HomeMy WebLinkAboutClinton News-Record, 1983-02-23, Page 1THE BAYFE'
UGLE
incorporating
LYT
STA,.
ARD
y Shelley McPhee
Clinton merchants want facts and ac-
tion.
That's what they'll be getting tonight
(Wednesday) when they meet with Clinton
town council to discuss the financing and
restoration plans for the town hall.
The merchants' request hit town council
by surprise on Feb. 21 when Mayor
Chester Archibald read a petition, signed
by more than 70 local business people and
residents, demanding a halt to further
work on the town hall.
Presented at the council meeting, the
petition demands that council im-
mediately place a moratorium on
reconstruction or rebuilding of the town
hall for three years. The petition firmly
advises council to continue leasing tem-
porary quarters until a suitable alter-
native and solution. can be worked out. It
also stressed that the final decision should
be taken to a plebescite, for all Clinton
taxpayers' opinion.
Signed by Alf Mathers, the petition was
presented to 74 various business people
and town residents, and supported by 71.
Mayor Archibald, concerned about the
petition and the opinions of those who
signed, has invited supporters to attend a
special meeting tonight (Wednesday) with
council members. The Mayor sd that the
meeting will hopefully resolve the issue,
facts and financing will be clearly ex-
plained, and he hopes, "a major portion of
the petitioners will turn around."
While the petition expressed a complete
halt to the town hall restoration project,
Mr. Mothers later told the News -Record
that the merchants who signed it simply
want information and costs from the
mayor. He explained that personally he is
an admirer of olid buildings and supports
restoration work, but noted that costs must
take priority.
Councillor John peeves, vole that
opinion at the council meeting when he
suggested, '`I'm not sure if the petitioners
are opposed, or in the rk."
Councillor Jim Hunter said that the
problem is a "lack of knowledge." He said
that all Clin.onians should be able to learn
more about the town 11 work and an open
public meeting should be sched led.
"Let's not have a kangaroo court with
about 30 of these people," he stressed,
explaining that from past experience,
there cod be difficulties in holuH g a
meeting with only the petitioners. He feels
that a meeting should have equal
representation on both sides. Without this,
Councillor Hunter noted, "I feel that it
Wednesdoy, February 23, 1983
nts want t
Wednesday's meeting may be reduced to
a shouting match.
Mayor Archibald firmly stated that he is
cominittedd to meet with the merchants.
He will give them the facts and then gladly
hold a well -advertised public meeting as
well.
He also noted that last fall a similar
public meeting was held. Only 75 people
attended and only six were opposed to the
plan.
Councillor Ross Carter noted that up-
dated financing and costs may have made
people more aware and concerned about
the project and both Councillors Hunter
and Charlie Burgess said that the question
of the town hall future should have been
included on the November ballot.
Councillor Burgess and Councillor
Deeves both noted that in the November
election, their platforms were based on
opposition to the town hall project.
Councillor Burgess further added that if
council could guarantess that taxes would
not go up, that there will be money for
other work and "the town will run
smoothly," then he would support the
project as well.
Taxes, Councillor Carter pointed it out,
is the main concern of people who have
questioned the work. He noted that close to
90 per cent of the business community has
signed the petition, and went on to say,
.'Before they just didn't understand what
was going on. Now they're worried and
they have the right to be worried.
Businesses have been losing money for the
past two years and their going into,their
third. Many are in rented quarters, do you
think they'll hang around? No way."
"Don't fool yourselves," he warned, "if
they (Clinton nienccants) don't get a
reasonable thing, they'll be gone."
Councillor Hunter stressed that the town
must proceed with work to obtain facts,
figures and possible grants.
"Then we'll know if the taxes will go
up," he stressed.
The preliminary work on the town hall
and library drawings, soil testing and
arc 'tent fees may cost up to $70,1 I t,
Mayor Archibald said, but noted that work
will stop competely if grant money is not
available.
Will Wintario
co le through
This week should tell Clinton what the
future of the town hall -library is, when
approval or rejection of the $250,000
Fishing in February? Yes, that's
what they're doing at the Bayfield
Harbor these days.
Spring it seems has arrived early.
The snowdrops are in bloom. barbecues
are cooking, people are enjoying the
sunny warmth on their front porches,
snowmobiles have been stored away
and motorcyles are in action.
February, usually known as a cold,
blustery, stay at home month, is cer-
tainly surprising all of us, but no one's
complaining. With any luck we'll be
washing the windows, in the gardens
apid farmers will be on the land very
soon.
+ + +
Does anyone remember the old lapel
pins of Clinton? Grace Castle brought in
a lovely old sample the other day, that
pictured the downtown block from
Campbell's Men's Wear to the town
hall. Edged in dainty gold flowers, the
pin is a real treasure.
4 + e -
It's nice to see that Doug and Helen
Bartliff are continuing a family
tradition. These days, outside their
Clinton restaurant you may catch a
glimpse of the Bartliff family's newest
member, Andy, their five month old
Newfoundland dog.
Children and adults alike have
always admired the Bartliff's big,
gentle Newfies and it looks like Andy
will carry on the tradition with no
problem.
+ 4 +
it was fun and games, a few losses
and big wins in Clinton on Saturday
night when the Kinsmen Club hosted
their annual Monte Carlo Night.
Chairman Harvey Carter report that
more than $1,000 was raised for Cystic
Fibrosis.
A special thanks goes out to Clinton
merchants for donating articles for the
auction, and to everyone who made the
t -ening a success.
Harvey Ashton and his step -son Don
McFarlane attended the funeral of
Don's twin brother. who died in Oshawa
on Feb. 7 Funeral services were held in
Marmora on Feb 10
The late Mr. McFarlane had been an
invalid for over 12 years, as a result of a
car accident in 1970.
Mrs. Ashton was ill, and unable to
attend the funeral.
On the brighter side, the Ashtons had
some visitors to their home on Sunday,
when Mrs. Ashton's niece and husband,
Mr. and Mrs. James Gisel of Welland
drove up for the day.
+ + +
The Clinton Over 50 Club has set
Friday meeting dates for the next
month.
Secretary Daisy Holland reports that
on Feb. 25 the group will meet at 1:30
p.m. in the lounge at the Senior Citizen
building on James Street.
The March 4 meeting has been
cancelled due to the World Day of
Prayer Service.
On March 11 the group will be back at
Wesley -Willis Church and the birthday
party will be expanded into a hospital
party. You're welcome to join in.
+ + +
i've been reporting that 1983 will be a
year of changes in the look of the
Clinton News -Record.
Some design changes have already
taken place, with the move of sports
pages, and The Blyth Standard section
now on pages 6 and 7.
At the beginning of the year ''we
combined Town Talk and First Column,
and next week First Column will make
another change, it's moving over to the
editorial page.
Our Odds 'N Ends writer Elaine
Townshend will now be submitting
monthly columns for your enjoyment,
and First Column will also share that
spot on Page 4.
I'm also considering a new name for
the column, but that's a secret until
next week. The content of First Column
will remain the same, so be sure to keep
me in touch with news events, hap-
penings and personal notes.
The change will allow for more
flexibility on Page 1, with more
photographs and timely news stories.
See you next week on Page 4
118th yes'r
n hall
Wintario grant application is finalized.
That's the largest grant the town is
applying for, and Mayor Archibald said,
"the whole thing hinges on this Wintario
grant."
Wintario has promised a decision this
week and Clinton is on the possible list, but
the mayor admitted, "Wintario really has
me worried. If the money doesn't come
through I would have no alternative but to
have the project scrapped."
In the meantime council has introduced
a bylaw, to proceed with work on both
buildings at an anticipated cost of
$1,275.000. Mayor Archibald noted that
estimated total cost has been purposely
•
ets
made high.
"We've got it loaded," he noted, saying
that he hopes tender prices will be lower.
The bylaw will not be passed until
complete financial commitments have
been guaranteed.
At the present time the town has only
received one guaranteed grant, $125,000
from the Ontario Heritage Foundation. An
additional $75,000 from the Foundation has
been applied for.
As well at least an additional $100,000 is
available through the town hall reserve
fund. While the money, $150,000 in total, is
in two Greymac Trust Company cer-
Turn to page 3
F ewe"! to
for a ye . r trial
y Shelley McPhee
After years of discussion and con-
troversy, the parking meters in downtown
Clinton will be removed.
Council at their Feb. 21 meeting agreed
to remove and store the meters for a trial
period of up to one year. During that time a
committee will study parking problems in
the town and will bring back recom-
mendations to council. The committee will
include Councillor John Deeves, BIA
member Gerry Hiltz and a representative
from the town planning board.
While the meters will be removed, two
hour parking limits will still be in effect,
and additional parking limits have been
put on the municipally Rattenbury Street
lot, behind the library. The new two hour
limits on the Rattenbury Street lot have
been set during business hours, also.for a
year trial period.
Deputy Reeve Frank Van Altena is one
of the many local business people who use
the lot during working hours. Opposed to
the new limits he voiced, "I have to park
my car there. If I can't park on main
street, and I can't park in the lot, where
can I park? Do you expect me to get out
and move my car every two hours?"
Councillor Jim Hunter, who originally
proposed the limits, noted that the Rat-
tenbury Street lot was established for the
use of shoppers. He emphasized, "It was
not put there for employee parking."
It was also noted that the lot is used for
parking by neighboring apartment
dwellers. According to Reeve Ernie Brown
when additional land was purchased from
Ray Lambers for the lot a verbal
agreement was made to supply four
Ara eters
period
parking spaces tor apartment tenants.
During business hours these people will
have to follow the two hour limits, however
overnight parking will be permitted.
Councillor Hunter explained, "We want to
people to park off the streets during the
evening."
He further noted that he has been long
opposed to the removal of parking meters.
Calling the problem "a burning issue on
main street Clinton," he said that the trial
test is necessary to answer questions that
council, business people and shoppers
have been debating for years.
The study hopes to detemine whether
downtown Clinton actually has a parking
shortage. 1t is also aimed to resolve the
question of whether business owners and
employees are taking up valuable parking
space that should be available to shoppers.
It is a well known fact that local business
people and employees use these parking
facilities during business hours. Councillor
Hunter has suggested that business people
could make better use of parking areas
behind their shops, as well as using side
street parking for their personal use.
Councillor Deeves suggested that
stickers could be issued to business people
and employees to inform police that
merchants are using the two hour parking
areas.
Mayor Chester Archibald said that the
cost to remove and store the meter heads
would be minimual since this work can be
done by the town works department. The
BIA, Deputy Reeve Van Altena noted that
the BIA will be placing parking signs on
the meter posts.
Guides -Scouts
Thinking Week
This week Guide and Scouting groups across the nation are
honoring Lord and Lady Baden-1"owell, the famous couple who
began the youth groups in the early 1".' I's. In s'lyth on Friday the
rownies celebrated the founding of the orgagization with a
special international night and pyjama party at the public
school. Getting ready to settle in for the evening were, front row,
left to right, Jackie Caldwell, Heidi Scrimgeour, Donna Lynn
Armstrong, Sarah Rau and Karen : ernard. Back row, Susan
Dobie, Talfine Scott, Kerry Baker and Charla Richmond with
her Senurf pal, Cindy. The 1€lyth Guides will be holding their
sleep -over this Friday night. r Clinton the youth groups also
have a busy week. Scouts held a Father and Son banquet, Cubs
are racing cars, Guides are honoring other countries, Path-
findes and Scouts are preparing for a volleyball match. On
Sunday the week will conclude with a parade at the Wesley
Willis Church, and the annual pancake brunch at the Clinton
Legion. (Shelley McPhee photo)
Tuekersmfth proposes *355,
By Wilma Oke
Tuckersmith Township Council has pro-
posed a road budget of $355,400 for 1983. Of
this $220,800 is for roadside maintenance,
winter control and other maintenance
work, while $134,600 is for construction
work.
A major construction project proposed is
for a new bridge on the Roman Line,
estimated to cost about $135,000 including
road approaches to the bridge. Another
project council would like to see is the
completion of the storm sewer in Egmond-
ville at an approximate cost of $17,000.
With approval of the budget, it will be
forwarded to the ministry of
transportation and communications for
final approval.
In presenting the budget for council's ap-
proval Road Superintendent Allan
Nicholson said it would not cause any in-
crease in taxes over last year's budget for
township taxpayers, although he explained
that this budget could not be compared to
last year's as the ministry's formula for
grants is changed. He said this year no
supplementary subsidy will be approved
for maintenance work by the ministry but
some subsidy may be available for con-
struction work.
Mr. Nicholson was given permission to
attend the Anderson Road School in
Guelph in May and the two grader
operators, Ken Miller and .Jim Knight,
may be sent to another road school if they
wish to upgrade their skills.
Mike Meyer of Diegel, Malcolm and
Hagey of Stratford, presented the 1982
fin incial report for the township it in-
dicated that with revenue for the year
totalling $1,846,743 and expenditures totall-
ing $1,884,161 there was a deficit of approx-
imately $38,000 at year's end.
Mr. Meyer recommended the township
change its accounting system to a one -
rate system which would give council
members an opportunity for seminars for
feed -back and to be able to get any infor-
mation they needed. He said there was a
government grant of $5,000 for this so that
setting up the new system would not cost
the ratepayers any money. He said he
would be available as a consultant through
the grant, to help set up the system which
would improve the accounting service and
would save the clerk -treasurer's time.
Council agreed to the new system later
in the meeting, following a discussion with
Clerk Jack McLachlan. He said he had
planned to ask council to consider the one -
rate system prior to learning of the $5,000
grant and now he said it could all be done
without the township having to pay for all
the new paper forms and the supervision.
He said many municipal offices use the
one -rate system.
Councillor Robert Broadfoot said he had
seen the new system working in a hospital
office and it was efficient.
Brenda McEwin will take up her duties
as a new teacher at the special daycare
centre for handicapped children at
Vanastra on March 1 She replaces Gerry
VandenBerg who has resigned as assistant
supervisor. Mics Mcf,win was one of nine
applicants, three of whom were interview-
ed.
The township levy for the Ausable-
i o
Rayfield Conservation Authority for 1983 is
$8,170, up from the $7,470 paid last year.
Council designated the week of April 17-
23 as Community Justice Week as propos-
ed by the Provincial Secretary for Justice.
Council turned down the 1983 proposed
budget for the Seaforth and District Com-
munity Centre. Councillor John
Brownridge was upset because of the large
deficit anticipated for 1983, amounting to
$36,305. He questioned the free -spending
by the Centre's management committee
and cited the purchase of a quantity of
roller skates at $70 a pair. He said he was
able to buy a good pair for his daughter at
$65, and wondered why it should cost more
to buy a quantity than a single pair. Also
questioned was the purchase of three' li-
quor dispensers for $900. Other council
members noted that other organizations
were known to have thrown out asimilar
type because they broke down too easily
and these had been replaced by a simpler
type of dispenser costing much less that
$100.
The five-hour council .session included a
lengthy discussion with Diane Durnin,
recreation director, regarding the heating
system for the swimming pool. in the end a
committee was named to bring in a recom-
mendation on the type of heating system
for the job To do the investigating are
Reeve Robert Rell, Councillor Rrownndge
and Mrs f)urnin.
Because of poor attendance at the week-
ly dances at the Vanastra Recreation Cen-
tre the County Singles has suspended
them, Mrs. Durnin informed council. She
said her assistant director is proposing to
1
d ud et
replace them with Old Time Festival
events on Sundays.
Mrs. Durnin suggested that the township
be the sponsors of the events to give them a
broader base. However Reeve Bell and
Councillor Robert Broadfoot objected. Mr.
Broadfoot said he had had complaints
from local ratepayers that the township
should not be in competition with other
township groups in money raising events
such as dances, which the township has oc-
casionally sponsored. Reeve Bell sug-
gested the recreation centre itself should
sponsor the Sunday events proposed.
Mrs. Durnin was asked to continue her
investigation of arranging the events and
on the availability of liquor licences for
Sunday unless a sit down rascal is .served at
the event.
Wecither
1983 1982
HI 1 O HI 1.0
FF;R
15 3 .1
16 2 -2
17 2 1
18 4 -6
19 .1 2
20 11 2
21 5 1
5 -4
-4 10
0
O. 1
1
2 1
tinow 6 ern