Check the County of Newell website forlast minute meeting changes
www.countyofnewell.ab.ca
UPCOMING MEETINGSUPCOMING MEETINGS
the office will be closed on the following days:
Municipal Planning Commission/Council
Thursday, June 6, 2013 at 10:00 a.m.Thursday, June 20, 2013 at 10:00 a.m.Thursday, July 11, 2013 at 10:00 a.m.Thursday, July 25, 2013 at 10:00 a.m.Thursday, August 8, 2013 at 10:00 a.m.Thursday, August 22, 2013 at 10:00 a.m.
Monday, July 1, 2013 - Canada DayMonday, August 5, 2013 - Civic Holiday
All meetings are held in the Council Chambers of the County of newell Administration Building located in Brooks, AB at 183037 RR 145
unless otherwise noted.
the MPC meeting will begin at 10:00 a.m. the Council meeting will begin immediately
after MPC adjourns.
Contact Us:
County of newellP.O. Box 130Brooks, AlbertaT1R [email protected]:fax:
403-362-32661-888-361-7921
County websitewww.countyofnewell.ab.caAdministratorKevin [email protected]
County of Newell - Council Notesby Molly Douglass, Division 9 Councillor, County of Newell Reeve
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April 21st marked the first meeting of Council in the new County facility. It is indeed a change to have these spacious and modern surroundings. Most agree that they were definitely worth the wait.
Council moved to accept the Alberta Transportation Highway 873 Access Management Study as information only.
Chief Cory Cochrane was appointed as Fire Guardian for Division 6 (Bassano Fire) within the County of Newell. Council supported a motion to pay the cost of two local fire chiefs to attend the Disaster Forum 2013 in Banff.
Manager of Finance, Matt Fenske, was presented with the Canadian Award for Excellence in Financial Reporting. This is awarded for going beyond the minimum requirements of generally accepted accounting principles to prepare annual financial reports that evidence transparency and full disclosure. This is the first time that our County has achieved this goal. Excellent work, Matt!
To better understand traffic impact and for future planning of road infrastructure, our Council asked Cenovus to give a presentation on the movement of oil within our region. Increased quantities of oil are moving via tanker and train due to a shortage of pipeline capacity. Tilley is the site of a “high tech” loading facility where the oil is transferred from truck to train. There are a number of similar transloading facilities in Alberta and Saskatchewan.
Council once again supported celebrations to be held in June during Seniors Week with a donation of $1000 for the Seniors’ Outreach Dinner.
Agricultural Fieldman Todd Green reported on his department gearing up for summer weed control. Weed and Pest Inspectors have been appointed according to the Weed Control and
Agricultural Pest Acts. If you have any weed or pest questions, remember our Ag Service Department can assist you. Landscaping work under ASB supervision has begun around the new building—fairly important to get some green growth initiated with all the wind of late!
Bylaw 1767-13-Tax Rates was passed which kept the mill rate at the same level as it has been since 2004. Assessment values rose over last year which is an encouraging economic sign.
The Annual Corporate Safety Meeting is scheduled for May 31. Our Corporate Safety Services are led by Supervisor Sheri Christensen and Officer Robyn Nesbitt, who work to educate all staff to keep our work places and workers healthy and safe on the job in numerous locations. Safety is a basic part of all service delivery these days.
RCMP Quarterly Reports were presented by Staff Sgt. Tom McNulty from the Brooks Detachment and new arrival, Corporal Laura Lee Kelly, from the Bassano Detachment. Our Community Peace Office Supervisor, John Nesbitt, also updated Council.
This is municipal election year across Alberta. Did you know that Municipal Councillors represent their greater community by sitting on a wide range of Committees? For many years now, one significant area of focus has been water. Currently…pardon the pun…there are five Council Committees having a connection to water. They are the County of Newell Water Project (CNWP), the Newell Regional Services Committee (NRSC), the Bow River Basin Council (BRBC), the Red Deer River Municipal Users’ Group, and the Red Deer River Watershed Alliance. Fortunately, not all areas of Council responsibility require that many separate boards. For example, recreation is limited to one committee in each division, with 1-3 meetings per year. Because Newell has
Downy Brome
Downy Brome, or Bromus Tectorum, is found under the noxious weed category. It is described as a having soft, densely hairy leaves, drooping, purple panicles and short slender awns on seeds.
Common tansy
Common Tansy, or Tanacetum vulgare, is found under the noxious weed category. It is described as having yellow, button-like flowers with fern leaves on the stem. Dame’s Rocket
Dame’s Rocket, also known as Hesperis matronalis, is found under the noxious weed category. It is described as a purple flower with four petals and has fine-toothed leaves with no stem.
Creeping Bell flowerCreeping Bell Flower, also known as Campanula rapunculoides, is found under the noxious weed category. Nodding, light purple flowers are borne in the axils of the upper leaves and occur mainly along one side of the stem. These weeds can grow up to 1 meter or more!
Scentless Chamomile
Scentless Chamomile, or Tripleurospermum perforatum, is found under the prohibited noxious weed category. It is described as having finely divided leaves and the flowers do not have any odor and have daisy like heads. Leaves are alternate and are very finely divided into short segments (carrot-like) and are odorless when crushed.yellow Clematis
Yellow Clematis, or Clematis tangutica, is found under the noxious weed category. It is described as a yellow, bell-shaped flower with four petals. It has pointed coarsely-toothed leaves. This weed is often found growing on fences and trees.
ten divisions and ten Councillors, the committee work is less than in most counties or municipal districts, where councils have fewer members.
Council work is interesting and challenging. Making objective decisions based on facts, along with developing policies for the greater good, is always the goal. Of course, that will never mean that everyone is pleased at the end of the day! Stay tuned over the next few months for more information regarding local government work as the October 21 Alberta Municipal Election day approaches.
Know Your weeds! by Catherine Christensen, Weed Inspector
It’s that time of year again, the sun is shining and the weeds are starting to sprout! we need you to be on the lookout for noxious and prohibited weeds in the area. If you spot any noxious or prohibited weeds, it would be greatly appreciated if you could report them to your City of Brooks and County of newell weed inspector or spray and handpick them. this will help us in the process of eradicating all noxious and prohibited weeds in the area. Some weeds that you should be on the lookout for are Downy Brome, Common tansy, Dame’s Rocket, Creeping Bell flower, Scentless Chamomile and yellow Clematis.
COUNTY OF NEWELL GRAND OPENING!
friday, June 21, 201311:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.fRee BBQ Beef on A Bun
Abundant moisture and good growing conditions over the past few seasons have really helped to bolster thistle populations around the County. Typically, it is not a big issue in crops because there are many herbicide choices and timing of herbicide applications work well for control. Where we are starting to really notice dense populations is in pasture (especially irrigated) and alfalfa seed crops.
I don’t think it is a secret that controlling thistles is not always cheap and not always easy. But the Agriculture Services department is here to help as best we can. We have a couple of sprayers to rent to landowners that are specifically designed for both problem areas.
Alfalfa seed crops are typically shorter than a lush thistle and the thistles can be controlled by using a weed wipe. We have 2 weed wipes - one that is 10 feet wide and one that is 30 feet wide. Depending on the size of the patches and/or field, they both have a time and place. Weed wipes are simple to use and less expensive than conventional spraying methods. Herbicides are used in high concentration and are wiped on the top 6 inches to a foot of the thistle. The concentrated chemical is then able to enter the plants it touches and the rest (lower alfalfa) is left unharmed.
It is hard to get custom applicators to spray pastures because they are rough and because booms (typically 70 to 90 feet long) end up digging into the ground on the end, or have to be raised too high to be fully effective and still control drift. Our pasture sprayer is built to go in rough terrain and doesn’t have any booms. The boomless sprayer comes equipped with 2 boom buster nozzles that spray approx. 20 feet in either direction, a 500 gallon water/chemical mix tank and a self-contained pump and motor. The unit can be pulled by a truck or tractor quite easily. Also a good option for controlling unwanted brush in pastures.
“I am from the government and I am here to help,” is the typical joke around the table in the coffee shop. But, actually, that is what we are here to do. The Agriculture Services department is here and our primary role is to help provide services agricultural producers need, especially in regards to weeds and pests. So call us or come see us, chances are we have a solution for your weed or pest control problem.
I look forward to the upcoming weed control season, and don’t be surprised if we stop in and chat, it may be time to consider controlling any problems that have gotten away from you over the last few seasons.
The County of Newell wishes to advise that the 2013 Property Assessment & Tax Notices have been mailed.
To avoid penalties, payment of your taxes must be made by June 17th, 2013 (as June 15th falls on a Saturday this year) by cash, cheque, INTERAC, On-Line, Telephone Banking or payment at a participating Financial Institution. Please note, post-dated cheques payable to the County of Newell are acceptable provided they are dated prior to June 17th.
note: For prompt service, please ensure that the bottom return portion of the Tax Notice being paid is included with your payment.
Thank You!
read/ebooks.graphic novels.newspapers.
on a new ipad mini!
every new or renewed library membership for any shortgrass Member public library will be automatically entered in a draw for an ipad Mini (32gb).the ipad Mini contest is open March 1 - june 15, 2013
the draw for the ipad Mini will take place during the shortgrass library system 25th anniversary celebrations on june 19, 2013. this contest is not open to any shortgrass Member public library board Members, staff or their family members.
Last chance!
Contest closes
June 15!
2013 ProPerTY AssessMenT & TAX noTICes
Dusty Old Strategies & Mindsby Michelle Gietz, Economic Development Coordinator
There’s probably a dusty old document on one of your shelves which hasn’t got a lot of attention since it was created. It’s not because it is a bad document; it’s because the people who create the document are not necessarily the people who will accomplish the task. The architect designs the house, but the carpenter builds it. The logistics firm chooses the route, but the trucker delivers the load. The board or council determines the strategy, but the staff or volunteers conduct the work.
We create strategies, but not tactics to turn them into reality and it is often our thoughts which prevent the action from happening. We create mental barriers to success. We limit what we are capable of by hearing old excuses and not confronting them.
“Why? We don’t have the resources. I can’t be wrong. Done that before. I told you so. Do we really need this? If it ain’t broke don’t fix it. I don’t know. No one will care. I’m too busy.”
These are all statements that stop the conversation or the idea from growing into a creative live action to move towards success. Instead of asking ‘Why’, ask ‘Why not?’ If you don’t have the resources, where can you find them? Though you can’t be wrong, maybe the other guy is right. If you’re not sure if you need it, try using it to see if it helps.
We tend to bring our negative attitudes to the table. We fail to look beyond our own limited knowledge to find the answer. That is why we questions ideas that are unusual or why we fail to take a risk in implementing something new. Often we don’t have a person in place with the right skills to follow through on the action. Don’t disregard the strategy, hire the person required to do the job or provide the training for a current employee to accomplish the tasks required. Don’t be afraid to admit that you don’t know, but someone else might.
Consider the attitude adjustment in how to approach a question. “Would you rather this strategy fail in one year or succeed in 2?” Sounds easy, but if the answer is that you want it to succeed in 2 years, then it’s up to you to be patient and give it that long to bear fruit. It is also necessary to create the actions that will lead towards its completion and to not be afraid to carry them out. If it fails, you evaluate to see why, not discard the strategy because the action failed.
So pick up that old dusty strategic plan for your business or organization, look through it with positive questioning, questions that don’t hinder progress, but encourage it. The ideas in the document are probably still good, but now it’s time to think of possibilities for action, to turn the plan into reality.
When it came time to write this month’s newsletter article, there were so many things coming up that I wanted to talk about I couldn’t pick just one. So here are all the upcoming programs, workshops and tours to be on the lookout for:
County of newell Rural Beautification tourThe County of Newell Rural Beautification Tour will be held July 19th. The deadline for nominations is July 12th. Yards can be nominated by calling Holly at 403-794-2337 or by emailing me at [email protected].
10th Annual Southern Alberta Grazing School for womenThis year’s grazing school will be held in Foremost on July 24th and 25th. The school features plant identification, farm succession planning, presentations from local ranching women and an excellent opportunity to network with fellow ranching women. The deadline for registration is July 15th. The registration fee for the school is $75 which includes meals. For more information or to register contact Amanda Halawell by email [email protected] or by phone at 303-451-1182.
Growing forward 2Growing Forward 2 has been rolled out by the Alberta Government. The stewardship funding program is once again in place. This program allows anyone who has completed an Environmental Farm Plan to apply for funding for projects that fall under the categories of Manure Management, Fuel and Used Oil Management, Improved Chemical Storage and Grazing Management. Popular uses for the program generally include the purchase of new gas tanks, portable wind breaks and portable shelters for cattle and off site watering systems. For more information on eligible projects please visit the website at http://www.growingforward.alberta.ca/. If you have any questions or need help completing a farm plan or stewardship application please call me at 403-794-2337.
PAGe 3www.countyofnewell.ab.ca the newell newsletter - May/June 2013
Propane Fire Safetyby Keith Martin, Fire & Emergency Services Coordinator
It is that time of year when frost is coming out of the ground and rainy weather, large agricultural and industrial loads all contribute to softening of gravel road surfaces. All Counties and Municipal Districts, including urban municipalities experience this effect, on both paved and gravel surfaced roads, where freeze thaw seasons exist. These conditions are present, but not limited to, late March to the end of April. Road Bans may be put into effect for this period or where thaw action warrants.
The County of Newell has relatively good roads and is therefore reluctant to impose Road Ban restrictions thereby keeping agriculture and industry operations active in the field. Road surfaces are monitored by the Public Works department and maintenance is carried out by the County regularly, with road bans implemented where necessary. Road repairs will be scheduled when deemed necessary. Please adhere to signage and temporary warning devices such as stakes with orange flags (as shown left) and utilize our website for current road information (www.countyofnewell.ab.ca).
The County of Newell has approximately 1500 Km’s of gravel roads that experience these conditions; from roads that see little to no impact to roads where severe frost boils can render the road nearly or completely impassable.
The County is doing what it can with the conditions and strives to make cost effective decisions. The biggest help that the County can receive (other than better weather) is for the general public, the farming community and industry to limit the number of trips and the weight of loads carried on the County’s gravel road system, and to call into the County Offices when any road concerns are observed.
The County realizes the inconvenience that these conditions pose. However, with the co-operation of the public, farming community, industry and Mother Nature these inconveniences can be kept to a minimum, keeping costs down. It is anticipated that these conditions may persist for the next month depending on weather and vehicle traffic. Please drive carefully, reduce your speed and allow extra travel time when utilizing the gravel road system.
If you have any questions or to report poor road conditions, please call the County Public Works Office at 403-362-3266. Office Hours are 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Propane is commonly used to fuel household appliances, such as fridges, stoves, furnaces, and outdoor equipment such as barbeques, portable heaters and appliances in recreational vehicles (RV). When used with care, propane is a safe, clean, non-toxic, inexpensive and energy efficient fuel, but it doesn’t take much to create a hazardous situation in an enclosed space.
fire facts • When ignited in an enclosed unventilated area, a dangerous and potentially fatal buildup
of carbon monoxide can occur.
• If propane leaks or builds up in an enclosed, unventilated area, it can cause an explosion when it comes in contact with a spark or open flame. The operation of a wall switch, a cell phone/telephone or transmitting 2-way radio can produce a hot enough spark to ignite propane.
• Exposure to propane in a confined, unventilated area can also cause an asphyxiation hazard (when a large amount of gas displaces the oxygen in the air).
• Propane is a colorless and odorless gas. A distinct odor resembling the smell of rotten eggs is added to it so that you can detect escaping gas.
• Propane is stored as a liquid in pressurized cylinders at cold temperatures and will burn your skin on contact.
• Liquid propane vaporizes when it is heated or mixed with air. When propane vaporizes its volume increases 270 times its original liquid form. It is these vapors that ignite.
• Propane is heavier than air and can spread and pool considerable distances along the ground and be ignited by a distant heat source, spark or flame.
the law • As per the Propane Storage and Handling Code, all propane cylinders must be re-
qualified every 10 years and cylinders 45lbs or less shall be equipped with a cylinder valve that does not allow the flow of propane until a positive seal is achieved.
• As per the Propane Storage and Handling Code, no propane cylinders may be stored or used inside any structure unless specified in the code, and shall not be stored or installed under any fire escape, stairway, or ramp used as a means of egress from a building. The code specifies that….”A maximum of three 5-lb (single trip or non-refillable) cylinders may be stored in a dwelling unit. “
• As per the Gas Safety Standata G-05-01-B149:
If the owner(s) of a building allows propane barbecues and other appliances to be installed on their outdoor decks and/or balconies, the certified barbecues/appliances, cylinders or other items shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s certified instructions and can only be equipped with a maximum of one 20-lb cylinder per installation; the cylinder must be equipped with a OPD (Over Fill Protection Device) and a QCC-1 (Quick Closing Coupling) connection valve; the balcony shall be of open design, not be located below grade, and shall be of sufficient size to provide adequate clearance to combustible materials as required by the barbecue manufacturer’s instructions; it shall be transported through the building for refill purposes with the
QCC-1 closed and equipped with a protective cap; and if transported by elevator must be transferred by freight or service elevators or by a passenger elevator only if no passengers are permitted on the elevator other than the person in control of the cylinder.
Safety tips • When purchasing propane cylinders, ensure
that they are Transport Canada approved.
• When purchasing propane appliances, ensure that they are certified and labeled by a recognized testing agency, such as the Canadian Standards Association (CSA), or Underwriter’s Laboratories (UL/ULC).
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for using and fitting propane appliances to their gas supply.
• Only use propane and propane appliances for their intended purpose and only store enough for your immediate purposes.
• Make yearly cleaning, maintenance and safety inspections of propane cylinders and/or appliances part of your routine. Where required, have them inspected or repaired by a trained professional.
• When using propane appliances, keep them away from anything that can burn, such as items in and around your home, including dry vegetation, deck rails, wood balconies, twigs, etc. and items in or around vehicles.
• When handling and storing propane and propane appliances, keep them away from heat sources or flames, such as lit cigarettes.
• Use and store propane outdoors in a cool, well-ventilated area; where possible.
• When using propane inside homes, campers, tents, sheds, and vehicles, keep the area well ventilated.
• To check for leaks, brush a soap and water solution over the suspected area — bubbles will form if there is a leak. If you suspect a leak, leave the area immediately, shut off the gas supply if possible and remove any possible sources of ignition. Call the fire department from a neighbor’s home.
• Check the flame on your propane appliance regularly. Appliances that use propane should mostly show a blue flame with yellow tips. If the flame is mostly yellow, this is a sign that the fuel isn’t burning completely and may be producing carbon monoxide.
• Exposure to propane can result in nausea and headaches. If either of these symptoms develops, get outside immediately and breathe fresh air. Under extreme conditions, exposure to flammable gases can result in death.
It is now up to you to help prevent a disastrous situation by using and storing Propane safely and properly. Remember that “Safety is an Attitude.”
Spring Weather & Gravel Roads
County of NewellMini Bus Service
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday1CAnADA DAyno SeRVICe
Brooks, AB (Friday, May 10, 2013) – The Brooks Public Library is proud to announce that Kayley Skriver will be back again this year coordinating summer fun activities at the TD Summer Reading Club. The Club, which aims to build children’s confidence in and excitement about reading, looks forward to welcoming returning and new members alike. Registration for the summer will begin at the Brooks Public Library in June, with the program beginning sometime in July. The theme of the
2013 TD Summer Reading Club is “Go” encouraging kids to get excited (and read!) about whatever they like, and through reading, go wherever their imagination takes them.
Children who register for the TD Summer Reading Club at the Brooks Public Library receive a free activity book, and are encouraged to earn nine collectible stickers by reading books over the summer. Families are also invited to join in fun, free and spirited programs at
the library -- from crafts to games, storytellers to reading challenges. The Club includes a newly expanded website with games, jokes, and of course lots of reading ideas, at tdsummerreadingclub.ca.
Children, parents and caregivers can visit tdsummerreadingclub.ca to learn more about the Club, browse booklists and play games. For an up-to-date listing of all TD Summer Reading Club events taking place at the Brooks Public Library, visit brooks.shortgrass.ca
The TD Summer Reading Club is a joint initiative between TD Bank Group, Toronto Public Library and Library and Archives Canada.
The Brooks Public Library is the second largest library in the Shortgrass Library System, serving the 16,000 residents of the City of Brooks and County of Newell. To learn more about the Brooks Public Library, visit our website at brooks.shortgrass.ca or call us at 403-362-2947. For all the latest news about the library, like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/BrooksPublicLibrary.
Now that the grass and weeds are growing and are in need of mowing and spraying, you will see our crews out and about. For your safety and the safety of our operators, please use respect and drive slowly past them.
Our roadside mowing program will begin in June and you will see the units mowing all roadsides throughout the summer and fall. This program is used to complement our roadside spraying program to reduce the amount of herbicides used but is also great at promoting drainage, promoting clear sightlines at intersections and allowing the motoring public to see wildlife along roadsides.
Any debris that is in the roadside has the opportunity to be “thrown” by the mowers into the road surface. Be mindful of this while passing them and do not follow them at close proximity.
We also maintain the County owned areas within hamlets with ride on mowers and weed trimmers. Although the dangers do not seem imminent, they are still there. Debris can be thrown up to 300 feet from these mowers and pedestrians should be cautious. The operators are mindful of the public and are always watching, it is our intention to stop operating until the safety of the public is restored.
In your travels you will also see our spraying operations. The ASB is responsible for reducing the impact of Noxious and Prohibited Noxious weeds on agriculture and the environment. In order to do this we have multiple spot spraying and roadside spraying trucks in operation around the County and within the Urban Municipalities. The herbicides that we use are safe when used according to the label recommendations but, that being said, they are still herbicides and should be treated with respect. Please drive slowly past these units as our operators are often outside of the vehicle using the handgun sprayer, checking the spray system, starting motors, filling with water/chemical and putting on their Personal Protective Equipment.
Operator safety is very important to the County of Newell and we make every effort to ensure that everyone comes to work and goes home in the same healthy condition. Please help us keep them safe and at the same time reduce the risk of yourself being harmed by respecting operations in the field. As always if you have questions about the programs and services we provide for you, please call me. Feel free to stop by and tell the crews they are doing a great job, but if you have concerns or feel otherwise, please direct your comments to me.
Out & Aboutby Todd Green, Agricultural Fieldman
did you know scratched digital discs can be repaired?
The Duchess and District Pubic Library has had a very busy few months and we are looking forward to more exciting events to come! Our winter book club was very popular and we enjoyed some great visitors and lively conversations! Our preschool story times continue to be a staple for our young moms and tots and our after school club has proven to be an extremely popular event! We are currently preparing for our Summer Reading Program and space is filling up fast!! We have also had the pleasure of a digital scrap booking display and a local art display from the Duchess School in our library over the last couple of months which have both been throughly enjoyed by all! We are also busy planning our annual Family Fun Night which will include games, prizes, food and a great outdoor movie under the stars, always a hugely popular evening for our local families! The Duchess and District Public Library is also very excited for one of its own readers to have won the Shortgrass Library System’s reading challenge that ended in April. Dillon won a Nintendo DS for being one of the top readers in all of 12 libraries!! Way to go Dillon! The DDPL looks forward to the months ahead and all that our library has to offer to our community! Feel free to come in and check us out!!
