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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Exeter Times-Advocate, 1970-11-19, Page 1waqvcOrl 0! • swAr77:777 • • • . , • • • '''''Vtt,tgT•trAW ,iSKtMT Study reveals drains undersized, plans lost, recommendations not followed 143,210 to curtail flooding Cost The engineering firm of B. M. Ross and Associates. Limited reported to council last week in an extensive report that it will cost $143,210 to eliminate flooding similar to that experienced in the July 29, 1970 storm which flooded many basements in the William and Thomas Streets area. In addition, the firm gave an estimate of another $118,300 for storm and sanitary sewers in the central section of the town that will, when completed, form the basic sewer patterns for both storm and sanitary sewers. The 31-page report was presented to council members a couple of weeks ago, and they met with engineer B. M. Ross Thursday night to discuss the report with him. The press, which learned from a citizen of the meeting to be held. in the community room at Victoria & Grey Trust, was excluded from the meeting when Penned approved a motion from Councillors Ross Taylor and Don MacGregor that the report be discussed in committee-of-the whole. * No discussion from that meeting was relayed to the press, although council did pass a motion to hold a meeting with the Ontario Water Resources Commission and the department of highways in an effort to determine the best way to finance the various suggestions of the engineer. That meeting will be held tonight. The engineers noted several problems in compiling their report and also listed several reasons for the flooding problems. — Since the initial sanitary sewer construction under the OWRC contract in 1963, the town has continued to instal sanitary sewers on several streets, many of the projects not being in accordance with the plans as originally engineered. — Many of the plans for these sewers were not available in the municipal offices. Even the plans of the extensive OWRC sewage project were not located as they apparently were lost. — The firm was unable to locate the plans and profiles of many of the sewers that were constructed under the supervision of town superintendent Jim Paisley during the period 1964 to 1969. — The engineering firm contends that several of the storm drains or sewers that have been constructed recently are under-sized, including the Pryde Boulevard storm drain and the Carling St. drain which was just completed this year. — Although sewer applications have been approved by the OWRC, the content of the applications has not been adequately checked and design parameters were below even the most conservative values. The engineers concluded in the report that all sewer design should be performed by a qualified professional engineer familiar with this type of work. They recommended that council employ the services of an engineer for the design of all future sewers. They also recommended that "as constructed" plans should be maintained to show the location of private service drains. These cannot be determined after installation unless closed-circuit TV is employed or the area is re-excavated. Both of these methods are expensive. The engineers explained that the design- of any storm sewer system could never economically be based upon rainfalls of the magnitude of the "flood" which occurred on July 24,1969. Floods such as this can only be considered "acts of God" and would have a frequency of less than 1 to 100 years, The intensity and duration of the 1970 storm was much less severe, the report noted, and from our investigation we believe that a storm of this magnitude is likely to recur once in five to 10 years. The engineers explained that Exeter has several combined sanitary and storm sewers, but a separated system "is nearly always preferred to the use of combined sewers, and the obvious disadvantage of the latter type is now being realized by the flooding of basements during periods of heavy rains." During these periods, the basements of homes act as reservoirs for the storage of water which cannot be tansmitted due to the limited capacity of the sewer. Several other costly factors are involved in a combined system. The amount of power used to pump storm water through the sanitary system, combined with the reduced life of the pumps, may amount to several hundred dollars per year. The degree of treatment of the — Please turn to page 3 BEST ATTEND ER — Perfect attendance at the summer race meets of the South Huron. Pony Trotting club paid off for Eric Schwartzentruber of Exeter. The local racing enthusiast received the highest attendance award from Jim Scott of Scott's Saddle Shop of Exeter. Zurich Citizens News photo. Ninety-sixth Year EXETER, ONTARIO, NOVEMBER 19, 1970 Price Per Copy 15 Cents More street lighting for Southcott Pines EASTERN DANCERS VISIT — Square dancing enthusiasts from Picton paid a return visit to the Exeter Promenaders club Saturday. Some of the visitors are shown here with their local hosts. From the left, Exeter caller Lawrence Mitchell, Florence Elsbury and Ernie Dempster of Picton, Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd Ferguson of Exeter and Garfield Elsbury of Picton. T-A photo Stephen parents upset over school board plans HELPER HONOR ED — A man "who is always doing something for others" was honored by the Exeter Legion, Wednesday, at the Remembrance Day banquet. Edgar Cudmore, centre, who assists annually at the Legion service in Usborne, was presented with a gift by Andy Bierling, right, while Legion president Gord McTavish looks on. Mr. Bierling paid tribute to the area farmer's contributions to the community T-A photo • it A delegation of Stephen Township parents appeared before the Huron County Board of Education Monday evening in Clinton to protest the board's recent decision to standardize the alternate, day kindergarten program in schools across the county where transportation is a factor, beginning January 1, 1971. Spokeman for the group was Mrs. Doug McClure who reviewed the position of Stephen Township parents who would have liked to have noon-hour transportation provided for their kindergarten students presently attending classes on a half-day every day basis. Mrs. McClure reminded the board that the Stephen parents Dump may be closing Exeter council will probably be told in the near future that the town's dump must be closed. That was the prediction made this week by Councillor Ross Dobson, chairman of the sanitation committee. The dump was inspected last week by an inspector from the Waste Management Branch and Dobson's comment came after Reeve Boyle asked what the outcome of the inspection had been. Dobson said the dump would probably have to be closed by March 1. A meeting of area municipalities will be held in Crediton on November 24 when reports of the area dumps will be given by the ihspector. The area municipalities have already approved a study to find a method of disposing of garbage in view Of the faet Most district dumps have been — or are expected to be — outlawed by the Waste Management Braneh. had asked the board to give their petition some serious consideration, but that if it could not see fit to fulfill the requests, they would be quite willing to continue on with their present arrangement — the parents of the kindergarten students providing the noon-hour transportation. She asked the board to reconsider its stand on the matter, or to at least permit things to remain as they are presently. Mrs. McClure again outlined the strong feelings of the Stephen Township parents that the half-day every day kindergarten classes were far superior to the alternate full-day program. Vice-chairman Robert Elliott asked the delegation how long kindergarten had been operating in Stephen Township. He learned the half-day every day system had been going on there since the kindergarten classes began when the school was built five years ago. "Then you don't know from first hand experience whether the half-day every day system is superior to the alternate full-day program," said Elliott. "You've never tried it." John Broadfoot asked if the Stephen Township parents would agree to try it from January to June on a trial basis. It wasn't on the agenda, but a stirring debate turned out to be the highlight of the annual Remembrance Day banquet staged by the R. E. Pooley branch Legion last week. Guest speaker for the occasion was CFPL news director, Hugh Bremner, and during his talk he raised some criticism of the fact Premier John Robarts would not allow TV cameras to record debate in the Legislature. Bremner asked the Hon. C. S. MacNaughton to relay his disappointment to Mr. Robarts and then added that perhaps the Provincial Treasurer would like to make some comments. The Huron MPP accepted the challenge and the pair conducted a verbal debate for several minutes. The Huron MPP said he wanted to "put a few things straight" about the erroneous suggestion by Bremner that the decision regarding TV coverage Was up to the Premier. MacNaughton explained it was a decision for all members of the Legislature and the members had not seen fit as yet to allow TV coverage of their daily debates. He went on to point out that the main opposition was in the fact that the debates would be edited and statements could easily be taken Out of context. Brenner wanted to know what the difference was in the fact that the members of the printed news media could also Ted Wright, Dashwood, a member of the delegation, said he was not free to express an opinion for all parents of kindergarten students in Stephen Township. "Speaking as a parent with a child in kindergarten," added Wright, "my child is only going through kindergarten once and I wouldn't want to risk his year on a trial program." Another member of the delegation, Keith Gill, Grand Bend, said, "We feel the board has gone over our heads. We will provide the noon-hour transportation." "Since the question was brought up the board has looked into the matter thoroughly," Chairman John Lavis told Gill. "The brief presented by your delegation was given every consideration. The members weighed the advantages against the disadvantages and made their decision on it. As policy now stands, the matter cannot be reopened unless some board members signifies in writing that he or she would like to see the subject discussed again. Then if by a two-thirds majority this board agrees to re-open the question, it will be discussed again. That's all we can do at this time." Jim Taylor, Hensall, told the Please turn to page 3 edit stories and take statements out of context. The Huron MPP replied that members misquoted in the press could correct the situation on a point of privilege the following day. He doubted the TV stations would provide a media for correcting errors. "We'll gladly pay that price if that's what we have to do," Bremner replied. At Monday's regular meeting, Grand Bend village council made a recommendation to the village Public Committee Commission outlining the procedure to be used for discontinuing water services for residents that are vacant for more than six months. If a ratepayer has been using water for more than one year and is away for six months or more the service will be shut off and the only charges made will be for disconnecting the service and again for re-connection. This is the same system used by hydro users in the village. Acting on a verbal request from Councillor Ian Coles, council will ask the PUC to install two additional street lights in the Southcott Pines subdivision. Several months ago, a delegation from the subdivision asked for the installation of five dusk to dawn lights and they were approved. The lights approved Monday night will be placed in the vicinity of the corner of Brewster and Allison and the V at George, Brewster and Lake Road. At the same time, the PUC will be asked to do a survey of the lighting needs in the subdivision. Councillor Coles suggested that lights are a must in order for the fire or police departments to operate efficiently. Custodians join union A Union contract for custodians in the employ of the Huron County Board of Education has been ratified according to a report from Dan Murphy during an in-committee session of the board Monday evening. Terms of the contract are not immediately known. "I'm making a plea for my own media," Bremner stated. "So am I," the Treasurer quickly replied. The exchange was obviously enjoyed by members of the audience. Past president Bob Sanders, who had been scheduled to thank Bremner, had to change his remarks and thanked "the debating team." Word was received from the Ontario Department of Lands and Forests that council's request for financial assistance in doing a survey of the water front to — Please turn to page 3 Will be 'armed' for nominations A booklet has been prepared by the administration of the Huron County Board of Education entitled "Two Years In Retrospect". The compact handbook comprises a wealth of condensed reports designed to be of special assistance to board of education members at upcoming nomination meetings. The issue was well received by board members. Vice-chairman even went so far as to suggest that the new board should receive a similar edition following the next two years of operation. Director of education John Cochrane admitted the publication had been beneficial to his staff as well by way of a resume of activities and said the project would likely become a ritual at the end of each two-year term of office for board members. There were many items of interest to board members and ratepayers in the booklet including the answer to Chairman John Lavis' question regarding the savings realized by tendering for caretaking supplies. The report showed that, based on previous prices, the board would have spent $40,000 for caretaking supplies such as waxes, sealers, detergents, cleaning and polishing pads, soaps, brooms, mops, brushes, etc. across the county. The tendered prices were about $25,000 — or a saving of about $15,000. During his talk, Bremner said a new era in news reporting was unfolding — that of the activist reporter. He said these people feel they have a right to become involved in the issues of the day and want their own personal views included in their news reporting. He said publishers would fight this, although the radio stations — Please turn to page 3 in glowing terms. The first snow of the year brought with it the usual rash of wrinkled fenders and minor bruises as there were eight accidents, many of them involving drivers who lost control on snow-covered roads. There were several injuries, none serious. Two seven-year-old Hensall youngsters were injured in a crash Question period sliced by board The question period at Monday evening's board of education meeting in Clinton was much shorter than usual, due to the fact that members were allowed five minutes to write their questions on paper and hand them to the administrative staff. It is understood that the administrative staff will provide individual answers to the questions as soon after the meeting as the complete answer is known. The questions and answers will then be typed up and contained in the `back-up' material for the next meeting. During the question period, Chairman John Lavis told the press that its petition to have a five minute oral question period allotted to them had not yet been put on the agenda with a recommendation concerning it from the Director of Education. Mr. Lavis termed this an error. Mr. Cochrane told the board it had not been an error, but he agreed to include a recommendation on the agenda for the next meeting. Indicate interest in DHO building Exeter council learned this week the department of highways may abandon their workshed at the northern limits of town. Mayor Jack Del bridge reported the building may be available in a year and asked if council had any interest in obtaining it. After a brief debate, it was decided to communicate with the department and the Hon. C. S. MacNaughton to indicate council's interest in the building. It would be used to store works department equipment. in that community, Thursday. Peter Michael Bedard, Mill St., ran into the path of a car driven by Mrs. Joyce Pepper, also of Hensall. The youngster suffered a bruised hip, elbow and head. Mrs. Pepper's seven-year-old daughter, Laurie Ann, hit her head against the car windshield when the vehicle was brought to a sudden stop, and she suffered head injuries. Neither required hospital treatment. OPP Constable Bill Lewis investigated and listed damage to the car at $100. At 12:05 p.m., Friday, Constable Lewis was called to the scene of a one-vehicle crash on the seventh concession of Hay. A pickup truck operated by Jeffrey Hyde, Londesboro, went out of control into the ditch. Damage was set at $1,500. There were three accidents Saturday, the first at 2:15 p.m., when cars driven by Mrs. Alice Martyn, Huron Park, and Harold Fox, Hay Township, collided at the intersection of Highway 4 and County Road 21. Constable Frank Giffin listed damage at $500 and Mrs. May Discussion about Exeter's town hall clock is getting almost as regular as clock work — although certainly more regular than that clock is, In fact one member of council indicated Monday if the clock discussion was omitted from the agenda, at least half an hour could be cropped off each meeting. The discussion started out this week following a letter from Art Golding, who had inspected the clock on the approval of Mayor Jack Delbridge. He told council he was surprised to find the clock in such good condition, although he explained that pigeon droppings were to heavy it couldn't possibly function without being properly cleaned. "It's a shame to see it sitting idle," Golding stated, He said the tower and Clock movement should be cleaned and the pigeon access closed. Then someone would have to be put in Fox sustained a bruised right leg. At 9:30 p.m., vehicles driven by Mahmoud Hassan, London, and C. Paul Brintnell, Exeter, collided at the intersection of Highway 4 and County Road 36 during the snow storm. Neither was injured and Constable Dale Lamont set damage at $250. A car driven by Larry Douglas Hockey, Exeter went out of control at the Usborne-Tuck- ersmith townline at 11:12 p.m. and hit guide posts. He injured his right elbow and damage to his vehicle was listed at $350 by Constable Don Mason. THREE SUNDAY There were three accidents early Sunday morning. At 12:35 a.m., a vehicle driven by Ronald Lindenfield, Exeter, went out of control two miles south of Zurich and hit a cement culvert. He sustained sore ribs, while four passengers also reported minor bruises and cuts. They were John Lawson and Glenda Fisher, Exeter; Ronald Day, Hensall; and Rosemary — Please turn to page 3 charge of winding it. "It's useless to clean it unless it is properly maintained," he concluded. Reeve . Boyle, who opposes clock discussions as regularly as clock work, asked who Art Golding was, "He's a guy who has proper respect for old clocks," Councillor Tom MacMillan quickly explained. Discussion continued, with some members being opposed to spending any money on the clock, although Mayor Delbridge noted there was no indication it was going to cost a great deal of money to have the clock cleaned. It was finally settled when Councillor Don MacGregor volunteered to have a look at the situation. So, he'll probably have a report for next council — keeping the clock discussion going just like clock work. Settle question of parking lane ),‘ The matter of parking lanes on Main St. north of the bridge was resolved by Exeter council this week. On the recommendation of the department of highways, there will be no parking permitted from Alexander St. to • the northern limits of town on the east side. On the west side of the street, no parking will be allowed from Mrs. William Webster's house to the northern limits. In addition, at the suggestion of Councillor Helen Jermyn, no parking will be permitted on the east side of Main St. from George St. to the southern limits of the laneway at Le Pines Motel. This will be done to keep vehicles back from the corner to alleviate any problems of them obstructing the view of drivers coming onto Main from George St. `Perhaps he'd like to comment' Challenge stirs banquet debate DEBATE HIGHLIGHTS BANQUET — An impromptu debate over the use of TV cameras in the Ontario Legislature errupted at the Legion Remembrance Day banquet in Exeter, Wednesday. The Hon. C. S. MacNaughton is shown making a point, while his debate opponent Hugh Bremner, CFPL-TV, is preparing a rebuttal. Seated at the table from the left arc: Garnet Shipman, Cord McTavish, Andy Bierling, Mayor Jack Delbridge and Legion zone commander Bill Chambers, T-A photo Several persons hurt Snow plagues drivers Keeps them talking like clock work