The Johnny Reid concert at Affinity Place last month resulted in a small profit.
Financial statements released at Monday night’s meeting of Estevan city council showed the event had a profit of $645.39, with $150,597.49 in revenues, and $149,950.10 in expenses.
A total of 2,112 tickets were sold, which was slightly higher than the 2,100 needed to break even. Ticket sales generated $144,739 in revenues; alcohol and merchandise sales accounted for the remaining revenues.
The city paid $80,000 to Reid’s band for them to appear, accounting for the bulk of the expenses.
Mayor Roy Ludwig said they received very positive feedback on the concert. The only concern was the lineup to enter the building, as people were forced to wait outdoors as crews worked to finish setting up for the concert.
Ludwig said they were fortunate that it wasn’t a cold night.
“We had thought, a few of us, that maybe we could have security keep the … floor clear until they get everything set up,” said Ludwig.
They could have also kept people waiting in the Leisure Centre’s hallway.
Setup was delayed by snow on the ramp at the Affinity Place east entrance, and confusion over the setup process.
Jeff Ward, who is the city manager and acting city treasurer, also released a report on the financial success of concerts and other special events at Affinity Place since 2012. The city has lost $8,380.46 over the last four years, with the biggest deficit being the $58,048 they lost on the Tragically Hip concert in July 2013.
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Council gave the green light to increase tipping fees and other rates at the landfill.
Landfill tipping fees are currently $30 per tonne, and $40 per tonne if demolition is required. The rates for both would increase to $46 per tonne, which would be the same as Weyburn, and more in-line with other Saskatchewan jurisdictions.
Refrigeration units, including fridges, freezers and air conditioners, will increase from $10 to $30 per unit.
A $10 fee for mattresses and box springs will also be introduced.
Council first received the report three weeks ago, but Ludwig wanted all members of council to be in attendance for the vote. Councillor Greg Hoffort was absent for the Feb. 8 meeting.
Ludwig noted that only people hauling large loads to the landfill would notice the increases.
Council still needs to pass a bylaw before the rate changes take effect.
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The City of Estevan and the Canadian Red Cross have agreed on a new disaster response protocol, named Ready When the Time Comes. It will allow for volunteers to be deployed in the event of a disaster.
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Glen Peterson Construction Ltd. was awarded a tender worth more than $1.1 million for gravel road rehabilitation. The affected roads are Kensington Avenue North, Devonian Street East, 11th Avenue South and Woodlawn Avenue South. The project is largely funded by the Provincial Disaster Assistance Program, and the work will be completed on roads damaged by the flood
of 2011.
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Cloverdale Paint was awarded the road paint tender with their bid of $20,428.56. The paint will be used for crosswalks, parking lots and lane markings.
