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Home My WebLink AboutLakeshore Advance, 2011-04-27, Page 11wmd"kw'" County supports Healthkick Cheryl Heath Huron County is stepping up to support Healthkick. In appearing before Huron County's April 20 s mmittee-of-the-whole bssion, project spokes- woman Laura Overholt says given that grant funding runs out this August, Healthkick is hoping the county will step up to cover approximately $28,000 in rent for its Seaforth office over the next two years. Overholt reports Health - kick, which started In 2005, is designed to both attract and retain healthcare pro- fessionals as well as to offer up training opportunities that allow area residents to earn their credentials on Huron County soil. An example of one of the program's successful courses, says Overholt, is Registered Practical Nurs- ing, which saw its first crop of graduates in 2009. Other programs include Personal Support Worker and Food Service Worker certification programs. In supporting Healthkick, Coun. Deb Shewfelt (Goderich) says it makes a great deal of sense from an economic development standpoint. While county treasurer Dave Carey reports the $27.129.03 requested would not impact the budget given the funds would come from the economic development reserve, committee chair- man Joe Steffler (Huron East) took time out to note the Municipality of Huron East's Hydro grant has com- mitted more that $140,000 to Healthkick in the past few years. Councillors approved the request, which must be rat- ified by council before the money is granted. Transformer Problems A faulty transformer is likely to cost the county about $200,000 to replace. According to a report pre - ted by Social Services ministrator Dave Over- oe at Huron County's April 20 committee -of -the -whole session, the problem was detected by Hydro One officials that say the equip- ment should be replaced forthwith. The problem came to light when a switching gear problem occurred at the Huron County building in Clinton, says Overboe, who adds if a complete malfunc- tion were to occur, the county could face signifi- cant costs in the form of spoiled vaccinations and an overheated computer room that could result in the loss of information stored on site. Facilities Manager Dave Breznik notes while there is a contingency plan in place to deal with the vaccines in the event of an emergency, it would take at least 24 hours to begin to address the problem and a genera- tor would cost $2,600 per week In fuel. After some debate, coun- cillors asked for a report on possible alternatives to come before council before moving forward with replacing the transformer. Some councillors, how- ever, urged moving forward as soon as possible. "We should let them go ahead with the purchase of a transformer," says Coun. Deb Shewfelt (Goderich). "I don't want It to be like the (county) clock." Councillors also learned $215,000 had been budg- eted to replace the trans- former in 2012, and if buy- ing a new one is now necessary, the requisite funds could be taken out of reserves and paid back in two years' time. Ten Minutes, Please While reviewing the procedural bylaw for the coming year, a document that guides the county clerk and councillors on the process involved In running committee, boards, and council sessions, council- lors agreed to set a 10-rnin- tue litnit for delegations' presentations. In addressing the issue and a recent contentious presentation at a commit- tee -of -the -whole session, Coun. 13111 Dowson (Blue - water) says delegations that go over the time limit or end up representing a dif- ferent presentation than promised can put the chair- man in a predicament. "Was I out of order?" asked Dowson. While Coun. Brian Barnim (Central Huron) wondered whether there was a way to deter presen- tations involving infortna- tion presented before coun- cil In the past, Coun. Ben Van Diepenbeek (Ashfield Colborne Wawanosh) says it would be a dangerous precedent to cut delega- tions off at the door. Noting wind energy is one issue with many opin- ions and stakeholders, Van Diepenbeek says allowing more than one delegation on each side is necessary. "We've got to leave it open enough," says Van Diepenbeek. "As soon as you close the door on dele- gations, we are not doing our Job." While Councillors Patti Klopp (Bluewater) and John Grace (Goderich) echoed Van Diepenbeek's senti- ments, Coun. Neil Hinton' (ACW) says the ehnirnttut has other tools at his dis- posal, including Robert's Rules of Order, when deal- ing with delegations, Coun, Ioe Steller (Huron East) says it makes sense to allow the meeting chairman to make the call in ques- tionable situations, but Von Diepenbeek says the ulti- mate decision an which delegations appear before council must he at the par - view of elected officials, (:AO Larry Adapts says the issue at question Is to ensure councillors and county staff are prepared with the requisite informa- tion before a delegation appears before them, MAKE( Wt S H , 1111 r, I l 1 i> ee(rr1se v(►l►rer('i sire.' ('(cit'! Wait /or .Se,»re'(ltr.t•. ‘v•v'w.matee•awish.ra I -4M81`1'!'2.9.171 VOLUNTEER BOARD MEMBERS FOR TOURISM SARNIA-I.AMB'I'ON Tourism is the third largest industry w Lamhton Comity. Tourism Sarnia-l.anthton is a not-for-ptotit 'Destination Marketing Organization', and is recruiting volunteers for positions on the Board of Directors. All residents of Sar- nia-Lamhton tvho believe they would ht an asset should consider presenting their name to the Nominating ('ort► minae. We encourage applications from persons in these sectors: • Shopping & Retail • Food & Beverage, or Restaurant • Events or Attractions • Provincial Parks/Conservation Authorities • Outdoor Recreation By Wel,,luesday„luut:_bf._20.11 please submit an application detailing your experience and interest to: The Nominating Committee Tourism Sarnia-Lamhton 556 N. Christina Street Sarnia, ON N7T 5W6 For more information visit www,tourismsttrnialamhton,com or call Leona Allen at 519-336-3232 or 1-8011-265.11316. Van Diepenbeek says regardless of the scenario, some leeway is necessary given "quite often we get off topic" so some flexibility should be expected. Ultimately, councillors approved the clerk's proce- dural bylaws as presented, including the 10 -minute time limit for delegations, Seeking Cooperation Limon (;aunty is asking to have Its Jurisdiction tacked 00 to 0 pilot project designed to deal with wild- life damage to agriculture, tvith a key portion designed to expand compensation programs for livestock. While the county is seek- ing inclusion in the project, • Lakeshore Advance 11 it also expressed support for the project, aimed at Grey County, regardless of whether the province sees fit to include Huron in the study. PRISM 911 The county's Protective Response Interactive Serv- ices Management (PRISM) 911 system is growing in popularity, but it has a long tvay to go before it is deemed a success. In reporting on the most recent statistics to council- lors, EMS Chief Dave Lew says the number of people signing on to the CONTINUED > PAGE 12 Need Mortgage Money? 1,uni ,, Hrsrdenlral 1 ,\ 2 Mortgaq, $ 3.'25 Interest or Less • No upfront fees • Personal loans/mortgages • Consolidate your debts • Problem mortgage specialist Road Onto Ph 519 744.6251 lk . It 10163 11 you qualify, payments: Amt. Approx. Mo. Payment 5,000 ' 13.55 '10,000 ' 27.08 '50,000 '135.42 '100,000 '270.83 ASTRAL FUNDING INC. 1-800-387-1932 8410th Street, Hanover � OPEN SUNDAY MAY 1ST1 , P��NERY ANrIQue FLEA MARKT 1 :MOM GETS IN FLEE I ON MOTHER'S DAY! WITH THIS COUPON 519.238.8382 A' 1 1 1 www.pineryantiquefleamarket.com