During its regular meeting on July 20, town council adopted a policy regarding donations.
Previously council did not have a donation policy and requests for funding or for free facility use were most often received via a letter to council, Laura Lomenda, administrator, explained. Council also did not have predefined criteria for approving or rejecting requests or had any consistency in the information required when requesting a donation.
鈥淲e were starting to see cases where community groups felt the town should be the primary, if not sole, funding source,鈥� she said. 鈥淲e had looked at what several other communities are doing and developed a policy and application form.鈥�
The new policy begins with the understanding that council would be establishing an annual donations budget and once that budget has been committed, no further donations would be considered in the current fiscal year.
As a rule, council funds one program and/or event per organization per budget year, unless special circumstances can be demonstrated, the policy reads.
鈥淭his budget is to be used to assist organizations that contribute to community and will be primarily directed to local events/organizations which: provide tangible benefits to the community; enhance the capacity of our communities to develop, maintain and increase access to the physical assets (equipment) and facilities that are vital to community wellbeing, and programs with measurable social outcomes.
鈥淔inancial contributions will generally not exceed five per cent of the financial objective of the campaign or $5,000.
鈥淭he town will not consider reduced rental rates for any town facility, except for those activities/ facilities covered by the shared use agreement with Good Spirit School Division. 鈥淯se of town equipment and manpower will be subject to availability. 鈥淭he town will not generally fund: religious organizations; political organizations, advocacy and lobbying activities; for-profit organizations or other corporations鈥� community initiatives; advertising or promotional initiatives, or publication or distribution of books or movie productions.鈥�
The policy applies to all requests for donations except for educational scholarships, the annual levy grant to Eaglestone Lodge Personal Care Home and for requests for services that would require less than one hour of manpower.
Also during the meeting, council approved a recommendation from its bylaw enforcement officer to have unclaimed bicycles donated to Victim Services after the 60-day holding period ends.
It was decided to advise the Kamsack Players drama club that the town is willing to accept a donation of the portable stage and the club is to have future use of the stage at no charge.
Council agreed to refund a table rental fee of $120 to Riverside Golf Course; approved a request for town staff to transport dirt into the Broda Sportsplex prior to August 31, and provided a donation of $100 to the Kamsack Team Penners.
An offer of $600 from Eugene Remezoff for used loader tires located in the public works yard was accepted.
The Kamsack Team Penners group was granted permission to host its annual team penning competition at Broda Sportsplex on September 19 for a rental fee of $250 plus GST. The team penners are to contact the Kamsack Regional Recreation Complex committee in regards to use of the kitchen equipment and are to be responsible for leaving the facility in a clean and tidy condition.
Council decided to have its administration review and draft a revised tax concession policy for council鈥檚 consideration.
A request from Ryan Weismiller for a refund of $2,000 for the purchase of Lot 01, Block 64, Plan 77Y07892 was approved.
The purchase of 400 Miles Street for $100 by Deborah and Ralph Cuervo was approved and permission was granted to have the property consolidated with Lots 21 and 22, Block 20, Plan AB5420.
The purchase of 125 and 129 Hawthorn for $5,100 to Guy E. Dore and Christine Watson was approved and permission was granted to have the two lots consolidated.
A request from Camilla Moritz to consolidate Lots 10 and 11, Block 05, Plan AA4509 was approved.
Tax rebate grants were approved for King Solomon Lodge, $1,133; Kamsack Playhouse Theatre, $2,147, and Sunset Housing, $310.
A request from the Hudye Group to put a Sea Can container on its property at 500B queen Elizabeth Boulevard was approved.
Council acknowledged the receipt of correspondence from Leland Campbell regarding the issuing of nuisance orders and agreed to proceed with issuing an order for Lot 7, Block 9, Plan AA4182.
An application from Larry Mosiuk for Lots 7 and 8, Block 3, Plan AJ2175 in the amount of $35,100 was accepted.
Council introduced, gave three readings to and adopted a bylaw to regulate the operation of vehicles within the town.
