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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2013-07-25, Page 12PAGE 12. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, JULY 25, 2013. Ratepayer Len Lobb appeared before councillors to encourage them to continue in the process of attempting to bring a deep geological repository to Central Huron through the Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO). “I urge you to stay in the game,” said Lobb, noting he believes the time is right to bring the project to the area. Lobb also encouraged council to partner with neighbouring municipalities in order to draw what is anticipated to be a multi-billion dollar project. “This will probably be one of the farthest-reaching decisions you will ever make in your life,” said Lobb, adding new research overseas shows there are evolving ways to reduce the shelf-life of spent nuclear fuel. “They’re doing it in France, they’re doing it in Russia,” said Lobb. Councillor Alison Lobb asked administration to send a letter to the NWMO, asking whether it is also looking at the new advances in reducing the lifespan of spent nuclear fuel. “We should be asking them to make a comment on this,” she said. Councillor Brian Barnim said whether Central Huron commits to the repository will be decided upon by referendum. He agreed the project “may be an opportunity that we’re not going to get again.” Meanwhile, Councillor Burkhard Metzger agreed with many of Len Lobb’s points, but noted council is struggling with the project given “a lot of people” appear not to be in favour of it. “You are the only one I’ve heard from that has said you should consider that (repository),” said Metzger. *** Councillor Brian Barnim asked Mayor Jim Ginn whether he was wearing his Huron County hat or his Central Huron one when he questioned a company’s aggregate extraction practices at a recent county council meeting. “It’s a question I’ve raised as a county councillor. I think these types of actions are not necessary in our community,” said Ginn, noting hehas asked county administration toreport back on the aggregateextraction practices of the county’s suppliers. Ginn said while he stood by his quotes, there were some elements of the story that he did not know about until it was published. Ultimately, said Ginn, he is against the idea of removing hardwood to extract aggregates. “It’s been cited in this council chambers on several occasions,” said Ginn, adding the question is whether it is sound practice to buy from companies that “bulldoze mature hardwood forest.” Ginn questioned how one would differentiate between being a county councillor and Central Huron’s mayor since he is both. *** Councillor Brian Barnim is eager to hear a report back on his proposed pitch to make Clinton a golf cart- friendly community. While Councillor Burkhard Metzger inquired as to whether another Ontario community allows cart use, Barnim said the only places in Ontario are in gated communities but “in the U.S., they’re everywhere.” Barnim also said discussions with the OPP in Toronto suggested the police are open to the idea. Barnim further noted a golf cart- friendly community would likely be a boon to economic development and that it makes sense in smaller communities. “Why wouldn’t Bayfield have golf carts?” said Barnim, who asked administration to continue to lobby the province for support on the issue given the types of issues involved. During a public question period, Councillor Barnim told The Citizen if Clinton were declared a golf cart- friendly community the status would apply to Central Huron’s urban designated areas. He noted there are some urban designated areas along the lakeshore. *** Council is stonewalling on whether to forge ahead with a stone wall design for its soon-to-be new home at the Clinton town hall. Councillor Dan Colquhoun was the first to question the wisdom behind some of the redesign work, including a proposed $4,637purchase of a faux stone wall for thesoon-to-be renovated councilchamber on the main floor of the town hall. Colquhoun also questioned spending a proposed $7,500 for webcasting or $40,000 for televising meetings. “I can’t support that,” he said. Councillor Burkhard Metzger, who sat on the ad hoc committee that created the draft design, said there are other options available for the chambers but the general consensus was the room’s decor should be dignified. Metzger also noted the technical options were only suggestions. “I’m not a big fan of recording anyway,” noted Colquhoun. Councillor Alex Westerhoutquestioned how the budget wentfrom an estimated $10,000 to anestimated $20,000. While Mayor Jim Ginn suggested sending the design back to the drawing board, CAO Peggy Van Mierlo-West said that might be problematic, given council is supposed to be back at the town hall in September so the renovation work needs to begin. As per the CAO’s suggestion, council ultimately approved portions of the proposed budget but did not approve the faux stone wall or the tech budget. *** Things are already looking up at Clinton’s new farmers’ market, which began July 10, and will run through till Aug. 14, as part of a pilot project.Clerk Brenda MacIsaac toldcouncil there were about fourvendors at the first market while the second one was set to host 10 vendors. *** Mayor Jim Ginn reported that July proved to be a busy month for the Municipality of Central Huron as several special events were held, including the grand opening of a new Hullett Trail during the Healthy Hearts Run as well as the Kelly Gruber ball clinic, which saw a “tremendous turnout.” Ginn noted several councillors also participated in a team-building exercise organized by staff. “I hope it helps keep everything together,” said Ginn. Plans to have liquor served at Morris-Turnberry Township’s Bluevale Hall have been put on hold due to an insurance issue. The hall, which serves as a rentable space within the community, is run by a board which had requested council look into the issue according to Deputy-Mayor Jason Breckenridge, who sits on the committee. Chief Administrative Officer Nancy Michie presented a report to council on July 16 explaining that the insurance the municipality pays for would cover the hall if it was licensed to serve alcohol, however, the insurance premium would go up based on how much alcohol was sold. Michie explained that an exact figure wouldn’t be available because they couldn’t be aware of how much liquor might be sold at the location. Breckenridge asked if an approximation could be made and Michie explained she could ask how the community hall in Wroxeter fares with its sales, as the locations are somewhat similar. Breckenridge said, failing that, he would like to see Michie ask what the cost would be for $1,000, $5,000 and $10,000 worth of sales so that the municipality could plan for the costs. Council decided to wait until the information was available to proceed and also decided that if they were going to continue to pursue the issue they would like the hall committee to come forward with a written letter of support or a delegation. “It’s not really a council initiative,” said Councillor Neil Warwick. Breckenridge explained that the board has asked for the information, but said he would get them to have some kind of motion put on their minutes at their next meeting. Once the above issues are dealt with, however, there are still issues council needs to consider, according to Breckenridge. The most pressing of which is who will run the sales at the hall. Bluevale liquor sales put on hold for now Ratepayer urges council to stay in nuclear waste game Taking in some culture Blyth Festival interim Artistic Director Peter Smith, left, and Blyth Festival Art Gallery committee member Jerry McDonnell, right, caught up on Friday night as Stratford-area artist Wayne Muma, not pictured, opened an exhibit of his functional art, made predominantly of wood. (Shawn Loughlin photo) Sing-along Part of the Faith on Fire Vacation Bible School held at the Brussels Business and Cultural Centre this week was singing together. Together meant both with each other in sound but also physically with each other as Avery McCutcheon, left, and Azana John demonstrated. The school was sponsored by the Brussels Community Bible Chapel. (Denny Scott photo) By Cheryl HeathSpecial to The Citizen