Here is a rundown of some highlights from the June 11 council meeting in North Battleford:
Residents and property owners in North Battleford can get ready to receive tax notices in the mail. Director of Finance Amarjit Mahil reported that the City intends to mail the tax notices June 20, and the proposed due date for payment of taxes is July 31.
At Monday’s meeting council passed its bylaw to impose penalties for the non-payment of taxes.
Mahil also gave his first-quarter financial report. In his report, Mahil stated there is “no major spending variance” from the 2018 budget that was approved by council.
The main items were a loss of $123,401 in SaskEnergy grant in lieu, and a $147,955 reduction in the SaskPower surcharge fee, both of which had fallen victim to provincial budget cuts in 2017.
First reading was given Monday to a zoning bylaw amendment that would add “accessory dwelling units” as an airport and airport-related use.
This wording is being introduced to accommodate an application from Scott Campbell to add a dwelling unit to his hangar at the airport. First reading for the bylaw was passed unanimously Monday and now the public notice period will begin, with second and third reading coming back at a later meeting.
Council has also approved the request from administration to purchase the new ECO-Centre storage building for $67,055 and a new oil storage tank for $7,050, as part of their partnership with the Saskatchewan Association for Resource Recovery Corp. SARRC will be reimbursing the city in full for these costs later in 2018.
Council also heard about the recent outbreak of tent caterpillars within the city limits.
Director of Infrastructure Dan Loewen has advised residents to use a product that contains bacillus thuringiensis kurstaki, or BTK, which can safety kill the caterpillars while not harming other insects or causing damage to trees or plants. This can be purchased at local hardware stores.
In proclamations Mayor Ryan Bater has designated the month of June as recreation and Parks Month.
The next regular meeting of city council is June 25.
