Despite the issue not being on the agenda, councillors were asked to assist Eagle Builders with the installation costs of a Telus line in the southwest industrial area. The company is constructing the Prairie Boys Car Wash building on 3519 Highway 2A.
Installation of the line cost $5,131.02 and the request came for the town to pay half. Councillors discussed the item during an in camera session May 14 and Coun. Rick Bonnett made the motion to support the request but it was defeated 5-1. Coun. Loanna Gulka was not in town.
Councillors met May 28 to discuss the item behind closed doors once more after an appeal from Eagle Builders. Council passed the motion made by Coun. Izak van der Westhuizen to contribute $1,300 to the company. He feels there was not have enough information from administration to make a proper decision on the item on the first motion. “We didn’t have detailed information.”
After further discussion councillors realized when more businesses come into the industrial park there will be a gap in services and council wants to work with businesses help development.
“That’s our philosophy…With future development is to work with businesses and people that come to town,” explained van der Westhuizen.
Sharing the cost with Eagle Builders will make it easier for businesses coming, explained Bonnett in an interview. “The reasoning I got is there’s no succession plan further going south for Telus’ part,” said Bonnett.
Supporting the business benefits the town and Eagle Builders are philanthropists in the community, he added. He feels $1,300 is not a big concern.
CAO Brad Watson was instructed by van der Westhuizen to discuss it as a land issue — one of three reasons (land, legal or personnel) council is permitted to go in camera —on the second appeal.
Councillors Doug Gill, Shayne Steffen and Mayor Larry Henkelman opposed the second decision.
Land decision
Councillors made a decision to put a value on a property in the southwest industrial area. The decision came after the in camera discussion. The 26-acre property is 6713 44 Avenue and was valued at $70,000 by councillors.