BOWDEN — Council has indicated support for a proposal to install a new bulk water system in the town, which local and nearby residents could access through an account or inserting coins in a slot.
It would be located at the town reservoir on 24A Crescent.
Chief administrative officer Greg Skotheim came up with the idea for the new system to replace an old one that hasn't worked for about a decade. He recommended spending up to $22,000 on the project, pending receipt of grant money from the province.
Councillors liked the idea in general, but want at least one more quote, so they accepted the proposal as information for now, pending the other quote(s).
In a memo to council, Skotheim said the town's current bulk water system "is not repairable."
He noted J.C. Industries of Olds, which installed the previous bulk water system has provided a quote for a new one which would be able to utilize the old facility's existing plumbing.
"It's the same size. It plumbs right in," he said.
Skotheim said the new system can handle up to 1,000 accounts and would be able to take coins from customers who don't need to set up an account. And it can be accessed 24 hours a day.
"They have installed 102 units and have been in business for 24 years," Skotheim wrote.
Skotheim said town officials have applied for funding under the provincial government's MSI (Municipal Sustainability Initiative) program.
He said the facility could provide the town with $10,000 in revenue per year and predicted that revenue stream could increase — perhaps to $20,000 as it receives more use.
Skotheim said the facility, which includes a two-inch hose for ease of water flow, could prove enticing, not only for local residents but for industrial firms and farmers.
"If you're a farmer two K out of town here, it's a long way to go to Innisfail," he said.
"And time is money, at certain times of the year," Coun. Kerry Kelm said.
Skotheim said the project would also include making the area a little bigger and getting rid of curbs so it's easier for users to get in and out.
Skotheim recommended council accept the J.C. Industries quote for a bulk water system "not to exceed $22,000 plus GST, based on acceptance through the MSI funding program (the company's quote was for $21,300)."
Coun. Wayne Milaney wanted reassurance there would be adequate signage notifying people of the new facility and how to get to it.
"I think you're hearing we're all in favour of it," Coun. Paul Webb said.
However, he and other councillors agreed with Coun. Carol Pion that administrative staff should obtain at least one other quote on the cost of such a system.
"I would be comfortable if we got at least one more quote," she said. "And they might not be comparable and that's my comment on it, but I think if we're spending that much money — and especially if we're doing MSI, we need to be accountable, right?"
