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Karen Keiffer of the Davidson Centre, presented the new rental
fees report for the addition at council Wednesday (May 6).
The report recommends the rates and fees with respect to the new
activity rooms. A rate of $32 (plus GST) has been suggested for
meeting room rental for a three hour period and that a fee of $2 per
person be charged to seniors groups (to a maximum of $32 per time).
According to the Recreation Committee that oversees the fee
structure, it was recommended that seniors groups and activities be
charged the $2 per individual as some groups are smaller than
others.
It was this latter recommendation that resulted in a delegation
coming before council. Representing the Kincardine Area Seniors Bid
Euchre and Shooter Card Club, John Kesteloot and Kay Freer, argued
that for 30 years, seniors have not had to pay for the use of a room
in the Davidson Centre.
"We have done fundraising for the new addition," said Kesteloot. "We
raised $2,000 in a 50-50 draw and received another $1,000 from Home
Depot and then we applied and received through the Trillium
foundation, an additional $22,000. I contacted the town to send a
representative for a cheque presentation, where we would present
$2,000 and not one person showed up."
"I asked that an email be sent to remind us of the presentation,"
replied Councillor Guy Anderson, "and I don't think that was done.
We did not mean to insult anyone."
Kesteloot went on to say that many of their members are retired
farmers and do not have pensions and are on fixed incomes. "For
some, this is the only time that they can get together and socialize
over cards and some will not be able to afford to come if this goes
through. Guy Anderson told us we could use the space at the top of
the ramp. What difference does it make what space we use? Some of
our members can't walk to the top of the ramp."
Anderson explained that the Recreation Committee felt it did not
have the authority to make a decision regarding rates for any
specific group and that it was up to council to reduce them in
special circumstances.
Councillor Ron Hewitt asked what it was that the group was actually
asking for. "Are you asking for free use of a room for your group or
on behalf of several groups? What age group are we talking about
here?" (next column)
10/05/2009 05:17 AM
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"We are asking," said Kesteloot, "that Council continue the same
(policy) as it has for the past 30 years. A room at no charge for those
55 and up in a group, which is the official Ontario seniors' age."
Councillor Randy Roppel said, "They are taxpayers who have paid their
dues to society. I think they have already paid for it ten-fold. Is
there a suggestion we go back to the table and look at a nominal blanket
charge ... we owe them respect. The building is not even ready yet to
there's time to mend the fences. They are not asking for a whole lot. I
don't think it's out of line ... I am suggesting that Council
reconsider." "The senior's room was rental free over the years," said
Anderson, "however, the new building at $2 million is over estimates by
$200 to $225 thousand.
"Maybe we should have thought of user fees before we sank all the money
into whatever that [Davidson Centre] is up there," said Councillor Mike
Leggett.
Karen Keiffer confirmed that the seniors are not taking away potential
revenue by using the room. "Most of those renting the room do so in the
evenings," said Keiffer. "The seniors use it during the day."
"It amounts to about $6,656 if they don't pay the $2 charge,"Mike
Leggett pointed out. "In a municipal budget of $30 million, I think we
can pull it off [no charge]."
Deputy Mayor Laura Haight explained that no decision had been made.
"This is the first report we have seen with respect to these rates," she
said, "and if the Recreation Committee wants to, it can reconsider. I
think a nominal fee/consideration is to give some recognition. We charge
for the pool free swim and skating at reduced rates. We will deal with
this all in due course."
Kay Freer added that she was of the understanding from the Recreation
Committee that the $2 fee was already in place. "The addition had no
furnishings and it was our group that got the $26,000 for furnishings
and drapes and tables and chairs. $26,000 that you wouldn't have had."
Haight said that she felt it was perhaps a misunderstanding because
ultimately it is council that makes the decision.
Roppel added that he felt the group had generated a fair amount of money
for the addition, including furnishings.
Haight recommended that the matter go back to the Recreation Committee
for consultation with other user groups.
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