We hope weve opened up their eyes.
The president of the struggling Richmond Potters Club was confident shed managed to put city councillors right on a few matters.
It remains to be seen, said Arlene Skelton, whether her appearance in front of last weeks parks and recreation committee has gained any traction with city staff.
Skelton and the clubs vice-president, Mary MacNeil, addressed council members with regard to a report compiled by staff, which indicated that the club should be thankful for low rental rates at the Richmond Cultural Centre, compared with other Lower Mainland arts facilities.
The report also stated that the club which last December claimed its future was in doubt due to skyrocketing city rental rates needs to boost its membership to maximize income.
I hope (council members) realize that they were getting only one side of this from their staff, Skelton said of her meeting with council.
Pottery is something the city doesnt know anything about, but they put all this stuff in the report. We were not happy when we read this.
They were comparing us to Shadbolt (in Burnaby), where they have city technicians, the city owns the equipment, runs the classes and they have wooden, electric and gas kilns.
Its little wonder (Burnaby) charges more than Richmond, look what they have going form them. Its the same in West Vancouver, you cant compare us to them.
The club complained late last year that it, and other local arts groups who use the cultural centre, were on their knees financially after room rental rates spikes a massive 330 per cent in two years.
The city said the groups that use the centre hadn't faced a rate increase in many years and, after a review in 2010, it was determined that they were "grossly undercharging" the users.
The Potters Club has just 40 members, each of whom had their fees increased last year to $100 per year from $75.
After last weeks meeting, the parks and recreation committee asked staff to come back with information on several of the potters club requests; including: No charge for adult class time; compensation of $1,300 to be continued as a rental deferral for the citys use of the clubs equipment for childrens classes and no reduction of club space or studio hours.
Now we wait to see if the city comes back and provide something to our satisfaction, added Skelton.
Its not just is, however. There are other groups that use the centre that are in the same boat.
As for the future, until we get a favourable response, I dont know. I do know that we were, at least, listened to.
