Here is a brief rundown of items that came up at North Battleford council Monday. (Thanks to Marketing and Communications Co-ordinator Mike Halstead for providing this information):
Bev MacIsaac went before council Monday to make her case for a property to be included under a city tax exemption.
She told council it was the understanding of herself and her husband Pat (former fire chief) they would receive a three-year tax exemption under the Inner City Residential Development Incentive, after moving a home onto an empty lot they purchased at 1302 -107th St. But they were surprised to receive a tax bill and were also surprised by the explanation from City Manager Jim Toye, that the relocation of an existing structure does not constitute development of housing.
Councillor Trent Houk made clear he agreed with her position and later brought forward a notice of motion to bring forward a resolution granting the exemption to the next council meeting.
Council is seeking time to review the policy for further discussion at the meeting on May 13.
Council has agreed to provide a travel grant of $100 to 16-year-old Cole Knutson, who will represent North Battleford at the National Youth Band of Canada auditions in the Maritimes starting this weekend. Over 500 auditions are accepted for three alto saxophone positions and Knutson was accepted for both alto and soprano saxophones.
The grant was approved by a 6-1 count. Voting against was Councillor Cathy Richardson, who had instead supported a larger grant because of the lengthy distance involved.
In announcements and inquiries, Councillor Don Buglas asked when street cleaning would start. Public Works Director Stewart Schafer responded the priority these days has been potholes and ensuring proper drainage, but cleaning will commence within a couple of weeks.
He reported a private contractor has been taken on by the City to help with the first round of street cleaning again this year.
Also, residents who notice large amounts of garbage in alleyways during the spring thaw can call Public Works at 306-445-1730.
Mayor Ian Hamilton reminded the public that the annual United Way and Communities in Bloom cleanup day is May 11. Details are at www.cityofnb.ca in the news section.
Councillor Greg Lightfoot brought forward concerns raised by a number of people about the state of the road in front of A&W in the city's north end. A local improvement plan is in the works for that service road.
Councillor Ray Fox noted the second annual Walk a Mile in Her Shoes - Stop the Violence Against Women Walk is taking place May 11 from Territorial Place Mall.
Mayor Ian Hamilton proclaimed May 1 as the centennial anniversary of the city of North Battleford and asked residents to join him in celebrating in Central Park and also at the Centennial Gala.
Hamilton also proclaimed May 5 to 11 as Stop the Violence Against Women Awareness Week, May 6 to 12 as Mental Health Week and the month of May as Motorcycle Awareness Month.
North Battleford Fire and Emergency Services responded to 28 emergencies in March. They included fires, a carbon monoxide incident and vehicle collisions.
Bylaw enforcement is beginning to tow vehicles with outstanding or unpaid parking tickets. The City has also introduced an online pay option for parking fines, which can be found at www.cityofnb.ca.
Council approved a discretionary use application to develop a private school and public hall at 1761 - 99th St. The application called for 15 parking stalls at that location.
