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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2012-12-13, Page 13PAGE 12. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2012. It’s been a banner season for beavers in the Municipality of Morris-Turnberry. In reporting on a burgeoning problem with pesky beavers at council’s Dec. 4 session, Gary Pipe, director of public works, said that more than 20 beavers have been trapped in the past month alone as staff continue to conduct municipal drain cleanouts. Mayor Paul Gowing noted that it is important to trap the industrious creatures since simply knocking down dams makes for “very cross beavers.” *** Work is moving forward on Branch B of the Hopper Drain after a Court of Revision met to review the project, which drew no appeals. In contrast, the design for the Nichol Municipal Drain project is going back to the drawing board after property owner Pat O’Neill and spokesman Bob Hallam appeared before the Court of Revision in order to note O’Neill now plans to remove a culvert on his property at his own cost in order to bring down the project costs. Engineer Bill Dietrich told the court that though O’Neill’s plan comes as a surprise that he had not experienced before, the change can be made, and assessments can be reconfigured before the project receives final approval on the project. During open session of council where the decision was made to send the plans back for changes, O’Neill noted, “I want to make it better. I want to make it work. That’s all I am asking.” The change to the project is anticipated to bring down the overall cost, though the engineer says the new assessment won’t be vastly different. *** The Da Lee Dust Control Company once again has council’s approval for a $380,913 calcium contract in the coming year. Gary Pipe, Director of Public Works, notes the company has proven to be a co-operative and competent contractor that is willing to cancel scheduled loads, at no cost to the municipality, after heavy rainfalls. *** Clerk-Administrator Nancy Michie reported wheelie bin revenue came in at about $97,000, well under the projected $150,000 budgeted for the year in the newly rolled out program. Michie said now that the popularity of the program is now known, the budget will be easier to spell out next year. Councillor Dave Baker expressed concern with the program given a number of ratepayers are placing wheelie bins out the night before pick-up, though such practices are frowned upon. “I think they should be putting reflectors on them,” he says. Michie said that suggestion was already presented to the Bluewater Recycling Association (BRA). The BRA says bins are not supposed to be placed at the road until the morning of scheduled pickups. Baker said the practice is nonetheless ongoing, and is likely to present a real problem during snow- removal times. Administration was directed to further address the issue with the BRA. *** Morris-Turnberry’s share of the Ontario Municipal Partnership Funding (OMPF) pie is on the decline, but the cut is only marginal compared to what other municipalities are facing, reported Mayor Paul Gowing. After hearing clerk-administrator Nancy Michie’s report of an overall $1,400 funding decrease thanks to what is being called Transition-Year Stable Funding, Gowing noted that there are other municipalities, like North Perth, losing much more in provincial support. “North Perth is losing $140,000,” he said. *** While questioning whether municipally fuelled donations are a valid use of taxpayer dollars, Mayor Paul Gowing led the charge with a personal commitment to make a donation to the North Perth Food Bank as was formally requested to Morris-Turnberry Council. “Personally, what I prefer to do myself is I’m going to make a donation of $100,” said Gowing, who then encouraged other councillors to follow suit. Both councillors Neil Warwick and David Baker matched the donation. “It’s that time of the year that this is needed,” says Gowing. “It’s support that ends up in our communities.” *** The Woolcock pit is being turned On Saturday, Dec. 15 from 8 a.m. to noon parents Christmas Getaway is back at Knox United Church. Bring the kids for a morning of fun, crafts, games, stories, movies and much more. This is sponsored by the B.A.N.G. (Building a New Generation) Youth Group. On Sunday, Dec. 16 at 10:30 a.m., fellowship in the church will be followed by worship at 11 a.m. Advent 3 Cantata: “O Come Let Us Adore Him” will involve the choir, congregation and children. Ralph Campbell retired after 31 years completing his career in public works – first with East Wawanosh, then North Huron. The community wishes Ralph all the best on his retirement. Morris-Turnberry is preparing to present its wish list to the Province of Ontario. At council’s Dec. 4 session, clerk- administrator Nancy Michie reported that the province is unveiling a $51-million Municipal Infrastructure Investment Initiative Capital Program for two fiscal years, which is designed to assist Ontario’s 388 municipalities with priority road, bridge, and water and wastewater projects. Michie reported that Morris- Turnberry was able to whittle its wish list down to two projects with help from engineer Bruce Potter. At the top is a $1.1 million bid for assistance with the long-awaitedBluevale stormwater drainageproject, though some councillorsproved to be less than enthusiastic about the pitch at first. Councillor Neil Warwick questioned where the other money for the project would come from given the majority of ratepayers has not expressed interest in paying for upgrades during past meetings. Councillor David Baker contended that the problem has been around for generations, and it is time to fix it. “It’s not been addressed so I think if we get two-thirds funding, even if we have to split it two ways, who could complain about that?” he said. “If you’re going to benefit, you pay.” Mayor Paul Gowing made a pleathat proved palatable to fellowcouncillors as they supported a plan,which will see Morris-Turnberry submit an application for the Bluevale project. If approved for the two-thirds funding as requested, council would then be left to ascertain how to cover the remaining one-third cost at about $350,000. Gary Pipe, Director of Public Works, said the roads department would take much of the assessment since it will benefit from the project. Still, Warwick remained skeptical. “I’m for applying for the grant, but I’m still not sure you can ram it down people’s throats,” he said, noting there are 28 lots with problems, and only about sixproperty owners have expressedinterest in having something done.Councillors also debated the possibility of submitting a request for the Clyde Line paving project, but opted not to, given that a grant request has already been made under another available grant program. While there were several options for the application including a request for up to 90 per cent of a project’s total cost of up to $2 million, Michie said the engineer advised a two-thirds funding request would be more likely to receive approval. Council approved a motion to spend about $2,000 on having the engineer draw up the funding application. Morris-Turnberry has banner year for beavers M-T to prepare grant application Christmas Getaway returns Giving for a cause Jeff Sanders was one of the volunteers from the Belgrave area who recently harvested the Belgrave Community Growing Project corn crop for the year. The 20-acre field yielded 3,510 bushels. Proceeds from the crop go to the Canadian Foodgrains Bank. (Photo submitted) Two Locations To Serve You Better 222 Josephine St., Wingham 519-357-3466 120 Inkerman St. E., Listowel 519-291-4920 During the week of December 17-21 5% of its sales to the local Food Bank. Bring in a Food Bank donation and receive 5%off your purchase Pandora’s Pantry will donate* Christmas Trees * Pies & tarts (orders taken until December 21) * Fruit and nut trays (pre-order) * Frozen turkey rolls (white and dark meat) * Various cuts - beef, pork, chicken * Pop, munchies, etc. Don’t Worry ~ We’ve got what you need for a real country Christmas Holiday Hours December 24 - Closed 5 pm December 25 & 26 - Closed December 31 - Closed 5 pm January 1 - Closed WALTON 519-887-8429 Closed Sundays starting December 30th By Linda Campbell Call 357-2188 PEOPLE AROUND BELGRAVE NEWS FROM BELGRAVE By Cheryl HeathSpecial to The Citizen By Cheryl Heath Special to The Citizen Continued on page 17