Morrin village councillors approved purchasing a pick-up truck for their Public Works department. The resolution was passed at the Nov. 20 regular meeting of council.
In a phone call to the ECA Review Nov. 22 Mayor Chris Hall confirmed councillors approved $5,000 to buy a second-hand Dodge Ram 1500 with “…fairly low mileage,” said the mayor.
Village staff were familiar with the owner of the truck and Hall noted the vehicle was inspected before purchase. The mayor estimates the new truck’s condition is good enough that it should last five to 10 years.
Hall noted the previous truck has about 400,000 kms on it, but the village isn’t going to dispose of it yet; he noted it may still be useful for things like sanding streets in the winter time.
New subdivision
Hall noted there was an update but no council resolution on developer interest about vacant lots in Morrin.
Village staff knew someone who voiced interest in development and councillors are waiting to hear back from that person or company.
The mayor mentioned an issue with a regional water commission line; apparently, a line belonging to the commission wasn’t placed in the proper place and now affects four of the vacant lots.
However, Hall stated the interested developer has already told the village he has equipment and expertise to move the commission’s line back to its proper place and the mayor noted moving the line should have little effect on the rest of the village.
School grant
Hall noted councillors passed a resolution to grant $200 for Morrin School’s annual academic awards ceremony.
The mayor noted he was amazed at the academic achievement of Morrin students.
Community association
Councillors approved sending an annual application form to the Morrin Community Association for the operation of the local community hall.
The mayor stated the village sends the form and has the community association send it back with the grant.
Federal funds
Councillors agreed to apply for the Canada Community Building Fund; Hall noted that this grant is applied to the community hall.
The mayor noted it seems the federal government decides how much money the municipality is eligible for.
College Day
Hall confirmed he recently accepted an invitation from Red Deer Polytechnic to attend a presentation on a new dual credit program that appears to have an apprenticeship aspect to it.
The mayor stated he wanted to ensure Morrin school was included in this program.
He noted that some previous programs that were similar had been cut by the federal government.
Stu Salkeld
Local Journalism Initiative reporter
ECA Review
