A rate increase for users of Weyburn's recreational facilities was approved by city council on Monday night, with increases ranging from three to nine per cent.

The increase was passed by a 5-2 vote, with Coun. Debra Button questioning whether wage increases were really as much a factor as was stated by Shauna Bourassa, director of leisure services.

In her outline of the rate increases, Bourassa told council wage increases in the CUPE contract, along with an increase in the cost of utilities and supplies, contributed to the need for a hike in rates. The increase will bring the ratio of user-pay revenues to 43 per cent of the cost to run the facilities, far short of the city's stated goal of 50 per cent.

Coun. Button received no immediate reply to her question on how much a factor the wage increases were, and she commented the goal of having fees pay for 50 per cent of the facilities' costs may not be attainable.

"I guess that is probably right. The only thing is we're looking at recreation as a whole picture. We can't look at one (area) without the other," said Mayor Don Schlosser, adding he wasn't happy with the councillor raising these issues after earlier discussions were held at the committee level.

"We dealt with these numbers at administration, at committee, and you've had these numbers for a few days. I have a real concern when you bring these up in open council. If these questions had been brought up before, we could've found out the answers for you. I'm not going to give an answer for fear of giving a wrong answer," said the mayor.

"That's fair, but could you have answered this in committee half an hour ago?" replied Coun. Button.

There was a comparison done with other communities of Weyburn's size, pointed out Coun. Bill Rudachyk, and even with the increase Weyburn's fees "are very favourable indeed."

The comparison was shown to some user groups, such as Weyburn Minor Hockey, the Red Wings and swimming groups, said the mayor, "and I also have to say our numbers are very, very good compared to communities of our size."

The increase will only cover the increase in costs, added Coun. Ray Hamm, noting the coming hike in utility rates this fall was not factored in.

In the rates for the Colosseum and Sports Arena, minor sports and casual rental rates will go up three per cent while the fees for schools during school hours will go up five per cent. The Red Wings will see no increase this year, remaining at $270 per pre-season game and $650 per regular season game.

At the Leisure Centre some rates, such as for adults between 18 and 65 years, will not change, while others will go up from between three and nine per cent. There will be no change in the AquaQuest swimming lesson rates and the leadership courses, but rental rates for the pool will go up five per cent for school and casual use, and nine per cent for competitive club use.

City administration will further investigate the request by the Salvation Army for a tax exemption on their Thrift Store, and will make a recommendation at the next council meeting.

Initial discussion by councillors didn't favour granting the Salvation Army a tax exemption, as it was noted other groups and organizations are taxed.

In the request from the church, section 8.1 of the Salvation Army Act was quoted, saying that any facilities used for religious, charitable, welfare or social services can be tax-exempt, but any property which is rented out can be taxed.

According to a report from city commissioner Bob Smith, Melfort and Yorkton tax the Thrift Store in their communities, while other communities exempt the store.

"From the information that I have been able to receive, the interpretation is left up to the respective communities until challenged. In speaking with other communities, it has been a political decision whether to exempt the Salvation Army based on the emotions of the council, whether the same type of business is operating in the community, and other factors the council felt relevant."

Smith pointed out the church basement is not currently taxed, although it is rented out to the Weyburn Co-operative Playschool. If the basement area were taxed, it would cost the church $2,300. The Thrift Store is currently taxed.

"I know we do have a number of businesses in the community who have the same type of business (as the Thrift Store). I would like to be able not to tax them, but in fairness to the others I think we have to," said Coun. Marlene Nedelcov.

Explaining the function of the store, Major Larry Williams of the Salvation Army said the store is an employer, reclaims usable items from the landfill, and provides free clothing in emergency situations, such as after a major house fire.

"They look like a business, but in fact they are a fund-raiser to support the charitable and religious works in the community," said Major Williams, who is charge of the Regina Citadel.

"The same kind of argument can be used by other organizations. We need as council to determine a policy on that. I'm not prepared to act on this request in isolation of those other organizations," said Coun. Hamm.

Mayor Schlosser agreed, noting taxes are paid by such groups as the Masons, Elks and Lions, and if this request was granted then all the other groups would also request to be tax-exempt as well. Administration will look into the question of what position these other clubs and organizations have before council makes its final decision on Aug. 28.

Council gave approval to a proposal that will replace all parking meters in Lot A downtown with a central parking ticket machine, and hiked the hourly parking rate from 10 cents to 25 cents with a daily maximum of $2.

Fire Chief Denis Pilon, whose department is in charge of looking after downtown parking meters, investigated the cost difference between getting a used pay and display parking machine and a new one.

While the used ones would cost $2,500 (compared to $6,000 for a new one), these machines will only take nickels, dimes and quarters and may not be able to update in the future. The new machines, approved by council, use current technology and accept all coins in circulation as well as the new steel coins which will be issued next year. It can also be programmed and set up for free days, such as Sundays. The machines dispense a ticket which is displayed on the vehicle's dashboard.

The total cost to have one new machine installed will be $6,887, plus SaskPower's cost, which is under the $9,000 budgeted by council. The machine will be installed in Lot A, located behind the Legion Hall and SaskTel with the entrance on Fourth Street.

Council appointed councillors Ray Hamm and Debra Button to the landfill mediation group, which will begin negotiations with the RM of Weyburn on landfill fees.

Asked if any negotiating dates have been set, Mayor Schlosser said the RM council has to make their appointments to the group and the dates will then be set.

"I'm hoping when the two of you go to start negotiations with the RM, you will come to an agreement that administration can also be present so they can do minutes of the meetings," said the mayor, adding the RM would likely want to have their administrator present as well.

The city facilities committee has short-listed three architects they will invite to submit proposals for the renovations to the Federal Building.

With City Hall set to move across the street into the building by next year, the city wants to determine what renovations will be needed, and discussions were held with architects who worked on similar projects in Prince Albert and Moose Jaw.

Asked if there will be a cap set on what is to be spent, Coun. Hamm replied, "You set the budget jointly. You suggest what the departments would like to see."

Work is proceeding on the library project, meanwhile, and Coun. Hamm noted a number of local trades are involved in the project.

City council approved a reinstatement of half the money cut from this year's budget for a special fall pickup of compostable materials in clear garbage bags.

The city originally had approved - and later cut - an expenditure of $10,000 for two months' worth of free pickup of lawn and garden refuse; on Monday they approved spending $5,000 to do one month of pickups, including the extra labour and equipment costs, plus advertising.

The city will advise local merchants to stock up on clear plastic garbage bags to allow residents to dispose of grass clippings, garden refuse and leaves. The materials will be composted at the landfill.

Money that had been budgeted for investigating a regional waste management system will apparently not be used this year, so it will be earmarked instead towards this project, although Coun. Button pointed out the provincial government may be providing centenary grant funds for municipalities towards regional landfills.

"We don't know what the criteria will be for regional landfills," she said, adding she hoped this won't deplete the funds they may need to investigate a regional landfill project.