A resolution to approve the waiving of fees for the million-dollar hole-in-one contest ruffled a few feathers during counci’s July 20 meeting.
A memo from John Burrows, director of recreation, parks and culture, stated that the Rotary Club would be holding their annual event and had asked the city to waive the four-day rental fee of $572 for the use of Centennial Park.
However, the request didn’t follow the city’s policy, as notice wasn’t given to the City of Thompson 90 days prior to the event, and the request wasn’t reviewed at a recreation and community services committee meeting, which are requirements under the policy.
Coun. Dennis Foley mentioned that this wasn’t the first time this has happened. “I fully support what they’re doing, but there should be some communication with them, so we should continue to go through the proper channels via the recreation committee, as opposed to the last minute, and last year this didn’t go through until after the event happened.”
The memo said that there were clerical issues, so a request could not have been sent 90 days prior.
Burrows said they have been in contact with Tom O’Brien of the Thompson Rotary Club to let them know they have to follow the guidelines. “We also put a note on the file, so we can tickle them a little closer to the date next year to remind them.”
