Highlights from the September 24 meeting of Estevan City Council:

*Estevan City Cab owner/operator Randall Jess requested that Council block any future efforts to start a new cab company in Estevan. Jess said that between the cabs that his company operates, and the number of cabs operated by M&H Taxi, there are enough in the city to meet the current demand. The City has bylaws that regulate inspections and fares for cab companies, but Council believes that the marketplace should govern the number of taxi companies in the city.

*The City will conduct a study through the Encourage Community Housing Options (ECHO) plan. The provincial government will pay half the cost of the study, up to $20,000, and it's expected that the study wouldn't cost more than $40,000. The study would evaluate the current housing inventory and deficiencies. It will also give a chance to look at housing in other communities.

*A report on the concessions at the Souris Valley Aquatic and Leisure Centre, Spectra Place and the Civic Auditorium, as well as revenues for the Spectra lounge and the beverage stands used during special events, shows that there has been a surplus of about $100,000 for this year. Most of the surplus is generated by beverage sales and Spectra's concession.

*Council approved a secondary suite for a garage in the 700 block of Henry Street.

*Following Mayor Gary St. Onge's proclamation for Waste Reducation Week from October 15 to 21, Councillor Chris Istace urged Council to press forward on curbside recycling. Istace reminded Council that they approved St. Onge's motion early this year to proceed with curbside recycling in Estevan, but since then, nothing has happened. Other communities in the southeast now have the service. St. Onge said that the provincial government needs to move forward with funding for recycling programs.

*Three readings were given to two bylaws. The first is to correct a name error on a new street in the city. McCready Bay will now be known as Macready Bay. The other bylaw will change the speed limit on King Street from Kohaly Avenue to Sister Roddy Road from 60 kilometres to 50 kilometres per hour. Speed and drag racing have been problematic on that portion of King.

*Councillor Dennis Moore suggested that Council should investigate the possibility of constructing public washrooms in downtown Estevan. It would be much more convenient for people who are visiting the community to have such amenities. He suggested that the City could partner with a local business.