ECA Review 2022-09-22

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2 S eptember 22'22 HANNA/CORONATION/STETTLER, AB. ECA REVIEW STETTLER COUNTY COUNCIL Feeder, gate must be removed from road allowance Stu Salkeld Local Journalism Initiative reporter ECA Review The County of Stettler will instruct a property owner to remove a feeder and a gate from a public road allowance after a neighbour complained he can’t get his farm equipment down that route. The decision was made at the Sept. 14 regular meeting of council. Allen Hennel appeared as a delegation to council and said he farms south of the Town of Stettler and requested the council’s help with a road allowance problem he’s facing. Hennel stated he’s got a dispute with a neighbour who is pasturing cattle on a road allowance that Hennel also uses to access his property. He described the property in question as the west half of 35-37-19. KNEEHILL COUNTY COUNCIL Equipment reserve used for ‘supply chain’ costs Stu Salkeld Local Journalism Initiative reporter ECA Review Kneehill County council approved drawing $55,000 from the capital equipment reserve after quotes for two trailers came in tens of thousands of dollars higher than budgeted. The decision was made at the Sept. 13 regular meeting of council. Councillors heard a report from Mike Ziehr, director of infrastructure, who stated that two brand new trailers the municipality was interested in are priced much higher than anticipated. “Kneehill County council had approved the replacement purchase of one end dump trailer and the new purchase of a ‘Super B’ gravel trailer in the 2022 capital equipment plan budget,” stated Ziehr in his report to council. “Quotes have been received that exceed the original amount budgeted. “The end dump trailer was budgeted for $79,000 and the ‘Super B’ trailer was budgeted for $125,000. “The quoted prices came in at $95,418 for the end dump trailer and $161,530 RCMP for the ‘Super B’ trailer. “The unstable nature of the current vehicle and equipment purchasing environment has led to increased pricing on all aspects of the operations department, including the replacement of equipment and materials. Pricing increases of this magnitude were not expected and as such, not budgeted for. “The additional funds required will be allocated from the capital equipment plan reserve. There are sufficient funds in this reserve to cover this additional $55,000 expenditure, which is slightly increased to ensure any unforeseen add ons are funded.” During discussion Ziehr stated that original prices included in the budget were estimates. He warned councillors it doesn’t appear the “supply chain” cost increases will be gone any time soon. “It’s kind of a trend we’re seeing this year...with increases in steel pricing,” said Ziehr. “We truthfully don’t see much of a decline in the future coming.” Coun. Wade Christie asked if this would be the third ‘B’ train trailer Ziehr’s department would have. Hennel stated when the property was first bought it had a fence on the neighbour’s side but because the neighbour doesn’t do any fencing the fence in question fell down and wasn’t replaced. Hennel stated the neighbour’s cattle are on the road allowance and the neighbour relies on Hennel’s fence to keep them in, along with a new gate the neighbour built to seal off the road allowance. Hennel stated the gate is too small to fit his swather through so he’s cut off from his land and he feels that shouldn’t be allowed in the first place. “To me it’s just not right,” said Hennel. A second issue is that the road allowance has some banks and the neighbour has placed a feeder on the road allowance so there isn’t a clear route through anyway. Coronation RCMP charge suspects with property related offences Submitted Coronation RCMP received a report of a break and enter in progress in Halkirk, in the County of Paintearth on Sept. 10. The suspects gained entry by cutting the fence to the property and three suspects were observed on video stealing tools and equipment. There was a getaway vehicle located with a driver a kilometre away from the site. Coronation, Consort and Stettler RCMP officers attended and set up containment. With the assistance of the Red Deer Police Dog Service officers they were able to track and arrest two of the three suspects observed on video and the getaway driver in her vehicle. The other suspect is still at large. Coronation RCMP have charged Donna-Lea Sharon Cameron (33) a resident of Red Deer with break and enter, mischief over $5,000 and theft over $5,000. Brandy Christine Carl (45) and Daryl Springer (43) both a resident of Red Deer were both charged with break and enter, mischief over $5,000 and theft over $5,000; failing to comply with a release order, and failing to comply with probation. Cameron was released on an undertaking, Carl and Springer were remanded into custody with the next court appearance for all three set for Oct. 14, 2022, at 11 a.m. in Coronation Provincial Court; With the assistance of the community the RCMP were able to locate the suspects who were observed on video stealing tools and equipment. Members of the public who want to report suspect suspicious activity or property related crime in their community can call local police, or contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Crime Stoppers is always anonymous. Ziehr responded yes, but the department still has five end dumps while the department is also looking to replace all belly dump trailers. He added that this will hopefully reduce gravel stockpiles. Coun. Christie said larger loads of gravel are a good idea. “Every time you dump and load gravel it costs money,” said Christie. Ziehr noted Kneehill County did perform a cost analysis around the idea of increasing gravel load sizes. Reeve Jerry Wittstock asked if second hand equipment being sold by Kneehill County is also increasing in value just as quotes for brand new equipment are. Ziehr responded Kneehill County did sell some equipment at auction this spring and he feels the county got some very good dollar value for that equipment. Ziehr added that used equipment prices are definitely higher than in years past. He further explained the municipality uses multiple auction houses to sell different equipment all in an effort to get the best return. Hennel feels the neighbour should have a proper fence in place and stop blocking the road allowance. “He should fix his fence just like everybody does,” said Hennel, adding a new fence would run the full half mile. County staff confirmed during the meeting the road allowance in question is registered as such and is public property. Coun. Dave Grover, who represents the area in question, said the road allowance should be open for Hennel to move his equipment and bales down. Coun. James Nibourg asked Hennel if he’s tried to contact his neighbour about this problem, and Hennel said he’s tried but none of his calls were ever returned, that’s why he contacted Coun. Grover. Grover added he brought it to council because “nothing’s happening.” Nibourg stated he had a similar situation happen in his ward and an approach that garnered results was informing the property owner they had to remove gates and equipment from public property which would require a new fence because otherwise the cattle could be wandering at large. Reeve Larry Clarke noted the feeder Reeve Wittstock observed that even though the county is paying more for new equipment, that’s somewhat offset as Kneehill is getting more for the older equipment it sells. Ziehr told council that he’s expecting a spring or summer 2023 delivery for the new equipment and the old equipment will remain in use until then. Coun. Ken King asked how staff are taking into account supply chain problems and inflation when looking into the future, as this is the second time this year council has approved dipping into reserves because of unexpectedly high prices. Staff noted they’re in the process of re-evaluating the capital equipment plan and looking at contributions to reserves with a likely recommendation coming that reserve contributions be increased for long term sustainability. Councillors unanimously passed a resolution allowing staff to draw $55,000 from the capital equipment replacement reserve to fund capital equipment plan purchases for which the quotes were higher than originally budgeted. is sitting on public property. County Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Yvette Cassidy asked if the neighbour is an absentee landowner. Hennel stated the neighbour’s property was originally owned by Clifford Strandquist and when he passed away ownership transferred to his son Brad Strandquist who lives in Saskatchewan and he rents the land out to someone else. During discussion county staff stated a 72 hour warning could be given to the neighbour to remove the feeder and a warning that the gate isn’t supposed to be there either. Coun. Les Stulberg noted he doesn’t have a problem in a case where someone is grazing a road allowance and it has no effect on anybody else but nobody’s access should ever be cut off. Councillors approved by resolution that Stettler County contact both the property owner and the renter and inform them the gate and feeder must be removed while pointing out the neighbour will have to either build a new fence or stop grazing the road allowance because animal control services would have to get involved if cattle are wandering at large. County of Paintearth No. 18 2022 Property Tax Non-Payment Penalty Notice The County of Paintearth No. 18 property taxes were due June 30, 2022. A 5.0% penalty was levied on all current and arrears tax balances on July 1st. A further 10% penalty will be applied to all outstanding tax balances, both current and arrears on October 1, 2022. Payment can be made by cheque, cash, debit or credit card at the County Administration Office located at 01 Crowfoot Drive, TR 374 and Highway 12, at the TD Canada Trust in Coronation or the ATB Financial branches located in Halkirk, Castor or Coronation. Check our website (www.countypaintearth.ca) for financial institutions set up to accept on-line payments. Michael Simpson, CAO
ECA REVIEW HANNA/CORONATION/STETTLER, AB September 22'22 3 DELBURNE COUNCIL Village helps fund medical clinic to keep it open Brenda Schimke ECA Review Councillors confirmed they had received positive feedback for their decision to approve a $75,000 grant to the Delburne Medical Centre during the roundtable discussions at the regular meeting of the Delburne village council on Sept. 13, 2022,. The monies came from the restricted surplus community enhancement account and can only be used for medical expenses directly tied to the on-going operation of the medical clinic. Although worried about this unprecedented decision, Deputy Mayor Jeff Bourne said, “It appears most citizens are equally concerned about the ongoing medical crisis”. Dr. Kauchali, who also works out of Sylvan Lake, and council members are continuing discussions with Innisfail- Sylvan Lake MLA Devin Dreeshen, Red Deer County staff and others to address long-term sustainability of the clinic. Snowflake Saturday Amy Ritchie, manager of this year’s Snowflake Saturday Market on Dec. 10 gave council an update. She will arrange for photos with Santa and said she would assist with the Parade of Lights if needed. She requested council waive the $300 rental fee for the community hall on Dec. 9 to enable early set up. Council will consider her request. Council is seeking quotes for fireworks. The Red Deer company used in the past has gone out of business. There is still $2,800 in grant money ear-marked for fireworks. Unsightly properties The author of an unsigned letter said that the untidy condition of properties along main street were a disgrace. Public Works Foreman, Gary Rusaw, acknowledged that weeds do grow up through the cracks and they don’t have enough staff to keep on top of this work. He is proposing adding a fourth summer student next summer to just do weed whacking. The three students hired this summer mowed seven hours per day, five days a week just to keep up with grass cutting. Again, there was discussion on how limited council’s powers were, even with a bylaw, to force private owners to maintain their properties on a timely basis. Rusaw did confirm 99 per cent of people who receive a notice to clean up their properties did immediately act on the request. He noted, however, “they may not do it to our standards, but what is unsightly is an individual’s perception.” The writer of the letter is welcome to come in and discuss their concerns directly with the council. Grass and weeds A letter was received complaining about the grass and weeds that are half way up the chain link fences in the dog park area and the park by the golf course. Rusaw believes the hiring of a fourth student next year should resolve this situation. Now that lawn mowing has slowed down, weed whacking has begun. Safety at intersection A letter from two residents expressed continued concern about the safety at the corner of 20 St. and 23 Ave. and the installation of a four-way stop. Council said no decision had been made to install a four-way stop. The owner of Oops Fresh Market has been working closely with the village to make changes that hopefully will improve parking behaviour in those spots that impede road and pedestrian safety. It is only if these measures are ineffective, that the council will have to consider other options. “Our responsibility is for the common good. Our intent is to make it safer for everyone,” said Coun. Ray Reckseidler. Utility billing A property owner wrote to complain about ongoing charges for water, garbage pickup and recycling when the services aren’t being used in the winter. A letter will be sent to the complainant explaining why the charges continue and where the money goes. The recycling and garbage fees are charged per household, not per pickup, so whether the services are used or not, the village gets billed. There is no water consumption fee when water is turned off, but in the case of both water and sewer, the basic fees go into restricted surplus and are then available for system maintenance and replacement, both very costly items for the village. Park noise Coun. Kathy Faulk said she had received a number of verbal complaints about the music in the park being too loud. Users will be made aware of the concern and will be asked to be more respectful of the neighbours. Music can be played in the park from 7 am to 10 pm. Victim Services volunteers concerned A copy of a letter from the Town of Tofield to the Minister of Justice and Solicitor General Tyler Shandro regarding substantive changes to Victim Services, sparked discussion. The government has chosen to replace local victim services with four regional superboards. In November, it will hire an additional 32 new employees to support this organizational change. Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Karen Fegan, who sits on the soon-tobe disbanded local Victim Services board said, “the new system is not going to help the people, local people are doing the job now and know many of those they assist.” Fegan gave an example of one of their volunteers who has worked for 27 years as a volunteer. When queried about writing a letter of concern to the government, it was agreed one could, but it wouldn’t help as the decision had already been made. It was noted that local municipalities had no input into the review. WANTED DEAD OR ALIVE Canadian Prairie Pickers Paying Cash For Coin Collections, Silver & Gold Coins, Royal Can. Mint Sets. Also Buying Gold Jewelry $$ $ are once again touring the area! We purchase rolls, bags or boxes of silver coins PAYING HIGHEST PRICES To arrange a free, discreet in-home visit call Kellie at 1-778-257-9019 Bonded since 1967 $$ $ Franchise fees Councillors unanimously agreed there would be no increases to the franchise fees the municipality charges ATCO for natural gas and electricity. The electricity franchise fee will remain at 1.5 per cent, whereas the current provincial cap is 20 per cent. The franchise fee for natural gas will remain at $21.6 per cent. The cap is 35 per cent. Under the Municipal Government Act, municipalities can charge utility companies a franchise fee, calculated as a percentage of the company’s actual total revenue, for allowing them exclusive rights to provide services within their boundaries. The franchise fees become a revenue source for municipalities, but it does not become an operating cost for the utility company, but another line charge for residents on their utility bills. The councillors unanimously agreed these franchise fees should be kept as low as possible. Administration report It was agreed that the village office would not be closed on Sept. 19 in remembrance of Queen Elizabeth II unless the province declared it a holiday. League Pipeline Projects George and Arlana Glazier Ramsay’s Stockman Center Arora Environmental Services Thornton Electric (2011) Paintearth Gas Co-op Filipenko Bros Hewitt Welding Annual Roast Beef SUPPER SATURDAY, OCTOBER 22 4-7 at BYEMOOR COMMUNITY HALL ADULTS: $15 CHILDREN (6-12 YEARS) $8 UNDER 6 FREE EVERYONE WELCOME!!! As our club year comes to an end and with a new one fast approaching, Coronation 4H Beef Club would like to say a HUGE Thank You to everyone who supported us through this last year! We hosted the annual Coronation District 4H Show and Sale in Coronation this year and want to thank all the buyers, donors, family and friends who made it a very successful event! Coronation Seed Plant Andy Rock Livestock Hanna Motors Coronation Industrial Sales LCL Angus OK Tire Coronation Battle River Lodge Loren and Jackie Rodvang We also want to thank the following businesses for their generous donations to our club: Dryland Auction Market UFA Coronation Industrial Sales AFSC Get ready for R WANTED DEAD OR ALIVE Canadian Prairie Pickers $$ $ are once again touring the area! Paying Cash For Coin Collections, Silver & Gold Coins, Royal Can. Mint Sets. Also Buying Gold Jewelry Public Works foreman advised that their less expensive source of sand can’t be accessed this year so sand costs will increase to $3,500. Permission was given for John Miller to rent the community hall for four different dates to hold an activity evening for the kids from his church. It was agreed the rent would be set at $75 per evening as he’ll be using it for less than four hours each time. $$ $ Leonard and Marie Carfantan Neil and Gloria Nelson Ok Tire Castor Transalta MJ Veterinary Services Les and Sherri Hewitt And A Big Thank you to all Bidders! Do you have services or products that will help our readers 36 pt. Advertise them in our Oct. 13 Special Section Contact your salesperson Sincerest apologies if we missed anyone! Winter ? R 72 pt. We purchase rolls, bags R or boxes of silver coins East Central Alberta PAYING HIGHEST PRICES EVIEW 200 pt. To arrange a free, discreet in-home visit Judy cell 403-740-2492 Yvonne 403-575-9474 Sheree 587-990-4818 call Kellie at 1-778-257-9019 marketing@ECAreview.com Bonded since 1967 advertise@ECAreview.com contact@ECAreview.com
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ECA Review 2022-09-22

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