Here is a rundown of some of the activity from Monday’s city council meeting in North Battleford.
Perhaps the biggest story of the meeting was the fact Mayor Ian Hamilton was not there. He was scheduled for surgery Tuesday morning, so the meeting was chaired by Deputy Mayor Ray Fox.
Dekker Centre for the Performing Arts General Manager Moe McGuinty provided council with his annual report on the facility’s activities. He noted the year before the theatre saw 109 days of use and 57 shows, but in 2014 the numbers went up to 134 days and 70 shows presented. Gross revenue was $695,880 representing a 20 per cent increase.
Downtown North Battleford Executive Director Lisa McEachern gave an update of the activities of the downtown business improvement district. Among the accomplishments cited were façade improvement grants provided to five different buildings, the attraction of more than 10 new businesses to downtown, the street beautification program with a May 31 deadline for applications and return of a number of events including Live@Lunch starting June 10.
Council received correspondence from federal Aboriginal Affairs Minister Bernard Valcourt, dated April 29, on the federal efforts towards missing and murdered Aboriginal women. The correspondence was a response from the City’s letter to the federal government on the issue.
Valcourt cited efforts including a $25 million Action Plan as well as the Family Homes on Reserves and Matrimonial Interests or Rights Act that provides basic rights and protections to individuals on reserve in a relationship.
“Significant time, effort and resources have been spent studying this issue. The Government of Canada believes now is the time for action, not more studies,” Valcourt stated.
Proclamations were received regarding Sexual Assault Awareness Week, May 10-16, Naturopathic Medicine Week May 11-17 and National Public Works Week. May 17-23.
Eight nominees were announced for the Snow Angel program for the month of March and nominee Murray Heintz won the draw as the recipient of the final $50 gift card for the year. A grand total of 57 Snow Angels had been nominated for the 2014-15 season.
The report was presented on the successful May 7 Clean-up Day in the city, which saw 42 volunteers register at City Hall while another 75 City staff participated.
A motion passed so that criminal records check fees will be waived for Operation Red Nose volunteers in 2015.
Council passed a resolution approving the 2015-16 letter of understanding agreement with the Ministry of Social Services in support of the Discounted Bus Pass Program.
A travel grant request from Cole Knutson dated April 20, 2015, to assist with costs associated with travel to participate in the National Youth Band of Canada and the World Youth Wind Orchestra was approved in the amount of $200.
An application was approved to install a double faced poster panel sign at 371 Railway Avenue East.
Finally, council decided to reject each bid received for the tax title properties at 792 - 107th St. and 831, 861 and 901 - 104th St., and authorized administration to negotiate a private sale agreement with the respective bidders, using each original bid proposal as a guideline.
