newell newsletter (may/june 2012)

4
COUNTY OF NEWELL May/June 2012 www.countyofnewell.ab.ca The Office will be closed on the following days: Check the County of Newell website for last minute meeting changes www.countyofnewell.ab.ca UPCOMING MEETINGS UPCOMING MEETINGS Municipal Planning Commission/Council Thursday, June 7, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, June 21, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, July 5, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, July 19, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, August 9, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, August 23, 2012 - CANCELLED Monday, July 2, 2012 - for Canada Day Monday, August 6, 2012 - Civic Holiday All meetings are held in the Council Chambers of the County of Newell Administration Building located in Brooks, AB at 707 - 2nd Ave. East unless otherwise noted. The MPC meeting will begin at 10:00 a.m. The Council meeting will begin immediately after MPC adjourns. Contact Us: County of Newell P.O. Box 130 Brooks, Alberta T1R 1B2 [email protected] Telephone: Fax: (403) 362-3266 (403) 362-8681 County Website www.countyofnewell.ab.ca Administrator Kevin Stephenson [email protected] Assistant Administrator Layne Johnson [email protected] Manager of GIS Jenelle Hofer [email protected] County Planner Diane Horvath [email protected] Development Control Officer Alyce Wickert [email protected] County Assessor Kevin Halsted [email protected] Economic Development Michelle Gietz [email protected] Manager of Finance Matt Fenske [email protected] Agricultural Service Board Telephone: Fax: (403) 362-2772 (403) 362-8681 Agricultural Fieldman Todd Green [email protected] Assistant Agricultural Fieldman Holly White [email protected] Agricultural Technician Kim Fleming [email protected] Public Works Telephone: Fax: (403) 362-3504 (403) 362-0412 Superintendent of Public Works Mark Harbicht [email protected] Asst. Superintendent of Public Works Terry Schroeder [email protected] Technical Manager Geoff Tiffin tiffi[email protected] County Council Division 1 - Rolling Hills Clarence Amulung Telephone: (403) 964-2292 Division 2 - Tilley Ike Schroeder Telephone: (403) 377-2587 Division 3 - Patricia/Millicent Anne Marie Philipsen Telephone: (403) 378-4724 Division 4 - Rainier/Scandia/Bow City Ryan Andrews Telephone: (403) 793-8144 Division 5 - Cassils Mara Nesbitt Telephone: (403) 362-3037 Division 6 - Bassano Joel Bulger Telephone: (403) 641-4469 Division 7 - Rosemary Allen Eastman Telephone: (403) 378-4280 Division 8 - Duchess Brian de Jong Telephone: (403) 362-4587 Division 9 - Gem Molly Douglass (Reeve) Telephone: (403) 641-2562 Division 10 - Brooks Lionel Juss Telephone: (403) 362-5689 Newell Newsletter Editor/Design & Layout Ariana Nielsen (Executive Assistant) Proofing Shanna Lee Simpson (Administrative Secretary) Printed by: The Brooks & County Chronicle Copyright © 2012 County of Newell County of Newell - Council Notes by Molly Douglass, Division 9 Councillor, County of Newell Reeve Like us on Facebook! County of Newell Follow us on Twitter! @County of Newell The beautiful greening of the countryside has occurred without the soggy conditions of the last seven springs. How nice it has been to have a normal style of rain opposed to damaging downpours. Hopefully conditions will continue to fall into line for a great growing season. An application was made to the EID for 1330 acre feet of water license for the County of Newell Water Project in the amount of $1.00 for the first 730 acre feet and $2000.00 per acre foot for the next 600 acre feet as future development takes place. Council supported a reduction in the size of the “historic designation” of the EID Park in Scandia through a request to Alberta Culture and Community Services. Fire Guardians were appointed as follows: All Divisions-Keith Martin; Rolling Hills - Bill Dickinson; Tilley - Patrick Fabian; Patricia - Mark Martin; Duchess - Gregory Witt; Bow Slope - Trevor Sandau; Brooks Rural - Kevin Swanson; Bassano - Trevor Peters; Rosemary - Wilf Harder; Gem - Les Douglass; Bow City - Jim Ketchmark. Council appreciates the dedication and involvement of these important people! Bylaw 1738-11, a schedule of fees for a variety of County services, was given final reading on March 8th. Our website at www.countyofnewell.ab.ca provides access to all of our bylaws as well as other information of interest such as agendas, minutes, employment opportunities, meeting schedules, and much more! Our Council will meet with the Vulcan County Council to discuss inter-municipal planning between our two jurisdictions. A motion was passed to proceed with the closing and selling of the road allowance between S 5-17-16-W4 and N 32-16-16- W4. A number of road allowances within the former hamlet of Countess will also be closed and sold. The Annual General Meeting was set for 7:00 p.m. on May 24th in Scandia at the Hall. TA Excavating was awarded Contract 4/ Rolling Hills for the County of Newell Water Project in the amount of $2,607,244.50, the lowest tender. Brooks Asphalt & Aggregate Ltd. were awarded the Regional Water Pipeline between Rosemary and Bassano for the lowest tendered price of $3,651,370.00 and $265,370.00 for the Duchess Branch. Council supported a letter of request to Alberta Transportation for the purposes of improving the safety of motorists at the intersection of Range Road 18-2 and Highway 1. Council approved the Bow Slope Fire Association’s request for Council to assume responsibility for overseeing the day to day operations of the Bow City and Scandia Fire Departments. J. Thomasen presented information regarding the proposed Brooks Regional Ballpark. This project falls within the scope of the revenue sharing agreements signed with Brooks (and all municipalities within the County) and is a good example of infrastructure supported to benefit our region. Two John Deere 870GP replacement graders will be purchased in the amount of $636,000.00. The 2012 Tax Rate Bylaw was passed keeping the existing mill rate, which has been in place since 2005. Council supported the Patricia Agricultural Society’s application for a Legal for Trade Scale for their community. Genivar presented Council with an updated study of all gravel roads. This study reviewed such data as current and future land use, traffic generators, traffic counts, and current conditions of each road to develop a multi-year construction program. Brooks Animal Protection Society (BAPS) will be contracted again to deal with the housing of stray animals as required from within the County. It is that time of year when frost is coming out of the ground and rainy weather, large agricultural and industrial loads all contribute to softening of gravel road surfaces. All Counties and Municipal Districts, including urban municipalities, experience this effect on both paved and gravel surfaced roads where freeze- thaw seasons exist. These conditions are present during, but not limited to, late March to the end of April. Road Bans may be put into effect for this period or where thaw action warrants. The County of Newell has relatively good roads and is therefore reluctant to impose Road Ban restrictions, thereby keeping agriculture and industry operations active in the field. Road surfaces are monitored by the Public Works department and maintenance is carried out by the County regularly, with road bans implemented where necessary. Road repairs will be scheduled when deemed necessary. Please adhere to signage and temporary warning devices such as stakes with orange flags (see photo to the left) and utilize our website for current road information (www.countyofnewell.ab.ca). The County of Newell has approximately 1500 Km’s of gravel roads that experience these conditions; from roads that see little to no impact to roads where severe frost boils can render the road nearly or completely impassable. The County is doing what it can with the conditions and strives to make cost effective decisions. The biggest help that the County can receive (other than better weather) is for the general public, the farming community, and industry to limit the number of trips and the weight of loads carried on the County’s gravel road system, and to call into the County Offices when any road concerns are observed. The County realizes the inconvenience that these conditions pose. However, with the co-operation of the public, farming community, industry, and Mother Nature these inconveniences can be kept to a minimum, keeping costs down. It is anticipated that these conditions may persist for the next month depending on weather and vehicle traffic. Please drive carefully, reduce your speed, and allow extra travel time when utilizing the gravel road system. If you have any questions or to report poor road conditions, please call the County Public Works Office at 403-362-3504. Office Hours are 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Spring Weather & Gravel Roads 2012 PROPERTY ASSESSMENT & TAX NOTICES The County of Newell wishes to advise that the 2012 Property Assessment & Tax Notices have been mailed. To avoid a 3% penalty, payment of your current property taxes must be made by June 15th, 2012. Payments can be made in person directly at the County Office (707 – 2nd Avenue, East, Brooks, Alberta) by cash, cheques (this includes post-dated), or INTERAC. Mailed payments are also accepted (please ensure that the post-mark on the envelope is June 15th or before to avoid penalties). Payments made by On-Line & Telephone Banking and through participating Financial Institutions are also accepted. Subsequent to the June 16th, 2012 3% penalty, a penalty of 8% on November 16, 2012 will be applied to any outstanding current taxes only. However, should there be any property taxes that are still outstanding as of March 1, 2013; an additional 12% penalty will be applied to these balances. NOTE: for prompt service, please ensure that the return portion of the Tax Notice being paid is included with your payment.

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Newell Newsletter (May/June 2012)

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Page 1: Newell Newsletter (May/June 2012)

COUNTY OF NEWELL May/June 2012

www.countyofnewell.ab.ca

The Office will be closed on the following days:

Check the County of Newell website forlast minute meeting changes

www.countyofnewell.ab.ca

UPCOMING MEETINGSUPCOMING MEETINGSMunicipal Planning Commission/Council

Thursday, June 7, 2012 at 10:00 a.m.Thursday, June 21, 2012 at 10:00 a.m.Thursday, July 5, 2012 at 10:00 a.m.Thursday, July 19, 2012 at 10:00 a.m.Thursday, August 9, 2012 at 10:00 a.m.Thursday, August 23, 2012 - CANCELLED

Monday, July 2, 2012 - for Canada DayMonday, August 6, 2012 - Civic Holiday

All meetings are held in the Council Chambers of the County of Newell Administration Building

located in Brooks, AB at 707 - 2nd Ave. Eastunless otherwise noted.

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

after MPC adjourns.

Contact Us:

County of NewellP.O. Box 130Brooks, AlbertaT1R [email protected]:Fax:

(403) 362-3266(403) 362-8681

County Websitewww.countyofnewell.ab.caAdministratorKevin [email protected]

Assistant AdministratorLayne [email protected]

Manager of GISJenelle [email protected]

County PlannerDiane [email protected]

Development Control OfficerAlyce [email protected]

County AssessorKevin [email protected]

Economic DevelopmentMichelle [email protected]

Manager of FinanceMatt [email protected]

Agricultural Service BoardTelephone:Fax:

(403) 362-2772(403) 362-8681

Agricultural FieldmanTodd [email protected]

Assistant Agricultural FieldmanHolly [email protected]

Agricultural TechnicianKim [email protected]

Public WorksTelephone:Fax:

(403) 362-3504(403) 362-0412

Superintendent of Public WorksMark [email protected]

Asst. Superintendent of Public WorksTerry [email protected]

Technical ManagerGeoff [email protected]

County CouncilDivision 1 - Rolling HillsClarence AmulungTelephone: (403) 964-2292Division 2 - TilleyIke SchroederTelephone: (403) 377-2587Division 3 - Patricia/MillicentAnne Marie PhilipsenTelephone: (403) 378-4724Division 4 - Rainier/Scandia/Bow CityRyan AndrewsTelephone: (403) 793-8144Division 5 - CassilsMara NesbittTelephone: (403) 362-3037Division 6 - BassanoJoel BulgerTelephone: (403) 641-4469Division 7 - RosemaryAllen EastmanTelephone: (403) 378-4280Division 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)

ProofingShanna Lee Simpson (Administrative Secretary)

Printed by: The Brooks & County Chronicle

Copyright © 2012 County of Newell

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

Like us on Facebook!County of Newell

Follow us on Twitter!@County of Newell

The beautiful greening of the countryside has occurred without the soggy conditions of the last seven springs. How nice it has been to have a normal style of rain opposed to damaging downpours. Hopefully conditions will continue to fall into line for a great growing season.

An application was made to the EID for 1330 acre feet of water license for the County of Newell Water Project in the amount of $1.00 for the first 730 acre feet and $2000.00 per acre foot for the next 600 acre feet as future development takes place.

Council supported a reduction in the size of the “historic designation” of the EID Park in Scandia through a request to Alberta Culture and Community Services.

Fire Guardians were appointed as follows: All Divisions-Keith Martin; Rolling Hills - Bill Dickinson; Tilley - Patrick Fabian; Patricia - Mark Martin; Duchess - Gregory Witt; Bow Slope - Trevor Sandau; Brooks Rural - Kevin Swanson; Bassano - Trevor Peters; Rosemary - Wilf Harder; Gem - Les Douglass; Bow City - Jim Ketchmark. Council appreciates the dedication and involvement of these important people!

Bylaw 1738-11, a schedule of fees for a variety of County services, was given final reading on March 8th. Our website at www.countyofnewell.ab.ca provides access to all of our bylaws as well as other information of interest such as agendas, minutes, employment opportunities, meeting schedules, and much more!

Our Council will meet with the Vulcan County Council to discuss inter-municipal planning between our two jurisdictions.

A motion was passed to proceed with the closing and selling of the road allowance between S 5-17-16-W4 and N 32-16-16-W4. A number of road allowances within the former hamlet of Countess will also be closed and sold.

The Annual General Meeting was set for 7:00 p.m. on May 24th in Scandia at the Hall.

TA Excavating was awarded Contract 4/Rolling Hills for the County of Newell Water Project in the amount of $2,607,244.50, the lowest tender. Brooks Asphalt & Aggregate Ltd. were awarded the Regional Water Pipeline between Rosemary and Bassano for the lowest tendered price of $3,651,370.00 and $265,370.00 for the Duchess Branch.

Council supported a letter of request to Alberta Transportation for the purposes of improving the safety of motorists at the intersection of Range Road 18-2 and Highway 1.

Council approved the Bow Slope Fire Association’s request for Council to assume responsibility for overseeing the day to day operations of the Bow City and Scandia Fire Departments.

J. Thomasen presented information regarding the proposed Brooks Regional Ballpark. This project falls within the scope of the revenue sharing agreements signed with Brooks (and all municipalities within the County) and is a good example of infrastructure supported to benefit our region.

Two John Deere 870GP replacement graders will be purchased in the amount of $636,000.00.

The 2012 Tax Rate Bylaw was passed keeping the existing mill rate, which has been in place since 2005.

Council supported the Patricia Agricultural Society’s application for a Legal for Trade Scale for their community.

Genivar presented Council with an updated study of all gravel roads. This study reviewed such data as current and future land use, traffic generators, traffic counts, and current conditions of each road to develop a multi-year construction program.

Brooks Animal Protection Society (BAPS) will be contracted again to deal with the housing of stray animals as required from within the County.

It is that time of year when frost is coming out of the ground and rainy weather, large agricultural and industrial loads all contribute to softening of gravel road surfaces. All Counties and Municipal Districts, including urban municipalities, experience this effect on both paved and gravel surfaced roads where freeze-thaw seasons exist. These conditions are present during, but not limited to, late March to the end of April. Road Bans may be put into effect for this period or where thaw action warrants.

The County of Newell has relatively good roads and is therefore reluctant to impose Road Ban restrictions, thereby keeping agriculture and industry operations active in the field. Road surfaces are monitored by the Public Works department and maintenance is carried out by the County regularly, with road bans implemented where necessary. Road repairs will be scheduled when deemed necessary. Please adhere to signage and temporary warning devices such as stakes with orange flags (see photo to the left) and utilize our website for current road information (www.countyofnewell.ab.ca).

The County of Newell has approximately 1500 Km’s of gravel roads that experience these conditions; from roads that see little to no impact to roads where severe frost boils can render the road nearly or completely impassable.

The County is doing what it can with the conditions and strives to make cost effective decisions. The biggest help that the County can receive (other than better weather) is for the general public, the farming community, and industry to limit the number of trips and the weight of loads carried on the County’s gravel road system, and to call into the County Offices when any road concerns are observed.

The County realizes the inconvenience that these conditions pose. However, with the co-operation of the public, farming community, industry, and Mother Nature these inconveniences can be kept to a minimum, keeping costs down. It is anticipated that these conditions may persist for the next month depending on weather and vehicle traffic. Please drive carefully, reduce your speed, and allow extra travel time when utilizing the gravel road system.

If you have any questions or to report poor road conditions, please call the County Public Works Office at 403-362-3504. Office Hours are 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Spring Weather & Gravel Roads

2012 PROPERTY ASSESSMENT& TAX NOTICES

The County of Newell wishes to advise that the 2012 Property Assessment & Tax Notices have been mailed.

To avoid a 3% penalty, payment of your current property taxes must be made by June 15th, 2012. Payments can be made in person directly at the County Office (707 – 2nd Avenue, East, Brooks, Alberta) by cash, cheques (this includes post-dated), or INTERAC. Mailed payments are also accepted (please ensure that the post-mark on the envelope is June 15th or before to avoid penalties). Payments made by On-Line & Telephone Banking and through participating Financial Institutions are also accepted.

Subsequent to the June 16th, 2012 3% penalty, a penalty of 8% on November 16, 2012 will be applied to any outstanding current taxes only. However, should there be any property taxes that are still outstanding as of March 1, 2013; an additional 12% penalty will be applied to these balances.

NOTE: for prompt service, please ensure that the return portion of the Tax Notice being paid is included with your payment.

Page 2: Newell Newsletter (May/June 2012)

www.countyofnewell.ab.caThe Newell Newsletter - May/June 2012PAGE 2

Be Prepared for an Emergency or Disasterby Keith Martin, Fire & Emergency Services Coordinator

Disasters and emergencies can strike anytime, anywhere. If one happened today, what would you do and who would you depend on for the next 72 hours to stay safe?

When an emergency happens, it may take emergency workers some time to reach you depending on the severity of the event. You should be prepared to take care of yourself and your family for a minimum of 72 hours.

Being prepared means:• Knowing the risks in your community and the most appropriate way to respond to them. • Making a plan for what your family will do, who they will contact, and where they will go in the event of an emergency

and practicing it regularly.• Pulling together a 72-hour kit with enough non-perishable food, water, medication, warm clothing, and comfort items for

all family members, including your pets.GRASS FIRES

Did you know that with a wind speed of only 16 Km/h, a grass fire can reach speeds of 34 feet per minute and with a 32 Km/h wind the grass fire speeds can reach 80 feet per minute? Your best protection is prevention.• Have a minimum of a 10 meters non-combustible area around buildings and equipment.• When needed replace flammable landscaping with fire-resistive counterparts.• Reduce the density of surrounding trees and branches.• Keep flammable or combustible materials, such a fuel, well away from buildings and equipment.• Hot exhaust systems can start a grass fire. Clean the grass from your vehicle and do not stop in grass that can touch

your exhaust system.• You are responsible if you are lighting an outdoor fire to take sufficient precautions to ensure the fire can be kept under

control at all times.FLOODS

If a Flood is Forecast:• Turn off basement furnaces and outside gas valves.• Take special precautions to safeguard electrical, natural gas, or propane heating equipment.• If there is enough time, consult your electricity or fuel supplier for instructions on how to protect your equipment.• Shut off the electricity only if flooding has not yet begun and the area around your electrical panel is completely dry• Have a flashlight handy.

If Flooding is Imminent:• Move furniture, electrical appliances, and other belongings to floors above ground level.• Remove toxic substances such as pesticides and insecticides from the flood area to prevent pollution.• In some cases, homes may be protected with sandbags.

If you need to Evacuate:• Evacuate your home when you are advised to do so by local emergency authorities.• Take your emergency kit with you.• Follow routes specified by officials and report to a reception center, if one has been opened.• Make arrangements for pets.• Make arrangements for farm animals.

SEVERE STORMS • If you are indoors during a storm, stay away from windows, doors,

and fireplaces. Do not use corded telephones.• If you are advised by officials to evacuate, do so. Delay may make

later evacuation difficult or impossible. Take your emergency kit with you.

• If you are in a vehicle, stop the vehicle away from trees and power lines that might fall on you. Avoid unstable slopes and low areas prone to flooding and stay inside your vehicle.

• Before a severe thunderstorm, unplug appliances and listen for weather updates on a battery powered radio. Take shelter immediately and do not go out until 30 minutes have passed since the last lightning strike.

• If you are outdoors and are not able to get inside look for low lying areas but stay away from streams, etc. Make yourself a small target by crouching down with your feet close together and your head down.

YOUR KIT• Food and water (enough for everyone).• Bedding and clothing.• Light and fuel.• Dishes, utensils, can opener, shovel, axe, pen, paper, knife, rope, cell phone, and cell phone charger.• Personal supplies and personal documents.

For further information please contact Keith Martin, Fire & Emergency Services Coordinator at 403-363-2041 or go to www.getprepared.gc.ca or visit www.aema.alberta.ca

Be prepared as your safety begins at home. Individual and family preparedness can greatly reduce the potential impact of an emergency.

Remember that “Safety is an Attitude”.

This issue there are a few opportunities and one concern that I’d like to highlight for the readers:

• The Regional Landfill has about 500 tonnes of chipped trees and stumps. The product is small chunks with strips up to 8 inches long which are being used at the landfill to stabilize wet roads. This material should be good for pivot tracks, pads, and possibly bedding and is available.

• Newell Recycling is baling twine and shipping it to the US to be made into new twine. They will supply large tote bags which can be used to save clean twine. When full, the bags will fit in a pick-up and could be dropped off at Newell Recycling or a transfer station.

• There is a large quantity of good quality compost at Newell Recycling. You can help yourself to a few pails for the flower beds. Larger quantities are available for a small fee. This material should also be good for reclamation projects.

• There has been an on-going problem with garbage getting into rural recycling sheds. This results in safety concerns for people using the sheds as well as Newell Recycling staff. Please take all garbage to an appropriate disposal site and help keep our recycling system clean and safe.

If you have any suggestions, questions, or concerns regarding waste management & recycling please call:

Ray Juska , Newell Regional Solid Waste (403) 362-9567Doug Shanks, Newell Recycling (403) 362-2132

Waste & Recycling

The Rosemary School Library is located at the main northeast entrance to the school. We also house the Rosemary Community Library and welcome community members to come and visit during the school day as well as Tuesday and Thursday evenings until 8:00 p.m.

We are a member of the Shortgrass Library System and enjoy many benefits because of this partnership. Patrons have access to all holdings from Shortgrass Library Members, which is about 400,000 items including ebooks and audio books.

Holds and renewals can be made from your computer at home. All you need is a borrower’s card and a pin number to place a hold, check on your account and renew books and videos. If you need any help, please feel free to visit the library. There is no fee for a borrower’s card. The library address is http://rosemary.bibliocommons.com

“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.”

- Dr. Seuss

Rosemary Libraryby Vanessa Plett

You can now follow Shortgrass Library System on Twitter! Check out www.twitter.com/ShortgrassNews to see library updates, news, funny stories,

and even crafts that we find interesting!

Harry Potter eBooks and eAudiobooks are now available via your local Public Library in southeastern Alberta. Visit your library to learn how to download these items onto your eReader. In the County of Newell, public libraries are

located in the following communities: Town of Bassano, City of Brooks, Village of Rosemary, Village of Duchess, Hamlet of Rolling Hills, and the Village of Tilley.

News from the Shortgrass Library System

Page 3: Newell Newsletter (May/June 2012)

PAGE 3www.countyofnewell.ab.ca The Newell Newsletter - May/June 2012

Sound Advice from the Lentil Processing Kingby Michelle Gietz, Economic Development & Tourism Coordinator

Benchmark Assessment Consultants Inc. has been contracted to prepare fair and equitable assessment values of every property within the County of Newell. The goal of an assessment system is the equitable distribution of taxation for the purpose of paying public services. In order to accomplish this, it is necessary to conduct site inspections annually. Part of the site inspection process may involve taking pictures and measurements of the outside of structures and/or meeting with property owners. The Assessor will have County of Newell identification. If you have any questions regarding property assessment within the County you may contact the Assessor, Kevin Halsted, AMAA at the County of Newell Administration Office (403) 362-3266.

The following is the 2012 Assessment Inspection Schedule:

General Inspection:May 1, 2012 to October 31, 2012 = Division 4 & 6 “only”

Annual Inspection:November 1, 2012 to December 31, 2012 = All Divisions

County of Newell2012 Assessment Inspections

Kevin Halsted, AMAA (Benchmark Assessment Consultants Inc.)County of Newell Assessor

Often it is good to look at examples of success in order to determine some sound business practices. Not a common household name, but Murad AI-Katib is President and CEO of Saskcan Pulse Trading as well as Alliance Grain Traders, which has grown to be the largest lentil provider in the world. He started business by going to FCC for financing for one processing plant in Regina, which is now one of 29 in the world.

Be market orientedMurad believes it is more important to be market oriented than growth oriented. That doesn’t mean you don’t plan to grow, but that there is no reason to produce something just because you can produce it. You produce something because there is a consumer somewhere in the world who wants your product and is willing to buy it at a price that will allow you to make money.

Don’t chase the trendsAs a producer, whether in agriculture or manufacturing, if you are trying to copy someone else, you are probably too late. If you know someone who was successful in a particular market, the odds are you have missed the opportunity. This doesn’t necessarily mean to ignore trends, but you have to look for the opportunities which arise from the growing trend.

Create a planIf you create a plan, you have to stick to it. Write your business plan so that you are organized and so you know the cost structures. Do financial projections. Know every number in the plan so that you can be confident in management. Your financial sources will share that confidence in your abilities to manage the risks. Focus on costs and cash flowStrategize your moves so that your costs and cash flow are taken into consideration. If you don’t know your cost base in the first place, how can you know the profitability? You

must know what price you have to receive in order to make a profit. Your cash flow must pay for your expenses at regular intervals to ensure you can meet your financial obligations and receive your desired return.

Don’t be a speculatorDon’t set a price based on blind faith. If you don’t know your costs, you can’t know your margin, which will reflect on the volume you have to produce to achieve your desired return. It is important to know that you will make money, not that you might. It is important to minimize your risk.

Learn from your advisorsIf you don’t have the knowledge or the expertise, seek out those who do. Learn from these advisors and be in a position to know your own business and not rely only on the advisors to answer all the questions. Be engaged in your quest for success.

Garage Safetyby Sheri Christensen, Corporate Safety Services Supervisor

Out & Aboutby Todd Green, Agricultural Fieldman

Are you like me? Do you use your garage as the holding place for things you don’t know what to do with? Do you cringe when you open your garage doors - all that clutter staring you in the face and exposed to any on-lookers? Unfortunately, I’ve come to realize that slamming the door shut doesn’t make the mess go away or the potential hazards disappear. As a result of coming to terms with this realization, I write this article in the hope that it will motivate both you and me to clean up our acts and our garages!

The safety measures that pertain to the inside of our houses are also relevant in the garage. By maintaining a clean and organized garage, we increase the overall safety of our homes. Let us consider the following to help ensure that we keep our families, properties, neighbourhoods, and communities safe.

SAFE STORAGE• Store gasoline in small quantities only. Use a proper,

tightly sealed container labeled “gasoline.”• Never store propane tanks indoors.

• Make sure that combustibles are kept clear of heat sources such as water heaters and space heaters.

• Poisonous products, such as pesticides, automotive and lighter fluid, paint thinner, antifreeze, and turpentine, should have child-resistant caps, clear labeling, and be stored in a locked cabinet out of sight and reach of children.

• Store shovels, rakes and other sharp and large objects on the wall out of busy areas.

ORGANIZATION• Properly secure shelving units to the wall, making sure

that they are not overloaded.• Always store heavier items closer to the ground.• Use a sturdy step stool with handrails when climbing is

necessary.• Organize all items in designated, easy to reach places.

• Keep floors and steps clear of clutter.• Immediately clean up grease and spills from walking

surfaces.• Keep childrens’ toys in one area and within their reach

to prevent children from exploring potentially dangerous areas.

• Supervise young children when they are in the garage.• Use bright lights at the top and bottom of the stairs.• Make sure your garage is well lit. Use light bulbs with

the proper wattage.• Never overload electrical outlets.• Install handrails down both sides of the staircase.

Ensure that they are sturdy and that they extend the entire length of the stairs.

• Allow gasoline powered tools to completely cool prior to putting them away.

• Consider mounting a fire extinguisher in your garage.

Now that the grass and weeds are growing and are in need of mowing and spraying, you will see our crews out and about. For your safety and the safety of our operators, please use respect and drive slow past them.

Our roadside mowing program will begin in June and you will see the units mowing all roadsides throughout the summer and fall. This program is used to complement our roadside spraying program to reduce the amount of herbicides used, but it is also great for promoting drainage, promoting clear sight lines at intersections, and allowing the motoring public to see wildlife along roadsides.

Any debris that is in the roadside has the opportunity to be “thrown” by the mowers into the road surface. Be mindful of this while passing them and do not follow them at close proximity.

We also maintain the County owned areas within hamlets with ride on mowers and weed trimmers. Although the dangers do not seem imminent, they are still there. Debris can be thrown up to 300 feet from these mowers and pedestrians should be cautious. The operators are mindful of the public and are always watching, and it is our intention to stop operating until the safety of the public is restored.

In your travels you will also see our spraying operations. The ASB is responsible for reducing the impact of Noxious and Prohibited Noxious weeds on agriculture and the environment. In order to do this, we have multiple spot spraying and roadside spraying trucks in operation around the County and within the Urban Municipalities. The herbicides that we use are safe when used according to the label recommendations but, that being said, they are still herbicides and should be treated with respect. Please drive slowly past these units as our operators are often outside of the vehicle using the handgun sprayer, checking the spray system, starting motors, filling with water/chemical, and putting on their Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

Operator safety is very important to the County of Newell and we make every effort to ensure that everyone comes to work and goes home in the same healthy condition. Please help us keep them safe and, at the same time, reduce the risk of yourself being harmed by respecting operations in the field. As always, if you have questions about the programs and services we provide for you, please call me. Feel free to stop by and tell the crews they are doing a great job, but if you have concerns or feel otherwise, please direct your comments to me.

Page 4: Newell Newsletter (May/June 2012)

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Due to funding cuts, the Indian Head Shelterbelt Nursery will no longer be growing and distributing free trees for farm shelterbelts after the spring of 2013.

The AESB Shelterbelt Center (formerly called the PFRA Shelterbelt Center) has been in operation for 111 years growing and distributing shelterbelt trees at no cost to rural landowners. The Indian Head Shelterbelt Center will continue to remain open for research purposes. Next spring will be the last year to apply for free tree seedlings from the shelterbelt program.

If you are thinking of applying for shelterbelts, I strongly encourage you to get your applications in as soon as possible. Applications are available at the County of Newell Administration Building or on our website under the Agricultural Services tab.

The 2012 garden season is just beginning, which means I get to start planning our 3rd Annual Rural Beautification Garden Tour! The date for this year’s tour has been tentatively set for July 27th. Of course, we cannot have a wonderful tour without wonderful yards to tour, so please nominate your friend or neighbor for this year’s tour.

We are also looking for anyone with an interest in gardening to volunteer to be our guest judge this year. If you are interested, please contact Holly or Shanna Lee at the County of Newell. The guest judge will be selected by drawing a name out of a hat.

Yards will be judged based on criteria such as design, uniqueness, overall maintenance, and functionality. In order to be eligible, contestants must meet the following criteria:• They must be rural residents with at least 39 acres within the County of Newell.• They must not be a member of Council or an employee of the County Ag Service

Board.• They must maintain their own yards without the assistance of contractors or hired

gardeners.

To nominate a yard simply fill out the ballot included in this newsletter or contact Holly White or Shanna Lee at the County of Newell at 362-3266 by July 19th.

NOMINATION FORM County of Newell

Annual Rural Beautification Award I hereby nominate: NAME: RESIDENCE / LAND LOCATION: TELEPHONE NO.: as a candidate for the County of Newell’s Annual Rural Beautification Award. Nominator: Signature of Nominator: Phone No.:

Entries to be submitted to County Office before: 12:00 NOON – Thursday, July 19, 2012

2012 Rural Beautification Awards Tourby Holly White, Assistant Agricultural Fieldman

2013 WILL BE LAST YEAR TO GET FREE SHELTERBELT TREES

2012 Southern Alberta Grazing School for Womenwill be held in Delia, AB on July 25th and 26th.

For more information please visitwww.cowsandfish.org