The rate increases at the Estevan landfill are officially going ahead, as Estevan city council gave second and third reading to a bylaw at Monday night’s meeting.
The rates won’t go up for the average landfill users. Customers dropping off large loads and certain items will notice a difference.
Tipping fees will jump from $30 per tonne, and $40 per tonne if demolition was required, to a flat rate of $46 per tonne, regardless of whether demolition is needed. Estevan’s rates will now be the same as Weyburn’s, and they will be more competitive with other Saskatchewan cities.
The cost to drop off fridges, freezers and air conditioners will increase from $10 per unit to $30 per unit. As per the provincial Landfill Act, the landfill’s employees are required to remove chlorofluorocarbons from cooling units and properly dispose of them. That hasn’t been happening at Estevan’s landfill, and the rate increase will allow the process to take place.
A $10 fee to drop off a box spring or a mattress will also be introduced.
City clerk Judy Pilloud said city hall didn’t receive any complaints about the rate increase.
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Council also approved the fuel and lubricant tenders for this year. Girard Bulk Service was awarded the fuel portion of the tender for $25,716.75. McComb Automotive Supply was awarded the lubricant portion for $10,724.29.
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Council also approved a lot consolidation request for three parcels in the 800-block of Fifth Street. The consolidation will facilitate the construction of a new office trailer. Currently, all three lots are being use for parking and exterior storage.
All lots directly adjacent to the proposed consolidation are owned by the applicant, Clariant Canada Inc.
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Councillor Brian Johnson noted that renovations have been taking place at city hall. The area where people pay their bills has been moved from the top floor to the basement level.
Mayor Roy Ludwig noted that they did not purchase any new desks or office furniture in conjunction with the move. The company who supplied the items had to take some of them apart and move them downstairs, where they were reassembled.
“It’s very professional. It took some time, but it looks good,” Johnson said.
The area where bill payments used to occur will be upgraded. Flooring will be replaced, and three new cubicles will be added.
City manager Jeff Ward noted that the changes were needed after the city hired Manpreet Sangha as the economic development officer, and Rebecca Westling as the destination, marketing and communications consultant.
The changes were budgeted, and Ward said they would stick to the budget.
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Councillor Dennis Moore enquired into the state of the triangle at the intersection of King Street and Souris Avenue North. Moore suggested the next time they undertake a project of that nature, they should have sketch work available so the public can have a better idea of what’s happening. Upgrades have been taking place on the triangle and at the boulevards on Souris Avenue North, and Moore said he has been receiving a lot of questions about the project.
