Here is a rundown of some of the items from a busy North Battleford city council agenda from the Jan. 27 meeting. Thanks to City Marketing and Communications Co-ordinator Mike Halstead for providing much of this information.
The main presentation on the night was of the downtown business improvement district's 2014 Work Plan, presented by its Executive Director Lisa McEachern.
The work plan includes development of a master plan to be implemented over the next several years. Numerous beautification projects will also take place in 2014 along with a number of events designed to encourage visitors to downtown.
McEachern confirmed that one of those new events will be an International Street Performers Festival to be held in July.
Also in the works is the local "LOVE" shopping campaign in February, a rodeo event in April, a Spring Fling in May featuring the Boys and Girls Club Soapbox Derby and the return of Live @ Lunch events in June, July and August. A second annual Fall Festival and Car Show is slated for September, a Turkey Day 5K is set for October and the Christmas Parade and Winter Festival is due to return in November. For more details, see the downtown BID's website at www.downtownnb.ca.
In correspondence, council received a letter from Richard Hiebert, Ph.D, of the Battlefords Heritage Society, on the formation of a Historic Structures and Properties Committee to review the preservation of historic buildings in North Battleford. The purpose of the committee, Hiebert stated in his letter, is to "ensure the preservation of our built heritage."
The committee plans to present a draft policy on all matters respecting the city's historic buildings and properties. In his letter, Hiebert proposed having the committee act as a stand-alone, but also indicated he wanted to see a formal liaison with the City. He recommended the City appoint a councillor and an administrator to meet with them as the need arises.
Follow-up correspondence and further discussions are expected in the coming days.
Mayor Ian Hamilton proclaimed Feb. 2-8 as International Development Week.
The final RCMP, fire, bylaw enforcement, and building statistics for 2013 were presented at Monday night's meeting. Also received was a report from 2013 centennial chair, Tammy Donahue Buziak, giving a detailed overview of the centennial events that had taken place throughout 2013.
In new business, council has voted to contract with Lystek International Inc. to modify the waste water treatment plant and install bio-solids treatment equipment for a capital cost of $3,197,250 plus GST.
This project will design and construct a facility to convert bio-solids into fertilizer and divert sludge from being hauled to the landfill, which has been a major issue for the City in recent years.
Also in new business, council approved the moving of a home from Glaslyn into North Battleford (931 - 107th St.).
In appointments, Diane Gabruch has been reappointed to the Battlefords Transit Committee for a further term expiring Dec. 31, 2014.
The next council meeting is Feb. 10 at 8 p.m.
