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Home My WebLink AboutHuron Expositor, 2002-08-07, Page 1News Council scrambling to fill water operator position By Susan Hundartmark Expositor Staff Every day Huron East delays hiring a water and sewer operator increases the potential for a problem, an emotionally - charged Mayor Lin Steffler told council at its meeting last Tuesday. "We cannot continue to fly by the ass of our pants very much longer to put it bluntly. I just don't want to run into problems," she said. "Need I remind council why we're looking at this and what happened to put council in this direction?" she asked. Nothing further was said at the meeting to answer her question. When asked after the meeting what problems she wished to avoid, Steffler would only say no one on staff is licenced to deal with water main breaks. "The person we had on staff with a water licence is off on sick leave and I want to get that matter rectified," she said. Filling the position of a water and sewer operator at a recommended rate of $19 to $24.24 an hour was discussed by the personnel committee at its Aug. 1 meeting. At that meeting, Public Works Coordinator John Forrest advised that a full-time position was not necessary and could be handled by part-time or contract positions. While council had approved advertising to fill the position, the committee recommended that Azurix, the company that runs Huron East's water systems, be approached about doing the additional work which is not included in its present contract. Deputy Mayor Bernie MacLellan said he was disappointed Azurix hadn't yet submitted a quote for the job. "It's hard to make a decision without a quote from Azurix. I'd like to give them a chance but I don't want to hold off much later," he said. Seaforth Coun. Dick Burgess said the personnel committee thought water was an important enough issue that the position should not be filled in a rush. "We felt it was worthy of extensive discussion and that we do need a highly - qualified water person for Huron East," he said. Steffler said she recalled reading an Azurix memo indicating that the company was dedicated to sewage and waste and not interested in "getting involved with water." "Those were the comments made at the time," she said. Tuckersmith Coun. Larry McGrath questioned if Azurix has the staff to take on another contract. He added that Azurix should be consulted to find out if there is enough work for a full-time position. Seaforth Coun. Bill Teall said it would be "well worthwhile" to talk to Azurix. "Water main breaks are the only thing here that requires a licence and someone could be making $25 a hour cutting grass," he said. Clerk -Administrator Jack McLachlan said someone with a licence is needed to make sure fixing water mains is done properly. The water and sewer committee was scheduled to meet with Azurix at last night's meeting. THE HURON EXPOSITOR, August 22, 2001-3 Grand Opening! Rudy Jansen, Jason Ahrens and Vickie Jones-Aitcheson invite you to attend the grand opening of their office on: Thursday, August 23'4, 2001 2:00 p.m. to 7::00 p.m. at 34 Goderich Street East, Seaforth ON NOK 1 WO 527-2727 Rudy J. Jansen* R.J. Jansen Financial Services Inc. r1 Jason H. Ahrens' CLARICA Vickie Jones-Aitcheson' Investment and insurance solutions - Since 1870 s" Trademark of Clarica Life Insurance Company. Representing Clarica Life Insurance Company and *Clarica Investco Inc. et ready for school with great savings at these Uptown Seaforth merchants! UPTOWN SEAFORTH.., we've got what you need! ANNA'S DRESS SHOPPE OF SEAFORTH 529-0489 Welcome the eeauti/uC /o/ours Jashiorti o/ Jai E Winter. • Dresses • Jeans • Slacks • Coats • Sweaters • Skirts • PJ's Have Arrived! 40.111.1.1011110, SUMMER FASHION 0400/® CLEARANCE CONTINUES OFF ON ALL FALL ARRIVALS Get the latest styles now! 'Discount Equal to Taxes We have a store full of Back To School Savings on all of the supplies you need. GLOBAL "Triumph" Model 5995 Desk Chair • PETE'S PAPER CLIP 51 Main St., Seaforth 527-1681 ALL SUMMER FASHIONS PRICES ARE 'MARKED DOWN brizer. { /Veto qall Videit qadotieta rimitti419, Final Summer Clearance 50%-70%off L411166107411)3 FASHIONS Main St., Seaforth 527-0278 higniigh1s This season, hip is defined as not -so - subtle highlights on a cut with some attitude. It's a look guaranteed to earn second looks. Best news yet? This new image can fit right into a busy schedule Call today. Isn't it time for a change? 4410Lmi. miittrs virtu + li t Any student away at col lege/university wants to know the news from home! What better way to get it, than with a subscription from your hometown newspaper! That's why we offer special rates to students for the entire school year! SPECIAL STUDENT SUBSCRIPTION RATE— includes GST * applies to 8 month school year us out coupon below and mail or drop off at our office with your payment or phone the office 527-0240 www.mitrixbeautiful Com Address Need a new look... Colourgraphies• Highlights 59 Main St., Seaforth 527-0780 Postal Code r: