news 371 council notes april 22 2013

City Council April 22nd, 2013 Delegations  Four Grade 5 students from Bready Elementary School read poems submitted fo...

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City Council April 22nd, 2013 Delegations 

Four Grade 5 students from Bready Elementary School read poems submitted for the Mayor’s Poetry Challenge -- written to mark the 2013 Centennial. Council, administration, and guests in the gallery heard “The Timeline” by Alex Chmelnyk, “Celebrating a Century” by Ashlyn Elmer, “What is My City?” by Tanner Gartner, and “A Long Time Ago, A Hundred Years Ago” by Catherine Zens. Mayor Ian Hamilton presented each with a copy of the Centennial book “Reflections”.



Resident Bev MacIsaac understood she and her husband were to receive a three year tax exemption under the Inner City Residential Development Incentive after moving a home onto an empty lot they had purchased at 1302 107th Street. MacIsaac received a tax bill as well as an explanation from City Manager, Jim Toye, that the relocation of an existing structure does not constitute development of housing. City Council wants time to review the policy and bring the issue back to the May 13th meeting.

Correspondence 

City Council received a revised budget and request for initial start-up funding from the newly established Downtown Business Improvement District (BID). Council approved a conditional grant for $87,683 for the BID to immediately begin operations. The Board members are as follows: Chair Derek Schmidt (Bill & Don’s Menswear), Co-chair Rhonda Shepherd (Lifetime Fitness), Secretary Kathy Adams (Blue Rentals), Treasurer Elaine Bendel (RBC Tower Rep.), Director Beth Walls (Logan’s), Director Sonya Hilsendager (EduServ Learning Adventures), Director Chad Gartner (Innovation Credit Union), Director Thomas Sullivan (RBC).



16 year old Cole Knutson will represent North Battleford at the National Youth Band of Canada auditions in the Maritimes starting this weekend. The band accepts over 500 auditions for only three alto saxophone positions and Knutson was chosen – accepted for both alto and soprano saxophones. Council agreed to provide a travel grant of $100.00.

 The Battlefords Chamber of Commerce submitted the views of its Executive Committee and Board on the proposed 10% Business Licence Fee increase presented to Council on April 8th, stating it is difficult to support along with other increases businesses are faced with. City Manager Jim Toye said on April 8th businesses operating within City limits would pay between $2.00 and $105.00 more per year – the average yearly increase being $40.00. The Bylaw to amend the Business Licence Bylaw received third reading and was passed last night.

Announcements/Inquiries 

Councillor Don Buglas asked when street cleaning will begin. Director of Public Works and Engineering, Stewart Schafer, said the priority these days has been potholes and ensuring proper drainage but cleaning will commence within a couple of weeks. The City has hired a private contractor to help with the first round of street cleaning again this year.



If residents notice large amounts of garbage in alleys during the spring thaw, they can call Public Works at 306-445-1730. Mayor Ian Hamilton also encouraged residents to “do your part” in helping to keep the City clean and reminded everyone the annual United Way and Communities in Bloom cleanup day is May 11th (details @ www.cityofnb.ca in the news section).



A local improvement plan is in the works for the service road in front of A&W. Councillor Greg Lightfoot had noted the road is in disrepair.



Councillor Trent Houk requested better “no left turn” signage and better warning signage in general for truckers after the incident last week where a semi crashed into a power pole near the theatre downtown (100th and 11th).



Councillor Ray Fox reminded residents about the 2nd Annual Walk a Mile in Her Shoes Stop the Violence Against Women Walk – taking place on May 11th from Territorial Place Mall.

Proclamations  Mayor Ian Hamilton proclaimed May 1st, 2013 as the Centennial Anniversary of the City of North Battleford and asked residents join him in celebrating in Central Park and also at the Centennial Gala. Hamilton also proclaimed May 5-11 as Stop the Violence Against Women Awareness Week, May 6-12 as Mental Health Week and May as Motorcycle Awareness Month.

Reports 

The North Battleford Fire Department responded to 28 emergent incidents in March including fires, a carbon monoxide incident, and vehicle collisions.



Bylaw Enforcement is starting to tow vehicles with a number of outstanding and unpaid parking tickets. The City has also introduced an online pay option for parking fines (www.cityofnb.ca)

New Business 

City Council approved a discretionary use application to develop a private school and public hall at 1761-99th Street.

The next meeting of City Council is on Monday, May 13th, 2013.