Here is a rundown of some of the activities from the April 14 meeting of North Battleford council. Thanks to City Communication Manager Mike Halstead for much of the information.
The meeting was highlighted by a presentation from Moe McGuinty, general manager of the Dekker Centre for the Performing Arts.
McGuinty reported on some of the shows and local talent that ventured through the building during the first year, and touted a strong performance by the Dekker Centre in its first year of operations. McGuinty noted the facility was booked for 169 "event days" in 2013 and "the curtain was raised 59 times, so more than once a week we had an event that was open to the public."
The events were well-attended with total paid attendance of 12,500. Another 9,500 attended as conference or meeting attendees, McGuinty said. "Virtually all the attendees had positive comments," he added.
Moreover, the building showed a profit in its first year. Revenue exceeded $575,000 and "we're in the black," said McGuinty. The estimated economic impact of operations was more than $1.38 million.
He gave special thanks to the support of 98 active volunteers at the facility. The facility is City-owned, but is operated separately by an independent board.
In announcements/inquiries/proclamations, Councillor Ryan Bater asked about the schedule for street sweeping. Director of Public Works and Engineering Stewart Schafer responded sweeping had already started on 13th Avenue and 15th Avenue, and would continue downtown and other priority routes before moving to secondary streets.
Councillor Cathy Richardson recognized the Western Development Museum in North Battleford, who received a Platinum Award from RV West Magazine as a favourite attraction in Saskatchewan.
She also announced Habitat for Humanity is holding a fundraising concert Sunday, April 27th from 2 to 4 p.m. at Third Avenue United Church. Local musicians are to be featured and the goal is to raise $50,000.
In reports, Halstead reported the Snow Angel program has wrapped up for the year and will resume Nov.1. There were 131 Snow Angel nominations in its first year.
Environmental Technologist Tammy MacCormack submitted the 2013 Drinking Water Quality Report, Wastewater Treatment Plant 2013 Report and the 2013 Waste Management Facility Report.
The city has exceeded the provincial drinking water standards and is meeting the standards for sewer services and waste management services as well. The documents are available for viewing at: http://cityofnb.ca/city_government/publications_and_reports.html
The main highlight of new business at city council Monday was the adoption of a Monument and Cairns Policy. The policy was put forward by Parks and Recreation Director Bill Samborski.
The policy will guide installation of commemorative structures in the city. A five-step process is being contemplated where each proposal would go to the Parks and Recreation Committee or, alternatively, a Commemoration Review Committee if the parks and recreation board is not available; that the City would work with the proponents on locations for the commemoration; that the design would be reviewed and approved; the final site is recommended and approved; and that fundraising for full project costs be completed prior to installation. The role of council would be to have final say on the site, said Samborski.
The establishment of the policy was prompted by a request last year from the local Battlefords Ukrainian Cultural Council to place a Holodomor monument in the city. It is anticipated the new policy will apply to that proposal and others.
The policy would not cover art, but Samborski indicated they want to start working on a Visual Arts Placement Policy for the city as well.
City council adopted the new Monument and Cairns Policy unanimously Monday.
The next meeting of City Council is on Monday, April 28 at 8 p.m.
