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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2006-07-13, Page 32billing debts remedies to collect monies owing but several councillors expressed the opinion that as long as the process is moving forward, court action should be avoided. Huron East councillor Bernie MacLellan, however, suggested the county propose use of an arbitrator in dealing with other counties that owe money. If the counties agreed they actually owe the money, an arbitrator is not going to say they can wait until someone eW.e pays them, he said. Councillors decided instead that charging interest will encourage other municipalities to solve the problem faster. CA H SAVI GS ge"...er ""ii$0.74,016, ON $4.00 THURSDAYS Drop into either of our offices any Thursday with your word classified (maximum 20 words) and pay only $4.00 + GST (paid in advance). That's S1.00 off regular rates. The Citizen APPLE COOKBOOK 160 pages of recipes using apples in everything from breads to drinks and snacks to salads to cakes, pies and desserts plus a listing of apple varieties and their characteristics. $16.95 GIFT OF WINGS: An Aerial Celebration of Canada Canada is seen from a whole different perspective in this beautiful photo book by Carl E. Hiebert. Hiebert crossed the country in an ultralight aircraft taking photos from above. $49.99 50 UNUSUAL THINGS TO SEE IN ONTARIO Ron Brown of the "Ghost Towns" series highlights unusual things to see across the province. Local entries include Cabot Heat on the Bruce, Greenock Swamp and Clinton's School on Wheels. $17.95 BLAME IT ON THE WEATHER: Strange Weather Facts Environment Canada weather expert Dave Phillips tells unusual and intriguing stories related to weather, like the Yukon man who heard the noise of his frozen breath tinkling to earth. $24.95 BIG IDEAS FOR GROWING YOUR SMALL BUSINESS More than 300 pages of information and ideas to help small business owners build profit and manage growth from finding good help to finding more customers. $24.95 HOME SAUSAGE MAKING: How-to techniques and recipes for making 100 different sausages at home, from fresh to cured, pork, beef, chicken, even game. More than 280 pages of recipes and tips. $27.95 Drop by and see our great selection of books 519-887-9114 PAGE 32. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, JULY 13, 2006. Historic Ball's Bridge may never be re-opened new bridge 1'.5 km. south of Balls Bridge on a new highway link that is now known as County Rd. 15. Talk of the demolition of the bridge raised anger among Ball's Bridge supporters and after the protest, county council approved keeping the bridge open at its existing standard for a minimum of 10 years, except if it was damaged or removed by natural causes, with the future of the bridge to be considered again at the end of 10 years. In 1988 the new bridge was opened .and Ball's Bridge is used only for local traffic and fcir daytrippers who want to view the bridge and the scenic Little Lakes area. Pletch explained that residents of the road have an alternate route, although he admitted that adjacent landowners want the bridge to remain open. The bridge is not Committee, which included a recommendation that health units be amalgamated in order to achieve "critical mass". The board, explained Penny Nelligan, director of the Huron County Health Unit, felt amalgamation was not going to improve service to county residents. It did, however, agree that co- operation with other health units in collecting data would provide a bigger data base which would be more helpful. Goderich councillor Deb Shewfelt agreed with Morley's position not to attend a meeting if amalgamation was on the agenda. "You will -be perceived as agreeing with amalgamation if you go to an amalgamation meeting," he said. Shewfelt said with the Local Health Integration Networks already disrupting the health care system "It's just a bad time to be talking about amalgamation (of health units)." Bluewater councillor Paul Klopp noted that George Smitherman, provincial health minister, had made it clear that the Capacity Review County will charge interest By Keith Roulson Citizen publisher Historic Ball's Bridge, closed to traffic since April 18, may never reopen. Huron County councillors at their July 6 meeting, voted to extend the temporary closure of the 1885 iron bridge into 2007. But on hearing that it would cost $100,000 to $150,000 in immediate repairs and perhaps another $100,000 to $150,000 in further repairs in the next two to five years, several councillors made it plain they didn't feel the money should be spent. County engineer Don Pletch told council that the bridge was county property because it was a boundary bridge between the former municipalities of Hullett, Colborne and Goderich Twps. In 1986 the county approved the building of a By Keith Roulson Citizen publisher Huron County will gladly meet with its neighbours to discuss co- operation among health units but not if the agenda includes talk of ainalgamation. That was the response of warden Rob Morley and board 'of health chair Neil Rintoul following an invitation from Stratford- Perth board of health to meet with their board, Oxford and possibly the Grey-Bruce board of health. "If they want a meeting, show me the agenda," said Morley. "If r' like the agenda, we'll be there." But board of health member and Central Huron councillor John Bezaire was in favour of taking part:. in the meeting no matter what was on the agenda. don't think that any time it hurts to sit around a table," he ..said. "As long -as they understand our position (against amalgamation) going in, I don't see the harm." Huron's board of health had met May 9 to discuss the final report of the provincial Capacity Review on cross-border By Keith Roulson Citizen publisher Neighbouring counties which have not paid amounts owed to Huron County for ambulance calls in their jurisdictions will be charged interest on the overdue amounts. Huron County councillors made the decision at their July 6 meeting in an effort to keep the process moving toward a conclusion of the problem which has stretched on for years. Treasurer David Carey told council that after a meeting with Grey and Bruce Counties over the issue, Bruce expects to have to pay interest on the $189,000 it owes Huron. David Lew, manager of the county's ambulance service, explained Bruce seems on board with Huron's thought process over the cross-border issue but Grey is trying to negotiate with Simcoe and Dufferin Counties. Simcoe isn't ready to pay Grey until it is paid by Toronto for cross-border calls. Huron County has a motion dating back to last year to use legal necessary to the county roads system, he said. Noting the tourism potential of the bridge, Central Huron councillor Bert Dykstra said he would support finding a way to keep the bridge open. If local farmers could be prevented taking heavy loads of grain over the bridge it might last longer, he said. But Ken Oke, South Huron councillor, was opposed to•spending more money. "The courieil of the day (20 years ago), didn't have the nerve to close the old bridge," he said. "I don't think we should be spending money on a bridge we replaced." Bluewater councillor Paul Klopp noted that at one time maintaining the old West Montrose covered bridge probably seemed a waste of money but now it is a major tourist attraction. He agreed that spending Committee was just a committee's recommendation and not government policy. Nelligan agreed, noting that in a check of the Hansard minutes of the legislature Smitherman had made it clear that a review of mandatory services provided through health units would be conducted first before amalgamation would be considered. roads department money on the repairs. repairs didn't make sense but Councillors made no final wondered if a' Trillium Foundation decision on the future of the grant might help fund the needed bridge. Budding artist Blyth's colouring contest Saturday morning was a great hit with young and old alike. Many of the Campvention members joined local children in creating works of art on the downtown sidewalks. (Carol Burns photo) County not interested in health unit amalgamation