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Road Committee Provides Valuable Input
NISKU, AB – At Leduc County's Public Works Committee meeting held on Monday (Jan. 17), the Council appointed Road Maintenance Advisory Committee (RMAC) made 11 recommendations to help improve the quality and conditions of Leduc County's roads.

The Committee comprised of 13 members, representing all seven divisions of Leduc County, met three times (December 1, 8, and 15) to develop the following recommendations (in no particular order):

  • Develop a long-term gravel strategy to secure gravel sources for future Leduc County maintenance requirements.
  • Establish quality control standards for gravel to ensure our gravel quality is of a high standard.
  • Develop standard maintenance operating procedures to ensure consistency in road maintenance performed across the County.
  • Consider additional supervisory staff position to manage high work load, develop and implement standard maintenance operating procedures listed above, provide training and supervise road maintenance operations.
  • Formalize and enhance existing staff training program including a mentorship component where experienced staff can assist in training new staff.
  • Develop and implement communication plan for upcoming road maintenance activities to keep public informed. Develop a long-term strategy/ plan for road development (oiling of roads and dust suppression).
  • Consider the cost benefits and longevity of using the incorporated dust suppression (where oil is incorporated in gravel) as opposed to current top- shoot dust suppression.
  • Consider using alternate products for dust strip suppression, knowing that the most inexpensive options may not give the best longevity of use.
  • To promote divisional equality in terms of dust suppression, provide criteria used in determining dust suppression plans for an area and what is required or the threshold at which a local road is oiled using the incorporated dust suppression method.
  • Dust suppression to be put out for competitive bid (for both road and residential strips). This proactive action will ensure we are getting the most for our dollar when using other resources to supplement dust suppression activities done by Leduc County staff.
  • Establish a snow clearing contractor availability database to access in the event there excessive snowfall and we need assistance from other resources.

Council applauded the commitment and efforts of this committee. "We appreciate all the work you have done on this and you have most definitely given us a lot to think about as we move forward in reviewing and establishing policies, plans and corresponding budget implications moving forward," stated Public Works Committee Chair John Schonewille. The Public Works Committee then passed a motion to accept the recommendations as information for future planning and for administration to follow up with an action plan to implement the RMAC recommendations (including costs, time frames and implementation strategies) for Council to review in planning ahead.

"Residents are watching closely to see what comes of this committee and our recommendations," stated Darcy Doblanko, RMAC Committee member and spokesperson during his presentation. "Speaking on behalf of this committee and residents, I want to thank you for endorsing this committee and giving us the opportunity to provide input on future road maintenance, as it is an issue that is of keen interest to all residents."

"This committee was a really good initiative," stated Brian Bowles, County Manager. "Not only were members able to express their concerns regarding road maintenance, but this experience also gave them the opportunity to learn about what we do and to review our policies and procedures. I think the committee and Leduc County both learned a lot from this experience." Des Mryglod, Director of Public Works & Engineering, agreed with Mr. Bowles that the committee was a beneficial endeavor and added that it is sometimes a challenge to meet the expectations of the ratepayers with limited resources. He also noted that we have a very experienced and capable workforce, who is dedicated to providing a high level of service to keep our roads safe.

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