A motion to approve $22,542.85 worth of electrical upgrades to Eiling Kramer Campground was defeated during a recent regular town council meeting, although the matter has been tabled for further discussion.
The upgrades call for installation of a transformer by SaskPower at a cost of $5,910.85 and the installation of a main disconnect switch by L7 Electric at a cost of $16,632.
The transformer and main disconnect switch would give the campground the infrastructure necessary to add more electrical sites. Currently, 36 sites have electricity and 38 are without.
Actually adding electrical outlets to sites would be at an additional cost, depending on the distance from the sites to the switch.
Randy Redding, superintendent of parks and recreation for the Town of Battleford, indicated L7 Electric had quoted the closest six sites at $7,000 and another six, further away, at $9,000.
Redding added he had sent out requests to three companies for quotes, and of the two he received, L7 Electric was the least expensive.
Councillor Cameron Duncan, who made the motion to approve the installation of the switch and transformer, said, "Thinking back to my camping days, we always looked for sites with power."
Duncan added the expense was already approved in this year's budget.
Councillor Derek Mahon agreed with Duncan, adding the cost could increase by next year if council decided to wait.
However, Mayor Chris Odishaw said he would like to see if the total cost of the project could be reduced by having all the work - the switch, transformer and outlets - completed at once.
"If we're going to invest in it, we should invest in the whole thing," said Odishaw, adding: "The town of Battleford remains to be a great place to live, work and play."
In 2010, the Eiling Kramer Campground, which is open from May to Sept., nearly doubled in profits from last year, with 5,218 sites being rented for a total revenue of $94, 017.38. Last year, the campground brought in $52,590.60 and in 2006, $33,707.
During the same meeting, council did, however, approve Redding's request to purchase a 1710 Turf-Tidy at $24,000, not including taxes, from Clark's Supply and Service.
Council was divided almost evenly down the middle over whether or not to purchase the tow-behind implement.
"Is it really necessary?" asked Councillor Donna Lavin, after hearing the town has operated without the machine up until now.
Redding explained the machine is capable of picking up leaves in the fall and dead grass in spring, both of which can clog up traditional mowers. He added the machine will only be used for 'tame' areas, such as the campground and the ACT park.
"It's something we should have had years ago," said Redding.
In the end, the motion was carried 4-3, with Donna Lavin, Chris Odishaw and Bill Halewich opposed.
