Fort Simpson (July 09/04) - To date, the Village has spent close to $104,000 on the clean-up of an oil spill that occurred along Antoine Drive in April, according to senior administrative officer Bernice Swanson.

There could be another $75,000-$100,000 in expenses depending on the cost to haul contaminated soil from the landfill, where it is being temporarily stored.

Swanson said the village will recoup the costs through extraordinary funding from the Department of Municipal and Community Services or through an insurance claim.

Curfew twist

A curfew bylaw stands to be revised to allow parents a warning on a first offence rather than a $100 fine. Subsequent offences will result in escalating fines up to $500.

RCMP Const. Bruce Rice, who attended Monday's council meeting, said the RCMP are willing to enforce the bylaw but the police would like to see the bylaw officer clamping down as well. The curfew is 11 p.m. for unsupervised youths under age 16. It was discussed at Monday night's council meeting at the request of Coun. Kim Squires, who wasn't present, but she wrote a letter of concern after having seen young children running around late at night.

Helmet bylaw shelved

A proposed bicycle helmet bylaw was reviewed and tabled indefinitely on Monday.

Council couldn't come to terms on several aspects of the bylaw, but did agree that educating cyclists is a necessity.

Mayor Raymond Michaud suggested that the municipality should purchase bicycle helmets, which the RCMP could issue to riders who don't have one.

Coun. Bob Hanna expressed dismay over some of the limitations in the proposed bicycle safety bylaw and the curfew bylaw.

"This seems to be the week to pick on the kids... who don't have the voice to fight back," said Hanna. "Ease up on the kids and let the kids have a little fun."

Wilson accepts

Tom Wilson said he will accept the council seat being vacated by Coun. Darlene Sibbeston. Wilson is due to be sworn in at the Aug. 2 meeting.