Here is a rundown of highlights of what happened at city council in North Battleford Monday.
The information comes courtesy of City Marketing and Communications Co-ordinator Mike Halstead.
Council received correspondence from Garth Kessler, program and policy advisor, New Deal Secretariat regarding an update to the new deal gas tax funding.
The letter confirmed the remaining almost $2.5 million of the entire $5.3 million has now been allocated, with that $2.5 million going towards the Credit Union CUPlex project.
In proclamations, Mayor Ian Hamilton proclaimed World Plumbing Day (March 11), Shift Work Recognition Day (March 20), International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (March 21), and Francophonie Week (March 11-17).
In inquiries and announcements, Councillor Ryan Bater wanted to know whether the two-hour downtown parking time limits are being enforced. He said he tested the system last week and noted he did not receive a parking ticket and he encouraged enforcement to be stepped up in those locations.
Councillor Cathy Richardson encouraged residents to check out the Kiwanis Music Festival this week. As well, she issued a challenge to members of the community to enter an amazing race team as part of a Centennial Amazing Race being organized for July 1. The race will feature 20 four-person teams, with the winning team getting $20,000.
Building Inspector Jerry Wintonyk, presented a building plan for a new 4,164 square foot Service Canada office building at 1401-101st St. at a value of $450,000. Work is expected to get started in the next few months.
Wintonyk also reported significant progress has been made on a home at 1261-99th St. where a demolition order was appealed. Council had granted the appeal on the condition "substantial completion" be achieved by Jan. 31. Wintonyk reports the owners are going above and beyond in the renovations.
In unfinished business council turned down a Civic Centre rental rate reduction request from the Kinsmen Rodeo Committee. However, the group was encouraged to apply for a community grant through the Parks, Recreation, Culture and Heritage Committee.
This would be similar to what the Battlefords AAA Stars were granted when they made a similar request for their Wade Belak tribute game in January. The parks committee meets next Monday and approval of a grant to the Kinsmen Rodeo is expected at that time.
Cemetery rates are being adjusted to reflect rising costs of operations. The new rates take effect April 1.
Local improvement reports are to be prepared for 19th Avenue from 93rd Street to Walker Drive (pavement overlay) and also for Pioneer Avenue from Battleford Road to 114th Street (sub grade, sub base, base and pavement).
Council approved some changes to fines within the traffic bylaw. Effective immediately, early payment for a downtown or residential parking infraction goes up from $12 to $20; the fine for wrongful parking in handicap areas, fire lanes and safety areas is now $150 with early payment set at $100; fines for driving around barricades and through closed roadways go up from $100 to $300; the fine for obstructing any public highway, public property or sidewalk is now $500, up from $60.
Finally, council approved an application to develop a nail salon-personal service home based business at 1472-93rd St.
