JULIE BERTRAND / Independent Reporter
County of Stettler Council has hired the firm of Sandalack and Associates to undertake a Hamlet of Erskine Concept Plan for $39,675.00.
“The reason for wanting to this plan is that we’ve had some inquiries from residents in the hamlet for subdividing their lots,” said Johan van der Bank, director of planning and development.
“This plan will look at future subdivisions in the hamlet and development issues like density of lots, size of lots, development standards in terms of commercial development.”
The company specializes in rural and small town planning. They have already done similar projects in Central Alberta.
Sandalack and Associates employees will be visiting Erskine for their first workshop involving residents in the community once snow has melted.
The first draft concept plan should be delivered within three to four weeks of the conclusion of the workshop.
Council required this tight timeline to allow for the possible construction of the rural water tank fill station sometime in 2011, which depends on finalization of the shape of the turning lanes on Highway as 12 approved by Transportation Alberta. The site of the rural water tank fill station site will then depend on the outcome of the concept plan.
The Hamlet of Erskine Concept Plan has been budgeted for by the county since 2008 and but this is the first time that funds totalling $45,000 will actually be disbursed for the creation of the plan.
Hold Harmless Agreement
The county will not increase its compensation of $2,500 for the 2011 Hold Harmless Agreement for the Red Willow Ag Society for mowing and snow removal services for the hamlet of Red Willow
“I have no doubt that all of them are seeing stresses on their operating budgets this year, but with the budget being set for this year, I would favour leaving it and then bringing forward for an increase in the 2012 budget,” said Yvette Cassidy, assistant county CAO.
“The amount was just really intended to assist the hamlets with some of their costs and not to pay entirely for it.”
Council will review the amount for 2012 later in the year.
Social media
The county of Stettler will now start using social media to communicate and monitor conversations about its organization and activities.
Residents will now be able to follow the county on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube.
County director of communications Shawna Benson will be in charge of updating the county’s various social media accounts.
Councillors and staff members will also be able to participate if they wish to do so. They will be trained and assisted by Benson.