2010 Annual Report

2010 ANNUAL REPORT

An integrated, proactive community where innovation and progressive, practical leadership will forge a legacy for future generations through balanced environmental and economic sustainability. Ready and prepared for diverse growth, we will preserve our area as “a place to call home” through open, transparent citizen engagement to ensure an ongoing safe, resilient community. BEAVER COUNTY

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Executive Summary…………………………………….…………….…………2

Message from Beaver County Council………………………………..…………3

Community Vision…………………………………………..……….…..………6

Community Values…………………………………………….…..….…………6

Administration Staff …………………………………………….....…………...7

Organizational Chart……………………………………………....…………...8

Department Descriptions & Highlights…………………….…………………….9

2010 Financial Statements’ Summary………………………………….……...14

2010 Budget Expended…………………………………………………….....15

Position of Reserves (2010 v. 2009) …………………………………………16

Assessment………..………………...…………………………………………17

2010 Grants to Community Organizations……………………………………18

A Look Back: Public Works Review……………………………………………19

A Look Back: Community Economic Development Strategy…………………….21

A Look Ahead: 2011 Budget……………………………….…………………22

A Look Ahead: 2011 Revenues & Expenses……………………………………23

A Look Ahead: 2011 Strategic Priorities………………………………………24

A Look Ahead: Organizational Excellence…………………...…………………26

Appendix A: 2010 Financial Statements

Page 1 BEAVER COUNTY

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Beaver County, a diverse rural municipality of 5,676 residents, runs east and west along Highway 14 for approximately 112 kilometres.

The western portion of the County is a heavily wooded and hilly area, comprised primarily of small to medium- sized acreages.

As one travels east, the landscape and population demographics change to flatter agricultural land and small family farms, interspersed with oil and gas field development.

Home to the Towns of Tofield and Viking, the Township Road 515A, Completed in 2010 Villages of Ryley and Holden, and the Hamlets of Bruce and Kinsella – our community offers a quality lifestyle with a unique blend of country and urban living. Ideally located, the County is served by two major transportation routes, Highways 14 and 36, and is home to two business parks: Equity Industrial Park and Viking/Beaver Business Park.

The County’s assessment base is currently over $1 billion, however, for the 2010 taxation year, the base dropped by nearly $30 million in large part due to the inactivity with oil and gas.

In 2010, its budget for revenue was $12,551,813 and the actual was $12,636,142, a variance of $84,329.

Expenses were budgeted at $14,738,787 and the actual was $15,345,856, a variance of $607,069. The main reason for the variance was the Tangible Capital assets contribution, which was not budgeted for, but the actual transfer of net assets (i.e. fire equipment, vehicles, etc) to Beaver Emergency Services Commission (BESC) was $1,698,621. In total, revenues exceeded expenses by $2,056,636, after incorporating grants from the provincial and federal government. This excess revenue does not reflect a cash surplus, but rather is a surplus based on the new way of financial reporting (see page 14).

Key Highlights in 2010

. Completed road construction projects on portions of Township Road 482, Township Road 515A, Township Road 492 and Range Road 124, plus oiling and shoulder pulls . Developed an Economic Development Strategy with participation from municipalities, businesses and non-profit organizations across the County . Conducted a municipal election, which saw a new Council elected with three experienced Councillors and two first-time Councillors . Completed transfer of the broadband network to MCSNet, as well as fire and emergency management services assets to Beaver Emergency Services Commission (BESC)

Page 2 BEAVER COUNTY

MESSAGE FROM BEAVER COUNTY COUNCIL

2010 brought plenty of opportunity and change to Beaver County, and we owe a lot of credit to the strategic planning process we undertook in late 2009 for setting us on the right path. During a two-day session facilitated by LGL Institute, we identified some key priorities, organizational improvements and operational strategies, as well as ways to keep them on track as other projects arose. Key corporate priorities for the year included:

. Community Sustainability Initiative: Formalize the sharing of specific capital expenses with the Towns and Villages

. Economic Development Strategy: Enhance the economic well-being of residents through the retention, attraction and development of business opportunities

. Road Capital Plan: Update the Rural Road Study to determine road maintenance / construction priorities

. Municipal Development Plan / Land Use Bylaw Reviews: Consolidate recent updates

Other operational strategies included developing a contract to provide administrative services to the Village of Ryley, implementing a Noise Bylaw, transferring fire and emergency management services assets to the Beaver Emergency Services Commission (BESC), conducting a municipal election and updating the weed control and custom spraying policies to reflect changes in the applicable Acts. As we worked through these priorities, we had some definite accomplishments and some significant learnings. Most notably, in our attempt to work more closely with the Towns of Tofield and Viking, and the Villages of Ryley and Holden, we experienced a setback that helped us realize that regional initiatives should be grown by all. Following our strategic planning efforts, we attempted to enact a Community Sustainability Initiative (CSI) agreement that would have seen the County provide approximately $150,000 annually to the Towns and Villages for capital-related costs of the facilities / services that rural and urban residents patronize. The premise for the CSI was the Shared Services Agreements, created in 2007, that allow for the sharing of operating costs for specific recreation facilities, Agricultural Societies and Libraries, as well as Ambulance, Fire and the Beaver Health Foundation.

While were unable to reach consensus on the terms of the CSI, we did, with time, agree there was a need to create a special partnership that would help move the region forward with everyone’s interests in mind. In September, the Beaver Regional Partnership Committee was struck, consisting of seven members: the Reeve and two Councillors from Beaver County and the Mayor or one Councillor from each of the Towns and Villages. The Partnership will act as an advisory board to the member municipalities and will provide recommendations for their consideration in the areas of:

Page 3 BEAVER COUNTY

. Regional Sustainability Planning (Economic, Environmental, Social, and Governance),

. Development of a Regional Parks, Recreation, and Culture Master Plan along with a joint long- term capital plan for facilities,

. Regional Economic Development Strategies,

. Regional Citizen Engagement, and

. Development of a regional “voice” to lobby Federal and Provincial Governments or other agencies regarding matters of mutual interest to the Towns, Villages and County;

With several regional success stories from the past 10 years to learn from, we are confident we can make significant progress in these areas.

Key to any future success will be ensuring that residents, businesses and other stakeholder groups have an opportunity for input. So when you hear about new initiatives happening as a result of the Beaver Regional Partnership Committee or any other regional partnership, take the time to consider how they impact you and your family. We encourage you to be part of the discussions. In fact, we encourage your participation in everything we do. We are here to serve you and would appreciate your consideration of where we’ve come from in 2010 and where we’re heading in 2011. Please review the following Annual Report and keep in touch. Call, stop in for a visit or send us a note.

Call: (780) 663-3730

Visit: 5120 - 50 Street, Ryley www.beaver.ab.ca www.facebook.com/beavercountyab www.twitter.com/beavercountyab [email protected]

Page 4 BEAVER COUNTY

BEAVER COUNTY COUNCI L

L to R (Back): Councillor Arnold Hanson, Councillor Sieko Scott, Councillor Dennis Miciak L to R (Front): Reeve Bob Young, Deputy Reeve Ron Yarham

The County is divided into five divisions, with each division represented by one Councillor. The group of five elected Councillors appoint one Councillor to be the Reeve. The Reeve sits for one year and may be reappointed.

Bob Young, Reeve Division 1, Northwest of Tofield (780) 662-2840, [email protected]

Sieko Scott, Councillor Division 2, Southwest of Tofield (780) 662-4606, [email protected]

Ron Yarham, Deputy Reeve Division 3, Ryley / Holden area (780) 688-3579, [email protected]

Dennis Miciak, Councillor Division 4, Holden / Bruce area (780) 336-2206, [email protected]

Arnold Hanson, Councillor Division 5, Viking / Kinsella area (780) 336-2598, [email protected]

Page 5 BEAVER COUNTY

COMMUNITY VISION

COMMUNITY VALUES

People-focused approach: Beaver County is committed to maintaining a good quality of life for all residents and will make decisions with the public’s best interest in mind.

Integrity: Beaver County will act with honesty, sincerity and genuineness when conducting its daily business activities.

Transparency: Beaver County will be open and accessible and will promote citizen engagement.

Fairness: Beaver County will be reasonable and impartial when making decisions and upholding policies and processes.

Consistency: Beaver County will seek to follow precedent to ensure regularity and continuity, while recognizing the uniqueness of every situation.

Accountability: Beaver County will accept responsibility for its actions – we will do what we say and say what we do.

Page 6 BEAVER COUNTY

ADMINISTRATION STAFF

Beaver County has a regular full-time staff complement of 38, ranging from administration and office staff to public works and agricultural services employees. The addition of temporary (seasonal) staff increases that number to over 50 in peak season. The International Union of Operating Engineers Local 955 represents all employees except office, clerical and technical staff. The Management Team consists of the following:

Chief Administrative Officer Bob Beck Assistant Chief Administrative Officer Margaret Jones Director of Public Works Vacant Director of Finance Ed Bujnowicz Senior Assessor Orest Golinowski Planner/Subdivision Authority Bill Rogers Acting Agricultural Fieldman Krista Kotylak Community Development Coordinator Julie Ewashko Community Peace Officer/Bylaw Enforcement Officer Rick Ells

Page 7 BEAVER COUNTY

ORGANIZATIONAL CHART Beaver County Organizational Chart

Enhanced BRISC and Council RCMP Other Boards/ Committees

Health and CAO Safety Officer

Community Executive Development Assistant Coordinator

Community Development Officer

Assistant CAO

Admin. Asst. Planner/ Community Director of Director of (PW/Ag/Prot Ag. Fieldman Senior Assessor Subdivision Peace Officer Public Works Finance Services) Authority

Assistant Landflood Human Director of Control Officer Resources, Payroll and A/P Development Public Works Assistant Officer/GIS Assessor Technician Agricultural Accounts Crews Receivable/ Asst. Dev't Road Shop Admin. Shop Staff Payroll Officer/Admin. Coordinator Foreman Assistant Assistant

Receptionist/ Construction Grader Purchasing Operators Crews

Page 8 BEAVER COUNTY

DEPARTMENT DESCRIPTI ONS AND HIGHLIGHTS

Public Works

Beaver County’s Public Works Department maintains approximately 2,620 kilometres of local road, of which approximately 40 kilometres are oiled. Each year, the County constructs a minimum of three miles of road, upgrades eight miles of oiled road and “pulls” the shoulders of five miles of roads.

The County also maintains the sewer system in Bruce, the water and sewer systems in Kinsella, and pays its share of rural waste transfer station costs as well as a waste collection service in Bruce.

2010 Highlights

. Worked with AMEC to update the Rural Road Study . Worked with Make it Happen to complete a review of the department . Gravelled over 400 miles of road . Applied dust control for over 300 residents . Coordinated intersection improvement at Highway 854 at Equity Industrial Park . Oiled six miles of road, including: TWP 512 (spots) and RR 124 between TWP 490 and 492 . Constructed RR 124 (Highway 26 south to Township Road 460); first mile east of Highway 36 on TWP 482; TWP 482 between RR 120 and 122; TWP 492 between Highway 36 and RR 130 . Completed construction on TWP 515A . Completed shoulder pulls, including: o TWP 484: RR 165 to RR 170 o RR 170: South of TWP 484 o TWP 500: RR 180 to RR 181 o TWP 504: RR 180 to RR 181 o TWP 484: 0.25 miles on each side of RR 484 o RR 155: 0.5 miles between TWP 484 & TWP 490 . Repaired sidewalks in the Hamlet of Bruce . Installed low pressure sewer system in Equity Industrial Park . Completed installation of pump and electrical panel at the Kinsella Sewer Lift Station . Began construction of Tofield Grader Shed . Commissioned study on the Holden Drainage Ditch

Page 9 BEAVER COUNTY

Agricultural Service Board The Agricultural Service Board (ASB) includes all County Councillors and two Public Members at Large. The County's Agricultural Fieldman is responsible for administering the programs under the Agricultural Service Board Act. The Board's vision is to develop and implement programs and services that will assist County residents to maintain and improve the efficiency and sustainability of family farms and rural communities. Programs administered and/or assisted with include:

. Weed and Brush Control . Agricultural Pest and Nuisance Control . Water and Soil Conservation . Promotion of Sustainable Agriculture

Dale Umrysh, Seasonal Ag Crew Employee 2010 Highlights

. Conducted pest and weed inspections under the Pest Control Act and Weed Control Act . Organized BBQ at Golden Ranches for Provincial 2010 Agricultural Service Board Tour . Amended the Custom Spraying Policy and the Weed Control Policy, to reflect changes in the Weed Control Act . Hosted grasshopper survey workshop in Tofield . Developed three-year business plan for Agricultural Service Board to meet Provincial requirements

Page 10 BEAVER COUNTY

Corporate / Legislative Services The Corporate / Legislative Services Department is comprised of the functions of Assessment / Taxation, Finance and Planning / Development. It also provides legislative and policy advice and support to Council and Administration.

2010 Highlights

. Conducted internal capacity review to implement organizational changes . Completed transfer of the broadband network to MCSNet . Conducted 2010 municipal election . Transferred fire and emergency management services assets (i.e. the fire equipment, vehicles, and halls that were owned by the member municipalities) to Beaver Emergency Services Commission (BESC) Assessment / Taxation

The Assessment / Taxation Department establishes and maintains property assessment and tax roll information for all property in Beaver County. The assessment function is a major element in determining the amount of municipal and education tax each property owner will pay. The Municipal Government Act requires appointed assessors to prepare property assessments annually based on a market value standard. The Municipal Government Act and its accompanying regulations govern property assessment and taxation. The entire assessment function for all properties is the responsibility of the appointed assessor, except for linear property, for which Alberta Municipal Affairs is responsible. This includes pipelines, gas and oil wells, electric power, and telecommunication systems.

2010 Highlights . Completed annual inspections (carry-over and new development permits), market land values (residential and non-residential properties), linear assessment . Prepared/distributed tax notices . Completed appeal period, received one non-residential and one residential appeal . Coordinated update of aerial photos Finance The Finance Department, under the Director of Finance, manages all general accounting, operating and capital budgeting processes for the County in accordance with the Province of Alberta’s Municipal Government Act and all related County bylaws and policies. This includes assisting administration in preparing an annual budget in excess of $20 million, providing advice, recommendations and reports to the municipality concerning financial matters, and preparing all year end accounting entries for financial audit purposes. Internally, the Department provides services such as payroll, accounts payable / receivable, purchasing, and accounting and budgeting assistance.

2010 Highlights

. Conducted day-to-day payroll, accounts payable/receivable and purchasing . Prepared for 2010 financial audit . Prepared 2011 budget

Page 11 BEAVER COUNTY

Planning / Development Beaver County’s Planning Department administers planning and land use policies adopted by Council, including processing applications for subdivision and development. The Department provides professional advice and services to residents, Council and neighbouring communities in the following areas:

. Review, issuance and enforcement of development permits. . Advice and counsel on subdivision plans and other land use planning matters. . Administration of the Land Use Bylaw, Unsightly Premises Bylaw, Municipal Development Plan, and other plans and policies relating to planning and development.

2010 Highlights

. Administered development permits . Assumed Subdivision Authority responsibilities . Transferred safety codes responsibility to Inspections Group . Initiated MDP targeted review . Completed Equity Industrial Park – Area Structure Plan, adopted by Council . Joined core research group with Beaver Hills Initiative to study Transferrable Development Credit initiatives . Initiated relationship with Mistakis Institute with respect to implementation/coordination of conservation strategies with other municipalities Bill Rogers, Director of Planning/Development (L) and Orest Golinowski, Senior Assessor (R)

Page 12 BEAVER COUNTY

Protective Services The Protective Services function includes the County’s Community Peace Officer (CPO), the Enhanced RCMP position stationed out of the Tofield Detachment, animal control, other bylaw enforcement and the County’s contribution to the Beaver Emergency Services Commission (fire protection). The Community Peace Officer is appointed by Alberta Justice to enforce the following Provincial legislation within the County’s boundaries.

. Traffic Safety Act . Animal Protection Act . Dangerous Dogs Act . Stray Animals Act . Environmental Projection and Enhancement Act, Part 9, Division 2 . Gaming and Liquor Control Act, Sections 83, 84, 87, 89, 107, 108 and 115 and the Gaming and Liquor Regulation, Section 87.1 . Highway Traffic Act . Provincial Offences Procedure Act

The CPO also enforces County bylaws, including the Animal Control, Off-Highway Vehicle Use, Unsightly Premises and Noise. 2010 Highlights

. Participated in audit of Vehicle Safety Program . Helped organize Traffic Safety Day on Highway 14 . Began working towards implementing new road ban monitoring system (i.e. TRAVIS) . Oversaw internal audit with Health & Safety Officer . Helped organize ATV / Farm Safety Awareness Day at the Bruce Stampede Grounds

Community Development

Beaver County's Community Development Department encompasses the functions of strategic planning, community economic development, tourism, recreation / culture and community services and communications. 2010 Highlights

. Communicated County initiatives in the Beaver County Chronicle, including annual special issue, the County’s website and other advertising mediums . Planned Family Day Fishing Derby & BBQ at Black Nugget . Coordinated creation of a Community Economic Development Strategy . Organized launch of BizPal in Beaver County . Oversaw creation of County’s new logo, including launch at open house held in Holden . Supported 2nd Annual Experience the Bounty in Beaver County . Hired a Community Development Officer

Page 13 BEAVER COUNTY

2010 FINANCIAL STATE MENTS’ SUMMARY

The County’s financial statements are audited by Yaremchuk & Annicchiarico. In 2010, the County received a unqualified audit report.

The financial statements are prepared in accordance with the Public Sector Accounting Board of the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants. The way in which they are presented differs significantly from the Municipal Government Act budget presentation.

The main difference is the reporting of tangible capital assets and government grants. In the budget preparation, funding is budgeted on a cash basis, based on what funds are to be received into the year; and similarly for capital expenses, the expenditure is based on a cash basis.

In the audited financial statements, government grants for operating are recorded as revenue and capital grants are recorded after the revenue and expenses.

Capital expenditures are capitalized and amortized as an operating expense based on the useful life of the assets. The budget amounts in the financial statements have been amended to conform to the type of reporting (i.e. operating and capital).

Page 14 BEAVER COUNTY

2 0 1 0 BUDGET EXPENDED

The Statement of Operations in the financial statements shows the budget and actual amounts for 2010 and the actual for 2009. The following graph illustrates the most significant variances of actual expenditures as a percentage of budget.

. Administration under spent its budget by 25% or $566,787. This was mainly due to an unexpended Community Sustainability Initiative grant to the towns and villages, and consulting and contracts not completed during the year. . Agriculture spent 85 % of its budget, leaving $97,747 unspent. This was mainly due to savings on chemicals due to poor weather conditions. . Amortization of capital was over budget by $236,409. This is a not cash expense. The budget was underestimated. . Planning and Economic Development under spent its budget by $865,784. This reflects funds for the Equity Industrial Park which were capitalized to land for resale inventory and not expensed in the operating expenses. . Protection Services overspent its budget by $4,389 . Public Works spent $519,909 over its budget, mainly due to more gravel used in maintenance of roads. . Recreation and Parks spent 68% of its budget with $184,820 unspent. This was mainly due to unspent grants and the delay of completion of the recreation master plan. . Tangible Capital Assets Contribution is the net book value of assets transferred from the County to Beaver Emergency Services Commission (BESC) when the Commission was set up.

Page 15 BEAVER COUNTY

POSITION OF RESERVES (2010 V. 2009)

Reserves represent funds set aside for specific future purchases and projects. Reserves are increased from amounts budgeted in the current year and are reduced by funding projects in the year.

The following chart illustrates the transfers to and from reserves for the current and prior year.

Page 16 BEAVER COUNTY

ASSESSMENT

Municipal taxes are calculated by multiplying assessment by the mill rate. Assessment of property is based on comparable sales, fair market value, etc in the area. An increase or decrease in the mill rate may not correlate directly to a tax increase due to changes in assessment.

The following chart illustrates the gross assessment within the County for 2008, 2009 and 2010 by category.

Page 17 BEAVER COUNTY

GRANTS TO COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS (201 0 ) Following are the grants provided by Beaver County to non-profit organizations in 2010.

Organizations ($) Bardo Recreation Association 3,083 Battle River Research Group 5,000 Battle River Watershed Alliance 414 Beaver Arts Society 5,000 Beaver County Seed Cleaning Coop 10,434 Beaver District 4-H Council 500 Beaver Heritage / Agricultural Society 12,808 Beaver Regional Industrial Services Corp 15,000 Borschiw - St John Parish 2,766 Bruce Agricultural Society 5,600 Bruce Sports and Stampede Association 10,000 FCSS Tofield / Ryley / Beaver 18,855 FCSS Viking / Beaver 18,855 Holden Agricultural Society 19,301 Holden Library 9,024 Kalyna Country 2,500 Kinsella Agricultural Society 5,600 Lindbrook Community Hall Association 3,083 North Saskatchewan Watershed Alliance 2,838 Northern Lights Library System 46,316 Parkland Conservation Farm Association 2,000 Ryley Library 6,019 Ryley School Award 100 Spilstead Ladies Society 2,987 St Mary's Community Hall Association 3,083 Strathcona County Beaver Hills Initiative 15,000 Tofield Agricultural Society 107,618 Tofield School 820 Tofield School Award 100 Town of Tofield 95,240 Town of Viking 57,050 Viking Agricultural Society 12,200 Viking Library 16,628 Viking School Award 100 Village of Holden 20,465 Village of Ryley 34,200 Youth Achievement Support 500 Grand Total $573,787

Page 18 BEAVER COUNTY

A LOOK BACK: PUBLIC WORKS REVIEW

In 2010, Beaver County sought an independent review of the Public Works Department in order to improve the operations of the department and its ability to serve the public.

Conducted by Make it Happen Consulting, the Review assessed the leadership, management, operations and financial stewardship of the programs and services offered by the County. Its main objectives included:

1. To ensure the Public Works Programs and Services align with the County vision. 2. To assess the current performance against a balanced perspective of economy, efficiency, effectiveness and equity. 3. To develop a shared understanding of the expected quality, quantity, costliness and timeliness of public works programs and services. 4. To develop a service delivery model for determining the best service delivery providers.

Make it Happen primarily gathered information through personal interviews and focus group discussions, as well as by reviewing financial information, policies, procedures and plans.

A significant finding from the focus group discussions with employees was the lack of quality, timely communication within the department. Township Road 482, Reconstructed in 2010

Opportunities for improvement ranged from holding regular group meetings to discuss work projects, sharing work plans, having more one-on-one commmunication and providing employees with cell phones to encourage open communication.

The review of the County’s planning documents and policies also identified significant areas for improvement. For instance, Beaver County worked with AMEC to conduct a Rural Road Study in 2001, 2005 and 2010 to identify key local roads and future improvements / expenditures required to construct and maintain a viable road system. However, the County has not used the Study for the purpose of prioritizing road work and creating a roads master plan, but rather followed more politically expedient decision-making throughout the years, as revealed in the interviews.

Further to this, a review of the County’s existing policies revealed the lack of written policies for such activities as sequencing snow plowing and road grading. Other policies pertaining to dust control and road construction are not aligned with the Rural Road Study, which provides applicable criteria that would prove advantageous.

Based on these findings, Make it Happen developed the following recommendations:

1. Develop a Sustainable Roads Master Plan. 2. Engage residents through public participation in meaningful road planning and policy development. 3. Realign responsibilities to support the alignment of road planning with operational efficiencies.

Page 19 BEAVER COUNTY

A LOOK BACK: PUBLIC WORKS REVIEW CONTINU ED

4. Determine what percentile the County wants to pay its employees relative to the benchmark employers. 5. Update all position descriptions to concisely and succinctly outline the duties of each position, the qualifications required, and the quality and quantity of production expected. 6. Continue the Leadership and Management Training Programs. 7. Develop shared work values. 8. Implement a department Communication Plan. 9. Implement a Formal Service Delivery Approach to Resource Allocation. 10. Partnerships for the acquisition of goods and services amongst all municipalities in the region 11. Investigate the need for and draft bylaws to address the following:  Weight restrictions and road bans  Transportation of dangerous goods  Truck routes  Use of undeveloped right-of-ways  Development of undeveloped right-of-ways 12. Review and update all department policies and procedures after the Road Master Plan is complete and bylaws are in place. Existing policies will have to be repealed and replaced and new policies developed to guide administrative decision-making in the following areas:  Road network maintenance: winter, summer, dust abatement, oiling, cold mix, hot mix  Surface drainage and culvert maintenance  Right-of-way vegetation control  Signage  Access to roads  Backsloping 13. Implement a ‘customer service representative' approach to public enquiries and complaints. 14. Implement ‘all' the safety recommendations in the June 2009 report (Beacon for Change review). 15. Undertake to complete a hazardous materials management assessment to determine what practices and procedures should be followed for spill containment, materials storage, handling and disposal.

In early 2011, Council accepted the Review as information and the Public Works Department is in the process of implementing the recommendations.

The Review is available at the County Office and at www.beaver.ab.ca.

Page 20 BEAVER COUNTY

A L O O K B A CK: COMMUNITY ECONOM IC DEVELOPMENT STRAT EGY

Beaver County hosted two Economic Development Forums in Spring 2010 for the purpose of developing an ongoing Community Economic Development Strategy process that engages various stakeholders in working towards a preferred future for the County.

Facilitated by Gord McIntosh of Local Government Leadership (LGL) Institute, the sessions’ participants included representatives from the Village of Ryley, Village of Holden, Beaver County Community Adult Learning Council (CALC), Black Earth, Dodds Coal Mining, Community Futures East Central Alberta, Tofield/Ryley/Beaver FCSS, Ryley Economic Development Society, Clean Harbours, Greene Gates, Busy B Bargains, Tofield Chamber of Commerce, Lion's Garden, Beaver Regional Arts Society, Tofield Historical Society and Museum, Pope Family Organic Farm & Supplies, Kalyna Country and Beaver County.

Participants discussed issues and opportunities for the region, and economic development priorities and strategies for achieving success. Their suggestions were compiled by LGL Institute to create the 2010/11 Community Economic Development Strategy (CEDS), including the following policy statement, adopted by County Council on August 18, 2010.

Beaver County is committed to enhancing the economic well being of residents through the retention, development and attraction of business in a manner that nurtures community and regional sustainability by:

. Facilitating a strategic economic development focus . Serving as a catalyst to bring together interested parties . Providing dedicated staff resources . Leveraging external economic development resources and partners . Working with local agencies and the province to promote the regional economy . Planning services to maximize economic opportunities . Offering an efficient regulatory environment for doing business

The CEDS report identified the following strategic priorities and recommended actions:

Strategic Priority Recommended Action Industry Sector Analysis Specified risk material plan, coal / humate plan, solar power Industrial Park Marketing Strategy RFP w/ Viking, spur line business case, inventory lots, permitted uses Business Prospectus Create a marketing package, explore business incubator possibilities Agricultural Diversity BRAED industry analysis report, co-sponsor industry forum, analyze Parkland Conservation, target industry gaps User Friendly Practices Review bylaws & recent projects, lobby re: farm gate legislation, recognize volunteers & entrepreneurs County Branding Branding strategy, partner with appropriate agencies Directory Promotion Update County info, urban info, consolidate Infrastructure Support Equity Park servicing, cleanup entrances, enforce unsightly premises bylaw, develop roadway master plan Recreation / Campground Strategy RFP / Recreation Marketing Strategy, explore provincial funding, partnership opportunities, performing arts theatre seed idea

A copy of the Strategy is available for review at the County Office and www.beaver.ab.ca.

Page 21 BEAVER COUNTY

A LOOK AHEAD: 2011 BUDGET

Revenue Tax Levy $ 10,549,628 Grants 4,088,908 Reserve 1,809,187 Operating 1,041,945 Total Revenue $ 17,489,668 Expenses Council $ 307,650 Administration 3,421,388 Policing 355,900 Fire 667,270 Animal Control 13,250 Public Works 10,375,849 Water Supply 30,750 Sewage Treatment 23,275 Waste Management 16,220 Family & Community Support Services 60,200 CALC LEAP Programming 141,615 Planning & Economic Development 393,620 Agriculture Services 868,595 Parks & Recreation 608,682 Culture (Libraries) 205,404 Total Expenses $ 17,489,668 Budgeting Process

Beaver County’s budgeting process starts in late summer with preliminary discussions regarding service levels and funding.

The budget is prepared following the Municipal Government Act which stipulates that a balanced budget is required and that funding is required for all expenditures to be made in the year. Funding can include taxes, licenses and fees, government grants and transfers from reserves. Expenditures can include operating costs, capital costs and transfer to reserves. Municipal taxes are the net funding requirement after taking into account all other sources of funding.

Presentations requesting general direction are made to Council commencing in December. The final budget for 2011 and mill rates were approved by Council at the April 20, 2011 Council meeting.

Page 22 BEAVER COUNTY

2011 REVENUES & EXPE NSES

The following two graphs show the amount and percentage of revenue for 2011, and the types of operating expenditure for 2011.

Types of Revenue

Types of Expense

Page 23 BEAVER COUNTY

A L O O K AHEAD: STRATEGIC PRIORITIES

Based on the success of the 2010 strategic planning session alluded to earlier, Council and Administration participated in a similar session with LGL Institute to plan for 2011.

During the session this past February, the group performed a vision check-up by identifying what works well and what requires attention in Beaver County in the areas of economy, environment, social and infrastructure.

After identifying the most urgent issues / opportunities and applying a voting process (1 being most important, 10 being least important), the group narrowed the list down to the following key strategic topics:

. Road Maintenance . Service Levels . Public Works Report . Office Renovation . Public Works Policy . Recreation Master Plan . Health and Safety . Fiscal Accountability . Agricultural Diversity . Animal Control . Sustainability

Upon discussing the desired outcomes / preferred strategies for each strategic topic, the group identified the 2011 Strategic Priorities encompassing Council priorities, organizational excellence and operational strategies.

The top five priorities for Council were as follows:

. Regional Cooperation Forum - Initiate planning to improve delivery of municipal services through cooperative efforts . County Office Decision - Determine whether the County Office will be renovated or newly built . Road Maintenance Policies - Assess levels of service, develop applicable policies . Road Construction Policy - Develop Master Plan/Policy for road construction . Service Capacity Review - Compile inventory of the County's services and assess levels of service

Council adopted the strategic priorities at its regular meeting on March 16, 2011 so work could begin towards their achievement. Then, at its regular meeting on April 20, it adopted the final report prepared by LGL Institute.

See the following page for the Strategic Priorities Chart and visit the County Office or www.beaver.ab.ca for the full report.

Page 24 BEAVER COUNTY

BEAVER COUNTY STRATEGIC PRIORITIES CHART

COUNCIL PRIORITIES (Council/CAO) NOW ADVOCACY 1. REGIONAL COOPERATION FORUM April  Paving of secondary roads 2. OFFICE: Decision (Reno vs. build new) May  Downloading of funding (i.e. 3. ROAD MAINTENANCE Policies: Inventory & Criteria May provincial gov’t / FCSS) 4. ROAD CONSTRUCTION: Policy (Master Plan) June  5. SERVICE CAPACITY REVIEW (SCR): Inventory & Criteria May Gov’t restrictions / farm gate sales NEXT • REGIONAL RECREATION MASTER PLAN • REGIONAL SUSTAINABILITY PLAN ORGANIZATIONAL EXCELLENCE (Council/CAO) 1. Occupational Health and Safety Program (Improvements, Audit) – June

OPERATIONAL STRATEGIES (CAO/Staff) CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT 1. REGIONAL COOPERATION FORUM – April 1. Web Redesign RFP – March 2. OFFICE: Decision (Reno vs. new) – May 2. Economic Development Strategy Review – April 3. Beaverhill Lake Fire Smart Plan – May 3. Internal Communication Strategy – April • Temporary Employee Review • Campground Safety / Contract Review • A Team - Staff Development Event • Resident Communication Strategy CORPORATE SERVICES PUBLIC WORKS 1. SERVICE CAPACITY REVIEW: Inventory & 1. Rural Roads Plan (Council accept) – April Criteria – May 2. Public Works Report (Council accept) – April 2. Policy Manual Review Schedule – April 3. ROAD CONSTRUCTION: Master Plan – June 3. Fiscal Sustainability Strategy – Oct. 4. ROAD MAINTENANCE Policies: Inventory & • BESC Transition Criteria – May (link to SCR) • Village of Ryley Budget • 3 yr. Engineering Contract RFP • Gravel Strategy FINANCE/ASSESSMENT PROTECTIVE SERVICES 1. Base Budget Calculation – March 1. Health & Safety Program – June 2. M&E Reassessment: Farmland Remapping – Dec. 2. Animal Control Policy: Inventory & Criteria – May 3. 3 year Budget – June (link to SCR) • Purchase and Install New Server for AS400 3. TRAVIS Imp. – Sept. • Quad Safety Program (link to SCR) • Health & Safety Audit PLANNING AGRICULTURAL SERVICES 1. MDP Review –Aug. 1. ASB Business Plan Review – April 2. MDP/LUB Consolidation – May 2. Maternity Leave Replacement – May 3. TDC Discussion – Sept. 3. Review of Weed Control Procedure – May • GIS – Public Access • Coyote Control Policy (link to SCR) • Website Upgrade

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A LOOK AHEAD : ORGANIZATIONAL EXCEL LENCE At Beaver County, working safely on the job means employees can get home safely to their families at the end of the day. Each and every day, we actively follow a Health and Safety Program that protects all employees, our property, other workers who enter our property, the general public and the environment. Keeping with this commitment, the County’s employee health and safety committee held a planning session recently to discuss ways in which the program can be improved. Areas discussed included finding ways to encourage staff participation, streamlining the incident reporting process and implementing a safety incentive program that rewards County employees based on team success and individual commitment. “Key to this process is involving employees so they take ownership of the program and their responsibilities within it,” said Rick Ells, Community Peace Officer and Committee Chair. “We want to encourage a work culture where safety is embraced and becomes second nature, instead of a barrier to getting the job done right. Simply put, doing one’s job safely is the right way to do it,” added Ells.

This summer, County staff will also be participating in an external Susan Lungal, Administrative Assistant Partnerships in Injury Reduction (PIR) provincial program peer audit, where all facets of the program will be evaluated for adherence to the requirements of the Alberta Occupational Health and Safety legislation. Passing the audit will allow the County to maintain its Certificate of Recognition (COR) and receive WCB rebates, but it will also reinforce our continued focus and diligence to providing a safe and healthy work environment for all staff, contractors and the general public. The external audit follows an internal annual maintenance audit conducted this past summer, which the County failed with a score of 77 per cent. The inability to pass the audit served as an indicator that the program required improvements so we can all benefit from a healthier and safer work environment.

For more information about health and safety at Beaver County, please call Rick Ells, Community Peace Officer, at (780) 663-3730.

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