Duane Hicks
A public meeting on the 2014 municipal budget is set for Monday evening at the Civic Centre following the regular committee of the whole meeting, and already it looks like council will be getting input it’s asked for.
Deputy Clerk Kathy Lawson said that as of this morning, she’s received written submissions from “Meals on Wheels,” asking for its annual grant money, and local resident Al Christiansen, who is requesting the town consider tennis courts in the 2014 budget.
There also will be oral presentations by the BIA, Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce, the local Salvation Army, and the Boundary Waters Dragon Boat Club.
As well, she’s made phone calls reminding others that they may want to make submissions at Monday’s public meeting.
“We try to encourage people,” Lawson remarked.
“It’s better that they do it now so it gives council a better head’s up on what the needs are in the community when they go forward,” she reasoned.
While the town had requested those interested in making budget submissions register prior to noon today, it’s still not too late to do so.
Lawson said citizens wishing to make a presentation can contact her at 274-5323 ext. 257.
Likewise, residents can show up at Monday’s meeting and make written and oral submissions.
While preferring that delegations get on the agenda ahead of time, town council still will allow residents not on the docket to step to the microphone to offer their input, noted Lawson.
Presentations usually are limited to 10 minutes each, but mayor and council have every right to allow presentations to go longer.
In the case of groups making a request, mayor and council usually asks for the group to elect a spokesperson.
Because the agenda still was being worked on, the exact time of Monday’s public meeting was not available as of press time today.
