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Looser restrictions sought on mobile signs

Sault Ste. Marie City Council will be asked Monday night to consider loosening restrictions on portable signs. Currently, the City requires that mobile signs be located at least 15 feet from the side yard line.
Civic Centre

Sault Ste. Marie City Council will be asked Monday night to consider loosening restrictions on portable signs.

Currently, the City requires that mobile signs be located at least 15 feet from the side yard line.

However, Leslie Advertising, a mobile sign rental company, is asking that exceptions be made for signs at the Wardlaw Fuels property at 207 Wellington Street West and at Cortina Video at 655 Second Line West.

In both cases, adjacent property owners have indicated they don't object.

Donald McConnell, the City's planning director, is recommending that the exceptions be allowed, and that the bylaw governing portable signs be changed allowing the 15-foot rule to be waived if neighbours and City planning, building and transportation officials have no objection.

Travel policy

In the wake of Mayor Rowswell's controversy-plagued visits to Russia and Japan, Council is being asked to vote on two motions related to travel expenses.

Councillors Neil DelBianco and Pat Mick are asking for a comprehensive policy on overseas and out-of-province travel, including specific arrangements providing foreign currency. The two councillors are also asking that assessments of accomplishments be mandatory following such trips.

Councillors Peter Vaudry and Debbie Amaroso are demanding a "detailed and complete list" of all expenditures related to the Japan and Russia trips.

Holiday shopping

The City's legal staff are asking Council to agree to a debate on April 8 on whether shopping should be allowed on Boxing Day, the Civic Holiday, New Year's Day, Christmas Day, Good Friday, Easter Sunday, Victoria Day, Canada Day, Labour Day, Thanksgiving. Except for Boxing Day and the Civic Holiday, shopping on all other holidays could be achieved only by declaring the Sault to be a tourist area.

Doctor shortage

City Council's Physician Recruitment Committee will throw its weight behind the eight recommendations made by Chief Administrative Officer Joe Fratesi to attract additional doctors to the Soo. Fratesi's recommendations include committing $353,220 in surplus casino revenue to recruitment efforts.

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David Helwig

About the Author: David Helwig

David Helwig's journalism career spans seven decades beginning in the 1960s. His work has been recognized with national and international awards.
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