HomeMy WebLinkAboutTimes-Advocate, 1985-11-06, Page 21
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Times -Advocate, November 6, 1985
Candidates speak to themselves, spouses
genera/ public ignores ratepayers' meeting
Apathy towards municipal affairs
in Exeter hit rock bottom when not
one ratepayer showed up to hear the
acclaimed members of council, PUC ' ratepayers meeting.
and school board as well as the seven A review of the past three-year
candidates for council at Tuesday's term and the campaigns of the
LIONESSES AT CRAFT SHOW Shown in the Exeter Lioness club booth at Saturday's craft show spon-
sored by the Exeter Kinettes are Diane Darling, Liz Bell and Laurie Dykstra. T -A phyto
Few differing opinions
from seven candidates
While •several local issues .were istence before the.bylaw regulations
discussed, there was little in'the way were enacted). He added that if there
Of differing opinion expressed by the were abuses experienced if the
seven people seeking the six Exeter regulations were droppthe matter
council seats during Tuesday's would have to be looked at again.
•ratepayers' meeting at the rec centre. That suggestion was endorsed by
With no members of the general-'- Humphreys, who said banning trucks
public in attendance, the meeting was on residential streets would be too
little more than a "media event" and drastic.
that became even more so when the "This is a working man's communi-
candidates were asked to reply to ty," explained Hall in saying he would
several questions prepared by this favor dropping 'the current regula-
newspaper. tions, while Winter said he could
The only one of thos questions to get understand the concern of ' the
less than a near unanimous similari- truckers and their neighbors and
ty in response from theseven was would give consideration to a third op -
whether Exeter council should pass a tion outlined by Findlater to have a
bylaw prohibiting smoking in public well -supervised general parking area
areas. set up for the trucks.
That question was treated rather Saying he could sympathize with
lightly by the candidates in the initial residents who find trucks in their
stages as Reeve Bill Mickle and Coun- neighborhood distressing, Snell said
cillor Don Winter quickly shouted out there must be a solution less than a
negative responses. They are the on- total ban.
ly two smokers on council. Josephson said he too had mixed
Councillor Dorothy Chapman, feelings in that he could sympathize
seated beside her pipe -smoking hus- with the truckers as well as those
band responded with"no comment". residents who bought homes in
Councillor Tom Humphreys, who residential areas thinking the
saw the effects of smoking on fellow neighborhood would be confined to
patients while recuperating from a residential activities. however. he
heart bypass operation a couple 'of said he would probably vote to
years ago, said he was for anything -remove the current regulations.
that would prevent people from Saying the present bylaw may be
smoking. too severe, Mrs. Chapman said it
In an indirect comment on the must be enforced until another deci-
health hazards of smoking, Councillor sion is made because it was enacted
Ben Hoogenboom suggested that due for a purpose.
to his involvement in the flower "We sure haven't heard the end of
business, he was in a conflict of int it, "she concluded, hinting she would
terest position. vote to relax the current regulations.
Noting that everyone should have There was unanimous support for
people have to tell anyone, including
the handicapped, where they have the
right to live. She also wondered if the
opposition would be the same to a
home for the blind or for some other
type of disabled.
Humphreys also suggested the at-
titude of the residents was not uni-_
que as people everywhere oppose
change, especially change they don't
understand. He too hinted that had the
group home tip -toed in, rather than
come in with thunder, the reaction
would have been different.
"Given a little time and sane talk,
the matter will be resolved to the
credit of the Town of Exeter." -Winter
suggested.
Hall said the handicapped were as
much a child of God as anyone and
wondered why there should be any
restriction on where -they can live.
Winter headed off the candidates in
their formal addresses to the non-
existent audience, citing the need to
address Exeter's economic develop-
ment to enable the town to grow and
become more vibrant. He also noted
the need to finalize the update on the
official plan and zoning bylaws, and
to reach an acceptable agreement
with the neighboring townships on
cost sharing for recreation programs
and facilities.
The only challenger to the sitting
members, Snell said he would offer
overwhelming enthusiasm and new
life to council and a guarantee to
devote the time to the issues and the
direction the town will take over the
next few years.
.losephson refuted a suggestion he
equal rights, Councillor Gaylan the current practice of naming so- had entered the race at the last
Josephson said non-smokers have the meone other than an elected member minute. saying his decision had come
right not to have their clothes smell- to represent the town on the Ausable after long and careful deliberation.
ing and eyes sore from tobacco smoke - Bayfield Conservation Authority. A -He also cited the need for a recreation
and said there should be non-smoking previous council had decided that an agreement with the townships, con -
areas provided. elected official should sit on the tinned work on streets and sidewalks
Reporting that he had been on both Authority, but that has not been within budget cofistraints and noted
sides of the situation as a former followed lately. Ervin Sillery is the his pleasure at the fact the town had
smoker, Councillor Morley Hall didn't current member. a nursing home after that need had
answer the question but did suggest The candidates, in supporting a been outlined in the last election.
he probably wouldn't be alive today non -elected member, explained that After revealing that building permit
if he had continued to smoke. it was important to have as many peo- value had totalled $8.968.000 over the
Voicing approval for a ban on ple as possible involved in the system past five years. Ilumphreys describ- i
smoking in public areas was Peter and it was important to have someone ed Exeter as a healthy and growing
Snell, the lone challenger to the six intersted in the Authority represent community, but continued work was
sitting members. the town. needed to attract industry to create
Mrs. Chapman was the Ione can- , It was also�r►oted that Sillery had jobs He also explained some of the
didate to indicate in her formal ad -.implemented a�practice of making deliberations going on to make the rec
dress at the meeting that she would reports to coune{I and that had been centre more useable through the use
fight against industrial expansion on appreciated and members encourag- of a dividing door in the auditorium
the town's borders. ed that it continue. A member of the planning advisory.
The question was asked of all the Advised that . the mayor or committee. Hoogenboom noted that
candidates whether they would vote Ridgetown declined. to run for office the group home, Pentecostal church
to again oppose the Hay agri- this year saying he was ashamed of rezoning and the nursidg homeowork
industrial park before the OMB. the attitude and comments of his made the past year busy and one that
knowing that the cost couldhe $8.5000 ratepayers over a group home for the would be remembered for some time
or greater and that it could remove mentally handicapped, the can- Ile urged council to consider a trill
the prospect of industry settling in didates were asked for their opinion fie light. at the intersection of Main
proximity to Exeter to provide jobs. of Exeter ratepayers who have aired and Victoria. sayingthey should not
The other six said they would vote similar'attitudes and comments as take "no" for an answer. He outlined
to again oppose the development. those in Ridgetown in the opposition a- dream he had for MacNaughton
"We must protect the interests of to a group home int a north-east sec- park by having a dam or dyke west
• this town," commented Mrs. Chap- tion of Exeter. of the bridge to beautify that area
man. "if the exterior expands. what Hoogenboom, leading off. said he A park project was also mentioned
happens to this town?" was convinced the people will accept by Hall. who has previously suggested
Winter added that similar the group homes, particularly when ,Christmas lighting in the area bet
developments could he considered in two smaller homes were being plann- ween the (Lim and bridge tq attract
Usborne and Stephen areas abutting ed as opposed to one large building. visitors. Ile said such a project would
Exeter and the town must stand up Josephson agreed with that conten- not he as costly as some think and
and look at the long-term future.. tion, adding that the approach and at- turned aside the idea that vandals
While agreeing he would vote the titude of the group home hackers had could create havoc by saying that
same way as lastlime. Hall said he left something to be desired and it vandal should not be allowed to die
was bothered by the fact that the town resulted in a confrontation. He add- tate how the town is to he run.
and townships can't work together in ed that some of the fears expressed He explained that many Major pro -
bringing growth to the area. were based on ignorance and the jects had been undertaken with ver
Several of the candidates appeared group home project should have been minimal increase in taxes and urged
to hedge their answers on a question better detailed to the neighboring pro- a continuation of promotion to attract
regarding commercial vehicles park- perty owners. "Exeter residents will. commercial and industrial growth to
ing in residential areas. They were in time. learn to accept and live in provide jobs for young people who
asked if they would support the sug- harmony with group homes." he now have to leave town after finishing
gestion of planning student Stewart - concluded. school.
Findlater to drop the current regula- Snell, noting he was in a bit of a con- Describing her four years on coun
tions entirely or his alternative sug- flict situation in that he has a - cil as a learning experience. Mrs
gestion to pass a bylaw prohibiting daughter in the group home on lluron Chapman noted that progress is,
commercial trucks from travelling on St. E.. explained that residence too ufivally slow and painful.
most residential streets at all, thereby had been opposed by neighbors at the She commended council for their
effectively preventing all trucks from outset. but it blended in extremely , stand in trying to correct inequities
parking in fesidential areas. well, has been accepted and many of such as those with the education levy.
Hoogenboom, who had indicated in its former opponents have now closed county council meetings and
his address that he would remove the become supporters. the workings of the Kron planning
regulations now contained in the Mrs. Chapman opined that the feel- hoard. "The only way to get change
bylaw, added that the exception ing expressed by the north end is to make demands." she said. ad
would be for hazardous situations. He residents was not unique to that area ding the hope council would continue
noted a large number of -truckers and the reaction would have been the the current trend.
were now protected under the Grand- same in any_ other area of town. She said she would support in
father's clause (they were in ex- However. she questioned what right dustrial growth. a strong core area
aspirants was addressed to fellow of-
ficials, candidate and their spouses.
Advertised as candidates' meeting,
Clerk Liz Bell whimsically suggested
the public must have mistaken the
ineaning to think Ihat it was only for
candidates.
Those in attendance expressed
disappointment over the lack of an
audience, but went through the mo- .
tions anyway with the anticipation
that their comments would be con-
veyed through the press.
• "If you go home, Bill, we can all go
home too." one council member ad-
vised T -A editor Bill Batten when it
became apparent no members of the
general public would be arriving.
At the conclusion of the meeting,
those in attendance,discussed alter-
natives to the present meeting's
format.
"Obviously. the present format is
not drawing people," commented
Councillor -Dorothy Chapman.
"They must be satisfied with the
job we're- doing," added Councillor
Ben Hoogenboom.
Peter Snell, a challenger to the six
sitting council members, expressed
disappointment that members of the
publicdid not feel the meeting impor-
tant enough to attend and to
participate.
Suggestions . for more public par-
ticipation ranged from having a ses-,
sion on cable TV to Morley Hall's note
that perhaps the meeting should be
preceded by a meal. "You always get
a crowd at a meal," he explained.
The acclamation of the represen-
tatives to the top three council posts
was cited as one reason for a lack of
interest in the -election as well as the
fact only seven were vying for six
seats on council.
Leading off the list of reports
presented were those from the PUC
'by commissioners Harry DeVries and
Murray Greene.
Hay -council
Continued from front page
possibly sometime lead to imposition
of a tax for hauling farm products
such as corn.
Wilder brought up the problem of
speeding on the second concession
now that it has been tarred and chip-
ped, and the fact three accidents have
occurred on that road in the last two
months. He said he had talked to the
police, who are also concerned.
Road superintendent Ross Fisher
was asked to examine the bylaws to
see if the township can legally replace
yield signs with stop signs. '
Wilder also stated he_vkould like to
see more visible patrolling of the road
by the police. !
Council endorsed a proposal from
the Huron Federation of Agriculture
demanding a moratorium on all farm
foreclosures until federal agriculture
minister John Wise puts the promis:
ed debt review board in place.
Outlining the hydro department ac-
tivities, the former detailed im-
provements tostreet lighting on six
streets and the new high voltage line
constructed from the Valu Mart plaza
to Canadian Canners.
"Improvements to the hydro
system have given customers of the
utility a secure supply of electricity
at competitive costs compared to
other utilities," DeVries advised,
noting that all expenditures during
the past three- years were financed
from revenue and no debentures were
sold.
Greene described the past three
years with the water department as
"heavy years" with new mains in-
stalled to service the north end and
the new nursing home.
During those three years the only
adjustment in water rates was a four
percent increase.
Consumption of the town's 1,695
water customers averages 1.55 cubic
metres a day and a weekly sample
test ensures that the water is always
safe for human consumption.
Acclaimed school board member
Beatrice Dawson explained she was
surprised to be unopposed in her -bid
to succeed Clarence McDonald and in
fact: Fla a -campaign -manager -and
team in place. -
"In these tough economic times, the
education standard can't be too
high," she noted in advising that
SHDHS- has a good standard and
students are often accepted in other
institutions ahead of those who' may
have attained higher marks in other
schools.
- Deputy -Reeve tossy Fuller confin-
ed her remarks to an explanation of
the workings of Huron County coun-
- cil, noting that 12 cents of every local
tax dollar goes to the county.
She expressed hope that the prac-
tice of closed sessions of county
meetings would come to an end and
advised that the Pioneer Museum
project and renovations to Huronview
will be the major items on the county
agenda this coming term.
Another acclaimed member of
council, Reeve Bill Mickle spoke on
his favorite subject of economic
development, saying he was concern-
ed the town could lose its growth
momentum. With an aging popula-
tion, he said "if we don't get jobs for
our young people it will be to our
detriment".
Mickle, who was instrumental in
improving the town's financial
management, advised that expanded
promotion was necessary to attract
industries and there is a need to
balance the budget between today's
-needs and those of the future.
"We can't stand still or we'll start
to deteriorate," he concluded after
noting the town's planning, service in-
frastructure and promotion were
geared to• attracting new
development.
"There will be intensive challenges
in the next three years." he predicted.
In concluding the remarks of the -
acclaimed representatives, Mayor
Bruce Shaw said he was glad to not
have to expend the energy required
to fight an election, but encouraged
the council hopefuls to campaign
briskly and enthusiastically.
Repeating again that this will be his
final term, Shaw said .he was very
content in the belief he would do a
competent job in the next three -years.
Noting that council members are
open to lots of criticism, he added that
there were many rewards and the sat-
sMfaction that comes from theac-
complishments attained.
"It's important that we get along
with ourneighbours and with a good,
positive approach we -can do it,"- he
concluded.
Open houses
and displays
The week of November 3 to
November 9 is National Crime
Prevention Week. It is held to in-
crease public awareness and
sun -de -Ma -Mn of what community
Crime Prevention is all about. This
program is held from coast to coast
in towns, villages, municipalities and
cities across Canada.
This week, the Exeter Police will
have displays at the Exeter Public '
Library, the Exeter municipal office
and the Exeter Police office. Please
feel free to come and pick up a pam-
phlet. Remember that we all want a
happy and safe community to live in.
Developments.,,.
Continued from front page
pedestrian crosswalk at the intersec-
tion of Main and Victoria and also for
an emergency light to enable vehicles
leaving the fire hall on emergencies
to safely move onto Main St.
Council had also accepted a recom-
mendation from the planning ad-
visory committee for the extension of
the cor commercial area.
The c 'mmittee recommended_ that
both sit es of Main St. between Vic-
toria id Wellington streets be
designa ed as core commercial and
that the zoning be commercial with
restrict d uses as listed in the zoning
bylaw . scent that the exclusions
would a so prohibit a hotel or motor
hotel, a night club, tavern, public
house, private club or a hall of a
fratern.. organization.
It was also recommended that a
policy statement be entered in the
text of the, offioial plan stating that
lands between Wellington and Church
on the west side of Main St. and bet-
ween Wellington and Hill St. on the
east side of Main St. be proposed for
future commercial designation if and
when council deems it necessary.
NOT JUST FOR KIDS — Hallowe'en is becoming more popular with adults these doys and shoppers
at Darling's IGA-on Thursday found store employees decked out in a variety of costumes. At the check-
out counter are Shirley Kirk, Donna Zwoan and Jeff Darling.
Hensall woman hurt
in two -car collision
A 24 -year-old Hensall area woman
was seriously injured in one of two
collisions investigated by the Exeter
police department this week.
Terri Dobson sustained broken -ribs
the purchase of industrial land if it
was needed to attract industry, good
and careful planning.
As a member of the police commit-
tee she described the past year as a
turbulent. dynamic one and explain-
ed the committee and department
were -emphasizing crime prevention
and to that end she would like to see
a neighborhood watch program. and
if practical. an auxiliary police force
to cut overtime and support the pre-
sent department members.
She decried the practice of "grey
area policing" and said all people
should be treated equally as things
were either right or wrong.
and a ruptured spleen after the vehi-
cle she was driving was in collision
with one driven by Violet Knee. Huron
Park.
The crash occurred al the intersec-
tion of Main and Alexander St. around
9:00 a.m., Wednesday.
The Dobson vehicle was south-
bound on Main St. and the Knee vehi-
cle was eastbound on Alexander A
stop sign at the intersection had been
turned around and only the hack of it
was facing Mrs. Knee as she came to
the intersection.
Both drivers were taken to South
Huron Hospital by Hoffmah's Am-
bulance and the Hensall woman was
then transferred to London hospital.
The lluron Park driver sustained
minor injuries in the crash which
resulted in damages estimated at
510,200.
The other collision was on Saturday
when vehicles driven by Joan Ibbot-
son. London. and Maryke DeBruyn,
RR I Exeter. collided at the corner of
Main and Wellington St The Ibbotson
vehicle was northbound on Main and
the DeBruyn vehicled pulled onto
Main from Wellington.
i)amage was set at $1.000
NEED AUCTION?
The Exeter police department may
soon havens consider having an auc-
tion sale to find some space in their
garage for vehicles
-At the present time. there are 18
bicycles in the garage awaiting
owners to identify and claim them.
Most of them have been recovered in
the past three months
ice
ief
y Hardy said he
wa'slal •ahloss torunderstandWhy
owners don't, claim their bicycles.