R.M. of Mariposa council hears road condition update

By Stu Salkeld
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Your West Central Voice

KERROBERT —Heavy rains this spring didn't do the R.M. of Mariposa's gravel roads any favours, heard council at their regular meeting July 24.

In a phone call with Your West Central Voice newspaper July 27, Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Kathy Wurz stated that during the regular staff reports councillors heard an update from the Public Works department. It was noted that Mariposa's gravel roads are now in good condition, but were in worse shape earlier in the summer and spring due to heavy rains.

Staff also reported that heavy rains caused Mariposa's gravel hauling to be about a month behind schedule, while the spraying program had to be tweaked a bit. Wurz reported that staff are simply cutting the weeds which flourished due to heavy rains. Staff are then applying herbicide after the cut.

Reeve Jeremy Walter reported on renovations underway at Pioneers Haven, noting the work is almost finished. It was noted the seniors' facility is currently looking for a groundskeeper.

Wurz updated councillors on the condition of South Boundary Road, which she stated has suffered from some overweight loads. Wurz stated that Mariposa has some active oil and gas contractors who appear to have used the road as a shortcut, even though such traffic is forbidden because the road's under a weight restriction.

The CAO reported that oil and gas companies were sent a request to keep their contractors off that road to prevent damage.

It was also noted that other projects such as dirt road widening and tree removal have also been affected by heavy rains.

Councillors heard a landfill update that involves the Town of Kerrobert. The R.M. of Mariposa will give required notice that it is leaving an agreement with the town for landfill services. Wurz noted only a few R.M. residents use that landfill and councillors felt Mariposa wasn't getting value for the agreement.

The Public Works shop opening has been rescheduled due to the heavy rains. Although a special day was set aside for the event, Wurz noted staff are quite busy catching up with rain-delayed work so the event will be held another day.

The CAO reminded councillors this is an election year for even-numbered divisions, and she was in turn named as returning officer.

Councillors approved a request from Cardinal Energy to locate a pipeline in the municipality's community pasture.

Wurz stated councillors had a discussion about Mariposa's ongoing search for gravel sources and developing a standard contract for such agreements.

Mariposa's next regular council meeting is scheduled for Aug. 12.