By Stu Salkeld The Stettler Independent
County of Stettler council approved a Public Works department request to look for a snowplow and sander box during the regular meeting Sept. 13.
The request came from director of Public Works Rick Green. In his report Green noted, “With the addition of Botha to County communities as a Hamlet, the workload requiring small equipment to clear snow and maintain streets has increased to the point where a second small plow/sanding truck is warranted.
“The County currently has one small truck and sander and a second truck able to outfit with a sander and plow to help cover the widespread snow clearing needs of the small urban environments.
“We propose to utilize unit 373 (2012 Ford F450) for this seasonal purpose to avoid purchase of another vehicle. It is set up with a flat deck and is capable of receiving the plow and sander unit.”
Green noted this was before council because it wasn’t part of the budget. “This is an un-planned and un-budgeted expense for the 2017 year that is being brought forward by the above noted work load changes going into the 2017/18 snow clearing season,” stated Green. “Costs estimated at $17,500 to be attributed to GL 02-32-00-25230 ‘Vehicle and Equipment Repair’.”
The F450 was doing work related to culverts noted Green.
Councilor Les Stulberg noted the new equipment would be useful for all hamlets.
Councilors approved advertising the tender.