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Home My WebLink AboutLakeshore Advance, 2012-01-04, Page 19Wednesday, January 12, 2011 • Lakeshore Advance 3 Councillor questions county's composition Cheryl Heath OMI Agency The semantics proved to be the question for one County Councillor who s wondering why this coming term's County Council will feature more representatives than what was originally planned. In addressing the question of council's composition at the Jan. 5 session, Coun. Ben Van Diepenbeek (Ashfield Colborne Wawanosh) asked how council went from "losing" four county reps to maintaining the status quo. Initially, four county municipalities - Central I luron, 1iuron East, South I luron and North Iluron - were set to lose one county representative apiece because of a bylaw the county passed in 1999, which stipulated municipalities would appoint county representatives on the basis of one person for each 4,000 people in a municipality's given population. And, according to the somewhat controversial elector count by the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation in the municipal election, four municipalities had decreased in size. "'there seems to be some misinforma- tion, says Van Diepenbeek, acknowledg- ing while county administrators recomtnended keeping the status quo after consultation from the Ministry of Municipal Affairs, MPAC and legal counsel, there seems to be little confusion as to what constitutes 'elector.' 1 fence, council should have shrunk by four mem- bers in this term, says Van Diepenbeek. County CAO Larry Adams says the "interesting situation" involved "a lot of anxious hours," and that the experts that were consulted advised that it was best to leave the council's composition as status quo after complaints were lodged by some of the impacted municipalities. In suggesting the Municipal Act "clearly states" what an elector is, Van Diepenbeek requested that copy of the legal counsel's recommendation appear before councillors for further review at the next committee -of -the -whole session. dFsr (al% Rate 3.20 (min. dtpmtl m.} Nppl) i GRAND BEND 2384414 EXETER 235-2420 Geiser CLINTON Ag Kneale 482„3401 his. Baker tee. wiry Ind ttswmes dWi loom/ WE PAY CASH or EXCHANGE FOR NEW JEWELLERY WI WNl NT VOIR 010 001), OIAMOINI, PW11111M, CONK, AIN MUNI =RSR NO APPOINT/0NT NIICI$$A11 As it stands, says Van Diepenbeek, it is "pretty clear" there weren't enough ratepayers on some of those voters' lists required to meet the threshold for more county representation. "We need to research all of the rules," adds Van Diepenbeek. More Direction One 1luron Fast Councillor wants to see the county form a committee to investigate the issue of Low Frequency Noise (LFN) as it relates to wind -turbine projects. In asking that the planning department be directed to for) a committee to investigate the effects of LFN, Coun. Bill Siemon requests further discussion of the issue at a coming committee - of -the -whole session. Close Call Boundary Bridge 4 will soon be no more on the county high- way system but the move did not come without some debate. Bylaw No. 3-2011, which is part of a scheduled process of downloading bridges, was set before council but Coun. Bernie Maclellan (1 luron East) proved not to be a big fan. Maclellan suggested councillors "hold off" on retnoving the boundary bridge from the county system pending an agreement with the Municipality of West Perth, which shares the bridge. "We should do then) all or none;" says MacLellan, noting the county is already on the hook for close to $1 million to fix the bridge at County Road #13, outside of Clinton. In contrast, Coun. Ben Van Diepenbeek says the bridge's downloading is necessary as part of the county's overall plan. While Coun. Joe Steffler (I iuron East) argues it is an "unfair situation," given that repaired bridges are only guaranteed for 15 years while new ones would be guaranteed for 50, public works director Dave Laurie reports there are a total of 31 boundary bridges, five of which border Bruce and Huron Counties and, as such, they cannot be downloaded. "We can't download them all," adds Laurie. MacLellan launched an unsuccessful attempt to table the motion that ended in a 10 to 10 tie, while the original bylaw passed. Coyote 11sik Coun. James Ginn (Central Huron) would like to see more discussion and research about the region's exploding coyote population. Elvis in Grand Bend raises $2,450.00 for the Salvation Army. Thanks to all the following businesses for their support: 'i'rack21 (iraphix Sugar & Spice Chocolates Sandhills Gulf Course (1.B. Posh I'iiia 1)elight Forest I' oollan d Hansen's Independent Grocer New Orlean's Pitta ('tools Rental MacPherson's/(iroggs Southwest Murine !louse of Flags Doug Pedlar Realtor Sandunes General Store 3M London ('anadian Tire Exeter ('AW 1520 Battlefield Grand Bend Sobey's Bore Fence Solutions Northville Auto Mundalink ('ustom Framing ing Hayters Turkey Products W. ('arsey 'Trucking Ft/dies Mike & Terri's No Frills Home Hardware Building ('entre Shoppers Drug Mart M&M Meats Forest M&M Meats Exeter Magical Scents Midwest 'Tire ('ar Quest Forest Westland Nurseries Widder Station Golf Grandpa Jimmy's Bakery Hollandia Cookies Teresa Marie Peckitt's Mens Wear Guardian Tree Service Lambton Masonry 1)on Rivers Auto Beauty & The Beach Special thanks to the Roy Leblanc Tribute Band for a great show, also a hig Thank -you to the Grand Bend Legion for hosting this event and their donation to the Salvation Army. Jean Ross - 1)ch ('lark - John O'handley - Bob Vowel In asking for all relevant data to he for- warded to new councillors, Ginn reports receiving " a nutnber of calls" on the issue. Meanwhile, County Warden Neil Vincent reports officials from Grey, Bruce and Huron Counties will be meeting Jan. 11 in Owen Sound to further discuss the topic. County CAO Larry Adams notes that once the initial session is held, the com- mittee will open itself to representation from various groups and professionals, including 1 iuron County's animal -control officer as well as representatives from var- ious groups, like the Ontario Federation of Anglers and E Iunters. Wish List Coun. Brian Barnim (Central I iuron) is asking County Council and staff to con- sider the addition of a palliative care room to either the Huronlea or Huronview Homes for the Aged in the year to come. Paperless Pains Coun. Bernie MacLellan (Huron East) wonders whether the county can facilitate a way to allow councillors to scribble notes on their on-screen agendas now that County Councillors are working on laptops as part of the county's 'paperless' system. County Clerk Barb Wilson reports administrators are working on a way to offer up PDF formats that can accommo- date notes. Sworn In Paul Klopp, Bluewater's newly anointed Deputy Mayor, was sworn in at the January session, after being unable to attend the inaugural ceremony held during blustery weather in December. Warden's Notes I Euron County Warden Neil Vincent reports it is "gratifying" to learn that the South West Agriculture Conference is attracting record numbers of attendees this year. The data proves there is an interest and a future for agriculture in Ontario, he says. On reporting on his first few weeks as Huron County's Warden, Vincent says there are a number of projects in the works. Turn to the Page County Council welcomed Katie Talbot into its fold as the Page for January. In introducing Katie, Coun. Ben Van Diepenbeek (ACW) says the Grade 8 Colborne Central Public School student enjoys skating, swimming and playing the piano. Katie thanked councillors for the opportunity to attend the short January session, and notes it was a "great teaming experience." Let the YMCA help you with your 2011 wellness goals! ASK US ABOUT... Personal Training, providing certified trainers for motivation, education and results. Creating Balance, blending a motivational exercise program with mentorship in nutrition, eating patterns and behaviour change. For more Information call 519-786-9622 or visit www.ymcaswo.ca and click on Program Schedules. YMCA Shores Wellness Centre 7883 Amtelecom Parkway Forest