Here is a rundown of some of the highlights of Monday's council meeting in North Battleford. (Thanks to Communications Manager Mike Halstead for providing much of this information.)
Councillor Don Buglas made a motion that flags at City Hall be lowered to half-mast on Tuesday, June 10 in memory of the three fallen Moncton, N.B. RCMP officers.
That motion carried unanimously. As part of that motion, city staff were encouraged to show their support by wearing red at the workplace in remembrance of the officers who were killed last week.
Mayor Ian Hamilton noted there was a candlelight vigil held Friday night in front of the RCMP detachment in North Battleford in memory of the RCMP officers.
City Clerk Debbie Wohlberg added that books of condolence are available to sign at City Hall until Friday, June 13 in the front foyer. Arrangements for that are being done by the Eternal Memories funeral home in the city.
Councillor Greg Lightfoot raised the issue of whether the city could get into residential composting. He said he has received many calls about it in the last several days.
City Manager Jim Puffalt said North Battleford is in discussions with Loraas about a possible compost program. He expected to have more information on it within the next week.
Mayor Hamilton also invited the community to the North Battleford Hub barbecue in Central Park Thursday from 11:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. Downtown North Battleford will also host Live at Lunch in Central Park starting June 11, with events due to happen ever two weeks during the summer.
Mayor Hamilton proclaimed June 7-14 as Canadian Red Cross Water Safety Week, June 15-21 as Saskatchewan Tourism Week, and June as Brain Injury Awareness Month.
First quarter financials were released by Director of Finance David Gillan. He reported most revenue and expense items for 2014 are on target. A further report on second quarter results is to come in August.
The tax collection report was also presented showing an outstanding 2014 to date arrears balance of $913,998.49.
City Building Inspector Jerry Wintonyk reported a new building plan at Monday's meeting. A new car wash - four bay car, one bay truck, and one touchless - called Betty Bubbles is being built in close proximity to Oil Can Charlie's at 2652-99th St. The project is valued at $1.6 million.
There was some discussion Monday of the mobile garbage and recycling collection reminder app launched by the City June 9. As of June 10, 127 people have downloaded the app, according to the city.
The app can be found on Google Play and Apple iTunes. More can be found at http://cityofnb.ca/for_residents/garbage.html
In new business, council approved a resolution where the City signs on to the Multi-Material Stewardship Recycling Program, by entering into an agreement with Multi-Material Stewardship Western Inc.
Also, the 2014 capital works underground utilities contract has been awarded to Unicon Pipeline Ltd. for $3,419,240 plus GST. This project includes street water and sewer replacements, airport storm sewer, water main replacement and street underground construction.
Finally, newly-elected councillor Kelli Saemann has entered the rotation of councillors to serve as deputy mayor. She has been appointed to serve in that capacity for January and February of both 2015 and 2016.
The next meeting of council is Monday, June 23 at 8 p.m.
