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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Huron Expositor, 1994-01-19, Page 22 -THE HURON EXPOSITOR, January 19, 1994 C Community New planning fees for Seaforth Coun. Bill Teall expressed some reservations he had about the new /planning fee structure the Town of Seaforth recently adopted. "The town might be the loser in the long run if the fees are too high," said Teall, citing the high fee for subdi- vision/condominium planning. After reviewing recommendations adopted by the Huron County Council with respect to a revised planning fee structure, the Finance and General Government Commit- tee for the Town of Seaforth decided on the fees for the five different planning applications. Each fee contains sub -fees for the county, municipality and adminis- trative fees for the body who actually processes the application. A motion was passed that the application fee be set at 50 per cent of the actual costs on Jan. 1, 1994, rising to 63 per cent of the actual costs on Jan. 1, 1996 and 75 per cent on January 1, 1998. The pro- gram of actual costs will be evalu- ated every two years. The fee schedule (50 per cent) for 1994 will be as follows: Official Plan Amendments - $1,675 • Administrative ($460) • Municipal ($240) • County ($975) Rezonings - $1,000 • Administrative ($2S7) • Municipal ($342) • County ($371) Minor Variances - $510 • Administrative ($202) • Municipal ($134) • County ($174) Consents - $735 • Administrative ($65) • Municipal ($200) • County ($470) Plans of Subdivision/Condominium - $1,730 • Administrative ($213) • Municipal ($287) •.County ($1,230)_ Council Briefs Town Approves $50,000 Transfer for New PUC Digger Truck The Seaforth PUC received approval from Town Council at their January meeting to borrow $50,000 for a new digger truck. The money the PUC will borrow will come from the Water Department's reserve fund and is to be paid back to the Water Department, at rates plus interest determined by the Town of Seaforth. In addition to the loan, the PUC would defer funds from a capital project to cover the total cost of the truck. The PUC is looking into purchas- ing a new RBD truck because their existin* truck is a 1974 model, approximately 20 years old. Cer- tified Testing Systems Inc. of Kitchener recently performed tests on the truck. While it passed mech- anical, structural and acoustic emission inspections, it failed the stability test. "The truck could still be used to install poles and trans- formers but should not be used for a man -lift," said PUC Manager, Tom Phillips. That is what the truck had been used for in the past. The cost of a new cab and chas- sis, remounting the aerial device and rehosing the existing truck would cost almost as much as a new vehicle that is currently avail- able for sale by Ontario Hydro. The truck the Seaforth PUC is interested in is being offered at a reduced rate to utilities. The purchase of the new truck and the ban for it is still subject to Ontario Hydro approval. Opposition to Tobacco Control Seaforth Council endorsed a res- olution from the Committee of opposes the Tobacco Control Act (Bill 119) which prohibits the sale of tobacco in pharmacies. In discussion before endorsing the resolution, Coun. Brian Ferguson asked "I wonder if we're doing anything useful by supporting these kinds of things?" He referred to the many requests of support the Council regularly receives from groups and munici- palities across the country. "It's my opinion if you don't speak up nothing will change," said Mayor Hazel Hildebrand. "Are we doing anything useful (by supporting these resolutions)?" asked Ferguson. "That's where Council has to separate the issue. If you don't feel strongly you can receive and file it. Anything -we receive it's my job to bring to council. Sometimes it's an issue, sometimes not," said Admin- istrator Jim Crocker. "Something like this is an issue because we do have pharmacies in town," said Coun. Michael Hak. If Council doesn't take a stand on the issue, it says "we don't care," added Hak. After discussion Council endorsed the resolution. Designated Windows and Eaves Deputy Reeve, Garry Osborn, had some concerns over heritage rules governing windows and eavestroughs at designated prop- erties in Seaforth. At the Seaforth LACAC Decem- ber 20 meeting, an application for new replacement windows for 13 Church St. as submitted by Terry and Alic Short, was denied. Their interior damage as the result of a recent fire. The Shorts asked for permission to replace all of the existing win- dows with double -hung replacement windows which would have the same mutton bars as the existing windows. The Committee agreed that modern plastic replacernent windows would not be in keeping with the original character and design of the house, and that every effort should be made on the part of the owner to rebuild the existing windows if they are original to the building, or to duplicate the original windows in style and material, according to the minutes of the December 21 Seaforth LACAC meeting. At the same meeting, an applica- tion from E. & S. Developments at 31 Goderich St. West was approved to alter a designated property by installing new eavestroughing and downpipes. "The Ministry is very adamant about the importance of keeping water off of heritage prop- erties as water can be very damag- ing to a building. Hence, although most eavestroughing and downpipes are not original to century old buildings, their installation is encouraged," read the minutes of the December LACAC meeting. The committee approved the application for the installation of eavestroughing and downpipes although they "are not historically c t, they are necessary to pre- sethe character and integrity of the house." Osborn asked why eavestroughs were not under the same regulations as windows. "Eavestroughs were different back then...we should stick Independent Pharmacists which house sustained considerable to the regulations too," he said. a. Card party enjoyable Those Murray brothers held another "hum Binger" of a card party to start off the New Year, on Jan. 2, 1994! The trimmings, the juice, the nuts and a beautiful, New Year's Dinner were enjoyed by all six brothers. Oh, by the way, the party was held at Brother Jerome's place in Logan township. Also, Jerome won in his own house, along with second oldest Brother Jeremiah, and fourth oldest Brother Cyril. Brothers Joe, Ron and Arthur lost this time, but enjoyed the get- together. Happy New Year to you all! Art and Cindy Larivee (Dublin General Store owners) have a beau- tiful new skating rink on their prop- erty. Anyone interested, the skating time is Sat. and Sun. (1-4 p.m.) and all seven days (7-9 p.m.). The rink can be rented also (345-2426). Also, during the storm last week- end, a special thank you to the Tom Hunt family and Peter Vandervliet who took in stranded travellers for the night. Well, the K. of C. euchre party was held in St. Columban last Wednesday. It's always a lot of fun! (I know from experience) Get your calendar out and circle Jan. 26 as the next party! If you need a ride, phone Dorothy (345-2883). Dublin by Dorothy Dillon }345-2883 Joe Eckert enjoyed visits from Brett Bailey and Louise Ryan, C''ambridge, and Cecilia Ryan, St. Columban and -Stephen Eckert, Seaforth. Well, congratulations to Dave and Faye Murray, Brucefield, on the safe arrival of a darling baby girl (Shannon)! Also, heartiest congratu- lations to happy Grandparents Ronald and Theresa Murray, Dublin, and Ken and Doris Carnochan, Brucefield. Great Grandparents George and Yvonne Ducharme, Mitchell. Also, heartiest congratulations To Charles (Chuck) and Carol Anne Regele, on arrival of a darling baby boy (Alexander Charles)! Brian and Chris are thrilled to have a new brother! Proud grandparents are Luella Regele, and Ken and Anne Williamson. THOUGHT FOR TODAY 'When someone says, "I don't wish to appear critical", it means they're going to let you have it.' Crossing changes not a high priority for railway The Goderich-Exeter Railway Company has not been "ordered" to upgrade their signals, according to a leuer in response to the Town of Seaforth's request for more infor- mation on in -town signals. "Transport Canada does not have jurisdiction to order us. The Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) has con- tracted with Transport Canada to make inspections of our operations and to make recommendations," wrote Arlene E. Parker, General Manager of Goderich-Exeter Rail- way Co. Ltd. Transport Canada made some recommendations to the OMB to which Parker responded: 1. That in the event of failure of existing relays, they be replaced with updated versions. Goderich- Exeter Railway agreed with this. 2. That the crossing circuits be shortened. Many of the crossing circuits were installed between 20 and 30 years ago, when track speed was up to 50 m.p.h. "We operate at a maximum of 30 m.p.h. This Future of library In anticipation of special capital funding grant programs, the Finance and General Government for the Town of Seaforth directed Adminis- trator Jim Crocker to proceed with a public meeting on the future of the Seaforth Library. The recommcndatk �iban alterna- tives from a recent fe ihty study on the Scaforth Library will be presented at the upcoming public meeting. means that the signals are activated for a longer period of time," reports Parker. "Transport Canada did not say our systems were unsafe, simply that they are outdated. Actually, the systems work very well, with few failures." Parker disagrees with Transport Canada's recommendation that all the circuits be shortened within one year. "My position is that CN opera t this way for well over 20 years, no such recommendations were made. I reasoned that...we could embark on a long term upgrading program to be completed over many years, not one year." She reports the costs associated with a one-year project "are enor- mous." The project requires re- wiring the circuits and relocating all the signal boxes. "We are not talking only about Scaforth - the one-year time limit applied to all the systems on the entire railroad" AMO saved Seaforth thousands The Town of Seaforth will make a $100 Contribution to the Associ- ation of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) to offset the' costs of their efforts in fighting the Social Con- ' tract. The Association reported that Seaforth saved $20,509 through the efforts of AMO. Home owners might soon be able to add apartments to houses Single family home owners in Seaforth may soon be able to create apartments in their houses for extra income. The Ontario NDP government has gave first reading to Bill 120 in November, which amends statutes concerning residential property. One of the elements of the Residents' Rights or 'granny flat' Bill is the right to create apartments in single- family homes that would potentially create thousands of units of affordable housing province -wide. Seaforth, along with other Ontario municipalities, was asked to give input on the bill when it was first raised last year. But their concerns "fell on deaf ears," said Town Administrator Jim Crocker, as it looks like Bill 120 will be passed soon with virtually no changes to it. Seaforth had concerns about the load on services, changing traffic patterns, etc. As well, the provincial bill would over -ride any single family residential zoning the Town of Seaforth previously might have had in place. "It would take that restriction away from the munici- pality," said Crocker. "Now any- body can have a second apartment in their house." Crocker supports the 'granny flat' portion of Bill 120 which would allow the elderly to live close to their families. But as most other provincial legislation of late, "we'll learn to adapt," said the Town Administrator. According to the London Free Press some potential problems the City of London fids with the Bill 120 are: • Single-family zoning, enshrined in most city plans, would cease to exist. • Parking problems would be cre- ated in housing complexes that already have higher densities. • More homes would be bought by absentee landlords for their rental - potential. • Some cities such as Loudon have already taken steps to ensure a good supply of affordable housing and have high vacancy rates in existing apartments. • Municipalities are worried they would have to shoulder most of the costs of ensuring granny flats are used as such and to ensure all guidelines are followed. • It will be difficult to inspect sus- pected substandard housing because search warrants will be required. Major elements of NDP's Bill 120 • Homeowners will have the right to create an apartment in their house, as long as reasonable standards are met. This will increase the supply of affordable housing, and will facilitate home ownership. • Municipalities will have new legal authority to help them approve the creation of garden suites by homeowners. • Municipalities will, have an improved ability to enforce reasonable standards of health and safety. • Tenants in existing illegal apartments in houses will have an improved ability to exercise their rights to a safe and secure unit. • The tenants of care homes will be protected under the Landlord and Tenant Act, which provide them with security of tenure and privacy rights. • The tenants of care homes will be protected under the Rent Control Act, which will control the amount they pay for accommodation. • The tenants of care homes will be protected ur>Oer the Rental Housing Protection Act, which will prevent the conversion or demolition of a care home without the approval of the municipality. • The operators of care homes will be required to register their rents and care charges with the proncial Rent Registry. Rules change for trips After concern was raised about the cost and purpose of two mem- bers of Seaforth Council attending the Good Roads Conference, the Finance and General Government Committee came up with a set of guidelines and rules for the attend- ance at conferences and conven- tions. Following a lengthy discussion the committee recommended the Municipal Policy Manual be amended to include the following policy: • A maximum of two members of Council will be permitted to attend a conference provided there are sufficient concurrent workshops for two persons. • Each member of Council attend- ing a conference shall submit a written report to Council outlining the events, workshops and meetings attended and detach the benefit gaud at each workshop and any ideas that can be put to use by Seaforth Council. • Per diem rates will only be paid if a scheduled meeting is attended. • While it is not mandatory, mem- bers are encouraged to share rooms whenever possible. • Members of Council are encour- aged to alternate by sending differ- ent persons to conventions, (Made from the eye) PORK SCHNITZEL 3■59.. Fresh HAM STEAKS 1.991.. Fresh HAM ROASTS 2■89L6. STEAK SALMON 5.99.. Deli Sliced - Clearview ROLL 4■39t-B. OCEAN PERCH 4■6Ot-B. Schneiders BLUE RIBBON BOLOGNA Medium or Mild GOUDA CHEESE5.49L6. SEAFORTH GROCERY 23 Main St. S. 527-2044 RED ROSE Pepsi Products TEA BAGS 750 ml New! 252 GM 80's Bottle Pepsi Max 289 • Reg. or Diet Only 9 c� of 24-355 mi Case 6.99 via 15tr.tft:o. I Hick's • SAVE 1 PICKLES .50 1.99 I L. ASSTD. Additional Quantities 2.49 limit no item pct coupon per eusionw Ec.irn 2210If94 PAMPA/19 SWANSON TV DINNERS .09 300 GM -326 GM Kraft -5000M • SAVE CHEEZ WHIZ .4° Reg.. Light, Mexican Additional Quantities 3.79 • 9 limit n•c tta.m per coupon pr moon -1,3 'res 22,r11/94 MFR17011i • Kraft — 227 GM • SAVE PHILLY DIPS .50 DTII & Onion Additional Quantities 1.99 • 9 Willi MC ik,111 cats awpon per cu.umcr ru 22d11N4 MFR/7027 We take phone orders to serve you better! Free Delivery in Egmondville & Seaforth We Rcscnve the right to limit quantities to normal family requirements. 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