HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2011-03-03, Page 32Huron County’s Emergency
Notification System, PRISM-911,
will be conducting a verification test
call-out over a few weeks beginning
March 7. The automated verification
process runs Monday to Thursday
between 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. No calls
will be made during the weekends.
This test allows residents and
businesses to confirm they have
provided accurate contact
information to be reached during an
emergency situation. The message
will state: “This is the Huron County
PRISM-911 emergency notification
system calling with an important
message.” The caller display will
show up as “Emergency Call” just as
it would in the event of an actual
notification campaign. Follow the
verification process as prompted by
the system to confirm or change
your contact information.
This is the second system-wide
test of Huron County’s new
emergency notification system that
was launched November, 2009. In
the 2010 verification test there were
over 22,000 calls made by the
system to verify 87 per cent of the
records in the database.
If you have not already submitted
your PRISM-911 form to register,
you may call toll free at 1-888-524-
8394 extension 711 or complete the
form online at www.huroncounty.
ca/prism
A request to purchase a table at an
upcoming Maitland Valley
Conservation Authority (MVCA)
fundraiser proved to spark
some debate at Central Huron’s
Feb. 23 committee of the whole
session.
In making the request, which has
been a long-standing practice at
Central Huron Council, Councillor
Alison Lobb, who is council’s
representative on the MVCA, moved
that Central Huron pick up the
approximate $350 tab so councillors
can attend the event.That led Councillor DanColquhoun to ask a few pointedquestions of his own.
“Why would we buy any tickets
with taxpayers’ dollars?” he asked.
While Councillor Brian Barnim,
who originally seconded the
motion, suggested it was his
understanding the tab would come
out of council’s annual $3,500
expense budget, Chief
Administrative Officer Kevin
McLlwain said given that the
municipality expects council to
represent it at these types of events,
such tabs are deemed reasonable.
Colquhoun argued a municipalityand the average business are not onein the same.“It’s not a business. This isn’t our
money. It’s ratepayers’ money,” he
says.
Reeve James Ginn said such issues
are up for debate given the question
arises of how much elected
representatives should be expected
to pay out of pocket in their capacity
as councillors.
“It’s a tough thing, Dan, to know
where to draw the line,” said Ginn,
noting he has donated a great deal of
his personal time and money to
various charitable causes and
fundraising drives.Colquhoun said purchasing tablesat fundraisers is a practice that isfrowned upon at Crown
corporations.
While Deputy-Reeve Dave Jewitt
wondered whether there is a policy
with regard to such matters, he
suggested consistency is the key.
“Is there a pool of money
available?” he asked.
McLlwain noted that such matters
are up to council’s discretion, and
that councillors can utilize funds in
budgeted areas, like the public
relations fund.
Meanwhile, the Reeve said
drawing a line is fine, but councilmust be consistent and find ways tospell out what is acceptable, such asa complimentary meal, and what is
not.
Ultimately, Lobb’s motion for a
council table failed to pass as did a
subsequent motion for council to
purchase a table specifically through
the $3,500 council expense-
dedicated fund.
Councillor Marg Anderson
suggested Lobb reserve a table for
Central Huron Councillors and
staff, and those who wish to attend
can purchase a ticket on their
own.
PAGE 32. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2010.Use of taxpayer dollars debated at Central Huron
PRISM 911 verification process to begin March 7
Me-to-We at Memorial Hall
Continued from page 31
embracing our shared humanity and
thinking beyond ourselves and our
personal needs. Kathy Douglas,
along with a group of youth, helped
to put the entertaining evening
together and they hope, “that youth
right here in our communities
can share and celebrate the fantastic
work they themselves are doing …
there is no need to travel far to
find a great show full of energy
and encouragement.” Last year,
over nine groups presented and
shared in the profits from
this evening to support their
causes. There were over 150 in
attendance.
This year, organizers are gearing
up for yet another spectacular night
of entertainment and education,
featuring Huron and Perth County
youth. As well, community youth
groups and schools are invited to set
up displays, featuring their efforts
for social change.
This year’s event starts at 8 p.m.
and doors will open at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets for the event are $10 each
and are available from the Blyth
Festival Box Office (519-523-9300).
All proceeds will be going towards
various charities, both local and
global.
Interested in being involved?
Want to set up a display? For more
information please contact Kathy
Douglas at kathymdouglas@
hotmail.com
Cha-ching!
Cody Bos of Blyth Public School was on stage on Saturday
for the Blyth Legion’s public speaking competition for his
speech entitled “Money”. Bos competed in the Primary
Division of the competition. Winners will be awarded by the
Legion at a later date. (Vicky Bremner photo)
404 Queen St.,
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By Cheryl HeathThe Clinton News-Record