MOOSE JAW — City council has updated two bylaws that affect residents who live in mobile homes and those who have or want children and are also considering running for elected office.
Council gave three unanimous readings to the two bylaws during the recent regular meeting, which means the bylaws are now in effect.
Mobile home licensing bylaw
Council approved updates to the mobile home licensing bylaw, which means the due date for mobile home fees is Sunday, June 30, while all fees are in effect from July 1, 2024, to June 2025 and reflect this year’s mill rate increase of 8.93 per cent.
Council amended the due date for mobile home licensing fees last year because city administration extended the due date for property tax notices to Aug. 31, 2023. Administration now wants the due date for this year’s property tax notices to be changed to June 30.
Parental bylaw
Council has officially repealed bylaw No. 5649, the Parental Leave for Elected Members Bylaw, 2021, after city administration first introduced the motion during the April 22 meeting.
Council adopted a policy in 2021 that laid out criteria for elected members to take parental leave, but recent changes in provincial legislation make that policy unnecessary. Moose Jaw’s current policy is now considered a standalone document.
Administration later presented an updated parental leave policy during the recent executive committee meeting, with council approving a recommendation to accept the document.
Updates to the policy include its purpose to clarify council’s authority to adopt the document and its intent; to remuneration and benefits to reflect a more efficient monitoring of member duties with attending meetings and the percentage of remuneration (pay) for attendance; and to the review process so the integrity commissioner — instead of the administrative review officer — can investigate complaints against members.
The next regular council meeting is Monday, May 27.
