By Kevin J. Sabo
For the Independent
County of Stettler council has approved a gravel crushing contract for the Bridges, Stormoen, and Schoff Pits.
The contract is for the “mining, crushing, screening, and stockpiling” of approximately 25,000 cubic metres of gravel at each of three gravel pits located in Stettler County.
“We’ve been working the gravel reserves down a bit,” said County Public Works Director Rick Green.
“(The contract) went out to tender this fall. We had a fair number of bids.”
In total, the County received eight tenders for the contract, ranging from $525,000 to just over $1.3 million. Despite the large number of bids for the contract, council was concerned that no local businesses were on the list.
“Were local contractors contacted, and just didn’t want to bid?” asked Coun. James Nibourg.
According to Green, the tenders were advertised in the local papers and on the County web site.
“We didn’t make personal calls on this one at all,” said Green.
“We did advertise.”
The gravel crushing contract is awarded either annually or every two years to, “Keep supplies where they need to be,” according to Green.
Since the budget for gravel crushing is just under $752,000, council opted to award the contract to Howell’s Excavating Ltd. of Innisfail at their bid amount of $525,000 with the option to extend the gravel crushing contract to fulfill the full allotment of the budgeted amount.
The gravel will be crushed to 1” specification which council approved at a previous meeting.
Christmas holidays
Council has approved the closure of the County administration office for just over a week for the Christmas holidays.
The closure will commence at noon on Dec. 24 and run until the New Year, with the office reopening on Jan. 3, 2022.
“We have a really hardworking staff here,” said Coun. Les Stulberg.
“I think it’s important that they get a good break at Christmas.”
Councillor Wayne Nixon made the motion, which was carried.
Stettler Town & Country Museum Light the Night
County of Stettler council has approved County participation in the Stettler Town & Country Museum Light the Night event.
“I think it’s always good to go,” said Stulberg.
“I think it’s a good idea. The County always has a popular entry.”
Cost for the County to participate in the event is minimal; $25 to register a display, and anywhere from $100 to $500 to set up the display.
End of an era
The end of the Oct. 13 County council meeting was the final meeting to be attended by Coun.Wayne Nixon, who is not seeking re-election.
A sitting member of County of Stettler council since 2007, Nixon served as Reeve from 2010 to 2017, before that mantle passed to Larry Clarke.
“I want to reflect on my years as a councillor with the County,” said Nixon.
“In my opinion, the County of Stettler is a well-run, professional organization, and I have been proud to be part of it for the last 14 years.”