ESTEVAN — The City of Estevan won't charge a fee for businesses and organizations to rent a table at spring and fall city-wide registration in 2024.
Estevan city council voted at its meeting on Dec. 18 to eliminate the $95 fee to have a table at the event.
In her report to council, leisure services manager Erin Wilson said city-wide registration is a way to get people into sports, recreation and cultural activities at once. But fewer organizations are participating because online registration is now an affordable option for groups, and the COVID-19 pandemic had an impact on groups and how they operate. Eight to 12 organizations typically participate in city-wide.
Council believes waiving the fees would be a good way to enhance city-wide, and it should be better for organizations that have low or no revenues.
After some discussion, council decided there would not be a fee for businesses.
•••
Council denied a request from Cathy Schlacter to have the City of Estevan help her open a non-profit animal shelter and rescue in Estevan.
Schlacter wanted help in purchasing a building and all the necessary items and materials. Her shelter, which would be named Wiggles & Wags, would be separate from the Estevan Humane Society. She said she already has people interested in volunteering and helping her make it successful.
Her facility would be open around the clock every day, as she said animals need human interaction throughout the day, and the adoption of animals would take place from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily.
Fundraisers would happen to help sustain the shelter.
"I am fully aware that this kind of operation is a lot of work and dedication to making sure animals are in a safe environment. I strongly believe in making a difference in animals' lives, one day at a time. We as humans are the animals' voice and protectors," said Schlacter.
When given the chance to discuss the matter, Coun. Kirsten Walliser said this concept was discussed at the recent humane society board meeting. She added the humane society would be open to having Schlacter volunteer.
"The Estevan Humane Society is hard at work addressing a broad variety of animal rights issues within our community," said Walliser.
Coun. Travis Frank said resources for the city are finite and he believes the second shelter would split resources rather than increase them.
•••
Council tabled a request for proposals for Churchill Playpark's accessible playground equipment design to get more information from the public, including children.
In her report to council, parks manager Shannon Wanner said the city received nine different submissions for the equipment, which would be installed in the spring of 2024. Each design was unique with different features and added equipment to enhance the area for play. Five designs were under budget and four exceeded the expected cost.
Walliser, who took an active role in the project, said they received a lot of feedback about the project earlier in the fall, and as much as she likes the concept that Wanner recommended from Park N Play, Walliser wanted to go back to the community with that one and a second option from 1-Stop Playgrounds.
Park N Play's came in at $297,830.35, while 1-Stop Playgrounds was $298,736.52. Both met the six requirements for the project.
Wanner voiced her support with going back to the community, and said she believes there will be enough time to get it installed even with the delay.
•••
Council awarded the 2024 water treatment plant chemical tenders to ClearTech Inc. for liquid chlorine for $44,569.98 and potassium permanganate (KMnO4) for $17,823.75, Klearwater for ammonium sulphate ($18,900) and fluoride ($13,110.51), and Border Chemicals for aluminum sulfate ($107,310).
Ammonium sulfate saw the biggest increase in cost from 2022 at 22.5 per cent and was the only one to exceed budget, while KMnO4 had a six per cent decrease.
•••
Council gave second and third readings to the fees and services bylaw for 2024. The full list of fees and charges changes can be found on the city's website.
•••
During the inquiries portion of the meeting, Coun. Tony Sernick said he has received concerns from some residents regarding the $250,000 for new boards at the Power Dodge Arena in the 2024 budget. He asked for a report on why they are needed.
