Here are some highlights from Monday's council meeting in North Battleford.
Final approval was given to amendments to the Animal Protection Bylaw imposing some hikes in fines. Previously, fines started at $50 for first offences and then rose to $100 and $200 for second and subsequent offences, for offences that include such things as failing to clean up after pets, failing to obtain a pet license, or animals at large.
Now, most fines will start at $100 for first offences and go up to $150 and then $250 respectively. The only difference is in the category of animals creating a nuisance by barking or howling, identified as a problem area by bylaw enforcement officials. Those fines start at $100 for first offences and then go up to $200 for second offences and $300 for subsequent offences.
The proposed changes were approved a week earlier at the City's municipal services committee meeting before receiving final approval at council Monday night.
In other items:
The City has granted a one-time burning permit to Sharon Children's Home and School to burn brush.
North Battleford Fire and Emergency Services will be pursuing the hosting of the 2013 Saskatchewan Volunteer Fire Fighters Association Fall Training School.
Councillor Cathy Richardson has been appointed a director for Habitat Battlefords.
Karen Ulmer, Rob Rongve, Dennis Cann and Lionel Chabot have been appointed directors to the board for the Dekker Centre for the Performing Arts. Both Cann and Chabot are new appointments to the board, which has been expanded by two directors.
Mayor Ian Hamilton has proclaimed Feb. 3 to 9 as International Development Week in North Battleford.
Finally, pre-budget approval was granted to North Battleford Fire and Emergency Services for nine sets of turnout gear, required protective firefighter clothing, for a price of $11,790.
