Northern News Services

Fort Simpson (Nov 25/05) - Fort Simpson Village council will hold a by-election for its one vacant seat and a plebiscite on whether to completely eliminate alcohol restrictions in the community. Senior administrative officer Bernice Swanson said it will probably take place in about six weeks.

With municipal elections only a year away, Coun. Betty Hardisty contended that the village is wasting the estimated $2,500 it will cost for the by-election.

Regarding the liquor plebiscite, Mayor Raymond Michaud acknowledged that several such votes have been held over the years.

Despite the outcomes, none of them has resulted in the removal of the alcohol rationing system.

He said it's worth another try because the territorial minister's office responsible for the Liquor Act has recommended it.

Harassment charge

Mayor Raymond Michaud has laid a harassment charge against former deputy mayor Dennis Nelner for allegedly hassling village staff. The charge will be dealt with in territorial court on Dec. 7.

"I don't think I can go into real detail," Michaud said following an in-camera session to discuss the matter on Monday.

Council had warned Nelner about confronting village employees while he was a councillor.

Reached for comment on Tuesday, Nelner said he plans to plead not guilty.

"I've got another version of events," he said. "I'm planning my defence and having to get a lawyer."

More office space

Nahendeh Developments Ltd. has arranged to lease five of the excess parking stalls at the Maroda Motel. Council has therefore approved the company's request to have the lower level of its adjacent Nahendeh Kue building extension changed from retail usage to office space. Seamus Henry, property manager for Nahendeh Developments Ltd., stated in a letter to council that his Fort Simpson venture had been unsuccessful in attracting retail tenants.

Trio of new

businesses

Council approved business applications from Brandon Buggins, who plans to offer welding services for small projects, Murray Sibbeston, who is proposing to construct pontoon boats, and Joey Klein, who is launching a woodworking and design enterprise.

Take the tender?

The fate of a 1988 Amertek fire truck owned by the village remains undecided. Council received two tenders for the vehicle - one offering $8,500 and the other just $1,001. However, fire chief Pat Rowe has urged the village to send the truck to an Edmonton auction, according to senior administrative officer Bernice Swanson.

The village has already spent approximately $3,000 on the preparation of the tender and advertising. Mayor Raymond Michaud said he is inclined to take the $8,500 bid as it guarantees the village a profit.

Yet he also acknowledged that if the bidder later fetches a much greater price for the truck, then the village won't hear the end of it. The truck must be moved from the Department of Transportation's airport bay by Dec. 31. Council tabled the issue until the Dec. 5 meeting when they hope Rowe will be present to discuss the options.