Amid concerns over potential American tariffs, upcoming emissions regulations and a large provincial vehicle order in 2026, Stettler County Council has agreed to purchase a second plow truck from tender winner Viking Cives Ltd.
According to the request for decision (RFD) in the March 12 meeting agenda package, the need for two plow trucks was identified in the 2024 budgeting process, with plans to purchase one in 2025 and one in 2026.
A tendering process was undertaken in January, with Viking Cives Ltd. coming out as the winner.
Following a meeting with the company, administration determined that instead of purchasing one truck, it would be prudent to purchase both in the 2025 year for a variety of reasons.
According to Stettler County Director of Operations Greg Jackson, there will be savings from Viking Cives Ltd. if both trucks are purchased at the same time.
The company noted that both trucks and materials for the construction are already available in Canada, and therefore not subject to any of the threatened tariffs by the U.S.
Additionally, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will require manufacturers to cover emission systems under warranty starting in 2026. This mandate could increase vehicle costs by $25,000 to $50,000.
A final piece noted by Jackson worth consideration was a large order expected from provincial contractors. The Alberta Transportation Department highway maintenance contracts are going up for renewal, and once they are, there is an expected flood of around 150 new units expected to be ordered by the various contractors. These contracts will delay any orders in the fall of 2025 or early 2026 significantly.
If ordered now, both of the units are expected to be completed and on the road by the end of October 2025.
One addition not covered in the original RFD was the extended warranty. Jackson notes that the purchase of the extended warranty for the two trucks would be worthwhile as it covers components not covered under the base warranties. The cost of the warranty for the two vehicles is just under $4,600.
"If the trucks (in the fleet) are as bad as we are led to believe, I don't want to kick this can down the road," said Coun. Justin Stevens.
Council approved the additional purchase in a motion from Coun. James Nibourg.
Funds will come from the $495,000 allocated in 2025 for the purchase and any overages will come from reserves.
Policies
Stettler County council has approved several new updated policies.
The policies include the Cemetery Expenses policy, which allows the county to allocate financial assistance to the groups that look after cemeteries in the county, the Donation of Sponsored Events policy, which sets criteria for which events the county will sponsor, the Tree Pruning policy, which establishes a tree pruning program in hamlets and multi-lot subdivisions, and the Road Clean-Up Program, which allows the county to set criteria for the clean-up of right-of-ways in its jurisdiction.
All the policies were put online for a 30 day period to allow for ratepayer feedback, though none was received.
All the policies were approved.
Bylaw
Stettler County has approved the first reading of an updated Animal Control Bylaw.
The updated bylaw is a "major overhaul" of the previous version, redefining vicious dogs, removing a prohibition on the breeding of vicious dogs, and changing how long at-large animals are kept before they are put up for adoption.
"Under the (Municipal Government Act) we are required to keep lost property (lost pets) for longer than we were keeping animals for," said County director of Municipal Services Andrew Brysiuk.
Another change to the bylaw includes implementing a permit system for the keeping of bees and wild boars. The permits will require annual renewal.
In the case of bee hives, those living within one kilometre of hive sites must be notified and any objections recorded.
For wild boars, permits will only be allowed on properties currently raising the animals, and permits will be required within six months of implementation of the bylaw.
While the county could have passed all three readings during the March 12 meeting, the decision was made to give the first reading them allow public feedback before passing the second and third readings.
Deputy Reeve
During the meeting, Coun. Paul McKay was sworn in as Deputy Reeve.
The county rotates its deputy reeves, with each councillor taking an eight-month term.
McKay's term is the final of this council, with local elections set to take place this fall.
