Elk Point town council gave final reading to two bylaws at last week’s regular meeting, one of them being the subject of debate and revision for much of the summer.
Animal Control Bylaw 686/10 is now in effect and drops the age by which cats or dogs must be licensed to eight weeks. Any person who currently owns a dog or cat over the age of eight weeks, who becomes the owner of such an animal or who takes up residence in Elk Point and brings in an animal in that age range has one calendar month to purchase a license for that pet. Seeing eye dogs, assistance dogs and dogs used for police purposes are not required to be licensed, and residents age 65 or older do not have to pay a license fee for animals owned by them and residing in their homes. It is up to the owners of pets to provide proof of the animal’s age is less than eight weeks in the case of a dispute.
License fees remain the same as in the previous animal control bylaw, but there are some increases in fines. For example, the fine for failure to follow the directions of a police officer regarding an animal is now $500.
Council also gave final readings to Alternative Energy Bylaw 688/10, following a public hearing at which no written or oral objections were received.
A proposed fire services agreement between the town and the County of St. Paul was brought to council. Town manager Myron Goyan said he and county CEO Sheila Kitz have gone over the document and would now like town council to look it over. Council, however, agreed that the fire board should look at it and give their recommendations first.
Council requested a change of wording in the legislation dealing with tax exemptions on hew buildings. They agreed that this should read, “for the year construction starts and the year after” rather than “the year the development permit is issued and the year after.”
Sgt. Brad Lazicki and Cpl Kevin McGillivray of the Elk Point RCMP reported that Elk Point’s case load has dropped, sending the detachment from the 24th busiest in the province to the 33rd busiest. They also reported that charges have been laid against two individuals regarding the recent rash of vehicle break-ins. Coun. Dwayne Yaremkevich noted that he was among the victims who lost items from a vehicle. A problem with the parking of school buses where they blocked vision of oncoming traffic has been dealt with.
Mayor Parrish Tung told the RCMP he hopes to have more volunteers sign up for the Citizens on Patrol program and noted that while some people he had talked to wee not willing to commit to COPS, but would be willing to be part of a Neighbourhood Watch.
During discussion on the Recreation Committee meeting, it was noted that no date has yet been set for installation of the water spray park, and that site preparation is waiting on receipt of the required dimensions.
