Here are some highlights from the April 9 meeting of North Battleford city council:
A good portion of Monday night’s council meeting was devoted to discussion of a request to lower the speed limit on a portion of 99th Street near a daycare centre.
A request had come in from the North Battleford Daycare Centre out of concern that vehicles are speeding by the location in a manner unsafe for children. The daycare is located on the 1300 block of 99th Street.
The posted speed limit is 50 km per hour and consideration was given to lowering it to 30 km/h.
However, administration recommended not going along with the request. According to a city memo, data had indicated that vehicles are travelling below the posted speed limits already and safety measures have already been taken.
Council members did like the idea of putting up more safety signage there. Council passed a resolution recommending no changes to the speed limit and to encourage the daycare centre to enhance their safety signage and also increase their safety education with the parents and children who use it.
“A lot of it comes back to the old adage ‘look both ways when crossing the street,’” explained Mayor Ryan Bater to reporters afterwards.
While the daycare would be responsible for signage, the indication from the city manager is they would also look into “children at play” signage that could be provided.
In other items from the meeting:
The city is recognizing its first “neighbourhood champions” under the Eyes that Care initiative. Only one family was nominated in March and so Jim and Cheryl Irvine will receive a $50 gift card from the city. They were nominated by a neighbour who recognized the Irvines’ efforts to shovel their snow and collect mail while they were away for a few months.
As well 13 Snow Angels were nominated for the month of March and Tammy Fidler was drawn as the $50 Visa gift card recipient.
The North Battleford Cheer Legacy Athletics Dynasty Team has been approved for a $500 travel grant as per the city’s travel grant policy, helping with expenses to attend the World’s Cheerleading Championship Competition in Orlando, Florida.
Council has approved the low bid from Carmount Construction Ltd. for $57,860.10 for the chlorine storage room tender for water treatment plant no.1. The overall total for the project is estimated at $69,060.10 plus tax.
Council also approved purchase of a slightly-used Forest River Cargo Mate trailer from Kramer Trailer Sales for $8,000.
Finally, council approved the purchase of a Fire Hall utility trailer for $4,200 plus GST/PST. That also was carried unanimously.
The next council meeting is scheduled for April 23.
