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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 1989-11-08, Page 12PAGE 12. THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 1989. Brussels Council, County to explore alternatives to insure school crossing safety Brussels village officials will consult with the Huron County Engineer in an attempt to improve safety for school children crossing Turnberry Street (main street) in the village. Council made the decision Mon­ day night after hearing from Brus­ sels Public School Principal Jim Axtmann and Dale Wanless a teacher at the school. The two discussed with council the dangers school children face in trying to cross the street before school, at lunch hour and after school. Of particular concern is the corner of Catherine Street and Turnberry street, at the corner of St. John’s Anglican Church. The teachers dealt with concerns expressed pre­ viously by various councillors about the speed of traffic coming over the hill from the south end of the village and the short length of time this gives for slowing down if children are in the streets. Mr. Axtmann brought three suggestions for council. He sug­ gested a crossing guard on duty from 8:30 to 9 a.m., again from noon to 1 p.m. and aftet school from 3:30 to 4 p.m. would protect children at the corner best. Second­ ly, he felt the cross walk at the corner should be at the south side of the street, not at the north side. Finally he suggested a more visible police presence on Jurnberry Street, particularly at a time when children will be crossing, in order to slow drivers down. Mr. Wanless, who was safety officer at a previous school, sug­ gested the crosswalks should be repainted to make them more visible and the location of the school crossing sign should be changed to give drivers more warning to slow down. To make the crossing more visible, he suggest­ ed a flashing light be used, but one on a timer so that it only worked at times when children would be crossing streets. This, he said, would be a better reminder to drivers than if the sign flashed continuously. He also suggested things such as the bicycle rodeo for students should be reinstated at the school. Councillors had various sugges­ tions themselves. Councillor Bruce Hahn remembered the days when senior students used to be enlisted in school safety patrols and won­ dered if these could be used to make the crossing safer without greatly added costs. Mr. Axtmann rejected the idea saying it was too much burden to put on a young person if anything ever did go wrong. Crossing guards should be paid adults, he said, so they can be counted on to be there in all weather since once children are trained to use a crossing guard, they must be there. Seaforth and Clinton use crossing guards on highways 8 and 4, he said, while the back streets which aren’t so busy don’t have guards. The cost of a guard in Seaforth is about $3,000 a year, he said. Councillor Hahn said students are using other crossings as well and it would cost a lot to put guards at all main street crossings. Mr. Axtmann said students would have to be trained to use the one crossing. Parents could help influ­ ence the children, he said. Reeve Gordon Workman said the idea of the flashing light seemed to be a good one and although the light would fall under the jurisdic­ tion of the County highways de­ partment, he didn’t see why it couldn’t be done. It would be cheaper than a crossing guard, he said. Councillor Dave Hastings said the idea seemed to be a good one but the village had been trying to convincp the county of a flashing stoplight at the corner of Queen and Turnberry Streets for years to prevent drivers from going through the comer but had had little luck. Hugh Hanly, Clerk-treasurer said County Engineer Dennis Mer- rall would be visiting the village the next day (Tuesday) and he would approach him with the idea of the flashing light. Council agreed to the idea, with councillor Hahn saying that the idea of the light should be tried first and if that wasn’t possible, perhaps the coun­ cil would have to look into hiring a crossing guard. Graduate SANDY ARMSTRONG Bruce Armstrong of Brace­ bridge proudly announces graduation of his wife Sandy as Registered Nursing Assistant from Georgian College, Orillia Campuson the Dean’s List. She has now accepted a position at Bracebridge Villa Retirement Home. She is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Garry Orth, RR 1, Listowel, daughter-in-law of Mr. and Mrs. Jim Armstrong, Brussels. Best of luck Sandy, we are all very proud of you in your chosen career. HCBE discusses no-smoking bill Get Ready! Trustees and the administration of the Huron County Board of Education will be seeking direction from the schools on the issue concerning the recent passing of Bill 194 restricting smoking in the workplace. If the board takes no action they must comply with the legislation which will come into effect in January 1, 1990. The essence of the bill states that “no person shall smoke in an enclosed workplace’’ which is defined as “any’’ enclosed building or structure in which an employee works and includes a shaft, tunnel caisson or similar enclosed space.’’ Director of Operations, Bob Al­ lan pointed out to the board that it is significant to note that non- smokers are becoming more mili­ tant and direct in saying smoking is offensive and putting this into the environment is making them physi­ cally ill. Though the lobbying is not in a large number, he pointed out, it is there and they want the board to act on the issue. Trustee Rick Rompf stated that at this time the staff room in schools is designated as the smoke room but questioned whether this may not soon become a problem with the rights of non-smokers. Mr. Allan agreed that they anticipate this and the issue is complicated. “Some schools have an area out­ side but this is usually worked out site by site,” he said. Trustees Norm Picked and Audry McClellan commented on the fact that teachers are role models for the students and if they try to keep students from becoming smokers what will they think when the teachers smoke. “I feel that in­ stead of sitting back and doing nothing we should have a board policy stating that there should be absolutely no smoking inside schools,” Mr. Picked stated. Concerns for the smokers were also addressed. Trustee Tony Mc- Quail who was one of the forerunn­ ers in implementing the present Board policy on smoking said, “While I am delighted, having raised the concern in 1983 I worry whether we will pose serious problems for staff members, who do suffer from addiction to cigar­ ettes. What support can we offer for their needs and how can we help?” Mr. Adan pointed out that this is becoming a common situation and most are being accommodated. Mr. Rompf mentioned that perhaps a smoke seccession program could be sponsored in conjunction with the area Health department. In summary Mr. Adan felt that if the board takes no action and lets legislation do it then the timing /----------------“ would be better for a more person­ alized policy from the board. Mr. Picked however, felt that there would be problems this way with people renting the school building after hours. “Why not take the issue to the schools and see what input we get,” he said. YOU'LL CLEAN WITH CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING! 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