Here's a look at some of the highlights from the Nov. 12 meeting of city council. The meeting itself had a relatively short agenda compared to previous meetings and lasted just over a half hour.
The meeting was the first one for the new city Director of Business Development Jennifer Niesink, who was introduced by City Manager Jim Toye. Niesink began her new duties Nov. 1.
A major item of discussion at the meeting was tax collection. The tax collection report noted there was $5.7 million in unpaid taxes in 2013, way up from last year at this same time when the number was $2.1 million. It was noted, however, the tax deadline had been extended this year to Dec. 31. Last year the deadline was June 1.
City council also voted to amend the bylaw that would remove the allowance for discounts for those who pay taxes in January. That amendment passed, but not unanimously: both councillors Ryan Bater and Cathy Richardson voted against.
Other items from the meeting:
All donors to the Credit Union CUplex project are now recognized on donor walls at the facilities. Toye reminded those who donated $10,000 or more that they qualify for additional recognition on individual signage on or near the item or area they sponsored. The donors must also approve and pay for the additional signs that are being manufactured by Signs of the Times in North Battleford. Those signs will be installed once approved and paid for by the donors. Reminder letters had been sent to the donors in May and the City is sending out another letter this week.
Councillor Cathy Richardson acknowledged the Community Meeting on Crime Nov. 8 at Knights of Columbus Hall. While turnout was low, reportedly about 40 people, Richardson said she felt there was good dialogue.
The Canadian Cancer Society sent appreciation to the City for providing use of Centennial Park track and the Civic Centre for Relay for Life at a value of $3,000. More than $92,000.00 was raised at the 2013 Battlefords event.
On behalf of residents of a condo development on Henderson Drive, condo president, Ron Kelly, thanked the City for street paving in the area, which happened sooner than expected.
Mayor Hamilton has designated Nov. 17-24 as Restorative Justice Week.
The next scheduled meeting of council is Nov. 25 at 8 p.m.
(Thanks as always to City Marketing and Communications Co-ordinator Mike Halstead for providing much of this information.)
