Book exchange boxes denied by Wheatland County council

By Sharon McLeay Times Contributor

Jason Kelly was surprised and disappointed when Wheatland County administration recommended council turn down his offer to provide nine book exchange boxes for areas in Wheatland County.
Kelly obtained permission from Canada Post to place the boxes in proximity to the rural mailbox groupings, if Wheatland council approved.
“I am not totally clear on the rationale for denying the request,” said Councillor Amber Link.
The point was brought up that Kelly was placing signs on the boxes that advertised his electrical business, and Link agreed she did not support the advertisement aspect of the plan.
“Through the chair, the reasoning behind the deny is basically the advertising portion of the request here. The county doesn’t typically allow any advertising or signage in their right of way that isn’t directional or legislative. Sticking with the past procedure, that is why we didn’t move forward to support the request,” said Mike Ziehr, general manager of transportation and infrastructure with Wheatland County.
Kelly said he placed his company name and number on the boxes, so people could call if there were problems or maintenance to the boxes needed. He said with labour, materials and installation, each of the boxes cost about $400. Because he was volunteering for this project, he felt it was not unrealistic for him to get some support for his business on the venture.
Several councillors said they weren’t too worried about the advertising, but indicated they would rather see them in hamlets where more people could access them and so there was more chance of someone calling if books were left out in the open for some reason.
His advertising was not the sole reason he presented the offer, as he has supported many charitable projects with no return. He said often rural people can’t get into the libraries, but they will go pick up mail.
When asked if he would take the business name off the signs, he said he already had the signs made because he thought staff and council would support the initiative. After their decision, he said he would have to think about bringing it back to council with the business information deleted.
There was a suggestion that a trial period for a limited time on a determined number of boxes could be done; however, most of council was opposed to supporting one business over another.
After the request was voted down, administration was asked if Kelly could resubmit the proposal to council with the company name removed. Alan Parkin, Wheatland County chief administrative officer, said he could resubmit but could not confirm how council would vote.