Interim Chief Administrative Officer Alvin Melton advised council that Centennial Building’s basement floor has been saturated since spring thaw and moisture continues to deteriorate the stud walls in the basement.
The moisture has created an environment for mould to thrive, as illustrated by photos presented to councilors, and if the situation is not corrected, there could be health related issues for occupants, he said.
An inspection is pending and decisions about the future of the building were tabled until this information becomes available.
Unless taxes are paid in full by Sept. 15, the land and buildings at 808 Madison Drive will be auctioned for tax recovery. Council set the auction date as Sept. 15 at 1 p.m. at the Town Office.
Councillor Lisa Constantini reported that she had attended the annual Disaster Services Forum in Banff in May, which she felt was very worthwhile.
While there, she attended a seminar on hazardous materials, that she felt was appropriate given Irricana’s biggest risk, aside from tornado, is the possibility of a train derailment.
She also took in a session regarding mutual aid agreements between municipalities and sat in on a presentation about the new provincial government’s emergency public warning system.
Councillor Larry Martin informed council the geocaching program is up and running and is being administered by Edna Kary, who is hoping to increase the number of caches and the number of guests coming to town.
Melton informed council that the Town has started administrative work to fix the alley between 3rd and 4th streets. Administration is looking at various grants, although he noted there are no guaranteed funds for this project.
Melton also told council that he contacted the County about bylaw enforcement in Irricana.
He was told the County has done very little enforcement within the town due to inadequate staffing levels.
Melton will look into this and report back to council.
He also noted there has been some vandalism at the recreation centre with a vending machine being smashed and defaced. The RCMP has been notified.
Irricana is, as always, looking for residents to sit on committees.
Anyone interested is invited to call the Town Office.
The next meeting of Irricana council will be July 4 at 7 p.m. in Council Chambers. The public is welcome.
