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Council Meeting Highlights - February 19, 2025

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Strategic Goal: Collaborative Partnerships

Extension of Intermunicipal Collaboration Frameworks

  • Council approved extending the review process for Intermunicipal Collaboration Frameworks (ICFs) with the Towns of Tofield and Viking and the Villages of Ryley and Holden until 2027. Additionally, the Chief Administrative Officer will participate in reviewing shared services agreements before renegotiating the frameworks.

Development Authority for Claystone Waste Applications

  • Council directed administration to respond to public inquiries confirming that the County’s Development Authority is independent and operates separately from in-house administration when reviewing all development applications including those from Claystone Waste.

Reappointments to Regional Boards

  • Council reappointed Rosemary Harris and Juanita Enorme to the Intermunicipal Subdivision and Development Appeal Board and the Intermunicipal Assessment Review Board for a three-year term ending in March 2028.

Advocacy for Highway 834 Bridge Repairs

  • Council authorized the Reeve to send a letter to Alberta Transportation and Economic Corridors Minister Devin Dreeshen, with copies to MLA Jackie Lovely and Minister Rick Wilson, addressing the failure and weight restrictions on the Highway 834 bridge south of Township Road 492.

Strategic Goal: Sustainable Infrastructure

Campground Improvement Strategy Approved

  • Council approved the 2025-2030 Campground Improvement Strategy, which outlines phased enhancements for Camp Lake Park and Black Nugget Lake Campgrounds to improve amenities and visitor experiences.

Gravel Donation for Tofield Rodeo Grounds

  • Council approved a donation of 70 cubic yards of 7/8" gravel for the Tofield Agricultural Society’s rodeo grounds. The Society will reimburse the County for trucking costs.

Property Tax Penalty Waivers Denied

  • Council upheld the Tax Payments Deemed Received Policy and denied requests to waive late property tax payment penalties for three separate properties.

Strategic Goal: Strong Governance

Updated Council Procedures and Conduct Policies

  • Council approved amendments to the Procedural Bylaw (#24-1148) to align with recent changes to the Municipal Government Act. They also gave first reading to Bylaw #25-1165 – Council Code of Conduct, setting standards for ethical behaviour and accountability.

Appointment of Bylaw Enforcement Officers

  • Council appointed Deborah Juch as Chief Bylaw Enforcement Officer and Mitchell Knudson as Bylaw Enforcement Officer for Beaver County, effective February 19, 2025.

Council Organizational Meeting and Training Scheduled

  • Council rescheduled the 2025 Organizational Meeting to October 30, 2025, at 9:30 AM, followed by a mandatory councillor orientation training session to meet Municipal Government Act requirements.

Appointment to Tofield Community Hall Committee

  • Council appointed representatives from Division 1 and Division 2 to the Tofield Community Hall Committee, with authorization for the Chief Administrative Officer or a delegate to attend meetings.

Funding Approved for Economic Development Services

  • Council approved an adjustment to the 2025 Interim Budget to accommodate contract services for economic development, with funding sourced from reserves or grants.

Strategic Goal: Lifestyle Enhancement

Proclamation of Canada’s Ag Day

  • Council recognized February 11, 2025, as Canada’s Ag Day, celebrating the vital contributions of farmers, ranchers, and food processors to the nation's economy and food security.

Council Activity & Committee Reports

Council participated in a range of regional meetings, conferences, and community events, including the Rural Municipalities of Alberta District 5 Meeting, Joint Council meeting, and Beaver Emergency Services Commission planning meeting to discuss regional governance. Engagement in economic and agricultural initiatives included the Battle River Research Group AGM, Agriculture Service Board Provincial Conference, Battle River Alliance for Economic Development Board Meeting, and Game Changer Agri-Tourism Mini Conference.

Council also attended community service meetings with organizations such as Viking Beaver and Tofield Family and Community Support Services, Victim Services, Beaver Foundation, and Beaver Hills Biosphere Board. Additionally, members took part discussions through the Regional Recreation Facility Study, Claystone Public Advisory Committee meeting, and Battle River School Division sessions. Professional development and municipal governance updates were also a focus, with attendance at the 2025 Emerging Trends in Municipal Law Seminar and AAAS Convention.

 

For more information on items discussed at the Council Meeting, please review the full Agenda Package for this meeting. New and/or amended Policies and Bylaws are uploaded to the County website after they have been signed.