A regular meeting of the City of Humboldt council was held on Sept. 23.
Public Acknowledgments:
Mayor Malcolm Eaton publicly acknowledged Arts Humboldt for the work they've done to promote events such as the upcoming Johner Boys concert on Sept. 28.
Coun. Larry Jorgenson also publicly acknowledged eight members of the Humboldt JCI organization who traveled to the 2013 National JCI Canada Convention in Quebec City from Sept. 18-21, representing Saskatchewan along with the good works they do in our community.
Proclamations:
Council proclaimed Sept. 27 and 28 as Culture Days in Humboldt.
Mixed Martial Arts:
City council was informed that the province of Saskatchewan has implemented a provincial athletics commission. The commission will act as a sanctioning body for amateur combative sports, including mixed martial arts, kickboxing, modified muay thai, and full contact karate.
Lagoon Odour:
Following a recommendation from the Public Works & Utilities Committee, council authorized administration to prepare a request for proposal regarding the dredging of the city's lagoon ponds.
Road Work:
Following a recommendation from the Public Works & Utilities Committee, council authorized administration to extend Southwest Paving's contracted services to do additional slurry seal roadwork throughout the municipality this fall.
City Expense:
The city will be spending $23,000 for a new phone system, which will see savings of about $3000-$4000 per year. This phone system will also be installed in places such as the museum and fire hall, which will all be unified.
The city will also be changing the debit machines at city hall and at the Uniplex to First Data Corporation in order to save money.
Following a recommendation from the Corporate Services Committee, council authorized administration to purchase a utility e-billing module from Diamond Systems Ltd. at a cost of $3,500. Implementation and roll-out of the e-billing feature will occur in 2014.
Due to strategic investments, expense reviews and process improvements, the city will realize approximately $200,000 in annualized operational savings. The city remains on par to meeting budget for 2013.
2016 Summer Games:
Council approved the submission of the bid for the 2016 Saskatchewan Summer Games to be hosted in Humboldt. In doing so, the city is committing to improving related recreational amenities if awarded the Games. To help with recreational amenity development, the Saskatchewan Games Council provides funding support for the successful host community. If awarded the Games, additional funding is anticipated to come through other grant programs, corporate sponsorships, and ticket sales. The bid deadline is Oct. 1, 2013. The hosting decision is expected to be made in November.
Bylaws:
Council passed first reading to allow an amendment to the city's zoning bylaw to allow for auto sales as a discretionary use in the C1-Core Mixed Use Commercial District.
Council passed three readings to allow an amendment to the city's traffic bylaw to include a disabled persons vehicle stall immediately north of Shopper's Drug Mart. The amendment will also include a loading zone in front of Reel Attractions.
