HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 1997-12-03, Page 24PAGE 24. THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 3,1997.
Old problems still there for new Blyth council
By Janice Becker
Citizen staff
Business carried on as usual at
the first meeting of the newly-elect
ed Blyth council, Dec. 1, as restruc
turing decisions were again
discussed.
After welcoming two new coun
cillors, Reeva Mason Bailey gave
an opening address at the inaugural
meeting, saying that the “next three
years will be the most challenging
ever faced by councillors.”
Whatever is decided with amal
gamation and restructuring, coun
cillors will be the ones blamed or
congratulated, said Bailey. There
will be compromises as the village
tries to work with their neighbours.
“I wish amalgamation and
restructuring would just go away,
but we know better than that.”
Bailey stressed that municipali
ties had to work in harmony and
though it is expected that all will
not agree with the decisions, the
municipalities must go forward,
without animosity, for the benefit
of ratepayers.
If councillors serve the people to
the best of their ability, they will
have accomplished their objective,
he added.
To that end, Bailey polled coun
cil for their positions on various
restructuring matters.
Informing them that Huron
County council would soon begin
co-ordinating restructuring and
amalgamation talks, Bailey asked
councillors if they believed staff
members should be involved in the
discussions, at any level.
All councillors present, Rob
Lawrie, Murray Nesbitt and Jeff
Howson, agreed with Bailey’s
“adamant” stand that staff should
not be involved because of the con
flict of interest. With restructuring,
all staff positions would be up for
reconsideration.
Accident
OPP investigated an accident in
downtown Blyth, Nov. 25.
According to a police report the
accident occurred at 2:25 p.m. at
the corner of Queen and Drum
mond Streets. Police said that a
1994 Chev driven by Tanya Eckert,
22 of Clinton was struck by a John
Scouts camp out
Continued from page 3
about wildlife, water, conservation,
the environment and compass
work.
Several 1st year Scouts attended
the B.P. Woodsman Camp near
Parkhill, in October, where they
learned skills of camping, cooking
and survival in the outdoors. They
are planning to tour the machine
shop at Wescast on Dec. 3, to enjoy
winter fun activities and to
participate in a First Aid Course.
Venturers have been working on
woodcrafts. They each built a camp
chair, and spent one evening
constructing bird feeders and
birdhouses.
At the local level, Bailey told
council that the seven North Huron
municipalities which are currently
holding restructuring talks, are
leaning towards having police ser
vices provided by the Wingham
town force.
However, there are several ques-
in Blyth
Deere tractor, driven by Murray
Siertsema, 64, of Blyth.
The tractor had minor damage,
but the Chev was severely damaged
at the front.
Eckert was taken to Clinton Pub
lic Hospital with minor injuries.
Siertsema reported no injuries.
They have participated in a game
of 'flags' against 4th Goderich
Venturers. Prior to camping at Phil
Garriock's the weekend of Nov. 28-
30 Lavern Clark was invited to
attend a meeting to talk about and
demonstrate winter camping skills.
All sections planned to
participate in a Christmas carol
sing in Blyth on Dec. 2.
Scouting activities will not be
running during the Christmas
break, when community and family
gatherings are numerous, but will
resume in January. The next
meeting of the Group Committee
will be Jan. 12, 7:30 p.m. at the
Blyth Public School.
tions still to be answered. The
major issue is the cost of OPP cov
erage in case of a serious incident
such as a standoff or murder inves
tigation.
If the communities are under
contract to the OPP as of Jan. 1,
there would be no extra charges for
those specialized services. The
municipalities want written assur
ance from the OPP that the same
policy would stand if the communi
ties chose to go with the Wingham
force, said Blyth Clerk-Treasurer
John Stewart.
L
o
We're all stocked & ready for Christmas.
We’ve got
< baking supplies
< Christmas candy
> boxed chocolates
< cards
> decorations
wrapping paper & bows
& lots of stocking
stuffers
.B/RUSSELS 887-622
ARIETY
Open 7 days a week for
your convenience
CLOSED December 25, Open Dec. 26 & Jan. 1
Bailey said any final decision on
policing is on-hold as the provin
cial government has not given writ
ten confirmation regarding what
municipalities are allowed to do or
the dollars involved.
Three local municipalities (Mor
ris, Tumberry and Ashfield) are not
currently involved in the restructur
ing talks.
CIIIMIE
!>TOPPIER5
1-800-222-TIPS
RUSSELS SANTA CLAUS PARADE HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS
Christmas in Brussels
Santa will visit with the children
at the Ark after the parade
CASH PRIZES FOR BEST PARADE ENTRIES
• Best Overall Float • Commercial Float
• Rec & Sports Clubs • Clown (Adult & Child)
• Service Clubs • Animal Entry
Parade Forms at 2:45 on Agro mart Road
Floats judged from 3:00, Dec. 6
Sponsored by the Brussels Lions Club
Thanks to all Service Clubs, Village, The Ark, Townships, Businesses,
Firemen, Helpers, Participants and Santa for their donations
Saturday, December 6
BRUSSELS LEGION BRUNCH
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
★****★★**★**★*★*★***
Thursday, December 11
HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS -
A CHRISTMAS PAGEANT AND FASHION
SHOW
at BRUSSELS LEGION
7:30 p.m.
Admission by Donation
(proceeds go to the Ark Youth Center)
Sponsored by the Brussels Businesses
********************
Sunday, December 14
TREE LIGHTING AT THE ARK
7:00 p.m.
HAY RIDES BY THE
OPTIMIST CLUB
Refreshments to follow
Announcement of Best Decorated Home &
Business
Photographer available for pictures
********************
WVQTWlQiy>
HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS CHRISTMAS
BASKET DRAW AT BRUSSELS I.G.A.
6:00 p.m.
A free draw on 2 baskets
See participating businesses for entry forms
********************
BRUSSELS LIONS CHRISTMAS RAFFLE
DRAW AT BRUSSELS I.G.A.
********************
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