164 bridges and bridge size culverts. Alberta Transportation funds components of the rehabilitation and replacement through the GAP Program. Inspections are carried out annually, on a schedule, by contract inspectors. Inspection reports are reviewed and forwarded to Alberta Transportation where a 3 Year Bridge Replacement Program is derived and funding determined. Minor deficiencies which require maintenance actions are identified and carried out in the year following inspection. EID/County Partnership on Drainage The fall of 2010 was an exciting time where a 3 -year agreement between the Eastern Irrigation District and County was signed. This agreement is an opportunity for both organizations, which basically serve the same ratepayers, to invest in and improve the drainage networks throughout the region. Drainage networks will be assessed and rated to establish priority for rehabilitation. Both organizations have agreed to contribute $1 Million dollars for improvements. Fleet, Equipment, and Preventative Maintenance Services Our fleet consists of numerous light duty trucks to travel from our yard located in Brooks to remote job sites throughout the County. Equipment includes ten CAT Graders consisting of the 14M, 14H, 160M, and 140H series. Annually we replace 2 graders in orderto keep our fleet current and maintain low operational costs. An average cost of this fleet is $30.00/H r. of operation, un -manned. Five Tandem Trucks and two Semi Tractors are utilized to complete the annual gravelling program which can transport up to 32 tonnes of gravel when paired with complimenting trailer units. The five Tandem units are utilized in winter for paved road maintenance by equipping plows and sanders, including calcium pre -wet kits which assist in keeping salt and sand applications on the road for de-icing purposes. Two large 950H Cat loaders are utilized in gravel pit operations. One smaller 930H series loader is a multi-purpose unit that fulfills yard needs. As well it can be equipped with a sweeper broom for bridge deck cleaning. A snowblower attachment was purchased this winter to improve hamlet snow removal services and to open heavily drifted rural roads. Two Cat 320C Tracked Excavators are used for various drainage improvements. Municipal Addressing By now, every residence within the County of Newell jurisdiction has received an address, or a new address due to re -numbering within Hamlets. This is important as this address is the new standard for which the residence is located, not only by emergency services personnel but family, friends, and visitors alike. 2011 The Public Works team has some large projects to complete this coming season. These projects include: The upgrading of the Scandia Lagoon and Lift Station, Rolling Hills Lift Station, and Patricia Lagoon to replace failing facilities and meet requirements of Alberta Environment. Hamlets will also see underground infrastructure studies completed to develop a master plan for maintenance, upgrading, and growth improvement purposes. The paving of R15-5 from Hwy 1 north to Hwy 550 has been approved and will be tendered in early spring. Gravel road reconstruction will continue as per past practice, in various areas of the County. This will be the first season where a focus on drainage improvements with our new Partnership with the EID will take place. Drainage priorities include drains by Scandia, Rolling Hills, Cassils, and Patricia where flooding occurs annually. The Truck Route Feasibility Study has yet to be completed and considers the future needs for transport of goods in and around the City of Brooks. These routes are the result of proactive positive thinking in an effort to ensure our industrial and commercial developments have an effective means to transport goods in the future, prior to growth impacting desired alignments. It is anticipated that the land required for these routes will be secured to provide for future construction of these transportation routes. Rural Water Distribution is an exciting new concept relative to improving the quality of life for residents. Council recently determined a new funding solution that will see the delivery of potable water through a trickle system to rural residents who desire it. A new Collective Agreement was negotiated December 1, in a one day, 7 hour negotiation. Ratified was a 3 year collective agreement, effective January 1, 2011, with modifications to hours of work, conditions of work, sick leave incentives, as well as salary adjustments favourable to both employer and employee. We look forward to working with our staff under this new agreement and continuing to improve upon existing working relationships where staff remain refreshed and healthy for work and department objectives are completed with good work -life balance. Engineering Services Contracts have been awarded on a 3 Year basis. AMEC Earth & Environmental was successful in securing Paved Roads and Bridges work. MPE Engineering Ltd. secured the contract for Hamlet Infrastructures. Genivar Inc. was successful in securing the Gravel Road contract. Our team assessed proposals and found each of these firms expertise to be the most advantageous to the County. We look forward to continuing existing relationships and building new ones with the successful firms. In closing I wish to express my thanks to a very supporting team; a team that make objectives and goals a reality for the Department. My thanks must also include other supporting departments who contribute to the team, as well as the leadership of the CAO, Assistant CAO, and Council. ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING MINUTES - MAY 13, 2010 The 2009 Annual Meeting of the County of Newell No. 4 was held at the Heritage Inn on Thursday, May 13, 2010 commencing at 7:09 p.m. MEMBERS PRESENT: M Douglass, Reeve I Schroeder A M Philipsen J Harbinson S Evans A Eastman B de Jong H Wutzke OTHERS PRESENT: R Havinga, Newell Regional Services Corp P Brouwer, MPE Engineering Ltd S Bushnell, Barr Ryder Architects & Interior Designers J Carey, Barr Ryder Architects & Interior Designers S Stanway, Brooks Bulletin P Grigaitis, Brooks & County Chronicle M Fitzgerald, Q-13 Fox Radio J Petrie, Q-13 Fox Radio STAFF PRESENT: K Stephenson, Chief Administrative Officer L Johnson, Assistant Administrator M Harbicht, Superintendent of Public Works T Green, Agricultural Fieldman G Tiffin, Manager of Network Services S Christensen, Corporate Safety Services Supervisor R Dumonceau, Operations Manager B Penner, Technical Manager A Wickert, Development Control Officer D Horvath, County Planner - ORRSC D Crapo, Information Technologist J Hofer, Manager of GIS R Miller, GIS/GPS Analyst M Nesbitt, Grant Administrator S Hanson, Accounting Supervisor A Nielsen, Executive Assistant R Berkeley, Grader Operator (Div 1) K Bartlett, Grader Operator (Div 8) 23 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 09 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 2008 Annual Meeting MOVED BY Councillor A M PHILIPSEN that the 2008 Annual Meeting minutes be adopted as presented MOTION CARRIED 3. Presentation of 2009 Year End Audited Financial Statements The Chief Administrative Officer presented the 2009 Year End Audited Financial Statements and gave an overview of the mayor changes He gave an explanation of the new Tangible Capital Assets reporting requirements, indicating that the mayor difference in assets occurred as a result of these He offered thanks to all the staff who were involved in completing the Tangible Capital Assets project The Regional Water project is also responsible for increases in assets and expenses A summary of the 2010 budget was presented, and it was noted that it had decreased slightly from the previous year The Chief Administrative Officer indicated that most of the budget is dedicated to projects and capital assets, including road work, the Regional Water System, hamlet sewer and drainage systems, and the new County of Newell facilities Presentations on several of these projects will be made later during the meeting The Chief Administrative Officer presented figures comparing the County to neighbouring counties and municipal districts of a similar size in areas such as mill rate, staffing, and overall budget He indicated that the County is operating as efficiently as possible with the available staff Sessions have been held that were focused on streamlining for efficiency and long term planning In closing, the Chief Administrative Officer thanked Council for their direction and guidance and expressed appreciation to the staff 4. Presentations a. Newell Regional Services Corporation & Regional Water Project R Havinga gave an overview of the Newell Regional Services Corporation (NRSC), indicating that they are a municipally controlled corporation and must operate according to the Municipal Government Act He presented details of the projects that have been completed to date, which include providing the Village of Tilley with water from the City of Brooks and the completion of the raw water pipeline from Lake Newell to the water treatment plant He gave an update on the line being constructed from Lake Newell Resort to Rolling Hills, including connections to Rainier and Scandia, indicating that Brooks Asphalt & Aggregate will be completing that project As well, Brooks Asphalt & Aggregate has been awarded the contract for the installation of the pipeline that will connect Rosemary and Patricia with the future possibility of connecting Bassano The fourth contract, which will see the line extended from 12th Street West in Brooks to Rosemary and Patricia, has been awarded to a company from Medicine Hat and is expected to be completed in December 2010 He gave an overview of upgrades and renovations to the water treatment plants and the internal activities of NRSC, indicating that the Board of Directors is currently working on establishing water rates for customers R Havinga opened the floor to questions L Pye-Matheson asked if ratepayers would be consulted before being hooked up to the water lines that will be installed in the future. R Havinga replied that people interested in tying onto the water lines should contact him NRSC will address how to connect additional users in the fall T Marr -Laing inquired about the policies that would be established and if the overall vision for the regional water system included giving all the ability to connect to it R Havinga replied that some policies have been developed as part of the process and, with the project scheduled for completion at the end of 2010, they will have an idea of how to proceed for the future J Hofer asked about the completion date for the project R Havinga replied that the contract is supposed to be completed by the end of 2010, but that is dependent on several factors, such as weather and other influences The water treatment plants in Rosemary and Patricia must be renovated before water will be distributed there, and testing must also occur The entire line must be completed before others can hook on R Havinga responded to a question regarding billing, indicating that the Board is currently discussing how to accomplish this Currently, they will be billing the individual municipalities as a bulk meter into their systems He indicated that in the future, once everyone is connected, there may be individual meters and NRSC will be doing the billing T Marr -Laing asked about the priorities for the pipeline yet to be built and how these are determined R Havinga replied that there are 4 or 5 areas containing concentrated groups of people and whether or not funding is available will determine the cost to the landowner b. Rural Distribution & Regional Water Project P Brouwer presented background information on the project, indicating that they were hired to investigate the cost to provide potable water to all rural users along the regional water pipeline He explained that a 'trickle' system was investigated, which would provide 500 Imperial Gallons per day to a total of 2,236 units within the County He gave an overview of the costs involved, indicating that they do not take into account any potential grant funding and there is no allowance for land costs A map was displayed which showed the County broken into five areas and a cost was outlined for each area The entire project will cost approximately $48 34 million dollars If no funding is received, the cost to each individual would be approximately $21,600 00 In conclusion, P Brouwer indicated that the 'trickle' system would be a viable solution and that federal funding would be investigated to cover up to 75% of the project P Brouwer opened the floor to questions J Hofer inquired about receiving more than 500 Imperial Gallons per day P Brouwer indicated that there is no extra capacity in the pipelines, but there may be extra capacity available depending on the area L Marr -Laing asked how the units would be applied within small communities like mobile home parks P Brouwer replied that this would go back to the board as each home in a small community would not likely require one unit each L Marr -Laing asked if the 2,236 units included COUNTY OF NEWELL NO.4 all homes, or if a mobile home park is considered one unit P Brouwer replied that mobile homes were considered Councillors separate units L Lyzenga asked about the monthly cost of operating the system and what the monthly cost to the ratepayer would be P Brouwer indicated that the cost would depend on funding received The portion not covered by funding will become part of a debenture cost, which will be included in the water rate R Havinga indicated that the NRSC Board members are currently reviewing the numbers and a water rate for 2011 will be established based on operating and future maintenance costs. L Pye-Matheson inquired about rates and R Havinga replied that NRSC is a municipally controlled company and all municipalities and hamlets have representation on the Board and all will be involved in setting the water rates C. New Facilities S Bushnell land J Carey of Barr Ryder Architects & Interior Designers presented an overview of the new County Facilities project, which will see the Administration, Public Works, and Agricultural Services departments combined in one facility located south of the new arena J Carey presented the final concept design site plans, noting that there are actually two separate buildings connected with a permanent link in order to be cost effective. Electrical, mechanical, and other infrastructure will be shared between the two buildings through this link. He indicated that their goal is to come in under the budget of $12 9 million S Bushnell displayed renderings of the building exterior and interior, indicating that the building materials will reflect permanence and a sense of welcome as well as being sustainable, durable, and energy efficient J. Carey gave a project update, indicating that they are currently beginning work on the detailed construction drawings and hope to be able to tender by the end of June and break ground by August J. Carey opened the floor to questions A ratepayer in attendance inquired about room for future expansion and the provisions included for fire protection J Carey explained that, by code, there are two distinct buildings and the separation between the two is the minimum distance allowed to not require a firewall Both buildings are also fully alarmed with sprinkler systems, and the critical records storage will be protected by a two or four hour dry fire suppression system Regarding expansion, the public works shop can extend to the east and the administration section can extend to the southeast In the current plan, there are open spaces and unassigned offices to accommodate expansion for 10-15 years in the future C Amulung asked if other costs had been factored in, such as landscaping and moving costs, and if the old facilities would be sold J Carey replied that the $12 9 million is for two fully finished buildings, not including furnishings An estimated $1 2 million will be required for yard work, paving, and fencing The Chief Administrative Officer indicated that the current facilities were appraised at $4 2 million and that there has been interest from potential buyers and that the landscaping and relocation can be done internally 5. Refreshment Break The meeting RECESSED at 8 15 p m and RECONVENED at 8 25 p m 6. Question & Answer Period Reeve M Douglass opened the floor for general discussion V Parker asked about what was planned for the sewage and effluent systems, as the focus seems to be more on the Regional Water System The Chief Administrative Officer replied that all sewer systems are included in a long term plan This year, the Scandia sewer system will be upgraded and the County is currently in the process of securing land surrounding the hamlets for future effluent broadcast and facility expansions The sewer system in Patricia will also be upgraded to a two -cell lagoon V Parker expressed concerns with two spills that have occurred in the past year R Havinga commented on operations, as Newell Regional Services Corporation has taken over operations of the wastewater collection system and indicated that spraying is being done by wheel move He indicated that Scandia is the current focus, and that the suggestions brought forward by V Parker have been discussed Reeve M Douglass noted that the County is investigating methods for improve all systems and requested to speak with V Parker following the meeting to discuss his concerns A ratepayer asked how the regional water system would impact taxes Councillor H Wutzke replied that assessment is not likely to increase as a result of the regional water system 7. Round Table Discussions As there were no further general questions, Reeve M Douglass encouraged any ratepayers with individual questions to visit with the various staff and/or Councillors available to get further information 8. Adjourn Reeve M Douglass adjourned the meeting at 8 37 p m Division 1 - Rolling Hills Councillor Clarence Amulung (403) 964-2292 Division 2 - Tilley Councillor Ike Schroeder (403) 377-2587 Division 3 - Patricia/Millicent Councillor Anne Marie Philipsen (403) 378-4724 Division 4 - Rainier/ScandiaBowCity Councillor Ryan Andrews (403) 793-8144 Division 5 - Cassils Councillor Mara Nesbitt (403)362-3037 Division 6 - Bassano Councillor Joel Bulger (403)641-4469 Division 7 - Rosemary Councillor Allen Eastman (403) 378-4280 Division 8 - Duchess Councillor Brian de Jong (403)362-4587 Division 9 - Gem Reeve Molly Douglass (403) 641-2562 Division 10 - Brooks Councillor Lionel Juss (403)362-5689 AGRICULTURAL SERVICES REPORT The present Agricultural Service Board (ASB) is comprised of ten elected members and six staff representatives. The ten elected officials sitting on the board included Allen Eastman (Division 7), Wayne Daniels (Division 1), Ike Schroeder (Division 2), Anne Marie Philipsen (Division 3), Ryan Andrews (Division 4), Jack Harbinson (Division 5), Sheila Evans (Division 6), Brian de Jong (Division 8), Molly Douglass (Division 9) and Harold Wutzke (Division 10). After the October election, this changed to Clarence Amulung (Division 1), Mara Nesbitt (Division 5), Joel Bulger (Division 6) and Lionel Juss (Division 10). 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 for ASB 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 in order to monitor previously identified infestations as well as to find any 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 - 930 miles sprayed in 2010), 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 (CCIP) (1173 coyotes) • Trap Rentals — Skunk/Racoon traps — 39 renters, 582 rental days, sold 8 new traps • Magpie traps — 8 renters, 234 rental days, sold 4 new traps • Issuance of pest control devices and products • Ground Squirrel Control (150 litres of 2% Liquid Strychnine sold) Other pest issues dealt with and monitored in annual surveys: Grasshoppers, Fusarium graminearum, Bacterial Ring Rot, and 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 3900 miles of road (one way) were mowed in 2010 and 300 hours were spent in hamlets, subdivisions and the Brooks Regional Airport. Emerson Bridge Park In 2009 the park had roughly 1600 nights registered and this increased to close to 2000 nights registered in 2010. We would have most likely seen a much larger increase in 2010 if we wouldn't have had such a cool, wet May. We continue to see a greater amount of registrations from people within the County which is very nice to see. In the spring of 2010 we removed all of the old outhouses except for 1 in the overflow area and 1 in the entrance and replaced them with new outhouses designed to eliminate odours. We installed a new underground cistern in the front to service the manager's site and the sani-dump. The underground cistern has been a welcome improvement over the previous above ground plastic tank as it was very difficult to maintain safe, usable water in the plastic tank. In the fall of 2010 we dug a large drainage ditch, with the help of public works, in order to divert water from the main camping area during wet years. We also started construction of 3 new sites and the expansion of 8 existing sites which will become power sites in 2011. 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 (2 sites, 15000 trees planted by County, 99,330 trees distributed to County residents, this include trees planted by the County and Partners in Habitat Development) • Environmental Farm Plans (2 completed) • Growing Forward Applications (11 completed) • Courses (Southern Alberta Grazing School for Women — 24 participants) • Demonstrations (Put a booth in the Earth Day Expo, partnered with PFRA on an EcoBuffer trial involving spring and fall tree planting) • Extension related activities involving improving range and pasture practices and livestock watering systems • SACA Conference (244 attendees, 26 from the County of Newell) • Three newsletter articles and various articles in local papers • Grazing Management Workshop — 30 attendees • Rural Beautification Tour — 60 attendees Rental Equipment The Ag Service board has multiple rental units that can be used by ratepayers of the County. For a full list please check out the website. Rental units are charged out as close to cost recovery as possible. Usage for 2010 is as follows: Livestock Scale — 25 renters Weed Wipe Sprayers — 5 renters Loading Chute —18 renters Boomless Sprayer — 2 renters Calf Table — 5 renters Brillion Seeders (2) — 6 renters, 270 acres Cattle Squeeze — 5 renters No Till Drills (2) — 37 renters, 2509 acres Conventional Drill —17 renters, 1748 acres Other activities in 2010 included the Calgary Stampede Farm Family Award, roadside seeding and various pest and agronomic recommendations. The ASB also partners with other organization 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. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Agricultural Service Board members as well as staff (Todd Green, Patricia Dirk, Robert McTavish, Harold Forrest, 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 362-2772 or check out our website at www.countyofnewell.ab.ca. ASB related issues and concerns are dealt with at regular Council meetings.