Oxbow Road upgrades considered

Times Contributor  

 

The traffic assessment report on the Oxbow road corridor shows that 95 per cent of the traffic in the corridor is coming from Strathmore residential access points. The road and its access points were monitored to determine cost sharing initiatives for upgrades to the road. The Town of Strathmore replied that they were amenable to a cost share process, however, funding allocations were already in place for 2013. The town would consider proposals for 2014 budget. Council directed staff to draw up a letter to the Town of Strathmore regarding the report finding and consultations for the cost share negotiation. The Town is currently responsible for 600 meters of road and the County approximately two miles.

 

Bridge tender

Two bids were submitted for work needed on the bridge located at SE 16-23-23-W4. The work involves concrete work and treatments. Bridgeman Services tendered a bid of $57,000. Volker Stevin Highways Limited put in a bid for $48,700 and was awarded the contract. Council was advised that since the bid is 100 per cent funded by Alberta Transportation the winner’s name would be forwarded to them for acceptance.

 

Examining procedure for transfers of old road right of ways

Village of Standard requested the County close an old road and right of way, with subsequent transfer of land and consolidation into the existing title. It was a former CPR road. The Town and a landowner border the land. The usual process in these situations is to have the land surveyed, which costs about $5,000 and then an application sent to the Planning and Development department. Councillors questioned whether the Town of Standard could simply annex the land, as it sits next to its existing borders. 

“We can’t make an arbitrary decision in favour of one land owner,” said Councillor Ben Armstrong. “To ask us to pay all the cost for them annexing the land is unreasonable.”

Council directed staff to send a letter asking for clarification of ownership and outline the regular process through the Planning department.

 

Hussar Road upgrade

The Village of Hussar requested help for restoration work needed on Second Avenue in Hussar.

Council directed staff to send a letter asking for clarification of the exact work needed. It was not clear whether just surface restoration was needed or if the work might include restoration of manhole covers and underground work. After clarification and investigation, they requested the issue be brought back to Council.

 

Lot sale in Gleichen

There was a request for the purchase of two lots in the west side of Gleichen. The applicant was required to post a security bond of $50,000 for the lots. Council questioned if this was a regular requirement. Staff replied that the bond ensures the upgrades and servicing to the lots were in place when the sales contracts are signed. There are eight other lots in the same area. The lots are all in low-lying areas and upgrades are needed to meet county specifications. 

“Any of the low lying lots would require this, to ensure we don’t have problems in the future,” said Mike Ziehr, Engineer Technologist and Development Officer.

 

Town Hall meeting

There will be an open house on Nov. 27 at the County office to give ratepayers a chance to give input on community growth issues. Topics of protecting rural land, economic and natural resource development, transportation, recreation and community development, financial sustainability, wastewater issues and servicing will be open for discussion. The open house runs from 6:30-7:30 p.m. A presentation will follow from 7:30-8:30 p.m.

 

Public Works projects delayed by weather

Public works are wrapping up fall projects and moving into winter duties.

Roadwork on Encana Ferris gas road (RR240) is complete up to the north end of RR232. Wet soil and freeze up have prevented further work and the road has been prepped for safe use until further work can be done. The Duck Lake road base and first seal coat are done. Further coating will be done in the spring. Oiling on RR 564 going south is complete. Boundary road 230 grading is ongoing as weather permits. After road projects close, winter gravel stockpiling will begin. Crews will be stockpiling at six sites around the county. Councillors want ratepayers to know that requests for gravel must come through the County for approval. Public works employees are not able to grant this request. They can contact their councillor representative, who will schedule the request for approval at council meetings.

Crews took advantage of cooler weather to get snow fencing up. Half the fence was up prior to the first snowfall. 

Carseland sewage lagoon work continues with building of berms, de-sludging and lagoon deepening. Soil testing, field circulation tests and dye tests are ongoing.

Work on the various bridge projects throughout the county were dependant on the weather and may be delayed until the new year.