An inquiry as to whether Battlefords Tribal Council had provided confirmation of last fall's financial commitment for the Credit Union CUPlex was one of several items to dominate Monday night's city council meeting in North Battleford.
BTC had publicly pledged $2.75 million towards the multiplex last fall. Councillor Trent Houk inquired as to whether BTC had provided that written confirmation of funds to administration. Houk noted that back on April 25 of this year city administration was to have met BTC in order to come to an agreement regarding the funds announced for the multiplex.
"I'm just wondering if any of that has moved forward," Houk asked.
City Manager Jim Toye responded that dialogue is continuing, with both sides trying to clear up the issue of the value of the city's land involved as part of the land-swap deal made with BTC for the location of the CUPlex.
Toye said the City and BTC have until the end of September to agree to provisions for that land deal. If there is no common ground found then the issue could be settled by arbitration, Toye said.
In another inquiry Houk asked if any progress had been made towards a new truck/heavy haul route bylaw for the Battlefords. City Clerk Debbie Wohlberg said research is still underway.
In other announcements and inquiries, Councillor Rhonda Seidel extended an invitation to all organizations and individuals interested in improving the look of North Battleford to the first Communities in Bloom meeting Sept. 15 at Chapel Gallery.
Councillor Grace Lang raised the issue of signage at Don Ross Centre. Lang noted there was no address or signs posted on the Don Ross Centre to assist out-of-town visitors. The parks and recreation department have pledged to deal with the issue.
As well, Councillor Ray Fox extended his congratulations to those involved in the neighbourhood block party held around 107th Street and 12th Avenue Sept. 11. He said up to 500 people attended and feedback had been positive. Also, the event's organizer Steven Cormons, is organizing another meeting to be held at the Knights of Columbus Hall Oct. 1 to deal with community neighbourhood issues.
A request by Battlefords Immigration Resource Centre for the city to waive the criminal record check for volunteers was turned down.
Council has directed administration to research costs and options to improve lighting conditions at Kinsmen Park for inclusion in the 2011 budget. The duration of light times in parks will be reviewed. He City will also review lighting requirements in all other local parks.
Council has set the rental rate for ice usage at the Civic Centre for the 2011 Law Enforcement Hockey Tournament (Jan. 12-14) at $125 per hour. Council also requested the tournament committee advise the City about which charity proceeds will be donated to.
The rental rate charged to Battlefords United Way for use of the Don Ross Centre Gym for their annual comedy night fundraiser was set at $600. As well, council has directed administration to develop a policy encompassing various types of fee structures.
The contract for removal of hazardous materials from the old wastewater treatment plant has been awarded to Donalco Western for $30,269.00 plus GST.
Approval was given to the purchase of a self-priming trash pump from Hertz Rental Equipment of Saskatoon for $47,924.00 plus taxes.
Ron's Plumbing and Heating of Meadow Lake was awarded the tender for the purchase and installation of a booster water pump electrical generator for $155,255.10 plus taxes.
And pre-budget approval to tender for the purchase of a new vac-truck in 2010 was authorized by council.
In addition, one delegation attended the meeting. Sharon and Blair Huard of North Battleford appeared before council to discuss the issue of a newly constructed fence located on their 113th Street property. The fence was built following a meeting with administration officials where they received the green light to go ahead, but that approval was later rescinded by the Development Appeals Board when adjacent property owners objected to the height of the fence.
The Huards are now asking the city to intervene on their behalf and plan further discussions with administration officials on the whole issue.
