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Crowsnest Pass council has unanimously directed administration to return with options for addressing water-pressure problems affecting some Bellevue homes.
The October 6 direction follows concerns raised by residents at the September 29 council meeting about broken pipes and valves, hot-water-tank problems and household costs.
Council heard that reducing pressure in lower parts of Bellevue could leave homes at higher elevations with inadequate service. Members discussed both system-level pressure-reducing stations and pressure-reducing valves in individual homes.
Administration said a pressure-reducing station could cost more than $400,000. Council also discussed the possibility that the looped water system could require more than one station, but no engineering recommendation, capital project or funding source was approved.
Household pressure-reducing valves are normally the homeowner’s responsibility. Council asked administration to consider the number of affected properties, possible solutions and their costs before returning with options.
Closed-session minutes amended
Council amended the minutes of its September 29 special meeting to record a possible confidentiality breach after a member of the public remained outside the closed-session doors during a confidential personnel discussion.
The original amendment described a severe security and confidentiality breach. Council changed the wording to a possible confidentiality breach before approving the amendment.
The approved wording also states the closed session was not properly secured to protect the privacy of participants. The discussion did not establish that anyone overheard what was said inside the room.
Coun. Tony Vastenhout was opposed during the amendment to the minutes. Council then adopted the minutes as amended.
Bear-resistant recycling carts remain under discussion
Council received a September 29 letter from Suzanne Wemp raising concerns about the new 360-litre curbside recycling carts, including wind, wildlife and storage problems.
Administration said the carts are not bear-resistant. The recycling program mirrored the municipality’s existing garbage collection system, which does not use bear-resistant household carts, and the community was not initially identified as needing a different model.
The municipality is discussing the possibility of obtaining bear-resistant carts through Circular Materials, but administration said there was no commitment or announcement to make.
Administration also said the collection contractor may suspend pickup during high winds and notify the public. Residents are expected to secure their carts when it is not collection day.
Council received Wemp’s letter as information.
Regional planning agreement ratified
Council ratified an updated member services agreement with the Oldman River Regional Services Commission.
The commission provides the municipality with geographic information system services, planning support, Subdivision and Development Appeal Board services and Assessment Review Board services.
Administration said the municipality’s relationship with the commission dates back to at least 1959. The updated agreement standardizes service arrangements among member municipalities and does not change the municipality’s existing arrangement or create a new financial impact.
The motion carried without recorded opposition.
Coleman culvert and Bushtown traffic concerns referred to administration
Council also heard two resident concerns that did not result in formal motions.
The first involved property near 78th Street and 19th Avenue in Coleman, where a creek passes under the road. Council was told the area had not been restored to its previous condition following culvert work and that the issue was affecting the property owner and an insurance matter.
Administration agreed to obtain the resident’s contact information and follow up. Council did not approve or promise repair work.
The second concern involved gravel trucks using an intersection after the railway tracks into Bushtown. Council was told some trucks were not stopping at a stop sign near a school-bus stop and that the sign might be difficult to see or poorly located.
Administration said it would examine both the sign and the enforcement concern. Council also discussed comparing the complaint with the traffic study and plan associated with the property’s development approval.
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