Seed cleaning money

Times Contributor 

 

On Dec. 18, 2012, the bylaw to borrow money for the Seed Cleaning plant was carried by council. Advertisement in the local paper appears the following week, so anyone with objections to the action can petition the council. Review of the petition will occur in the New Year.

 

Gleichen cemetery

News that Alberta Infrastructure may have funding available that would help clean up the Gleichen cemetery was brought before council, and councillors approved a motion for staff to come up with an estimate of work needed for Evantide 1 and 2, and forward it to the province.

“It is a reflection upon the county by the people who see it,” said Councillor Sauve. “We should do our best to improve its appearance.” 

The county will do maintenance on the site. Previously, the county approved county funds for the regeneration of the site.

 

Rosebud sani-station

A request was made to have a sani-station dumpsite for RV trailers in the area. The suggestion was made that a partnership with the High Eagle RV Park might be negotiated. However, it was noted that other areas such as the golf course and Severn Dam camping could benefit from access to such a site.

“All sorts of questions would need to be asked, prior to the development of this, but it would be quite an asset to the region,” said Councillor Glen Koester.

Councillor Alice Booth commented that it would be useful to tourists visiting in the region, and with more tourist traffic, it is needed. She suggested that Community Enhancement Funds could be a funding mechanism.

Council asked Public Works to do a location and cost feasibility study on the development of the sani-station.

 

Waste to energy partnership

The Southern Alberta Energy-from-Waste Association (SAEWA), a coalition of 14 waste authorities representing 72 municipalities (including Wheatland County), is looking to implement technology to recover energy from non-recyclable waste materials, and reducing reliance on landfills. It has received the first of three grants.  The $ 233,700 will be used for a project development plan that will include a suggestion for a site location.

Councilor Ben Armstrong noted it is erroneous that some people think it will reduce recycling income gained at other sites.  The SAEWA website www.saewa.ca shows it will use many products not currently handled by some of the smaller sites and there is no current shortage of waste materials.

 

Fire guardians appointed

Council appointed two fire guardians to fill vacant positions. Ron Hansworth and Curt Emde will stand as guardians in their areas, until reappointments are done county-wide, in 2013.

 

Gleichen fire

A fire at Danny Sauve’s home in Gleichen was contained mostly to the attic due to the quick response of local emergency crews.

The Gleichen RCMP was first on the scene, followed closely by Gleichen Fire. No one was hurt in the fire, but the ambulance stayed on scene to support the fire department. Fortis Electricity sent a bucket truck, in case they could be of assistance. The garage attic showed major damage, but the main floor where Sauve’s tools were kept had only minor damage.

“We are so fortunate to have 911” said Councillor Ken Sauve. “The system works and everyone did a real professional job.”

 

County shares services

The new WFCSS office being set up in the County building requires telephone services. If the county were to renegotiate their TELUS contract, over a 5-year contract, to include the office phones, the WFCSS service could realize a savings of $9,500. It would be a cost neutral action for the county. 

“It would be a Win-Win for everyone,” said CAO, Jennifer Deak.

County councillors unanimously approved the action.

 

Emergency disaster plan training program

Councillors were asked to consult with residents in their divisions regarding interested emergency event volunteers for county disaster plan responses. An upcoming training session will help the area volunteers respond and coordinate their efforts in the field with operation headquarters. The list of names will go to training organizers, so they can contact interested parties with training session details. The request was deferred to the first meeting in January, when everyone was back from holiday excursions.