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HomeMy WebLinkAboutTimes Advocate, 1995-11-29, Page 2Page 2 Times -Advocate, November 29, 1995 County propcses cuts to winter plowing time BLYTH - The county's Agricu lture and Public Works Com- mittee has submitted a proposal to change the way winter road maintenance is done in Huron, reported the North Huron Citi- zen. ' At the Nov. 30 meeting county councillors will be voting on whether or not to eliminate all winter road maintenance on county roads between midnight and 5 a.m. The proposal is said to be a re- sponse to anticipated provincial cuts, which will be announced today. Rumors leading to this proposal suggested road grants will be eliminated and combined with unconditional grants. That total may be cut by 20 per cent by 1996, stated the Citizen. Some believe another 20 per cent will be cut by 1997. Minton switches to OPP policing CLINTON - The Ontario Pro- vincial Police will takeover po- licing in town by Jan.16, 1996, reported the Clinton News - Record. The decision was made diffi- cult for at least one council member, John Bezaire, who ex- pressed sadness over the end of Clinton's own police service. The Record reported saving money was not the only factor in switching to OPP policing. The communication system used by the town was the deciding fac- tor. With the cost of keeping the current system up and run- ning, along with the fact that no inexpensive option was found, the decision to move to the OPP is the only alternative. Public school teacher charged GODERICH - A 44 -year-old Victoria Public School teacher has been charged with sexual ex- ploitation, reported the Goderich Signal -Star. According to a Goderich Po- lice press release, police were called Nov. 11 after a child re- ported the alleged assault. The man was charged after an investigation was conducted with the assistance of Family and Children services. He ap- peared at at bail hearing Nov. 20 and was released on conditions. He will appear in court again Jan. 8, 1996. Police are continu- ing the investigation. Assailant released GODERICH - A 33 -year-old Goderich resident faces multiple charges in connection with a se- ries of incidents that occured on Nov. 11, reported the Goderich Signal -Star. Tawnya Tideswell appeared in Ooderich court on Nov. 17 for a bail hearing, after being charged with attempted murder, robbery, carrying weapons dangerous to the public peace, break and en- ter, mischief and three counts of breach of recognizance. Tides - well, who was scheduled for sur- gery in Quebec City, was re- leased under conditions -she stay away from the victims and not communicate with them, and that she go immediately to Que- bec City, stated a Ooderich Po- lice press release. Exeter and Stephen announce plans to create one municipality * Continued from front page ber of politicians, municipalities, school boards and other bodies that are costly to maintain. He also stressed the need to maintain the identities of all the communities as they are amalgamated politically, administratively and functionally. As far as including other municipalities, Hoogenboom predicted, "it's going to snowball!" Larry Brown, administrator of Stephen Township, said this phase was the logical outcome of two years of dis- cussion, but, "There's no doubt, we are feeling the im- minent pressure from the province." and others had con- ducted extensive research on rural restructuring and annexations, "... with Grand Bend providing lots of ex- perience". Brown said they looked at the determinants of success and their involvement with the South Huron Liai- son Committee. They (Stephen Council) then asked itself, "Who do we want to take home from the dance?" It was a unanimous decision: Exeter. "But we hope that others will eventually decide to join us; they will have to decide for themselves." When asked what shape he expected the new municipal- ity to take, he quickly replied they are all looking at one ad- ministration, one elected body and the opportunity to retain local identities. Brown said he is really looking forward to the next few months. "We want to ensure that local changes come about through local choices. The important thing to remember is that structures of institutions affect their performance, and that's why, before this is over, the county and the school board will have to re-evaluate what they do and how they do it as well." Exeter's Chief Administrative Officer, Rick Hundey, was surprised the move came so quickly. "It's been discussed for a long time, but there's also been lots of hesitation. I felt for a number of years, however, that change of this kind was inevitable. And I say 'inevitable' because we have a county of 26 local municipalities and a county serving about 60,000 people. That's more govern- ment than we need. Taxpayers are saying loud and clear that we must control spending and we must be more busi- ness -like. If the tax dollar is going to be stretched any far- ther, we have to re -organize political systems." Hundey echoed the others interviewed in saying the prov- ince is withdrawing financial support for communities, and amalgamations have worked to the benefit of the taxpayer. Unlike the "regions", South Huron does not have the same urban pressures that pushed the cost of regional govern- ments so high. "At this point, it's too early to talk of tax rates. If the province reduces grants by 20 per cent and then amalgamation takes place and the public demands par- ticular services so that taxes have to be increased, who do we blame, tie government or amalgamation for a tax hike?" Similarly, continued Hundey, "it's too early to be specific as to where savings might occur, but it's obvious that local government can be better organized. If I were hard-pressed to give an example I would say capital in- vestments would be an easy place to start: fewer vehicles, fewer computers, fewer buildings. The public will be kept fully aware of what is happening and will have op- portunities to be involved. We'll follow a logical step by step process whereby the public will provide reaction and input to ideas - both councils were adamant that views of the community be sought." When asked about the boundary application in Hay, Hun- dey replied it is proceeding as planned. (There is no in- dication that a compromise has been reached between the two neighbors.) Hundey concluded the interview by remarking that peo- ple should be aware of how they are governed. "Municipal government in Exeter and Stephen represents the people better than any other level of government. It's also more accessible and more accountable; however, mu- nicipal administration also has weakness in that its financial base is too small and it cannot afford to do the job as well as it should. Some local work has also been shifted to the county, and, in my view, that has to stop; the county is far- ther from the people, and it should not be providing local services such as water, sewers, economic development and planning," said Hundey. 'The point is that local government has tc be strong enough to do its job properly; it has to be accountable, re- sponsive and accessible. We can become more efficient and more effective if we become somewhat bigger, but not too big. If we stay small, I think we stand to lose a great deal. More local issues will be taken out of our hands. If we want strong local government, I believe the choice is clear- cut,"said Hundey. The invitation to join in this new venture has not been im- mediately accepted by the two neighbors of this new entity, Usborne and Hay Townships. Pat Down, Reeve of Usbome, said, "This is a solution of the '70's. Maybe we have to look at brand new solutions, new models that haven't been tried yet. I want to see what else is out there or may even come up with one myself. My first commitment is to agriculture. In any amalgamation or re -structuring, people will lose what they perceive as their local accountability; they will need something in return." She added if the move is to single -tier government, then perhaps Huron will merge with Perth and all local govern- ment will be abolished or perhaps the counties will be abol- ished in favor of local administration. She's not worried by what she heard earlier this month - a provincial directive that municipal re -structuring must take place before the next elections. "We'll do something. Change will come, and it will be significant. The province has told us the stat- us quo is not acceptable." Reeve Murray Keys of Hay is not sure any savings or benefits will come of the merger. "Hay is not looking at any type of similar action," he said. He has heard nothing official from anyone concerning re- structuring local government, but if mergers do take place, Hay may be interested in something other than Stephen and Exeter. "At this time, it's up in the air." Non-profit child care workers protested proposed funding cuts by the Harris government on Friday outside MPP Helen 'Johns' office in Exeter. The demonstrators joined a prov- ince-wide rowInce-wide shut down of child care to protest cuts. Child care workers protest cuts Heather Mir T -A staff EXETER - Child care workers across Ontario protested anticipated funding cuts by the Hams govern- ment on Friday with a province - wide shut down. Local repre- sentatives from child care coop- eratives in Seaforth and Clinton supported this effort by marching in front of Huron MPP Helen Johns office in Exeter. But some workers remained behind to provide care for children who's parents could not find alternatives. Child care providers told Johns they don't agree with proposed cuts they say will force day • care clo- sures affecting both subsidized and full fee children. Sixty per cent of the Clinton cooperative is occupied by sub- sidized children. Without funding, some facilities will not be able to remain open. According to literature provided by child care representatives, the Harris government admits at least 50 per cent of regulated, non-profit child care centers will close; more than 67 per cent of regulated home child care will be lost and up to 90 per cent of child care staff will lose their jobs. Reports indicate the province plans to deny child care subsidies to employed parents. Regardless of their income, no employed parent will be eligible for help to phy for their child care. Harris's proposed workfare/learnfare program will also institute a voucher system. Vouchers will be restricted to par- ents enrolled in 'the program who receive social assistance. Any earnings will be deducted from the voucher. According to child care workers, the impact of proposed changes will hurt children, parents, child care staff and local communities. Without provincial funding for child care, regulated, non-profit child care services will collapse they claim. Bonnie Hastings, of the Clinton childcare cooperative, said workers are worried cuts may put children at risk if they are moved into a non- regulated child care situation. The co-op, she said, is a community in- vestment has been built up over the years and proposed cuts threaten this investment. Johns spoke to the group gather outside her office on Main Street. According to demonstrators, she didn't want to comment about al- ternatives but said many options are still available. Biddulph initiates Granton water system ownership transfer TOWNSHIP OF BIDDULPH - In a motion by Councillor Paul Wallis at the Nov. 21 meeting, council resolved to request the On- tario Clean Water Agency to turn over ownership of the Granton Wa- ter System to the Corporation of the Township of Biddulph. Coun- cil appointed Robert Benner as the solicitor to facilitate this ownership change. Considering the operation of the water system, council received a proposal from W.D. Hopper & Sons Ltd. to train town- ship road employees and provide main- tenance service. Coun- cil also reviewed a pro- posal from OCWA reducing the amount of the repair costs in- cluded in the agree- ment. Council author- ized and directed Larry Hotson, clerk -treasurer, to prepare the nec- essary bylaw to execute an agree- ment with Hopper & Sons to train township forces and provide pre- ventative maintenance and system monitoring as required. Delegations Gerry Van Bussel and Dianne O'Shea attended the council meet- ing to discuss amalgamation in view of the single tier proposal at the last session of County Council. Van Bussel questioned if this proposal was a case of the larger municipalities attempting to swal- low up the smaller communities and expressed a need for public in- formation regarding where amal- gamation proposals are leading. unan the foc that w ama with To Participants of a focus group re- ported to council they are not inter- ested in taking part in an exercise if the decisions have already been made. The group also expressed concern about the prospect of at- taching Biddulph to London Town- ship. "It was unanimous at the focus group that we do not wish to be amalgamated with London Town- ship. We would rather join Huron County or Perth County than join Lon- don Township," Bid- dulph minutes re- corded. Reeve Earl French addressed the delega- tion, pointing out Bid- dulph Council in- itiated the Crown Report to avoid large amalgamations. He added the next step in the process is to have a public meeting once enough information is available. O'Shea and Van Bussel discussed with council the positive and negative impact amalgamation presents. O'Shea told council she did not want council to lose sight of the option of joining with Perth or Huron rather than with London Township. "Maybe a Lucan Biddulph amal- gamation will stave off a larger un- ion and this would be worthwhile. Maybe if we jointed with Lucan we would have a stronger voice with the higher authorities," Van Bussel stated. Council agreed it is not opposed to amalgamation if the savings are great enough. Given this conclu- "11 was imous at us group we do not ish to be lgamated London wnship." sion, all members agreed to have in- vitees attend the West Nissouri meeting last Thursday night. Special Meetings Council will hold a special meet- ing with Ted Halwa to discuss the new zoning bylaw on Dec. 11 at 4 p.m. Council will also attend a meeting regarding the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority to be held on Dec. 14 at 7:30 p.m. at the Thed- ford-Bosanquet Community Centre. Christmas decorations stolen HURON PARK - Outdoor Christmas tree lights were stolen from two homes last week in separ- ate incidents last Wednesday and Friday. On Sunday a Christmas ornament was removed overnight from a resi- dence door on Sanders Street in Ex- eter. Round bales set on fire HAY TOWNSHIP - Earl Becker, of Lot 10, Con. 13. reported an un- known person deliberately set fire to a large number of round straw bales on his farm causing consider- able loss on Nov. 20 and again last Wednesday. Exeter court included on closures list Lawyer and police sergeant question moving Exeter court fir Continued from front page creased by other concerns such as finding transportation. McInnes be- lieves a regional system would victimize witnesses a second time. Exet- er lawyer Kim McLean said the change would affect many people in- cluding the police, himself and various accused individuals. He added there have been rumors of regionalization since the previous govern- ment was in power. "Obviously they think it's going to save mon- ey but it's going to affect many people," said McLean. In terms of family practice, Bruce County , could end up having jurisdiction over Huron County because of the proposed general divi- sion move from Goderich to Walkerton. In cas- es such as child custody, actions must be files where the children are living. Because actions would begin in other counties such as Bruce or Middlesex, the family law act would need to be amended. However, the greatest challenge will be distance. "It's going to be an inconvenience. Having said that if you look up north, people there may travel two or 300 miles to obtain ac- cess to the judicial system, It will be interesting to sec if it docs save money," said McLean. If the courthouse closings are found to save the money government anticipates, McLean believes the proposal will proceed. "No one in this county wants to see the Goderich courthouse close. The first time a crown loses a case because witnesses didn't show up, then you are going to get the backlash. I can really anticipate with the welfare cutbacks, break and entries, now at an all-time high, will ' i - crease. As more cutbacks take place and welfare is reduced, crime is going to increase. There is a direct relationship. You could be dealing with already welfare victims who have to arrange to drive 50 miles to court," said McLean. "We have a government in power that's com- mitted to balancing their budget and dealing with the deficit," added McLean. "When you start talking about billions of dollars, that's major changes in people's lives. I don't think we can even anticipate what's in front of us." "No one in this county wants to see the Goderich courthouse close. The fust time a crown loses a case because witnesses didn't show up, then you are going to get the backlash."