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Home My WebLink AboutThe Citizen, 2008-01-17, Page 16Work will proceed as planned for the Gorrie bridge this year, following approval of a recommendation at the Jan. 9 meeting of county council. Oct. 5, 2006 council adopted a policy that roads be closed for bridge rehabilitation projects when possible. A report from county engineer Don Pletch stated that the benefits include significant cost savings, shorter construction duration, superior construction resulting in better value. Increased safety for construction workers and the public is also a high priority for single- phase construction. Following the submission of proposed projects in October, Demaray requested that the Gorrie bridge not be closed to traffic or that an alternative river crossing be provided within the village. In his comments to the committee, Pletch explained that the design engineers had been contacted and noted that as this is not a minor rehabilitation project, two-phase construction would require cutting the existing bridge longitudinally, removing and replacing one lane in 2008 (according to critera from the Ministry of Fishery and Oceans) and removing and replacing the other side in 2009. “We understand that the removals, shoring, overbuilding, future maintenance problems and costs as a result of the longitudinal joint and a potential doubling of the construction period over two seasons, could increase construction costs by 50 to 70 per cent,” Pletch stated. This could equate to an additional $940,000 to $1,400,000 in cost to ratepayers, which had not been included in the 2008 budget, he added. The costs to construct a temporary river crossing in Gorrie had not been pursued as a realistic option, Pletch said. During discussions at committee Demaray expressed a concern regarding fire protection during work. With this in mind a recommendation from the committee was made to council. It stated the the report be received with the committee supporting the current county policy of bridge closure and single-phase construction, and that the safety concerns from Demaray be addressed through mutual aid. Prior to the vote at council, Demaray noted, “Mutual aid doesn’t cover that. That’s not what it’s about.” The motion carried. PAGE 16. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, JANUARY 17, 2008.Nunavut health worker guest at Majestic The idea of committing funding for physician recruitment before a look at the budget did not sit well with North Huron council. Factoring in money in reserves from the 2007 budget council would need to agree to an additional $21,000 to meet this year’s requirement. “I’m not getting the feeling they are thinking of waiting until we set our budget,” said clerk-administrator Kriss Snell. Councillor Archie MacGowan said, “I hardly think we can commit these dollars when we haven’t even begun to contemplate the budget. This is important and I know they have to get going, but..” Councillor Alma Conn agreed. “I support that theory. I can’t spend money we haven’t budgetted for. The figure, MacGowan noted, would represent one per cent of the tax. A letter is being sent to the physician recruitment committee telling them that the request will be considered during budget deliberations. Gorrie bridge work to proceed as planned Nine ladies attended the MajesticWomen’s Institute meeting on Jan. 9at the Brussels Library. PresidentRuth Bauer welcomed all.Yvonne Knight introduced guestspeaker, Peter Workman. Workman has worked for a number of years in Nunavut in the health department. For a number of years, it had been a goal to start up a greenhouse with people paying for a plot. Last year, a community greenhouse opened its doors. All the seeds, soil, plants and even the greenhouse had to be shipped up and was a costly adventure. The greenhouse is 40 metres x 50 metres and eight meters high with a climate-controlled system. This is run by 50 volunteers.Three or four people would share aplot which is 5'x3 1/2' deep, floorspace below and two hanging plantsat a cost of $200 per plot.Garbage cans filled with water work as the solar system to help moderate the temperature in the greenhouse and stop freezing from occurring. Zucchinis and runner beans have been a big success from seeds. Tomatoes with bush not vines are grown in potted hanging baskets. The plant growing out of the bottom works the best. This year seeds for plants will be started by the volunteers since plants are costly to have brought in. Workman informed members that if they planned on visiting in the area,the cost is approximately $250 anight for a motel and the best time tocome is in August since most blackflies are gone.Ruth Bauer introduced Doug Koch. He has been employed at Brussels Agromart for 15 years. He gave a history of the business which started in 1963. There are nine full- time employees but in the spring through summer this could increase to 20-25 employees. They do from 10,000 - 15,000 soil tests in the fall. They supply fertilizer, seeds and soya beans to farmers. Koch defined what potash, phosphorus and nitrogen were used for and why the numbers varied on different bags. Hybrid corn has beengrown for 80 - 90 years.He also spoke on worms beingpicked in the area and that there is anabundance of worms so that itdoesn’t affect the soil. Lucy Hesse gave the minutes for November and December meetings and read the correspondence. Yvonne Knight gave the treasurer’s report. A motion was made to give a $25 donation to the Agriculture and Water Festival that is held in Seaforth in April. Quilt supplies will be purchased. The first large quilt will be started in January at Jean Bewley’s. A large coffee pot is also to be purchased. Mrs. Bauer informed members thatMajestic is responsible for having alocation for the Huron Perth Districtannual in May. Mrs. Bauer will lookinto finding one.Kathy Bridge will make up quilt tickets for the draw in September. Leona Armstrong made a motion that the Majestic Women’s Institute have a card party on March 6 at 6:30 p.m. in the Brussels Library. Edna Pletch read, Smiles, leaving everyone with a smile on their face. Happy birthday was sung to Leona Armstrong and Olivia McHardy who both have birthdays this month. The next UFO is on Feb. 12 at Lucy Hesse’s store. The next meeting will be on Feb. 13 at Huronlea. Business Directory LEE'S SERVICE CENTRE Repairs to all makes & models of cars & trucks Air Conditioning • Car Oiling • Snow Removal 348 Dinsley St., Blyth, Ontario CHRIS LEE: Phone: Bus. 519-523-9151 Mon.- Fri.8 am - 5:30 pm; Sat.8 am - 12 noon D & J CONSTRUCTION Jim McDonald 519-887-9607 - COMPLETE MECHANICAL SERVICE - COMPUTERIZED TUNE-UPS - TIRES - BRAKES MUFFLERS - VEHICLE INSPECTION STATION DAN'S AUTO REPAIR Owned and Operated by Dan & Heather Snell RR 3, Blyth, Ont. N0M 1H0 (on the Westfield Rd.) DAN SNELL, Automotive Technician 519-523-4356 COVERING ALL YOUR CARPENTRY NEEDS CASEY BOVEN Blyth 519-523-4757 • New Homes • Replacement Windows & Doors • Renovations • Soffit & Fascia • Decks • Additions • Trim • Hardwood Flooring ELLIOTT NIXON INSURANCE BROKERS INC. BLYTH, ON N0M 1H0 519-523-4481 MEMBER OF HURON INSURANCE MANAGERS GROUP 4 Generations Since 1910 R. John Elliott Res. 519-523-4323 J. Richard Elliott Res. 519-523-9725 Randy Nixon Res. 519-523-4989 McKILLOP MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY 91 Main St., South, Seaforth Office 519-527-0400 1-800-463-9204 FARM, HOME, COMMERCIAL AUTO COVERAGES AGENTS Graeme Craig 519-887-9381 Shannon Craig 519-887-9381 Bob McNaughton 519-527-1571 Donald Taylor 519-482-9976 Banter & Mac Ewan & Feagan Insurance Ltd.519-524-8376 Gaiser Kneale Insurance Brokers Inc.519-482-3401 Thames Insurance Brokers, Exeter 519-235-2211 Cockwell Insurance Brokers 519-356-2216 G.L. Barclay Insurance 519-238-6790 DONALD IVES General Contractor Repairs and Maintenance Brussels 519-887-9024 VANDRIEL Excavating Inc. Simon VanDriel 519-482-3783 We Dig For You Call us for... Excavators, Bobcats, Dozers, Trucking, etc. COMPLETE EXCAVATING CONTRACTOR Derrick VanDriel 519-522-0609 • Gravel • Sand • Stone JAMES BROWN PHARMACY 198 Josephine St., Wingham, Ont. 519-357-1629 Hours: Mon. - Fri. 9 - 6 Sat. 9 - 4 Rear Parking Available Delivery available BORRMANN'S GARAGE • Mechanical Repairs to all Makes & Models • Computerized Engine Controls & Fuel Injection Repair Cty. Rd. 12 (near Hwy. 86) RR #1 BLUEVALE 519-335-3857 No-Drip Oil Spraying By Bonnie Gropp The Citizen NH says not yet to request By Bonnie Gropp The Citizen