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Clinton News-Record, 1983-01-12, Page 1T BAY 'IELD UGLE 50 cents C.s;unty t By Stephanie Levesque Huron County Council, in a recorded 17- 13 vote, narrowly approved having 1983 budgets prepared using a five per cent in- crease as a maximum guideline. Approval was given to a recommenda- tion from council's executive committee at council's January 6 session. The recom- mendation was made in anticipation of provincial legislation being passed stating all employees earning less than $15,000 a year must receive a minimum increase of $750 and if employees earn more than $15,000, they must receive a five per cent increase. "I feel that we're somewhat Undoing what we did a few months ago," com- mented Stanley Township Reeve Paul Steckle. Reeve Steckle was referring to a deci- sion made by the 1982 county council that employees' salaries not be increased in 1983. "The private sector is trying to maintain these goals ... it's difficult to say we'll pay everyone five per cent. Back home (Stanley Township), they (employees) say they'll stay where they are if the county N 2 SP f incorporating THE BLYTST January 12, VP_, does," added Mr. Steckle. The Stanley reeve suggested council maintain its position of not increasing salaries. Tuckersmith Township Reeve Robert Bell, who spoke on behalf of the executive committee, said he personally agrees with Reeve Steckle, but the executive commit- tee was advised by clerk -treasurer William Hanly that a five per cent increase is mandatory. Mr. Hanly noted that all employee salary schedules go through council for final approval and decisions may be made at that time to hold the salaries. He added that under the legislation, all union employees must receive five per cent, but county council has authority over non- union employees. "That's where the problem lies," stated Reeve Bell. "If the unions get five per cent and non -unions don't, we'll have everyone in the county unionized." Morris Township Reeve William Elston pointed out that the employees earning $15,000 or less will actually be receiving more than a five per cent increase. Reeve Steckle added that employees earning 983 er cent between $15,000 and $20,000 may receive a $1,000 increase and increment or merit in- creases for those earning less than $30,000 are excluded from legislation. "The guy making $15,000 may receive five per cent but he is falling way behind. That's where the legislation is wrong. We should treat everyone the same. We are told what we must pay and that goes against what I believe is democratic," stated Reeve Steckle. Exeter Reeve William Mickle question- ed the need for negotiations in 1983. "Why do we have to spend money in negotiations? There will be no benefit in- crease, salary increases are legislated at five per cent, our hands are tied. We should forget about negotiations in 1983," suggested Reeve Mickle. Mr. Hanly said some negotiation meetings have been scheduled and if there were no guidelines, there would be no negotiations. The recorded vote, to authorize the clerk -treasurer to have 1983 budgets prepared using the five per cent as a max- imum guideline, was as follows: Yeas - Grey Township Reeve Leona Armstrong, 118th year e Ashfield Township Reeve John Austin, Reeve Bell, Goderich Deputy Reeve Jim Britnell, Clinton Reeve Earnest Brown, Seaforth Reeve William Campbell, Blyth Reeve Tom Cronin, Hullett Township Reeve Tom Cunningham, Reeve Elston, Colborne Township Reeve Russell Ker- nighan, Brussels Reeve Calvin Krauter, Howick Township Reeve William Newton, Usborne Township Reeve Gerry Prout, Warden Grant Stirling of Goderich Township, Hay Towpship Reeve Lionel Wilder and Goderich Reeve Harry Worsell with two votes; Nays - West Wawanosh Township Reeve James Aitchison, Hay Township Deputy Reeve Tony Bedard, Ex- eter Deputy Reeve Lissy Fuller, McKillop Township Reeve Marie Hicknell, Bayfield Reeve David Johnston, Hensall Reeve Harry Klungel, Turnberry Township Reeve Brian McBurney, Exeter Reeve William Mickle, Reeve Steckle, Zurich Reeve Don Van Patter, East Wawanosh Township Reeve Neil Vincent, Stephen Township Reeve Alan Walper, and Stephen Township Deputy Reeve Ralph Weber. Wingham Reeve Joe Kerr was absent. Education head Cochrane to retire in June By Stephanie Levesque After 15 years as director of education John Cochrane will retire from the position effective June 30, 1983. Huron County Board of Education chairman lorothy Wallace initially made the announcement in her inaugural ad- dress at the board's January 10 meeting. The board accepted with regret Mr. Cochrane's formal resignation letter. "For several years 1 ,had planned to retire at the end of 35 years in the teaching profession, ie. on June 30, 1984, and I can assure you that this decision to leave one year earlier than planned has not been made lightly or easily," stated Mr. Cochrane's letter of resignation. Mr. Cochrane and Mrs. Wallace pointed out Mr. Cochrane's reason for early retirement is based on the changes corning to the educational system. "As you know, the year 19 will see the beginning of a large number of changes in the school system. All of these announced changes are going to require heavy em- phasis on long range planning. In my opinion it would be inconsiderate of me to become involved in such planning and then leave before it was finished or the resulting projects s :,rted. Such a move would be unfair to the board, to the staff, and to the students, not to say anything about being unfair to a successor who wo ,:d have to inherit my work, whether he or she agreed with it or not. I believe very firmly that the person responsible for any long-term planning should also be the person responsible for the implementation and the successes or failures," said Mr. Coehrane. Mrs. Wallace commented, "he has endured a mixed bag of experiences from the time when we had to search for ways to spend enough to qualify for our grant monies (although this isn't the case anymore), through dealing with fractious trustees, through the unpleasant ex- perience of a strike, through changes in board and administration methods of operation to Mention only a few and has done so with firmness, conviction and equanimity. We shall miss him." Mr. Cochrane started teaching in Sep- tember of 1949 in Kemptville. He was there for .tw(.x, ears then in 1951 went to Mississauga where he went through the various positions of teacher, department head and vice-principal. On January 1, 1960, he arrived in Clinton as the principal of Central Huron Second .: ry School. He left Clinton on July 1, 1965 and then he became a school inspector with the Ministry of Education out of Woodstock. He served the four counties of Norfolk, Oxford, Brant and Perth. Mr. Cochrane stayed in that position until January of 1969 when he permits decline in Tuc y Wilma Oke There were 55 building permits issued by Tuckersmith Township Council in 1982 for a value of $6.1.,000. Herman Van Wieren, building inspector, in his report to council reported that this was down from 1981 when 73 permits were approved for $1,144,000. He reported that permits for houses and barns were about the same as the previous year but that renovations were down. Mr. Van Wieren said that he had issued 21 demolition permits in the township in 1982. Jim Rose of RR 4, Seaforth, who has been re -appointed as the ratepayer to represent the township on the Seaforth and District Community Centres board, at- tended the council session Tuesday night to report on the newly completed building. He said it has been completed satisfactori- ly with only some minor problems to be first column Although the fire siren is still out of action, you may have noticed the fire trucks heading out of town during the past week. The Clinton brigade answered several false alarms, controlled chimney fires and doused a blaze that smouldered throughout the night at the Clinton Body Shop on January 6. Fire Chief Clarence Neilans said that the siren will be ringing within the week. You may notice that it will sound slightly different. The fir' department has purchased a new siren and it will be located at the fire hall. The old air raid siren can now be put to rest. Was January 11th an important day for you? In all likelihood it was just like any other normal weekday, but for Canadian history buffs it was the 163rd anniversary of the birth of Sir John A. MacDonald. Unfortunately the day passed us by without so much as a cheer or note of recognition for our first prime minister. It seems that we have a celebration for nearly every day of the year from Grandparents' Day to National Secretaries Week, not to mention all the holidays in between. Perhaps our country and our citizens would benefit more by honoring the people who made this land strong and free instead of promoting so many new government inspired programs, we should start recalling the past., and perhaps learn a few lessons along the way Today, Wedensday, we got a little taste of Ole' Man Winter, but stilt nothing comparable to the blizzards and cold temperatures we've ex- perienced in past years. The winter of 1982-83 will go down on record as a one of a kind. Reportedly a winter season like this only occurs once every century. We don't even have cabin fever to contend with this year, but the miserable rain and soggy weather conditions we've had run a close second to snowstorms in my book. I'm still going to curl up for a long winter's nap at home, although the television programming isn't as exciting now that the we've lost Pay -TV for the time being. i plan to take up a healthy hobby instead - smooching. A report released this week stated that kissing makes you live longer. It seems that a smooch a day keeps the old heart pumping a little faster and makes life, oh so nice' Don't forget the Klompen Feest Meeting on Tuesday, January 18 at 8 p.m. at Mrs. Van Damme's Holiday Home on Ontario Street. Chairman Bob Campbell noted that Klompen Feest is only four months away, the dates are May 20 and 21. Now that the Christmas season is over it is time to get into the planning and ar- rangements necessary for another big event. Some of the entertainment groups have alredy been booked and a lot of people are full of new ideas. A good tur- nout is both expected and required. Bob stressed. bacame director of the new county board of education in Huron. The director of education was born in Toronto and went through the Brockville school system. He graduated from high school in 1942 then served in the army. He later graduated from the University of Toronto. His plans for retirement are not definite, but he plans to do things he hasn't been able to do because his job cariefirst. He did say he and his wife, Lina, may do some travelling. He may also do some volunteer work which he knows has to be done. Presently a resident of Clinton, Mr. Cochrane intends to remain living in Huron County. Mr. Cochrane and his wife have four children, Joanne, 25, and Michael, 22, both of Toronto and 19 -year-old twins Lynne and Ian who live at home. ersmiih finished up, such as wheelchair ramps at the front entrance and indoor window glass. He reported use of the building is great. Several Egmondville ratepayers attend- ed the meeting to complain about the un- sightly appearance of a property and a building in the hamlet. The building has recently been moved from one lot on the main highway to another lot. George Earle was the main spokesman for the delegation and he spoke of old cars, bath tubs, machinery and other debris lit- tering the lot and rats running in and out of the building. The problem is to be placed with the bylaw enforcement officer to investigate and have the owner clean up. Council made the following appoint- ments to committees: Seaforth Fire Area Board, Deputy Reeve William Brown; Clinton Fire Area Board, Councillor John Brownridge; Hensall Fire Area Board, Reeve Robert Bell; Seaforth Community Hospital Board, Cleave Coombs of Egmondville; Seaforth Landfill Commit- tee, Deputy Reeve Brown; Seaforth and District Community Centres Board, Coun- cillor Robert Broadfoot and James Rose, ratepayer representative; Ausable- Bayfield Conservation Authority, Mervin Falconer, RR 3, Seaforth; Tile Drainage inspector, Councillor George Cantelon, and he was appointed to the Farm Safety Council as well; Weed Inspector, Joe Gib- son, RR 2, Seaforth; Vanastra Day Care Committee, Reeve Bell and Councillor John Brownridge, Betty McLean, Margaret Rogerson, Carol Dixon, Lois Evans and Rosemary Evans; Livestock Evaluators, Ken Carnochan, RR 4, Seafor- th, Robert. McGregor of Kippen and Al Hoggarth of RR 2, Kippen; Fence Viewers, Emmerson Coleman of RR 3, Seaforth, W. D. Wilson of Brucefield and Robert McNaughton of RR 3, Kippen; Committee of Adjustment, Cleave Coombs, Jack Bell of Kippen and Elgin Thompson of RR 3, Turn to page 3 Clinton finally has a New Year baby. Little Curtis MacKay Wilson made his entrance to the world on January 7, about 2 pm, weighing in at eight pounds, five ounces. Curtis is the son of Brian and Linda Wilson of Seaforth and grandson of W.D. and Doris Wilson of Brucefield and Emerson and Audrey Coleman of RR 4, Seaforth. Curtis and his family were the recipients of several gifts from local business people, including a silver cup presented by Clinton Hospital Auxiliary president Esther Wright. (Shelley McPhee photo) Stanley council says Hydro costs high enough By Shelley McPhee The cost of street lighting in the villages of Kippen, Brucefield and Varna may seem small peanuts when compared to larger municipal centres, but Stanley Township council members feel that the yearly costs are high enough and they plan to tell Ontario Hydro so. At Stanley council's January 3 meeting, members agreed to inform Ontario Hydro that they object to the increase of eight per cent on the street lighting rate. The new in- crease went into effect at the start of the new year. Township Clerk Mel Graham noted that presently street lighting in the three villages costs the township approximately $1,000 a year. With the eight per cent in- crease, the costs will rise by $80. In other business, council paid Ken Parke $175 to cover the loss of an ewe, kill- ed recently by wolves. While many area townships have reported an increase in wolves this season, Clerk Graham said .that in Stanley, livestock killings by wolves have not been a serious problem for the last two years. Permission was given to Paul Steckle, Clarence Rau, John Coleman and Howard Armstrong to attend a municipal drainage course in Guelph. The township will pay the $75 registration fee for each. Council approved donations to: Huron Country Playhouse, $125; Canadian In- stitute for the Blind, $100; Blyth Centre for the Arts, $100; Bayfield Agricultural Socie- ty, $100; the Salvation Army, $11 4 ; the War Memorial Children's Hospital, $14 . - A bylaw Was passed ordering , that township taxes are due on March 15. At that time 110 mills of the total rate will be collected. Clerk Graham also noted that outstan•,'nig tax arrears have dropped by nearly two per cent within the past month. At the beginning of December the arrears amounted to six per cent, they have since been reduced to 4.5 per Cent. A drainage application for Wayne Overholt, for $800, on Lot 19, was accepted by council. In another motion it was agreed to pay Ron Coleman $25 a month for storage of the township grader. After a lengthy study and months of discussion and planning, a franchise agreement between Stanley Township and Union Gas was signed at council's January meeting. Bill Taylor was appointed to the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority ABCA 1 in case of emergency flood control. While flooding problems have been minimal in Stanley Township, the appointment was made in conjunction with a new ABCA pro- gram. vandals bit the library Damage has been estimated at over $500 after the old Clinton Library building was vandalized on Friday night. (Tinton Police Chief Lloyd Westlake reported that windows. including old stained glass. lights and ornate wood trim in the library were destroyed by vandals. ('hief Westlake noted. "They destructively raised havoc." The damage was discovered by police early Saturday morning and ('hief Architect Carlos Veatoaii has made n scale model version of the front windows at the town hall and the parkade also in front of new town hall and library_ Of particular Interest are the large the hm>tilding. iShelley McPhee photo Westlake noted that his department has suspects. A Clinton area youth is in fair condition at the Clinton Hospital following a single vehicle accident on January 8. The Goderich OPP reported that, Mary Gibson 16, of R.R. 5, Clinton received ma- jor injuries when the car she was driving left the road and struck a tree on Conces- sion 4 and 5 of Stanley Township. Damage to the vehicle she was driving was set at 83.000. Andy Riehl, 41, of H.R. 2, Bayfield received major injuries when his 1976 Pacer was hit by a transport truck on Highway 8 just south of Goderich on Fri- day, December 31 at 3:05 p.m. The Riehl vehicle was stopped facing east to make a left turn when it was struck by the truck which could not stop due to icy road conditions. The truck, owned by Boyes Transport of Clinton, was driven by Derwin Carter, 31, of RIvth. He was unin- jured in the incident. His two children, Cherie, 11 and Tracy, 7, who were passengers in the truck, were also unin- jured. No charges are being laid by the Goderich Detachment of the Ontario Pro- vincial Police then 1982 1981 JANUARY HI LO HI lO 4 1 10 6 -2 5 1 3 0 8 6 0 3 2 5 3 2 4 10 3 0 4 2 -13 1 5 9 18 10 6 2 16 24 Rain 15mm Snow 29 0cm