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County Boards & Committees

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Boards and committees play a vital role in the governance of our municipality, by providing advice to council when making decisions on issues facing our community.  County boards and committees are diverse, independent and impartial.
 
Members at Large 
Each year, County of Barrhead Council appoints citizens (known as members at large) to certain boards and committees.  This ensures committees are made up of individuals with varied skills, backgrounds and experience. 
 
As a resident, serving on a board or committee is an excellent opportunity to learn more about municipal government and make a difference in your community!  Learn how to get involved as a member at large here!
 
County Boards & Committees
See below for a complete list of existing boards and committees.  Click on a committee name for more information, including a brief description and current members.

The duties of the Agriculture Service Board include:
  • Acting as an advisory body to County Council and the Minister of Agriculture and Forestry,
  • Advising on and organizing weed and pest control, as well as soil and water conservation programs,
  • Assisting in control of livestock disease under the Livestock Diseases Act,
  • Promoting, enhancing and protecting sustainable agriculture with the goal of improving the economic viability of agricultural producers,
  • Promoting and developing agricultural policies to meet the needs of the municipality.
The ASB meets in the morning on the second Tuesday of each month. 

Council Members
Serving this Board:
Deputy Reeve Marvin Schatz
Councillor Walter Preugschas
Councillor Jared Stoik 

Members at Large:

Valerie Ehrenholz
Grace Huisman
Margaret Gentry-Burton
Lorrie Jespersen
 
The duties and responsibilities of the Agricultural Pests Appeal Committee are set out in the Agricultural Pests Act of Alberta, RSA 2000.  Any amendments and regulations of the Act also determine duties and responsibilities.
 
No Councillors can sit on this committee, as it is comprised of five (5) public members. 
 
Members at Large:
Valerie Ehrenholz                                                              
Brian Geis
Jim Greilach
Richard R. Mueller
Wayne Visser
 
The Partnership Advisory Committee (PAC) is an integral part of the ALUS model.  The PAC oversees management and administration of the ALUS program in Barrhead-Westlock-Athabasca, and is tailored to this community by prioritizing, reviewing, and making recommendations on local sustainable agriculture projects. Farmers residing in the Counties of Barrhead, Westlock and Athabasca make up the majority of the voting members of the PAC and come from a variety of agricultural backgrounds. 
 
 
Members at Large (County of Barrhead):
Lorrie Jespersen
Nadine Quedenbaum

The Barrhead-Westlock-Athabasca PAC also includes members from Westlock & Athabasca.
The Athabasca Watershed Council is a Watershed Planning and Advisory Council (WPAC) that works in partnership with the Government of Alberta, stakeholders, and Indigenous peoples to achieve the three goals of the Water for Life strategy.  The Council works to build relationships, share information, and inform the planning and policy decisions that affect the Athabasca River Watershed.  Their vision is that the Athabasca River watershed is ecologically healthy, socially responsible, and economically sustainable.
 
The County's representative attends general meetings of the Watershed Council.  Should the representative wish to stand for appointment to the Board of Directors of the WPAC, additional Council authorization would be required.

Members of Council
Serving the AWC:
Councillor Walter Preugschas
Councillor Paul Properzi (Alternate) 

The purpose of the Barrhead Attraction & Retention Committee is to build a sustainable system for physician attraction and retention in collaboration with local physicians which will ensure ongoing physician services to the community.

The objectives of the committee include:
  • Coordinating attraction and retention of physicians amongst existing physicians, Alberta Health Services, and the community
  • Facilitating community involvement in the attraction and retention process, together with physicians and Alberta Health Services
  • Reducing the need for recruitment through retention efforts 
 
Efforts should focus on three areas:
  • Integration into the medical practice
  • Family integration into the community
  • Family quality of life interests
Members of Council Serving this Committee:
Councillor Walter Preugschas
 
The purpose of the Barrhead & Area Regional Crime Coalition (BARCC) is to take a collaborative approach in making our communities safer.  Through coordinated efforts in education and awareness of crime prevention, BARCC is taking an active roll in reducing crime.
 
Coalition Membership:
County of Barrhead: Councillor Ron Kleinfeldt (Chair)
                                               Reeve Doug Drozd (Alternate)

Town of Barrhead: Mayor Dave McKenzie
Woodlands County: Councillor Devin Williams
Barrhead RCMP: Sergeant Colin Hack
Barrhead & District Rural Crime Watch: As assigned
 

 

The Ag Society's mission is to encourage improvement in agriculture and improve quality of life of those living in an agricultural community by developing programs, services and facilities based on needs of the agricultural community.
 
The Society's objectives are:

  • to sponsor meetings and short courses on agricultural and related subjects.
  • to sponsor an exhibition at which prizes will be awarded in agricultural, horticultural and/or bench show classes, etc.
  • to assist in the development of leadership in our community through sponsoring and encouraging 4-H clubs and by sponsoring leadership development workshops.
  • to provide an opportunity for local producers to display and market products through sponsoring a Farmers' market.
  • to improve the quality of life in our community by sponsoring or supporting cultural and recreational events.
  • to be aware of changing needs of people in our community and to adjust our programs to accommodate change and encourage other community resources to do the same.
  • to support and cooperate with other community groups involved in programs for the betterment of the community.
  • to sell, manage, lease, dispose of or otherwise deal with property of the Society within the limits of the Agricultural Societies Act.
Regular meetings of the society are held in the evening of the fourth (4th) Tuesday of each month.
 
Members of Council Serving this Society:
Councillor Bill Lane
Councillor Paul Properzi (alternate)

 


The Barrhead & District Chamber of Commerce has been in operation for over 50 years, and has a goal to provide a voice and network for businesses in our community.  With the power to change adversity into opportunity, the Chamber focuses on building strength of business in our community through recognition of what there is to offer.  By setting common goals, local business owners can work together to achieve successes together, and sustain a strong, vibrant and growing community.
 
The Chamber sponsors a number of community activities including:
  • Barrhead Street Festival
  • Light Up and Santa Claus Parade
  • Rodeo Luncheon
  • Christmas Decorating and Gingerbread contests
  • more activities as required
As a member of the Chamber of Commerce, the County of Barrhead assigns a designate to represent the County at Chamber meetings.

The Barrhead & District FCSS provides preventative programs and services that strive to enhance and strengthen individuals, families and the community.
 
Regular Board meetings are held at 9:30 am on the third (3rd) Tuesday of each month.

Members of Council Serving this Society:
Councillor Doug Drozd
Councillor Paul Properzi 
The duties of the Barrhead & District Social Housing Association (BDHSA) are:
  • To effectively and efficiently provide the highest standard of accommodation for residents and tenants while promoting their wellness and independence.
  • To provide opportunities for their participation in leisure, recreation and social activities which foster their continued involvement in family and community life.
  • To take a leading role in planning and developing social housing projects in our community as the need arises and the resources become available.
  • To provide and plan preventative maintenance services, which shall ensure a safe, clean, structurally sound and efficiently operated buildings for our residents.
  • To provide food services which meet the daily dietary needs of the residents with tasty, aesthetically pleasing and enjoyable meals, served in a clean and informal dining atmosphere.
  • To provide housekeeping services, which ensure a high standard of hygiene and minimize maintenance cost in residents rooms and common areas of the lodge.
  • To provide a high level of safety operation of all safety features and equipment, thorough training of employees and residents in safety procedures.
  • To assist and coordinate personal and health care services to the residents, maintaining their health and independence through preventive personal care.
  • To promote the education and continued learning of the employees as they are our most important asset.
  • To be consistent with related provincial and federal regulations.
BDHSA meetings are held on the fourth (4th) Tuesday of the each month for a half day, commencing at 1:00 pm. 
 

Members of Council Serving this Association:
Councillor Bill Lane
In the 1980's, the Province of Alberta became involved in twinning with communities in other parts of the world and encouraged municipalities to be involved as well.  In 1989, the Town of Barrhead formed a Twinning relationship with Drouin, Victoria, Australia.  In 1991, the Town and County of Barrhead twinned with the Town of Tokoro, Hokkaido, Japan.
 
Over the years, both the Town and County have hosted visitors from both twinned communities and residents have had the opportunity to visit Drouin and Tokoro.
 
The purpose of the Committee is to:
  • Support and promote twinning relationships with other parts of the world as supported by the Province of Alberta.
  • Inform the Town and County Councils, the School Board and the Chamber of Commerce on matters relating to twinning activities.
  • Encourage involvement of the community in any twinning projects and activities.
The Committee is responsible for:
  • Travel arrangements for incoming or outgoing delegations.
  • Itinerary and activity planning for incoming or outgoing delegations
  • Gifts for incoming or outgoing delegates.
  • Coordinate delegation home-stays.
  • Meeting expenses.
  • Advertising expenses.
  • Assist the community with Twinning inquiries. 
These responsibilities will fall within a budget as approved by the joint Councils.
 
Members of Council Serving this Committee:
Councillor Walter Preugschas
Councillor Paul Properzi (Alternate)

The Barrhead District Seed Cleaning Co-op focuses on cleaning and treating certified and common seed within the region.  As an added service, the Co-op also sells certified seed on behalf of local seed growers.

Meetings are held in the evening of the third (3rd) Wednesday of each month with the one at harvest normally cancelled.
 
 
Members of Council Serving this Board:
Deputy Reeve Marvin Schatz 
Councillor Jared Stoik
Effective January 1, 2017, the Barrhead Regional Fire Services Agreement was enacted between the Town of Barrhead & County of Barrhead to provide regional fire protection services to the municipalities.
 
This committee's duties are to:
  • Review an recommend policies and procedures for the efficient operations of the Barrhead Regional Fire Services and the Emergency Response Center to the Council of both parties annually for approval.
  • Provide direction to the Unit of Authority regarding operations.
  • Recommend annual capital and operating budgets for the Barrhead Regional Fire Services and the Emergency Response Centre to the Council of both parties for approval.
  • Review and receive reports from the Fire Chief and the Unit of Authority on the operations of the Barrhead Regional Fire Services and the Emergency Response Centre.
  • Review and make recommendations to the Unit of Authority on the job description and duties of the Fire Chief and Deputy Fire Chief positions.
  • Make recommendations to the Unit of Authority in the appointment and terms of employment for the Fire Chief, and
  • Comply with the provision of the Bylaws of each party thereto.
 
Members of Council
Serving this Committee:
Deputy Reeve Marvin Schatz
Councillor Paul Properzi
Councillor Ron Kleinfeldt (Alternate)

Members at Large:

Ivan Kusal

The Barrhead Regional Airport Committee is comprised of representatives of the County of Barrhead & Town of Barrhead as well as appointed representatives from the Barrhead Flying Club.  The mandate of the Committee is to develop a vision for the future of the airport and to create a plan to bring that vision to reality, while maintaining an appropriate level of service for the users of the facility.  The Committee will perform its duties as an advisory committee to make recommendations to the Councils of the County of Barrhead and the Town of Barrhead for the airport including,
  1. Ongoing maintenance and service levels,
  2. Operating and Capital Budgets, and
  3. Upgrades and developments.
The committee meets a minimum of three (3) times per year.
 
Members of Council
Serving this Committee:
Deputy Reeve Marvin Schatz 
Councillor Bill Lane
Barrhead Flying
Club Representatives:
Wade Evans
Pete Stupniski
 
The Regional Landfill Committee was established with representatives from both the Town of Barrhead & the County of Barrhead to provide management for the regional landfill site to include:
  • set rules and regulations for operations of the landfill,
  • authorize hiring personnel and obtaining goods necessary for efficient construction, maintenance or operation of the facility
  • authorize contracts and agreements with any person, corporation or municipality to supply services or goods necessary for the efficient construction, maintenance or operation of the facility, and
  • operation within the annual capital and operating budgets as approved by both municipalities.
Meetings are held two to three times per year.
 
 
Members of Council Serving this Committee:
Councillor Bill Lane
Councillor Jared Stoik

The Barrhead Regional Water Commission was established in 2011 with members from the County of Barrhead and Town of Barrhead.  The commission ensures provision of potable water through the operation of a water treatment and transmission system to the County of Barrhead and the Town of Barrhead.
 
 
 
Members of Council
Serving this Commission:
Reeve Doug Drozd
Councillor Ron Kleinfeldt
Directors at Large:
Ivan Kusal
Gerry St. Pierre

The vision of Community Futures Yellowhead East (CFYE) is to promote and assist in the economic development, diversification and stabilization of the Yellowhead East region.  The Board of Directors is responsible for:
  • development of a Strategic Plan and for ensuring appropriateness over time.
  • setting policy on all aspects of community economic development work.
  • overseeing the management of loan funds, setting policies and procedures, and developing the goals of the organization.
  • striking a subcommittee to act as The Investment Committee to assess and administer the investment fund allocations.
Board meetings are held every second (2nd) month commencing at 6 pm, usually on the third (3rd) Thursday.
 
 
Members of Council Serving the CFYE:
Deputy Reeve Marvin Schatz
Councillor Walter Preugschas (alternate)

The Economic & Community Development Committee makes recommendations to the County Council relating to economic development matters in the County of Barrhead.  The membership of this committee consists of three councilors and two public members at large.
 
The duties of the committee are:
  • Review and discuss topics relating to the promotion of economic well-being in the County.
  • Review and make recommendations to the County Council on policies and programs affecting economic development in the County.
  • Prepare and maintain an Economic Development plan for the County.
  • Make recommendations to Council regarding programs and projects which would benefit the County.
  • Work together with both Council and staff to actively promote the County within the County and to neighbouring municipalities.  
Members of Council
Serving this Committee:
Deputy Reeve Marvin Schatz
Councillor Ron Kleinfeldt 
Councillor Walter Preugschas
 
Members at Large:
Colleen Stein
Tyson Bergsma

The Emergency Management Committee was formed as a requirement of the Emergency Management Act, SA 2000, and amendments to the act.  This committee consists of all members of Council whose duties are to advise on the development of emergency plans and programs for the County of Barrhead.

Members of Council Serving this Committee:
Reeve Doug Drozd
Deputy Reeve Marvin Schatz
Councillor Ron Kleinfeldt
Councillor Bill Lane
Councillor Walter Preugschas
Councillor Paul Properzi 
Councillor Jared Stoik 

Appointed members to each of the five (5) Intermunicipal Collaboration Framework (ICF) Committees are outlined in the respective ICF Bylaws as follows:
 
Town of Barrhead & County of Barrhead:
Reeve Doug Drozd and Councillor Ron Kleinfeldt
Councillor Bill Lane
 
Woodlands County & County of Barrhead:
Reeve Doug Drozd, Councillor Paul Properzi, and Councillor Walter Preugschas

Sturgeon County & County of Barrhead:
Reeve Doug Drozd, Councillor Bill Lane, and Councillor Walter Preugschas
 
Lac Ste. Anne County & County of Barrhead:
Reeve Doug Drozd and Deputy Reeve Marvin Schatz
 
Westlock County & County of Barrhead:
Councillor Paul Properzi and Councillor Ron Kleinfeldt
 

The Barrhead Library Board is an Intermunicipal Library Board established by the County of Barrhead with the Town of Barrhead.  Management and operation of the Barrhead Public Library and Neerlandia Public Library is delegated to the Barrhead Library Board
 
The Board normally meets monthly on the third (3rd) Tuesday (except for the months of July and August), commencing at 5:00 pm.


Members of Council
Serving this Board:
Councillor Ron Kleinfeldt
Members at Large:
Stephan Bablitz
Terri Flemmer
Margaret Krikke 
Jane Kusal
Susan McLaren 
Melissa Ouellette
David Rowe
Yellowhead Regional Library (YRL) is a co-operative library system providing services to almost 294,000 Albertans in 54 municipalities.  YRL also serves almost 11,000 full-time students in three school divisions.
 
Along with providing materials and services to public and school libraries, YRL offers similar services to other organizations assisting in meeting the informational, educational, cultural and recreational needs of member communities.
 
Members of Council Serving this Board:
Councillor Ron Kleinfeldt

Members of Council Serving this Board:
Councillor Bill Lane
Councillor Jared Stoik (Alternate)
The Municipal Planning Commission (MPC) acts as the Development Authority for discretionary development permits, and all other matters assigned to it under the Land Use Bylaw upon reference by the Development Officer.

The MPC meets as needed on the first (1st) and third (3rd) Tuesday of the month.
 
Members of Council Serving the MPC:
Reeve Doug Drozd
Deputy Reeve Marvin Schatz
Councillor Bill Lane
Councillor Walter Preugschas
Councillor Paul Properzi 
Councillor Jared Stoik
Councillor Ron Kleinfeldt
The County has an agreement with the Town of Mayerthorpe for establishment of an Intermunicipal Subdivision and Appeal board to act as the municipal appeal body under provisions of the Municipal Government Act, RSA 2000 and its subsequent amendments.  This board will hear appeals from persons affected by the decisions of the Development Authority and the Subdivision Authority.  The Board will hold meetings as required to hear appeals typically within the municipality from which the appeal was lodged.
 
Since Council serves as the Municipal Planning Commission (MPC), they cannot serve on the Appeal Board.
 
Members at Large:
Helmut Ehrenholz
Kerry McElroy
Dale Kluin 
Wilfred Ruhl
Ivan Kusal

The Weed Control Act, RSA 2000, requires Council to establish, at least annually, an independent appeal panel to determine appeals of inspectors' notices, local authority's notices and debt recovery notices.
 
The appeal panel will hold meetings as required to hear appeals.
 
Members of Council do not serve on this Panel. 
 
Members at Large:
Valerie Ehrenholz
Brian Geis
Jim Greilach
Richard R. Mueller
Wayne Visser