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Home My WebLink AboutThe Citizen, 2001-06-13, Page 6ATTENTION Blyth Branch 420 Royal Canadian Legion Members WORK BEE JUNE 20 & 21 6:30 p.m. to ? to scrape and paint outside of Legion building Volunteer labour or monetary donations gratefully accepted. For more info call 523-9535 after 3:00 PAGE 6. THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 13, 2001. Great achievement Blyth scouting leaders Nancy Hakkers, left, and Dave Cartwright received high praise recent- ly when they were presented with Medals for Good Service awards. With applications sub- mitted by their peers, the award recipients are chosen provincially. District commissioner Teresa Moller, centre, said Hakkers and Cartwright received the merit awards because of their contributions and affects on area youth. County approves housing plan By Bonnie Gropp Citizen Staff County council at its June 7 meet- ing approved the social housing joint local transfer plan with a recommen- dation and the financial plan as pre- sented by strategist Ed Star. What is being transferred is the ownership and management of the public housing portfolio which was owned by Ontario Housing. The change to the Huron County Housing Corporation (HCHC), of which the county is sole shareholder. Discussing the three options con- sidered by the consultants Star told councillors that the best choice was to retain the HCHC. The other options were to create a housing sec- tion and contract to the private sector or have the HCHC dissolved and the county manage and administer hous- ing and non-profit housing. Because of the finances, many ten- ants' and all the decisions, Star said the first option means that an in- house team allows for the exercising of accountability. Other reasons that made the choice preferred included public understanding, service integration and a seamless transfer for the cur- rent tenant. "This will cause minimal disruption as we already have employees in place," said Star. Council, Star said, would be the County hopes for funds to continue Continued from page 1 "We could find most of them quick- ly, but 100 per cent is unlikely." Brown noted that there is a provin- cial regulation stating that a home- owner must plug off a well. "It's just not well policed." As the study was funded by the province, Bluewater Councillor Paul Klopp wondered if there was more money available now to continue the work. "We haven't sourced any funding yet," said county planner, Scott Tousaw, "but we're not giving up." decision-making body, setting policy and giving administrative direction. They would also be a board of the HCHC. The next level would be the hous- ing section, comprised of those peo- ple running the system. "They would be accountable for the administration of the public housing units managed by HCHC," said Star. Star listed the staff requirements which will include the hiring of a policy analyst for two years. Total transition costs to March 1, 2002 when the county takes total control, Star estimated at $116,000. Administrative costs, he said, would be $150,000 per year. Monies have been received from the province in the amount of $79,200; restructuring, $97,468; chargebacks, $102,000; employment entitlement fund, $137, 888 and the federal government, $312,400. Star noted some long-term contin- gencies. Mortgage renewals are done every five years. "If the interest rates go up the municipality has to pay. You will have to monitor care- fully." The condition of the housing stock and the adequacy of capital reserve funds was also noted as were the changes in income of subsidized ten- ants, unforeseen regulatory changes and the unknown costs of the Social Housing Services Corporation. "The plan includes a recommen- dation to establish reserves to meet all the above costs," said Star. With regards to supply issues, Star said the county .now has the legal power to create additional units or relocate existing ones. However, the downside is that because govern- ments have cancelled all funding to build, the county would be responsi- ble for the costs. Administrator Lynn Murray, how- ever, said that there doesn't seem to be anything prohibiting the county from relocating units and taking the subsidy dollars. John Doherty, a councillor for Qoderich, wondered if nothing would be finalized until March who would be paying for repairs until then. Star said the province had approved an operating and repair budget. "It's just basically business as usual this year. Starting 2002, you will have more say." Deb Shewfelt, a Goderich council- lor, commended Star on the report, but was concerned about liability for the county as a board of directors for a commission. Murray said the lawyer had looked at the plan and did not seem concerned, but agreed to have him prepare a report for council. Letters to the editor THE EDITOR, A group of committed Christians from the Blyth-Wingham-Clinton area, have a vision for a new congre- gation, beginning in Blyth on Sept. 16. Although 'church' has provided people with a reliable moral code (solid principles by which to live), fewer people are interested in tradi- tional church attendance. However, many people are search- ing for meaning in a society where "anything goes". Family life is erod- ing, and children are growing up with no absolute standards to help them make good decisions. This new fellowship group wants to offer an alternative for those with no church background, as well as for those who want to deepen their walk with God, through contemporary worship and challenging, authentic fellowship with like-minded Christians. The new congregation will be known as Living Water Christian Fellowship, acknowledging the life- giving supply that only Jesus can give. John 7:38 states "Whoever believes in Me, as the scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him." The following are the values upon which this congregation will be founded: • Christ-centered: At the heart of Christianity is a relationship — an intimate, loving, eternal relation- ship with the Son of God, Jesus Christ: It is He who is the founda- tion for how to live life, how to worship, pray, and reach out to neighbours in need. • Bible-believing: The Bible is the unchanging Word of God, still rele- vant for today, with moral absolutes that the Creator God wants to use to protect, instruct and give hope for all people. It is the only standard for all church matters, faith and prac- tice, and for all people to live try, • Fellowship-friendly: God created us to be social creatures — to enjoy friendships, to get together for meals, and to share hobbies and common interests. It is important for Christians to meet together in small groups for prayer, for relevant Bible study, to share in a caring environment, and then to all join together for meaning- ful worship services (including Sunday school and youth groups). No matter what age, walk of life, or background, all are welcome to thi new church fellowship. • Growth-geared: God is interested in building people. When we givd Jesus control of our lives, He come! alongside bringing personal growtl and transforming lives. Discoverint and using spiritual gifts such a! evangelism, teaching, hospitality compassion, etc. are important ele- ments in becoming the person God intends (sharing our talents and time to build others up). The lay-leadership of this new church will be a team approach, with people committed to growing in their Christian walk, firm in their Biblical convictions, living a life centered in Christ, and reaching out to others. The pastor will be an evangelical Christian with years of ministry, experience. The congregation is pur— suing an affiliation with the Evangelical Missionary Church Canada (EMCC), which offers sound Biblical doctrine and 'has member- ship standards that encourage a strong Christian walk. Various options are being consid- ered for a- weekly meeting place, keeping in mind easy accessibility for all, convenient location, and a positive modern group worship experience. The initial location will be announced prior to the official launch on Sept. 16. A warm invita- tion is extended to all. For more information, contact Harvey Snell 523-4711 or John Uyl 523-9892. Promotions Committee LWCF Deanne Snell,- Susan Howson, Ruth Uyl. Society says thanks for support THE EDITOR, The Alzheimer Society of Huron County acknowledges its volunteers and the generous support of the resi- dents of Huron County during the annual Tag Days fundraiser held May 28 to June 2. - County-wide, $4,500 was raised to help support programs and provide. Sincerely, Karla Crocker Tag Day Co-ordinator. Congregation shares vision $'41' SING JUNE 23 AT THE BLYTH LIONS' PARK Sponsored by Blyth Lions Club HORSE SHOE TOURNAMENT kiisirabon ii:00 13:00 .S13ris 311):00 p.m. KAPAOKE NIGHT 7:00 p.m. - 1:00 a.m. 18I3Q PORK CHOP SUPPER Proceeds to Blyth Arena Building Fund I „1,,, Wheel, !i.1:3- 1y3 111, , T:( ( .„,. Sky." 5.13-')(J(