After a thorough investigation, Rocky View County Fire Services (RVCFS) has concluded the cause of a fatal house fire, which took place on Oct. 14, will remain undetermined.
The two-storey, single-family house fire took place on Range Road 275, about five kilometres south of Highway 1 between Chestermere and Langdon. Extreme fire conditions destroyed all physical evidence, which may have assisted with the investigation.
Upon RVCFS’s arrival, the house was “fully involved” in fire. Two adults and two children had already left the home.
RVCFS and RCMP investigators found 10-year-old Jordan Keeler’s remains in the destroyed home, and transported him to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.
Six RVCFS apparatus and 19 fire fighters responded to the fire.
Council approved a policy governing County debt, Nov. 1.
The new policy requires staff to report the County’s debt position to council a minimum of every three months.
“This is a great step forward,” said Division 1 Councillor Rick Butler.
Under the new policy, the use of debt won’t be allowed for financing current operating expenditures and the County will have to consider alternative financing sources when considering debt.
The policy states that long-term debt for capital expenditures may be considered for large projects with long-term benefits; projects benefitting the community at large; emerging needs to support the County’s priorities and approved strategic plans; major rehabilitation of assets; and other priorities determined by council.
Short-term debt may be considered for interim financing for capital expenditures.
New debt will be approved by council. It will be regularly monitored, reported on and financing debt will be considered as part of Rocky View’s budget process.
County council approved a one-year contract extension to the company in charge of engineering services for its 2010 and 2011 road programs, Nov. 1.
AMEC Americas Limited, first awarded the County contract in 2009, will continue its service in 2012 at last year’s rates.
According to Byron Riemann, Rocky View’s manager of infrastructure and operations, AMEC is on Alberta Transportation’s list of recognized firms.
“We are getting a premium consulting service at bargain prices,” he said.
Council also approved an extension of Volker Stevin Contracting Ltd.’s road maintenance contract in the East Balzac commercial area.
The company was first awarded the contract, worth up to $500,000 annually, in July 2009.
According to the staff report, Volker Stevin has been meeting the County’s service expectations with minor exceptions.
Actual billing by Volker Stevin in 2010 was $375,000, $299,000 of which was invoiced back to Ivanhoe Cambridge and Advent Commercial, the two area developers.
The County’s cost of $76,000 is expected to increase as more East Balzac roads come under the County’s jurisdiction.
