Delburne dog park gets lighting

File Photo
Written by Brenda Schimke

Delburne village councillors learned at the Oct. 11, 2022 council meeting that an $800 solution has been found to provide light for the dog park.

A motion was unanimously passed to purchase a 200-watt light and mount it on a pole at the skating rink facing east. The light for the dog park would be on the same timer as the rink so in the winter, its hours of operation would be from 4.30 p.m. until midnight.

Residents continue to complain about disrespectful owners not picking up their dog’s feces while using the park. A sign will be installed to encourage users to be more responsible dog owners.

Damages to personal property
Glen Goddard attended council to seek compensation for damages to his parent’s headstone at the cemetery, alleging it was caused by a mower.

Public Works Foreman Gary Rusaw said there was little reason to suspect it wasn’t a mower incident.

“Our mowers do a good job, but accidents can happen”, said Rusaw.

A unanimous motion was passed to reimburse the Goddard family $1,135 plus tax.

In another incident on June 3, Public Works was mowing across the street from Deter Russell’s home when it was alleged rocks were thrown hitting and damaging the siding of his home.

Rusaw said where the operator was mowing was on pretty rough ground where snow gets piled up in the winter, plus it’s on a gravel road. The operator hadn’t noticed at the time, but she would have been wearing protective ear equipment.

In a goodwill gesture, the council unanimously approved paying for repairs up to a maximum of $1,500.

Grant recipients
A total of $30,456 was approved for 14 organizations to receive fall community grant allocations. Recipients included the Anthony Henday Historical Society, Delburne and District Light Horse Association, Playschool Society, school (for bussing, sport equipment and field trips), curling club, drop-in centre, figure skating club, Gospel Church (youth programming), municipal library, Outlaws senior ‘A’ men’s hockey, Friends of the library, Harvest gym, Imagination library and July 1 celebrations.

Land sale
The owners of Plan 7464AJ, Block 2, Lots 20-22 had their property surveyed and discovered their septic system is on village property, which they now wish to purchase. The problem is the land was acquired through forfeiture four years ago.

Under the law, owners who lose their property through a tax sale have 15 years to reclaim that property by paying all outstanding taxes and penalties.
In order to have an immediate sale, Council unanimously passed a motion to set aside the amount that would be owed to the previous owner should he return and pay off all outstanding taxes and penalties.

After 11 years, the village would have discharged all its legal obligations to the original owner and the bank account would be closed and moved back into reserve.

Snowflake Saturday
A motion was unanimously passed to approve contracting Aerial Fireworks for Snowflake Saturday on Dec. 10. The 12.5-minute firework display will cost $10,000.

Coun. Andy Folks said the Futures Committee is very motivated to make Delburne a destination stop so he supported enhancing this winter event with fireworks.

Coun. Kathy Faulk concurred saying,” it’s important to also bring back the hay ride on Snowflake Saturday”.

Taxes major concern
A meeting was held between council and representatives from the Delburne & District Golf & Recreation Society on Oct. 6. Much of the conversation concerned taxes.

Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Karen Fegan was able to explain the details behind their property tax increases, including the increases the Government of Alberta made to their social services, policing and education allocations.

Further their property assessment rose by $220,000 for improvements to the campground washhouse and an addition to their storage warehouse.
Council said they would like to work more cooperatively with the golf course to help make them more successful.

It was agreed that the golf club could have access to the Eco-Station to keep their sand and gravel with access off the fifth hole.

Public Works update
Foreman Rusaw advised council that the fall flush of fire hydrants was complete and work continues on flushing sewer lines. The sand has been delivered so the process of mixing it with salt has begun.

When the spray park was being winterized, it was determined all 12 electronic valves needed to be replaced.

Rusaw was pleased with the paving company’s work on filling holes, but is a little weary about what they did on main street and potential draining issues.

Public Works staff were trained on a new 3-D mapping system which, when all the information is inputted, will show the positioning of all underground and surface utilities in the village. The input will take time, but the end result will be extremely helpful and efficient.

Administrator’s report
Keri Adams has been hired as the new receptionist at the village office.

CAO Fegan has a meeting on Oct. 20 with Jennifer Hartigh, Regional Economic Development Specialist for Hwy 2 Central Corridor for the Government of Alberta.

Hartigh wants to learn about Delburne’s current priorities, initiatives, challenges and opportunities and how she and the government can help.

“I’m excited about the opportunity to speak with her”, said CAO Fegan.

Brenda Schimke
ECA Review

About the author

Brenda Schimke

Schimke is a Graduate with Distinction from the University of Alberta with a BCom degree. She has lived and worked in Alberta, BC and Ontario.