Councillors here are questioning if the town should provide grants to cover travel costs for Sports teams.
Although council later passed a request for a one-time grant of $300 for the Palmerston Marlin ’91s to assist in the travel expenses to the Canadian Championships, councillor raised questions because the town typically makes donations for capital costs, not operating expenses.
The grant application noted the team has represented Minto at many regional, provincial and national events.
Councillor Wayne Martin has concerns with the potential trend such a decision could trigger. He said the town does help a lot, and yet being involved in Sports, he’s equally aware of the costs involved.
“I’m just not sure if we’re opening up the door for other requests.”
Councillor Rick Hembly asked how often it is that a local ball team goes to the Canadian championship.
Martin said it is actually the Eastern Canadian Championship, in which there is more of a chance of qualifying. He added there have been two such events in recent years.
“To get to the Canadian championship is a lot more difficult.”
Martin said he was torn over the issue. “I know $300 is no big deal.”
Some groups have had to raise up to $20,000 for travel expenses.
He was concerned more about setting a precedent that a grant would create.
Councillor Tammy Reiner asked if the team has done other fundraising.
The report on the application indicated the group has already done considerable work.
“It’s a big undertaking; don’t get me wrong,” Martin said.
Deputy-mayor Judy Dirksen asked if there is another way council can support the team.
Martin said in the past, council has tended to support the organization as a whole, rather than individual teams.
Councillor Barb Burrows asked how much council had donated to the Norwell hockey team for a similar competition.
Treasurer Gord Duff believed that was under $500.
Martin said he is willing to support the donation in this instance, but believes it should be something council needs to think about in the future.
“If we start making donations to individual teams … then where do we stop.”
“It is a challenge,” Dirksen agreed.
Recreation Director David Stonley agreed it would be nice if council could attach the donation to a capital project or rental fee rather a donation to an individual team.
“It could open the floodgates,” Stonley said, adding the other thing council could consider in the future is if a team achieves that level, the municipality could support a specific amount for the next year – such as rental costs to host a tournament – which could then be used as a fundraiser.
Council later approved the donation, without amendments.
However councillors did agree that the situation needs to be reviewed. Hembly contended that in this instance council and the team was too far into it.
“Let’s deal with this, and anything coming down the pipe; let’s nip it in the bud before it gets to here.
Stonley agreed the request should have probably gone through the town’s parks and recreation committee first.
