The City of Martensville’s February Committee of the Whole meeting began with two delegations. The first was from local resident Geoff Baker who was requesting that Council approve suggestions that were made regarding access to information and providing more transparency during municipal elections. Baker also spoke to Council regarding having all of the community’s bylaws available through the City website. The second delegation came from Sgt. Curtis Little of the RCMP. Little provided information from the past two months and compared to the previous year.
The first item on the agenda following the delegations was for a Campaign Disclosure Bylaw, which would provide a process for disclosure of campaign contributions and expenses for those that run in a municipal election. This bylaw would require candidates to provide information to the City Clerk for any cumulative contribution received of $250 or more. More details about this can be found on the February 9th Committee of the Whole agenda at martensville.ca.
In September of 2020, City Council approved the request for a 25% rent reduction to childcare groups within the community that are leasing City facilities. Ted Schaeffer, Director of Recreation & Community Services requested that this reduction be extended to August 31, 2021.
Schaeffer also presented information to Council regarding funding provided by Sask Lotteries in 2020. Due to many programs being cancelled and facilities being closed because of COVID, a portion of this funding was not used. Funding received through Sask Lotteries is required to be utilized by March 31, 2021 and if left unused is to be returned; therefore Schaeffer provided a variety of options that administration feels could be purchased with these funds to enhance community programming and special events. Items included a bouncy castle, floating water park, a trampoline and super sweet slide.
Community Economic Development Manager Dillon Shewchuk then spoke to Council regarding a request for the economic development business incentive. The City received an application for this incentive on the property located at 70 Centennial Drive North – the same lot that houses Pharmasave, Red Swan and KFC. The new development would include a 5000 sq ft building, which would exceed the cost of $1 million, making it eligible for a 5 year tax abatement through this program.
More information regarding these items, as well as upcoming meetings can be found at www.martensville.ca.
