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Home My WebLink AboutThe Citizen, 2009-10-29, Page 23THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2009. PAGE 23. Huron County libraries are amongthe first to go ahead with a newprovincial initiative.“We were one of 71 public libraries in the first phases of this program” said county librarian BethRoss, of the new downloadableaudio books. “This project helps usmeet our goal of providing access tobooks and other resources fromhome as well as at our publiclibraries.’ Access to the OverDrive collection of over 2,500 titles was provided through a $15 million investment in public libraries from the Ministry of Culture. It provides access to the audiobooks for a two-year period. At the meeting of the library board, Oct. 16, board member Bill Siemon wondered if the programdidn’t defeat the library’s purposesomewhat as young people might beinclined to download audiobooksrather than read the bookthemselves. Deputy-county librarian Sharon Cox said the audiobooks are meant to complement the existing services. “Certainly they are excellent for the visually impaired or long-haul commuters. But it is also an excellent service in rural areas because they can be downloaded at any time.” Cox said they continue to buyprint, and aren’t changing thecollection. “We have had audio onCD for years and they have beenquite popular,” she said. “It helps with universal accesswhen we have other formats besides print.” In order to download, people need to have ready their library card and PIN. The site is http://downloadcentre.library.on.ca Assistance is available at any branch. People without access to high-speed internet can bring alaptop to the branch or use the freewireless connection. Those without computers can alsodownload the audiobooks onto theiriPods or MP3 players at the fivetown branches in Clinton, Exeter, Goderich, Seaforth and Wingham. “The public is encouraged to give the downloadable books a try,” said Ross. They haven’t said no, but after receiving calls from taxpayers worried about Morris-Turnberry’s consideration of a loan to the Wingham Golf and Curling Club, councillors delayed action at their Oct. 20 meeting. Mayor Dorothy Kelly told Karen Burke, chair of the non-profit club located in Morris ward near Wingham and Robert Grein of the club’s finance committee, that she had received a call from a ratepayer saying that the municipality shouldn’t get into the banking business. “I’ve had two calls,” said Jim Nelemans, deputy mayor. “The thing they’re concerned about is what happens if you get in trouble.” A future council, he said, might hesitate to look like bad guys and close down the club and seize the land for security. Several councillors suggested the club should approach more financial institutions and the Huron Business Development Corporation. But Burke worried about the high interest rates the club might have to pay to a lender of last resort. She felt using the municipality’s preferred borrowing rate the club could get a break on interest while the municipality was at no risk because the value of the property offered as security is far higher than the size of the loan. “I would think you would want to be seen as the people who helped us,” she said. She got total support from councillor Paul Gowing. “I have no trouble supporting (the loan),” he said. “I see no risk at all. I think we have to support what we have.” “We really need that golf course,” agreed councillor Bill Thompson, “but I don’t think we should be using the taxpayers money.” Nancy Michie, administrator clerk-treasurer offered a clarification that the money that would be loaned to the golf club would be a separate loan, on top of the money the municipality currently borrows from the bank, and will be guaranteed by a mortgage on the club’s property. Councillors agreed to proceed with the drafting of a possible loan agreement but in the meantime urged the club to seek alternate financing. Nelemans opposed the motion. “I think we’re just leading them on if we’re not going to support it (the loan),” he said. Scary fellow It was fright night at Brussels United Church as the congregation hosted a Haunted House throughout the week. Charles Corbett worked his imagination to create the tableaux and vignettes designed to send chills and shivers. (Vicky Bremner photo) M-T holds off on golf course loan Download audiobooks from county librariesBy Bonnie GroppThe Citizen By Keith Roulston The Citizen A request to keep a trailer parked at the former Pentecostal Church just south of Wingham in Hutton Heights, was denied by North Huron council at the Oct. 19 meeting. Council did, however, grant some time for alternate arrangements to be made. The trailer is used by Fresh Wind Revival Centre, which is in the process of beginning a community outreach program, that will support and assist the food bank efforts. The organization has found a supplier for food, toys and clothing through a charity, but needed a suitable unit to receive and store the items. The trailer was sparked in the lot which is located in a residential area. After receiving a complaint, chief building official Dave Black did an inspection the same day and in consultation with county planner Sandra Weber determined that the trailer did not comply with zoning, said clerk-administrator Kriss Snell. An order was issued that the trailer be moved by Oct. 14. A letter was sent to council asking they reconsider, and Snell said another two letters were received that day asking for a variance. “What they are doing is great,” said councillor Archie MacGowan. “I have no doubt that the local food bank needs to be supplemented. That said, the zoning bylaw with these particular restrictions is there for a reason.” Mention was made of helping the group find a more suitable location but it would mean granting them more time. “If we do this are we going to have others asking the same thing,” said reeve Neil Vincent. MacGowan wondered if anyone had contacted the township before they moved the trailer in to see what would be permitted. “To my knowledge no one contacted the township,” said Snell. He suggested an option that they apply for a zoning amendment, adding that he wasn’t sure it would get planning approval. A temporary zoning could be done for three years. Councillor Alma Conn said that churches “made do with the facilities they have. I’m not sure in a residential area this is a good idea. They didn’t ask permission. Forgiveness is often easier than permission but ignorance is no excuse,” said Conn. Snell said council could give Black the option to extend his order and allow the church to find a different location. “They moved to the back of the property and that satisfied the residential complaint, but now that Dave knows about this they have to act,” said Snell. It was agreed that Black be given permission to explain to the congregation that the trailer doesn’t fit the township’s bylaw, and would assist if they could in helping them find a solution. Church must move trailer from lot By Bonnie Gropp The Citizen SSaattuurrddaayy,, NNoovveemmbbeerr 1144 tthh at the Blyth Memorial Hall Lunch booth available Sponsored by Living Water Christian Fellowship CCoommee bbee oouurr GGuueesstt aatt oouurr HHoommee PPaarrttyy!! 1155 ++ ccoonnssuullttaannttss hhaavvee bbeeeenn iinnvviitteedd DDoooorrss ooppeenn 99 aamm -- 33 ppmm CCoommee sshhoopp llooccaallllyy ffoorr CChhrriissttmmaass!! Duff’s United Church Annual Turkey Supper Wednesday, November 4 at the BMG Arena, Brussels from 4:30 pm - 7:00 pm Adults: $13.00; Children 6-11: $6.00 5 & under: free Takeouts Available Tickets available from all members or call: Walton - Gloria 519-887-6482 or Helen 519-887-9381 Brussels - Phyllis 519-887-6697 Seaforth - Marion 519-527-1877 or Dianne 519-527-1633 Happy 55th Anniversary October 29th, 2009 Mom & Dad (Carol & John Boneschansker) With love from your family Ain’t it Nifty Terry’s 50 October 30 Love, Cathy