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Council briefs

Council approves 2015 grants to groups Pelham town council approved $38,200 in grants for 2015.
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Council approves 2015 grants to groups

Pelham town council approved $38,200 in grants for 2015.

It accepted a recommendation from its new three-person municipal grants committee, which handed out the same amount of money to more organizations than in 2014.

In some cases, it cut the percentage requested from some groups such as Pelham Cares to 27%, Fonthill Kinettes 50%, Fonthill Kinsmen 77% and Pelham Senior Citizens Association 87%.

The committee rejected requests for grants from the Greater Niagara Model Railroad Engineers, Welland Historical Museum, Hospice Niagara, United Way South Niagara, and Julien School.

The volunteer committee of Kevin Bolibruck, James Federico and Sheila Schefski judged requests on the benefit to Pelham residents, genuine need and transparency.

At Monday’s council meeting Ward 2 Coun. Gary Accursi said groups requesting grants should present a financial statement and a photo copy of a bank statement with requests.

The maximum limit for a grant is $5,000.

Receiving municipal grants in 2015 are: Pelham Cares $1,344; Fonthill Kinsmen $3,849; Fonthill Kinettes $1,783; Pelham Art Festival $3,900; Fenwick Lions $2,500; Women’s Place $4,000; Fonthill Lions $3,500; Royal Canadian Legion $5,000; Bandshell Concerts $3,627; In the Orchard $5,000; and Pelham Seniors $3,695.

Town stays with SPCA

Welland and District Humane Society SPCA will continue to provide animal control services for Pelham.

Town council agreed Monday to renew its contract with the Welland-based service from 2015 through 2018.

It will pay $34,440 in 2015 increasing at 5% annually to $39,868 in 2018.

The service will provide two part-time officers with an average response time of 10 to 20 minutes per call.

Town’s insurance coverage costs go up

The town will stick with its current insurance company Cowan for the next 18 months, the longest period it can get.

The town used brokers McAvoy, Belan and Campbell to survey and analyze quotes from insurance firms. It recommended Cowan to council Monday.

The town’s insurance bill will increase by $13,700 to $274,088 for 2015 and $137,044 for the first six months of 2016.

The increase comes from adding the Isaac Rhiel Skate Park, the new Pelham Fire Station No. 3 and the renovated Old Pelham Town Hall to coverage.

The town also increased its liability limit to $25 million from $20 million.

Insurance companies hold coverage period to 18 months because they say the frequency and severity of claims has increased, which can drive up insurance rates.