|
Yellowknife city council briefs
by Mark Sproxton
Community centre The city will enter into contracts with Clark Builders for construction management and Park Sanders Adam Viske Architects Ltd. for architectural and engineering services in the development of a multi-purpose community centre. The companies will be a part of the public process in which the community has input into what it would like to see done with the facility. Council approved the motion Tuesday. Bylaw changes A bylaw allowing the city to take over regulating and licensing lotteries in Yellowknife from the territorial government received third reading Tuesday. Currently the GNWT generates $139,700 annually in revenue from 425 permits at a cost of $50,000. The city will assume control April 1. Dick Peplow was the lone opposing vote. Wheels in motion A motion was approved to notify residents of potential "controversial" developments in their neighborhood. The move is an attempt to try and avoid situations where residents are unaware of activities near their homes, said Ald. Bob Brooks. Another motion was approved to have administration investigate major events in the city. City staff will determine the impact on the economy and determine if there is a possibility to help event organizers with fund-raising. Such a set up could help the city's economy, said Ald. Vi Beck. Ambulance fees to rise Fees for ambulance services for city residents and those requiring medevacs have been increased by $5 each. In-town users will now be charged $150 per call for ambulance services. Medevac or out-of-town users will have to pay $360 per trip. The Yellowknife Fire Department responds to about 1,400 ambulance calls a year. Chuckle, chuckle Perhaps the biggest laugh at this week's city council meeting came from an exchange between Ald. Jo MacQuarrie and city resident Lauren McKeil. After McKeil scolded her for not accepting a compliment from a previous speaker, MacQuarrie responded: "I can't let you get away without responding." "I didn't think you would," McKeil replied, with the full gallery breaking into laughter. "I'm sorry I didn't recognize the compliment," MacQuarrie said. "We so seldom get them." Committee appointment Peter O'Toole takes on a new post with the heritage committee for a two-year term. The council-appointed position expires March 31, 1999. Proclamation time City council approved a motion to have March 30 to April 5 proclaimed Odyssey of the Mind Week. Odyssey of the Mind is a school-based problem-solving event often using dramatic skills to illustrate a story. Council also proclaimed April 6-12 National Wildlife Week in Yellowknife. |