Combative sports commission reborn

By Trevor Busch
Taber Times
tbusch@tabertimes.com

The nature of bureaucracy is sometimes open to criticisms — but it’s not everyday when a public body appears to have effectively lost one of its own commissions.

At town council’s April 13 meeting, CAO Greg Birch admitted he wasn’t even aware the Town of Taber had established a Combative Sports Commission before it was brought to his attention by a council member.

At that meeting, town council voted unanimously that pursuant to Bylaw 8-2009, council determined that the Town of Taber Combative Sports Commission will have five members until a different membership structure is established by council in future, and that a council representative to the commission be selected and appointed in future.

“There’s a lot of interest from the group that started it before to carry on with this,” said Coun. Jack Brewin.

The Town of Taber Combative Sports Commission was established through Bylaw 8-2009, but no members have been appointed for several years, leaving all positions currently vacant.

Town council can appoint members at any time, and administration has commenced advertising for interested members.

“The venues that have been put on in the past have been very well received and attended, and I’d like to see another couple good fights coming in,” said Brewin. “I’m a fan of boxing. I’m not a big fan of mixed martial arts, but boxing I’d sure like to see going.”

Bylaw 8-2009 does not specify the number of members that need to be appointed, although a minimum of three is suggested. Five members is the usual number for most town committees. Bylaw 8-2009 does require applicants to obtain insurance and list the town as a named insured party.

There is no significant financial implication for the establishment of the commission, and no specific budget amounts are allocated to it, but it does have the authority to charge for any permits it issues to hold a combative sporting event.

Brewin expressed interest in being the town council’s appointed representative to the commission when determined in future.

The Town of Taber is also currently seeking a new member for the Taber Recreation Board following the resignation of board representative Garrett Simmons in 2014.