Woodlands County public meetings in 2022

Council Meeting Budget Discussion

Woodlands County Council is holding a budget discussion meeting to review and potentially amend the proposed 2023 budget. The budget includes a 3% tax increase over 2022 actuals and a 1.19% expenditure increase, slightly above the 1% recovery plan limit. Council will consider directing Administration to make amendments as discussed.

• 3% tax increase based on 2022 actuals
• Proposed capital budget of $11,013,066 including fire truck ($657,750), sand/salt sheds, and road projects
• Elimination of Property Tax Incentive program ($208,038)
• Transfer to reserves of $1,087,473
• Reallocation of $2,009,866 from non-collection of linear taxes

Regular Council Meeting

Woodlands County Council is meeting to decide on several items, including first to third reading of Bylaw 593/22, which updates airport lease rates effective January 1, 2023. They will also consider funding requests, a contract award, and policy adoptions. The agenda includes a mix of routine administrative items and significant financial decisions.

• Bylaw 593/22: Amends airport lease rates (private aviation $1.80/m², commercial $2.10/m², non-aviation $4.50/m², frontage lot $1.00/m²) effective Jan 1, 2023
• Funding request: Up to $75,000 for Fort Assiniboine Bicentennial events, with $25,000 from 2022 budget
• Contract award: Airport Vicinity Protection Area Plan to HM Aero for $95,767.00
• Bridge tender funding: Transfer $264,350 from surplus to 2022 Bridge Maintenance budget for BF72373 & BF85319
• Public hearing scheduled for Development Permit 15-060-2022 (Class 1 Pit) on Jan 18, 2022

Municipal Planning Commission

The Woodlands County Municipal Planning Commission will consider two development applications: a development permit for two modular homes behind the former Klondyke Cafe in Fort Assiniboine, and a subdivision application to create three agricultural parcels from a 158-acre property. The commission will also adopt minutes from the November 16 meeting and receive information on registered subdivisions. No other meetings are scheduled at this time.

• Development Permit 15-066-2022: two modular homes as staff housing in conjunction with a restaurant at 13 State Ave, Fort Assiniboine (Plan 1806 ET, Block 1, Lot 7)
• Subdivision Application 2022SUB11: create one 17-acre and two 70.5-acre agricultural parcels from a 158-acre parcel on SW 21-61-8-W5M
• Adoption of November 16, 2022 MPC minutes
• Information item: registered subdivisions

Council Meeting Budget Discussion

Woodlands County Council is holding a budget discussion meeting to review and potentially amend the proposed 2023 operating and capital budgets. The budget includes a 3% tax increase over 2022 actuals, a 1.19% expenditure increase, and a $11,013,066 capital program. Council will consider directing Administration to make amendments as discussed.

• 3% tax increase based on 2022 actuals (3.8% over 2022 budget)
• Proposed capital budget of $11,013,066, including $4.5M for Horse Creek Road and $1.5M for ANC Road
• Transfer to reserves of $1,087,473
• Elimination of Property Tax Incentive program ($208,038)
• Reallocation of $2,009,866 from non-collection of linear taxes

Regular Council Meeting

Woodlands County Council will consider first, second, and third reading of Bylaw 592/22, the Committees Bylaw, which likely updates the structure and mandate of council committees. The agenda also includes a delegation from the Fort Assiniboine Bicentennial Committee, endorsement of an Asset Management Roadmap, adoption of a revised Post Secondary Bursary Policy, write-offs of accounts receivable and utility balances, renewal of a Family/School Liaison Worker agreement, and approval of a new Low Income Benefits Program. Several items are for information or routine approval.

• Bylaw 592/22 - Committees Bylaw (first, second, and third reading)
• Write-off of accounts receivable totaling $3,637.12 and utility balances totaling $856.92
• Renew agreement with Pembina Hills School Division for Family/School Liaison Worker at Fort Assiniboine School for $19,892.97 per year (Sept 2022-June 2025)
• Adopt Policy 6211 - Low Income Benefits Program, effective July 1, 2023
• Endorse Asset Management Roadmap

Municipal Planning Commission

The Woodlands County Municipal Planning Commission will consider three subdivision applications (2022SUB08, 2022SUB09, 2022SUB10) to create small agricultural holding parcels, along with adopting the minutes of the November 2, 2022 meeting. The agenda includes routine procedural items and no other major decisions.

• Subdivision Application 2022SUB08: create a 15-acre parcel from a 147.3-acre parcel on SW-5-57-10-W5M
• Subdivision Application 2022SUB09: SW 14-61-8-W5M
• Subdivision Application 2022SUB10: SW 9-57-10-W5M
• Adoption of minutes from November 2, 2022 MPC meeting

Governance & Priorities Committee

The Governance & Priorities Committee will consider forwarding Woodlands County's Asset Management Roadmap to Council for endorsement, and will discuss updates to Council remuneration policies. The agenda also includes routine adoption of minutes and scheduling the next meeting.

• Presentation of Asset Management Plan and Roadmap, developed with a $40,000 FCM grant
• Forward Policy 1019 Council Remuneration and Policy 1973 Travel and Expense Reimbursement to Council for consideration
• Adoption of minutes from October 20, 2022 meeting

Agricultural Services Board

The Woodlands County Agricultural Services Board will meet on November 14, 2022, to consider several routine items including the 2023 budget, a pesticide collection site report, and weigh scale data. They will also decide on appointing a vice-chairperson for 2023, directing a resident survey about the weigh scale station, and approving attendance at the 2023 Provincial ASB Conference. The agenda is largely procedural, with most items being accepted as information.

• 2023 budget presented for information, with revenue from provincial grants ($217,987) and other sources
• Direct administration to survey residents about weigh scale station
• Appoint vice-chairperson for 2023
• Approve attendance at 2023 Provincial ASB Conference
• Hire entertainment for 2023 Agriculture Services Supper

Community Services Committee

The Woodlands County Community Services Committee will meet to consider surplus funding for the Whitecourt Indigenous Friends Society and capital grant requests from four community groups for the 2023 budget. The committee will also elect a chair and vice-chair, approve minutes, and receive a project update. The capital grant amounts are not specified in the agenda.

• Approve $175 surplus from Whitecourt Indigenous Friends Society's 2022 Arts & Culture grant for another healing class before Dec 31, 2022
• Forward capital grant recommendation for Anselmo Recreation & Agricultural Society to Council for 2023 budget
• Forward capital grant recommendation for Fort Assiniboine & District Agricultural Society to Council for 2023 budget
• Forward capital grant recommendation for Whitecourt & District Agricultural Society to Council for 2023 budget
• Forward capital grant recommendation for Blue Ridge Community League to Council for 2023 budget

Municipal Planning Commission

The Woodlands County Municipal Planning Commission will consider one development permit application (15-064-2022) for an as-built lean-to addition and new hangar/shop addition on a parcel in the Limited Commercial District. The applicant plans to amalgamate adjacent lots to meet setback requirements. The commission will also adopt minutes from previous meetings and receive information on permits approved by the Development Officer.

• Development Permit Application 15-064-2022: as-built lean-to and new hangar/shop addition, Plan 002-2432, Block 3, Lot 9, SE 31-59-12 W5M
• Adoption of minutes from September 21, 2022 regular MPC meeting
• Adoption of minutes from September 26, 2022 special MPC meeting
• Information items: permits approved by the Development Officer

Council Meeting Budget Discussion

Woodlands County Council is holding the second session of its 2023 budget deliberations. They will consider directing administration to prepare the 2023 budget according to the Financial Recovery Plan and reallocate funds from the uncollectible allowance account, as well as set dates for further budget meetings. The agenda includes detailed options for capital and operational spending, with additional resource requests totaling $2,000,000 and capital projects ranked up to $4,037,000.

• Motion to prepare 2023 budget per Financial Recovery Plan and reallocate funds from uncollectible allowance account
• Motion to set November 2022 dates for further budget deliberations
• Additional resource requests totaling $2,000,000, including $105,000 for a Finance Manager and $125,000 for a Communications Plan
• Capital budget options up to $4,037,000, including fire truck, sand/salt sheds, and road projects
• Discussion of tax collection status: 86% collected as of Oct 15, 2022, with $1,439,684 collected for 2022

Regular Council Meeting

Woodlands County Council will meet on October 26, 2022, to handle routine business, including adopting minutes, receiving reports, and considering several administrative items. Key decisions include whether to cancel the November 9 meeting due to a convention, whether to deny a road construction request based on policy, and whether to accept a subdivision second approach request as information. The agenda also includes closed-session items on water/sewer charges and library funding.

• Cancel November 9, 2022 regular Council meeting (due to RMA Fall 2022 Convention)
• Deny road construction request based on Policy 3227 low rating
• Accept Subdivision Second Approach Request as information (Darrin Hebbes, 18-acre property)
• Set next Governance & Priorities Committee meeting date
• Closed session: Water & Sewer Consumption Charges (FOIP s.17) and Whitecourt & District Public Library Funding Agreement

Organizational Council Meeting

This is the annual organizational meeting where Woodlands County Council will appoint the Reeve and Deputy Reeve, set regular meeting dates, and assign councillors to various committees. The agenda is largely procedural, with no major policy decisions or public hearings scheduled.

• Councillor Burrowes nominated for Reeve
• Deputy Reeve appointments confirmed for 8-month rotation through 2025
• Councillor Kuelken appointed Chair of Agriculture Services Board for one year
• Council adopts 2022-2023 committee list
• Signing officers authorized for negotiable instruments

Governance & Priorities Committee

The Governance & Priorities Committee met and approved forwarding several items to Council, including an amended Community Services Committee Terms of Reference, a draft Low Income Benefits Program policy for public input, and revisions to the Post Secondary Bursary policy. The committee also directed that future meeting dates be set at the next Council meeting.

• Forward amending bylaw for Community Services Committee Terms of Reference to Council
• Forward draft Policy 6211 Low Income Benefits Program to Council and seek public input
• Forward revisions to Policy 6201 Post Secondary Bursary to Council for consideration
• Direct Administration to include future G&P meeting date at Council's October 26, 2022 meeting

Economic Development Committee - 18 Oct 2022 CANCELLED

The Economic Development Committee meeting scheduled for 18 Oct 2022 was cancelled. No agenda items were discussed or decided.

Regular Council Meeting

Woodlands County Council will hear funding requests from the Barrhead Community Victim Services Unit Association and Gwen Dionne for Christmas Light-Up events, and discuss the 2023 preliminary budget, including a proposed $2 million reallocation. The meeting also includes adoption of the agenda and minutes from the previous meeting.

• Funding request from Barrhead Community Victim Services Unit Association (amount to be determined; previous years $1,000)
• Funding request of $1,600 to Gwen Dionne for wagon rides and door prizes for Christmas Light-Up events on December 10 and 17, 2022
• 2023 Preliminary Budget Discussions: direction to prepare operating and capital budgets and reallocate $2 million from uncollectible allowance account
• Adoption of minutes from September 28, 2022 regular council meeting

Regular Council Meeting

Woodlands County Council will decide on awarding an engineering proposal for Horse Creek Road & ANC Road to MPE Engineering Ltd. for $128,757, plus a 15% contingency. They will also consider a tender award for bridge replacements and approve participation in Chamber of Commerce events. The agenda includes routine items like adopting minutes, policies, and reports.

• Award Horse Creek Road & ANC Road engineering to MPE Engineering Ltd. for $128,757 plus $19,314 contingency
• Award BF72373 & BF85319 replacement tender to Barsi Enterprises Ltd. for $446,223.75 plus $44,622 contingency
• Approve up to $6,500 for Chamber of Commerce Economic Forum and Trunk or Treat participation
• Adopt Policy 1408 - Flag Protocol
• Accept Semi-Annual Review of Strategic Business Plan

Municipal Planning Commission

The Woodlands County Municipal Planning Commission will consider Development Permit Application 15-051-2022, which seeks a variance for a shop addition on a parcel zoned CRB (Country Residential Business). The application has been referred to Woodlands Infrastructure (no concerns), the Town of Whitecourt (which raised concerns about residential character), and Alberta Transportation (requiring a roadside development permit). The commission will decide whether to grant the variance.

• Development Permit Application 15-051-2022 for a shop addition requiring a size variance
• Parcel zoned CRB (Country Residential Business) with Home Occupation (Major) as permitted use
• Referral to Town of Whitecourt: concern about residential aspect not being met
• Referral to Alberta Transportation: roadside development permit required due to proximity to highway
• Woodlands Infrastructure Department: no concerns

Municipal Planning Commission

The Woodlands County Municipal Planning Commission will consider one subdivision application to create a small agricultural holding parcel, two development permit applications (a home occupation with accessory building and storage compound, and a farm subsidiary operation), and adopt minutes from the July 6, 2022 meeting. The agenda also includes information items on permits approved by the Development Officer.

• Subdivision Application 2022SUB07 - NE-10-62-6-W5M: create one 13.9-acre small agricultural holding parcel from a 157.98-acre parcel
• Development Permit Application 15-051-2022: Home Occupation (Major), Accessory Building: Addition, and Storage Compound
• Development Permit Application 15-053-2022: Farm Subsidiary Operation
• Adoption of minutes from July 6, 2022 MPC meeting
• Information items: permits approved by the Development Officer

Economic Development Committee

The Woodlands County Economic Development Committee will review the 2022-2025 Strategic Plan and Tactical Business Plan and provide feedback on how to proceed. They will also discuss participation in the Economic Developers of Alberta Ministry Dinner and potential projects under Prairies Can programs. The meeting includes adoption of minutes from June 28, 2022, and routine information items.

• Review of Economic Development Strategic Plan and Tactical Business Plan 2022-2025
• Feedback on participating in Economic Developers of Alberta (EDA) Ministry Dinner 2022
• Information on Prairies Can New Programs and prospective projects
• Adoption of June 28, 2022 meeting minutes
• Blue Sky Discussion and workplan updates

Governance & Priorities Committee

The Governance & Priorities Committee is reviewing several policy drafts, including a new flag protocol and road use policies. The committee is also discussing engagement strategies regarding the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act.

• Draft Policy 1408 - Flag Protocol
• United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act engagement
• Road Use Agreement Policy and Road Use Bylaw review
• Winter Operations Policies 11 acceptance
• Funding for Whitecourt & District Chamber of Commerce events

Regular Council Meeting

Woodlands County Council will consider forwarding a letter to Minister Shandro opposing the provincial redesign of Victim Services, which moves to a provincially operated model. The county currently funds two local victim service units that serve residents. The meeting also includes several airport-related decisions, policy adoptions, and a subdivision time extension request.

• Advocacy letter to Minister Shandro regarding Victim Services redesign
• Time extension for Subdivision Application 2021SUB08 to September 15, 2023
• Adoption of Policy 7101 - Asset Management and participation in Asset Management Capacity-Building Cohort
• New Policy 6902 - Corporate Partnership, repealing four existing policies
• Airport lease rates for CYZU: private aviation $1.80/m2, commercial $2.10/m2, non-aviation $4.50/m2 effective Jan 1, 2023

Community Services Committee

The Woodlands County Community Services Committee will meet via teleconference on September 8, 2022, to consider several items, including a proposed update to Policy 6201 Post Secondary Bursary, a project update, a review of the C.A.R.E program, and a budget discussion for 2023. The committee will also decide on approving minutes from the June 16, 2022 meeting and consider sending members to the 2023 Alberta Recreation and Parks Association Conference.

• Direct administration to forward Policy 6201 Post Secondary Bursary changes to Governance & Priorities meeting
• Accept Community Services Project update as information
• Verbal review of C.A.R.E program and discussion of possible changes
• Approve two unnamed members to attend 2023 Alberta Recreation and Parks Association Conference in Jasper
• Discuss Budget 2023

Governance & Priorities Committee

The Governance & Priorities Committee will consider forwarding three draft policies to Council: Asset Management (7101), Corporate Sponsorship (6902), and Council Remuneration (1019). They will also discuss potential amendments to the Meeting Procedures Bylaw 581/22 following public participation. The meeting includes routine adoption of agenda and minutes.

• Draft Policy 7101 - Asset Management, supported by a $40,000 FCM grant
• Draft Policy 6902 - Corporate Sponsorship
• Policy 1019 - Council Remuneration
• Public participation on Bylaw 581/22 - Meeting Procedures

Regular Council Meeting

Woodlands County Council will decide on several infrastructure and administrative items, including appointing a new Director of Emergency Management, approving a $706,129 fire engine purchase, and rejecting or retendering multiple road and facility projects. The meeting also includes routine adoption of minutes and reports, plus closed-session items on land purchases and personnel.

• Approve $706,129 for a new fire engine from Rocky Mountain Phoenix, pending chassis pricing confirmation
• Reject all bids for Airport Land Breaking RFP
• Reject Sand & Salt Facility tender and retender in December for 2023
• Reject all tenders for Old Blue Ridge Highway Rehabilitation; tender replacement of 2 bridge culverts from 2022 budget
• Approve $9,730 plus taxes for Briar Patch hazardous materials abatement

Airport Advisory

The Woodlands County Airport Advisory Committee is meeting to discuss and potentially recommend new lease rates for the CYZU airport, along with updates on airport lands and a proposal for lot leases. The committee will also receive information on the 2023 COPA National Fly In and a presentation on apron/roadway resignations. Decisions on lease rates will be recommended to Woodlands County council.

• Recommend approval of lease rates: Private aviation $1.80/m2, Commercial $2.10/m2, Non-Aviation $4.50/m2
• Propose frontage lot lease on south side of Apron 3 at $1.00 per sq. meter
• Update on airport lands: bids for ground breaking exceeded expected revenue; recommendation to reject all bids
• Information on 2023 COPA National Fly In proposal
• Presentation by HM Aero on apron/roadway resignations

Governance & Priorities Committee

The Governance & Priorities Committee is meeting to discuss several policy items, including a revised Block Party Grant Policy and a draft Municipal Land Management Policy. They will also receive information on Woodlands County branding and Bylaw 580/21 on meeting procedures, and set meeting dates for later in 2022. The agenda includes both decisions and discussion items.

• Revised Policy 6206 - Block Party Grant: removes permit requirement, offers grants up to $500 per neighborhood per year
• Draft Municipal Land Management Policy: covers sale, lease, licensing of municipal lands, and may repeal several existing policies
• Woodlands County branding: acceptance as information and forwarding Communications Plan to 2023 budget deliberations
• Bylaw 580/21, Meeting Procedures - Delegations/Presentations: discussion as information
• Establish meeting dates for September, October, November 2022

Municipal Planning Commission

The Woodlands County Municipal Planning Commission will review three development permit applications (15-020-2022, 15-024-2022, 15-027-2022) and three subdivision applications (2022SUB03, 2022SUB04, 2022SUB5) at its June 1, 2022 meeting. The commission will also adopt the minutes from the May 4, 2022 meeting and receive information on permits approved by the Development Officer. Decisions will be made on these applications, which include a dwelling replacement and a proposed 12-parcel residential subdivision.

• Development Permit Application 15-020-2022: replace existing trailer with a dwelling (cabin) on a 1.75-acre parcel at PT. NW 27-61-8-W5M, Plan 992-4847 Blk 2 Lot 11
• Subdivision Application 2022SUB5: 132.1 acres at Pt. NE 23-59-10-W5M, proposing 12 residential parcels
• Subdivision Application 2022SUB03 and 2022SUB04: details not provided in agenda text
• Adoption of minutes from May 4, 2022 MPC meeting
• Information items: permits approved by the Development Officer

Regular Council Meeting

Woodlands County Council will consider first, second, and third reading of Bylaw 586/22, which sets the 2022 property tax rates, generating $27,255,578 in taxation. They will also review 2022 budget adjustments, a development permit for a direct control district, and adopt the 2022-2025 business plan. The meeting includes routine adoption of agenda and minutes.

• Bylaw 586/22, 2022 Property Tax Rate: sets rates to raise $27,255,578, with $5,975,530 for requisitions and $21,280,048 for municipal purposes
• 2022 Budget Adjustments to the Operating Budget
• Development Permit 15-023-2022 for Pt. SE 26-59-10-W5M, Plan 162-1681 Blk1 Lot 1 (DC1) - Home Occupations (Major), Sign, Surveillance Suite, Storage Compound and Accessory Structures; public hearing scheduled for June 22, 2022
• Adoption of the 2022-2025 Business Plan
• Goose Lake Fire Department Volunteer Levels (information item)

Regular Council Meeting

Woodlands County Council is holding a public hearing and considering readings for a land use amendment rezoning 132.10 acres from Reserve to Country Residential District. They will also consider the 2022 Tax Incentive and Tax Penalty bylaws, hear delegations from local organizations, and decide on several contracts and requests.

• Public hearing and readings for Bylaw 584/22 rezoning Pt. NE 23-59-10-W5M (132.10 acres) from Reserve to Country Residential
• First, second, and third readings of 2022 Tax Incentive Bylaw 587/22 and 2022 Tax Penalty Bylaw 588/22
• Delegations from Whitecourt Curling Club (funding request), STARS Air Ambulance, Community Futures Yellowhead East, and Barrhead RCMP
• Award Sand/Salt Building tender to MegaDome by BuildWorks for $551,040, reallocate $250,000 from pickup truck budget, and approve $50,000 operating budget adjustment
• Award 2022-2024 Vegetation Control Mowing Contract to A&R Contracting for $358,000 plus GST

Special Council Meeting

This is a special council meeting with a single substantive item: an update on intermunicipal collaboration, which will be discussed in a closed session under FOIP exceptions. The rest of the agenda is procedural (adoption of agenda and adjournment). No decisions or public actions are listed.

• Intermunicipal Collaboration Update (closed session, FOIP s.21, 23, 24, & 27)

Regular Council Meeting

Woodlands County Council will decide on several contracts and declarations, including awarding a $128,500 hazardous material abatement contract for Briar Patch, a $59,080 mountain pine beetle survey and control contract, and a subdivision time extension. Council will also consider adopting the 2022-2025 Strategic Plan and declaring May 9-13 as International Economic Development Week.

• Award Briar Patch Hazardous Material Abatement RFP to Inflector Environmental Services for $128,500 plus tax, with a 10% contingency of $12,850 if required
• Award 2022 Mountain Pine Beetle survey and control contract to Forevergreen Forestry for up to $59,080 plus taxes
• Approve time extension for subdivision approval 2021SUB06 (NE 25-61-8-W5M) to June 16, 2023
• Adopt 2022-2025 Strategic Plan
• Declare May 9-13 as International Economic Development Week

Municipal Planning Commission

The Woodlands County Municipal Planning Commission will consider a development permit for a small animal boarding kennel and pet grooming business on a 9.81-acre parcel. The application includes constructing a 14' x 40' accessory building with 8 kennels and continuing an existing pet grooming home occupation. The commission will also review a subdivision application and receive information on previously approved development permits.

• Development Permit 15-012-2022: Small Animal Boarding Kennel & Pet Grooming (discretionary use)
• Subdivision Application 2022SUB01
• Information items: Development Permits approved by Development Officer
• Adoption of minutes from April 6, 2022 meeting

Regular Council Meeting

Woodlands County Council will hold a public hearing and consider second and third reading of Bylaw 582/22 to rezone 16.98 acres from R-Reserve to DC-Direct Control. They will also give first reading to Bylaw 584/22 to rezone 132.10 acres to Country Residential and schedule a public hearing. The meeting includes presentations on the 2021 audited financial statements and property assessments, plus a request for $6,995 in additional bridge maintenance spending.

• Public hearing and readings for Bylaw 582/22 rezoning 16.98 acres to DC-Direct Control
• First reading of Bylaw 584/22 rezoning 132.10 acres to Country Residential
• Presentation and approval of 2021 audited financial statements
• Authorize $6,995 additional expenditure for 2021 Bridge Maintenance Tender
• Closed session on airport legal matter and CAO performance evaluation

Regular Council Meeting - 30 Mar 2022 - CANCELLED

The regular Woodlands County Council meeting scheduled for Wednesday, March 30, 2022, was cancelled. No decisions or discussions took place at this meeting.

• Meeting cancelled

Special Council Meeting

Woodlands County Council is deciding whether to request a time extension from the Minister of Municipal Affairs for completing the Intermunicipal Collaboration Framework (ICF) agreement with the Town of Whitecourt, while a court stay is pending. Council will also consider directing administration to distribute a survey on the Whitecourt Culture & Events Centre via the county website, Facebook, and paper copies at county offices.

• Request extension for ICF agreement with Town of Whitecourt
• Distribute Culture & Events Centre survey via website, Facebook, and paper copies
• Survey asks residents about support for tax increase for construction and operating costs
• Survey open for 2 weeks as per March 17 Council motion
• Funding for survey distribution from 2022 Operating Budget

Airport Advisory

The Woodlands County Airport Advisory Committee is meeting to receive information on several items, including airport lease rates, a potential tax rate adjustment, the 2023 COPA National Fly In proposal, and an update on airport activities. The committee will also adopt minutes from the December 14, 2021 meeting. All items are for information only, with no decisions required.

• Airport lease rates: Whitecourt rates are $2.75/sq. m., second highest in Alberta; lowering would increase airport deficit
• Airport tax rate adjustment: possible reduction for privately owned facilities would require a tax bylaw creating an 'Assessment Subclass Regulation'
• 2023 COPA National Fly In: proposal due May 1, 2021 (likely 2022), with budget estimates being gathered
• Formula One Air Races postponed to 2023, not happening in 2022
• CYZU Airport update: burning completed, logging mostly done, RFP for ground breaking and seeding with wildlife-deterrent grasses

Economic Development Committee

The Woodlands County Economic Development Committee is meeting via teleconference to hear a presentation and update on the WILD Alberta tourism initiative, which the county supports through its GROWTH REDA membership. The committee will also receive information on the Alberta Broadband Strategy, strategic thinking items, work plan updates, and other routine matters. Most agenda items are for information only, with no major decisions expected.

• WILD Alberta presentation and update on regional tourism initiative
• Alberta Broadband Strategy information item
• Adoption of February 15, 2022 meeting minutes
• Work plan updates
• Blue Sky discussion items

Regular Council Meeting

Woodlands County Council will hold a public hearing and vote on the proposed Blue Ridge Country Estates outline plan for a 132.10-acre parcel, and consider first reading of a land use amendment for a nearby 16.98-acre property. Council will also vote on the Dust Control Policy, a new Schedule of Fees Bylaw, and a letter of support for Canfor, Millar Western, the Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation, and Backwoods Energy. The meeting includes routine adoption of minutes and reports, plus closed sessions on airport and legal matters.

• Public hearing and approval vote on Blue Ridge Country Estates outline plan (Pt. NE 23-59-10-W5M, 132.10 acres)
• First reading of Bylaw 582/22 to rezone Plan 162-1681 Blk 1 Lot 1 (16.98 acres) from R-Reserve to DC-Direct Control
• First, second, and third readings of Bylaw 583/22 amending the Schedule of Fees
• Approval of Dust Control Policy 3203
• Letter of support for Canfor, Millar Western, Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation, and Backwoods Energy

Community Services Committee

The Woodlands County Community Services Committee will meet via teleconference to consider approving 2022 Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) grants for six local organizations, and to direct administration to research a plan for the Welcome to Woodlands Program. The agenda also includes adoption of previous minutes and a projects update.

• 2022 FCSS grant applications for six organizations: The Community Lunch Box, Eagle Tower Victim Services, Fort Assiniboine Moms and Tots, North West Central Alberta FASD Services Network Society, Soaring Eagle Support Society, and Woodlands Arts and Music Guild
• Welcome to Woodlands Program: committee to direct administration to research member suggestions and bring back a plan
• Community Services Projects Update to be accepted as information
• Delegations from six community groups to present
• Adoption of minutes from December 9, 2021 meeting

Agricultural Services Board

The Woodlands County Agricultural Services Board is meeting to adopt minutes, hear a delegation on the Agricultural Profile project, and receive information on clubroot management, V.S.I. reports, and letters from other municipalities on elk forage depredation, grizzly populations, and synthetic fertilizer emissions. Most items are for information only, with no major decisions expected.

• Delegation: Ag. Profile project update by Bert Roach and Carol Webster
• Clubroot Management Plan rotations: surrounding municipalities use 1-in-4 or 1-in-5 rotations; research shows 90% spore reduction after 2-year break
• V.S.I. Fourth Quarter Report & 2022 Requisition
• Letters of concern on synthetic fertilizer emissions from Flagstaff, Cardston, Lesser Slave River, and Cypress counties
• Municipal District of Greenview letters on elk forage depredation and grizzly populations

Governance & Priorities Committee

The Woodlands County Governance & Priorities Committee will consider approving an amended Dust Control Policy with new application fees, and directing administration to launch an online survey for resident feedback on the proposed Arts and Culture Centre. The committee will also confirm priorities for the Barrhead RCMP Detachment and adopt previous meeting minutes.

• Approve Dust Control Policy 3203 with fees of $425 for 100m and $750 for 200m application lengths
• Direct administration to create and publish an online survey on the proposed Arts and Culture Centre
• Confirm Barrhead RCMP Detachment priorities: Visibility of Police and Drug Enforcement
• Adopt minutes from February 3, 2022 meeting
• Schedule next meeting date and time

Economic Development Committee

The Woodlands County Economic Development Committee will meet via teleconference on February 15, 2022, to accept as information several items: a strategic thinking report, an Electric Vehicle Charging Station Grant from the Municipal Centre for Climate Action, Statistics Canada 2021 Census population data, a Hybrid Wireless meeting summary and slide presentation, work plan updates, and a Blue Sky Discussion. The agenda is largely informational, with no binding decisions or public hearings scheduled.

• Electric Vehicle Charging Station Grant - Municipal Centre for Climate Action
• Statistics Canada 2021 Census Data - Population Data
• Hybrid Wireless - Meeting Summary and Slide Presentation
• Strategic Thinking - Key Performance Indicators and 2022 Key Dates
• Adoption of minutes from January 18, 2022 meeting

Special Council Meeting

This is a special council meeting with a single substantive item: a closed-session discussion of ICF arbitration and legal matters under FOIP section 27. No decisions or public actions are listed on the agenda.

• Closed session on ICF Arbitration & Legal Matters (FOIP s. 27)

Special Council Meeting

This is a special council meeting with a single substantive item: a closed-session discussion of ICF arbitration and legal matters under section 27 of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. The rest of the agenda is procedural (call to order, adoption of agenda, adjournment). No decisions are listed on the public agenda.

• Closed session on ICF arbitration and legal matters (s.27)

Governance & Priorities Committee

The Woodlands County Governance & Priorities Committee is meeting to discuss several items, including accepting communication policies as information, an Appreciative Inquiry discussion, preparing briefings for meetings with the Minister of Municipal Affairs and MLAs, and reviewing winter operations policies. The most consequential item is a recommendation to revise winter operations policies, eliminate the free flag program, and change the senior program to half-price flags, pending council approval.

• Review internal/external communication policies and bylaws
• Discuss Appreciative Inquiry
• Prepare briefing topics for meetings with Minister of Municipal Affairs and MLAs
• Revise winter operations policies
• Eliminate free flag program; senior flags at 1/2 price

Regular Council Meeting

Woodlands County Council will consider awarding the 2022 CN pit aggregate crushing tender to Associated Aggregate for $926,750 plus taxes, and discuss whether to change the Chief Elected Official's title from Mayor to Reeve. They will also vote on rejecting all bids for the 2022 pick-up truck tender, repealing two policies, and rescheduling the March 16 meeting. The agenda includes routine items like adopting minutes and reports, plus closed-session discussions on intermunicipal collaboration and legal matters.

• Award CN pit aggregate crushing tender to Associated Aggregate for $926,750 plus taxes
• Discuss amending Bylaw 580/21 to change Chief Elected Official title from Mayor to Reeve
• Reject all bids for 2022 pick-up truck tender
• Repeal policies 6208 (Welcome to Woodlands) and 1957-03 (Flex Time)
• Reschedule March 16, 2022 Council meeting to March 17, 2022

Regular Council Meeting

Woodlands County Council will decide whether to reinstate the 2% late payment charge on utility accounts, which was suspended during COVID-19. The meeting also includes awarding contracts for brush pile disposal and airport timber sale, and discussing support letters and provincial matters.

• Reinstate 2% late penalty on utility accounts per Water and Sewer Bylaw 529/19
• Award Brush Pile Disposal to G. MacRitchie Forestry Services for $66,770 plus GST
• Award Airport Timber sale to Granger Labor Services at rates from $5 to $38 per tonne
• Consider support letter for Alexander Contracting & Construction LP for Commercial Timber Permit
• Discuss concerns about AESO tariff modernization with provincial government

Municipal Planning Commission

The Woodlands County Municipal Planning Commission will consider two development applications: a variance to reduce the west side yard setback for an accessory shop from 30.0m to 0m on a floodway parcel, and a permit for a minor intensive recreational use with 10 rental cabins, storage shed, walking trails, parking, and signage. The commission will also review two subdivision applications and adopt the minutes from the November 3, 2021 meeting.

• Development Permit 15-069-2021: Accessory building (shop) setback variance from 30.0m to 0m on Pt. SW 4-60-11-W5M, located in Athabasca River floodway
• Development Permit 15-070-2021: Intensive recreational use/lodging establishment with 10 rental cabins, storage shed, walking trails, parking, signage at Pt. NE 6-59-12-W5M
• Subdivision Application 2021SUB-12
• Subdivision Application 2021SUB-11
• Adoption of MPC minutes from November 3, 2021

Economic Development Committee

The Woodlands County Economic Development Committee will meet via teleconference on January 18, 2022, to adopt the agenda and minutes, receive a presentation on the Golden Triangle snowmobile trail system, and discuss strategic items including $10/day childcare and available land for development in Fort Assiniboine. The meeting also includes work plan updates, a blue sky discussion, and information items, all presented for information only.

• Golden Triangle Update and Snowmobiling Overview presentation by Cindy Brooks
• Discussion on ensuring access to $10/day childcare and available land for development in Fort Assiniboine
• Adoption of December 16, 2021 meeting minutes
• Strategic Thinking items
• Work Plan Updates

Agricultural Services Board - 11 Jan 2022 Electronic

The Woodlands County Agricultural Services Board is meeting electronically to discuss and decide on several agricultural matters. Key items include accepting the Alberta Clubroot Management Plan and a related communication strategy, reviewing the 2021 insect survey results, and considering a $1,000 sponsorship for the Alberta Invasive Species Council. The board will also handle routine items like adopting minutes and receiving reports.

• Accept Alberta Clubroot Management Plan as information
• Accept Clubroot Survey Communication Strategy
• Direct $1,000 to Alberta Invasive Species Council for Bronze sponsorship
• Accept 2021 Insect Survey results
• Appoint voting members for 2022 Provincial ASB Conference resolutions

Regular Council Meeting - 05 Jan 2022 - CANCELLED

This regular Council meeting for Woodlands County, scheduled for Wednesday, January 5, 2022, was cancelled. No decisions or discussions are listed for this meeting.

• Meeting cancelled