Public safety concerns

Times Contributor

 

Transportation and Infrastructure Manager Dave Churchill brought a public safety and liability concern to council. It was regarding farmers accessing road right-of-ways with their equipment to feed livestock. He suggested that the farmers be given guidelines. These guidelines would be operating only in daylight hours, flasher displays, posting road signage and eliminate U-turns on the right of way.

“These measures are to make the road safe for the public,” said Churchill.

Councillors indicated there were three similar situations. There are other agreements set up for areas around Texas gates and the owner accepts liabilities that occur when they accept the contract with the county. It is also required that they keep the areas free of debris.

“When they agree to the contract they are expected to keep within the parameters of the agreement,” said Councillor Ben Armstrong.

Council directed staff to research the responsibility for the liability and insurance issues in these situations and report back to council for a decision.

 

Enforcing sign infractions

The enforcement of signage encroaching on the 300m limit of highways was discussed with Fred Lee, Operations Manager and Trevor Richelhof, Developing and Planning Technician from Alberta Transportation. 

County staff did a survey to determine whether residents displaying signs had a permit for them. They found that the majority of people did not have permits. Councillors stated there were variations in signage allowances between other counties and there did not seem to be conformity in the signs.

“There are policy guidelines put forth by Alberta Transportation; however, they send letters for voluntary compliance,” said Richelhof.

The policy includes parameters for businesses, rural addresses and tourist attraction signs, issues that County councillors also mentioned. 

“We haven’t got a policy yet for enforcement, but it is in the works. We usually just request the landowner’s cooperation,” said Richelhof . 

They said the department usually defers to the discretion of the county involved as far as enforcement measures are concerned.

“If it isn’t in the bylaw, you can’t enforce it, but nothing says you have to enforce it,” said Richelhof  about the county’s ability to enforce sign infractions.

Councillors asked if Alberta Transportation representatives could clarify some issues with staff and then staff could forward information for council to consider, in considering enforcement issues.

 

Severn Dam water 

sample update

Staff reported to council on the delays of water tests results submitted on Aug. 4 and taken by a designated consultant for Encana, from the Severn Dam holding facility. The tests results were received back Aug. 16, but erroneously lumped in with the regular testing results done on regular county utility water. Staff was not aware the tests had not been done separately and were expecting the Encana results to be received separately. Encana gave permission to county staff to make the results public. 

The results showed the samples were acceptable within Canadian Drinking Water Guidelines (www.bclaws.ca/EPLibraries/bclaws_new ) for copper, lead and aluminum levels. The Wise family also provided water taken from unloaded contents of a private contractor’s truck spraying on public roads. Further testing is ongoing, for safe parameters according to Directive 55, section 11 for substances like PH, sodium, calcium and dissolved hydrocarbons. A complete list of testable substances is listed at www.health.gov.sk.ca/water-guidelines-water-quality.

Staff said they discussed the road spray incident with Encana and the company promised they would speak to the drivers. The company has regular business agreements with individuals to spray the water as irrigation on farmland or mix with drilling mud. 

The first set of water sample results were given to the Wise family. The Wise family reported that the trucks were still off-loading the water on the roads and ditches. They were still not satisfied that measures were in place to assure the health and safety of the water sprayed, or to deter illegal dumping. 

Councillors asked staff to request an Encana representative come and speak to council to address some questions. 

 

Library funds

Council awarded money to its rural libraries on Oct. 2. Carseland and Gleichen will receive an $8,000 base funding. Rosebud would receive $2,000 and all county libraries would receive a $15 per cardholder rate. As of Dec. 31, 2012, libraries that currently receive assistance with utility payments would be solely responsible for paying their utilities. 

 

Post office

Ratepayers had mentioned to councillors concerns over the driving habits of a rural post office delivery driver. Apparently, the drivers actions loading and unloading at some of the rural post offices was causing property damage and safety concerns. Councillors asked staff to draft a letter to send to Canada Post regarding the concerns.