The Cobden Recreation Association is under the rule of the Township of Whitewater Region, however, it’s operating under a bylaw that was signed prior to amalgamation and a lease that expired at the end of 2011.
A year ago, the township’s auditor advised the bylaw and lease agreement must be updated, noted Chief Administrative Officer Christine FitzSimons at the township’s Dec. 2 recreation and culture committee meeting. And, even thought these issues have come up for discussion a few times over the past year, nothing has been done, she said.
“We are not following the proper process,” she said.
First, there should be council representation on the board, she said. Secondly, the current bylaw is from 1986 and is with the former Town of Cobden, she added. And finally, there is no active lease since the one sent to the association a few years ago has never been signed and returned, CAO FitzSimons said.
Mayor Hal Johnson received a positive response when he asked if Councillor Chris Olmstead, who is chair of this committee, would sit on the association. The committee also agreed that a staff person be named to sit as a back-up if Coun. Olmstead cannot attend a meeting.
CAO FitzSimons noted the association, which is actually a committee of council, should be appointed by council.
When questioned if this is the same for Westmeath and Beachburg, CAO FitzSimons said no.
Beachburg and Westmeath are incorporated associations. The Cobden Recreation Association is part of the township’s financial department, however, there is a separate account for it, she advised.
Councillor Cathy Regier questioned if the Cobden rec association has considered becoming incorporated.
“This would give them full control and it would alleviate stress off staff,” she said.
Councillor Dave Mackay questioned if council wanted to be in charge of appointing the members.
However, Mayor Johnson noted the association can choose who they want on the board, it just has to be approved by council.
As for the lease, CAO FitzSimons said that cannot be completed until the bylaw is updated, a task which she is working on.
A motion was passed stating the 1986 bylaw be updated and Coun. Olmstead be appointed to the board and along with a staff member as backup; that a new lease agreement be prepared and signed and that the township investigate the possibility of incorporating the Cobden Rec Association.
While no recorded vote was requested, Councillor Daryl McLaughlin voted against the motion. He felt the rec association should investigate if it wants to be incorporated and that part be removed from the motion.
“It shows to me you are giving them direction and I think the direction should come from the rec association, not from the council,” he said prior to the vote. “If they decide they want to do that, we can bring another motion forward.”
