Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutTimes Advocate, 1996-08-14, Page 5Page 2 Times -Advocate, August 14, 1996 e . rap uR.; Police investigate bomb threat at mine GODERICH - Goderich po- lice are investigating the report of a bomb threat at the Sifto Salt mine, reported the Goderich Sig- nal -Star. The incident occurred on July 30 at approximately 5 p.m., when the caller indicated a bomb was set to go off at the mine at 9 p.m. "For security reasons, and be- cause it's under investigation, no other information is available at this time," Goderich Police Chief George Lonsbary told the Star. Murray's pre-trial scheduled GODERICH - In Goderich court on August 2, it was decid- ed Steve Murray's pre-trial is to begin on January 20, reported the Huron Expositor. The 46 -year-old is charged with second-degree murder. His daughter, Mistie, disappeared on May 31, 1995. Murray remains in jail for breaking bail. Toronto Sun buys out Signal -Star GODERICH - As of August 2, the Signal -Star publishing group has been sold for the second time in eight months, reported the Clinton News -Record. Rogers Communications Inc., which oversees the Toronto Sun Publishing Corporation, bought the publishing company that in- cludes 10 daily newspapers, The Financial Post, Bowes Publish- ers and 10 specialty magazines. Newspapers of the former Sig- nal -Star Publishing group affect- ed by the sale include the Mitch- ell Advocate, the Seaforth Huron Expositor, Goderich Sig- nal -Star, Lakeshore Advance in Zurich, Lucknow Sentinel, Wal- kerton Herald -Times, Kincar- dine News, Shoreline News in Port Elgin, the Focus and Bruce Journal. Reunion held in Blyth BLYTH - The Blyth Home- coming and School Reunion was held last weekend, reported the Clinton News -Record. The celebration marked the 100th anniversary of the Contin- uation School and also offered time to reminisce about school days at Blyth Public School. More than 1,300 invitations were sent to graduates of the school and the number of regis- trations were high. Festivities included a mix and meet hospitality house, dance, jamboree e 'd ecumenical ser- vice. Progressive Peter Van Loan visits Clinton CLINTON - Peter Van Loan, the Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario president, was in Clinton recently at a meeting to choose delegates for the par- ty's -upcoming convention in Oc- tober. According to the Clinton News -Record, he will seek the presidency again. Grass Roots meeting draws crowd Interested residents were able to ask political representatives direct questions concerning amalgamation and its effects on Grand Bend By Heather Mir T -A Reporter GRAND BEND - Grand Bend area residents filled the Legion hall Friday night to participate in an information meeting about amalgamation and its effects on the future of the community. A petition that supports a unified greater Grand Bend was available for residents to sign. Once collected, the peti- tions will be forwarded to the Ministry of Municipal Af- fairs as a record of support for creating a single community that is not divided by municipal boundaries. Currently neighborhoods such as Oak- wood, Grand Cove Estates, Southcott Pines, Beach '0 Pines, Van Dongen and Huron Woods lie in two counties and three municipalities. The meeting, sponsored by a community- based group called 'Grass Roots for a Greater Grand Bend' allowed audience members to ask questions of heads of Grand Bend, Stephen and Bosanquet Coun- cils as well as Huron MPP Helen Johns and Grass Roots members. In contrast to a recent public meet- ing organized by the Amalgamation Committee's con- sultant, KPMG, the information meeting provided an open forum for discussion. Following a two-hour question/ answer session, members were invited to speak directly with cou cil and Grass Roots members. In her opening address, Johns warned residents the prov- ince will not accept the status c;y.o. "1 wonder restructu if it's go achie these sae "It can't stay the same because we don't have the money." Politician were asked if they consider the reduction in provincial funding to municipalities a "one-shot, short-term or long-term" situation. Although the three agreed they ex- pect long-term cut-backs, different ideas concerning how to address this situation were expressed. "I often wonder about restructuring...if it's going to achieve all these great -savings," said Bosanquet Mayor Fred Thomas. Grand Bend Mayor Cam Ivey stressed the importance of minimizing or eliminating the tax impact of provincial downloading and funding cuts on residents, He said residents need to have a local say in how restructuring takes place. "Don't give up too easily. It you believe it, fight for it. It's worth trying," said Ivey. Some residents in attendance were concerned that amalgamation, including the areas of inter- est in Bosanquet and Stephen Township, would increase tax rates. "I don't feel the rural areas should be sub- sidized by the cottage owners," said one Oak- wood resident, adding he was in favor of a uni- fied Grand Bend. "I want to support the community where I best can support it." Stephen Reeve Bill Weber explained the Exeter -Grand Bend-Stephen-Usborne-Bosanquet Amalgamation Com- mittee intends to set special area rates if amalgamation is achieved. The rates would be determined based on the lev- el of service provided. Ivey added substantial savings must be achieved towarrant restructuring. often about ring... ing to ve all great ings." Grass Roots member Roy Merkley took the opportunity at the meeting to explain what the group, which has been meeting for the past six months, is seeking to achieve. He said it does not attempt to represent all of Grand Bend but rather a single point of view. Those who support a unified greater Grand Bend area may choose to sign the group's petition, which will be passed on to those who will make decisions concern the community's future. Huron Woods resident Bill Metcalf congratulated Grass Roots and meeting attendants for participating in de- mocracy at work. He added that all options should be con- sidered and the most efficient, effective and economical political alternative should be explored further. "I won't sign anything until we have hard data to support it," he said. Several members of the audience were concerned com- munities studying restructuring are "cherry -picking." Johns, when asked what provisions have been made for those municipalities left out of amalgamations, responded the province hasn't talked about this possibility. She ex- plained the government may be required to make decisions for municipalities that have not participated in re- structuring with its neighbors. Several people indicated they do not believe the current amalgamation proposal will be the solution to funding cut- backs. One audience member suggested a vote for a uni- fied greater Grand Bend would be a vote in favor of the amalgamation process. "The bigger the government, the more inefficient it be- comes. The costs are astronomical," said one area resident. Restructuring discussed at Exeter Council meeting EXETER -The discussions con- cerning restructuring/amalgamation at Exeter Council last week cen- tred on two areas: the latest pro- posal for the south Huron and north Lambton region and the ac- tion Kingston-Frontenac have tak- en. Structure of the new Council The proposal suggests an 11 - member council: the mayor, elected at large and 10 Councillors from four wards (Grand Bend - 3,775 electors with three members; Ste- phen - 3,375 electors with three Aleinbers;. Exeter = 3,600 electors —with three members and Usborne - 1,250 electors with one member). The five guiding principles are maintained: representation by pop- ulation, an even number of wards, an odd number of councillors, a Councillor Thom Hughes added, "This principle is good in that it emphasizes the notion of rep by poP " Reeve Bill Mickle, in supporting the plan said, "One thing it will do is keep the present municipalities intact." Again Drummond expressed his fear that by not blending the com- munities conflict and suspicion will persist in the future as it does in the present. Council approves the plan with Drummond in opposition. Kingston-Frontenac Plan Dis- solves County Exeter Council reviewed the pro- posal\ for the restructuring of Frontenac County. The county will be dissolved into probably four ru- ral areas and the city of Kingston. The new municipalities will be in- dependent with a Board of Man- agement's providing certain area - wide services. " The idea of a single -tier option also gains 'credibility' when a sim- ple service delivery mechanism is considered as a replacement for a regional government entity." The board will deal with homes for the aged, welfare, library, ar- terial roads, etc. As well, the new municipalities will ensure "a fair and equitable distribution of assets and liabilities. Although a specific figure is not mentioned as far a cot savings is concerned, it is an- ticipated that the first year's sav- ings will pay for severance pack- ages, a transportation reserve fund and transition costs. GB members resign *. Continued from front page "From a practical standpoint there's absolutely no difference," said GrandBend Mayor, Cam Ivey. "In- stead of having motions passed they make rec- ommendations which is just like a motion from the committee." He also added the change to "advisory committee" dealt with the problem of meeting quorum allowing them more flexibility. Previously, as a full committee of council, Richman explained it could make resolutions which must be act- ed upon. The committee also drafted its own budget which was taken to council for approval. "This new term of reference [advisory committee] leaves us toothless and without clout of any kind," said Richman adding council drafts the budget now and only seeks input after it has been created. "We merely discuss matters and make recommendations." "We had a meeting to go over the budget with respect to Parks and Recreation and they had the opportunity to make recommendation...some were incorporated some were not," countered Ivey. "I don't think there's any difference between being an advisory committee or a committee of council. I think it's more perception than anything." Frustrated with the inability to control its own funds, Richman said he approached Ivey to ask if money could be raised through fundraisers for specific Parks and Recreation projects. "He said we could target funds for specific projects with prior approval from council," said Richman. How- ever, he said once the committee attempted to do so council went back on its promise on two occasions. The first project was a dance organized by Parks and Recreation as a "Beach Enhancement Project" fund- raising event. The enhancement of the beach, including tentative plans to build a boardwalk with the help of Fanshawe College students, was a top priority for the Parks and Recreation Committee. Richman said council made the committee change the name to a "Capital Pro- jects Dance" directing the proceeds created from it into general funds instead of the beach project as promised. As a result the dance was cancelled. "We goofed...we called it a Capital Project Dance," said Ivey dismissing the incident as a simple mis- understanding. "They took that to mean we are trying to usurp [the money] for other capital projects but that was never ever the intention. Council will bear some re- sponsibility for the change but it was done innocently," he added. According to ,Richman, a sitnilar incident occurred regarding the Kids of Steel Triathlon which took place on July 20. Parks and Recreation organizers said they billed the event for children as a fundraiser for Jesse's Journey gene research. Richman said the presence of John and Jesse David- son would help draw the 60 volunteers needed to run the event and used their names on all promotional ma- terial. "We know how well John and Jesse were received here, [during their fundraising journey across the prov- ince to raise money for gene research] and we knew volunteers would respond to this. The kids really idol- ize them, they're great role models for the com- munity," he said. However, according to Richman, council would not let the committee carry through with their plans. "The direction came from the mayor to me that we were to strike any reference that said proceeds to Jesse's Journey. We could pledge money for Jesse's Journey, but proceeds were to go back to Parks and Rec. and to the village," he said. "No, that's not right," said Ivey. "This distresses me because it leads me to believe Barry didn't hear what we were saying. I think it's unfortunate he would make those statements because I really don't believe he has given the municipality and council the op- portunity to sit 8own and discuss this other than through the press. I'm not a big believer trading nu- ances through the media is productive for the com- munity." According to Richman, the committee was able to make a profit on the triathlon raising more than $2,600, with $1,500 marked for gene research and the balance going towards funding the same event next year. He claimed the village didn't pay a cent to help sponsor the event or even make a pledge, but instead, offered $1,500 in backstop funds (loan money) that would have to be paid back. Ivey said the situation was similar to a request for donations by the Huron Country Playhouse after coun- cil passed it's budget. "There are obligations the village needs to adhere to when money is coming in and going out and we fol- lowed them in my view. Ivey added council has al- ways supported children and senior activities in Grand Bend pointing to the new Youth Centre; a facility do- nated by council for $1 a year as a recreation and learning centre for area youth. After promising the rest of the committee these mat- ters would be resolved and frustrated by the two in- cidents, Richman resigned as chairperson and the other members followed suit. However, Richman said he would continue to do volunteer work for community events and will help with next year's triathlon. Ivey said the Parks and Recreation Advisory Com- mittee will remain dormant until new members are ap- pointed in November and council is considering the possibility of merging it with the Grand Bend Harbor Advisory Committee. The beach enhancement concept will still be pursued and an ad hock committee may be struck to oversee the project. Council briefs EXETER - Members of council were given their second briefing concerning June's flood. While acknowledging that probably no system could handle the sudden deluge, they nevertheless formally requested the town's engineer, B.M. Ross and Associates, to pro- vide recommendations for possible improvements for storm water management. At the end of July, Grand Bend Council passed a resolution sup - potting London's bid to host the 2001 Canada Summer Games. Councillor Robert Drummond observed, "I have a great deal of trouble accepting this. The only ones who will benefit will be the Grand Bend merchants while at the same time there will be a tre- mendous cost, and further, if we're amalgamated, are we prepared to bear the expense?" Reeve Bill Mickle answered, "The new council will have to deal with the issue, and the costs may be shared by all or possibly through local assessment." Councillor Roy Triebner added, "There might be real advantages beyond the financial benefit to the merchants of Grand Bend, and I'm referring to the entire area." Reeve Bill Mickle, speaking on the Hullett resolution that Huron County should investigate, immediately, the charges and innuendos as listed in the mysterious "FAST FAXES" that havebeen cir- culating throughout the county, reported County Council voted 32- 29 to reject the request for an internal investigation. Mickle added, "Exeter should support Hullett's resolution in order to get to the bottom of the issue." Council supported Mickle's mo- tion unanimously. (Editor's note: A previous issue of this paper contained art editorial which, in brief, said that the individual al- leging incompetence and corruption within the county administra- tion should come forward publicly so the citizens of Huron can deal with specific charges and relevant facts and not rumor. To date, no one has come forward, but the allegations persist.) Councillor Robert Drummond observed at the end of the regular meeting that the people of Montreal are "morose and unhappy with their economic plight, and so the Province of Quebec is putting money into promoting the value of the city, but the Federal Govern- ment is also assisting to the tune of $1,000,000." Council, with one exception, endorsed Drummond's motion that a letter be written to M.P. Paul Steckle and the Prime Minister that this action is not appropriate and is indeed, a "waste of money". The Federal red tape has apparently been cut to allow the Town of Exeter and the Exeter Business Association to purchase the old post office/municipal office for $45,000. Possession will take place later in the fall. Lucan Council votes - Continued from front page spoke to council on behalf of the fundraising group that formed on Au- gust 1 and managed to raise $1,600 by August 6 through a Let's Move It campaign. "This is something that we take very seriously," said Hetherington in her delegation to council. "I'm hoping that you'll endorse this." Hetherington claimed 77 per cent of the people approached by the group supported their fundraising effort. "That's a pretty good indication the tidal wave is there," she said in a lat- er interview. Deputy Reeve Harry Wraith and Councillor Reg Crawford have voiced their position against the library proposal at past council meetings because they did not favor the raising of taxes in order to cover the $4,000 shortfall for the project. "We all know we need a library," Wraith admitted at the meeting, add- ing, "In my mind the timing's not right...I don't know if we need it now. We've had this library here for years and years." He went on to explain he preferred to own rather than rent his own buildings, and that the same policy should hold true for the library situa- tion. "We have had this proposal on this table for six months. It's time," re- sponded Councillor Rosemary Gahlinger-Beaune. "It's not fair to the Cul - hefts. It's not fair to the community." Pointing out Wraith had suggested flmdraising for the library at an ear- lier council meeting, Gahlingher-Beaune told him, "I want you to live up to your word." Local residents who attended the meeting supported the proposed li- brary, saying it would be a progressive, positive move for the village. Mike Anderson, on behalf of the Heritage Committee, voiced his support as well. "1 hope you're successful, frankly," said Reeve Rob Brady before the vote took place. Wraith was disappointed no one had approached him earlier about the li- brary. "1 found that awfully strange that everyone wants a library but no one's said 'boo' to me." Ip