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Paintearth County signs contract with Internet service provider Vital Networks

Council briefs
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By Kevin J Sabo For the Advance

The County of Paintearth is signing a tower lease with Vital Networks.

Vital Networks, which is a rebranded Vital Computer Solutions, a Coronation-based company since 1999, began offering services as an Internet service provider about a year ago. The addition of the equipment on the Preston tower, near Talbot, will allow Vital Networks to expand their service area for internet in that area, with plans to expand to Castor and Halkirk in 2019.

After council directed County of Paintearth administration to prepare a lease for the tower, Ed Griffiths the owner of Vital Net, departed the meeting and other business was carried on beginning with the first readings of Bylaws 663-668, which are bylaws pertaining to intermunicipal development plans and intermunicipal collaborative frameworks with Castor, Coronation, and the Municipal District of Provost. These bylaws are a requirement of the Municipal Government Act, and now that first reading is passed the County of Paintearth will hold a public hearing at 1:15 p.m. Oct. 2 at the county office prior to second and third readings.

Other highlights of the Sept. 11 county council meeting:

• Paintearth council is signing a new agreement with Alberta One-Call to carry on line locating services in the county.

• Paintearth council is signing a new five-year contract with the residential assessor in order to maintain the business relationship and keep the business with familiarity in the area.

• Paintearth council is signing a letter of support for local farmers looking for a livestock tax deferral due to the dry summer.

• County administration asked council to proceed with a one or two retreat with a facilitator to develop a strategic plan moving forward. The request was tabled pending further information.

• Council has agreed to the removal of two stop signs at a low traffic area at the intersection of TWP 364 and RR 104.

• Council has agreed to place school bus signs near a rural property due to reduced sight lines in the area.

• Council was told that Castor Minor Sports was offered to run a 50/50 at the Jan. 20 Edmonton Oilers game versus Carolina, with anticipated proceeds of $15,000 going to Castor Minor sports. About 60 volunteers are required for the event.

• Council was told that Service Canada would like to come to offices in Castor and Coronation to assist with EI and CPP paperwork and applications on a bi-annual basis.

• The Badlands Tourism board based in Drumheller is facing a significantly reduced budget this year

• Council was told that approval has been granted for Atco Power to spend $23 million to convert Battle River 5 powerplant from coal to gas. No coal will be produced in the county after the gas pipeline is completed in the fall of 2019.

• Council was informed that EMCON, a B.C. company, has been signed to replace Carillion for Alberta’s highway maintenance and snow removal services.