Here is a rundown of some of the highlights from the city council meeting Jan. 12, the first one of the new year.
There has been an alteration of the permit the city has to operate waterworks.
The City had correspondence from the Water Security Agency on the issue. Director of Operations and Maintenance Stewart Schafer explained the provisions were added by the city clerk to ensure compliance with rule 9.2, which states that the “Permittee shall provide each operator of the waterworks with a copy of this permit and the regulations.”
Schafer said that the mayor was being added as one of those operators to ensure “that everybody knows what the rules of the game are.” There was also an alteration of the permit to operate sewage works as well.
Schafer spoke further on changes currently happening at the Wastewater Treatment Plant with the way they deal with biosolids. The permit from the Water Security Agency for the new Lystek bio-solids processing system has been received.
No longer are biosolids at the wastewater plant being taken to the waste management facility. Instead, said Schafer, the plant is now producing fertilizer that can be sold later in the year.
“This is the first plant in western Canada," said Schafer.
A grand opening for the facility is to happen this summer. Councillor Greg Lightfoot suggested doing a tour to see the process for themselves.
There was also discussion about correspondence received from Corrections and Policing Minister Christine Tell, which Hamilton noted was a reply to a letter from the City about three or four months ago advising the minister on various initiatives the City has undertaken.
The city requested some assistance for funding two additional RCMP officers for their street-specific crime unit, as well as assistance in funding the community safety co-ordinator and for funding agencies for youth activities and services.
While Tell’s correspondence acknowledged the City’s hard work, Hamilton said, "there's no more money coming."
There was some discussion at the meeting on the recent budget presentation at the Chamber. Hamilton reiterated his point about reporting of it being very thorough as reason for the few questions at the meeting. It was also noted a community presentation on the budget is tentatively due to happen Jan. 28.
Councillor Greg Lightfoot raised concerns about a familiar issue — the ridge at the curve at Territorial near Alliance Church just before Fairview Heights.
He had seen people hit the ridge when the ice builds up and asked if something could be done about it. "Can't we take a grader there and get rid of some of that snow and ice ridge just a bit?" Schafer said they could send a grader to smooth it out.
Hamilton commented on the plans for the Lighthouse homeless shelter. That effort had been hindered by weather related delays, but Hamilton said they were now “very close” to opening up operations in North Battleford.
Also, the mayor recognized the work of the Battlefords Indian and Métis Friendship Centre who provided temporary shelter during the recent cold snap.
Fire Chief Albert Headrick spoke on the city's public fire protection classification upgrade. The City now has a Class 3 rating, the same as Saskatoon and just behind Regina at 2. The upgrade will mean significant savings for the City, with reduced insurance premiums. In his written comments City Manager Jim Puffalt noted the saving is between five and 15 per cent.
Isaac Dyck is this month’s winner of the draw for a $50 gift card as part of the Snow Angel program. Some 21 people have been nominated for December for their efforts to clear their neighbours’ snow from sidewalks and driveways.
The other news surrounding that program is that Imran Zaka, director and owner of Crown Cab, has agreed to fully sponsor the Snow Angel Program with a contribution of $150, which will cover the $50 gift cards in January, February and March.
A city equipment idling policy was discussed. Schafer said the City is putting a policy together to reduce idling time for city vehicles.
A recommendation to alter a transit bus stop was approved unanimously. Lightfoot said the plan is to move a bus stop from 505 Pioneer Ave. near the school division offices, down closer to 114th and Railway Avenue, to accommodate the safety of individuals.
The waterworks system bylaw and sewerage system bylaw were introduced at Monday’s meeting. The bylaws incorporate the increases in water base of five per cent and of the sewer base by three per cent as agreed during the adoption of the budget.
Both bylaws got through two readings Monday. They return for third reading and passage at the next meeting.
Also, first reading passed for a zoning change for an area in Fairview Heights adjacent to Harwood Manor. The change would rezone it from a CS Community Service District to a R4 High Density Residential District. First reading carried, which allows for the public comment stage before the bylaw returns for second and third reading at the next meeting.
