Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 1997-03-12, Page 3THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 12, 1997 PAGE 3. Restructuring talk comes to a head for Blyth council BLYTH FESTIVAL'S 23rd Season Kick-Off Party By Janice Becker Citizen staff Travelling to England Lisa Kelly of the Blyth Pathfinders was the happy recipient of a $500 cheque from Brad Montgomery of the Blyth Legion to help pay for her's, five other Pathfinders’ and three leaders', trip to England. The Blyth and Londesboro Lions and Belgrave Optimists also contributed to the travel fund. Blyth council briefs Councillor talks on Good Roads Blyth Councillor Doug Scrim­ geour reported at the March 3 meeting about discussions held at the Good Roads Convention. There is a lot of talk about priva­ tization of services, such as ambu­ lances and fire departments, he said. "It is scary and makes no sense for this area. They are going to download until we are on our knees." Council passed a motion to pur­ chase examining tables and a doppler for listening to fetal heart beats, for the Blyth branch of the Seaforth Medical Clinic, pending agreement from the PUC, to share the cost. "This will ensure doctors for the people (of Blyth) in the future," said Councillor Scrimgeour. The equipment will remain with the clinic if the doctors leave.♦** Accounts totalling $217,078.62, were approved for payment.**♦ A donation of $200 was given to the Horticultural Society.*** Blyth Union Cemetery received a $250 donation from an estate.*** John Gibson was appointed municipal weed inspector.»*• The budgets for the community centre and landfill site were approved by council. The Blyth recreation committee received a $5,000 grant from the Ministry of Citizenship, Culture and Recreation.**♦ Council passed a resolution to permit a preliminary study for the cost of reconstruction of Gypsy Lane. The issue of municipal restruc­ turing has finally come to a head for members of Blyth council, as they confirmed at the March 3 meeting, that it has become quite obvious “doing nothing is not an option.” Having just returned from the Good Roads Convention, Council­ lor Doug Scrimgeour said, “Coun­ cil has to start putting some effort into (a restructuring plan).” Councillors agreed that a deci­ sion had to be made as to whom to begin restructuring talks with, but most were concerned about spend­ ing the money on meetings before anyone knew what the county level of government planned to do. Though there was discussion as to whether the county would decide to have one large municipality and the smaller ones would be gone, Reeve Mason Bailey said, “ County council is made up of 26 reeves. We decide what the county does.” Bailey also told council that a meeting is planned for just those 26 representatives, without county employees, to discuss a preferred option. “We need that kind of meeting to discuss the issue more openly and freely,” he said. “What does this council prefer?” Councillor Gerald Kerr suggested amalgamating into one large municipality instead of splintering into several smaller groups while Councillor Rob Lawrie suggested county would take over anyway and possibly create a ward system. “I am more opposed to the ward system now than I was a few months ago,” said Bailey, “but we would need wardens who could take charge. It would take strong councillors.” It was also pointed out that if Huron County maintained just the county structure, county employees would have precedence over municipal employees, at a higher rate of remuneration. Bailey ques­ tioned whether there would be any money saved. After a lengthy discussion on the necessity of spending the money before the county’s position is known and with consideration given to the consequences of a county system with the administra­ tion office in Goderich, councillors agreed to have Clerk-Treasurer John Stewart make contact with several municipalities in North Huron to begin talks. Based on a sample configuration developed by Bailey, which would see the county divided into three units with approximately one-third of the total population in each sec­ tor, Stewart will make initial con­ tact with the townships of East Wawanosh, Morris, Grey, Hullett, McKillop, Tumberry and Howick, as well as Brussels and Wingham. Councillors pointed out that they would not exclude any municipali­ ty interested in discussing the issue, but that this was a starting point. Bailey said he set out the units based on things such as schools, fire departments and the connec­ tions communities now display. Thursday, March 13,1997 5 - 7 p.m., Bainton Gallery Come and join in the fun, bring a pot luck dish or just drop by to get exciting information about the 1997 season first-hand from Artistic Director Janet Amos < INSTANT FAX A AS F.A.S.T AS PHONE Send your paperwork by FAX instantly! eg. statements, contracts, auction ads, favorite recipes, obituaries, messages... The Citizen has a FAX machine in our office that lets you contact any other FAX machine in the world ... instantly Our FAX number is also your number so if you want to be reached instantly -- we will receive your messages as well. Call Us Today For Details 523-4792 or 887-9114 FAX 523-9140 or 887-9021 C itizen y a When can you catch a new Ski-Doo sled ? HELPING THE WORLD WRITE NOWBlyth Five tables of lost heir were in play at Blyth Memorial Hall on Wednesday evening, March 5. Winners were: high lady, Edythe Snell; high man, Edythe Giousher; low lady, Elaine Snell; low man, Jack Blake. Everyone is welcome again next Wednesday evening. Self-sufficiency through literacy in the developing world For information, call 1-8OO-661-2633 Euchre winners at Blyth Memorial Hall March 3 were: high lady, Joann McDonald; high man, Bernice McClinchey; ladies' lone hands, Geraldine Dale; men's lone hands, Ted East; ladies' low, Mary Shobbrook; men's low, Lawrence Plaetzer. Euchre is every Monday at 8 p.m. Society of Canada ENGINEERED FOR THE WAY YOU RIDE. BOMBARDIERBOMBARDIER ©1997., bombardier Inc., *, ,M. Trademarks and ®. Registred Trademarks of bombardier inc. and/or affiliates in the U.S. Patent and Trademark ()fficc and other countries. All rights reserved. Some restrictions apply. See participating dealer for complete details. Offer available February 15-April 30. 1997. 24 hours, for life. ¥ Medic Alert I -800-668-1507 BLYTH MEDICAL CLINIC NOW OPEN DR. JANET ZETTEL DR. DAN ROOYAKKERS Tues. 1 - 5 , Thurs. 1-5, Fri. 9-1 Call: 523-4567 for appointments New patients welcome Get to Spring Break, going on now at your partici­ pating Ski-Doo dealer and make your best deal!. But hurry! There’s limited availability on select ‘98 models and special edition sleds that are only available during Spring Break. It all ends April 30,1997. w