HomeMy WebLinkAbout1993-01-26 Council MinutesL�]%
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COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 25th and 26th, 1993
The January 12th, 1993 council meeting which adjourned
until 9.00 A M January 25th, 1993 reconvened at that
time The following were present for the meeting—
Reeve Richard A. Marz
Councillors:
Marylea Lowen
Otto Hoff
Robert E. Boake
James M Hanger
Richard M Vickery
Glen Wagstaff
Division Four
Division One
Division Two
Division Three
Division Five
Division Six
Division Seven
John C Jeffery, Municipal Administrator
Mrs Jean Wilkinson, Assistant Administrator was present
and recorded the minutes.
Reeve Marz called the meeting to order
Requests were made to add - 12A Recreation Boards, 12B
Open Sewage Lagoons and 22A - St Anne's Ranch road - to
the agenda
Mr Wagstaff moved approval of the agenda for today's
meeting with addition of the above noted items
CARRIED
Mr Hanger moved approval of the accounts presented for
payment today, subject to further review by the finance
committee of R. A. Marz, Otto Hoff, Richard M Vickery and
Marylea Lowen
CARRIED
Mr Jeffery reviewed with council the letter which was sent
to all employees about the 1993 organizational review.
David Tetz and Doug Knapp, shop mechanics entered the
meeting at this time
Mr Tetz gave each councillor informaton regarding his work
experience as a mechanic They noted they had various
topics to discuss with council including tools and tool
allowance
1 When first hired were not required to have any tools.
2 Journeyman mechanics need to have thousands
of
dollars worth of tools in order to do their
job
properly and keep up to date.
3 Other M D employees have their tools of the
trade
supplied - typewriters, computers, etc
4 If tools are not available employees tend to
borrow
from the mechanics
5 The basic set of tools purchased by the M D
for the
truck shop was taken to the main crew
6 Even with the basic set of tools bought by the
M D
specialty hand tools owned by mechanics are
still used
by others
7 Tools are expensive
David Tetz has about $13,000 worth of tools
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COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 25th and 26th
Doug Knapp has about $42,000 worth of tools
Earl McRae likely has about $20,000
Figures are not current - used for insurance
coverage a couple of years ago
8 Doug Knapp's tools are used in the truck she
Earl and David s in the main shop
9 Mechanics are not complaining about other po
using their tools - but feel they should be
compensated for use of tools by others To(
wear out Tool allownce should be looked al
incentive to keep tools up to date
10 Mechanics did not feel there was abuse of tl
allowance in previous years
Reeve Marz reviewed why the tool a
discontinued and noted the M D presentl,
insurance coverage for mechanics tools
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If a mechanic's tools are lost or broken or
must pay for replacement.
Feel about 10% on investment might be a fail
set a tool allowance
Perhaps set a basic standard - set a limit c
dollar value of tools used to calculate the
allowance
Doug Knapp felt if you have more invested it
you should get more tool allowance
Mechanics cannot write off cost of tools on
return
Many large companies provide tool allowances and on some
jobs company provides all the tools.
Discussion about what other companies do - Guards and
School Division, Blackwood Hodge, etc In most cases
mechanics provide their own hand tools and may get a
tool allowance
Doug Knapp noted in answer to a question he felt a
percentage of value of tools owned would be fair for
a tool allowance
Discussion re. conversion to metric, government grant
for same, different metric measurements, and need to
have metric tools Doug Knapp has a complete metric
set of tools as well as a standard set
Again noted they do not mind people using their tools as
long as they are returned in a clean condition and not
abused, but tools do wear out and are expensive to
replace
When away on holidays, tools are locked up for insurance
purposes and basic set of tools is not available.
Question about Lawrie Ross - he has tools and is adding
to them, but is not classed as a mechanic
Standard of basic set of tools is not good enough and
he is buying his own
Discussion re- M D providing them with coveralls
Three Hills School Division, Three Hills Motors, Guards
and Trochu Motors provide coveralls for their mechanics
Cost to rent coveralls would be about $1 00 per day per
mechanic Use about 3 pair per year Cost about
$135 00 per year. Would be nice if M D contributed to
this cost
Comment about not getting paid to drive to work and
question whether the councillors were paid to get to
council meetings
Discussion regarding providing mechanics' boots
Cost about $150 to $200 per pair - normally replaced
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COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 25th and 26th, 1993
once a year Some concern expressed about safety and
health hazard wearing oil soaked boots Standing on
concrete is hard on boots
27 Discussion regarding hourly rate paid for mechanics
Feel M D is low compared to industry standard.
Also they are able to do welding as well as mechanic
work and in union companies would require two people
Did not have an exact figure in mind
28 Discussion about seniority Suggestion to look at
10 cents per hour for each year of service as a
seniority rate They were advised Council is
reviewing the seniority rates
29 Discussion re. retirement gifts - Policy for employees
$25 00 per year of service Councillors $100 00 per
year of service However councillors do not have
benefits, job security, pensions, etc
30 Discussion regarding training - need to continue with
up- grading due to changing technology Perhaps some
lack of communication with foreman and public works
superintendent regarding taking courses Agreed this
would be discussed
31 Doug Knapp noted he felt M D should keep T -21 and get
rid of T -37 The trades may be a done deal but
council agreed to discuss this suggestion with
Bud Haskell
32 Discussion re sand truck which was hit by train
Doug Knapp felt the fuel gelled in the cold weather and
trying to start the truck caused the problem Perhaps
some inexperience - should not be repeated
33 All trucks should have oil pan heaters
34 Doug Knapp wishes to look at something Redline in Acme
have They can hook it on a 5th wheel and tow the
truck in. Might be cheaper to have one than hiring a
tow truck
35 Discussion regarding taking holidays between Christmas
and News Years, then getting called out and not getting
overtime pay for those hours
Need some form of rotational schedule for being on
call Same people get called out every year
Doug Knapp felt he should have received overtime pay
for 6 1/2 hours he worked between Christmas and News
Years Mr Jeffery noted Council will be
discussing the possibility of stand by pay but
nothing has been done as yet
36 Noted in other industries due to economic downturn
they are cutting at the top and trying to cut out
overlaps
M.D. has been gaining at the top - more foremen
Are these all necessary?
Suggested other areas besides the shop should be looked
at for streamlining
37 Question if the M D has any policy regarding giving an
employee pre- warning that his job will be
terminated If another mechanic position is to be
done away with could that person be given six months
notice? Also perhaps should consider a bonus of one
month's pay for every year he worked as a severance
package for long term employees of 10 or 15 years
Should council discuss with the employee prior to
making such a decision to afford him time to look
for another position? Notice provided in contract
is not really sufficient
38 Discussion re contract grading - divisional grader
operators perhaps do things over and above just
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COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 25th and 26th, 1993
grading the roads which helps to keep good relations
with the ratepayers
39 Should have a system for mowing the grass on the side
of the gravel roads This would save gravel, grader
blades and also save snowplowing in the winter if the
grass is gone Special Areas use a grader with a
mower and they feel it saves alot of money
This idea is being discussed by council
40 David Tetz asked if they could meet again with council
to discuss further ideas and he was advised
this could be done later. Discussion re. employee
day on March 25th and half of that day will
be set aside for discussions with employees
Also they could set up an appointment another day
with council. They should discuss a time with Mr
Jeffery, perhaps in February
41 Discussion re safety manual and who was in charge
of safety requirements for the M D They were
advised the Safety Committee (R M Vickery) are
looking at developing a compact type of safety
manual
They were thanked for coming and left the meeting
Mr Jeffery and Mrs Wilkinson left the meeting
Council then met with Glen Enzie
Mr Enzie discussed with council his concerns including.
Why were the 4 new end dump trailers shortened at the back
by 8 to 10 inches This seems to have changed the hook
mechanism on the gates and the tires rub on the fenders
when the box is up. He wondered who had changed the order
- was it the company or did the M.D. authorize the change
He had some concerns about the gravel used from the Garson
Pit - it is inferior and does not spread properly
He also discussed some concerns about two grader
operators.
Otto Hoff left the meeting at this time to attend a meeting
at the Drumheller Hospital - Time 11.20 A M
Mr Enzie also felt the gravel trucks should be serviced by
the mechanics as soon as possible - there is a need for
more co- operation Feels sales peple often take up too
much of the mechanics' time He asked about the shut down
temperature policy is it -20 degrees F or -30 degrees F
He also noted the basic set of tools which was purchased by
the M D for the shop has been taken to the main crew He
discussed the availability of parts - not enough kept on
hand He asked about the starting time for all the crews -
is it 7:00 for everyone He had some concerns about
starting times for the grader operators
What is the truck speed limit - on gravel Feel the gravel
truck drivers still have to speed in order to get as much
work done or as much gravel hauled as possible This was a
common practice previously and they feel pressure to
continue this practice
Mr. Enzie was thanked for coming and he left the meeting
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COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 25th and 26th, 1993
The meeting adjourned for dinner between 12.00 Noon and
1 00 P M
Myles Maerz entered the meeting.
Mr Maerz advised council he would like to see them explore
the idea of getting a better quality of road gravel He
feels if better gravel was used they could use less which
would cut costs and also reduce wear and tear on the trucks
He wondered, if the M D will be doing less base work in
the next few years, should they consider decreasing their
fleet and then if needed lease a truck or use the low boy
truck Also wondered if there is less base work to do will
they be overstaffed with insufficient work for everyone
He noted must try to make the shop aware of the need to
have equipment repaired as soon as possible He wondered
if the shop could not work after hours to try to limit some
of the down time on the trucks They could take time off
later
He felt the Public Works Superintendent must have authority
over the crews If one person is in charge and can make
decisions it saves everyone from running around, going over
the foremen' heads and creating problems
Mr Haskell entered the meeting at this time - 1 05 P M
There was discussion with Mr Maerz about the 4 new
trailers and he noted the company indicated they would fix
the problems Slowing getting the bugs worked out
The change to the height of the back end of the trailer,
which was done by the manufacturer, was discussed with Mr.
Maerz It was generally agreed the style of the first
trailer purchased from the company in 1992 was the
better design and these 4 trailers were supposed to be the
same. There was discussion about the problem with the
gates, the trip mechanism and the gates hitting the ground
sometimes It was agreed a representative from the company
should meet with council to discuss the entire situation
with the trailers
There was discussion about current policy of not running
the trucks when it is -20 degrees F, about the divisional
operators, the provision of .information to him about roads
which need gravel, as well as the practice of cutting grass
off the shoulder of the road.
He advised council when using McNair gravel he uses 183
yards to the mile, with Garson gravel it takes 208 yards to
the mile and with the Blackie gravel it takes 268 yards to
the mile
Because the roads are wider and the gravel is not as good a
quality it takes more gravel to keep the roads in
reasonably good shape
There was discussion about leaving a ridge of snow in front
of a person's driveway and whether this was policy or
should the operator wing it back
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COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 25th and 26th, 1993
Mr Haskell noted if the roads are not badly drifted in
the operator should take the time to wing the snow away
from the driveway
There was discussion regarding safety procedures on the
gravel crew - do the drivers speed, do they stop at stop
signs, and do they feel pressure to haul more gravel per
day and speed in order to do this Mr Maerz indicated
the trucks are governed at 60 miles per hour
There was discussion with Mr Maerz regarding the procedure
used to start the trucks in the morning before the crew
arrives.
There was also discussion with Mr Maerz and Mr. Haskell
regarding the gravel trucks which are being traded off
One of the mechanics had indicated T -37 should be traded
off instead of T -21. Mr Haskell advised council why the
decision was made to trade in T -21 and T -40. It was
suggested also the M D is keeping the gravel trucks too
long and should trade them in on a more regular basis
Mr Maerz was thanked for coming and he left the meeting
1 40 P M
Mr. McCook entered the meeting at this time - 1.45 P M
Mr McCook noted he did not wish to discuss public work
areas until he and Mr Haskell had a change to discuss some
items and Mr. Haskell was more familiar with the entire
operation of his crew He indicated the public works
superintendent now has the opportunity to set a new trend
and get a proper chain of command back in his hands He
felt the organizational chart is not right
Perhaps the Public Works Superintendent should be at the
same level as the Administrator to stop people from going
over the superintendent's head to the administrator or
council because they did not like the decision made by the
superintendent. There must be only one person in charge of
the crews
He also suggested in the backsloping borrow pit agreement
there should be a clause to indicate no M D equipment will
be allowed to move off the M.D. right of way to do private
work for individual ratepayers if that work is not required
for the actual road project If that was enforced it would
do away with alot of the complaints from ratepayers because
people expect the M D should do work for them when the
crew is in their area
He discussed with council his concerns about the safety
awards and spending alot of money creating a safety
manual He felt employees were hired to work safely and
creating rules and regulations about how the employee
should work could lead to creation of unions
The new fence policy was also discussed and Mr McCook
suggested the M D should have a waiver signed by the
landowner if his fence is put on property line and there
is the possbility the fence will be broken down by snow
every winter
He asked if council might consider paying borrow pit
compensation for the site where the M D camp is located
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COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 25th and 26th, 1993
Sometimes the equipment is there for quite a length of time
and there is definitely compaction of the land as a result
of the heavy machinery being there.
He was also concerned about creek crossing and whether the
M D could afford to put in these crossings as per existing
policy as they are very expensive
There was discussion about the one scheduled for the Three
Hills Golf Course Project
Mr. McCook indicated after he and Mr Haskell have had some
discussions they may wish to meet with council again at a
later date.
Mr McCook was thanked for coming and he left the meeting
Time 2.10 P M
Mr Haskell left the meeting at this time
Herman Martens, Accountant, entered the meeting at this
time
He noted the office staff was able to get manuals for the
computer programs set up last fall as council had allowed
the office to hire the extra person while Lori Wildeman was
still here Cross training had been done and manuals
developed The computer is running, programs ae up to date
and the auditor is quite happy with the reports
The cash receipting program has been very successful and
cut out manual posting to the tax roll which took alot of
time, particularly in September Still looking at
development of a computerized M.D mapping program and
further computerization of the cemetery records
Mr Jeffery noted the auditor felt, because of the computer
reports which can now be generated, his time to do the
audit will be less which should cut down the cost of the
audit
There was discussion about going to 100% assessment value
and the costs which would be involved in doing a general
assessment every year Is asking for a general
assessment every year just.ifable or being asked for merely
for the sake of change Should the municipalities be
lobbying the Province to ensure the costs which will be
incurred can be justified
It was agreed this matter should be discussed with the
assessor as well.
Mr Martens noted he now has a complete fixed asset
register which is tied into the General Ledger. Feels the
office is working quite smoothly as everyone is more
comfortable with the computer programs Expressed thanks
for the support given by council to the staff
Mr Martens was thanked for coming and he left the meeting.
Art Thomas, Agricultural Fieldman entered the meeting
Noted he did not have any major concerns, but felt it was
important to meet with council when the opportunity was
provided
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COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 25th and 26th 1993
He feels people should examine what the A S.B is involved
in and ensure what is being done is done for a purpose, not
just because it has been done that way for years Does the
M.D need to be so involved in operation of parks and
cemeteries - is everything which is being done necessary
Some examples he noted were Keivers Lake pumping project,
the entire operation of the Keivers Lake park and the
Swalwell Dam Are parks a function of the A S B?
Should the M D be looking at creating another park due to
the economic times. Should the M D. look at cutting back
and perhaps getting rid of some high maintenance operations
Could the park areas be left in a more natural state without
any facilities Could there be more community involvement
in looking after the parks and or the cemeteries Can the
M D continue to cover all these costs One of the
functions of the A S B is as a regulatory body for soil
conservation, weed control and pest control Should the
A S B be getting back to doing more of these
functions, cut costs for other types of services, or should
it continue the operation as it is now
There was lengthy discussion regarding the new CAESA
program and whether the A S B. is getting involved in
this program just to get the funds which are available
Is there is need for the CAESA program in this area
He noted in order to access the CAESA funds the A.S B must
prepare an environmentally sustainable management plan
Also in order to get the regular A S B grant from the
Province a management plan must be developed
He gave each councillor a copy of the plan he had drafted
and same was reviewed, particularly page 13 which is the
portion applicable to the CAESA program
The plan is focused on continuation of the soil
conservation program started under the CASCI program,
including shelter belts, summerfallow management
reclamation of saline seeps and forage establishment
Mr Vickery moved approval of the A S B management plan,
approval of the program budget for 1993, and approval of
the management plan for submission to obtain the CASEA
funding
CARRIED
Mr Thomas thanked council for their time and for the
Christmas ham and he left the meeting
The agenda for the Local Governing Officials meeting was
discussed Mrs Jeffery noted Mrs Feltham may attend but
must leave early Items for the agenda were noted
including - impact of proposed new Assessment Act, impact
of proposed revision to Building Standards, use of M D
equipment to do work for other municipalities, sale of used
M D equipment to a town or village, G S T, Young
Offenders Act, gun control legislation, is there a real
need to do a general assessment every year, discussion re:
GATT and discussion re* tire tax
Mr Boake moved approval for the draft agenda
CARRIED
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COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 25th and 26th, 1993
The recent directors meeting of the CAAMD & C was briefly
reviewed The suggestion made by George Boles regarding
taxing derelict buildings was discussed at the meeting and
the directors unanimously agreed councils should not get
involved in trying to legislate removal or penalize people
for having these types of buildings on their land
Mrs Lowen moved approval of this report
CARRIED
Mr. Haskell and Robert Cranston entered the meeting at this
time - 4 00 P M.
Mr. Cranston asked council to consider allowing him to work CIS
9 hours a day in the winter time frame. While he was
working in the shop he was working 9 hours a day, but has
been advised he will now be working 8 hours a day He
would like to work 9 hours in winter time and 10 hours in
the summer time
There was discussion with Mr Cranston regarding the heavy
disc and whether it was useful to him for the paving
operations last year He noted it worked very well to dry
out the surface of the road. There was also discussion
about the John Deere grader
Mr. Marz advised Mr Cranston council would consider his
request and get back to him in due course.
Mr Cranston was thanked for coming and he left the meeting
There was discussion about who was working 8 hour shifts at
this time and who was working 9 hour shifts, and what the
contract set outs as far as working hours in the winter
time frame
Otto Hoff returned to the meeting at this time - 4 10 P M
The hours worked by Brian Bauman and Robert Kennedy were
reviewed It was agreed that Bud Haskell should review
all positions and bring a report to council regarding what
positions should be working 8 and 10 hour shifts and what
positions require 8 or 9 hours year round, and that portion
of the contract be reviewed.
Mr Haskell discussed with council whether as public works
superintendent he has control over and can direct what the
divisional motor grader operators do and whether a foreman
can overrule his decisions by coming to council
It was noted the M D must provide a service to the
ratepayers in the most economical way possible and to
accomplish this all departments must be run economically
Therefore the Superintendent must be in a position to
ensure the employees do what they are directed to do by him
The contract will have to be reviewed very carefully this
year
Mr Haskell advised council he had directed a sand truck to
take some gravel to spread on some of the more slippery
gravel road intersections and corners
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COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 25th and 26th, 1993
There was discussion about the percentage of salt in a load
of sand, the fact that sand and salt cannot be used on a
gravel road, whether the M.D should be putting gravel on
slippery intersections and whether this should be added to
the M D policy Use of dirty chips from the bottom of
the stock pile sites would be good for this purpose No
decision was made about a change in policy
Mr Wagstaff moved approval of the January 12th council
meeting minutes
CARRIED
Mr Vickery moved this meeting do now adjourn until 9 00
A.M. Tuesday, January 26th, 1993
CARRIED
Time 5.00 P.M.
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Reeve
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Municipal A inistrator
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COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 25th and 26th, 1993
The January 12th, 1993 council meeting which adjourned
until 9.00 A.M. January 25th, 1993 and adjourned again
until 9.00 A M January 26th, 1993 reconvened at that
time The following were present for the meeting.-
Reeve* Richard A Marz
Councillors.
Marylea Lowen
(after 9 15 A M )
Otto Hoff
Robert E Boake
James M Hanger
Richard M Vickery
Glen Wagstaff
Division Four
Division One
Division Two
Division Three
Division Five
Division Six
Division Seven
John C. Jeffery, Municipal Administrator
Mrs Jean Wilkinson, Assistant Administrator was present
and recorded the minutes
Reeve Marz called the meeting to order
Mr Vickery reviewed information regarding the up- coming
A S B provincial conference for the information of
council The conference starts January 31st, 1993
Mr Jeffery noted a request has been received from a
representative of Alberta Forestry, Lands and Wildlife
for the M D to appoint a councillor to sit on a committee
which is being set up to review future plans for the Red
Deer River. This would include the idea of removal of
gravel from the river The committee will be composed of
interested persons from both rural and urban areas which
touch the Red Deer River as well as government officials
Mr Vickery nominated Robert E Boake to represent the M D
on this committee
Mr Wagstaff nominated James Hanger
Mr Hanger and Mr. Boake left the meeting.
Mrs Marylea Lowen entered the meeting at this time
The need for the M.D. to be involved in this committee and
which of the nominated council members should be appointed
to the committee was discussed A vote was taken and Mr
Boake was appointed to represent the M D on this new
committee
Mr. Jeffery s report was reviewed and discussed
Mr Vickery moved the two roads leading to the Hope and the R K
Busby bridges be left closed until spring GdvI
CARRIED
The comment from Harold King regarding the use of his name
in the paper was discussed
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COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 25th and 26th, 1993
Mr Hoff moved a letter be prepared and delivered to Mr Tc-j }L
King by Councillor Hanger explaining why his name had S', �eiAr
appeared in the Three Hills Capital
CARRIED
Bob Davidson from Drumheller had expressed concern about
the M.D. renting out its portable toilets to private
individuals He has a chemical toilet rental service and
feels the M D is infringing on private industry
Mr Wagstaff moved the M.D. advise people wishing to rent
toilets that there are private companies in the area, but
the M D continue to rent out the M D portable toilets if
they are available and the conditions set out in the M D
policy 13 -14 -B can be complied with CARRIED
The request from Morley Buyer of Carbon for the council to
re- consider his CTAP application was discussed The
original decision made by council was any application for a
project in an urban center would be submitted for funding
consideration subject to the urban center making a
contribution to the project as well In Mr Buyer's case
the Village of Carbon had already used up all their funding
on other projects and no funding was available Therefore
the M D had requested his application not be considered
for M.D. funding.
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Mr Wagstaff moved the M D not re- consider Mr Buyer's !,P,�tPr
CTAP application as it is not possible for the Village of se ^t
Carbon to contribute funding to his project
CARRIED
Mr. Vickery moved acceptance of Mr Jeffery's report
CARRIED
The Executive committee report was reviewed and discussed
It was agreed the office should try for rooms at the
Crossroads Hotel for the spring convention
Mr Boake moved approval of the Executive Committee report
CARRIED
The second closing for December was reviewed Mr Jeffery
also reviewed the 1992 financial statement briefly for
council as they will be be meeting with the M D auditor
and Mr Ed Tomlinson from Alberta Municipal Affairs later
today
Mr. John O'Brien from Alberta Bridge Branch entered the
meeting at this time - 10 30 A M
He discussed with council several bridges in the M D and
noted Bridge Branch is looking for some direction from
council regarding their local grid road system and long
term plans for bridges in this area There are too many
bridges in some areas of the M D to maintain and perhaps
council should be looking at cutting down the number The
M D has a high number of medium sized streams and bridges
over these streams cost more to maintain Installation of
a culvert in lieu of a bridge may not feasible on these
larger streams He noted there are 6 bridges between
Linden and Grainger and that none of these bridges would
be removed prior to the end of their life expectancy,but
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COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 25th and 26th, 1993
they are very expensive to maintain He noted they are not
actively pursuing cutting down the number of bridges but
are aware the department and the municipality cannot afford
to maintain so many bridges, particularly two large bridges
in very close proximity to each other Council might
consider the possibility of removing some and putting in a
low level crossing or re- routing the traffic With this
direction from council Bridge Branch would not undertake
any expensive maintenance on a bridge which was slated for
eventual removal
There was discusson regarding the Three Hills Golf Course
road and the fact there are plans to install a low level
crossing because the existing bridge is to narrow for
machinery to cross Bridge Branch has agreed to provide a
$5000 00 grant for this crossing
Mr O'Brien noted if there are sites which are important as
far as traffic volume or other reasons, the council must
make their needs and priorities very clear to his
department
It was agreed Bridge Branch should take another look at the
Three Hills Golf Course bridge to see if a wider bridge
could be put in rather than installing the low level
crossing Mr O'Brien was advised the road is slated for
up- grading this year
Mr. Wagstaff moved Alberta Bridge Branch be requested to
review the Three Hills Golf Course bridge location to see
if the bridge might be replaced with a wider bridge which
would eliminate the need to install a low level crossing
CARRIED
There was discussion about Bridge File 6813 - Ralston
bridge. The road is on the M D local grid road system,
but it is possible the railway will be removed and perhaps
this bridge could be looked at as one for removal
It was agreed council will have to review this request.
The bridge on SR 806 south of Linden was also reviewed
Mr O Brien was advised council does not have any plans for
re- alignment of this road for at least the next five
years In 5 to 10 years the road may need to be
re- aligned, but not at this time as the pavement is in
reasonably good shape
Bridge File 1276 was also discussed This bridge is
within one mile of a bridge to the west and within 4 miles
of a bridge to the east The bridge will likely last
another 20 to 25 years, but as a long term solution perhaps
council should consider whether the bridge would be removed
at that time and traffic re- routed or a low level crossing
installed. Again if council agreed to this proposal Bridge
Branch would not undertake expensive repairs to this
bridge.
These kinds of decisions will assist with their long term
maintenance program for many bridges
Mr O'Brien advised Council there has been a change in
bridge branch regional boundaries Bridges in the M D of
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COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 25th and 26th, 1993
Kneehill will now be handled by the Red Deer office His
office will prepare the 1993 program but after April 1st
the files will be turned over to Red Deer. He expressed
thanks to the M D. council and staff for the co- operaton
extended to him over the years Reeve Marz expressed
thanks to Mr O'Brien for his assistance and he left
the meeting - Time 11.10 A.M.
James Ablett, M D auditor, and Mr Ed Tomlinson from
Alberta Municipal Affairs entered the meeting at this time
There was lengthy discussion with council regarding the
liquidity guidelines as set out by Alberta Municipal
Affairs, contingency reserves and borrowing needs of a
municipality
Mr Tomlinson noted the 25% guideline is only use to monitor
the financial health of a municipality along with other
indicators It is not a regulation, but merely a suggested
guideline
The idea of discounts and tax penalties was also discussed
with Mr Tomlinson He indicated he did not favour tax
discounts and felt that penalties should go on as soon as
possible as this would benefit all ratepayers Early
payment of taxes keeps the cash flow viable and can help to
eliminate the need to borrow money
He also noted the council must
amount they would like to see in a
If there is too much held in res
are being overtaxed.
Mr Ablett indicated there will
dollar surplus before any reserves
be comforable with the
contingency reserve
erve people may feel they
be about a $2.3 million
are set up
There was discussion about the possible loss of the
machinery and equipment assessment base in Alberta and the
lobby being put forth by a large industrial group of
companies to do away with this assessment
Mr Ablett indicated he needed some direction from council
regarding how the surplus will be handled before he can
complete the 1992 financial statement How much will be
set up as reserves and how much of a surplus will be
declared
Mr Tomlinson and Mr Ablett were thanked for coming and
they left the meeting at this time
The meeting then adjourned for dinner between 12:00 Noon
and 1.00 P M
The meeting reconvened at 1.05 P M
Mr. Haskell entered the meeting along with two sales
representatives
Mr Jeffery opened the bids received for various capital
items
Bids were received for a loader, a fork lift, double drum
compactor, gravel end dump trailers, a one ton truck, a
club cab and a half ton truck
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COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 25th and 26th, 1993
An offer had been received to purchase the fork lift being
owned by the M D and the Town of Three Hills may make an
offer to purchase it as well
Mr Haskell was asked to review the bids received and the
prices quoted with Mr Smith and bring a report back to
council later today if possible
The salesmen were advised a decision likely would not be
made today about the equipment, they were thanked for
coming and they left the meeting
Mr Haskell noted he had some prices for a heavy duty disc
and he was directed to make a recommendation regarding this
item as well.
Mr Haskell noted Linden Contractors will crush 30,000
yards of 3/4 inch gravel at the Blackie Pit for $2 25 per
yard and would start after September 1st and complete prior
to September 30th, depending on the weather
It was noted the M D must have a guarantee the crush will
be completed before the end of September in order to have
the pit reclaimed before the lease expires in January of
1994
There was lengthy discussion regarding the cost of the
Blackie pit compared to the better quality gravel from
the McNair Pit
Sgt. K. Tugnum from the R.C.M P. detachment entered the
meeting at this time 2 05 P M
He reviewed with council the problems experienced by the
R C M P and the County of Stettler when the Brian Adams
outdoor concert was held at Big Valley He strongly urged
the M D to ensure it has a by -law in place so the problems
encountered by Stettler could be avoided if a concert
was to take place in this area He noted the traffic
problems and security problems were very difficult to
handle at this concert and the security staff which the
organizers were supposed to provide were not there
The cost of policing this type of an event is very high
and they cannot cover the costs of overtime in their annual
budget Someone must pay these costs There was discusison
regarding provision of a bond by the organizers and that
some of the posted bond money would have to be used to
cover costs incurred by the local area for policing,
security and health matters Sgt Tugnum noted there are
at least two events planned for this summer at Big Valley
Sgt Tugnum also discussed at length the idea of
providing an enhanced level of police service for the
rural area A municipality can neogitate with the Province
for an enhanced level of police service if they are
willing to pick up the cost for the extra manpower
He noted at the present time the rural area is getting very
minimal service and there are more and more problems
in the rural area with break and enters and other types of
crimes
There was discussion about traffic fines and the fact the
M D was not receiving their proper share of fines Sgt
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COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 25th and 26th, 1993
Tugnum is checking to ensure these fines are received by
the M D
He noted he has 5 members plus himself, two part time
support staff and some casual and contract staff to serve
this area
There was discussion about having a by -law enforcement
officer and whether this would be a benefit to the area and
to the police. Sgt. Tugnum indicated he felt a higher
level of service from the R C M P might be more valuable
for the area The rash of break and enters in this area,
the new gun control laws, the need to have the Range
Patrol, Rural Crime Watch and Block Watch programs working
more effectively in this area was also discussed
It was suggested a topic for the Local Governing Officials
meeting scheduled for Friday might be negotiating an
enhanced level of service for this area.
Sgt Tugnum was thanked for coming and he left the meeting.
Mr Wagstaff left the meeting at this time
Frank Wesseling and Craig Davies from Palliser Regional
Planning entered the meeting
Mr Davies discussed with council the report prepared by
his office regarding public reserves and when reserves may
be taken
Mr. Wagstaff returned to the meeting at this time - 4 30
P M
There was discussion regarding whether the M D should look
at taking public reserves or cash in lieu of reserves,
particularly if more subdivisions are to be allowed in
certain areas of the M D
Mr Davies noted P R P C would need some guidelines from
the M D if the M.D. wish to pursue the idea of taking
cash in lieu, particularly for the Dunphy Area which is
covered by the area structure plan and whether the policy
of taking reserves or cash in lieu would be applicable to
all areas of the M.D
Mr Vickery moved to table this matter until P.R.P.0 can
provide council with some further information and proposed
guidelines with regard taking cash in lieu of public
reserves on subdivision applications
CARRIED
Mr Wesseling noted they would also discuss with council at
the next meeting the proposal for a point planning area
with the City of Drumheller and the need to up -date the
M D land use by -law
Mr Wesseling and Mr Davies left the meeting at this time.
Mr Jeffery requested some direction from council regarding
how they wish to deal with completion of the 1992 financial
statement, how much should be set up as reserves and how
much of a surplus should be declared
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5.
COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 25th and 26th, 1993
Mr Boake moved this meeting do now adjourn until 9 00
A M , Friday, January 29th, 1993
CARRIED
Time 5 10 P M
Reeve
7
Muni 'pa A nistrator
v
2
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JOHN C JEFFERY REPORT
COVERING PERIOD JANUARY 12th to JANUARY 26th, 1993
REPORT-
Balance Forward
1. Recommend closing the Hope and Vickery Bridge until spring R
so we can do a proper job of backfilling and compaction vrnne4l,
Otherwise likely would have to use gravel Both are on back r.d d
roads
2. Harold King
wants to know why
his name was in paper when
T(,S
Buzz Thomas'
name was not He
had asked for $10,000
�v
Why wasn't his
explanation re-
crop loss in paper in any,r��Q
event
3 Bob Davidson
now renting out portable
toilets
13
- See Policy
13 -14 -B He will
send a letter
4 Morley Buyer is asking for M D to re- consider his r
se
,-\L
application ie �,L
Balance Forward $_0_
CORRESPONDENCE,
1 Village of Carbon submitted account for Fire Department
costs for 1992 - $$8383 17
2 Village of Carbon submitted an account for 1992 transfer
site shared costs - M.D. share $336 41
3. Received 1992 financial statement from Over The Hill
Community Society
4 Received Municipal Law Bulletin from Brownlee Fryett
5. Letter from AAMD & C re- Towards 2000 Together Project
6 Brochure re Canadian Conference on GIS - Ottawa
7 Letter from Drumheller Hospital - Thanks for share of
Public Transportation Operating Assistance Grant
8. AAMD & C News Highlights
9 Received $8645 00 from Alta Transportation SR 836
10 Letter from Bumper Dev advising half of substantially
all their assets were sold to Battle Creek Developments Ltd
11 Letter from CTM Design Services Ltd - Engineering Firm
12. Letter from C B C enclosing cheque for 1990 grant in lieu paid
$232 13 instead of amount billed
13 Received 1993 Requisition from Drumheller District Solid Waste
$82,130.00
14. Culvert Authorization received from Bridge Branch for
Bridge File 70339 -
15 Fines of $25 00 received
16 Three Hills School Division Minutes - December 16th and
18th, 1992
17 AAMD & C News Highlights
18 Re- Cycling Newsletter - Tire Recycling Management Board
19 Received 1992 expenses from Village of Linden for Fire
Department - M D share $2746.06
20 Recreation Update Newsletter
BUILDING PERMITS•
1