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HomeMy WebLinkAboutClinton News Record, 2013-12-25, Page 22 News Record • Wednesday, December 25, 2013 Feasibility study needs more definition: council Clock ticking on July completion date Clinton News -Record The clock is ticking on a feasibility study for Central Huron to look at youth and jobs. Central Huron received $53,000 funding from the Trillium Fund this year to con- duct a study into youth opportunities, community volunteerism and young entrepreneurs. To date, nothing has been done with the funding, though the study is due in July. Community Improvement Coordinator Genny Smith of GS Consulting was awarded a $40,000 contract with the municipality to conduct the study, with the additional $13,000 to be used for workshops, public meetings and promotion. Smith said the study would look into the conceptual needs and economic impact of young entrepreneurs, as well as addressing the need for succession plan- ning for existing businesses. Smith said the study would involve both high schools and the elementary schools in the municipality. The grant agreement stipulates work be completed by July, 2014, and Smith said it will be done over a four month period in the New Year. However, council had some serious questions regarding the study, opting to defer until more information on the scope of the study was known. Because the project did not require requests for proposals, there is no over- view of what the project should or would entail, said Deputy -Mayor Dave Jewitt. However, he said the impetus is there for Central Huron to make good on the Trillium grant. "We ought not to be applying for things we will not follow through on," he said. Councilor Alison Lobb said she was concerned that giving the job to Smith would be further taxing on the CIC's time, asking for deferral of the matter. Because the decision came from the Steering Committee, it was not required to put out a request for proposals according to CAO Peggy VanMeirlo-West. However with low public turnout for consultation meetings in the past, Coun. Brian Barnim said he failed to see the ben- efit in conducting yet another study. "I don't see how this will benefit us," he said. "Something of this amount has to go to an RFP. Smith responded by saying the study will help council choose their direction in pursuing long-term goals such as the sports tourism plan currently underway. It was a close vote on the deferral, with Coun. Colquhoun, Westerhout and Mayor Ginn in favour of proceeding with the study and Jewitt, Lobb, Barnim and Marg Anderson voting to defer. Second question period added to council meetings Items must pertain to agenda Clinton News -Record Let them ask questions. Central Huron Council added a small but resonant addition to its procedural bylaw Tuesday, Dec. 17. As of the New Year, there getit nline will be two opportunities for the public to ask questions related to the agenda - one at the beginning of the meeting and again during question period at the end. While council was advised against the move in January of 2013, now that the bylaw is ready to be passed the addition means residents can get their two cents' in prior to council votes. The stipulation for the first question period is that inquiries or comments must directly relate to the agenda of the day. Anything not pertaining to the agenda would have to wait until the end of www.clintonnewsrecord.com t3 FOSTER FAMILIES NEEDED FOR Hunan -Perth CHILDREN & YOUTH Help Child* hum 'bur Darrow! rrI rnllll iIy For Inllamellorr Cell rhe Huron -Penh Growers MMU 3OCiely Perth County (Deanie Jardine) 511-271-52D or 1800-68-5I 4 Huron County (Deanie Jardine) 519-524-7355 Or t -M4-255.5190 the meeting. "It's not an ambush," said Coun. Brian Barnim with respect to residents showing up the day of the council meeting to speak. "It's transparency." Council voted to move their 2014 meet- ings to Mondays at their Dec. 3 meeting, and Clerk Brenda Maclsaac noted the only change since then has been to move up deadlines for agendas and delegations one day as well. Agendas will be published on Thursdays though the Monday delegation deadline of noon will remain the same. Deputy -Mayor Dave Jewitt, who initially raised the concern, suggested a limited number of delegations be accepted from the floor during council meetings, however he said there are already safeguards that can defer votes on community -sensitive subjects, allowing the public more time to become informed on the matters and speak to them if so desired. Mayor Jim Ginn's concern was that when heated issues arise, it is hard to allow for impromptu delega- tions in an orderly fashion. The new question period will take place following the delegation portion of council meetings. Water woes, doctor recruitment and funding for REACH at CH council Clinton News -Record No sewer, no deal Central Huron Council is going back to the Municipality of Bluewater for a better agree- ment in response to a plan that would see expansion of water service in Bluewater encroaching on Central Huron land. The agreement was passed by Bluewater council Dec. 2, however, as it only provides water and not sewer for up to 19 Central Huron properties council voted to go back to the negotiating table Dec. 17. Doctor, doctor The municipality will be waiting for a treas- urer's report on adding $10,000 annually to a doctor recruitment fund. The request was made at their Dec. 17 meeting, with Coun. Brian Barnim suggesting the funds be reallo- cated from the landfill closure line in the budget. Council received a request in late November from the Clinton Family Health Team outlining the latter's struggle over the past two years to recruit new physicians. The family health team suggested in May a $50,000 reserve be created to help with doctor recruitment, with council considering $10,000 yearly for five years to be put in reserve. REACHing out Council approved a $38,000 budget request from the REACH board, offsetting the differ- ence between the facilities budget request before and after lease payments were factored in. Only Coun. Brian Barnim voted against the approval. Funds will be reallocated from the tax stabilization reserve. Meanwhile, staff will be applying for a Rural Economic Development grant for $12,500 to develop a REACH Huron business plan in the coming year. The funding is to be included in the 2014 budget. Coun. Alex Westerhout, member of the REACH board, said improving business at the centre is something the municipality should continue to support.