ESTEVAN - Estevan city council received the drinking water quality and wastewater treatment plant reports for 2024 during the April 7 meeting.
Matt Angell, the manager for the city's water division, shared highlights from the comprehensive documents with council. He conceded the drinking water report was quite lengthy, but a lot happened last year.
"Optimizing what chemicals we're using helps reduce the amount we're using, and also saves some costs," he said.
Coun. Brian Johnson said when people go through the drinking water document and see issues are being fixed, they'll see Estevan has some good, quality water.
As for the wastewater annual report, Coun. Shelly Veroba asked about electrical upgrades. Angell replied an expansion of the wastewater treatment plant is being investigated. He hopes for grants from the federal government to pay for some of the needed capital upgrades.
The reports can be found in the April 7 council agenda.
Meanwhile, the water quality report for March showed more than 104 million litres of water were treated and 102.7 million litres were pumped into the city's distribution system during the month. The bulk water fill station sold 531,290 litres. There were no plant upsets and all regulated parameters were met. There were two water main breaks.
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The meeting featured a recognition for the Estevan U13 A Provincial Bearcats hockey team. Comprised of players from Estevan's two U13 female squads, the Bearcats defeated Martensville in the best-of-three provincial final in late March.
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The city will purchase a table of eight for $300 for the Southeast Women of Distinction Awards on May 2 at the Power Dodge Curling Centre.
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Council awarded two community event permits for beer gardens to the Estevan Exhibition Association. One is for the Energy City Ex. from June 13-15. The other is for a cabaret on June 14.
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Council approved a motion to proceed to title for two properties with taxes owing. A 30-day notice was served to the property owners on March 3, and the final step was to proceed under the Tax Enforcement Act. Once the title is in the name of the municipality, the land must be offered for sale within one year by public auction or tender.
Veroba said all efforts have been made to collect taxes on these properties, and the city doesn't take it lightly when this action occurs.
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Council gave second and third readings for a bylaw to connect Myrglod Steel's recycling centre to the CPKC Rail by a spur line. It will cross a city municipal reserve lot. A public hearing was held for the matter, but nobody showed up and voiced opposition.
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No building permits were issued in March. The total for the year remains two permits worth $310,000.
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During the inquiries portion of the meeting, Veroba said she has had people ask about the future of the intersection at 13th Avenue and Fourth Street. Some have suggested keeping the four-way stop at the intersection, as opposed to putting traffic lights back in place. She believes the stop signs are working well.
City manager Jeff Ward said the issue has been discussed with the downtown business association. Ward noted the intersection will be wired regardless of what happens.
Veroba also said a business owner along the Highway 47 South service road approached her and asked for a hard surface. Ward asked for the business owner to send a letter, and he noted the city has looked at how expensive resurfacing would be.
Coun. Mathew Dubowski noted that a woman had a problem with a vending machine at the Estevan Leisure Centre, and when she brought it up with the concession, the worker said the machine had been a problem. Dubowski wanted to know if anything could be done.
Leisure services manager Erin Wilson said the city will try to reimburse the individual in this situation. The city does its best to keep the machines maintained.
