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HomeMy WebLinkAboutTimes-Advocate, 1981-05-06, Page 10• Times -Advocate, May 6, 1981 Davis outlines PUC procedures to council HATCHET MEN — Jay Davison and David Josephson help each other off the stage after suffering self•inflicted hatchet wounds in their appearance as wood cutters in the EPS play last week. Obituaries FERN BOWMAN At the Bluewater Rest Home, Zurich, on Monday April 27, 1981, Fern Bowman. formerly of Bothwell and Petrolia in her 88th year Beloved wife of the late Edgar Bowman (1959 Survived by several nieces and nephews. Rested at the Needham -Jay Funeral Home, Petrolia, after 3 p.m. Tuesday, where a funeral service was held Wednesday at 1:30 p.m. Reverend William Metcalf officiated. Interment in Hillsdale Cemetery. MARY McKINNON Suddenly at Victoria Hospital, London, on Tuesday, April 28, 1981, Mary E. (Betty MacKay) McKinnon. Beloved wife of Ronald T. McKinnon of McGillivray Township. Dear mother of Jonathan and Anne of London, Robert of Toronto, Roderick of Van- couver, Christena (Mrs. Eugene McDonald) of Edmonton, Ainslie and Ian at home. Sister of Euphemia MacKay and Roberta (Mrs. Hugh Slade) of Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. Prayers were held Wednesday evening at the funeral home. Cremation followed. M. Box and Son Funeral Home, Parkhill, was in charge of funeral arrangements. JOHN SADLER . At Stratford General Hospital, on Tuesday, April 28, 1981, John A. Sadler of 101 St. Andrew Street, Mitchell, in his 83rd year ( operator of J.A. Sadler & Son General Store, Staffa, for 65 years). Beloved husband of Olive (Casey) Sadler. Dear father of Robert D. of Staffa. Dear brpther of Mrs. Ruby Reed of Staffa. Rested at the Lockhart Funeral Home, in Mitchell, where the funeral service was held on Friday at 2.30. Interment Staffa Cemetery. EVA WILDE At University Hospital, London on Friday, May 1, 1981, Mrs. Eva (Whyte) Wilde of R.R. 2 Grand Bend, in her 65th year. Beloved wife of Wesley Wilde.' Dear mother of Donna (Mrs. Ron Murray) of Bosanquet Township, Delbert and Sheila both of R.R. 2 Grand Bend. Pre -deceased by two sons, Floyd and Garnet. Dear sister of Mrs. Violet Thompson of Forrest, Dolphine (Mrs. Peter Parks) Port Franks. Pre -deceased by two sisters Mabel George and Pearl McArthur and'one brother John Johnson. Also survived by 15 grandchildren and five great- grandchildren. Rested at the Gilpin Funeral Home, Thedford and thence to Kettle Point United Church for service at 2:00 p.m. on Monday May 4, 1981. Interment Kettle Point Cemetery. ARNOLD HODGINS At his residence, 146 Alice Street, Lucan on Thursday. April 30th, 1981. Arnold A Hodgins, in his 86th year Beloved husband of the late Estelle Corbett. Dear father of Mrs. Artelle Parkinson, of London Twp., Norman W Hodgins, of West Williams Twp., Phillip Hodgins, of Toronto, Gordon E. Hodgins, of St. Marys and dear brother of Mrs. Ethel Corbett of Paris, Ontario, Evan Hodgins, of Biddulph Twp., (Olive) Mrs William Bannister, of Parkhill. Half brother of Wilson and Eric Hodgins. of Biddulph Twp. and Alfred Hodgins, of Toronto. Dear friend of Lillian Ashton, of Lucan. Also survived by 19 grand- children and 15 great- grandchildren. Rested at the C. Haskett & Son Funeral Home, Lucan, until 9 a.m. Saturday, May 2nd, then to Holy Trinity Anglican Chur h. Lucan. where the f,�^.e, a: service was held at II s -: with Rev. Bruce P::::±;. officiating. Inter- _- a: James Cemetery. .ORNE GENTNNER S;r _.s a: his residence April, 27th, 1981. L ci. _e E Centnner, of Dash - w:,. _=:e 63. Beloved of Alma Lc.1-V--: Dear father of Dr :r K :, hener and Ken of Das �-.4.,-i: Predeceased by ares :n infancy: Loved by a-ar.ds.^s Todd. Terry and S:episer.. granddaughter Julia and one sister Mrs. Selma Wright, of London. Predeceased by 2 sisters and 2 brothers. Rested at the T. Harry Hoffman & Sons Funeral Home. Dashwood until Thursday noon. April 30th then to Zion Lutheran Church, Dashwood where the service took place at 2 P.m Reverend M. Mellecke officiated. Interment in Zion Lutheran Cemetery. JESSIE WOODS At St. Joseph's Hospital, Chatham, on Monday, April 27, 1981 in her 72nd year. Jessie Mary (Forsyth) Woods of Ridgetown (for- merly of Shipka) beloved wife of the late E.A. (Albert) Woods. Dear mother of Wanda, (Mrs. Frank Gould) of Otterville, Edward F. Woods of R.R. 3 Thamesville, Norman A. Woods, of R.R. 6 Forest and L. Wayne Woods of R.R. 2, Dashwood. Sister of Robert Forsyth, Sr., of Blenheim and the late Mrs. Jean Kelly, James and Thomas Forsyth. 12 grandchildren and 3 great- grandchildren also sur- viving. Rested at the McKinlay Funeral Home, Ridgetown for funeral service on Thursday at 2 p.m. with Reverend Howard Fraser of Erie Street United Church officiating. Inter- ment Evergreen Cemetery, Blenheim. HELEN WEDGE Suddenly at her residence, 787 Waterloo Street on Saturday, May 2, 1981, Mrs. Helen Elizabeth Wedge, in her 62nd year, formerly of Exeter. Beloved wife of Mr. Arnold Wedge. Dear mother of Janette (Mrs. Gerald McBride) of Exeter and Barbara (Mrs. Robert Cullen) of Cornwall. Also survived by seven grand- daughters. Sister of Mrs. Ethel Grant of London, Mr. Len Foulger and Mr. Art Foulger, both of Brantford and Mrs. Kay Jones of Texas. Friends were received at the Evans Funeral Home, 648 Hamilton Road where complete funeral and committal services were conducted May 4 with Canon Allan E. Young of All Saints Anglican Church officiating. Inter- ment Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens. THOMAS ZILER • At his home, 12 Wellington Street, Aylmer, on Thur- sday. April 30, 1981, Thomas Francis Ziler in his 53rd year. Beloved husband of Leta (Nicholson). Dear father of James and George VanPatter, both of Aylmer and Mrs. Glen (Irva Bell) Horton, Grimsby. Brother of Henry, Seaforth, Peter and Lorne. both of Dashwood, Mrs John A. (Theresa) Glavin, RR 2 Crediton, Mrs. Gerhard ( Helen) Straus, Baden, Mrs. Leonard ( Dorothy) Dietrich, RR 3 Dashwood, Mrs Ted (Mary) Conlon, Elmira. Mrs. John (Gertrude) Delisle, Red Deer, Alberta, Mrs. Roy (Jeannette) Lee, RR 1 Aylmer. Also survived by seven grandchildren. Predeceased by his parents Louis Ziler and Coletta Foster. The funeral Mass was held Saturday at Our Lady of Sorrow Roman Catholic Church. Interment Aylmer Cemetery. • Control of water budget, surplus still unanswered Exeter PUC manager Hugh Davis appeared before council this week to explain and defend commission policies in the light of con terns expressed recently by council members, but the subject of which group has the say in the matter of water rates and water department surplus funds was left unanswered. Davis hinted that he was not in agreement with recent statements by auditor G. Mills that council had authority over the water rates and budget. He said he had written to Mills on this matter "and as we have been friends for a number of years, I would rather he clarify this subject to you." Councillor Bill Mickle, again reading from the Public Utilities Act and the Municipal Act, said he was of the opinion that council members were responsible for increasing or decreasing the water rates and said he was unhappy that a copy of the water department budget was not presented to council. In noting that he had asked Mills for clarification, Davis said that "one of us has the wrong interpretation." The PUC manager also noted that some of the questions being posed by Mickle should be asked of the elected commission mem- bers. "I don't think they'd appreciate me coming herg to justify their existence," he commented. He also noted that the press attends PUC meetings and the budgets are available for publication the same as council's. At the outset of his ap- pearance, Davis said it would be difficult to explain the operation of the utility in the 10, 15 or 20 minutes he may be allotted by council. That turned out to be an understatement as his time allotment ended up being well over two hours. He explained the system used in billing the town for work performed by com- mission employees, com- puter billings, fire protection charges, sewer surcharge billing costs and the con- troversial water department surplus. In the matter of computer billing, the question had been asked as to why a customer with several monthly statements couldn't have them included in one en- velope to reduce postage. The town, for instance, receives separate billings for each account. Davis said this was the only way it could be handled by the London PUC who handle the computer billing and added that it was cheaper than the system followed by at least one area utility in sorting out all the bills and grouping those for customers with more than one bill. lie did predict that the day may come when there may be a computer in this area, or even in Exeter, to handle the chore as changes are made in the design and price of computers. Commenting on fire protection costs, Davis noted that it represented 70 per- cent to 80 percent of the water system costs and the cost of adding a hydrant was only one portion of the cost involved in fire protection services. Other costs in- cluded the wells, pumping stations, pipelines, over - sizing of mains and operating costs. He demonstrated the need to distribute fire protection costs through the mill rate by the practice of charging the town a rental of 8227.04 per year for each hydrant. Last year's total charge was $26,109.06 Councillor Jay Campbell said he had ratepayers suggest that Exeter had a Cadillac water system when in fact they needed only the Chevy model and asked Davis to respond to that. The latter said he could recall days when some customers couldn't wash dishes if others on the line were using water due to the low pressure and noted that the system had been upgraded to the point where it is now a good system. However, he said further improvements were still required as far as fire protection goes. In answer to a question from Councillor Gaylen Josephson, the manager said Exeter was not facing problems similar to some municipalities over a lowering of the water table. In the matter of sewer surcharge billing, whereby the PUC charges the town 8.54 per bill, members of council questioned the unit system used with Josephson suggesting that the water and sewer billings were actually subsidizing those for the hydro department. Davis said the factors were set up by Ontario Hydro. "Obviously," Mickle replied. Members felt that giving sewer and water one unit and hydro two was not realistic in view of the fact the former two were constant in- formation in the computer while the hydro billings required time for meter reading and new information being supplied to the com- puter for each billing. Mayor Bruce Shaw said WINS A SMILE — The unhappy princess, Ronalynn Bell, shows the frown that finally turned to a smile with the appearance of Goofus and his band of followers stuck to his golden goose. Playing Goofus in Thursday night's show at EPS was Said Osman. See use of volunteers for rec centre The use of volunteers for hall supervision was discuss- ed at the South Huron rec centre board of management meeting. Wednesday. Board members agreed they should be responsible for arranging schedules for other volunteers to super- vise events in the rec centre hall. Board member Bruce Shaw said people were more approachable when they know board members are volunteers too. Gary Birmingham agreed, but said if volunteers could not be arranged, then the rec centre's paid staff would have to hire someone to supervise. Younger people could be utilized during the early hours of an event. rather than couples. suggested John Pym. Pym also suggested the people running the event could provide a meal to those who may be working from 4 p.m. till late at night. Rec centre administrator Don Gravett said a list of events, and a list of volunteers' names, should be drawn up to assist board members' calls to arrange volunteers. He suggested a list of the supervisor's responsibilities be drawn up. A local weight lifter's club represented by Casey Cook, requested the board arrange times on weekday evenings when the club could get access to the rec centre to events use their equipment. The group said more ex- perienced members would be present to supervise the activities on evenings when rec centre staff are not working. The club would like to avoid the cost of having a staff member present to supervise. It was suggested the club could hold their meeting nights when roller skating was running. The club would like to use the facilities three nights a week, from 7:30 to 10 p.m. The club is a non-profit organization, but charges a small membership fee. The fee discourages people who are not serious about the sport, the representatives said. The club offered to donate 8200 for the use of the facilities. The rec centre facilities committee will discuss the situation further. Bill Mickle reported the town council had passed the rec centre's budget for 1981. The council picked up the deficit from last year, and granted about 872.000 operating costs he said. Mickle said council questioned the priority of puchasing a mirror hall for the roller skating. Birmingham said the mirror ball was a good priority, because it would in- crease roller skating revenues. Included in the budget is BIG AND LITTLE DRAC — Two sizes of Dracula were in Thursday's variety show at Osborne Central School. From the left are Jeff Prance, Michael Dykstra and Brad Borland. T -A photo 81.500 for the purchase of 100 new chairs in the hall. Chairman Jerry MacLean said since the chairs could not be traded as part of the purchaseof new chairs, they could be advertised and sold. The board could then purchase all new chairs to operate the hall. . Even with the revenue from the old chairs. Mickle said, something would have to be cut from the budget to buy the 600 chairs needed as replacements. Buying 100 chairs would replace those out of service and would be covered by the budget, he said. The board will buy the 100 new chairs, and will attempt , to sell some of the old chairs at local garage sales. This will determine if the old chairs can be sold and at what price. Gravett requested the staff prepare financial reports quarterly, rather than monthly. He as ad- ministrator could discuss specific areas of the budget with committee chairmen, if required, between reports. This would free the staff from what he called a tremendous paper load. Mickle said the board could not go back to council later in the year to ask for more money if they can't control their monthly expen- ditures. Janet Wedlake said her job preparing the reports, is often interrupted by phone calls and by acting as recep- tionist. Shaw suggested a person from the town could assist several days a month with typing if required. In other business. The facilities committee reported that office painting had begun and new drapes and filing cabinets had been purchased. The board will no longer be using a sign next to the PUC office on Main Street. MacLean said the sign takes in revenue that could be sold as signs in the arena. Gravett suggested the board look at buying a marcuee-sign and flags for the front of the rec centre building. The press was reminded the rec centre would still make bar facilities available to those renting the hall. hut would no longer he carrying bar supplies. It was said an earlier story gave the im- pression a bar would no longer be available. that sewers should possibly have a factor of ofle, water two and hydro ten. "We should negotiate the factors," Mickle suggested, to which Davis replied that they were not of the com- misalofa's making. In the final discussion on the water department surplus funds, Campbell said the question was one of who should be setting the priorities for town projects, noting that all eventually are paid for by the taxpayers. While the matter won't be settled until the auditor makes his reply, Davis noted that members of the com- mission are also elected officials who have to iusti(v their position to the tax- payers. "Our municipality has been fortunate that the present and past com- missioners have seen fit to improve the waterworks system rather than im- proving their popularity at the polls," he said in his eight -page written report • Young farmers facing difficuhies says Pullen Young farmers with heavy debt loads are continuing to experience financial dif- ficulties as the cost -price squeeze intensifies.according to Huron Agricultural Representative Don Pullen. "Many inpus have inflated by almost 20 percent over the 'last year," said Pullen, "and moreover, bank in- terest rates are close to 20 percent." "It's a real problem for those affected. to service the annual interest on massive bank operating loans," observed Pullen when he made his annual report to Huron County Council at their April meeting last Thursday. Pullen pointed out that in his 1972-73 report he had noted a 100 acre farm with ordinary buildings had sold for $50,000. Within the last two months, this same type of farm has been selling for up to $250,000. Paradoxically, interest rates were 7 percent in 1972 corrl$red to almost 20 per- cent now and prices for some farm products are now lower, remarked Pullen. Land rental is $40. to $125. per acre. depending on drainage, location in the county and the crop to be grown. There is a trend for young farmers to rent land, said Pullen. Bankers are telling Pullen that some pork and beef farmers may -be forced out of business and a look at the local newspapers show auc- tion sales have certainly in- creased compared to last year. Considerable time has and will continue to be directed toward the objective of help- ing pork producers improve their farm management skills in an effort to main- tain profitability, said Pullen. Cost control measures are being vigorously applied at every turn and the lid has been "hammered shut on most proposed expansions." The swine management section of the annual report shows considerable request for advice through farm visits, office and telephone contacts. . "Efforts will continue to provide credit couselling asssistance to pork producers during this period of economic instability," commented Pullen. There is a bright spot in the report: there is plenty of enthusiasm in the lamb production business as market lamb and breeding stock prices are very good. The Huron County Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food (OMAF) personnel have contributed con- siderable time to provide in- formation about production economics and flock management, in an effort to contribute to the increased profitability of shepp operations in the county, said Pullen. The OMAF office has par- ticipated in several provin- cial and regional educational sheep programs during the last year, Pullen reported and several more new flocks have been enrolled on the sheep ROP program this spring. Good crop year Last year turned out to be a better than average crop year, according to Pullen. Early spring inquiries con- cerning the growing of oil seed crops, flax, rape and soybeans, were numerous as growers attempted to switch froma depressed cereal crop market. Fortunately white mold failed to develop and damage white beans in late July and August and white bean harvest was generally excellent. Grain corn was affected by stalk breakage with significant variety differences. As we enter the 1981 plan- ting season, growers are making inquiries about alternate crops such as kidriOY beans, said Pullen. White bean growers are very optimistic following two good harvest years and buoyant prices and the soy- bMlip prop will likely remain cott$thk. As part of an on-going program, soil tests doubled compared with the previous fall. Farmers are concerned about rising costs and a soil test is the best way to max- imize fertilizer returns, noted Pullen. "We will encourage crop farmers' to soil test in mid- summer when work load permits, so that their soil test porgram is not depen- dent on the occurrence of suitable weather in the fall," he added. Weed and pest control is a source of a large number of inquiries, usually urgent in nature, commented Pullen. In this connection Pat Lynch of the Huron OMAF office has developed objectives on weed and pest control. New MOH Dr. Harry Cieslar, M.D. of Goderich has been appointed acting Medical Officer of Health for Huron County to replace Dr. Brian Lynch who has taken a position as Medical Officer of Health with the Sudbury and District Health Unit. Dr. Cieslar will become assistant Medical Officer of Health effective May 19. Dr. Lynch's association with the Huron Health Unit will terminate May 31 and Dr. Cieslar will become acting Medical Officer of Health for a three month period June 1, subject to the approval of the Ministry of Health. Dr. Cieslar will be studying the Master of Health Science course at the University of Toronto to train for the position of Medical officer of Health. Dr. Lynch has locked into the Indentification and counter staff training on weeds were conducted by Pat and agribusiness per- sonnel with excellent atten- dance and participation. Problem weeds like Johnson grass, fall panicum, prosomillet and triazine resistant weeds are of real -Intern noted Pullen. In concluding his report, Pullen told county council the OMAF office will con- tinue their objectives to provide farm business management advice. in- cluding estate planning, farm transfers. tax im- plications, father -son work- ing agreements and finan- cial counselling. appointed possibility of the Huron Health Unit being aligned with the University of Western Ontario Medical Faculty for Medical Officer Health Trainees. The Faculty of Medicine appears interested in the suggestion that Huron Health Unit be an ideal for Medical Officer of Health training which would allow Dr. Cieslar to do his MOH training with the Huron Health Unit. PLAN ANNUAL The Annual Educational Meeting of the Huron Perth Lung Association will be held in the multi-purpose room of the Perth District Health Unit at 7:30 p.m. on Wed- nesday May 27. The speaker will be Ross Reid, Executive Director of t..e Ontario Lung Association. BUILDING LOTS New Subdivision Exeter 65' Frontage 126' Depth Motz & Pryde Blvd. Fully Serviced Paved Streets Builder Available PHONE 5 D REALTY 235-2208 J We've Moved Neil Romphf Bookkeeping & Tax Service Inc. our new location is 30 Sanders St. West. Exeter Please drop in to see us. We've Been Working All Winter . . . .::�.»s►«.: mak. ,. grommirmilmolliNa . And Have We Got Lawn Furniture In Stock ! ! ! • Choirs ' • love Seats • Pknlc Tables • End Tables r Combination Bench / Table • Pot Stood* Quality Made Cedar Furniture Reedy For Immediate Pick-up Take advantage of the current Provincial sales tax exemption ARC Industries Woodworking Program Dashwood 237-3667 Mon-Thurs. 9-4:30 Fri. 9-4 1