After a lengthy discussion, Blind River council deferred a decision on an application by the town for a $580,000 Trillium grant.
The discussion came about following a recommendation from town CAO/Clerk Katie Scott for council approval to move ahead with preparing the application for a Sept. 29 deadline.
In her report, Scott was seeking approval from council for the grant which includes funding for two recreational facilities.
“Council authorize the CAO/clerk to make application to repair the Indiana tennis courts in the amount of $350,000, to relocate the basketball court currently located behind the Community Centre to the Birch Street location and to further maximize the funding stream and incorporate the Birch Street baseball field from behind the Community Centre to the Birch Street location across from the Public Works Complex, at an estimated cost of $200,000, resulting in a total project ask of $580,000,” Scott stated in her report.
“Existing dollars (an approved $10,000 for work on the tennis facility coupled with a $14,000 commitment from the club) allocated within the 2021 capital project list be used as both contingency and the municipal contribution, plus insurance monies, resulting in zero additional funding required from the taxpayers.”
Council discussion on the grant was coupled with an approved council motion to have $55,000 put into the 2022 budget for upgrades to Shirvon Park.
The major concern raised at the Sept. 7 virtual meeting was the grant portion of $350,000 for the private tennis club.
Councillor Jennifer Posteraro raised the first concern
“I was just wondering why under this Trillium grant we weren’t considering placing also the Shirvon playground in there?” she asked. “The ask for the tennis court seems to be quite exuberant. Was there any way we could fit the funding for this playground into this Trillium grant so there wouldn’t be any burden placed taxpayer as well?”
Coun. Posteraro said the size of Trillium application took into account additional money if needed and that any money left over from the grant could go to Shirvon Park.
Scott explained that the original council decision to seek a Trillium grant for work on the tennis court was done in 2020 when it was agreed council and the club would provide funding for upgrades.
She said the work staff has been working on for the Trillium Grant application, Shirvon Park was not included in that work because it was not a consideration when the 2020 decision was made.
Coun. Jim Dunbar said plans for cultural and recreation facilities in Blind River falls under the purview of the Community Services Committee where issues are discussed and recommendations made to council for a final decision. He suggested the recommendation be deferred back to the committee before going to council to make a decision before the Sept. 29 application deadline.
He said he had no objection to the application including the tennis court work and moving the ball field to Birch Street to create a community hub. He felt council could approve the $350,000 portion of the grant application and take the estimated $230,000 for discussion by the committee.
Coun. HP Roy was concerned about the $350,000 being spent on a private tennis club when the town’s own public tennis court is also in need of repair.
“Why do we need a private club? It leaves a sour taste in my mouth,” he said of the cost of repairs to the Indiana tennis courts. “The people of Blind River aren’t going to be happy with us even though it’s Trillium funded. They’re not going to be happy we’re putting so much money in this.”
The decision was made by council to defer Scott’s recommendation means the committee and council might have to schedule special meetings before the Sept. 29 application deadline.
Mayor Sally Hagman was not part of the discussion and vote due to a potential conflict of interest.