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The Exeter Times-Advocate, 1976-05-20, Page 29• RAP budget proposal lower than expenditures in 1975 Although total expenditures are expected to decrease from 1975, mainly in the area of arena maintenance and repairs, some budget items have increased in expense, such as general ad- ministrative costs, swimming pool operations which will be extended this year, and general repair and maintenance operations for various recreational facilities. Some programs have been reduced, however, No summer help will be added to the recreational maintenance crew this year, reducing the summer crew from four men to three. A portion of the summer Bicycle rodeo date is set No motion by Council wan made on the subject of selling junk food, but McKinley said that RAP would take the Mayor's request into consideration, calling it "a good point", He also told Council that if the pool canteen could not turn a profit this year that it would be cancelled, A discussion of fees for recreation facilities followed. Shaw asked RAP if figures on. se of ball diamonds by town teams and the $500 charge to the Exeter Tennis Club for use of the courts were true. Dave Zyluk reported that rumors that ball diamond use would cost a team $20 a night were incorrect and that the fees had been set lower than that, The T-A learned from the Exeter Royals that the diamond fee will be closer to $12 a night, Please turn to page 3 Boersma, Mrs. Van Wieren, Mrs. Wilts, Mrs. f3oersma, Mrs. Eizenga, 3rd row: Mr. and Mrs. Vellenga, Fred M. Knipp, Mr. and Mrs. Van Steep, Mr. Eizenga, and Mr. Wilts. T-A photo. EXETER'S GOLDEN AGE CLUB met Thursday afternoon in the base- ment of the Christian Reformed Church, First row, from the left: Mrs. Kop, Mrs. Brenderholst, Mrs. Knipp, Mrs. Damsma, 2nd row: Mr. • IteferZinesswAtivocafe RAP'S 1976 budget, tentatively set at $136,500, is down from the $139,721 that the recreation committee spent in 1975, but its proposed grant from the town of Exeter calls for an increase of about $19,000 over the $65,000 received from the town in 1975. The budget was accepted by Council Monday night but it will be at least two weeks before RAP gets final approval, Some cuts can probably be expected and RAP chairman, Ruth Durand and rec, director, Jim McKinlay stayed after the regular meeting had ended to discuss the figures in more detail. Several factors account for the request from RAP, foran increase in the municipal grant. The major area of concern is lack of revenue from the arena. In 1975, the arena, including ice rentals, concessions, etc., generated some $57,000 in revenue, This year revenues are anticipated to be no more than $10,000 from the arena. Revenues from the arena go directly to RAP and are separate from the town grant Another factor is that the provincial support grant for recreation this year will increase only by $150 to $8,450, representing an increase con- siderably lower than the acknowledged rate of annual inflation, and also lower than grant increases to most other areas of municipal activity funded by the province. Generally grants are being held to an increase of about 10 per- cent. The Exeter Kinsmen Club and the Exeter Police Department are sponsoring a bicycle rodeo on Saturday May 29, beginning at 9 a.m. It will be held at the parking lot behind the high school and trophies and cash awards will be presented to the winners. There is no age limit. Winners will have an op- portunity to compete in a province-wide competition for prizes later this spring. Refreshments and reflector material for bikes will be sup- plied. Its a chance for bicycle riders to get involved and demonstrate their safety skills. One Hundred and Third Year playground program has also been dropped. And of course, costs associated with the operation of the defunct arena about $55,000 will be considerably reduced. Explaing how the budget was prepared this year, RAP treasurer, Dave Zyluk explained that unit cost analysis was em- ployed. In other words, separate costs for each program activity, and operation of RAP were broken down into categories of revenue and expenditure for 1975. On the basis of these figures, the 1976 budget was formed. Zyluk termed it a "realistic approach". The budget presentation was followed by questions from Council. Deputy-reeve, Tom MacMillan was interested in a breakdown on the number of Exeter residents taking ad- vantage of the recreation program. He said that he was curious about the amount of money spent on recreation per capita, McKinlay said that he did not have those figures available but would compile them "as soon as possible." "In a town of 3,500 people, if say only 300 were participating in sports, that would be a little out of proportion, " MacMillan com- mented. MacMillan also queried RAP on the deficit at the swimming pool concession of $658,52, wondering why it had lost money at the same time that the arena canteen was generating a sur- plus. ,Melcinlay told him that it had to do with a lower profit margin on the types of food for sale at the pool concession, citing the fact that prepared foods at the arena canteen realize a much greater margin of profit. He also noted that the turnover was much smaller, making it difficult to get good wholesale buys in bulk. At this point, Mayor Shaw interjected. "I've been doing some thinking on' canteens lately", he said. "I would like RAP to consider the operation of a canteen, first from a money angle, and secondly becauseit's basically junk food that is being sold." When McKinlay asked whether the "junk food" argument Would apply to a money-making con- cern such as the arena canteen, as well, Shaw said that same principle should apply. Price Per Copy 25 Cents EXETER, ONTARIO, MAY 20, 1976 Want su e county structure municipalities such as Stephen and Usborne. Under the 29 member system which was moved by Boyle and MacMillan, most municipalities would lose representation by a deputy reeve, although Exeter would not, As Reeve Boyle explained it at Council Monday night, Exeter would lose one vote but would retain its two members on county council. A number of county council members were opposed to the proposal because of the loss in representation. A second alternative, which would create a 26-member council, would do away with deputy-reeve representation from any municipality, although tExeter would be allowed to retain the three votes that it has under the present system, with the reeve's vote counting three times. MacMillan opposed this measure on the grounds that it would leave a municipality without representation if the one member happened to be ill on the date of a county council meeting. Before making his motion, Boyle said, "Personally I think that 29 members with 30 votes is adequate, although it would mean a little more work for the people on the committees." MacMillan, who finally seconded the motion, offered one piece of criticism. "The extra work involved could be one hazard. Its hard enough to find — Please turn to. Page 5 Fund-raising plans set Council says fee oesn't discriminate WHEN DO THEY START? — Lenny Carter, two, of Lucan may take off with the equipment if the baseball game between CFPL-TV and the Lucan Legion Old Sweats (Lennie's father, Laurie included) doesn't start soon Saturday. T-A photo by Sharon Specht. Stephen mill rate up, township portion down JUST ABOUT READY! — Kim Yallup, right, is tying Tabatha Froats' halter before the two girls go out to model their 'fashions at the Lucan UCW's fashion show Wednesday. T-A photo by Sharon Specht. means that Stephen's overall budget will be $1,041,186 for 1976, With more and more tax dollars being required for county and provincial-controlled education, Stephen Council at- tempted to restrict its own township budget so that the mill rate would not climb much higher than the three mill increase. Although most areas of township spending will go up slightly this year, a significant decrease in expenditures was budgeted for township roads, where spending will drop by some $37,000. Township clerk, Wilmar Wein explained that there was a great deal of paving done in 1975 and Council felt that this was one area where money could be saved.' The budget was struck at the regular meeting of Stephen Council Tuesday night. Once the figures had been presented and Please turn to page 3 Possible 9% hike in 1976 Exeter taxes town and not be charged the fee, but we claim that Veri could also do this." MacMillan said that the committee has suggested in- cluding severances under the impost fee in the future, He said the reason for the committee's change of heart was due to the fact that "severances, involve change of ownership and usually entail new buildings going up, new grade levels and quite often problems for the town works department." With his sub- division, the policy sticks and Mr. Veri is liable for all the lots in his registered subdivision", Mac- Millan stated. Council approved the recommendation of its com- mittee, but when a second motion was introduced that severances be included under the impost fee, Clerk Eric Carscadden remarked that it might be invalid and could create problems for persons who merely wanted a severance to realign property boundary lines. He told Council that setting an impost fee over all forms of lot severance would create a situation where property owners would be legally bound to pay $500 just to correct boundary line disputes, etc., where no ad- ditional property servicing was required. Upon a motion from Reeve Derry Boyle, Council will seek legal advice on the matter to determine whether an impost fee on lot severances can be imposed under certain circumstances. The Land Use Committee of Exeter Council has ruled that a charge from developer Len Veri that the town was discriminating when it placed an impost fee on his subdivided lots while not charging a similar fee for various lot severances in town is not valid. Veri claims that there is little if any difference between his subdivided lots for which he was charged $500 apiece for impost fees, and a man who severs several lots. He told Council two weeks ago that he had paid the fee on the assumption that Council was charging the same fee for lot severances as had been indicated to him in a letter from Council back in 1974, "We can't quite accept that charge", remarked Tom Mac- Millan, chairman of the com- mittee. "He claimed that others could buy lots in different parts of A motion by Reeve Derry Boyle and Deputy-reeve, Tom Mac- Millan , that Exeter Council would be in favor of reducing Huron County Council from 45 members to 29 was voted down Monday night by the other six members. No other motion was passed and unless Exeter Council decides to hold a special session to reconsider the restructuring of County Council, their deference in passing a motion would probably be interpreted by Huron Council as a vote to maintain the present county council st- ructure. The idea of restructuring Huron Council had been presented at the last county meeting. A report had been tabled which indicated that a saving of some $23,500 could he realized in one year with the reduction in number of coun- cillors. Reeve Derry Boyle had proposed that each municipal council should have a chance to discuss the matter and vote on it before the county came to a final decision. Although not legally bound to vote as Exeter Council voted, Boyle and MacMillan will probably vote to maintain the 45- member system when they return to county council in June. Two alternatives to the present system had been presented in the report, Under the present system, municipalities such as Exeter, with more than 2,000 electors, but under 3,000, have representation on the county level by a reeve with two votes and a deputy-reeve with one vote. Goderich with more than 3,000 electors has representation by both a reeve and deputy-reeve with two votes apiece. Municipalities with less than 2,000 electors are represented by a reeve and a deputy reeve with just one vote apiece. The 29- member system would especially effect representation in k"IMMEMMUttflafing0 Plans for raising the necessary funds for a new arena are progressing rapidly, as the Finance committee has set down a list of deadlines for canvassing of various groups. John Stephens, chairman of the SHRCC, said all businesses, industries and commercial outlets will be canvassed by the end of the first week in June, To do this, Stephens said, a group of 30 volunteers will be out asking for donations. Following the business can- vass, non-farmers will be asked to donate, with all of the areas in Exeter and the surrounding district canvassed by the end of June. Farmers will not be asked to donate until the end of Novem- ber, Stephens said, because the committee felt it was "unfair to ask in the middle of the planting season; besides they're so busy right. now, they wouldn't want to see us." In other business concerning the arena, a building committee has been appointed, The mem- bers are Clarence "King" McDonald, Jim Chapman, Doug Ellison, Jack Fuller, Arnold Mathers, Jack Tinney, Gerald Dearing, and Murray Dawson. They have examined a list of firms who showed interest in doing the architectural work on the building and have narrowed it down to three firms who will be interviewed by the committee to determine who should design it. Over a dozen firms have shown interest. Stephens would not name the three firms who will be examined more closely. People and events Fund-raising plans ready Although Stephen Township's overall tax rate will rise by three mills this year, ratepayers will be paying considerably less in taxes to the Township, itself. Due to a $65,000 surplus that the township has managed to ac- cumulate through 1975, plus an increase in support grants from the province, the township was able to reduce required revenues • through direct taxation by almost half, from about $150,000 a year ago to $86,000 in 1976. However, the mill rate will increase by three mills because of increases in requisitions from Huron Board of Education and Huron County. The secondary school requisition will increase by between nine to 10 mills, while separate and public school requisitions will increase by four to five mills, A slight increase in requisition from the county was added to those figures and it support grants again this year, the amount of increase is con- siderably down from the average over the last three to four years, and will probably amount to no more than 10 percent as outlined by provincial treasurer, Darcy McKeough back in January. Last year's budget of 135 mills for public school supporters represented a five mill increase over the 1974 budget, with the local rate tdown 13 mills) being offset by increased rates from both the school board and the county. Although Huron County's own mill rate did not change this year, apportioned assessments to the various municipalities decreased or increased as a function of changed tax bases in those municipalities. Greene elected assoc. president At a joint meeting of the Ontario Section American Water Works Association and the Ontario Municipal Water Association held in Sudbury May 9. Murray Greene was elected president of the Ontario Municipal Water Association. Greene is a Commissioner with the Exeter Public Utilities Commission. The Ontario Municipal Water Association is composed of elected and appointed officials representing bodies responsible for municipal water works le the Province of Ontario. "We're looking at an ap- proximate nine percent or 11 mill increase in taxes this year," Mayor Shaw informed Council Monday night, "I'm surprised that our preliminary figures aren't much higher to be per- fectly frank." With a mill worth ap- proximately $4,500 that increase would represent about $49,500 in additional revenue through direct taxation to the Town of Exeter this year. Council has still not approved a finalized budget for 1976, but discussed the matter in closed session after the regular meeting. Increased expenditures due to higher requisitions from the County and especially the Huron County School Board would account for at least a good por- tion of the general levy increase. Clerk, Eric Carscadden has estimated that the county requisition will not change significantly, but will be up about $5,000 which translates to about one mill. He said that the school board requisition is "up con- siderably". Requisitions to other municipalities have been up on an average of 14 mills. Carscadden commented that Exeter's $30,000 surplus would riot affect the general support grant which the municipality receives from the Ontario government., It is this surplus which will probably keep Exeter's levy from going much higher than 11 Mills. Although the provincial government is increasing the Plans are set and things are ready to roll for the Exeter and District Heritage Foundation's craft show to be held at the old town hall May 22. Proceeds from the show will go to the restoration fund for the The Foundation has lined up 17 craftsmen to display their talents in such diverse areas as pottery, weaving, macrame, jewelry, crocheting, knitting, sewing, oil painting, needle point, walnut shell art and bottling "old fasioned condiments." As well as the crafts, two shows by the puppet. theater No Strings Attached will be offered at 3:00 and 4:00 p.m. There will also be a bake sale starting at 10:00 a.m, Saturday morning. Mrs, Joyce Monteith and Mrs. Gwyn Whilsmith are organizing the event. A CRAFTS AND ARTS SALE will be held at the Town Hall Fri- day and Saturday. Proceeds will be used by the Exeter and District Heritage Foundation to restore the Town Hall. THERE'S STILL TIME to regis'ter for tennis and swimming. Tennis registration is Thursday, May 20 from 7 to 9 p.m. and again on Saturday, May 29 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Exeter Public School gym. Swimmers can register on Saturday, May 29 from 10 a.m. to noon at the school gym. A NEW SERVICE CLUB will be formed in the community. A Leo Club for members aged 14 to 19 will be set up by the Ex- eter Lions Club. The organizational meeting will be held at the Scout Hall on Tuesday, May 25 at 8 p.m. Anyone in- terested in joining is invited to attend. A RUMMAGE AND BAKE SALE will be held Saturday, May 29 from 1-4 p.m. at Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Lucan. DON'T BE SURPRISED IF EXETER has a new addition on Main St. before too long, Rumor has it that the South Huron Recreation Centre Committee is going to move into a mobile home beside the PUC. Although we're still not sure what the purpose is, it would appear to be headquarters for the fund- raising campaign. With a Main St. location, it should be a conspicuous spot to encourage potential arena fund donors to do their thing. EXETER COUNCIL has endorsed a proposal from the city of Windsor which would change the election act slightly to allow municipal clerks the authority to determine when a state of emergency or unforeseen circumstance is sufficient enough to warrant postponing of a municipal election until the next day. Windsor got the idea after a severe snowstorm in December of 1974 forced the polls closed until the following day, but left them with no direction as to how to proceed with elections until they got word from the province. MEMBERS OF THE SHRCC FINANCE AND BUILDING COMMITTEES hove been named by Mayor Bruce Shaw to represent the Town of Exeter. John Stephens is the over all chairman of the committee. Ron Bogart is the chairman of the finance committee which includes Frank Giffin, Alberta Gregson, Carl Cann, and JoAnne Dinney as the other Exeter members. Members of the building committee include Clarence King MacDonald, Jack Puller, Jim Chapman, Arnold Mothers, and Doug Ellison. P'''131156.tiOL 4.H CLUB LEADERSHIP AWARDS — These awards were presented last Saturday on Achievement Day at SHDHS. Front left, Jane Penbilly, Huron County Home Economist, gives awards to Mrs, Jack Thomson, Ex- eter, Mrs. Dean McKnight, Exeter and Mrs. Warman Hyde of Huron Park, T-A photo by Sharon Specht.