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Times-Advocate, 1996-05-01, Page 3Times -Advocate, May 1, 1996 !'age 3 Amalgamation Committee urged to return to basics Delegates challenged to evaluate issues that will keep communities together and/or tear them apart By Heather Mir T -A Reporter GRAND BEND - Issues that have remained undercurrents in past meetings, such as the new community's future relationship with Lambton and Huron Counties, rose to the surface at Friday's Amalgamation Committee Meet- ing. While the Grand Bend delegation stressed the importance of keeping the process moving, Exeter pointed out amalgamation may never be achieved until some issues are addressed. "These are matters for the new council to address. Our mandate is to design the framework of representation for that new council," said Grand Bend Councillor Bob Mann. It was suggested by Usbome that an in -camera meeting be held to put issues on the table that threaten to derail amalgamation efforts. "It's time that we had a working meeting with all the council mem- bers," said Usbome Reeve Pat Down. Although the committee did not make a commitment to hold such a meeting, Down's recommendation that delegates read the group's terms of reference before each meeting was well received. Governance report The sub -committee report on governance that included rec- ommendations to restructure the water portion of lo- cal Public Utility Commissions and create a ward system of representation was the catalyst for discussion on how to address many major concerns. The ma- jority of these issues will be dealt with as a result of a detailed consultant's study on the financial impact of amalgamation on each represented community. Items that will require serious consideration by the committee "We have to stop talking about our boundaries. That's what we're here to eliminate." also include planning areas and an eight ward structure of repre- sentation. As discussion retumed to the role of the county and the amalgamated municipality's re- lationship with the county, four op- tions were outlined. Remaining as members of both counties, all municipalities .joining either Huron or Lambton and creat- ing a separate, single tier govem- ment were listed as the options. While Exeter questioned if a two - county system is rational, Grand Bend responded it may be an at- tractive option but it would pre- mature to make a decision. "We're beginning to feel not wel- come here. There seems to be con- ditions laid on by at least one del- egation to leave Lambton County," said Grand Bend Mayor Cam Ivey. While Grand Bend was interested at Friday's meeting with county re- lationships, Exeter wanted to ad- dress potential restriction to its fu- ture growth potential. "Exeter will not grow after amal- gamation. The new community will grow," said Usbome Deputy Reeve Rob Morley. ;ul • EMI r 4 .zrirInl, yn�,x,. • , .aro► rn 69)!1,0; vr�d1 Dais, zlcy ;!.ter. ac C T ., '1.. rli �i, 1 ')L•i '�7 N�'� -!'u N:'i� `l ti, ii(�7 •q i! 1(4. ,•� IY e.•'�/ Recipients of Conestoga College's first Literacy Program Certificates were recognized on Saturday in Exeter for their learning achievement. The Exeter Legion was also ac- knowledged for its contribution to the program by making space and computer technology available. It is through ,community partnership that more resources can be directed to classroom education. Pictured above from left are recipients Terry Gibb, Kirby Berdan, Da- vid Graham, Chuck McCrae and Tracy Gower. Students absent from the photo who also re- ceived certificates are Grace Cleeve and Gordon Wheatly. "WE HAVE IT ALL FOR GREAT CASUAL LIVING" • For outdoors • Pools • Garden Areas • Sutirooms "We have to stop talking about our boundaries," added Stephen Reeve Bill Weber. "That's what we're here to eliminate." While the issues of growth and county relationships will require further study, Glaze urged del- egates not to allow "baggage" from past relationships -to "maneuver this thing into a bungle." "I think the process is gettting mired down with rhetoric," said Ivey, urging the committee to pro- ceed with finalizing a request for consultant proposals. A revised proposal will be avail- able for councils to review by May 3 and will be brought back to the committee at its May 9 meeting to be held at 9 a.m. in the Stephen Council Chambers. Policy report The sub -committee studying pol- icy presented rough findings that through restructuring, a 25 per cent wage savings could be achieved. Again the consultant's report will give the committee more in- formation regarding staffing re- quirements but delegates felt it im- portant to set the principals of • fairness for managing staff re- dundancy. "Whatever we do, we've got to be fair with our staff," said . Stephen Councillor Tom Tomes, citing attri- tion' and early retirement as pos- sible options. i*jsolpseir sprang spew:hats is E Chocolate Chip "Cookies, doz" 1.49 Bagels Our ownl See our new varieties For the BBQ Hamburg & Hot Dog Rolls Everyday low price .990 Tarts "Butter or Lemon, pkg. 6", 1.99 Muffins "Bran, pkg. 6" Rolls 'Country, doz.' Mozzarella -Low fat" .1 99 .990 3.99 lb. Fresh made Soup Sandwiches coffee and donuts CafeBakery & Cheese House 444 Main St. 235-0332 ti 4 it It " ffL) VS, 1 • HAMMOCKS • ARTIFICIAL - PI.ANTS, TREES • a FLOWERS • SHADE HOUSES • ACCESSORIES 30% Discount on DIAMQND ENGAGEMENT RINGS and ANNIVERSARY DIAMOND RINGS Over $2000.00 with Cash or Cheque 25% Discount on. • DIAMOND ENGAGEMENT RINGS, ANNIVERSARY DIAMONDS and WEDDING RINGS with Crit Card or Layaway Tian from May 1 toMay 31 t c;fu i r rrnri 5 ! 1 • IF! AI NO MANUFACTURE UMIREL AS, REPLACEMENT CUSHIONS. FURENTURE COMM ' ' AM/ AC7'I'VRERS • DISTRIBUTORS GRAND BEND - Hwy. &r , >, `u y 1. • (2 mites from the water plant) Fri t I -2110 _ _ _ .,�.. - - - _ _ Horn d o you feel�� about the proposal raise11. the /unit on gyp' the 400 .� � - x , ,� _ .. ', 4 „ series highway to Darryl Hartman - Kate Farwell - Exeter Peter Caslick - Zurich Tim Estep - Zurich Norma Steele - Klrkton • Bob Heron - Slow Dorothy Wlldfong Martha Moody Hensall .120 krn/hi Exeter "People al- ready drive 120, "I am con- cerned the highways are "People al- ready drive 120, maybe "I think the roads were built to handle that speed." "People will be driving fast- er." "I don't think it's, necessary to raise the - Hensel! "A lot of them go that - "Just the very same as Doro- thy." .,t>rf um it % fins ---- site's* -.,0i0; • so they might as well raise the speed limit." not equipped to handle those speeds. They are not everyone will drive 140.. They should really crack speed.Iimit, Everybody is going too fast as it is. (speed) any- way. I would not have an objection . .- 1-_� . ? '�-- • . well main- tained. " down on speeders." against it." Amalgamation Committee urged to return to basics Delegates challenged to evaluate issues that will keep communities together and/or tear them apart By Heather Mir T -A Reporter GRAND BEND - Issues that have remained undercurrents in past meetings, such as the new community's future relationship with Lambton and Huron Counties, rose to the surface at Friday's Amalgamation Committee Meet- ing. While the Grand Bend delegation stressed the importance of keeping the process moving, Exeter pointed out amalgamation may never be achieved until some issues are addressed. "These are matters for the new council to address. Our mandate is to design the framework of representation for that new council," said Grand Bend Councillor Bob Mann. It was suggested by Usbome that an in -camera meeting be held to put issues on the table that threaten to derail amalgamation efforts. "It's time that we had a working meeting with all the council mem- bers," said Usbome Reeve Pat Down. Although the committee did not make a commitment to hold such a meeting, Down's recommendation that delegates read the group's terms of reference before each meeting was well received. Governance report The sub -committee report on governance that included rec- ommendations to restructure the water portion of lo- cal Public Utility Commissions and create a ward system of representation was the catalyst for discussion on how to address many major concerns. The ma- jority of these issues will be dealt with as a result of a detailed consultant's study on the financial impact of amalgamation on each represented community. Items that will require serious consideration by the committee "We have to stop talking about our boundaries. That's what we're here to eliminate." also include planning areas and an eight ward structure of repre- sentation. As discussion retumed to the role of the county and the amalgamated municipality's re- lationship with the county, four op- tions were outlined. Remaining as members of both counties, all municipalities .joining either Huron or Lambton and creat- ing a separate, single tier govem- ment were listed as the options. While Exeter questioned if a two - county system is rational, Grand Bend responded it may be an at- tractive option but it would pre- mature to make a decision. "We're beginning to feel not wel- come here. There seems to be con- ditions laid on by at least one del- egation to leave Lambton County," said Grand Bend Mayor Cam Ivey. While Grand Bend was interested at Friday's meeting with county re- lationships, Exeter wanted to ad- dress potential restriction to its fu- ture growth potential. "Exeter will not grow after amal- gamation. The new community will grow," said Usbome Deputy Reeve Rob Morley. ;ul • EMI r 4 .zrirInl, yn�,x,. • , .aro► rn 69)!1,0; vr�d1 Dais, zlcy ;!.ter. ac C T ., '1.. rli �i, 1 ')L•i '�7 N�'� -!'u N:'i� `l ti, ii(�7 •q i! 1(4. ,•� IY e.•'�/ Recipients of Conestoga College's first Literacy Program Certificates were recognized on Saturday in Exeter for their learning achievement. The Exeter Legion was also ac- knowledged for its contribution to the program by making space and computer technology available. It is through ,community partnership that more resources can be directed to classroom education. Pictured above from left are recipients Terry Gibb, Kirby Berdan, Da- vid Graham, Chuck McCrae and Tracy Gower. Students absent from the photo who also re- ceived certificates are Grace Cleeve and Gordon Wheatly. "WE HAVE IT ALL FOR GREAT CASUAL LIVING" • For outdoors • Pools • Garden Areas • Sutirooms "We have to stop talking about our boundaries," added Stephen Reeve Bill Weber. "That's what we're here to eliminate." While the issues of growth and county relationships will require further study, Glaze urged del- egates not to allow "baggage" from past relationships -to "maneuver this thing into a bungle." "I think the process is gettting mired down with rhetoric," said Ivey, urging the committee to pro- ceed with finalizing a request for consultant proposals. A revised proposal will be avail- able for councils to review by May 3 and will be brought back to the committee at its May 9 meeting to be held at 9 a.m. in the Stephen Council Chambers. Policy report The sub -committee studying pol- icy presented rough findings that through restructuring, a 25 per cent wage savings could be achieved. Again the consultant's report will give the committee more in- formation regarding staffing re- quirements but delegates felt it im- portant to set the principals of • fairness for managing staff re- dundancy. "Whatever we do, we've got to be fair with our staff," said . Stephen Councillor Tom Tomes, citing attri- tion' and early retirement as pos- sible options. i*jsolpseir sprang spew:hats is E Chocolate Chip "Cookies, doz" 1.49 Bagels Our ownl See our new varieties For the BBQ Hamburg & Hot Dog Rolls Everyday low price .990 Tarts "Butter or Lemon, pkg. 6", 1.99 Muffins "Bran, pkg. 6" Rolls 'Country, doz.' Mozzarella -Low fat" .1 99 .990 3.99 lb. Fresh made Soup Sandwiches coffee and donuts CafeBakery & Cheese House 444 Main St. 235-0332 ti 4 it It " ffL) VS, 1 • HAMMOCKS • ARTIFICIAL - PI.ANTS, TREES • a FLOWERS • SHADE HOUSES • ACCESSORIES 30% Discount on DIAMQND ENGAGEMENT RINGS and ANNIVERSARY DIAMOND RINGS Over $2000.00 with Cash or Cheque 25% Discount on. • DIAMOND ENGAGEMENT RINGS, ANNIVERSARY DIAMONDS and WEDDING RINGS with Crit Card or Layaway Tian from May 1 toMay 31 t c;fu i r rrnri 5 ! 1 • IF! AI NO MANUFACTURE UMIREL AS, REPLACEMENT CUSHIONS. FURENTURE COMM ' ' AM/ AC7'I'VRERS • DISTRIBUTORS GRAND BEND - Hwy. &r , >, `u y 1. • (2 mites from the water plant) Fri t I -2110