A long awaited resolution to a contentious sewer problem that began for John Siemens back to 2004 finally came to a satisfactory conclusion with a motion by Morrin council at their regular meeting on Jan. 17, 2018 to cover the cost of the sewer scoping in the amount of $244.13.
Coun. M’Liss Edwards motioned to pay stating, “After reading all the documents provided, it’s a reasonable request and not a large amount of money.”
The motion carried in a 2 – 1 vote in favour, with Coun. Dr. Graham opposed.
Seimens noted in his five page letter laying out the steps taken between 2004 and up to the MPE Engineering Ltd. letter written to the Village on Dec. 6, 2016 noting “the old sewer service line sloped down from the main for a distance of four inches and then sloped up toward the property line”, thereby confirming that the sewer problem was on the village property.
Siemens explained the reason for the delay in his request because it took almost a year to receive the letter dated Dec. 6, 2016 from MPE Engineering through a Freedom of Information request.
Sewer Bylaw
Councillors reviewed a Sewer Main and Connections Maintenance and Repair policy making several changes.
The policy sets out the responsibilities of residents and the village when sewer problems arise.
The policy will be brought back to council with the suggested changes for approval at their next meeting.
Mayor Helton campaigned in the fall municipal elections on the need for the village to have a sewer policy.
Animal control contract
Council agreed to hire Old MacDonald Kennels of Ponoka, Ab. to replace Out of the Cold Animal Rescue after confirming two issues in the contract raised by Mayor Helton.
Not spelled out in the contract are any additional charges, if any, for mileage on top of the fees for the monthly service and the call-outs.
The contract specified the contractor will do patrols once a month in the village for one hour at a cost of $93.50 and call-outs requested by the municipality will also be $93.50 per hour.
Kneehill County uses this animal control service.
Other news
Council will ask Kneehill County to move forward with purchasing a generator for the Village pumphouse so the village will continue with water service even when the power is out.
They also requested that Public Works determine the damage and cost of repairs to the roof of the pumphouse to bring to their next meeting.
Other news
Coun. Graham, in council reports, recommended to council that the Village move in the direction Palliser Planning Commission takes in regards to Assessment Review Boards.
The cost of maintaining their own Review Boards who have to update their training every three years was a factor.
Options looked at were a proposed flat cost to contract assessment appeals to the Red Deer Regional Assessment Review Board at a cost of approximately $2,000 a year which council favoured or the County of Paintearth option of no fees unless needed, then costs would be $400 per day, plus travel and accommodation.
The annual fee was only an estimate which is dependent upon how many municipalities participate, explained Graham.
Coun. Graham will take councils decision back to Palliser.
Mayor Helton reported on his attendance at meetings for the Drumheller Waste Management and Community Futures.
Council motioned to repair the sewer line at 104 Railway Ave. S. as soon as can be arranged, following an hour and 15 minute in-camera listed as legal on the agenda.
J.Webster
ECA Review
