Future meetings of city council will begin with a moment of meditation.

"It's something I think would be a worthwhile addition to our procedure," said Ald. Robert Slaven after making a motion to begin each meeting with a prayer.

Slaven's suggestion received unanimous approval. As a result, each meeting will begin with a member of council saying a meditation or prayer.

Second look at unsightly bylaw

Concerns over the discretionary powers a lands bylaw includes prompted council to ask the city development committee to take a second look at it.

Ald. Ben McDonald raised questions about the bylaw at Monday's meeting of council.

"I can see why some property owners might want their neighbor's house painted," said McDonald. "But I'm not sure I want a bylaw officer coming around and telling me I have to paint my house."

He referred specifically to a section that states, "If an enforcement officer considers any property to be unsightly land, the enforcement officer may issue a clean up order."

Rocher rebate

Jeannie Rocher successfully argued for a rebate of property taxes paid for Quality Furniture, which was destroyed by fire Aug. 26.

In keeping with past decisions made in similar situations, the city will be refunding $2,305.86 in 1997 property taxes.

High price of privatization

Price increases associated with the privatization of the national air navigation system have prompted a protest from council.

Following the lead of the NWT Association of Municipalities, council directed the mayor to write a letter to the federal minister of transport protesting planned air freight and fare increases.

Hikes in the fees NavCanada charges airlines are expected to result in a 20 per cent increase to Northern air freight rates. Illustrating the increase in passenger fares, an administrative report noted a full-fare ticket from Yellowknife to Iqaluit is expected to rise from $2,268 to $2,450.

Budget book out

The city's 1998 draft budget is available, starting today, at city hall.

Anyone hoping to take a look at the financial plans the city has for the coming year can get a copy of the draft budget for $25.

Ald. Bob Brooks noted council, in an attempt to make the budget more affordable reading, substantially reduced the price of the document, which sold for $75 last year.

Administration briefed council on budget details during in camera committee of the whole sessions Wednesday and Thursday.