Barriere mayor and council heard from resident Joan Purver on Feb. 3, regarding the utility billing $1.00 mail-out fee that was recently announced by the District.
Purver spoke eloquently about her concerns regarding this fee, ending her presentation with the statement, “You want me to pay your bill, but also want me to pay to receive the bill... this just doesn’t seem right.”
Mayor Humphreys thanked her for coming, and said that council would take her comments into consideration.
During the District staff reports, Chief Administrative Officer Colleen Hannigan reported on several ongoing items, including the 100th Anniversary Celebrations for Barriere coming up on Feb. 9 and 10.
On Feb. 9, will be the Family Fun Night at the Ridge, from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Then on Feb. 10, there will be a Family Fun Day at the Barriere skating rink (on Airfield Road), from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., where there will be free hot dogs and drinks for those attending.
Council members then went over the 2013 Final Budget.
The total revenues received by the District during 2013 totaled $2,719,793.12. This amount includes grants received, taxes, and monies from other sources such as building permit fees, business license fees, etc.
The total expenses came to $2,714.910.62; most of the $4,882.50 surplus will be transferred to the Fire Department surplus. For a complete breakdown of the budget for 2013, the public can contact the District office or go to their website.
The District has received a letter from School District 73 regarding the lease renewal for Barriere Ridge Elementary.
In the letter, it was noted that the rent will be increased from $3,266.38 per month to $4,343.33 per month.
The district’s current lease expired on Jan. 31, 2014. Council have passed a motion for staff to speak to SD73, to negotiate the cost on the new lease.
During public inquiries, Al Fortin reported on behalf of the Chamber of Commerce, that the Chamber has reimbursed Timeless Treasures $100, as per that businesses request at the last council meeting.
The request had been made due to the fact they were unable to participate in the Chamber’s Late Night Shopping event after paying the $100 to participate because of District sewer line excavations in front their store preventing customers access during that time.
The District declined compensation to Timeless Treasures at the last council meeting, and suggested the Chamber be approached to refund the sign-up fee.
The next District of Barriere Council meeting will be held on Feb. 18, at 7 p.m., preceded by a 2014 budget meeting at 6 p.m.