{"videoId":"GBi_3vGilx0","source":"serpapi","segments":[{"t":291,"text":"Okay. Um, good afternoon uh to those viewing online. We're just waiting for quorum uh to begin this meeting. Please stand by."},{"t":547,"text":"Good afternoon everyone. We our fourth counselor out of out of the seven of us have just arrived. We now"},{"t":556,"text":"officially have quorum and can commence today's meeting. So I will now call our special council meeting to order. I do"},{"t":565,"text":"wish to begin by recognizing that this meeting is being held on the traditional lands of the South and Shanu nations."},{"t":573,"text":"Council, I will turn your attention to the agenda. The motion would be that the agenda for the April 28, 2025 special"},{"t":580,"text":"meeting of council to be adopted as presented. Please moved by councelor St."},{"t":584,"text":"Pierre and seconded by Baitman. All those Anyone opposed? I'm just going to go with opposed. And that carries"},{"t":592,"text":"unanimously. We have no counselors virtually attending. There's just the four of us in the room. Public question"},{"t":599,"text":"and comment period is up next. We do have uh one member of the public with us today in chambers. Would you like to address council? He does not wish to"},{"t":608,"text":"speak, but thank you very much for attending and being with us today. Uh item number five is to resolve into committee of the whole. That will enable"},{"t":616,"text":"us to have more of a committee style discussion. So the motion is that council resolve into committee of the"},{"t":623,"text":"whole to consider the 2026 community grant applications. They'll be moved by"},{"t":629,"text":"councelor St. Pierre and seconded by Bettos. Is anyone opposed? And that's unanimous. So that brings us into the"},{"t":638,"text":"determination of community grant applications. And that was the rationale for holding today's special meeting. I"},{"t":646,"text":"will turn it over to staff to take us through the report, please."},{"t":658,"text":"Thank you, your worship. So, this report brings forward the 2026 community grant applications following council's review and presentations at the April 20th committee of the whole."},{"t":672,"text":"Council is asked to consider three recommendations today. The first two relate to immediate next steps and the third outlines a future action. First,"},{"t":681,"text":"council is being asked to select one of three funding options which I'll walk through now."},{"t":686,"text":"Oh, there we go."},{"t":692,"text":"The three options are as follows. Option one, aggregated, which reflects the evaluation results as scored by council."},{"t":700,"text":"Option two, adjusted applies a proportional reduction across all applications to remain within the"},{"t":707,"text":"available community grant budget. And third, alternative an alternative option which provides flexibility for council to adjust individual allocations."},{"t":721,"text":"As this is the first year under the updated policy, staff applied a consistent approach to ensure fair results where some scenarios were not"},{"t":728,"text":"explicitly addressed in the policy. For example, where a council member declared a conflict of interest or where no score"},{"t":736,"text":"was provided, an average was calculated using the remaining evaluations."},{"t":741,"text":"Where calculations resulted in non-rounded amounts, values were rounded down to the nearest $50 or $100 for consistency."},{"t":750,"text":"Applications with declared conflict of interests were removed from the main funding table and are presented separately to allow those members to recuse themselves from those decisions."},{"t":764,"text":"If council wishes to adjust the individual allocations, staff recommend using option two as a starting point."},{"t":771,"text":"This provides a balanced within budget baseline and allows for targeted adjustments. And with that we will bring up the summary table and I will turn it back to the chair for the discussion."},{"t":782,"text":"Okay. Thank you very much. Um we are sitting in committee of the whole which uh was a deliberate plan to allow for"},{"t":790,"text":"different and more flexible meeting style. Any resolution would require one mover only. Uh I am aware that there I"},{"t":800,"text":"recall uh councelor St. Pierre connected to 6.2 Is a member of council present here which would be connected to item 6.3?"},{"t":811,"text":"I don't recall. Was that councelor Bait?"},{"t":815,"text":"Okay. So, we already know in advance that those two will need to flow to the regular council meeting. Um, so in terms"},{"t":823,"text":"of where to begin here, I mean, I could just look for anyone interested in moving a motion and then we can open up discussion or go from there."},{"t":833,"text":"Okay. Well, I'll go to a question around procedure or the report in the microphone, please."},{"t":840,"text":"Yeah. So, we see option one, aggregated amount, which is what we've determined on our scorecards. Can we we can amend"},{"t":848,"text":"those? If we approve option one, we could Sorry. Option one, I think, is the scorecards."},{"t":856,"text":"Scorecard. Option two is the adjusted amount."},{"t":864,"text":"with some sort of can we get clarity on the Absolutely. So for option three uh while staff uh suggests that we use option two"},{"t":873,"text":"as the baseline just so that we're starting within budget. Um however if council it's a desire of council to start with option one as a baseline and then adjust amounts from there. We can"},{"t":881,"text":"certainly bring that column over um as our starting point. So I would uh suggest council choose a starting point of either option one or option two just"},{"t":890,"text":"so we can populate those those numbers and then we can adjust accordingly uh at the direction of of of the team."},{"t":897,"text":"But I think the question was what is the difference? Option one is based on score sheets. What is option two? How did those numbers get determined?"},{"t":908,"text":"So option one is based on the score sheets which would require it does exceed the allotted budget. So the lo budget is $65,000 for community grants."},{"t":916,"text":"So it would require use of council contingency to present an option uh from a staff perspective that would fit within the community grant budget is"},{"t":925,"text":"option two. So that applies an equal reduction. So to be able to get the aggregated score uh am scores and values"},{"t":932,"text":"uh within the community grant budget, we had to apply a reduction. So what we did is take 11% off everybody um to reduce"},{"t":939,"text":"and fit within the $65,000 as of available budget."},{"t":944,"text":"Okay. So in that case both of them are connected in that way and then uh did all members of council provide their input into this?"},{"t":954,"text":"We received feedback from five members."},{"t":956,"text":"So uh those attending uh with the presentation. So councelor Pearson is absent today but he also participated."},{"t":962,"text":"Okay. So, five five completed their work. Four did not. Okay. Thank you, counselor. I'll go back to counselor."},{"t":969,"text":"Um, sorry, I'll go to councelor Betos."},{"t":984,"text":"Okay. Okay. Uh, I would like to start with option two. That's the one that we can adjust. So if we have just say the first one uh then the other scores still add up to our budget."},{"t":995,"text":"Okay. Thank you. So okay. So the motion then that is that councelor Betos has moved is that"},{"t":1002,"text":"council select preferred option number two for allocating the 2026 community grant program funding as outlined in this report and direct staff to"},{"t":1011,"text":"implement the selected option. That's what you're moving."},{"t":1013,"text":"Yeah. Now we're going to go through them, right? And then that'll go to option two. Yeah."},{"t":1018,"text":"So, we're on we're looking at that option two column. Okay. Everyone's with me there."},{"t":1024,"text":"Okay. And then to And then you wanted to sort of go through them by Yeah. I I have some uh"},{"t":1033,"text":"sorry I have I got to look so I can see if my um yeah I have some concerns about uh some of some of these figures and uh"},{"t":1042,"text":"my concern is if uh we adjust them then the others get a bit more but we stay within our budget."},{"t":1048,"text":"Okay. So staff are keeping a live worksheet that will do the math as we go along. Um perhaps what I will do is I'll"},{"t":1057,"text":"just read out the organization and then the amount and then if council wishes to"},{"t":1065,"text":"discuss that particular item then we'll pause and and open up discussion about it. Okay. Does that work? Councelor"},{"t":1072,"text":"Baitman, can you turn your mic off and yours on?"},{"t":1074,"text":"Yeah. One more question. I'm just curious about our appetite to to enter the contingency funding. Um, so staff"},{"t":1081,"text":"are recommending we do not exceed 15,000 to take our budget up to 80,000. Um, but I think it might be useful beforehand to"},{"t":1090,"text":"determine are we going to stick to the 65 or do we want to be um Well, right now we are"},{"t":1099,"text":"we are just under I think there's if I'm not mistaken, there would be there's a"},{"t":1105,"text":"little bit left. there's $5,900 that has not been that is not anywhere that is sitting available."},{"t":1115,"text":"Um and then should then as we enter into this then that'll be a discussion point."},{"t":1120,"text":"So it's a bit early to say to access contingency because we may or may not."},{"t":1124,"text":"So I think we just need to deal with that when we hit that particular point."},{"t":1129,"text":"Okay. So, first up is Rewired Recovery Foundation for Soberfest in the amount of 850."},{"t":1138,"text":"Councelor Betos."},{"t":1140,"text":"Yeah, I uh I had a little trouble with this in that uh we have a brand new criteria"},{"t":1147,"text":"and uh it's uh supposed to be a first of all no new initiatives and the second part was it that uh it's supposed to be"},{"t":1156,"text":"things for here in souk. Uh, soberfest is not in souk and it's not new. So to me, it doesn't even qualify for"},{"t":1164,"text":"anything. So I wrote zero in mine. And it's not as though they're not doing wonderful work. And again, some of these ones that I have marked zero for. I just"},{"t":1173,"text":"in the past a little frustrated that we we have a criteria and then we go all over the place. So, I know there's always going to be exceptions to the"},{"t":1181,"text":"rule, but I think this one is clearly outside of the guidelines and uh I would not rather fund them with anything. So, my thing is zero."},{"t":1192,"text":"Okay. Councelor St. Pierre."},{"t":1198,"text":"Um I agree with councelor Betos. Uh I think what it does is unfortunately it opens up that any event doing obviously excellent work in the South Island could"},{"t":1206,"text":"say well we've got people from soup coming down and I don't know I don't know how we would deal with that. It just opens things wide open in strange"},{"t":1213,"text":"ways. So I prefer that we not do that uh despite the fact that they do good work and obviously are serving some of our people."},{"t":1221,"text":"Okay. So councelor Baitman I'd agree with both those comments. Um, I I did attempt to uh to ask further"},{"t":1230,"text":"questions, but the the link was was down. And I think maybe the lesson for for these applicants outside of Souk is"},{"t":1238,"text":"that you need to really emphasize what are the benefits to Souk so that the next council can perhaps find the nuance"},{"t":1246,"text":"in the policy. But yes, I would I would agree with councelor Betos on this and St. Peter and that's where they're Yeah. No, I I I"},{"t":1254,"text":"agree with what you're saying. I think um the challenge that we have is there we're oversubscribed on the program. We"},{"t":1263,"text":"only have so much allocated and so this year it's the focuses on on souk events"},{"t":1270,"text":"and the like. So yes, go ahead. Well, the other thing is that um what sort of bothers me in some"},{"t":1278,"text":"of these things is that we set a criteria criteria out and we have some local people that I would love to support like drum line and these ones"},{"t":1286,"text":"like that and they didn't apply because they say okay I don't meet the criteria and they found another way to get things"},{"t":1293,"text":"done. So if we start going too far from the norm, I think we send a bad signal to anybody here in soup that could be"},{"t":1302,"text":"deserving of some of our help. So anyways, I said enough on that one."},{"t":1306,"text":"Yep. No, that's fair. So we will remove that and I think what we'll do is we'll call for votes should we need to when in"},{"t":1313,"text":"this case we don't. I'm seeing consensus around the table. uh whereas if it came to you know just procedurally going forward"},{"t":1321,"text":"if there's disagreement then we would need to potentially call a vote for it."},{"t":1326,"text":"So, um, if staff can just update the spreadsheet,"},{"t":1336,"text":"it's the one on the screen is not live or Yeah. is it?"},{"t":1346,"text":"Oh, I see. Okay. Because now we're starting the next column. Okay. Got it."},{"t":1350,"text":"Okay. So, that's how they all work together. Like that, correct?"},{"t":1355,"text":"Will the other ones be the other ones?"},{"t":1358,"text":"See, I I think what we were hoping to do if you can update it into option two because that's if you could stay in the one column please of option two so that"},{"t":1367,"text":"we're not drifting because then if you were to delete that the rest of the mass should change the rest of the numbers."},{"t":1374,"text":"I understand if that was a formula put in for an 11% reduction would it not? uh your worship."},{"t":1381,"text":"Although the numbers were reduced by a formula, the spreadsheet is not populated by a formula. So the numbers in the spreadsheet have simply been"},{"t":1389,"text":"typed in manually. So although they can be updated universally, each individual one would need to be updated for each change you make."},{"t":1398,"text":"Okay."},{"t":1400,"text":"Um Okay, I'll go to staff again if I may."},{"t":1405,"text":"We are just keeping the running tally at the bottom. So with that adjustment, we're at 58 250. So there is a running tally uh going as well that we can work from."},{"t":1416,"text":"Okay. All right. Yes, councelor St. Pierre."},{"t":1420,"text":"Uh this is sorry, this is uh with regards to the process. Uh I was hoping that we might discuss the process a little bit because I do have a"},{"t":1427,"text":"suggestion on something that might be very fair and meet everyone's needs."},{"t":1431,"text":"And I think that there's some pieces in here that we can address pretty quickly."},{"t":1435,"text":"Uh there's not enough money. So, the proportional reduction makes a lot of sense, but there are some applicants that made very very specific ask for a"},{"t":1443,"text":"very specific number. And we know that they didn't just put $5,000 because that's the maximum that they could ask for. I would prefer that those"},{"t":1450,"text":"applicants uh potentially get the full amount that was requested. And if that's the case, then at that point, everyone else gets reduced by a slightly"},{"t":1459,"text":"different amount. Uh, in addition, I think that although I appreciate the work of staff in terms of, you know, asking us to fill out the various"},{"t":1466,"text":"proportions and how much should we like this person, that person, I don't actually think that I find it unfortunate that we're pitting"},{"t":1474,"text":"people against each other instead of simply having a transparent very fair process. Uh, if people have actually met all the criteria, as"},{"t":1483,"text":"council betterers was pointing out, I think they they met the criteria. we shouldn't be deciding whe they've met it 100% or 80% and then that affects their funding. If they've met it, they've met"},{"t":1490,"text":"it. At which point I think that we can go to a percentage allocation and just leave it at that. Uh there are however a couple of places where I think that the"},{"t":1498,"text":"groups are actually doing work directly for the district and actually reducing the cost of our operations in which case I think it behooves us to look at those"},{"t":1506,"text":"carefully and decide whether or not we want to do something about those. Okay. No, that's fair counselor uh St."},{"t":1512,"text":"Pierre. However, right now we're working with option two because that was the motion that is on the floor right now and we're going through these line by"},{"t":1519,"text":"line. So, I think when that comes up, if you feel that's the case and that would be the time to motivate that you"},{"t":1526,"text":"disagree with what is on here and you would want to see a different number because others around the table might not agree with you on that."},{"t":1536,"text":"It it is in your view that you feel they should be fully funded, but that may not be what everyone else feels."},{"t":1542,"text":"Okay."},{"t":1545,"text":"I So I would like I'm going to just move on to the next one so that we can get through this rather than move around in"},{"t":1553,"text":"terms of this or that. And I do not wish to move around."},{"t":1556,"text":"Okay. I don't understand from option two. You want to move so Okay."},{"t":1562,"text":"I do not wish to use option two as it stands. It was my understanding previously that the amount was reduced, but it's actually a a percentage"},{"t":1570,"text":"reduction on the rubric that included our our feedback. I don't want to have our feedback included."},{"t":1578,"text":"You don't want our feedback included?"},{"t":1580,"text":"No, I don't think it's actually something that we should be doing, especially before an election period."},{"t":1584,"text":"Uh, honestly, handing out goodies and deciding whose group is doing better work."},{"t":1589,"text":"Okay, so I'm going to just so we can get on with this. U, we're already into option three."},{"t":1596,"text":"Uh, I want to find a way to just move forward. I get it."},{"t":1600,"text":"Move forward, but also not we're sitting on a motion where we're going through this. So, option two was on the floor."},{"t":1608,"text":"Uh, we've already deviated off of the intent of option two by making a change to the very first application, which puts us into the option three category."},{"t":1616,"text":"So, procedurally, I need some staff guidance here on getting us out of option three onto a different option because we're already into option three,"},{"t":1625,"text":"even though option two is what's on the floor to allow that's the way it was supposed to work two and then it just defaults to three as we go through them."},{"t":1634,"text":"My suggestion is we just stay in that that center option two column, go through each one of them, see where it lands, and then at the end of it,"},{"t":1642,"text":"but the counselor disagrees with you. So then if I call a vote then I like we're stuck. He doesn't want to be on option two doing this."},{"t":1650,"text":"Are you sure what he wants?"},{"t":1651,"text":"Well, can I explain again what I'm hoping for? Okay. Because if if people don't like it, that's fine. We can move back to the option you prefer. Okay. I"},{"t":1659,"text":"think that if we actually simply look at say the all the $5,000 uh asks and we reduce each one proportionally so that"},{"t":1666,"text":"it fits within budget but we make sure that prior to that we allocate from that budget before we actually pull from it"},{"t":1673,"text":"the entire amounts of the smaller asks that were very specific and we know that they actually really need the full amount."},{"t":1681,"text":"That actually allows us to get it all done fairly quickly. It also just reduces any perceptions of favoritism"},{"t":1689,"text":"and so on and so forth. I think that they're all good organizations doing good work. I I personally would not want to be picking between that choir and"},{"t":1696,"text":"that band and that other group or that sport. They're all doing good work in our community and as long as they've actually met the criteria that allows"},{"t":1704,"text":"them to make the application. I really think I would prefer for a council not to be weighing in in this particular way. I appreciate the work of staff on this but I just don't agree with the process."},{"t":1713,"text":"Okay. So this is where then so okay uh okay so option that puts us just on"},{"t":1722,"text":"the motion and that is to select the option of option two. We're hearing discussion of how that's not going to work. So then I'll call the question on"},{"t":1731,"text":"using option two to proceed because otherwise we have to go to option three and do something entirely different than"},{"t":1737,"text":"option one and two. Excuse me. Just a point of clarity and we'll go through to through the worship through"},{"t":1745,"text":"staff. I thought option two was the one day we were going to go through line by line and adjust it."},{"t":1752,"text":"Is is that wasn't that the intent? That is the intent. You're correct."},{"t":1758,"text":"So I don't understand what the problem is then. I mean if we come to one of these things that uh councelor St. here"},{"t":1767,"text":"feel should get the the full amount when we come down to it. Just state it. Yeah, I think they get all of it. And then we adjust it accordingly and then we come"},{"t":1775,"text":"down to the bottom and we're within $5,000 of what our budget is, then we're done."},{"t":1780,"text":"I I won't object if if we move in that direction."},{"t":1784,"text":"I don't have a problem. I don't think I don't think you understand why I'm suggesting I understand why you're doing it and and I disagree with it because I I really"},{"t":1792,"text":"I'm here to make a decision. I'm not I'm not here worried about who I piss off in the community that I might not get a vote from them. That's not my job. My"},{"t":1800,"text":"job is here to make the best decision I can with the criteria that's laid out and the money we have. And I'd like to just do that. And uh if somebody is"},{"t":1810,"text":"annoyed with me because they didn't get the the money that they they wanted, I'm sorry, but uh you know, we have a"},{"t":1816,"text":"criteria and we have only so much money and that's what we're paid to do is is to make those decisions."},{"t":1823,"text":"Okay. So, can I go back to the original process where we're just going to go through them then and if counsel when we when I read it out, if you disagree and"},{"t":1832,"text":"you feel it should be different, then you can say why that is. And if you want to do the full funding, this would be the time to do it. Mhm."},{"t":1840,"text":"I don't I'm I'm totally confused. I don't know what to do. I'm just going to continue on here and move to the next one. Uh can"},{"t":1848,"text":"you both turn off your microphones if you're not speaking? Thank you."},{"t":1852,"text":"So the next is the Souk Fall Fair Association and the amount of is in there of $2,900. Councelor Baitman."},{"t":1860,"text":"Yeah. Well, I think um I in my scorecard I had a number that I felt deserved full funding. Soukfall fair is the kind of uh"},{"t":1869,"text":"situation where um they deserve a service agreement I would argue and they are a"},{"t":1877,"text":"113year-old organization that in fact is entered a new era. So they do qualify uh given"},{"t":1885,"text":"their move to Fred Milan Park. I think it's a large enough and communitywide enough event that it deserves the full funding at $5,000."},{"t":1894,"text":"Okay."},{"t":1896,"text":"Others, councelor Betos, I would concur with that. I had them down for 90% and I had a figure of 3,000."},{"t":1903,"text":"Uh but um I I agree and they did they're doing something very new this year."},{"t":1910,"text":"So that's why I didn't eliminate them."},{"t":1913,"text":"So, I'd be inclined to agree with councelor B to go for the full five. Councelor St. Pierre, any comments?"},{"t":1919,"text":"Okay. So, we'll put 5,000 in there pending and move on to the South Island Performing Arts Society West Coast"},{"t":1928,"text":"Cabaret. It's showing at 1,500."},{"t":1933,"text":"Councelor Baitman. Yeah, I I I like that at each of these uh arts productions, um"},{"t":1940,"text":"oneoff uh concerts or small series are coming in at $1,500 each. That seems"},{"t":1947,"text":"like a fair, equitable distribution in the art sector. Okay."},{"t":1952,"text":"Okay. Um I'll uh I have a problem with again going back to our criteria that"},{"t":1959,"text":"West Coast Cabaret and I went to it last year was great. enjoyed it immensely."},{"t":1964,"text":"But it's not new. This is not a new initiative. This is the same initiative as last year."},{"t":1971,"text":"So I mean then if we to give them some money, we're going to go against their criteria."},{"t":1977,"text":"So I having some problems with that unless somebody can make a good argument why we should deviate from because it's"},{"t":1984,"text":"not just them, it's the next tool as well."},{"t":1988,"text":"So I mean it is not new. It's it's a new a new show. No, actually the cabaret is the same show. The other one's, you"},{"t":1995,"text":"know, a a new a new play, but it's not new. Yeah."},{"t":1998,"text":"So, uh, if we if we're going to go with this new criteria, um, or we have to say maybe the new"},{"t":2006,"text":"criteria isn't working to our benefit and unfortunately, it's going to leave some people that didn't apply out in the woods,"},{"t":2012,"text":"but we might learn from it. But, uh, it's not new. So, if someone makes a justification that they should get it, I'm I'm open to listen."},{"t":2021,"text":"Okay? because that would um seemingly apply to the next the next two actually. Next two."},{"t":2027,"text":"Yeah. I mean they're good productions and I think that's that's the weakness in what we're doing here today with this criteria is we have not left any"},{"t":2036,"text":"flexibility for these groups that add sort of the essence of souk. Uh"},{"t":2043,"text":"so an option to consider is just to they may not fall under the community grant category but for now why don't we shift"},{"t":2052,"text":"them over because potentially council could make a decision to potentially fund some of the ask out of contingency"},{"t":2060,"text":"which does not have the restriction that the grant program does. I'm just throwing that out there as an alternative. That's an option that I'm sort of looking for because I struggled"},{"t":2068,"text":"with this because I I know these three groups. I I know what they do for the community and it's part of what souk is"},{"t":2075,"text":"these things. So, I would not have a problem to remove them and consider them under contingency. Okay. Thank you. Unless we have money left over."},{"t":2083,"text":"Well, and that's where we can look at that. M over to staff, please."},{"t":2088,"text":"Thank you through your worship. Another consideration is application of the sponsorship policy, which council has set at a a cap of $1,000. So although"},{"t":2095,"text":"this is outside of the community grant, maybe that's a path forward as well, just as far as consistency and principles of equity, uh would be $1,000"},{"t":2103,"text":"is the cap for sponsorships. That may be another option for a path forward on these groups while still maintaining the integrity of of those policies."},{"t":2112,"text":"Can I ask how much is in uh that that fund for sponsorships?"},{"t":2120,"text":"Uh, Mr. Curry."},{"t":2123,"text":"Um, sure. Just let me uh look what landed in budget at the end of the year. Have it in front of me here."},{"t":2134,"text":"The uh sponsorship budget is $2,500 for 2026. Um, council has previously used the contingency for sponsorships"},{"t":2143,"text":"throughout the year as well. So the the contingency budget was reduced to 40,000 for 2026 and then you have just under"},{"t":2151,"text":"4,000 that's been used already this year."},{"t":2153,"text":"Okay. So there's there's some options but it would be the case where we could draw from one or the other or both. So for this point just given the rationale"},{"t":2162,"text":"and the policy then I would suggest that those be parked temporarily in a different way. Councelor St. Pierre. Uh"},{"t":2171,"text":"I think that councelor Bettos has brought up a really important point on all this. Uh I think that the newness thing also needs to be just you know kind of figured out in a way. Uh what"},{"t":2180,"text":"qualifies as new? Uh if they need new material because the old material is is no good no more. Uh is that new? Uh are"},{"t":2188,"text":"we looking for certain levels of creativity or are we just like what is what does new mean in this particular context? because I think that uh groups"},{"t":2196,"text":"could say well we're getting new music but they're just still doing essentially the same sort of production. Uh I don't I think the criteria itself needs to be"},{"t":2203,"text":"better defined before we can actually use it as is. I think the intent was to uh priv to give priority to startups for"},{"t":2212,"text":"example like souk radio uh seed money to get projects going and I think that we could have um"},{"t":2220,"text":"something in the policy that would indicate priority to startups and new uh initiatives but I don't know that I"},{"t":2228,"text":"think we need to first of all define what new is going to mean. Okay, it says in here a project, program or event that has not previously received funding"},{"t":2236,"text":"through the community grant program or represents a significant expansion of an existing effort. It is defined in the policy."},{"t":2246,"text":"So a non is is what that is an an expansion of an existing effort."},{"t":2253,"text":"So one could say a significant expansion of an existing effort. So replacing materials to do the"},{"t":2260,"text":"same thing is not a significant expansion. Okay. So I I it is in my view clearly defined."},{"t":2270,"text":"Yes, I agree. And I think that the definition then needs to be looked at if we want to include some of these other groups in terms of what they're doing or the sponsorship. I don't know."},{"t":2279,"text":"Yeah. So that's why for now I think they'll need to just go in a parking lot of discussion. Not the parking lot, but a parking lot in this meeting. Yeah."},{"t":2289,"text":"Okay. Let me come back. We'll come back to that. Uh, okay. So, hold on a second."},{"t":2297,"text":"I'm going to ask staff just to do me a favor and if there is a print out of this spreadsheet, could I please have one because I'm sort of moving between screens and I find it a bit challenging."},{"t":2308,"text":"If there's an extra spreadsheet print out, could someone get me one or ask for one to be brought up? So, we're that moves the Souk Island Performing Arts"},{"t":2316,"text":"Society, Souk Youth Theater Company, and Souk Harbor Players into the parking lot. I'll ask about the Mixtape Singer Society."},{"t":2327,"text":"I uh Thank you, worship. I um I I uh they needed to buy some new music, so I figured that that that was enough."},{"t":2338,"text":"little sketchy, but it did sort of uh it uh close enough for me to go through."},{"t":2345,"text":"And I think they were asking for four and I put them down at three grand."},{"t":2352,"text":"This was a new ask though, wasn't it? A new funding ask completely. This is a new group and a whole new one."},{"t":2359,"text":"So, they are they can move into this. Uh what about the scoring? It it came out at 75%."},{"t":2367,"text":"Okay. We use the criteria for the scoring. So 75% you know was 3,000 out of 4,000. So that's why I came up with 3,000."},{"t":2374,"text":"Okay. So we're seeing 3,000 there."},{"t":2378,"text":"What what did they do on the sketch? I need to see that for a second. What did uh Okay, so staff the the spreadsheet on"},{"t":2386,"text":"the screen is confusing to me. you'll need to move those three like just put zeros in there for now. If you're going"},{"t":2395,"text":"to use the option three, um can you take those out so it doesn't confuse our total and just park them on the side?"},{"t":2405,"text":"Sorry, mayor. Can you let me know which three are being parked? The South Island Performing Arts Society, the Souk Youth"},{"t":2414,"text":"Theater Company, and the Souk Harbor Players should all be zeroed for now. We will return to those at the end, but"},{"t":2421,"text":"right now, if they are in there in this column three, it looks like they're accessing the grant funding, which is going to screw up our total at the bottom."},{"t":2431,"text":"Yeah. So, if you could do that, please."},{"t":2433,"text":"And then that puts the mix and then we're on to the mixtape singers."},{"t":2438,"text":"Uh, and then that would be my suggestion is three grand."},{"t":2442,"text":"$3,000 is what's has been suggested as they do fit the criteria. Yeah."},{"t":2450,"text":"And the average of course of our scorecard was 1650, right? Yeah. So, yeah. Okay."},{"t":2458,"text":"Yeah. I I just would I'm I'm okay with 3,000. If you want to reduce it to two, I it's it's up to you guys. But, uh, I would leave 3,000."},{"t":2467,"text":"3,000. Okay. Okay."},{"t":2471,"text":"A new organization that has a new organization with their series not so long ago. Okay. Yeah."},{"t":2478,"text":"Uh, the next one is the Sou Community Jazz Band. Um, this one I thought I'm"},{"t":2486,"text":"just going to find it here, but this one I would just like to fund it in its entirety. I thought it was like"},{"t":2493,"text":"a very specific What did they Oh, they 687 was it? Yeah."},{"t":2498,"text":"Okay. I put 687."},{"t":2502,"text":"I put 600 in my thing. So, I'm okay with 687."},{"t":2505,"text":"Yeah. And they had broken out all the other sources and the like. So, also another new. Okay."},{"t":2515,"text":"So, I'll just Can I speak? Yeah, sure. Yeah. I just echo what what council St. Pierre said. Here's an"},{"t":2523,"text":"organization that came in with an exact figure. They didn't go for the top dollar and they shouldn't be penalized"},{"t":2531,"text":"for uh giving us their their true budget. So 687. Absolutely. Okay."},{"t":2538,"text":"Um Okay. Souk Transition House Society."},{"t":2546,"text":"It's 2550."},{"t":2549,"text":"2550 was for a workshop series. I didn't two grand. I don't 2550."},{"t":2557,"text":"2550."},{"t":2559,"text":"I'll move on to the Victoria Sexual Assault Center. Yeah. Excuse me. Yes."},{"t":2566,"text":"Yeah. I I see we for the mixtape uh singers, we've gone for 3,000. Um transition house. This is a brand new"},{"t":2574,"text":"program for them. It's uh a four or five workshop series on trauma. Okay."},{"t":2581,"text":"Um I I think we need to put 3,000 down if if we're setting a a bar for um for for new initiatives."},{"t":2591,"text":"Okay. So, put in the 3,000 and we'll see. Yeah, I'm okay with it. Yeah. Okay. See where we land."},{"t":2602,"text":"Oh, thank you. It didn't print in the larger size. Can I read it? Is the question."},{"t":2610,"text":"Okay, that'll help."},{"t":2617,"text":"Okay. Victoria Sexual Assault Center Victim Services Access is at 2300."},{"t":2626,"text":"I'll move to the next. Victoria Brain Injury Society for the Shine program is coming in at 1,200."},{"t":2635,"text":"It's fine. See to Tree Foundation. I appropate. Okay. You need to turn counselor St."},{"t":2642,"text":"Pierre, turn off your microphone, please."},{"t":2644,"text":"Victoria Brain Injury Society Shine Program. Um, I got it down as it's it's the same program as last year. It's not new."},{"t":2653,"text":"Okay."},{"t":2654,"text":"So, I got zero. I mean, I don't feel good about giving them zero."},{"t":2658,"text":"No, but it's it's the fairness principle."},{"t":2663,"text":"So, we're sort of agreeing that that's the case. So, then that would need to be zeroed, please."},{"t":2669,"text":"Yeah. The point about it is that's a school series, right? So, they go into to our local schools and do presentations on an annual basis,"},{"t":2677,"text":"but it's the same program as previous years is the point. Councelor St."},{"t":2681,"text":"Pierre, so you you please manage your microphones because the feedback is really love for those. Sorry to see the lights on."},{"t":2689,"text":"Uh I would suggest we find some other way of funding this particular program."},{"t":2693,"text":"I was extremely impressed with their rationale and the preventative measures they're providing to people. Uh I did not know a lot of the information on"},{"t":2701,"text":"brain injury and how it could affect people throughout their entire lives. If we're going to fund school leasal officers at, you know, 200,000, I think we need to fund something that's"},{"t":2709,"text":"actually do very similar work at a much lower cost. Whoops."},{"t":2714,"text":"Okay. So, on that note, again, that can it doesn't fit the criteria of the grant, but it could be discussed later"},{"t":2720,"text":"under contingency, just the same as the sponsorship conversation that we just had. Okay."},{"t":2727,"text":"C to tree Foundation is I have it down as not new. It's the same program as last year."},{"t":2737,"text":"Okay. So, that would be the same part that one or Well, we'll we'll move it to the side for now. Okay."},{"t":2744,"text":"But we're going through the first round now of eliminating those that don't meet the P the full criteria. So, take a hike."},{"t":2754,"text":"Okay. Uh the next is take a hike foundation is coming in at 2000"},{"t":2762,"text":"which may be the same that's what I have in my impact I'm okay with that to stay in or come out stay 2000"},{"t":2771,"text":"but it would be the same same it's the same program as previous years so it also needs to come I had them I had there was something new"},{"t":2780,"text":"about it okay let's pause and take a look at the application again you Take a hike foundation."},{"t":2786,"text":"Uh, I got my arrow down here."},{"t":2794,"text":"There are 20 youth from Souk. That's all I got on it. Damn it."},{"t":2803,"text":"It's the same program as um last year."},{"t":2806,"text":"They do great work. Absolutely. But it would be the similar Okay. If you want to do it, it's I'm not seeing that. I had them down for"},{"t":2814,"text":"two grand. It must have been a kind moment in my spark potentially. Okay."},{"t":2821,"text":"Souk Meals on Wheels for 2550."},{"t":2827,"text":"Yeah, they have it. Sorry. They have a new a new program. Pardon me. They're they're now going to uh some sort of a birthday thing. Yeah, I wrote some notes"},{"t":2835,"text":"down where they are. So it is it is not the same as this is a new initiative and I had them funded at 65% for 2000. So I"},{"t":2845,"text":"don't know what they got on 2500."},{"t":2848,"text":"Yeah. Well that's pretty close so I'm okay with that. And yeah and see this is one of these things I really struggle with because they do such good work in our community."},{"t":2860,"text":"Yeah. And I'm not uh Okay. So, I'm I'm okay with that. I'd even bump it up with three grand is good, but anyway."},{"t":2867,"text":"Okay. So, put in 3,000. They ask was 5,000. Yeah, that's good."},{"t":2874,"text":"Don't recall a recent grant application from their No. And they've changed the criteria."},{"t":2879,"text":"They've gone to some gatherings and uh you know, some celebrations for some of their clients. So, I thought it was new enough to qualify."},{"t":2886,"text":"Okay. Where to start society for the Care for You program."},{"t":2892,"text":"Yeah, I have some recollection of this one. This this uh the woman who presented, she's based in Souk and as"},{"t":2899,"text":"she told us um they plan to increase the program by at least 50% in terms of the number"},{"t":2906,"text":"of bags they're delivering. They've also got a new the soap for hope program is involved. They've lost the VHA community"},{"t":2914,"text":"wellness grant um which is no long which has been cut. So, I'm good."},{"t":2923,"text":"It would be the um it would have to move shift over though as it's a continuation of the same program that they've done previously."},{"t":2932,"text":"We'll look at that at the end."},{"t":2936,"text":"It's well that yeah I I thought there was something beautiful news how expensive everything is and the"},{"t":2944,"text":"fact that they lost um funding they needed from the province."},{"t":2950,"text":"Uh okay. The next one is it shift society. Yes. Supporting humanity and finding togetherness"},{"t":2958,"text":"society which is in here for 1750."},{"t":2968,"text":"That's a bit much. I I scored them and I know a bit more about it because I've been to another presentation that they"},{"t":2975,"text":"made and uh they're there's two things that they need. One is they need coolers uh so they can do"},{"t":2983,"text":"their food program which each resident pays for by the way. It's they're not getting subsidized for food. And the other thing they were looking for was to"},{"t":2991,"text":"buy some uh native type drums for the kids or something like that. And so, uh,"},{"t":2999,"text":"if you're just going to buy their coolers, I think, uh, a,000 bucks will do it instead of 1,700."},{"t":3006,"text":"And that's what they're they're not asking for any food or anything like that. And it is down at uh,"},{"t":3012,"text":"they've provided the full budget. So, uh, in this case, it would be for some, you know, potentially to it is a new"},{"t":3021,"text":"program and the funding could go towards it is a new program."},{"t":3025,"text":"Yeah. the the uh acquisition of uh coolers."},{"t":3028,"text":"So what's your thoughts then for dollar wise? 1750 is suggested or you want to go um I'm just looking at their outlined cost uh was about 2,31."},{"t":3041,"text":"Yeah."},{"t":3041,"text":"Uh so the 1750 would fund almost happy with that and and then some. Okay. Uh Sue"},{"t":3049,"text":"Horseshoes uh has a request for 5,000 for roofing."},{"t":3055,"text":"It comes in at 2,750."},{"t":3061,"text":"Yeah, I'd like to see that jump to the aggregated amount. Our scorecard number"},{"t":3067,"text":"3,100. This of course is a top as as they acknowledge three grand."},{"t":3073,"text":"Three grand. Let's $3,000 for the roofing. And just as a side note, uh you know, I I know it really isn't have much to do with it,"},{"t":3080,"text":"but with that new roof and that new facility, they can do some tournaments and get people to our community. So I I was okay with that."},{"t":3089,"text":"So I would also be inclined to increase it to the 5,000 so they could just complete it and get it done."},{"t":3099,"text":"Why didn't we Okay, we'll go to 4,000 and see that the roofing is done. This also supports other users in the communities in the"},{"t":3108,"text":"district park. They have some funds. So, we're sitting at 4,000 for the horseshoes and the roofing. AMCS Society has a drop in table tennis."},{"t":3120,"text":"They're uh for the the uh the equipment that they require. I seem to recall that"},{"t":3128,"text":"they got something donated at the last minute before their ask. So that their ask was 2600. 2,300."},{"t":3136,"text":"Okay. So thinking 2350. Yeah."},{"t":3145,"text":"Aggregated amount. Okay."},{"t":3150,"text":"Um, moving along here. Boys and girls clubs, uh, South Vancouver Island for the kitchen club."},{"t":3161,"text":"This had a $5,000 ask. It does taste plague in souk. Yeah, let's see here."},{"t":3175,"text":"Yeah, that would be fair. Others. Yeah, there this is at the Masonic Hall."},{"t":3181,"text":"was an outgrowth of the souk youth connect dropin. new where they meet on Mon Monday to Thursdays in the afternoons for these"},{"t":3189,"text":"are students and this is new this connect kitchen club is a new adventure"},{"t":3196,"text":"the uh $5,000 ask was to be see let's see here in the terms of their total"},{"t":3203,"text":"budget of 15,000 their ask is 5,000 so that's for the food that they need for the program"},{"t":3211,"text":"itself uh facilitation and supervision vision, transportation, food pickup, some volunteer recognition,"},{"t":3219,"text":"uh project evaluation, project supplies, and facility use."},{"t":3224,"text":"So the amounts I think allocated from the district with their ask of 5,000 was specific to 500 for supplies, 100 for"},{"t":3234,"text":"project evaluations, 250 for volunteers, 350 for the transportation and pickup, a,000 for the facilitation and supervision and 2,300."},{"t":3245,"text":"I'd be inclined to this is a new initiative. Cooking is not available in middle school. Uh it doesn't start until"},{"t":3253,"text":"high school. This gives access to healthy foods and home and food at home."},{"t":3258,"text":"So, I'm uh I personally am leaning towards the the full ask on this one for $5,000."},{"t":3267,"text":"They are fundraising and obtaining 10,000 from other sources. 4,000."},{"t":3276,"text":"4,000. Okay."},{"t":3280,"text":"Souk Youth Rep so Society uh is the Revolution Enhanced Program."},{"t":3290,"text":"They have an asked for 5,000 out of our total budget of 15,000."},{"t":3296,"text":"This would be to cover off the competition entry fees and costumes and the registration fees."},{"t":3307,"text":"Adam Scory is at 60. Not so sure dance."},{"t":3314,"text":"I think it's new in the sense that I'm don't recall that it's they've applied for a grant."},{"t":3320,"text":"I got a new group 55 youth. That's I bet. So I got him down as a new one. Okay."},{"t":3326,"text":"So I I want to see him get something but I'm not necessarily the full whe So the 2200. Sure. Okay."},{"t":3334,"text":"Can I ask?"},{"t":3335,"text":"Yes. staff if if you have any insights having processed these applications please jump in. It's not it's not their job."},{"t":3346,"text":"It's our job our job. They have already done that. They have. Okay. Yes. So they might give us gentle rem though."},{"t":3353,"text":"I think that's what we have to do. Okay."},{"t":3356,"text":"Uh the next is Kids Sport of Greater Victoria. Okay."},{"t":3361,"text":"This is an ongoing ask their total budget of 53."},{"t":3365,"text":"Yeah. They uh they're $530,000 of which 5,000 from the district of Sue. The again it's it's not a new program."},{"t":3373,"text":"It's exactly the same program as last year. They do wonderful work."},{"t":3376,"text":"Oh and and I I don't disagree with that and and I think that we should support them but we can't support them with these this criteria. So maybe that's one"},{"t":3385,"text":"we pull out because uh I think they I even though we pay 5,000 I think that we"},{"t":3392,"text":"get like $20,000 worth of helping kids in suit but it just does not fit the criteria."},{"t":3399,"text":"So that has to be pulled to me and then we'll have a look at that. So I don't know that's my opinion. Okay."},{"t":3406,"text":"It's worth noting with Kidsport, we are the only uh local government, I believe, on the South Island that supports"},{"t":3413,"text":"Kidsport with direct funding and they they celebrate. I I always think that's one of those great compassionate"},{"t":3421,"text":"community items. But you're right, it doesn't fit the new policy."},{"t":3424,"text":"Well, the other side of that, we it's not in this policy. Maybe it is. I haven't read it that carefully, I guess."},{"t":3429,"text":"But we did have we did have a problem in the past of giving money to groups that give money to other people"},{"t":3437,"text":"you know so uh you know which we're going to come down further down the scale we're going to hit them again but uh you know for the number of people in"},{"t":3445,"text":"soup that need some help with the sports and I think we all know how expensive they are I'm inclined to pull give them something out of somewhere I'm not sure"},{"t":3453,"text":"what yet but we'll get it okay that's over on the side the next step is Sun River Community Gardens 's rebuilding of garden beds of an ask of 30,000."},{"t":3464,"text":"Uh this is to address the raised beds and to replace uh what may have been in place from"},{"t":3472,"text":"original that have been there for quite some time."},{"t":3478,"text":"Uh yeah, but they got 1350. I put 1500 of mine, so I'm happy with 1350."},{"t":3485,"text":"Okay. Can we go with 1500? if they're ask that's fine. Yeah."},{"t":3492,"text":"The other portion of that is improvements to the parking lot uh which is an ask of 500 mainly to cover gravel and delivery."},{"t":3504,"text":"Yeah, I'm okay with that."},{"t":3506,"text":"500. Councelor Baitman, I did have questions about that and unfortunately the applicant didn't uh attend our meeting. Um, and that was where is this?"},{"t":3521,"text":"There was some reference to the district used to maintain the parking lot and no longer does so."},{"t":3529,"text":"Um, so I was I was just curious as to whether this would be a um Victoria Contracting."},{"t":3536,"text":"No, this this is this is not a roadway."},{"t":3538,"text":"This isn't a park of which a group has a license to occupy. So, I believe actually the the the um from what I"},{"t":3546,"text":"recall uh a former staff member donated the"},{"t":3552,"text":"gravel on their own um after"},{"t":3559,"text":"I admit a few of us got carried away in the days of the Rotary auction and started bidding on things that we didn't really need. I even bid on the gravel"},{"t":3568,"text":"and then realized I have no place to put 15 yards of gravel, but it was in the live auction, you know, things happen."},{"t":3576,"text":"Uh, and uh because there was all these these things. So, I thankfully did not"},{"t":3583,"text":"win that gravel. Um, but those of us that were also bidding on stuff, in some cases, we thought if anything, the Rotary gets more funds if we all"},{"t":3592,"text":"actively participate. uh someone actually landed the gravel and then went, \"Gee, I don't really need it either.\" Uh and from what I recall,"},{"t":3599,"text":"donated it to the a lotment garden uh and then it was fine for a number of years. But obviously this is some time ago. It is a district park. I'm fine"},{"t":3607,"text":"with the uh the $500 full ask. So it it it moves around and just so this would"},{"t":3614,"text":"enable them a bit of a a dollar. We should do 501."},{"t":3620,"text":"Yeah. Just to be different. Well, well, what the it's total like $596 so no one has to reach into their pocket. It's like"},{"t":3627,"text":"here's your $501. Get your gravel delivered and thank you for maintaining this wonderful asset on behalf of all of us. So, you like that? It's a great, you know, those little odd numbers. Yeah."},{"t":3638,"text":"501. Okay. The next up is the Souk Children's Garden Club with an ask of 2,000."},{"t":3646,"text":"Their ask when it came up years ago was back in 2013."},{"t":3653,"text":"Uh, and that was for the shed there. And then now it's the case to continue on with this work. So this would be for the"},{"t":3662,"text":"tents, uh, some craft supplies and some lumber to have in the shed."},{"t":3667,"text":"And staff put it at $1,200, and I have 1,500. So, okay. I would fund the full 2,000 on this one. Uh, I'd go for 1,500."},{"t":3676,"text":"Well, Ms. Boquist did state at the meeting that they need $1,700."},{"t":3683,"text":"And this is for the four new tents. So, the this is a new initiative."},{"t":3687,"text":"Okay. Yeah. I'm not disputing, but 1,700. But I would hate I they're absolutely worth 2,000. And this too"},{"t":3694,"text":"should be a line item or a Well, we're not there yet. So, what's the suggestion?"},{"t":3700,"text":"Oh, I'm sorry. It is 1,700. So, the four quality tents, 1,200, the old craft supplies, and some lumber. So, 1,700."},{"t":3708,"text":"That's what they were asking. Okay. Okay. Yeah. Thank you. Okay. All right. Compost education center."},{"t":3717,"text":"Could we have it scrolled up, please? Because my screen is now run out."},{"t":3725,"text":"Ah, there we go. Thank you. Okay."},{"t":3729,"text":"Compost education. compost education center."},{"t":3737,"text":"Uh for the sustainability superstars, I got them at 50% for $1,200."},{"t":3748,"text":"Okay, this is not new. This is a 30-year program that um does amazing work"},{"t":3758,"text":"with their workshops. Um the funding is the development and delivery of the superstar activities to souk"},{"t":3767,"text":"and to continue on with the program work that they're doing."},{"t":3788,"text":"Well, it's arguably not a new program, although they do benefit, they do come out to suit, but it's not it's something"},{"t":3795,"text":"they've been doing and operating on for 32 years. So, unfortunately, it falls into the side category."},{"t":3807,"text":"Okay, the next one up is Friends of Souk Park Society."},{"t":3815,"text":"Uh the Souk Parks Enhancement Program, which would be again building on the work that they're doing."},{"t":3825,"text":"They have a new initiative. That's why I I What is their new initiative that this would be for? They're getting a uh I"},{"t":3834,"text":"believe they're building a uh a map of all the uh water courses. No, you're 606 water group."},{"t":3843,"text":"Maybe that's okay. What am I doing now?"},{"t":3845,"text":"Well, here I thought we were doing six. Oh, no."},{"t":3847,"text":"This is Friends of Soup. Sorry. My This is Friends of Sou Park. So, the intention is to continue on with the activities"},{"t":3854,"text":"that they're doing. Uh invasive species renewals, native plantings, park cleanups, and so forth. So it is already work that they doing to councelor St."},{"t":3864,"text":"your earlier point, the work they're doing is saving taxpayer dollars from doing this particular work in the park, but it's not new. So, I think we need"},{"t":3872,"text":"I got a new focus targeting evasive that they didn't do that before."},{"t":3877,"text":"Bruno, Daphne, Ivy, Holly, Pererry, Winkl."},{"t":3881,"text":"You know, I I did ask a few questions um of the representative and it's very clear that they work as as I believe"},{"t":3890,"text":"councelor St. Pierre said at the outset um they work in close relationship with the district. So um"},{"t":3899,"text":"they are in fact um cost savings and if the union's going to allow this kind of kind of work to proceed then it's"},{"t":3908,"text":"absolutely up to us to support it. Well, I think it's the budget constraints of hiring all the park staff to do it is the bigger Yeah. learn. But in terms of"},{"t":3917,"text":"new, you're right in that focus they're building on from general park cleanup to targeted invasive species"},{"t":3924,"text":"removal and ecological restoration with an invent with an emphasis on six big six invasive plants."},{"t":3931,"text":"Uh and then shifting. So yes, that is the new initiative. You got them down for 2,000. Okay."},{"t":3938,"text":"I got him down for 4,000. I would. So maybe we'll go the three."},{"t":3941,"text":"Okay. Counselor think Pierre has not weighed in."},{"t":3945,"text":"I think in this particular case they are expanding their services. That was clear. They're doing something new and they're saving us money. Not pulling"},{"t":3952,"text":"them funding is kind of not in our best interest at all. So you want it to be what? The full ask. The 4,000. Okay."},{"t":3960,"text":"I would go for the 5. It was the full ask. the ask that they had the three."},{"t":3973,"text":"We all got to take the ask was 4,000 and I would support that. Okay."},{"t":3986,"text":"Hey. Okay. 606 Water Group is the one that you were speaking about the new ste the new streamkeepers instruction program."},{"t":3998,"text":"So their ask was 5,000."},{"t":4000,"text":"I think that's a bit rich myself, but yeah, I' I'd argue for higher. Um"},{"t":4008,"text":"streamkeeping is is something the initiative has been attempted in recent years. It hasn't caught hold yet. So"},{"t":4016,"text":"this is very important work. We don't want more Ella stream incidents in our future."},{"t":4022,"text":"So 3,000 3,000. Okay, I'll vote for that."},{"t":4029,"text":"Flourish school food society."},{"t":4035,"text":"The applicant was probably working and unable to attend that day. So that is for the souk school garden and food"},{"t":4043,"text":"literacy program to be held at EMCS other school gardens for school age kids around enhanced"},{"t":4051,"text":"uh growing of foods and the like. Oh, bigger sheep. Look at that's amazing. Thank you. They've asked for 4,200."},{"t":4059,"text":"a portion is uh well their their overall budget is over a h 100,000 or 30 pardon"},{"t":4066,"text":"me 30,000 is the total uh the 4200 would go towards garden equipment and garden and food literacy consumables"},{"t":4075,"text":"the other part of that is wages but they're asked specifically to us is 4,200 I'm down for two grand but I'm willing"},{"t":4082,"text":"to move but I'm not good on four well it's another one around food in a times of Yeah,"},{"t":4089,"text":"expenses and the need to I'd like to hear from other people too if they what do they want?"},{"t":4095,"text":"I would support the amount in its entirety of 4200."},{"t":4100,"text":"So would Okay, the next one up is the Vancouver Island Regional Library for their truth first reconciliation ask of $5,000."},{"t":4116,"text":"Well, that this this is a brand new program and um it's it certainly"},{"t":4123,"text":"ticks all the boxes for what we're you know it's trying to create they're getting outside of the library to do a grassroots reconciliation work within"},{"t":4131,"text":"the community. So I would uh argue higher than the 2100."},{"t":4140,"text":"I don't know what the number should be."},{"t":4143,"text":"tempted to just say 5,000 as a brand new first year."},{"t":4148,"text":"I have a problem with it in its entirety. I think the Vancouver Island Regional Library"},{"t":4155,"text":"uh has a million dollars in funding that they need to come to us for one one program. they're they're"},{"t":4162,"text":"that library is instructed to make the programs within their budget and uh it's you know just because it's first nations"},{"t":4170,"text":"uh truth thing I don't think really plays on it."},{"t":4173,"text":"Um I I just really don't feel that the that organization which is highly funded"},{"t":4180,"text":"by taxpayers to begin with we all get a tax levy for it that we should be doing it. So I would say zero question for staff. Okay, go ahead with your question."},{"t":4191,"text":"Do we have something in our policy about essentially double dipping? So, for example, you know, uh given that the CRD, the library and you know, so"},{"t":4199,"text":"benefit from our tax dollars or we we collect for them. Uh do we have anything about them not actually coming to ask us for more money again or is is there anything about that at all?"},{"t":4211,"text":"I think this is a gap that has emerged through first year of this policy."},{"t":4219,"text":"Yeah. No, go ahead. Councelor Baitman, were you No. Okay. Uh it's important work, but I'll also know that we do have"},{"t":4227,"text":"another reconciliation group that has never asked for funding. Sure. Um and it is it should fall under them."},{"t":4234,"text":"If it's Vancouver Island Regional Library, then there's a there's a place to motivate at the board to expand the funding in this important work."},{"t":4243,"text":"Okay. Sou no sou region community health initiative will come back to us at a separate meeting."},{"t":4255,"text":"Well um were you not in conflict?"},{"t":4259,"text":"We can't sorry where we at oh I for I jumped I see you got zero"},{"t":4268,"text":"but we we make a agreement on that. That is what I heard is that it would be part of the li it's part of the library's budget."},{"t":4279,"text":"Okay, you're not using your microphone."},{"t":4281,"text":"I'd like to see at least that you know the scorecard amount was 2400 from the five of us and um I think a key point and it"},{"t":4290,"text":"came up at AIC again is that the library is deeply underfunded from the province."},{"t":4295,"text":"So there isn't a lot of uh and and UBCM passed the resolution last year and it came up from Pal River fund our"},{"t":4304,"text":"libraries properly. So um I I be okay. Well okay. What's your motivation to ask?"},{"t":4314,"text":"Well, my motivation is that this is a a local initiative by our branch staff and"},{"t":4321,"text":"uh it it's um they do host uh the South Reconciliation Club and their their uh"},{"t":4328,"text":"their film nights. Um I'd like to I'd like to see at least $1,500."},{"t":4336,"text":"Hey, go ahead, Councelor St. Pierre. Uh I agree uh with councelor Btos that uh ideally uh there should be no double"},{"t":4345,"text":"dipping given that the library already you know benefits from our tax dollars but in this particular case it's not in our policy and it wasn't in the"},{"t":4352,"text":"application procedures and because of that in the same way that we've been using this new criteria to basically I don't think we can eliminate funding"},{"t":4360,"text":"this group because it actually fits into our criteria uh as councelor Baitman has pointed out uh I don't feel very good"},{"t":4368,"text":"about funding him to the entire amount, but I would support uh councelor Baitman's ask."},{"t":4374,"text":"Okay. And you're asked then is what dollar amount? That's a good point. Okay."},{"t":4385,"text":"Okay. So, we will need to vote on this one. Uh we're not having consensus on this one. So, I'm going to"},{"t":4394,"text":"do an amendment to the motion which in councelor Baitman, I'll ask you to move it that you propose the funding of $1,500."},{"t":4401,"text":"There's no seconder required. Uh would you like to motivate further with the microphone on? No, I think I just I did motivate."},{"t":4409,"text":"Okay. Anything from anyone else? Made no point."},{"t":4413,"text":"Uh I think that as the applicant pointed out, this is outside the purview of the library. Normally, they're trying to operationalize and make into action the"},{"t":4421,"text":"reconciliation principles in the community, which is something they've not done before. It's also actually just really important work that we've not seen in our community before. As such, I"},{"t":4430,"text":"would like to see the program funded. Of course, I prefer that the library itself funded and that we'll do it. Uh I don't like the double dipping, but other than that, it actually fits all the"},{"t":4438,"text":"application criteria. There's no actual reason we shouldn't fund it fully, let alone the smaller amount."},{"t":4444,"text":"Okay. Thank you. the smaller amount could work towards part of it uh and see where it goes. I'm I'm fine with the"},{"t":4451,"text":"1500. I appreciate everyone's perspective on this one though. Okay, I'll call the question. All in favor?"},{"t":4458,"text":"All right. And opposed? Councelor Betos is opposed. It carries. The amendment carries on a three. Uh so we'll move on to the suit community radio."},{"t":4471,"text":"Just go ahead. Counselor St. appear."},{"t":4475,"text":"Uh, I'd like to see that one fully funded because they're meshing with their emergency services and provide an important link in those times of crisis."},{"t":4483,"text":"They're also expanding their services yearbyear and have been putting a new program in."},{"t":4488,"text":"I'm sorry. I need to I really need to take this call. I'm going to ask for a health break while I do this cuz I'll leave you loose corum."},{"t":4496,"text":"Lovely."},{"t":4707,"text":"Okay, we are back. Thank you everyone."},{"t":4710,"text":"So, we are on the community radio, right? Yes. So, a $5,000 ask. They do"},{"t":4718,"text":"have some grants pending. Uh this is for studio space training outreach technical service and licensing insurance and admin. Councelor Boss."},{"t":4728,"text":"Yeah, I had a good hard look at this one and uh there's the new training program."},{"t":4732,"text":"So I think they certainly deserve some increase in funding, but so half of it sort of old and half of it's new. So I"},{"t":4741,"text":"put them in at uh uh 50%. So, I said $2,000 to cover their new training"},{"t":4748,"text":"program. So, okay. Thoughts from others?"},{"t":4755,"text":"Councelor, uh, St. Pierre?"},{"t":4759,"text":"Um, this is the last year as they made clear, they've been using the money extremely well and followed followed through impressively. Uh, they're"},{"t":4768,"text":"working with our emergency services and this is another, you know, reasonably new thing. Um, I think it be this is"},{"t":4775,"text":"another place where we should spend the money because it's in our benefit to do so. So, what do you want that to be? The full amount."},{"t":4783,"text":"Councelor St. Pierre is is uh looking at 5,000. Yeah. Councelor Baitman."},{"t":4790,"text":"Well, I as much as I'd like to give the five, I think Souk Community Radio at this point"},{"t":4797,"text":"is $3,800 was the aggregated scorecard number. And um I think interesting for"},{"t":4806,"text":"this policy we have new new is a key point now suit community radio is three years into its hopefully indefinite"},{"t":4813,"text":"lifespan. So I I trust that this would be viewed as a new initiative. So I think in the future policy amendment we"},{"t":4821,"text":"might need to define okay if you've been if you're the suit community choir well you're no longer new but a a group five"},{"t":4829,"text":"years or younger perhaps would be that's a different discussion point around a policy in this case uh the"},{"t":4837,"text":"aggregated number come is 3800 they did say that they had a new training program that's why I went for"},{"t":4844,"text":"it but I didn't go for the that's why I didn't feel it was good for the the full amount, but uh I put 2,000. I go for three $3,000."},{"t":4855,"text":"Okay. Tony might not like it."},{"t":4858,"text":"No, I think it's okay. So then we'll look for a debate on this. So councelor Betos is moving $3,000 for the souk radio. Would you like to speak any further on the 3,000?"},{"t":4869,"text":"No, just basically what I said before is some of it is ongoing. I certainly understand their worth. Uh I don't disagree with anybody saying that uh you"},{"t":4877,"text":"know you probably deserve it but not under the present rule system when uh half the project is the same as before"},{"t":4884,"text":"uh this new initiative $3,000 would cover it. So uh that's my motion. Okay. Councelor St. Pierre."},{"t":4892,"text":"I'm going to ask for council's indulgence because right now uh I'm finding myself just about ready to explode and so I'm going to actually"},{"t":4899,"text":"just talk a little bit about what's happening here. We're busy operationalizing policy we should be setting. And we're in the weeds so far that it just makes me want to scream."},{"t":4911,"text":"We're debating based on whims whether or not an organization that is aiding our emergency services in times of crisis should get full funding where they've"},{"t":4919,"text":"actually invested all the money extraordinarily well. This is incredibly dumb and it's making me mad. Thank you."},{"t":4930,"text":"Okay, that's uh fine for you to say. Um this is also"},{"t":4938,"text":"they're doing many things from arts and culture showcasing local musicians. So they're doing a lot of things."},{"t":4947,"text":"Uh they are looking to sustain the operation from startup to a community embedded program."},{"t":4956,"text":"So, there's a motion for $3,000 is what's on the floor."},{"t":4964,"text":"Well, I think I'll I'll vote against the 3,000 and stick with my 3,800. I'll make a follow-up motion if indeed that's possible."},{"t":4976,"text":"Okay."},{"t":4977,"text":"That's the aggregate number that we agreed on."},{"t":4980,"text":"All right. The motion on the floor is for 30,000."},{"t":4985,"text":"So, I'll call the question in favor of 3000. Opposed."},{"t":4992,"text":"Okay. I'm going to go to councelor Baitman to proceed with his motion. So, I would like to move a $3,800."},{"t":5001,"text":"Um, okay."},{"t":5004,"text":"Yeah, I'll speak in support of that. uh I can appreciate the frustration in the room but we all agreed to fill out the forms"},{"t":5012,"text":"and to provide that feedback uh and I struggled with even that process but in the end five I did participate along"},{"t":5020,"text":"with others and that was where that group particular where everyone landed after hearing from the presentation themselves I'm okay with 3800 I'll support"},{"t":5027,"text":"so I'm supporting the 3800 I'll call the question on the 3800 and that's unanimous thank"},{"t":5037,"text":"Okay. RCMS, Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue."},{"t":5044,"text":"This was for the equipment."},{"t":5048,"text":"$5,000 to cover off uh the the TR track marine"},{"t":5056,"text":"equipment. I forget what it's called, but the the wet suit, right? The dry suit."},{"t":5061,"text":"Yeah. If I could comment on that, worship the uh I figured uh it's it's a good ask. I don't have a problem with the ask, but it's a larger region and I"},{"t":5071,"text":"think our uh our portion buy one wet suit for 2500 and let them go to JDF or"},{"t":5078,"text":"Machos or wherever else and see if they can get some more money. But I think one would be fair from us. Yep. I would agree."},{"t":5087,"text":"Yep. I I think it's an important organization. it is regional in nature."},{"t":5092,"text":"Uh I also feel that um this is an opportunity u for to potentially access some federal"},{"t":5100,"text":"funding given the work of coast guard and expansion of defense funding through the federal government that potentially"},{"t":5106,"text":"this division that serves this uh and works could maybe hopefully access something. Um but I I think we'll start with one and hopefully see others."},{"t":5118,"text":"Councelor St. here."},{"t":5120,"text":"I'll support the ask but point out that this is not an expansion of services or new. It's replacing material."},{"t":5128,"text":"Okay, that is a good point."},{"t":5139,"text":"Savor of two new Mustang dry suits."},{"t":5147,"text":"I don't know if it's okay. So, this needs to shift into another column."},{"t":5155,"text":"It's the same operations. It's similar to the conversation that we had that this may need to move to a different funding source and not the grant itself."},{"t":5167,"text":"We'll have to find that from another source. Get some money."},{"t":5172,"text":"Okay, we're on to the Rotary Club. Uh looking this is a sponsorship ask the four fund for 2000."},{"t":5181,"text":"So this may be able to go to the sponsorship grant or pardon me not grant but sponsorship fund."},{"t":5190,"text":"So this needs to move out of the community grants but could serve well in the sponsorship category. I think the other thing works really well."},{"t":5198,"text":"But if it goes to the a sponsorship, I'd be inclined to give them each a thousand for each program rather than two, but it's a sponsorship and I think we can"},{"t":5206,"text":"only go a thousand on the sponsors. Is that right?"},{"t":5209,"text":"U we'll come back to that at the end, but I think you're right. So we can move over move that one over. Um the one"},{"t":5216,"text":"though that they're doing on the Rotary Club again on the second ass is specific to a new event for young people. So this is a new event."},{"t":5225,"text":"Uh, and while it is a golf tournament, it is about getting young people into a role of volunteering, getting outside, and also playing a sport here locally."},{"t":5236,"text":"So, and it is a sponsorship. Is it a sponsorship? Oh, I doubt it's a sponsorship. Okay. C."},{"t":5254,"text":"Sponsorship. Yeah."},{"t":5255,"text":"Okay. So, these both move into the sponsorship categories. Okay. So, uh our"},{"t":5262,"text":"total here is that math right? 51488."},{"t":5269,"text":"51488."},{"t":5274,"text":"Okay. We'll just wait till that other part is corrected."},{"t":5288,"text":"Well, we can't we can't because we'll use quorum."},{"t":5296,"text":"Well, we're we're in the ballpark only."},{"t":5300,"text":"So, we are we have some remaining funds. We have two"},{"t":5308,"text":"two groups that we cannot deliberate today on because we do not have quorum."},{"t":5313,"text":"Uh what were I just need to understand what where those amounts"},{"t":5321,"text":"were the uh Souk region community health network."},{"t":5331,"text":"Um, I'm not seeing it on I think they're in a different sheet."},{"t":5338,"text":"Those would be items 6.2 and 6.3 on your agenda, your worship. They've already been removed from this."},{"t":5346,"text":"So, 2350."},{"t":5355,"text":"Oh, I just lost just lost power. Um,"},{"t":5363,"text":"yeah, because I didn't charge it. Um, oh, thank you."},{"t":5370,"text":"I forgot a cable."},{"t":5373,"text":"I don't recall the second asked. It's just a matter of if we leaving some funds aside for potential"},{"t":5382,"text":"deliberations on those, which won't happen now until Monday."},{"t":5387,"text":"Uh, and I don't recall I know but what was the aggregate"},{"t":5395,"text":"aggregate uh your ship was 2300 for the health summit and 2350 for coral evolution."},{"t":5402,"text":"So they came in those states and that could have 567 area."},{"t":5410,"text":"Well, there is a potential there that that that money be set aside because it"},{"t":5417,"text":"would be unfair for us to exclude not have those funds set aside until that decision is over, right? So, what we"},{"t":5426,"text":"could do in the event is is put 4650 aside for that. If they aren't"},{"t":5434,"text":"used, then that fund could then go into council could make a motion to move it from the grant to sponsorships or"},{"t":5444,"text":"something and replenish the sponsorship fund."},{"t":5450,"text":"Well, I don't know where that outcome of that decision. It's just we can't deal with it today because we won't have quorum. But if we do not leave money"},{"t":5459,"text":"aside from them, then that would be unfair. Yeah."},{"t":5462,"text":"To those. So we have to leave some funding available."},{"t":5466,"text":"Um so it may be the case where we just a suggestion would be to set aside"},{"t":5474,"text":"the aggregated amount of the 4650 and then if council did not fund that full amount."},{"t":5482,"text":"Okay."},{"t":5483,"text":"Then that whatever is left over council could decide to go put the money back into cons contingency or back into the"},{"t":5490,"text":"sponsorship fund. Would that seem reasonable? It's just under the circumstances. I don't know that outcome. So, uh we just need to be"},{"t":5498,"text":"mindful of 4650. Uh in terms of what we have completed here,"},{"t":5505,"text":"um maybe on the bottom where it says 6,ou 65,000, could you"},{"t":5511,"text":"minus just a staff, can you subtract 4650 from that? So then it gives a more"},{"t":5518,"text":"accurate number there. Do you see what I mean? So that we're not spending money that we won't be deliberating on today."},{"t":5533,"text":"Okay. So that is there anything within that category that we've gone through"},{"t":5543,"text":"that uh I think there was rationale that all of the ones that have shifted over would"},{"t":5551,"text":"not qualify. So we we could not even though there's funds remaining"},{"t":5560,"text":"we could not fund it from the community grant fund. So an option would be increase"},{"t":5568,"text":"well one could be you could increase any of the ones that were deemed to be eligible."},{"t":5576,"text":"Uh the second part is you could also then shift if you didn't do that if council collectively didn't do that then"},{"t":5584,"text":"you could also direct staff to shift the remaining grant fund into contingency"},{"t":5592,"text":"and then it's no longer community grant funding. It would be yeah these others would qualify for"},{"t":5600,"text":"they would then qualify because then they would fall under contingency. I suggest do you need to turn on the microphone so everyone can hear you?"},{"t":5607,"text":"I would suggest moving it into sponsorship because that's where most of the applications will fall eventually."},{"t":5613,"text":"Okay. So, council councelor St. Pierre is making a motion to shift the remaining I can't see it now."},{"t":5625,"text":"What's the figure that's going to change? 8,862"},{"t":5634,"text":"from grant the grant fund to sponsorship."},{"t":5642,"text":"How much? 8,862. Okay. I see. Okay."},{"t":5646,"text":"Would you like a rationale or just I think you may well you motivated um you can ask you can speak more. Uh"},{"t":5654,"text":"well at this point I will speak just a bit more because I think that if we uh look at all the people that were looking for 5,000 and go to the maximum amount"},{"t":5662,"text":"on sponsorship of a thousand that'll actually really help our deliberations towards moving to something where each of the groups is treated fairly and if we move the money to sponsorship we I"},{"t":5670,"text":"think we can accommodate most of the groups are reading those asks."},{"t":5673,"text":"Okay. So that's the motion there and the amendment would be it's an amendment because we still have the main motion on the floor would be to shift"},{"t":5682,"text":"uh that council direct staff to shift the remaining 8,862 from the community grant fund to the"},{"t":5689,"text":"sponsorship fund. Okay, I'm looking at staff. You you understand what we're doing. Okay, everyone's sort"},{"t":5697,"text":"of not looking at me. So we're you we're good. Okay, just make I have to make sure everyone's following this bouncing ball. Okay, all in favor and any"},{"t":5706,"text":"opposed? That's unanimous. Thank you. So now that exhausted the community grants."},{"t":5712,"text":"So those groups are completed. The second part then would be to consider the groups that we wanted to fund but"},{"t":5720,"text":"needed to find another source of for sponsorship. So, I'm going to go back to the top and this is where our"},{"t":5727,"text":"sponsorship policy now has a $1,000 limit, right, on what can come out. So, then"},{"t":5734,"text":"that would then make potentially, if council's willing, Souk Island Performing Arts Society, Souk Youth"},{"t":5741,"text":"Theater Company, Sou Harbor Players are all potentially coming in with $1,000 of sponsorship."},{"t":5749,"text":"Um, was one of those the cabaret group or my"},{"t":5757,"text":"It was okay. And then the two for Rotary. Uh, a thousand and a thousand."},{"t":5770,"text":"But you're you're not speaking and you can't speak on coral evolution because you're in conflict. Yes. In the microphone."},{"t":5778,"text":"Okay. Since the policy is inclusive and doesn't actually uh relate to any particular counselor, there are items that were removed. I will not name them"},{"t":5786,"text":"uh that could be included at this point in time and then we wouldn't have to deal with them on Monday."},{"t":5799,"text":"Um but we cannot deliberate on those because you left the room on that particular funding asset."},{"t":5809,"text":"of putting the money in the spot and we've done that and if we decide as council that we want to simply uh do the same thing with every arts"},{"t":5817,"text":"group that that that does it, doesn't it?"},{"t":5820,"text":"Yeah. But you we we cannot entertain that right now because those items had conflict rationale attached to them."},{"t":5828,"text":"There's funding. So we have already determined that there's money set aside and council has to deal with those. We cannot entertain that discussion"},{"t":5836,"text":"tonight. So potentially on Monday that uh the counselors present will make a determination accordingly."},{"t":5847,"text":"Okay. Do Mondays."},{"t":5850,"text":"Well, whatever the upcoming Monday is just Okay. So, thank you. So, that leaves one, two,"},{"t":5858,"text":"three, four, $5,000 of sponsorship funds. Is that what everyone else has?"},{"t":5865,"text":"Yeah, that's right. You've got the the five two Rotary and the three at the top which would be sponsorships. The only"},{"t":5872,"text":"thing I ask is that when that money is sent to these people, uh it's made very clear that it's not coming out of this. It's coming out of the sponsorship fund."},{"t":5881,"text":"Just so yeah, we can do open a letter so that they're understanding the source."},{"t":5885,"text":"They didn't qualify, but we decided to give you something under Yeah. just so no, we we value them, but uh the rules are still the rules."},{"t":5895,"text":"Okay."},{"t":5895,"text":"And then then it just leaves us uh we got the Shine, our uh Victoria Brain Injury, uh Seed Tree Foundation, Take a"},{"t":5904,"text":"Height Foundation. Those are three that we pulled. I can't remember what we're going to do with that. I got not new."},{"t":5911,"text":"Okay, there's a few more. Let me just deal with the motion that's on the floor. Okay. So, that would be that council uh approve"},{"t":5920,"text":"$1,000 sponsorship funds for the groups known as the Souk South Island Performing Arts Society, the Souk Youth"},{"t":5928,"text":"Theater Company, the Souk Harbor Players, and the Souk Rotary Club of Souk for their golf tournament, and the Rotary Club of Souk for their youth golf"},{"t":5937,"text":"tournament. Uh totaling $5,000. So, I just want to deal with that motion. Okay, that's moved by St. Pierre."},{"t":5944,"text":"Anything further? All in favor? Okay, that's unanimous. Okay, so then that remains with"},{"t":5952,"text":"uh Okay, so if we go back up here, so then that leaves as I look"},{"t":5960,"text":"at this. Um, thank you. Let's see here. We have the Victoria Brain Injury Shine Program 1,200."},{"t":5970,"text":"We have take a hike foundation of is that right 2000"},{"t":5978,"text":"where to start society care for you program for$,650 kids sport greater Victoria for 250"},{"t":5988,"text":"uh there's I think the superstar or the community educ or compost education center for,00"},{"t":5997,"text":"and then RCMS MS I think we've already agreed to fund part of that. So I don't know that this"},{"t":6004,"text":"falls in the other category. It would just be the Oh no, you're right. It is in this category because it wasn't new."},{"t":6011,"text":"So 2500. So that leaves 12,300 uh which potentially council could"},{"t":6018,"text":"consider from contingency of that amount or part of it or all of it or whatever. Would you like a motion to that effect?"},{"t":6025,"text":"Yes, I would like something. All right."},{"t":6028,"text":"Then I would suggest that those items, the Victoria Brain Injury Society, the Take Height Foundation, the Where to"},{"t":6035,"text":"Start Society, the Kidsport Greater Victoria, uh the Compost Education Center, and the"},{"t":6043,"text":"RCMS souk be funded from council contention in the amount of 12,300."},{"t":6051,"text":"Okay. And if he missed one, I'm hoping that staff catches it. It's what's on the list there. Okay. Would you like to motivate?"},{"t":6060,"text":"Uh, no. I think that we've already decided on the amounts and we were looking for a place to to sort it out and I think this takes care of it."},{"t":6067,"text":"Okay. Anything from anyone else? Councelor Betts or Baitman?"},{"t":6071,"text":"Um, I'll just say this has been fascinating process for year one of a uh a new policy and I'm I'm just thank you chair for for leading us through this."},{"t":6082,"text":"you have um yeah great fascination."},{"t":6088,"text":"Yeah, well done and and just the Yeah, it's been well done. Good education. Thank you."},{"t":6094,"text":"Okay, thank you. Uh I appreciate that."},{"t":6097,"text":"Uh we always go through this process about what works, what doesn't work, uh different perspectives, different tensions."},{"t":6109,"text":"I'm going to put this out here and I have said it over the years many times that I think this needs to be a"},{"t":6117,"text":"community group that is a volunteer group that meets with this policy. They"},{"t":6125,"text":"get a workshop with staff on how it works. They still need to meet in committee form and open and then they"},{"t":6132,"text":"deliberate on that. they hear from the presentations and they come back to council with their recommendations for"},{"t":6140,"text":"council to endorse. I think um you know I've I've seen this go around for many years. My before I even was"},{"t":6148,"text":"elected I was a volunteer on that committee at that time. It was interesting because all the committee was allowed to do was to review the"},{"t":6157,"text":"applications in a way we feel these ones should be considered by council but then the groups actually presented to council"},{"t":6165,"text":"and council then went on. Um and then it changed where the group then presented to the committee because we're missing"},{"t":6174,"text":"some of the information without the group there to ask questions on."},{"t":6178,"text":"um and then made recommendations to council which council never agreed with anyway. So that was sort of interesting."},{"t":6186,"text":"Then it became a point where a member of council was assigned to it. So that was my experience as the council assigned"},{"t":6194,"text":"with a said new policy at the time and then we went with the policy and council didn't like that and got angry and"},{"t":6202,"text":"removed me from the committee actually and then didn't follow anything and then the finance and admin committee took it on uh and didn't fund anything um"},{"t":6212,"text":"because they didn't feel that anything required funding then we went back to bringing it back to council."},{"t":6219,"text":"I don't know. I think it's just uh never an easy one. There was a time where council took the whole deliberation enclosed violating all in camera"},{"t":6228,"text":"provisions because you cannot make those funding decisions enclosed. So that was well it may be uncomfortable to do it"},{"t":6236,"text":"with the cameras ruling. That was a violation of the community charter local government act. So that doesn't work either. You do need to deliberate in"},{"t":6243,"text":"this ways taxpayer dollars as much as it is. It's never easy. But maybe there's another approach I haven't thought of. Well, I thought it went well today."},{"t":6249,"text":"Yeah, I I thought uh there were some outs for people. U so uh just that just maybe uh"},{"t":6259,"text":"I don't comes back on Christine all the time, but uh you know to have a look at what the what the trouble spots were this year and maybe have a look at the policy and see if it can be streamlined."},{"t":6270,"text":"So I'm I'm I'm okay with the way it went. Councelor St. here."},{"t":6274,"text":"Uh I appreciate everyone's patience with me on this one. Uh I do find this to be a very difficult process because it actually goes against my principles in"},{"t":6281,"text":"terms of council working mostly on setting policy and not on actually operationalizing the policy and looking into the policy and then trying to"},{"t":6289,"text":"interpret it. For me that's that's really a staff function. And so I find this thing very difficult every single year. And I think it just got to me this"},{"t":6297,"text":"year. So uh thank you for your indulgence. um and hopefully we can move towards as has been"},{"t":6305,"text":"suggested uh clearer guidelines and an inter process that gets us better and better."},{"t":6309,"text":"So another idea I have for staff that I'll put um are two things is when the next council forms what you could"},{"t":6317,"text":"potentially do is show the past 10 years of funding. This funding was $75,000."},{"t":6326,"text":"It's been decreased to 65,000. has never increased. So potentially you could see what the ask is and where it comes up."},{"t":6335,"text":"Maybe it's the time to increase the funding that is in it. The other one is maybe a webinar"},{"t":6342,"text":"um or a workshop that you could invite interested applications and go through all of that and answer sort of those"},{"t":6350,"text":"you're new, you're not new, this is what new means, this is what this policy means. So then it takes that guesswork"},{"t":6358,"text":"out of that. Uh and then see I don't know. I'm just trying to you"},{"t":6366,"text":"always look for ways to improve. Um so just councelor Baitman and then I'll call the question. I still have one."},{"t":6372,"text":"I've enjoyed this. I I always enjoy this process. I may have too much time on my hands, but I thoroughly enjoy hearing from these groups and um I agree the"},{"t":6381,"text":"independent committee is is logical if people don't have the time. Um I think um the key in amending the policy will"},{"t":6390,"text":"be further defi definition of new and um including the lifespan of the organization and the encouragement for"},{"t":6399,"text":"established groups to really come up with some fresh twists on a theme. Now just and I did have some feedback here"},{"t":6407,"text":"that I haven't mentioned to date. Um there's no indication on the application form of whether a final report for last"},{"t":6415,"text":"year's grant has been received. Um and we also in the previous application"},{"t":6423,"text":"you needed to indicate how much funding you've received over the years and that is missing and I always think that's a good framework for our decision- making."},{"t":6433,"text":"Okay, I'm going to stop there because I do want to clear this motion around."},{"t":6437,"text":"You'll have other time because there's other motions that we have to get through. So, this one is just on those particular funds. I'll call the question"},{"t":6444,"text":"on the contingency funds. Okay, that's unanimous. So the next one on this is"},{"t":6453,"text":"that council directs staff to notify all applicants of their application outcomes and issue a public news release recognizing successful recipients."},{"t":6463,"text":"So that's the communication piece where we've asked that staff in the particular ones indicate the sourcing of where and"},{"t":6469,"text":"how council was able to fund. So we we have a mover by councelor Baitman. Would you like to speak anything on that?"},{"t":6476,"text":"That's good. Anything on communicating out? Okay. All in favor? That's unanimous. The next is that and that council directs staff to report back to"},{"t":6484,"text":"a future committee of the whole with a review of the 2026 community grant program including lessons learned and recommendations for policy and process"},{"t":6492,"text":"improvement. So this is a good time for you to continue with any further thoughts and then I'll go to St. Pierre."},{"t":6497,"text":"So go ahead. Well, I want you to move this moved and now you can speak. Yeah, I'll just quickly add to what I've said earlier is um there is a statement"},{"t":6506,"text":"audited financial statements or organization operating operating budget. I'd like to see and used because"},{"t":6513,"text":"a number of people did not provide an audited financial statement but did provide their budget but I think"},{"t":6520,"text":"both would be handy otherwise I think it would be noteed if it was new they might not have one."},{"t":6527,"text":"That's true. That's true. So, I think sometimes it's asking the if it's a grass seed that's looking to start, they"},{"t":6535,"text":"might not even have that material. It'll vary, but that would be obvious."},{"t":6539,"text":"Councelor St. Pierre, thank you. Uh, I was inspired by councelor Baitman that I should maybe try and, you know, get a more positive note. And on a positive note,"},{"t":6548,"text":"I really appreciate the work of staff uh on this file uh and all the challenges. as a newbie. It was well all the challenges in terms of"},{"t":6556,"text":"actually coming up with as our mayor's pointed out something that's been just fraught with complexities throughout the"},{"t":6562,"text":"years. So I do appreciate the work. Uh I very much appreciate the work that's been done towards uh collecting together"},{"t":6569,"text":"the various monies that are being dispersed into the community trying to rationalize that process. Uh, I really do appreciate the fact that we're able"},{"t":6577,"text":"to put money into sponsorship into something that made sense and that staff was able to say, \"Yeah, we can do that because the structures are in place and"},{"t":6585,"text":"the policies are in place.\" So, the work that they've done actually made a lot of this so much simpler than it could have been. And I know that with time we can"},{"t":6595,"text":"also improve things. So, for example, I think we've got a bunch of things here where I feel like sometimes we have new material and they really need replacement material and sometimes we"},{"t":6604,"text":"have um things like a desperate need in the community and sometimes we have things like okay, this is going to actually pay"},{"t":6611,"text":"us back in terms of taxes and then we have things like new and I look forward to different criteria and potentially someone can make an ask of you know"},{"t":6620,"text":"1,000 for each of these county group but I'm you know what that's even stepping too far. I don't even want to do that."},{"t":6624,"text":"That's your job. What I'm suggesting is that we could actually have different amounts that people could actually look for whether or not depending on whether or not they check off various very"},{"t":6632,"text":"important criteria. So maybe one application but scaled depending on what project or program is is doing. But uh"},{"t":6642,"text":"I'll look forward maybe to seeing a report in the future."},{"t":6647,"text":"Yeah, that's what this this is is uh to report back. So, we'll get that um particular one. Uh I think it's always"},{"t":6656,"text":"it's a fun one because we do get to hear the amazing work that's happening as opposed to waiting to read about it after the fact. But knowing all of the"},{"t":6664,"text":"labor and love and commitment that has gone into actually making these things happen is is important for council. The challenging one always is that it's"},{"t":6673,"text":"overs subscribed. I'm one of those people and as some of you may know just fund the block in the entirety and figure it out later because"},{"t":6682,"text":"because they they all do tremendous value but then over time you do need a process and a policy that is fair. So"},{"t":6690,"text":"that is as opposed to oh the mayor just says we should fund them all. Um so having this I appreciate the work that"},{"t":6698,"text":"staff has done here. Um it is the case though that council has to make the hard decision on this one. They can't you"},{"t":6705,"text":"know we'll let staff decide on this or that. That is not their function. We bring forward the budget. They outline"},{"t":6713,"text":"even what it licensing costs and then we decide whether those hard fixed or whatever"},{"t":6719,"text":"costs and the bigger budget is done. We allocate this. This is at the wish of council. I will point out not all local"},{"t":6727,"text":"governments even have this. So we're unique in that way of actually having a program that's available and that's open in this way and that is something to celebrate."},{"t":6737,"text":"Uh it is just the case on every year brings something different. But I look forward to hearing also from staff"},{"t":6745,"text":"perspective what worked, what didn't work communication wise and strengthening the policy to make it"},{"t":6752,"text":"clear. But I also think some information in whatever form that is uh would be helpful. uh to the next council both to"},{"t":6760,"text":"inform the council on it and potential applicants and maybe the two can happen together but that'll be at the wish of"},{"t":6768,"text":"the next council and what their mandate is. Don't know call the question. All those in favor of this motion. Thank you. Now we will rise in report. So that"},{"t":6777,"text":"would be that the committee of the whole rise and report. So we're going to move out of committee of the whole as moved by councelor Btos. Thank you. So we're"},{"t":6785,"text":"moving out of committee of the whole into c into council. So all those in favor of rising and reporting. Thank you. Now we are officially sitting as"},{"t":6794,"text":"council. So in this case we can now endorse the block of committee of the whole recommendations."},{"t":6802,"text":"So moving that entire block. So that would be all the different funds from all the various sources. That's seconded"},{"t":6810,"text":"by councelor Betos. We all know what we're doing. So this will be the last time on this and then all that will come to the next regular scheduled meeting on"},{"t":6819,"text":"whatever Monday that is are the two that were conflict. We do have funds set aside to deliberate with those uh and"},{"t":6828,"text":"other opportunities on that funding and where it could go or be drawn from. So that'll come. So I'll call the question"},{"t":6835,"text":"all those in favor. That's unanimous as well. Thank you members of council for attending this meeting. we met and we've"},{"t":6844,"text":"been meeting a lot. But I appreciate uh the three of you who set this time aside and uh knowing that we needed to do this"},{"t":6851,"text":"because now these checks can be issued and the groups needed can can either find that funding or get on with their"},{"t":6858,"text":"project or make next steps. We're not delaying anything in that regard. It's important that we move along. So on that I'll look for a motion to adjourn,"},{"t":6866,"text":"please by St. Pierre, seconded by Baitman. All in favor? That's unanimous. Thank you."}],"words":15447,"fetchedAt":"2026-10-03T01:23:47.693Z"}