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Al 2 - The Canadian Champion, Friday, January 20, 2006 Soccer group loses Milton Commin itýv Firnrl 9-pp#iil (Group says it wasn't to/d why its t-equestJorfunding was denied By MELANIE HENNESSEy The Champion A local group's appeal to rounicil lu overtuni a previous decision that denied il money front the Milton Community Fund proved unsuccessful Monday night. The plea from the Milton Soccer Academy came as the f irst ever appeal lu council regarding the fund, which was creaîed su that local residenîs or groups cao apply for money the Town receives trom Siots at Mohawk. The academy applied for an appmoximaîe $6,000 grant to assist with volunteer training and equipmenî purchases last year, but the Town's communiîy services advisoiy commnittee (CSAC) - which reviews the applications and makes recommendations lu counicil - decided the request wasn'î a funding priority for 2005. "We would like to see this application reviewed once again." said Erin Carter, the academy's director of public relations. "Ne believe thîs is a fair request." The group's presîdent, Uwe Samnstag-Schnock, argiied that the academy svast't even given an explanation as ttt why ils request svas denied. Ward 4 Councillor Wendy Schau, who vils on CSAC, referred back to the comîniîîee's decision that the soccer academy's request wasn'î a funding priority ai the lime. She explained that'1s the committee's way of saying they've received many applications and have lu prioritize theru. 'There's nu onus on the committce to say specitically a reason 'why not."' Ms Sehan said. Mr. Samstag-Schnock said he thînks a reason needs tu he given to, evaluate funding decisions for the appeal process. Ms Schau told hlm if the academy had new information regard- ing ils organization, that could forin the basis of an appeal. Poinîing out that two counicillors sit on the committee, Ward 3 (ounicillis Jin Mowhray disputed Ms Schau and Ward 4 Counctillor John Challinor's comments that CSAC is an independ- ent body of'council. But Mr. Challinor said he's always found that counicillors who sit on CSAC are impartial. I have nu issue at ail with their involvemnent in this process." he said. He also strongly encouraged the Milton Succer Academy to, reapply for a grant from, the community fund. Council approved the recommendation from CSAC to, uphold its previous advice and decline the academy's funding request. The Town has received 442 requests for grants froru the Milton Community Fund since it was created in 2001. 0f those, CSAC has recommended funding for 64 per cent of the applicants who met the fund's criteria. The next round of grants will be given out in the spring. Melanie Henneasey can be reached at mhenneasey@milton- canadianchampion.com. .Transport truck and cargo stolen A truck and cargo svith a total value ol over $500,000 U.S. was stolen fromi a local warehouse parking area overnight Saturday. Halton Regional Police are investigattng the incident, in which an unknown suspect made away wi.h the truck somnetime between 5 p.m. Saturday and 7:30 a.m. Sunday at X-Border Transportation Service on Armistrong Avenue. The stolen truck is a wvhite Freighîtiîîe 40 foot straight truck with tandem axtes and a sleeper cab. Its Ontario licence plates read PY621I8. The naine and logo of' X-Border Transportation mnc. is painted oti the diver's .,ide and passenger doors. At the time ut the theft. ithe truck svas carrying Bausch and Lomb contact Jenses and surgical instruments, 55 llysvheels, rolis ot heat sîtrinkable film and rolîs ut sool. Atiyote sxith intormation regarding the matter is asked to rail police at (90)5> 825-4777, est. 24(05 oîr 2415 or Crime Stoppers at t 8(X)222 -TIPS (8477).