News and notes from the August 8 regular meeting of Estevan City council.
City manager Jim Puffalt provided an update on the status of City construction projects currently underway.
Work is taking place on Milne Crescent where a major rehabilitation project will replace a section of the road as well as sidewalks.
Crews are also continuing to work on the second phase of the Dominion Heights subdivision. It's expected lots will be available for sale on Sept. 6.
Garbage pickup continues to be an issue for the City.
A survey was recently distributed to homeowners in the northeast area of Estevan asking whether they would like to have front street garbage collection year round or if they would like it to remain in the alley so long as weather permits. The question was raised as a number of streets were forced to have front side collection due to the high amount of snow Estevan received over the winter.
Of those surveyed, 75 were opposed to full-time front street pick up and 58 were in favour.
Regardless of the survey results, it was noted that because of weather issues the City is recommending front street pick up run from Nov. 1 to June 1 in the areas in question.
Council voted in favour of a recommendation to allow the Separate School Board to move ahead with plans to develop a parking lot for St. Mary's School on City owned land located across the street from the educational institution.
According to the recommendation the City will retain ownership of the property but will authorize the school board to move ahead with development provided that a formal land use agreement is executed prior to commencing construction.
Council has cleared the way for a new subdivision to be created on Wellock Road on land the City recently purchased from St. Joseph's Hospital.
According to the design that was presented at council, the subdivision, which would be built by the City, is comprised of 21 lots along the undeveloped portion of Wellock Road and a cul de sac.
In his comments Puffalt said the project would tie in with the Wellock Road development and the Meadows of Estevan private subdivision which is planned for the north side of Wellock.
No time line was given as to when the City would begin work on the subdivision.
After a red hot first six months of the year, the building permit pace cooled off in July.
The City issued just nine permits with a total value of $721,000 in July. Thus far in 2011 the City has doled out 94 permits worth over $29 million.
Council also approved three tenders at the meeting.
The tender for the watermain replacement program and road improvements on Souris Avenue from King Street to Seventh Street was awarded to Glen Peterson Construction for just over $868,000. Peterson Construction also proposed to begin the work on Aug. 15 and have it completed by Sept. 30.
The cost is slightly over the budgeted figure of $800,000.
The tender for the watermain replacement program on Chinook Bay and George Street from Dufferin Avenue to Bannatyne Avenue also went to Glen Peterson Construction while the Duncan Road watermain replacement, storm sewer installation and road improvement tender went to Souris Valley Paving.
