Public Works Supervisor Mike Rigg reported there have been several water line breaks in town in recent winters and each can cost several thousand dollars to fix. Much of the system was installed in the 1970s when the strapping was made of galvanized steel that has since corroded. Strapping is now made of stainless steel and brass, will last longer and withstand elements in the soil.
Rigg informed council it can expect more water breaks and recommended the Town begin to budget $20,000 per year for replacement. Council accepted his report for information and will address the issue at budget time.
Sgt. Patty Neely of the Beiseker Detachment RCMP presented a quarterly statistical report to council. She mentioned that the individuals who broke into the campground concession earlier this year have been apprehended.
Chief Administrative Officer Carol White informed council that municipal election nomination packages are now available and Municipal Affairs-sponsored sessions for potential candidates will be held in Airdrie. Also, a teleconferencing session will be held at the Irricana Library on Sept. 7 for anyone contemplating running for council. Complete details are available at the library or on the Town website. Nomination Day is Sept 20.
Reversing an earlier decision, council decided sign rental will not decrease and users will not have the option of changing the lettering themselves. In the interest of protecting the private property where the south sign is situated, only Town staff or designates will have access to the sign. Rates, therefore, will remain the same. More details are available at the Town office.
On a recommendation by the hall board, council will renew contracts with the Irricana Lions, ECS and Playschool.
A significant change is that these contracts were previously entered into for a period of 20 years and they will now be subject to renewal on a five-year basis.
The hall will receive $14,000 from the East Rocky View Recreation Board to be used for electrical upgrades, roof repairs and possibly extra storage.
Given that the Recreation Centre has two water meters, the building is being billed twice for the Town’s and Kneehill Water Commission flat fees. Therefore, council agreed to waive one set of fees for a six month period and then reconsider the issue.
A malfunction of the sump pump in the basement of the Centennial Centre has created an excess of water.
The building codes officer has checked out the building and found that there are no infractions. The health inspector indicated that mildew itself is not a health hazard but suggested an exhaust system be created to circulate air in the area.
Both inspectors recommended a structural engineering report be done on the building, therefore council approved expenditure of $2,500 for the report.
Two volunteers have stepped forward to accept positions on the Library Board. Council appointed Joanne McDonnell and Christie Sharpe to these positions.
The library board is now full.
The next meeting of council will be Sept. 7 at 7 p.m. in council chambers. The public is welcome.
