Railcars and crossings need attention

Times Contributor

 

Area residents want answers about the maintenance of CN rail crossings and stockpiled rail cars on abandoned lines.

Attention focused on the track and crossings between Lyalta and Ardenode.

“The crossings are dug out and they are not going back and fixing them, parking railcars and leaving them there,” said Councillor Brenda Knight.

Farmers are having problems with travelling over poorly maintained crossing sites and the rail cars block access to their property. Other concerns are the diversion of wildlife paths due to blocked cars, maintenance of the vegetation, safety, fire hazards and disrupting environmental esthetics.

“It has bothered me for a long time that they are saving these abandoned rail lines to park their junk on. They are a real eyesore,” said Councillor Ken Sauve.

 

Gravel to roads

Several councillors had requests concerning gravel issues. Councillor Alice Booth questioned the practise of some gravel companies to mine right up to the fence lines, which was causing a breakdown in road shoulders and ditches. 

“According to Alberta Environment guidelines, the companies have to maintain a three metre buffer,” said Dave Churchill, Manager of Transportation and Infrastructure.

Councillor Bernice Bland requested 20 cubic yards of gravel be delivered for the Cheadle Community Association  for  recreation projects, and Councillor Don Vander Velde requested gravel for the front of Carseland Fire Hall. Crews will shortly be working in the Churchill pit out of Lyalta and stockpiling some gravel in the main yard.

Nightingale is scheduled to have road overlay done this year and Bland said ratepayers suggested there might be savings to extend chipping processes the extra two miles off Hwy 9, which was suggested in the 10 year plan.

“We are just doing overlay this year. We don’t have enough money in the budget to do that, and the chipping process is a different kind of work,” said Churchill.

 

Running radar

County officers are working hard at public protection through policing, community interaction, interventions and Public Education activities.

Early morning speed control monitoring occurred in Rockyford to enforce a 30km zone.

“It’s a thoroughfare and people are not adhering to limit,” said Sr. Peace Officer Jeff Cyr.

Councillor Don Vander Velde stated other areas such as Hwy 901 that could benefit from similar patrols. Officers concurred that several sites were also covered and felt it presented an effective public deterrent to increase police awareness.

 

Census savings

Council saved money by declining a county census and directing staff to utilize Stats Canada figures in their various calculation processes.

“If you choose to go forward with this a $60,000 budget reduction can be put in,” said Jim Laslo, Manager of Administrative services.

While county boundaries and federal boundaries differ somewhat, a growth calculation from 2010 figures predicted there was not much difference between the two. The major growth areas are Speargrass, Muirfield and acreages on the west of the county. Some differences may occur due to unoccupied cottages, unsold housing and colony populations.

 

Power problem resolution 

Churchill presented revised-funding figures of $61,000 for the Gleichen Sewage Lagoon Irrigation Pivot project, which addressed power problems with the circuit boards. The interim solution has been a propane generator, which requires personnel to monitor.  Partial funds are supplied through a carryover of funds from 2011 and contributions from Fortis.

Tenders vied for projects and staff opened the envelopes publicly. Five applicants submitted for the Water Quality-Based Effluent Limits Study, ranging in bids between an average of $132,000 and $253,000. The Orthoproject that provides aerial photography, used for county planning, had seven candidates with bids between $99,000 and $160,000. The project was being shared with Rockyview County and a representative from Rockyview with decision authority will jointly evaluate the contracts. 

Stars support

Council awarded STARS with a $1 per capita donation, on their $2 per capita request, on March 6, 2012. 

“I think this is important to all rural residents,” said Councillor Ken Sauve

Funding was not included in the budget and money would come from tax dollars or reserves.

 

Protective services projections 

Protective services recouped $66,450 from the CORE Certification Recognition and Partners in Reduction and Protective Services. Coordinator Gerald Skibinsky updated council that there are upcoming equipment requests coming from the various fire services. Dalum required an upgraded pump and command vehicle radios at a cost of $35,000. Cluny would require $110,200 for a new bush buggy, 60 per cent financed from the capital fund.  Soon Rosebud would also look at a bush buggy and Standard has been waiting four years for a new fire hall at an approximate cost of $600,000. There was also discussion about additional emergency radio towers to clear out dead spots in the county. A study for the southwest region of the county would cost $10,000. Skibinsky noted that Protective Services funds remained strong.