City donating lots to charity

Although the money is still being raised for Moose Jaw's first Habitat for Humanity house, city council gave the project its support Monday night.
Brian Martynook, chairman for the Moose Jaw chapter of Habitat for Humanity spoke during Monday's council meeting to describe the project and what it will require from the city to make it a success.
"Habitat for Humanity is a community-based, non-profit, faith-based organization working to provide safe and decent housing for people locally, nationally and internationally," Martynook said when he addressed council
At this time the Moose Jaw chapter is asking the city to supply the organization with three lots located at 905, 907, and 908 Stadacona Street East.
The group also wants the city to waive building permit fees relating to construction, give the properties a tax exemption until they are occupied and provide funding of up to $4,200 for the replacement of the no-corrode sewer and water line at one of the properties.
Although all of the motions were carried by council, a concern reg-arding the $4,200 req-uested for the replacement of the sewer and water line was voiced by Coun. Brian Swanson.
Swanson said he is happy to see the organization come to the city. However he added the request for the sewer and water line replacement funding should be left out of the motion.
"(The reason) I didn't include it in the motion is because there are 4,200 homes in Moose Jaw, (the residents of which), if they want to have a really bad day, could wake up to find that their sewer connection has collapsed from the street to their house."
According to Swanson the current policy in these situations is that the city will pay around 48 per cent, leaving the homeowner with the balance. He said the city does carry the homeowner's cost on the sewer and water bill for up to seven years but the homeowner is still responsible for paying back that money.
He said when this happens to those with limited financial means it becomes not only an inconvenience but a problem.
Swanson said he would much rather see the project go forward, use the policy already set in place and have the city carry the outstanding balance for the seven years, just as it would do for anyone else in this situation.
"I just think it would be dangerous for us to start making exceptions to that policy."
Swanson said he is sure there are many citizens around the city who could make a compelling claim as to why the city should pay for their no-corrode sewer and water line replacement as well.

Lyndsay McCready can be reached at 691-1256