[30:51] Good morning everyone. Uh 8:31. We might
[30:54] as well get the uh meeting on the way
[30:56] here. Uh agenda.
[31:01] Any additions to the agenda?
[31:06] » Councelor Woodstock. Uh I would like to
[31:08] add council and committee under council
[31:10] and committee reports uh report on egg
[31:13] service board convention.
[31:20] » Anything else?
[31:26] » Councelor Hopkins. I move to approve the
[31:29] agenda
[31:30] uh on for Tuesday, January 27th with the
[31:33] addition.
[31:35] >> Any uh
[31:38] » Any uh
[31:38] discussion?
[31:41] All in favor?
[31:43] Carried.
[31:50] Regular council meeting minutes. Any
[31:52] omissions or or uh
[31:55] corrections?
[32:03] or errors.
[32:06] » I'll move that council approves the
[32:08] adoption of the minutes of January the
[32:09] 13th, 2026 regular meeting of council as
[32:13] presented.
[32:15] >> Any uh discussion on the motion?
[32:20] » Any uh discussion on the motion?
[32:20] All in favor?
[32:22] Carried.
[32:27] Okay.
[32:32] » Appointments are at 1:00. Uh
[32:36] corporate services
[32:38] I guess 4.1 the budget.
[32:41] Um
[32:44] okay. Uh any discussion on this prior to
[32:47] getting going?
[32:58] Councelor Olsson.
[33:00] >> So this is this is just a proposed
[33:02] » So this is this is just a proposed
[33:02] budget again for uh 2026.
[33:07] So what's different from the proposed
[33:09] budget from that we had in November or
[33:13] December
[33:16] >> through the chair. The budget that was
[33:17] » through the chair. The budget that was
[33:17] approved in December was an interim
[33:19] budget. So it was just for the period
[33:21] between January and April. This is now
[33:23] the proposed 2026 budget that would
[33:25] actually cover the full 2026 year.
[33:28] >> Okay. Um, like I said before, I don't
[33:32] » Okay. Um, like I said before, I don't
[33:32] want anybody to take anything personally
[33:33] when we start asking questions here, but
[33:36] prior to this at the last intern budget,
[33:39] we discussed that we're going to be
[33:41] going into line item budgeting. So
[33:45] I hope this isn't going down that same
[33:47] road where this budget is proposed and
[33:50] at the very last minute then we have to
[33:52] discuss we have to discuss whether at
[33:54] you know whether it's approved or not.
[33:56] There's one of the one of the reasons
[33:59] that I'm saying this is this is the only
[34:01] thing that we have left right now where
[34:04] we can control anything that's
[34:06] happening. We don't have a strategic
[34:08] plan available to us right now. We don't
[34:10] have a governance model in front of us
[34:12] right now. So this is the only thing
[34:13] that we can control.
[34:16] So we want to make sure that it's done
[34:18] properly and there's some stuff that
[34:20] needs that we have to set. We as council
[34:22] will set the budget. The way I see it
[34:25] and I'm not I'm harping on this and
[34:27] harping on this. You heard it before.
[34:30] We set the budget. Council the way this
[34:33] is proposed.
[34:35] The administration and staff have set
[34:36] this budget.
[34:38] That being said, that being said, any
[34:41] questions? Any other discussion on that?
[34:43] I know. I'm just looking here.
[34:45] >> No bizarre.
[34:46] » No bizarre.
[34:46] >> Yep. CEO Cochran.
[34:48] » Yep. CEO Cochran.
[34:48] >> Yeah. Through the brief told of council,
[34:50] » Yeah. Through the brief told of council,
[34:50] we're not here to tell council what to
[34:51] do. We're here to propose a budget based
[34:53] on what it costs to do our operations
[34:55] and our current SE service levels that
[34:56] we provide to the public. This is a
[34:58] document for your debate. You're
[35:00] welcome. This is for you to dig into.
[35:02] Today is an education on what's in the
[35:04] budget. We have plenty of more meetings
[35:05] to come to where you'll be able to bring
[35:07] all of your questions, your sorry, your
[35:09] concerns. This isn't uh one and done
[35:11] today. This is an introduction to what
[35:13] it costs to do our current business the
[35:16] way we do it. And this is up to council
[35:18] to debate, decide, and direct as we move
[35:21] forward. We're not directing council.
[35:23] We're proposing based on what it takes
[35:25] to do our business.
[35:26] >> That's that's correct. Um that being
[35:28] » That's that's correct. Um that being
[35:28] said, thank you. That being said, uh I I
[35:32] do believe that when we go into these
[35:34] next we should have be set in uh
[35:37] different meetings,
[35:40] separate meetings. So we're not
[35:42] discussing uh budgets in front of in in
[35:46] in council. These budgets have should be
[35:50] separate meetings. In fact, the reason
[35:52] for it is because if we do do some cuts,
[35:55] we don't want we don't need people in
[35:57] there that uh
[36:00] get disappointed or or
[36:03] what's the word I'm looking for.
[36:07] I'm pretty sure everybody understands
[36:08] where I'm coming from. Councelor Olsson.
[36:10] >> Yeah. And just to clarify, when does
[36:12] » Yeah. And just to clarify, when does
[36:12] this budget have to be approved? What is
[36:14] the date?
[36:16] >> Uh through the chair. So the interim
[36:18] » Uh through the chair. So the interim
[36:18] budget applies through to April 30th. Um
[36:21] we do need to have a full budget adopted
[36:23] in order to pass the tax rate bylaw
[36:25] which also needs to happen in April as
[36:27] well in order to facilitate distributing
[36:30] tax notices and in accordance with our
[36:32] current bylaws and policies.
[36:35] >> So that being said is that so at the end
[36:38] » So that being said is that so at the end
[36:38] of April it has to be completed by the
[36:40] end of April.
[36:41] >> That is correct.
[36:45] » CEO Cochran
[36:48] Uh, councelor Woodstock.
[36:51] >> So, the province will provide us
[36:52] » So, the province will provide us
[36:52] assessment numbers in first part of
[36:54] March.
[36:56] >> Okay. Thank you.
[37:00] » Okay. Thank you.
[37:00] >> Councelor Cochran or Wait a minute. CEO
[37:04] » Councelor Cochran or Wait a minute. CEO
[37:04] CEO Cochran.
[37:05] >> Thank you. Through the Reef Hall of
[37:06] » Thank you. Through the Reef Hall of
[37:06] Council, um, if there's sensitive items
[37:09] that you want to discuss in the budget,
[37:10] we would go into camera. So this is an
[37:13] open budget for presentation both to
[37:15] council and to the public based on what
[37:17] we're proposing to council. If there's
[37:18] items you want to discuss that you feel
[37:20] are sensitive, we go into camera and you
[37:22] come out with a motion if you have one.
[37:24] >> Is there any particular reason we have
[37:26] » Is there any particular reason we have
[37:26] to go into camera? Why can't we have a
[37:28] separate budget meeting?
[37:33] » Councelor Cunningham.
[37:35] >> I just from conversations I think it was
[37:37] » I just from conversations I think it was
[37:38] last term there was discussion about
[37:39] that. I know some municipalities will
[37:41] take like two days and strictly have
[37:43] them budget, but that's nothing, you
[37:45] know, that we confirmed last term. So, I
[37:47] mean, I think it's something if this
[37:48] council wants to pursue, we could
[37:50] certainly look at it because I know we
[37:52] have had days where we have lots of
[37:54] other stuff on the on the agenda and it
[37:56] does kind of cloud the day. So, I mean,
[37:58] having two days specifically for budget
[38:00] is something that this council could
[38:01] could look at and administration.
[38:03] >> I I do believe once you get Thank you. I
[38:05] » I I do believe once you get Thank you. I
[38:06] do believe once you're getting into uh
[38:07] line budgeting and stuff like that, what
[38:09] we're looking for there is going to be
[38:11] some sensitive issues because once we do
[38:12] some talking and and stuff like that, it
[38:15] is it is going to affect some people.
[38:17] And I mean that's to me I I don't think
[38:20] that should be done in council and we
[38:21] should be going into uh close session
[38:23] all the time. We're getting taken to
[38:25] task on going into close session uh by
[38:27] the public as as it is now. So, I mean,
[38:30] if we can set two days aside or whatever
[38:33] we need for the budget, I think that's
[38:34] the way to go.
[38:37] >> Councelor Cunning or Councelor Hoppins.
[38:41] » Councelor Cunning or Councelor Hoppins.
[38:41] >> Thank you, Reeve. Uh, for myself, I was
[38:45] » Thank you, Reeve. Uh, for myself, I was
[38:45] actually a little disappointed that I
[38:46] didn't get to see um actual
[38:49] what was spent last year in each
[38:51] department. Um, for me that helps me
[38:54] make an informed decision as to if that
[38:57] number is in the right location. Um,
[39:01] it helps us improve financial control,
[39:04] helps us make informed decisions and
[39:08] going forward, I would like to see
[39:10] actual so we know where so I know where
[39:13] we're at. Um, and that
[39:17] helps me also. I feel there's some
[39:21] departments that might need an increase
[39:23] and there's some that might need a
[39:24] decrease. So, I'd like to see actuals.
[39:27] Um, that helps me follow through uh to
[39:31] compare those the actual and the and the
[39:33] budget proposal.
[39:38] » Any other discussion?
[39:41] >> CEO Cochran.
[39:43] » CEO Cochran.
[39:43] >> Thank you. Through the chair or through
[39:44] » Thank you. Through the chair or through
[39:44] the reef to all of council, we will have
[39:46] our fourth quarter variance report. We
[39:47] just don't have that completed yet.
[39:48] We're still doing year end. So, fourth
[39:51] quarter variance report will be out
[39:53] shortly for council to see which will
[39:55] include all the actuals. We don't
[39:56] actually have the ability to pull our
[39:58] numbers just, you know, we're still
[39:59] finalizing year end for last year. Um,
[40:02] that will be part of the budget process.
[40:03] This, like I said, is a staged process.
[40:05] This isn't one and done today. You're
[40:07] not spending four hours and approving a
[40:09] budget. You're getting an introduction
[40:11] and very deep level as to what is in the
[40:13] budget. and we have put as much detail
[40:15] in there as possible for you to make
[40:16] informed decisions as you move forward.
[40:19] Again, as Miss Vonberg said, we won't be
[40:22] approving a budget. You won't be
[40:23] approving a budget until the end of
[40:25] April.
[40:29] » Any other concerns or questions?
[40:34] » Ready to go?
[40:36] >> Sure.
[40:36] » Sure.
[40:36] >> Let's go.
[40:37] » Let's go.
[40:37] >> Thank you.
[40:40] » Thank you.
[40:40] >> Good morning, council. So today is the
[40:43] » Good morning, council. So today is the
[40:43] next step of the 2026 budget process.
[40:45] Today's presentation outlines the 2026
[40:48] proposed operating budget which reflects
[40:50] day-to-day revenues and expenditures
[40:52] required to deliver municipal services.
[40:55] The proposed operating budget has been
[40:57] prepared by administration based on
[40:58] council's previously approved
[41:00] priorities, existing service levels,
[41:02] known cost pressures, and is intended to
[41:05] provide council with a complete starting
[41:06] point for review, discussion, and
[41:08] direction. Before moving into the
[41:10] presentation, I would like to thank the
[41:12] staff who contributed to both this
[41:13] presentation and the appendices included
[41:16] with today's report. The budget process
[41:18] truly is an organizationalwide effort.
[41:23] This presentation is organized into six
[41:26] main sections moving from broad context
[41:28] toward the detailed components of the
[41:30] 2026 proposed operating budget. The
[41:33] first is an introduction which provides
[41:35] context for the 2026 budget including
[41:37] the schedule, guiding principles, and
[41:39] the process used to develop the budget.
[41:42] Budget trends and environment summarizes
[41:45] the external and internal factors
[41:47] influencing the 2026 budget. These
[41:49] trends have been presented to council
[41:51] previously during the budget cycle and
[41:52] are consolidated here to provide context
[41:55] for the proposed operating budget.
[41:57] Key considerations include inflation,
[42:00] service demand, demographic changes, and
[42:02] financial pressure pressures affecting
[42:04] the county's operations. Third quarter
[42:07] budget to actual results are also
[42:08] highlighted as they indicate the degree
[42:10] of flexibility in the current operating
[42:12] environment. Together, these factors
[42:15] form the backdrop for the assumptions
[42:16] and decisions reflected in the proposed
[42:18] budget.
[42:20] Then we have the proposed operating
[42:21] budget. This is a summary of the
[42:24] proposed operating budget outlining
[42:25] proposed revenues, expenses, and notable
[42:28] changes for 2026. The overview included
[42:31] in this presentation is supported by
[42:32] detailed schedules provided in the
[42:34] appendices, including summaries by
[42:36] function and department, as well as more
[42:38] detailed schedules by subfunction, both
[42:41] for the budget as a whole and for each
[42:43] department. The intent is to provide a
[42:45] clear picture of the day-to-day
[42:46] operating plan for 2026.
[42:50] Then we have the three-year operating
[42:51] forecast. This is a section which
[42:53] provides a forward-looking view of
[42:54] anticipated financial trends over the
[42:56] next three years. Then there's a budget
[42:59] overview. So this section consolidates
[43:01] the complete financial picture presented
[43:03] to council for 2026. It summarizes the
[43:06] operating budget, pre-approved projects
[43:08] and proposed projects, their funding
[43:10] sources, and outlines the impact on
[43:12] reserve balances.
[43:14] Then there's the next step section. This
[43:16] section outlines the remaining steps in
[43:18] the budget process. It covers the
[43:20] collection of council questions and
[43:21] information requests, the provision of
[43:23] responses and clarifications,
[43:25] deliberations on balancing options, and
[43:27] a path to formal adoption. It also
[43:30] identifies specific items highlighted
[43:32] for council discussion, and notes where
[43:34] motions or policy updates may be
[43:35] required. The timeline is designed to
[43:38] ensure allformational needs are met
[43:40] before the budget is finalized.
[43:46] We'll move on to the introduction. So,
[43:48] this first slide outlines the major
[43:50] steps and milestones of the 2026 budget
[43:52] process. The schedule is designed to
[43:55] ensure council has the information and
[43:56] time needed for thorough review and
[43:58] decision-m. This one's been adjusted a
[44:00] little bit as we delayed the operating
[44:02] budget in order to facilitate additional
[44:04] information as requested by council.
[44:06] The first step step was approval of
[44:08] budget guidelines back in June of 2025.
[44:11] Uh the 2072 26 budget process began with
[44:14] that. Um those guidelines set the
[44:16] framework for developing the budget
[44:18] process and allowed administration to
[44:20] begin developing the budget in July.
[44:23] Then there were pre-approval of
[44:25] projects. This year certain projects
[44:27] were presented to council for
[44:28] preapproval due to the delayed budget
[44:30] cycle resulting from council elections
[44:32] and orientation. Council's pre-approval
[44:34] of these projects helps ensure that
[44:36] critical infrastructure work, grant
[44:38] applications, and contractor scheduling
[44:40] preceded on time, even with a later
[44:42] budget adoption. The selection process
[44:44] for pre-approved projects focus focused
[44:46] on time sensitivity, funding sources,
[44:49] alignment with the capital plan, and
[44:51] operational importance. Those
[44:53] pre-approval projects and their statuses
[44:54] were also reviewed by council on
[44:56] December 9th.
[44:58] Then we had budget orientation on
[45:00] November 12th. Council received a budget
[45:02] orientation session which was an
[45:03] opportunity for council to receive an
[45:05] overview of financial planning and ask
[45:07] questions before detailed 2026 budget
[45:10] specific presentations in subsequent
[45:12] deliberations.
[45:14] Then we had setting the stage and
[45:16] proposed projects on November 25th. This
[45:18] presented the context for the 2026
[45:20] budget and outlined proposed projects
[45:22] being included. Then we had the third
[45:25] quarter variance report on December 2nd
[45:27] which pres was presented and in
[45:29] highlights how actual results compare
[45:31] with the 2025 budget helping council
[45:33] understand trends and make informed
[45:35] decisions throughout the 2026 budget
[45:37] process.
[45:39] Then we had interim budget and proposed
[45:41] operating budget on December 9th. Um
[45:43] this included approving approval of an
[45:45] interim operating budget was which was
[45:47] based onto the 2025 budget and presented
[45:50] carry forward projects to be continued
[45:52] into 2026.
[45:55] Now today we've got the proposed
[45:56] operating budget. Um this presentation
[46:00] provides an overview of the proposed
[46:02] operating budget and key drivers of
[46:04] changes between the 2025 and the 2026
[46:06] budget. The appendices attached to the
[46:09] report provide more detail on the
[46:10] proposed budget broken down by
[46:12] functional area and by department.
[46:16] Administration is proposing um on
[46:19] February 10th the proposed approval of
[46:22] pro projects um that were presented on
[46:24] November 25th. This would facilitate the
[46:26] initiation of these projects and ensure
[46:28] they can proceed as planned in 2026.
[46:32] We also look at responses to questions
[46:34] and council deliberations in February.
[46:36] So this the shift after today focuses on
[46:39] addressing council's questions and
[46:40] supporting deliberations.
[46:43] Throughout each of these presentations,
[46:45] council can ask questions. They're
[46:47] either addressed as asked or documented
[46:49] for future response. Questions can also
[46:51] be directed to the CEO outside of
[46:53] council meetings. During deliberations,
[46:55] responses to questions collected during
[46:57] the process will be addressed.
[46:59] This stage is designed to ensure that
[47:01] every question and concern is fully
[47:02] addressed before the budget is brought
[47:04] to a balanced state and subsequently
[47:05] forward for adoption. Deliberations
[47:08] continue as long as needed until council
[47:09] is satisfied and recommends that
[47:11] administration bring that back the
[47:12] budget for formal approval.
[47:15] And that means that would hit our final
[47:17] step um which is currently targeted
[47:19] before April 30th as that is the time
[47:21] frame the interim budget was based on
[47:23] and the timeline by which an adopted
[47:24] budget is required to finalize the
[47:26] property tax bylaw. Adoption of the
[47:28] budget formalizes council's decisions
[47:30] and sets the financial plan for the
[47:32] coming year.
[47:34] This schedule is designed to be
[47:35] transparent and collaborative, giving
[47:37] council multiple opportunities to
[47:38] review, ask questions, and shape the
[47:40] budget.
[47:45] Then we look at the guiding principles.
[47:47] Again, these were adopted in June of
[47:49] 2025. Um, the purpose of the budget
[47:51] guidelines is to establish a foundation
[47:53] for approaching the annual budget. The
[47:56] guiding principles included are
[47:58] alignment with council's strategic plan
[48:00] that each budget decision should support
[48:02] the goals outlined in council's
[48:03] strategic plan which ensures resources
[48:05] are directed toward the community's
[48:07] long-term vision.
[48:09] Sustainment of existing service levels.
[48:11] Maintaining the current level of service
[48:13] is a priority. The budget is prepared to
[48:16] maintain existing service levels or
[48:17] amended levels as directed by council.
[48:21] Maintenance of competitive tax rates. We
[48:23] aim to be competitive with other
[48:24] municipalities, which helps attract and
[48:26] retain residents and businesses while
[48:28] balancing our revenue needs.
[48:31] Review and recommend adjustments to
[48:32] service fees and rates as necessary.
[48:35] Fees and rates will be evaluated to
[48:36] ensure fairness and cost recovery.
[48:38] Adjustments will be recommended
[48:40] throughout the process and are
[48:41] implemented at the direction of council.
[48:43] There are a few revenue sources which
[48:45] have recommended rate adjustments
[48:46] included in today's presentation.
[48:48] Continue to implement and monitor a
[48:51] proactive infrastructure renewal
[48:52] strategy. Proactive investment in
[48:55] infrastructure reduces long-term costs.
[48:57] This principle ensures we keep up with
[48:59] maintenance and renewal needs. This
[49:01] principle is reflected in proposed
[49:02] proactive infrastructure projects and
[49:04] reserve contribution recommendations.
[49:07] And finally, enhance the stakeholder
[49:09] experience. Budgeting is not just about
[49:11] numbers. We aim to make the process
[49:13] clear and accessible for council and the
[49:15] public.
[49:19] and we look at the budget development
[49:20] and review process. So this slide
[49:23] outlines the steps taken to prepare and
[49:25] review the budget before it is prevent
[49:26] presented to council for deliberation.
[49:29] It shows the collaborative approach
[49:31] across all levels of the organization.
[49:33] The first step is council setting the
[49:35] budget guidelines.
[49:37] This establishes the overall guidelines
[49:39] that provide clear direction on
[49:41] priorities, tax strategy and service
[49:43] expectations.
[49:45] Then we go through management team
[49:46] discussions and departmental
[49:48] submissions. Management teams review to
[49:51] meet to review priorities and
[49:52] constraints. Departments then submit
[49:54] their proposed budgets based on those
[49:55] discussions and council's guidelines.
[49:58] Then there's a finance review where
[49:59] finance consolidates and reviews all
[50:01] submissions. This step ensures accuracy,
[50:04] compliance, and alignment with financial
[50:06] targets. Then there's CIO and senior
[50:08] leadership review. The draft budget is
[50:10] reviewed by the CEO and senior
[50:12] leadership. Adjustments are made to
[50:14] ensure strategic alignment and
[50:15] organizational capacity.
[50:18] The final draft is then presented to
[50:20] council through a series of meetings for
[50:21] discussion and decision-making. Council
[50:24] deliberates on priorities, tax rates,
[50:25] and service levels before approving the
[50:27] budget.
[50:29] This concludes the introduction section
[50:31] section of today's presentation. Before
[50:33] I move on to budget trends and
[50:34] environments, are there any questions?
[50:43] Good to go. Okay.
[50:45] >> This section provides a summary of
[50:46] » This section provides a summary of
[50:46] trends and environmental factors
[50:48] presented in previous presentations.
[50:50] Although material is familiar, it
[50:52] remains an important context for the
[50:54] operating budget as these conditions
[50:56] directly influence revenues,
[50:57] expenditures, and long-term financial
[50:59] planning. The slides that follow bring
[51:01] together the key budget to actual
[51:03] results, external pressures, and broader
[51:05] financial patterns that shape the
[51:06] operating environment for 2026.
[51:11] So this slide provides a summary of the
[51:13] budget to actual trends that were
[51:14] discussed during the third quarter
[51:15] variance report on December 2nd. Um
[51:18] during the Q3 report, the core operating
[51:20] budget was forecasting a 2.95 5%
[51:23] variance, which is narrower than the
[51:26] typical optimal range of 4 to 6%. That
[51:29] range of 4 to 6% is generally considered
[51:31] a comfortable and sustainable range for
[51:33] municipal operations. This level
[51:35] provides sufficient flexibility to
[51:37] absorb unexpected events during the year
[51:39] while maintaining stable budgeting and
[51:41] spending patterns. A tighter margin
[51:43] indicates less room to absorb unforeseen
[51:45] events within the fiscal year.
[51:49] Core revenue trends had some favorable
[51:50] and some unfavorable variance. The net
[51:52] result being a.12% variance on core
[51:55] revenues. Trends that are expected to be
[51:58] sustained into 2026 have been adjusted
[52:00] in the proposed budget. We continue to
[52:02] see favorable variances in return on
[52:04] investments and capital equipment plan
[52:06] sales, which are typically directed to
[52:08] reserves to support long-term capital
[52:10] and stabilization needs.
[52:13] Core expenditures were forecasted at a
[52:15] 2.83% variance.
[52:18] Forecasted favorable variances were
[52:20] reviewed and incorporated into the
[52:21] proposed 2026 budget where the trend is
[52:24] projected to continue into 2026.
[52:29] Next, we look at the key insights from
[52:31] the environmental scan. Um, again, these
[52:34] came from the November 25th presentation
[52:36] where there was more detailed
[52:37] information.
[52:39] Um, one, the county's population is
[52:41] aging and becoming more diverse, which
[52:43] may increase demand for specialized
[52:44] services and more inclusive approaches
[52:46] to service delivery.
[52:49] Additionally, demand for services and
[52:51] infrastructure upgrades is increasing,
[52:52] driven by demographic shifts and
[52:54] evolving community expectations.
[52:57] The compounding impact of high inflation
[52:59] continues to affect financial planning,
[53:01] making it more challenging to maintain
[53:03] service levels and fund new initiatives.
[53:06] These trends underscore the importance
[53:07] of continually reviewing and adapting
[53:09] budget strategies to ensure the county
[53:11] remains responsive to evolving needs and
[53:14] maintains financial sustainability.
[53:19] Next, we looked at fiscal condition and
[53:21] comparators.
[53:23] Some of the key trends here were that
[53:25] residential assessment and property tax
[53:26] share are rising while non-residential
[53:29] assessment and tax share are declining.
[53:31] This shift increases reliance on
[53:33] residential and farmland properties for
[53:35] revenue.
[53:37] Asset replacement and mainten
[53:39] maintenance needs are growing as shown
[53:41] by the declining percentage of asset
[53:42] value remaining and the infrastructure
[53:44] gap.
[53:46] The county faces long-term
[53:47] infrastructure maintenance funding
[53:48] pressure which will require careful
[53:50] prioritization and proactive reserve
[53:52] planning
[53:54] and strategic reserve management is
[53:56] essential to maintain financial
[53:57] sustainability and avoid sudden tax
[53:59] increases or service reductions.
[54:02] These insights highlight the importance
[54:04] of long-term financial planning and the
[54:06] need to balance revenue strategies,
[54:08] infrastructure renewal, and service
[54:10] expectations within the county's budget
[54:11] environment.
[54:14] Then we looked at provincial pressures.
[54:16] This slide summarizes the main takeaways
[54:18] from that section. First, provincial
[54:20] policy creates uncertainty in tax
[54:22] revenues and service funding. Examples
[54:25] include assessment model reviews,
[54:27] requisition changes, and initiatives
[54:29] like the mature asset strategy.
[54:31] Second, these changes often shift the
[54:33] tax burden towards residential and
[54:35] farmland properties, especially under
[54:38] the constraints of the 5:1 tax rate
[54:39] ratio.
[54:41] Also, council must be prepared to adjust
[54:44] service levels or explore new funding
[54:45] sources if provincial impacts worsen.
[54:49] These insights reinforce the importance
[54:50] of long-term financial planning,
[54:52] proactive reserve strategies as well as
[54:54] advocacy to protect municipal
[54:56] sustainability.
[55:00] Um, this slide looks at the compared the
[55:02] rate of inflation um as measured by CPI
[55:05] to the county's tax revenue and other
[55:07] sources of revenue over the past few
[55:08] years. Um, this slide was also presented
[55:10] at that November 25th presentation, but
[55:13] we've added the proposed 2026 budget
[55:15] trending to it as well. Um, CPI is used
[55:18] here because it's widely available and
[55:20] commonly referenced. However, it is
[55:22] important to note that municipal price
[55:23] index is more specific to municipal
[55:25] costs, but doesn't have a published
[55:27] metric available. Um, it just that just
[55:30] notes that the basket of goods within
[55:32] CPI are different than the basket of
[55:34] goods that a municipality uses. And
[55:36] generally it's understood that MPI is
[55:39] probably growing higher at a higher rate
[55:41] than CPI is.
[55:44] Um the data shows that invas in
[55:45] inflation has generally increased at a
[55:47] faster rate than most of the county's
[55:49] revenue streams. Um tax revenue has seen
[55:52] growth but other revenues have not kept
[55:54] a pace with inflation and in some years
[55:55] have declined. This means that the
[55:58] county's purchasing power is eroding.
[56:00] Dollars received do not go as far as
[56:01] they did in previous years. When
[56:04] revenues do not keep up with inflation,
[56:06] it becomes more challenging to maintain
[56:07] service levels, fund new initiatives,
[56:09] and address rising costs within the
[56:11] budget environment.
[56:14] Um, same thing with this. We've done the
[56:16] expenditure slide. Council has seen this
[56:18] slide before, but we've added the
[56:19] proposed 2026 budget trending into it as
[56:22] well. Um, this chart shows how the costs
[56:25] for contract and general services,
[56:27] materials, goods, and supplies, and
[56:29] utilities, as well as other other
[56:30] expenditures have changed in relation to
[56:32] inflation. From 2021 to 2023, the data
[56:36] reflects the county's efforts to
[56:37] actively manage and contain costs,
[56:39] keeping expenditure growth below or
[56:41] close to the rate of inflation. The
[56:43] leveling out and increase in 2024 and
[56:45] 2025 indicate that the ability to
[56:48] continue managing costs in this way is
[56:49] limited. Slight reductions were achieved
[56:52] for the proposed 2026 budget, primarily
[56:54] related to reduced staffing. This trend
[56:57] highlights the growing challenge of
[56:58] maintaining service levels and
[56:59] infrastructure within the budget
[57:01] environment.
[57:03] That concludes my section, this
[57:05] introduction section. Um, before I move
[57:07] on to the proposed operating budget, are
[57:10] there any questions from council?
[57:17] » Everybody good?
[57:18] >> Yep.
[57:20] » Yep.
[57:20] >> Okay.
[57:21] » Okay.
[57:21] This section provides a highle overview
[57:23] of the proposed operating budget. It
[57:25] goes through the functional revenue and
[57:27] expense categories that form the basis
[57:29] of the proposed 2026 operating budget.
[57:32] This section aims to summarize the core
[57:34] operating budget at a level suitable for
[57:36] presentation, while the appendices
[57:38] provide more technical details for
[57:40] further review. The 2026 proposed
[57:43] operating budget maintains the county's
[57:44] overall financial stability while
[57:46] preserving service levels across
[57:48] departments. Total projected revenues
[57:50] and expenses have been carefully
[57:52] reviewed, and the proposed budget
[57:53] currently shows a surplus of $139,683.
[57:58] This surplus reflects targeted cost
[58:00] reductions, operational efficiencies,
[58:02] and staffing and program delivery
[58:04] adjustments that enable the county to
[58:06] continue providing essential services
[58:08] without increasing the overall tax
[58:09] burden on rateayers.
[58:12] Total municipal tax revenues remain the
[58:14] same as in 2025. This stability is
[58:17] supported by prudent expenditure
[58:18] management and the elimination or
[58:20] consolidation of programs as directed by
[58:22] council. Overall expenditures decrease
[58:25] by approximately 2% compared to 2025.
[58:28] These savings offset inflationary
[58:30] pressures and provinially mandated
[58:31] program contributions allowing the
[58:34] county to maintain service levels
[58:35] without adding financial pressures to
[58:37] rateayers.
[58:40] So before I actually get into an
[58:42] overview of the proposed budget, this
[58:44] slide just provides an overview of the
[58:45] appendices that support this
[58:47] presentation today. These appendices
[58:50] contain the detailed schedules that
[58:51] support the highle summary included
[58:53] within this presentation. Appendix A is
[58:56] the summary by function which gives a
[58:58] consolidated view of the 2026 operating
[59:00] C budget across service areas. Appendix
[59:04] B provides the summary by department
[59:06] offering the same information but
[59:08] organized by organizational structure
[59:09] rather than function.
[59:12] Appendix C contains the detailed
[59:14] operating budget by function, including
[59:16] subfunctions, descriptions, and
[59:18] explanation for variances between 2025
[59:20] and 2026. This is the primary reference
[59:23] for understanding the specific drivers
[59:25] between jud budget adjustments and for
[59:27] the numbers included in this
[59:28] presentation.
[59:30] Appendix D presents the detailed
[59:32] operating budget by department, showing
[59:34] the same level of detail as appendix C,
[59:36] but aligned to individual departments.
[59:40] Appendix E supports alignment between
[59:42] appendix C's C and D by listing what
[59:44] departments contribute to each each sub
[59:47] function. Appendix F includes the
[59:49] three-year operating forecast and
[59:51] appendex G provides the projected
[59:53] reserve schedule summarizing reserve
[59:55] activity and expected balances after all
[59:57] proposed transfers.
[59:59] These appendices form the technical
[1:00:01] foundation for the proposed budget and
[1:00:03] provide detailed information available
[1:00:05] for further review.
[1:00:10] With that, I will move on to the
[1:00:11] overview of the 2026 proposed operating
[1:00:14] budget.
[1:00:16] This slide pre presents the overall
[1:00:18] revenue summary by function. Um, in
[1:00:21] total, the revenues have decreased by
[1:00:23] 1.52% from the 2025 budget. The primary
[1:00:26] driver of this change is the reduction
[1:00:28] in transfers from reserves which were
[1:00:30] utilized to balance the 2025 budget.
[1:00:34] So, first we look at licenses and
[1:00:36] permits, which make up.1% of total
[1:00:39] revenues. These revenues include safety
[1:00:41] code permits for things like buildings,
[1:00:43] electrical, gas, and plumbing, and
[1:00:45] development permits for projects that
[1:00:46] require planning approval from the
[1:00:48] county. The 2026 proposed budget of
[1:00:51] $85,000 reflects anticipated levels of
[1:00:54] development and safety code activity in
[1:00:55] 2026.
[1:00:59] Then we look at operating grants which
[1:01:01] make up 2% of total revenues. This
[1:01:04] category includes grant funding from the
[1:01:05] local government fiscal framework and
[1:01:07] the agricultural services program that
[1:01:09] supports legislative agricultural and
[1:01:12] environmental services delivered by the
[1:01:13] county. The 2026 proposed budget of
[1:01:16] $499,173
[1:01:19] is $7,500 lower than the 2025 budget,
[1:01:23] which reflects a reduction in the ASB
[1:01:25] grant allocation in accordance with the
[1:01:27] um contract that we have with the
[1:01:29] province.
[1:01:32] Then we look at other revenue which is
[1:01:34] 2% of total proposed revenues. This
[1:01:37] category includes three items. Water
[1:01:39] licensing fees, which are charged for
[1:01:41] license access to county managed water
[1:01:43] sources. Water modeling fees, which are
[1:01:46] charges collected before installing a
[1:01:47] new waterline connection to fund
[1:01:49] modeling that confirms capacity at the
[1:01:51] proposed connection.
[1:01:53] And miscellaneous revenues, small
[1:01:55] infrequent items that don't fit into
[1:01:56] other categories, things like minor
[1:01:58] administrative recoveries or one-off
[1:02:00] amounts. The 2026 proposed budget for
[1:02:03] other revenue is $82,100,
[1:02:06] which is unchanged from 2025.
[1:02:12] Next, we look at the sale of goods and
[1:02:13] services, which is 6% of total proposed
[1:02:16] revenues for a total of $1.9 million.
[1:02:20] This category includes a range of user
[1:02:21] fees and service charges the county
[1:02:23] collects for day-to-day operations. Core
[1:02:26] items in this area include water
[1:02:27] distribution fees and bulk water sales,
[1:02:30] dust control fees requested by residents
[1:02:32] or businesses, campground fees for
[1:02:34] county sites, and waste collection fees
[1:02:36] under county programs and ICF
[1:02:38] agreements.
[1:02:40] It also includes planning and
[1:02:42] development fees, sewer fees, and
[1:02:44] smaller items such as the FCSS
[1:02:46] management fees, certificate fees,
[1:02:48] cemetery plot sales, and mowing, ASB
[1:02:51] extension program revenues, provincial
[1:02:53] highway callouts, safety code fees, weed
[1:02:56] inspection on private lands, map sales,
[1:02:59] oil field inspections, scrap metal
[1:03:01] disposal, and recycling recoveries.
[1:03:04] The this next slide will actually show
[1:03:06] you the variations between the 2025 and
[1:03:09] the 2026 budget.
[1:03:11] Water distribution fees have increased
[1:03:13] by 20,615
[1:03:16] to $1,51,655
[1:03:19] to reflect projected consumption trends
[1:03:22] at current rates. This does not reflect
[1:03:24] any rate adjustments from what is
[1:03:25] existing in the current master rates
[1:03:27] bylaw. Bulk water sales increased by
[1:03:30] $6,542
[1:03:32] to $333,645
[1:03:36] based on historical usage patterns.
[1:03:38] Again, this is based on existing rates.
[1:03:41] Campground fees have increased by
[1:03:42] $21,925
[1:03:45] to $17,875
[1:03:48] due to the proposed $5 per night rate
[1:03:50] adjustment across county campgrounds.
[1:03:54] ICF weight waste collection fees were
[1:03:56] added to the budget to reflect updated
[1:03:58] intermunicipal agreements.
[1:04:00] Paid parking has been removed from the
[1:04:02] budget entirely reflecting the
[1:04:04] discontinuation of the Horseshoe Canyon
[1:04:06] paid parking program. All other items
[1:04:09] not shown here include a variety of
[1:04:11] smaller adjustments which again are
[1:04:12] detailed in appendix C.
[1:04:18] Then we look at sales to other
[1:04:19] governments which makes up 6% of total
[1:04:21] proposed revenues.
[1:04:23] This category includes revenues
[1:04:25] collected from intermunicipal and
[1:04:26] regional partners for services that the
[1:04:28] county provides. These include Aqua 7
[1:04:31] management fees, dispatch service
[1:04:33] reimbursements, peace officer contract
[1:04:35] services, fire services reimbursements,
[1:04:37] and bylaw enforcement reimbursements.
[1:04:40] These charges reflect cost sharing
[1:04:42] arrangements, fee for service
[1:04:43] agreements, and reimbursements tied to
[1:04:45] regional service delivery. The 2026
[1:04:48] proposed budgets for sales to other
[1:04:50] governments is $126,300
[1:04:53] which is $79,57
[1:04:56] $570 lower than 2025. This decrease
[1:04:59] relates primarily to the removal of the
[1:05:01] carbon management services contract
[1:05:03] which did not proceed.
[1:05:05] Other intermunicipal service revenues
[1:05:07] continue at expected levels with minor
[1:05:09] adjustments noted in appendix C.
[1:05:14] Then we look at rental income which is4%
[1:05:16] of total proposed revenues. This
[1:05:19] category includes revenues from facility
[1:05:21] and land leases administered by the
[1:05:23] county. The main items include the
[1:05:24] medical clinic lease, the Torington post
[1:05:26] office lease, surface lease rental land
[1:05:29] rentals, and snow plowing agreements.
[1:05:32] >> When did we when did we take possession
[1:05:34] » When did we when did we take possession
[1:05:34] of the Torington post office?
[1:05:43] Uh, it's separate of the, if I'm
[1:05:45] thinking right, it's separate.
[1:05:46] >> It's part of the fire hole.
[1:05:47] » It's part of the fire hole.
[1:05:47] >> It is part of the fire.
[1:05:49] » It is part of the fire.
[1:05:49] >> It always was.
[1:05:50] » It always was.
[1:05:50] >> Yeah.
[1:05:52] » Yeah.
[1:05:52] >> It's right beside it, like attached to
[1:05:54] » It's right beside it, like attached to
[1:05:54] it.
[1:05:55] >> Yeah.
[1:05:59] » Counc. And those are expenses that we
[1:06:01] charge directly to Canada Post
[1:06:05] >> through the chair. Yes. Those are that's
[1:06:06] » through the chair. Yes. Those are that's
[1:06:06] our rental agreement. They pay the
[1:06:08] county to use that portion of our
[1:06:10] building.
[1:06:15] Uh, the 2026 proposed budget for rental
[1:06:17] income is $142,000,
[1:06:19] which is $1,000 higher than the 2025
[1:06:22] budget and reflects updates consistent
[1:06:24] with current rental agreements.
[1:06:28] Penalties and fines represents 2% of
[1:06:30] total proposed revenues. Uh this
[1:06:33] category includes property tax penalties
[1:06:35] applied when payments are late, peace
[1:06:37] officer fines issued under county
[1:06:38] enforcement activities, and penalties
[1:06:40] charged on utility accounts and accounts
[1:06:42] receivables when balances become
[1:06:44] overdue. The 2026 proposed budget for
[1:06:47] penalties and fines is $103,000, which
[1:06:50] is $20,000 higher than 2025. This
[1:06:53] increase reflects recent trends in
[1:06:54] property tax penalties observed through
[1:06:56] 2025
[1:07:01] » through the chair.
[1:07:03] Would that typically be commercial
[1:07:05] property tax fines or are rateayers also
[1:07:10] struggling with their with their fees?
[1:07:13] >> Um through the chair I don't have the
[1:07:15] » Um through the chair I don't have the
[1:07:15] exact breakdown. It would be a
[1:07:16] combination of the two.
[1:07:30] Um
[1:07:32] then we look at and actually just a
[1:07:35] little bit more context on those
[1:07:36] property tax um penalties. The penalty
[1:07:39] bylaw was changed a couple years ago and
[1:07:41] when we initially did that we actually
[1:07:43] reduced penalties and fines in
[1:07:45] accordance with that bylaw. And so that
[1:07:47] adjustment is really just seeing where
[1:07:48] trending is actually going and then
[1:07:50] adjusting in alignment with that.
[1:07:53] Um then we look at property tax
[1:07:55] revenues. There make up 86% of total
[1:07:58] proposed revenues.
[1:08:00] This category reflects the total
[1:08:02] municipal component of the levy. Uh for
[1:08:05] 2026, the total amount to be raised by
[1:08:06] property taxes is unchanged from 2025.
[1:08:10] The budget is built to hold the overall
[1:08:12] levy flat year-over-year.
[1:08:14] While the total levy is flat, the amount
[1:08:16] paid by individual rate payers may still
[1:08:18] change once once final assessment values
[1:08:20] and mill rates are set in the tax rate
[1:08:22] bylaw. Changes in assessed value by
[1:08:25] market shifts, new construction or
[1:08:27] reassessment or in the relative share
[1:08:29] between assessment classes will
[1:08:31] influence individual tax bills. A
[1:08:34] further consideration is the 5 to1 t
[1:08:36] non-residential to residential tax rate
[1:08:38] ratio cap. This limits how far the
[1:08:40] non-residential rate can be set above
[1:08:42] the residential rate, which can
[1:08:43] constrain options when assessment shifts
[1:08:45] between classes. Administration will
[1:08:48] bring forward the finalized distribution
[1:08:49] across assessment classes and will
[1:08:51] facilitate the mill rates with council
[1:08:53] when developing the tax rate bylaw to
[1:08:55] ensure compliance with the ratio and
[1:08:57] maintain the total levy in the final
[1:08:58] budget.
[1:09:01] The 2026 proposed budget for property
[1:09:03] taxes is 27,710,295.
[1:09:08] Again, unchanged from 2025.
[1:09:11] Exact impacts on individual properties
[1:09:13] will be confirmed when the final
[1:09:14] assessment numbers and the development
[1:09:16] of the tax rate bylaw.
[1:09:20] Then we look at special taxes and
[1:09:22] frontage which are about 1% of total
[1:09:24] proposed revenues. This category
[1:09:26] includes the TRU swimming pool levy and
[1:09:28] water connection levies collected on
[1:09:30] specific properties under the applicable
[1:09:32] bylaws. These levies fund defined
[1:09:34] purposes. The pool levy supports the
[1:09:36] town of Trochu's swimming pool
[1:09:37] operations and the water connection
[1:09:39] levies relate to cost recovery for
[1:09:41] original waterline implementation.
[1:09:44] The 2026 proposed budget for special
[1:09:46] taxes and frontage is $97,1
[1:09:50] which is $151844
[1:09:52] lower than 2025. The decrease reflects
[1:09:55] the expiry of one water connection levy
[1:09:57] and an update to the TroU swimming pool
[1:09:59] levy for 2026.
[1:10:04] Then we have return on investments which
[1:10:06] make up 2% of total proposed revenues.
[1:10:09] Um this category represents the planned
[1:10:12] operating share of earnings from the
[1:10:13] county's investment portfolio. Actual
[1:10:16] market returns can fluctuate
[1:10:17] significantly year-to-year due to
[1:10:19] interest rates and market conditions. So
[1:10:21] we budget a stable stable amount for
[1:10:23] operations. The 2026 proposed budget for
[1:10:26] return on investments is $766,784,
[1:10:31] which is unchanged from 2025.
[1:10:33] Any returns above this planned operating
[1:10:35] amount are typically allocated to
[1:10:37] reserves rather than added to ongoing
[1:10:39] operations. This approach recognizes the
[1:10:41] volatility of investment income and
[1:10:43] helps ensure one-time gains are used for
[1:10:45] one-time purposes while the operating
[1:10:47] budget remains stable and predictable.
[1:10:55] Transfers from reserves make up 0% of
[1:10:57] total proposed revenues as no transfers
[1:11:00] have been included in the proposed
[1:11:01] operating budget. This line captures any
[1:11:04] operating budget draws from reserves
[1:11:06] that council may authorize to balance
[1:11:07] the budget or smooth temporary pressure.
[1:11:10] The 2026 proposed budget includes no
[1:11:12] transfer. In 2025, there was a draw from
[1:11:15] the revenue stabilization reserve to
[1:11:17] balance the operating budget. For 2026,
[1:11:20] the operating plan stands on its own
[1:11:21] without reserve support. This approach
[1:11:24] aligns with sound financial practices,
[1:11:26] using reserves for one-time needs, and
[1:11:28] keeping the operating budget sustainable
[1:11:29] on recurring revenues.
[1:11:33] Finally, within revenues, we have
[1:11:35] capital equipment plan sales, which make
[1:11:37] 3% of total proposed revenues.
[1:11:40] This category represents proceeds from
[1:11:42] selling used equipment as part of the
[1:11:43] county's planned fleet and equipment
[1:11:45] replacement cycle. The intent is to
[1:11:47] recognize a stable, conservative amount
[1:11:49] each year for budgeting while keeping
[1:11:51] the capital replacement program funded
[1:11:53] through broader capital equipment plan
[1:11:54] strategy.
[1:11:56] The 2026 proposed budget for capital
[1:11:58] equipment plan sales is $100,000, which
[1:12:00] was unchanged from 2025.
[1:12:03] Any sale proceeds above this budgeted
[1:12:06] amount are typically contributed back to
[1:12:07] the capital equipment plan reserve. So
[1:12:09] onetime gains help fund future
[1:12:11] replacements rather than ongoing
[1:12:13] operations.
[1:12:14] That concludes the portion of this
[1:12:16] presentation detailing revenues. Before
[1:12:18] I move on to expenditures, are there any
[1:12:19] questions from council?
[1:12:24] » Councelor Olsen.
[1:12:26] >> Yeah. Do we have a detailed uh
[1:12:30] » Yeah. Do we have a detailed uh
[1:12:30] you know province or form on province
[1:12:33] restrictions on our investment funds?
[1:12:34] Like I know we're allowed only allowed
[1:12:36] to do so many things with that, but is
[1:12:39] there uh information that we can get as
[1:12:42] council? through the chair. We do have
[1:12:44] an investment policy. I don't remember
[1:12:46] the number right off the top of my head,
[1:12:47] but I can provide that to council.
[1:12:52] » Uh, councelor Cunningham,
[1:12:54] >> I think I know the answer to this
[1:12:56] » I think I know the answer to this
[1:12:56] question just because of the way of the
[1:12:57] world, but I noticed quite a a decrease
[1:12:59] in our revenue on licenses and permits
[1:13:02] about $35,000.
[1:13:03] This would be maybe a question for the
[1:13:05] planning or economic development
[1:13:06] department, but I'm guessing we're just
[1:13:07] seeing with the cost of doing business,
[1:13:09] the cost of running a household, people
[1:13:11] just aren't doing what they
[1:13:12] traditionally maybe have done.
[1:13:14] >> Um through the chair, this one actually
[1:13:16] » Um through the chair, this one actually
[1:13:16] is one we it had been increased for the
[1:13:18] 2025 budget. It's actually being reduced
[1:13:20] back down to where kind of 2023 and 2024
[1:13:23] budget levels were. Um in 2025, there
[1:13:26] was some anticipation of some additional
[1:13:28] development that we're not necessarily
[1:13:29] expecting to continue in 2026.
[1:13:37] Councelor Olson,
[1:13:38] >> sorry, one more question. Um, is there
[1:13:42] » sorry, one more question. Um, is there
[1:13:42] like we go through all these topics like
[1:13:45] revenue, you know, and expenses and
[1:13:47] whatever else, but do we have a side by
[1:13:50] side in any of these revenue versus
[1:13:56] expense?
[1:13:57] Because like if you look at the
[1:13:59] campground, the variance is for revenue
[1:14:02] is plus $21,925.
[1:14:05] But then you go through and you see the
[1:14:07] expense and it's up $18,000
[1:14:11] in expense for campgrounds. So really, I
[1:14:14] mean, we're we're looking at $3,000 925
[1:14:20] is to the positive, but you don't see
[1:14:23] that till you go through all this mess.
[1:14:25] It' be nice to for me anyways to to see
[1:14:28] that expense side by side so we know
[1:14:31] yeah sure the revenue looks great but
[1:14:33] when you see the expense then you can
[1:14:35] kind of calculate really quickly what's
[1:14:38] a good and a bad thing for us. Sorry. um
[1:14:42] through the chair. Absolutely. Um we
[1:14:44] have so the department schedule would be
[1:14:45] one place to kind of get a little bit
[1:14:47] more of a finessed version of what that
[1:14:48] might look like, but typically when
[1:14:51] we've done historically we've not
[1:14:52] budgeted or done reporting on program
[1:14:55] basis, we've done it on department
[1:14:57] basis. So it's not impossible to do, but
[1:15:00] it's a little bit more challenging based
[1:15:01] on the way we do the accounting in the
[1:15:03] background. For example, the parks
[1:15:05] department has salaries that relate to
[1:15:07] all parks programs put in there, but we
[1:15:09] don't break down those salaries actually
[1:15:11] by different functional areas within
[1:15:14] there. So, that becomes a little bit
[1:15:15] more challenging to put the true numbers
[1:15:18] to that. Not impossible, but just not
[1:15:21] the way we've typically done it and
[1:15:22] would have to be adapted a little bit in
[1:15:23] the background to make that function.
[1:15:25] But I do try when I'm looking at
[1:15:27] something like an expense and a revenue
[1:15:29] that are both being adjusted to kind of
[1:15:31] note that those things are fluid with
[1:15:34] each other and are correlated for sure.
[1:15:41] » CEO Cochran,
[1:15:43] >> thank you through the reef to all of
[1:15:44] » thank you through the reef to all of
[1:15:44] council. That's a great question and
[1:15:46] it's around what we're looking for is
[1:15:48] the feasibility of the service I think
[1:15:50] is what you're saying is around are we
[1:15:51] cost recovering or not and though that's
[1:15:53] data that we're working on in the
[1:15:55] background to determine and as Miss
[1:15:57] Bombberg said is it's not as easy for us
[1:15:59] to be definitive because my salary for
[1:16:01] instance CEO or director is aligned
[1:16:03] across various budget lines you know a
[1:16:05] certain percentage but we can bring back
[1:16:08] uh more detailed line by line um but
[1:16:11] some of our services of course aren't
[1:16:12] cost recovering and they are services we
[1:16:14] offer to our residents And those will be
[1:16:16] discussions that council will have in
[1:16:17] strategic planning around what is a
[1:16:19] service you want to provide at a cost
[1:16:21] recovery and what do you want to
[1:16:22] recover. So as we move forward as a
[1:16:24] council as you move forward those those
[1:16:26] determinations will come forward and
[1:16:28] we'll be able to adjust in the
[1:16:29] background. But in terms of cost
[1:16:31] recovery for our services we're working
[1:16:32] hard to more define that trying to
[1:16:35] accommodate for the salary. So for
[1:16:37] instance a manager in parks her salary
[1:16:40] is aligned across the various services.
[1:16:42] So, we kind of got to pick some things
[1:16:43] out in order to pull it back. It's not
[1:16:47] as simple as like I have a video store
[1:16:48] and the staff is they work this many
[1:16:51] hours. It's not as simple for us to
[1:16:52] figure out as a single service line.
[1:16:55] >> One of the thing one of the things that
[1:16:57] » One of the thing one of the things that
[1:16:57] that this is this is where line line
[1:16:59] items would would come in handy for you.
[1:17:01] I think that's what you're looking at.
[1:17:02] The other side of the coin too is when
[1:17:04] we when we do these budgets like this,
[1:17:06] it's an a lot of there's a lot of
[1:17:08] assumption and there's a lot of putting
[1:17:10] things in in grouping things, right? And
[1:17:14] I mean that that's where we got to have
[1:17:16] a good look at stuff like that. But
[1:17:18] yeah, for sure
[1:17:27] » we're good. I think
[1:17:30] everybody good. Yeah.
[1:17:35] Okay, then we move on to the summary of
[1:17:37] operating budget expenses. Um, I'm going
[1:17:40] to walk through each major expense
[1:17:41] category in order explaining what's
[1:17:43] included and the key drivers between
[1:17:45] year-over-year changes. Um, again, the
[1:17:47] detailed subunctions and various
[1:17:49] variance explanations for each category
[1:17:51] are available in the appendices.
[1:17:53] Information in this section directly
[1:17:54] ties to appendix C. And then all the
[1:17:57] appendix D's are all built into C.
[1:17:59] They're just provided more detail in by
[1:18:01] department.
[1:18:05] So, first we look at contract and
[1:18:07] general services which makes up 11% of
[1:18:09] total proposed expenses. Um, this
[1:18:11] category includes the county's
[1:18:13] externally provided and
[1:18:14] organizationalwide service costs. So
[1:18:16] typical items are software and IT
[1:18:18] contracts, insurance, training and
[1:18:20] development, repairs and maintenance for
[1:18:22] buildings, vehicles and equipment,
[1:18:24] professional and contracted support like
[1:18:25] audit, engineering, legal, um
[1:18:28] advertising and public communications,
[1:18:30] waste collection and transfer site
[1:18:32] arrangements and other specialized
[1:18:34] services that support day-to-day
[1:18:35] operations across departments.
[1:18:40] Um, we look at so the this slide then
[1:18:43] highlights the notable changes between
[1:18:44] the 2025 and 2026 budgets. Training and
[1:18:47] development has decreased by $70,520
[1:18:50] to 316,325
[1:18:54] based on historical usage and a
[1:18:55] reduction in the number of permanent
[1:18:57] positions included in the budget.
[1:18:59] Repairs and maintenance for vehicles and
[1:19:01] equipment has increased by $41,500
[1:19:04] to $186,000,
[1:19:06] reflecting higher parts and labor costs
[1:19:08] expected for 2026 maintenance needs.
[1:19:12] Contracted support has decreased by
[1:19:14] $34,200
[1:19:16] to $1720
[1:19:19] in line with historical trends and a
[1:19:20] reallocation of some funding to program
[1:19:22] areas delivering outcomes directly
[1:19:26] specifically for business retention and
[1:19:27] expansion.
[1:19:29] Advertising and public relations has
[1:19:31] decreased by $73,400
[1:19:33] to $105,600
[1:19:36] due to historical trends, service level
[1:19:38] adjustments, and consolidation of
[1:19:40] communication needs.
[1:19:42] Campground management has increased by
[1:19:44] $18,000 to $80,000 based on updated
[1:19:47] updated contract terms for campground
[1:19:49] operations, which support risk
[1:19:51] management efforts.
[1:19:53] Business retention and expansion has
[1:19:55] been added at $25,500
[1:19:57] to the base operating budget to continue
[1:19:59] the program approved in 2025. Again,
[1:20:02] this is offset by reduced contracted
[1:20:04] support.
[1:20:05] Election costs decrease by $18,000 to
[1:20:08] $3,000 because the full municipal
[1:20:11] election is not required in 2026.
[1:20:14] All other subunctions, minor adjustments
[1:20:16] are consistent with detailed explanation
[1:20:18] in the appendices.
[1:20:20] Together, these subline movements
[1:20:22] produce the net category total of
[1:20:24] $3,497,71
[1:20:27] with a net reduction of $106,946.
[1:20:31] The decrease reflects targeted
[1:20:33] reductions where historical trends
[1:20:34] showed room to adjust, offset by
[1:20:36] increases in areas like equipment
[1:20:38] maintenance and specific service
[1:20:39] contracts.
[1:20:44] Then we look at materials, goods,
[1:20:45] supplies, and utilities, which is 15% of
[1:20:47] total proposed expenses.
[1:20:50] This category includes uh operating
[1:20:52] inputs and consumables used across the
[1:20:54] organization. So it includes fuel for
[1:20:56] fleet and equipment, water for resale,
[1:20:59] shop and general supplies, road
[1:21:01] maintenance materials, utilities,
[1:21:03] chemicals for weed control and water
[1:21:05] treatment, telephone and internet, small
[1:21:07] tools and equipment, and other materials
[1:21:09] required to keep services running
[1:21:10] dayto-day.
[1:21:14] And we look at the notable
[1:21:15] year-over-year changes. Fuel increased
[1:21:17] by $50,000 to $1,188,000
[1:21:21] reflecting fuel price and usage trends.
[1:21:24] Water for inseil water for resale
[1:21:27] increased by $85,692
[1:21:30] to1,136,683,
[1:21:34] aligning with supplier rate changes and
[1:21:36] expected consumption for county water
[1:21:38] systems.
[1:21:40] Shop supplies decreased by $43,500
[1:21:43] to $734,000
[1:21:45] based on 2025 trending that is expected
[1:21:48] to continue.
[1:21:50] Power decreased by $17,589
[1:21:53] to $199,68,
[1:21:56] reflecting recent billing trends and
[1:21:58] efficiencies.
[1:21:59] Culverts decreased by $25,000 to $75,000
[1:22:03] due to stocking needs based on
[1:22:04] historical usage.
[1:22:07] Small tools and equipment increased by
[1:22:09] 17,500 to $47,000.
[1:22:12] The increase supports risk management by
[1:22:14] maintaining the tools needed for timely
[1:22:16] facility and building repairs.
[1:22:19] All other subunctions decreased by
[1:22:21] $21,723
[1:22:23] to $1,545,566
[1:22:28] representing minor adjustments
[1:22:29] consistent with the detailed
[1:22:31] explanations in the appendices.
[1:22:33] Together, these subline movements
[1:22:34] produce the net category total of
[1:22:36] $4,935,857,
[1:22:40] a year-over-year increase of $45,380.
[1:22:48] Then we look at salaries, wages, and
[1:22:49] benefits, which is 36% of total proposed
[1:22:52] expenses.
[1:22:55] This category includes regular wages,
[1:22:57] employer cont pension and group benefit
[1:22:59] contributions, statutory contributions
[1:23:02] like CPP, EI and WCB,
[1:23:05] seasonal staffing and council
[1:23:06] renumeration, overtime and fire perdms.
[1:23:10] The 2026 proposed total is 11,46,154
[1:23:15] which is a decrease of $451,820.
[1:23:19] The primary drivers of this are the
[1:23:21] elimination of positions and turnover
[1:23:23] savings. partially offset by market
[1:23:25] merit adjustments and higher statutory
[1:23:27] contribution rates.
[1:23:30] So salaries themselves decreased by
[1:23:32] $417,951
[1:23:35] to $7,858,763
[1:23:39] reflecting the elimination of three
[1:23:41] positions as well as the carbon position
[1:23:43] that did not proceed and savings from
[1:23:45] turnover of staff. These reductions are
[1:23:48] partially offset by merit and market
[1:23:49] adjustments.
[1:23:51] The pension contributions and benefits
[1:23:53] line decreased by $153,171
[1:23:57] to1565,914
[1:24:01] reflecting lower contribution rates and
[1:24:03] the impact of reduced staffing.
[1:24:06] Government contributions increased by
[1:24:08] $38,543
[1:24:10] to $78,535
[1:24:13] driven by rate increases particularly
[1:24:15] related to WCB.
[1:24:18] Seasonal staff decreased by $20,575
[1:24:22] to $32,938,
[1:24:25] reflecting the removal of two seasonal
[1:24:27] positions tied to the former paid
[1:24:28] parking program.
[1:24:31] Council base pay increased by $51,000 to
[1:24:34] $239,400,
[1:24:37] which is consistent with policy 3.1
[1:24:39] updates, which included market catchup
[1:24:42] approved in 2025. Council PDMs increased
[1:24:45] by $52,399
[1:24:48] to $199,832.
[1:24:51] Again, consistent with policy 3.1 market
[1:24:54] catchup approved in 2025.
[1:24:57] Overtime decreased by $2,65
[1:25:00] to $149,772,
[1:25:04] reflecting application of current
[1:25:05] overtime rates to the budgeted staffing
[1:25:07] levels. Fire PDMs have no change and
[1:25:10] remain at $21,000.
[1:25:13] Together, these adjustments prevent
[1:25:16] provide a year-over-year decrease of
[1:25:18] $451,820.
[1:25:24] Then we look at provision for
[1:25:25] allowances, which is 3% of total
[1:25:27] proposed expenses. Um, this line
[1:25:30] provides an annual allowance for
[1:25:32] uncollectible taxes and related write-
[1:25:34] offs. It is used when accounts become
[1:25:36] uncollectible due to insolveny, council
[1:25:38] policy decisions or assets are
[1:25:40] transferred to the orphan well
[1:25:42] association or when other circumstances
[1:25:44] where collection is no longer feasible.
[1:25:47] Maintaining this provision supports
[1:25:48] prudent budgeting and avoids year in-ear
[1:25:51] surprises if a writeoff is required. The
[1:25:53] total proposed budget for provision for
[1:25:55] allowances is $100,000 and is unchanged
[1:25:57] from 2025.
[1:26:03] Next, we look at purchases from other
[1:26:04] governments, which is 2% of proposed
[1:26:06] expenses.
[1:26:08] This category includes payments and
[1:26:09] requisitions made to other public bodies
[1:26:11] for services delivered regionally or
[1:26:13] proincially. Core items are the
[1:26:15] provincial policing payment, the
[1:26:17] Drumheller and District Regional Waste
[1:26:18] Commission requisition, the Aqua 7 water
[1:26:20] commission requisition, and land title
[1:26:22] fees. The 2026 proposed budget is
[1:26:25] $92,713,
[1:26:28] which is $117,813
[1:26:31] higher than 2025. The increase is driven
[1:26:34] primarily by the provincial policing
[1:26:35] payment with modest increases to the
[1:26:37] regional waste requisition.
[1:26:43] Then we look to transfers to other
[1:26:45] governments, which is 2% of total
[1:26:47] proposed expenses. This category
[1:26:49] includes payments for the county makes
[1:26:50] to other municipalities or regional
[1:26:52] partners under formal agreements. The
[1:26:54] primary items are ICF recreation, ICF
[1:26:57] fire services, and the TROU swimming
[1:26:59] pool levy transfer. The 2026 proposed
[1:27:02] budget for transfers to other
[1:27:03] governments is $698,145,
[1:27:07] which is $65,21
[1:27:09] lower than 2025.
[1:27:11] The decrease reflects the removal of a
[1:27:13] previously unused ICF contingency.
[1:27:16] Ongoing transfers include ICF
[1:27:18] recreation, $348,245,
[1:27:21] ICF fire services, $286,000,
[1:27:25] and the Trochu swimming pool transfer of
[1:27:27] $63,900.
[1:27:32] Then we look
[1:27:34] >> I'd like to just go back a bit on and
[1:27:35] » I'd like to just go back a bit on and
[1:27:35] talk about this policing.
[1:27:38] um
[1:27:39] in in in our uh in our operating budget
[1:27:43] are are are county mounties included in
[1:27:46] that
[1:27:47] uh salary or no separate
[1:27:51] >> through the chair that is an amount that
[1:27:52] » through the chair that is an amount that
[1:27:52] is paid directly to the province pro for
[1:27:55] provincial policing.
[1:27:58] >> Okay. But in our budget that we have
[1:28:00] » Okay. But in our budget that we have
[1:28:00] here, the operating budget where it says
[1:28:03] uh salaries and wages, are they included
[1:28:05] in that?
[1:28:07] >> Through the chair, the salaries and
[1:28:08] » Through the chair, the salaries and
[1:28:08] wages, our staff, it is
[1:28:10] >> that's got nothing to do with the other
[1:28:12] » that's got nothing to do with the other
[1:28:12] services, the emergency services.
[1:28:15] >> Well, through the chair, it's our staff
[1:28:17] » Well, through the chair, it's our staff
[1:28:17] are in that budget, but nothing related
[1:28:19] to the province. That payment is just
[1:28:21] what's
[1:28:21] >> I understand that I'm talking about our
[1:28:23] » I understand that I'm talking about our
[1:28:23] county.
[1:28:24] >> Is their wages included in our stuff
[1:28:26] » Is their wages included in our stuff
[1:28:26] here?
[1:28:29] through the reef. Do you mean our peace
[1:28:31] officers or the RCMP? Peace officers.
[1:28:33] Yes, the through the RE, the peace
[1:28:34] officers are included in our operating
[1:28:36] staff wages. Um, anything to do with the
[1:28:38] RCMP is a requirement.
[1:28:40] >> Yeah, that was my question. Sorry about
[1:28:41] » Yeah, that was my question. Sorry about
[1:28:41] that. So, I mean, with what's coming up
[1:28:44] here with the uh police policing
[1:28:47] increase that could get end up going
[1:28:49] from zero to 30% is the forecast,
[1:28:53] we're going to be paying big dollars for
[1:28:56] policing potentially. Does that reflect
[1:28:59] the 500? Was that reflected in that 539
[1:29:02] or pardon me, whatever the number was?
[1:29:05] >> 592.
[1:29:05] » 592.
[1:29:05] >> 592.
[1:29:06] » 592.
[1:29:06] >> Yes. through the chair. That is the
[1:29:07] » Yes. through the chair. That is the
[1:29:08] amount that the province requisitions
[1:29:09] and that increase is based on the best
[1:29:11] information we have available to date.
[1:29:13] It has not been confirmed by the
[1:29:15] province.
[1:29:15] >> Okay. So that's my question. That does
[1:29:17] » Okay. So that's my question. That does
[1:29:17] not include that the potential 30% that
[1:29:19] could happen to us
[1:29:20] >> uh through the chair. The increase from
[1:29:21] » uh through the chair. The increase from
[1:29:22] the budgeted 2025 to 479,178
[1:29:27] to the increase to 592,66
[1:29:30] reflects our anticipated incre.
[1:29:34] It's just based on the best information
[1:29:36] the province has made available to us at
[1:29:38] this point.
[1:29:39] >> This number does include that 30%.
[1:29:42] » This number does include that 30%.
[1:29:42] >> Yes.
[1:29:43] » Yes.
[1:29:43] >> Okay. Um the other side of the coin too
[1:29:45] » Okay. Um the other side of the coin too
[1:29:45] is I mean that that happening we're
[1:29:47] paying a lot for policing along with
[1:29:48] having our own peace officers. I'm not
[1:29:52] sure that I think that's something we
[1:29:53] got to look at. Like do we need all
[1:29:56] this? I mean we can't get away from the
[1:29:59] provincial policing. That's that's a
[1:30:01] given.
[1:30:02] But just a thought. Uh, councelor
[1:30:04] Olsson.
[1:30:05] >> Yeah, sir. Going back to uh the expense
[1:30:08] » Yeah, sir. Going back to uh the expense
[1:30:08] there, material goods, supplies, and
[1:30:11] utilities. Like on the list, we have
[1:30:14] small tools and equipment,
[1:30:17] and that's like 47,000. But then under
[1:30:20] other, we have a third of that expense.
[1:30:23] Is this is that item all other just to
[1:30:28] to uh to shorten up space on here or why
[1:30:32] don't we have gravel crushing in that
[1:30:34] cuz it's 750,000 yet we got small tools
[1:30:37] and equipment or assist just on this
[1:30:39] proposed just to save paper. I I'm not
[1:30:43] sure
[1:30:45] I just wondered why it was grouped like
[1:30:46] that. So sorry
[1:30:49] >> through the chair. Can you just under so
[1:30:50] » through the chair. Can you just under so
[1:30:50] materials, goods, and supplies? I just
[1:30:52] want to make sure I understand exactly
[1:30:53] what the question is. Um,
[1:30:56] >> that's okay. Sometimes my questions
[1:30:58] » that's okay. Sometimes my questions
[1:30:58] aren't
[1:31:00] clear.
[1:31:02] >> You're okay.
[1:31:05] » You're okay.
[1:31:05] >> Could you What sub function?
[1:31:06] » Could you What sub function?
[1:31:06] >> Sorry. Sorry. No, I just uh under under
[1:31:10] » Sorry. Sorry. No, I just uh under under
[1:31:10] this expense the 15% or whatever um
[1:31:15] like on there and uh it says all other
[1:31:19] which is 1.5
[1:31:21] let's it's basically a third of this 4
[1:31:24] million or whatever and it says the
[1:31:27] decreases reflect various expenditures
[1:31:29] and adjustments for which found in
[1:31:31] appendix C. When I go to appendix C,
[1:31:34] then I see like gravel crushing is
[1:31:37] $750,000
[1:31:38] under that other. So why is it not
[1:31:42] >> why does it not kick out the smallest
[1:31:44] » why does it not kick out the smallest
[1:31:44] tools and equipment? Uh that's only 47
[1:31:47] >> or is it just for space in the
[1:31:50] » or is it just for space in the
[1:31:50] >> I I understand now. So um this
[1:31:53] » I I understand now. So um this
[1:31:53] presentation is all built on appendix C
[1:31:55] is the basis for this one. And so the
[1:31:58] presentation itself, what I was trying
[1:31:59] to do is just highlight the items that
[1:32:01] really had big fluctuations. But if you
[1:32:04] look under appendix C, so for materials,
[1:32:05] goods, and supplies, and utilities, I'm
[1:32:08] just going to flip to the right part.
[1:32:10] I've listed um
[1:32:13] fuel is one item in here, and water for
[1:32:16] resale is one. Shop supplies is one, and
[1:32:18] then you get to general supplies. That's
[1:32:20] included in that all other. Road
[1:32:22] maintenance is included on in that all
[1:32:24] other power has been highlighted here
[1:32:26] because it had a bigger variance and
[1:32:28] then weed control chemicals. So the
[1:32:30] gravel crushing is actually in a
[1:32:31] separate functional category and does
[1:32:33] come up in this presentation. Um
[1:32:36] what I was trying to do with the
[1:32:37] presentation was give a consolidated
[1:32:39] view of the biggest fluctuations and
[1:32:41] then from that point it's up to council
[1:32:43] if council wishes to go through appendix
[1:32:45] C detail line by line appendix all the
[1:32:48] appendix D 1 through 15 line by line
[1:32:51] that is completely up to council what
[1:32:52] they would like to do. Um this
[1:32:54] presentation was really just intended to
[1:32:56] come up to highlight the really big
[1:32:58] fluctuations that have come between the
[1:33:00] two budgets.
[1:33:01] >> Okay. Thanks. That's kind of what I
[1:33:02] » Okay. Thanks. That's kind of what I
[1:33:02] >> I was
[1:33:05] » I was
[1:33:05] okay.
[1:33:10] » Yeah. No, I was just wondering why other
[1:33:19] was like a third of what that Yeah. But
[1:33:23] I I thanks for the explanation,
[1:33:26] >> Council Cunningham.
[1:33:27] » Council Cunningham.
[1:33:27] >> I just want to go back to that policing
[1:33:29] » I just want to go back to that policing
[1:33:29] cost. Um, one thing last term that I
[1:33:32] learned that I really didn't know before
[1:33:34] I sat on council was the amount of
[1:33:36] provincial downloading that's happening.
[1:33:37] So, I think it's really important for
[1:33:39] our rateayers to be aware of that. We
[1:33:41] have no control over that. That's a huge
[1:33:44] increase in one year and and like you
[1:33:46] say, we're trying to budget with a
[1:33:47] number we don't even know what it's
[1:33:49] going to be. Has the province given us
[1:33:51] any any indication of what month we're
[1:33:54] looking at or No. Okay. Well, that's
[1:33:57] helpful. So that's that's a good topic
[1:33:59] for RMA. Um and maybe this is an
[1:34:02] appendex E, but I just want to go back
[1:34:03] to those expenses, material, goods, and
[1:34:05] supplies. 734,000
[1:34:08] in shop supplies. Um is it a are we able
[1:34:12] to get a more detailed breakdown of that
[1:34:14] or is that am I missing that somewhere
[1:34:16] in here?
[1:34:17] >> This is what we need to look at
[1:34:23] » through the chair. So, the detail in
[1:34:24] appendix C for shop supplies on that
[1:34:26] item includes parts for servicing and
[1:34:28] maintaining all county vehicles and
[1:34:30] equipment as well as small specialty
[1:34:32] tools. includes $419,000 for parts,
[1:34:35] $100,000 for tires, $100,000 for bulk
[1:34:38] oil, $55,000 for specialty tools,
[1:34:42] $25,000 for consumables, $20,000 for
[1:34:45] batteries, um emergency management kit
[1:34:47] supplies, hand signs and ladders for
[1:34:49] peace officer vehicles, signs, first aid
[1:34:51] kits, fire extinguisher for fire chief
[1:34:53] vehicle, and spraying equipment parts
[1:34:55] and materials.
[1:34:57] So that's in appendix C on page nine of
[1:35:00] appendix C.
[1:35:02] the second line of data.
[1:35:12] If you like, I can pull it up on the
[1:35:13] screen, too. I have all the appendices.
[1:35:17] >> That would be awesome. Thank you.
[1:35:18] » That would be awesome. Thank you.
[1:35:18] >> Absolutely.
[1:36:47] Any
[1:36:53] other questions so far? You you okay,
[1:36:55] Council Olsson?
[1:36:56] >> Yes.
[1:36:58] » Yes.
[1:36:58] >> Carry on.
[1:37:02] » I promise I did my best to try and make
[1:37:03] those appendices as accessible as
[1:37:05] possible. There's a lot of data and it
[1:37:07] is
[1:37:07] >> well one of the things one of the things
[1:37:09] » well one of the things one of the things
[1:37:09] you got to remember too is I mean half
[1:37:11] of this stuff is what we present to or
[1:37:13] what was presented to us as rateayers
[1:37:15] without the line items.
[1:37:17] >> So I mean it's real hard when I was
[1:37:20] » So I mean it's real hard when I was
[1:37:20] trying to before I was a counselor
[1:37:22] trying to figure out and break down each
[1:37:24] one of these general budgets because
[1:37:26] there's so much stuff in in them that
[1:37:28] that isn't being reported and lots of
[1:37:30] stuff can get hidden in them, right? So
[1:37:32] there is a lot of stuff here that we
[1:37:34] need to look at. So thanks.
[1:37:41] » Okay. Are we good to continue? Okay.
[1:37:46] Did this one. Um,
[1:37:52] okay. I think we left off here. If I
[1:37:56] remember correctly, my apologies.
[1:37:58] Transfers to individuals and
[1:37:59] organizations makes up about 1% of total
[1:38:01] proposed expenses. So this category
[1:38:04] includes grants and contributions the
[1:38:06] county provides to community groups and
[1:38:07] initiatives under council approved
[1:38:09] policies for community halls, youth
[1:38:11] sponsorships, arts and culture arena
[1:38:13] operations along with other council
[1:38:15] directed programs delivered through
[1:38:17] formal motions and established
[1:38:18] programming.
[1:38:20] The 2026 proposed budgets for transfers
[1:38:22] to individuals and organizations is
[1:38:24] $280,57
[1:38:27] which is $40,500 lower than 2025. The
[1:38:30] decrease reflects a reduction to council
[1:38:32] directed support, the reallocation of
[1:38:34] the grant writer program to FCSS, which
[1:38:36] is now shown under transfers to local
[1:38:38] boards and agencies, and the removal of
[1:38:40] the cemeteries grant due to lack of
[1:38:42] program uptake.
[1:38:46] Then we look at transfers to local
[1:38:48] boards and agencies, which makes up 4%
[1:38:50] of total proposed expenses. This
[1:38:53] category includes the county's
[1:38:54] contributions to external boards and
[1:38:56] agencies that deliver community services
[1:38:57] on a regional basis. The two items in
[1:39:00] this category are family and community
[1:39:02] support services or FCSS and
[1:39:04] participation in the Maragold library
[1:39:06] system. The 2026 proposed budget is
[1:39:09] $152,356
[1:39:12] which is $16,890
[1:39:14] higher than 2025. The increase is
[1:39:16] primarily due to shifting the grant
[1:39:18] writer program to FCSS to better align
[1:39:20] the service with community support
[1:39:22] delivery.
[1:39:26] Then we look at contributions to
[1:39:27] reserves which make up 29% of total
[1:39:30] expenses for a total of 9,137,542.
[1:39:36] This category represents the county's
[1:39:38] plan transfers into reserves that
[1:39:40] support long-term sustainability.
[1:39:43] These contributions ensure that onetime
[1:39:45] capital replacements and risk management
[1:39:47] needs are funded without placing
[1:39:48] pressure on the annual operating budget.
[1:39:51] The proposed budget is $143,16
[1:39:55] lower than 2025. The decrease is due to
[1:39:58] the expiry of a water collection levy,
[1:40:00] which reduces the contribution to the
[1:40:02] water reserve. Base and capital
[1:40:04] equipment plan contributions continue at
[1:40:06] planned levels to maintain responsible
[1:40:08] funding for future capital and system
[1:40:10] renewal.
[1:40:13] And then lastly, within operating
[1:40:14] functional areas and expenses, there's
[1:40:17] gravel or inventory projects, which is
[1:40:18] 2% of total proposed expenses. This
[1:40:21] category represents the county's annual
[1:40:23] allocation for gravel crushing at the
[1:40:25] Torington gravel pit. The crushed gravel
[1:40:27] is added to inventory and used
[1:40:29] throughout the year for maintenance of
[1:40:30] the gravel road network. This ensures
[1:40:32] that road crews have reliable access to
[1:40:34] material when needed and that the county
[1:40:35] maintains consistent service levels
[1:40:37] across its rural road system. The
[1:40:39] proposed budget is unchanged at
[1:40:41] $750,000.
[1:40:43] This stable allocation supports
[1:40:44] predictable road maintenance operations
[1:40:46] and continues the county's program of
[1:40:48] maintaining adequate inventory each
[1:40:50] year.
[1:40:51] That concludes the component on the
[1:40:53] operating budget. Um before I move on to
[1:40:56] three-year operating forecast, are there
[1:40:58] any questions?
[1:41:04] » Think we're good.
[1:41:08] So, next we look at the three-year
[1:41:10] operating forecast. Um, the financial
[1:41:12] forecast is a forward-looking tool that
[1:41:14] helps council anticipate future
[1:41:16] financial trends and challenges. The
[1:41:18] municipal government act requires the
[1:41:20] county to approve a three-year operating
[1:41:22] forecast and a 5-year capital forecast
[1:41:23] each year. This presentation includes
[1:41:26] the three-year operating forecast. The
[1:41:27] capital forecast was presented to
[1:41:29] council on November 25th. Forecasts
[1:41:31] provide a big picture view of upcoming
[1:41:33] financial trends, major projects, and
[1:41:35] potential pressures. It's important to
[1:41:37] note that forecasts are not budgets.
[1:41:39] They do not give administration
[1:41:40] authority to spend funds. They are for
[1:41:42] planning and decision-making only.
[1:41:45] Forecasts help council look ahead, spot
[1:41:47] risks early, and make informed
[1:41:48] decisions.
[1:41:50] So, why does a forecast matter? Again,
[1:41:52] it's essential for long-term financial
[1:41:54] sustainability and strategic alignment.
[1:41:56] It gives council a view beyond the
[1:41:57] annual budget, helping to plan for
[1:41:59] future needs and challenges. They help
[1:42:01] manage reserves, debt, and the impact of
[1:42:03] tax changes more effectively. They build
[1:42:05] transparency and confidence in financial
[1:42:07] decision-making for both council and the
[1:42:10] public. By looking ahead, council can
[1:42:12] make proactive choices, avoid surprises,
[1:42:14] and ensure the county remains
[1:42:16] financially healthy. Again, for
[1:42:18] forecasting is a cornerstone of
[1:42:20] responsible municipal governance. It
[1:42:22] helps support informed decisions,
[1:42:23] protect service levels, and help council
[1:42:25] deliver on long-term goals.
[1:42:29] This slide highlights the key revenue
[1:42:30] trends in the three-year operating
[1:42:32] forecast. So what's been included is how
[1:42:34] major revenue categories are expected to
[1:42:36] change based on current policies,
[1:42:38] historical activity, and known program
[1:42:40] adjustments. It focuses on the
[1:42:42] categories where movements are most
[1:42:44] material from 2027 to 2729.
[1:42:48] Um growth of goods and services has a
[1:42:50] forecasted increase of 3.66%.
[1:42:53] Um, growth reflects trendbased changes
[1:42:55] in user fee areas such as water
[1:42:57] distribution and bulk water activity,
[1:42:59] campground fees following the 2026 base
[1:43:02] adjustment, and service-based fees that
[1:43:03] move with utilization. No new rate
[1:43:05] assumptions are included unless directly
[1:43:08] indicated by council. So, for example,
[1:43:10] if council had a strategy on water rates
[1:43:12] for the next few years, those would be
[1:43:13] reflected. But unless that strategy
[1:43:15] exists, we only adjust based on usage,
[1:43:18] not on rate adjustments.
[1:43:20] Rental income has a forecasted increase
[1:43:22] of 1.0. 06% moderate growth aligns with
[1:43:25] existing lease and rental agreements as
[1:43:27] they adjust over time under current
[1:43:29] terms. No structural change is assumed
[1:43:31] in the forecast window. And then SP
[1:43:34] special taxes and frontage has a
[1:43:36] forecasted decrease of 31 34.19%.
[1:43:40] Um the decline reflects the expiry of
[1:43:42] time limited water connection levies.
[1:43:44] The remaining revenues relate primarily
[1:43:46] to the TRU swimming pool levy.
[1:43:49] These trend drivers are directional and
[1:43:51] align with the principles used in the
[1:43:53] detailed schedules. They help illustrate
[1:43:55] where revenues are likely to move. The
[1:43:57] forecast is updated annually to reflect
[1:43:59] council direction, assessment outcomes,
[1:44:01] and any adjustments to fees or programs.
[1:44:06] Then we look at expense trend drivers.
[1:44:08] Um again, what's included is how major
[1:44:11] expense categories are expected to
[1:44:12] change based on current contracts,
[1:44:14] historical consumption, and known
[1:44:16] pressures. It focuses on the categories
[1:44:18] with the largest influence on the 2027
[1:44:20] to 2029 outlook.
[1:44:23] We've got a forecasted increase in G
[1:44:25] contract and general services of 6.73%.
[1:44:29] Growth is driven by insurance renewal
[1:44:30] pressures, major maintenance for aging
[1:44:32] facilities and assets, and IT or
[1:44:34] software contracts that escalate under
[1:44:36] multi-year agreements.
[1:44:38] Materials, goods, supplies, and
[1:44:40] utilities has a forecasted increase of
[1:44:42] 2.94% by 2029. Moderate growth reflects
[1:44:46] fuel, operating supplies, water for
[1:44:48] resale, and utility costs that track
[1:44:50] market pricing and system usage.
[1:44:52] Salaries, wages, and benefits has a
[1:44:54] forecasted increase of 6.41%.
[1:44:57] This line assumes a flat policy based
[1:44:59] escalation consistent with recent budget
[1:45:01] cycles, capturing expected market merit
[1:45:04] adjustments um and statutory
[1:45:06] contribution changes over time. So this
[1:45:08] one is one where we've literally just
[1:45:10] applied a similar an average change
[1:45:13] number to that number for the next few
[1:45:15] years completely fluctuates based on
[1:45:18] council direction each year.
[1:45:21] Contributions to reserve has a
[1:45:22] forecasted slight decrease of.36%
[1:45:25] um is a movement reflecting the expiry
[1:45:27] of time limited levies and maintaining
[1:45:29] core contributions.
[1:45:31] Again these trends reflect current
[1:45:34] policy and service levels. council can
[1:45:36] adjust them during budget cycles as
[1:45:38] better information becomes available and
[1:45:40] then they're consequently upgradated by
[1:45:42] administration.
[1:45:46] Then we look at how the consolidated
[1:45:48] forecast for the tough revenues,
[1:45:50] expenses, and the annual shortfall from
[1:45:52] the 2027 to 2029 planning window. Um
[1:45:55] what it's showing is revenues are moving
[1:45:57] gradually with trends based changes in
[1:45:59] user fees and program lines holding tax
[1:46:01] levy assumptions flat until council sets
[1:46:04] tax policy. Expenses reflect the trend
[1:46:07] drivers you just saw in contracted
[1:46:08] services, materials, utilities,
[1:46:10] compensation, and planned reserve
[1:46:12] contributions. The difference between
[1:46:14] the two lines shows a shortfall that
[1:46:16] grow that grows if no policy, service or
[1:46:18] fa phasing actions are taken. So, we're
[1:46:21] looking at 2029 based on current
[1:46:22] trending of shortfall of $876,545.
[1:46:27] Again, this is just based on the
[1:46:28] information that administration has
[1:46:30] available and those get adjusted as
[1:46:32] council sets more direction and we can
[1:46:34] further refine those numbers.
[1:46:40] Okay. Um, the next piece is a budget
[1:46:44] overview which takes the operating
[1:46:46] budget presented today, the pre-approval
[1:46:48] projects done in September, and the
[1:46:50] proposed projects presented to council
[1:46:52] in November and puts it all together.
[1:46:54] Before I move on, are there any
[1:46:55] questions from council?
[1:47:02] Good to go.
[1:47:08] Okay, so this again this overview now
[1:47:11] consolidates basically at this point
[1:47:13] council's been presented with proposed
[1:47:15] projects and and the proposed operating
[1:47:17] budget at a high level. And this just
[1:47:19] summarizes everything that's been
[1:47:21] included in the proposed budget to date.
[1:47:23] So this slide shows a summary of the
[1:47:25] proposed operating budget. At this point
[1:47:27] in time, we're looking at a surplus of
[1:47:28] $139,683.
[1:47:34] Then we have the pre-approval project
[1:47:35] listing which includes the capital
[1:47:37] equipment plan which was $5,256,000.
[1:47:41] This includes fleet and equipment
[1:47:43] replacements that have reached end of
[1:47:44] life and are required to maintain safe
[1:47:46] reliable delivery. This includes pickup
[1:47:48] trucks, seasonal rentals, graders, a
[1:47:50] loader, a semi-truck, an end dump, a
[1:47:53] plow truck, a fire engine, and essential
[1:47:55] shop and ground equipment like a mower,
[1:47:57] chipper, and pressure washer.
[1:47:59] These replacements keep downtime low,
[1:48:01] support winter and road maintenance, and
[1:48:03] ensure frontline and emergency services
[1:48:04] have dependable equipment.
[1:48:07] Then we have budget for phased projects.
[1:48:09] One is bridge file 13480
[1:48:13] which is has a budget of $3,520,000
[1:48:16] which is funded for $880,000 from the
[1:48:19] roads reserve and $2,640,000
[1:48:22] for a stip grant. This is one where the
[1:48:24] counties applied for stip grant funding.
[1:48:26] If that funding is not approved, this
[1:48:28] project will not proceed because there
[1:48:30] is not the funding available as approved
[1:48:32] by council. Then there's Hamlet
[1:48:34] infrastructure upgrades for $1,650,000.
[1:48:39] The Lynen Road pavement overlay for
[1:48:41] $4,39,000.
[1:48:43] Um a covert replacement on Township Road
[1:48:46] 304 for $1,430,000.
[1:48:50] The road rural road stabilization
[1:48:52] program for $4125,000.
[1:48:55] $412,500,
[1:48:58] major bridge maintenance for $242,000,
[1:49:01] and then operating projects including
[1:49:03] the gravel purchase program for
[1:49:05] $2,695,000,
[1:49:08] ERP implementation for $560,000,
[1:49:11] the regional SCADA master plan for
[1:49:13] $220,000, which is anticipated to be
[1:49:16] funded through the ACB grant. Again, if
[1:49:18] that grant is not approved, that project
[1:49:19] will not proceed.
[1:49:21] And then there's one operating
[1:49:23] initiative which is a three-year
[1:49:24] economic development tourism and
[1:49:26] marketing strategy for $38,500.
[1:49:31] And then we look at the proposed project
[1:49:32] listing. So these are projects that the
[1:49:34] previous slide are projects that have
[1:49:36] been approved by council. These are
[1:49:38] proposed projects that have been
[1:49:40] included that were presented in November
[1:49:41] and are being proposed um for approval
[1:49:44] to be brought back at the February 10th
[1:49:46] meeting for approval to in order to
[1:49:48] facilitate initiation of work.
[1:49:51] Um, under maintenance of existing
[1:49:53] assets, there's the roads in need annual
[1:49:55] program for $275,000,
[1:49:58] which is to address deteriorating
[1:49:59] segments of rural roadways ways that
[1:50:01] require urgent attention. The 2026 work
[1:50:04] focuses on feasibility studies and
[1:50:06] design so that the county would be
[1:50:08] shovel ready ready for future upgrades.
[1:50:11] There's a tower project for $187,000
[1:50:14] to be funded from the infrastructure
[1:50:15] reserve. Um, and this is to dispose or
[1:50:18] maintain of our five legacy
[1:50:20] communication towers which are no longer
[1:50:21] being used for emergency services. The
[1:50:24] scope includes dismantling unused towers
[1:50:27] and repairs or maintenance for ones
[1:50:28] still supporting regional broadband.
[1:50:34] Then we have admin and FCSS parking lot
[1:50:37] repairs for $85,300
[1:50:39] funded from the capital building
[1:50:41] replacement reserve. um complete
[1:50:43] concrete and safety improvements at the
[1:50:45] Nihill County Administration and Three
[1:50:46] Hills FCSS parking lots, including curb
[1:50:48] replacement, rubber wheel stops for
[1:50:50] visibility, and traffic control signage.
[1:50:54] Then under replacement of existing
[1:50:55] assets, there's overhead door
[1:50:57] replacement and repairs for $140,300
[1:51:00] funded from the capital building replace
[1:51:02] building capital replacement reserve.
[1:51:05] This is replacing priority overhead
[1:51:07] doors and components across facilities
[1:51:08] where inspections identified structural
[1:51:10] or mechanical concerns.
[1:51:14] Then there's the threehole south gate
[1:51:17] replacement um and security control
[1:51:18] upgrades for $88,000 funded from the
[1:51:21] building capital replacement reserve.
[1:51:23] This is to replace the south gate
[1:51:24] operation um and keypad access controls
[1:51:27] at the maintenance shop. Um, as the
[1:51:29] system is at the end of its useful life,
[1:51:32] there's heater replacements at the old
[1:51:33] Three Hills shop for $61,600
[1:51:36] to be funded from the capital building
[1:51:38] capital replacement reserve. This is the
[1:51:40] replacement of five radiant tube heaters
[1:51:42] and one forced air furnace due to
[1:51:44] failures, physical damage, and end of
[1:51:46] life.
[1:51:47] There's the body cam system replacement
[1:51:49] for $60,000 to be funded from the
[1:51:52] transitional fund reserve. This is to
[1:51:54] replace the Nihil County Peace Officer's
[1:51:56] bodywn camera system because the
[1:51:58] original provider ceased operations. So
[1:51:59] there are no longer parts or support for
[1:52:02] that programming.
[1:52:04] Body cams remain a critical safety or an
[1:52:06] evidence tool paired with in-car systems
[1:52:08] and must meet secure storage and audit
[1:52:10] trail requirements.
[1:52:12] Then there's 110 snowb blades for
[1:52:14] $55,000 funded from the capital
[1:52:16] equipment reserve replaced to replace
[1:52:19] two end of life blades units on 110
[1:52:22] trucks to reduce repair downtime and
[1:52:23] improve winter operation reliability.
[1:52:27] There's capital computer purchases for
[1:52:29] $49,500
[1:52:30] to be funded from the IT reserve which
[1:52:32] is the replacement of nine laptops, one
[1:52:35] printer and the on-remise watchguard
[1:52:36] server.
[1:52:38] Then there's building up co code
[1:52:40] upgrades for $43,500
[1:52:42] to be funded from the building capital
[1:52:44] replacement reserve. This is to address
[1:52:46] code related deficiencies identified in
[1:52:48] facility condition assessments including
[1:52:51] potable water backflow prevention, hot
[1:52:53] water tank replacements, and safety
[1:52:55] upgrades.
[1:52:57] There's the sign storage building
[1:52:59] replacement for $11,000 to be funded
[1:53:01] through the building's capital
[1:53:02] replacement reserve to remove the
[1:53:04] deteriorated water damaged sign storage
[1:53:06] structure and install a new CCAN with
[1:53:08] lighting and shelving storage
[1:53:10] modifications.
[1:53:11] And then there's the Mihan Cemetery
[1:53:13] fence replacement for $88 $8,800
[1:53:16] to be funded $5,450
[1:53:18] by St. An's Catholic Cemetery and $3,350
[1:53:22] from the parks reserve.
[1:53:26] Then we look at new assets. There's the
[1:53:28] class 3 landfill cell development and
[1:53:30] approval for $275,000.
[1:53:33] This is to engage a consultant to design
[1:53:35] a new landfill cell, produce engineered
[1:53:37] drawings, and submit for approval to
[1:53:39] Alberta Environment. The cell would be
[1:53:41] within the Torington transfer site to
[1:53:42] maintain service levels and regulatory
[1:53:44] compliance.
[1:53:46] Then there's the peace officer incar
[1:53:48] radio installation for $33,000 to be
[1:53:51] funded from the transitional fund
[1:53:52] reserve. This is installing A-Fra in-car
[1:53:55] radios to boost coverage where handhelds
[1:53:57] struggle like in river valley areas
[1:54:00] which will improve officer safety and
[1:54:02] meet communication requirements from
[1:54:03] hazard assessments.
[1:54:06] There's armadillo traffic counters for
[1:54:07] $15,400
[1:54:09] funded from the roads reserve to
[1:54:11] purchase and deploy an additional pair
[1:54:13] of counters at rotating sites to verify
[1:54:15] track traffic volumes and vehicle sizes
[1:54:18] supporting road planning, maintenance
[1:54:19] scheduling, and grant applications with
[1:54:21] accurate data.
[1:54:24] Then we have the phase project for
[1:54:25] bridge file 02288
[1:54:28] for $275,000 to be funded from the roads
[1:54:31] reserve. This is to complete engineering
[1:54:33] and design for the replacement of this
[1:54:34] bridge file with a current structural
[1:54:36] rating of 33.3%.
[1:54:39] This would be delivering assessments,
[1:54:40] drawings, and cost estimates so
[1:54:42] construction can pro proceed when
[1:54:44] funding is available and to strengthen
[1:54:46] future grant applications.
[1:54:48] And then under operating projects or
[1:54:50] initiatives, we have aerial photo
[1:54:52] updates for $99,000
[1:54:55] um funded from the infrastructure
[1:54:56] reserve, which is full replacement of
[1:54:58] the county aerial imagery on a 4-year
[1:55:00] cycle, improving mapping accuracy and
[1:55:02] usability across departments to support
[1:55:05] planning, asset management, and
[1:55:06] operational decisions.
[1:55:08] And we have solid waste rolloff bins for
[1:55:10] $35,200 funded from the infrastructure
[1:55:13] reserve to provide residents an
[1:55:15] alternative to the main landfill by
[1:55:17] staging rolloff bins at a supervised
[1:55:19] transfer site twice per year improving
[1:55:21] convenience and supporting responsible
[1:55:23] waste management.
[1:55:25] Then we have Lucas for fire torington
[1:55:27] fire department for $33,000 to be funded
[1:55:30] $25,000 from the medical first
[1:55:32] responders grant and $8,000 from the
[1:55:34] infrastructure reserve. This is
[1:55:36] acquiring a man mechanical CPR device to
[1:55:40] maintain the first response level of
[1:55:41] service, improve CPR quality and
[1:55:43] consistency on medical calls and reduce
[1:55:45] responder strain.
[1:55:47] We have the county pastor reunation
[1:55:50] project for $29,700
[1:55:52] to be funded by the rangeand
[1:55:54] sustainability grant program. This will
[1:55:56] restore and enhance the ecological
[1:55:58] health and productivity of the 270 acre
[1:56:01] smaltz pasture through receding, weed
[1:56:03] control, and soil amendments. The W shop
[1:56:06] operates upgrades for $9,100 to be
[1:56:09] funded from the building capital
[1:56:10] replacement reserve which is minor res
[1:56:13] renovations and equipment to create more
[1:56:15] functional dedicated in-house workspace
[1:56:17] for facilities and utilities to support
[1:56:19] efficiency and ongoing maintenance work.
[1:56:22] And then the last piece is the general
[1:56:24] generator maintenance program for
[1:56:26] $16,500
[1:56:28] to be funded from the water reserve in
[1:56:29] 2026 and then to be put into the ongoing
[1:56:32] operating budget in 2027. Um contracted
[1:56:35] annual maintenance for water pump house
[1:56:37] generators to ensure reliable backup
[1:56:39] power and uninterrupted water service.
[1:56:45] » You okay?
[1:56:47] >> Okay.
[1:56:47] » Okay.
[1:56:48] >> Oh yeah.
[1:56:48] » Oh yeah.
[1:56:48] >> Great. Uh just just to just just to
[1:56:51] » Great. Uh just just to just just to
[1:56:51] clarify uh these are proposed projects.
[1:56:55] They haven't been approved yet. We we
[1:56:58] approve them right
[1:56:59] >> through the chair. That is correct.
[1:57:00] » through the chair. That is correct.
[1:57:00] >> Okay. Next question.
[1:57:02] » Okay. Next question.
[1:57:02] Where do we have any room on here for
[1:57:05] proposed projects that council proposes
[1:57:08] >> through the chair? That is by council
[1:57:10] » through the chair? That is by council
[1:57:10] direction.
[1:57:12] >> If council wishes for projects to come
[1:57:14] » If council wishes for projects to come
[1:57:14] forward, that is council direct. But I'm
[1:57:17] just saying there's no there's no place
[1:57:18] here right now. So when we when we for
[1:57:21] for a budget dollars and cents wise,
[1:57:24] right?
[1:57:25] So if we wanted to propose a project
[1:57:28] that needed to be done, we need a place
[1:57:29] to put it. Correct.
[1:57:34] CEO,
[1:57:36] >> thank you for your excitement. Uh
[1:57:38] » thank you for your excitement. Uh
[1:57:38] through the reef to all of council
[1:57:39] councils can propose a project at any
[1:57:41] time through a motion. Give us a motion,
[1:57:43] we'll add it to the budget and then it
[1:57:45] will come back. So this is the great
[1:57:46] opportunity for you to propose a project
[1:57:48] that you want worked on through motion.
[1:57:50] Council votes, we add it and then it
[1:57:52] comes back into the next version of the
[1:57:54] budget. So at C anytime council can add
[1:57:57] a project, it's your budget, your
[1:57:58] decision.
[1:58:01] >> Councelor Olsen.
[1:58:03] » Councelor Olsen.
[1:58:03] >> Yeah, if I could go to the uh aerial
[1:58:05] » Yeah, if I could go to the uh aerial
[1:58:05] photo update. So that's done every four
[1:58:08] years I believe you said. And is this
[1:58:11] used primarily for uh municipal planning
[1:58:13] commission or or what are the other uses
[1:58:17] and and why can't we use Google Earth if
[1:58:19] it's four years old anyways
[1:58:26] » uh through the chair I believe our it is
[1:58:28] more detailed than what Google Earth
[1:58:30] provides us. So it gives us more um
[1:58:33] ability to do asset management on our
[1:58:35] stuff. It gives us more ability to do
[1:58:37] more refined mapping.
[1:58:39] >> I think that's a good uh comment. I
[1:58:42] » I think that's a good uh comment. I
[1:58:42] mean, I've been on on projects
[1:58:45] throughout Alberta and across Canada and
[1:58:47] that's all we used was Google Earth and
[1:58:50] that it's something we should look into.
[1:58:55] CEO Cochman.
[1:58:59] » Oh, sorry.
[1:59:00] >> That's okay. I was just going to give
[1:59:01] » That's okay. I was just going to give
[1:59:01] the floor to council. No, it's good.
[1:59:03] Through the through the chair to all of
[1:59:04] council. These maps provide us with our
[1:59:07] aerials for our GIS system. So when you
[1:59:10] look on our website and you want to go
[1:59:11] find a map, that's where we get the data
[1:59:14] from. And so we can drill down onto
[1:59:16] every specific location. We Google maps
[1:59:18] can't provide us with the detailed data
[1:59:20] that we get through this system. Now I
[1:59:22] ask this question as well. Can it be put
[1:59:24] off? Certainly it can be. This is our
[1:59:26] standard though. We do it every four
[1:59:27] years. Council's welcome to push it off
[1:59:30] a year or two. But it is beneficial for
[1:59:32] our rateayers and for planning to be
[1:59:35] able to have accurate data for our maps.
[1:59:39] >> Uh councelor Woodstock
[1:59:44] » on my mic.
[1:59:46] Yeah, these uh maps we generally partner
[1:59:49] with other municipalities to cheapen up
[1:59:51] the cost. I don't know if it's happening
[1:59:53] this time or not, but they do give us
[1:59:56] far more superior data. There's layers.
[1:59:59] We can incorporate gas uh lines, gas
[2:00:04] wells, uh boundaries, uh like
[2:00:08] subdivision boundaries. Uh they go into
[2:00:11] far greater detail than you'll ever find
[2:00:13] on Google Maps. And a lot of this stuff
[2:00:16] is very important for not only
[2:00:19] municipal planning, but it's also
[2:00:21] important for operations. There's a lot
[2:00:23] of things that these maps provide that
[2:00:26] uh other
[2:00:31] other uh Google maps or whatever you
[2:00:33] want to call it, other mapping systems,
[2:00:35] these are far superior to those. So, and
[2:00:38] they're used quite often in the county.
[2:00:49] » Thank you.
[2:00:49] >> Keep it short. Keep it short. through
[2:00:51] » Keep it short. Keep it short. through
[2:00:51] the chair to all of council. We have
[2:00:52] some great folks in the background
[2:00:54] listening to help fill in the details.
[2:00:55] So these maps are far more detailed than
[2:00:58] our aerial maps. They're used for our
[2:00:59] planning subdivisions, reszoning,
[2:01:01] mapping infrastructure, water valves,
[2:01:03] curb stops, rural water valves,
[2:01:05] culverts. So it's very detailed on all
[2:01:07] of our infrastructure and our assets. We
[2:01:09] can't get this detail from Google Maps.
[2:01:11] They don't provide it.
[2:01:15] » Council,
[2:01:16] >> so I know we're going to be doing a a
[2:01:18] » so I know we're going to be doing a a
[2:01:18] tour. So, this um eventually might
[2:01:20] answer these questions, but um just for
[2:01:22] the rate pairs as well, um we called it
[2:01:25] the old the old Three Hills shop. I'm
[2:01:27] assuming that's at the where our main
[2:01:30] shop is. Um could you or could someone
[2:01:33] give me detail on what that shop, what
[2:01:36] we do at that shop that isn't done at
[2:01:38] the main shop because I noticed like
[2:01:39] it's about a almost $62,000 cost to that
[2:01:45] » through the reef to all of council. can
[2:01:47] answer that one. We used the currently
[2:01:48] use the old shop for equipment storage.
[2:01:50] Equipment that can't get cold is stored
[2:01:52] in that space, but we're also looking
[2:01:54] for direction from council on what they
[2:01:56] want to do with that space. Um, and that
[2:01:57] will probably be a topic for strategic
[2:01:59] planning session. Currently, we do use
[2:02:01] it though for equipment storage for
[2:02:02] stuff that can't get really cold.
[2:02:04] >> Okay, thank you. That Yeah, you answered
[2:02:06] » Okay, thank you. That Yeah, you answered
[2:02:06] my
[2:02:06] >> prior at our prior interm budget, we
[2:02:09] » prior at our prior interm budget, we
[2:02:09] spoke on that also. I mean, we we didn't
[2:02:12] build this big shop to have that shop
[2:02:13] sitting there along with the white
[2:02:15] building. We need to go down have a look
[2:02:17] at it. I mean some of that stuff should
[2:02:18] be sold. Um we don't need it's just
[2:02:21] ongoing like I'm like there's a lot of
[2:02:24] stuff in here I'm not in favor of like
[2:02:26] but we can discuss that when it gets in.
[2:02:28] Yeah. Yeah. For sure.
[2:02:30] >> You need a break for 10 minutes?
[2:02:32] » You need a break for 10 minutes?
[2:02:32] >> Sure.
[2:02:33] » Sure.
[2:02:33] >> Let's take a break for 10 minutes.
[2:17:43] All right, 10:18. Let's get back to uh
[2:17:47] the uh budget proposals.
[2:17:50] >> Go ahead.
[2:17:52] » Go ahead.
[2:17:52] >> All right, so before the break, we went
[2:17:54] » All right, so before the break, we went
[2:17:54] over the proposed project listing. Um
[2:17:57] this next slide looks at proposed and
[2:17:59] pre-approval project summary. So this is
[2:18:01] combining those two different schedules.
[2:18:04] Um the total proposed project and
[2:18:05] pre-approval project budget is
[2:18:07] $21,948,900.
[2:18:11] Um and they're organized into seven
[2:18:13] categories. So maintenance of existing
[2:18:15] assets sits at 6.6 million. New assets
[2:18:18] sits at $323,400.
[2:18:21] New initiatives at $55,000. Operating
[2:18:24] projects at $3,681,000,
[2:18:28] phase projects at $5,445,000,
[2:18:32] replacement of existing assets at
[2:18:34] $517,700,
[2:18:36] and capital equipment plan purchases at
[2:18:38] $5,256,000.
[2:18:42] And then we looked at the funding
[2:18:43] summary. So this is the same total
[2:18:45] information, but put into where the
[2:18:47] funding sources is rather than the type
[2:18:49] of project. Um and they're funded
[2:18:51] through a mix of reserves and grants. Um
[2:18:54] so you look at there's $7,326,900
[2:18:58] coming from the roads reserve,
[2:18:59] $5,311,000
[2:19:02] coming from the capital equipment
[2:19:03] replacement reserve. Um grants, there's
[2:19:06] n $2,914,700
[2:19:09] coming from grants. Uh the gravel
[2:19:11] reserve is 2 $2,695,000.
[2:19:15] 1,6606
[2:19:17] $66,500 from the water reserve, $64,200
[2:19:22] in from the infrastructure reserve,
[2:19:25] $560,000 from the contingency reserve,
[2:19:28] $438,800
[2:19:30] from the building capital replacement
[2:19:31] reserve,
[2:19:33] $131,500
[2:19:34] from the transitional fund reserve, 400
[2:19:37] or $242,000 from the bridge reserve,
[2:19:40] $49,500 from the IT reserve, 335 50 from
[2:19:46] the parks reserve and $5,450
[2:19:49] from community funding.
[2:19:53] Uh the distribution shows a heavy
[2:19:54] emphasis on core asset programs with
[2:19:56] targeted use of other reserves for
[2:19:58] facilities, water, and contingency.
[2:20:01] And then this last one just ties in
[2:20:03] appendix G, which is also included in
[2:20:05] the proposed in the um report itself.
[2:20:08] Um, we've got operating budget
[2:20:10] contributions of $9,137,542.
[2:20:14] Uh, proposed project draws of 19,28,750.
[2:20:20] This includes pre-approved and proposed
[2:20:22] 2026 projects.
[2:20:25] And then the projected remaining
[2:20:26] available balance, so basically this is
[2:20:28] money that has not been allocated to any
[2:20:30] project is 59,455,261.
[2:20:36] So this plan funds 2026 projects from
[2:20:38] reserves and grants while maintaining
[2:20:40] available balances for future years.
[2:20:42] Base operating transfers and reserves
[2:20:44] continue um supporting capital equipment
[2:20:46] plan and core infrastructure.
[2:20:50] And so then that comes to our last
[2:20:52] section of the presentation piece today.
[2:20:55] Um and it just highlights the remaining
[2:20:57] steps in the 2026 budget process. So the
[2:21:00] first piece this these next couple
[2:21:02] slides reflect items with budget changes
[2:21:05] made by administration that we're
[2:21:06] highlighting to ensure council
[2:21:08] awareness. Again this list isn't
[2:21:10] exhaustive. Council may discuss to may
[2:21:13] wish to discuss any aspect of the
[2:21:15] budget. But these ones next few items
[2:21:17] are just items where administration has
[2:21:20] either changed something or feels that
[2:21:21] there might be room to change something
[2:21:23] and is recommending those items as
[2:21:25] council discussion. The first is
[2:21:27] horseshoe canyon paid parking. Um, so no
[2:21:30] revenue or expenditure is included in
[2:21:31] the 2026 operating budget to support
[2:21:33] this program. Um, if council supports
[2:21:36] approval, the parking fee will be taken
[2:21:37] out of the master rates bylaw at its
[2:21:39] next update. Then there's campground
[2:21:42] fees. There's an operating budget um has
[2:21:44] a $5 per night increase included in it.
[2:21:47] Um, again, if council supports this, the
[2:21:49] rates will be updated in the next master
[2:21:51] rates bylaw.
[2:21:53] And then the cemeteries grant, this is
[2:21:54] one that came in under policy 2.2. um
[2:21:58] and it's not been utilized in recent
[2:22:00] years. So administration's not included
[2:22:02] this amount in the budget, but this
[2:22:03] would require council resend the policy
[2:22:06] itself.
[2:22:09] And then we look at water for resale. So
[2:22:12] the supplier pricing for most of the
[2:22:13] county systems is increasing by 8% for
[2:22:16] 2026. Um the budget reflects this
[2:22:19] increased cost because it's a cost that
[2:22:21] we h have no choice but to pay in order
[2:22:24] to provide water to our systems. Um, but
[2:22:26] we have not increased the actual rates
[2:22:29] within the operating budget in alignment
[2:22:32] with that increased cost of water. So,
[2:22:34] that's something that council can then
[2:22:35] decide where we look at our current
[2:22:37] rates and what kind of increase or
[2:22:39] adjustment council may wish to make. Um,
[2:22:42] our current rates are $45 per cube for
[2:22:46] gravityfed systems, $2.55 for well-fed
[2:22:50] systems, and $5.15 for bulk water.
[2:22:55] Um, just for some context, a $1 increase
[2:22:57] in the monthly base fee generates about
[2:23:00] $10,000 increased revenue and a 10-cent
[2:23:03] increase in cube rates generates about
[2:23:05] $18,000 on the water systems themselves.
[2:23:08] And our purchase price is increasing
[2:23:10] anywhere between 20 cents per cube and
[2:23:12] 27 cents per cube.
[2:23:18] And then we've just looked this other
[2:23:20] one as total reserve contributions in
[2:23:22] the proposed budget are lower in 2026
[2:23:24] for then in 2025 due to the expiry of
[2:23:27] time limited special levies. Um and
[2:23:29] we've just flagged this item because
[2:23:30] they've decreased by $143,16
[2:23:34] and it's just something that council
[2:23:35] should be cognizant of as going through
[2:23:37] the budget to ensure the long-term
[2:23:39] sustainability of assets.
[2:23:41] >> I want to go back to the water for a
[2:23:43] » I want to go back to the water for a
[2:23:43] minute. Um we got an 8% increase. Uh I'm
[2:23:47] gathering that's for production of the
[2:23:49] water to us
[2:23:51] >> through the chair. That's our purchase
[2:23:53] » through the chair. That's our purchase
[2:23:53] price per cube from our suppliers for
[2:23:55] water systems. Yes.
[2:23:56] >> So I gather it's because of them doing
[2:23:58] » So I gather it's because of them doing
[2:23:58] upgrades or uh you would know Jerry or
[2:24:02] councelor Woodstock.
[2:24:06] >> We were projected to have a 5% increase
[2:24:08] » We were projected to have a 5% increase
[2:24:08] in the water rates coming from our hub
[2:24:11] which is the Drumheller water treatment
[2:24:13] system.
[2:24:14] for some reason it came back at 8%.
[2:24:18] So we can't just we haven't been able to
[2:24:21] figure out why.
[2:24:23] Uh we are supposed to be meeting with
[2:24:25] Drum Heler. I'm hoping that we do get a
[2:24:28] meeting, but that is also one of the
[2:24:31] things that we're doing through that
[2:24:32] committee that I've been placed on. And
[2:24:35] what we're trying to do there is trying
[2:24:37] to determine how water rates are
[2:24:39] calculated throughout the province like
[2:24:41] what how to get those numbers correct so
[2:24:45] we can use the same methodology
[2:24:48] throughout the province to calculate. Of
[2:24:50] course the water rates will not be
[2:24:51] consistent through the province but the
[2:24:54] way to calculate them should be
[2:24:56] consistent. So hopefully if we can get
[2:24:58] this through, I think we're due to have
[2:25:00] the final report done by March the 31st
[2:25:04] of this year and then it'll go to the
[2:25:06] province and the province will instigate
[2:25:08] that. But the reason that 8% is there is
[2:25:11] because that is exactly what the
[2:25:13] governer
[2:25:15] raised the water rates coming in to the
[2:25:17] Aqua 7 system.
[2:25:20] But I don't know what the increase in
[2:25:23] rates have been from Three Hills into
[2:25:26] our Mount Vernon and uh equity systems.
[2:25:30] So
[2:25:31] >> yeah, one one of the question one of the
[2:25:33] » yeah, one one of the question one of the
[2:25:33] questions I have is we can't we can't
[2:25:35] absorb these hits. We got to get cost
[2:25:37] recovery on this. We're already sitting
[2:25:39] at 700,000 subsidies on on water systems
[2:25:43] and that just ain't cutting it. So I
[2:25:45] mean we we add another 8%.
[2:25:48] We better be collecting some
[2:25:52] revenue here. Uh, councelor Olson.
[2:25:55] >> Yeah, I agree. There's if we're getting
[2:25:58] » Yeah, I agree. There's if we're getting
[2:25:58] an 8% increase, it has it has to be
[2:26:01] passed on. I mean, I don't like it
[2:26:03] either, but uh also one of my questions
[2:26:06] was and maybe uh councelor Woodstock can
[2:26:08] uh address this too is how often have we
[2:26:11] been getting increases
[2:26:14] um from either the town or from Aqua 7?
[2:26:18] Um just so we're not are are we going to
[2:26:21] be doing this every year?
[2:26:24] Yes,
[2:26:24] >> it's been fairly consistent that every
[2:26:26] » it's been fairly consistent that every
[2:26:26] year the there is an increase in the
[2:26:28] cost of water. uh we do pass that
[2:26:30] increase along to our residents
[2:26:33] but our residents we also have to be
[2:26:36] cognizant that we have to be competitive
[2:26:38] with the towns and villages as far as
[2:26:40] water rates go.
[2:26:42] So, I mean, there is ways to figure this
[2:26:45] out, but doing it strictly through water
[2:26:48] rates, that would put our water rates
[2:26:50] probably at $7 per cube plus
[2:26:54] while our towns and villages are sitting
[2:26:56] in that 4450
[2:26:58] area.
[2:26:59] I don't know if it'd be sustainable for
[2:27:01] the county to raise our water rates to
[2:27:03] that $7 plus because I think anybody
[2:27:07] that's on these water rates know what
[2:27:08] they're paying currently.
[2:27:10] And to increase it that much would be
[2:27:13] well it would be a hit to someone's
[2:27:16] budget. That's for sure.
[2:27:17] >> I I understand that. But the other side
[2:27:19] » I I understand that. But the other side
[2:27:19] of the coin too is we it's something we
[2:27:20] need to look at because I mean you're
[2:27:23] you're you're uh decide or you're
[2:27:26] comparing like the towns and villages.
[2:27:28] I'm gathering like three hills, Chosu,
[2:27:30] etc.
[2:27:31] >> The urbans within our municipality.
[2:27:33] » The urbans within our municipality.
[2:27:33] >> Yeah. And and our our our people, right?
[2:27:38] » Yeah. And and our our our people, right?
[2:27:38] Like Huxley's and stuff like that. Well,
[2:27:40] Huxley would be considerably less
[2:27:43] because they're on the wellfed system.
[2:27:45] >> I Yep. But there's still there's still
[2:27:47] » I Yep. But there's still there's still
[2:27:47] that there's still that dollars and
[2:27:49] cents that we're subsidizing throughout
[2:27:51] the whole the whole area. So, I think
[2:27:54] it's something we got to look at. I
[2:27:55] mean, we can't we can't just go along
[2:27:57] subsidizing everybody. The rate like
[2:28:00] >> Well, we're not sitting in an island
[2:28:01] » Well, we're not sitting in an island
[2:28:01] here saying that we're the only ones
[2:28:03] subsidizing. The tax villages are up and
[2:28:06] I'm not saying that you did. All I'm
[2:28:08] saying is that it's most systems, water,
[2:28:11] sewer systems in the province are
[2:28:13] subsidized to some sort of an extent. U
[2:28:17] whether that's wrong or right, I'm not
[2:28:18] here to say, but I know that our current
[2:28:21] county rates will increase
[2:28:25] uh because of the increase of the water
[2:28:27] coming into
[2:28:29] the Aqua 7 system. But there are
[2:28:32] different ways to generate revenue like
[2:28:35] we've had u
[2:28:38] oh local improvement tax and what's the
[2:28:41] other one that we have the ability to do
[2:28:44] on land. But regardless of um there
[2:28:47] there is ways of doing it. We just taken
[2:28:51] 770 722,000 off because after 15 years
[2:28:56] that last water system has now come off
[2:28:59] the books. So we no longer get that uh
[2:29:02] income from it because after 15 years
[2:29:05] that was that was the way the bylaw was
[2:29:07] written. So
[2:29:10] but uh we've got seven seven separate
[2:29:13] water systems and they've all come off
[2:29:16] and this is the last one that's come
[2:29:17] off. So anyway, I'm not going to prolong
[2:29:19] the discussion. Coh CEO Cochran.
[2:29:23] >> Thank you through the reef to all of
[2:29:24] » Thank you through the reef to all of
[2:29:24] council. Um, we have a great dashboard
[2:29:26] that we'll bring in front of council
[2:29:27] that will talk about our ro that'll show
[2:29:29] you the water rates in live time where
[2:29:31] you can adjust water rates and see how
[2:29:33] that impacts the the revenue and the
[2:29:35] recoveries. Um, certainly there council
[2:29:38] I can understand a strategy to get us
[2:29:40] closer to recovery, but that's something
[2:29:42] um that you'll want to look at through
[2:29:43] the strategic planning and the policy,
[2:29:45] but we do have the capacity to support
[2:29:47] you in seeing what decisions make in
[2:29:49] real time. So if you increase by 5 cents
[2:29:51] per cube, you can see what that impact
[2:29:53] is in terms of our revenue. As m
[2:29:56] councelor Witstock did indicate, there's
[2:29:58] other ways for us to bring in revenue
[2:29:59] through special improvement taxes and
[2:30:01] such. Um and those will be things for
[2:30:03] council to consider as you move through
[2:30:05] your term
[2:30:11] everybody. Okay?
[2:30:14] >> All righty. Thanks.
[2:30:18] » Okay. Um so this is my last slide of my
[2:30:21] presentation component of today. Um and
[2:30:23] it just looks at what the next steps are
[2:30:26] from here in the budget process. So
[2:30:28] throughout the process, administration
[2:30:30] has been logging any questions asked.
[2:30:32] Today we're logging any questions that
[2:30:33] are asked um so that we can provide
[2:30:36] clear responses back in future budget
[2:30:39] sessions. Um so that will continue. If
[2:30:42] there are questions outside of these
[2:30:43] presentations, they can be directed to
[2:30:45] CEO Cochran who will then can ensure
[2:30:48] that those are included in any future
[2:30:51] presentations.
[2:30:52] Um, so then again, administration then
[2:30:54] provides responses and follow-ups. So
[2:30:56] any changes to numbers or assumptions
[2:30:58] are shown side by side with the original
[2:31:00] information. So anything that changes in
[2:31:02] the budget now will look we've got that
[2:31:05] 1930 thou $139,000
[2:31:07] surplus. Anything that gets adjusted
[2:31:09] will then be specifically tracked so we
[2:31:11] can log exactly where the proposed
[2:31:13] budget to the final adopted budget gets
[2:31:15] to. Um and then budget deliberations and
[2:31:18] balancing. So council then from this
[2:31:21] point forward administration has put
[2:31:24] forward everything that administration
[2:31:26] would like to put forward to the for the
[2:31:27] 2026 budget. And realistically, it's in
[2:31:30] council's hands to look at what things
[2:31:33] they want to look further into, what
[2:31:34] questions they want answered, how water
[2:31:37] rates might be adjusted for that
[2:31:39] example. Right? Administration knows the
[2:31:41] cost is increased, but administration
[2:31:43] doesn't know where council wants to go
[2:31:44] with those rates. So, that's something
[2:31:46] that administration's flagged as a
[2:31:48] council discussion item because it's not
[2:31:50] something that we're going to like
[2:31:51] directly put a number to. Um the next
[2:31:55] time I you see me I will have a budget
[2:31:58] dashboard for council and what that's
[2:32:00] intended to do is provide some sort of
[2:32:03] visual aspect of where changes are
[2:32:05] affecting the budget. So it provides a
[2:32:07] live update of shortfall or surplus. Um
[2:32:10] it'll calculate any tax changes. It'll
[2:32:13] calculate water rate impact. So we try
[2:32:15] and look at what the average impact to
[2:32:18] an acreage owner or a hamlet owner would
[2:32:20] be depending on different changes in
[2:32:22] water rates. what the average impact on
[2:32:24] a low bulk water user versus a high
[2:32:28] usage bulk water user might be. Um, and
[2:32:30] then anything else that we kind of
[2:32:32] identify or council tells us they're
[2:32:34] willing to look at, we kind of try to
[2:32:35] specifically build that into that
[2:32:37] dashboard. Um, it'll also include things
[2:32:40] like budget project approvals and how
[2:32:42] they impact reserve balances to try and
[2:32:44] allow council to scenario plan and see
[2:32:47] what what how decisions would play out
[2:32:49] within the budget. Um again, as
[2:32:51] mentioned before, administration is um
[2:32:55] asking whether council would be would
[2:32:57] consider looking at project approvals at
[2:33:00] the February 10th meeting for the
[2:33:01] remaining projects that have not been
[2:33:02] approved to date. Um again, the
[2:33:05] intention of that is in order to
[2:33:06] facilitate those projects being able to
[2:33:08] be initiated within the year. Um they
[2:33:11] are some of them most of them are
[2:33:12] already on somebody's project plan and
[2:33:14] so until those are approved by council,
[2:33:16] no work can proceed on them. And then
[2:33:19] again, once council's looked at
[2:33:22] everything, once council's deliberated
[2:33:23] the budget, once council is comfortable
[2:33:25] with where the budget is at, um,
[2:33:27] administration will tie up all the loose
[2:33:29] ends and put it all together in
[2:33:31] schedules. That would be the final
[2:33:33] budget that would be put forward for
[2:33:35] council approval. Um, within that, um, I
[2:33:38] know we talk about before April 30th,
[2:33:41] sometime in April, the tax rate bylaw
[2:33:43] also needs to be passed, um, either in
[2:33:45] conjunction with the final approved
[2:33:47] budget or after the final approved
[2:33:49] budget, depending on where council is
[2:33:51] comfortable with that and when council's
[2:33:52] deliberations kind of come to a
[2:33:54] conclusion. Um, we will get final
[2:33:57] assessment numbers late February, early
[2:34:00] March. Um, and then we can kind of look
[2:34:02] at how assessment is shifted, how that
[2:34:04] would impact rate payers based on the
[2:34:07] distribution of assessment, whether we
[2:34:09] keep a flat line over the exact same
[2:34:11] amount of property tax as is currently
[2:34:13] included in the budget, how that would
[2:34:15] impact a residential rateayer versus a
[2:34:17] farmland versus a non-residential
[2:34:18] rateayer.
[2:34:20] Um, yeah, so thank you for your time
[2:34:24] today. Um, I am happy to answer any
[2:34:26] other questions, collect any other
[2:34:28] questions or guidance from council to
[2:34:30] ensure what we come back with. The next
[2:34:32] stage provides council with the
[2:34:34] information that they need. Um, yeah,
[2:34:38] thank you.
[2:34:39] >> Thanks for your presentation. Um, I
[2:34:43] » Thanks for your presentation. Um, I
[2:34:43] actually think we need to decide what
[2:34:44] we're going to do if we're going to do
[2:34:46] some line item budget and take some time
[2:34:48] and separate have a a couple days of a
[2:34:51] budget review.
[2:34:55] something to think about.
[2:34:59] » Everybody okay with that? Thinking about
[2:35:00] that one?
[2:35:01] >> Mhm.
[2:35:02] » Mhm.
[2:35:02] >> Yeah, I think that'd be important.
[2:35:07] » So, we we have to actually give
[2:35:09] direction. So, I mean that that's the
[2:35:11] direction we'd like to go. So, we we set
[2:35:13] up some some times to to go through this
[2:35:17] through the budget line items and uh at
[2:35:20] a council at a national budget meeting
[2:35:25] » as far as as far as the information
[2:35:27] council C or CEO Cochran
[2:35:30] >> through the reef to all of council. So,
[2:35:32] » through the reef to all of council. So,
[2:35:32] council's within their you know you can
[2:35:34] sit with the budget but any decisions
[2:35:36] you made have to be made in this council
[2:35:37] chamber. So any motions, any changes?
[2:35:40] Um, in my 30 years in government, I've
[2:35:42] always participated in public budget
[2:35:44] deliberations. This is fairly common.
[2:35:46] I've never done closed door sessions
[2:35:48] because anything that you debate in
[2:35:51] closed doors has to be brought back to
[2:35:52] the council table. You have to debate it
[2:35:54] in council and you have to vote on it in
[2:35:56] council. It is a public process. This is
[2:35:57] a public budget and we want to ensure
[2:36:00] transparency and that's why we do it in
[2:36:02] a public council meeting. In response to
[2:36:04] your your your response uh council or
[2:36:08] CEO Cochran yeah that's correct we will
[2:36:11] be doing approving the budget in the
[2:36:12] council meeting but prior to that there
[2:36:15] is stuff that we need to go through this
[2:36:17] budget line item by line item and we
[2:36:19] need to put forth what we feel is the
[2:36:22] budget what we feel needs to be cut what
[2:36:25] we feel were p where costs need to be
[2:36:29] taken out andor things need to be
[2:36:32] changed and in order for us to do that,
[2:36:34] we cannot do that in a public meeting
[2:36:36] because there could be we could be
[2:36:38] affecting people and people's jobs.
[2:36:43] That's why we do it on a separate
[2:36:45] meeting and then we come out and then we
[2:36:47] come out out of out of that and we bring
[2:36:50] forth that the budget that we came
[2:36:51] through in in a council meeting.
[2:36:56] » Councelor Dunningham.
[2:36:58] So, didn't do I can't even remember if
[2:37:01] we did this last term, but would my
[2:37:03] understanding be that we would call a
[2:37:04] special meeting of council to go over
[2:37:06] budget like it would be an additional
[2:37:08] meeting that we add to the schedule. Is
[2:37:10] that correct?
[2:37:11] >> Uh through the reef tall of council that
[2:37:13] » Uh through the reef tall of council that
[2:37:13] would still be a public meeting.
[2:37:15] >> Yes.
[2:37:15] » Yes.
[2:37:15] >> Yeah. Absolutely. And that is the
[2:37:17] » Yeah. Absolutely. And that is the
[2:37:17] preferred is that council budget
[2:37:18] deliberations are in a public meeting
[2:37:20] where you're able to discuss, provide
[2:37:22] motions and vote. um that is critical
[2:37:25] for the the process for transparency and
[2:37:27] for governance
[2:37:28] >> with the ability to move into close
[2:37:30] » with the ability to move into close
[2:37:30] session.
[2:37:30] >> Absolutely. Yes. Through the brief if
[2:37:32] » Absolutely. Yes. Through the brief if
[2:37:32] we're talking about personnel or changes
[2:37:34] to personnel or salary budgets we would
[2:37:36] move into camera. We certainly would not
[2:37:38] be talking about people's positions but
[2:37:41] one way or another whether you come in
[2:37:42] or out of the chamber you still have to
[2:37:44] make the motion. So at some point people
[2:37:46] are going to recognize that we've made
[2:37:48] decisions or you've made decisions
[2:37:49] related to their positions. That is part
[2:37:51] of the job. It's part of the way we do
[2:37:53] budgets.
[2:38:00] » Any other concerns or questions?
[2:38:06] » Do we need a motion to set up the
[2:38:09] meeting ahead of time? Okay.
[2:38:12] I think we should, if we're going to do
[2:38:13] it, we have to propose that meeting.
[2:38:20] I move that we have a uh
[2:38:24] budget meeting with council and in due
[2:38:29] to to proper procedures special
[2:38:35] budget
[2:38:37] >> are we talking are we talking with in c
[2:38:39] » are we talking are we talking with in c
[2:38:39] or uh online or are we talking just
[2:38:42] separate
[2:38:43] >> well we have to go online by what
[2:38:45] » well we have to go online by what
[2:38:45] >> well we don't have to go online Okay.
[2:38:48] » well we don't have to go online Okay.
[2:38:48] >> We actually don't
[2:38:50] » We actually don't
[2:38:50] >> like I I understand where you're coming
[2:38:52] » like I I understand where you're coming
[2:38:52] from, but when we're going to sit down
[2:38:54] and discuss things, we we're going to go
[2:38:57] into a strategic plan that we don't
[2:38:59] we're not in in line or in a special
[2:39:01] meeting. We're not in a council meeting.
[2:39:04] We're going to talk strategic planning.
[2:39:06] >> Yeah.
[2:39:06] » Yeah.
[2:39:06] >> That's by ourselves.
[2:39:10] CEO Cochran
[2:39:13] >> uh through the re strategic planning is
[2:39:14] » uh through the re strategic planning is
[2:39:14] done in a as a meeting of council but
[2:39:16] any decisions made are then made public
[2:39:18] through a strategic plan that council
[2:39:20] has said is your priority areas. Those
[2:39:22] are highle outcomes that don't direct
[2:39:24] the budget from those highle outcomes.
[2:39:26] Then we align the budget to the business
[2:39:28] plan. So if you said your biggest goal
[2:39:31] was roads you would then assign the
[2:39:33] budgets towards roads. But within
[2:39:35] strategic planning there's no budgetary
[2:39:37] decisions being made. It's it's talking
[2:39:39] about what are your values, your goals,
[2:39:41] your mission, what things do you want to
[2:39:42] work on for the next four years. But it
[2:39:44] doesn't assign budget. And that's where
[2:39:46] we want to be transparent with our
[2:39:48] decision-m when we're looking at the
[2:39:50] budget that the public is responsible.
[2:39:52] >> We are going to be transparent with
[2:39:53] » We are going to be transparent with
[2:39:54] that. When we come back out of a meeting
[2:39:56] and decide what which way we're going to
[2:39:57] go, what things we're going to look at,
[2:39:59] we'll bring that forth into a council
[2:40:01] meeting and we will discuss it and we
[2:40:03] will vote on it. But in the meantime and
[2:40:05] in between time prior to going into into
[2:40:08] close session every 10 minutes
[2:40:11] I mean why can't we do it that way?
[2:40:15] Councelor uh
[2:40:18] >> Benner
[2:40:21] » I think if I'm understanding the read
[2:40:23] correctly
[2:40:25] what we probably should be thinking
[2:40:27] about is the council as a whole meeting
[2:40:29] where we can informally discuss where we
[2:40:32] want
[2:40:36] some of our vision towards the budget.
[2:40:41] If you if you're looking for that
[2:40:42] private meeting, would would that be an
[2:40:44] acceptable?
[2:40:45] >> The only thing is the only thing is
[2:40:47] » The only thing is the only thing is
[2:40:47] there, councelor Penner, is that the
[2:40:49] council of the whole the way it's set up
[2:40:50] now is you're still live streamed,
[2:40:53] >> right?
[2:40:54] » right?
[2:40:54] >> That's the problem, council Olsson.
[2:40:58] » That's the problem, council Olsson.
[2:40:58] So I guess yeah I understand what uh
[2:41:03] uh CAO uh
[2:41:06] is speaking about but can we not have
[2:41:09] discussion
[2:41:11] um about things? I know if decisions
[2:41:17] that has to be in a in a regular council
[2:41:20] meeting or a special meeting, but just
[2:41:22] discussion.
[2:41:24] Um
[2:41:25] I guess we need to specify the
[2:41:29] definition of discussion versus
[2:41:32] decision.
[2:41:34] I I don't know if that helps or not or
[2:41:36] makes it more confusing.
[2:41:39] Councelor Cunningham,
[2:41:40] >> I could be wrong on this, but my
[2:41:42] » I could be wrong on this, but my
[2:41:42] understanding always is if you have
[2:41:44] quorum, it's a meeting, right? And it
[2:41:46] has to be public and it has to be
[2:41:48] advertised. Um, and I think we have to
[2:41:51] be careful about that piece. So, um, I
[2:41:54] could see us having further discussions
[2:41:56] at CA or I mean, like I said, last I
[2:41:59] think it was last term, we we did talk
[2:42:00] about maybe doing the special meetings
[2:42:02] for budget just like other
[2:42:03] municipalities do to give that extra
[2:42:05] time. And being that this is a new
[2:42:07] council, perhaps that's a good it's not
[2:42:09] a bad thing to have an extra meeting to
[2:42:10] go through. But um like I said, we do
[2:42:13] have the ability when we're talking
[2:42:14] sensitive to go into those closed
[2:42:16] sessions. But if you've got quorum, it's
[2:42:18] a meeting and it has to be held as such.
[2:42:27] One of the things that I'm not getting
[2:42:28] at this place is it seems like we can't
[2:42:31] have a meeting anywhere to discuss
[2:42:33] anything other than in close session.
[2:42:36] And that to me is wrong. If we decide to
[2:42:39] have a separate meeting to discuss other
[2:42:41] things within this county and bring that
[2:42:43] back where we make decisions into a
[2:42:45] council meeting, that that's how it
[2:42:48] should be. But to sit here and say that
[2:42:50] we can't have we can't have a discussion
[2:42:53] where we can't sit down as counselors in
[2:42:55] a separate meeting and have discussion
[2:42:56] about stuff that just doesn't that
[2:42:58] doesn't meet my criteria on what we're
[2:43:01] supposed to be doing. I mean, yes, I
[2:43:03] know we're it's going to be transparent.
[2:43:04] We have to bring it back in. But the
[2:43:06] other side of the coin, too, is we can't
[2:43:08] discuss a lot of this stuff that is
[2:43:10] sensitive
[2:43:12] in the open.
[2:43:14] Everybody is so poisoned around here
[2:43:17] about you can't say this, you can't do
[2:43:18] that, you can't do this, you can't do
[2:43:20] this. This is the frustrating part of
[2:43:23] it. And I mean, everybody sees it, not
[2:43:25] just us. The rateayers see it. So, I'm
[2:43:27] glad we're having this conversation.
[2:43:30] Any
[2:43:33] other councelor Woodstock?
[2:43:38] » So if you have a discussion and come up
[2:43:41] with
[2:43:43] a solution
[2:43:45] that is a public meeting
[2:43:50] like that is a council meeting. If you
[2:43:52] want to have a discussion in closed
[2:43:54] session you have that through a council
[2:43:57] meeting. But what you're proposing is
[2:43:59] that we have a discussion on the budget,
[2:44:03] not in a council meeting, not in a
[2:44:06] closed session, but not in the open for
[2:44:09] residents to
[2:44:12] watch, I guess, is where you're going
[2:44:15] with it.
[2:44:15] >> That's where I'm going with it. And it's
[2:44:16] » That's where I'm going with it. And it's
[2:44:16] not that's where I'm going with it. And
[2:44:18] because of the
[2:44:20] >> discussion, make decisions
[2:44:23] » discussion, make decisions
[2:44:23] not in a public open forum.
[2:44:26] We can discuss whatever we want, right?
[2:44:28] And bring it forth into into a public.
[2:44:31] >> No. Then you've made a decision.
[2:44:33] » No. Then you've made a decision.
[2:44:33] >> Okay. So, here's an example. Let's talk
[2:44:35] » Okay. So, here's an example. Let's talk
[2:44:35] while we're on this.
[2:44:37] >> I'm not here to argue with you. What I'm
[2:44:39] » I'm not here to argue with you. What I'm
[2:44:39] trying to do is according to the MGA,
[2:44:41] any discussions that we as a council
[2:44:43] have in a council meeting has to be a
[2:44:48] public meeting.
[2:44:50] So when you set up the cow meeting for
[2:44:53] an example, the cow meetings never used
[2:44:55] to be uh on TV or on on the
[2:45:00] >> they were public meetings.
[2:45:02] » they were public meetings.
[2:45:02] >> No, they weren't when they originally
[2:45:04] » No, they weren't when they originally
[2:45:04] set up.
[2:45:05] >> Yeah.
[2:45:06] » Yeah.
[2:45:06] >> Public is open.
[2:45:07] » Public is open.
[2:45:07] >> You anybody could attend a
[2:45:09] » You anybody could attend a
[2:45:09] >> committee of the whole meeting
[2:45:11] » committee of the whole meeting
[2:45:11] >> sitting here.
[2:45:12] » sitting here.
[2:45:12] >> Yep.
[2:45:13] » Yep.
[2:45:13] >> And then eventually it went to camera.
[2:45:19] Teresa.
[2:45:20] >> Okay.
[2:45:21] » Okay.
[2:45:21] >> Conversation. Yeah, I I'll I can we're
[2:45:24] » Conversation. Yeah, I I'll I can we're
[2:45:24] having some conversation here and that's
[2:45:25] what this is about. So, uh CEO Cochran,
[2:45:28] >> thank you. Through the brief to all of
[2:45:29] » thank you. Through the brief to all of
[2:45:29] council, just looking up the MGA. The
[2:45:31] MISMA government act requires council
[2:45:33] meetings to be public. All meetings of
[2:45:35] council must be conducted in public
[2:45:37] unless discussion falls under limited
[2:45:39] exceptions that allow a closed inc
[2:45:41] camera session. These exceptions must
[2:45:42] align with the privacy protections and
[2:45:44] freedom of information act and budget
[2:45:47] deliberations do not fall under any FOIP
[2:45:50] allowed closed meeting exceptions such
[2:45:51] as personnel matters legal privilege or
[2:45:54] land negotiation. So the MGA is clear
[2:45:57] these meetings have to be held in
[2:45:58] public.
[2:46:03] » Okay, councelor Olson.
[2:46:06] >> Okay. Yeah, I guess if that's the case
[2:46:08] » Okay. Yeah, I guess if that's the case
[2:46:08] then let's uh let's do it. I mean, uh,
[2:46:12] we can go into close session, but it's
[2:46:14] going to take it's going to take more
[2:46:16] than just a regular council meeting. So,
[2:46:18] and if we're into it, then it should be
[2:46:21] a special meeting. You know, there
[2:46:24] should be two days. A regular council
[2:46:25] meeting and then on the budget and then
[2:46:27] special meeting the next day or
[2:46:29] something just so we can get through all
[2:46:30] of it. That's that's my thinking. But,
[2:46:33] yeah, if we got to if we got to do it, I
[2:46:35] just uh Yeah, I I agree. If there's
[2:46:40] sensitive stuff, we're going to be going
[2:46:41] in and out of camera all the time or
[2:46:43] it's just because if you're talking
[2:46:45] about getting rid of hypothetically
[2:46:48] hypothetically a whole a whole division
[2:46:51] or a whole, you know, I'm just say I'm
[2:46:55] just saying, you know, that's that's
[2:46:56] going to affect people and they're going
[2:46:58] to be online and and and it's going to
[2:47:00] it's going to you know, I
[2:47:04] yeah, you know what it's going to bring.
[2:47:06] So
[2:47:08] >> that's what we're here for.
[2:47:09] » that's what we're here for.
[2:47:09] >> That's that's right. The other side of
[2:47:12] » That's that's right. The other side of
[2:47:12] the coin is is we're here to have these
[2:47:13] conversations and and the frustration
[2:47:15] part of it. That's fine if you want to.
[2:47:16] We we can do it that way. But prior to
[2:47:19] that, I think we should make note and
[2:47:21] and let all the rateayers know that this
[2:47:23] is why we're going in to close session
[2:47:26] because everybody out there right now is
[2:47:28] poed on a lot of these close session
[2:47:30] meetings. And not that they they don't
[2:47:33] understand why we have to do it.
[2:47:35] basically. So the less closed sessions
[2:47:37] the better I feel. But that being said,
[2:47:41] I'm pretty sure we can direct the
[2:47:43] everybody that is watching that that's
[2:47:45] what we're doing. So
[2:47:47] any more discussion?
[2:47:54] You want to Merl I'm pardon me for
[2:47:56] interrupting your motion.
[2:48:03] Do you want to read it again?
[2:48:08] » No. I can move that the council direct
[2:48:11] administration to bring back the 2026
[2:48:14] proposed operating budget discussion to
[2:48:16] a special meeting of council
[2:48:21] whether it's one day or two.
[2:48:23] >> Councelor Cunningham. So, just to um a
[2:48:26] » Councelor Cunningham. So, just to um a
[2:48:26] question for CEO Cochran. Um can you
[2:48:28] just remind me with special meetings we
[2:48:30] we give the public a certain amount of
[2:48:32] notice? Is it two weeks notice? I just
[2:48:33] can't remember off the top of my head.
[2:48:34] 24 hours. Oh, that's all. Okay. Thank
[2:48:36] you,
[2:48:38] >> Councelor Hoppins.
[2:48:39] » Councelor Hoppins.
[2:48:39] >> Uh just a note on that. I'm reading that
[2:48:44] » Uh just a note on that. I'm reading that
[2:48:44] uh special council meeting called under
[2:48:47] subsection 1B must be held within 14
[2:48:50] days after the date that the chief
[2:48:52] elected official re received their
[2:48:54] receives the request
[2:48:59] which means
[2:49:01] the special meeting will have to happen
[2:49:03] within 14 days of this motion of today.
[2:49:18] Councelor Benner,
[2:49:20] >> the only comment that I would make is
[2:49:22] » the only comment that I would make is
[2:49:22] that there will be two counselors that
[2:49:24] won't be available for those meetings in
[2:49:27] the month of February.
[2:49:46] How is that going to affect CEO CEO
[2:49:49] Cochran? How's that going to affect the
[2:49:51] uh if we car if we carried on with four
[2:49:55] counselors rather than well five I guess
[2:49:58] right
[2:49:59] >> through the reef tall of council as long
[2:50:00] » through the reef tall of council as long
[2:50:00] as you have quorum you're free to move
[2:50:01] forward.
[2:50:03] >> Okay. Merl or councelor Olsen. Uh
[2:50:07] » Okay. Merl or councelor Olsen. Uh
[2:50:07] councelor uh Anderson,
[2:50:10] is there any
[2:50:14] else you'd like to add to that? Or are
[2:50:16] we okay with that that motion? Everybody
[2:50:17] okay with that motion or do you
[2:50:21] councelor Woodstock?
[2:50:23] >> I guess I would just like to find out
[2:50:25] » I guess I would just like to find out
[2:50:25] when counselors are available to have
[2:50:29] these and when are we looking to
[2:50:31] actually go ahead with this? Are we
[2:50:34] looking to wait? Are we looking to get
[2:50:36] it done in the next week or so? Like I
[2:50:39] know I'm going to be gone. I think
[2:50:42] councelor Penner is gone. I think
[2:50:44] councelor Olsen is gone. I think you're
[2:50:46] leaving 12th of February.
[2:50:49] >> Yeah.
[2:50:51] » Yeah.
[2:50:51] >> And I'm I think I'm out the 16th.
[2:50:55] » And I'm I think I'm out the 16th.
[2:50:55] Council
[2:50:57] >> Councelor Penner, you're
[2:50:59] » Councelor Penner, you're
[2:51:00] >> on the eth.
[2:51:02] » on the eth.
[2:51:02] So, I don't know what the rest of you
[2:51:04] guys' schedules are like, but I'm
[2:51:07] thinking if we're doing this, we should
[2:51:09] probably leave leave it sometime prior
[2:51:12] to the ETH then. I don't know. I'm I'm
[2:51:14] not scheduling anybody's time here. I'm
[2:51:16] just asking.
[2:51:18] >> Well, I mean, that's what it's about. We
[2:51:19] » Well, I mean, that's what it's about. We
[2:51:20] got to work around it, right? So, um,
[2:51:24] >> councelor or councelor CEO
[2:51:27] » councelor or councelor CEO
[2:51:27] Cochran.
[2:51:29] >> Thank you. you through the reef of
[2:51:30] » Thank you. you through the reef of
[2:51:30] council. We do have a strategic planning
[2:51:31] session scheduled for February 2nd. We
[2:51:33] can repurpose to budget and do strategic
[2:51:35] planning thereafter. Um I think in this
[2:51:37] current state we are collecting
[2:51:38] information around strategic planning.
[2:51:40] Um but it is a meeting that's already
[2:51:42] booked that you may want to repurpose.
[2:51:47] » Uh my thought is is I don't want to
[2:51:49] repurpose that one. Um the reason reason
[2:51:51] being is the sooner we get that
[2:51:53] direction out the better it is. We can
[2:51:55] probably hang on and wait a little
[2:51:56] longer for this other meeting with the
[2:51:58] budget. Correct. We We got time
[2:52:01] >> and we can and we can maybe see where
[2:52:02] » and we can and we can maybe see where
[2:52:02] everybody's sitting on that.
[2:52:05] >> We just Yeah.
[2:52:06] » We just Yeah.
[2:52:06] >> Yeah.
[2:52:06] » Yeah.
[2:52:06] >> Yeah.
[2:52:06] » Yeah.
[2:52:06] >> Yeah. Through the re as long as you
[2:52:08] » Yeah. Through the re as long as you
[2:52:08] don't put this motion forward.
[2:52:09] Otherwise, we have to do that.
[2:52:10] >> That's what I'm saying. Could we table a
[2:52:11] » That's what I'm saying. Could we table a
[2:52:11] discussion on this or or for till we get
[2:52:15] more information?
[2:52:17] I resend the motion
[2:52:24] due to times and people.
[2:52:44] Yeah, I'm available the third.
[2:52:48] >> February or the 5th.
[2:52:56] » So, when's the strategic meeting? The
[2:52:58] second.
[2:52:58] >> Second.
[2:52:59] » Second.
[2:52:59] >> Okay. I'm available the third then as
[2:53:01] » Okay. I'm available the third then as
[2:53:01] well. So,
[2:53:02] >> yeah, I'm okay there. The third, fourth,
[2:53:05] » yeah, I'm okay there. The third, fourth,
[2:53:05] fifth.
[2:53:06] >> Third works.
[2:53:08] » Third works.
[2:53:08] Third works for everybody.
[2:53:10] >> Okay.
[2:53:13] » Okay.
[2:53:13] >> Third.
[2:53:14] » Third.
[2:53:14] >> Yeah.
[2:53:21] » I was just going to say my only thoughts
[2:53:23] with booking that date is just due to,
[2:53:26] you know, the holidays that people have
[2:53:28] coming up, we probably would be looking
[2:53:30] into March, which I know gets awfully
[2:53:32] close to April, which is when we need to
[2:53:34] have this done. So to me, if we can get
[2:53:36] it done this first week in February,
[2:53:37] it's probably better time when I say
[2:53:42] make it work.
[2:53:45] >> If if it takes a day or two,
[2:53:47] » If if it takes a day or two,
[2:53:47] >> third, fourth,
[2:53:50] » you get on the third.
[2:53:52] >> Yeah.
[2:53:52] » Yeah.
[2:53:52] >> Yeah.
[2:53:53] » Yeah.
[2:53:53] >> Yeah. Uh
[2:53:55] » Yeah. Uh
[2:53:55] >> well, if we want to schedule two, even
[2:53:57] » well, if we want to schedule two, even
[2:53:57] if we don't use the second day, then
[2:53:59] we're fine.
[2:54:00] >> I I think we should try to please. I
[2:54:02] » I I think we should try to please. I
[2:54:02] think the fourth were tied up with the
[2:54:04] carbon
[2:54:05] um meetings.
[2:54:13] » Well, let's fire off on the third then.
[2:54:15] >> Yeah,
[2:54:15] » Yeah,
[2:54:15] >> that's a folder.
[2:54:16] » that's a folder.
[2:54:16] >> Yeah,
[2:54:18] » Yeah,
[2:54:18] >> we'll power through.
[2:54:19] » we'll power through.
[2:54:19] >> Are we okay with this motion? Everybody
[2:54:21] » Are we okay with this motion? Everybody
[2:54:21] any cons or everybody understands the
[2:54:24] motion now? Hopefully.
[2:54:29] » Yes. I follow up and move that the
[2:54:32] council direct administration to bring
[2:54:35] back the 2026 proposed operating
[2:54:38] operating budget discussion to a special
[2:54:41] meeting of council to be scheduled on
[2:54:44] February 3rd, 2026.
[2:54:50] » Any further concerns or discussion on
[2:54:52] that motion?
[2:54:56] >> All in favor?
[2:54:58] » All in favor?
[2:54:58] Carried.
[2:55:04] Okay, we got a third down.
[2:55:09] » Did we confuse you?
[2:55:14] » Yeah,
[2:55:16] thank you.
[2:55:40] Community services.
[2:55:43] » There she is. Perfect timing.
[2:55:53] table.
[2:55:55] We don't need
[2:56:14] Yeah, I think I think so. Uh 6.1
[2:56:19] planning.
[2:56:24] Good morning, Reeve, members of council.
[2:56:27] Um I'm bringing back to you as per your
[2:56:29] request uh public engagement options for
[2:56:32] the land use bylaw review. As you know,
[2:56:35] the land use bylaw is the nuts and
[2:56:37] bolts. We're in it every day for every
[2:56:39] development permit that we issue and we
[2:56:42] have just done a very long public
[2:56:44] engagement for the municipal development
[2:56:46] plan and we in order to align those
[2:56:48] documents we do need to look at a few
[2:56:50] things in the land use bylaw. So we felt
[2:56:52] it was an opportune time to have more of
[2:56:55] a robust review. We have provided
[2:56:58] several options and we did this based on
[2:57:00] the previous engagement and previous
[2:57:02] direction to do more robust engagement.
[2:57:05] So, we've created some options, but I
[2:57:07] believe at the last meeting, you had
[2:57:09] talked about doing a more hybrid version
[2:57:12] of that. And so, at the bottom of the
[2:57:15] document, I've also included just more
[2:57:18] of a checklist so we can actually go
[2:57:20] through and see exactly what it is that
[2:57:22] you think would be helpful to do in
[2:57:24] these engagement sessions. So whether
[2:57:26] it's strictly just a council working
[2:57:28] group, whether we and it would be
[2:57:31] several meetings to go through the land
[2:57:33] use bylaw is a huge document, whether it
[2:57:36] would be um including the municipal
[2:57:38] planning commission members at large in
[2:57:41] working groups or whether it's actually
[2:57:43] creating some additional working groups
[2:57:45] more specific to some like particularly
[2:57:47] hamlets or agriculture that would
[2:57:50] highlight some of those areas in the
[2:57:52] land use bylaw. We can certainly do um
[2:57:55] whatever it is that you are looking at.
[2:57:58] Uh we have open houses that we have
[2:58:00] talked about. Uh we do have legally
[2:58:03] required to do public hearings for this
[2:58:06] uh land use bylaw as well as create
[2:58:08] opportunities for all of our urban and
[2:58:10] rural neighbors to have an opportunity
[2:58:12] to provide comment. So some of that is
[2:58:15] uh you will see um checkboxes in that
[2:58:19] last one that there you go. Um so what
[2:58:22] you see is required. Uh we do have to
[2:58:25] consult with affected land owners. We
[2:58:28] have to provide opportunity to submit
[2:58:29] comments and we do have to have that
[2:58:31] public hearing. And then we are, as we
[2:58:34] always do whenever we do amendments to
[2:58:36] land use or when we're starting to see
[2:58:38] trends in the planning department, we
[2:58:40] create a whole list of notes of things
[2:58:42] that we should look at this the next
[2:58:44] time we talk about land use by or we
[2:58:46] open the land use bylaw or there's
[2:58:48] things that may be require more clarity
[2:58:50] or there's changes to legislation. Those
[2:58:53] are the things and we we collect a whole
[2:58:55] bunch. And so those are part of what
[2:58:57] we're talking about when we say proposed
[2:59:00] changes that are coming from the admin
[2:59:02] perspective. It's still up to council
[2:59:04] whether or not you want to go with those
[2:59:06] changes, but we just want to highlight
[2:59:07] things that we have found as we work
[2:59:10] with the document itself. Hamlet zoning
[2:59:13] is one of those things that we have
[2:59:15] looked at because we have a lot of
[2:59:17] hamlet hamlets that are zoned Hamlet
[2:59:20] general in particular which include
[2:59:22] every use that's available in the
[2:59:24] hamlet. So, we were wanting to align uh
[2:59:26] the zoning and hamlets to reflect more
[2:59:28] what is actually on the property.
[2:59:32] And then the council working group is
[2:59:34] obviously something that you would have
[2:59:36] to do because you're you're the ones
[2:59:38] that approved the document yourself. So,
[2:59:40] the other pieces whether you want to
[2:59:42] include members at large, whether you
[2:59:44] want to create some additional working
[2:59:45] groups, uh open houses to go through
[2:59:49] some of these changes, again that is up
[2:59:52] to you. And then we would go back and
[2:59:54] just let you know what that budget might
[2:59:57] look like. We look at what hall rental
[2:59:59] and whether or not we have snacks or
[3:00:01] those types of things, coffee provided,
[3:00:04] those things.
[3:00:05] >> Mhm.
[3:00:05] » Mhm.
[3:00:05] >> Just a quick question. Does this have to
[3:00:07] » Just a quick question. Does this have to
[3:00:08] be looked at this year?
[3:00:10] >> It does not. There are some things that
[3:00:12] » It does not. There are some things that
[3:00:12] it's we we are going to have to be
[3:00:14] mindful, but we can postpone it a year
[3:00:16] as well.
[3:00:17] >> One of the question other questions I
[3:00:18] » One of the question other questions I
[3:00:18] have is if we if we do like just put a
[3:00:23] We got a lot on our plate to get done
[3:00:24] right away. If we do put it down the
[3:00:26] road a bit, can we as council and you go
[3:00:28] through it first before we go out and do
[3:00:30] anything or
[3:00:31] >> Absolutely.
[3:00:32] » Absolutely.
[3:00:32] >> I think that would be give us more
[3:00:33] » I think that would be give us more
[3:00:33] information on which direction we should
[3:00:36] take andor if we're going to take any.
[3:00:38] >> Yep.
[3:00:38] » Yep.
[3:00:38] >> Right. Um that's that's my thought. We
[3:00:42] » Right. Um that's that's my thought. We
[3:00:42] we just got so much going on here and I
[3:00:44] don't really want to to you know we got
[3:00:45] three options there. That's correct. But
[3:00:47] I mean until we see what it is or or
[3:00:50] what changes that we need that would
[3:00:52] dictate how I would vote on what's which
[3:00:54] way we should be going
[3:00:56] >> and absolutely that's
[3:00:58] » and absolutely that's
[3:00:58] >> there a concern with that or uh
[3:00:59] » there a concern with that or uh
[3:00:59] councelor Anderson
[3:01:01] >> I agree we just went through last year I
[3:01:05] » I agree we just went through last year I
[3:01:05] sat through all the planning
[3:01:06] commission's meetings
[3:01:09] if that doesn't last any longer than
[3:01:11] half a year I I don't know what the
[3:01:14] success rate Councelor
[3:01:17] Olsson.
[3:01:20] >> Yeah. No, I I agree to a certain extent,
[3:01:24] » Yeah. No, I I agree to a certain extent,
[3:01:24] but I also I can see a trend happening
[3:01:27] with us as we keep wanting more time and
[3:01:30] pushing things further along. And at
[3:01:33] some point, we're just going to get
[3:01:34] jammed up here, too. So, we're going to
[3:01:37] have to pick and choose. Yes. But, uh,
[3:01:39] we are going to have to make uh
[3:01:42] decisions as we go here. Um but but I
[3:01:45] agree uh you know with most of what's
[3:01:48] being said here.
[3:01:52] » So and just just to be very clear like
[3:01:54] the process that we did last term was
[3:01:56] the municipal development plan, right?
[3:01:57] So um this this one that we're currently
[3:02:00] looking at would be the the land use
[3:02:02] bylaw. So I mean two separate entities
[3:02:04] but two that really work together. Um
[3:02:08] last term we did um pick out like the
[3:02:10] renewable piece because we were seeing
[3:02:12] so many changes in that industry. So we
[3:02:14] do have the ability to to take out
[3:02:16] pieces and not do the whole thing. But I
[3:02:18] think it was kind of the conversation
[3:02:20] last term was after the MDP was done
[3:02:22] then we really would like a full
[3:02:24] comprehensive review of the land use. So
[3:02:26] I'm 100% in agreement with um maybe
[3:02:30] holding off for a little bit. We are
[3:02:32] doing like we just said strat planning
[3:02:34] the beginning of February. I wouldn't
[3:02:36] want to put it off too long because I
[3:02:38] think we're seeing some changes in
[3:02:39] different industries and and um I think
[3:02:42] we want to address some of those but um
[3:02:44] like you said we do have a lot going on
[3:02:46] but like whether we revisit it closer to
[3:02:49] the summer or I mean I hate to put it
[3:02:51] off to the fall fall such a busy time
[3:02:53] but but yeah I there is a lot going on
[3:02:55] right now especially with strap planning
[3:02:56] but but for me personally I wouldn't
[3:02:58] want to park this for too long. Uh that
[3:03:01] was I would that my intent wasn't to
[3:03:03] push it down the road for years, you
[3:03:05] know. Uh councelor Woodstock,
[3:03:09] >> I guess it excuse me. I guess it depends
[3:03:12] » I guess it excuse me. I guess it depends
[3:03:12] on which scenario we use because it
[3:03:14] could last a year to get through the or
[3:03:18] it could be up to two years. So if we
[3:03:21] push it too far down the road, I don't
[3:03:23] know. Are we going to be outside of
[3:03:24] legislation if we leave it too long
[3:03:26] >> through the chair? I the only thing I
[3:03:29] » through the chair? I the only thing I
[3:03:29] think is depending on the options that
[3:03:31] you choose and how much public
[3:03:32] engagement we do, it takes a huge amount
[3:03:34] of time from our department. It was all
[3:03:36] hands- on deck for two years and
[3:03:39] everybody had jobs and had to do it and
[3:03:41] it was a huge amount of information that
[3:03:42] we were providing in those working
[3:03:44] groups. So again, having a little bit of
[3:03:47] an idea of where you want to land as far
[3:03:49] as that would be helpful. Pushing it off
[3:03:52] is fine. That just gives us more time to
[3:03:54] prepare like I said the information
[3:03:56] packages and more specific to whatever
[3:03:58] that working group might look like. Um
[3:04:01] and then if we have to book halls or do
[3:04:03] those types of things, we do need that
[3:04:05] information
[3:04:07] in advance. So if we meet with you and
[3:04:10] you guys decide you want to start the
[3:04:12] robust engagement process,
[3:04:15] our expectation is that it doesn't start
[3:04:17] the next month. um scheduling bodies was
[3:04:20] a huge problem um because we had so many
[3:04:23] cooks and players that we were trying to
[3:04:25] align and so that that is what created
[3:04:28] such a long time frame in some regard
[3:04:32] but um to do it well we do need to be
[3:04:35] prepared and that's one thing that I
[3:04:37] guess we would just want to have some
[3:04:40] idea and and some time to pull that
[3:04:43] together as a planning department. So,
[3:04:46] um, if we push it off, I'm fine with
[3:04:48] that for now. Um, but I guess give me an
[3:04:52] indication of what you're thinking to
[3:04:53] come back. We can come back in the fall
[3:04:56] or if you're thinking next year, just
[3:05:01] >> I I'm not sure that we're thinking that
[3:05:02] » I I'm not sure that we're thinking that
[3:05:02] far down the road.
[3:05:03] >> Okay.
[3:05:04] » Okay.
[3:05:04] >> Like, it doesn't have to go that far.
[3:05:05] » Like, it doesn't have to go that far.
[3:05:06] >> Okay.
[3:05:08] » Okay.
[3:05:08] >> Yeah, you could give give us a couple or
[3:05:10] » Yeah, you could give give us a couple or
[3:05:10] a month or so, whatever.
[3:05:13] thoughts,
[3:05:16] >> council Cunningham.
[3:05:17] » council Cunningham.
[3:05:17] >> Yeah, just having been through the MDP
[3:05:19] » Yeah, just having been through the MDP
[3:05:19] and being a part of it, I mean, it was a
[3:05:20] great experience. Like the working
[3:05:22] groups were awesome. You know, we had
[3:05:23] them split into different, you know,
[3:05:25] agriculture, economic development, and
[3:05:27] they were wonderful meetings and a great
[3:05:28] opportunity to engage with our rate
[3:05:30] pairs, but Miss Hazelton is bang on. Um,
[3:05:33] I can't make this day because I have
[3:05:35] this and it it it was a scheduling
[3:05:36] nightmare really. I personally would
[3:05:39] love to see um like the open houses. um
[3:05:42] we don't have to have meals. I think
[3:05:44] we're all kind of really looking at our
[3:05:45] fiscal management here. So, I don't
[3:05:47] think we maybe have to do it quite as
[3:05:48] robust. It was a great experience, but
[3:05:50] maybe this time we we do open house,
[3:05:52] coffee, muffins, whatever. Um we want
[3:05:54] that feedback from the public, have the
[3:05:56] different avenues that they can bring
[3:05:58] their comments to us, but I mean to me,
[3:06:00] I guess maybe I'm leaning a little bit
[3:06:01] towards can't remember option maybe is
[3:06:04] it C um maybe not have those um working
[3:06:08] groups with the public. Again, not
[3:06:09] because I don't want to hear from them,
[3:06:11] just because like you said, it did it
[3:06:13] did add another element to it. But
[3:06:15] that's kind of where I'm going with
[3:06:16] that. But yeah, maybe looking in a
[3:06:18] couple months down the road after we've
[3:06:20] got our strap planning done.
[3:06:21] >> Okay.
[3:06:22] » Okay.
[3:06:22] >> And I think we can give you the, you
[3:06:24] » And I think we can give you the, you
[3:06:24] know, you kind of got a general
[3:06:25] consensus here. As far as I'm concerned,
[3:06:27] we're not feeding people
[3:06:30] >> the uh Yeah.
[3:06:31] » the uh Yeah.
[3:06:31] >> cookies. Can they cookies?
[3:06:32] » cookies. Can they cookies?
[3:06:32] >> No. And uh yeah, you want to get fed,
[3:06:34] » No. And uh yeah, you want to get fed,
[3:06:34] come out to my place later. We'll we'll
[3:06:36] cook we'll cook something there.
[3:06:38] But yeah, not not you guys.
[3:06:42] >> Let's let's let's uh give Do you want to
[3:06:44] » Let's let's let's uh give Do you want to
[3:06:44] date
[3:06:45] >> question,
[3:06:46] » question,
[3:06:46] >> Council Olsson?
[3:06:47] » Council Olsson?
[3:06:47] >> Yeah, I would I would like to see it
[3:06:50] » Yeah, I would I would like to see it
[3:06:50] sooner than later, too. And and and
[3:06:52] depending on how long it takes for your
[3:06:54] group, but if we could utilize the
[3:06:57] summer for some of these, you know,
[3:06:59] events. Um
[3:07:03] Yeah. No, it's uh Yeah. Yeah, and I'm
[3:07:05] looking forward to that steak steak
[3:07:07] dinner at Looney.
[3:07:10] » Okay. So, basic Oh, sorry.
[3:07:13] >> I'm just going to clarify then. So, if
[3:07:14] » I'm just going to clarify then. So, if
[3:07:14] we go ahead and plan maybe the initial
[3:07:16] working group with council in July, aim
[3:07:19] for around
[3:07:20] >> Do you think that's too late?
[3:07:22] » Do you think that's too late?
[3:07:22] >> I I think because of the the how long
[3:07:26] » I I think because of the the how long
[3:07:26] these projects take, a month or two on
[3:07:28] the front end. It's not going to matter.
[3:07:30] >> It's not going to matter.
[3:07:31] » It's not going to matter.
[3:07:31] >> Okay.
[3:07:31] » Okay.
[3:07:31] >> You're not going to have it done by the
[3:07:32] » You're not going to have it done by the
[3:07:32] end of the year.
[3:07:33] >> No. But what my question is we didn't
[3:07:35] » No. But what my question is we didn't
[3:07:35] want I was thinking a couple months but
[3:07:37] I mean if if you guys are good with July
[3:07:38] that works for us or sooner.
[3:07:40] >> I will I'll aim for that and we'll we'll
[3:07:42] » I will I'll aim for that and we'll we'll
[3:07:42] do a working group separate out of
[3:07:44] council that we just go through this is
[3:07:46] what we're looking at. These are some of
[3:07:48] the changes that we see would be helpful
[3:07:51] and lay it out that way. So we'll aim
[3:07:53] for that July and um yeah that's great.
[3:07:58] >> I'm okay I'm okay with that if council's
[3:08:00] » I'm okay I'm okay with that if council's
[3:08:00] okay with that. Do we need a motion?
[3:08:02] >> Yeah.
[3:08:04] » Yeah.
[3:08:04] Council Con.
[3:08:06] >> So I will move that council direct
[3:08:07] » So I will move that council direct
[3:08:07] administration to plan a working group
[3:08:09] with council in July 2026.
[3:08:14] » Any concerns or discussion on the
[3:08:16] motion?
[3:08:18] >> All in favor?
[3:08:22] » Perfect.
[3:08:23] >> Thanks Barb.
[3:08:37] 7.1. Uh,
[3:08:39] are we on 7.1? Yeah. County vehicle use.
[3:08:57] » Yeah. Go ahead.
[3:08:59] >> Thank you, Reven Council. At the
[3:09:00] » Thank you, Reven Council. At the
[3:09:00] December 9th meeting, council tabled the
[3:09:02] proposed vehicle use policy and asked
[3:09:04] administration to return with further
[3:09:06] operational analysis and research
[3:09:08] research specifically related to the
[3:09:10] take-home vehicles and on call
[3:09:12] operations.
[3:09:14] Today's response
[3:09:16] reports today's report responds directly
[3:09:20] to that request and we're going to talk
[3:09:21] about um council oversight on vehicles
[3:09:24] operational analysis on how service
[3:09:26] times and delivery is affected if
[3:09:27] vehicles must be returned to the shop.
[3:09:30] So based what changed in the policy we
[3:09:32] did make some changes since the last
[3:09:33] time based on the feedback from council
[3:09:35] administration made two significant
[3:09:37] governance changes to the policy. First,
[3:09:40] all take-home vehicle arrangements now
[3:09:42] require council approval rather than
[3:09:43] administrative approval. Second, the
[3:09:45] policy now clearly states home to work
[3:09:47] travel is not permitted unless it's
[3:09:48] directly tied to operational on call
[3:09:50] response requirements.
[3:09:53] This means that council retains the full
[3:09:54] authority over who's permitted to take
[3:09:57] home vehicles and that the privilege
[3:09:58] must be justified by service needs, not
[3:10:01] convenience.
[3:10:04] So before we get into the analysis, it's
[3:10:06] important to understand who currently
[3:10:07] has take-home vehicles and why take-home
[3:10:10] vehicles are limited to specific
[3:10:11] operational roles where immediate
[3:10:13] deployment, feed based, field-based
[3:10:15] supervision, or on call response is
[3:10:17] required. For our utilities operation,
[3:10:19] our utilities infrastructure is spread
[3:10:21] across the county. Operators are
[3:10:23] assigned to service areas near near
[3:10:25] their homes to reduce travel times,
[3:10:26] improve response, and overall and
[3:10:29] control overtime. And we've included
[3:10:31] some appendices that show the breakdown
[3:10:33] of where the employees are driving to
[3:10:35] where they're working. Our operators do
[3:10:38] not start the day at the shop. They
[3:10:39] typically begin and end their shifts at
[3:10:40] the pump houses, lift stations, or field
[3:10:43] locations.
[3:10:45] Currently, take-home vehicles are
[3:10:46] assigned to utility operators, the
[3:10:48] utility supervisor, and the utility
[3:10:50] services manager. These vehicles are
[3:10:52] equipped with with tools, testing
[3:10:54] equipment, spare parts, PPE, and
[3:10:56] compliance materials. For practical
[3:10:59] purposes, they function as mobile work
[3:11:00] units and is common to what is in other
[3:11:03] administration or other uh county
[3:11:06] operations.
[3:11:08] Our transportation operators, they're
[3:11:10] are highly weather dependent and
[3:11:11] timesensitive. Our supervisors start
[3:11:14] right when they leave and get onto
[3:11:16] county roads to inspect the roads. They
[3:11:18] start hours before the operators start
[3:11:20] so that they have the ability to send
[3:11:22] their operators to the right locations.
[3:11:25] Um, they I went down too fast on my
[3:11:29] speaking notes. The supervisors need to
[3:11:31] assess the road conditions and they
[3:11:33] deploy the graders and the plow crews
[3:11:34] based on that and they have very good
[3:11:36] log books to define that. They adjust
[3:11:38] their routes and they change conditions
[3:11:40] and they coordinate emergency response.
[3:11:43] Currently, take-home vehicles are
[3:11:44] assigned to the transportation
[3:11:46] superintendent and three transportation
[3:11:48] supervisors. As I indicated, this allows
[3:11:51] the supervisors to begin making
[3:11:53] decisions as soon as they hit the county
[3:11:55] roads as opposed to getting in and then
[3:11:58] deploying after that. our operational
[3:12:01] analysis for utility response times.
[3:12:04] When we analyzed the data, thanks to our
[3:12:08] great maps, the direct travel from the
[3:12:10] operator's residence to the site versus
[3:12:12] traveling to the shop first, our maps
[3:12:15] indicate that we would be losing appro
[3:12:17] approximately 15 to 40 minutes per call
[3:12:20] per employee dependent on the location.
[3:12:23] So in utilities operations that
[3:12:25] additional time matters because it
[3:12:27] affects the chlorine system failures,
[3:12:29] pressure loss events, communication
[3:12:31] outages and environmental compliance. I
[3:12:33] commonly get texts or teams from
[3:12:35] operators after hours. We are
[3:12:38] continually we have problems in water
[3:12:40] systems and they need to be able to
[3:12:42] deploy immediately.
[3:12:44] So, of course, our delayed response time
[3:12:46] can increase repair scope and increase
[3:12:48] our regulatory risk and extend service
[3:12:50] interruptions for our residents.
[3:12:54] Take a breath. Workday efficiencies and
[3:12:56] overtime impacts. Our utility operators
[3:12:59] routinely, like I indicated, start and
[3:13:00] end their shifts in the field. They are
[3:13:02] only in the office on Monday mornings
[3:13:04] when they do their water tests and they
[3:13:05] submit to the Alberta environment. Other
[3:13:07] than that, they are in the field 100% of
[3:13:09] the time. They carry all required tools
[3:13:11] and testing equipment in their trucks
[3:13:13] and they respond to service calls near
[3:13:15] their residents late in the day.
[3:13:18] Requiring mandatory return to the shop
[3:13:20] would reduce productive field hours,
[3:13:22] increase paid travel time at the end of
[3:13:23] shifts, and increase overtime exposure
[3:13:25] when service calls occur late in the
[3:13:27] day.
[3:13:29] Through our analysis, we we estimate
[3:13:31] that productiv productivity could
[3:13:33] decrease by approximately one hour per
[3:13:35] operator per day depending on the
[3:13:37] service, which over time results in a
[3:13:39] lot of lost time. So, addressing
[3:13:42] accountability and public perception.
[3:13:44] Well, we recognize that council's
[3:13:46] concerns are not only operational, but
[3:13:47] they're about public trust, safety, and
[3:13:49] accountability. The updated policy
[3:13:52] addresses these concerns
[3:13:55] by explicitly pro prohibiting speeding
[3:13:57] and unsafe driving, formally authorizing
[3:14:00] GPS and tele telematics monitoring,
[3:14:03] allowing GPS data to support coaching
[3:14:05] investigations and discipline where
[3:14:07] necessary, and requiring inspections and
[3:14:10] maintenance compliance, and clearly
[3:14:12] prohibiting the personal use of county
[3:14:14] vehicles. This strengthens oversight
[3:14:16] while protecting operational
[3:14:18] effectiveness.
[3:14:20] administration did a best practice
[3:14:22] review and we contacted eight rural and
[3:14:25] regional municipalities to review their
[3:14:26] fleet practices.
[3:14:28] Of those that responded, half allow
[3:14:30] take-home vehicles for utility operators
[3:14:33] and transportation supervisors when
[3:14:35] justified by emergency response needs
[3:14:37] and field-based service delivery.
[3:14:40] Common controls include no personal use,
[3:14:42] GPS monitoring, documented operational
[3:14:45] justification, and revoke revoking
[3:14:49] privileges if misuse occurs. And this
[3:14:52] aligns closely with what is being
[3:14:53] proposed for Nhill County.
[3:14:56] So based on our analysis, administration
[3:14:58] recommends recommendations are role
[3:15:00] specific. For the utility department, we
[3:15:02] recommend continuing take-home vehicles
[3:15:04] for the utility operators and the one
[3:15:07] utility supervisor because they directly
[3:15:09] support emergency response capability,
[3:15:11] regulatory compliance, and efficient
[3:15:14] field-based service delivery. However,
[3:15:16] administration is recommending that the
[3:15:18] take-home privileges for the manager of
[3:15:20] utility services be discontinued as
[3:15:23] there's not sufficient operational
[3:15:24] justification to support continued
[3:15:26] take-home use for that role.
[3:15:29] for the transportation department.
[3:15:30] Administration recommends continued
[3:15:32] take-home vehicles for the
[3:15:33] transportation supervisors and the
[3:15:35] transportation superintendent because
[3:15:37] immediate road assessment and crew
[3:15:39] deploy deployment decisions are critical
[3:15:42] during weather and emergency events.
[3:15:46] If a council approves the policy and
[3:15:48] recommends assignments, administration
[3:15:50] will provide formal written notice to
[3:15:51] the effective employees, ensure
[3:15:54] reasonable transition timelines were
[3:15:56] required, and update procedures
[3:15:58] accordingly.
[3:16:00] This approach aligns with the legal
[3:16:01] advice that we were given regarding
[3:16:03] notice when working conditions are
[3:16:05] changed.
[3:16:06] Council has three options for today.
[3:16:09] Option one, accept the analysis and
[3:16:10] policy update for information. Option
[3:16:13] two, take the policy table the policy
[3:16:15] again pending further information as
[3:16:16] directed by council. Option three,
[3:16:19] approve the re revised policy and
[3:16:21] recommended take-home vehicle
[3:16:22] assignments as presented.
[3:16:26] » Can you breathe? Can you breathe now?
[3:16:27] >> I can.
[3:16:28] » I can.
[3:16:28] >> Okay.
[3:16:28] » Okay.
[3:16:28] >> Thank you.
[3:16:29] » Thank you.
[3:16:29] >> All right.
[3:16:31] » All right.
[3:16:31] A lot of information here.
[3:16:34] I can write a book on why I should take
[3:16:37] a company struck home.
[3:16:39] Some of this is that I don't believe a
[3:16:42] lot of this. Number one, when we sit
[3:16:45] here and we go out and we talk to 50 or
[3:16:48] we talk to the surrounding MDs and
[3:16:50] counties on what they do, I have a real
[3:16:53] problem because we got all the people
[3:16:56] that are working around in our counties
[3:16:58] now are recycled from the CEOs down to
[3:17:01] the superintendent. And it's even
[3:17:02] happened here. We got people that are
[3:17:05] taking vehicles home because they took
[3:17:07] vehicles home here. So naturally they're
[3:17:08] going to say that I don't believe
[3:17:10] anything like that these guys are saying
[3:17:12] this is Neihill County. This is about
[3:17:15] taxpayers dollars.
[3:17:17] There is some justification on a few
[3:17:20] things. Transportation supervisors not a
[3:17:22] chance. I don't believe that one bit.
[3:17:24] We've never had vehicles going home with
[3:17:26] these guys. They are not in a position
[3:17:28] to go out and uh get on the road right
[3:17:31] away. And it that just doesn't that
[3:17:34] doesn't happen. I know it doesn't
[3:17:36] happen.
[3:17:37] The other the other thing is, if I
[3:17:40] remember right, and correct me if I'm
[3:17:41] wrong, we asked how many times that
[3:17:46] there was emer they were called out for
[3:17:48] emergency services. That's what this
[3:17:50] discussion started. These guys that were
[3:17:52] taking the vehicles home, how many times
[3:17:54] was there, how many times have they been
[3:17:56] called out for emergency services? And
[3:17:58] I'm not talking about just going down to
[3:18:00] a pump house and shutting an alarm off
[3:18:02] because we got a bad system. I don't see
[3:18:04] that here. Um, I I'm not in favor one
[3:18:08] bit of of uh trucks going home. Uh,
[3:18:12] we're even on call. I mean, I don't
[3:18:15] think we have everybody on call at once.
[3:18:18] Like, it it it just doesn't to me, this
[3:18:20] is
[3:18:22] this isn't even even in the ballpark
[3:18:24] where where I think we should be at
[3:18:26] providing a service to our rateayers.
[3:18:29] That being said, that started the
[3:18:30] conversation. Uh, anyone else comments?
[3:18:35] Councelor Olsson.
[3:18:38] >> Yeah, I guess I have one question. Do we
[3:18:40] » Yeah, I guess I have one question. Do we
[3:18:40] have GPS and telematics in the vehicles
[3:18:44] uh right now?
[3:18:46] >> Through the Reef Hall of Council, we
[3:18:47] » Through the Reef Hall of Council, we
[3:18:47] have them in most of our vehicles, but
[3:18:48] not all of them. And uh however, without
[3:18:50] policy, we can't use them for purposes
[3:18:52] of discipline.
[3:18:54] But we do have GPS stat on most of our
[3:18:56] vehicles. And I can assure you that our
[3:18:58] vehicle operators do start as soon as
[3:19:00] they hit the county roads and they are
[3:19:02] inspecting and providing advice to their
[3:19:03] staff thereafter.
[3:19:05] >> And what and what cost do we have on
[3:19:07] » And what and what cost do we have on
[3:19:08] that on that those systems
[3:19:11] >> through the like for the GPS systems
[3:19:14] » through the like for the GPS systems
[3:19:14] >> through the reef to all of council. I'll
[3:19:15] » through the reef to all of council. I'll
[3:19:15] have to find out the exact number. I'm
[3:19:16] not certain. But it is a a tool that we
[3:19:19] would enjoy having because it gives us
[3:19:21] good data to provide back to council on
[3:19:23] when and where and why we are where we
[3:19:26] are.
[3:19:27] >> But I can find out the exact number on
[3:19:29] » But I can find out the exact number on
[3:19:29] the GPS. It'll probably come to my teams
[3:19:31] in about 3 seconds. So,
[3:19:32] >> well, I just know these systems are
[3:19:35] » well, I just know these systems are
[3:19:35] expensive. And
[3:19:37] I mean, do we really need to know,
[3:19:40] you know, exactly where everybody's at?
[3:19:42] I mean, I guess as far as a safety
[3:19:44] concern is, I can see part of that, but
[3:19:47] uh yeah, I guess it's something to
[3:19:49] discuss later.
[3:19:50] >> Well, through the reef tall council,
[3:19:52] » Well, through the reef tall council,
[3:19:52] sorry, I didn't mean to just jump in
[3:19:53] there, but I did receive the, you know,
[3:19:54] as I said, the just magic uh 25 per
[3:19:57] month per vehicle, and it is a useful
[3:19:59] tool because it does allow us to to plan
[3:20:01] accordingly to where the graders are and
[3:20:03] where they've been and how how many
[3:20:05] miles they've driven. And it it does
[3:20:07] support our asset management, but it is
[3:20:09] certainly something we can take out, but
[3:20:10] it's 25 per month per vehicle.
[3:20:13] So just for curiosity, uh you have a
[3:20:16] team of people uh listening to this or
[3:20:18] sitting on the computer listening to
[3:20:20] council meetings
[3:20:20] >> through the reef to all of council. I
[3:20:22] » through the reef to all of council. I
[3:20:22] suspect that most employees are
[3:20:23] listening to council. They have YouTube
[3:20:25] and they're all sitting and listening
[3:20:27] because they're prepared. Certain staff
[3:20:29] will be prepared to answer questions
[3:20:30] like asset management is listening um
[3:20:32] where he indicated that the GPS is also
[3:20:34] tied to our fuel system. So it's very
[3:20:36] helpful for us sitting here because we
[3:20:37] don't know all the answers but we try to
[3:20:40] provide them in real time.
[3:20:42] Uh, okay. Uh, one of the one of the
[3:20:45] other concerns that I have, and it's
[3:20:46] brought up by taxpayers, when we have
[3:20:48] people that don't even live in this
[3:20:49] county and they're driving county trucks
[3:20:51] home, uh, they're not in favor of that.
[3:20:55] Uh, councelor Olsson or Councelor
[3:20:57] Anderson, did you have a comment there?
[3:21:03] » Councelor Cunningham. So, thank you for
[3:21:06] this report and the utilities piece was
[3:21:09] very helpful for me and I like I know
[3:21:12] some of it I don't want to overstep the
[3:21:14] privacy boundaries, but this made sense
[3:21:17] to me, but I'm just wondering with our
[3:21:19] transportation supervisors, it doesn't
[3:21:21] it doesn't give us the same data, right?
[3:21:22] Like where they're coming from. Um,
[3:21:26] and then just further to that, like with
[3:21:27] the transportation supervisors, are they
[3:21:30] going out in the evenings or weekends or
[3:21:32] is it strictly they're working the the
[3:21:35] regular county hours
[3:21:37] >> through the Reef to all of council? So,
[3:21:39] » through the Reef to all of council? So,
[3:21:39] it would depend on if there was a
[3:21:40] weather event. If there was a weather
[3:21:41] event, the supervisors would be out on
[3:21:43] the road inspecting roads so they would
[3:21:44] know where to deploy their on call
[3:21:46] staff. So, that is their responsibility.
[3:21:48] Um, they would be they would know just
[3:21:50] jump in their truck if it's snowing.
[3:21:51] They'd be touring roads. And for our
[3:21:53] transportation supervisor, sorry we
[3:21:55] didn't have our map uh our wonderful map
[3:21:57] person do that, but they both start at
[3:21:59] their area. So, one of them lives on the
[3:22:02] northeast side and they start that's
[3:22:04] their division. So, they start
[3:22:05] inspecting roads. So, we're very smart
[3:22:07] about assigning people to the areas that
[3:22:09] they start in where they're coming
[3:22:10] because we have 1,800 km of roads. We
[3:22:13] have a lot to inspect to make sure that
[3:22:15] everything is safe.
[3:22:16] 1,800 kilometers of road has been here
[3:22:18] for 35 years or 40 years. It and there
[3:22:21] was never any trucks going home back
[3:22:23] then. There there was more stuff going
[3:22:25] on back then with equipment and stuff.
[3:22:28] Uh like to me this is unacceptable to
[3:22:31] have the su uh transportation out taking
[3:22:34] vehicles home because of this. You are
[3:22:36] paid to come to work.
[3:22:38] I mean if we're going to sit here and
[3:22:40] say the superintendents are going to get
[3:22:42] out there right away and phone up the
[3:22:43] the operators and get them out there.
[3:22:45] Well, I can call that uh not really
[3:22:48] true. But to me, this doesn't need to be
[3:22:51] done. They can come into the shop, get
[3:22:53] their trucks, and get back out there.
[3:22:54] This is taxpayers dollars. Is there's
[3:22:57] nothing real major happening. There
[3:23:00] never has been on the on the roads.
[3:23:03] Councelor Woodstock.
[3:23:07] » Okay. I would like to speak to the
[3:23:10] utility side. I think because as CEO
[3:23:15] Cochran has stated, the utilities very
[3:23:18] seldom even comes into the shop other
[3:23:21] than Mondays to test their water
[3:23:23] samples. The rest of the rest of the
[3:23:26] week they actually deploy from home with
[3:23:29] a truck that already has all the
[3:23:31] equipment that they need. uh depending
[3:23:34] where they deploy from they could be
[3:23:36] wasting basically well if you have an
[3:23:39] operator coming from Lynden to Three
[3:23:41] Hills picking up a vehicle and then
[3:23:43] heading back to Lyndon Acme Bicer Canana
[3:23:47] you're losing basically an hour
[3:23:49] according to the report I think would
[3:23:52] make more sense to deploy from home
[3:23:54] headed in that direction I don't know
[3:23:57] where all the operators live where they
[3:23:59] deploy from but I think anytime that you
[3:24:01] save some time
[3:24:05] and provide extra coverage
[3:24:08] rather than losing an hour deploying and
[3:24:11] traveling and then coming back to where
[3:24:13] you started from. I think that would be
[3:24:15] important. I believe I do see the value
[3:24:19] in the utility operators actually dep
[3:24:23] using a vehicle to deploy and go
[3:24:25] straight to work rather than traveling
[3:24:29] for whatever amount of time it is to
[3:24:32] pick up their vehicle and then go back
[3:24:34] to where they were and start deploying
[3:24:37] or start working from there. But that is
[3:24:39] my thoughts on it. I find it um I find
[3:24:43] it justifiable. Councelor Olsson.
[3:24:46] >> Yeah, I I
[3:24:48] » Yeah, I I
[3:24:48] kind of agree uh to some extent with the
[3:24:52] utilities uh operators. Um but I'm also
[3:24:58] uh
[3:25:01] you know there's usually what one or two
[3:25:04] guys on at a time or one guy on call at
[3:25:07] a time or No,
[3:25:09] >> they they all start work at the same
[3:25:11] » they they all start work at the same
[3:25:11] time.
[3:25:12] >> Okay. Um Unless there's an emergency,
[3:25:15] » Okay. Um Unless there's an emergency,
[3:25:15] then there will be one.
[3:25:17] >> Yeah. No, you answer that. Sorry.
[3:25:21] » Yeah. No, you answer that. Sorry.
[3:25:21] >> No, I but I agree with the water guys
[3:25:23] » No, I but I agree with the water guys
[3:25:23] because that's a that's something but I
[3:25:26] mean as I kind of tend to lean with
[3:25:29] Lonnie on on some of the
[3:25:32] um infrastructure and transportation.
[3:25:34] Um, yeah, those guys, nobody's going out
[3:25:38] in the dark usually to, you know, they
[3:25:41] can they can make it to work and and
[3:25:43] then go even if even in a storm event.
[3:25:48] >> Council Hopkins,
[3:25:51] » Council Hopkins,
[3:25:51] I'm on the fence with this policy. Um,
[3:25:55] part of me
[3:25:58] wants to keep the utilities side and
[3:26:02] remove the transportation
[3:26:04] vehicles. Um,
[3:26:07] it's unfortunate that we had some bad
[3:26:09] eggs that kind of put a sour taste in a
[3:26:12] lot of rateayers eyes and and mouths and
[3:26:17] we need to make sure that our vehicles
[3:26:20] are being treated and driven.
[3:26:23] um and following the rules of the road.
[3:26:26] Uh,
[3:26:29] I'd like
[3:26:32] to maybe
[3:26:34] put it in your in the rest of council's
[3:26:36] thoughts that if we could do a trial
[3:26:39] period where we maybe allow the
[3:26:42] utilities to follow through but pull
[3:26:45] back on the transportation,
[3:26:48] try it for
[3:26:50] six months, maybe eight month, even a
[3:26:52] year.
[3:26:54] uh and then go from there. That's kind
[3:26:56] of my recommendation at this point.
[3:27:00] >> Thank you. Uh councelor Hopkins. Um uh
[3:27:03] » Thank you. Uh councelor Hopkins. Um uh
[3:27:03] Councelor Anderson,
[3:27:05] >> I tend to agree with that. Although if
[3:27:08] » I tend to agree with that. Although if
[3:27:08] we have GPS,
[3:27:10] I've been living in a world where we
[3:27:13] have logs, travel logs. If we're finding
[3:27:17] these people are maybe we should
[3:27:20] institute a travel log. I mean, does it
[3:27:23] take that much for them? I've done it,
[3:27:25] you know. Yeah. If if if we can
[3:27:28] substantiate what they're doing, if it's
[3:27:31] in that trial period, if it's not
[3:27:33] showing any big problems, then maybe we
[3:27:35] can look at it a different way. If we're
[3:27:37] seeing problems, then maybe we do have
[3:27:39] justification to do all these things. I
[3:27:42] do agree that uh the uh some of the
[3:27:45] utilities are very important, especially
[3:27:47] when you get to human water treatment
[3:27:50] stuff like that. it has to be looked
[3:27:52] after. And uh I think then we have to
[3:27:55] look again at our hiring practices. If
[3:27:58] we're hiring people out of the community
[3:28:00] to do these jobs, should we not change
[3:28:03] our practice to hire people that are
[3:28:05] willing to live within our boundaries
[3:28:07] instead of providing them with
[3:28:09] transportation to other places?
[3:28:12] >> Councelor uh Anderson get some good
[3:28:15] » Councelor uh Anderson get some good
[3:28:15] comments and I mean that the problem is
[3:28:17] is we do have a lot of people from
[3:28:19] outside. I mean, this is this is the
[3:28:21] policy that we're talking about. We
[3:28:23] never had one before. It's brought back
[3:28:25] into into council's hands where we can
[3:28:27] control it. Um, I'm I'm I'm all I'm not
[3:28:31] all quite there on utilities. I'm there
[3:28:34] part way. I understand that part.
[3:28:36] Transportation definitely not. Um, I can
[3:28:39] and I think if you guys want to do a
[3:28:41] trial period, that's fine. It's still in
[3:28:42] our hands. Mhm.
[3:28:44] >> Um,
[3:28:45] » Um,
[3:28:45] but I mean this place has never changed
[3:28:49] and I I'm not buying a lot of this stuff
[3:28:51] and it's pretty easy for somebody I can
[3:28:53] sit there and write the four pages of
[3:28:55] why I should be taking a truck home. You
[3:28:57] know, that's just how it is. So, um,
[3:29:02] I
[3:29:03] guess my question was and it was still
[3:29:06] from before and I don't know if we can
[3:29:08] handle it or if we even looked into it.
[3:29:11] Is there a pile of emergency
[3:29:14] call out?
[3:29:17] That was the question from last time.
[3:29:19] That's what we were going to decide on
[3:29:20] the utilities.
[3:29:23] If that utilities operators, if there's
[3:29:25] not a pile of them, that's fine. Okay,
[3:29:27] we can we can work it that way. But if
[3:29:30] those utility operators are on call,
[3:29:32] each one of them are on call for their
[3:29:34] own area. I have a problem with that,
[3:29:37] >> right?
[3:29:37] » right?
[3:29:37] >> They there's only you only need one to
[3:29:39] » They there's only you only need one to
[3:29:39] be on call. You don't need five of them.
[3:29:43] >> And that's I guess the clarity that I'm
[3:29:44] » And that's I guess the clarity that I'm
[3:29:44] looking for.
[3:29:48] » Councelor Woodstock.
[3:29:52] » I'm not sure how many utility operators
[3:29:54] are on call, but what I'm looking at is
[3:29:57] the response time to leave from home,
[3:30:00] come up to the off or come up to the
[3:30:02] shop, grab a vehicle, and then basically
[3:30:05] go return to where they started from to
[3:30:07] start their day. Uh, according to the
[3:30:10] report, that could waste up to an hour a
[3:30:12] day. Um, the guys, I'm thinking
[3:30:16] specifically of the guys on the south
[3:30:18] because I know that when they leave
[3:30:21] home, they probably check the reservoirs
[3:30:24] both in Lynen, Acme, Urana, Inhana,
[3:30:29] Bicer, I mean, and they start their day
[3:30:33] whatever time. If it's 7 o'clock, then
[3:30:35] it's 7 o'clock. They don't drive to
[3:30:38] Three Hills, get into another vehicle at
[3:30:40] 7:30, then drive back to Lynon at 8:00
[3:30:43] and start their day at 8. I see the
[3:30:46] rationale
[3:30:48] that if we start the day from the time
[3:30:51] they get into their vehicles and start
[3:30:54] working, I see that as not being a waste
[3:30:57] of time. I do not see that as being a
[3:30:59] waste of
[3:31:01] county equipment. I see that as being
[3:31:04] getting more done at the end of the day
[3:31:07] because our systems travel all the way
[3:31:09] from Drumheller to Irana and then we
[3:31:12] also have the majority of our pump
[3:31:15] houses in the southern end of the
[3:31:16] county.
[3:31:18] So that being stated, that's where they
[3:31:22] reside, I'm assuming. And that would
[3:31:24] make it far more economical and far more
[3:31:29] uh make it'll make far more sense to
[3:31:31] start from home than it would be to come
[3:31:32] up to Three Hills and then start all
[3:31:34] over again. My thoughts anyway.
[3:31:38] >> Uh councelor Olsson.
[3:31:40] » Uh councelor Olsson.
[3:31:40] >> Yeah, I mean
[3:31:42] » Yeah, I mean
[3:31:42] I agree with that, but it can work both
[3:31:45] ways too. We could have somebody, you
[3:31:47] know, uh, utility operator that's in
[3:31:51] division, lives in division, uh, six and
[3:31:54] has to go,
[3:31:56] uh, all the way to Drumheller or
[3:31:58] whatever, I guess. Yeah, we have to
[3:32:00] build
[3:32:02] some discretion into it. Yeah, cuz if if
[3:32:05] they're going to the pump house down in
[3:32:08] by Knackmine or whatever and they live
[3:32:11] close. Yeah, it's it's yeah, it's it
[3:32:15] it does make sense not to drive all the
[3:32:17] way to the county office and all the way
[3:32:19] back cuz uh regardless it's it's
[3:32:25] using our vehicle two ways regardless.
[3:32:29] But yeah, I mean it's it's going to be
[3:32:32] tough because we don't know,
[3:32:35] you know, we're making special allowance
[3:32:37] for certain people and yeah, it's it's
[3:32:40] it's going to be a nightmare, I think.
[3:32:44] >> Cocker,
[3:32:46] » Cocker,
[3:32:46] >> thank you. Through the reef to all of
[3:32:47] » thank you. Through the reef to all of
[3:32:47] council. So great discussion. Thank you
[3:32:49] for that. The policy as it's written
[3:32:51] gives council full control. So if you
[3:32:53] pass approve the policy as written, no
[3:32:55] vehicles go home with anybody. That
[3:32:57] would be a motion by council to say
[3:32:58] these vehicles go home. So the policy is
[3:33:00] written that way. Uh we've had 54 call
[3:33:03] outs in the past 12 months and those
[3:33:05] would be the ones where they had to
[3:33:07] leave from their homes. So that's quite
[3:33:09] a few number. We have one person on
[3:33:11] call, not more than that. But we have
[3:33:13] three utility operators and one
[3:33:14] supervisor that like I said their their
[3:33:16] trucks do perform as their offices. They
[3:33:19] don't come to the office. They rarely
[3:33:21] come to the office. If they start at the
[3:33:23] office, they got to come in, warm up
[3:33:25] their truck. We're we're we're looking
[3:33:27] at 30 minutes of loss time in the
[3:33:28] morning and 30 minutes of loss time in
[3:33:30] the afternoon. Our operators are very
[3:33:32] efficient and effective at their roles.
[3:33:33] And this isn't about favoritism. This is
[3:33:35] about good business operations. Whereas
[3:33:38] in when I worked in another
[3:33:39] municipality, my building inspectors all
[3:33:41] had offices in their trucks. They took
[3:33:43] their trucks home. They never went into
[3:33:45] the office. We mailed them out, emailed
[3:33:46] them out their stuff, and they went and
[3:33:48] did it. They didn't waste time driving
[3:33:49] back to a central location that isn't
[3:33:52] necessarily near where they're working.
[3:33:54] This isn't about favoritism or about
[3:33:56] special privileges, but these employees
[3:33:58] do have these as taxable benefits within
[3:34:00] their payroll. So, these are taxable
[3:34:02] benefits we have been providing to
[3:34:04] employees. Should we take them away, we
[3:34:05] do need to provide proper notice because
[3:34:07] it could be looked at negatively.
[3:34:10] They're being to have something taken
[3:34:12] away from them. So, we do want to make
[3:34:14] sure that when we're looking at the
[3:34:16] analysis, we're reminding that the
[3:34:18] analysis that we did is based on the
[3:34:20] need for our operators to be out in the
[3:34:22] field.
[3:34:25] Councelor Penner.
[3:34:28] >> So everything that we've heard now, the
[3:34:31] » So everything that we've heard now, the
[3:34:31] information that we get is that
[3:34:34] it's economically efficient to the
[3:34:37] county for vehicles to be going home
[3:34:40] with certain operators.
[3:34:44] We know that it's time efficient.
[3:34:52] If our rateayers are having an issue
[3:34:54] with that, then that's our job as a
[3:34:57] council to do a better job of informing
[3:34:59] our rateayers
[3:35:02] about the efficiencies that are being
[3:35:04] generated.
[3:35:08] We've got intelligent rateayers. They'll
[3:35:10] understand if we explain if we explain
[3:35:13] the details to them correctly.
[3:35:16] And what I see
[3:35:19] to me it seems to be a relatively
[3:35:22] straight cut
[3:35:25] decision.
[3:35:26] The efficiencies are there if our
[3:35:28] utility operators have the vehicles in
[3:35:30] their own in in their own
[3:35:34] costwise,
[3:35:36] timewise,
[3:35:38] response time for our rate payers so
[3:35:41] that their critical infrastructure
[3:35:43] works.
[3:35:47] Councelor Wto,
[3:35:51] » I would agree with councelor Penner. Um,
[3:35:55] there was a statement made that only 50%
[3:35:58] of the pled municipalities got back to
[3:36:02] us. I would challenge that
[3:36:04] municipalities around us have a thousand
[3:36:07] kilometers of water line in the ground
[3:36:10] and it such an integral system is what
[3:36:12] we have at Nihill County here. That's
[3:36:14] not to say that
[3:36:17] it's important that everyone has the
[3:36:19] vehicle to start work from home. But
[3:36:22] that being said, there is a lot of water
[3:36:24] line which was never here up until about
[3:36:27] 15 years ago. That's when the water line
[3:36:29] started to come in. or no, it's actually
[3:36:32] more than that because that's when the
[3:36:33] last water line was built. So, I'm
[3:36:36] thinking probably closer to 20 years.
[3:36:38] Um, we've we've got a real hub of water
[3:36:44] systems in the county. Um, I think it
[3:36:47] would be very inefficient to force the
[3:36:50] operators to Well, I'm not going to go
[3:36:53] there again because I've already stated
[3:36:54] that, but we do have a situation in
[3:36:57] Nehill County that a lot of
[3:36:59] municipalities around us do not have.
[3:37:04] » Council cutting.
[3:37:06] >> So, um, just to go back to that, uh,
[3:37:08] » So, um, just to go back to that, uh,
[3:37:08] that information you received, Miss
[3:37:09] Cochran, the 54 call out. So, was that
[3:37:12] strictly utilities or did that include
[3:37:14] transportation call outs?
[3:37:15] >> Thank you for that. That was just
[3:37:17] » Thank you for that. That was just
[3:37:17] utility call outs and it was tracked
[3:37:20] from the beginning of December. So,
[3:37:21] there's probably a couple more to add on
[3:37:23] to there, but yes, it's just for utility
[3:37:25] call outs.
[3:37:25] >> Okay. No, and that that's really helpful
[3:37:27] » Okay. No, and that that's really helpful
[3:37:27] information. Um, I personally um I can
[3:37:31] look at the utilities and it it makes
[3:37:32] good business sense to me. Um, like you
[3:37:35] said, if if it's all three of them and
[3:37:36] they're all on call, yeah, that would
[3:37:39] make sense. But when you when you
[3:37:40] explain that kind of their vehicles,
[3:37:42] they're using them as their office per
[3:37:44] se. Um, and when you look at the time
[3:37:46] that it's going to take for them to come
[3:37:47] here, that totally makes sense to me.
[3:37:50] The transportation one, I guess I'm
[3:37:52] struggling a little bit. Um, I know we
[3:37:54] have folks that are on call, greater
[3:37:56] operators, snowplow, truck drivers,
[3:37:58] they're not taking the grater and
[3:38:00] parking it in front of their house
[3:38:01] wherever they live. They have to come to
[3:38:03] the county obviously to get that. So,
[3:38:06] um, that's the one I'm struggling with a
[3:38:07] little bit. At the end of the day, we
[3:38:09] all decide where we live and we all
[3:38:10] decide where we work. So, I used to work
[3:38:13] for the government in Ols. Um, I had to
[3:38:16] drive from my house west of Three Hills
[3:38:18] to Ols. That was just what I had to do.
[3:38:20] Um, I didn't get provided a vehicle. Um,
[3:38:23] was on my own time and that was just the
[3:38:24] choice that I had to make. So, I think
[3:38:27] um I want to see us have this policy and
[3:38:29] I do appreciate this policy coming back.
[3:38:31] I really, really do. Um, I was asked for
[3:38:33] accountability with vehicle use multiple
[3:38:35] times over the last four years. So, I
[3:38:37] really appreciate this. Um, it makes
[3:38:40] total sense to me to include the
[3:38:41] utilities. I think I just I I need a
[3:38:43] little bit more information on the
[3:38:44] transportation side.
[3:38:47] >> Uh, Council Olsson.
[3:38:49] » Uh, Council Olsson.
[3:38:50] >> Yeah, I love the discussion. Love all
[3:38:52] » Yeah, I love the discussion. Love all
[3:38:52] everybody participating in it. And, uh,
[3:38:54] it's it's helped me, yeah, to
[3:38:58] look at this the same way as as
[3:39:01] Councelor Cunningham. And I'm I'm
[3:39:03] leaning towards just the the utility
[3:39:05] operators and and not the transportation
[3:39:08] uh or infrastructure people at this
[3:39:10] moment as well.
[3:39:13] >> Council uh excuse me, Councelor Hopkins.
[3:39:16] » Council uh excuse me, Councelor Hopkins.
[3:39:16] Uh, the other question I have is
[3:39:21] I've kind of read the bylaw or the
[3:39:24] policy um a couple times and I'm
[3:39:27] struggling to see
[3:39:31] if there's an allowance in there for
[3:39:35] um if an employee has to say travel to
[3:39:39] Edmonton for a course, do they take a
[3:39:42] personal vehicle? Do they take a company
[3:39:45] vehicle? what's what's kind of what's
[3:39:47] been done in the past and what's
[3:39:49] I don't see a definite
[3:39:53] answer in here that doesn't jump out at
[3:39:55] me.
[3:39:55] >> Yes. So, that would be um outside of the
[3:39:58] » Yes. So, that would be um outside of the
[3:39:58] policy because it's not personal
[3:39:59] take-home use. So, when we're going to
[3:40:01] conferences, employees drive to the
[3:40:03] building, they pick up a vehicle, they
[3:40:05] leave their vehicle here, and they drive
[3:40:06] to the conference. We try where possible
[3:40:08] to take county vehicles to conferences
[3:40:10] to avoid mileage on personal vehicles.
[3:40:13] in addition to the fact that employees
[3:40:15] need special insurance in order to be
[3:40:16] able to drive their vehicle for work.
[3:40:18] So, it's on occasion the CIO would
[3:40:20] approve you can take it home and go from
[3:40:22] there. So, for instance, if you if you
[3:40:24] if you're going somewhere where it
[3:40:26] doesn't make sense to drive here first,
[3:40:27] an hour and a half and then drive out,
[3:40:30] then that would be an exception, but
[3:40:31] those aren't the rule. So, typically
[3:40:34] people will drive here. That's why
[3:40:35] you'll see vehicles parked overnight.
[3:40:36] It's because people have taken a vehicle
[3:40:38] and gone to a conference,
[3:40:39] >> right? Okay. And another part of that
[3:40:43] » right? Okay. And another part of that
[3:40:43] is, for example, if one of our peace
[3:40:45] officers was um traveling
[3:40:49] north, do they get to start with that
[3:40:52] vehicle
[3:40:53] since they already live a you know,
[3:40:55] maybe an hour and a half north?
[3:40:58] What? There's no benefit for them to
[3:41:00] come here and then go. So that would be
[3:41:02] considered a special exception.
[3:41:04] >> Yeah. Through the reef to olive council.
[3:41:06] » Yeah. Through the reef to olive council.
[3:41:06] So, for instance, I made a special
[3:41:07] exception for peace officers who take
[3:41:09] their truck their vehicles home after
[3:41:10] work because they worked an event until
[3:41:12] 10 p.m. It didn't make sense for them to
[3:41:14] drive back to the office, drop off the
[3:41:15] vehicle, pick up theirs. Next day, they
[3:41:17] drop brought the vehicles back in. Peace
[3:41:19] officers do not start from their home.
[3:41:21] They come to the office, they pick up
[3:41:22] their vehicle. Yeah. It's only for
[3:41:24] special exceptions. Say they're going to
[3:41:26] be late and why would I want them to get
[3:41:28] home at 1 in the morning, you know? So,
[3:41:29] it's about a com being flexible, give
[3:41:31] and take, both with the employee and
[3:41:32] with the employer.
[3:41:33] >> Perfect. Thank you. Any
[3:41:36] » Perfect. Thank you. Any
[3:41:36] other questions?
[3:41:38] >> Well, we've discussed it.
[3:41:43] » Any more discussion? Any motion?
[3:41:46] Councelor Hoppins.
[3:41:49] Uh,
[3:41:51] so I guess
[3:41:53] I would approve the motion.
[3:41:57] Uh,
[3:42:01] » so you can see
[3:42:03] >> Yeah. to rem basically the utilities
[3:42:07] » Yeah. to rem basically the utilities
[3:42:07] operators and foremen
[3:42:09] to take vehicles home but not and I know
[3:42:13] I can't make a negative motion but um if
[3:42:16] you remove the transportation in the
[3:42:22] » option
[3:42:23] >> yeah recommend option three please
[3:42:28] » yeah recommend option three please
[3:42:28] Excuse
[3:42:46] me. Was that the one you were you also
[3:42:48] recommended a utilities uh one be taken
[3:42:51] away or removed?
[3:42:53] >> Yeah. Through the reef to all of
[3:42:54] » Yeah. Through the reef to all of
[3:42:54] council. the utility services manager
[3:42:56] that the truck will be removed and it is
[3:42:58] being written here in motion number
[3:43:01] three.
[3:43:03] >> So you can see in motion number two
[3:43:04] » So you can see in motion number two
[3:43:04] that's the positions that will continue
[3:43:06] to allow to take vehicles home. Motion
[3:43:08] three is the one where we remove
[3:43:13] » is that okay with with that being said
[3:43:17] that's at the discretion of council
[3:43:22] >> through the reef to all of council. Yes.
[3:43:23] » through the reef to all of council. Yes.
[3:43:23] So at any time council can come back and
[3:43:25] remove vehicles. That is your policy and
[3:43:27] you are in this motion approving
[3:43:29] vehicles if you approve it for operators
[3:43:31] and the foreman of utilities. Should at
[3:43:33] any time council wish to revisit that a
[3:43:35] new motion is all you need to do and
[3:43:37] then whenever council meeting which
[3:43:38] would remove those vehicles with the
[3:43:40] policy as written, council retains the
[3:43:42] authority for all personal take-home
[3:43:44] vehicle use. Through that motion, you're
[3:43:46] allowing two positions.
[3:43:53] No, no, no, no. Like, you got to
[3:43:55] remember, we're just happy to see a
[3:43:57] policy even though it's long- winded,
[3:43:59] but
[3:44:00] >> I mean,
[3:44:02] » I mean,
[3:44:02] this is a start. At least at least this
[3:44:04] is a start. We know what the trouble
[3:44:05] we've been having. So, everybody okay
[3:44:08] with that or everybody understand the
[3:44:11] the motions? Are we uh council cutting?
[3:44:14] >> Sorry, I should ask this earlier. I I'm
[3:44:16] » Sorry, I should ask this earlier. I I'm
[3:44:16] I'm clear on the transportation
[3:44:18] supervisors, but could you just expand a
[3:44:20] little bit on the infrastructure
[3:44:21] superintendent and what um what the
[3:44:24] guidelines were for that position in the
[3:44:26] vehicle or maybe the necessity out of
[3:44:27] that?
[3:44:28] >> Yes. Through the reef to all of council.
[3:44:29] » Yes. Through the reef to all of council.
[3:44:29] So the infrastructure superintendent
[3:44:31] will start their job right when they get
[3:44:33] on the roads just like everybody else.
[3:44:34] So an option for us could be to park
[3:44:37] trucks at different uh transfer sites so
[3:44:39] that they can come to work closer and
[3:44:41] get right on the road. So, that may be
[3:44:43] something we look at as opposed to
[3:44:44] operational take-home use, but the
[3:44:46] infrastructure superintendent is on the
[3:44:48] road. They're inspecting roads. They're
[3:44:50] looking at the roads their supervisors
[3:44:51] have demonstr identified for work. So
[3:44:54] they're doing their tours or checking on
[3:44:55] projects, but at the end of the day, if
[3:44:57] that's not a position that um it
[3:44:59] wouldn't be one that we'll die on, if
[3:45:02] you will, um as as a as an
[3:45:04] administration, so we we can have other
[3:45:07] options such like I said as parking
[3:45:08] vehicles at other sites so we can get to
[3:45:11] them quicker. Um nobody likes to waste
[3:45:14] time, right? We want to get to work
[3:45:15] right away. So the sooner we can get on
[3:45:17] the road to inspect the roads, the
[3:45:19] better our roads are going to be. Um one
[3:45:21] other comment was made about log books.
[3:45:22] All of our operators and supervisors do
[3:45:24] keep log books. So, our supervisors keep
[3:45:26] log books on what they inspect and what
[3:45:28] they assign their operators to and
[3:45:30] that's our checks and balances for
[3:45:32] council.
[3:45:37] » Yeah, if you could.
[3:45:39] >> Okay. Uh, I approve that uh count the
[3:45:43] » Okay. Uh, I approve that uh count the
[3:45:43] council approve the revised county
[3:45:45] vehicle use policy, including council
[3:45:47] approval requirements for all take-home
[3:45:50] vehicle arrangements. And number two,
[3:45:53] approve continued take-home vehicle use
[3:45:55] for the following operational positions.
[3:45:58] Utilities operators, utility foremen.
[3:46:01] Number three, direct that take-home
[3:46:05] vehicle privileges for utilities,
[3:46:07] services, manager, transportation,
[3:46:10] supervisors, infrastructure,
[3:46:11] superintendent position be discontinued.
[3:46:22] » Any more discussion on that? I got one
[3:46:24] more question. Uh, councelor Woodstock,
[3:46:28] >> I don't know if we were actually looking
[3:46:31] » I don't know if we were actually looking
[3:46:31] at the infrastructure being
[3:46:33] discontinued, just relocated. Is that
[3:46:37] the direction that we were headed?
[3:46:40] >> Leaving from a transfer site.
[3:46:43] » Leaving from a transfer site.
[3:46:43] >> Uh, for myself at this point, I would
[3:46:46] » Uh, for myself at this point, I would
[3:46:46] suggest discontinued. Um,
[3:46:49] >> okay.
[3:46:49] » okay.
[3:46:49] >> Review.
[3:46:50] » Review.
[3:46:50] >> Your motion. That's I just verifying
[3:46:54] » Your motion. That's I just verifying
[3:46:54] the
[3:46:54] >> Yep. through the through the Reef Hall
[3:46:56] » Yep. through the through the Reef Hall
[3:46:56] of Council. Um, that's our internal
[3:46:59] operations. So, if we decided to park
[3:47:01] trucks at a different site, that's our
[3:47:02] that's internal operations. That's not
[3:47:04] take-home use. That's just proper
[3:47:06] operations, proper planning. Yeah.
[3:47:09] >> Yeah.
[3:47:12] » Uh, councelor Olsson.
[3:47:15] Um,
[3:47:16] do we leave ourselves the option for
[3:47:19] some kind of an emergency for
[3:47:23] infrastructure or somebody to use
[3:47:25] something on a oneoff or is this is this
[3:47:29] >> what's that?
[3:47:30] » what's that?
[3:47:30] >> I would assume sorry to interrupt assume
[3:47:33] » I would assume sorry to interrupt assume
[3:47:33] that would be at your discretion.
[3:47:36] >> I just want to leave that still an
[3:47:38] » I just want to leave that still an
[3:47:38] option. Yes, I that is still an option
[3:47:41] within the policy and that's just
[3:47:42] discretional use based on operations,
[3:47:44] but it's not a permanent use. It's not a
[3:47:46] taxable benefit at that point.
[3:47:51] » Any other discussion?
[3:47:54] >> Councelor Penner,
[3:47:56] » Councelor Penner,
[3:47:56] >> initially councelor Hoppins talked about
[3:47:58] » initially councelor Hoppins talked about
[3:47:58] a trial period before we got to the
[3:48:01] point of the motion. Is is that still
[3:48:04] part of what you wanted to see in this?
[3:48:08] I think
[3:48:10] >> if it's I think what we can do is uh a
[3:48:13] » if it's I think what we can do is uh a
[3:48:13] year from now put it back on our agenda
[3:48:16] for a review process. I don't think it
[3:48:18] needs to be in the motion
[3:48:20] >> as as Yeah, good good call. But as as
[3:48:22] » as as Yeah, good good call. But as as
[3:48:22] CEO Cochran stated, this is our policy.
[3:48:25] We can bring it back at any time that we
[3:48:27] feel. Yeah, for sure.
[3:48:30] Any more discussion on the motion?
[3:48:32] Everybody understand the motion?
[3:48:35] All in favor?
[3:48:37] carried you nicely.
[3:48:47] Okay, lunch at 11:49.
[3:48:51] Be back in about an hour and a half,
[3:48:52] three hours.
[4:59:14] Good afternoon. Welcome. Um
[4:59:18] we'll go on to uh the agenda 3.1
[4:59:21] delegation friends of Horseshoe Canyon.
[4:59:24] Uh before we get going uh we'll have a
[4:59:26] little introduction.
[4:59:28] Uh we'll start over here with Council
[4:59:30] Woodstock.
[4:59:32] Well, welcome gentlemen, lady. Uh, my
[4:59:34] name is Jerry Witstock. I am counselor
[4:59:36] for division three, which happens to be
[4:59:38] the Acme Lynon area. Welcome.
[4:59:43] >> Merl Anderson. I happen to be in the
[4:59:45] » Merl Anderson. I happen to be in the
[4:59:45] division one area.
[4:59:47] >> Good afternoon. Lori Michelle
[4:59:49] » Good afternoon. Lori Michelle
[4:59:49] Cunningham, Division 5. And thank you so
[4:59:50] much for taking the time to come. Love
[4:59:52] it when we hear from our people. Thanks
[4:59:54] for coming.
[4:59:55] >> Uh, Lonnie Makut, division 7.
[4:59:58] » Uh, Lonnie Makut, division 7.
[4:59:58] Richard Hoppins, division six up in the
[5:00:00] northwest corner.
[5:00:03] >> Uh L Olsen, division 4.
[5:00:07] » Uh L Olsen, division 4.
[5:00:07] >> Good afternoon. Darcy Penner, division
[5:00:09] » Good afternoon. Darcy Penner, division
[5:00:10] two.
[5:00:13] » Good afternoon. Theresa Cochran,
[5:00:15] interimm CEO.
[5:00:21] » Do I need this thing or is is it a bit
[5:00:23] too loud?
[5:00:24] >> No,
[5:00:25] » No,
[5:00:25] >> it's all good. All right. Well, thanks
[5:00:26] » it's all good. All right. Well, thanks
[5:00:26] for having me here. My name is Joe
[5:00:28] Vickers. Uh behind me is Devon Daiser,
[5:00:30] Beth Anne Cheney, and we're here to talk
[5:00:32] about our new community stewardship
[5:00:35] group that uh we're forming. So, uh
[5:00:38] thank you for allowing us to be here and
[5:00:40] uh introduce ourselves. The reason is to
[5:00:44] let you know that we are forming
[5:00:46] something. um explain why we're doing it
[5:00:49] and really just to open up a dialogue uh
[5:00:52] to see how how uh we can listen and
[5:00:55] learn and and uh work together.
[5:01:00] So, a little bit more about ourselves,
[5:01:02] maybe I'll go into more depth about who
[5:01:04] I am. I I uh from that first slide uh is
[5:01:08] my family farm. I'm fourth generation
[5:01:10] farmer. My great-grandfather bought the
[5:01:12] farm and uh now I'm farming. Uh my dad
[5:01:16] used to be the boss and I was the
[5:01:18] helper. Now that role has reversed and
[5:01:22] uh I felt incredibly lucky to live right
[5:01:24] next to the Horseshoe Canyon.
[5:01:27] It was right in the backyard. It was uh
[5:01:30] my playground and really helped develop
[5:01:33] my imagination and and uh my interest in
[5:01:36] exploration that I've carried with me
[5:01:38] for all of my life. when I'm not working
[5:01:41] on a farm on the farm. Uh I'm also a
[5:01:44] singer songwriter. So I've done a lot of
[5:01:46] traveling performing across Canada in
[5:01:49] the States and uh in Europe and it
[5:01:52] always feels nice to come home and I
[5:01:55] just feel grounded right here in in
[5:01:57] Nehill. Um more about uh the group
[5:02:01] itself, we are volunteer-led.
[5:02:04] Um, we have a a number of community
[5:02:07] members that are are interested in
[5:02:09] supporting this initiative. We're very
[5:02:12] much in the infancy stage. Uh, we're
[5:02:16] working on getting our uh paperwork in
[5:02:18] line to become a nonforprofit. Uh, but
[5:02:22] really we're just enthusiastic
[5:02:24] uh residents, land owners, and uh uh
[5:02:29] folks who live nearby the Horseshoe
[5:02:31] Canyon that use it frequently. and um
[5:02:34] see this as an opportunity to bring
[5:02:36] community together. So there's no
[5:02:38] political uh affiliation on that on that
[5:02:40] behalf.
[5:02:44] We have the shared interest in seeing
[5:02:46] the canyon cared for in a meaningful and
[5:02:49] and responsible way. and and uh my
[5:02:52] myself, I see this group as an
[5:02:54] opportunity to have members of the
[5:02:56] community come together cuz I remember
[5:02:58] when I was a kid and we'd have other
[5:03:01] farm neighbors that would get together
[5:03:03] and we do Christmas recital or harvest
[5:03:06] parties and we're kind of losing that in
[5:03:09] in around our area. So I see this as an
[5:03:12] opportunity to at least have young
[5:03:14] families like my own and Devons and
[5:03:18] Bethanne where we can get together and
[5:03:20] and uh work together through the shared
[5:03:23] interest.
[5:03:27] We're very much valueled and uh our
[5:03:29] vision is to ensure that the canyon is
[5:03:33] uh continue to be used and and accessed
[5:03:36] responsibly for present and for future
[5:03:39] generations. uh stewardship is at least
[5:03:42] number one um is the number one value
[5:03:45] for me as a farmer. there is a need to
[5:03:49] be ma maintaining land soil resources in
[5:03:53] a meaningful sustainable way for for uh
[5:03:56] long-term preservation and uh so I feel
[5:03:59] like not only do I apply that to the
[5:04:02] farming practice I see how that can
[5:04:04] guide us as a as a group um being
[5:04:07] respectful to the access and uh
[5:04:10] responsible use is is right up there as
[5:04:12] well as education I feel like uh the
[5:04:16] more that we know and more we're aware
[5:04:18] we can deepen our understanding of place
[5:04:20] and enrich our experience uh in a
[5:04:24] certain area too. Um collaboration we
[5:04:27] all like to work with a variety of folks
[5:04:29] and you know we believe that whenever
[5:04:32] you can collaborate with council or
[5:04:35] other community members we can come up
[5:04:37] with some dream up some pretty cool
[5:04:39] ideas.
[5:04:45] So again, uh we're not a lobby group.
[5:04:48] No, uh advocacy
[5:04:50] uh driven sort of uh uh push behind us.
[5:04:56] Um no developmental component, just a
[5:05:00] number of community members that look at
[5:05:02] this as a as an opportunity to uh uh
[5:05:06] just
[5:05:09] deepen our relationship with the canyon.
[5:05:11] Like I was saying earlier,
[5:05:14] how we see ourselves being helpful, uh,
[5:05:17] volunteer stewardship and care,
[5:05:19] providing education, uh, history on the
[5:05:22] ecology as well as the paleontology, and
[5:05:26] again bringing community together in a
[5:05:28] constructive way. I uh, I know I I'm
[5:05:31] very much inspired by what's happening
[5:05:33] in Canonascis. They have a a non
[5:05:35] for-profit group out there, Friends of
[5:05:36] Canonascis, and they've got a number of
[5:05:39] very cool trail stewardship
[5:05:41] opportunities and and monthly um uh
[5:05:45] email updates that talk about what's
[5:05:48] happening and and they do minor events
[5:05:49] as well.
[5:05:53] So, um thank you for taking time and
[5:05:58] hearing what we're doing and and what
[5:06:00] we're hoping to accomplish. And really
[5:06:02] at the end of the day, we uh we want to
[5:06:05] don't have a really lot we don't really
[5:06:07] have a lot on the the go uh as of yet,
[5:06:11] but we're wanting to just keep the
[5:06:13] conversation open and see how we can we
[5:06:16] can help um and you know ask for for uh
[5:06:20] for help too.
[5:06:24] Um I guess it's also yeah like important
[5:06:27] to recognize like we we realize that um
[5:06:31] maintaining the Horseshoe Canyon is is a
[5:06:34] very complex initiative and we respect
[5:06:38] everything that you folks have have
[5:06:40] done. uh the county um my family used to
[5:06:43] own a portion of of that canyon and
[5:06:46] we've seen it gone go from private to
[5:06:49] now being public access and uh I know
[5:06:53] when I talk with my parents we all
[5:06:55] really appreciate everything that uh the
[5:06:58] county has done and and we look at how
[5:07:00] they brought in the trail and how it's
[5:07:02] being used and and I'll be honest when I
[5:07:06] was younger I was a bit cy cuz it was
[5:07:08] like this was my little secret growing
[5:07:10] going up on the edge of the horseshoe
[5:07:12] canyon. But now every spring when I see
[5:07:15] the parking lot full of people and the
[5:07:17] families that are walking down that
[5:07:19] trail when I'm driving down to the farm,
[5:07:21] it brings me lots of joy because the
[5:07:24] canyon is attracting people that are
[5:07:26] engaging in an outdoor activity and
[5:07:28] doing something positive. And I got to
[5:07:30] say, for the most part, the people that
[5:07:32] are using it are responsible because
[5:07:35] they're they're nature enthusiasts. So,
[5:07:38] um I I I I just uh yeah, I'll leave it
[5:07:42] at that. I really appreciate your time
[5:07:44] and for listening and and thanks for for
[5:07:47] uh everything.
[5:07:49] >> Thank you for your presentation. Uh
[5:07:51] » Thank you for your presentation. Uh
[5:07:51] council got any questions or they'd like
[5:07:53] to discuss?
[5:07:56] >> Uh councelor Woodstock.
[5:07:58] » Uh councelor Woodstock.
[5:07:58] >> Well, thank you very much Joe and uh
[5:08:01] » Well, thank you very much Joe and uh
[5:08:01] Devon and Devin and
[5:08:04] >> Bethan.
[5:08:05] » Bethan.
[5:08:05] I knew I'd get anyway. Regardless, I
[5:08:08] know you guys are Yeah, I know you guys
[5:08:10] are in your infancy.
[5:08:13] What What would you anticipate to see
[5:08:16] there in the future? I I know that it's
[5:08:19] a very hard question, but if you have
[5:08:22] something that you would like to see,
[5:08:23] I'm just wondering uh how you'd like to
[5:08:26] see it developed.
[5:08:27] >> Yeah, good question. Uh right now it's
[5:08:29] » Yeah, good question. Uh right now it's
[5:08:29] just baby steps. Uh the one thing that
[5:08:32] we talked about that would be our first
[5:08:35] action is in the springtime do a
[5:08:38] community-led trash pickup where we can
[5:08:41] go out, do a hike in the canyon,
[5:08:44] surrounding area, uh bring our families
[5:08:47] along, make it a fun community activity,
[5:08:50] and just help maintain the beauty of the
[5:08:53] region, especially before visitors come.
[5:08:55] And as far as other grand plans, that's
[5:08:58] really all it is. Just step one was
[5:09:02] to actually follow through on this
[5:09:04] conversation because, you know, we were
[5:09:06] looking at what friends of Canon ask for
[5:09:09] a while and oh yeah, something like this
[5:09:12] could exist here in here in uh at at the
[5:09:15] horseshoe and then you know uh finally
[5:09:17] we decided to go ahead with that. That's
[5:09:20] step step one. Step two was coming here
[5:09:24] to uh present ourselves and step three
[5:09:27] is just the one one uh one engagement
[5:09:30] that we have planned for the springtime.
[5:09:32] >> Okay. Thank you very much.
[5:09:34] » Okay. Thank you very much.
[5:09:34] >> Thanks, Jerry.
[5:09:36] » Thanks, Jerry.
[5:09:36] >> Uh Council Cunningham.
[5:09:38] » Uh Council Cunningham.
[5:09:38] >> So, I love what you folks are doing.
[5:09:40] » So, I love what you folks are doing.
[5:09:40] This is how things happen and nobody
[5:09:42] does it better than rural Alberta. Group
[5:09:43] of citizens get together and that's how
[5:09:45] things happen. Um, I guess for me, you
[5:09:47] know, I love what you're saying about
[5:09:48] the trash pickup and like sounds like
[5:09:50] you guys really want to be stewards of
[5:09:51] the area. Um, last term we spent, I
[5:09:55] think it was about $110,000
[5:09:57] um to have some concepts brought to us.
[5:09:59] And so there's three current concepts
[5:10:01] that are sitting kind of on the docket.
[5:10:04] I would really like to hear from you
[5:10:05] folks like one of them was um a little
[5:10:08] bit over 20,000 square foot pavilion. Is
[5:10:11] that like something that you folks see
[5:10:13] in the future? kind of further to what
[5:10:14] councelor Woodstock said, is that is
[5:10:16] that kind of a vision that you see or
[5:10:18] because that's actually the one that was
[5:10:19] um passed um last summer, I believe. So,
[5:10:23] just curious from somebody that's down
[5:10:25] there, what what your vision is for
[5:10:26] that.
[5:10:26] >> Yeah, good question. We haven't got that
[5:10:29] » Yeah, good question. We haven't got that
[5:10:29] far in conversation, so I can't really
[5:10:33] speak to having a position on it, but
[5:10:35] that is a question I'd love to bring
[5:10:37] back to everybody at our next meeting.
[5:10:40] And that that one for me is really hard
[5:10:42] because that's where I was going with
[5:10:44] that. I actually had a motion on the
[5:10:45] table, I think it was in June of last
[5:10:47] year, to ask our rate what they thought
[5:10:51] the vision would be down there and
[5:10:52] unfortunately um that didn't pass. So
[5:10:55] that's where it's really hard for me to
[5:10:56] know what what our people see as the
[5:10:59] vision down there because um we did have
[5:11:01] the I think actually Mr. Daiser, if I'm
[5:11:03] correct, you were on the focus group, I
[5:11:05] believe.
[5:11:06] >> Um thank you. So yeah, I still there's
[5:11:09] » Um thank you. So yeah, I still there's
[5:11:09] some questions for me about what people
[5:11:10] see. Like I hear some people say they'd
[5:11:12] be happy to have, you know, maybe an
[5:11:14] enhanced bathroom facility, but the the
[5:11:17] one I think it was called a regional
[5:11:19] destination would have been up to $24
[5:11:21] million. And so that's for me, I just
[5:11:23] really don't have a clear indication of
[5:11:25] what the people of Nihill County see for
[5:11:27] their vision there, whether it's a small
[5:11:29] facility or this large massive pavilion.
[5:11:32] So yeah,
[5:11:33] >> great. I I feel like that's if if that's
[5:11:36] » great. I I feel like that's if if that's
[5:11:36] all right. Uh this is a a great starting
[5:11:39] point to at least for us as immediate
[5:11:41] members of the surrounding area, it's
[5:11:44] something that we can discuss with our
[5:11:46] neighbors and other people around to
[5:11:47] just get the conversation going and we
[5:11:51] can at a later time schedule another
[5:11:53] meeting and and we can come back with
[5:11:55] you with with a position.
[5:12:02] Any other questions?
[5:12:06] » Thank you very much.
[5:12:08] >> All right. Thanks, folks.
[5:12:09] » All right. Thanks, folks.
[5:12:09] >> Yeah.
[5:12:10] » Yeah.
[5:12:10] >> Have a good day.
[5:12:34] All right. All right.
[5:12:42] » Yes.
[5:12:43] >> Council Wilson.
[5:12:45] » Council Wilson.
[5:12:45] >> Yeah. I just uh would acknowledge the
[5:12:48] » Yeah. I just uh would acknowledge the
[5:12:48] presentation as brought forth by the
[5:12:51] friends of the horseshoe.
[5:12:55] » Cool.
[5:12:58] All right. Council and count committee
[5:13:01] reports.
[5:13:02] Uh let's start with the SCSS.
[5:13:07] This will be a good one.
[5:13:09] >> Thank you. Um,
[5:13:11] » Thank you. Um,
[5:13:11] no, I had just included the minutes from
[5:13:14] the
[5:13:16] um, thank you Candace from the January
[5:13:18] meeting. So, um, unless anyone has any
[5:13:21] questions on that. Um, I did uh, mention
[5:13:25] to the FCSS director that we would um,
[5:13:28] really love to see some numbers
[5:13:30] >> um, as to the uh, usage from Nihill
[5:13:34] » um, as to the uh, usage from Nihill
[5:13:34] County residents. So, um, I did convey
[5:13:36] that and I'm not sure and Miss Cochran
[5:13:40] can maybe help me with this. The grant
[5:13:42] writer portion, if I'm right, you
[5:13:44] receive the numbers for that for usage
[5:13:48] of whether it's town of Tho
[5:13:51] County. Is that correct?
[5:13:52] >> Yes. To the brief to council, we do
[5:13:54] » Yes. To the brief to council, we do
[5:13:54] receive a report monthly from the grant
[5:13:56] writer as to what they've applied for
[5:13:57] and I can share that out with council.
[5:13:59] >> Thank you. Yep. So, unless anybody has
[5:14:01] » Thank you. Yep. So, unless anybody has
[5:14:01] any questions, that's it for me.
[5:14:05] that that there would be a good thing to
[5:14:07] look into. I mean, we do spend an awful
[5:14:10] lot of money there.
[5:14:11] >> Yeah. Thanks.
[5:14:13] » Yeah. Thanks.
[5:14:13] Uh
[5:14:15] the next agenda item, the SB U Councor
[5:14:19] Woodstock, the meeting or pardon me, the
[5:14:23] convention.
[5:14:25] >> Yes. Uh the egg service board had their
[5:14:27] » Yes. Uh the egg service board had their
[5:14:27] conference last week.
[5:14:30] uh councelor Olsen, councelor Anderson
[5:14:33] and myself attended.
[5:14:36] Lot of good information presented there.
[5:14:40] Um it was it was it was a great it was a
[5:14:45] great conference because there was so
[5:14:47] much information presented there. Uh AI
[5:14:50] and Egg was uh done by Rob Sych. His
[5:14:54] alter ego would be Steve Stubble jumpsky
[5:14:57] if you've ever seen him. But he didn't
[5:15:00] he wasn't he was actually being very
[5:15:02] serious and AI has been used in
[5:15:05] agriculture. Probably the biggest user
[5:15:07] of AI will be agriculture in the future
[5:15:10] according to what he was projecting. Uh
[5:15:13] we also had Filipe Masetti. He's the guy
[5:15:18] that rode a horse 27,000 miles across
[5:15:21] from starting in Alaska all the way down
[5:15:25] to I think the southern tip of Brazil if
[5:15:28] I'm not mistaken. And uh so he had a
[5:15:31] inspirational speech there. We also had
[5:15:34] some economists and what's happening in
[5:15:37] the world trade area. Earl Anderson
[5:15:39] speaking.
[5:15:41] um
[5:15:43] he well regardless things are going to
[5:15:46] change but when they're going to change
[5:15:48] he doesn't know which is why he's giving
[5:15:52] actual speeches and not living on an
[5:15:55] island someplace.
[5:15:57] Uh we've also had Alberta climate and
[5:16:00] weather. Trevor Wallace was there spoke
[5:16:04] on the trends of weather and basically
[5:16:08] said that yeah it's going to be
[5:16:12] hot or it's going to be dry or it's
[5:16:14] going to be windy or it's going to be
[5:16:17] cold. Never sure which but it's there is
[5:16:21] no way to forecast it which we kind of
[5:16:24] seem to know there anyway. And there was
[5:16:26] a number of other things that were uh
[5:16:29] good trade show, lots of interest in the
[5:16:31] trade show. It was a good conference all
[5:16:35] around. Uh the summer tour is going to
[5:16:38] be hosted by Wheatland County, I do
[5:16:40] believe July 14th to the 16th.
[5:16:43] So if you want to participate, um keep
[5:16:47] it in mind because it's going to be
[5:16:49] close to home and they've and they're
[5:16:51] really excited about showing off
[5:16:54] Wheatland County.
[5:16:56] And that's pretty much everything that
[5:16:58] I've got to report on, but there was
[5:17:00] quite a bit more there.
[5:17:02] >> Uh, go
[5:17:04] » Uh, go
[5:17:04] >> was there was there any uh any
[5:17:07] » was there was there any uh any
[5:17:07] acknowledgement or anything about the uh
[5:17:10] canola tariffs uh through of course the
[5:17:14] minister wasn't there. Correct.
[5:17:16] the ADM was there. Um, and that would
[5:17:20] have been brought up through making
[5:17:22] sense of Yeah, that would have been in
[5:17:24] Earl Anderson's little spiel because
[5:17:27] that was to do with uh making sense of
[5:17:30] stained stained sustained economics and
[5:17:33] world tariffs.
[5:17:35] So, they're looking forward to having
[5:17:38] trade with China and the price of canola
[5:17:41] going up. But he's also acknowledged
[5:17:44] that the price of grains in general has
[5:17:47] come down and it's probably going to uh
[5:17:51] it's going to take quite a bit to get
[5:17:52] the prices back up again.
[5:17:55] But as far as the cattle industry goes,
[5:17:58] cattle industry is peaking. Well, I
[5:18:02] don't know if it's peaking. They
[5:18:03] consider it to keep going up. Um cost of
[5:18:06] beef will continue to rise. Uh it's
[5:18:08] because of retention numbers. Currently
[5:18:11] they're forecasting possibly 30%
[5:18:15] increase in retention. The only problem
[5:18:17] is is when it goes to
[5:18:20] profitability
[5:18:21] if somebody buys a or intends to bring a
[5:18:24] heer breed it and bring it into
[5:18:27] production. If there is economics that
[5:18:29] show that that heer is actually going to
[5:18:31] make a profit that will actually go into
[5:18:34] making a profit rather than going into
[5:18:36] increasing the cattle herds.
[5:18:40] So unless something kind of maybe
[5:18:42] shifts, cattle numbers are forecast to
[5:18:44] remain low and cattle prices or beef
[5:18:48] prices to remain high.
[5:18:51] But you know how experts work that?
[5:18:55] » Any other questions? Uh councelor
[5:18:58] Cunningham.
[5:18:59] >> Uh two questions that I have. Um kind of
[5:19:01] » Uh two questions that I have. Um kind of
[5:19:01] federal issues. Uh, a couple rate pairs
[5:19:04] asked me if Nihil County was providing
[5:19:06] um any feedback to the federal
[5:19:08] government on this potential new
[5:19:10] traceability requirements from the CFIA.
[5:19:13] And I I think um maybe this it was
[5:19:17] county of Stler had put forward a
[5:19:19] resolution and if if so could you just
[5:19:21] maybe talk to that a little bit just so
[5:19:22] our rate payers are kind of aware what's
[5:19:24] going on with that.
[5:19:25] >> Yes, there was a res there was a
[5:19:27] » Yes, there was a res there was a
[5:19:27] resolution that came in through the
[5:19:29] resolutions committee. Uh it was amended
[5:19:33] to state that they would like to put a
[5:19:37] hold on it. Uh the amendment said 3
[5:19:40] years and then the amendment was
[5:19:41] defeated and the word indefinitely put
[5:19:44] in there. What they're looking at is
[5:19:47] like right now CFIA is really pushing to
[5:19:51] have more and more input but the egg
[5:19:55] service boards feel that we have a very
[5:19:58] good traceability system in Canada top
[5:20:01] of top of the world actually. We can
[5:20:04] actually trace it right back to um trace
[5:20:08] it back to the herd of origin by just
[5:20:10] using manifests and branding. But with
[5:20:12] the tagging system that just clarifies
[5:20:15] it even even more. So the the
[5:20:18] resolutions
[5:20:21] basically stated, yeah, let's let's put
[5:20:24] this on hold indefinitely and uh prove
[5:20:28] that we actually have to have enhanced
[5:20:31] CFIA participation.
[5:20:34] >> Thanks for that. I'm just something to
[5:20:36] » Thanks for that. I'm just something to
[5:20:36] pose. I I wonder if it would be um
[5:20:40] something maybe egg service if there's
[5:20:41] like maybe a letter that went out. I
[5:20:43] mean I I know it's we're fighting the
[5:20:45] giant but um I never think it hurts to
[5:20:47] have our voices heard. So just maybe
[5:20:49] something I'd maybe ask egg service
[5:20:51] board to
[5:20:52] >> I think it should come from council
[5:20:53] » I think it should come from council
[5:20:53] >> or come from council. Yeah.
[5:20:54] » or come from council. Yeah.
[5:20:54] >> I think I I think it actually should
[5:20:56] » I think I I think it actually should
[5:20:56] come from council. One of the other
[5:20:57] questions that and Jerry you might know
[5:20:58] or councelor Woodstock would know what
[5:21:01] what was the reasoning for this from the
[5:21:03] federal government? We had such a good
[5:21:04] system and now now it seems like it it's
[5:21:07] just that you crossed the fence and now
[5:21:08] you're into trouble again
[5:21:11] >> because they can.
[5:21:14] » because they can.
[5:21:14] I mean, I can't justify why they're
[5:21:16] doing it. I don't think they can justify
[5:21:19] why they're doing it other than the fact
[5:21:21] that they seem to think they can get
[5:21:23] away with enhancing. And I don't know if
[5:21:26] it's actually an enhancement or it's
[5:21:28] more of a detriment to the actual cater
[5:21:31] cattle producers,
[5:21:33] but some of the stuff that was stated
[5:21:36] there, like they said that every time a
[5:21:39] cow moves off its premise that it would
[5:21:43] have to be identified, but there were
[5:21:46] statements made there by people that
[5:21:49] were part of CFIA that said, "No, no,
[5:21:51] no. That's not what we're looking for."
[5:21:54] So, I'm just trying to figure out what
[5:21:55] it was that they were actually trying
[5:21:57] trying to prove and what they were
[5:21:58] looking for.
[5:22:00] That being said, I mean, maybe what we
[5:22:02] should be doing, and this is just a
[5:22:04] thought, um, I got a couple letters
[5:22:06] sitting on my desk at home from the
[5:22:08] official opposition leader of Canada,
[5:22:11] maybe we should send a letter to him
[5:22:14] stating that, you know, maybe this is be
[5:22:16] something that you could maybe ask the
[5:22:17] egg minister
[5:22:19] uh, and what the benefits are to us
[5:22:21] Albertans or Scattle people, not not
[5:22:23] just Alberta. Um, might be might be a
[5:22:26] worthwhile presentation. Uh, I think we
[5:22:29] should start using these people. Um,
[5:22:31] whether it's whether it's him or whether
[5:22:33] it's our even our MLAs. Um, a lot of a
[5:22:37] lot of comments came from our district 2
[5:22:39] meeting about even the MLAs got to get
[5:22:42] involved with us more on this ground
[5:22:44] level to to get with the program, right?
[5:22:45] Because they seem to be in a closed door
[5:22:47] session all the time up there and
[5:22:49] they're not seeing what's actually
[5:22:50] happened to the rapeers. That in fact
[5:22:52] was one of the recommendation that came
[5:22:54] from the people wanting to change it is
[5:22:57] to go that route. That's the only thing
[5:23:01] we've got left to go to is those people.
[5:23:04] >> What can I
[5:23:05] » What can I
[5:23:05] >> Well, 40% of the cattle herd is actually
[5:23:07] » Well, 40% of the cattle herd is actually
[5:23:07] centered in the Canadian cattle herd is
[5:23:10] actually centered in Canada. So, we have
[5:23:12] the most to lose here. And I don't know
[5:23:14] if there's anything that uh either
[5:23:16] councelor Anderson or councelor Olsen
[5:23:19] would like to add that I maybe missed.
[5:23:21] By all means uh if you give them the
[5:23:23] opportunity maybe they'll get the maybe
[5:23:25] they'll get a different perspective.
[5:23:29] » Councelor Olsson.
[5:23:31] >> Yeah. No, I think uh Miss Councelor
[5:23:33] » Yeah. No, I think uh Miss Councelor
[5:23:33] Woodstock covered it fairly well. It's
[5:23:35] just uh ongoing.
[5:23:38] We just heard uh there will be ongoing
[5:23:41] struggles.
[5:23:42] uh
[5:23:44] in this industry and and the whole uh mo
[5:23:48] or theme of the thing was cultivating
[5:23:50] resilience. So uh it's basically just
[5:23:53] you know telling people that are in the
[5:23:56] industry egg industry to be resilient
[5:23:59] and stick with things and and even
[5:24:02] though things might get bumpy. One of
[5:24:04] the things one of the things that I've
[5:24:05] heard and I've heard this from different
[5:24:07] reefs uh throughout our area here is
[5:24:10] that one of the concerns is that with
[5:24:13] the way that oil and gas is going right
[5:24:15] now, agriculture is still the main the
[5:24:18] main scoop around here. So, we got to
[5:24:20] start looking after this agriculture a
[5:24:22] little bit better and and start fighting
[5:24:24] against these guys to that that are
[5:24:25] actually to me to me this is this is an
[5:24:28] attack on a system that was
[5:24:32] bombroof if you would ask me and I mean
[5:24:34] is it just for bureaucracy or is it you
[5:24:36] know that's what we need to find out and
[5:24:38] that's that's my thought I think we
[5:24:39] should write a letter C
[5:24:41] >> so I I would put forth a motion that
[5:24:45] » so I I would put forth a motion that
[5:24:45] council sends a letter to our MP and our
[5:24:48] MLA
[5:24:49] to provide some clarity on the new
[5:24:53] traceability requirements proposed from
[5:24:56] the CFIA or however you want to word it.
[5:24:58] I know somebody that I was talking to
[5:25:00] said that even with their horse, if they
[5:25:02] take their horse to the parade, they
[5:25:03] will have to report that. So, um, sounds
[5:25:07] uh, very
[5:25:08] >> Well, I was just a little concerned what
[5:25:10] » Well, I was just a little concerned what
[5:25:10] happens when councelor Olsson's bees
[5:25:12] escape.
[5:25:19] Thanks, Reef.
[5:25:27] » There there was two other things that
[5:25:28] were I thought was particularly
[5:25:30] interesting.
[5:25:31] >> Oh, just a bit.
[5:25:32] » Oh, just a bit.
[5:25:32] >> Oh, okay.
[5:25:34] » Oh, okay.
[5:25:34] >> Sorry, Council Anderson. I should have
[5:25:35] » Sorry, Council Anderson. I should have
[5:25:35] let you go first, but um so my motion
[5:25:38] would be that council directs
[5:25:39] administration to draft a letter to our
[5:25:41] MLA and our MP. um maybe to provide
[5:25:46] clarity on the potential new
[5:25:49] requirements on traceability from the
[5:25:52] CFIA.
[5:25:55] >> Does that make sense?
[5:25:57] » Does that make sense?
[5:25:57] >> Um is is my thought would be is
[5:26:03] » CFID
[5:26:08] » and would you could add would gladly sit
[5:26:10] down and meet.
[5:26:12] >> He told me he would.
[5:26:15] » He told me he would.
[5:26:15] and would be open to a potential meeting
[5:26:17] with either of these entities
[5:26:21] >> potential potential new requirements. I
[5:26:23] » potential potential new requirements. I
[5:26:23] guess we need the clarity on on the
[5:26:26] reasoning that this is for
[5:26:28] >> like
[5:26:38] » we would welcome a meeting with either
[5:26:40] of them, both of them. All of them.
[5:27:09] Is everybody comfortable with that? Do
[5:27:12] you want to read it back?
[5:27:14] >> You could. Or is everybody good with it?
[5:27:18] » You could. Or is everybody good with it?
[5:27:18] >> I can read it. I'll read it. Um, I will
[5:27:21] » I can read it. I'll read it. Um, I will
[5:27:21] make the motion that council directs
[5:27:22] administration to draft a letter to our
[5:27:24] MLA and to our MP to provide clarity on
[5:27:26] the reasoning for the potential new
[5:27:28] requirements from the Canadian Food
[5:27:30] Inspection Agency and state we would
[5:27:32] welcome a meeting with them.
[5:27:36] » Thank you. Uh, everybody clear on that?
[5:27:40] Any discussion, concerns?
[5:27:45] All in favor?
[5:27:47] Carrie announced
[5:27:51] Merurl after sorry we cut you off. Did
[5:27:53] you want to discuss?
[5:27:54] >> I just wanted to uh a couple other
[5:27:57] » I just wanted to uh a couple other
[5:27:57] issues that were uh addressed I found
[5:27:59] particularly interesting because
[5:28:02] I am a agricultural person. They are
[5:28:06] trying to and are within one month of a
[5:28:10] possible reinstatement of strick nine
[5:28:13] for our areas.
[5:28:16] It's not in done yet, but it's close. Uh
[5:28:19] the other one was I found very
[5:28:22] interesting was the wild boar uh thing,
[5:28:26] what they're doing with the wild boar.
[5:28:28] Uh heard about it, never experienced it.
[5:28:31] They did clarify where the areas are of
[5:28:34] high numbers are, what they're doing.
[5:28:36] They're they're pursuing a more of a
[5:28:39] trapping rather than a shooting thing.
[5:28:41] Uh, but it it was good information to
[5:28:44] war because I never knew where the
[5:28:47] incidents. I've never seen one, but I
[5:28:49] know it's a problem.
[5:28:53] >> Council, just one more. Um, the the
[5:28:56] » Council, just one more. Um, the the
[5:28:56] other um issue that that's come up to me
[5:28:58] a few times, and I think this would have
[5:29:00] happened after your convention, but a
[5:29:02] lot of folks are really concerned about
[5:29:04] um the discontinuation of the LOM
[5:29:06] research station. Um, I think it's been
[5:29:08] in operation since 19 it was announced
[5:29:11] after. Yeah. Since 1907. So, um maybe
[5:29:15] nothing we want to, you know, address
[5:29:16] right now, but um maybe see where it
[5:29:18] goes in another couple weeks or
[5:29:20] >> I I think we should keep an eye on that
[5:29:21] » I I think we should keep an eye on that
[5:29:21] one because actually there was something
[5:29:23] like an unbelievable amount of federal
[5:29:26] uh employees that are going to be let go
[5:29:29] like throughout Canada.
[5:29:30] >> It's just just not here. But it always
[5:29:33] » It's just just not here. But it always
[5:29:33] seems that when the feds do something,
[5:29:35] it always seems to affect us farmers.
[5:29:38] That's the problem. That's what really
[5:29:39] bothers me the most. So, I think we got
[5:29:41] to really keep our eye on on the ball
[5:29:43] here and we got to do as whatever we
[5:29:46] can. I know it's like fighting or
[5:29:48] beating a dead horse with a stick, but
[5:29:51] we we got to you got to keep trying.
[5:29:54] Thanks for that.
[5:29:58] Any other comments, concerns,
[5:30:02] any other thing to going on that we need
[5:30:04] to know?
[5:30:07] >> All right.
[5:30:08] » All right.
[5:30:08] I'm looking for you. Know what?
[5:30:16] Council cutting.
[5:30:17] >> I'll move the council receive for
[5:30:18] » I'll move the council receive for
[5:30:18] information the council. Nope, that's
[5:30:21] not right.
[5:30:24] You're tricking me. Um, so I'll move
[5:30:27] that we receive for information the
[5:30:29] council and committee report as
[5:30:31] presented. Thank you, Candace.
[5:30:35] >> Thank you.
[5:30:37] » Thank you.
[5:30:37] We're looking for number 13.
[5:31:04] » Do you want any discussion? Go ahead.
[5:31:05] Anybody any any concerns on the
[5:31:07] followup? Everybody's looked at that.
[5:31:10] >> We can look at that. Uh oh, pardon me.
[5:31:15] » We can look at that. Uh oh, pardon me.
[5:31:15] >> One of the things that one of the things
[5:31:16] » One of the things that one of the things
[5:31:16] that uh I was that I noticed that I'd
[5:31:19] like to see changed is is on our uh we
[5:31:22] can talk about it too next council
[5:31:26] meeting
[5:31:28] is the actual report to council. Did
[5:31:31] everybody have a look at that one?
[5:31:32] >> Okay. got some there's stuff stuff in
[5:31:34] » Okay. got some there's stuff stuff in
[5:31:34] there we should talk about if you want
[5:31:36] to add to the agenda for next time
[5:31:39] the the council followup as far as I as
[5:31:41] what I looked at I'm okay with it right
[5:31:43] now uh councelor Cunningham
[5:31:46] >> okay and it might be in here but my eyes
[5:31:47] » okay and it might be in here but my eyes
[5:31:48] are starting to go funny but um we had
[5:31:50] made that motion I think a couple
[5:31:52] meetings ago about sending the letter to
[5:31:54] the minister of affordability and
[5:31:56] utilities um has that been done yeah
[5:31:59] okay thank Any
[5:32:09] concerns, questions?
[5:32:16] » All right.
[5:32:21] » Motion,
[5:32:23] >> councelor Hopkins. I move the council
[5:32:24] » councelor Hopkins. I move the council
[5:32:24] receive the information
[5:32:27] uh from the council follow-up action
[5:32:30] list as presented.
[5:32:33] >> Thank you.
[5:32:42] » We okay there.
[5:32:47] » Do we need Is it a motion?
[5:32:49] >> No,
[5:32:49] » No,
[5:32:49] >> it's not. Yes. No.
[5:32:56] Yeah. So, we don't need a motion. Uh
[5:32:59] adjournment.
[5:33:05] Councelor Olsen.
[5:33:09] I uh
[5:33:12] make the motion that the meeting be
[5:33:14] adjourned at 1
[5:33:17] 33 p.m.
[5:33:21] » Good.
[5:33:26] Yeah, that's what we have to clarify.