As the Town of Bashaw prepares for a major construction project for one of its roads, councillors approved extra funding for inspection under the road beforehand. The resolution was passed at the Oct. 17 special meeting of council, held on a Friday evening due to the municipal election scheduled Oct. 20.

Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Theresa Fuller provided councillors with a report on the 49 Street construction project, which includes replacement of underground pipes and eventual paving.

“The preparation for the preliminary is in progress,” stated Fuller’s report to council. “Included in the update was reference to geotechnical study and cameraing the lines.”

By the term “cameraing” Fuller was referring to a commonly used process involving a tiny camera on a line that’s lowered underground to examine the exact condition of infrastructure and soil.

“The cost to proceed with both is estimated at $18,500,” stated Fuller, who noted these expenses may have come as a surprise to council. “The estimates are obtained through the engineer and they have obtained two quotes for each. Recommendations are made based on skills and expertise.

“In the information piece from last meeting it was believed the costs would be included within the initial approved amount for engineering. The pricing was higher therefore needed to be approved in addition to.”

Fuller explained the underground examination is important to tender preparation, as the more accurate and detailed the town’s tender is, the better deal the town may get when bids come in.

During discussion Fuller repeated that councillors needed to approve $18,500 through resolution because these expenses weren’t included in the already-approved budget. The CAO repeated that having the underground information will aid contractors when putting their bids together.

Coun. Cindy Orom asked if the geotechnical and underground cameraing were absolutely necessary.

The CAO responded if the underground investigation isn’t done, then contractors may not be entirely sure of what lies below the surface of 49 Street; hence, their bids could be higher because they’ll likely cover their bases when it comes to unknowns. The CAO also pointed out 49 Street is an older road, which means the possibility for problems or issues increases.

As councillors discussed the issue it was also noted the project engineers will manage the camera work project.

It was also pointed out the $18,500 will come from the Government of Alberta’s grant given to Bashaw for this project.

Councillors unanimously approved $18,500 from the Local Government Fiscal Framework (LGFF) capital grant funding for geotechnical and camera services in preparation for the 49 Street infrastructure project.