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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 1992-04-15, Page 3THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15,1992. PAGE 3. Blyth council discusses reconstruction of Hwy 4 Blyth council met with a repre­ sentative from the Ministry of Transportation regarding the pro­ posed reconstruction of Highway 4 through Blyth at a special meeting on April 7. Besides Project Engineer Martin Favell, Art Clark, the engineer from Maitland Engineering Ser­ vices was also present. Mr. Favell said he wanted to know whether council wanted the Ministry to include the sidewalk and deep storm sewer (King St. to Blyth Creek) construction and illu­ mination in its contract. The total estimated cost of replacement sidewalk in the high­ way contract is $71,700. Council was told as well, that when MTO lets a contract no other contractor will be on site unless MTO's contractors have completed their tendered responsibilities due to liability and completion dates. There was discussion on who would replace sidewalks that were broken during construction. Mr. Favell advised that all sidewalks disturbed due to construction would be replaced either in the ministry contract or through the contractor. Mr. Clark suggested council leave the sidewalks out of the ten­ dering contract to allow flexibility in allocating Pride grant money. The storm sewer, which council has requested be replaced at the expense of the village, should be included in the ministry tendering, Mr. Clark advised. Mr. Favell told council that the present lighting on Highway 4 does not meet MTO standards. If the vil­ lage does not upgrade, the lights would be removed during construc­ tion. He said that the lights could be upgraded before construction begins except in areas where the Blyth council opposed to French school hoards Blyth council approved a draft for an advertising insert at the April 8 meeting. The draft has a listing on the front of the magic to be discovered in Blyth in the summer, from the theatre, to the Thresher Reunion. On the back is map and some background and history on the vil­ lage. The insert will be included in local businesses' correspondence and with the theatre mail-outs, to promote the village. Council voiced their opposition to a proposal from the Ministry of Education for the establishment of French Language School Boards. The Muskoka Board of Educa­ tion and municipal councils have been seeking the support of other councils in opposing this proposal. Councillor Steve Sparling said he agreed completely with the feeling expressed by Muskoka councillor John Young in his letter. It is Mr. Young's concern that "this segrega­ tion of children from kindergarten to grade 13 on the basis of lan­ guage, religion or economic status is contrary to the best interests of our province and our country." "This is another scary piece of work," said Councillor Sparling.♦♦♦ Councillor Sparling told council that he had been in contact with Bruce Papple, Rutabaga Festival Chairman regarding the camping facilities at the fairground. Mr. Papple had inquired to cost for use of the campgrounds during the festival, to be held on June 26- 28. Council agreed that the same conditions would apply to the Rutabaga committee as to the Thresher's and Dog Show. The meters will be read before and after, there will be a nominal fee for water and clean-up and dam­ ages are the responsibility of the group. ♦** A motion was passed approving the application for weed control in the spring and fall at a cost of $1500, and $200 for vegetation control around approximately 100 trees and ball diamond fence. ♦♦♦ An ad will be placed urging resi­ dents to exercise courtesy by clean­ ing up after their dogs when they are out walking them. **♦ Town foreman John Rinn explained to council that with the new legislation regarding the spray­ ing of chemicals he can no longer spray the crab trees in town. Should Mr. Rinn be caught he could be fined or jailed. Mr. Rinn said he had investigated whether the company hired for weed control could do the job, but they are not licensed either. "The bottom line," Reeve Dave Lee said, "is we need a spray pro­ gram or they will have to be cut down." The trees must be sprayed every two weeks to control the bugs and it would be far too costly to hire a qualified person from London, said Mr. Rinn. Council asked him to investigate locally to see if anyone is licensed for this type of spraying. Permission was given for Clerk- Treasurer Helen Grubb to attend the annual Professional Develop­ ment Workshop in Toronto on June 22, 23 and 24 at a cost of $294.25 plus accommodation. Ministry would be relocating poles due to construction. This would allow for Pride money to be spent in 1992. Council's made its recommenda­ tions at the regular meeting on April 8. During discussion Councillor John Elliott said he wanted to take the opportunity to indicate that he may be in conflict of interest regarding the street reconstruction as he owns property. He also said he was somewhat surprised by the way Mr. Favell had come in and told council what they should do. "I was really taken aback by what I saw as the ministry's dictatorial attitude," he said. "The ministry has the luxury of an entrenched position because they do own the road," said Coun­ cillor Steve Sparling. "And they see that we benefit," said Reeve Dave Lee. Councillor Sparling said he felt the village would need to consider a multi-year program for replacing the lights as the cost is far too great. 'There is no way in one year we can commit to $70,000 (mini­ mum) let alone $1/4 million," he said. He added that he was quite surprised that Mr. Favell had said at the meeting when this was sug­ gested that he had never heard of that approach before. "I find that hard to believe," said Councillor Sparling. As it is going to be at least two years before the construction gels moving in Blyth, the councillors had concerns over how to plan. "Il's pretty hard to crystal ball what we'd do then," said Councillor Sparling. Reeve Lee said he believes the deep storm sewer should be done when the street is done with the town paying for half and the bene- fitting parties being billed for the remainder. The streetlights, he said, should be done between now and when construction begins, keeping in mind that it is another place for Pride money to go. Council passed a motion that the sidewalks would not be put on the tender contract. It was approved that the deep storm sewer be done when the construction is done. Council will replace any existing services affected. Councillor Sparling made a motion to "make a pitch" for a multi-year upgrade of the lights. Coolie ‘Blitz Blyth Brownies, Guides and Pathfinders Wednesday, April 15 and Thursday, April 16 from 6 to 8 p.m. Auburn, Blyth & Londesboro Thank you for your support People Palm branches waved at Blyth United Church Greeting the congregation on Palm Sunday, April 12 at Blyth United Church were Linda and Don Stewart. The service opened with the call to worship and opening prayers, followed by hymns “O Worship the King” and “Hosanna, Loud Hosanna”. The scripture, Luke J9 (28-44) was read by Trent Richmond and Shawn Clark from the Senior class during which members of the nurs­ ery and kindergarten classes came to the front and waved palm branches. In charge of Junior Con­ gregation was Frances Bearss. Eve­ lyn Caldwell was in charge of Nursery. The senior choir's anthem was entitled “The King is Coming” accompanied by Phyllis Boak on piano. Passing the offertory plates were Terry, Trent and Kimberly Richmond and Linda Stewart. It was announced that the U.C.W. Garage Sale will be held Friday, May 8 (7-9 p.m.). If you have items to donate to the sale, call Bonnie Shannon (9326) or Joan Caldwell (4799). This weekend there will be two services, Good Friday Service April 17 at 11 a.m. and Easter Sun­ day Service, April 19 which will also be Family Sunday No. 4. Sunday, April 26 at 11 a.m. will be the U.C.W. 30th anniversary service with guest speaker Miss Lavonne Ballagh. Lunch will fol­ low the service. Flowers at the front of the church were in loving memory of Eva Fer­ guson and a spring arrangement was placed in loving memory of Earl Caldwell by Loma, Randy, Joe and Kathy Fraser. The title of the sermon was “The Kingship of Jesus and the require­ ments of His Kingdom.” The scrip­ ture reading from Luke tells of Jesus' entrance into Jerusalem which signified his kingship. Jesus sent his disciples into Jerusalem to get a colt. He instructed them say­ ing “If any man ask why you are loosing the colt, say because the Lord hath need of him.” It seemed, Rev. Ramirez said, as if this was a password, this state­ ment showed his Kingship. Rev. Ramirez said the requirements of continued on page 20 Winners of the dart games at the Blyth Legion on Friday, April 3 were: first, Pat Jenkins and Bill Nethery; second, Dina Nethery and John Blok; high lady, Mae Ritchie; high man, Kevin Ritchie; 50/50 draw winner, Tom Hefron. The winners of the April 10 dart night were: first, Dina Nethery, Brad Montgomery and Keith Lapp; second, Mae Ritchie and John Blok; high lady, Debbie Ritchie; high man, Bill Patterson; 50/50 draw winner. Merv Ritchie. VILLAGE OF BLYTH REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING The Council of the Village of Blyth deems It necessary to reschedule the 2nd regular monthly meeting from April 28th, 1992 to Tuesday, April 21st, 1992 at 8:00 p.m. in Blyth Council Chambers. Helen R. Grubb, A.M.C.T. Clerk LC VoUf Community Oriented Policing Local -COMMITTEE- UP OF THE WEEK Think safety when using power tools - wear protective clothing THIS ADVERTISEMENT IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY: BLYTH LEGION LADIES Local /A OFFICER FRIENDLY AUXILIARY - BRANCH 420 Optimist Club of Blyth & District invites you to attend "Information Night" Thursday, April 23rd at 8:00 p.m. Bainton Art Gallery CLINTON PUBUC HOSPITAL PRESENTS Be Stars Come dressed as your favorite celebrity and enjoy an evening of fine food, entertainment, raffle and a silent auction SATURDAY, APRIL 25, 1992 BLYTH COMMUNITY CENTRE, BLYTH 6 p.m. Social Hour $50.00 per person 7 p.m. Gourmet Dinner $25.00 tax receipt approx. • Bus transportation available CUNTON PUBUC HOSPITAL For ticket information call 482-3447