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Home My WebLink AboutThe Citizen, 2007-06-14, Page 24Clerk-administrator JackMcLachlan brought the results of thelate May’s Brussels Library meeting back to Huron East council at their June 5 meeting for further discussion and a decision. McLachlan reported to the councillors that he found a strong consensus were in favour of a new building, while designating the old Carnegie building as a heritage site. Councillor Bill Siemon said he was unsure. After being informed that the municipality loses money on the library, he began to question the $1 million-plus commitment. Siemon inquired as to whether the municipality can tinker with the hours of operation. Mayor Joe Seili said no, that the hours of operation are determined by the province, based on square footage. Councillor David Blaney defended the library, saying that if counciloperated on the financial bottom lineprincipal, then why not close thearenas, as they don’t make moneyeither.Blaney said he didn’t want to see this happen and that he is witnessing library use on the rise for the right reasons. “During the proper times, after school and on weekends, children are using the computers for homework,” he said. “This is becoming the primary use for these libraries and most of the people in there, I know for a fact, don’t have the money to have these kinds of things in their homes.” Siemon persisted, “These country kids need bridges to get to the library too.” “But they need a destination too,” said councillor Bob Fisher. Blaney agreed, saying that along with the arena, the library is essential to youth development. “I get a little angry when we talkabout the library in terms of losing afew dollars on the rent,” Blaney said.Fisher agreed, saying that buildinga new structure and designating andrenting out the existing structure makes the most sense to him. “The [Centre for Applied Renewable Energy] could rent the old building and we could build a new, green building. There might be grants for that,” said Fisher. Seili assured the councillors that the heritage designation paperwork is on its way to the municipality. Siemon also stated that he got the impression from Morris-Turnberry mayor Dorothy Kelly that her municipality’s $25,000 commitment to the library was a one-shot deal. Seili disagreed, saying that he was under the impression that the library would work under the same principle as the Brussels, Morris and Grey Community Centre, which is 20 per cent Morris-Turnberry’s and 80 per cent Huron East’s. It was a concern of some councillors if there is a market for the Carnegie building, and Blaney says that he has already had two purchase offers that he had to deny because of council’s inaction thusfar.In addition to current offers,Blaney also assured council that,despite popular opinion, having aheritage designation increases property value, not decreases it; something he said he had studies to prove. The feasibility of a chair lift was also discussed, something that Blaney shot down immediately. “We’ll have to have a full elevator, there’s no way around that,” he said. A ramp was also nixed, because while it may assist wheelchair-users, it can make the trip tougher on walker-users. While councillors with ties to Brussels have been pushing hard on the library project, not all councillors in Huron East shared their enthusiasm. And when ward- specific squabbling came up, Seili made sure to remind the councillors about amalgamation. “It’s not Tuckersmith, it’s not Grey, it’s not McKillop, it’s not Seaforth and it’s not Brussels. It’s the municipality of Huron East,” he said. After the heated discussion simmered down and councillorswere ready to move on to the nexttopic, McLachlan reminded themthat movement on this issue is key,given how long they have been in themiddle of it. “What are we going to do? We assured the county on this a year ago,” he said. “We’ve had it on here for a year and a half, so we have to make a decision, some day, we have to make a decision.” Eventually a motion was tabled to proceed with a layout for a new structure, along with a feasibility study, in addition to proceeding with heritage designation on the existing building. In regards to the heritage designation, Siemon said he thought it would be a good idea to wait on it until plans were finalized. Several councillors disagreed with him, including Fisher. “Oh no, I think we want that designation on it tomorrow,” he said. The motion was carried. Council said there would be another meeting, as promised, to update the citizens on the progress when there is some to report. PAGE 24. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, JUNE 14, 2007.Huron East debate continues on library This may be the last year Wheels Away receives $20,000 from North Huron. Council passed a recommendation June 4 to follow through with the donation for 2007, with a letter outlining future payments. What those payments will be however, is yet to be determined. Six municipalities other than North Huron are served by Wheels Away. These pay a ridership contribution. As the host municipality for Wheels Away, however, North Huron had been contributing $20,000 from the Community Re- investment Fund. In 2005 the CRF had changed to the Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund, and altered the criteria that had entitled Wheels Away to the larger portion. And without those criteria the consensus was that North Huron shouldn’t be paying any more than it’s fair share. “There’s a question why we should pay $20,000 when others pay for ridership,” said councillor Arnold Taylor, who represents council at the board meetings. According to clerk-administrator Kriss Snell, part of the agreement with Wheels Away was that if there were to be a reduction in the contribution the organization be given a year’s notice. A letter was sent in 2005 saying that the township may wish to terminate the agreement. In May another letter was sent stating that the donation is under review along with uses of gas tax funding. “They’ve had their notice. Our thought is that we would give the $20,000 included in this year’s budget but if we are going to reduce it, I would like to give them a schedule sooner, rather than later,” said Snell. In the report to council it was suggested that the donation drop for next year, then further in future years. “Wheels Away really needs to increase ridership,” said Snell. “I think that’s the big challenge for the board.” Taylor said consideration is being given to getting rid of the specialized part of the service. “There is a thought of opening it to seniors, but I believe it would lose it’s non-charitable status.” Taylor said he wanted further discussion with the treasurer and the Wheels Away manager before making any decision. “However, every year I tell them not to factor in the $20,000 in their budget,” he finished. The Citizen 541 Turnberry St., Brussels 519-887-9114 404 Queen St., Blyth 519-523-4792 Treat dad to some great books! EVEN COWS GO TO HEAVEN Linda Knox tells the often funny story of her father Melville Knox who was born near Stratford, trained at Ontario Veterinary College, and practiced veterinary medicine in Grey County for many years. $14.95 TALES FROM DOG RIVER: The Complete Corner Gas Guide Learn more about the hit Canadian situation comedy Corner Gas with this quirky behind-the-scenes look. More than 200 pages of cast bios, photos, running gags, celebrity fan mail and much more.$28.00 STOREY’S ILLUSTRATED GUIDE TO 96 HORSE BREEDS OF NORTH AMERICA 400 pages of information and beautiful colour photos of many breeds, known and rare including The Canadian and The Canadian Sport Horse. A horse-lover’s dream. $55.95 Find these & other books at: TOWERS OF TIME Post offices are at the centre of nearly every small community. Some of the elderly, Victorian-era post offices in particular set the tone of the town. Post offices from across Ontario are featured, including many from the local region. $22.95 VENGEANCE OF THE BLACK DONNELLYS Thomas P. Kelly follows up his story of the demise of the Donnelly family with his tale of the results of the curse put on the family’s killers by Johannah Donnelly as she was being murdered. $9.95 HAY WEST A Story of Canadians Helping Canadians Tells the heartwarming story of how a few small farmers with big hearts captured our nation’s attention and gave hope to western farmers in the worst drought in 133 years. Colour photos. Orig. $24.95. Our price only $15.95 WINGHAM & DISTRICT HOSPITAL HIGHLIGHTS “Excellence in Rural Health Care” The Ombudsmans’ Role is to investigate complaints from members of the public who feel they have been treated unfairly by some act, omission, decision or rec- ommendation. The Ombudsman can help to resolve complaints both formally and informally. How can the Ombudsman Help Me? You may think no one can do anything about your problem. If you feel Wingham & District Hospital has treated you in a way that is unfair, illegal, unreasonable, mis- taken or plain wrong, you should bring your matter forward to the Ombudsman. Effective complaining can serve to prevent or stop injustice, correct efforts and promote change for the better. Call the Ombudsman if you have exhausted all avenues and your complaint is unresolved. Lisa Henry 519-357-6631. Visiting hours are 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m daily. If you are ill, please do not visit our patients. Need a new or replacement card? The Ministry of Health holds a card replace- ment clinic at the hospital regularly. An appointment must be booked by calling 1- 888-376-5197. ROLE OF THE OMBUDSMAN REMINDER TO VISITORS Phone: 357-3210 Fax: 357-2931 Website: www.lwha.ca ONTARIO HEALTH COVERAGE By Shawn LoughlinThe Citizen North Huron reviews Wheels Away funding By Bonnie Gropp The Citizen