The Jan. 13 meeting of council proved to be particularly newsworthy with the announcement of a new city manager (Jim Puffalt), introduction of the new RCMP inspector (John Sutherland), and the acceptance of the resignation of city councillor Trent Houk. The announcement of the Walmart expansion was also particularly welcome news as well.
But there were plenty of other items that were on the agenda at the meeting and those will be recapped here. Thanks go to city marketing and communications coordinator Mike Halstead for providing much of this information.
One of the major items of the night concerned the Draft Official Community Plan, which is available for review at http://cityofnb.ca/city_government/official_community_plan.html.
The draft has already drawn some reaction. Council received correspondence from Battlefords Chamber of Commerce president Sharon Mohagen on the document.
Her letter outlined some concerns the Chamber wanted to see addressed, as well as items they supported. The city plans to incorporate feedback on the Official Community Plan into the final document, with the OCP due to return to council for second and third reading later this month.
Council also received a letter from Holm Clements Kwong Svenkeson Raiche Chartered Accountants discussing requirements for the auditor and responsibilities of management in audit processes.
The city also received correspondence prior to budget deliberations from the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB). Budget deliberations were set for Jan. 15 and Jan. 20 and draft documents can be found at: http://www.cityofnb.ca/city_government/publications_and_reports.html .
In announcements/inquiries, councillor Don Buglas encouraged residents to report directly to SaskPower any burned out street lights.
Councillor Ryan Bater congratulated "one of our own," city building inspector Jerry Wintonyk, for being honoured as 2013 Citizen of the Year.
Bater also commended the Parks and Rec staff for diligently maintaining the outdoor skating rinks, available to residents free of charge.
Mayor Hamilton also reminded residents that city facilities were closed Wednesday, Jan. 15 from 11:30 until 1:30 to allow long service City employees to be recognized during a ceremony.
In reports, it was submitted the City issued 106 building permits from January to October 2013 valued at over $19.3 million total.
Council also received Handi-bus and North Battleford Public Transit meeting minutes. Transit had 13,000 riders in 2013. The Handi-bus had more than 22,000 riders, according to Councillor Greg Lightfoot.
A report was also provided on the Snow Angel Program, launched at the end of October. A report to Council stated the City received 24 Snow Angel nominations during the month of November and a total of 56 in December. Marketing and Communications Coordinator Mike Halstead said there are approximately 30 nominations so far for the month of January.
As part of New Business, Council approved Community grants to the following: Lawrence School $700; Battlefords Boys and Girls Club $2,500; Eagles Nest Youth Ranch $1,944; Aquatic Centre (Senior Swim program) $1,000; Aquatic Centre (ACT Therapy program) $1,000; Bready School $700.
The next meeting of City Council is Monday, Jan. 27 at 8 p.m. It should be noted the City is now Tweeting and updating Facebook during meetings. To follow along, you can follow '@citynb' on Twitter and like 'City of North Battleford (Official)' on Facebook.
