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HomeMy WebLinkAboutTimes-Advocate, 1983-03-09, Page 1z 0 run, 3 • Z uJ cc MY ICY . )RE? Whiflngs Phone 235.1964 Council can't stop trapping Issue The fate of Exeter's unique white squirrel population is apparently totally in the hands of the ministry of natural resources, but Exeter council moved this week to do what they could to protect that population. A policy statement was issued, on the recommenda- tion of the executive commit- tee, which "respectfully re- quested" that if some local homeowners find it necessary to trap squirrels to protect their property "that a live trap be used and that they contact the municipal office who in turn will contact the S.O.S. (Save Our Squirrels) Committee for assistance in letting these squirrels loose in their natural environment, READY fOR SATURDAY NIGHT — Lucan Optimists David Wilson and Ross Miller try out a bath tub which wasincluded in the auction sale items Saturday at the Lucan Legion branch hall. All proceeds go to Optimist Youth Work. T -A photo Only one driver in most collisions The Exeter OPP in- vestigated five collisions this week, four of which involved only one driver. On Monday, a vehicle driven by Richard Mattuci, RR 1 Hay, struck a mailbox owned by Ernie Zabo on con- cession 12 of Osborne Township, north of the 1 Kirkton Road. Damage was listed at $875. A vehicle owned by Anne DaCosta, Woodstock, was hit while parked on Brock St. in Hensall; Tuesuay. Driver of Plan session with reeves Mayor Bruce Shaw. reported this week he plans to meet shortly with the reeves of the three neighbouring townships to discuss grants to the South Iluron rec centre board of management. However, Shaw indicated that the informal meeting will probably have to be followed up with a formal meeting with the councils. The matter was broached by Reeve Bill Mickle, who wondered what action council planned in view of the recent user study conducted by the rec centre staff which show- ed that Exeter is paying a larger share of the board's operating deficit thanit should in light of the use be- ing made of local facilities and programs by residents of Hay, Usborne and Stephen. Mickle hinted that any such discussion with the townships should be held before budgets $, are set. the vehicle involved was Stefan Biskup, Kippen. Total damage was $650. There were two collisions on Friday, the first involving a vehicle driven by John Jongeneel, RR 8 Parkhill. It went into the ditch on Highway 81 at concession A- B of Stephen and damage was $2,000. The driver sustained minor injuries. The other Friday collision involved vehicles operated by Keith Tyndall, RR 1 Clinton, and Mark Szpara, Listowel. They collided on Highway 23 just south of Fish Creek at Kirkton and damage was estimated at $1,600. The final crash occurred on Saturday when a vehicle driven by James Hartford, Iluron Park, struck the post office wall at Huron Park after his brakes failed. Damage to the building was $1,200. There was no damage to the vehicle. policy on squlrr.b namely the town parks." The preamble to the state- meht acknowledged that the squirrel species is unique, but also that the ministry is responsible for issuing licenses for the hunting; trap - ON s ensnaring of squirrels and "it is also accepted that at times ratepayers are given permission by the ministry to trap animals on their own property to protect their pro - SS board has surplus The Huron -Perth Separate School Board ended the past year in the black. Trustees were pleased when superintendent of business and finance Jack Lane presented the 1982 finan- cial statement at the board's Feb. 28 meeting. "As chairinan, I'm pleased to see us in the black for a change, although I have never seen us in the red that much," commented board chairman Ron Murray. He praised both ad- ministration and last year's board members for bringing the expenses in under budget. Of the board's $6,783,402 budget, only $6,746,465 was actually spent in 1982 leaving a surplus of $36,937. The board's ordi(iary ex- penditure, which includes the general operation of the schools and salaries, was underspent by $70,765. from the original budget figure of $5,681,684. The reserve of $30,800 set aside for special education was also unders- pent t1,' $19,300. The only over spending was in the area of extraordinary expenditure which includes transportation and such things as 'capital projects.This category is 100 percent funded by the pro- vince and was over spent by $53,128. The end result of the surplus is that $45,011 more than was needed was col- lected in local taxation. This figure represents" about 1.5 mills which may be applied to the 1981m111 rate. "All in all we .ended the. year very well," said Lane noting that when the bu et was -being diseuesed►o Y ago no surplus was expected. EXTEND SUSPENSION Only one case was heard by Justice of the Peace Douglas Wedlake when he presided at Exeter court, Tuesday. In that one, William C. Dix- on, Lucan, was fined $250 after pleading guilty to driv- ing while his licence was under suspension. It had been suspended for unpaid fines. In addition, Mr. Wedlake imposed a further suspension of six months, to run con- secutively to any current suspension. Dixon was charged on January 21 when his vehicle was stopped by police because it had no tail light. The accused was given two weeks in which to pay the fine. perty from damage by such animals." Andy DeBoer, appearing at Monday's counell session on behalf of the S.O.S. commit- tee, said he would like to have 'a bylaw prohibiting the trap- ing of squirrels but agreed with council that this "ob- viously can't be done." He said he would be prepared to release squirrels in town as far away as possi- ble from the property of those who find it necessary to trap squirrels. DeBoer indicated his con- cern that the squirrels now being trapped were being taken oet of town. SHDHS teacher Bruce Perry, indicating he was ap- pearing on behalf of those who are concerned about the damage caused to trees; and in particular new graftings, said the decision was one of aesthetics between animals and plants. He Indicated he would be opposed to a bylaw pro- hibiting the trapping of squir- rels and added that he had doubts that the squirrel population In.Exeter was be- ing decimated. Perry also informed coun- cil that people did not need a license from the ministry to live -trap squirrels en their own property. "We are quite legal in what we are doing," he said. Please turn to page 3 NEW LIONESS MEMBERS — The Exeter Lioness Club was increpseby three new members recently. From the left are Deputy District Governor John Stephens, new members Jackie Hrudka, Beatrice Dawson and Helen ,Webber and Lions liaison officer Gerry Prout. - - _ T -A photo One Hundred and Tenth Year voca &North Lambton Since 1873 misminm EXETER, ONTARIO, March 9.: 103 Price Per Copy 50 Cents Fear Toss of control with gov't plan rmers not sure of tex relief The Huron County. Federa- tion of Agriculture is opposed to the proposed farm tax pro- gram, although' not unanimously. A lengthy meeting was held in Blyth on March 3 as coun- ty federation Members spoke for and agaiis$ the provincial government's proposed tax rebate program. Effective in 1984, the pro= gram would enable farmers to apply for 100 percent rebate of their farm land, while pay - CENTRE OF ATTENTION — After OPP Constable Glenn O'Rourke had talked to an assembly of Zurich and area Brownies, Cubs and Scouts, the children had a chance to pet his partner, Trapper. GB approvesprinciple of Mother's beach tent In a recorded three -to -two vote, Grand Bend council ac- cepted in principle a proposal 1 Two townships receive grants A total of $1.39 million in Wintario capital grants will go to 47 projects in the South Western Region of Ontario to expand facilities for sports, fitness and recreation, the Minister of Tourism and Recreation, Reuben C. Baelz, announced this week. Only two are in this area. Across the province, 510 million has been allocated to capital projects undertaken by municipalities and com- munity groups to increase the opportunity for their residents to remain fit and participate in sports and recreation programs. The Township of Tuckersmith has been award- ed 56,716 to help in improving the Seaforth Lions park and pool, while McGillivray will get $5,875 to help in purchas- ing land for construction of a new athletic field. , WIN CREDITON SPEAKING -- Ken Glavin of the Crediton Social Club presents awards to public speaking winners Geoff Strang, Usborne Central and Rob and Kim Hoffman, Stephen Central. T -A photo '30,000 vehicle quickly approved Firemen to getnew van The 'purchase of a 530,000 rescue van by the Exeter & Area Fire Board was passed through Exeter council this week before most members knew what was happening. In fact, the only discussion on the matter arose after the motion approving the board's action had been approved. Councillor Gaylen Josephson, after a comment about the manner in which the item had been "railroad- ed" through, asked if all other departments could place orders before this year's budget had been approved. He noted that when the fire board's budget had been presented at a recent meeting, it had been turned over to the finance committee for consideration along with all other departments and deferred until the overall budget is approved. Mayor Bruce Shaw, a member of the fire board, replied that the situation was "unique" in that other municipalities were involved, and the fire board budget had already been approved by them. Exeter's share of the fire board budget is 52 percent. Councillor Doe MacGregor asked if the board would be taking funds for the new rescue van from the reserve fund set up for the purchase of a new pumper. He was told that the van would be purchased solely from this year's budget and the reserve for the new pumper would not be touched. The new van will replace the existing van, which Clerk Liz Bell explained was "fall- ing apart.' to locate Mother's Restaurants Inc. in tem- porary tent'structures on the beach for the summer. There was standing room only in the town hall as village residents listened to the debate on the issue, Monday night. Bill Jansen and John Ross, representing residents and merchants, and Brad Page, president of the area Chamber of Commerce, ob- jected mainly to the tent structures proposed., Tim Fraleigh, owner of the property spoke for Mother's and PAW (The Foundation for the Preservation and Pror tection of Wildlife) under whose letterhead the written proposal was presented to the village. The motion said that the Fraleigh, proposal would be accepted in principle only; subject to a proper site -plan agreement and development agreement being negotiated. The section dealing withuse of public washrooms was deleted from the Planning Board recommendation. Councillor Murray DesJar- dins, without debate, stuck to his original opinion that the idea would not benefit the village. Councillor " Bruce Woodley turned down the Planning Board recommen- dation partly on the grounds that Fraleigh had not honoured the site plan agree- ment regarding the parking lot and its operation on the beach last year. Councillor Dennis Snider, withteservations, agreed to a modified proposal because he didn't want the project to be scrapped. Ile asked that there be a representative from Mother's at the next meeting of council with a site -plan and an illustration of the propos- ed structure. Deputy -reeve, Harold Green, expressed the need for the interest in the village of a company such as Mother's and the need for development on the Fraleigh property. Reeve Bob Sharen reiterated the need for more commer- cial assessment in the village and support of Fraleigh's ef- forts to develop the old Casino property. Speaking for the merchants and interested citizens, John Ross questioned the sound- ness of the proposal from the standpoint of health authorities,, fire regulations and the proximity to the water. Snider commented that that was "their (Mother's) problem". Ron and Mae Piggott, who have a residence in the area, mentioned tit a planted buf- fer had been promised bet- ween residential dwellings and the Fraleigh , property and asked for "something very high and very protective between us' Fraleigh said that he had met with the district manager of Mother's, Joseph Stern, in reviewing the matter. He felt that there had been "a certain Please turn to page 3 Hughes deal hits a snag The sale of Hughes Colum- bia Inc. could be completed this week, but first will have to overcome a snag. A former employee of the Huron Park firm told the T -A this week that a Sarnia group has made a verbal agreement to buy the firm and the clos- ing date was 'set for this Friday. However, another group in- terested in the yacht firm, is seeking an injunction to stop that planned sale. The injunc- tion hearing is scheduled for today (Wednesday). .. ing 100 percent tax on their homes and farm buildings. The proposal also allows for a 50 percent rebate for the land on which the buildings are located. At present farmers may apply for a 50 percent rebate on their entire property Wingham area farmer Jim Armstrong said he is opposed to the principle of the tax rebate. He called farmers "stewards of the land" and has fears for the right to private land ownership if the program becomes fact. "I want to clear a point," added Armstrong, "at no point did I want to divide the federation (of agriculture). But I am very, very concern- ed that the federation has gone along with this program." OFA regional director Merle Gunby, RR 2 Dungan- non, said he resents charges made that the federation is putting something over on its members. He said the ques- tion of farm tax rebates has been discussed at least three times in the past few years. "The government is not paying our taxes. I don't con - Hay voices concern oVsr cost of studies. The 510,840 bill submitted to Hay township council by B.M. Ross and Associates for a study carried out by the con- sulting engineers on the land- fill site used jointly by the township and the village of Zurich raised some eyebrows at the council's first March meeting. - The study, which had been ordered by the provincial ministry of the environment, concluded that the life expec- tancy of the seven -and -one- half acre site as operated at present by burying all refuse would be no more than ten years. Garbage disposal could continue afterward if waste was piled up and covered with earth. The ministry of the environ- ment will pay $5,000 as their share of the cost. When such studies are, required by government, a grant of 50 per- cent of the cost up to a max- , room of $5,000 is returned to the municipality. "We seem to have studies to study studies, and the tax- payer pays in the end. It's time to start wondering what we'redoing. I think Ws time the ministry came up with some answers", Reeve Lionel Wilder remarked. "The government takes you part way into the water, but doesn't show you how to swim." Zurich reeveDwrVan Pat- ter and councillors Bob Fisher; Keith Westlake and Mike O'Connor met with Hay council in the afternoon to. discuss future waste disposal. The matter will be brought before the March meeting of Zurich council. Hay township is launching a contest to obtain a logo for a township pin. Any resident of the township is eligible to submit a design symbolizing the history and/or lifestyle of the municipality. All entries must be received in the clerk'soffice by April 18. The winner will receive a prize of $25. Animal control officer Hubert Miller has agreed to carry out a dog count and dispense dog licences for a fee of 52.25 per dog. The dog tag campaigh begins immediately. Hensall's request for a five percent increaseon their arena grant from the Hay recreation committee was turned down, as the request arrived after the 1983 budget had been set. They will receive the same amount as they did last year, 52,200. The rec committee's $16,465 budget includes grants to Dashwood Commilnity cen- tre, Dashwood ball park, Hay township hall, Fray township ball diamond, Zurich Figure Skafleg alar, Zurich Minor Athletics and the Pineridge Snowmobile Club. Clerk Joan Duchartne reported alt wnrlt on the Anderson drain has been cotnpleted. The Benders and the Datars-Miller drains will be finished as soon as them- ' Please turn tp page 3 sider it a privilege to pay taxes, but an a ligation," said Gunby. '"I agree it is a privilege to live in this coun- try and pay a fair share which this policy allows." Gunby added that voting against the farm tax proposal will "discredit your organiza- tion in the eyes of the government't. Numerous farmers said they were willing to pay their fair share to the government for services they receive, but don't want the government to have control over their land. Adrian Vos from the Blyth area said he sensed the discussion at the meeting was more emotional than rational. He suggested that those farmers who don't want the rebate shouldn't apply for it. Huron federation president Tony McQuail called for the farm community to work together and not spend a lot of time arguing amongst itself. "I think our Strength as farmers depends on our abili- ty to work together," said McQuail. After considerable discus- sion, a resolution was approv- ed calling for the Huron federation to establish a task force to set up an alternative to the present 50 percent rebate. Federation members were asked to indicate a will- ingness to sit on the task force which will be getting under way in the near future. First German visit announced The first visit to Exeter by a German industrialist will be within two weeks, Reeve Bill Mickle told council Monday. He said he had a phone Call from the expected visitor, one of several contacts made during last year's industrial promotion trip to Germany by Mickle and Mayor Bruce Shaw. Mickle also noted that another interested firm has advised through a letter that they will have represen- tatives in Exeter In June: The Reeve said he will be making arrangements for the visitors and lining up meetings with local business people with whom the Ger- mans wish to discuss joint ventures. GRANTON GOSPEL SINGERS — The aniit.al Gospel Sing wos held at Granton United Church, Sundoy evening. Above, Dave Elston checks over an upcoming number with Angela Oliver, Becky Bryan and Pamela Waters. , T -A photo t