By Sue Tiffin
Published Jan. 23 2018
The following are brief reports of items discussed at the Jan. 17 meeting of Highlands East council.
The year ahead for building in Highlands East looks promising according to Laurie Devolin chief building official for the municipality.
On Jan. 17 Devolin told council that although it’s still only the beginning of the year she has already been approached by people wanting to build.
In 2017 building permits in the area were down compared to 2016 with 213 permits being issued last year compared to 247 the previous year.
In 2015 187 permits were issued. Construction values set a record in 2017 however at $11034753 compared to $10337420 in 2016.
“Even though the permits were slightly less than last year they were for new cottages and houses and larger projects which really helped with our bottom line on construction value” Devolin told council.
After ongoing issues with the chair lift installed at the curling club in 2015 it has been removed by Ram the original tender supplier and the municipality reimbursed.
Moving forward Jim Alden property supervisor recommended council approve the purchase of a replacement hydraulic chair from Berg Elevating at a cost of $23650 plus taxes.
Shannon Hunter municipality CAO said the municipality had reviewed three quotes from suppliers and the Berg option was the lowest. Council approved the purchase.
Earl Covert roads superintendent said in a report to council that due to recent weather conditions the municipality has used about half of this year’s sand for roads. Generally the need for sand lessens after February.
Acting fire chief Chris Baughman submitted a monthly operations report to council detailing the calls attended to by the Highlands East Fire Department.
Sixteen calls were responded to in December last year for a total of 259 calls in 2017. In 2016 the fire department responded to 302 calls and to 280 calls in 2015.