FORT ERIE COUNCIL NOTEBOOK: LEASE AGREEMENT FOR POOL ACCESS

Fort Erie residents will have a pool to swim in this summer, thanks to the town's lease with the Fort Erie International Academy.

It was one of the topics of discussion during a council-in-committee meeting held on June 13.

Here is a rundown explaining the lease agreement between the school and the town, and some other topics covered at the

meeting.

POOL LEASE AGREEMENT

The Town of Fort Erie has entered into a threemonth lease agreement with the Fort Erie International Academy (FEIA) so residents can have access to swimming and swimming lessons.

The agreement began on June 14 and continues until Sept. 7, meaning aquatic programs will run at FEIA for the entire summer.

The town is responsible for hiring staff, operating swim programs, daily cleaning and care for the facility, as well as collecting fees and maintaining insurance fees.

Coun. Ann-Marie Noyes described the lease agreement as a win-win situation for the town.

"If the agreement works out well in the summer, we can actually look for a better partnership as the years progress and perhaps (have a lease) for 12 months out of the year," she said.

NO NAME CHANGE FOR POINT ABINO PARKETTE

The name of Point Abino Parkette will not change despite a request from a member of the public.

Cynthia Skinner made a request to the town to rename the parkette at 1036 Point Abino Rd. beside the Bertie Boating Club and Buffalo Yacht Club. She asked the park be renamed Dennis Quaker Place in recognition of Quaker settlers who settled in Point Abino — specifically, the

council is willing to put up the funds for a car show at the Ridgeway Summer Festival if it's needed.

Coun. Marina Butler said the car club that has traditionally run a show at the annual festival has pulled out, and members of the Rods and Relics Car Club have agreed to take the show over.

Butler said the group has been fundraising to cover the $3,000 costs.

So far, the club has raised about $1,000 and the Ridgeway BIA has agreed to kick in $1,000. Butler asked whether the council would support a one-time $1,000 grant.

Coun. Nick Dubanow said he would support a grant.

"I think it's a small amount and I think with everything that has gone on during COVID-19, I am thrilled to see this festival back on."

Others, including Mayor Wayne Redekop, didn't agree and said this would set a precedent for other groups to come to the council to request funds. Rather than the town handing over a grant, he said, the event should be sponsored by local businesses.

"I still have a business in the area. I'm happy to contribute to that, but I can't support this."

Dubanow suggested the group continue to fundraise to cover the costs, and the town will cover the remaining costs of up to $1,000 for this year only. Dubanow's suggestion was supported by the council.

"They may be able to raise all that money and then we don't have to, but it's just giving that buffer so that (the car club) can at least commit and start planning, knowing that there's at least something available."