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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 1999-04-14, Page 26PAGE 26. THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 14, 1999. Morris, Turnberry happy to pick up where left off By Margaret Stapleton Advance-Times Staff The townships of Morris and Turnberry have resumed amalgamation talks - more or less where they left off two months ago - with a goal of creating one municipality by Jan. I, 2000. A meeting held on Thursday night in Morris produced considerable headway on several areas as the two rural township councils appeared to find common ground. The rules of procedure were made clear right from the outset when Tumberry Councillor W. Paul Elgie asked: "Are we still going to work on our first assumption of consensus?" Morris Reeve Bert Elliott, chairperson of the meeting, replied, "This group has never changed that. There is no change on the ground rules...The meetings will be run and the issues dealt with the same way." From there, a discussion ensued around policing concerns. Both Morris and Turnberry purchase services from the Ontario Provincial Police and both have approved the cost allocation of policing services on a basis of workload and levels of servicing through a policing contract with the County of Huron. RESERVES Each township provided a listing of reserve funds within their respective WILLIAM ROBERT PHILLIPS William Robert Phillips of Brussels died tragically as a result of an industrial accident on Monday, April 5, 1999. He was in his 35th year. Bill will be sadly missed by his beloved wife Wendy and his children Scott and Robyn of Brussels. He was the beloved son of Bob and Dorothy of Calgary, AB and dear brother of Brian Phillips and his wife Ivy and Cheryl Phillips, all of Calgary. Bill was the dear son-in-law of Larry Smith and his wife Marilyn. He was a brother-in-law to Linda Knight and her husband Warren, David Smith and his wife Karen, Paula Smith and her fiance Steve Silcock, Murray Smith and his fianc£ Jennifer St. John and dear uncle to Sharen, Jenny, Curtis, Garrett, Evan and Kelsey. Bill was predeceased by his mother-in-law Elaine Smith. Born in Calgary, Bill came to Ontario in 1987 and quickly became a part of the community. Bill loved all sports, particularly playing broomball with the Blyth Bears. He was a wonderful husband, father, son, brother, a great mentor and friend. He will be missed dearly. Friends were received by the family from 2 - 4 and 7 - 9 p.m. Wednesday at the Schimanski Family Funeral Home, Brussels where the funeral service was conducted on Thursday, April 8 at 2 p.m. with Rev. Cathrine Campbell officiating. The pallbearers were Warren Knight, Brian Phillips, Pete Alexander, Ken Pennington, Kevin Pennington and Andrew McCutcheon. Interment was at Brandon Cemetery, Belgrave. As an expression of sympathy, memorial donations may be made to the Children's Wish Foundation or the Bill Phillips Trust, c/o CIBC, Brussels. municipalities, including working capital and reserves for specific projects. "I guess the question is how much (money) should be spent in each township and how much should be pooled," posed Elliott. Both townships have money earmarked for specific projects. For instance, Turnberry has set aside funds to buy-out its leased backhoe this year and a grader in two year's time. Morris too has its own commitments to specific projects. "I can't see why we can't go on the same books," said Morris Deputy Reeve Keith Johnston. Turnberrry Clerk-Treasurer Dorothy Kelly agreed. "I don't think anything needs to change, just carry on." In the end, it was agreed by consensus that each municipality would contribute $150,000 to a working capital fund and specific reserves would remain as established. LANDFILL The Morris township landfill has been mentioned as a possible site to take garbage from the county. A group of concerned citizens formed last year to oppose such a move and Elliott predicted those people will want to know what will happen to the site under amalgamation. Morris and the Village of Brussels MARGUERITE STRETTON Marguerite Stretton (nee Bryans) of Brussels passed away on Friday, April 2, 1999 at Seaforth Community Hospital. She was in her 85th year. Born in Morris Twp. in 1914, Mrs. Stretton was the daughter of the late Harvey and Alma Bryans and the loving wife of the late James Herbert Stretton. Mrs. Stretton attended school in Brussels and worked as a clerk in Wood's Dry Goods and at Stretton's and was a very active member of the ACW of St. John's Anglican Church. She will be sadly missed by her children Geraldine Bradshaw and her husband Gordon of Listowel and Frank Stretton and his wife Mary of Brussels. She was the dear sister of Phyllis Fischer of Cambridge, Myna Howard of Listowel, and Lome Bryans of Windsor. She was the cherished grandmother of 11 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. Mrs. Stretton was predeceased by her brother Russell Bryans and step-son Herb Stretton and his wife Norma. Friends were received by the family from 2 - 4 and 7 - 9 p.m. INCR I119/99 Kristyn Darling PLUS For that Special Anniversary The Ultimate Graduation Gift 160 WORLDWIDE now use the Morris site, which has an estimated 100 years of life remaining. "But we haven't heard anything from the county and that scares me," Johnston admitted. "Have you got enough room for us to join?" asked Turnberry Deputy Reeve Randy Foxton. "Your concerned citizens might get a little wild if you're taking in twice as much garbage," added Turnberry Reeve Brian McBumey. If Brussels and the Twp. of Grey amalgamate, explained Elliott, Brussels' garbage probably would go to the Grey site, leaving room in the Morris dump for Tumberry's garbage. "Our biggest concern is taking the county's garbage," Elliott added. Turnberry currently operates a transfer site that sees waste transferred outside the township. "We've been fairly happy with exporting," said McBumey, but for some Tumberry residents, he noted, the Morris landfill might be closer than the existing Tumberry site. NAME & LOGO There was unanimous approval given for a contest to find a name and logo for the new municipality. The contest will be open to residents of both townships. A mail- out this spring will provide further details and contain a questionnaire for township residents, at McBurney's suggestion. Monday at the Schimanski Family Funeral Home, Brussels. The funeral service was conducted at St. John's Anglican Church on Tuesday, April 6 at 2 p.m. Interment was at Brussels Cemetery. As an expression of sympathy, memorial donations may be made to the St. John's Church Memorial Fund. ANNIE SMITH Annie (Fyfe) Smith of Dundas, formerly Kurtzville died April 5, 1999 in her 84th year. The former Annie William was the mother of Robert Fyfe and wife Evon, George and wife Mary Lou, all of Hamilton, and David and wife Gwen of Linden. She is also survived by step-children Harry of Ethel, Bill of British Columbia, Aileen of Ethel and Gloria of Grimsby. Annie was predeceased by husbands David Fyfe and Archie Smith. Twenty-two grandchildren, several great-grandchildren also survive her. Annie is buried in Hamilton alongside her first husband. CONCLUSION At the end of what was determined to be a productive meeting, Elgie made a statement: "It is a pleasure to be here. It's a far cry from the last (amalgamation) meeting (with Wingham, East E.Wawanosh councillor has concerns Continued from page 1 Wingham Councillor Archie MacGowan, yet added he'd like to see the group begin talks in the meantime to facilitate restructuring. Wilkins-Treble agreed, stressing the fact she’d still like to see the group form and have discussions. Her motion was tabled until the group's next meeting on April 22. Wingham Deputy Reeve Ron Beecroft suggested the term 'commissioner' be changed to 'facilitator' in the motion. East Wawanosh Councillor Judith Gaunt was concerned about the results of bringing in a commissioner, explaining he would look at a county­ wide situation, which would perhaps lead to one-tier or large grouping. OPEN TO MORE GROUPS Although the group of three has officially banded together to discuss amalgamation, it is open to additional groups joining later. "You know Morris and Tumberry are going to be in the pot sometime," said MacGowan. Blyth Reeve Mason Bailey expressed his disappointment with being separated from Morris and Tumberry talks. "We don't need any more animosity," he said. EARLIER EAST WAWANOSH CONCERNS At a March 30 restructuring meeting (prior to the municipality split) Gaunt wondered fiow the rural issues of East Wawanosh would be NOTICE In regard to Ben Cowan’s obituary, there was to be spring interment in Blyth Union Cemetery. However due to a change made by his family, Mr. Cowan was buried April 9 in a Stratford cemetery. My Special Child May 1, 1999 Kiwanis Community Centre 111 Lakeside Dr., Stratford 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. An Information Fair for families of children with Special Needs featuring Dr, Graham W. Chance, FRCP, FRCPC Chairperson, Canadian Institute of Child Health Sue & Paul Syhersma, Special Needs Family "Dare to Dream," Journey of a Special Needs Family A networking opportunity for families and Child Care Professionals Come and learn about Behaviour Issues, Tax Breaks, Building a School Team & Local & Regional Services Free Admission - Lunch Provided Please register by April 23, 1999 with Janette Lyoness (519) 271-6515 Sponsored by Family Services Perth-Huron & Perth District Health Unit Wawanosh and Blyth). It s been enjoyable, constructive and valuable." "We don't need anything. We don't need consultants," Johnston noted, adding the two townships are capable of coming to an amalgamation agreement on their own. affected as part of a new group of three. The township, she explained, doesn't want to be overpowered by Wingham. "Are we simply the link in the middle?" She said ratepayers are suspicious of paying for services they won't receive. DO AWAY WITH CONSENSUS Meanwhile, the new group decided to replace the controversial consensus decision-making process with a 'majority rules’ plan. At each meeting, two representatives from each municipality will vote on decisions, with the chairperson being a tie­ breaker when needed. Alternative representatives will be available. CONCLUSION "Tonight's probably been one of the most open and easy-going meetings I've been to in a long time," said MacGowan. Others agreed the meeting had been very constructive and look forward to making further progress by meeting every two weeks. The group will continue its talks on April 22. HURON SUPERIOR MEMORIALS ESTABLISHED OVER 70 YEARS Serving Blyth and all of Huron County MICHAEL FALCONER Beattie-Falconer Funeral Homes & Tasker Chapel 153 HIGH STREET, CLINTON Bus.: 482-9441 Res.: 482-3664 Evening appointments available s 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3