By Lyonel Doherty
Times-Chronicle
It seemed like a good idea at the time, but the grad banner proposal in Oliver is no longer being considered.
On Monday, Town council was given an update on the plan to erect banners featuring photos of local graduates.
The Town was willing to contribute by putting up the banners for the 83 grads.
But a letter from grad coordinator Rod Kitt requested a one-time donation of $1,000, not for banners but for a “rockery” photo to replace the traditional class photograph that is taken every year.
“There are many things this grad class will not get to experience as a result of COVID-19, and the rockery picture is one of them,” Kitt said.
The school is attempting to recreate this photograph by taking individual photos of each grad and Photoshopping them into a group that resembles the traditional picture. In the end, each grad would receive an 8X10 photograph.
Councillor Petra Veintimilla said she would love to see council support the grads who will forego a lot this year, including prom and dry grad activities.
“I’m happy for them as long as they’re happy.”
But Councillor Dave Mattes didn’t share this enthusiasm.
“I didn’t support this before and I won’t be supporting it this time.”
He explained the grad class has grad fees every year, but this year they won’t be spending money on banquets or ceremonies.
“But I don’t think that means we should pick up the tab for their grad fees; that’s essentially what this is, grad fees.”
Mattes said he thought the original banner idea was great.
The councillor pointed out that the first place the grad committee should have requested money from is the school district.
“They shouldn’t be coming to Town council,” Mattes said, adding this is inappropriate for the Town to support.
Fellow councillor Larry Schwartzenberger said he was initially in favour of the banner idea, which was more of a Town initiative that it was willing to support (up to $1,000). But now it has changed into a direct request for money. “I don’t think I can support this either at this time.”
Councillor Aimee Grice wanted to know what the entire cost of the photo is and what the shortfall may be.
“Without that information I can’t support it.”
Mayor Martin Johansen admitted that his support for the project has also waned.
He agreed that the school district should have been asked first.
But Veintimilla said she would welcome the grad committee to submit a proper grant-in-aid request.
She would also like to put forth a fun challenge to other local governments (regional district and Osoyoos Indian Band) for their support.
