Coun. Brian Swanson attempted to have the exhibition property offered in a public sale if the initial sale was not finalized by April 30, but his push was defeated since it lacked support.
Swanson put forward a motion during the April 22 regular meeting that read, “That the proposed sale of Moose Jaw Exhibition Company lands along Thatcher Drive be finalized with full payment made by April 30, or the subject land be offered for public sale subject to a property plan approved by city council.”
No other councillor stepped forward to second the motion, so it was defeated.
Council appointments
Several councillors were appointed to committee positions during the same meeting.
Coun. Chris Warren has been appointed the deputy mayor effective May 1 to June 30 and/or until a successor is appointed.
Coun. Dawn Luhning has been appointed chairwoman of the executive committee effective May 1 to June 30 and/or until a successor is appointed.
Coun. Heather Eby has been appointed chairwoman of the personnel committee effective May 1 to June 30 and/or until a successor is appointed.
Bylaws
The fire safety bylaw and the amended commercial and industrial tax phase-in bylaw were both given third and final reading and are now official. The amended tax phase-in bylaw includes allowing a three-year, 100-per-cent exemption for distilleries or similar businesses that do not generate revenue over the first three years of operations.
First and second readings were given to the property tax bylaw for 2019, which would set in place this year’s municipal property tax rate that would see an increase of 3.01 per cent.
Swanson was opposed to all three motions.
The next regular council meeting is Monday, May 13.
