Speed warnings posted
By Sharon McLeay Times Contributor
Residential warning signs will be posted at the entrance to all hamlets in Wheatland County after a successful trial brought positive results in the hamlet of Nightingale. The signs cost $5,850 and will be installed by the county sign technician. The purpose is to remind motorists to drive safely and watch for resident activity in the hamlets.
Storm management draft
Wheatland County council signed the Regional Storm Water Management Plan, and passed it to the cooperative partners for their signatures. Any revisions made to the plan will be reviewed prior to final approval that is expected in Jan. 2018.
“The proper development of a storm water development management plan is essential to alleviate existing drainage and flooding issues, as well as allow for efficient use of developable lands when new applications are proposed in the county,” stated Michael Ziehr, Wheatland County’s transportation and utilities manager.
Each partner will respectively contribute to costs for their areas, with offsite levies generating the bulk of the revenue, but an application for a government grant of $7.6 million will be made prior to approval for project start. All regulations met for expansion or modification to Weed Lake will be done prior to approval. The Western Irrigation District (WID) will not contribute financial costs, but contribute in-kind work, material and staff. WID will develop and maintain the system, with direction from the cooperative. All existing regulatory approvals for water licenses and registrations will be transferred to the cooperative and sales, lease or diversion of storm water for the system decided by the cooperative.
Legacy award
The Environmental Stewardship award and the J. Laslo Legacy Award will be presented at Wheatland County’s annual general meeting, which is usually set in February each year. The environmental award is presented to a person or group that has significantly contributed to the environmental sustainability in the county for that year. Jim Laslo, the former agriculture, community and protective services manager has set up the legacy award to recognize outstanding farmers showing leadership and beneficial farm practises. Nominations complete with rationale for the nomination are taken from the public, and forms can be obtained on the Wheatland County website, and then submitted to Alyssa Cumberland by Dec. 8.
Helping hands across municipal borders
The south central mutual aid agreement was ratified for Wheatland County emergency and fire services, allowing them to agree or disagree in assistance with disaster response for south central municipalities, including the city of Calgary. Wheatland County staff stated that this is in line with documented county values of honesty, ethics, innovation and serving the needs of rural communities. The agreement will clearly outline operational guidelines and rules of engagement with financial responsibilities for all participating parties. The plan exists to help those municipal partners that have declared a state of emergency, such as the 2013 floods.
Interim operating budget 2018-2020
The 2018-2020 interim operating budget was released for discussion at the Oct. 10 Wheatland County council meeting. Six new employee positions were added to the budget: full time economic development officer, full time records management clerk, seasonal public works hamlet, full time administration staff, part time ASB/parks administration staff and full time parks coordinator.
The budget includes items anticipated through previous discussions in council during 2017, such as CRISP Funding, education levy requisition estimates, senior’s lodging requisition estimate, new MGA requirements – agreements, fire associations funding, donations to organizations, contaminated sites review, cancellation of taxes allowance, repairs and parts for units, operating wages (excludes capital projects crew) which is approximately 70 per cent of the operating budget expenses.
At about $60.5 million, the budget is expected to remain steady until 2020, with only about a $1 million increase expected for that period.
Conveyance water line fee
Wheatland County council asked for clarification on fees regarding hookup to hamlet water lines. It was questioned whether empty lots with no development or those with water turned off were required to pay the conveyance fee
“The conveyance fee is charged by the WID, whether you use the water or not,” explained Reeve Glenn Koester. “If it is operable to your property line, you pay it. It is the same for farmers, livestock users and for the county. They have the one rule that applies to everybody.”
All hamlet properties are charged the fee once the property is serviced and ready for water or waste water hookup.