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HomeMy WebLinkAboutClinton News Record, 1981-06-25, Page 1Industrial park gets resounding "yes" at meeting By Shelley McPhee If 65 Clinton people had the final say, the town would go ahead with plans to develop a serviced industrial park and the jority of the cost would be paid out off general fundsover two years. At a public meeting on June 23, more than 60 people, including council mem- bers, industrial board members and county representatives; met to hear the proposed purchase and development of 54 acres of land in the southwest corner of Clinton as an industrial park. While council will make the final decision on. this proposal, Mayor Chester Archibald commented that from the unanimous consensus supporting the plan, "Council members at this meeting surely have a feeling of what the people want." Members of the public supported a plan presented by county planner George Penfold, that would see the purchase of the 54 acres for $140,000 and the initial ser- vicing of 12 of those acres on Devon Street as far as the Isaac Street intersection, for a total cost of $300,000 for Phase I of the development. If the land was sold to industries, he explained, then returns would be used to extend services on the remainder of the park. The development may also be eligible for government Industries Parks Loan of up to $125,500. If awarded, the loan would be repaid back with interest deferred at a decreasing rate for the first five years, and repaid at -100 per cent for .he remaining 10 years at an interest rate of 113,4 per cent. With a loan covering a share of the costs, $174,5.00 would be left as Clinton's capital repayment and those present at the meeting supported a plan which would see this repaid immediately over a two year period, from the general funds, without an 18 per cent interest payment. For the Clinton taxpayer with a $2,500 assessment this could mean a maximum mill rate increase of 26.21 mills, or $65.53 in the first two years, and for the remainder of a 15 -year amortization period for 15 - year provincial loan, the tax rate would decrease to a low of 2.97 mills, representing a tax increase of $7.43. Mr. Penfold explained that this plan would see the town pay a total off $402,300 over 15 -years for the purchase and development off the park, and this is assuming that there are no returns from land sales and no increase in the assessment base of the town. A second alternative, debenturing the cost over five years at 18 per cent interest, would result in a total repayment of $506,556 in 15 -years. A third choice, repaying the casts over 10 years at 18 per cent interest, would cost Clinton taxpayers $612,144, "Repaying over 10 years would reduce the mill rate," Mr. Penfold explained," however the total cost would be sub- stantially more." Mayor Chester Archibald supported the two year repayment plan, noting that while Clinton taxpayers could face a hefty increase over the first two years, the rate would take a major drop over the next 13 years. "I can't see people leaving because of this," he added. Mike Falconer, Clinton industral committee chairman, stressed the need for industrial land in Clinton, noting that the town is on the decline and explaining that industries prefer to locate on publicly owned, serviced land since it is already properly °coned and prepared, thus saving them the labor of developing private land and spending years of research and planning before obtaining Ontario Municipal Board appro al. Mr. Falconer noted that presently, Clinton has more than 150 houses for sale or left vacant. There is only one major industry in sown and presently Clinton's tax base is 75 per cent residential and 25 per cent commercial, less than 10 per cent of which is industrial The ideal per- centage share for a inunicipauty 's tax base is 60 per cent residential and 40 per cent commercial. Mayor Archibald stressed that without the development of an industrial park, Clinton taxpayers in the future will be even more harder hit by the declining economy in the a rea. "There will never be lower taxes," he said, "but without the industrial park, our taxes will see a rather horrendous in- crease over the next few years, if we don't increase our assessment base." After council makes its decision, it will take up to five months to get approval from the government for the loan. Con- struction on the park could begin next spring, and be ready to sell by the end of 1982. "The land won't be developed one day and sold the next," Mr. Falconer pointed out, "but our prospects are good, and we have to get out there." Mr. Falconer said that Clinton has become known as a "negative town," since in the past it never showed any interest to encourage indu stry. With positive promotion, reasonably priced land, and a good location, Clinton could have a- second chance to attract industries. The proposed location of the park was chosen because residential growth is moving in the opposite, north-easterly direction, therefore causing little in- terference. The CNR tracks and the Bayfield Road act as natural boundaries between the park and residential land in the area 'and the land is already in- dustrially zoned. Mr. Falconer noted that already one industry within 45 miles Clinton must re- locate and is attracted by Clinton's land prices. The firm could employ 30 people immediately, as well as keep on members of its present staff. "This community's in a do or die situation," he stressed "and we have to get out and promote this town." 116th year'—No. 25 Thursday, June 25, 1981 Lavis awarded 866,500 tender 50 cents Town facelift to begin soon By Shelley McPhee The low bid of $66,464.25 from. Lavis Contracting has been accepted by Clinton Council to complete work on the Business Improvement Area (BIA) re -vitalization program. At their June 15 meeting, council ac- ceptedthe bid from the local firm, eliminating tender applications from C.A. McDowell Ltd of Exeter for $68,198.50; Elgin Construction of St. Thomas for $78,915 and C.W.A. Contracting, London Ltd.. for $76,272.50. Despite a error in Lavis' bid that would Crops look good have put the firm's corrected' price at $68,264, slightly higher than the McDowell bid, council decided to hold Lavis to his initia 1 tender. "We've held other contractors to their original tenders on the arena and the pool," Councillor Ron McKay reminded. "I'm prepared to accept the lowest tender. If Lavis won't take it, then we'll accept the next lowest tender." BIA member Clarence Denomme, who was present at the meeting, noted, "If I was on council, I'd be leaning towards a local contractor, but I know McDowell has F armers welcome rains Although those farmers with hay cut and laying in the fields weren't too happy, most farmers welcomed with open arms heavy weekend rains that dumped up to 50 mm (2 inches) of precipitation on the area. Stan Paquette, associate ag rep for Huron said this week,- that the rain was "welcomed" by most crop producers, although it did, knock down some winter cli.' Gee, I never realized just how long I've been at this typwritter, (now a computer consol), and just how fast the years fly by without one really noticing. It really hit home hard on Monday when I was out at Hohnesville taking the Grade 8 graduation picture, when I suddenly realized I recognized most of the names of the advancing students. Why, because it seemed like only a few years ago I took their picture when they graduated from kindergarten eight years ago!!! .. Well, the graduation ceremonies are over for another year, I'm depressed, the kids are thrilled, and we have their grad pictures in this week's paper. Several will also be printed in next week's issue. + + + Now that school's out, we can settle down to a nice long, hot, (hopefully) summer of baseball, suds, and shirtless nights in the y: rden. We're not too sure about the baseball, however, as the professionals are out on strike, about something or another, I don't understand. I'm findirfgit harder and harder to find sympathy for a bunch of guys making $160,000 a year, playing a fun game and going out on strike. But there is plenty a baseball around here practically any evening of the week, and most of it is good en- tertaining ball, whether it be the semi- pro Colts, or the hilarious antics of the "over 30" slopitchers, of which this writer is a member. There's exciting ladies fastball, men's industrial ball, and even the little guys and their T -ball make for some enjoyable spectating. Our slo-pitchers, who use every game as a practice, had a good time up at Londesboro on the weekend, and even though we got thumped by Benmiller and Holmesville, we picked up some valuable tips we can use in out next "practice." As you can see, we play ball for the fun of it, and Londesboro 0 made us feel right at home. .-,-- About that strike of the pros, that is in its 13th day, there is a least one con- solation: it's the 13th day in a row that the Blue Jays haven't lost a game! first column wheat and a bit of barley, and halted the first cut hay harvest. "The late planted beans needed the moisture to get through the ground, and it certainly benefited the corn and soybean crops," Mr. Paquette said. "The crops look really good." The old expression 'knee high by the first of July' will certainly apply to this year's corn crop. But, says the Main Street Wit, one thing about reaching for the sky is that we never come up with our hands full of mud. + + + Sometime in the next week, we will be observing our country's birthday, called by various names such as Dominion Day, or Canada Day, but just what day it actually is, is anybody's guess. Officially, next Wednesday, July 1st is the holiday; and most businesses, banks, and government offices will be closed that day. However, some in- dustries have given their employees the preceeding Monday off, while others will be on vacation the following Friday. Here at the News -Record, the editorial staff will work as usual next Wednesday putting out the paper, but the office will be closed, and the paper - will be delivered on Thursday, as the post office will be closed Wednesday. Confusing, ain't it ! + + + Now, to throw a proverbial straw on the camel's bade, the papers will be at the post office, providing they aren't on strike as is a distinct possibility. It's unlikely they'll go out before next Friday, July 3 as they'd lose their holiday pay, but if and when they hit the picket lines here is what we'll do: All ih-town box holders and general deliveries can pick up their papers here at the News -Record office; all local rural route subscribers will get their papers the same as usual, as will all subscribers in Bayfield, Varna, Brucefield, Kippen, Londesboro, and other nearby hamlets. All other papers for distance points will be held here in storage and mailed when the strike ends. Now, we're hoping the preceeding contingency plan won't have to be used, but I'm a pessimist so there you have it. + + + Well strike or not, summer is here and there's plenty to see and do, in- cluding the aforementioned ball and the horse races, Which kick-off this Sunday with an exciting two-year-old stake done good work for the town." Mayor Chester Archibald explained that the general rule is to accept the low tender if the firm is reputable, and thus avoid any problems. If Lavis agrees to sign a contract at the $66,464.25 price, work will shortly begin to spruce -up the core area of Clinton with trees, park benches, planters, ramped sidewalks and other decorative and fun- ctional changes. With the aid of the loan interest loan from the government amounting' to $67,000, repayable over •10 years at one per cent interest, and 50 per cent funding from the business people in the BIA area, the work will be completed. However with the Levis bid and Ulu addition of engineers' teas, the total cost of the project will go beyond the present BIA budget and some portions of the plan may have to be deleted. Weather 1981 HI LO JUNE 16 26 16 17 19 11 18 26 10 19 23 12 20 22 5 21 22 11 22 17 12 1980 HI LO 14 21 20 22 , 19 23 26.5 3 0 7.5 7 7 6 13 Rain 40.2 mm Rain 21 mm J Starting the search Students map out their accessibility survey before hitting the streets of towns and villages in Huron County. Their project is to prepare an Access Guide for disabled residents. Left to right are Mary Jane Scott, Brucefield; Mary Peckitt, Clinton; Sherry Robinson, Bluevale; Lydia Schuurman, Clinton; and Stewart Huyck, Goderich, Project Manager. (photo by Elaine Townshend) Students to do accessibility survey by Elaine Townshend An , accessibility survey of public buildings and private businesses •Ivill be conducted in Huron County this suin1Tl:,r to prepare a guidebook for disabled residents. 1 he eleven -week Summer. Canada pro- ject is sponsored by Huron Day Centre for the Homebound, Clinton, in co-operation with the Awareness League of Physically Handicapped Adults ( Alpha Huron). Five students are involved - Lydia Schuurman, Clinton; Mary Peckitt, Clin- ton; and Mary Jane Scott, Brucefield; (all graduates of Centr) (Huron Secondary School) ; and Sherry binson of Bluevale (a graduate of F -. Madill Secondary School, Wingham). Project Manager is Stewart Huyck of Goderich, a third -year engineering student at the University of Western Ontario. The students are using facilities at the Day Centre as a base with satellite offices in Exeter and Wingham. Disabled individuals are often 'han- dicapped' by physical barriers that they Clinton area students needed to fill jobs By Shelley McPhee Are you -still looking for a summer job? Then the Canada Employment Centre for Students is the place you should go. Joanie Thompson, a worker out of the Goderich office, said that the Centre is particularly asking Clinton area teenagers to register at the Centre. "There are all kinds of jobs in the Clinton area," she stressed, "but we need the students before we care give them the jobs." Joanie said that while the Centre is being used by many other high school and university students, Clinton area young people are not making use of the hiring service. "There's Tots of farm work in (Tinton." .Joanie encouraged, "ten students got job; on Friday alone." The Clinton area is also offering restaurant work, a photo printing job, farm work, handyman positrons and numerous other sources of employment. Workers at the Centre have also been visiting Clinton business people and em- ployers, seeing if they could use summer help. As well as helping students to find jobs, the Employment Centre for Students gives tips on how to look for a job. how to conduct a winning interview and how to write a resume. Joanie says that Clinton area students should call the Centre at 524-2744 for a registration card, or drop into their 35 East Street offices in Goderich for more in- formation. Jean Poulin trains 2 -year-old sensation Ideal Wilco encounter in the community, such as curbs, steps, unuseable restrooms, narrow doorways and heavy doors. The purpose of the survey is to prepare an accessibility guidebook - a pocket -sized directory of the towns and villages in the County focussing on features of impor- tance to mobility -impaired persons. The advance information will allow disabled residents and tourists to plan their movements around the communities. Huyck explains - access guides have been printed in cities and towns across Canada. Using these guidelines, the local group will produce a directory of Huron County that will come up tointernational guidelines. Letters are being circulated to.owners of businesses and managers of public facilities to introduce the project and to ask for cooperation in arranging conve- nient times for brief accessibility surveys of buildings. The Summer Canada Project grant will finance only the survey. Huyckwill be con- tacting service clubs and other community groups in hopes they will fund the printing of_the directory. The Access Guide of Huron County will be made available to the public through Town Halls, Libraries, Inforrnation Cen- tres, Employment Centres, the Day Centre for the Homebound and border points. Here comes Santa Claus? Volunteer elves seek toys to repair By Shelley McPhee it may be difficult for some to start thinking about Christmas just as the slimmer season is getting underway, but forthe number of area children who could benefit from such early planning and preparation, the extra thought may be worthwhile.. To make Christmas Day a little. extra special for less -fortunate children in the (1intnn ai ra, a Christmas Toy Bureau has been set up by a group of Clinton business people. initially organized by Sheila Murray and John Balfour, the aim of the bureau is to collect donations of old toys and children's articles. and re -condition and repair them in tinge to go under this year's ('hristmas tires With )>t'lp from local service groups. four 1 ' drives will be conducted between July nc! September. when local people can cbowte any used toy, from puzzles to i i pert s. fru in base ba ll s to books. From t herr. the collections will be taken to the upstairs portion of the Clinton iihrar\ where the southern version of S,int ;i's \+urlcshop will get underway in • 'ptcnlbcr -We need people, from high school students to senior citizens. to fix these s." Sheila explained. 'e'll be ap- proaching clubs in the area and we're .hoping tor help.trom various individuals." Along with the toys and volunteer help, the Toy Bureau will also be looking for donations including paint, nails and screwdrivers, cash to buy any needed materials, and even new toys will be gladly accepted. Mary's Sewing Centre in Clinton has already agreed to donate fabric for doll dresses. "All donations will be carefully sorted and screened for safety's sake," Sheila stressed, but also noted that all donations would be accepted. since parts from one could be used to repair another toy. By the end of November, all the toys will be ready to be sent onto Huron's Family and Children's Services and will then be distributed by Wynn Homuth of Clinton in .her yearly Christmas Bureau to the less - fortunate families in the area. While the annual Christmas Bureau. conducted throughout Huron County . gives poor families gifts of food, clothing and household articles, this is the first attempt at including toys for children and ac- cording to Sheila. "Family Services is iust thrilled." -We hope to make this a continuing project.- ,John noted and added. "In 1,1n , the Kinsmen have had a similar progra01, and have such a surplus of toys that they haven't had to ask for donations in!twee years .• Speedy two-year-old colt will open race meet here ! he sensational two-year-old parer ideal \\ ik o is expected to make has next start in Sanday afternoon's 520.900 plus Ontario Sires Stakes feature al the opening of the Clinton KInsnlrn li•aceway };a: ing will be lic1,1eachSunday until Sept 28 ,sot n her with trainer,iohn 1'ouhn at the reins, tate talent,. rl oungster scored his fifth .straight victory in as many career start, last Saturday at i,amdnn's \\esters l•'ai1 in track record tient of 1 59 four fifths .Liao week before Ideal Wilco had posted a North \nlrru an season's and 1AIIIDJ'i ii,µ h 1 el Old ,n , ,to The clo,•kings are also all-time 1 ntarie Sires Sta kes records \ $12,000 purchase as a \ carting h\ ('ourtne' •s Wheeling, By Suab!« of t; rand Bend, Ideal \\'ilco has already •'rarnod over $21,500 in purse, w ilii Noma McKnight Jr. as driver The lith rat rig reason. w it h posttrnae at 1 .10 p.nl. each da \ . \c ell •,so have a host of other features including fhree other OSS e\a'cts. the Clinton a entc,uual face, the (1}1H:\ four- \c,ir-o ai parr and the second ones' al of t)s' i'1rntonGoderich stakes � yl