Here are some of the other highlights from the North Battleford city council meeting held on Feb. 27:
Mayor Ryan Bater mentioned was the Sask. Association of Agricultural Societies and Exhibitions convention, hosted this year by the Battlefords Agricultural Society.
Bater took note of two local people who received recognition at that provincial convention. One was John Eberle, of North Battleford who received a Lifetime Membership from the provincial organization for his work in the Battlefords Agricultural Society.
The other was Battleford resident Rhonda Erickson, who was named Volunteer of the Year. Erickson is a board member with the Battlefords Ag Society.
Bater also noted there were “a lot of great comments from the delegates on how beautiful the community looked and what a great job the local Ag Society did in hosting the convention.”
As well, Bater asked city manager Jim Puffalt about assessment notices. Those are in the process of being delivered, Puffalt confirmed.
There are some changes this year, Puffalt said. Among other things, residential taxable assessment has gone from a 70 percent value to an 80 percent value.
“This is assessment only, these are not tax notices,” said Puffalt. There is a 60-day period to appeal. It’s a complicated process and a step towards property taxation, but “it’s not property taxation, yet,” he said.
A circular has been sent out and there would be information on city officials to contact, Puffalt said.
City administration has received from Golder Associates Ltd. a 105-page 2016 groundwater monitoring report. It is an annual requirement by SaskEnvironment to monitor groundwater around the Waste Management Facility so leachate is not leaking into the surrounding aquifer.
According to that report, samples from the waste management facility’s monitoring wells in the area indicate they have not been affected. Administration is willing to make copies available to those interested in looking at the report.
City council also approved a request from #43 Royal Canadian Air Cadets to hold Tag Day on March 11 and 13.
As well, a request has been approved to have a “Blessing Box” installed in an outside location at Central Park. The initiative came from Natalya Shevchuk, 2016 Junior Citizen of the Year in the Battlefords, who received a Canada 150 grant for the project.
The idea is for a large cupboard-type container that contains everyday essential items such as food, toothbrushes and toothpaste, deodorant, water bottles, toques, mitts, scarves and other items, which can be picked up by the less fortunate without hving to sk others for help.
Despite worries that the box could be vandalized, the request received unanimous approval at council.
Brianna Barclay has been appointed to the Leisure Services Advisory Committee as a youth representative from North Battleford Comprehensive High School.
Finally, in proclamations, March 8 to 22 have been proclaimed as Francophonie Week in the city of North Battleford. The city will also raise the Fransaskois flag on March 13 at 10 am.
The next city council meeting is March 13.
