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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Huron Expositor, 1997-07-09, Page 18THII HURON *XPOSITOA, July IN 1907-17 Council calls auditor to explain concerns with control of county accounts BY BLAKE PATTERSON SSP News Staff Huron County Council took the unusual step last Thursday of calling their auditor to a meeting to explain some con- cerns tie identified in his annual report. Despite only a brief mention of the audit in their agenda, several councillors brought the topic to a head in Tight of rumoured problems with the county's accounting proce- dures. Coun. Turnbe he ian McBurney of particular, se verai iden ' ed MORRISON We would like to express our sincere gratitude to all our family and friends who supported us with 'isits, flowers, goodies, calls and offers of assistance during Gary's recent surgery and our move to Kincardine Special thanks to Dr Rodney tor his excellent surgery and follow-up care and to Dr Rooyakkers and nursing statt of Seatonh Community Hospital for their care and support. To sisters Brenda and Sylvia, brothers-in-law John and John and nephew Michael Your help to get us inoved was very much appreciated. We couldrve had i better moving co any To Egmondville United Church for the lovely farewell tea and all your kind wishes The cakes were beautiful as usual Carol To Rev Cheryl - Ann for her constant support, 'encouraging words and prayers We couldn't have got through it without you We wish you well with your move and new position at Strattord Central To Jim and Brenda and Sandy and Ev for planning a 'farewell party Who would have imagined that Gary would end up in hospital We're sure it would have been great. Wed like to extend a warm welcome to all our family and friends to visit us at anytime in our new home - Love Gary, Linda. Chris and Dan 47-28xlcc by the auditor and further that those problems were in a let- ter sent from the auditor to the county administration. The audit letter, however, was not included mittee council looked as finance com- provided to y said it the adminis- tration was trying to cover something up. Coun. Bill Mickle of Exeter said the letter should have been appended to the minutes. He said he had grave con- cerns about the seeming lack of information being provided to council -- a lack of infor- mation which makes it diffi- cult to make sound decisions. 07. CARDS OF THANKS SOMERVILLE We, the family of the late Scott Archibald (Archie) Somerville wish to express heartful thanks to all of our friends, neighbors and relatives for the love and support shown at the time of our loss. Your thoughtful verbal and written expressions of sympathy, beautiful floral tributes. memorial donations, generous food items and many acts of kindness helped us a great deal through this difficult time. Special thanks are extended to Rev Van Bergen for her words of comfort, to the pallbearers. to the flower bearers, to the UCW of Cavan United Church, Winthrop and to the Box and Smith Funeral Chapel A sincere thank you also goes out to Or. Shepherd, Dr. Van Walraven, Dr. Zettel, Dr. Edwards and the tine nursing staff at Seaforth Community Hospital for their care and compassion. Your thoughtfulness and kindness will be remembered always. Archie was a loving and caring husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend. He will be greatly missed but will forever hold a special place in our hearts. - Sincerely, Cora, Joan. Lois Ann, Jane, Linda and our families 47- 28x1 Yell FORE before! CONTINUED from page 6 there will be some close calls. You must be careful about what you are doing. Do not hit the ball when there is someone in front of you even if they are off to the side. Allow the players ahead of you to get well out of your range, and remember - this may be the time when yo hit your all time longest shot. Be patient, let the group ahead enjoy their game without you hitting into them all day. If everyone did this there would be far fewer injuries on the course. Be aware of what is hap- pening around you. Even if the group ahead is out of range and the group behind is not pushing you, there may be other groups on the course that will infringe on your space a little. You may do the same to them when you slice or hook a ball onto an adja- cent fairway. Many golf courses are designed with fairways running parallel. Perhaps there are only a few trees between you and groups on other fairways. They may not be paying total attention to what is going on, so be defensive and be safe. Most people's reaction when they hit a ball at some- one is to yell, "Look out!:" The correct terminology is to yell, "Fore!" Remember to yell this when the ball begins to go in the direction of the other players to give them time to react. Yelling just before it lands among them is far too late. Yell loud. Sometimes wind, or power carts, or just chatting with friends prevents people from hearing your efforts - so make it loud! When you hear someone yell, "Fore!" immediately cover your head (and temple area) with your hands and arms and put your head down. You may not think they are yelling at you and you may be right, but why take a chance? Whatever you do - don't turn and look to see who yelled and where the ball is. It may be coming right at you. If you do get hit by a golf ball, get some ice on it imme- diately and if the injury is severe, have someone get to the clubhouse for help. Several times over the years including once this year we have had to call the ambu- lance because of a golf ball injury. Play safe and have fun. It is your responsibility to install smoke alarms on every level of your home and near sleeping areas. "Tho administration must realize we (councillors) repre- sent the tax payers of Huron County." In response to repeated requests to know the contents of the audit letter, Clerk - Administrator Lyn Murray quickly read the letter to council. Still not appeased, the council eventually made the call to auditor Eugene Bender to question him directly. Within 20 minutes, Bender arrived, the audit letter was reproduced, distributed to council and the meeting resumed. Bender responded to coun- cil's inquiries with the dry ease so expected of an accountant. His answers were calmly spoken and repeated touched on accounting funda- mentals such as the need for regular reconciliations of the books and proper, timely entries in the general ledger. The audit report was for the year ended Dec. 31, 1996 and expressed concern with a shift in responsibility for the con- trol of account balances from the county treasurer's office to department heads. Bender said the move, in theory, was positive, but warned internal control of public dollars had decreased because the departmental per - Doig in Uxbridge Continued from Page 6. of winter tournaments in that state and on the Caribbean islands." The article indicates Ian is looking forward to "putting down roots here after living a nomadic life for so many years as a golf pro - 17 to be exact." "As for his own accom- plishments on the links, he was 13th on the CPGA money list in 1985, and won the Ontario PGA tournament in 1986," the Uxbridge article continues. "He was winner of the Amstel National Championship in Bermuda from 1984 through '87, and was the leading money win- ner on the CPGA winter tour in Florida in 1994. "Ian feels the time is right to turn to instructing on a more regular basis." Local valedictorian CONTINUED' from page 13 Road Not Taken, Robert Frost gives insight into this process. "'Iwo roads diverged in a wood, and I took the one less travelled by, and that has made all the difference." It is' my wish, to all gradu- ates, that each step we take, be with god at our side and each movement forward take us one step closer to fulfill- ment and happiness. I'II miss you all. Best of luck always.' Seaforth Manor Continued from Page 7. bowling program during the past year. Our musical enter- tainment volunteers were honored at our annual volun- teer luncheon. Looking ahead to July we invite all commu- nity seniors to attend our spe- cial events: miniature horse buggy rides, Thurs July 17 2 p.m.; and our community outreach shopping trip to Goderich on Mon. July 28. For more info on these events please call Cheryl Phillips 527-0030. Health unit hotline on Huron beaches The Huron Cdunty Health Unit now has a beach water quality hotline, accessible 24 hours a day and seven days a week, by calling 482-3416 and asking for "beach water quality hotline," or by press- ing *501 (star 5-0-1) on a touch tone dial pad. The county health unit monitors and samples the water quality at 19 Lake Huron public access beaches and 15 inland river recre- ational swimming areas. A press release from the unit states: . "The hotline will provide a list of beaches that have been permanently posted with signs indicating temporary pollution with elevated levels of E. coli bacteria, generally found in animal and human wastes and used for an indi- cator for water' quality of recreational areas. E. coli bacteria may cause illness if precautions are not taken. "After a heavy rainfall or extensive wave action, histor- ically, E. coli levels are ele- vated for up to three days at those beaches posted and list- ed on the hotline. "Health risks from swim- ming in contaminated waters range from stomach aches and diarrhea and Vomiting, to infections of the skin, ear and eye." sonnei were not trained finan- cial people. The audit letter also said the result of the shift was that financial accounting reports were often incomplete and in certain instances contained misstated information. In defense of his depart- ment, County Treasurer Ken Nix admitted the finance sys- tem was changing, but stood firm on the decision to shift some of the accounting responsibilities to the depart- ment heads. "The people who work with budgets should be responsible for managing those budgets," said Nix. He said it is a common practice in many municipali- ties to give department heads budgetary responsibility, and in the case of Huron, the shift has been ongoing for several years. In response to one of Bender's recommendations, the county has already started the search for an additional accountant to be employed in the treasurer's office to over - sec the accounting functions. Province to download more roads BY BLAKE PATTERSON SSP News Staff At the July 3 meeting of Huron County Council it was announced the province intends to download an addi- tional 94.4 kilometres of road- way onto the county as of Jan. I, 1998. County Engineer Sandra Lawson made the announce- ment stating the move was the second round of highway transfers by the province. The first round of transfers was in April of this year when the provincial government gave the county responsibility for Highway 83 from Highway 21 to the Perth bor- der, Highway 84 from Highway 21 to Hensall, and Highway 87 from Highway 86 to the Wellington border. The transfer represented a 70.6 kilometer increase to the county road system. This transfer will download responsibility for Highway 4 from Clinton to the Bruce County boundary, Highway 86 from Highway 21 to the Perth County boundary, and Highway 81 from Grand Bend to the Middlesex County Boundary -- a total of 94.4 kilometres. Lawson explained that with this transfer, the county will receive a one-time uncondi- tional payment of $2,945,000. The main concern the coun- ty has with the transfer is the Jan. 1 transfer date. With the date set for the middle of the winter season, Lawson said it will be difficult "to ensure a smooth transi- tion" between the county and the Ministry of Transport who now maintain the roads. She noted that major plan- ning is needed to implement winter maintenance before Jan. 1 and the county will not receive the funding before that date. The council supported Lawson's concern and direct- ed that the Minister of Transport be sent a letter requesting the transfer be delayed until April 1, 1998. Coun. Brian McBurney of Turnberry Twp., objected to the transfer stating the move would strand the people in his municipality from the use of provincial roads. Taxpayers working for selves again As of last Wednesday, July 2, the people who live in Ontario were working for themselves again. It was "Tax Freedom Day" for Ontarians, who despite the current Conservative gov- ernment's fiscal prudence still lose more of their income to taxes than any other province, except Saskatchewan according to the Fraser Institute. From the start of the year until "Tax Freedom Day," all your family income went to cover the expenses of all lev- els of government. Provincial income tax cuts made it a bit better than last year when the tax-free day in Ontario was July 5, but a long way from 1985, when it was May 26. Income taxes (39 per cent), social security taxes such as Canada Pension Plan and Employment Insurance (18 per cent) and sales taxes (16 per cent) were the big three in terms of where Ontarians' tax dollars currently go. Residents call birds 'Pete and Willie' Warm temperatures and sunshine have been perfect for recent outdoor activities at Maplewood Manor. Barbecues on the patio have been very popular. A special barbecue party was held in honor of Ruth Duffy's retire- ment. She has worked at Maplewood for 11 years and will be greatly missed. Residents bid farewell to Rev. Cheryl Ann on her last visit for church service this month. We wish her all the best. Church services were also held with Rev. Vandermey, Rev. Hiscox and Pastor Lucas, concluding our weekly services for the sea- son. We greatly appreciate their visits and look forward to having them back in the fall. IIVlaplewoodt Manor ` A volunteer appreciation dinner was held. We are truly gratefully for all the special things they do for us. We cer- tainly couldn't do without them. Residents were anxious to see how the crops were doing so we took a drive in the country. Everything looked so green. Our "name the birds" con- test was won by Dorothy Scott who chose the names "Pete and Willie" a tribute to Maplewood's very first resi- dents. Residents enjoyed the piano music by Marion Rose and also by Bill Gibson. It's fun singing along too. They also enjoyed a won- derful afternoon at a garden party at the home of Cheryl Wilkinson. Her flowers, veg- etable garden and fish pond were beautiful. Before leav- ing for home we were treated to a delicious piece of pie. Thanks Cheryl. The residents and staff of Maplewood have enjoyed the company of the students of Mrs. Hoelscher's Seaforth Public School class and co- op students who visited each week over the past year. We wish you success in the com- ing year. Hope you all enjoy a happy and safe summer. Hullett extends agreement with HCBE At its July 1 regular meci- ing, Hullett Council extended its agreement with the Huron County Board of Education for 25 years for sharing the western section of the Hullett Township School Area Grounds as the Londesboro. Community Athletic Field. A 20 -year agreement between the partners, signed in 1977, had expired. That agreement granted the town- ship and its recreation board free use of the ball diamond on the school grounds, and for the installation of flood Hullett responsible for main- tenance and associated costs. In other matters, council carried a bylaw to regulate the erection, alteration, con- struction or demolition of various types of structures within the township. The tender for construction of the Buffinga Drainage Works was awarded to Vanbree Drainage and Bulldozing Ltd., for $86,215.25 including GST, with a specific item subject to transportation ministry approval. for drainage works submitted by owners of Lots 28, 29, 30 and 31 on Conc. 9, and part of Lots 28 and 29, Conc. 10, appointing R. J. Burnside and Associates as engineers to prepare a report. Council fur- ther directed the firm to incorporate this work with a petition submitted by owners of Lot 30 and 31, Conc. 10. Hullett Council also accept- ed a request for a repair and cleanout of the Bowes Municipal Drain for an esti- mated $5,000, as presented Council accepted by the township's drainage a petition lights and bleachers, with psuperintendent. Next community drop-in in a couple of weeks Come out and visit with your friends or make new friends at the Hensall and Area Community Drop -In. Our next drop-in will be held Thursday, July 17 at the Hensall United Church. We begin our day with foot care at 10 a.m. Please contact Marg Cole at 262-2304 if you are interested in scheduling an appointment. Lunch will be served at 12' noon. Following lunch, we will be entertained by the Fellowship Singers. Our musical enter- tainment will be followed by a speaker from Shoreline Healthco. We wrap up our day with games of cards for those who wish to stay. The cost is $4 per person. Traniportation can be provid- ed if required. Ib mike reser- Hensall by Liz Sangster 262-2715 vations contact Marg Cole at 262-2304 or Shannon Dougherty at 235-0248 by noon on Monday, July 14. this event is sponsored by Town and Country Home Support services and local volunteers. The Hensall Shuffleboard scores for June 30 are as fol- lows: 5 games -Ray Bennewies 527, Tom Williams 462, Alice Thiel 454, Doug Insley 426, Dods Hamilton 424, Theo Vandenboom 404, Dave Woodward 390, Russell Ferguson 381. Rev. Robert Peebles was the guest minister at Hensall United Church. Rev. Peebles' message was "Stirred Up". Ron Greidanus was the organist. The ushers were Michael and Ann Annen. Joanne Rowcliffe was also an usher with Cecil Pepper look- ing after the elevator. Lemonade was enjoyed on the lawn thanks to Joanne Rowcliffe and Carol Martin of the worship committee. Rev. Peebles can be reached at 235-3579 if pastoral care is needed. Please note a congre- gation meeting will be held after church on July 13. A vacation Bible school was held last week under the direction of Pat Veal. Thirty children enjoyed a program of Christian development and crafts and snacks: Thanks to everyone helping with this Pram.