County of Paintearth council heard from Michael Bain, president of the Castor Museum, at their latest meeting held Wed. Jan. 5.
Bain shared some of the factors that were discussed included the Museum’s history of self-sufficiency, and not habitually coming to ask for money due to prudent fiscal management.
After a discussion, council voted to offer the grant, as requested, for the full $20,000.
The Historic Resource designation of the elevator, and the responsibilities that come along with maintaining that sort of landmark
The project is nearly complete, and it benefits the museum’s application to the province for funding to have county support for the project’s final phase.
Damaged windshield repair
Council has determined they wish to continue to not have a policy in place when vehicles are damaged by rock chips as they prefer to address each situation individually for a decision.
One of these situations was brought to council’s attention at the latest meeting where it was recommended by staff that the vehicle owner be reimbursed $278.15 for their windshield replacement.
“On the afternoon of Oct. 29, one of our county gravel trucks met a vehicle traveling east on Hwy. 9 approximately around 9:15 a.m.
When the vehicle was following our truck, a rock hit the front window damaging it.
GPS and our driver confirm the timelines are accurate,” stated Public Works Director Bryce Cooke’s report.
The owner of the vehicle followed the county truck to find out the identity of the truck’s owner then called the county office immediately after the incident and sent me pictures followed by the cost of the repair.
Council agreed to cover the cost of this incident.
Grants policy revision
Council previously passed a resolution at their Dec. 14 meeting requesting administration update the Grants to Local Organizations Policy AD 009 for the 2022 year.
Administration brought forward changes to the policy as requested, with amounts changed for each organization the county supports annually.
There was also an addition of four area rodeo/bullarama events.
With revisions, the new amount for grant funding is a total of $33,050 which is an increase of $11,755.60 with the new inclusion of rodeo events.
Council passed a motion to accept the revised policy with the inclusions.
They also asked this policy be brought back to the next meeting with direction to adjust the amounts to cover costs ‘in today’s world’ meaning inflation which will then be accepted again.
Budget for mower
As discussed at the last Ag Service Board meeting on Dec. 22, Environmental Services Director Jeff Cosens shared that $40,000 had been budgeted in this year’s capital budget for a new mower.
Since then, quotes have come in where the county will need to front an additional $5,000 to be in line.
Cosens has looked at other leads but found they will need to up the payment.
“I have been told that if we wait until the new year to order one, the county can expect to pay more and must wait until July to receive instead of June.
“For that reason, I would like to order the mower from DionCo Sales as soon as possible,” stated Cosen’s request to council.
The quote from DionCo Sales came to $44,995.95 plus tax.
Council agreed to purchase the mower for this amount.
Terri Huxley
ECA Review
