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HomeMy WebLinkAboutTimes Advocate, 1993-12-22, Page 2Page 2 Times -Advocate, December 22,1993 Regional wrap uaimaistiosiagip Festival. down BLYTH - Board directors with the Blyth festival announced De- cember 9, that despite a critical- ly acclaimed season and a suc- cessful tour, the 1993 box office revenues were down by $69,000. This along with fundraising shortfalls and higher than antici- pated costs, contributed to an overall deficit of $229,454. "Unless changes are• made or financing received, we as audi- tors doubt the on-going exis- tence of this theatre as it stands now," said Ron Burt of the ac- counting firm Takalo and Burt. "There are severe problems," he said. President Gayle Waters told members that since September the Festival has been restructur- ing to reduce cost, increase reve- nues and develop results - oriented marketing strategies, it was reported in the North Huron Citizen. Mine proposal suspended GODS ICH - A controversial proposal to load up empty salt rooms under Lake Huron with hazardous waste has been aban- Boned, it was announced last Monday. Maitland Resources a compa- ny formed by Philip Environ- mental of Hamilton and Sifto Salt had proposed the plan in February of this year, it was re- ported in the Goderich Signal - Star. "A dramatic reduction over the past year," in the cost of landfill in the United States is the primary reason behind the decision to mothball the project, according to Philip representa- tive, Linda Kuhn. A Maitland news release cites a decline in waste materials be- gin produced; recycling and waste exports taking advantage of cheaper U.S. dump rat%, as the culprits in the decision. Both Kuhn and Sifto represen- tative Al Hamilton denied that mounting public concem over the project was a factor in the decision. Sewer system considered THORNDALE - Over 100 Thomdale residents .attended a public meeting December 8, to discuss a proposed 311 million sewer and water project for the village. "With MOE's requirements now, you have to be on full ser- vice," said Ron Abbott, deputy reeve of West Nissauri and a member of the project steering committee. "Thorndale can't ex- pand without full service. Thorn - dale is strictly on septic systems now and there are problems," Abbott said. He said council won't approve the project without provincial grants, it was reported in the Journal Argus. Attendance down for festivities CLINTON - The number of participants for some Christmas in Clinton events were down this year, thanks, in part, to the time- ly intervention of Mother Na- ture. Just as events were about to begin last Friday evening, the temperature dropped and the wind picked up, resulting in cold, snowy conditions. The weather limited the per- formanee by the Salvation Army Band and appeared to keep many local families from taking the opportunity to visit with San- ta or take in the hay rides, al- though some hay rides with car- olling did ,progress through town, It was reported in the Clin- ton News -Record. ,item ,--. _ ..00111111.- $1.45 a month hike cut back- Tiww not ready for higher mirror-- rates, says council EXETER - Remmers will be spared a double +idatrnmy on their utility bills next year as town coun- cil voted to hold off on an increase to the sewer surcharge. Town sewer rates are currently at 120 percent of the water rate, which is $12.10 a month. Since the PUC is increasing the water rate to 313.31 the sewer surcharge would automatically increase along with it, from $14.52 a month to $15.97. Councillor Bob Spears commented "unless there's a real good reason bump that rate up, and I'd like to know what it is" and said he would like to see the percentage ad- justed so that the monthly sewer bill will stay the same. "I don't think we're talking about a lot of money per month," said councillor Ben Hoogenboom, who added that the decision should be made on sound financial needs, and not what is "politically correct at the time". Reeve Bill Mickle, however, said mean more comin well the se town council isn't in a position to fin make ancial commitments w a sewage expansion project until a public meeting has decided if it should go ahead. "We have to seriously look at the cost to property owners in this town," said Mickle, adding indications are that ratepayers want rates held stable. "Until we reach a decision on what were going to do with sewage, or even when, I don't see a need to change the formula," said coun- cillor Robert Drum- mond. Clerk Liz Bell pointed out to keep the same $14.52 monthly charge the sur- charge would have to be lowered from 120 to 109 percent. If not, "it would mean $43,000 more revenue coming to the town, which would go to the sewer reserve," she said. Councillor Ervin Sillery noted the PUC's water rate increase was to build reserves for the future wa- ter expansion project. Spears said he had no problem t would $43,000 revenue ng to the , which ld go to wer re- serve." with building up reserves, -but said he wanted to see a project budget "before we start dinging the taxpay- er". "I personally don't feel we need to start raising the money in Janu- ary," said Spears, who made a mo- tion to drop the surcharge to 109 percent. "I'd like to point out these pro- jects (water and sewer expansions) are mega -projects," said Hoogen- boom. "These reserve funds get built up so we don't get hit with a double-barrelled shotgun when these projects become a reality." He reminded council was already committed to looking at the treat- ment plant proposal. "Population growth depends greatly on these projects," saitf Hoogenboom, saying an extra $1.45 a month per household wasn't much. "We're actually talking about a very, very small amount," he said. Drummond argued that ratepay- ers are looking for "money in their pockets now, not for some project five years down the road". Spears motion to lower the sur- charge and keep the rate the same for 1994 was approved by council. More fair system, says group Joint fire board going user pay By Fred Groves T -A staff AIIIIMUMEND - When the Grand Bend, Bosanquet, Stephen and Hay Jointire Board sets its budget early in 1994, the member mu- nicipalities will see a change. At a recent board meeting, it was decided that all four municipali- ties would take a serious look at the way in which it pays wages for fire calls. Ia the past, all four have shared in paying the firefighter wages but statistics show not all have the same amount of fires in their munici- palities. In the future, when the fire department is called out in Grand Bend, that village will pay for wages. The same rule applies to the other three municipalities in the group. "They've all agreed in principle. All the training costs and opera- tional costs will sell be split," said joint fire board chairman Bill Weber of Stephen Township. The board feels this system will be more fair and equitable to all municipalities. Although the Dashwood Fire Department is not part of the joint fire board, Weber has said it will become part of this new user pay system as well. Thursday night in Thedford a Sharing Scarce Resources' meeting with the joint fire board along with several other Lambton County Fire Departments was held. "It was initiated by Bosanquet Township and the fire marshal) just to have better protection," said Weber of the group which gets to- gether on a regular basis. "It's joint sharing of resources trying to cut down on costs," he added. One of the issues discussed was whether to hire a part-time chief and/or go to what is called an Automatic Aid Response. Automatic Aid is a simultaneous response to a fire call by the Home Department.and the tankers from other departments. This method enhances the level of protection without increasing costs too drastical I y. Weber said the municipalities are in favour of the Automatic Aid Response. "The Automatic Aid seems like it's going to go ahead with the de- partments." He explained that when a tanker is sent out to a rural fire call where there are no hydrants, then two extra tankers from other de- partments will be called out to help supply the additional water. "It's going to be better protection. They'll be there quicker." Looking ahead: The joint fire board may have to do some budget juggling in the new year as the financial statement presented back in October indicates an overrun of about $8,000. There was some discussion about this at last Monday night's Grand Bend Council meeting and it was recommended that the re- serve account of $6285.73 plus accuc.=:lated interest be transferred to the 1993 operating budget to offset the overrun. The reason for the overrun was primarily due to the number of fire calls in 1993. Jack Hebden, the joint fire board chief recently presented the board with a five-year forecast for capital items, including a new fire truck. Police station for.sale? EXETER • Although no offi- cial plans have been announced for Exeter's old police station, indications from council suggest it could be going upon the block as surplus property. The building has been empty since the town police disbanded November 1, and although town council is facing tough deci- siolus about where to locate the municipal offices, and the town library in the future, the police station may play no part in those plans. In a review of the town's insu- ranee policy Monday everting, councillors twice aid how the overall premium weaW be af- fected if the building was sold off, either now or in the coming Year. The response was that the overall premium would be re- duced by only a few hundred dollars at most. However, since the town police force disbanded, Exeter will be getting an insu- rance premium rebate, and a re- duction in its 1994 rate because it no tenger has to purchase cov- erage for the police. The sav- ingS are expected to be more thin '$2,000. OPP investigate five thefts EXETER - Police are investigat- ing five thefts in the area this week. Hamilton's Machine Shop on Thames Road in Exeter was broken into before December 13. Police say entry was made through a win- dow and a small quantity of cash was taken. There were two reportsof thefts of Christmas lights and ornaments from residences in Huron Park. One theft was reported last Tues- day, the other on Wednesday. On Friday, -someone tried unsuc- cessfully to steal the stereo out of a car owned by James Crown while it was parked at a Carling Street resi- dence. On Saturday, someone entered the home of Sharon Perry of RR2 Dashwood through a sliding patio door. Stolen was a pair of stereo . speakers. Exeter's 1993 building passes $3.4 million mark EXETER - No matter how the month of December pans out in Ex- eter building starts, 1993 has al- ready surpassed 1992 levels. ' Last year was a dismal one for the construction trade in Exeter, with only just over $3 million worth of construction taking place. Expectations for 1993 were even less encouraging as building totals kept falling behind 1992. However, building official Dave Moyer told council Monday eve- ning that with a total of $776,450 of assessed building permits issued in November, the year to date total went over the 33.4 million mark. "So we've managed to surpass last year's total. We're lucky," Moyer told council. In fact, the lion's share of the No- vember building total was a 3750,000 new warehouse for the Nabisco canning factory. Correction: county to downsize to 26 members 0 In last week's issue the article dealing with the future structure of county council's committees it was incorrectly stated that county coun- cil will be downsizing from 36 members to 32 after the 1994 mu- nicipal election. County council presently has 32 members, and will be downsizing to 26 members, one from each Hu- ron municipality. The Times Advocate regrets the error. 1 ABCA director praised for approach to budget EXETER - At least one -mu- 441b ire -llrterosied in -that Idad nicipal politician is supporting a ofphilosoplty,"liesaid. position taken by a director of L tea r -in the meet , council - the Ausable Bayfield Conserve- for Robert Drummond said that tion Authority. Exeter town councillor Ben Hoogenboom said Monday eve- ning that after reading in the Times Advocate last week of Bob Benner's plan to have the ABCA draw up a budget based on available funds, not program needs, tie felt compelled to give - the directors call. Benner, the representative for Lucan and Biddulph Township made the proposal to the ABCA board after a: draft budget pro- posed a deficit of 3205,000 be partly •funded by drawing on re- serve ,funds, which Benner op- posed. "I found that rather refresh- ing...I congratulated him on his position," said Hoogenboom. "We need to hie more people position remhided him of the suggestion by the Huron Board of Education that their taxes may go up 15-19 percent, due partly to provincial funding cuts. Drummond said council should seriously consider re- vamping its property tax notices ' to blearty show what portion [the largest portion] goes to the education board. "To make it clear to all tax- payers where the big boost is go- ing to go," said Drummond. Although the separate tax lev- ies of the town, Arron County, and the Huron Board of Educa- tion are separate on tax ,notices now, Drummond said it still ism clear enough to the average rate- payer how those taxes are divid- ed up. RIDE stops 103 cars EXETER - Another impaired driver was charged by police this past week, and another two were is- sued 12 -hour license suspensions as the Exeter OPP continued its RIDE program for the holiday season. The OPP stopped and questioned 103 drivers this past week, and also laid two liquor charges as a result of the roadside checks. The OPP also investigated two accidents this week. On Sunday at about 12:45 p.m. vehicles driven by Rodney Grein of Ayton and Shawn Defong of RR2 Bayfield collided at • the intersection of Highway 4 and Queen St. in Hensall. No injuries were reported. Also Sunday, Karen Robinson of Exeter lost control of her car while eastbound on Highway 83 at just ' after 8 p.m. After striking a tree, she and her passenger, James Fuller of RR2 Forest were taken to South Huron Hospital for treatment of in- juries. Police say the accident was caused by slippery road conditions. Five cases heard in Exeter court EXETER - An RR1 Hay man pleaded guilty a charge of assault in provincial court last Tu y. The ,Court peas told ,, Brad Snider met his ,es- tranged wife by coinci- dence in the parking lot In court at the Zurich arena on August 15. When Snider wanted to talk to his wife and she refused, he grabbed her atm, causing some bruising. Taking into account the couple have since reconciled and are back together, Judge R.G.E. Hunter gave Snider a suspended sentence and placed him on 12 months of probation. He was also advised to seek counselling. Fraud • An llderton man pleaded guilty to writing cheques without suffi- cient funds in his account to cover them. Frank Leishman of Ilderton pleaded guilty to writing two NSF cheques for gasoline purchases in May, 1993, and to writing a• 370 cheque for groceries in July. The court heard Leishman had made restitution for the gasoline and the judge asked him to make restitution for the groceries within 14 days, and placed him on 12 months probation. Careless driving A Huron Park man pleaded guilty to a charge of careless driving. The court heard Gary Grant of Huron Park was travelling east- bound on County Road 5 in Stephen Township on July 18 when he fell asleep behind the wheel of his car. The car entered the north ditch and struck two trees. After another vehicle stopped at the ac- cident scene, Grant was found behind the wheel, and had been drinking beer at the scene. Judge Hunter sentenced Grant to pay an 3800 fine or face 40 days in jail, plus a three-month driving suspension. He gave grant six months to pay the fine. Public mischief Judge Hunter refused to accept the guilty plea of a Crediton man charged with public mischief. The court heard Lloyd Masnica of Crediton was found lying in- toxicated in a roadway on June 27. The court heard that Masnica fabricated lies and made accusations about others to police. Judge Hunter said he refused to accept Masnica's guilty plea at this time, said he was a "nuisance" and placed him on a 12 month peace bond. Charges dropped A charge of operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol count over 80 mg per 100 ml of blood were dropped against a Hensall man af- ter a lengthy trial and testimony from a friend and a doctor. Police testimony said that Wayne Peters of Hensall was observed driving north on Highway 21 in Stephen Township on May 16, 1993. After stopping the car, the officer administered an Alert test, which registered a fail. After taking Peters to the Exeter OPP sta- tion, two breathalyzer tests registered blood alcohol readings of 170 and 150 mg. In his defense, Peters testified he spent the evening, from 8:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. at a bar in Grand Bend, where he and his friend John Mason each drank four beers. After leaving .the bar they went to a donut shop and bad coffee and sandwiches. Mason corroborated Peters' testimony, agreeing the pair both drank four beers, putting them all on Peters' tab. The prosecution suggested that since both men had tabs at the bar, and had enough cash to buy sandwiches and coffee tater, all eight beers may have been Peters'. However, a Dr. Hirst was brought to the stand'as an expert wit- ness, and testified that a man of Peters' height and weight, drinking four beers over the course of an evening, should have had a blood alcohol level of between 10 and 45 mg by 2:18 a.m., the time the breathalyzer was administered. Peters' lawyer also suggested the the instruments used by the OPP in May were of questionable accuracy, and noted they were no long- er being used. A Judge Hunter said given the facts and testimony he felt he had to drop the charges against Peters.