Rain barrels are growing popular in the Town of Stettler as sales continue to rise like recent rain fall since the program started this March.
At its regular meeting Aug. 17, town council received a report from John Keith, operational services director.
“We have sold 119 barrels up to Aug. 9,” said Keith.
Rain barrels – complete with lid and tap – are on sale for $60 through Stettler Regional Board of Trade and Community Development, Heartland Youth Centre, Stettler Child Care and Stettler Public Library, with a $10 profit for each barrel.
“Harvesting rain by use of rain barrels is very common throughout the world and would help us reduce municipal demand,” said Keith.
“In order for a rain barrel program to be effective, we need to get a high percentage of the residents utilizing the program.”
Initially the town bought 50 rain barrels to launch the program.
With the profits of the sales, the board of trade has raised $820 for Stettler and District Food Bank, Stettler library has netted $800, HYC has raised $540 and the child care centre has profited $220.
“It may not seem like a lot of funds have been raised, but to those organizations, that’s good money,” said assistant chief administrative officer Greg Switenky.
-Exhaustion system for fire station
A new emergency vehicle exhaust extraction system as part of the renovations to Stettler fire station has been ordered after council awarded a tender to Nederman Canada Ltd. in the amount of $48,701.94, the lower of two bids.
-Supply of road oil
Council awarded a tender to 50,000-litre supply of road oil to control dust to Petra Products of Sherwood Park at a cost of $29,600, the lower of two bids.
-Insurance covers increases for council and administration
Group accident insurance coverage for the mayor, six councillors and five administrative staff will annually double to $100,000 for 24-hour-seven-days-a-week coverage with a cost to the town of $969, up from the current cost of $153 for coverage of $50,000 for occupational time only.
“It hasn’t changed for many years so we need to update this,” said Mayor Dick Richards.
As part of the plan to update pay for council members, council also approved a staff recommended to offer council members a complementary annual pass to Stettler Leisure Centre pool.
“It’s a benefit we can offer new incoming council members,” said Mayor Richards.
-Mudhole by hospital parking lot
Council and town administration continue to work with Stettler Hospital administration to improve the soggy and muddy ground on town property along 47 Avenue and the hospital parking lot.
“It’s a disgrace to see this mudhole in front of the hospital,” said Councillor Redford Peeples who raised the concern.
Councillor Al Campbell reported that he and town manager spoke with hospital officials about a plan and a response is expected by Sept. 7.
Councillor Dave Dennis added that the area is valuable and useful for farm trucks or people hauling trailers who want to visit patients for medical appointments.