Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutHuron Expositor, 2006-04-12, Page 7Huron News The Huron Expositor • April 12, 2006 Page 7 East pledges $5,000 towards Lions pool Susan Hundertmark On top of a $5,000 donation from Huron East council, Mayor Joe Seili issued a challenge to councillors to contribute towards renovations at Lions Pool last Tuesday. "This is the mayor's challenge. I am going to donate tonight's meet- ing to them," he said at council's April 4 meeting. Councillors are paid $80 for meet- ings that last less than four hours. Seaforth Coun. Lou Maloney was the only one to respond saying, "I'm giving a lot more than that." The 50 -year-old Lions pool is undergoing $225,000 in repairs this spring. The repairs include replac- ing the deep end wall, the pool decking and the piping underneath the pool along with a new building on the south side of the pool which will house the new filtration and pump system. As well, a new handicapped ramp will be installed leading to the bath- house and swimming area and a handicapped lift and a set of stairs will be built to help those who need it into the pool. In a letter to council, Lions presi- • The Lions pool in Seaforth waits for renovations to begin this spring. dent Bill Mall said the group has a fundraising goal of $50,000. "The Lions members and execu- tive knew this day would come and have been building a reserve for this purpose for the past 15 plus years. With our reserves and a provincial government grant we anticipate receiving, we will still be short of our financial needs," said the letter. Suggested donations began at $1,000 by Deputy Mayor Bernie MacLellan, an amount Seaforth Coun. Joe Steffler, also a Lions Club member, called "pretty chintzy." Tuckersmith Coun. Bill • DeJong suggested "letting it slide and see- ing what the shortfall is at the end of the day," but Mayor Joe Seili said the Lions need to know what they can raise immediately so the repairs can be completed before the summer season begins. McKillop Coun. Ferg Kelly then suggested $2,500 to be taken out of Huron East's parkland reserves. Brussels Coun. David Blaney next suggested $5,000, pointing out that Huron East contributes a signifi- cant amount to the Brussels pool and other recreation facilities in the municipality. "Sometimes the first donation is hard to get and $5,000 will give them 10 per cent of their goal," he said. Mayor Joe Seili said he wanted a offer a generous donation because. he doesn't want the community owning Lions pool. "I would like the Lions to keep their pool. We all know how expen- sive it is to run a pool," he : said. McKillop . Coun. Sharon McClure expressed concern that if the munic- ipality donates towards the pool, some ratepayers would consider that their donation and not open their wallets with a personal dona- tion. MacLellan responded that those people wouldn't likely donate any- way. Seili added that he wished the Lions had asked for the donation before the budget had been approved. Huron East. contributes $6,500 towards the operating expenses of the pool every year. • Now you can get a Birth Certificate online, and receive it in 15 tusiness days or it's free. SerViceOntario.ca f):>Ontario making it easier Paid for by the Government of Ontario.