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HomeMy WebLinkAboutTimes Advocate, 1991-10-16, Page 1Car Oil By Appointment Exeter Collision 235-0411 sc Gainer-Kneale Insurance Service Experience & Value 235-2420 Serving South Huron North Middlesex & Litntbton Since 1873 AVA Blue Box costs holding the line in Zurich ZURICH - The cost of Zurich's recycling program, soon to be en- tering its third year, is remaining stable, despite decreasing govern- ment support. Councillor Keith Semple told council Thursday evening that the Bluewater Recycling Association's next budget indicates that the cost of the village's recycling next year will be about $9,255, almost the same as 1991's figures. "It doesn't appear to have gone up," said Semple. "It's holding the line pretty [well] considering the government grant is decreasing 10 percent each year." The Bluewater Recycling Associ- ation's final budget will be ap- proved by December or January. Bus service returnin LUCAN - The recently disband- ed highway bus service from Owen Sound to London will be back in business next week. Lucan councillor Bryan Smith said on the weekend that he had re- ceived confirmation from Chatham Coach Lines that bus service will be reopened on October 21. Al Erison of Chaco told Smith Friday afternoon that buses will be running once each way on a three days a week schedule. Erison said the buses would leave Owen Sound each Tuesday, Thurs- day and Saturday mornings exclud- ing holidays at 8 a.m. Pickups will be made in Grand Bend at 11:20 a.m.; Exeter at 11:40 a.m. and Lucan at 12:05 p.m. On the way back in the evenings stops will be made at Lucan at 6:05 p.m.; Exeter at 6:30 p.m. and Grand Bend at 6:50 p.m. Smith who has been negotiating with the Chatham bus company on behalf of Lucan council and resi- dents said he was pleased with the announcement. He added, "It will be a great help for our seniors who don't drive and have business or medical appoint- ments in London. Erison said the charge for a one- way Lucan to London trip would likely be about $4.50. Wednesday, October 16, 1991. 75 cehts Up and running Municipal election fever is sweeping the region. Friday of temoon nominations closed, and as of press time candi- dates had only a few hours to withdraw, although that is unlikely in most municipalities. Here's a complete list of who's running and who's acclaimed in the Times Advo- cate's immediate coverage area. Exeter EXETER - The election race is on in Exeter. In a surprise move on Fri- day, councillor Harry Klungel filed nomination papers for the reeve's posi- tion, mounting a challenge against incumbent Bill Mickle. Klungel had announced his intention to run for re-election as councillor and apparently had appropriate nomination papers ready, but eventually decided to con- test the reeve's position with Mickle. There are also eight candidates nominated for the race for the six coun- cillor's seats: Ben Hoogenboom, Ervin Siliery, Don Winter, Robert J.A. Drummond, Tom Humphreys, David Urlin, Robert Spears and Bert Branderhorst. Acclaimed candidates include Bruce Shaw as mayor, Lossy Fuller as deputy -reeve, Public Utilities commissioners Murray Greene and Harry Devries, and Huron Board of Education trustee Jim Chapman. Herman HENSALL - Cecil Pepper has announced that he will seek the position of reeve in the Village of Hensall, and it looks as if there will be a race for councillor as five candidates campaign for four openings. Sitting council- lors Butch Hoffman, Jeff Reaburn and Peter Groot are all seeking re- election, while newcomers Bob Seaton and Richard Packham will also throw their hats into the ring. As of Friday, no one had filed for either of the two openings for PUC commissioner and no papers were out. Nominations will be re -opened for these two positions on Wednesday only and candidates may file between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. at the Hensall municipal office. Please turn to page 3 Government axes funding for jun/or kindergarten CLINTON - Trustees of the Hu- ron County Board of Education learn& at fast Monday's October meeting that funds designated for the operation of junior and senior kindergarten have been reallocated by the provincial government as a result of changes in government spending. Treasurer Floyd Laughren an- nounced in a statement to the Onta- rio Legislature that $50 million of the education transfer had been re- allocated due to obligations the pro- vincial government has to manage expenditures resulting from the_re- cession and other pressures. These strains included $240 mil- lion additional dollars for social as- sistance, $53 million more for fdr- est fire fighting in northern Ontario, $215 million more to cover the teach' pension plan, $35 million to farm assistance, S57 million to the. Huron Rights Commission and $1.6 billion in short -fall from the federal government as a result .of capping their payments to Ontario. The loss of $50 million in junior and senior kindergarten is seen as problematic. The $50 million of the education transfer payment for this year was surplus created by school boards not applying for in- centive junior and senior kinder- garten operating grants. Many boards have not applied for funding this year due to lack of capital funding and overcrowding in schools. Minister of Education Marion Boyd stated that she still plans to proceed with Bill 125, an act to amend the education act and related acts which legislates manda- tory kindergarten by 1994. Zurich businessman may win battle to keep sign ZURICH - A Zurich man may win his battle to have a sign outside his home business even though vil- lage council were clearly upset he opened his business without check- ing municipal zoning regulations, installed a sign in violation of the bylaw and refused to remove the sign after council ordered him to do so. David Schilbe attended Thurs- day's council meeting to make his case for why his home-based sea- food business should have a large advertising sign. "It was council's feeling that signs were not allowed on private property according to the zoning bylaw," said reeve Bob Fisher, who admitted some other home busi- nesses in town may have "grandfa- thered" signs in place prior to the bylaw. Schilbe told council that after re- ceiving a notice on June 6 that his sign did not conform to the bylaw he relocated it to his balcony at the suggestion of the clerk Maureen Simmons, who denied she gave him any such instruction. Schilbe then said he was asked on June 17 for details of how his business was run. Council explained that floor space, hours of business, and equip- ment used was all information needed wanted for planner Scott Tousaw to evaluate the sign request under the zoning bylaw. Schilbe said he understood there was no sign bylaw in Zurich before September. "We as a council did not feel we needed a sign bylaw because we felt we had in the zoning bylaw regulations that say you can't have a sign on private property," said Fisher. Schilbe had sent another letter to council asking to set up his sign on the corner of his Highway 84 resi- dential property, but was told all signs must come down. Schilbe's sign has remained in place all sum- mer, presently located on his gar- age door. "If we have to go to a lawyer we will, but we feel as a council we cannot allow a sign on private [resi- dential) property," said Fisher. Tousaw said he understood the initial problem was that the sign suggested a retail outlet. Schilbe agreed to put up a sign just saying "Schilbe's Seafood" sized 3x4 feet, but said council refused to address his requests for information. "What wasn't addressed? We told you you couldn't have a sign, what's more to address?" said Fish- er, who reminded Schilbe he set up a business in a residential arca without applying to council. Schilbe said his revised sign would indicate a wholesale busi- ness rather than retail. "This says you were going to re- place the sign you had with a bigger sign," said councillor Keith Semple. Fisher admitted there was some confusion, but council has since agreed that a complete ban on resi- dential area signs was the best course of action. "All I'm trying to do is interpret [the bylaw) the same as you peo- ple," said Schilbe. "Well, we interpret it differently," said Fisher. Councillor Doug Thiel also noted that sight triangle regulations would also severely restrict place- ment of a sign on Schilbe's comer lot. "It's not that I'm trying to get away with anything," said Schilbe. Fisher agreed there were some home businesses using small dis- creet signs that council and neigh- bours could allow, but Schilbe's Targe sign was less than discreet. "You defied town council. With all the letters saying take the sign down, you kept the sign there," said Fisher. The reeve said the sign bylaw passed in September wag a way of clearing up the confusion. "If town council is to be a big brother than an obstacle then it should have more input from the businesses," complained Schilbe, arguing that 0.3 sq. metre signs were not effective enough. "It's in a residential area David. These signs are the same size (0.3 sq. m) as those in Exeter," said Fisher. "You can't just look at the neighbours you have now. You have to look at the future." Schilbe said he is currently corre- sponding with a lobby group for home businesses which says such municipal hinderances to free enter- prise are common. "We don't want any [business) growth in residential areas, put it that way," said Fisher. Tousaw pointed out most home businesses are offices which deal with customers by telephone so that the operator does not need a large sign, whereas the planner pointed out Schilbe's Seafood was attempt - Disputed signs Dave Shilbe of Zurich has both signs on his bal- cony and garage. promoting his home occupa- tion. *300 v4. 400.11-41Vir 14/110014 MESH LOBSTER COD SALMON ANO MORE ing to bring in retail traffic with a sign. "Home businesses are essentially supposed to be unknown," said Tousaw. "From that point of view, council's plan to keep signs small makes sense." "How small? Ridiculously small," said Schilbe. "Look at Gerry Rader [Zurich home-based caterer). He's got no sign," said Fisher, who said home businesses should reach clientele by telephone and not rely on walk- in street traffic. "What I'm asking for is some help, not a deterrent," said Schilbe. Fisher asked if a zoning amend- ment was possible to meet Schilbe's needs and Tousaw suggested a vari- ance could be granted by the com- mittee of adjustment, with the ratio- nale that the highway location of Schilbe's home is less than a purely residential neighbourhood. Schilbe said he wanted a visible sign, and said it was not his intent to run a retail business, but whole- sale. hopsale. "Well, it sure as hell is retailing, but that's not for me to say. That's for council to decide," said a rattled Fisher. "That's right," said Schilbe. Council agreed after Schilbe left that he could apply for a minor var- iance with the idea that his sign might be restricted in size to one square metre. Councilor also agreed to waive the usual $275 mi- nor variance application fee. 4 4 4.0.44 Inside Survey A lucky 1,000 to decide future page 3 Hallowe'en What's weird and wild page 5 Scam? Safety booklet profits few page9 Pumpkin Challenge Ailsa Craig comes close page10 Pre -tyke Skating younger ti and younger Second front 1 AVA Blue Box costs holding the line in Zurich ZURICH - The cost of Zurich's recycling program, soon to be en- tering its third year, is remaining stable, despite decreasing govern- ment support. Councillor Keith Semple told council Thursday evening that the Bluewater Recycling Association's next budget indicates that the cost of the village's recycling next year will be about $9,255, almost the same as 1991's figures. "It doesn't appear to have gone up," said Semple. "It's holding the line pretty [well] considering the government grant is decreasing 10 percent each year." The Bluewater Recycling Associ- ation's final budget will be ap- proved by December or January. Bus service returnin LUCAN - The recently disband- ed highway bus service from Owen Sound to London will be back in business next week. Lucan councillor Bryan Smith said on the weekend that he had re- ceived confirmation from Chatham Coach Lines that bus service will be reopened on October 21. Al Erison of Chaco told Smith Friday afternoon that buses will be running once each way on a three days a week schedule. Erison said the buses would leave Owen Sound each Tuesday, Thurs- day and Saturday mornings exclud- ing holidays at 8 a.m. Pickups will be made in Grand Bend at 11:20 a.m.; Exeter at 11:40 a.m. and Lucan at 12:05 p.m. On the way back in the evenings stops will be made at Lucan at 6:05 p.m.; Exeter at 6:30 p.m. and Grand Bend at 6:50 p.m. Smith who has been negotiating with the Chatham bus company on behalf of Lucan council and resi- dents said he was pleased with the announcement. He added, "It will be a great help for our seniors who don't drive and have business or medical appoint- ments in London. Erison said the charge for a one- way Lucan to London trip would likely be about $4.50. Wednesday, October 16, 1991. 75 cehts Up and running Municipal election fever is sweeping the region. Friday of temoon nominations closed, and as of press time candi- dates had only a few hours to withdraw, although that is unlikely in most municipalities. Here's a complete list of who's running and who's acclaimed in the Times Advo- cate's immediate coverage area. Exeter EXETER - The election race is on in Exeter. In a surprise move on Fri- day, councillor Harry Klungel filed nomination papers for the reeve's posi- tion, mounting a challenge against incumbent Bill Mickle. Klungel had announced his intention to run for re-election as councillor and apparently had appropriate nomination papers ready, but eventually decided to con- test the reeve's position with Mickle. There are also eight candidates nominated for the race for the six coun- cillor's seats: Ben Hoogenboom, Ervin Siliery, Don Winter, Robert J.A. Drummond, Tom Humphreys, David Urlin, Robert Spears and Bert Branderhorst. Acclaimed candidates include Bruce Shaw as mayor, Lossy Fuller as deputy -reeve, Public Utilities commissioners Murray Greene and Harry Devries, and Huron Board of Education trustee Jim Chapman. Herman HENSALL - Cecil Pepper has announced that he will seek the position of reeve in the Village of Hensall, and it looks as if there will be a race for councillor as five candidates campaign for four openings. Sitting council- lors Butch Hoffman, Jeff Reaburn and Peter Groot are all seeking re- election, while newcomers Bob Seaton and Richard Packham will also throw their hats into the ring. As of Friday, no one had filed for either of the two openings for PUC commissioner and no papers were out. Nominations will be re -opened for these two positions on Wednesday only and candidates may file between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. at the Hensall municipal office. Please turn to page 3 Government axes funding for jun/or kindergarten CLINTON - Trustees of the Hu- ron County Board of Education learn& at fast Monday's October meeting that funds designated for the operation of junior and senior kindergarten have been reallocated by the provincial government as a result of changes in government spending. Treasurer Floyd Laughren an- nounced in a statement to the Onta- rio Legislature that $50 million of the education transfer had been re- allocated due to obligations the pro- vincial government has to manage expenditures resulting from the_re- cession and other pressures. These strains included $240 mil- lion additional dollars for social as- sistance, $53 million more for fdr- est fire fighting in northern Ontario, $215 million more to cover the teach' pension plan, $35 million to farm assistance, S57 million to the. Huron Rights Commission and $1.6 billion in short -fall from the federal government as a result .of capping their payments to Ontario. The loss of $50 million in junior and senior kindergarten is seen as problematic. The $50 million of the education transfer payment for this year was surplus created by school boards not applying for in- centive junior and senior kinder- garten operating grants. Many boards have not applied for funding this year due to lack of capital funding and overcrowding in schools. Minister of Education Marion Boyd stated that she still plans to proceed with Bill 125, an act to amend the education act and related acts which legislates manda- tory kindergarten by 1994. Zurich businessman may win battle to keep sign ZURICH - A Zurich man may win his battle to have a sign outside his home business even though vil- lage council were clearly upset he opened his business without check- ing municipal zoning regulations, installed a sign in violation of the bylaw and refused to remove the sign after council ordered him to do so. David Schilbe attended Thurs- day's council meeting to make his case for why his home-based sea- food business should have a large advertising sign. "It was council's feeling that signs were not allowed on private property according to the zoning bylaw," said reeve Bob Fisher, who admitted some other home busi- nesses in town may have "grandfa- thered" signs in place prior to the bylaw. Schilbe told council that after re- ceiving a notice on June 6 that his sign did not conform to the bylaw he relocated it to his balcony at the suggestion of the clerk Maureen Simmons, who denied she gave him any such instruction. Schilbe then said he was asked on June 17 for details of how his business was run. Council explained that floor space, hours of business, and equip- ment used was all information needed wanted for planner Scott Tousaw to evaluate the sign request under the zoning bylaw. Schilbe said he understood there was no sign bylaw in Zurich before September. "We as a council did not feel we needed a sign bylaw because we felt we had in the zoning bylaw regulations that say you can't have a sign on private property," said Fisher. Schilbe had sent another letter to council asking to set up his sign on the corner of his Highway 84 resi- dential property, but was told all signs must come down. Schilbe's sign has remained in place all sum- mer, presently located on his gar- age door. "If we have to go to a lawyer we will, but we feel as a council we cannot allow a sign on private [resi- dential) property," said Fisher. Tousaw said he understood the initial problem was that the sign suggested a retail outlet. Schilbe agreed to put up a sign just saying "Schilbe's Seafood" sized 3x4 feet, but said council refused to address his requests for information. "What wasn't addressed? We told you you couldn't have a sign, what's more to address?" said Fish- er, who reminded Schilbe he set up a business in a residential arca without applying to council. Schilbe said his revised sign would indicate a wholesale busi- ness rather than retail. "This says you were going to re- place the sign you had with a bigger sign," said councillor Keith Semple. Fisher admitted there was some confusion, but council has since agreed that a complete ban on resi- dential area signs was the best course of action. "All I'm trying to do is interpret [the bylaw) the same as you peo- ple," said Schilbe. "Well, we interpret it differently," said Fisher. Councillor Doug Thiel also noted that sight triangle regulations would also severely restrict place- ment of a sign on Schilbe's comer lot. "It's not that I'm trying to get away with anything," said Schilbe. Fisher agreed there were some home businesses using small dis- creet signs that council and neigh- bours could allow, but Schilbe's Targe sign was less than discreet. "You defied town council. With all the letters saying take the sign down, you kept the sign there," said Fisher. The reeve said the sign bylaw passed in September wag a way of clearing up the confusion. "If town council is to be a big brother than an obstacle then it should have more input from the businesses," complained Schilbe, arguing that 0.3 sq. metre signs were not effective enough. "It's in a residential area David. These signs are the same size (0.3 sq. m) as those in Exeter," said Fisher. "You can't just look at the neighbours you have now. You have to look at the future." Schilbe said he is currently corre- sponding with a lobby group for home businesses which says such municipal hinderances to free enter- prise are common. "We don't want any [business) growth in residential areas, put it that way," said Fisher. Tousaw pointed out most home businesses are offices which deal with customers by telephone so that the operator does not need a large sign, whereas the planner pointed out Schilbe's Seafood was attempt - Disputed signs Dave Shilbe of Zurich has both signs on his bal- cony and garage. promoting his home occupa- tion. *300 v4. 400.11-41Vir 14/110014 MESH LOBSTER COD SALMON ANO MORE ing to bring in retail traffic with a sign. "Home businesses are essentially supposed to be unknown," said Tousaw. "From that point of view, council's plan to keep signs small makes sense." "How small? Ridiculously small," said Schilbe. "Look at Gerry Rader [Zurich home-based caterer). He's got no sign," said Fisher, who said home businesses should reach clientele by telephone and not rely on walk- in street traffic. "What I'm asking for is some help, not a deterrent," said Schilbe. Fisher asked if a zoning amend- ment was possible to meet Schilbe's needs and Tousaw suggested a vari- ance could be granted by the com- mittee of adjustment, with the ratio- nale that the highway location of Schilbe's home is less than a purely residential neighbourhood. Schilbe said he wanted a visible sign, and said it was not his intent to run a retail business, but whole- sale. hopsale. "Well, it sure as hell is retailing, but that's not for me to say. That's for council to decide," said a rattled Fisher. "That's right," said Schilbe. Council agreed after Schilbe left that he could apply for a minor var- iance with the idea that his sign might be restricted in size to one square metre. Councilor also agreed to waive the usual $275 mi- nor variance application fee. 4 4 4.0.44