County of Stettler council defers water hook-ups

The County of Stettler council didn’t say “no” to three water hook-up requests at their regular meeting June 12, instead setting the requests aside for possible future approval.

Three requests were received by the County of Stettler recently to hook up to the municipal water system; the county has stated in the past it in essence sets these requests aside for future consideration until they benefit multiple properties and are therefore financially feasible.

All three requests were presented to councillors by Manager of Municipal Services Andrew Brysiuk. The first request was for the municipality to construct a water line to a part of NE 32-35-20-W4.

“This connection is for servicing a household property,” stated Brysiuk’s memo to council. “We would have to construct approximately 5.83 km of three inch new line to supply the one resident with water.

“There could be a possibility of a couple more to hook up.

“Based on providing 5.3 kms of line, including appurtenances and labour, we have estimated a budget of approximately $515,000. At this value, the project would need to be tendered.”

Brysiuk noted that according to county policy the resident’s contribution would be $15,000.

In the past the County of Stettler, when considering an expensive water hook-up request, noted such requests are more likely to be granted if multiple users are involved.

Brysiuk noted this request was in the Big Valley region and he observed the county doesn’t get many water hook-up requests from that area.

Councillors unanimously approved deferring the request to the future in the event more users are involved.

Second hook-up

Brysiuk explained the second request received included a number of users but still involved a large price tag.

This request involved parcels located at SW 22-39-20-W4 (Plan 0520396, Block 1, Lot 1), NE 21-39-20-W4, SW 22-39-20-W4th and SW 27-39-20-4.

“All four of these connections are for servicing household properties,” stated the agenda memo. “We would have to construct approximately 3.6 km of three inch new line to supply the four residents with water. There are numerous other farmsteads within the area and along the proposed routes.

“Based on providing 3.6 kms of three inch line, including appurtenances and labour, we have estimated a budget of approximately $385,000. At this value, the project would need to be tendered.

“Three of the proposed connections have already sign a water service agreement, one in 2013 and two in 2014 with an agreed connection fee of $10,000 each.

“The water line construction costs would be offset by the Rural Water Services Initial Connection fees totalling $45,000 (one at $15,000 and three at $10,000 each) and the balance of the cost would come from reserves.”

Coun. Ernie Gendre noted he contacted other residents in this area to poll their interest in also hooking up to the county system and found most were happy with their private water wells. Gendre added there was a bit of interest, though.

Gendre suggested this application go back to a committee of the whole meeting for discussion.

Councillors unanimously approved deferring this project for possible future consideration.

Project three

The last request was also for a single water system hook-up.

“One resident has requested to connect to the county waterline,” stated Brysiuk’s report to council.

“The request is for one connection for servicing household property. We would have to construct approximately 5.8 km of new line (three inch) to supply the resident with water.

“Based on providing 5.8 kms of line, including appurtenances and labour, we have estimated a budget of approximately $560,000. At this value, the project would need to be tendered.” It was noted the applicant would be expected to kick in $15,000.

Councillors unanimously agreed to defer this request to possible future consideration.

Stu Salkeld, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, East Central Alberta Review