ST. PAUL - With just a couple weeks left in 2022, the Town of St. Paul used up the last of its Community Grant funding following a request from the Glen Avon Playground Enhancement Society to help support the replacement of the score clock and sound system at the K-9 school’s gymnasium.
The request was an addition to the Dec. 12 Town of St. Paul council meeting.
According to information presented by CAO Steven Jeffery, the amount left in the 2022 Community Grant Funding was $2,005. As per the recently approved interim budget for 2023, there will be a drastic decrease in funding set aside for community grant requests.
The parent-run organization at Glen Avon School requested $2,000 to help pay for a new score clock and is also taking on some fundraising efforts. The need to replace the clock is sudden and has occurred just as basketball season is getting underway, said Jeffery.
Mayor Maureen Miller acknowledged it was a tough request but noted that the community hosts many events within local schools, drawing people to town. The request also does fall within the guidelines that have been set by council and administration.
Coun. Nathan Taylor said he would support the request, since the funds were available, and the year was coming to an end. He too acknowledged that while 2023 will see a much tighter budget, the money was available for this specific ask.
He also wanted to ensure that the request would be seen as a capital funding request, which then disqualifies the organization from making a similar request for three years.
Coun. Brad Eamon said he was not in favour of the request, pointing to the St. Paul Elementary School where similar fundraisers are happening for playground enhancements.
Taylor made the motion to approve the request from the parent group at Glen Avon School, and noted requests are considered on a first-come, first-served basis.
Council carried a motion to approve $2,000 to the Glen Avon score clock project, with council members who were present voting in favour, except Eamon.
