It appears there are numerous groups in the community here that like council’s policy of providing half the cost of community projects.
Drayton Kinsmen Club president John Klaasen was the second delegation at council on April 10 with a proposal to take advantage of the 50:50 township funding program.
Klaasen said his club was applying to upgrade the park on Elm Street in Drayton. It also applied to bring up-to-date equipment to the Moorefield park. His club is taking partnerships to another level, too. Klaasen said the Drayton Kinsmen Club was partnering with the Moorefield Optimists and Opti-Mrs. Club to get those projects done.
“Given our service clubs’ combined past experiences in fundraising and community improvement, we are the best choice for this project,” Klaasen said in a report to council. He proposed the Kinsmen park in Drayton receive $15,000 from the club, and that be matched by the township to create a pool of $30,000 for that park.
At the same time, he said, the Moorefield Clubs each already have $5,000 and the Drayton club yet another $5,000 to total another project worth $30,000 when combined with possible township funding.
Klaasen suggested $30,000 in funding from the township would allow parks in the two communities to be done, and “not disturb the funding of other service and recreational groups looking for 50:50 funding.”
Klaasen said the three clubs would be a part of the sourcing and approval process of the equipment being installed, with a barrier-free design. Further, manual labour for the installation stage would primarily be done by club members and volunteers, under the supervision of the qualified equipment provider.
The material for the bases of the projects would be provided by the township with installation provided by the club members and volunteers.
Klaasen said the clubs would like to see the work completed by the end of July this year.
Mayor Bruce Whale said council is “always glad to work with” groups in the community, but the issue becomes “budget, and how fast.”
He alluded to a parks master plan report that was to be presented to council by Sean Kelly later that evening.
“Certainly we’ll do our very best to work with any service club,” Whale said. He noted $30,000 represents about one per cent of the township’s budget, which would have to be tacked on to fund the township’s share.
Finance director Mike Givens said it is closer to $35,000, so the cost would be less than a one per cent increase.
Curry noted the pea stone base proposal by the clubs does not go very well with accessibility. He added there are drainage issues, and, “We’re looking at considerable cost.”
Curry asked about applying for such things as Trillium grants. Klaasen said the club had not done that, but wanted to talk to council before the township budget is passed.
Councillor Andy Knetsch asked if the clubs have met with the township’s parks, culture and recreation committee. He said the two groups could consider future projects together.
Councillor Neil Driscoll said somehow the township let its parks get run down and, “they come with prices down to the dollar” as well as their own saved money, and the township should not discourage that initiative.
He said the clubs should continue meeting with public works director Larry Lynch.
“I commend you,” Driscoll said. “We’ve never had a report come so complete.”
Timing is difficult
Council again considered the request after hearing a master plan report for township parks.
They noted the problem of obtaining grant funding is that clubs make a decision on a project and then approach council, while grant programs like Trillium run on a schedule.
Further, a lot of government grant programs are winding down, but there are some corporate programs that could be considered.
Kinsmen Club member Wayne Mick said Kelly’s report indicated playground equipment is changing, and perhaps the clubs should not make decisions quite so fast. He also noted the club decided only recently to tackle the issue of refurbishing the playgrounds.
“One month ago, we didn’t know,” he said, adding it would be nice to get a plan in place so the clubs could know two years in advance what they are working towards. That would allow ample time to apply for other grants, too.
Klaasen said the clubs would like to have the playgrounds done before August. Mick said the clubs have toured other playground sites and is aware that is an ambitious goal.
Downey asked of the 50:50 grant program “What would it cost per household.”
Driscoll calculated for $10 to $15 per household, the township could build two very good playgrounds this year.
Givens said $30,000 “will not come close” to covering the surface costs at the parks.
Driscoll conceded that, but noted he is sure the clubs have already contacted contractors for help. He added there will be “a big savings with volunteer labour.”
Lynch said the parks culture and recreation committee was meeting later in the week. He said there are a few other 50:50 requests the committee is considering, including one for a batting cage in Alma, but he wondered why minor ball cannot fund that expense. He knew of no other request from that community.
But, Lynch warned, there is a big area to consider in Moorefield and the township will need “a long look at it.”
Councillor Andy Knetsch said he would also like to consider accessibility costs.
Driscoll said the clubs would install whatever material the township decides its wants. He added the Kinsmen and Optimist Clubs have said, “You tell us, and we’ll get it done.”
Council finally agreed to have its committee consider the request and bring its recommendation to council.
