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HomeMy WebLinkAboutTimes-Advocate, 1981-04-08, Page 21AND THEY'RE OFF — Children at Grand Bend nursery school race across the yard, after teachers took them outside to play in yard in front of the United Church. Staff photo Lengthy debate • • Times -Advocate, April 8, 1981 Knapps still seek zoning cha No decision has yet been reached in the re -zoning of property owned by E.G. and J. Knapp adjacent to their amusement park. Knapp's representatives John Brock and Toby Tyler have been attending planning board and council meetings since January, requesting that two lots behind their amusement park be changed from residential to special com- mercial to. allow for the ex- pansion of their park. The request has been turn- ed down twice by the village planning board. After the first rejection the village council returned the request to the planning baord for further consideration. The matter has been now referred back t'o council. At Monday night's meeting of Grand Bend council Knapp. Brock and Tyler once again brought in blue prints and a scale model of their plans. Brock outlined their requests for council. He said that the four buildings in the amusement park had reached "economic obsolescence", and they will be replaced by one large air conditioned enclosed building. To make such an renovation economically feasible, Brock said that they would have to expand their park to allow for more and bigger rides. He requested that two lots behind the park, now vacant and owned by Knapps, be re- zoned form residential to limited commercial to allow for a "Kiddy City". He also asked that part of Gibbs Hear complaints on sewer bills Billing for the new sewage system has already resulted in several complaints from taxpayers in Grand Bend. At Monday night's council meeting requests for clarification or changes in the sewer billing were heard. Van Laughton attended the meeting to 'discuss his property at the corner of Main Street and Morenz Lane. Laughton said that he had been billed on the entire frontage of property, and he wanted to point out that they were two separate parcels of land. He said that he should only have to pay for the 24 foot frontage on the property where his former law office is located. Laughton said that the other piece of property was on the river bank, there would never be a building Located on it, and therefore no sewer connection was needed. Council decided to review Laughton's situation and make a decision at their next meeting. Written sewer complaints from Robert May and Harold Klopp were found to be correct, and the adjustments made. Complaints in the billing were also received in writing from Lawrence Johnson, Carol Spence and George Kadlecik. In connection with the sewer work, council discussed the re -paving of 81 Crescent and Gill Road. Harold Green reported that while the construction company is required to restore the streets to the condition they were in before the sewer installation, they felt that some additlonal work was required. Green said that he had been advised that the Ministry of Transportation and Communication were recommending 12 inch storm sewers for 81 Crescent which would cost about 17,500. In addition 14,000 would be needed for heads and in- sulation, 110,000 for asphalt, 12,400 for grading, 16,000 for curbs and gutters, and $6,000 for engineering. This would be a total of 136,000, and the construction company would subtract the 15,000 that It would have cost to restore the road. An additional $4,000 inspection fee would be charged, bringing the total to 135,000. "That's an awful lot of money to get rid of that water problem," councillor Keith Crawford replied. It was decided that the question would be referred to the budget deliberation, and discussed at the next sewer liaison meeting. In other business: Council voted to petition the Ministry of Revenue to authorize the Lambton County Assessment office to proceed with the second phase of the tax impact study. Assessment com- missioner Robert Riddell attended the meeting to discuss the study which will look into tax changes. Reeve Robert Sharen told SPRING HOURS Daily 10-5 Sun. 1-5 CLOSED WEDNESDAYS Spring/ Summer '81 1S HERE and the Sun Shop is open with the latest assortment of Spring and Summer Casual Wear to get your season off to a great start. Need Swimwear? We have the largest selection of swimwear in the area. the sun ahoe° 83 MAIN ST GRAND BEND 238-2511 1 i Grand Bend DECORATING CENTPF=. YOUR FLOOR .COVERING SPECIALISTS Hwy. 21 Grand Bend 238-8603 council that the fire com- mittee had received a letter from the firemen requesting a joint meeting. Sharen said that the committee, con- sisting of himself, Allen Walper of Stephen and Bill Lindsey of Bceanquet, will meet with the firemen when they are provided with a list of concerns, Sharen also said that he had been looking into costs of expanding the present firehall or building a new firehall. He said that they will hire a consulting firm to come up with some plans. Council agreed to an ad- ditional 11500 on the price of the land purchased for the new cemetery. The cost will be shared equally by Grand Bend, Stephen and Bosanquet. The price In- crease resulted when the seller, Lee Jennison agreed to give up a right-of-way over the property. Council received a letter from the Rice Group, developers of Grand Cove Estates, asking about sewer rates. Council decided that the Cove area should be charged double for sewer installation because they are not part of the village, and TC.4 N s9K .fO OYYY..e.''t!' l r ;:j 36WUhjlps " Mary's musings BY MARY ALDERSON It appears as if Sarnia tax- payers and trustees are now viewing the school closing issue as a city versus county battle. Sarnia-ites feel they are hard done by, because two more of their schools are slated to be closed down, while no county schoolshave yet been closed. One trustee has even suggested that the county is getting preferential treat- ment over the city. To Grand Bend residents, the idea is inconceivable. Since the creation of county boards in the late 60's, Grand Bend has been a dis- tant out -post. If any schools have preferential treatment it seems to be city schools, from Grand Bend's point of view. The city trustees on the board of education are out- numbered by the county trustees, and apparently, some of them feel they are being pushed around. The board voted at their last meeting to close Lochiel and Woodland schools, while a study committee recommended that Kin- naird, Bosanquet and Grand Bend schools remain open. The voting on these north county schools will take place at their next meeting April 13. One city trustee even went so far as to insinuate that because city residents are paying higher taxes, they are subsidizing the county schools. Well, I'd like to remind them about their vandalism problem in the city. City schools are repeatedly van- dalized and the damage is extensive. • Hanna Memorial School in Sarnia for exam - pie, has been plagued by break-ins and the destruc- tion is horrendous. In the meantime, van- dalism is non-existent at Grand Bend, Bosanquet and Kinnaird schools. We in the county resent paying our education taxes to cover such a senseless and stupid expense. Also, the city trustees who want to make this a city against county fight should be reminded that the north of Lambton has already lost two schools. Schools were closed in both the villages of Thedford and Arkona, and no one suggested that the city should close down an equal number of schools at that time. But it is ridiculous to try to compare a city and a county school. While there is money to be saved by closing down Woodland and Lochiel schools, our study com- mittee was unable to pin- point any actual savings by closing down either Kinnaird or Grand Bend school. Costs for more bussing, the ex- pense of maintaining the empty building, and wages for keeping the staff busy elsewhere would almost out- weigh any savings, it would appear. With the closing of Lochiel and Woodland schools, no children will have to be buss- ed. In fact, no child will walk more than .6 of a mile. However, if Grand Bend or Kinnaird schools are closed, it would mean hour long bus rides for some children. And if Grand Bend is closed, at least 70 children who are now walking to school would have to be bussed. The closing of a city school would not create the loss that would be created by the closing of a school in a village or rural community. As has been said so many times, if Grand Bend school closes, the village loses a very active community cen- tre, not to mention library. In the Kinnaird area that is even more true, for the school is the only thing holding their community together. The trustees who are look- ing only at the dollars and cents of school closing are attempting to run the educational system as a business. They must be reminded that children are not just a product to be packaged and boxed. Nor should the trustees divide city against county in a silly "one for you one for me" game. Comparing city and rural school doesn't work. It's very disturbing to see an issue as important as school closings dragged down to a trustee's political toy. The education of very real children is at stake, and it seems to have been forgotten. WATERFRONT CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE LTD. • DOCKS • SEAWALLS • GROYNES • DREDGING • DOCK BUILDERS sr> SPECIALIZING IN MARINE CONTRUCTION FREE ESTIMATES P.O. Box 1595 PETROLIA, ONTARIO 8820937 their taxes have not gone towards sewer installation. "If they want regular rates, maybe that's a subtle way of saying they want to join the village," councillor Keith Crawford responded. Council confirmed that they would be donating 8250 towards the construction of a cairn for the Eric Mcllroy memorial. The hiring of Scott Flear, Bill Vandenbygaart and Michael Miller for the summer works staff was approved. Councillor Dennis Snider reported that the dock- master "resigned before he was hired". At their last meeting, council accepted the application of Tom Micks, however, he declined before the job started. They are now seeking another dockmaster. Snider reported that work on rebuilding the docks will begin Monday, and the work on the new washrooms and showers in the parking lot behind the village hall is nearly complete. Council voted to endorse a petition from West Nissouri township encouraging the provincial and federal governments to put natural gas pipelines throughout southwestern Ontario. Council authorized the purchase of second adding machines for the village office. Council gave their support to the "Thankful tankful" campaign, whereby Esso will give two cents per litre of gasoline sold on Saturday to the Easter Seal fund. Harold Green asked that everyone "fill -up" Lane be closed, and that Knapps be given relief from having to provide the 38 parking spaces called for in the village's bylaw. Brock then listed the com- plaints that had been receiv- ed from near -by residents in Gibbs Park. He said that noise was the concern of the residents, but said that it would no longer be a problem because the new building would be enclosed, not open air, as theold ones had been. He said that any loud speakers would be fac- ing out onto Main Street. He noted that they would be putting a Kiddy City in to the area next to the residen- tial areas, because it is the quietest section of the park. This area would be closed down at 9:30 on weekdays, and 10:30 weekends, he said. Brock said that while they would like to see a section of Gibbs Lane closed off, they are willing to dedicate 20 feet of land to the village to widen Lakeside Circle. He added that Knapps would be willing to contribute to the purchase of land in the downtown area to establish a parking lot. Brock said that while some residents feared the expansion of the park would decrease their property values, he thought the renovations should increase property values. Brock stated that the benefits would outweigh any of the concerns. He listed in- creased employment oppor- tunities at the park, and an increased,assessment for the villlage as two of the benefits. He said at present the property is assessed in the $10,000 range, and that assessment would increase to $20,000 after the changes. He pointed out that at pre- sent they are paying about $2500 in taxes, but with the expansion they would be pa- ing $5,000. In addition. Brock said that the renovations at Knapps would be a stimulus to further revitalization of Main Street. "It's a mul- tiplier effect, to keep up with the Jones." he said. He added that with the new building. they hope to extend the season, and that the proposed rides would at- tract more people to the village. A lengthy discussion followed Brock's presenta- tion. Deputy reeve Harold Green and councillor Dennis Snider both said that while they liked Knapp's proposals. they feared that by making two residential lotscommercial, they would be establishing a precedent, and more lots in Gibbs Park would go commercial. Snider said that he would like to support the proposal, but he was concerned about the future. "It makes me sick, but tonight I would have to vote against it," he said. Snider said that he wanted more information about the legality of rulings council could make to pre vent further zoning changes. Reeve Robert Sharen ask- ed council to make a deci- sion. "Knapps have the right to know our position," he said. He pointed out that the Knapps have spent a lot of time and money on the plan- ning, and that council should return the courtesy. After further debate it was decided to hold a joint meeting of council, Knapps and the village solicitor to determine the legalities of future zoning changes. After council is advised of what arrangements they can make, they will then vote on the zoing changes. SPRING has sprung, The grass has RIZ, I wonder where the listing is? People are shopping for cottages, homes and businesses in the Grand area. Tots, Bend Canada Trust Realtor Phone 238-2508 Office located in The Book Store Main St. Grand Bend • Pane 5A Tne completion of the sewage system seems to have encouraged many village businesses to up- grade, expand and renovate. Several proposals were put before council for various changes. Councillor Dennis Snider was appointed to look into any requests for site plan agreements. Council decided that it was important that one member visit the sites of the proposed changos. Harold Klopp of t h e Colonial Hotel visited coun- cil to ask for permission to put an expansion on his hotel. He pointed out that since septic tanks are no longer needed. he now has room to expand. Council waived the site plan re- quirements. nae Klopp also asked that his properties - The Colonial and The Gables — be deem- ed as one parcel. Council will request planner Janet Giles to prepare the bylaw. Council also waived site plan requirements on a re- quest from Nick Carter of the Sun Shop. Carter said in a leiter to council that he will be putting living accom- modations at the rear of the shop, and parking spaces will be provided. Council looked at site plans provided by Ross Wells and Rick Lobsinger for river front property, Erwin Schottroff for propos- ed expansion at Pinedale Motel, and Ron Martin of Beach Golf for the proposed water slide. • Grand Bend Council wishes to encourage you to Buya THANKFUL TANKFUL APRIL 11, 81. Ontario Esso Retailers and Imperial Oil Ltd. will contribute a total of 2C/L. (9c/gal.) on all gas- oline sales toward the 1981 Easter Seal campaign. einunnu„nuununnnuunnuunnnnnnuunuununnunnnnuununuuuunnnmm11ull% v'ttgi ci QpeviivtQ 1111111111111111111111111111111111 of THE BOOK STORE We have a Targe selection of Easter Cards and Gifts Come in and see our wide selection of "Book Remainders" All greatly reduced to clear Open 9 — 5:30 Mon. — Sat., Fri. till 9 p.m. Sun. 11 — 4 THE BOOK STORE 21 MAIN STREET. GRAND BEND Phone (519) 238-2508 1IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIM what Evety student Needs FindAJob Summer It takes more than a simple desire to work and a little good Tuck to find a job. It takes organization, determination and a willingness to try a variety of options. That's why the Ontario Youth Secretariat has written a special handbook called "The Edge' "The Edge" gives a systematic and positive plan of action for finding work and then making the most of it. It also gives guidelines on how to create a job by turning personal talents into a small enterprise. "The Edge" is an essential primer for any young person looking for a job. That's why we're making it available free at high schools, college and university placement centres and libraries. Oryou can write to us, Ontario Youth Secretariat, Queen's Park, Toronto, Ontario, M 1Z1. We'II make sure you get "The Edge" ONTARIO YOUTH SECRETARIAT Ontario Youth Secretariat. An agency of the Ontario Government. Working for youth. Working for you. Ontario Margaret Birch, Provincial Secretary for Social Development William Davis, Premier