By Kevin J. Sabo
For the Independent
Due to a change in scope of the project, the proposed intersection on Hwy. 12 at the west end of town will not be going forward in 2021.
The project hit a speedbump when the blueprints presented were turned down by Alberta Transportation.
As a time-saving constraint, once the blueprint process was completed, the plans were submitted to Alberta Transportation at the same time as the project went out for construction tender.
At issue for the intersection was speed.
When the Town of Stettler drafted plans for the intersection, it was planned and tendered as a 50 km/h project.
Alberta Transportation is requiring the intersection to be constructed at a 70 km/h speed zone, which due to increased turning lane length, is expected to raise the cost by as much as $200,000.
Seven companies put in bids on the project, however with the change in specifications, Town of Stettler Director of Operations Melissa Robbins recommended for council to not choose a winner at this time, and to re-tender the project with the new specifications.
Robbins, who has been in contact with Alberta Transportation throughout the process, said that the reason for the change is that Alberta Transportation doesn’t want to slow traffic down so far out of town.
In a motion put forward by Coun. Malcolm Fischer, council followed Robbins’ recommendation, and will review it once the project is re-tendered.
Recreation equipment
Council has approved two new pieces of recreation equipment.
The first item approved is a small Kubota utility vehicle (side by side) from Stettler Future Ag for use at the ball diamonds.
The purchase was initially approved for 2020, however due to the impact of the pandemic, the purchase was never made, and the funds were held in reserve for future expenditure.
While the Town of Stettler already has a small utility vehicle for use at the ball diamonds, it is nearing the end of its service life.
The Town will operate both units until the old unit fails. Total cost for the small utility vehicle will be $21,000.
The second item approved for recreational purchase is a turf aerator, also from Stettler Future Ag, at a cost of $5,000, coming out of 2021’s capital budget.