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HomeMy WebLinkAboutTimes Advocate, 1989-08-30, Page 1Rsckfraree— [EXETER TOYOTA/ 242 Main St. N. Exeter Across from O.P.P. Phone 235-2353 Serving South Huron, More lights EXETER - Council Monday night decided to take immediate steps to improve the visibility of the pedestrian crosswalk at the in- tersection of Main and Victoria streets. On the suggestion of Councillor Dave Urlin, works superintendent Glenn Kells was instructed to en- gage an electrician to add additional flashing lights on each side of the crosswalk. When councillor Morely Hall suggested the matter be turned over to public works, mayor Bruce Shaw interjected, "Something must be done before school starts on Tues- day." Council was reacting to a letter from the Ministry of Transporta- tion which said, "Part of the rea- son the -crosswalk is being ignored by the public could be the few times the flashing lights are in use." It continued, "This crosswalk was installed to the standard that the Ministry encourages through- out the province, but yours may be the first in Huron County." Urlin added, "We must put up something to get the attention of motorists and pedestrians. There are a lot of jaywalkers in the area that don't use the crosswalk prop- erly." Big weekend at Zurich Susan Carter (top) was crowned the Zurich Bean Festival Queen Saturday afternoon. She shares the limelight here with first runner-up Fayeanne Love (centre) and second runner-up Aimee Gelinas. Another rise in building permits EXETER - Construciton in the town of Exeter is now at a pace slightly ahead of the record set in 1988. Chief building official David Moyer's regular report to council Monday night indicated 26 building permits were issued during the month of July for a total value of $395,400. The just concluded month s busi- ness was $61,0000 more thanfor, • the comparable month a year ago. The total value of building per- mits issued in the first seven months of 1989 now stands at $4,073,343. This is an increase of $277,648 over the same period in 1988. This month's building permits in- cluded two single family dwellings valued at $213,500 and $132,400 for additions to 11 single family dwellings. We'II be on time EXETER - We will be on time. In a change of policy, readers of next week's issue of the Times Ad- vocate will receive the paper on time on Wednesday, despite the hol- iday weekend. All advertising deadlines are being moved ahead to -Friday afternoon and the paper will be printed as usu- al Tuesday evening for delivery Wednesday morning. Any news items may be dropped into the slot in the front door any- time during the weekend and on the Labour Day holiday itself. Gaiser-Kneale Insurance Exeter 235-2420 Grand Bend 238-8484 Hensall 262-2119 • Clinton 482-9747 Engineer admits tendering error EXETER - Bruce Potter of the B,M. Ross Association admitted to conned Monday night that his firm had made an error in approving a re- cent construction tender for the town. Council originally accepted the tender for road construction in the south-west area of town from Van Bree Construction for $280,000 on the recommendation of the engi- neer. It was almost three weeks later with the contract underway that the construction firm discovered they had made a calculation error and the accepted bid was $20,000 short of what it should have been. It was Van Bree Construction of- ficials that called engineers to tell them of the error in calculation. Potter insisted the difference of cost is actually only some $7,000 because if the proper price had been submitted by Van Bree, then coun- cil would have accepted the second lowest bid of $300,000. The engi- neer added, "We are willing to pay half of $7,000. Mayor Bruce Shaw replied, "The difference is really $22,000. On an earlier proposal you and Van Bree would each pay $3,500. But, that leaves us with $15,000 more than we really contracted for." Deputy reeve Lossy Fuller agreed saying, "I think we should look only at the bottom line of $280,000 and if you are responsi- ble, we shouldn't have to pay any more. Potter continued, "We are respon- sible. We. goofed. But, how much should we pay?" When Shaw asked if he had ever been involved in a similar situa- tion, Pouer replied, "No, we have never found such a large error after the fact." To a question from Fuller regard- ing errors and omissions insu- rance, Potter said, "Yes, we have insurance, but the error exceeds our deductible limit." When Potter said unit prices dic- ,tate the overall cost of the con- tract, Reeve Bill Mickle comment- ed,. "It seems to me it's your responsibility to make sure unit prices and the bottom line are comparable." He added, "I tried to achieve an agreement, with Van Bree, but, it didn't work. Councillor Ben Hoogenboom said, "I'm concerned about Van Bree being allowed to start the work so quickly.' Potter continued, "We missed the error and I say it in all hones- ty. If any other mistake was made Please turn to page 2 Need volunteers for local Terry Fox Run EXETER - If the annual Terry Fox Run in Exeter is going to be successful, more volunteers are needed. Thanks.to the manager and staff at the Exeter branch of Scotia - bank, the Terry Fox Run will go on September 17. The Terry Fox Run was esta- blished in memory of Terry Fox, a great Canadian who was afflicted with Cancer, but fought the odds to run across the country to raise money for Cancer Research and to help educate us to the battle of this deadly disease. Ever since, thousands of com- munities across the country have held their own Terry Fox Runs. In this way millions of Canadians provide their own contribution to cancer research, either by pledging money, helping out with the run or by asking for pledges and dona- tions and participating in the run itself. The local staff at Scotiabank have Organized the Exeter run for the past three years and before that Ellison Travel did the job. The turnout last year was very poor and disappointing, although more than $2,000 was raised. Scotiabank manager Lloyd Rob- ison said this week, " When asked to accept the challenge this year, we reluctantly asked National Headquarters people to search out new organizers which we felt would give "new" blood and possi- bly better results to the run." Robison continued, " We only found out on August 21 that the Terry Fox Run for Exeter was can- celled because no one came for- ward to accept the challenge. Our staff held a quick meeting and de- cided we cannot let this happen." The local manager concluded, " Exeter needs to be involved. We've all seen too many of our friends and relatives struck down while we've stood helplessly by." Anyone willing to assist in the run in any way is asked to call Robison at the Scotiabank at 235- 1142 or at his residence at 235- 2276. Selling new tax scheme will be a tough job EXETER Nobody likes to pay more tax. Most people agree the gov- ernment takes too much of our pay- cheques already, but the usual re- ' sponse to a tax hike or unfavorable budget is a disconcerted grumbling from the public. This time it might'be different. Fi- nance minister Michael Wilson's pro- posal to introduce a general nine per- cent federal goods and services tax, increasing the cost to consumers of previously exempt items - everything from home renovations to prostitu- tion - has been met with resistance from the general population. Some are'already,picketing and sending pe- titions to Parliament Hill. The idea is to replace the present manufacturer's tax of 13.5 percent with something the government calls "fair", but polls show the majority of Canadians think the nine percent tax planned for 1991 is stretching the limits of what the country can afford. An informal poll on the streets of Exeter last week revealed that local citizens are equally displeased with the tax proposal. Gail Baker Baker said she wasn't too happy about Wilson's proposal in general. Her first instinct is its 2p discouraging consumer spending. "I think it's going to hurt. 1 think people might hold off buy- ing." Karen Monck "I think it's nasty. I think it's unfair," said Monck, but considered t9tr'tltc t Curitiin as mini- mal. People aren't going to stop buy- ing, just like they didn't when it (Provincial sales tax) went from seven to eight (percent)." Monck also isn't pleased with the idea of extending the tax to include new housing over $400,000. "It really amazes me that -they can get away with that." Jeff Keller Ton Com-, .. - an y Taylor "It's stupid. ,,doesn't hal;�,.�-i c; .got enough." "I don't like it, but it hasn't hap- pened yam" Taylor was also concerned by the f*opusai that some real estate will all under the tax. "I really hate that." Taylor didn't think the govern- ment should be looking for more v, ,vaayy stosqueeze dollars out of the pp "I think they get enough." that high. Grey said the taxa on liquor, to - Keller, as a summer student, was bacco and gasoline were already a worried about how the tax would large source of frovernm'nt incoir cut into his already limite!+ -c.souIt-- and didn't want to see the wide - es. ranging federal sales tax added -into "Students, who make less the equation. amounts of money than people .- ho "They should find a better way to work full-time, can't afford it." raise money." Grey also mentioned the high cosi of health care, and was con- cerned chat much of it was going towards the drug companies. S- Sharron Snell "I think it is really important to reduce the federal deficit," said nett, but noted she has not yet seen any guarantees from Wilson that the extra revenues the tax gen- erates will be applied directly to def- icit reduction. "We have t" Jo something, but whethci the government will spend ute money wisely, I don't know." • Inside Record crop Seelster's send 41 yearlings to sales page 5 Victorian charmer Is object of couple's affection page 11 Bantam baseball Exciting tourney on weekend page 17 Beans, Beans Zurich's 24th festival a success page 22 More lights EXETER - Council Monday night decided to take immediate steps to improve the visibility of the pedestrian crosswalk at the in- tersection of Main and Victoria streets. On the suggestion of Councillor Dave Urlin, works superintendent Glenn Kells was instructed to en- gage an electrician to add additional flashing lights on each side of the crosswalk. When councillor Morely Hall suggested the matter be turned over to public works, mayor Bruce Shaw interjected, "Something must be done before school starts on Tues- day." Council was reacting to a letter from the Ministry of Transporta- tion which said, "Part of the rea- son the -crosswalk is being ignored by the public could be the few times the flashing lights are in use." It continued, "This crosswalk was installed to the standard that the Ministry encourages through- out the province, but yours may be the first in Huron County." Urlin added, "We must put up something to get the attention of motorists and pedestrians. There are a lot of jaywalkers in the area that don't use the crosswalk prop- erly." Big weekend at Zurich Susan Carter (top) was crowned the Zurich Bean Festival Queen Saturday afternoon. She shares the limelight here with first runner-up Fayeanne Love (centre) and second runner-up Aimee Gelinas. Another rise in building permits EXETER - Construciton in the town of Exeter is now at a pace slightly ahead of the record set in 1988. Chief building official David Moyer's regular report to council Monday night indicated 26 building permits were issued during the month of July for a total value of $395,400. The just concluded month s busi- ness was $61,0000 more thanfor, • the comparable month a year ago. The total value of building per- mits issued in the first seven months of 1989 now stands at $4,073,343. This is an increase of $277,648 over the same period in 1988. This month's building permits in- cluded two single family dwellings valued at $213,500 and $132,400 for additions to 11 single family dwellings. We'II be on time EXETER - We will be on time. In a change of policy, readers of next week's issue of the Times Ad- vocate will receive the paper on time on Wednesday, despite the hol- iday weekend. All advertising deadlines are being moved ahead to -Friday afternoon and the paper will be printed as usu- al Tuesday evening for delivery Wednesday morning. Any news items may be dropped into the slot in the front door any- time during the weekend and on the Labour Day holiday itself. Gaiser-Kneale Insurance Exeter 235-2420 Grand Bend 238-8484 Hensall 262-2119 • Clinton 482-9747 Engineer admits tendering error EXETER - Bruce Potter of the B,M. Ross Association admitted to conned Monday night that his firm had made an error in approving a re- cent construction tender for the town. Council originally accepted the tender for road construction in the south-west area of town from Van Bree Construction for $280,000 on the recommendation of the engi- neer. It was almost three weeks later with the contract underway that the construction firm discovered they had made a calculation error and the accepted bid was $20,000 short of what it should have been. It was Van Bree Construction of- ficials that called engineers to tell them of the error in calculation. Potter insisted the difference of cost is actually only some $7,000 because if the proper price had been submitted by Van Bree, then coun- cil would have accepted the second lowest bid of $300,000. The engi- neer added, "We are willing to pay half of $7,000. Mayor Bruce Shaw replied, "The difference is really $22,000. On an earlier proposal you and Van Bree would each pay $3,500. But, that leaves us with $15,000 more than we really contracted for." Deputy reeve Lossy Fuller agreed saying, "I think we should look only at the bottom line of $280,000 and if you are responsi- ble, we shouldn't have to pay any more. Potter continued, "We are respon- sible. We. goofed. But, how much should we pay?" When Shaw asked if he had ever been involved in a similar situa- tion, Pouer replied, "No, we have never found such a large error after the fact." To a question from Fuller regard- ing errors and omissions insu- rance, Potter said, "Yes, we have insurance, but the error exceeds our deductible limit." When Potter said unit prices dic- ,tate the overall cost of the con- tract, Reeve Bill Mickle comment- ed,. "It seems to me it's your responsibility to make sure unit prices and the bottom line are comparable." He added, "I tried to achieve an agreement, with Van Bree, but, it didn't work. Councillor Ben Hoogenboom said, "I'm concerned about Van Bree being allowed to start the work so quickly.' Potter continued, "We missed the error and I say it in all hones- ty. If any other mistake was made Please turn to page 2 Need volunteers for local Terry Fox Run EXETER - If the annual Terry Fox Run in Exeter is going to be successful, more volunteers are needed. Thanks.to the manager and staff at the Exeter branch of Scotia - bank, the Terry Fox Run will go on September 17. The Terry Fox Run was esta- blished in memory of Terry Fox, a great Canadian who was afflicted with Cancer, but fought the odds to run across the country to raise money for Cancer Research and to help educate us to the battle of this deadly disease. Ever since, thousands of com- munities across the country have held their own Terry Fox Runs. In this way millions of Canadians provide their own contribution to cancer research, either by pledging money, helping out with the run or by asking for pledges and dona- tions and participating in the run itself. The local staff at Scotiabank have Organized the Exeter run for the past three years and before that Ellison Travel did the job. The turnout last year was very poor and disappointing, although more than $2,000 was raised. Scotiabank manager Lloyd Rob- ison said this week, " When asked to accept the challenge this year, we reluctantly asked National Headquarters people to search out new organizers which we felt would give "new" blood and possi- bly better results to the run." Robison continued, " We only found out on August 21 that the Terry Fox Run for Exeter was can- celled because no one came for- ward to accept the challenge. Our staff held a quick meeting and de- cided we cannot let this happen." The local manager concluded, " Exeter needs to be involved. We've all seen too many of our friends and relatives struck down while we've stood helplessly by." Anyone willing to assist in the run in any way is asked to call Robison at the Scotiabank at 235- 1142 or at his residence at 235- 2276. Selling new tax scheme will be a tough job EXETER Nobody likes to pay more tax. Most people agree the gov- ernment takes too much of our pay- cheques already, but the usual re- ' sponse to a tax hike or unfavorable budget is a disconcerted grumbling from the public. This time it might'be different. Fi- nance minister Michael Wilson's pro- posal to introduce a general nine per- cent federal goods and services tax, increasing the cost to consumers of previously exempt items - everything from home renovations to prostitu- tion - has been met with resistance from the general population. Some are'already,picketing and sending pe- titions to Parliament Hill. The idea is to replace the present manufacturer's tax of 13.5 percent with something the government calls "fair", but polls show the majority of Canadians think the nine percent tax planned for 1991 is stretching the limits of what the country can afford. An informal poll on the streets of Exeter last week revealed that local citizens are equally displeased with the tax proposal. Gail Baker Baker said she wasn't too happy about Wilson's proposal in general. Her first instinct is its 2p discouraging consumer spending. "I think it's going to hurt. 1 think people might hold off buy- ing." Karen Monck "I think it's nasty. I think it's unfair," said Monck, but considered t9tr'tltc t Curitiin as mini- mal. People aren't going to stop buy- ing, just like they didn't when it (Provincial sales tax) went from seven to eight (percent)." Monck also isn't pleased with the idea of extending the tax to include new housing over $400,000. "It really amazes me that -they can get away with that." Jeff Keller Ton Com-, .. - an y Taylor "It's stupid. ,,doesn't hal;�,.�-i c; .got enough." "I don't like it, but it hasn't hap- pened yam" Taylor was also concerned by the f*opusai that some real estate will all under the tax. "I really hate that." Taylor didn't think the govern- ment should be looking for more v, ,vaayy stosqueeze dollars out of the pp "I think they get enough." that high. Grey said the taxa on liquor, to - Keller, as a summer student, was bacco and gasoline were already a worried about how the tax would large source of frovernm'nt incoir cut into his already limite!+ -c.souIt-- and didn't want to see the wide - es. ranging federal sales tax added -into "Students, who make less the equation. amounts of money than people .- ho "They should find a better way to work full-time, can't afford it." raise money." Grey also mentioned the high cosi of health care, and was con- cerned chat much of it was going towards the drug companies. S- Sharron Snell "I think it is really important to reduce the federal deficit," said nett, but noted she has not yet seen any guarantees from Wilson that the extra revenues the tax gen- erates will be applied directly to def- icit reduction. "We have t" Jo something, but whethci the government will spend ute money wisely, I don't know." •