Council defeated a resolution to make a $500 donation toward the Drayton Rotary Club’s Movie in the Park events, because councillors want to see a plan in place for the project the event is fundraising for before committing any money.
Council discussed a letter from the club at the June 9 meeting. The letter requested a $500 contribution to help offset costs of the event, which will be held on June 20 and Aug. 29, with proceeds to go “specifically and entirely” to the Drayton splash pad project.
Councillor Lori Woodham questioned the timing of the proposed donation.
“Has a splash pad been identified in our recreation master plan or anything … I’d hate to move something forward when logistically it won’t come to fruition,” said Woodham.
Public works director Brad McRoberts replied the facility is in the master plan, pointing out it was originally proposed for Centennial Park but an alternate location is currently being sought.
CAO Patty Sinnamon explained the previous council passed a resolution (in January, 2014) supporting the project in principle, “but there was no decision as to location or that sort of thing.”
Woodham wondered how the ongoing costs of the facility would be handled.
“Is it just the residents of Drayton and Moorefield (as users of the municipal water system) that will have to pay for it and me, as a farmer, won’t?”
McRoberts explained the municipality, as a water user, would pay the bill for the facility, meaning it would be shared by all taxpayers.
“It’s the same as our arenas. The whole municipality pays the water bill,” added Mayor Neil Driscoll.
He wondered, “Is this something we should be discussing further with parks and recreation or this group (Drayton Rotary). The previous council approved it in principal, but we have no plan or space.”
“It is something the township has contemplated as being wanted in the community,” said McRoberts.
However, he pointed out “it is expensive,” citing costs of about $10,000 a month experienced by the City of Owen Sound, where Roberts worked previously, for splash pad operation.
Contacted by the Community News, Town of Minto treasurer Gordon Duff said a splash pad operated by the municipality in Palmerston generates, on average, about $1,500 in monthly operating costs, including repairs and maintenance, water, hydro and staff time.
Sinnamon suggested a feasibility study could be undertaken before any funds are put into the project, noting “there are significant operating costs.
“I’d just as soon wait until we have something more definite before we jump in here,” said councillor Dennis Craven.
Woodham suggested further public consultation might be necessary before proceeding with the project.
“I understand the concept has been approved, it has been identified in our master plan and correct me if I’m wrong that was identified through consultation with Mapleton residents,” she said, adding, “What I’m struggling with now is the water rates that just went up … I would like to take it back to the Mapleton residents – not necessarily a feasibly study – but if we proceed with this it does come with a cost.”
“That’s why the residents put you here – so you can make decisions for them – gather the information and make the decisions,” responded Driscoll.
Councillor Michael Martin suggested further discussion at the parks and recreation committee level would be useful.
“I would hate to just say no. I would like to defer this resolution until we can approach it a little better.”
“I would be happy to defer it too,” agreed Craven.
Councillor Marlene Ottens pointed out council was operating under a time constraint, as the first Movie the Park event is set for June 20.
“I guess I’d like to see a little more planning long-term. Where are you going to put it? What’s it going to cost? And this is really a Rotary project, notparks and recreation,” said Ottens. However, she added, “I think it’s needed here in this town. I support the concept.”
McRoberts pointed out the project is currently being discussed by the parks and recreation committee as a potential recipient of municipal dollars through the township’s 50/50 funding program.
“I don’t know if we need to make a $500 donation,” commented McRoberts, who also pointed out the letter from the Rotary club requesting the donation was a blanket solicitation sent to numerous local businesses and organizations and not a specific request of council.
The resolution to donate $500 to Movies in the Park was defeated with all councillors opposed.
“Lets just wait and see what comes back from parks and rec,” said Driscoll. “I agree with councillor Ottens’ comments. It would be nice to have a plan in place.”
