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HomeMy WebLinkAboutClinton News-Record, 1987-01-07, Page 3Controversy over town hall continues HENSALL - The argument continues. The only decision to come out of a special meeting to discuss the contentious issue of renovations to Hensall's'ibwn Hall was a promise to have the matter on the agenda of the next regular meeting on January 12. After two hours of sometimes acrimonious debate, 12 of the 25 persons crowded into the close quarters of the present municipal office indicated their op- position to the project by a show of hands. Reeve. Jim Robinson opened the meeting by outlining details of the proposed expan- sion, the cost and how it would be financed, alternatives that were considered, and reasons to proceed with the renovation. The storage space at the rear of the pre - (Went office would be utilized to add a private washroom, a lunchroom, a clerk's office and an indoor ramp to give handicapped access to both the municipal offices and the library. The plan also calls for a larger vault, and an enlarged council chamber. Robinson said councillors "don't care about trappings, just need a bigger desk", but ninre space is required for municipal use. He pointed out that staff (male and female) share a single washroom with the public. People wishing to talk with the clerk about such things as home renewal loans ( which are based solely on income) can not be assured of a private hearing, and those phoning the office may not be aware that one end of the conversation is audible to anyone in the municipal office, as the present clerk's office is situated behind a moveable partition. Robinson said a prime goal of a more commodious facility would be to encourage more rapport. with .both the youngsters and the oldsters in the village. He said public school principal Dave Kemp would like his students to see civic politics in action, and the administrator of the Queensway had ap- proached him recently to . say staff and residents would like more involvement to make them feel more a part of the community. Councillors had investigated such alter- natives as buying the garage next door, ® moving the library, or acquiring the Agripress building. All were discarded as either impractical or more expensive than renovating the present quarters in the historic town hall. A tender price of $60;000 for the entire pro, ject has been received from Brad Mousseau. Half of this amount has already been included in the 1986 budget. Aarian Bayley was then given the floor to reiterate a ' presentation he had already made to councillors. He proposed that the municipal offices be moved to the 32,000 s q u a' r o f o o t Agripress building. Benefits included the possibilities of a daycare centre, library, proposed LCBO outlet, office, meeting and storage space to adequately meet all municipal needs and additional offices to lease to new businesses, plus roo which could be offered to entrepreneaurs to stage such attractions as concerts, flea markets and antique fairs. The price would be $500,000, with the village assuming an 11 percent mortgage of approximately $330,000. More money would be. needed to convert the interior to municipal needs. Bayley indicated his willingness to take back a second mortgage at a reasonable rate, or to consider selling or leasing part of the building. He asked for a feasibility study of his proposal before council makes any decision. Robinson said the building was too close to the railway tracks, and council did not in- tend to get into leasing. • Former reeve Harry.Klungel agreed with Robinson that the Agripress location was unsuitable, and its acquisition "not something this town should tackle", but questioned the need for any renovations. Klupgel admitted he had had a change of mind since his days as reeve, and now believed the age and condition of the town hall did not warrant any large expenditure. Dave Groot interjected to say he thought it was ludicrous that people upset at being asked to spend $60,000,would consider spen- ding one-half million. Responding to a suggestion that the se- cond"floor be adapted for use, Robinson ex- plained that would be just as expensive; in October the provincial government passed a law stipulating that all new buildings and older ones being renovated must provide the addition of an elevator. Bill Taylor called the contemplated ex- penditure irresponsible, saying his taxes had risen substantially since moving into his new home. Kim Genttner wanted to know if the availability of public grants had been in- vestigated. Clerk Betty Oke replied that numerousgrants had been approved at the time more extensive renovations had been considered three years ago. They had been cancelled when that project was dropped. Oke mentioned the difficulties encountered in getting grants since then, and said she would not apply this time unless the current plan is approved. She had checked and found that no money is available from municipal affairs, but there is a possibility Congratulations to the winners of Lee's Christmas Draw 1st. Microwave Mrs. Rose Moerbeek Ticket drawn by Shawn Talbot 2nd Cassette Player Bonnie Bowman Ticket drawn by Ann Duncan 3rd Walkman Gord Walters Ticket drawn by Don Stokes LEE'S SHOPPING CENTRES 54 The Square Gotlerieh 23 %%feria Sf. Clinton the ramp providing access to the library as well as the municipal office might be eligi- ble for financial assistance. The practicality of moving the library had also -been examined three years ago. The on- ly money available from the county would be for shelving and furniture. shelving and furniture. Councillor Irene Davis said she felt those at the meeting represented one percent of village residents. She added that "you put council in office...you should have a little more respect for decisions council makes...we are not going to spend a whole lot of money." When Brenda Pulham suggested a referendum on the matter, Robinson replied that the present council makes decisions on a budget of over $2,000,000 a year. Councillor Cecil Pepper spoke up to say that some would want a referendum for everything, citing the hypothetical example of people on one side of town perhaps ques- tioning the necessity of a $200,000 street pro- ject on the other side, and was accused by Pulham of "insulting our intelligence". Not all were opposed to the renovation. Jeff Reaburn said he had attended the ses- sion to seek assurance that council had in- vestigated the matter fully, and that the ex- pansion was needed and worthwhile. Tom Radford said sooner or later more room would be needed, and Hensall's mottoe was to keep growing. Robinson_ thanked everyone for coming and giving their opinions. He promised what had been said would be taken into considera- tion when councillors made their decision. He promised no decision would bemade that night, but whether or nott ►'1 rbc'eed with the renovations would likely be voted on at the January meeting. Seets, turkey and prayers served up at Huronview HURONVIEW - On December .22, ladies from the Park Place wing were invited to the auditorium at noon for their Christmas dinner with all the trimmings. This was the last unit to have this special meal for December. Residents thank the kitchen staff and all those people who prepared and served meals. Residents were invited to the auditorium Tuesday afternoon for their annual Christmas Tea. It was the place to be if you have a sweet tooth and could go off your diet for just one day. There was tray after tray filled with all sorts of colorful festive goodies. It was. impossible to sample one of everything, but very tempting. There was a draw on a beautiful quilt and the person hav- ing the winning ticket was Mary Mair: ' A Christmas Eve worship hour was held in the auditorium on Wednesday afternoon. Caron Snihur gave the scripture readings. Her sister, Sheila, and David sang a duet and Gray Snihur, with his dad, sang a couple of favorite duets. Rev. David Snihur brought theChristmas message and revealed the true meaning of the Birth of Christ. The most important day of all finally ar- rived and brought with it, joy, love and peace. ' Elsie Henderson was up bright and early and carried on the tradition of ringing her bells which she began doing some years ago. Elsie went to each floor greeting everyone with Merry Christmas The Christmas Sunday worship was held in the chapel and conducted by Rev. Snihur. Prior to the service, he lit the remaining Ad- vent candle; the candle for Christ. Every year at this time, resi.:.. ats sing the traditional carols with the beautiful words and music. And each time they are sung, they never Lose their magic. It is sad when we put away the books for yet another year. Rev. John Pluta conducted Roman Catholic Mass Friday morning in the chapel. Huronview welcomes Gladys Heard from Bayfield. NOTICE TOWN OF CLINTON New Parking Offence Fines Effective January 5/87 By -Law No. 5-- 87 • Parked Overtime •Improper Parking • Parking in Prohibited Area •Double Parking •Obstruct lend or Driveway •Within 10 Ft. of a Hydrant • Parked in Fire hone 'Overnight Parking •Other 55.00 510.00 510.00 $10.00 510.00 515.00 $15.00 510.00 510.00 Marie Jefferson'' Clerk -Treasurer TOW{ OF CLINTON NOTICE RE: APPOINTMENT OF COUNCILLOR Please be advised that the council of the corporation of the Town of Clinton will be meeting �n Monday, February 2, 1987 at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers to fill the , .f- fice of Councillor, a seat that has became vacant due to the resignation of a member of Council. Any elect•. r of the Municipality wh is interested in serv- ing as a council member for the remainder of the current term, and who is qualified to do so, sh f uld n:i:tify the Clerk in writing prior t.y:. 5:0 t p.m., local time, on Wednesday, January 28, 1987 in ;..rder to be considered by Council ..t the wb:,ve-mentioned meeting. If you require further information please wall the Clerk's •t.ffiee at 482-3997. Marie Jefferson Clerk -Treasurer. CLINTON NEWS-ReCORD, WEDNESDAY, JANUAt i 7, 1987—Page 3 i Anne Sullivan, of CAA, helped make the draw for the Auxiliary to the Clinton Public Hospital's' weekend fdr two to Jakobstettel in St. Jacobs. Assisting her is . Dawna Westlake of the Auxiliary. The winner was Mabel Wheeler of Belgrave. The draw made a profit of $1,000. (Joyce Chilton photo) Hullett 'township establishes new cash impost policy HULLETT TWP - At their December 16 meeting, council here passed a bylaw to establish a cash impost policy for residen- tial development in the township. Clerk -treasurer Harry Lear explained that this type of policy is similar to a sub- dividers agreement in larger centres. The policy will allow the township to charge lot owners if roads, lights and services have to be put in place. As the township belongs to -the Seaforth Fire Department, they were asked for their approval of the purchase of a -new water tanker for the department. Council approv- ed the purchase. Council also approved the snowblowing contract for Hullett's share of the Village of Auburn streets. Another bylaw council discussed was on the subject of erecting stop signs at intersec- tions in the Police Village of Auburn. The bylaw to allow the erection of the signs was passed at council's December 30 meeting. Draft extension requested GODERICH TWP - Approximately three years ago Dick Peeverreceived 'approval to build a condominium here, but as the building has been in limbo since that time, council decided to request an extension of the draft approval at their December 15 meeting. The draft extension request will be made to the ministry of Municipal affairs. In other business, Rick Hilliard was pre- sent at the meeting to discuss snow plowing on township roads. After some discussion with the road superintendent it was confirm- ed that the road in question, sometimes known as the Hydro Side Road, has never been kept open for winter use. Also present at the meeting was Sid Bruinsma. He was there to confirm the re- quirements of developing a road to service his property on Lot 3 of Plan 540. Council moved, "That the township accepts Mr, Bruinsma's cheque for $9,00.0 as a guarantee that a suitable road will be built in Plan 540 past Lot 1 and for 100 feet beyond the nor- thernly limits of Lot 3." Three building permits were requested of council, and the motion was carried that all three should be passed. Accounts were ordered paid in the amount of $34,160.05. WEEKLY WEATHER 1986 1985 HI LO HI LO Dec. 29 1 -4 -5 -11 30 1 -2 -5 -9 31 1 -1 1 -5 1987 1986 Jan. 1 1 -3 -2 -9 ' 2 -2 -8 -1 -10 3 -2 -17 1 16 4 0 -14 -4 -8 Snow 3 cm Snow 15 cm at Wuerth's Shoes in CLINTON The "Odds & Ends" Clearance Sale You've Been Waiting For.... Men's & Ladies' Ladies' SLIPPERS NURSING SHOES (Hundreds of Pairs to Choose From) AH 6.9 5 or 2 Pair For $12.00 (Many Styles to Choose From) Regular to 49.95 No.9,95,.,19,95 Loather Purses (Shoulder Straps & Clutches) Regulars -59.95 Men's DRESS SHOES Assorted Styles & Sizes Regular to 59.95 Now 19.95 29,95 Now 9/ 95,0 19.95, Winter Boot Sale Continues.... LADIES'...Casual & Dress Boots Regular to 99.95 Now MEN'S,,.Regular to 69.95 CHILDREN 'S.. From Now From 49®95 From 29.95 Wuertb's SHOES All Sales Final! Main St. 495w Clinton 4829692 At • 1