County of Paintearth council approved about $2.8 million for critical infrastructure work in the Hamlet of Halkirk, although some councillors were concerned only one company bid on the project. The resolution was passed at the July 15 regular meeting of council.

Councillors read a report from Director of Environmental services Jeff Cosens regarding major infrastructure work planned for the Hamlet of Halkirk; the agenda item listed two schedules or projects included and within that listing it was stated work included earthworks, water mains, sanitary mains, road works and landscaping.

“The county previously approved a budget of $2.4 million for this project,” stated Cosens memo to council. “After tendering only one bid was received, from United Utilities at $2,462,781.22.

“United Utilities has successfully completed past projects for the county, including the Hamlet of Brownfield development and the Crowfoot Industrial Park, with satisfactory results.”

Cosens provided councillors with a breakdown based on United Utilities’ offer, noting the project would be rounded to $2.5 million for budgeting purposes, a $638,000 Alberta Community Partnership (ACP) grant which resulted in remaining funding of $1,862,000 to come from the County of Paintearth.

It was noted the $1.8 million county portion was to come from reserves.

Coun. Maurice Wiart stated several times during the presentation that he wasn’t happy that there was only one bid to consider. Staff responded that six companies actually looked at the project but only United Utilities submitted an offer for the job.

During his presentation Cosens clarified that United Utilities was higher than what the County of Paintearth had budgeted for this project.

Councillors discussed the request and noted the Halkirk infrastructure project didn’t necessarily have to go forward this year.

Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Michael Simpson noted that the two proposed projects inside Halkirk are somewhat related and it was sensible to complete them at the same time. Simpson acknowledged the tender came in higher than budgeted but added United Utilities has a good reputation.

As councillors discussed the Halkirk projects it was noted that residents of the hamlet would see “increased rates” on their bills to pay for the infrastructure work.

Reeve Stan Schulmeister observed that when smaller villages are absorbed by larger municipalities it’s very common for major infrastructure work to be among the first projects proposed.

Councillors unanimously approved $1,862,000 from county reserves for the Hamlet of Halkirk infrastructure projects. 

CAO Simpson confirmed after the meeting the total project budget including tax was $2.78 million.