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Times -Advocate, September 11, 1996
TN TNF WEWS
Regional
wrap up
Weather
decreases
yields
HURON COUNTY - A dry
August, reported the North Hu-
ron Citizen, has affected both
corn and bean yields.
Brian Hall, soil and crop ad-
visor for the Ontario Ministry of
Agriculture, Food and Rural Af-
fairs office in Clinton, told the
Citizen there are only three
beans to the pod instead of five
or six, now that soybeans are
finished flowering.
Insects, blight and white mold
have also hurt bean yields.
As for corn, Hall claims it is
six to 14 days behind and could
use a good September.
Police
investigate
response
time
complaint
CLINTON - Following a com-
plaint by a local resident, report-
ed the Clinton News -Record, the
Ontario Provincial Police have
launched an investigation into
response time.
Resident Sharon Laing in-
formed council it took police
two hours and 45 -minutes to re-
spond to a suspicious car hidden
in her neighborhood.
"The way this was handled
maybe is usual but to the fami-
lies and especially the children
in our. , • 'rhood the effi-.
cienwas
greatly taddii'g) &Ave. "
Council expressed an interest
in receiving a reply from the po-
lice services board regarding the
incident. The board will be
asked to respond to the concerns
by the Sept. 16.
When first contacted on Aug.
30, Staff Sergeant Brian Bald-
win of the OPP Goderich De-
tachment, which is responsible
for policing in Clinton, told the
Record it was the first he had
heard of the complaint.
The following day he said he
had concerns regarding the inci-
dent and stated an investigation
into the slow response time,
which would take a few weeks,
would be underway.
South Huron
features
grand
illusionist
EXETER - Canada's largest illu-
sion show will be coming to South
Huron District High School to-
night at 7:30 p.m. The show is
open to the public and will feature
at least two of Claude Haggerty's
exotic cats including a 200 -pound
cougar and a 400 -pound Siberian ti-
ger.
The show will also visit four ele-
mentary schools for free previews
prior to the evening performance.
Haggerty uses large exotic cats
instead of traditional rabbits and
dove for his magic act. He began
his career in Woodstock where he
studied magic and later performed
a large-scale show.
Claude Haggerty Magic Inc. was
selected eight years ago from 2,000
groups to open the West Edmonton
Mall. In 1989 the show was invited
by the Edmonton Oilers to intro-
duce the All Star Game. The Oilers
were impressed and Haggerty re-
turned to Northlands Coliseum a
month later for a second show.
One of the highlights of Hagger-
ty's act is the old sawing a woman
in half trick - with a twist. The
trick features a 30 -inch power saw
which Haggerty uses to add excite-
ment.
Admission to tonight's show is
$8 per person and discount coupons
will be given to the schools that
arc visited for previews.
Lucanputs library issue on
hold until amaigamation
By Brenda Burke
T -A Reporter
LUCAN - Local petitioners got their way last Tuesday
night when council decided to postpone the possibility of
acquiring new library space until after amalgamation talks
between the village and the Township of Biddulph have
reached a conclusion.
In a 3-2 vote following an in camera session, Deputy -
Reeve Harry Wraith as well as Councillors Reg Crawford
and Martin Chittenden wanted to table the issue while
Reeve Rob Brady and Councillor Rosemary Gahlinger-
Beaune did not.
Works Department Superintendent Doug Johnston, Arena
Manager Paul Dykeman and resident Gary McFalls gath-
ered more than 750 names for their petition.
"I hope that council will listen to 50 per cent of those that
pay their wages," Dykeman told council.
He explained many residents don't feel the timing is right
for a bigger library, nor do they feel the proposed location
is suitable. The handicapped and the elderly, including "lit-
tle old ladies," he pointed out, would not have direct access
to the facility.
'This petition is about timing and location," he said. "It's
not about the library."
More people signed the petition than voted in the last
election, he noted, adding in London this number would
represent at least 100,000 people.
"Actually the petition has helped us," said Mary Lynn
Hetherington, who is chair of the newly -formed Lucan
Friends of the Library, one of many similar fundraising
groups across the province.
The Lucan group has raised more than $4,000 - enough to
cover the extra rent money required for the first year of a
lease if council chose to move the village library to a Main
Street location owned by residents Men and Muriel Cul-
bert. The group also has enough funds for the second year
of the Culbert lease, which, presented to council on Aug.
30, was changed from a five to a three-year term. Although
Hetherington declined to indicate how the second year's
pledges of 54,000 are guaranteed, she said Friends is will-
ing to post a bond or letter of credit if required. The group
also has fundraising plans for the third year of the lease.
"I'm glad to hear that Friends of the Library are in for the
long haul," said Dykeman.
Nearly 55 people attended a meeting the group held on
Aug. 28 to discuss the organization as well as the Culbert's
library proposal that council had agreed to enter into nego-
tiations with at its last meeting.
Hetherington told council Friends is prepared to enter
into a lease along with the village.
"Friends of the Library is just a club," and would have to
be incorporated before entering into an
agreement, pointed out Administrator Ron
Reymer, to which Hetherington replied the
group could quickly become incorporated.
"We're preparefi to back that library," she
said. "We're going to try to go to every
house in Lucan."
She also mentioned what she described as
"clarifications" regarding the petition. The
library issue, she wrote in a recent letter to
the editor in the Times -Advocate, "has nothing to do with
amalgamation."
Some council members voiced concerns about the loca-
tion of the proposed library, citing lack of safety, access
and parking as potential problems. They also enquired
about heat and GST costs.
"What if the library burned down?" added Wraith.
Muriel Culbert replied the fire code would be extensive
for the proposed facility targeted for completion by De-
cember.
Wraith was also concerned about potential noise from
apartments above the proposed library space as well as
what he thought would be limited use times of "two or
three days a week or short hours in the afternoon."
Claire Anderson, an Ilderton Friends of the Library mem-
ber, assured him the facility would be open 23 hours each
week.
"Is the (Middlesex Library) board in complete agreement
with this move?" asked Crawford.
Anderson replied the board would likely approve it. In
March the board approved "in principal the relocation of
the Lucan Library to a suitable facility of 2,500 to 2,800
square feet in size as provided by the Village of Lucan and
to be rented by the Library Board from the Village of Lu -
can."
The proposed space is 2,766 square feet.
Dykeman was concerned more funds spent on an en-
larged Lucan library would mean either less money would
be spent on other libraries or an increased
County Library levy would incur.
"You have so many dollars in a pot to
spend on libraries," he said.
Gahlinger-Beaune disagreed, stating al-
though the county would pay more, Lucan
taxpayers would not face increased costs
due to a larger library. Anderson indicated
the county may begin to download the cost
of subsidizing library facilities at the cur-
rent rate of 54.70 per square foot. This means the mu-
nicipality the library is situated in may be requested to bear
more of the facility's cost.
"We're talking a lot of money here," said Dykeman. "The
money the Friends of the Library will raise will only go to
rent, not books, etcetera...You can't have everybody run-
ning in a different direction...There's poor communication
here on both sides."
Would seniors sign the petition, enquired Gahlinger-
Beaune, if parking was not a problem and if all the facts
were given?
"Why have you chosen
but circulate a petition?"
Dykeman replied a petition would be an effective way to
encourage council to put the library issue on hold.
"I hope that council
will listen to 50 per
cent of those that pay
their wages... This pe-
tition is about timing
and location. It's not
about the library."
not to communicate with them
Investigation turned down
By Blake Patterson
GODERICH - A suggestion to
have an independent third party in-
vestigate the conduct of Huron
County's administration died on the
floor Thursday at Huron County
Council.
'' ;•'gib .tesponse to a series of anony-
':letters alleging misconduct
by county officials. Coun. Tom
Cunningham of Hullett Township
requested that the county consider
supporting a motion passed by the
Goderich town council recom-
mending an unbiased third party be
asked to investigate the allegations.
Cunningham has spearheaded ef-
forts to have the accusations and
the county administration investi-
gated.
The Goderich motion was based
on a similar motion issued by Cun-
ningham's township council.
So far, Colborne Twp., Turnberry
Twp., Brussels, Blyth, Bayfield and
Goderich had supported the Hullett
motion.
"They are afraid to come for-
ward, they feel it would jeopardize
their employment," Cunningham
said, adding that the issue has gone
far beyond the letters and now
deals with the public perception of
the council.
"Until we put (concern) to rest,
even though there may be nothing
wrong, the public's perception of
us is that we are dithering and not
looking after their interests."
After listening to Cunningham's
comments, Warden Bill Clifford
asked for further questions from the
floor. Cunningham's request for an
independent review was never re-
visited.
Some support was offered by
Coun. Mason Bailey and Coun.
Bob Hallam, but the council took
no further action beyond approving
a recommendation by the Adminis-
tration, Finance and Personnel
committee stating that any council-
lor who has a specific question or
concern is welcome to bring it for-
ward at any time.
County council takes on
province over highways
By Blake Patterson
GODERICH - Give us your mon-
ey or you can keep your highways.
That was the message some
members of Huron County Council
want to make clear to the provincial
government regarding the transfer
of Hwys. 83, 84 and 87 to the
county.
M the regular meeting of council
on September 5, council was told
the county will receive a one-time
grant of 54.4 million from the prov-
ince to help compensate for the
April 1 transfer of the highways.
Some of the councillors, howev-
er, think the county is being short-
changed.
In 1995, a county -commissioned
study of the three highways indicat-
ed it would cost S6.4 million to ad-
dress the immediate needs of the
transferred roads, and council want-
ed to know where the county will
be able to find the extra 52 million.
Coun. Bill Mickle from Exeter
said increasing property taxes to
support the transfer of provincial
highways to the county is unaccept-
able.
"I think we should fight the in-
crease," he said. "Taxpayers are al-
ready up to the tops of their heads
with taxation."
Earlier this year, the county sent
a letter to Huron -Perth MPP Helen
Johns expressing concern about the
highway transfer, but Mickle said
the time for words has passed.
"I think it goes beyond written
objections," he said. "We need to
take action. It's time for someone
to stand up and say, 'No, find an-
other way."
Mickle's comments opened a
flood gate of cerement from other
councillors.
Coun. Marton Bailey of Blyth
said he was deliibied that someone
had finally stood upend Called for
action.
Coun. Tom Cunningham of Hul-
lett Twp. said, "The province will
balance its books, but the munici-
palities are going to have to pick it
up„
He suggested placing signs on the
roads saying, "Use this road at your
own risk because the province can't
afford to maintain it."
Coun. Pat Down of Usborne
Twp. jokingly suggested the county
may have to consider putting up
tolls on roads leading into Goderich
and Exeter.
The only discord came from
Coun. Jack Coleman of Stanley
Twp., who reminded council the
provincial government was elected
with a mandate to balance its bud-
get. He said people generally ac-
cept the need for the provincial cuts
and downloading measures.
Maintenance on the highways is
expected to cost the county an addi-
tional 5367,120 per year. -- "
The Council deferred further dis-
cussion until after the annual road
tour September 10.
Street names to change
Gidley Street East and Mill Street Extension undergo changes
EXETER - Exeter Council decided to go ahead with
its plans to change street names in accordance with the
requirements of the 911 service. As a result, both Gid -
ley Street East and Mill Street Extension will undergo
name changes, but not until June 1997. Gidley East
will become Hardy Street (after the first Reeve of Ex-
eter), and the extension of Mill will become Willis
Way (after the first settler in Exeter).
Several objections were raised from residents who
opposed the inconvenience and the perceived costs,
and two opposed the selection of names. Two others
in attendance at last week's meeting stressed the need
for clarity in street names and numbers so that in cues
of emergency, there would be no ambiguity, especial.. •1110,+14► P.
ly since dispatchers may be unfamiliar with the town.
Agnes Cottrell observed, "In the last nine years I
have experienced difficulty in service agents finding
my home... You may or may not be aware neither
the Canada Post Directory, nor our own Times Ad-
vocate telephoned rectory know the post code or rec-
ognize Gidley Street East."
Cottrell added she prefers a street name which
would recognize two long-term residents of the street
rather than the first reeve.
Council, in delaying the changes until the first of
June, noted the problems facing at least one business
if the changes were implemented immediately.
6
Stephen Township
Council briefs
STEPHEN TOWNSHIP - In the absence of a mutual aid co-
ordinator for the County of Huron, council passed a motion at its
August 27 meeting to give the chief of the Stephen Township Fire
Department and the Chief of the Dashwood Fire Department dis-
cretionary authority to respond to requests for mutual aid. These re-
sponses are recognized to be under the direction and authority of
Stephen Township Council. The chief will provide township coun-
cil with appropriate notice of any response to mutual aid requests.
Council agreed to proceed with camera work to identify water ser-
vices in Crediton that may have damaged the county storm drain on
County Road 4 during installation.
In other business, the township passed a motion stating it has no
objection to the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority request to
install a culvert on the Ratz Drain on Lot 17, Concession 18. This
motion is subject to the installation conforming to the township's
drainage engineer's specifications.
Council passed a motion accepting the Walker Drain petition and
appointing Bill Dietrich of W.E. Kelley & Associates to complete
the report as requested.
Council accepted the proposal from Joe Regier Roofing for re-
placement of the Ausable Park pavilion roof at the bid price of
51,498.74.
Subject to conditions as noted to the County of Huron, a motion
was also passed indicating council has no objection to the Johannes
Govers severance application.
Stephen Council also approved the proposed Centralia Inter-
national Academy Inc. restricted weapons firing range. Council
minutes indicate the use does not contravene the township's zoning
bylaw.
The resignation of Wayne Brunzlow as Crediton Police Village
Trustee was accepted by council.
Extra -curricular activities
important to South Huron
Despite funding cuts,
the school hopes to
keep sports and oth-
er activities an
integral part of
secondary education
EXETER - Although there is
some worry that a coach for the
South Huron District High School
hockey team won't be
found in time for the sea-
son, Principal Bill Gerth is
optimistic about the sur-
vival of extra -curricular
activities.
Last year's coach has re-
quested a year off from
coaching hockey and the
other staff member who
has been involved with
the team in the past is on
a medical leave.
'Me question is whether or not
another staff member will come
forward to pick up the slack," said
Gersh. "We have a couple months
yet before we are in any major
panic."
Education funding cutbacks will
have an impact on school activities
but South Huron believes it is an
integral part of a student's educa-
tion. Students may have to pay a
slightly increase activity fee which
are capped at 550. However, stu-
detns who can't afford the fees wil
not be prevented from par-
ticipating.
"We arc going to do our very best
to ensure that the same activities
that we had available last year will
for the most pan be available this
year," said Gerth.
One of the teams under the
new structure at the high
school will be responsible
for fundraising and has
plans to increase the level of
fundraising at SHDHS.
Combined with a higher stu-
dent activity fee, this
should make up for
funding short-
falls.
The proposed
cut in teacher preparation time may
initially cause a drop-off in par-
ticipation by staff in extra-
curricular activities but Gerth an-
ticipates this will even off. He be-
lieves teachers are committed to
students and will supply them with
the valuable experience these inter-
ests provide.