BREC Superintendent Carolyn McKnight spoke at the Baker City Council meeting May 22, reviewing upcoming programs.

Baker children who sign up will go on two educational tours a week and take swimming lessons at Anna T. Jordan pool on Stilt Street in Scotlandville. It is important for young people to learn to swim, she said.

McKnight answered questions concerning Greenwood Park and its proximity to the zoo. She praised quick action by Police Chief Mike “Snapper” Knaps following a recent incident in the park. Police are maintaining an increased presence from noon to 6 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.

BREC has an eight-week program (June 4 to July 27) for children 6 to 12 years old at a cost of $36 per week. Financial assistance is available, Mayor Harold Rideau said.

Other business before the council included:

COUNCIL ON AGING: Tasha Clark-Amar, chief executive officer of the East Baton Rouge Council on Aging, came before the council to express appreciation for revenue generated for her agency under the management of Ronnie Pippin from being a charity participating in Baker Bingo.

The money has allowed the COA to buy a $10,000 20-passenger bus for trips and to provide fresh fruit to 20,000 seniors, a rare treat, she said.

The Baker COA has seen an increase from 30 to 50 seniors coming for lunch and activities. Free meals are served five days a week at the center on Jefferson Street.

The city owns the building and pays the utilities, Rideau said.

AWARD-WINNING PHOTO: Stacy Gill, editor of the Zachary Plainsman, was invited to the council meeting to receive recognition for her award-winning action photo of Baker Police Officer Coty Rizan and his K-9 partner Bojar taken at the dedication of the Baker K-9 facility in March 2011.

Fire Chief Danny Edwards and Police Chief Knaps also recognized Gill with certificates of appreciation. Gill has helped cover news, events and people in Baker and Zachary for five years.

WATER METERS: Rideau announced that since the installation of water meters throughout Baker, residents have lowered their usage by two million gallons a month which is especially impressive, considering the intrusion of salt water from the Gulf now encroaching in South Baton Rouge.

BAKER BUFFALO FESTIVAL: Proceeds from last year’s Buffalo Festival have been distributed to the schools. Baker High School Athletic Department received $6,000; Park Ridge, Baker Heights and Baker Middle, $1,000 each; and Bakerfield, $400, Rideau said.

This year’s Buffalo Festival will be held Sept. 27, 28 and 29.

HERITAGE MUSEUM: Museum Director Jean Byers announced that Baker will be 125 years old on May 3, 2013, and events will be planned to commemorate the occasion. She invited the BREC day campers to tour the museum and outbuildings.