Here is a rundown of some of the other highlights from the agenda at city hall's Monday meeting. Thanks to Communications Manager Mike Halstead for providing the information.
One issue was a concern about Water Treatment Plant No.1 raised by council candidate Ron Crush in a news report.
Councillor Greg Lightfoot referred to that report and wanted to know if Water Treatment Plant No. 1 was protected, as it was one identified to exist in a one in 500 year flood plain. Director of Public Works and Engineering Stewart Schafer responded that the issue will be addressed in the Water Plant Master Plan.
Councillor Cathy Richardson said there is much to be proud of in North Battleford. She had recently attended an International Women's Day event, a 4-H speech contest and an Ag. Society fundraiser. Richardson also talked about the upcoming Celebrate the Arts fundraiser at the Dekker Centre for the Performing Arts. She wanted to clear the air and let people know the Dekker Centre is not run by the City, but by an independent board.
The Dekker Centre is provided with a City grant, and Councillor Ryan Bater said he would like to see the Dekker Centre board report to council on how that grant is used and some of the events put on there.
A letter submitted by North Battleford HUB Steering Committee Chair Herb Sutton commended Deputy Fire Chief Kevin Steinborn for his work with the inter-agency organization.
The issue of funding for road projects under the Urban Connector Program was brought up.
City Planner Tim LaFreniere stated in a memo that the City had applied for Urban Connector Program funding for five separate projects in 2011 at a total value of $1.1 million. To date, none of those have been funded. City Manager Jim Puffalt said the Saskatchewan Highways and Infrastructure Ministry has not provided further information or assurance the projects would be funded this year.
City Council has adopted the Communications Policy put forward by Halstead.
The policy includes a media policy and a policy for social media and are described as a culmination of municipal best practices research by the communications manager. It is also the result of a community and employee consultation conducted for the City last fall.
Council adopted proposed local improvements: 19th Avenue from Walker Drive to Territorial Drive (pavement overlay) for $128,593.00; and Pearson Avenue from 110th Street to St. Laurent Drive (subgrade, subbase, base and pavement) for $477,536.35. An application is to be made under the Local Improvements Act to the Saskatchewan Municipal Board Local Government Committee to undertake the work.
Fire Chief Albert Headrick has been appointed as the emergency measures co-ordinator per the emergency planning bylaw.
The next council meeting is Monday, March 24 at 8 p.m.
