Richard Froese
South Peace News
Big Lakes County council was in the giving spirit just before Christmas.
At its regular meeting Dec. 13, council agreed to donate the surplus community tractors to the organizations that used them.
The six compact tractors have been used by the organizations in the hamlet mowing program.
As a result, council will give two tractors to the Joussard Community Association and one each to the Faust Community League, the Enilda and District Society for Recreation and Culture, the Grouard Community Association, and the Spruce Point Park Association.
At its regular meeting Oct. 25, council agreed to publicly advertise the tractors for sale.
“Some of the tractors are in good condition but do require maintenance and repairs,” Kevin Cymbaluk, director of operations, told council at the time.
“Minimal work has been done to the tractors by the County and there appear to be no service records from the organizations,” he added.
The tractors were no longer required.
The hamlet mowing policy and the tractors pre-dated the hamlet workers program and were required equipment in each location at the time. Lease agreements, for $1, were set up in 2005 with the organizations, he said.
During discussion at the Dec. 13 meeting, several council members spoke in a favour of donating the tractors to the organizations.
“They have been using them for years,” Kinuso Councillor Roberta Hunt said.
“Let them have a chance to get them.”
Grouard Councillor Jeff Chalifoux agreed.
“This is helping the communities,” he said.
“Let’s help the communities along.”
Prairie Echo – Salt Prairie Councillor Garrett Zahacy echoed those words.
“This will help the communities.”
A member of the Faust Community League appeared in person at the council meeting Nov. 22 to request council give the Faust tractor to the organization.
Cymbaluk noted a request for funding in the amount of $15,860 for a new tractor was received ffrm the Joussard association, which represents 50 per cent of the machine’s total value. The request was turned down by council at it’s special budget meeting Dec. 5.