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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2005-02-24, Page 19THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2005. PAGE 19. Gaunt to be inducted into Ag. Hall of Fame Murray Gaunt of Wingham was one of five outstanding leaders selected for induction into the Ontario Agricultural Hall of Fame, June 12. To qualify for this prestigious recognition inductees must have demonstrated visionary leadership, innovation and entrepreneurship in the advancement of agriculture in Ontario. Gaunt provided a strong voice for the agriculture community in his roles of as farm news broadcaster, member of the Ontario Legislature, and agricultural commodity group leader for over 40 years. Gaunt was elected to the provincial legislature in 1962. During his 19 years there he served in a number of key leadership positions such as chair of the Ontario Liberal Caucus, chair of the $150,000 added to total cost of SHDHS science lab work By Stew Slater Special to The Citizen Almost $150,000 was added to the total cost of science lab renovations at Exeter’s South Huron District High School last year, over and above the original tendered contract. At St. Marys DCVI, meanwhile, the Avon Maitland District School Board found itself paying $51,656 more than the expected price for fire code upgrades. The two projects were highlighted in a newly-instituted report from staff of the Avon Maitland District School Board, entitled “Tender Comparison of Actual Versus Tendered Prices.” Following the presentation of the report at a regular meeting Tuesday. Feb. 8. South Huron trustee Randy Wagler led a call by trustees that the comparison become an annual event. The report included comparisons of 19 tendered projects from 2003- 04. The bills for several — particularly those involving electrical, heating, ventilation and air conditioning upgrades — were at or very near the tendered price. Others — mainly roofing projects — came in at less than the planned expenditure, if the “contingency” allowance was taken into account. On a percentage basis, the project which went the furthest above estimated cost was the relatively inexpensive repaving of a parking lot at Clinton Public School: $62,911 compared to a tendered amount of $53,788, or 17 per cent. The next two most significant cost over-runs, however, were the two largest construction projects undertaken in 2003-04, at South Huron and DCVI. Percentage-wise, they were smaller than the parking lot but, in terms of money spent, those cost over-runs were both much more expensive. In delivering the report, business superintendent Janet Baird-Jackson explained that, in both cases, the cost over-run was caused by “change orders” — post-tendering alterations in the plans, requested by either the board or the contractor. And she Three million Canadians have a hearing loss. I’m one of them. Don llarron To learn more about our medical research and public education programs and how you can help, call 1-866 HEAR YOU, toll free. \___________________ Social Development Standing and numerous as a select was Standing Committees of General Government, and Special member of committees. During this time he instrumental in enacting legislation that set the course of agriculture. He was an advocate of the Capital Grants program for farmers in the 1960s. He persuaded the Liberal Caucus to support the 1996 Milk Act that led to the establishment of the Ontario Milk Marketing Board. He used his position agricultural critic to add support to the creation of other supply management boards such as the Ontario Egg Producers’ Marketing Board and the Chicken Producers’ Marketing Board. For many years Gaunt served rural communities and agriculture as gave two main reasons why change orders might be approved: unforeseen shifts in the construction industry (such as a rapid price increase for construction materials) or a change in the “scope” of the work to be carried out. “Morally and ethically, if we open up a ceiling and see a lot of holes or perforations, then we need to be covering those with drywall so that we have the required fire separation,” Baird-Jackson said. She added such requirements aren’t always apparent when an architect, fire marshall or builder inspects a site prior to renovation. The project’s scope may also be increased due to requests from the school’s staff to carry out additional work while the building is out of commission for construction. As an example, the business superintendent pointed to the decision to paint a gymnasium following a request from DCVI staff. “It’s an enlightened approach compared to some other boards, which basically define what will happen and don’t really consult with staff at all,” Baird-Jackson said. At South Huron high school, an unforeseen requirement to remove asbestos — and the need to conduct this activity within a limited time frame — contributed to a significant increase in the amount of overtime hours paid. And when the science lab area was torn apart, it became apparent that additional support was needed for an existing beam — work that wasn’t specified in the tender. Baird-Jackson’s report concluded by listing several practices which will be' instituted to attempt to minimize cost over-runs when compared to initial tenders. These include: reducing the tender approval time from the standard 60 days to 30 days, “to minimize the impact of inflation”; give stronger emphasis to the contractor’s reputation during the tendering process; and, whenever possible, allow the work to extend beyond the traditional summer construction IHf hearing foundation Of WAiM through his vibrant and cheerful personality on CKNX radio and later on CKNX television as farm director. He was instrumental in the redevelopment of several broadcast programs and media material. He carried the agricultural message across the province, and nationally. His focus was always on people. Through his daily news, market and special reports he kept the issues of agriculture and rural communities before decision makers and in so doing was a catalyst advancing the health and well being of rural people. He left a. legacy in the industry by serving as mentor to many professionals in the agricultural medial today. As chairman of the Ontario Broiler Hatching Egg and Chick Commission Gaunt steered this period, during which contractors tend to be busier and more likely to charge overtime hours. organization from conception to maturity with competence, skill and leadership. His honest, forthright manner, sense of humour and conciliation skills guided the people and resolved the issues of the day. In 2002, at the end of his 16 years as chair, the Commission represents 106 farmers producing 208 million hatching eggs annually or 31 per cent of the National market. Gaunt has also served other agricultural producer groups such as the Beef Marketing Agency Commission in 1984 and the Ontario Federation of Agriculture's Special Task Force studying the effect of high interest rates on farm families and the role the Provincial Government should play to lessen the impact. He also wrote a history book on the first 25 years of the Ontario Broiler Hatching Egg and Chick Commission. Gaunt has served rural communities in other ways. As an agriculture diploma graduate, Class of ‘56A of the Ontario Agriculture College, Murray has acted as a volunteer fundraiser for the University of Guelph. He served as a Director and President on the Ontario Agriculture Hall of Fame Board and is a Director of Country Heritage Park. In addition he has served on boards and fundraised for the Wingham and District Hospital Foundation and several rural organizations including the Federated Women’s Institutes of Ontario, the Huron County United Way, the Wingham Lion’s Club and St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church. Gaunt has received recognition awards for his writing including twice receiving the Tom Leach Gold Award from the Canadiary Farm Writers Federation. Among his many honours Murray Gaunt was the recipient of the Queen’s Guinea at the 1995 Royal Winter Fair and was awarded Ontario’s Bicentennial Certificate of Merit in recognition of his contributions to agriculture and related activities. Gaunt is nominated by CKNX Radio - CKNX Broadcasting Ltd., the Ontario Broiler Hatching Egg & Chick Commission and the Huron East District Women’s Institute. Other inductees for 2005 are: Brian Scott Ellsworth, Mississauga; Mary Birdell Hind, Bear Line; Garnet Alvin Ralph, Richmond; and Clayton Macfie Switzer, Guelph.