I have called the Magrath Town Office (403 758-3212) twice so far, last week and again today, and was only told it had 'been reported' and they were told Volker-Stevin was 'waiting for parts' to repair it.
Yes, I realize that Volker-Stevin is technically responsible for the maintenance on these lights. However, I see this as a huge safety issue here in Magrath. School kids cross the busy main street/highway here every day. In any other community, would the lights remain in-operational for week(s) on end? I think not. When I asked for a contact at Volker-Stevin all they had was a phone number from the internet. Perhaps a more official letter from the town addressing this concern or a phone call from CAO or Mayor to a dedicated contact serving our town at Volker-Stevin could get us an ETA on the repair?
Concerned Citizen
Roger Davies
Box 152 Magrath, AB T0K 1J0
-- RESPONSE FROM TOWN (same day, wow!) --
Fri 25 Oct 2013
Roger,
My staff reported the inoperable cross-light issue to Volker Stevin as soon as it occurred. Their Repair Division in Lethbridge told us that they first had to order the part. I notified them again today confirming in writing the urgency of this situation from the Town’s perspective. I expect that it will be taken care of very shortly.
Yours sincerely,
Wade Alston
Chief Administrative Officer
-- Follow-up comments --
Sat 26 Oct 2013
Thanks Wade for your letter and prompt response! Volker-Stevin called me at work today to explain their delays as well. Apparently their main repair person for this is out of Lethbridge and tied up there .. but they have another person lined up to look at it by Tue next. I am happy that they are working on it, but it is a strange situation where no one seems to be completely responsible for it. As a 'highway (Hwy 62) road' passing through our town, if we needed a new crossing light, I suppose the Alberta Department of Transportation would pay for and install it? For repairs of existing equipment, as sub-contractor for province, Volker-Stevin? Meanwhile it crosses through Magrath directly down 'main street' Magrath and impacts us most directly here .. and it still is not fixed .. yet.
Not exactly no-mans land, but everyone-else's road ..
-- and finally --
Wed 30 Oct 2013
Volker-Stevin and Town of Magrath (Wade and Brenda) contacted me by phone and email to report they were able to work out a solution. As for myself, had another near-truck experience yesterday .. where a truck almost forget to stop for me. Although initially they reported it working early Wed morning, it had stopped again by the noon hour. Thankfully by 1pm, however, the replacement button installed on the east end was made to work and the temporary signs posted stating: 'Lights are not working, proceed with caution' were able to be removed. Many thanks to all involved for getting these lights working again! //rdd