Mac Olsen
Express Staff
Fire guardian appointments
During their meeting on March 9, council for the M.D. of Smoky River No. 130 approved the appointment of the 2016 fire guardians.
They consist of Smoky River fire chief Marcel Maure; fire captain Kevin Rey and development officer Dave Gervais.
UAV purchases redone
Council had to approve the purchase of two unmanned aerial vehicles for a second time.
The first is an Inspire & Zen Muse XT for Smoky River Fire and Rescue, at cost of $11,726. The second is Phantom 3 Pro for the agricultural services board, at a cost of $1,608. Both UAVs are being ordered from Multirotorheli in Calgary. Council had approved the purchase of two UAVs during the February meeting. However, they were deemed to be inadequate and were declined in favour of these ones.
Truck purchases
Council approved the purchase of two trucks.
The first is a 2016 Ram pickup for $39,998, from Big Lakes Dodge in High Prairie. The second is a 2016 Ford F-350 chassis cab for $36,887.15 from Peace River Ford.
2015 financial statements reviewed and approved
Sylvain and Company held a meeting with council to review and approve the M.D.’s 2015 financial statements. The statements will be available on the M.D.’s website.
Fire chief’s report
Smoky River fire chief Marcel Maure presented his monthly report to council. There were eight calls for service in February, including seven medical calls and one STARS landing.
The fire permit season started March 1 and Maure reminds the public to contact him for their permits and to provide any information about burning that’s taking place.
Maure is completing a fire inspector course so that he can offer his services to local building owners.
Smoky River Fire and Rescue has 39 volunteer firefighters as of February. But the department always requires more recruits and he encourages the public to contact him.
Ag fieldman’s report
Normand Boulet, the ag fieldman for the M.D., announced that he and Reeve Robert Brochu have been nominated to sit on a consultation committee that’s going to address the Alberta government’s Bill 6.
The Provincial Association of Alberta Agricultural Fieldmen nominated Boulet, while the Smoky Applied Research and Demonstration Association nominated Brochu.
Boulet is developing a herbicide application system for the M.D.’s ditch mower and it should be ready for use in the spring.
Agriculture staff levels for the M.D. will remain at full capacity for 2016, with no reductions planned.
The M.D.’s Shelter Belt Program is still taking orders and those wishing to place an order should contact Boulet at (780) 837-2221, ext. 115 for a list of available seedlings. The M.D. will receive the seedlings by the end of May.
Kevin Cymbaluk’s report
Council heard the director of operations report as well, as Kevin Cymbaluk wasn’t at the meeting.
The M.D. is seeking a Request for Quotations for culvert and approach installations for 2016. The deadline to apply is March 31.
Minor ice blading is being done on gravel roads throughout the M.D.
The Department of Public Works has hired Jordan Drouin as a heavy-duty mechanic. Drouin started his new position in early March