Fast tracking of core infrastructure projects
During their council meeting on Feb. 25th, Lacombe County council referred to a previous meeting where the county commissioner was instructed to prepare a report on infrastructure projects that could be fast tracked. Council was advised that projects identified will be ones that can be fast tracked for 2016 and one that can be made shovel ready for 2017.
Council was provided with a detailed review of potential projects. Council authorized the County commissioner to tend Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the Aspelund Road Twinning project and present the tender results for consideration to proceed with the project.
Council also authorized the county commissioner to arrange for engineering of three additional bridge structures in 2016. A total of $500,000 was also budgeted for additional contractor hauling/crushing in 2016.
Milton West Branch Road
Council was presented with the tenders for the grading and base paving of three miles of the Milton West Branch Road. The three mile project runs from the Spruceville Road to provincial Hwy. 792 (Lincoln Road). The tender for the project closed on Feb. 18th with nine bides received. Central City Asphalt submitted the lowest tender of $2,916,838.
Council approved the award of the grading and base paving of the Milton West Branch Road project to City Central Asphalt. The County commissioner was authorized to budget for engineering and contingency for a total of $508,831. The project will be funded from the Community Aggregate Levy Reserve for $1,925,669 and the New Pavement Reserve in the amount of $1,500,000.
Water and sewer infrastructure in Mirror
Council referred to the Feb. 11th meeting where the County commissioner was instructed to prepare a report on infrastructure projects that could be fast tracked.
Council was advised that eight projects have been identified in the Hamlet of Mirror and have been ranked in order of priority. Council was provided with a detailed review of the potential projects and the associated costs.
By resolution, the County commissioner was authorized to tender and award the high priority water and sewer projects in Mirror and for the tender to include an option of the other projects.
Sylvan Lake road closure
Council was advised that in order to facilitate the purchase of 15.688 acres of land on Sylvan Lake the land was initially acquired as road right-of-way. As such, a property title was not issued in the County’s name. The property is now registered as Road Plan 162 0291 and located at E 1/2 15-39-2 W5M.
Council considered the request at the previous council meeting and by resolution, directed the county commissioner to proceed with the process to close the above road. The proposal was to be circulated to interested parties for comment. No objections were received.
The closure of the roadway was then approved.
Central Alberta Destination Management Plan
Executive Director of Lacombe and District Tourism Marie Peron provided an overview of the Central Alberta Destination Management Plan to council. The plan provides direction for tourism development, marketing and management in Central Alberta for the next 10 years. It will be used as a framework where tourism partners can work collaboratively towards a shared vision. The plan was developed by an intermunicipal committee of partners who are dedicated to realizing the true tourism potential for the Central Alberta region.
A request was made that the Central Alberta Destination Management Plan be adopted by council and used as a planning document. The request will be brought forward at a future council meeting.