Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 1994-12-21, Page 30PAGE 30. THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21,1994. Hullett Tivp, receives infrastructure grant but noted that at this point it was time for congratulations and to extend the blessings of the season to each other. Your Message Comes Across is just the way it's been done. It's not a hidden agenda." In response to Mrs. MacGregor's concern that there had been no mention of the decision in the min­ utes from the recent council meet­ ing, Reeve Cunningham said that the previous council had decided on the building and location. The present council agreed so there was no need for anything to go into the minutes as nothing was changed, he said. Mrs. MacGregor said she felt the new council hadn't looked into the project enough, nor had they kept people informed. "You said every­ one knows. They don't. Money's wonderful to hand out, but it's still our tax dollars," she said, adding that she felt the ratepayers should have had some say in the decision. Deputy-Reeve Ron Gross dis­ agreed. "Don't handcuff council. If we have to go to the people every­ time we need to made a decision..." "Council unfortunately doesn't know beforehand what issues will become contentious," Reeve Cun­ ningham said, adding that council meetings are always open to the public and he encourages everyone to attend them. Mr. Steckle said he felt certain that this issue would be resolved, the future, to pick projects that cause communities to grow. I can only encourage people to support this program." Making reference to the three tiers of government co-operating on the infrastructure program, Mr. Klopp said, "We need to get local people making local decisions. This (infrastructure) has been a good example." "The intent of the infrastructure program is to get people back to work," he said. "This project does just that. It provides immediate employment and enhanced services while improving local infrastruc­ ture." All those present at the announcement, however, did not share the enthusiasm. Ratepayer Kittie MacGregor said she felt the public was not being kept informed of what council's decision was. She said when she, along with other Co-operative effort From left to right: Huron MPP Paul Klopp, Hullett Reeve Tom Cunningham and Huron-Bruce MP Paul Steckle look over the blueprints for the new $300,000 municipal building. The project is being done under the Canada/Ontario Infrastructure Works program. By Bonnie Gropp Huron Bruce MP Paul Steckle and Huron MPP Paul Klopp were in Londesboro on Saturday morn­ ing to announced the approval of a $300,000 project for Hullett Twp., under the Canada/Ontario Infras­ tructure Works program. A contribution of $106,917 in federal and provincial funding will be used to construct a new building to house municipal offices, council chambers and meeting rooms. The new facility will meet building and fire codes and, unlike the present offices, located in the public works garage, will provide barrier-free access. The additional space will enhance the quality of service pro­ vided to the public and allow more public participation in council meetings. New energy efficient systems will also create a more comfortable work environment and reduce operating costs. The project will create an estimated 181 per- son-weeks of short-term employ­ ment. Work, which is underway, should be completed by September. In explaining the project, Hullett Reeve Tom Cunningham said that the project was not decided upon without some controversy. "We just hope that down the road it (the building) will prove we have done the right thing and that it will be a building the community can be proud of. Wc are pleased that con­ struction of the municipal building has been approved. The project is going to result in immediate bene­ fits to our ratepayers in the form of improved service.” Mr. Cunningham said that the past and present council arrived at the decision, "not without a lol of soul searching." Mr. Steckle congratulated Hullett council on its progressive choice saying that improved accommoda­ tions are needed as municipal gov­ ernment becomes more complicated. Though the economic climate has tended to make people think spend­ ing money is not good, Mr. Steckle said that infrastructure projects arc important. "Wc need to look into ratepayers, attended a recent coun­ cil meeting they had been told nothing was definite regarding whether or where the building would be built. "You said nothing was written in stone," she told Reeve Cunningham. Mrs. MacGregor also felt the public should have been informed about the announcement being made, saying she had heard about it by chance. Reeve Cunningham, however, said municipalities are told that a public announcement can't be made until the official announcement has been made by the federal and provincial govern­ ment. Both Mr. Steckle and Mr. Klopp explained the protocol normally followed saying that municipalities are advised of the date and time and to invite the media. "I under­ stand your frustration," Mr. Klopp said to Mrs. MacGregor. "But this ‘Wishing you a safe, and Happy fioficfay season Cjeorge, & Matt ‘To'umsend TOWNSEND TIRE 523-4742 Londesboro After hours 522-1629 or 523-9190 0 IIIII IIIII III q II 0 □ III III III II 1 Have The Best Christmas On Wheels! Our thoughts and thanks go with you this season and throughout the year. From the Management & Staff BRIDGE MOTORS Wingham 357-3460 y o o A ’W ° * •AJ UW L i.® ■ 3 All The Best! It may be cold outside, but our warmest wishes are with you on this joyous occasion. Merry Christmas and many thanks. Bruce FoxtorrRaymond Hogg*Phil Black • Mark Foxtorr Edgar Pilgrim-Howard Bernard •Heather QuennelkMarlene & Bob FoxtonO/ J BOB FOXTON FUELS LTD. 357-2664 WINGHAM 1-800-265-3069