Mississippi Mills recommends municipal grants for 2012

Posted Jan 26, 2012 By Tara Gesner

EMC News - Budget talks are dominating municipal calendars these days, and Mississippi Mills is no exception.

At a special meeting of the Finance, Administration & Policy (FAP) Committee on Jan. 19, politicians recommended less than a dozen grants for inclusion in the town's 2012 financial document. Nevertheless, all grants are tentative until council approves the budget.

All councillors were present at the gathering except Coun. John Edwards, who sent his regrets. No spectators attended.

Mississippi Mills' municipal grants program is intended to assist and counterbalance costs to local clubs, groups, individuals and organizations involved in special events, initiatives and projects that have a positive influence for local residents and recipients, as well as the community as a whole.

In 2011, council carried a motion for the Dr. James Naismith Basketball Foundation, R. Tait McKenzie Memorial Museum, North Lanark Regional Museum (Appleton), Mills Community Support Corporation, Mississippi Valley Textile Museum and TYPS (Take Young People Seriously) to be included in annual grants within departmental budgets.

Three thousand dollars was the request from Union Hall. The funds are needed for the work being done on the community centre's front entrance, including repairs to the concrete ramp and the construction of a small roof to shelter the doorway. The labour corrects drainage problems, which are causing deterioration of the foundation. The hall's exterior will be repainted, too.

"We've suggested (a grant of) $1,000," said Whitmarsh. "There is still money in Ramsay reserves they can tap into."

It was recommended the North Lanark Agricultural Society (NLAS) receive $4,000 for electrical repairs and doors for the new building at the fairgrounds, although Whitmarsh and Smithson suggested $3,000.

"This is a crunch year for them," said Coun. Duncan Abbott.

On the other hand, the Antrim Flea Market is coming to Almonte, renting space at the fairgrounds.

"Fifteen hundred people every Sunday from May 1 until Christmas is a major factor for our town," said Abbott. "If this works out, we many not see them next year. Money makes a big difference."

Clayton Recreation Club is set to receive $2,500, which is returned back to the town and applied toward the club's yearly tax bill.

They asked for $5,000, but council recommended $2,000 for Mississippi Mills Bicycle Month (MMBM)/Riding in Mississippi Mills (RIMM). During MMBM (in June), the grant will help promote the benefits of cycling for all ages.

"It's a good economic driver for the community, with a full month of activities," said Whitmarsh.

Regarding Almonte in Concert, "Diane and I went back and forth on this one," said the treasurer. "This is one organization that has the ability to raise ticket prices to help its bottom line."

A recommendation of $1,500 was initially put forward.

"I feel like they deserve a bit of a break," said Coun. Val Wilkinson. "They were here long before Puppets Up!"

With its 2012/2013 series, Almonte in Concert is celebrating its 32nd season of chamber music concerts and recitals.

"They are having less concerts," noted Smithson. "They are now down to six."

"Almonte in Concert used to get money from the CBC," noted Wilkinson. I'd like to give them $3,000. They've only started asking, and they've worked hard for years."

"When I look at this, I ask 'What do they do for themselves'," said Coun. Paul Watters. "Personally, I don't see anything. They need to get out and get some revenue."

"I agree with Paul," said Coun. Bernard Cameron. "Times are tough, and they must start looking at alternative sources of revenue."

"I think people are being critical here," exclaimed Wilkinson. "They're asking for funding just like everyone else."

The monies will be used to assist with the expenses associated with the 2012/2013 series, which takes place between October 2012 and April 2013.

In the end, council recommended a $2,000 grant.

Since last year's deliberations, Dalgity found the change in councillors' attitudes toward the distribution of municipal grants "very interesting."

"I am sure (it) was based on the experience gained by the new councillors after a year in office," he said.

The suggested $1,000 grant for On Stage for Kids will assist in paying for the use of Naismith Memorial Public School on show days, as well as entertainment and publicity/advertising.

"They haven't asked for years," said Whitmarsh.

On Stage for Kids is a non-profit volunteer organization whose objectives are "to bring top quality, live children's entertainment to Mississippi Mills and to promote an appreciation of the arts in children of all ages."

Puppets Up! received the maximum allowed - $5,000.

"I understand they lost their major sponsor," said Whitmarsh.

"There is no bigger day in our town," said Abbott. "We can't afford not to do it."

"They bring in people from all over the world," said Mayor John Levi.

"Put money in winners not losers," said Coun. Shaun McLaughlin. "They bring lots of money to town."

In the festival's application, "the funds we are requesting for the 2012 Puppets Up! International Puppets Festival will be used to secure a Presenting Sponsor status for the Town of Mississippi Mills," said artistic director Noreen Young.

"Should we do $5,000 to be a corporate sponsor?" asked Coun. Alex Gillis.

"We should take that extra step," said Cameron.

A recommendation of $1,500 was made for Almonte Celtfest.

"I don't understand why they don't ask for money (admission at gate)," said Coun. Garry Dalgity.

"They are sitting with $10,000 in the bank," said Coun. Denzil Ferguson.

"It's a great festival, I attended last year," said Levi. "I don't understand why we nickel and dime, when we are trying to promote our town as a great place to be."

"Another winner!" exclaimed McLaughlin.

Archives Lanark asked for $5,000 to offset the publishing/printing costs of two books documenting the history and community life of the rural school sections of the former townships of Ramsay and Pakenham.

"This is the first year they asked (for money)," said Smithson.

The two books are for the community, which is the only reason we are supporting it, she continued.

"This is preserving the history of our community," said Levi. "The volunteers put in so many hours, and get little help."

The books will be published and sold, noted McLaughlin, suggesting council look at another arrangement - a loan.

"These people are our memory," he added.

"We should be more involved in our history," said Levi.

In the end, council recommended a $2,000 grant for Archives Lanark.

In September, Almonte Potters Guild celebrates its 10th anniversary, and plans are in the works for a month-long open house at the studio. Advertising will be a large portion of the expenses.

COUNCIL AGREED ON A $500 GRANT.

The sum of municipal grants recommended for inclusion in the 2012 budget is $21,500. In addition, council will review its municipal grants policy.

"All in all, I think the meeting was a success in that the municipal grants will be dispersed according to merit and we didn't break the bank," said Dalgity.

tgesner@perfprint.ca