Chief Administrative Officer Theresa Fuller presented council with options regarding the ongoing problems with the mechanical and computer aspects in the Bashaw Community Hall.
The Hall is set up with four roof top cooling units, a make-up air unit, boilers, pumps, domestic water heater, domestic hot water pump, an exhaust fan and three furnaces with many of them having computer boards.
The overall system is about 5 – 6 years old and has not been running properly for the last year and a half.
Council declined to consider a maintenance contract until such a time that all issues were solved.
“I look at this and see the same problem not being fixed,” said Coun. Bryan Gust. “I have a problem paying money for a service contract.”
Coun. Lynn Schutz agreed saying, “I don’t think we can do a maintenance contract until it’s up and running.”
In the past 5 – 6 years, noted CAO Fuller in her report, we ‘have come ahead with only spending $12,360’.
A computer and maintenance contract over five years is estimated at $33,934.
Other options included returning to a complete manual system which would involve removing 64 computer components.
Paving
Council discussed the additional paving quotes for locations around Bashaw totalling $231,940, however they will meet again on Aug. 24 at 9 a.m. with Public Works Foreman Murray Holroyd to confirm which paving projects are a higher priority.
Regional Fire Coordinator
Council was asked for input regarding the Regional Fire Coordinator for Camrose County area including all the muncipalities in the area.
This position costs the Town of Bashaw approximately $5000 annually.
Some expressed the need to coordinate with Lacombe and Ponoka rather than Camrose due to proximity, however Coun. Lynn Schultz stated, “I really think we need to [maintain Camrose County] because they’re the ones that really help us out when we need help with purchases of equipment and supplies.”
Council expressed that the coordinator position needs to be more defined.
“The idea was good with the paid coordinator doing all the stuff that volunteer fire chiefs don’t have time for,” said Coun. Gust.
A meeting with the county and other participating municipalities is scheduled for Sept. 20.
Other business
Bashaw councillors passed a motion to support Red Deer Regional Hospital (RDRH) in their request to have the Provincial Government expand health services in Red Deer.
The letter stated that RDRH sees over 350,000 patients from all over Central Alberta annually and is the fourth busiest hospital in Alberta.
In CAO Fuller’s report to council, she noted that the Camrose Genealogical Society have completed a good portion of the on site recording information of the Bashaw cemetery. They had ompliments on the state of the cemtery, stating it was greatly improved.
CAO Fuller advised council that the water tower is not completed as a Canadian Flag and BASHAW will be painted on the tower now that the new coat of white paint is done.
