The following are briefs from the May 11 meeting of the Municipal District of Taber council meeting:
Grant funding expanded
The M.D. had its request for an increase in scope for the funding it received for just under $3.4 million from the Building Canada-Infrastructure Stimulus Fund for the replacement of 2,000 metres of waterline and replacement of service connections within the Hamlet of Enchant.
With the sluggish economy, tenders came in below initial estimates for the Enchant project, with the funding now available for scope of Grassy Lake water and sewer servicing of approximately $400,000.
Surplus equipment up for bid
M.D. of Taber council passed a motion to declare a 2001 Honda Foreman Rubicon, a 2003 Ford F350 Diesel 4X4, 1993 Midland Gravel Trailer, Reinke 1 Tower Pivot, 1978 Dynapac padfoot packer unit, John Deere 525 lawn mower and Solar 230 Amp AC/DC welder surplus equipment, and go up for bid to the general public.
Copy of a bid form completed as required, along with cheques for each item, must be received in a sealed envelope no later than 11 a.m. on June 4. The municipality reserves the right to reject any and all offers and accept any offer it may consider is in the best interest of the municipality. Unsuccessful bid cheques will be returned promptly.
Tender approved
M.D. council approved a tender of $1,812,000 with Kowal Construction Ltd. for a concrete stabilization project involving TWP RD 15-0 (Enchant correction line), TWP RD 10-2 (golf course road) and TWP RD 14-4 (just north of Vauxhall). Seven companies picked up tenders, but only two were submitted. Original engineering estimates for the project were $1,975,800.
The bid was approved on the contingency MSI funding the project qualifies for is approved. Expected completion date of the concrete stabilization project is Aug. 15.
Letter drafted
Council passed drafting a letter of support for the Bow River Irrigation District in its application for designation of current water licences for purposes other than agriculture, which would include residential and industrial use.
Alberta Environment is requiring the district to specify by specific land location where water is being provided and where the water for other purposes may be provided. The BRID is requesting a wider geographic area within the district’s broad geographic area be included within the other use designation.
In the event a rural water co-op is established in areas outside of Alberta Environment’s strict boundaries, the water could not be supplied, likewise for industrial development.
Resolution endorsed
Council passed a motion to endorse a motion made by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities for Statistics Canada to reverse its decision to terminate funding for the Rural Research Group, which supports rural sustainability.