Artist conception of the playground upgrade proposed by the Stettler Kinsmen and Kinnette Clubs for Rosedale Park which town council granted $120,000 for. ECA Review/Submitted
Stettler town council approved $40,000 to pave a pedestrian pathway on the east end of the community. The decision was made at the Sept. 19 regular meeting of council.
Councillors read a report from Director of Operations Melissa Robbins regarding the newly-constructed pedestrian pathway that runs between 43rd Street to 46th Street near Alberta Prairie Railway Excursions’ operation, noting during discussion town staff already built the base which was awaiting pavement.
Robbins reported three paving outfits were sent packages and invited to make an offer but only one, Horseshoe Paving, responded, asking $40,000 to do the job.
Robbins’ recommendation was to award the work to Horseshoe Paving, adding the company has committed to completing the job before winter.
Councillors unanimously approved awarding the pathway job to Horseshoe Paving for 40,000.
On the job
New Stettler RCMP detachment commander S/Sgt. Cam Russell introduced himself to council, and it was obvious several councillors recognized him from his previous stint in the community about five years ago.
Russell noted he accepted the job with acknowledgement to the previous commander, S/Sgt. Bruce Holliday, who passed away suddenly last winter. Russell stated he and Holliday were friends and he said he prides himself on having an open door policy, while Mayor Sean Nolls noted the new RCMP commander is welcome at town meetings whenever he wishes to attend. Both policers shared a similar approach to their jobs noted Russell.
Russell closed his presentation by noting he may bring other members of the detachment to council meetings to familiarize them with the community.
Playground looks promising
Members of the Stettler Kinsmen and Kinettes clubs attended council to request $120,000 to renovate and upgrade the Rosedale Playground located at 6001 50a Ave., immediately behind the Fas Gas gas station.
They presented a detailed plan that called for the clubs contributing work and funds, while finding grant money from different levels of government and sponsors.
The club’s budget included a rough cost of $300,000 for the project.
During discussion it was stated the surrounding community would appreciate upgrades as it’s tightly surrounded on all sides and probably isn’t going to expand much.
Councillors unanimously granted the Stettler Kinsmen and Kinette Clubs $120,000 for the Rosedale Park renovation from the town’s capital budget.
Later in the meeting Assistant CAO Steven Gerlitz showed councillors a capital budget update that explained where the funding would come from.
Project on hold
Councillors were set to discuss awarding concrete work for the Okoppe Way site on Main Street, but Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Leann Graham asked the item be removed from the agenda. It was noted during discussion no companies responded to the posting.
Janitorial services
Councillors elected to follow Manager of Recreation & Culture Brad Robbins’ recommendation and increase the monthly janitorial contract for the Stettler Community hall from $1,800 to $2,000 per month.
He noted the town has an excellent relationship with the hall’s custodians who’ve held the contract for the past five years. He stated during discussion, town staff had no objections to increasing the janitorial fee.
Mayor Nolls stated he felt even with the increase the town was getting a very good deal.
Councillors unanimously approved the increase.
Cardboard conundrum
Mayor Nolls noted during his committee reports the Stettler Waste Management Association board is still discussing the issue of including cardboard at the recycling station. Cardboard recycling bins are no longer available there.
Nolls stated an estimate for cardboard recycling came in higher than what he personally expected and the board doesn’t want to place more financial burden on residents when the economy is already not great. The report was accepted for information.
Stu Salkeld
Local Journalism Initiative reporter
ECA Review
