With the purchase of a new LED video display score clock, the Humboldt Broncos have requested financial assistance from the city.
The hockey club has requested $80,000 to help cover the costs of removing the existing clock and the installation of the new clock.
Councillors debated the city’s level of responsibility in financially assisting the Broncos during their July 23 council meeting.
With the Broncos wanting to get the clock up for the upcoming season, the money would come out of the current city reserves instead of waiting for the 2019 budget season.
One side of the old clock will still be mounted and used for some minor and recreational hockey games within the arena, therefore extending its life and the life of the new clock.
The score clock will also require a trained person to run the display, said Day, but will still be made available to whichever club wants to use it for their events. (See editor's note at the end of the article)
Councillor Michael Behiel said several residents that have spoken to him regarding the level of financial support the city has already given the Broncos over the past decade, especially when the organization was not in a stable financial position.
Should the score clock be a priority while the city has roads, water and sewer mains, and sidewalks that the city also needs money to repair, asked Behiel.
The current clock is in need of replacing, said Mayor Rob Muench, and with the Broncos making the purchase, it is a cheaper option now at $80,000 than it could be down the road where the city would be paying up to three times as much.
Council passed the motion to take $80,000 from the city reserves to cover the requested costs at five votes to two.
City Manager Joe Day said the city would be working with the Broncos to finalize the marketing agreement to decide on appropriate marketing revenue percentages for each organization.
Council also started the process of amending their zoning bylaw to include a cannabis retail store within the city. Humboldt has been authorized to have one retail location for the sale of cannabis.
Legalization is set to occur on Oct. 17 with Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority regulating sales of cannabis.
Council went through the first reading of the amendment passing six votes to one vote to go forward.
The next step will be a public hearing on Aug. 27 where residents can voice their concerns or questions regarding the Humboldt retail location.
Any retail location will have to be located 150 m from any Humboldt school.
Council has also approved a motion to re-evaluate their asset management policy with a target date of Nov. 30, 2020.
Having an up to date asset management policy will ensure the city is up to date when applying for government grants and tax rebates, as well as having a replacement strategy in place for replacing aging infrastructure and facilities, said Muench.
Update: a previous version of the article stated the old score clock will be used by minor hockey. While this is true, that does not mean that the new score clock will not be available to minor hockey teams and other clubs who want to use it.
