 |
|
|
|
|
  
|
Council Briefs Communications director hired Simon Whitehouse Northern News Services Published Friday, Aug 10, 2012
A person has been hired to begin the job Sept. 5, but Van Tighem said he wanted to consult with senior administrative officer Bob Long before going public with the person's name. An announcement is not expected until the day the person starts the job, he said. When asked why he wouldn't name the person, the mayor said it is his choice to keep that under wraps. "There are lots of things I can do as the mayor but I can choose not to do things, too," he said. "I would like to verify it with those who would get the reaction if I was to do something outside of what we were planning on doing." The city put together a communications strategy in 2011 and the newly hired person will be responsible for "implementing that strategy," according to Van Tighem. This will mean being a corporate spokesperson for the city, which includes dealing with the media, said Van Tighem. As well, the person will lead the city's "economic development" plans. Van Tighem said adopting a communications strategy was one of a number of major goals accomplished to help the city more efficiently serve the public. Others include "one-stop shopping" at city hall where all bills and licences can be picked up at the customer service desk, and a new general plan focusing on the planning and development of 500 to 600 homes. "So we have a number of things going on that will make things more approachable, convenient, and efficient at the city," he said. Garage to cost $925,000 Clark Builders was handed a contract to construct a heavy equipment parking garage for the city's public works department at a council meeting July 23. Council approved the project at a cost of $925,959. The current public works garage is old, decaying and needs to be replaced, according to Mayor Gord Van Tighem. The plan to replace the building is in the city's capital plan and was approved by council for this year's budget. The building will be located in the public works yard just off Taylor Road, behind the Multiplex. "The last one came from Pine Point in around 1988 and it probably was in use for almost 20 years before that," said Van Tighem. "The life expectancy for these types of buildings can run anywhere from 50 to 100 years." Northland bylaw coming The bylaw which will allow the city to borrowing the millions of dollars needed to replace aging water and sewer lines at Northland Trailer Park is expected to be heard at the next council meeting, Aug. 13. Council's approval will allow the city to move toward securing financing for the project and issue a request for proposals for design and engineering services.
|
