HomeMy WebLinkAboutLakeshore Advance, 2013-06-26, Page 3WednesdaY, June, 26, 13 • Lakeshore Advance 3
Capital costs a hurdle for Research
Thedford's library repairs collecting info for
Lynda HIIIman-Rapley
Lakeshore Advance
At the lune 6, meeting Council requested that staff bring
forward information regarding the condition of the former
'ihedford Library building to determine its suitability for rent-
ing. 'Ibis is the location this council originally hoped to be
the new municipal hall but found the costs and updates were
too prohibitive to the needs at the time.
Brent Kintner, director of Community Services reported to
council A structure and condition review was completed in
March 2012 by Spriet and Associates to determine the suita-
bility of using the building for a permanent Council Cham-
bers. 'lhe report provided by Spriet did not find any critical
Claw in the structure of the building that would prevent Occu-
pancy, hut did )hake the recommendations for immediate
work should the municipality wish to use the building. 'These
include re -pointing stone masonry foundation walls; con-
structing a fire separation for the building furnace via a fire
rated mechanical room; and enclosing and improving access
stairwells to the second floor should that floor need to be
used.
Kittnner said it should he noted however, that additional
tvork will he required to the building in the future for regular
capital upkeep.
During the onsite meeting with Spriet there were several
building deficiencies that were noted its in need of repair in
New CAO for
Lambton Shores
Lakeshore Advance
Mayor Bill Weber and the Council of the Munici-
pality of Lambton Shores are pleaseti,to announce
the appointment of Mr, Kevin Williams to the position
of Chief Administrative Officer for the Municipality,
effective August 1, 2013.
Lambton Shores former CAO John Byrne was let go
in a mutual agreement with financial compensation
last November. Consultant Nigel Aellchaniber was
hired to aid in the hiring of a new CAO with treasurer
Janet Ferguson taking the reigns on an interim basis
since then.
An experienced administrative leader, he comes to
Lambton Sliores from the City of Kawartha Lakes
where he has served for ten years as Director of Com-
munity Services, a portfolio that includes recreation,
parks, corporate facilities, customer service, libraries
and frequent responsibility for general corporate ini-
tiatives such as labour negotiations. His career also
Includes management experience with the Cities of
Oshawa and Port Coqultlam H.C.
Mr. Williams was chosen by Council following a
comprehensive search process conducted by a Selec-
tion Committee made of Mayor Weber, Deputy Mayor
Davis-Dagg and Councillor Underwood. "We inter-
viewed a number of talented candidates who had
expressed an interest In our community and we are
pleased to be able to attract someone of Kevin's expe-
rience and talents to serve Lambton Shores", said
Mayor Weber.
Williams has stated that ".l look forward to meeting
the staff of Lambton Shores In the very near future
and working with them to advance the goals of Coun-
cil in our service to the Community".
the next five years. These include a further inspection of the1
aro u r i n 'ie s
building roof to determine if itis in need of replacement; fit-
ting the rear of the building with sheet steel cladding as a
weather barrier; and filling in the roll -up door that is cur-
rently in a state of disrepair.
Kintner explained in its present condition, the second floor
of the building could not be used as a location that is open for
the public because it is not accessible.
Spriet indicated during the site meeting that they do not
recommend inviting the public into this area as the major
hurdle in this case is the capital costs required to make the
area accessible. 1 le also told council in its present condition
the structure of the former library building does not present a
"non-starter" should the municipality wish to rent the loca-
tion, but it is recommended that the immediate work be
completed before the building is occupied. Kittmer said if
council wants to rent the building, Council will need to
decide if the municipality will complete this repair work, or
make completion of this work part of any future rental agree-
ment that is signed.
hl addition to renting the building, Council could consider
declaring the property surplus and disposing of the asset.
Another option that Council could consider is demolishing
the current structure and selling the property as a vacant lot.
Kittnler says staff is asking council for the preferred
approach. Once decided staff can return with an additional
report outlining the costs Of the preferred process if so
directed by Council. Councilor Doug Bonesteel asked that
this item be deferred until the next meeting.
itiati
From Coast to Coast to Coast,
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CANADA DAY!
BEV !
SHIPLEY, MP
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Lakeshore Advance
A research te'anl is collecting information on the existing
skills, training and education of the labour force, attitudes of
future labour pool, and assessment of the future demand for
skills in the counties of Bruce, Grey, 1 luron and Perth.
This new initiative, to ('lose the gap between workers' skills
and workforce needs, by the Four County Labour Market
Planning Board and its partners will help identify labour pool
gaps critical to the sustainability and growth of existing and
future employers.
1 carry Cummings and Associates. assisted by students from
the School of Environmental Design and Rural Development
at the University of Guelph, is conducting the 'Four County
Skills Inventory' study. 'they will he collecting information,
via telephone interviews, on the existing skills, training and
education of the labour force, attitudes of future labour pool,
and assessment of the future demand for skills.'ihe project
will provide a foundation piece for skills development to an
array of stakeholders.
"A skills crisis is looming on the horizon. Employers across
Bruce, (grey, Huron, and Perth nerd highly skilled workers,"
says Cummings. "The key is helping students and adults
choose education and training and work that serve both their
needs and those of the evolving tvorkforce. Labour market
and career information is t0 students a11(1 job seekers what
market research data is to business invaluable!.'
"Worker's need to he able to follow occupational trends,
know where job growth or decline is likely to happen and
position themselves to adjust to the trends," Says (;e'Intna
Mendez Smith.
'The time you take to contribute will ultirmawly benefit both
you and your neighbors in charting a positive course for the
future.
Foundt oI London s
air f lin Salon
Designs
.•
Willy has
welcomed
his daughter
Amy into the
business.
Her excellent
training'
has proven
st iccessful.