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Home My WebLink AboutThe Citizen, 2017-05-25, Page 9THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MAY 25, 2017. PAGE 9. HE councillors fear single -tier goverment looms By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen Huron East councillors and their Huron County representatives find themselves at odds in regards to goings-on at the Huron County Council level. At Huron East Council's May 16 meeting, a number of councillors questioned the governance service system delivery research that is beginning at the county level, namely the work being done to employ a consultant with a price tag of approximately $60,000. Not only were councillors questioning the money being spent by upper -tier councillors, but some also felt this study of how governance is structured in Huron County is yet another step towards single -tier government. In the terms of reference, the board says that the point of hiring a consultant is to investigate just how effective the county's current governance structure is. "[The purpose is to] undertake fact -based research on the effectiveness of Huron County's current governance systems and determine if there are appropriate alternatives so that the economic potential of the county can be fully realized," the terms of reference stated. "The Huron County Economic Development Board has become concerned that the current structures/service delivery mechanisms may not create the optimal environment to support the Back for another year The Brussels Farmers' Market opened for another year on Friday, holding its grand opening for the season in the afternoon with a special ceremony featuring Brussels Fall Fair Ambassador Patti Blake and James and Ben Speer, the Little and Junior Ambassador, respectively. Here, customers patronized G&G Family Produce from outside of Brussels, a dedicated vendor at the market over the years. (Denny Scott photo) Belgrave Park to be upgraded The Belgrave Park, across from the Belgrave Community Centre in the Morris-Turnberry/North Huron village, will be the focus of some significant upgrades in the near future. As part of preparing for Canada Day, Morris-Turnberry Public Works staff alongside consultants are going to be replacing fixtures and replanting the site to bring it back to life prior to July 1. In a report to Morris-Turnberry Council at its May 16 meeting, Public Works Director Mike Alcock explained that the site is in need of significant work which could cost as much as $7,000. The report indicated that the plants and decomposed mulch would need to be removed from the site and that new mulch would be necessary following the installation of new plants. The total cost to replace the plants is estimated at $600 with an additional $600 for natural mulch or $1,000 for coloured mulch. Alcock also indicated that the six existing park benches needed significant repair work or to be replaced. He had sourced local benches that would cost $800 each or found a way to use composite lumber with the existing frames that would require $350 per bench plus two -to -three hours of labour per bench. The new benches could be engraved. Three trash receptacles at the site would also need to be replaced, which would cost the municipality approximately $250 each. The walkway at the park, which consists of engraved paving stones, need to be pressure washed, which will cost $100 for the rental of the washer and 10 hours of labour. Finally, the trellis in the park has become unstable, according to Alcock, and should be removed. Through his written and verbal reports, Alcock said replacement structures were being considered, but it would not be feasible to have one installed by July 1 as with the rest of the project. Mayor Paul Gowing said Alcock's assessment of the park was accurate. "I was in the park on Sunday morning on my way to a breakfast in Belgrave and things are in tough shape," he said. "There isn't a bench I would want to sit on there. Any Continued on page 13 economic growth needed to create a vibrant business, employment and social environment." The focus on governance comes from an economic development viewpoint, in that the board is worried that some decisions being made aren't fostering a positive environment for economic development to take place in the county. "The Huron County Economic Development Board wants to understand the consistency and timeliness of the governmental decisions required in the attraction and expansion of individual businesses and other types of development. We need to create an environment which highlights our unique attributes and attracts internal and external investment," the terms of reference state. "A core foundation of this environment is the cost-effective delivery of services where a `can -do' attitude and the effective delivery of government support systems is part of the positive brand of Huron County. We are of the opinion that this positive/cost-effective brand is not fully in place at this time and that opportunities for improvement may exist based on a review of alternatives." The terms of reference then go on to list a number of questions to be answered that include finding cost- effective ways to deliver municipal government services, ensuring long- term value of services and utilizing the economies of scale to deliver services. Councillor Alvin McLellan first raised the topic, asking Deputy - Mayor Joe Steffler about the money being spent by the Huron County Economic Development Board. He also cited an interview in which Steffler extolled the virtues of single -tier government. McLellan worried that Steffler was representing his own interests and opinions at the county level, rather than those of Huron East, its councillors and its residents. Steffler did say that he felt Huron County was headed towards a single -tier government, but he had no idea when that would be. He also reached back to his days working with the Huron County Public Works Department and talked about the co-operative purchasing and partnerships that were employed at that level and felt those same efficiencies could be accomplished in single -tier government. McLellan, however, said that if he and, it seemed, the majority of other councillors were against the concept of single -tier government that Steffler and his fellow Huron County councillor, Mayor Bernie MacLellan should be voting in a way that represents council, not their personal opinions. Steffler said that voting as a county councillor is complicated, a stance he has taken before. He referenced the advanced care paramedic (ACP) situation in which councillors were not in favour of discontinuing the program, but county councillors, Steffler said, were privy to figures and information those councillors weren't and made a decision based on that information. Not only that, but when making a decision on the future of county -wide emergency medical services (EMS), it behooves a county councillor to do what's best for the county and not necessarily his lower -tier municipality. Steffler and a number of councillors, including McLellan and Seaforth Councillor Bob Fisher, ended the conversation by saying they would have to agree to disagree on the issue. Book Your Ad Now for the 2017 IPM Issue 35,000 copies in total Call The Citizen 519-523-4792 or contact sales representatives Brenda Nyveld & Heather Fraser e-mail: ads@northhuron.on.ca REPRINTS OF PHOTOS taken by Citizen photographers are available to purchase. 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