Unused for several years, Stettler Centennial Pool by will be demolished by next spring.
At its regular meeting Dec. 15, Town of Stettler council awarded a tender to Wally’s Backhoe Service Ltd. of Stettler for $62,718.60, the lowest of four tenders to level the building by Stettler Middle School by March 31, 2010.
“Wally’s is a local business and he has done demolishing in the community before,” said town manager Rob Stoutenberg.
The town will assure the schools that the project would be safe for students and staff.
Opened in 1967, Stettler Centennial Pool at 4902 – 54 Street closed in 2006 when the new leisure pool opened at Stettler Recreation Centre.
Computer software for fire-rescue
Council approved a staff recommendation to purchase Pro2 computer software for Stettler Regional Fire Rescue, with $12,395.25 split between the town and the County of Srettler and $2,135 for an annual service contract.
This software connects all four fire stations enable the fire-rescue service to process various information and forms such as invoices, time sheets, fire permits, inventory, budgets, and fire inspections.
“I can assure you this is a necessary investment for the efficient operation of the fire department,” said Fire Chief Mark Dennis.
This program is used in other municipalities such as Red Deer County, Ponoka, Olds, Clearwater regional and Cold Lake, he noted.
Waste collection fee rises
Council adopted a bylaw to raise fees for collecting residential waste to $15.50 per month from $14.50, effective Jan. 1, 2010.
Council writes-off bad debts
Council approved a staff recommendation to write off bad debts totaling $9,986.53, for 19 bad debts greater than $300.
Town records also show 49 accounts under $300 totalling $7,388.59, said Greg Switenky, assistant chief executive officer.
Based on local utility revenues of $2,522,070, the utility write-offs in total represent slightly over half of one per cent of revenues, he said.
“We continually go after bad debts,” said Switenky.
“Over time, we will collect these through collection agencies.”
“We have to assume some of our revenues will not materialize.
For this year, bad debts included $6,731.83 for utilities such as water, sewer and garbage, $2,784.70 for fire calls and $470 for Lions Campground.
Affordable housing
Council heard a presentation from a Calgary developer building about 30 homes in the Meadowlands that will be available for people who are accepted for a down-payment from a local foundation supported by the town.
“It’s pretty exciting for people who don’t have a home,’ said Mayor Dick Richards, who noted that council will examine the town’s role in the funding program.
Council and the developer plan to confirm details of the program in January.