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A Free Weekly Publication Serving All of Beaver County Wednesday,February August 3,162022, 15,15Issue 317 Wednesday 2022Volume Volume Issue
Beaver County votes on Claystone AGM resolutions Patricia Harcourt Beaver County Council expressed concerns over some of the resolutions brought forward by Claystone Waste Ltd. during a county meeting in March. The resolutions were part of the corporation’s agenda for the annual general meeting taking place at a later date. With the county’s concerns, however, the AGM had to be postponed pending answers wanted by county council before approving them. Claystone used to be called Beaver Municipal Solutions (BMS) prior to its incorporation as a business entity instead of a municipally controlled regional waste site. The new entity is controlled by a board of directors, but the shareholders are still made up of the five municipalities that used to govern BMS through a Beaver Regional Waste Management Services Commission. The incorporation process into Claystone had been a long, drawn out affair due at that time to many concerns expressed by the county about the transition of the municipally owned landfill into a corporation. A year into the new board, resolutions were proposed by the board for all five municipalities to approve. The four other urban shareholder municipalities did approve them but when it was the county’s turn in March the process slowed down. CAO Kayleena Spiess outlined the situation stemming from the March 18 meeting. “County Council expressed concerns regarding some of the agenda items and the May 18 annual general meeting (of Claystone directors) was subsequently recessed to provide council more time for review.” The AGM is now rescheduled to reconvene on August 25. “The board will be seeking the shareholders’ votes on the following matters.” It is the chief administrative officers (CAOs) of each municipality that will attend the AGM and vote on behalf of the wishes of their own municipalities. “Councils direct the CAOs regarding the votes via motions passed at their respective council meetings,” she stated, in her report to council. She further explained: “Either majority consent or required consent is required for motions to pass.” Majority consent was defined as at least two shareholders making up at least 50 per. cent of the voting shares. Required consent is defined as at least two shareholders representing 75 per cent of the voting shares. She noted that council had some time to consider the motions proposed after the Claystone board tabled the items “giving council time to address the concerns.” Council then proceeded to address the proposed motions starting with the one concerning financial statements. Spiess said council had received additional information and she recommended approval of the item proposed by the Claystone board to the Unanimous Shareholders Agreement (USA). A motion by Councillor Dale Pederson (Division 5) was passed by council that approved the changing of the financial statements being
approved by shareholders to a presentation to shareholders provided for information only. The shareholders would no longer have approval status for the statements. Another motion made by Councillor Barry Bruce (Division 4) was passed which approved a change to the definition of ‘material change’ in the USA. Spiess said that the amendment aligns the document with that of the Municipal Government Act. She added that the county got a legal opinion on what the definition of ‘material change’ would be and the legal opinion “had no issue with it.” The third item passed but was a split vote with Reeve Kevin Smook (Division 1) and Deputy Reeve Gene Hrabec (Division 3) opposed. The vote concerned Claystone Waste’s ‘flexibility in investment’ clause. Claystone board developed an investments policy providing more flexibility in the investment of funds which requires approval. Spiess recommended approval with the reason that the Limited Partnership Agreement restricted Claystone’s ability to make investments to only those outlined in the MGA. The kinds of investments under the new policy “would be more than what was allowed before,” she said, adding the legal opinion also had “no issue” with it. Hrabec said he wanted to see this new policy before approving it, and wouldn’t be supporting the motion as it stands. “I want to know what the policy will say,” he said, noting the policy is due for further amendment in August. “I would agree that I want more clarity on this one myself,” said Smook. But Division 2 Councillor Lionel Williams disagreed. “Even if we haven’t seen the policy, it’s outlined in here (the agenda package) pretty good as to what they’re going to do,” he said. “I have no doubt they will do exactly what they say.” Pederson agreed that the proposed amendment “got its point across,” and that council’s concerns will be addressed. The motion to agree with the change regarding investments was passed with Williams, Bruce and Pederson in favour and Smook and Hrabec opposed. The fourth item concerned a change in proportionate shares. Claystone states there is an inconsistency in the USA and LPA (Limited Partnership Agreement) regarding the distribution of partnership units. LPA uses the change in population distribution every four years, while USA refers to the changes based on each census. The Claystone board wants the LPA to refer to a change in proportionate shares based on the population census. This was approved by council following a motion by Hrabec. The fifth item was tabled following a recommendation from Spiess to wait until she meets with other CAOs of
local municipalities. The item regards the creation of another investment policy, which Spiess said had yet to be developed by Claystone. The Claystone Trustee Association is composed of the CAOs of each of the five shareholder municipalities. It is in charge of investing reclamation funds. The trust agreement restricts its ability to invest as outlined in the MGA. Claystone wants this agreement amended so investments would be according to a trust board policy instead of being based on the MGA. However, this policy has not been developed yet. “In accordance with the county’s legal opinion, administration recommends that council exercise caution with this decision,” stated Spiess, in. her report. “The risk associated with unwise investment decisions could have a serious financial impact on the shareholder (municipalities). After speaking to Claystone, she recommended “cancelling it for the time being,” with “no need to vote on this” at the council meeting. After she has met with her fellow CAOs, Spiess said she would bring more information back to council. Smook wished to vote on it to have a record of council’s direction but Spiess felt it “would be risky to vote on it now.” Smook also wished to provide direction to Spiess before she meets with the other CAOs representing the other shareholder municipalities. Spiess replied that she was “unsure of the process” going forward but her understanding was that a draft document would be brought back to the municipalities after the CAOs have their meeting. “I would explain it Continued on Page BCC3
gathering of the
clans Highland Festival Saturday, August 20 Sedgewick, AB GENERAL SCHEDULE 10am - Gates Open 11am - Opening Ceremonies 11:30am - Scheduled Entertainment Begins (including heavy events) 3:30pm - Closing Ceremonies & Mass Band 5pm p - Pigg Roast Supper pp 7:30pm p - Ceillidh (dance) ( )
ALL DAY PACKAGE TICKETS MUST BE PURCHASED BEFORE AUGUST 10. Pig Roast Supper exclusively available in the All Day Package
www.flagstaffscottishclub.com/gotchf
2 - Beaver County Chronicle, August 3, 2022
GAUGE HOCKEY SKILLS & DEVELOPMENT CAMP September 9 - 11 FORESTBURG ARENA ALL SESSIONS WILL INCLUDE: 4 x ICE SESSIONS, STRIDE MECHANICS, PASSING, PUCK CONTROL, SHOOTING/SCORING, AGILITY TRAINING, POSITIONING, CHECKING (U15/U18) 2 X OFF-ICE ACTIVE RECOVERY/MOBILITY SESSIONS HOCKEY JERSEY WITH NAME & NUMBER WEEKEND EXPERIENCE - $165 (U7 to U18) Players must REGISTER by AUGUST 19 (Max 30 players/age group) To Register please email gaugeyoga@gmail.com and you will receive a registration form to fill out and payment details. If you have any questions, please contact Mat at 780-608-8479 MAT PONTO
BRANDON HECK
DAWSON WEATHERILL
Claystone Waste e is a municipally con ntrolled corporation established in 20 20 by the Town of Viking, Vikin 2020 ng Town of Tofield Tofield, Village of Ryley, Village of Holden and Beaver County. Claystone Waste is committed to being a responsive community partner and to operating with the highest standards of environmental and operational excellence in the delivery of waste management services. Claystone Waste operates the following facilities:
BRIDGETTE PONTO
Beave ver Regional Landfill 50117 17 Ran ange Ro Road 17 173
780. 0.663. 3.2038
The Beaver Regional Landfill is open six days a week, k, Monday to Saturday. It is an engineered, sanitary class 2 landfill that
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accepts municipal solid waste from Beaver County and the surrounding municipalities, as well as significant volumes of class 2 non-hazardous industrial wastes. In addition to the regional landfill, Claystone Waste operates five transfer stations. County residents can bring bagged household garbage, e, and other dry waste, such as broken chairs, furniture, e, mattresses and scrap wood for disposal. The location and hours for each transfer station is noted below:
Kinsella Transfer Station 46418 18 Ran ange Ro Road 113 13
x x
Wednesdays: Fridays:
780. 0.663. 3.2038
11:00 am to 5:00 pm 11:00 am to 5:00 pm
Viking Transfer Station 12503 To Town wnship ip 480
x x
Lougheed Agricultural Society
99th ANNUAL FAIR
• Bench Exhibits • Ball •Children’s Entertainment • Food • Beer Gardens •Vendors • Show ‘N Shine • Supper at Hall (starts at 5pm) • Outdoor Dance (at Ball Grounds) Gate entry: y Adults $10. Students $5. 5&under Free. General Info: Iris Williams 780-385-0752 Baseball: John Snethun 780-385-5844 Parade Entries: Stacey Williams 780-385-4703 Car Show: John Routledge 780-386-2289
10:30 am to 5:30 pm 10:30 am to 5:30 pm
Tofield Transfer Station 51032 32 Ran ange Ro Road 191
x x x
Wednesdays: Fridays: Saturdays:
780. 0.662. 2.27 2731
10:30 am to 5:30 pm 10:30 am to 5:30 pm 10:30 am to 5:30 pm
Lindbrook Transfe fer Station
Saturday, August 6 • Pancake Breakfast 8-10 am (at Seniors Centre) •Parade 10 am (theme 99) •Horse Show • Cattle Show
Tuesdays: Saturdays:
780. 0.71 718.79 7956
51008 Ran ange Ro Road 201 x x x
Tuesdays: Thursdays: Saturdays:
780.662. 2.270 704
10:30 am to 5:30 pm 11:30 am to 6:30 pm 10:30 am to 5:30 pm
Ryley Transfe fer Station 50117 17 Ran ange Ro Road 17 173
x x x x x x
Mondays: Tuesdays: Wednesdays: Thursdays: Fridays: Saturdays and STATS*:
780. 0.663. 3.2038
9:00 am to 4:30 pm 9:00 am to 4:30 pm 9:00 am to 4:30 pm 9:00 am to 4:30 pm 9:00 am to 4:30 pm 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
* Pl Please note te th that all tr transfe fer sta tati tions ex excep ept fo for th the Ryl yley Tr Transfe fer Sta tati tion are re clo losed on Sta tatu tuto tory ry holid idays ys.
Administration Offices 50117 17 Ra Range Ro Road 17 173 (S (Secon onda dary Hi Highwa way 854) 4) 780. 0.663. 3.2038
Box ox 32 322 Ry Ryley, y, AB T0B 0B 4A 4A0
Toll Fr Free 1. 1.855. 5.22 221. 1.2038
Administration offices are open Monday to Friday from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm and are closed from 12:00 to 1:00 pm.
Beaver County Chronicle, August 3, 2022 - 3 Claystone Continued from BCC1 and council would have a healthier discussion before deciding,” she said. Hrabec’s motion to table this item was carried. The sixth item concerned audited financial statements for the 2020 Claystone and 2021 BMS entities. This is the final year that the county and other shareholders would be approving or disapproving them, based on the fact that in future years these statements would be presented for information only at the AGMs. But until the policy is changed next year, approval from shareholders is needed and Hrabec again stated that he was dissatisfied with what was presented to council regarding the BMS closing out financials as presented. “I don’t believe that they provided the information,” he said. In closing out the BMS board, Hrabec said he wanted “more clarity on board remuneration,” and what other payments were made for that year. Hrabec said there was only one meeting held by the board to close out BMS as an entity, yet “there was still a significant payout.” Spiess said Claystone might be open to giving him the remuneration of those involved in that meeting, but cautioned to take “a sensitive approach.” She said: “Claystone simply wants to have the financial statements approved.” With that, Hrabec made a
tabling motion for the audited financial statements item. “Didn’t they have a year-end document showing what the remuneration was?” he asked, regarding the closing out of BMS. “Claystone needs to move forward,” said Spiess, adding she would take Hrabec’s concerns back to Claystone. The tabling motion was defeated, and followed by a motion made by Williams to accept the recommendation and accept the audited financial statements for BMS and Claystone as presented. “I think we can still get that information but I don’t want to hold them up anymore,” said Williams. “I understand what they are saying about moving forward,” replied Hrabec, but said he expected more transparency from the incorporated Claystone. “I thought Claystone would agree to provide that information,” he said, adding it “should be public as it was in the past.” Williams’ motion to accept the audited financial statements from BMS and Claystone was passed, but Hrabec voted against it. Although Smook was willing to entertain another motion to seek the last two years of BMS financials, including remuneration paid out to the former board, Hrabec did not pursue it. “I got my point across,” he said. Council then passed a motion accepting the seventh item Claystone proposed regarding the hiring of external auditors Yaremchuk & Anniccharico.
The eighth item concerned Claystone’s move to expand the number of members on its board from the current five to seven. Cost concerns about this had been expressed by county council at an earlier meeting. The change to seven board members is contingent on getting required consent from the shareholders, including the county’s consent. The Claystone board “believes that the workload and need for expertise warrant the addition of two directors,” stated Spiess, whose recommendation was to accept the increase with five directors given three year terms and two given two year terms. “They need more expertise,” said Spiess, offering to bring Claystone’s CAO Pierre Breau back to the meeting that afternoon to answer questions of council. After the motion by Williams to accept the board increase was passed, Smook said the issue blends into the upcoming one on the competency matrix. And Hrabec said he “understands about how there can be extra workload when starting up a new business.” “I wanted a professional board and I’m happy with the work so far,” said Bruce. “I accept their saying they need two more directors. I want them to make the money and wish them all the best.” A ninth item on proportionate shares would amend a section of the USA to reference a change in distribution by population fol-
lowing each census. A motion by Hrabec to accept this recommendation was passed without further discussion. But the final item was linked in part to the previous one on adding two board members at Claystone. After discussions with Breau, council agreed to add three more categories to the competency matrax. The additions included joint ventures and mergers and acquisitions, as well as entrepreneurial and financing, which are skills needed by the new board members to round out the board’s overall abilities. Council added to the motion by Hrabec that council would “follow up at a future date with definitions of the categories.” At the meeting, Breau came to speak with council prior to the motion being passed. He explained that Claystone’s directors were classified according to the competency matrix, “and this can be changed.” After 1.5 years as a board, the Claystone board did a self assessment and decided an expansion of members was needed to focus on the work that needed to be done and what the new board members would need for that purpose. Changes to the competency matrix requires approval by the shareholder municipalities after this annual self assessment was completed and its decision to expand was made. The strategic plan’s focus on economic development and mar-
Beaver County Service Centre 5120 - 50 Street Box 140 Ryley, Alberta T0B 4A0 Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
2022 Construction Schedule
keting would mean an increased workload. Given the direction of the board new people were needed with abilities in that field, he explained. Adding the three new skill levels will allow the board to expand into other businesses over the next few years that are sales driven. He called the competency matrix a checklist, noting that the two new directors would help fill the gaps in the skill sets on the board. Several councillors expressed their gratitude for Breau coming on short notice to explain the matrix to them. Williams said the matrix “covers a wide spectrum, well done.” “It clears things up,” said Pederson. Hrabec said it helped “fill in the whys and wheres,” of it. He took the opportunity to talk with Breau about wanting to see the “closing statements on the end of BMS…Everything is shut down,” he said. He wanted to know if there would be a final report. “There should be a document shutting down BMS,” he said, calling it “due diligence” for the county to have such a document. “The ratepayers want to see a final document and what was transferred to the MCC,” he said, dating back to 2020. “We owe it as councillors to ask for a document like that.” Breau expressed willingness to check and get back to him regarding “other documents” that might be pertinent to Hrabec’s request.
Phone: (780) 663-3730 Fax: (780) 663-3602 Toll Free: 1-866-663-1333 www.beaver.ab.ca Email: administration@beaver.ab.ca
Range Road 182 and 195 Construction Update
Range Road 182 and 195 Construction Update The soil stabilizing for the road base with soil cement is now complete. We will soon be starting the first layer of chip seal and there may be delays as work crews direct traffic in order to work safely. There will be many loose rocks after the chip seal layer is applied and speed limits will be reduced on these roads once opened until the project is complete. During this construction phase, portions of the road may be closed to allow crews to work safely please use another route, detours will be posted or be cautious when you need to drive through construction zones (local traffic only). Beaver County's goal is to provide a healthy, injury free work environment for all employees, contractors, visitors and general public. Already this year we have had people exceeding the posted speed limit through our construction zones, endangering staff, contractors and the public. There are potential hazards to the public and vehicles during the construction process. This can include heavy machinery, dust or mud, road material such as gravel, asphalt coatings and rock chips. We apologize for the inconvenience that road maintenance and upgrading causes, but the same roads that receive the most traffic also need the most maintenance. Thank-you for your patience and understanding during construction. If you have any questions, please call the Beaver County Service centre at 780-663-3730.
4 - Beaver County Chronicle, August 3, 2022
Beaver County Service Centre 5120 - 50 Street Box 140 Ryley, Alberta T0B 4A0 Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Employment Opportunities
Phone: (780) 663-3730 Fax: (780) 663-3602 Toll Free: 1-866-663-1333 www.beaver.ab.ca Email: administration@beaver.ab.ca
RMA Golf Tournament a Success
DEVELOPMENT OFFICER Competition No: 010-2022 The Development Officer is responsible for processing and deciding upon applications for development permits, processing applications for statutory plan amendments, and receiving and processing subdivision applications for the decision of the Subdivision Authority. The incumbent may also provide clerical and technical assistance related to land use development, subdivision, and other planning matters. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: • Accept, process, and decide upon all permitted and discretionary use applications • Prepare subdivision application decisions for signature by the Subdivision Authority • Inspect application sites prior to making a decision • Maintains a development and subdivision application/decision database • With the support of the Community Peace Officer, ensure compliance and enforcement of development decisions, regulations, and approval conditions • Issue compliance certificates • Defend decisions to the Subdivision and Development Appeal Board • Process road closure applications and administer lease of County-owned property • Liaise with safety codes inspection agency regarding coordination of development and safety codes permits, and lead annual audit within the region QUALIFICATIONS: • Certification in Applied Land Use Planning and/or related education, or equivalent experience. Prior related experience in a Municipal setting is considered an asset. • Working knowledge of the Municipal Government Act and related regulations and policies. Prior related experience in a Municipal setting is considered an asset. • Proficient in computer skills (MS Office) and a willingness to learn new technology, as needed. • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Position Details: Position Type: Full-Time permanent (35 hours/week) Hours of Work: Monday to Friday, 8:15 am. – 4 :30 p.m. (some evenings and weekends required) Salary: Based on skills and experience – provide salary expectations with application Closing date: August 16, 2022, or until a suitable candidate is found. ———————————————————————————————————————————
More detailed position profiles are available on the County website at
https://www.beaver.ab.ca/residents/careers Submit your cover letter and resume, by referencing the name of the position, to the following email: careers@beaver.ab.ca Applications can also be submitted in-person or by mail, attention Human Resources, to: Beaver County – Human Resources PO Box 140 5120 50 Street Ryley, AB T0B 4A0 Beaver County is an equal opportunity employer and adheres to a non-smoking policy in its working environment. Beaver County also has a comprehensive and active safety program. Drivers abstract will be required for successful applicants. Beaver County thanks all applicants for your interest however only those selected for interviews will be contacted.
Planning and Development Services Beaver County is currently seeking to fill an employment position in the Planning Department. Until this position is filled, the County has entered into an agreement with Municipal Planning Services (MPS) to assist, in the short term, with services related to development permits and subdivision applications. When landowners phone in to the Beaver County Service Centre, calls will be directed to MPS through our voicemail system. MPS will be able to answer questions and enquiries regarding the application process as well as working with landowners to ensure that all necessary paperwork is completed. In-person services at the Beaver County Service Centre will be limited during this time, however we will continue to ensure that all enquiries are answered by the appropriate person.
Camping at Black Nugget or Camp Lake