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Times Advocate, 1996-09-18, Page 2Page 2 Times -Advocate, September 18, 1996 Regional wrap up Carriers cope with dog attacks HURON COUNTY - Focus and Supersaver carriers are ask- ing dog owners to control their pets after being bitten and threat- ened by dogs along their news- paper routes during the past sev- eral months. according to the Goderich Signal -Star. Linda Walker. superintendent of the Goderich Postal Unit. told the Star carriers have had stitch- es in their arms and have taken two weeks off work when suf- lering from dog attacks. Some carriers use a sonic de- vice called a dog dater that emits a high pitched sound irri- tating to canines. As a last re- sort. some use pepper spray. Walker advises people keep their dogs away from front doors when it is time for mail to he de- Iivcrctt. Family escapes burning house HULLETT TOWNSHIP - Dave George and his two sons, Alison and John, escaped their burning home just east of Blyth on County Road 25 on Sept. 3. According to the North Huron Citizen. the family had insu- rance tor the house Blyth Fire Chief Paul Josling described as "pretty much a total loss." The fire was caused by a pot of grease lett burning on the stove. Director's a mystery PERTH COUNTY - Trustees and hoard officials are not talk- ing about the suspension of Paul Sherratt, director of education at the Perth County Board of Edu- cation. The board decided to suspend the director in a committee of the whole meeting on Aug. 27. The 12 -day unpaid suspension began on the first day of school, Sept. 3. Sherratt has been director of education for the board since 1982. New award for high school SEAFORTH - The Canon Jack Howard James Scholarship will now be awarded at Seaforth District High School each year. According to the Huron Ex- positor, the award has been ap- proaved for students accepted at a Canadian university and it will go to individuals best described as a "scholar and gentleperson." The award is named in memo- ry of the father of Howard James, a retireu SDHS teacher. OPP now services Mitchell MITCHELL - It's official. As of last Wednesday, the Ontario Provincial Police now service the Town of Mitchell. According to the Mitchell Ad- vocate, the Mitchell Police Ser- vice had a long, controversial and often c olorfbl history" that lasted a century. At a ceremony held at the Mitchell Town Hall, existing of- ficers were thanked for their ser- vice and welcomed to the OPP. Calls for police service have been directed to Mouht Rarest, Lucan andBiddiiIpIp finalize amalgamation proposal Public meeting participants express concern about changes � � that would take place if the two municipalities become the Township of Biddulph By Brenda Burke T -A Reporter LUCAN - More than 100 people attended a public meet- ing on Sept. 5 at the Lucan Community Memorial Centre where the Village of Lucan and the Township of Biddulph presented the finishing touches of its restructuring proposal. ' "Upon receipt of ratification by both municipal councils, this proposal is to be submitted to the Minister of Mu- nicipal Affairs and Housing for implementation," reads the proposal's introduction. Lucan Reeve Rob Brady, who chaired the meeting, high- lightedrestructuring principles and described changes that would take place if the process is approved. As of tan. 1, 1998, the two municipalities would become "the Township of Biddulph," he said, adding, "We will become more mas- ters of our own destiny by doing it now." People in the audience expressed concerns involving costs as well as proposed tax savings of amalgamation, the decision not to have a vote on the issue, combined reserves, staff changes, the proposed appointment of the hydro com- mission, and whether or not the municipalities arc large enough to amalgamate. "I think the township is fine just the way it is," said one man who was worried amalgamation would be costly. Biddulph Reeve Earl French pointed out expenses to date include the initial restructuring study at a total of $2,500, plus the cost of six committee meetings. "We're closing one office," he added. "We're closing one works department." "I have serious reservations about what we are telling the public," said another man who felt uncomfortable about the fact that projected tax savings are based on 1995 figures. "I'm certain taxes will not go up because of amalgama- tion," responded Biddulph Deputy Reeve Herman Steffens, adding, "1 think the councillors are more informed than the general public." As for those not in favor of amalgamation, he advised, "Let me know." Steffens claimed he has only received one phone call from a concerned resident. He told members of the audience it is up to them to point out why they feel amalgamation won't work, and added he hopes the final decision is based on the opinion of the public. In answer to an enquiry about why there will not be a public vote on whether or not to amalgamate, Brady pointed out the process for such purposes. When someone enquired about combined reserves, French stressed amalgamation is not a "done deal" at this point, adding the municipalities have to know by the first of nextyear in what direction they are headed. To a woman's question, "Will there be two clerks?" he answered, "No one will lose their job right off the bat be- cause of amalgamation." One citizen wondered how one works superintendent could do the work of two if restructuring takes place. "I really feel strongly that the new council will be fair to everyone," said French. As for appointing a new hydro commission rather than electing one, Lucan Administrator Ron Reymer indicated that Lucan has 1950 people and Granton 300, making it difficult to split up those numbers for a vote. Electing commissioners wouldn't assure Lucan and Granton both get representation, explained Brady adding, "1 think it's safer to appoint." As for the question, 'Are we big enough to amalgamate?' Brady replied Biddulph and Lucan don't want to include larger areas and would have to be forced before making such a move. To conclude the meeting, two audience members voiced their support of restructuring. "I think it's only right that we back you up," said one of them. The amalgamation committee will meet next in early Oc- tober, following final draft revision and approval of both councils. "I'm certain taxes will not go up be- cause of amalgama- tion...) think the councillors are more informed than the general public." is rarely used Lambton shocked by 5700 Bosanquet's request ,soo Warden feels severing of North Lambton com- munities will have serious impact a combined assessment base of $40.5 million which represents 8 per cent of the total county -wide as- sessment. "The loss would be felt by all res- idents remaining in the county and WYOMING - The office of the will seriously impact the level of Lambton County Warden issued a taxation they currently pay. It will press release Friday stating it is also affect the level and quality of shocked by the fact that Bosanquet service the county will be able to has requested the entire municipal- offer its remaining residents." ity be included in the South Huron Lambton Warden Gordon Mini - restructuring talks. elly said he believes all county res- Aocordin4 to.thee telptre, the re +.idents wouldibe•sttttientnsl ittirtitretite °'N'i°'I Because Thedford is surrounded by the Town of Bosanquet, Thed- ford would he forced to join the talks and be part of the study. Ar- kona may also be left with no al- ternative hut to join the talks, or look at joining the restructured community of Watford/Warwick," reads the release. Lambton states the departure of Grand bend, Bosanquet, Thedford and Arkona would take with them 0 ou y bit `lain of ' unit'ie3; is optimistic however that the p cess set into place by county coun- cil on September 11 will benefit ratepayers. "The entire purpose of the re- structuring proposed in my report is to save taxpayers money and stop the aggressive attempts of the county's neighboring communities to cherry pick county assessment," he said. 4 Council reacts to Lambton press release EXETER - Exeter Council was less than enthusiastic Monday night when it read the Lambton County Warden's media release concerning the wish of the Mayor of Bosanquet Township to have all of his town- ship included in the south Huron "community of interest". The may- or was frustrated Lambton County had rejected any notion of re- structuring and was not interested in seeing Iris community severed. The Warden is concerned with the $40 million loss of assessment. Members of Exeter Council ex- pressed their caution that the "an- imal" they helped create might be getting out of control. Reeve Bill Mickle remarked, "We have to look at what we can control; We don't want it too big to handle. That's what's wrong with the County; that's what's wrong with the re- gions. We have to decide how much we can handle and how big we want to get. is that still our aim?" Councillor Robert Drummond added he had attended a recent meeting of the amalgamation com- mittee. " It's like a rocking horse: Tots of motion but no movement. I'm real- ly discouraged with the lack of progress after all this time. If there's this much trouble trying to get together perhaps we shouldn't get together." Terry Fox Run pa tIcipation low In Zurich ZURICH - After only 20 people ptutkipated in last year's Terry Pox Run, organizer Wendy Rowan is cdneereed "Ztuich is really losing interest." When the village first began the run in 1990, 129 participants took pain the cancer fundraiser but those numbers dropped to 83 by 1. This year's 8 km trek will begin at the Zurich Park on Sept, 22. Ldam min ita'aeoonr Terry Pox RRtta at Market Sttbet Parka I ., wd! ducts 1.3 and 10 lam muse&. Lilt year 105 pets. ,tom .I 114 $500 g 5400 N 0 ! 5300 5207 5 5200 2 [7: �,s. ssoo ;; ,a I' 4 E en E a 50 Comparison of Taxation: Amalgamated vs. Non -Amalgamated Rates S454 $688 5675 $469 Municipality 5549 .c N 5498 O Curren) • t 999 - Lower taxes predicted + ' Continued from front page Bosanquet Mayor Fred Thoma informed the committee of th town's own financial analysis o the impact of splitting the mu nicipality. Based on a $100,000 home, Bosanquet predicts the in crease would be approximate) 8350 for the portion outside the study area. The residents withi the study area can expect a $48 re duction in the municipal tax hill ac cording to figures presented by th town. The question, "What would the 1996 rate be if you included all o Bosanquet in this study area?' posed by Thomas, will be answered by the next meeting. According to a chart comparing current municipal tax rates on a $100,000 home, Exeter's rate would be reduced from a current $364 (excluding special area rates for policing and street lights) to a predicted $207 rate for the amal- gamated area. The key assumption in arriving at these figures is a 8250 cost per home for policing. This cost will be collected,by municipal- ities according to assessment. Implementation recommenda- tions (draft only) ' dissolve Grand Bend, Exeter, Stephen and Usborne to create a single lower tier municipality lo- cated in Huron County • annex of the areas south. of Grand Bend in the Town of Bo- sanquet, the new municipality, to include all of study area including the area in Hay Township * submit a proposal to the Min- ister of Municipal Affairs and Housing for implementation ef- fective January 1, 1998 • name the new municipality by contest open td all residents and rat- eMyers • rest acture the new organiza- tion into three departments: Coin- munity Servioes/Pacilitiea, Finance & Adtliiniswtion, Physical Ser- vices • mike provisions for delivery of service with county and other pro- viders * staff according to organiza- tional chart (not provided to press), e further reductions may take place * compensate by means of sever- ance at a rate of four weeks per year of service to permanent full- time staff that become redundant; y provide career counselling and job assistance * consolidate administrative facil- ities in Town of Exeter municipal office e * consolidate four physical ser- vice maintenance and storage facil- ities into two * request the current term of council be extended until De- cember 31, 1997 at I I :59 p.m. * transfer assets and liabilities from municipalities to new corpora- tion without adjustment; set aside funds for specific purposes, debt should continue to be financed as before - not compensation rec- ommended * implement area rating for dif- ferences in service delivery in street lighting and policing * keep current user rates in place until an analysis is complete Delegation Grand Bend resident Don South- cott, a former Exeter resident and journalist, warned the committee and members of the public that the amalgamation under consideration should consider economic potential in creating a community of inter- est, not social ties. "I don't know how you're going to do this with the mix you have now. It's like oil and water," he said. "They don't relate at all. I really believe you are going down the wrong road." Osborne Reeve Pat Down point- ed out the fact that the numbers presented by KPMG depict the best case scenario under amalgama- tion and the worst-case if mu- nicipalities don't go though with amalgamation. "You've painted a very op- timistic scenario," said Down. "It presumes we will carry on as we have been," "I am very concerned what will happen to Bosanquet. We have to look at this very seriously," said Exeter Councillor Roy Triebner, who questioned whether or not a portion of Bosanquet should con- tinue to be included in the study arca. "I think it's highway robbery. It's cherry -picking at its worst." A motion put forth by Bosanquet Councillor John Walsh that the committee reconsider including all of Bosanquet in the study area was amended, sending the proposal to Committee 'A' for review although some committee members are sat- isfied with the current study arca." The motion before us is com- pletely out of line," said Grand Bend Deputy Mayor Phil Ma- guire. Thomas responded the town is not trying to put up roadblocks but has to consider the rest of the mu- nicipality. "if there's a benefit to becoming part of Huron County, so he it." said Thomas. "Lambton's not been to kind to us lately." Ministry of Municipal Affairs fa- cilitator Liz McGrath suggested Bill 26 is unclear in regards to the matter of impact on surrounding municipalities. She added the min- ister is requiring this issue and the impact on the county to be dealt with in the current Kent County amalgamation proposal. If these is- sues are not cleared up in the initial proposal, the affected municipal- ities could request a commission, which might cause further delay. "Bosanquet is not going to stand alone. They are in talks with sonrc- one else. The ministry would not let them stand alone," said a mem- ber of the gallery." Stepping out" of the county sys- tem was also briefly discussed and KPMG advised this option be kept open. The final report is expected to be tabled in early October. The next Amalgamation Com- mittee meeting will be held on Sep- tember 25 at 7:30 p.m. at Stephen Central School.