Mayor Mike Muzychka has been authorized by council to write a letter of support for two applications by the Olds Golf Club for provincial funds to support improvement projects.
When the matter came up for debate, Muzychka suggested that maybe town councillor and Olds Golf Club pro manager Wade Bearchell should recuse himself, but other councillors disagreed, so he remained in his chair as the request was discussed.
In a letter to council, Bearchell explained the club is applying for grants under two provincial programs: the Community Facility Enhancement Program (CFEP) and Community Initiatives Program (CIP).
The money, if received, would go toward covering costs for two projects the club is contemplating undertaking this year: repairing siding on the clubhouse and fixing the "deteriorating asphalt on our entrance road."
According to a provincial government website, the CFEP provides financial assistance to "acquire, build, purchase, repair, renovate, upgrade or expand sports, recreational, cultural or other related public-use community facilities."
CIP grants reinvest revenue obtained through provincial lotteries to "address the specific or unique needs of community-based organizations." Among the projects the program supports are "major cultural and sport events," a provincial government website says.
Several councillors saw no reason why Bearchell should recuse himself from the debate. Neither did Bearchell.
"Not me. I don't benefit," he said.
"This seems to come to us every year and we've supported it every year and I don't think councillor Bearchell makes any money off it or anything. It's just support for a club that he works for," Coun. Mary Anne Overwater said.
"We are continually searching for opportunities that allow us to remain an affordable community non-profit (organization)," Bearchell wrote in his letter.
"I don't think councillor Bearchell makes any money off it or anything. It's just support for a club that he works for."
MARY ANNE OVERWATER
OLDS TOWN COUNCILLOR
