Flagstaff County public meetings in 2023

Council Meeting

The Council is reviewing the first draft of the 2024-2027 Business Plan and Budget, which includes a proposed interim budget for 2024. The meeting also features presentations on economic development programs and community investment opportunities. Additionally, the council will discuss the electoral boundary review and various assistance grants.

• Review of 2024-2027 Business Plan and Budget Draft 1
• Flagstaff County Electoral Boundary Review
• Community Development and Tourism Assistance Grants
• Presentation on Flagstaff Region Business Support Hub
• CanExport Community Investment Opportunity discussion

Agricultural Service Board

The Agricultural Service Board is reviewing reports from the Agricultural Fieldman and Foreman. The agenda includes discussions on 2023 roadside weed management and 2024 proposed provincial resolutions. The board will also review various correspondence regarding agricultural programs and environmental data.

• Review of 2023 roadside weed management with Alberta Transportation
• Discussion of 2024 proposed provincial resolutions
• Agricultural Fieldman and Agricultural Foreman reports
• Correspondence regarding AgriRecovery and drought livestock assistance

Council Meeting

The Council will hold a public hearing regarding Bylaw 08-23 for the Forestburg-Flagstaff Area Structure Plan. Additional discussions include transportation policy reviews, a foreign direct investment strategy, and the 2024 solid waste management budget.

• Public Hearing: Bylaw 08-23 Area Structure Plan for Industrial Subdivision
• 2023 Transportation Departments Policy Review (Weight Restrictions and Private Laneway Maintenance)
• Flagstaff Regional Solid Waste Management Association 2024 Budget
• Galahad Ag Society Grant Application request for letter of support

Council Meeting

The Council will receive departmental updates regarding municipal services for transportation and agriculture. The agenda includes a request from the Town of Daysland for support of an ACP grant submission and various committee reports.

• Town of Daysland request for support of ACP grant submission
• Transportation Departmental Update
• Agricultural Departmental Update
• Flagstaff Family and Community Services 2024 Proposed Budget
• Closed meeting session under FOIP Section 24

Organizational Meeting

Flagstaff County is conducting an organizational meeting to hold several elections and appointments. The council will elect a Reeve, a Deputy Reeve, and officers for the ASB. The agenda also includes appointing representatives to various boards and committees.

• Election of Reeve and Oath of Office
• Election of Deputy Reeve and Oath of Office
• Review of Code of Conduct and Values of Council
• Appointment of Board and Committee Representatives
• Election of ASB Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson

Council Meeting

The Council will hear a delegation regarding the Forestburg-Flagstaff Industrial Park Area Structure Plan and Bylaw 08-23. The agenda also includes an update from the Economic Development Department and a sustainability presentation for the Battle River Innovation Centre.

• Forestburg-Flagstaff Industrial Park Area Structure Plan (Bylaw 08-23)
• 2024 Electrical Distribution Franchise Fee
• Economic Development Department update
• Battle River Innovation Centre sustainability presentation
• Flagstaff Regional Housing Group committee report

Council Meeting

The Council will hear presentations regarding the 2023 bridge repair tender and road classification policies. The meeting also includes updates from the Protective Services Department and various regional committees.

• 2023 Bridge Repair Tender
• Road Classification and Level of Service Policy (PW 016)
• Risk assessment for services provided on private land
• Protective Services Department update
• Reports from regional committees including FRESS and FRSWMA

Council Meeting

The meeting includes discussions on community projects and departmental updates. Key items include a sustainability presentation from the Battle River Innovation Centre and a proposal for the Flagstaff Community Adult Learning project. The agenda also addresses potential changes to Municipal Planning Services subdivision fees.

• Proposed increase to Municipal Planning Services (MPS) subdivision fees
• Sustainability presentation by Battle River Innovation Centre
• NHL Heritage Classic advertising opportunity discussion
• 2023 Public Auction for Tax Sale information
• Flagstaff Community Adult Learning Welcoming Community Project proposal

Agricultural Service Board

The Agricultural Service Board will review reports from the Agricultural Fieldman and Agricultural Foreman. The meeting includes a discussion on a liquid strychnine resolution amendment and an appreciation letter regarding grant funding increases.

• 2023 Resolution Amendment – Liquid Strychnine
• Appreciation letter for ASB grant funding increase
• Correspondence regarding various regional agricultural disaster declarations

The board approved sending letters of recognition to Emcon and Alberta Transportation for 2023 roadside mowing. The board also moved to send an appreciation letter to the Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation regarding an increase in ASB grant funding. Most of the meeting consisted of staff reports on weed control, equipment, and environmental programs.

• Approved agenda for September 5, 2023 meeting (Carried)
• Approved June 19, 2023 meeting minutes (Carried)
• Approved sending recognition letters to Emcon, Alberta Transportation, and other parties for 2023 roadside mowing (Carried)
• Approved sending an appreciation letter to Minister RJ Sigurdson for the ASB grant funding increase (Carried)

Council Meeting

The Council will review public works policies regarding residential access roads and mulch stockpile sites. The agenda also includes discussions on economic development, planning updates, and tax sale property reserve bids.

• Policy PW 010: Residential Access Road Construction
• Satellite Mulch Stockpile Sites
• 2023 Reserve Bids for Tax Sale Properties
• Flagstaff Scottish Club donation request
• Economic Development and Planning and Development department updates

Council approved reserve bids for four tax sale properties and rescinded Policy PW 010 to prohibit residential development on field access and undeveloped road allowances. A new program for satellite wood chip storage sites was approved for 2024. Council also directed the Flagstaff Scottish Club to seek recreation grant funding through agricultural societies.

• Rescinded Policy PW 010 to prohibit residential development on Field Access and undeveloped road allowances
• Approved program for satellite wood chip storage sites starting in 2024
• Set reserve bid for Roll # 1007150 at $58,000
• Set reserve bid for Roll # 1004800 at $189,000
• Set reserve bid for Roll # 1007100 at $200,000
• Set reserve bid for Roll # 1107500 at $72,000
• Directed Flagstaff Scottish Club to seek recreation grant funding via Flagstaff Region Agricultural Societies
• Approved July 12, 2023 meeting minutes

Council Meeting

The Council will receive several departmental updates and committee reports. Discussions include municipal services regarding engineering, provincial highway spraying, transportation, and agriculture.

• Preliminary Engineering - Bridge File 01459
• Custom Spraying on Provincial Highways
• Transportation Departmental Update
• Agricultural Departmental Update
• Flagstaff Regional Emergency Services Society report

Council approved a five-year contract for automated records management and allocated funds for bridge engineering. They also authorized roadside spraying on provincial highways and approved several correspondence items.

• Approved $60,000 (2023) and $38,000 (2024) for Bridge File 01459 geotechnical and engineering work
• Approved roadside spraying of noxious weeds on provincial highways with full cost recovery from Alberta Transportation
• Approved five-year contract with Government Frameworks for records management ($55,000 implementation; $91,840 annual cost)
• Approved June 28, 2023 Council meeting minutes
• Approved seven items of correspondence including reports from regional housing, economic, and waste management groups

Council Meeting

The Council will review the 2024 Flagstaff County Programs and Services Priorities. The meeting includes a presentation by the Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society (STARS) and a discussion regarding a funding request for the Zone 5 ARMAA Conference.

• Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society (STARS) presentation
• 2024 Flagstaff County Programs and Services Priorities review
• Zone 5 ARMAA Conference funding request
• Committee reports from various local boards and associations

Council approved the 2024 Programs and Services Priorities for the 2024-2026 Business Plan and Budget. Funding for the Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society (STARS) was increased to $15,000 for 2024 through 2026. Several agricultural and administrative funding requests were also approved.

• Approved 2024 Programs and Services Priorities for 2024-2026 Business Plan and Budget
• Increased Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society (STARS) funding to $15,000 for 2024, 2025, and 2026
• Approved $1,000 for Zone 5 Alberta Rural Municipal Administrators’ Association (ARMAA) conference
• Accepted nomination of Dane and Heather Miller for 2023 Farmfair International Farm Family Award
• Approved $50,000 from Agriculture Reserves to enhance the 2023 Leafy Spurge Program
• Requested more information on costs for wood chip storage sites at Sedgewick shop yard, Galahad school grounds, and Strome Fire Hall

Agricultural Service Board

The Agricultural Service Board is reviewing various agricultural programs and procedures. Discussions include clubroot disease control, a request for a mulch stockpile site, and the leafy spurge program.

• 2023 Clubroot procedure review
• 2023 Request for mulch stockpile site
• Leafy Spurge Program
• 2023 Farmfair International Farm Family Award

The Agricultural Service Board approved several recommendations for County Council, including funding for weed control and the establishment of wood chip storage sites. The board also confirmed the existing clubroot disease control procedure and nominated a local family for a farm award.

• Recommended County Council accept nomination of Dane and Heather Miller for 2023 Farmfair International Farm Family Award (Carried)
• Confirmed current Procedure AG 002-2 Control of Clubroot Disease in Canola with no revisions (Carried)
• Recommended County Council establish wood chip storage sites at Sedgewick shop yard, Galahad school grounds, and Strome Fire Hall (Carried)
• Recommended County Council enhance 2023 Leafy Spurge Program with a $50,000 budget from Agriculture Reserves (Carried)
• Approved agenda for June 19, 2023 meeting (Carried)
• Approved March 6, 2023 meeting minutes (Carried)

Council Meeting

Flagstaff County Council is scheduled to review the 2024 Programs and Services Priorities and the May 2023 financial statements. The meeting includes a presentation of a Fortis Alberta Community Naturalization Grant cheque and a review of 2023 haying tender results. Council will also receive updates from the Planning and Development Department and the Battle River Economic Opportunities Committee.

• Review of 2024 Programs and Services Priorities
• Presentation of Fortis Alberta Community Naturalization Grant cheque
• Review of 2023 Flagstaff Haying Tender Results
• Review of May 2023 Financials
• Planning and Development Department Update

Council appointed seven Weed and Pest Inspectors for 2023 and approved two haying tender bids. The board also directed administration to use results from departmental priority surveys to prepare the 2024 Programs and Services Priorities draft.

• Appointed Samantha Culbert, Megan Pfeffer, Maegen Kuilboer, Ben Hoyland, Bernard Hagel, Floyd Beausoleil, and Matthew Pfeffer as 2023 Weed and Pest Inspectors
• Approved haying bid of $41.00 per Acre per Year from Vern Bergum (NE-08-044-12 W4M)
• Approved haying bid of $10.00 per Acre per Year from Garret Jackson (NE-10-041-14 W4M)
• Decided to consider funding for local non-profit organizations at the 2024 Business Plan and Budget Workshop
• Directed administration to use six departmental priority survey results for the 2024 Programs and Services Priorities draft
• Approved May 24, 2023 meeting minutes

Council Meeting

The Council is reviewing tenders for the Mazure and Northeast crushing projects. The meeting also includes discussions on a public participation plan for the 2024 business plan and budget.

• Tender for the Mazure Crushing Project CR-02-2023
• Tender for the Northeast Crushing Project CR-01-2023
• 2024 Business Plan and Budget Public Participation Plan results
• Diplomat Mine Museum Society request for park maintenance
• Agricultural Service Board new member at large appointment

Council awarded two gravel crushing and stockpiling contracts and increased the 2023 Parks operating budget by $22,000 for museum maintenance. The board also appointed new members to the Agricultural Service Board and the Regional Subdivision and Development Appeal Board.

• Approved $385,600 bid from McNabb Construction Ltd. for Mazure crushing project (Carried)
• Approved $812,500 bid from McDonald Aggregates Inc. for Northeast crushing project (Carried)
• Approved $22,000 increase to 2023 Parks operating budget for Diplomat Mine Museum Society maintenance (Carried)
• Confirmed proceeding with road recovery project for Township Road 452 (Carried)
• Appointed Murray Hampshire to Flagstaff Regional Subdivision and Development Appeal Board and Intermunicipal Assessment Review Board for three years (Carried)
• Appointed Cole McMahon as member-at-large to the Agricultural Service Board for three years (Carried)
• Accepted feedback from the 2024 Business Plan and Budget Public Participation Plan (Carried)

Council Meeting

The Council will review budget revisions and the tax rate bylaw for 2023. The meeting includes updates on health and safety, assessment presentations, and the FRESS operating and capital budget.

• 2023 Budget Revisions and Tax Rate Bylaw
• Traffic Bylaw 07-23
• Tender for Daysland grader shed concrete floor replacement
• Tender results for tax recovery property - Strome
• FRESS 2023 operating and capital budget

Council approved the 2023 Tax Rate Bylaw and budget amendments, including a 3% increase for farmland and decreases for residential and non-residential rates. The board also passed a new Traffic Bylaw and awarded a concrete floor replacement contract. Additionally, Council rejected the Flagstaff Regional Emergency Services Society budgets due to projected deficits.

• Approved 2023 budget amendments: operating expenses increased by $440,475 and capital expenditures decreased by $35,850
• Approved 2023 Tax Rate Bylaw: 3% increase for Farmland, 5% decrease for Residential, and 1.15% decrease for Non-Residential
• Passed Traffic Bylaw 07/23
• Awarded Daysland grader shed concrete floor replacement tender to Align Builders Ltd. for $96,790.00 plus GST
• Rejected FRESS 3-year operating and 5-year capital budgets due to projected deficits and lack of asset sale estimates
• Rejected $1,000 tender bid for tax recovery property (Strome) and directed Administration to list with a realtor
• Approved proclaiming May 21st to May 27th, 2023, as National Public Works Week
• Accepted 2022 Recreation Funding Review and continued program with current guidelines

Council Meeting

Council approved a $20,000 contribution from Recreation Operating Reserves for the Valley Ski Club's Groomer Replacement Project. The board also approved bids for the sale of eight pieces of used miscellaneous equipment and proclaimed Economic Development Week for May 8-12, 2023.

• Approved $20,000 contribution to Valley Ski Club Groomer Replacement Project
• Approved sale of 2008 Castleton Super B Gravel Trailer to Iron Creek Transport Ltd. for $31,150.00
• Approved sale of 2012 Kubota RTV900 G9 -A UTV 4x4 to Simon Bos Nurseries Ltd. for $12,876.00
• Approved sale of 2012 Massey Ferguson ZT33 Zero Turn Mower to GIQ Auction for $6,000.00
• Approved sale of 2013 John Deere Z915B Z-Track Mower to GIQ Auction for $6,000.00
• Approved sale of 2000 John Deere F935 Front Mount Mower to Simon Bos Nurseries Ltd. for $5,851.00
• Approved sale of 2018 John Deere R280 Disk Mower to Simon Bos Nurseries Ltd. for $3,260.00
• Proclaimed May 8 through May 12, 2023, as Economic Development Week

Special Council Meeting

Flagstaff County Council is holding a special meeting to review year-end program reviews for 2022 across multiple departments, including health and safety, police services, corporate services, planning and development, regional programs, economic development, ASB, and public works. Following the presentations, Council will move into a closed (in camera) session under FOIP Section 27. The agenda is otherwise procedural, with no other decisions or discussions listed.

• 2022 year-end program reviews for 9 departments
• Closed meeting under FOIP Section 27
• Review of Police Services program
• Review of Public Works program
• Review of Planning and Development program

Council received program and service reviews from multiple county departments to measure successes and challenges from 2022. These reviews were conducted to assist in planning for the 2024 budget. No substantive policy or financial decisions were recorded.

• Approved the meeting agenda (Carried)
• Entered closed session at 10:57 a.m. to discuss privileged information per FOIP Section 27 (Carried)
• Returned to open meeting at 11:32 a.m. (Carried)

Council Meeting

The Council will review the 2022 financial statements presented by auditor Peggy Weinzierl. The meeting includes discussions on public works items, economic development, and broadband internet availability.

• Review of 2022 Financial Statements
• Purchase of used tractor
• Galahad raw water line upgrading tender results
• Discussion regarding Strome truck routes
• 2024 Business Plan and Budget Public Participation Plan

Council awarded a water line upgrading contract and approved the purchase of a used tractor. The 2022 audited financial statements were approved with one amendment, and the county decided to let the private sector handle broadband internet market forces.

• Awarded Galahad Raw Water Line Upgrading tender to United Utilities Ltd. for $320,009.09 plus GST and 10% contingency
• Approved purchase of 2010 Case IH Steiger 485 Tractor from Rocky Mountain Equipment for $247,982 plus GST
• Approved 2022 audited Financial Statements with an amendment to the Statement of Operations excess revenue figure
• Directed administration to revise Traffic Bylaw 04/22 to change the Strome Truck Route
• Rescinded resolution #FC20210922.1007 to allow private sector to address broadband internet market forces
• Approved $1,529.50 in 2023 support for the Farm Safety Centre and up to $2,600 annually for future years
• Approved revised Policy AG 001 - Agricultural Service Board
• Approved 2024 Business Plan and Budget public participation plan

Agricultural Service Board

The Agricultural Service Board will hear a 2022 recap from the Battle River Research Group, consider a funding request from the Farm Safety Centre, and discuss a nomination for the Farmfair International Farm Family Awards. Other business includes a proposal for Phostoxin tablets for rodent control, a shelterbelt establishment procedure, and a haying tender for the Galahad Subdivision.

• Delegation: Battle River Research Group 2022 recap at 9:00 a.m.
• 2023 Farm Safety Centre request for funding
• 2023 Farmfair International Farm Family Awards nomination
• Phostoxin tablets for rodent control discussion
• 2023 Galahad Subdivision haying tender

The Agricultural Service Board recommended funding for the Farm Safety Centre and a public nomination process for the Farm Family Award. The Board also approved updating pesticide registrations to sell phostoxin tablets and recommended a haying lease tender for the Galahad subdivision.

• Recommended $1,529.50 for Farm Safety Centre in 2023 and up to $2,600 annually for future years
• Recommended requesting public nominations for Farmfair International Farm Family Award by April 30, 2023
• Approved application to Alberta Environment to remove strychnine and register to sell Schedule 1 and 2 pesticides
• Approved sale of phostoxin fumigant tablets to certified applicators at cost recovery rate
• Recommended tendering for a haying lease on the Galahad subdivision (NE-10-041-14-W4M)
• Approved agenda and November 21, 2022 meeting minutes

Council Meeting

Flagstaff County Council is meeting to discuss funding for the Town of Killam Aquatic Centre and public input for the 2024 business plan. The body will also review a procurement policy and a bylaw to repeal existing noise and nuisance regulations.

• Town of Killam Aquatic Centre funding
• Bylaw 05-23 to repeal Bylaws 01-10, 743-07, and 747-07 regarding nuisances and noise
• Policy LE 001 Procurement and Expenditures
• Lease of NW 17-44-9 W4 by Ryan Pfisterer
• Public input for 2024 Business Plan

Council approved annual funding for the Killam Aquatic Centre and renewed a land lease for Ryan Pfisterer. The board also updated procurement policies and repealed three existing bylaws. Plans for 2024 business plan public participation were established.

• Approved $100,000 annual funding for Killam Aquatic Centre starting in 2023
• Renewed 3-year lease for Ryan Pfisterer (NW 17-44-9 W4) at $607.50 annually
• Approved revised Policy LE 001 Procurement and Expenditures
• Passed Bylaw 05/23 to repeal Bylaws 01-10, 743-07, and 747-07
• Approved online idea wall, survey, and open house for 2024 Business Plan input
• Approved February 8, 2023 meeting minutes

Council Meeting

Council will conduct a public hearing regarding the Land Use Bylaw and discuss the 2023 Fees and Charges Bylaw. The meeting includes delegations regarding recreation funding for the Town of Killam and public works equipment updates.

• Public hearing for Land Use Bylaw
• 2023 Fees and Charges Bylaw 04-23
• Purchase of 2024 graders and sale of used graders
• Town of Killam recreation funding for pool
• Residential access road request for Township Road 440

Council passed the Land Use Bylaw 01/23 and the Fees and Charges Bylaw 04/23. The board also approved the purchase of two new 2024 graders and the sale of three used graders.

• Approved Land Use Bylaw 01/23 (Carried)
• Approved Fees and Charges Bylaw 04/23 (Carried)
• Approved purchase of 2024 John Deere 772GP AWD grader for $570,600 plus GST (Carried)
• Approved purchase of 2024 Caterpillar 150 AWD grader for $569,600 plus GST (Carried)
• Approved sale of three used 2018 graders for total of $736,746 plus GST (Carried)
• Approved concept plan for Forestburg industrial subdivision with conditions (Carried)
• Appointed Derek Homme as fire guardian effective March 1, 2023 (Carried)
• Deferred decision on Tyson and Jessica Armitage’s request for Township Road 440 (Carried)

Council Meeting

The Flagstaff County Council is meeting to review updates to the utilities bylaw and the road closure policy. The session includes reports from regional waste and economic committees and a review of various government and community correspondence.

• Utilities Bylaw 03-23
• Policy PW 014 - Road Closure Policy revisions
• FortisAlberta $2,500 grants for environmental initiatives
• Flagstaff Regional Solid Waste Management Association agenda package
• Battle River Economic Opportunities Committee meeting minutes

Council passed Bylaw 03/23 (Utilities Bylaw) through three readings and approved revisions to the Road Closure Policy (PW 014). The body also confirmed Reeve Don Kroetch's appointment to the Battle River Community Foundation Committee of Nominators.

• Approved Bylaw 03/23 - Utilities Bylaw (Carried)
• Approved revised PW 014 Road Closure Policy (Carried)
• Deferred response to Battle River Economic Opportunities Committee topics to February 8, 2023 (Carried)
• Confirmed appointment of Reeve Don Kroetch to the Battle River Community Foundation Committee of Nominators (Carried)
• Approved January 11, 2023 meeting minutes (Carried)
• Approved 14 items of correspondence as presented (Carried)

Council Meeting

Flagstaff County Council will hold the first reading of Bylaw 01-23, a new Land Use Bylaw, following a public open house in December 2022. Council will also consider a new Nuisance Bylaw (02-23) and hear a presentation on a foreign direct investment strategy for agriculture and energy. The meeting includes department updates, a request from a resident for a field access road, and a closed session.

• First reading of Bylaw 01-23, a new Land Use Bylaw
• First reading of Bylaw 02-23, a new Nuisance Bylaw
• Presentation on a CanExport community investment opportunity for foreign direct investment in ag and energy
• Request from Sterling Moller regarding a field access road
• Discussion of the 2024-2026 Business Plan and Budget timeline

Council approved the final reading of Nuisance Bylaw 02/23 and the first reading of Land Use Bylaw 01/23. The board authorized $25,000 from reserves for a Foreign Direct Investment strategy and approved the 2024-2026 Business Plan and Budget timeline.

• Approved $25,000 matching grant for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Sub Strategy for Ag and Energy
• Passed first reading of Bylaw 01/23 - Land Use Bylaw
• Passed third and final reading of Bylaw 02/23 - Nuisance Bylaw
• Denied request for regular year-round maintenance on Range Road 143 south of Township Road 432
• Defeated proposal to provide regular winter maintenance on Range Road 143 south of Township Road 432
• Approved 2024-2026 Business Plan and Budget timeline
• Approved December 14, 2022 meeting minutes