Here is a summary of some of the highlights from the council meeting in North Battleford May 12. Thanks to City Communications Manager Mike Halstead for providing much of this information.
The City received the annual report for North Battleford Public Library Librarian, Amanda Foster, for 2013.
That report highlighted several programs and services including the popular Lego Club for Kids, along with a summer reading program and other activities.
Council also heard concerns about the bus depot from resident Marilyn Richardson, who expressed a wide range of concerns, among them the obstacles to purchasing tickets online to use at the depot. Council pledged to follow up, but noted the depot is a private business.
In correspondence, council received a letter from Lorna McLean, signed by several other individuals, outlining concerns with the practice of giving out candy during the Northwest Territorial Days Parade.
Several concerns were raised about potential injury and liability, trash and harm to bodies ingesting sugar. The issue councillors were most concerned with, however, was the liability issue and the risk of injuries posed to children rushing for candy on the streets. They pledged to look into that further.
Also received was a letter from Loraas Environmental Services Ltd. explaining the process behind discontinuing recycling service subscriptions to households.
Mayor Ian Hamilton proclaimed May 12-18 as Naturopathic Medicine Week, May 18-24 as National Public Works Week and May 2014 as Ehlers-Danlos Awareness Month.
Councillor Don Buglas wanted to know when traffic cameras would be installed at Territorial Drive and Highway 4 North/100th Street. Dan Maloney of the engineering department responded that work on the project will begin later this week and should be complete in July. When the project is done, turning signals will be operational on all four traffic lights at the intersection.
Councillor Cathy Richardson spoke of an initiative for Habitat for Humanity. For a $20 donation, the organization will pick up compost and deliver it to the waste management facility. Those interested can call 306-481-6583.
Also, on the subject of waste collection implementing the new garbage and recycling schedule, residents can go to the Garbage page and the Recycling page at www.cityofnb.ca, where they can sign up for texts, email alerts or phone calls to remind them about their garbage and recycling collection days.
It is also where residents can download and print off a personalized collection day schedule.
Council agreed to underwrite criminal record checks for Operation Red Nose volunteers for the 2014 season. They will be provided by the City at no cost.
As well, a request was approved from No. 43 Royal Canadian Air Cadets to have Tag Day Saturday, May 17.
Finally, councillors bid farewell to CJNB's City Hall reporter Deborah Shawcross, who covered her final council meeting Monday. She is moving on to CJME radio in Regina.
The next council meeting is May 26.
