Kneehill County public meetings in 2024

Council Meeting

Kneehill County Council will consider adopting the 2025 operating and capital budget, including grant and reserve transfers. Several bylaws are up for decisions: road closure on Railway Ave in the ex-hamlet of Allingham, cancellation of a public hearing for Bylaw 1910, and approval of electoral boundaries (Bylaw 1908). Council will also vote on extension agreements for fire services, transfer stations, and other municipal services with the Village of Carbon, Village of Linden, and Town of Trochu. Other items include appointments to the Agricultural Service Board and a returning officer for the 2025 election.

• 2025 Budget Adoption (operating, capital, and forecasts)
• Bylaw 1906: Road Closure – Railway Ave within Ex-Hamlet of Allingham
• Bylaw 1908: Electoral Boundaries and Council Composition
• Extension agreements with Village of Carbon, Village of Linden, and Town of Trochu for fire/transfer station services
• Non-County Water Connection request for Acme Golf Course

Council approved the 2025 operating budget of $32,127,835, along with reserve transfers, a capital budget of $8,149,780, and multi-year forecasts. They also approved a water connection for the Acme Golf Course, closed a road in Allingham, and passed an electoral boundaries bylaw. All decisions were carried, with some votes not unanimous.

• Approved 2025 Operating Budget of $32,127,835
• Approved 2025 Capital and Project Budget of $8,149,780
• Approved water connection for Acme Golf Course from county rural waterline
• Closed Railway Avenue in Ex-Hamlet of Allingham (Bylaw 1906)
• Cancelled public hearing for Bylaw 1910
• Appointed Rinske Metzger to Agricultural Service Board 2025-2028
• Approved $600 grant to Susan MacKenzie for Robbie Burns Night
• Adopted Bylaw 1908 on electoral boundaries and council composition

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole will consider additional information on the 2025 budget, including a presentation. They will also approve the minutes from the November 19, 2024 meeting and may enter a closed session. No other substantive items are listed.

• 2025 Budget – Additional Information (with two PDF attachments)
• Approval of November 19, 2024 COW meeting minutes
• Closed session (topic not specified)

The Committee of the Whole recommended including the Carbon Management Services project in the 2025 operating budget, but defeated a motion to add a fourth Community Peace Officer position. The committee also unanimously recommended removing the Horseshoe Canyon Trail Masterplan project from the proposed budget and bringing the amended budget to the December 10 Council meeting. The meeting included a closed session for intergovernmental relations.

• Recommended including Carbon Management Services project in 2025 operating budget (carried)
• Defeated motion to include fourth Community Peace Officer position in 2025 operating budget
• Recommended removing Horseshoe Canyon Trail Masterplan project from 2025 budget (unanimous)
• Recommended bringing amended 2025 budget to December 10 Council meeting (unanimous)

Council Meeting

Council will hold a public hearing on Bylaw 1905, the draft Municipal Development Plan, at 1:00 p.m. They will also receive the 2025 budget audit service plan and continue budget deliberations. Other business includes first reading of Bylaw 1910 to redesignate land from Agricultural to Light Industrial, adoption of an Election Bylaw, and a letter of support for Horseshoe Canyon Campground and Cabins.

• Public hearing on Bylaw 1905 – Draft Municipal Development Plan (1:00 p.m.)
• Presentation of 2025 Audit Service Plan by MNP auditors
• 2025 Budget – responses to questions and deliberations
• Bylaw 1910 – redesignation of SW 29-31-24 W4 from Agricultural to Light Industrial
• Bylaw 1909 – Election Bylaw

Kneehill County Council approved the 2025 Family and Community Support Services budget and passed a new election bylaw. Council also initiated the redesignation process for land in the Agriculture District to Light Industrial and directed staff to arrange meetings regarding the draft Municipal Development Plan.

• Approved 2025 FCSS budget (7-0)
• Passed Election Bylaw 1909 (7-0)
• Approved first reading of Bylaw 1910 for land redesignation (7-0)
• Scheduled public hearing for Bylaw 1910 for Jan 28, 2025 (7-0)
• Directed staff to meet with local municipalities regarding Bylaw 1905 (7-0)
• Approved travel for Council to attend 2025 EDA Conference (7-0)
• Authorized letter of support for Horseshoe Canyon Campground (7-0)
• Directed staff to amend the draft 2025 budget (7-0)

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole is meeting to discuss a Community Aggregate Payment Levy and road use agreements. The body will also review policies regarding grader gravel services and dirt trail road allowances, and discuss the impact of Bill 20.

• Community Aggregate Payment Levy and associated ByLaw
• Road Use Agreement discussion
• Policy 13-2 Grader Gravel Services review
• Policy 13-36 Maintenance of Dirt Trail Road Allowances review
• Bill 20: The Municipal Affairs Statutes Amendment Act, 2024

The Committee of the Whole recommended that Council proceed with a new Community Aggregate Payment Levy bylaw and approved revisions to the Grader and Gravel Services policy. Members also received information regarding Road Use Agreements and Bill 20: The Municipal Affairs Statutes Amendment Act.

• Recommended Community Aggregate Payment Levy Bylaw for first reading
• Approved revisions to Policy 13-2 Grader and Gravel Services
• Accepted Road Use Agreement information
• Received presentation on Bill 20 for information
• Approved October 15, 2024 meeting minutes (unanimous)

Council Meeting

Kneehill County Council will discuss and potentially decide on the 2025 budget following question responses and deliberations. The agenda also includes a discussion on municipal participation in the Lone Butte Solar Project, with related documents such as specific concerns and a proposed land-use bylaw amendment. Additional items include reviewing policies on commercial dust control and seeding roadsides, and considering an extension agreement with the Town of Three Hills.

• 2025 budget deliberations with question responses and presentations
• Municipal participation in the Lone Butte Solar Project
• Review of Policy 13-1 Commercial Dust Control and Policy 13-25 Seeding Roadsides
• Economic Development Plan 2024–2027
• Town of Three Hills extension agreement for fire services and recreational operations

Kneehill County Council approved a $75,000 budget for legal representation in AUC proceeding 29380 related to the Lone Butte Solar Project, and directed a letter to Minister Neudorf about concerns over the Land Suitability Ranking System. Council also approved the 3-year Economic Development Plan, appointed Amy Merrill to CAEP, and adopted several policy changes. All decisions were carried, with most unanimous.

• Approved $75,000 for legal representation in AUC proceeding 29380 (unanimous)
• Directed letter to Minister Neudorf re: Land Suitability Ranking System concerns (unanimous)
• Approved 3-Year Economic Development Plan 2024-2027 (carried)
• Appointed Amy Merrill as CAEP Member at Large for one-year term (unanimous)
• Endorsed Amy Merrill as CAEP Board director nominee (carried)
• Approved revisions to Policy 13-4 Dust Suppression and repealed Policy 13-1 (unanimous)
• Approved Policy 13-25 Seeding Roadsides (unanimous)
• Approved closing County Office at noon on Dec 24, 2024 (unanimous)

Council Meeting

Council will review the 2025 core operating budget and a forecast for 2026-2028. The meeting includes discussions on solar project participation, community grants, and updates to county policies.

• 2025 Budget – Core Operating and 2026-2028 forecast
• Municipal participation in Lone Butte Solar Project
• Round Two 2024 Community Grants
• Policy 13-10 (Mailboxes) and Policy 13-6-7 (Gravel Stockpile Leases) reviews
• Disposal options for fire engines

Council unanimously approved participating in the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) process regarding the Lone Butte Solar Project, with specific concerns to be discussed at the November 12, 2024 meeting. Council also approved several policies, community grants totaling $5,125.37, and the donation of two fire engines to a charity. The 2025 Core Operating Budget was received for information only, and a delegation regarding the draft budget was addressed with a written response.

• Approved participation in AUC process for Lone Butte Solar Project (unanimous)
• Deferred discussion of specific Lone Butte Solar concerns to Nov 12, 2024 meeting (unanimous)
• Approved Policy 13-10 Mailboxes as presented (unanimous)
• Approved amended Policy 13-6-7 Gravel Stockpile Leases, directed adding rates to Master Rates Bylaw (unanimous)
• Approved $5,125.37 in Round Two Community Grants to four non-profits (unanimous)
• Donated two fire engines to Alberta Society for Firefighters Abroad – Project Paraguay (unanimous)
• Directed written response to Renewable Energy Reclamation Security Engagement by Oct 25 (unanimous)
• Directed development of a Kneehill County Governance Model document (carried)

Organizational Meeting

The council is meeting to establish its internal structure and leadership for the upcoming term. Key actions include electing the Reeve and Deputy Reeve and appointing members to various boards and committees. The body will also set the 2025 meeting schedules for council and several commissions.

• Election of Reeve
• Election of Deputy Reeve
• Establishment of Municipal Office
• Setting 2025 meeting dates for Regular Council, Committee of the Whole, Agricultural Service Board, and Municipal Planning Commission
• Appointments to 21 boards and committees, including the Police Advisory Committee and Kneehill Housing Corporation

At the organizational meeting, Council elected Ken King as Reeve and Faye McGhee as Deputy Reeve for 2024/2025 via secret ballot. Council also approved the 2025 meeting schedule, established the municipal office, and made numerous board and committee appointments for the year.

• Elected Ken King as Reeve (secret ballot)
• Elected Faye McGhee as Deputy Reeve (secret ballot)
• Established municipal office at 1600 2nd Street NE, Three Hills, AB
• Approved 2025 regular council meeting dates (second and fourth Tuesdays with exceptions)
• Approved 2025 Committee of the Whole meeting dates (third Tuesday with exceptions)
• Approved 2025 Agricultural Service Board meeting dates
• Approved 2025 Municipal Planning Commission meeting dates (fourth Thursday with exceptions)
• Appointed council members to various boards and committees (e.g., Agricultural Service Board, Police Advisory Committee)

Committee of the Whole

The Kneehill County Committee of the Whole will review the Economic Development Plan and consider a delegation from Kneehill Adult Learning regarding a community grant. The meeting also includes a discussion on a youth scholarship idea and the approval of previous meeting minutes.

• Review of Economic Development Plan documents
• Delegation from Kneehill Adult Learning for community grant
• Discussion on youth scholarship ideas
• Approval of September 17, 2024, Committee of the Whole minutes
• Closed session regarding Intergovernmental Relations

The Committee of the Whole unanimously recommended that Council accept the Economic Development Plan as amended, and also recommended exploring a youth engagement framework. They received the 2023 Year in Review for information and heard a delegation from Kneehill Adult Learning regarding a community grant application. All decisions were unanimous and will be presented to Council at the October 22, 2024, Regular Council Meeting.

• Recommended accepting amended Economic Development Plan (unanimous)
• Recommended exploring youth engagement framework (unanimous)
• Received 2023 Year in Review for information (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of September 17, 2024 COW meeting (unanimous)

Council Meeting

Kneehill County Council will discuss the proposed 2025 budget and related projects, consider cancellations of 2024 tax accounts, and vote on the appointment of external auditors. The meeting also includes a grant application for a regional SCADA master plan and a review of the Draft Municipal Development Plan under Bylaw 1905. These items are presented for council decision or further discussion.

• 2025 Budget – Setting the Stage and Proposed Projects
• 2024 Tax Account Cancellations
• Appointment of County External Auditors
• ACP Grant Application – Regional SCADA Master Plan
• Bylaw 1905 Draft Municipal Development Plan

Council Meeting

The council will consider the 2025 Capital Equipment Plan and related presentations. Items include a wastewater project for the Hamlet of Huxley, a policy review for Texas Gate (13‑29), and a grant request for Wimborne Community Hall. The meeting also covers annual tax cancellations and updates from legislative services.

• 2025 Capital Equipment Plan presentation (RFD and CEP documents)
• Hamlet of Huxley Wastewater project
• Policy Review 13‑29 Texas Gates
• Wimborne Community Hall request and Rural Community Hall Capital Grant
• 2024 Annual Tax Cancellations

Committee of the Whole

The Kneehill County Committee of the Whole will hold a meeting on September 17, 2024. It will present the 2025 Capital Equipment Plan, review the draft Municipal Development Plan (Bylaw 1905), and discuss the Economic Development Plan. No decisions are indicated; the items are for presentation and discussion.

• 2025 Capital Equipment Plan Presentation
• Bylaw 1905 Draft Municipal Development Plan review
• Economic Development Plan discussion

Council Meeting

Kneehill County Council will hear delegations, consider public hearings for road closures and zoning changes, and review bylaws regarding unsightly premises and electoral boundaries.

• Public Hearing: Bylaw 1906 for Railway Ave road closure
• Public Hearing: Bylaw 1907 for DC5 to Agriculture zoning
• Third Reading: Bylaw 1904 for Agriculture to Recreation zoning
• Third Reading: Bylaw 1903 Unsightly Premises Bylaw
• Third Reading: Bylaw 1908 Electoral Boundaries and Council Composition

Council approved a six-month, penalty-free tax deferral payment plan for Pine Cliff Energy Ltd. for its 2024 property taxes, with payments from October 2024 to March 2025. Council also gave final readings to several bylaws, including the Unsightly Premises Bylaw and a land redesignation, and approved the 2024 Horseshoe Canyon Master Plan. The meeting included public hearings for road closure and land redesignation, with no public speakers.

• Approved tax deferral payment plan for Pine Cliff Energy (6-month, no penalties) (unanimous)
• Approved third reading of Bylaw 1903, Unsightly Premises (unanimous)
• Approved third reading of Bylaw 1904, redesignation to Recreation (unanimous)
• Approved second and third reading of Bylaw 1907, redesignation to Agriculture (unanimous)
• Approved 2024 Horseshoe Canyon Master Plan (unanimous)
• Approved Policy #1-2, Sponsorship to Agriculture Non-Profit Organizations (unanimous)
• Approved 2024 Kneehill Regional FCSS Agreement (unanimous)
• Gave first reading to Bylaw 1908, Electoral Boundaries and Council Composition (unanimous)

Council Meeting

Kneehill County Council will meet on August 20, 2024, to discuss and vote on several land-use bylaws, infrastructure updates, and policy matters. The meeting includes public hearings on agricultural land redesignation, road closures, and waste management services.

• Bylaw 1904: Redesignation of agricultural land to recreation (2nd and 3rd readings)
• Bylaw 1906: Road closure on Railway Ave (Ex-Hamlet of Allingham) for first reading
• Bylaw 1907: Redesignation from DC5 to A land use (first reading)
• Bylaw 1903: Unsightly premises bylaw (third reading)
• Kneehill County Solid Waste Services update and landfill evaluation

Council unanimously approved restricting use of the Torrington landfill to Kneehill County ratepayers or residents, effective January 1, 2025. They also directed administration to investigate long-term solid waste service costs. Several other items were approved, including first readings of bylaws, a public hearing, and budget allocations.

• Restricted Torrington landfill use to county ratepayers/residents, effective Jan 1, 2025 (unanimous)
• Directed administration to investigate solid waste service costs beyond current site lifespan (unanimous)
• Gave first reading to Bylaw 1906 for road closure of Railway Ave in Allingham (unanimous)
• Gave first reading to Bylaw 1907 to redesignate land from DC5 to Agriculture (unanimous)
• Approved Type 6 Bush Buggies for Carbon and Three Hills at $390,000 each in 2025 budget (unanimous)
• Approved reserve contributions: $695,637 to Infrastructure, $500,000 to Bridges, $500,000 to Water (unanimous)
• Approved $433,267 to Capital Equipment Plan Reserve from equipment sale (unanimous)
• Deferred discussion of Wind Concerns Kneehill County to Sept 10, 2024 meeting (unanimous)

Council Meeting

Kneehill County Council will meet on July 23, 2024, to conduct routine business including approving minutes, discussing infrastructure, community services, and corporate matters. The meeting includes first readings of proposed bylaws and updates on planning, economic development, and protective services.

• First reading of Bylaw 1904 to amend Land Use Bylaw 1808
• Bylaw 1903, Unsightly Premises Bylaw presented for review
• Bylaw 1898, Town of Trochu Senior’s Living Complex Borrowing Bylaw scheduled for second and third readings
• 2024 Horseshoe Canyon Master Plan discussed for updates
• Economic Development Plan 2024–2027 reviewed

Council Meeting

The Council will review several land use changes, including a public hearing for a redesignation from agriculture to recreation. The meeting also includes discussions regarding a water allocation request from the Village of Acme and a follow-up on a request from Badlands Recreation Development Corp.

• Public Hearing: Bylaw #1902 Redesignation – Agriculture to Recreation
• Bylaw #1900 Second and Third Reading: Redesignation Agriculture to Local Rural Commercial
• Village of Acme Request for Water Allocation
• Follow-Up to Request from Badlands Recreation Development Corp.
• Delegation: Prairie College & Mission Aviation Fellowship of Canada

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole will review several draft documents including an Unsightly Premises Bylaw and a 2024 Horseshoe Canyon Master Plan. The committee is also scheduled to discuss the Economic Development Plan 2024-27 and an AUC decision regarding Three Hills Solar Power Corp.

• Unsightly Premises Bylaw Draft 2
• 2024 Horseshoe Canyon Master Plan
• Economic Development Plan 2024-27 Draft
• AUC Decision re Three Hills Solar Power Corp.

Council Meeting

The Council will hold a public hearing regarding a Land Use Bylaw amendment for Local Rural Commercial zoning. The meeting also includes an annual report delegation from Kneehill Regional Family and Community Support Services and a review of the County Credit and Fuel Cards policy.

• Public Hearing: Bylaw #1900 Land Use Bylaw Amendment to Local Rural Commercial
• Delegation: Kneehill Regional Family and Community Support Services Annual Report
• Century Farm Award Presentation: Sept Farm
• Policy Review: #16-12 County Credit and Fuel Cards
• Policy Review: #16-6 Additional Named Insured Policy

Council Meeting

The Council will review delegations regarding the Kneehill Housing Corporation and Accurate Assessment 2024. The agenda includes discussions on fluoride reduction in the Hamlet of Wimborne, land use redesignations, and budget guidelines.

• Bylaw 1902: Redesignation from Agriculture to Recreation
• Town of Trochu Senior’s Living Complex Borrowing Bylaw
• Capital Equipment Plan Pre-authorization for a snowplow
• Hamlet of Wimborne naturally occurring fluoride reduction
• Open Farm Days community event funding request

Committee of the Whole

The Kneehill County Committee of the Whole will meet on May 21, 2024, to discuss several policy revisions. The agenda includes reviews of mailbox policies and gravel stockpile lease templates. Members will also examine a draft bylaw regarding unsightly premises.

• Review of Policy 13.10 Mailboxes
• Review of Policy 13.6.7 Gravel Stockpile Leases
• Discussion of Unsightly Premises Draft Bylaw

Council Meeting

The council will consider multiple land use bylaw amendments and a proposal for a road closure. The agenda also includes discussions regarding the Hamlet of Huxley wastewater study and reports from community delegations.

• Land Use Bylaw Amendments (Bylaws 1895, 1896, and 1900)
• Road Closure Bylaw 1870 for an undeveloped road allowance
• Hamlet of Huxley wastewater study
• Local Improvement Bylaw 1901 amendments
• FCSS Community Coach annual report delegation

Council Meeting

The Council will hold a public hearing regarding Bylaw 1895 and 1896 land use amendments for DC7 and DC8. The agenda also includes reviews of the 2024 tax rate bylaw and the Hamlet of Huxley wastewater study. Additionally, council will discuss 2024 dust suppression rates.

• Public Hearing for Bylaw 1895 & 1896 Land Use Bylaw Amendments
• Review of 2024 Tax Rate Bylaw
• Hamlet of Huxley Wastewater Study
• 2024 Dust Suppression Rates
• Request from Badlands Recreation Development Corp.

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole will review a vegetation cutting request and service level review. The meeting also includes an update on enterprise vehicle leasing and a delegation from the Alberta Utilities Commission.

• Vegetation Cutting Request and Service Level Review
• Enterprise Vehicle Leasing Update
• Delegation: Alberta Utilities Commission

Council Meeting

The Council will review the 2024 Tax Rate Bylaw and its impact on assessments. The meeting includes a delegation from the Southern Alberta Energy from Waste Association and discussions regarding community grants and agricultural economic outlooks.

• 2024 Tax Rate Bylaw
• 2024 Assessment and Tax Rate Impact
• Southern Alberta Energy from Waste Association delegation
• Community Grants Round One 2024
• Economic Outlook: Agriculture 2024

Council Meeting

The Council will review several items including land use bylaw amendments and a delegation regarding wind concerns. The meeting also includes reports on 2023 budget results and 2024 ratepayer impacts.

• Bylaw 1895 & 1896 Land Use Bylaw Amendment to Direct Control
• Wind Concerns Kneehill County delegation by Kelly Tainsh
• Annual Appointment of Fire Guardians
• 2023 Q4 Preliminary Operating and Capital Budget Results
• Trochu Flower, Baking and Photography Show Sponsorship

Council Meeting

The Council will review a delegation from the RCMP regarding community priorities. Discussion items include the Huxley Streetlighting Upgrade and various youth event sponsorships.

• Huxley Streetlighting Upgrade
• RCMP Delegation: Three Hills, Olds, Beiseker & Drumheller RCMP
• Youth Event Sponsorship: Kneehill 4-H District
• Growing Kneehill 2024 Events

Council Meeting

The meeting includes delegations from Kevin Niemi and the Trochu Housing Corporation. Council will also review updates to cemetery grant funding, cemetery, and parks drone policies. An RCMP quarterly report is scheduled for presentation.

• Trochu Housing Corporation loan guarantee bylaw discussion
• Updates to Cemetery Grant Funding and Cemetery policies
• Update to Parks Drone Policy
• RCMP Quarterly and Protective Services Report
• Delegation from Kevin Niemi

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole will discuss wastewater in the Hamlet of Huxley and proposed streetlighting upgrades. The meeting also includes a review of the Horseshoe Canyon Master Plan and follow-up regarding the Unsightly Premises Bylaw.

• Hamlet of Huxley wastewater discussion
• Huxley streetlighting upgrade assessment
• Horseshoe Canyon Master Plan discussion
• Unsightly Premises Process and Bylaw follow up

Council Meeting

The council will conduct a public hearing for Bylaw 1894 to redesignate land from Agriculture to Light Industrial District. The meeting also includes a third reading for Bylaw 1889 regarding solar and wind setbacks.

• Public hearing for Bylaw 1894 (Agriculture to Light Industrial redesignation)
• Third reading of Bylaw 1889 regarding solar and wind setbacks
• Wimborne Community Centre Rural Community Hall Capital Grant application
• Subdivision extension requests for KNE190128, KNE190129, KNE190130, and KNE190131
• Policy update regarding haying on County Road Allowances

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole will discuss a proposed amendment to Land Use Bylaw 1808. The agenda also includes discussions on growing Kneehill event options, Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), and a resolution regarding renewable energy and grid stability.

• Bylaw 1889 Amendment to Land Use Bylaw 1808 discussion
• Renewable Energy and Grid Stability resolution proposal
• Growing Kneehill event options discussion
• Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) presentation

Council Meeting

The Council will review the 2024 Master Rates Bylaw and a land use redesignation for SE 24-28-24 W4. The meeting also includes a delegation presentation from STARS Air Ambulance.

• Bylaw 1894: Redesignation for SE 24-28-24 W4
• Master Rates Bylaw #1893
• STARS Air Ambulance delegation presentation
• Tourism Advocacy Summit 2024