County / Municipal Committee Meeting of the Province of held in the Board Room of the County of Forty Mile No. 8 Office, Foremost, Alberta on Wednesday, June 13, 2012.

The Meeting was called to order by the Reeve, Tom Thacker at 9:00 A. M.

Members Present: Ronald Lane Joan Hughson Bryne Lengyel Bruce Robertson Ronald Harty Craig Widmer

Also present: Dale Brown, County Administrator Sharon Burgess-Brown, Director of Finance Keith Bodin, Municipal Supervisor Stewart Payne, Municipal Enforcement Officer Nathan Coté, Protective Services Co-ordinator Jamie Rieger, County Commentator Sandra Miller, Secretary to the County Administrator

Minutes

MOVED approval of the Minutes of the Regular County Council Meeting held on May 23, 2012.

CARRIED.

Delegations

10:30 A. M. – Renee Seitz 11:00 A. M. – Medic Air Society – HALO 11:45 A. M. – Leonard Mitzel

Items Added to the Agenda

Several items were added to the Agenda by the Council Members present.

COMMITTEE AND STAFF REPORTS

Municipal Enforcement Officer Report

ENFORCEMENT • 27 Active Files. • The review of outstanding files is progressing. • New files include irrigation pivot setbacks, dogs at large, and debris dumping. • Priority for Enforcement is the Irrigation of Roads and Public Safety files. • Discussion was held regarding removal of derelict buildings.

UTILITIES • Discussions have been held with Alberta Health and Alberta Environment in relation to the required Public Information Release, regarding Potable Water issues with licenced systems and contravention remedies. This Notice will be mailed out in this month’s Utility billing. Alberta Health is seeking clarification from Environment on jurisdiction and standards. Skiff pumping system has required repairs. The solution was to move the pump back to the pit, below water level. This however, creates a confined space issue for maintenance. • Two contraventions were reported for the Burdett systems. • The repaired control-panel interface for the Burdett system has not been received from the Commission. Without the interface, staff has no control capabilities on site or remotely, and have to rely on the Commission operators in Bow Island.

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT • Working on completing the recommendations of the Municipal Emergency Plan Review.

Protective Services Co-ordinator Report

Fire: • Built specifications and sent out quotes for equipment. • Attended a Regional Fire Chief’s Meeting regarding Training Grant Funding. • CVIP’s and repairs for Aden and Pendant D’Orielle Fire Trucks have been completed and the fire trucks are back in service. • Attended an Incident Command Systems 200 Course. • Attended a few fire calls and some issues were raised with Dispatch.

Safety: • Orientations were completed. • Review of the Safety Orientation procedure is required to ensure the best means to convey the County’s safety mandate. • Researching legislation regarding seatbelts, incident investigation and working alone. • Attended a waterline repair in Burdett. • Attended an Auditor Refresher Course in for continuance as a Municipal Safety Auditor.

40 Mile Park

Council discussed issues at 40 Mile Park.

Council reviewed the wording of the Land Use By-Law. The By-Law states one residence per site and if a Leaseholder wants to apply for an additional unit on the property, the application permit would be made to the Municipal Planning Commission as a Discretionary Class 2.

Council discussed funding for the proposed Park Expansion. The Community Facility Enhancement Program may be an option for funding. Expansion will only occur as funding becomes available.

Council discussed protocol for project approval. The process requires all individuals/groups to submit a proposal to the 40 Mile Park Committee for consideration. Depending on the project, it may require Municipal Planning Commission approval. After approval, the proper documentation could be forwarded to the funding provider.

MOVED ratification of the actions and expenditures taken by the 40 Mile Park Management Committee. CARRIED.

Timesheets

MOVED approval of the Timesheets as presented.

CARRIED.

Jim and Renee Seitz present. The Seitz’s attended the Meeting to discuss road conditions. Mrs. Seitz read a letter of their concerns regarding road conditions, with the highlights as follows:

1. The Seitz’ have made many telephone calls to Mr. Widmer and Mr. Bodin and feel they have gone without notice. The safety of their family and the motoring public is a concern. 2. When Council attended a meeting in Orion, the Seitz’ invited Council to partake in a road tour with them and to date, no one has contacted them to do so. 3. They are concerned that with the deterioration of their roads over the last few years, these problems will escalate if not addressed. 4. The roads in question are Township Road 80, which has many dips and Range Road 63 which has a creek crossing. These roads are grassed over, ridges have formed and areas washed out. The crossings are very rough and the Seitz’ would like the crossings graveled. 5. Mr. and Mrs. Seitz expressed concern that following having their names put on the Agenda to attend the Council Meeting, their road got graveled. 6. The Seitz’ believe graveling is an issue.

Council’s Response: Item No. 1 and 2: Mr. Bodin and members of Council have attended the sites and toured the area. Item No. 3: Mr. Bodin expressed that in his 27 years at the County he has never seen conditions such as what is being encountered. Item No. 4: Mr. Bodin agreed that the road edges are grassed over with ridges and areas washed. He also explained that timing is important when trying to determine when to pull up the shoulders and mowing must be completed prior to this occurring. Mr. Bodin believes the west side of the crossing was graveled last year. Item No. 6: With traffic patterns changing, especially with oil traffic, crews are often called to attend to another area. Traffic on roads has changed from three ton trucks to super bee’s.

The Public Works Supervisor also explained the County has received a large amount of rain in the last two years. Other areas of the County have been affected to a greater degree than the area in question.

Council also explained that in Budget discussions it was decided not to hire a swing man, due to the shortage of funds.

Council heard what was said and thanked the Seitz’ for attending.

Mr. and Mrs. Seitz left the Meeting.

Southern Alberta Medic Air Society – HALO

Representatives from Southern Alberta Medic Air Society attended the Meeting to update Council on the Society.

Gerald Gaede, past Chair of Medic Air; Des Grant, promotions director; and Lorne Buis, member of the Society in attendance.

This July 4, 2012 will mark the 5th Anniversary of Halo. In that time Halo has been dispatched 108 times, with approximately 100 trips including patients. A local Paramedic is currently performing a study that indicates 49% of the flights have been of the life-saving nature.

Council informed Halo they discussed with MLA Drew Barnes the need for Halo to receive funding as Stars does.

Halo representatives informed Council of a few funding options that may be available in the future. One is to receive funding from fines made through either environmental or non- compliance issues. The offender may allocate their fine payment to a charity of their choice. Another option is a new program called ‘Adopt Halo’, which is seeking to find 1000 companies or individuals that will donate $50.00 per month each year.

Council indicated they would bring forth Halo’s funding concerns to representatives from the Government at their Fall Convention.

Mr. Leonard Mitzel in attendance.

Halo representatives invited Council and the public to attend an Anniversary Party on July 12th, 2012 at the Super T Hangar at the Medicine Hat Airport.

Council commended the representatives on their performance and commitment. The Representatives left the Meeting.

Council invited Mr. Mitzel to attend the Meeting to thank Mr. Mitzel for his hard work over the past years for the County of Forty Mile No. 8. Council expressed their appreciation for his endeavors regarding road improvements, highways, and flooding issues to mention a few. Council expressed that his resolve to be available, make contacts, attend functions, represent the interests of the County and having a good understanding of the area, was a great asset.

Mr. Mitzel expressed he always considered that as just part of his job and there was great satisfaction of being able to provide a positive result in most cases. A positive result may not always be possible as there are different circumstances that many people do not understand, but it is important to try, and to keep trying to make a difference.

NOON RECESS – 12:00 P. M. RECONVENE – 1:00 P. M.

Road Request

The County has received a request from a landowner for construction of one mile of local road on Range Road 65, south of Township Road 64 to access his parcel in NE17, 8-6-W4. Council discussed different options.

No action.

Treasurer’s Report

MOVED approval of the Treasurer’s Report for the period ending May 31st, 2012.

CARRIED.

Dust Control

Public Works has received a few inquiries from ratepayers requesting oil for dust control instead of calcium. Mr. Bodin informed the ratepayers the County is no longer providing oil as an option due to the input costs and short life expectancy. Public Works will be trying a few different products this year that are more environmentally safe.

Drainage Approval for Burdett Wetland

A letter was sent to St. Mary River Irrigation District in April asking approval to drain water into their system through the proposed pipeline from the wetland in Burdett in order to maintain the levels during times of heavy precipitation. St. Mary River Irrigation District has requested the County to sign a Water Conveyance Agreement. Once the Agreement is signed they will consider approving the drainage request.

St. Mary River Irrigation District would like to meet with the Executive Committee to discuss the Yellow Lake Cost-Sharing Agreement and the Water Conveyance Agreement. The Committee Members requested that a Meeting be scheduled in September to discuss the above-noted issues.

Regional Stormwater Development Plan

The Municipal District of Taber met with several government departments and irrigation partners to discuss possible solutions to mitigating future flooding events. The result of these discussions was the commission of a “Regional Drainage Committee” by the Minister of Environment.

The Committee would like to move forward with the development of a Regional Stormwater Management Plan that will be used as the key benchmark for the development of a Municipal Stormwater Plan that will also serve as a template for future Municipal Plans.

The Committee has requested a letter of support.

Council would like to invite Mr. Brian Brewin to attend a Council Meeting to further discuss this issue.

MOVED that the County of Forty Mile No. 8 supports the Regional Drainage Committee’s application for funding to Alberta Environment and Water, Alberta Municipal Affairs, Alberta Agriculture, Alberta Infrastructure and Alberta Transportation for the development of the Regional Stormwater Management Plan and the Municipal Drainage Plan Template.

CARRIED.

Road Allowance

Council reviewed a request from Herb Klaudt to re-open a cancelled Road Allowance in 7-8- W4 previously owned by Marvin Klaudt.

The consensus of Council is not to renew any cancelled Road Allowance Leases and therefore no action was taken.

15th Annual Ports-to-Plains Alliance Conference

The 15th Annual Ports-to Plains Alliance Conference is being held in Medicine Hat, October 2nd to 4th, 2012. The partners of the Eastern Alberta Trade Corridor have inquired to see if the County would be interested in being a sponsor of the event. Sponsor packages range from $500.00 to $10,000.00.

MOVED to contribute $500.00 to the 15th Annual Ports-to-Plains Alliance Conference.

CARRIED.

Planning Advisor

Council was informed Brian Whitson from SE planning has advised that he will no longer be able to act as Planning Advisor for the County of Forty Mile No. 8 effective immediately.

The County’s succession planning for this position is to have Nathan Ogden appointed as the County’s Planning Advisor. Mr. Ogden would serve two rolls:

DEVELOPMENT OFFICER – assist and advise Council / public with respect to the requirements of the Land Use By-Law and pertinent legislation as per the Land Use By-Law.

PLANNING ADVISOR – Sub-division Applications and related requirements as per the Land Use By-Law.

MOVED to appoint Nathan Ogden as the County’s Planning Advisor. Mr. Ogden’s new title would be Planning Advisor / Development Officer.

CARRIED.

Investment Opportunity

The County has received an Invitation for Investment in the Forty Mile Gas Co-op for the purpose of providing funding to Corridor Communications Inc. Their goal is to raise $360,000.00 by direct investment from its’ Members by June 22, 2012. They are opening this invitation for investment in blocks of $5,000.00 up to a maximum of $100,000.00.

No action.

Signage

Mr. Bodin presented photographs of damaged sign posts. Mr. Bodin has contacted the RCMP regarding this matter.

Economic Development Alliance

Economic Development Alliance is working on a bio-energy investment attraction strategy and are interested in receiving recommendations from Municipalities for a contact who has some expertise or someone interested in bio-energy, and would be willing to participate in an interview for the strategy’s research.

Calgary Stampede

Calgary Stampede has donated two tickets for the Rodeo on Monday, July 9, 2012.

Highway No. 3 - Twinning

Council discussed a request from a landowner regarding the planned route for the Highway No. 3 Twinning. Council suggested the landowner contact ISL Engineering or MLA, Drew Barnes.

Water Study Update

Mr. Payne expanded on the information received regarding the Water Study.

Mr. Payne has met with a representative from the County Commentator to write an article explaining the potable issues of fluoride and the requirements of the County to comply with the new standards and guidelines by 2016.

Mr. Payne received an email from Alberta Environment sent to both the County and Alberta Health indicating they are going to do another year of quarterly testing for boron, arsenic and selenium. Alberta Health is not in agreement with this decision and as such, the Regional Medical Director of Health has got involved and aims to order Alberta Environment to address these outstanding issues such as potable water regulations. Alberta Health basically states that Skiff, Nemiscam and 40 Mile Park need an approval for water production the same as Etzikom and , however Orion is considered borderline.

Assessments

Council reviewed a ratepayers request for clarification of assessment increases. Originally this property was classified as Agriculture, then sub-divided and now is an Acreage, and therefore no longer has the farmland exemption. There is a shop on the property that is now being assessed.

The ratepayer is requesting Council to consider leniency for payment of the extra taxes required for this year.

Council is not prepared to waive the increase in taxes. The landowner has the right to appeal the assessment.

Canadian Centre for Unmanned Vehicle Systems

Mr. Lengyel provided Council with an update on Canadian Centre for Unmanned Vehicle Systems (CCUVS). The CCUVS is hosting an Open House on Monday, July 5, 2012 at 11:00 A. M. at the Foremost Community Hall. Equipment will be available for public viewing.

INFORMATION ITEMS

The Operational Expense list for the period ending May 31, 2012 was presented.

Monthly Approval Report for the period ending May 31, 2012 was presented.

Truck / Hauling Report for the period ending May 31, 2012 was presented.

Water Well Report for the period ending May 31, 2012 was presented.

Public Works Staff are nearing completion of the service road in 40 Mile Park.

Gravel Crew is hauling to the eastern part of the County, out of the Klaudt Pit, north of Etzikom.

The Oiling Crew has completed two miles of road stabilization on the 501, south of Manyberries.

Mechanics are doing repairs.

Grass mowing will begin as weather conditions improve.

Southwest Steel is making progress on the Public Works Shop.

Some patching has been completed on the oiled roads.

Minutes

• Shortgrass Library System Board Meeting – February 15, 2012 • Economic Development Alliance Board Meeting – April 10, 2012

Reports

• Foremost Airspace Development Report – Werny Consulting Services.

Economic Development Alliance – Staff Reports

Council reviewed the various projects held in the latter months of 2011, early part of 2012 and the remaining project for this year.

Alberta Health Services

Update on how Emergency Medical Services reports within the larger organizational structure of Alberta Health Services.

MOVED that the Meeting adjourn at 4:20 P. M.

CARRIED.