Will Cramahe solve booking problems?

Will Cramahe Township resolve its continuing problems with bookings for the Keeler Centre?

Cramahe Now asked Council at its September meeting about problems with double booking that resulted in the loss of income from the Meekes wedding. The Olivers were another Cramahe couple that went elsewhere in September due to booking complications.

In a recent Cramahe Now article Kay Herley claimed she was overcharged for use of the hall at the centre.

There are still no answers forthcoming. Mayor Marc Coombs was asked on October 6 whether the Herley situation had been resolved. He replied that Mrs. Herley had been sent a letter notifying her that the township disputed her claim.

A request made to the mayor to poll his councillors on the subject of booking was at first rejected. Mayor Coombs stated the issue had already been discussed in open council and a report was being prepared by Community Services Director, Dan O'Brien. The mayor suggested the councillors could be asked at a later time, then relented.

The councillors were asked in turn for their opinions on current booking methods.

Councillor Tim Gilligan stated he would wait for the report, as did Councillor Pat Westrope. Deputy Mayor Jim Williams provided a little illumination on his thoughts, stating he wanted to see the staffing implications of any change.

Only Councillor Ed Van Egmond was willing to come forward and acknowledg that change is needed. The councillor asserted that a report is not necessary. He wants Mr. O'Brien to take over the bookings for the Keeler Centre.

The bookings were done at one time from the Keeler Centre but were taken to the office in an attempt to gain greater control over operations at the centre. Since then there have been periodic complaints about various aspects of service delivery.

Mr. O'Brien was asked for his opinion at the October 6 meeting. He, too, dodged the question, comenting that he will wait for the report before giving his opinion. When pressed for some indication of a timeline, he admitted he is in discussions with the township Chief Administrative Officer, Christie Alexander, looking at the best approach. He is hoping to accelerate the process and may resolve the issue this month.