Passage of the emergency measures bylaw was one of the highlights of a busy Monday night at city council.
The bylaw, which passed easily in three readings at Monday's meeting, establishes the Emergency Measures Organization, outlines duties and responsibilities in greater detail and makes the city compliant with provisions of the provincial Emergency Planning Act.
The bylaw passage is in keeping with a heightened emphasis on emergency preparedness in the wake of the storms and floods that gripped the province last year, including in the Battlefords.
Another highlight of Monday's council meeting was a further update on the progress at the Credit Union CUPlex from parks and recreation director Keith Anderson.
According to the latest update, as of April 29 the theatre's structural steel is complete, concrete block work has started, underground storm and sanitary lines were brought into the building and roofing has begun on the tower roof. As for the Aquatic Centre, north side roofing is complete, the wave pool is 40 percent complete and metal roof decking over the pools is also complete.
In new business, a request from Civil Air Search and Rescue for free use of office space in the Cameron McIntosh Airport terminal was denied.
City council approved a modest increase in rates for the David Laird Campground, with the new rates posted on the city's website at www.cityofnb.ca/playing/camping.html.
Lesmeister Construction has been awarded the contract for repair of the water tower pile caps for $91,770, including taxes.
Council also approved a $55,000 purchase of a valve exerciser, a device that assists in maintenance and cleaning of valves, complete with trailer from Wachs Canada Ltd. of Edmonton.
Matthew Holtzhausen was appointed a Bylaw Enforcement Officer for a term ending August 15. He is a summer student who will mainly assist with the enforcement of the Property Nuisance and Abatement Bylaw.
A new street in Fairview Heights was named Buhler Bay, in honor of former councillor J.J. Buhler in keeping with other street names in the neighbourhood. Buhler Bay is located adjacent to Buhler Avenue.
Finally, council voted to grant $100 to Kalene McQuaid who is with North Battleford City Kinsmen Band, with the grant helping with expenses necessary to attend MusicFest in Richmond, BC this month.
