County of newell March/April 2014

www.countyofnewell.ab.ca

Contact Us:

County of newellP.O. Box 130Brooks, AlbertaT1R 1B2administration@newellmail.catelephone:fax:

403-362-32661-888-361-7921

County websitewww.countyofnewell.ab.caChief Administrative officerKevin Stephensonstephensonk@newellmail.ca

Director of Corporate ServicesLayne Johnsonjohnsonl@newellmail.ca

Director of Information & technologyRoberta Fernellfernellr@newellmail.ca

County PlannerGavin Scottgavinscott@orrsc.com

Manager of Planning & DevelopmentAlyce Wickertwickerta@newellmail.ca

County AssessorKevin Halstedhalstedk@newellmail.ca

Manager of economic DevelopmentMichelle Gietzgietzm@newellmail.ca

Manager of financeMatt Fenskefenskem@newellmail.ca

Agricultural ServicesDirector of Agricultural ServicesTodd Greengreent@newellmail.ca

Manager of Agricultural ServicesHolly Whitewhiteh@newellmail.ca

Agricultural Services SupervisorWill Schaapschaapw@newellmail.ca

Municipal ServicesDirector of Municipal ServicesMark Harbichtharbichtm@newellmail.ca

Manager of operationsTerry Schroederschroedert@newellmail.ca

Manager of engineering ServicesGeoff Tiffintiffing@newellmail.ca

County CouncilDivision 1 - Rolling HillsClarence AmulungTelephone: 403-964-2292Division 2 - tilleyGordon SimpsonTelephone: 403-377-2596Division 3 - Patricia/MillicentAnne Marie PhilipsenTelephone: 403-378-4724Division 4 - Rainier/Scandia/Bow CityWayne HammergrenTelephone: 403-501-8909Division 5 - Cassils/lake newell ResortTracy FyfeTelephone: 403-793-2076Division 6 - BassanoKelly ChristmanTelephone: 403-641-2274Division 7 - RosemaryEllen UnruhTelephone: 403-378-4292Division 8 - DuchessBrian de JongTelephone: 403-362-4587Division 9 - GemMolly Douglass (Reeve)Telephone: 403-641-2562Division 10 - BrooksLionel JussTelephone: 403-362-5689

newell newslettereditor/Design & layoutAriana Nielsen (Executive Assistant)

ProofingJoanne Wells (Records Management Clerk)

Printed by: The Brooks & County Chronicle

Copyright © 2014 County of newell

County of Newell - Council Notesby Molly Douglass, Division 9 Councillor, County of Newell Reeve

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Planning for growth and ongoing development is an important function within all municipalities. An inter-municipal development plan (IMDP) with the Village of Duchess has been completed and one with the Town of Bassano’s next on the agenda. These plans focus on the shared/fringe areas to determine optimum types of future development such as commercial, industrial, or residential. The goal is to be proactive so that developers know what locations may be suitable and to minimize municipal conflict along “borders.”

Councillors K. Christman and A.M. Philipsen were appointed to the Bassano and Newell Fire and Emergency Services Committee.

The tender for supply and delivery of all fuel for 2014 was awarded to South Country Co-op.

The Regional Managers from the Lethbridge Office of Alberta Transportation provided updates on secondary highways, bridges, resurfacing, and snow removal at the January 6, 2014 Council Meeting. Council continues to lobby for paving/resurfacing of SH876 (south from Patricia), SH873 (south from Kinbrook Island and the Duchess Highway), SH525 (east of Rolling Hills), and SH544 (from #36 to Patricia).

Joel Bulger, Allen Eastman, and Mara Nesbitt were appointed as alternate Members-at-Large to the Subdivision & Development Appeal Board.

Much of a Councillor’s work involves committees that meet usually once a month, or as required. Each October at our Organizational Meeting the County’s reps are decided. For 2014, Councillor Anne Marie Philipsen is appointed to be part of Crime Stoppers/Rural Crime Watch/Safe Communities work. On February 27, a public meeting was held at the Heritage Inn to exchange stats and information as well as to receive input and ideas regarding safety in our communities and how it can be improved. Our local Staff Sergeant Tom McNulty led the discussion at this

well attended session. Clarence Amulung is our Grasslands Regional Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) representative. This committee funds and/or supports the quality of life and services to local people in our Newell region. Some examples are SADD, Lifetalk Counselling, Child Development Society, Newell Regional Expo, Senior’s Outreach, Gem Home Support, SPEC, Rosemary New Horizons, Tilley Summer Fun, Diabetes Association, Cantara Safe House - to name just a few! FCSS is funded provincially and locally in all of Alberta. Its ongoing success comes from local people making decisions about what works best for their communities.

The last committee we’ll look at this newsletter is called Joint Services/IMDP. This group of eight takes in the Reeve/Mayor, two City/County Councillors and our City/County CAO’s. Activities and issues, pertinent to both the City of Brooks and County of Newell, make up the agenda items. This is where cooperative and collaborative services such as doctor recruitment/retention and shared services such as airport or safety are organized. Development applications on our shared boundaries are considered to share information. Wide ranging discussions to percolate new ideas to better our greater community have come from these meetings. Communication prevents so many misunderstandings in the workplace and generally speaking in life!

The EID along with members of City and County Councils attended a workshop in February to learn about the zebra and quagga mussel. You will be hearing more regarding this invasive species and the economic havoc it causes once in a water system. If you own a boat, it would be helpful to do some research. Keeping this species out of Alberta is key. Here is a website for some more info on these “silent invaders.” h t t p : / / w w w . y o u t u b e . c o m /watch?v=ablmqGDzXBo

Enjoy the spring sunshine!

Check the County of Newell website forlast minute meeting changes

www.countyofnewell.ab.ca

UPCOMING MEETINGSUPCOMING MEETINGS

the office will be closed on the following days:

Municipal Planning Commission/Council

Thursday, April 10, 2014 at 10:00 a.m.Thursday, April 24, 2014 at 10:00 a.m.Thursday, May 8, 2014 at 10:00 a.m.Thursday, May 22, 2014 at 10:00 a.m.Thursday, June 5, 2014 at 10:00 a.m.Thursday, June 19, 2014 at 10:00 a.m.

Friday, April 18, 2014 - Good FridayMonday, May 19, 2014 - Victoria Day

All meetings are held in the Council Chambers of the County of newell Administration Building located in Brooks, AB at 183037 RR 145

unless otherwise noted.

the MPC meeting will begin at 10:00 a.m. the Council meeting will begin immediately

after MPC adjourns.

County crews will soon be busy with this year’s dust abatement program. The product that the County presently uses is calcium chloride, a product that is readily available and quite economical to use. The County will continue to use calcium and will be investigating other products over the next few years. Key items that we will be considering are cost of application and longevity of applied product.

The County will be starting in Division Four (4) this year with calcium and working up through division in order (5, 6, 7,….). The target start date for applying calcium to the roads is June 1st; however, weather plays a major role in when we can apply calcium. The County treats approximately 180 km of road each year and the process can take up to two months to complete.

The County’s dust abatement program is covered by two policies - the Residential Dust Abatement Policy and the Non-residential Dust Abatement Policy. Copies of these policies are available on County’s web site or at the County of Newell Office. The Residential Dust Abatement Policy enables ratepayers to apply for calcium at a subsidized cost (1/3 ratepayer and 2/3 County of Newell) of $1.37 per linear meter up to a maximum of 300 meters (1000 feet). For lengths greater than 300 meters, the

cost of calcium is $4.10 per meter. There are five standard lengths available - 100, 150, 200, 250, and 300 meters and this is done to streamline the application process and field application. The County received 267 applications and applied 60.5 km of calcium under this policy in 2013.

The Non-Residential Dust Abatement Policy covers calcium that the county and/or industry cover full cost of calcium application ($4.10 per linear meter). Categories include:• County Aggregate Haul Routes (12.4 km in

2013) - at residences along this route, the County applies calcium for a distance of 100 meters in front of the residences.

• Intersection Treatments (12.7 km in 2013) - where gravel surfaced and paved roads intersect. The department recommends application of calcium at these locations to reduce wash board and dust generated by traffic. A 50 meter application of calcium shall be applied to all gravel aprons leading to provincial and County paved surfaces.

• Additional Locations (94.6 km in 2013) - locations are identified by operations and Council where application is of overall benefit to the community and beneficial

to reducing road maintenance with above average traffic volumes. These routes require discussion between operations and Council. Industry may also request for dust abatement on roads to control dust created by their activities.

Stakes will be placed marking the area for calcium application, as submitted on your application, up to one week prior to work commencement using GPS systems. If you notice an error, please contact Municipal Services at 403-794-2311 so that the staked area can be verified to the original application and corrected where necessary. We ask that the public also contact us if they notice stakes have been removed or damaged so that we can attend to the issue.

Advertisement of the Calcium Program takes place in March and April through local media. Rates associated to the program are approved by Council annually. Closing date for applications is April 30, 2014 at 4:30 p.m. Any requests after this date will not be accepted unless approved by County Council.

If you have any questions regarding the calcium program please contact the Municipal Services Department at 403-794-2311.

2014 DUst AbAteMeNt PRogRAM

Friday, April 25th, 2014

Bassano Community Hall

Cocktails: 6:00PM

Dinner: 7:00PM

Tickets: $15.00 per person

Tickets available at the Town of Bassano Office, Village of Duchess Office, Village of Rosemary Office, City of Brooks Office and the Tilley ATB

Bassano Honouring Duchess

www.countyofnewell.ab.cathe newell newsletter - March/April 2014PAGe 2

Newell Recycling Newsby Florence Juska

the County of newell would like to invite local artists and artisans,

groups and individuals, to display their work in the

County building. we have a large, open foyer that isperfect for setting up your display.

Art and Visual Displays at the County Building

The County Planning and Development Department has been accredited to issue construction permits since June 2011. This means that, if you need building, plumbing, gas, electrical or private sewage permits, we can help you out at the County office.

What’s the difference between a development permit and a building permit? Aren’t they the same thing? We get this question a lot! And, no, they are not the same thing.

A development permit looks at how your structure is sited on the parcel. Does it meet setbacks to property lines and the road allowance? Does it cover too much of the lot? Is it far enough away from other structures? Is the use of the structure compatible with the zoning district in the Land Use Bylaw?

A building permit looks at how the structure is built. Does the construction of the building comply with the requirements of the Alberta Building Code? A building permit is one of 5 construction permits that may be required for your structure.

When is a building permit required? All houses must have building permits. Whether you build a new house, install a Ready-to-Move house, move in an existing house, or install a mobile home, you will need a building permit. You will also need a building permit when you build a deck, enclose a patio, or build an addition. A building permit is required if you plan to renovate, and the renovation will cost more than $5000. You also need building permits for garages, shed, barns, Quonsets, shops and any other accessory building (with some exceptions) that are larger than 100 ft2. As far as the Alberta Building Code is concerned, any building or structure larger than 100 ft2 requires a building permit. Finally, and something of a surprise for most people, is that you will likely need a building permit to install your new fireplace, hot tub, or swimming pool.

Is anything exempt? Yes. If you operate an agricultural business on land that is zoned agriculture, you are not required to obtain either development permits or building permits. However, this applies only to buildings that are part of the agricultural operation. Even so, while you are exempt from building permits, you must take out electrical, gas, and plumbing permits for any structure, agricultural or not. Finally, this exemption does not ever apply to dwellings or garages.

What is the process to get a building permit?A Building Permit application includes some or all of

the following drawings and information: floor plans, foundation plans, cross sections, elevations, roof and floor truss layouts, anchoring (mobile home), and drainage. Depending on the size and type of building, these drawings may need to be engineered. Once the plans are reviewed and approved, two or three inspections will occur, again, depending on the type of building. Your building inspector has been contracted by the County to help you make sure everything is built according to code. He is a valuable resource to ensure your structure is safe and will remain standing for many years to come.

What other construction permits are there?The next most common permit is electrical. It’s required for the installation or alteration of any electrical system, for installing a temporary service or making a service connection. A Master Electrician is required for commercial work, and all work involving 3 phases, such as the electrical box for a pivot. The County issues more electrical permits than any other permit, and the majority are for pivot installations.

Gas and plumbing permits are required for the installation or alteration of any gas or plumbing system. A Plumbing Permit also may be required when connecting a building to a water source, even if no alterations are being made inside the building. An alteration to an existing gas system could include replacing a component of the system, such as a water heater or a furnace.

A Private Sewage Disposal System (PSDS) Permit is required when installing or altering a septic system. As part of the process, proposed design drawings and soil test results must be submitted. Two inspections will be completed: a pre-installation site inspection and a final inspection. The pre-installation inspection allows the inspector to review the design and ensure that it suits the proposed location before work begins. The final inspection must occur before the site is backfilled to ensure it’s been installed according to the design. Again, your PSDS inspector has been contracted by the County to help you make sure everything is installed according to code. He is a valuable resource to ensure your septic system is safe, reliable, and will remain operational for many years to come.

If you are planning work that may require a construction permit, please contact Shanna Lee Simpson, Development Clerk, at the County office (403-362-3266). You may also contact the County’s inspection agency, Park Enterprises (1-800-621-5440).

Changes to the Rural beautification Policy

by Holly White, Manager of Agricultural servicesEvery year we get numerous requests to open our Rural Beautification tour up to acreage owners. This year we have updated the Rural Beautification Policy to include yards that are a minimum of one acre in size. So go ahead and nominate your favorite farm or acreage for the 2014 Rural Beautification Awards. In order to qualify the yards must meet the following three criteria:1. No County of Newell employees or members of County

Council will be eligible.2. To qualify, all candidates must maintain their own yard (i.e. no

hired gardeners or landscapers).3. Yards must be a minimum of one acre in size to qualify. In recent years we have been hosting a full day tour throughout the County to view at least the 3 winning yards. In order to make the tour a success we rely on nominations from the community. If you would like to nominate someone or volunteer to judge the yards please give me a call at 403-794-2337 or send me an email: whiteh@newellmail.ca

When Do I Need Construction Permits?by Alyce Wickert, Manager of Planning & Development

newell ReCyClInG HAS A new weBSIte Please visit www.newellrecycling.ca to view our location, building, compost site, and what we accept (and don’t accept). Also check out the Frequently Asked Questions.

Newell Recycling would like to invite everyone out to our AGM, Wednesday, March 19 at 7:00 PM at the depot at 279 Veiner Road in the south industrial park. Come out and join us for conversation, beverages, and cookies, and bring your recyclables at the same time.

Mark your calendars for our 3rd annual pancake breakfast on Saturday, April 26 from 9 - 11am. The Chamber of Commerce Annual Trade Show is that weekend as well. So come out for breakfast before the trade show doors open at 11am. Bring your recyclables and household toxic waste for safe disposal. There will be a display of some of the products your recyclables are made into. You might be pleasantly surprised at the variety. We hope to see you there.

We have growing concerns of the amount of garbage that is being found in the cardboard dumpsters that are located at businesses around the city of Brooks. Some of the undesirables found in the cardboard are dirty diapers, household garbage, metal and glass making it not only dangerous for our employees but it also contaminates our product. The cardboard dumpsters are identified by the recycling logo, “Newell Recycling” and “Cardboard Only.” Please take your garbage to the landfill or closest transfer station or an appropriate

dumpster for your garbage. Did you know that you can rent a garbage dumpster from Smithbrook Waste Management Services?

Are you having an event that generates a lot of cardboard, newsprint, paper, or beverage containers? Book the ‘Events Trailer’ from Newell Recycling. We will deliver and pick it up when your event is done.

Newell Recycling has 24 hour drop-off and accepts:• cardboard• newspaper, magazines, and books• white/colored office paper, envelopes with and

without plastic windows• tin cans and tin foil• e-waste (televisions, computers and accessories,

monitors, printers, fax machines & small household electronics).

• paint & household hazardous waste• fluorescent bulbs and tubes (please handle carefully

to avoid breakage)• used motor oil, oil containers & filters• polyethylene pipe (flexible black plastic),

unfortunately, other types of plastic are not accepted at this time. Some items such as livestock mineral tubs may be acceptable.

If you have any questions or problems call Newell Recycling at 403 362 2132 during regular office hours or on cell at 403 362 9388.

PReSS ReleASeeMeRSon DRIVe to PeRfoRM at the CRACounty of Newell, AB February 27, 2014 – The County of Newell is hosting the Provincial Agricultural Service Board (ASB) Summer Tour at the Centennial Regional Arena from July 7-10, 2014. Members of municipal councils and Agricultural Service Boards from across the province have been invited to participate in these tours which showcase the County of Newell. The Eastern Irrigation District and the City of Brooks have graciously agreed to partner with the County in hosting this event. During the final evening of the Tour, participants will be entertained by Canadian country band Emerson Drive.

The County of Newell would like to invite the public to be a part of this special evening and join us at the Emerson Drive concert to be held July 9, 2014 at the Centennial Regional Arena. Information about ticket sales and pricing will be announced soon. The County and its organizing partners are working out details to see that the net revenues of the event are donated back to community projects.

If you have any questions about the ASB Summer Tour and how you may contribute, please contact Todd Green, Director of Agricultural Services at 403-794-2336. Questions related to the Emerson Drive Concert may be directed to Mike McEdwards at 403-362-0513.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to see one of Canada’s most popular country bands right here in Brooks. Come out and enjoy a great evening of entertainment with Emerson Drive July 9th at the CRA.

The County of Newell is hosting the Provincial ASB Summer Tour in partnership with the City of Brooks and the Eastern Irrigation District from July 7 – 10, 2014. During the welcoming reception and registration evening from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. on July 7th, the County will be hosting a mini trade show featuring local arts, crafts and food. We are currently looking for vendors that would be interested in participating in the event. Help us showcase the talents of our county to over 400 guests from across the province. Tables for this event are free of charge

tRADe SHow VenDoRS wAnteD!

If you would like more information on how to participate, please contact either:Tony Diep at 403-362-3333 or Susan Yokoyama at 403-794-2350

Email: tdiep@brooks.ca Email: yokoyamas@newellmail.ca

for more information, contact Pam or Joanne w. at the County office 403-362-3266, or talk to your friendly,

neighborhood Councillors Kelly Christman or tracy fyfe.

PAGe 3www.countyofnewell.ab.ca the newell newsletter - March/April 2014

stalled at small & Comfortableby Michelle gietz, Manager of economic Development

ANSWERS ABOUT YOURPROPERTY ASSESSMENT

ASSeSSMent & tAXeSBenchmark Assessment Consultants Inc. has been contracted to determine the market value of every property within the County so that all taxpayers contribute their fair share to pay for the services they enjoy.

Benchmark Assessment does not set tax rates nor do they determine how much must be collected in yearly taxes.

The most important product of the Assessment Department is the Assessment roll which is a listing of all properties located within the County and their assessed values.

The purpose of an assessment system is the equitable distribution of taxation for the purpose of paying public services.

The County uses the assessment roll to determine the tax rates that have to be set to raise the revenues required by themselves and various taxing authorities. The County annually collects taxes on behalf of the Province of Alberta (Alberta Education and the Newell Foundation).

ASSeSSMentThe Alberta Government has mandated that property assessments for 1998 and future taxation years with the Province:• Are reflective of the market value of property as of July

1 of the previous year, and• Must reflect the characteristics and physical condition

of the property on December 31 of the year prior to the year in which a tax is imposed, and

• That the assessments must be kept current by being updated on an annual basis.

WHAt Is AN AssessMeNt?An Assessment is the estimate of a property’s market value, as of July 1, of the year previous to the tax year.

WHAt Is MARKet VALUe?Market value is the most probable price which would be paid for a property in a competitive and open market. It assumes the buyer and seller are acting prudently and knowledgeably, allowing sufficient time for the sale and assumes that the transaction is not affected by undue pressures.

HoW Is PRoPeRtY VALUeD?The Assessment Department doesn’t create the value of your property, it is created by the real estate marketplace. The Assessment Department just measures it.

The Assessment Department is kept informed by the Provincial Land Titles Office of all real estate sales within the County.

The Assessors of the Assessment Department apply the accepted mass appraisal practices using information from all property sales within the County to estimate the market value of your property. They take into account all the market conditions that may affect your property’s value such as location, size, shape, replacement cost, age and the condition of your buildings.

WHAt ARe PRoPeRtY CLAsses?Once the assessment has been determined, the Assessment Department must establish which tax classification is appropriate for your property. There are four different property tax/assessment classifications, as specified in the Municipal Government Act (MGA), used in the County: Residential, Non-Residential, Farmland, and Machinery & Equipment. Unique tax rates are set for these distinctive property tax/assessment classifications.

We PAID $300,000 FoR oUR PRoPeRtY. WHY Is It AssesseD At $310,000?The real estate market has many forces affecting the value of property. These include supply and demand, motivation of buyers and sellers, renovations, remodeling, normal wear and tear and so on.

When similar properties are sold during the same time frame, a range of sale prices results. Assessed values reflect the sales in the middle of this range of prices. This is why there are assessments that are higher or lower than the selling price.

WHAt CAN I Do IF I DIsAgRee WItH tHe AssessoR’s estIMAte oF MY PRoPeRtY VALUe?Prior to completing the Assessment Review Board Complaint form, you are encouraged to contact the County Assessment Department (see below). The Assessor will be pleased to review the assessment with you. If the Assessor determines that an error has been made, your assessment will be revised.

I stILL DIsAgRee WItH tHe AssessMeNt oR tAX CLAssIFICAtIoN. WHAt sHoULD I Do?If, after talking with the Assessment Department your concerns are not satisfied, you may file a formal completed Assessment Review Board Complaint form with the Assessment Review Board. This completed Complaint form, along with the appropriate filing fee, must be sent to the Clerk of the Assessment Review Board for the County. A Complaint form is enclosed with the Property Assessment & Tax Notice and the fee schedule is stated on the back of the tax notice. If additional forms are required, photocopies may be made, are available on the County Website, or at the County of Newell administration building. Making a complaint under this section does not relieve any person from the obligation to pay any taxes owing on any property

or business or any penalties imposed for late payment of taxes.

CoMPLAINtsA complaint may be about any of the following matters, as shown on an assessment or tax notice: the description of a property or business; the name and mailing address of an assessed person or taxpayer; an assessment; an assessment class; an assessment sub-class; the type of property; the type of improvement; school support; whether the property is assessable; whether the property or business is exempt from taxation; a local improvement tax.

tHeRe IS no RIGHt to MAKe A CoMPlAIntABout Any tAX RAte.

WHAt Is A ‘tAX RAte’?The tax rate is the percentage of assessed value at which each property is taxed. It is applied to each individual property assessment using this formula: Property assessment X tax Rate = taxes Payable

This means that the assessed value of the property in dollars is multiplied by the tax rate set by the municipality. The result is the amount of taxes to be paid for each assessed property. For example, the tax bill for a home assessed at $300,000 would be calculated as follows:

$300,000 X 0.010 = $3,000.00

Where can I receive more information about property assessment?

Please contact: Kevin Halsted, AMAA (Assessor)Phone: 403-362-3266 or 403-794-2304

Fax: 866-867-0610

Email: halstedk@newellmail.ca

Or: Benchmark Assessment Consultants Inc.#4, 320 W.T. Hill Blvd. South

Lethbridge, AB T1J 4W9

Phone: 1-403-381-0535

1-800-633-9012

Fax: 1-403-381-1596

This is an information brochure only and has no legislative sanction. For certainty, the Municipal Government Act and Regulations should be consulted.

Longevity at its finest...

Many things in the County of Newell and agriculture have changed drastically over the last century. But some things have not, and that is the families that make agricultural production #1.

For a number of years the County has had a policy that would allow the Agriculture Service Board to recognize the farmers and ranchers that have been producing in the County for 100 years (or more). The process is simple, let us know and let us know where we can recognize your farm

Owning your own business is hard work! The challenges are endless and the utopia about ‘being your own boss’ can become an endless balancing of choices and challenges just to survive.

In general, only 45% of businesses survive after 5 years and the survival rate varies by industry with restaurants and construction companies having some of the highest failure rates. Everyone believes they can cook and build, but it is other challenges such as marketing, financial planning, and management which often finds businesses on the brink of disaster.

Out of the 45% of businesses which remain intact longer than 5 years, generally only 1 in 100 will become a mid-sized business, hiring more than 100 employees. What happens to the other 99% of those businesses? They remain operational and are generally known as ‘mom and pop’ businesses.

Why don’t they expand? Perhaps they don’t want to. Perhaps, they like being small and comfortable; spending time with family, not interested in making millions. Or perhaps they find the challenges of business difficult, just able to survive on scarce resources in a competitive growing world is hard enough. Not growing does not mean these businesses are failures. In fact, we should salute and support the hard work and tenacity of small town rural businesses able to survive in the harsh business world which continually migrates to larger centers.

In the Newell Region, which includes all the municipalities within the County of Newell’s boundaries, there are an estimated 2200 businesses. If 1 in 100 businesses should be mid-sized, there should be 22 businesses with 100 plus employees. To date, NREDI is aware of 19 private businesses with over 100 employees. If Grassland School Division and Brooks Health Centre are included, there are 21. Basically, for business, the region is in line with the statistics.

But what of those businesses who are uncomfortable being small and are struggling to grow? Like businesses that fail, they could be short of specific skills to take them successfully to the next level. Maybe they are just short of capital and household demands use all the extra funds that could be or should be reinvested back into the business.

There are probably businesses in our region who would like to expand, but have been unable to. If your business or a business you know is in this stage, contact us. Perhaps we can direct you or them to services that could help so that you can grow past being just small and comfortable.

For more information contact Michelle Gietz at gietzm@newellmail.ca or phone at 403-794-2329.

100 Year Farm Awards

We have beautiful clocks that we will affix a plaque to with your family name and years of farming in the County. It is because of all our area producers (and many others) that we are able to live and strive in such a wonderful County. But first and foremost those that have been here for many years have helped to guide the growth and prosperity in our region.

Have you farmed in the County of Newell for 100 years? The County Agriculture Service Board would like to honour you. For more information on the program or to determine how you qualify, please contact me at 403-794-2336.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETINGthe County of newell’s Annual General Meeting

will be held on thursday, May 22, 2014 at the Rolling Hills Community Center

beginning at 7:00 p.m.

watch for more details and our Annual Report document in the next few months!

by todd green, Director of Agricultural services

County of NewellMini Bus Service

APRIl 2014 MAy 2014

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Flammable Liquidsby Keith Martin, Manager of Fire & emergency services

Flammable liquids are volatile, flammable, toxic liquids commonly used as fuels, solvents, cleaning agents, thinners, adhesives and paints. For example, gasoline, acetone and toluene include some of the more common types of flammable liquids. Most people don’t realize how easily flammable liquids can ignite, or even explode. Don’t risk your life or the life of your family or neighbors by using or storing flammable liquids improperly. Follow these safety guidelines. fire facts:

9 Flammable liquids release invisible vapours, and it is these vapours that ignite given the right flammability range, not the liquid itself. These vapours are easily ignited by weak ignition sources such as a single spark of static electricity or even just high temperatures. Gasoline is a flammable liquid and can self-ignite at high temperatures.

9 The vapours of flammable liquids are toxic and can be hazardous to breathe. They can cause vomiting, dizziness, mental confusion, coma, brain damage, and even death.

9 Exposure to flammable liquids in a confined, unventilated area can also cause an asphyxiation hazard (when the vapours displace the oxygen in the air). Without oxygen in the air, death can occur.

9 Flammable liquids can strip away natural oils in the skin, leaving the skin vulnerable to irritation, infection and chronic skin problems.

9 The vapours of flammable liquids will ignite only when their percentage falls within a certain range of air by volume (flammability range). If the vapour to air ratio is within this limit and an ignition source is present a fire or explosion will occur. Gasoline has a flammability range of 1.4 and 7.6 percent vapour in air by volume.

9 When temperatures rise, the vapourization process may accelerate and cause too much pressure to build up in the container; vapour may vent/release from the container as a result. If this gas builds up in an enclosed, unventilated area it can lead to an explosion. Flammable gases will explode where the correct fuel to air ratio has been achieved before ignition.

9 Flammable liquids have a flash point. This is the lowest temperature at which a liquid will give off enough vapour to form an ignitable mixture with air. Flammable liquids will ignite at any temperature above this point. Gasoline has a flash point of -45 degrees Celsius.

9 Once ignited, the flames “Flash back.” This means the flames travel back, through the vapour-air mixture, to the container or source of the flammable liquid creating an explosion.

9 Gasoline and almost all other flammable liquids produce heavier than air vapours, which can spread considerable distances along the floor and be ignited by a distant heat, spark or flame.

the law: Part 4 of the Alberta Fire Code states:

� Flammable liquids shall not be stored in or adjacent to

exits, elevators, or principle routes that provide access to exits.

� Class 1A Flammable liquids, such as gasoline, cannot be stored in a dwelling unit, nor can they be stored on an exterior balcony.

� No more than 50L of flammable liquids, of which not more than 30L shall be gasoline, can be stored in a garage or shed attached to a dwelling unit.

� For detached garages and sheds a high volume of flammable liquids is not permitted. Contact your local jurisdiction for maximum storage amounts.

� Your container must be ULC or CSA approved.

Safety tips: Ö Ensure that flammable liquid containers are certified

and labeled by a recognized testing agency, such as the Underwriter’s Laboratories (UL/ULC). Do not store flammable liquids in glass containers. Metal containers are best, but approved plastic containers are also available. Approved containers for portable use and storage will have welded seams, are vapour proof, with spark or flame arresters, and pressure release valves or spring closing lids with spout covers. Approved containers for bulk storage and dispensing will also have metal ground wiring to prevent static build-up.

Ö Regularly inspect and maintain containers and dispensing units for visible damage and wear. Ensure the above safety measures are in place and operational. Bulk Storage and dispensing drums should also have a safety drip can in place with a fire baffle and a bonding process and materials for dispensing.

Ö Store flammable liquids outside the home in a cool ventilated area, preferably in a locked, detached shed. Do not store in your home or vehicle.

Ö Make sure flammable liquids are stored and used well away from any heat source or flame. Locate operating heaters in garages high above the ground and never smoke around flammable liquids.

Ö When fuelling flammable liquid equipment, fuel outdoors in a well-ventilated area away from combustibles. Avoid activities that could create an electrical charge while fueling.

Ö Never fuel flammable liquid equipment when the engine is running. Cool the motor before refueling.

Ö Before starting the motor of your flammable liquid powered equipment, move the equipment at least three metres away from the fuelling spot if possible. This prevents vapours from igniting.

Ö To transport flammable liquids in an automobile, use an approved container. Do not fill the container to the brim. Close the container tightly and transport with adequate ventilation. For example in the trunk of a car with trunk-lid propped open. Drive home directly and never store flammable liquids in a vehicle.

Ö Do not use flammable liquids to accelerate campfires or solid fuel barbecues. Flash-back may occur.

Ö Wear proper protective clothing when handling

flammable liquids. Wear safety goggles, long sleeves and pants, and protective shoes. These will prevent the possible toxic effects of flammable liquids from harming the skin.

Ö Do not wash clothes soaked in flammable liquids in the washing machine.

Ö Dispose of flammable liquid wastes promptly and properly.

Ö Be careful not to spill flammable liquids and immediately wipe them up if a spill occurs.

Ö Never use water to extinguish a flammable liquid fire. Water will spread the liquid while allowing the vapours to continue to burn.

Ö There are three types of extinguishers that may be used for flammable liquid fires: carbon dioxide, dry chemical and halon or halon substitute. Have a Type B fire extinguisher immediately available in case of fire. Follow the manufacturer’s operating instructions.

At the Service Station: Gasoline Part 4 of the Alberta Fire Code states:

� You must turn off your vehicle’s engine when refuelling; avoid smoking.

� Use only the refuelling latch on the gasoline dispenser nozzle, if there is one. Do not jam the latch open with an object to hold it open.

� To avoid spills, do not overfill your portable gasoline container or vehicle gas tank.

� Never fill a portable gasoline container when it is in the vehicle. Always place the container on the ground first.

In addition: • Discharge any static electricity by touching metal on the

outside of the vehicle away from the filling point before inserting and removing the nozzle from your vehicle.

• If a fire starts while you are refuelling the vehicle or a container, don’t remove the nozzle from fill point or try to stop the flow of the gasoline. Leave the area immediately and call for help.

• After pumping gasoline, leave the nozzle in the tank opening for a few seconds to avoid drips when you remove it.

• Do not wash gasoline soaked clothes in the washing machine. Hang them outdoors to deplete the gasoline vapours.

• Never siphon gasoline by mouth. A drop of gasoline in the lungs can cause fatal chemical pneumonia.

• When transporting gasoline from the service station to your home for immediate use, use a safety can and fill it only half or three-quarters full. Transport the container in your trunk with the lid partially open. Never store gasoline in your car or truck.

Remember that “safety is an Attitude.”