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HomeMy WebLinkAboutTimes-Advocate, 1985-02-06, Page 1Catholic The Huron -Perth Roman Catholic Separate School Board is willing to sit down and discuss the future of a Catholic high school for this area with the two public school boards. The separate school boards 12 -page brief to be presented to one of the three provincial commissions in Toronto next month has 18 recom- mendations on the subject of full fun- ding to Catholic high schools. The recommendations suggest the Catholic school board is willing to discuss its implementation plans with both the Huron and Perth public school boards. "The brief lets the boards of educa- tion know how we feel and provides direction to our secondary school planning committee," said the report's author, superintendent of education John McCauley. WINTER GEAR — Cpl. Jim Millman, 1st. Battalion RCR, CFB London, hands a pair of lightweight aluminum snowshoes to one of the students at Zurich Public School during a demonstration of soldiers' Arctic gear at ecology day at the school. Seek Hay assistance for Dashwood project A delegation representing the South Huron Association for the Mentally Handicapped attended the second regular January session of Hay coun- cil to try to find a solution for the pro- blem created years ago. The Associa- tion is considering property in home for handicapped adults, but purchase of the land hinges on getting a road to the lots, which at present are Ji.ttldlocked. Under consideration are lots in the Messner subdivision. In 1897. 94 lots were laid out by H. Willert and H. Calfras. Each measured o'ne chain by two chains, or 66 feet by 132 feet. The Association is interested in buying from Mrs. Madeleen Johnston five of the seven lots she had previously pur- chased from Mrs. Anna Messner. However, the Calfras St. on the plan is in actuality a field. SHAMH executive director John Grey, president Jim Dalton, director of public education Paul Turnbull and Chris Little, the lawyer representing the Association, said bringing their problem to Hay township council was the first step they were taking on try- ing to find a solution. if access is obtained by opening Calfras St. to the Brunsen Line, the Association will build either one large or two smaller group residences on lots 72, 73. 74, 75 and 76. Grey said two smaller homes may fit into the com- munity better than one large one; the Association wants the property to have resale value, he said. The delegation was seeking finan- cial help from Hay township in building the road, which road superintendent Ross Fisher estimated would cost about $3,000. Reeve Lionel Wilder assured the delegation no member of council was opposed to the plan. He went on to ex- plain that constructing roads in a sub- division is the responsibilty of the sub- divider. The township does not take over until roads have been built and brought up to MTC standards. An en- tire subdivision has to be completed to be eligible for a sutlsidy. Ile said council could not set a precedent by building this one street. Wilder said lots without road access should not have been sold, but that was now past history. He suggested the delegation approach Mrs. Messner or her representative and explain that it is the subdivider's responsibility to provide roads. They could also point out the benefits to the subdivision owner, as other lots would Heart campaign now underway Deputy Reeve Tony Bedard wanted to know if the township could build part of the road and charge taxes to recover its expenses once the subdivi- sion began selling Lots. Little said that was not possible, but two other routes would be a lot levy such as that im- posed by Exeter, or a local improve- ment charge assessed against adja- cent owners. Wilder said Hay did not- want to overstep its authority with the Dashwood Police Village, and must consult with them, as well as obtain advice from their township solicitor, before meeting with whoever is authorized to speak for Mrs. Messner. He said Hay council could make no decisions until talking to all interested parties. board ready to discuss high The separate school board has said it would like to see a Catholic high school here by September 1986. The separate school board is asking for a guarantee to maintain a high percentage of Catholic teachers. The brief does admit that non-Catholic teachers will be hired but stresses that "non-Catholics who are employed to teach in Catholic secon- dary dary schools must be prepared to e Catholic with' and support principles." As an example teachers who are "card bearers" of the pro -choice movement would not be hired. XWgat: • McCauley said this information would be discovered in an interview. The separate school board does in- tend to achnowledge the seniority of tethers who voluntarily transfer to teach in a Catholic high school. Teachers who are let go by the public hoard because of students going to a /Catholic high school and who are then hired by the Catholic board, will keep their seniority. McCauley said the question of transfering sick leave gratuities was not addressed in the brief but will pro- bably be discussed with the two public boards. In addressing the question of non- Catholic students in a Catholic high school, the board says these students will be admitted subject to space. The non-Catholic students will have to participate in the school's religious life. As far as accommodation goes, the board says it will require provincial money to either fix up existing facilities or to buy new facilities. The board also states that is public board facilities are used they should be transferred at a minimal or zero costs. This recognizes that Catholic ratepayers have paid in part for these school facilities through their secondary school taxes. The board also asks the commis- sion to address the question of more money for transportation, recogniz- ing the large expanse of the two counties. The final recommendation asks for a change in the Education Act to allow school boards to purchase ser- vices from community colleges and private industries. This purchase of service could be presenting the brief to the Planning and implementation Commission in Toronto on February 21. Imes voc Serving South Huron, North Middlesex- -`, -.1-.- & North Lambton Since 1873 EXETER, ONTARIO, February 6, 1985 Price Per Copy 50 Cents One Hundred and Twelfth Year Owners bucking zone changes from residentkil tcommercial concern now and that will be enough,,. Shaw reponded in inferring that enough opposition to much of the planned extension of the commerical zoning had been received and would carry enough weight with council to alleviate the need for others to pre- sent their concerns. He said at the outset of the meeting that it was unlikely that council would approve any rezoning over the objec- tions of ratepayers, but said if that did Please turn to page 2 Over 100 people attended Thurs- day's meeting to discuss changes to Exeter's official plan and zoning bylaw. The majority appeared to be there to register their concern over proposals to extend the commercial zoning to the entire Main St. as we as the west side of Andrew and the east side of William. The ratepayers, who asked a varie- ty of questions pertaining to the exten- sion of the commercial area into their present residential zones, were given clear indication by Mayor Bruce Shaw that the changes would not be made if there. was any major opposition. "We're not interested in conflicts," Shaw said, "We won't give you any reason to complain." During the question and answer period, he explained that portions of William and Andrew St. had previous- ly been designated commercial and no development of that nature had taken place. "Why do more now?" questioned one ratepayer. Shaw said that in good planning, it visory committee members live. When Shaw, a resident of that area responded in the negative, Mrs. May replied that the residents of Andrew St. didn't want their area rezoned either. Another ratepayer asked how many on council or the planning board live in the area being considered for rezoning and Shaw replied there were two. One of those two has already in- dicated his opposition to the rezoning of his property to commercial. Ratepayers at the meeting were given forms to fill in listing their ob- jections and concerns and were advis- ed to return them to the municipal of- fice as soon as possible for considera- tion by council. Lauretta Siegner expressed con- cern over the fact many older people who were concerned about the rezon- ing were unable to attend and therefore didn't have access to the forms. "With all due respect, we have your Each February. one day at the beginning of the month is devoted to rousting sleepy goundhogs from their winter burrows into the cold outdoors to determine whether or not we hutnans will have six more weeks of winter. This leaves 27. and sometimes 28 days to concentrate on a more lof- ty cause. February is Heart Month in Canada. Bruce Shaw. president of the Huron County chapter of Ontario Heart Foundation said last year's canvass exceeded exceeded the county goal of $36.000. The 1985 objective is $39.000. Of every dollar given to the Foun- dation. 70 cents goes to research. 18 cents to educational and community programs, .7 cents 10 campaign ex- penses and 5 cents to administration costs. Shaw and Iry Armstrong are once again organizing the door -lo -door can- vass in Exeter. They need volunteers. and would appreciate hearing from you. A blood pressure clinic will be set up in the Exeter library on February 15. 1 Youngster hurt by falling icicle An 11 -year-old Exeter lad was in- jured Sunday afternoon when he knocked down a hugh icicle and had it land on top of him. Jeff Burton was knocking down icicles at the Exeter and area fire hall with a hockey stick when the incident occurred The EPS student sustained a head laceration and some bruises but returned to school on Tuesday after being home for a day for observation. The icicle weighed almost 70 pounds and several firemen had to pull it off the lad. • growth. Shirley Mommersteeg responded by noting that there were malty va- cant stores at present in ttecate ace and suggested the town should move to fill them before spreading the com- mercial area out. The Mayor advised that some developers found the land and stores too expensive in the core area and one of the answers to that prpblem was to open up more commercial area. He said the town has Lost at least three prospective businesses recent- ly because reasonably priced com- mercial property was unavailable. However, he also suggested that he wouldn't expect any commercial development to take place on Andrew and William St. in the next 20 years. One home owner responded by say- ing that even one commercial business in a residential neighborhood would devalue homes in that area and would also create traf- fic problems that would be dangerous for children. Another suggested that the plann- ed commercial extension was twice the area needed. "Why not take half and see how it goes?" he asked. Another said if the price of land and buildings was too steep downtown, what made people think owners in residential areas would sell their pro- perties for half price. "Did you ever consider rezoning Dow subdivision?" asked Bonnie May in a reference to an area where a number of council and planning ad - DISCUSS CHANGES - Huron County planner Malcolm McIntosh (back to camera) was on hand at the rec centre, Thursday, to hear questions and concerns from local citizens regarding proposed changes to the town's official plan and zoning bylaw. Shown getting some answers from the left are Gus Gregus, Eldon Heywood, Bob McDonald, Bruce Eccles and Jerry Mothers. Go up four percent CLOWNS DAY AT NURSERY - Youngsters attending Kids Nursery School Wednesday and Thursday came down costumes. From the left,ore Michael Tomasik Rowcliffe and Amanda Chambers. the Sunshine to classes in Christopher T A holo P Exeter water rates jump PUC manager Hugh Davis presented the proposed 1985 water- works budget to the regular January meeting of the Commission. As revenue from the operating budget is calculated to be $304,250 and estimated expenses will be $301,466. a four percent increase in water rates was approved to bring in an addi- tional $10,012. The increase becomes effective on the February 28 billing date, and will mean a monthly increase of 34 cents on the average residential customer's bill of $8.45. (Exeter residents pay about 28 cents daily for water. Davis said Councillor Don Winter and works superintendent Glen Kells had met with him to discuss the costs of serving the nursing home schedul- ed to be built in Exeter this year. Ex- tending John St. east to Pryde Blvd., installing street lights and extending water and power lines to the site were some main items taken into account. Speaking as mayor, Bruce Shaw pro- mised the town's full cooperation with the PUC in all means necessary to ac- commodate the welcome addition to Exeter. initial servicing costs will be high and not immediately recoverable, but over the course of time Exeter will benefit greatly both directly and in- directly, Davis promised. The finan- cial implications for the town and the PUC can be compared to the famous Crosbie budget - short-term pain for long-term gain. Besides the conve- nience to senior citizens and their families and the additional jobs. the extension of John St. will mean bet- ter fire protection for the whole area and another artery onto Pryde Blvd. Davis assured the Commission enough money is available in the capital budget to cover the additional expenses. Other capital waterworks expen- ditures budget for 198.5 include replac- ing the 65 -year-old four -inch cast iron main on Thames Road between An- drew and William with an eight -inch ductile iron and replacement of main at the Main St. intersection before Main St. is repaved. Additional hydrants will be installed on Main St. north of Thames Road, at the corner of McNaughton Drive and Andrew. on Huron between Edward and Pryde and between and between Pryde and Eastern Avenue, and on John if the extension goes through. Gregus Construction submitted the lower of two tenders for renovating three rooms in the PUC -owned apart- ment above the office. The tender for $4.370 was accepted. Bob Forrest's tender for $2.485 to in- stall an electric furnace in the PUC warehouse, change the electrical service, and cap the chimneys at the pumphouse and the filtration plant wa's accepted. it was the lower of two received. More than 50 applications were received in response to an advertise- ment for a waterworks employee. Those without the necessary qualifications will be set aside. The Commissioners will meet in late February to go over the remaining applications and select those who will be asked for an interview. Davis told the Commission that ad- ditional revenue brought in last year through a 7.6 rate increase and in- creased consumption amounted to $232.526. Ontario Hydro increased it cost to supply power by $209.356. Davis noted a press clipping reporting on a recent speech by Ontario ilydro chairman Thomas Campbell who predicts the utility's 1986 rate in- crease will be only half of this year's, or three to four percent. Osborne wants cut in weeds in seeds Usborne township council will be asking the federal and provincial ministries of agriculture to reduce the percentage of weed seeds which is now allowed in grass seeds for sale. The subject was brought up during a report by reeveGeraldProut who said he had discussed the problem of noxious weeds with Huron's Ag Rep Don Pullen. Prout said in order to destroy any noxious weeds, the full crop in that field must be destroyed and there is no compensation paid for crop damage due to the exetermination of noxious weeds. Council also suggested there is no need to add more weeds to the noxious weed bylaw since it is difficult to con- trol weeds that are not allowed now. The annual joint meeting between the councils of the townships of Usborne and Blanshard has been set for March 11 at 1:30 p.m. at the Blair shard municipal building. Council agreed there should be a chargeback of auditor's fees to the Kirkton-Woodham Community Cen- tre for auditing pertaining to the cen- tre's business. The collection of dog tag fees until May 1 will be carried out at the township's adminstration building at the same rale as last year. Road superintendent John Batten was instructed to carry out road reconstruction at two locations during 1985. Proposed reconstruction of Con- cession 2-3 from Highway 83 norther- lyloSideroad25 is estimated at $59,300 and similar work on Concession 4-5 from Huron road 6 northerly to Sideroad 15 should cost $62,400. Murray Dawson, Teresa Morrison, Joe Ford and Lloyd Ferguson were -named as members of the Usborne committee on drinking drivers. Huron -Middlesex MPP Jack Riddell and the Exeter OPP detachment will he asked to assist with recommendations. The township will participate in the 1985 municipal Administration Pro- gram and the person chosen will receive a salary of $200 per week. A request from the Elimville Women's institute to store their records in the township vault was approved. The tender of Paul Passmore in the amount of $6,501 for rental of the Web- ber farm was accepted. Council agreed to nofily all ratepayers through an advertisement in the local newspaper regarding the dates and times of councirmeetings. The next meeting of council is scheduled for Tuesday. February 19 at 1 p.m. at the township administra- tion office. •