A request from the Salvation Army to exempt their property from taxation was passed by city council on Monday night, including their thrift store located on Fourth Street.

The decision marks a change of heart by members of council, who previously said the exemption would set a precedent for other groups and organizations that carried out similar activities in the community.

A list of tax-exempt properties was provided by city commissioner Bob Smith, and it was noted the church has an exemption status granted under section 8 of the Salvation Army Act which groups such as the Lions, Elks and Kinsmen do not have.

"It would seem that other than a few municipalities, the Salvation Army Act has been broadly interpreted by city councils to include Thrift Store operations," said Smith in a memorandum to council, adding the exemption is to take effect on Jan. 1, 2001.

Some councillors earlier expressed concern also about the basement of the church, which is rented out. Smith said other church properties in the city receive exemption and they also use a portion of their facilities for the same purpose.

Council was addressed by Major Larry Williams from the Salvation Army's Regina office, who provided a statistical report from the church's activities in 1999.

The Salvation Army distributed 579 hampers and assisted a total of 1,371 individuals at Christmas and through family services last year. Through the store, the church has recycled over 120,000 pounds of unsaleable materials, and estimates the value of clothing and household items given to needy families at $1,152, at the store's selling price; the actual value of these items is much higher.

Coun. Ray Hamm said he indicated earlier if the city was shown to be in contravention of the Salvation Army Act then they would have to make the change to exempt the property, and the city has now been shown they have been in violation of that act.

"I know you do a terrific job, but I feel you're in competition with other businesses in the community," said Coun. Marlene Nedelcov in speaking against the exemption. The vote was 6-1 in favour of the exemption, with Nedelcov as the lone dissenter.

City council paid tribute to two departing members on Monday night, Ray Wahl, who did not run for council again after one term, and Marlene Nedelcov, who is leaving after 15 years on council.

"You've always done things for the betterment of the community, you've showed strong leadership, and have served on many committees. I know for many years Coun. Nedelcov and myself sat beside each other, and we didn't always agree but afterwards we could still talk with each other," said Mayor Don Schlosser.

To Coun. Wahl, the mayor hoped his three years was a good learning experience, and that after a recess he will run again for council.

Coun. Bill Rudachyk joked that Coun. Nedelcov might have more time now to lobby for daylight savings time for Saskatchewan.

In responding, Coun. Nedelcov said she hopes to continue on some of the committees she has served with, especially the parks board, and added, "I have a very great appreciation for our administration, who have to deal with wide variety of personalities and agendas."

Wahl said he was grateful to the help of fellow councillors and the city staff, and was particularly glad Weyburn's citizens gave him a chance to be on council in the election three years ago.

Council agreed to co-sponsor a resolution from the town of Nipawin about concerns over the justice system, which will go to the Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association (SUMA) convention later this coming winter.

"Nipawin has some of the same concerns we had, and are forwarding this resolution to SUMA," said Mayor Schlosser.

The resolution is calling on the justice minister "to conduct a review of the justice system to implement changes with a view of making the judiciary more accountable to the people and to ensure that the punishments for criminal convictions are sufficient to act as a deterrent for future violations; and further that the minister take the issue up with his federal counterparts to implement the changes."

Weyburn's police commission, in a letter supported by city council, told the minister of several concerns about the running of the provincial courthouse and concerns over some of the sentencing practices.

As the minister, Chris Axworthy, has recently stepped down to take part in the NDP leadership campaign, Coun. Rudachyk noted it may be some time before those concerns are addressed, although he said the commission felt there has been improvement at the courthouse of late. The commission received a letter on Oct. 19 acknowledging their letter had been received and would be passed on to the minister.

At its last police commission meeting, a concern was also expressed over the running of pawn shops, and council approved a resolution to send to SUMA, to ask for provincial regulations regarding the running of pawn shops and second-hand stores.

The resolution reads in part that as theft is an ongoing concern and has a severe economic impact on the victims, regulations are needed to govern the operation of pawn shops, as they "regularly accept stolen items in good faith or otherwise."

Concerns have been brought to him by citizens of the community, said Coun. Rudachyk, who noted regulations would make sure that stolen items would be recoverable if they do show up in a pawn shop. Saskatoon and Regina both have extensive bylaws for the operation of these stores, but there are no provincial regulations.

Council narrowly approved giving its insurance business for the next three years back to Prairie Agencies in a 4-3 vote, after councillors expressed concern over the city's practice of not allowing other businesses to also provide the service.

The proposal from Prairie Agencies and Miles Agencies was nearly identical, council was told, but Prairie Agencies was given the nod as they already had experience in getting the best insurance prices for the city.

"I would like us to review this practice to give other organizations who pay taxes in the city a chance to provide those services," said Coun. Rudachyk, supported by councillors Mike Pickering and Debra Button.

"I think Prairie Agencies has done a good job, but the two plans are equal and I'd like to see someone else get a kick at it," said Coun. Button.

"The reason why I'd support this motion is because of the time constraints. They are in a better position to give us competitive bids while Miles would be starting from square one," said Coun. Hamm, adding that perhaps vehicle registrations should be done at the other company if one is given the insurance business.

"They are both very good firms and I feel bad we have to choose between them. The next council will have to take a look at this earlier in the year," said Coun. Nedelcov.

After the vote, Coun. Rudachyk asked that this matter be put on the agenda of the council retreat, to be held soon after the new council is sworn in next Monday, Oct. 30.

Council agreed to order Dee Jay's Chicken Village, owner of the former location of Eddie's Grill and Neighbourhood Bar, to complete the work of removing the site of the restaurant which was destroyed by fire over two years ago.

The city received a letter from the Estevan-based company, asking the city not to move in to do anything on the property, citing negotiations to sell the property. The city was warned if it jeopardized the sale of the property or lowered the property's value, the city would be held liable.

This did not faze council at all, as the order to remedy the property's condition was authorized to be sent, giving 45 days to complete the work of clearing and restoring the site or else the city will move in and do the work itself.

"This action is necessary due to the building's ruinous and dilapidated state, its danger to public safety and health, and its detrimental effect on the value of other land and improvements in the vicinity," says the order in part.

Coun. Button noted the state of this property came up during judging for the Golden Garbage Can competition held annually with the City of Estevan.

"It's time we do move ahead. It's an eyesore. We will not move onto the property yet; they have 45 days in which to do something themselves," she said.