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Clinton News-Record, 1983-07-27, Page 1incorporating THE BLYTH STAND Wednesday, July 27, 1983 118th ye r Group home gets zoning approval By Shelley McPhee A proposed group home in Clinton, for the mentally retarded, has taken another step closer to reality. Clinton council at their July 18 meeting passed an amendment to the zoning bylaw. The amendment allows for group homes to be established in Clinton's three residen- tially zoned areas. Town solicitor Beecher Menzies presented the bylaw to council. He noted that the present town zoning bylaw does not include provisions for group homes, and according to county planners, the pre- sent bylaw requires a "massive overhall;" Additions to the Municipal Act allows for nine types of group homes, but Mr. Men- zies advised Clinton council to only make allowances for homes for the mentally retarded. Councillor Jim Hunter said he would like to see a "broader bylaw" that could in- clude, for instance, allowances for homes for the physically handicapped. However Mr. Menzies said that each type of home requires zoning amendments. He explain- ed, "If we don't specifically confine it, we'll have to get into all the other types." Amending the zoning bylaw can be a complicated and costly project. Changes to the zoning bylaw must be circulated to every affected household in Clinton. Objec- tions of any substance may be presented to a hearing of the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) and the amendment must receive OMB approval. Mr. Menzies estimated that this amend- ment would affect more than 1,000 households in Clinton. Ordinarily pro- posals are are sent to property owners by registered mail, however Mr. Menzies noted that in this instance, "to circulate by registered mail would be very impractical and costly." He suggested that the OMB would con- sider publishing the proposal in the Clinton News -Record, with adequate advance notice. Hestressed that in doing this, coun- cil would have to include a full description of the proposal. He "The OMB is con- cerned that the municipality is very for- thright in their explanation," he explain- ed. Bylaw stipulations The basis of the bylaw allows for group homes for the mentally retarded and gives limitations and regulations for their opera- tion. Such homes would be operated as a single housekeeping unit in which three to 10 residents, excluding staff would live under supervision. Homes must be fully detached and must Town gets birthday grant be located no closer than 300 metres. One parking space must be available per three beds. Habitable room area per resident must be at least 18.58 square metres, Bedroom accommodation must be a minimum of 4.65 square metres of floor space and 11.33 cubic metres for each resi- dent under 16 years of age. For those over 16, floor space must be at least 6.97 square metres, with 16.99 cubic metres of air space. Beds can be located no closer than .762 metres and the outside amenity area must provide at least 18.58 metres per resi- dent. The space requirements were suggested by the county planners, taken from a similar bylaw in Goderich. Registraton bylaw Next month council will be looking at the second half of the group home approval, by voting on a registration bylaw. This bylaw approves the building to be used and the ministry of community and social services must approve the corpora- tion in charge of operating the home. Before this is done, Clinton must name a property standards officer. This appointed official must inspect the proposed group home premises to determine whether it complies with the town's property stan- dards bylaw. Fire Chief Clarence Neilans also must inspect the home and report whether it meets fire safety regulations. The home must also meet the town plann- ing regulations and must be inspected by the County Health Unit. Once council is satisifed that the building meets all requirements they may authorize a certificate of registration. The certificate must be renewed each year by council. A registration and renewal fees have yet to be determined. Mr. Menzies noted, "The registration bylaw is not etched in stone like other bylaws." He said that it allows for regular in- spections and any necessary changes and controls. Councillor Ross Carter voiced some con- cern that the ministry of community and social services could in the future make the group home funding Clinton's respon- siblity. He feared that the situtation at the Clinton hospital could also happen with the group home. Mr. Menzies assured that this could not happen, "The whole thing (the group home system) would collapse." Mayor Chester Archibald added, "We'd simple revoke the renewal licence if that happened." Council to name prope standards officer %:eYi24k�i t6Yll+a4g1� By Shelley McPhee At their August meeting, Clinton Council will be giving serious consideration to the appointment of a property standards of- ficer. The position must be immediately filled so council can proceed with plans to set-up a group home for the mentally retarded in Clinton. Before a registration bylaw for the home is passed, a property standards officer must inspect the premises to determine whether it meets town regulations. Clinton established a property bylaw this year and named a three-person committee to oversee it. However, they can take no action until an officer is ap- pointed. In discussing requirements of the position. Clerk Cam Proctor suggested, "It's an extensive position and requires a good knowledge of buildings and the building code." Mayor Chester Archibald told council that it would be a paid position and could perhaps be combined with the work of the building inspector. Birthday grant Clinton is eligible for a $1,557 Com- munity Celebrations Grant to help celebrate Ontario's bi-centennial in 1984. To apply for the grant, Clinton must give a tentative schedule of heritage projects that the money could be used for. Funds may be used directly by the municipality, or contributed to an area celebration or local club. Application must be made by November 1. Councillor Jim Hunter suggested that funds could be put towards "part of On July 23, Former Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, Pauline McGibbon opened the Jack McLaren Art Gallery in Blyth. ( Rod Hilts photo Ittlp Ontario's heritage," the Clinton School F Car. He and Councillor Rosemary Armstrong also suggested that funds could support Klompen Feest, however, Councillor John Deeves said, "What about the spring fair, it's been here for 125 years." Councillor Charlies Burgess suggested that funds could be split between the two worthy Clinton projects. Council will decide at their August meeting . how the grant could be best utilized. Street lighting approved New street lights on Raglan, Smith, Princess and Gordon Streets were ap- proved by council, however, the motion to approve the new lighting was passed after the lights were installed; ; Four top illuminated, three pole lights alid one flood light were installed council learned, before the proposal was ap- proved. w Clerk Cam Proctor told council that in dealing with the PUC on these projects, "You have the authority to say yes or no to it." Possible opposition to the proposal came from Councillor Jim Hunter when he said that he wanted to defeat the motion because the lighting costs had not been included in the 1983 budget. Clerk Proctor noted, "The street lighting portion of the budget was reduced because the program wasn't set." However, Mayor Archibald said he was "positive" that approximately $2,900 had been included in the budget for the lighting work. The motion was passed with little comment from other council members. Tuckersmith Township ratepayers face 14 per cent increase in property taxes By Wilma Oke Tuckersmith Township ratepayers face an increase of 14 percent in property taxes this year, according to clerk -treasurer Jack McLachlan. He said a public school supporter with an average residential assessment of $2,500 will be paying $535, up $67 over last year. A separate school supporter with the same assessment will pay $538, also up $67. The total budget amounts to $1,375,931, up $102,595 this year over expenditures of $1,273,336 in 1982. It includes $285,971 for township operations, $460,470 for the Huron County Board of Education levy, $43,608 for the Huron -Perth County Separate School Board and $166,557 for the Huron County levy. Included in the budget also is a deficit from 1982 of $63.000. The county and the education levies all increased about 10 per cent this year. The township plans to spend $58,200 for fire protection (spent $35,034 last year); $436,500 for roadways (spent $359,568 last year); day care - $1.18,537. ($107,102 ); Vanastra recreation centre $175,342 ($171,651 in 1982); Egmondville water, $5,500 ($2,541 in 1982); Brucefield Water $6,500 ($6,409 in 1982); and Vanastra Water$157,559 ($140,271 in 1982). When asked to comment on the budget, Reeve Robert Bell said, "We have spent a lot of time and discussion on the budget, trying to hold it at 14 percent". Deputy Reeve William Brown said, "I would like to see it a lot lower but there was no way we could get it arty lower." Councillor John Brownridge said he voted against the budget because he thought council had not fully investigated), potential cost reductions. "We may have to look at areas to cut out services or to cut down to keep the taxes livable for this area," Mr. ►,.rownridge said. Mr. Brownridge said he was "par- ticularly concerned about a 19 per cent increase in water and sewage costs for Vanastra residents". In other business council opened the tenders for the new bridge to be built on the Roman Line. The tender of Weitzel Construction of Stratford for $68,875.90 was accepted. It was one of six tenders. The report on the Dill Drain was read and Joe and Jim Devereaux were present to question the Engineer, Henry Centen, on various aspects. Court of Revision was held on the Finlayson municipal drain and there were no appeals. The tender of Hodgins and Hayter Limited of Parkhill was accepted for the construction work on this drain for $1,175 for the open portion and $4,068.10 for closed portion, and $20 per tile connection. The tender was the lowest of five received. Three tile drainage loan applications were approved for a total of $28,400. Dick Kloss of Brucefield was appointed as the township representative to sit on a committee to investigate the possibilities of forming a Huron County Sports (call of Fame. The idea for the Huron Hall of Fame grew out of a meeting between Goderich Mayor Eileen Palmer, former National Hockey League player Larry Jeffrey, of Goderich and CKNX reporter Glenn Creamer of Goderich. Huron County Council at its July 7 meeting was told of the idea and was asked that its members take the noesisage back to the 26 municipalities in the county. The suM,restion was made that each municipality select at least one sports - minded person to serve on a board of directors. There was a lot of Clown'in around last weekend in Bayfield. The Lions Club organized their 36th annual Frolic, which included a carnival, penny sale and a parade down the main street. (Ro4Hlilts phouo) Inter -denominational school in the workings By Stephanie Levesque An inter -denominational high school could soon exist near Wingham. A group calling itself the Wingham and District Interdenominational Christian High School Society was formed in January 1981 and is currently in the pro- cess of purchasing land in East Wawanosh Township for the purpose of constructing a high school. The group's president, Dr. John Vanderkooy of Harriston, said the whole matter is going before an Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) hearing in Goderich on Aug. 2 and no definite plans have been finalized for the school. "We're not building this year," confirm- ed Dr. Vanderkooy, who added that the in- itial proposal calls for a six -classroom school with space available for a prin- cipal's office and library. East Wawanosh Township clerk Winona Thompson said the proposal is going to an OMB hearing because the township coun- cil refused the zoning change to in- stitutional. The seven -acre parcel of land is current- ly owned by Lloyd Hutton Real Estate Limited of Kincardine and is known as Hutton Heights. Mrs. Thompson said the township appro' ed a severance applica- tion, but it is subject to the zoning change. "Plans are in the embryonic stage," said Dr. Vanderkooy. There are currently 11 similar high schools in Ontario where, Dr. Vanderkooy Dr. Vanderkooy, adding that the 'local group will be using the guidance of the other Christian schools in setting up their own. school which will be privately financed. "It (the board) will be responsible for hiring teachers and setting policies," said said, instruction is taught in a Christian at- mosphere with no apologies made. He said public schools are "doing a fine job and there is a real place for them". "We don't expect the public schools to become Christian schools," said Dr. Vanderkooy, pointing out that some parents want a distinct Christian educa- tion for their children. Tentative plans call for starting Grades 9 and 10 in the school when it is completed and for a projected enrolment of 80 to 160 students in five to 10 years. The president of the 180 -member society doesn't see declining enrolment, the pro- blem plaguing public schools, as a pro- blem for the future Christian high school. He noted the other 11 Christian high schools la the province have had increas- ing enrolment during their operation. Dr. Vanderkooy said the public schools will hardly notice any enrolment drop from students entering the Christian high school. It is anticipated the majority of the students will come from three elementary Christian schools in Listowel, Lucknow and Clinton. A full range of subjects will be offered, and Dr. Vanderkooy anticipates no pro- blems in developing a curriculum which meets Ministry of Education guidelines. The society will elect members from within its group to form a board to run the Hensall taxes rise 8.8 % Hensall ratepayers face an overall tax increase of 8.79 percent according to the budget bylaw passed at the village coun- cil's regular July meeting. The education levy accounts for the major share of the in- crease. The residential mill rate for elementary public school has risen from 1982's 53.98 to this year's 61.56, up 14.04 percent, the separate school rate is up almost as much, from 53.96 to 61.37 and the rate for secon- dary education has risen from 203.65 mills to 221.55 for public, and from 203.63 to 221.36 for separate school supporters. The residential general municipal levy shows a 7.84 percent increase, from 75.91 to 81.96, and the county's share is up 6.92, increasing from last year's 25.85 mills to this year's 27.64. Commercial rates have increased by the same percentages. Hensall's 1983 budget is based on total expenditures and transfers of $904,122. Ed Ozimek, owner of the Queensway nursing home, attended the council meeting with his wife Carolyn to show the members a tentative plan for the planned addition to the home. If the ministry of health approves the plans at a meeting this Thursday, work will begin in October. To qualify for government grants, the addition must be completed by June, 1984. The capacity of the home will increase from the present 42 to 80. The first floor will provide extended nursing care, and the second floor, built to nursing home Turn to page 3 • Weather 1983 1982 JULY 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 HI LO 1-11 1,0 31 32 26 25 24 26 12 17 15 10 9 11 28 9 RainO 24 13 26 9 26 7 27 10 28 11 27 9 29 14 Rain 0