At the District of Barriere April 22 council meeting, Mayor Humphreys proclaimed May as Child Find’s Green Ribbon of Hope month, and May 25 as National Mission Children’s Day, urging citizens to wear a green ribbon as a symbol of hope for the recovery of all missing children.
Council members passed the final adoption of the District of Barriere Solid Waste Collections and Disposal Services Rates Bylaw No. 103. They also passed the first three readings of two more bylaws: the Financial Plan Bylaw No. 105 and the Tax Rates 2012 Bylaw No. 106. The final adoptions of these two bylaws will take place at the May 6 council meeting.
Chief Administrative Officer, Colleen Hannigan, reported on several items. The District has a new parks truck and has hired Norma Bigham as the seasonal parks worker. Four students have also been hired and will work 20 hours a week from May to the end of August.
Council has received a letter from Canada Post stating their considering closing the Barriere Post Office on Saturdays. Council passed a motion to send a reply to Canada Post expressing our preference to keep the Post Office open on Saturdays, and to enquire as to whether there are more changes planned.
Councillor Sabyan requested council’s approval to reduce the required quorum for the Bandshell Committee down to five as they have been having difficulty in arranging meetings to which enough individuals could attend. Council passed the motion.
Dan Sweetnam invited council members to take part in the Bike Challenge that will take place on April 28, 3 p.m. during the Celebration of Rural Living Expo and Trade Show. Four teams would be challenged to put together a bike from scratch. The bikes will then be given to local youth.
There was a question from the floor regarding whether there will be a public meeting prior to the advance voting on the referendum. Mayor Humphreys replied that yes, there will be information available at the District’s booth at the Expo on April 27-28, and there will be a public meeting on May 7, 7 p.m. in the multipurpose room.