Here is a rundown of some of the agenda from North Battleford's city council meeting Monday night. (Thanks to City Communications Manager Mike Halstead for his assistance providing much of this information.)
Upcoming are some major events to promote awareness of gay and lesbian issues in the community. A letter was received from the Gay Straight Alliance at Sakewew High School stating that Pink Revolution Week takes place from Friday, April 4 to Friday, April 11. As well, Day of Pink is set for Wednesday, April 9. People are being encouraged to wear pink as a way to spread a message that bullying, violence, discrimination and homophobia are not to be tolerated.
The raising of a pink flag will take place outside North Battleford City Hall Friday, April 4 at 10 a.m.
Connected to these activities, Mayor Ian Hamilton has proclaimed April 4 to April 11 as Pink Revolution Week, and March 30 to April 5 as Trans Awareness Week.
Councillor Cathy Richardson noted the Kiwanis Music Festival began March 25 and runs to April 9.
Councillor Ryan Bater inquired about the issue of potholes, now that spring is upon us. Director of Public Works Stewart Schafer said residents should report potholes by calling 306-445-1730.
Mayor Ian Hamilton confirmed he and local RCMP inspector, John Sutherland, would be in Ottawa this week for the Policing and Community Partnerships Symposium. They expect to learn best practices across Canada, talk about community safety and network with leaders from other communities facing similar issues.
The changes to a city-wide garbage and recycling in the city will be the subject of upcoming open houses.
Mike Halstead confirmed the dates for the open houses as Wednesday, April 2, Wednesday, April 9 and Thursday, April 17 in Room No. 107 of the Don Ross Centre from 5 to 8 p.m.
City officials will be there and residents are encouraged to show up to learn more about the changes and have their questions and concerns addressed. Displays and updated information will be on hand as well.
The Home Hardware Building Centre expansion project, some details of which were reported in the Regional Optimist last week, came up as part of "new business" Monday.
The issue council dealt with Monday was additional land to accommodate the expansion. Council passed a resolution authorizing the mayor and city clerk to execute a lease agreement with Cash and Carry Lumber Mart (Home Hardware) for approximately 3.77 acres of city-owned property, to accommodate the expansion.
The city property in question is to the east of Home Hardware and currently stores transit buses and some other materials. Those will be relocated.
The lease agreement will run for a three-year term with an option for three more, said City Manager Jim Puffalt.
The Home Hardware expansion, taking place over the coming year, is a major project to North Battleford. The expansion will add approximately 25,000 square feet to the store space at their location; the building plan is expected to come before council sometime in the near future.
Another item that came forward to council from the executive committee meeting was on the topic of revitalization of the downtown area and the development of a downtown master plan. Council authorized administration to approach Crosby Hanna and Associates about preparing a downtown master plan.
"What we're doing there is asking Crosby, Hanna to give us a proposal to sole source it, just because they have so much experience and background in that project and direct experience in North Battleford," Puffalt told reporters. The intention is for a downtown master plan to be completed in time for the 2015 budget deliberations.
City Council meets again in three weeks on Monday, April 14 at 8 p.m.
