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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Exeter Times-Advocate, 1977-03-03, Page 1Exeter water rates lump 35 percent With a 21 percent increase already in effect for hydro rates, and a 35 percent boost approved this week for water, Exeter PUC will consider budget billing in an effort to help customers meet the added expenses, • After several comments were made about the huge bills being faced by some people as a result of the increased hydro rates and the consumption demands of an abnormally cold winter, Com- missioner. Chan Livingstone urg- ed that budget billing be con- sidered. He said comments from some Despite an increase of 7,5 percent in the Huron County budget for 1977, taxes will not be raised due to a surplus of almost half a million dollars, a 15 per cent increase in provincial subsidies and a four per cent rise in municipal payment to the county. Huron County council approved the, $8,321,207 budget for 1977 when it met at Goderich Thur- sday afternoon. The new budget, clerk treasurer Bill Hanley explains, is 7.5 per cent above the budget struck in 1976 but it is actually 14 per cent higher than ex- penditures last year. County officials also explained Dimes campaign tops '76 figure The Exeter campaign for the March of Dimes has been com- pleted despite wintry weather conditions and this year's returns are higher than a year ago. Campaign chairman Dorothy Pfaff said 'Monday that total receipts now totalled $1,510. The 1976 figure was $1,430. Mrs. Pfaff added, "We were real pleased with the response considering the problems our canvassers had in making their rounds." Fire chief Gary Middleton has set loss at $12,000 in the fire which destroyed a mobile home located at the Webber Mobile Home Park about two miles West of Exeter on Highway 83. Firemen responded to the call at 11:20 p,tn„ Sunday, when the two tenants of the structure, Larry Stire and Don Durdin, formerly of Dashwood, local residents indicated they "were strapped" to pay the $150 to $200 bills they received in February and budget billing would ease the situation. With budget billing, a customer's annual consumption would be estimated and then broken into 10 or 12 equal payments for the year. This would eliminate high bills in the peak consumption period of the winter months as they would be averaged with the summer months, Customers would receive one or two bills during some period thAt higher assessment in Huron, due to a rise in both population and property values, will also help to pay the bill without tax increases. Assessment value in the county has increased nearly four per cent in the past 12 months. The new budget shows an in- crease in spending by all county departments with no one division contributing to the increases , more than another, Increases in fuel and material costs had as much to do with the rise as anything and, for the first time in a. number of years, employee wage and salary increases, held to about six per cent because of the anti-inflation regulations, are not being seen as a major con- tributor to the increase. The county roads department have increased their budget from $2,381,022 in expenditures last year to a projected $2,908,000 in 1977; an increase of 22 percent. An apportionment by-law, to raise the sum of $1,507,000. for general purposes, will be presented at council's March session. The sum represents Huron's share of the road budget, Of the total sum the ministry of transportation and com- munication will contribute $1,570,000 and the road depart- ment has carried a surplus of $134,000 forward from its 1976 budget. Although traditionally a big Please turn to page 3 returned from London to find it filled with smoke and flames. The 12' x 60' mobile home was owned by Milt Keller, Ex- eter. Firemen had a difficult time extinguishing the flames as the billowing smoke hampered them. They were called back shortly after 3:30 a.m. when fire broke Out again, In the Year when they would be credited or debited with an amount to bring their payments in line with actual consumption, Livingstone noted that Ontario Hydro has used such a system with rural customers for the past two or three years. Several gas and oil companies follow the same procedure. "It's a very feasible system and works out very well," Livingstone said, Manager Hugh Davis wondered if the Commissioner was suggesting that the procedure be used only for residents who heat with elec- tricity. Livingstone replied that the PUC could start with these customers and add other residents if the plan was found to be feasible and economical. He noted that such a scheme could actually save the PUC some money, as it could eliminate monthly meter reading. It was suggested meters would only have to be read every two or three months. Davis said he would get some figures to determine the feasibility of budget billing for the next meeting, indicating that with the aid of a computer, it would not be that difficult. Arrears. increase Another matter that prompted the suggestion for budget billing was an increase in the amount of hydro arrears being experienced by the Utility. Secretary Marilyn Sillery said that the arrears at the end of February would be around $10,- 000. They were $6,000 in January. After Mayor Bruce Shaw asked if this was usual, manager Davis replied that the staff have notic- ed an increase in arrears. More people in the commercial accounts are not taking advan- tage of the early payment savings, he explained. Shaw opined that with hydro bills running so high, a few dollars more in penalty doesn't seem as much. Davis said the penalty for late payment is five percent and noted that no firm with which the PUC deals gives that much of a saving. "It, is substantial," he said. "There are a lot of people talk- ing about their hydro bills," Shaw reported. Davis replied that consump- tion is "just terrible" and said it was up 18 percent. When Livingstone suggested that $10,000 in arrears appeared to be high', Davis explained that some of the customers '(such as provincial buildings) have ex- tended discount periods and probably only 10 to 15 accounts would remain unpaid by the time The two tenants of the facili- ty lost most of their possessions in the fire and a pet dog died from the smoke. Middleton said the mobile home was probably a total loss. Cause of the blaze, which started in a bedroom had not been determined. Stire and Durdin "said they left their home around 9:00 the PUC have to start taking ac- tion to collect them. Increase water While hydro bills have jumped drastically for most Exeter Pm customers, many will notice some substantial increases in their water bills after April 1. Following a lengthy discus- sion, Thursday, the Commission approved a 35 percent hike in water rates. Commissioners Shaw and Livingtone expressed some con- cern over the increase, but were unsuccessful in their attempts to convince Davis that the budget could be reduced in any way, Poor driving conditions, caused by ice and blowing snow, returned to the area this week and resulted in another rash of accidents, The Exeter OPP investigated 12 collisions and ,property damage ran exceedingly high at over $32,000. Three of the accidents occurred on Wednesday, the first involving a vehicle driven by Bloss Josh, RR 5 Clinton, which went out of control on ice and ran into the BP service station in Hensall. Damage was set at $900 by Constable Ed Wilcox. In a similar accident, a car driven by Marion Uhden, Grand Bend, skidded on ice on Highway 83 west of Exeter and struck some highway guide posts. Constable Frank Giffin listed damage at $650. Damage was set at $4,500 in the other Wednesday crash which occurred on Highway 83 east of Exeter. Drivers involved were David Bailey, RR 1, Mitchell, and . Barry Lewis, Huron Park. Constable Dale Lamont in- vestigated. Five accidents were reported on Friday, one of which involved three vehicles on Highway 4 p.m. to drive friends back to London. Although the fire was not discovered until their return, it was apparently going for some time and the clocks in the residence werd stopped by the heat from the fire at 10:20 p.m. It was the ninth call so far this year for members of the Exeter Area fire brigade. "I'm all for cutting tkings," the manager noted, but added that all the fat had been trimmed from the water works budget in recent years, "Surely there must be something less than 35 percent as you suggest in the budget," Shaw stated. "How harmful would a smaller increase be?" "Disastrous," Davis replied, "there is no cream on the operation." He said that in 1958 the PUC had 10 employees and now they have only nine. Davis said he worked every Saturday and the girls in the office "are going too hard" and said some were in north of Exeter. The drivers were Robert Thomas, Clinton; Fred Whidden, Goderich; and William Newitt, London. Total damage was listed at $9,000 by Constable Wally Tomasik. Vehicles driven by John Ulch, Kirkton, and Lloyd Smith, Zurich, collided on County Road 6 in Usborne Township during a white-out. Damage was estimated a t $850 by Constable Al Quinn. A hit and run, as also reported on Friday on Highway 23 north of Kirkton. A vehicle driven by Ian Gamble, London, sustained $700 in damage when struck from behind by an unknown vehicle. Damage was set at $700 by Constable Quinn, In another accident on High- way 23 on the same day, damage was set at $1,200 by Constable Quinn. Drivers involved were Earl Foster, RR 1, St. Marys, and James Evans, RR 1, St. Marys. The former sustained minor injuries. The other Friday accident occurred on Highway 84 west of Zurich and' involved vehicles driven by Richard Walker, RR 3, Zurich, and Wesley Bossence, Stratford. Constable Bob Whiteford set damage at $1,400. The first of four Sunday ac- cidents resulted in minor injuries to Mr. & Mrs. Fred Darling, Exeter. Their car was in collision with one driven by Walter Bakker, Alberta, on Highway 4, south of Exeter. Total damage was listed at $7,000 by Constable Bill Osterloo. Damage of $1,000 was reported by Constable Larry Christiaen in a two-car crash also south of Exeter. Drivers were Michael Lapaine, Goderich, and Paul Gentle, London. Before the Lapaine vehicle could be removed from the scene it was struck three times, causing an Dinner profit nears $3,000 The 1977 Exeter Lions Sport- smen's dinner was a huge suc- cess in more ways than one. Lion Peter Raymond reported this week that the net proceeds to be turned over to the London Crippled Children's Treatment Centre will be in excess of $2,900. The crowd at the dinner was the best in its four year history and the, quality of speakers and guest was excellent, Raymond continued, "We are pleased with this year's success, While we have a few accounts still to settle we could get close to the $3,000 mark. In 1976 our profit was about $2,400, Careless driver pays $108 penalty A Crediton man was fined $108 or 11 days when he appeared before Justice of the Peace Douglas Wedlake in one of four cases heard in Exeter, Tuesday. Louis Masnica was charged with careless driving on November 11 after his car ran into the rear of a parked vehicle, The latter had broken down and was partially on the shoulder and `partially on the roadway, but had its lights flashing, Hugh J. Ryan, RR 3, Ailsa Craig, was fined $54 or five days for consuming liquor in a place other than his residence or licenced premises, A Goderich man, Raymond D, Fisher, was fined $13 for speeding at a rate of 60 in a 50 zone, while Harry Plantenga, Huron Park, was fined $28 for failing to display evidence of a permit on MS snow vehicle, danger of having breakdowns due to their workload. The office staff work.most Tuesday nights. As far as the male staff is con- cerned, Davis said they didn't have four men where two would be needed as the proper man- power is assigned to each job. If the operation is efficient, we should be at the minimum cost now," Davis said, suggesting this was the case. "I would expect you to say that," Shaw replied, but again he asked If there was anything in the budget for expansion or growth that could be cut or post- poned, Davis suggested the Mayor additional $1,800 damage to it. The other three drivers were William Errington, RR 2, Auburn; John McNaughton, London and Robert Brown, Windsor, Total damage to their three vehicles was $1,650. "The police are the public and the public are the police," Those were the words of On- tario Police Commission chair- man Elmer D. Bell in speaking to the Exeter Lions club, Thurs- day night. Bell suggested the Lions could help in various programs such as identification of household appliances and valuables, building security and better lock systems. He continued, "These are some of the things you can do to make it tougher for criminals. The Stratford Kiwanis are one group now doing things like this, I hope it becomes universal," Bell said a ' huge computer operating at the Canadian Police Information Centre at Ottawa is "the greatest tool in apprehen- ding criminals." "Instant information is available through this source and it gives the edge to the police, It can also work against the or- dinary citizen as far as unpaid parking tickets are concerned in was thinking along the lines of a town councillor and noted that the two budgets were different in that council may have projects that could be deleted from a budget, while the PUC budget is basically operating expenses and the only way to reduce that would be to get rid of some ser- vice they have provided in the past. "I don't know what that would be," he added. He agreed that "cheaper men" than the PUC $8-an-hour linemen could be hired to dig snow out from hydrants or read meters, but noted it was important to have versatile men who could do The final accident occurred on Monday when a vehicle driven by Bonnie Erickson, RR 2, Grand Bend, lost control on ice on High- way 81 and was damaged to an amount estimated by Constable Christiaen at $850. Minor injuries large cities. You can't hide anything," the former Exeter lawyer continued, The OPC chairman said he is enthused with the police in- telligent system. "Our files build up on known criminals as far as their methods and associates are concerned. A lot of time we know enough about a criminal but we can't get enough proof to make an arrest", he added. In speaking about the new Polies ,ollege at Aylmer which cost 24 million dollars to con- struct, Bell said, "What price- security. We are continually im- plementing education standards and upgrading our system." "We need our more sophisticated systems to keep up to the criminals. The training methods of 15 to 2b years ago are not sufficient now. The criminal of today is a different animal," The chairman continued, one thing I am pleased with is the fact the criminal element and syndicates have never been able to corrupt our legislators, judges hydro work as well as dig In water lines. Davis indicated that the 35 per- cent hike would be the last sub- stantial increase for some time and Shaw noted that a large por- tion of the increase was due to the increased cost for the recent- ly installed water tower and the new wells being opened in Usborne, - The water department realized a profit of $27,000 in 1976 and a profit of $12,000 is predicted for this year, although Davis said a deficit budget could be expected in 1978. The increase was finally ap- proved. Price Per Copy 25 Cents were also reported, During the week, the local detachment officers charged seven people under the Highway Traffic Act, seven under the Liquor Licence Act and two under the Criminal Code, and police. In the United States the politicians, elected judges and criminals work in concert." "To say we don't have organiz- ed crime in Ontario is.nonsense, but, we can say, we have no czar of crime. We have the occasional tennacle from Detroit and Buf- falo reaching into our midst." On the subject of loan sharks, Bell commented, "We need some method of registration of those who loan money. Federal legislation is expected on this in the near future. Now there is no law against loan sharking but the loan shark by himself without the backing of element of force isn't much, At the conclusion of his talk, Bell was presented with a 40 year pin as a member of the Exeter Lions club by president Max Dawson. In appreciation of his visit, Bell who was one of the backers of the idea to establish South Huron Hospital received a sketch of the old Carling house which now forms part of the hospital. CREDITON MAN HONOURED — At the recent Ontario Good Roads Association convention in Toronto Stephen township roads employee Eldon Smith received a plaque for over 30 years of service. Above, Stephen reeve Cecil Desjardine makes the presentation. Smith was hired in 1942 at 25 cents per hour. After three years the rate rose to 50 cents an hour. The late George Eilber was the road superintendent at the time. T-A photo Huron budget jumps, but taxes unchanged Boat builder killed William Given, who recently started Trillium Yachts in Zurich in a building shared with L & P Boat Repairs on Victoria St., was killed Tuesday morning in an accident west of Ex- eter. He was involved in a collision with a car driven by Glen Menzies, RR 1 Exeter, at the intersection of Huron St. and con- cession 2-3 of Stephen. Given had been southbound on the concession and Men- zies was eastbound on Huron St. The accident occurred about 8:00 a.m. and was in- vestigated by Exeter OPP Constable Dale Lamont, assisted by Consta ble Al Quinn and Cpl. Ray Brooks. Coroner Dr. Charles Wallace, Zurich, attended at the scene. Given, who resides at RR 1 Bayfield, was partially thrown from his vehicle in the impact which extensively damaged both cars. The deceased, survived by his wife, was formerly employed at North Star Yachts, Huron Park. HOME GUTTED — A mobile home owned by Milt Keller was gutted by flames Sunday night at the mobile home park on Highway 83, about two miles west of Exeter. Mr. Keller is shown at the right viewing the damage as Exeter firemen fight the blaze. The tenants who rent the home were not in the structure at the time, A dog was the only victim of the fire, Flames broke out again early Monday morning and the firemen had to return to the scene a second time. T-A photo Loss $12,000 in mobile home fire One Hundred and Fourth Year EXETER, ONTARIO, MARCH 3, 1977 ex-eferZinessabuocate it Bayfield man dies in Stephen crash, area accident damage over $32,000 `FATAL CRASH — A Zurich area man William Given was killed Tuesday morning at the intersection of Huron street and Concession 2-3 in Stephen township just west of Exeter. The Given vehicle is shown in the above picture. Driver of the other vehicle involved was Glen Menzies, RR 1, Exeter. T-A photo Lions urged to join fight against criminal element POLICE CHAIRMAN SPEAKS — The chairman of the Ontario Police Commission Elmer D. Bell was the guest speaker at Thursday's meeting of the Exeter Lions club. Mr. Bell, also a Lions member received a 40 year pin from local president Max Dawson and a sketch of the Carling house from Lion Peter Raymond. The Carling house is now part of South Huron Hospital. 14 photo