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Big Valley council approves reservoir repairs

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Members of the Village of Big Valley council held a special council meeting on Thursday, June 10 to continue discussions regarding repairs to the aging water tower reservoir.
In the March 17 edition of the Mail, it was reported the village was looking to obtain quotes to repair the existing infrastructure. The village has since entered into an agreement with Knibb Development Ltd., a general contracting company based in Standard with over 40 years of experience, primarily focused on water and sewer systems.
“We did the (reservoir) in Stettler, one at Whispering Pines, one at Edson, and a few others,” said Jason Knibb during the special council meeting.
The total quote, to complete insulation and cladding of the reservoir, is estimated at $120,000. However, Mr. Knibb noted council would have the opportunity to choose between going with all recommendations at the quoted $120,000 or to pick and choose the recommendations to complete.
“You don’t have to do everything, but it does all work together to one complete project,” Knibb told council.
One recommendation is to install a polypropylene bladder. This would waterproof the tank, however, Knibb noted this would not resolve icing concerns which could cause damage to the bladder.
To prevent ice buildup Knibb suggested council consider reclading the tank, which would provide additional insulation and protect the concrete from further erosion while also improving the appearance of the tank. Another suggestion was to upgrade pumps at the nearby pumphouse to cause agitation in the tank.
Mr. Knibb and Big Valley council members discussed the proposed project at length during deliberations.
Council unanimously moved to proceed with Knibb Development Ltd. to complete interior repairs to the reservoir, and increase the previously approved budget of $140,000 to $150,000 to complete the repairs.


Charges stayed in Morrin Hotel robbery

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Charges against two men who were accused of armed robbery have been stayed.
On February 13, 2020, RCMP allege two masked gunmen entered the Morrin Hotel Bar in Morrin. The suspects left with a small amount of cash in a vehicle which was discovered later outside of Morrin on fire. No one was injured in this incident.
RCMP later laid charges against Robert Kristopher Paul Foster of Big Valley and Chase Aaron Anderson.
This week the Mail learned charges against the two individuals have been stayed. This means the charges have not been withdrawn but courts will discontinue prosecution.

Kneehill County approves fund transfer for Hesketh bridge replacement

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Kneehill County council was presented with a request to transfer funds from the Bridge Reserve to cover additional costs to replace the Hesketh bridge and adjust another bridge within the county during the regular Tuesday, June 22 council meeting.
Director of Transportation Brad Buchert noted the Hesketh bridge replacement was budgeted at $1.3 million in September 2020 and the tender for replacement was awarded to Formula Alberta Ltd. Upon geotechnical investigation, it was determined the structure would require longer pile depths-a cost not factored into the original budget.
“They (Formula) identified the mudstone layer is not very deep, so this structure is going to need piers,” Buchert said during the meeting.
He noted a total of 14 piles would need to be drilled in the streambed.
Currently, construction is on hold until after July 15 due to potential fish spawning activity in the waterway and Buchert noted the additional work is not estimated to cause delays.
“We’re trying to get it done prior to harvest so nobody has to use the lower creek crossing,” Buchert said. He added the replacement is estimated to take a month and a half to complete.
Mr. Buchert also made a presentation requesting an additional $40,000 be transferred from the Bridge Reserve to cover the purchase and installation of an additional girder for a bridge east of Range Road 25-1 and Township Road 33-4, north of Curlew.
When the bridge was reconstructed in March 2020, the girder was installed lower in the stream bed by the contractor. Following spring melt and other weather related impacts to the stream’s water flow, it was questioned whether the position of the girders would be effective.
“The contractor is willing to come back out, at no cost, to lift (the girder) an additional two feet,” Buchert said.
Buchert noted the contractor has agreed to install an additional girder to the south side of the bridge and the $40,000 will be used to purchase and transport the girder from Blackfalds.
The two requests to transfer a total of $140,000 from the Bridge Reserve were carried unanimously by council.


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