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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2008-03-13, Page 22PAGE 22. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MARCH 13, 2008. Plans for Huron County roads were approved at the March 5 meeting of county council. In an information report county engineer Don Pletch stated that design work was underway for projects proposed for replacement or repairs in the 2008 highways budget. This included the Ethel bridge replacement, which is ready to tender for late March to early April with construction to begin in late May. The project, said Pletch, has been delayed by one month while they waited for hydrologic/hyraulic information from the Maitland Valley Conservation Authority. The highways department tendered four paving projects provposed in the budget. With costs coming in lower than the budgetted amount, there is a projected surplus of $586,746.05 on these projects. Councillor Jim Fergusson of Bluewater questioned whether the money would be used for other projects. Pletch said that it was believed the savings may have been realized in part because of having tendered early. Also, the contractors “were keen” about tendering for the Hwy. 8 work, which is not going to happen this summer. “That may have hit them harder,” said Pletch Huron East councillor Joe Seili said that he had understood that differently. “After meeting with our MPP and the Ministry it was said that Hwy. 8 will be tendered. Warden John Bezaire of Central Huron said that it would not be until later this year. “We are hoping to tender in the fall for next year’s construction.” Also out of the projects for 2008 is the $1.8 million for the Gorrie bridge. This has been withdrawn from pending the resolution of outstanding issues of the conservation authority hydrologic/hydraulic information study and with Howick Twp.’s concerns with the environmental awareness process. A recommendation from committee to county to accept a tender from Lavis Contracting Co. Ltd. for work on County Roads 86 and 25 carried. The tender price was $4,301,129.93. An additional $129,000 has been allocated for asphalt cement, contingencies and county-related costs of completing the project. The county also approved the recommendation to accept the tender submitted by Lavis for work on County Road 1. The tender price was for $556,457.30. An additional $17,000 has been allocated. The Lavis tender of $820,000 for County Road 4 was accepted with an additional $25,000 allocated. Be the change Jacob McGavin introduced his fellow students at Brussels Public School to his new group, Kids Care (which includes siblings, Mackenzie and Teegan, Courtney Bloemberg and Heather Bone), last week in a presentation encouraging others to step up and join the existing five members. The group is dedicated to global change starting with the school, up through the community and beyond. (Shawn Loughlin photo) Inadequate fines levied by justices of the peace for dog bylaw offences brought out frustration from animal control officer Bob Trick when he reported to Morris-Turnberry council, March 4. Trick, who holds a similar post for several other Huron County municipalities, complained of a pit bull attack in one of those municipalities where $500 damage was done to another dog, yet the pit bull’s owner was only fined $100. Under the pit bull legislation the owner could have been fined up to $10,000, given a jail term and been made to pay for damages. In another case, Trick said, a 92- year-old woman was attacked by a pit bull while working in her garden. The fines were $25 for not having the pit bull registered, $300 for the attack and $75 for the animal being at large. “You take a lot of static when you charge someone,” Trick said, “and these fines aren’t worth the static.” He said he had written a letter of complaint to Carol Mitchell, MPP for Huron-Bruce over the issue. Councillors agreed that Trick needed support on the issue and decided to endorse his letter. Mayor Dorothy Kelly noted that if you don’t speak up you don’t get action. Within Morris-Turnberry, Tricksaid he had investigated seven dogattacks. Three dogs were declaredvicious. Two were put down by their owners. One owner didn’t comply with the conditions and moved out of the municipality. Pit bulls seem to be coming from the cities to rural areas, Trick observed. People seem to think that it’s easier to keep their presence unnoticed in rural areas. He had three calls from the OPP to remove dogs, one at a residence that was the scene of a drug bust. He had to remove six skunks fromTurnberry Central School, aftergetting permission from the schoolboard. From the behaviour of one of the skunks Trick said he was sure it was rabid. Trick predicted a banner year for coyote reproduction this spring. “They’re in good condition so they will have more pups,” he said. Meanwhile, with the lighter snow cover this winter making it hard for the coyotes to run down deer, they have been turning to other livestock, he said. Road repairs on county’s agenda 404 Queen St., Blyth 519-523-4792 541 Turnberry St., Brussels 519-887-9114 TThhee CCiittiizzeennCheck out these and other books at... Cherry Hill’s HORSE CARE FOR KIDS A perfect book for kids who are eager to learn the essentials of equine care. Horse trainer and breeder Cherry Hill teaches what kids need to learn to become responsible and successful horse or pony owners. $20.95 STOREY’S BARN GUIDE TO SHEEP A highly-visual guide to managing sheep that can hang in the barn where needed. 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Information on the various breeds, selection of breeding stock, housing and feeding, keeping stock healthy and tips on marketing. $23.95 Inadequate fines frustrateanimal control officerBy Keith RoulstonThe Citizen A decision by county council at the March 5 meeting not to extend the lease for the Jacob Memorial Building to Epilepsy, Huron-Perth- Bruce was not without opposition. The organization’s five-year lease expires June 30 and the county has determined that the space is now needed for its own purposes. They have agreed to allow Epilepsy, Huron-Perth-Bruce to remain rent- free in the building for six months until Dec. 31 to allow time for other arrangments. At committee of the whole a recorded vote showed four opposed and 13 in favour. At county council, Huron East councillor Joe Seili raised his objections again, expressing concern that the move might result in lost jobs and the loss of an organization in the area. Councillor John Grace of Goderich said he didn’t see the organization moving out of the county. “Well, this is Huron, Bruce and Perth. If you kicked me out and it was up to me, I’d leave Huron.” “Certainly it’s possible,” said Grace, “but it’s not fair to assume they’ll leave.” County votes not to renew lease By Bonnie Gropp The Citizen By Bonnie Gropp The Citizen Head. Heart. Hands. Health. Help Wanted. Right now, 4-H needs volunteers to work with youth in your area. We also need you to encourage neighbours and co-workers to do the same. Join for the projects, for the competitions, for everything that helped you get where you are today. 4-H-Canada.ca/join_again