Ponoka County council discussed a request from the Ponoka Ag Event Centre Society (PAECS) to provide screenings and gravel, as well as hauling, to the new parking lot at the centre, during their regular meeting on May 23.
The estimated value of the contribution would be $40,000.
Administration suggested that as PAECS is showing progress, is successful, and it if remains committed as well as stepping up with its own resources, then the county could contribute toward the project.
Coun. Mark Matejka requested that a record of all costs associated to this project including administration, salaries, trucks, material, etcetera, using market values be provided to council.
Council voted unanimously to provide the requested materials and equipment for the RV parking lot area only, and that the cost incurred be recorded.
Recreation spending
It was suggested that recreation department managers from the towns of Ponoka and Rimbey be invited to attend upcoming meetings to report on the funding given to them by the county under the Intermunicipal Development Plan agreements.
Rimbey Minor Soccer
The Rimbey Minor Soccer Association requested Ponoka County fund the purchase of a defibrillator at a total cost $2,300, plus yearly maintenance.
The association had not received any funding from other organizations yet. It was suggested that the unit being stored at the hockey arena could be utilized as soccer and hockey did not run concurrently.
Rimbey RCMP
Council reviewed the fourth quarter update from the Rimbey RCMP.
Ponoka detachment
Congratulations were extended to Sgt. Erin St.Cyr on her appointment to the detachment commander position in Ponoka.
Ag to CRH
Council passed a bylaw to reclassify a portion of NW 22-43-2-W5 from Agricultural District to Country Residential Hobby Farm District.
The bylaw was to rezone approximately 40 acres, however, Coun. Nancy Hartford proposed an amendment that the area to be rezoned show only the easterly approximate 15 acres.
The bylaw passed unanimously as amended.
Battle River Valley fire response
Coun. Mark Matejka commended the volunteer fire fighters, the fire Chief, the director of Emergency Management, the supporting county employees and the local community for its response to the Battle River Valley fire in May.
He suggested that the fire department should purchase a drone with infrared capability for future firefighting purposes.
FCM conference
Reeve Pail McLauchlin attended the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) conference on May 25. He had received an invitation from the federal Minister of Rural Development to attend and speak in Newfoundland on behalf of the FCM.
Bridge 7477
The bridge on the Smithson Pit road is now complete. Some road widening was required due to the width of the bridge.
Dust control
Haul roads had now been completed for dust control. The first round of calcium dust control would include 185 residences.
Gravel program
The gravel program commenced this week, however, the west crew had been shut down due to the rain.
Low-level crossing
Administration was still waiting for information on the grant for replacement of the low-level crossing on RR 263; W SW 34-42-26-W4.
In camera
The meeting went to an “in-camera” session to discuss a solar-wind planning framework.
