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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2013-04-18, Page 7THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, APRIL 18, 2013. PAGE 7. Central Huron Councillors learned the tenders for the Harlock bridge report show projected costs are coming in under budget with the lowest bid standing at $413,000. At its April 2 Committee of the Whole meeting, Council said it would decide upon whether to move forward with the project during budget talks on April 16. Central Huron Clerk Brenda MacIsaac reported a $53,000 Ontario Trillium grant has been awarded for Central Huron’s community improvement co- ordinator position. *** Representatives of the Clinton Skating Club report they are still trying to find a compromise on ice time with the BCH Minor Hockey Association. They are also asking Central Huron Council to stay on the sidelines with regard to the issue. Appearing before Central Huron’s April 2 Committee of the Whole session, club president Kathy Kelly- Ingram, joined by club vice- president Leanne McDonald, reported the club recently met with BCH officials, along with Central Huron facilities manager Steve Campbell, in order to find a way to accommodate the association’s desire for more ice time. That issue came to council’s attention when after BCH Minor Hockey president Mike Millian made a presentation to council on the issue and suggested perhaps a ruling from council would be in order given the association’s number of members and its support in fundraising for the newly constructed Central Huron Community Complex. Kelly-Ingram said while both sides have several valid issues and ice-time requirements, the club is continuing to work with the BCH in an effort to mete out a compromise. “[We] feel it’s not an issue council should be required to manage,” she added. Central Huron Mayor Jim Ginn praised the club for its efforts. “Obviously, it’s not something we want to have to look after, and obviously, we shouldn’t,” said Ginn. Councillor Brian Barnim said the matter should be left in the facilities manager’s hands. “As a council, I believe this is not what we should be doing,” said Barnim. *** Councillor Brian Barnim wants to know if there is a way around hefty price tags attached to Freedom of Information requests. In noting he recently received a concern from a ratepayer who was attempting to access a years-old planning report from the County of Huron, only to learn the request would come with a large cost, Barnim asked if county councillors could access the information for free. Deputy-Mayor Dave Jewitt, who sits as Central Huron’s representative alongside Mayor Jim Ginn, encouraged the ratepayer in question to contact him personally for a follow-up. Barnim said his primary concern is lower-tier councillors should be able to access anything they require. Despite Huron East Council declaring its municipality an “unwilling host” to wind turbines, members of Huron East Against Turbines (HEAT) are still not impressed. At council’s April 2 meeting, two motions were debated. One would declare the municipality an “unwilling host” to wind turbines, which was passed, and another would put requirements in place for wind turbine companies that would include compensation for decreased property values, an increase in noise and adverse health effects, which was not approved by council. Since council had previously discussed a similar compensation motion in February, 2012, legally that motion would have to be raised by a two-thirds majority to be discussed again. The motion was defeated by one vote. Prior to, and after the vote, HEAT members expressed their displeasure with council’s lack of action against wind turbine companies and were not shy about voicing that displeasure. Joanne Ryan was granted a delegation by council before the vote was to take place. Virginia Stewart Love, a “victim of wind turbines” from Grey Highlands was also asked to speak to council about her condition. Ryan told councillors that she has spoken with a large number of people who are against turbines in Huron East. She says she has spoke to landowners who have turbines on their land who wish they had never signed contracts. Stewart Love told councillors that the closest turbine to her is 1,400 metres away, but that she can see seven different turbines from her home, none of which she consented to, as they are not on her property. She described her symptoms as sleep depravation, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), tension, nausea and dizziness, among others. She also criticized the Ministry of the Environment’s testing regulations, saying that often noise studies are conducted on days when the wind is not blowing, which cannot provide an accurate noise assessment. Stewart Love acknowledged that not all people who live close to wind turbines suffer from symptoms, but Trillium Grant approved for co-ordinator position ‘You’ve let us down’ HEATsays to Huron East Council Nuclear made clear The Nuclear Waste Management Organization held an open house at the Central Huron Community Complex recently to help familiarize residents of Central Huron with the equipment and realities of having nuclear waste stored deep underground. Representatives from the organization Jessica Perritt, left, and Maria Sanchez-Rico posed with a facsimile of the fuel rods proposed to be stored in the underground facilities. (Denny Scott photo) Looking for local heroes There are so many people out there who do so much to improve their community. Now you have a chance to say thanks. Nominate that special person for the 28th Annual Citizen Citizenship Awards. Each year a committee chooses an outstanding citizen from each of the Blyth and area and Brussels and area communities to receive an award for contribution to the community. If you know someone you think should be honoured, please fill in the ballot and send it in. You may attach a longer explanation of why you think your nominee should win, if you like. If you have nominated someone before and he or she didn't win, please feel free to try again. I nominate as Citizen of the year for I feel she/he deserves this award because Nomination Deadline April 30, 2013. Name and phone number of nominator ❑Blyth & area ❑Brussels & area By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen By Cheryl Heath Special to The Citizen Continued on page 22