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HomeMy WebLinkAboutTimes Advocate, 1996-07-10, Page 3• T N T N F N Times Advocate, July lo, 1996 Page 3 ourTiews Letters to the editor Council answers to criticism "...we felt the general public de- served clearer information than has recently been provided..."' Dear Editor: Recent events, including unwarranted criticism levelled at councillors, suggest that the town council may be going about its business of managing town . affairs too quietly. This letter is intended to provide the general public with information concerning topi- cal issues. Taxation: Over the past five years council, recognizing the economic situation, exercised fiscal restraint as evi- denced by the following table reflecting year by year adjustments to the municipal portion of proper- ty taxes: 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 0% 1% *2% 0% 1% * Decrease The public may not know that a 1991 productivity analysis showed that the Town taxpayer receives a "bigger bang for its buck" than similar -sized com- munities. The council is, at this time, extremely concerned about the ongoing reduction in annual transfer pay- ments from the Provincial government. The reduc- tion in 1996 amounted to $170,000.00 with a prom- ise of further reductions to come. To offset these revenue losses, we are exploring two options. 1. Amalgamation with municipalities around us (Exeter, Usbome, Stephen, Grand Bend and parts of Bosanquet and Hay). 2. Internal restructuring/productivity improve- ments regarding Town Departments and the Public Utilities Commission. These efforts are very demanding and time- consuming, bearing in mind that the numerous extra meetings and discussions the councillors attend bring no extra reward other than the knowledge that we are working on behalf of the Town. Your coun- cil is committed to finding a viable solution to the revenue reduction. As you can appreciate, tough de- cisions will be required. Group Home Question: This issue requires an understanding of the differ- ence between a Group Home and Private Residence inhabited by individuals living semi -independently. The former is licensed by the Province with the sponsoring organization providing care and assis- tance to the residents on a 24-hour on-site basis. The latter is not licensed and is considered as a pri- vate residence with the occupants receiving mini- mum care to sustain their independence. The recent zoning change on Sanders Street pro- vided for the constriction of a semi-detached unit as opposed to a single-family residence. Given that the purpose of development is not a group home, we are sure the community agrees that it would have been most improper to have made any reference to the background of the intended residents in our zoning notice. To have done so would have been discrimi- natory and may have offended the Human Rights Code. The point is that council must be fair to all resi- dents. We have an obligation to the people who live near the zoning proposal and to the applicant. The Town's by-laws and provincial regulations must be (and are) applied equitably. Improper zoning notice: In connection with the above-mentioned zoning change, an oversight in circulating the required no- tice was made. Specifically, four properties were in- advertently omitted from the mailing list. When in- formed of this oversight, all four parties were contacted and apologies extended. In addition, a public letter of apology to one of the individuals was placed in the local newspaper. It has been suggested that council purposely omit- ted those names from the circulation list to avoid possible objections. First, such work is entirely ad- ministrative and the council is not at all involved. Secondly, to suggest that nine council members plus administrative staff would conspire to circumvent the law is simply not credible. Development activities: A recent letter to the editor implied that we are un- fair to developers. It is very important for the public to know that our job is to make development deci- sions that are, first and foremost, good for the town as a whole. Frequently, a decision that is good for a developer will also be good for the town. This is the best of all worlds. Development is a business. The cost of providing services for a subdivision should be borne by the people proposing the subdivision as part of the cost of doing business. That is how it is done in Ontario and, of course, in Exeter. However, it should be ex- plained that where a residential developer must pro- vide for a wider community need (for example, in- stallation of a sewer larger than the subdivision alone would need), the town consistently makes trade-offs, concessions or expenditures to fairly "balance the books." On the other hand, because industry often creates greater wealth for the town than other forms of de- velopment, the council occasionally helps with ser- vices so that a business can expand or start. This is only done where the community benefit is clear and significant. The town must weigh costs and benefits in this decision process. Residential subdividers are helped through the creation of servicing capacity and through assis- tance in processing applications (the Provincial ap- proval process is complex and does necessitate spe- cialized assistance). Suffice it to say, the Town takes a balanced and fair-minded view to its work in economic develop- ment. We have been told by firms/businesses locat- ing here that we do a good job in expediting and fa- cilitating new businesses. This is a reputation of which we can be proud. , It was with hesitation that we wrote this letter. However, we felt the general public deserved clearer information than has recently been provided in let- ters to the editor. Please feel free to attend our meetings. Council and committee meetings are, of course, open to the public. Meeting.dates can be obtained by calling 235-0310. Yours very truly, Council for the Town of Exeter Council rejects CED library suggestion By Brenda Burke T -A Reporter LUCAN - Lucan may not get a new library after all, at least not in the near future. At its July 2 meeting, council re- jected the Community Economic Development Committee's rec- ommendation that Mcrt and Muriel Culbert go ahead with their plans for a new 2,766 square foot library on Main Street. "It's not essential right now...I don't want to rush into anything," said Deputy Reeve Harry Wraith, who made it clear he wanted the mat- ter settled that night and "cleared from the files" for a year or so. "It's off the agenda in my mind," he said. "The library would be nice but how essential is it?" echoed Coun- cillor Martin Chittenden. Most councillors were concerned the proposed library would cost rat- epayers "just over $6 per house- hold." But according to the Cul - beds, household costs would be $5.90 since the village would have to come up with $3,955.38 on top of the amount paid by the county. Councillors said they had spoken with residents who did not favor paying extra for the facilities. The library proposal involves a rent fig- ure of $6.13 per square foot, which, according to the Culberts, is an av- erage rental fee for properties sur- rounding the proposed site. They_ had earlier approached council th a figure of $5.85 in or- der to in s, hydro and clean- ing costs. was at this point Bid- duiph Township withdrew its initial support of the original rental fee of $4.70, the current rate for library facilities. The Culberts claim the rental fee of $6.13, which council said is only a verbal offer, is jus- tified due to additional structural work on the building. Council was concerned the pos- sible amalgamation of Lucan and Biddulph in 1998 would result in a changed fi- nancial picture due to the new library. If Lu - can agrees to pay, point- ed out Reeve Rob Bra- dy, residents may end up with an area mill rate for Lucan in an amal- gamated municipality. "(The library) does not just benefit the peo- ple of Lucan," he said. "It also benefits Bid- dulph and they have taken a firm stand." While Wraith felt the CEDC'a proposal of a five-year renewable lease for the library was too lengthy, Councillor Rosemary Gah- linger-Beaune, who sits on the CEDC, said council should have negotiated with the Culberts. "By saying no to the CEDC pro- posal, we are not saying fib to the library," she said. "I think a lot can be done with that space...If you look at the future of Lucan as a res- idential community...It's a drawing card for those subdivisions...It's not just a book depository." While Wraith agreed everyone would like to have a new library, he explained "these things take time" and admitted Biddulph's refusal to participate "really set me back." 'lite cost creeps up on us pretty good," he added. "It's not just nick. We've lost sinesses to the onville lex. We 't let our rary slide the same path." our bu Mas comp can lib down els and dimes." "No one is in favor of increasing taxes for the library," stressed Bra- dy. Gahlinger-Beaune pointed out the inadequacy of the current 900 square -foot library and suggested library costs would come out of general funds for the first year of its operation, but not for following years when other revenue such as user fees and fundraising could be established. "We felt the proposal was timely at this point," she said, adding vil- lage residents are forced to use London's library facilities. "Without a new modern library in Lucan," stated Muriel in her pro- posal, "people will go elsewhere for their library needs...Now is a »eritical time for our library. We've lost our businesses to the Ma- sonville complex. We can't let our library slide down the same path." Robberies attempted at Exeter gas bars EX8T R - Police are continuing their investigation into attempted robberies of the Pioneer and Co-op Gas Bars on July 1. Entry was gained by prying open the doors of the businesses, howev- er, it appeared the would-be thieves left in a hurry. The same afternoan, an unlocked bicycle was reporwd stolen from the outdoor public pool. The 184peed boy': peed CCM moamgit bas twit vadat! at $240. Council addresses flood victims •a t_, .:y r3 :.• mit is not possible, practically speaking, to completely eliminate flooding that so severe a storm causes." Dear Editor: Exeter Council wishes to express its concern and sympathy for those who suffered serious damage and inconvenience in the recent flood. The council is aware of the nature and extent of the flooding and has tried to help as far as is reason- able and possible. It is important for residents to understand the situ- ation, the causes of the flooding, and how•the town provides for storm water management. Accordingly, we hope the following addresses most of your ques- tions and concerns. 1. What caused the flooding? First, it should be noted that neither a power out- age nor sewage pump failure nor sewage blockage caused the flooding. The sewage system pumps were operating all night (and next day). Works crews and private citizens also worked to keep the storm system clear as corn stalks and other debris accumulated from the water run-off. The flooding was a result of a combination of ex- treme weather conditions and extremely -wet ground conditions. These conditions far exceeded the norm. Municipalities cannot take into account such ex- treme conditions in planning for land use, surface drainage, storm water management and for sewage collection. Under guidance provided by our engi- neers (B.M. Ross) and the Conservation Authority, 'the town plans new developments, improves infra- structure and improves drainage systems throughout the year and year after year. In other words, we do design our systems to handle severe weather condi- tions (but not as severe as we had two weet ago). However, here is what the town faced: • a long period of rainfall saturated the fields, parks and lawns and filled low areas • generally, that left the area unable to absorb new rainfall • on the night of the flood, rainfall was in the 4 1/ 2 - 5 inch range and during a period of less than one hour, 3 3/4 - 4 inches of rain fell • the fields had little crop cover which might have otherwise delayed the run-off • in short, the effects of this extreme rainfall on Exeter was compounded by very fast run-off from the fields east and south of Exeter The result for our town was extensive surface flooding, some of which went directly into many of the town's homes through windows and basement walls. The surface water also poured through man- hole covers into the sanitary sewage system. There- fore, considerable rain water backed up into base- ments through floor drains. 2. What has the town been doing? During and after the flood, the town works crew worked around the clock to maintain the sewage sy tems and to help with clean-up. After the flood, we opened the landfill site to those with damage. We have also collected dam- aged material for disposal this past week. We will continue to take away damaged materials. People who cast are referred to their insurance agents. As you might appreciate, it would be unfair to the general taxpayer to help financially those who have damage that would be eligible for private insu- rance protection. Some have argued that the town's infrastructure or drainage systems are to blame. Our information is that such is not the case. Where such arguments are made however, we have asked that claims be put in writing and we have referred such letters to the town's insurance agency. All claims will be investi- gated. 3. What else are we going to do? Plirase bear in mind that Exeter cdntinues to im- prove its infrastructure. Most recently for example, we have done the following: • added a sewage pumping statlloa (and all the sta- tions have automatic back-up par in the event of hydro outage); • added a sewage drainage network to better serve the Dow Subdivision; • together with the Conservation Authority, in- stalled a new culvert under the railway tracks (im- proving flows through the Anne Street drain); • required over -sized piping in new developments; • required surface drainage plans; • fixed numerous drains and pipes in locations throughout town; • examined the entire sanitary sewage system to identify storm water infiltration (there was relatively little). Even though the recent flood could not have been designed for (practically and economically), the council is very concerned about the problem. The staff has been working with the Conservation Au- thority and the engineers to pinpoint any changes that may further improve our drainage system. 4. Why did the flood waters disappear so quickly? Some have observed that the flood waters seemed not to have been taken by our storm system during the storm. However, at the peak, the waters disap- peared down the drains in a whirlpool -like fashion. This prompted some to conclude that the sewage pumps suddenly started again. The sanitary sewage pumps were never stopped during the evening. There are no pumps for the storm system as they operate by gravity flow. The engineers tell us that once a flood peaks and no new waters are added, a system will clear very quickly. What was observed is not at all unexpected. To sim- plify a technical explanation, the pressure would be relieved in lower sections of a sewage collection system first (once the flood waters have peaked). This can cause a sudden release of waters in the upper parts of the system. 5. Was the drinking water affected? The town's water sources are outside of town and well -removed from the area of in -town flooding. The storm did, however, have the effect of churning up one of the town's wells with the result that there was some cloudiness. The P.U.C. advises that: (a) testing shows no health risk past or present; (b) flushing has been done to clear the system of any cloudiness; (c) chlorine levels have been increased for a peri- od of time to ensure safety. The Ministry of Health has also assured the P.U.C. of the safety and quality of the drinking wa- ter. 6. What can individuals do? The council is reluctant to give definitive advice as individual circumstances vary from case to case. Generally, however, we suggest two possibilities. First, review your insurance policy with your agent to be satisfied as to the extent of your coverage. Sec- ond, look into the addition of a back -water valve(s) with a sump pump as necessary. Conclusion: That this storm hit Exeter was most unfortunate. A similar storm elsewhere would have also caused bad flooding. (To illustrate, we are informed that one town experienced a less severe storm and yet dam- age there was greater than Exeter's.) It is not possible, practically speaking, to com- . pletely eliminate flooding that so severe a storm causes. We are concerned and we welcome public input at a public works or council meeting. We want the town to understand what has happened and that we are doing everything possible and within reason to address the needs of our residents. Yours very truly, Exeter Town Council 1946 50 lb 91nn1oararg cipeclal • :'c°u pins • PortaMn dwr storage Special Prices on all General Electric Appliances A$50. Voucher Redeemable at Metzger's Meats in Hensall • 1 tOuchpads • start • Ou4 Power Plus J For each $500 worth of General Electric appliances purchased in July Thanks to all who helped make our SOtb Anniversary Special Promotion with Inglis a success in June Eldrikkik .40%.110 IIP Mtge 'r vss*"rskik•ILefr1tM. M MIK 11104111 slab A a... L i 411111 l "2I' Sift !! ,4