Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutClinton News-Record, 1987-01-21, Page 1NO. 3 121 YEARS AFTER EIGHT YEARS... WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 21, 1987 Tom Cronin resigns from Blyth Council By David Emslie ,BLYTH - Silence fell over the council chambers here on January 13 when the an- nouncement was made that Councillor Tom Cronin had resigned. "It is with regret, but also gratitude for a job well done that we have to look at this document," Reeve Albert Wasson said. "Tom has served the community well, and for a time, as both a councillor and reeve. It goes without saying that he served council well, as well as the municipality." Councillor Cronin served as a councillor for two years, from 1978 to 1980, before tak- Residents By Anne Narejko CLINTON - A proposal to rezone three lots in the East and High Streets area to allow two apartment buildings, met with opposi- tion from neighboring residents at a public meeting held on January 15 at the town hall. The land in question, located behind the piano factory, is presently zoned for residential low density use. Owner John Kassies submitted an application to have it zoned residential high density so he could build two one storey apartment buildings consisting of eight units each. Mr. Kassies was not present at the meeting, but was represented by lawyer Gerry Hiltz, who explained his clients proposal. "Mr. Kassies wants to build two units on three lots. He would be locating them towards the rear of the property with -the parking area at the front. In front of this area, a berm or small hill will be at the front of the property and between the two buildings," he said. "The buildings aren't regular apartment buildings, but look more like bungalows that are a little longer than no;mal." The Clinton bylaw regarding apartment buildings and their parking lots states that the parking area must be located at the rear of the building. Therefore, if the proposal was to go through, a special provision would be inserted in the bylaw to allow for a front yard parking lot. The reason for locating the parking lot at the front was later questioned by residents. Mr. Hiltz answered by saying, "They're easier to maintain and there is no lane through the middle ( of the two buildings. )" Mr. Hiltz went on to say that a berm will be located at the edge of High Street with shrubs on both sides of the lane way. "When driving by it, you might see the top of the building, but very little of it," said Mr. Hiltz. As for the idea of building apartment buildings, Mr. Hiltz said he felt Mr. Kassies believed there was a need in town for them. "Personally, I don't see it as being out of line with the area because of the industry located behind it," concluded Mr. Hiltz. However, before he could sit down, Guss Boussey of the advisory committee, asked what type of lighting was intended for the parking lots. Mr. Hiltz answered by saying. "I'm sure if you wnat low lighting, he'd ( Mr. Kassies) be flexible." ing the job as reeve in 1980. He continued as reeve for five years, until 1985, when he once again became a councillor. Not wishing to discuss his reasons for leaving, Councillor Cronin stated, "I told Albert I'd leave sleeping dogs lie, and that's the way it's going to be." However, he later added, "For you people that have not been reeve, you have no idea what you give to your town (as reeve I. Those that sit on coun- cil have no idea what he goes through." Other members of council also voiced their regrets on his departure. "If that's your wish, Tom, and I certainly don't like to see it, I make the motion to accept it ( resignation), certainly with regrets," said Councr,'or Bill Howson. Councillor Lloyd Sippel echoed his opi- nion. "If that's your final decision, there's not much we can say about it, but I sure hate to see it happen." One member, Councillor Bill Manning, voted against accepting the resignation as he noted he also hated to see Councillor Cronin leave because he does such a good job on council. oppose apartment s Ron Demers, representing the residents in the area, put'forth their objections and a petition. Mr. Demers explained that approximate- ly 25 people in the neighborhood had held a meeting .and circulated a petition which stated they were opposed to the rezoning. "We have 59 names on the petition. Not all of them received the letter, but all are directly affected," said Mr. Demers. ( Thirty-seven letters explaining the intent of rezoning were sent out to residents within a 400 foot radius by the Town of Clinton. ) Mr. Demers said'the residents' first objec- tion to the rezoning was on the grounds of "reactionary zoning." The land had been changed from industrial to residential low density in the summer of 1986 and was being considered for a change from that to residential high density months later. The residents' second objection was the fact that they felt the land was being down zoned', therefore," harming current homes." "We saw pictures of the buildings, but once they start, they could be 35 feet high," said Mr. Demers. To this comment, he was told that council recently passed a site control bylaw which would give them the power to see that the building is built exactly as the presented plans stated. Mr. Demers later said, "We object to the. zoning bylaw change whether its one storey or three." Increased traffic due to the apartment buildings was also a concern. "Sixteen units mans sixteen cars plus visitors. These are also said to be high ren- tals so there could be two car families and that could lead to parking on the street...As for the front parking lot, no one liked that," said Mr. Demers. He also said the neighboring residents felt the paved parking lot and extra roof area would only hinder the problem that already exists with the storm sewers. In conclusion, Mr. Demers said, "We feel there are other sites and better sites already zoned for this. Lots are getting very, very scarce in town for good residential homes. We feel it's a waste." In a counter question, Councillor Gord Gerrits said, "You said there were better areas in town to build this type of structure. What are they?" Mr. Demers said he meant more suitable areas and cited a few examples. One of these examples was the Bell Telephone lots. "There are four lots and a building there. Housing down there is mediocre, not a new subdivision," he said. When the floor was opened to other residents, Dave Bartliff said he had plans to build a house in the spring, but if the rezon- ing went through, he would cancel his plans. "We purchased a lot in the area and had plans to start building in the spring. If the apartment buildings go up, we won't build," he said. Tom Morgan is a home owner in that area who built a house one year ago and doesn't feel the change is fair to the residents. "You buy a home in an area that is zoned for that. You put your home on it because of that and then, in a short time, it is changed. It's not fair, I don't care if it's legal, but it's not fair," he said. In another counter question, Councillor Gerrits said, You mentioned it being down zoned. Not too long ago it could have been worse ( when zoned for industrial use )." Scott Tousaw of the Huron County Plann- ing Department said he had submitted a let- ter to the clerk -treasurer regarding plann- ing concerns. At the public meeting he said, "Your ques- tions are valid.• The leg21 aspect was men- tioned, and yes, it is legal, but despite that, it is questionable." He also said the Ministry of Environment sent a letter to the town stating they were concerned with the closeness of the propos- ed buildings to the piano factory. "There are emissions of odor from the factory and there is a need for distance bet- ween it the buildings. If the buildings are built towards the front, and not back as pro- posed, it would be alright," said Mr. Tousaw. "And there is some concern with placing the parking lot at the front.`' Mention was also made of there being no reserve capacity at the sewage plant at the present time. At the end of meeting, Bryan Lavis, a con- cerned resident, said, "What it comes down to is there is one person who wants to change ( the zoning ( and 59 who don't - that's the bot- tom line." The advisory committee was to make a recommendation which council was to discuss at their January 19 regular meeting and a few interested residents showed up at the meeting to hear the verdict. However, the proper papers had been drawn up and the decision will be heard at council's February 2 meeting. The Huron County Junior Farmers named their 1987 executive members at the annual banquet held in Clinton on January 17. The executive members include (front row, left to right) first vice president - Linda Axtmann; Agricultural Contact - Sharon Nivins; Presi- dent -Robert Hunking; Secretary - Muriel Taylor; Provincial Director - Janice Murray. (Back row) Newsletter Editor -Annette Losereit; Alternate Provincial Director - Anne Alton; Second Vice President - Jeff Hearn; Past President and Zone Representative - Dianne Oldfield; Public Relations Officer - Linda Cunningham. Absent from the photo was the Assistant Ag Contact - Dave Vanneste. (Shelley McPhee Haist photo) Residents don't like proposed location of store By Anne Narejko CLINTON - Color Your World is proposing to set up a paint and wallpaper store in Clin- ton, but to do so at their requested location, they have to have the property rezoned and obtain the public's consent as well as town council's. At a public meeting on January 15, ap- proximately 15 people were out to express their concern for the rezoning of property located on Highway 4 which was used for the former Pentecostal Church. Roger Harris, who has a Color Your World franchise in Stratford and is proposing locating a store here, explained why he wants to set up in Clinton. "Color Your World is attempting to establish smaller dealerships in some of the more viable communities. One has been put in Goderich and Exeter and we would like one here," he said. _ The problem Mr. Harris ran into was fin- ding sufficient retail space for rent in Clin- ton as he says, "You need a fair bit of square footage," and that is why he is hoping to locate in the Highway 4 location. However, before going any further, Mr. Harris told the Clinton Planning Advisory Committee and the public that he did have an alternative that would still allow him to locate in town. "Right after that application for rezon- ing was submitted), I got a call from a gentleman in town who said he had the ideal spot. So if you object too strongly, I have an alternative," said Mr. Harris. "But if I locate here ( Pentecostal Church), you'll be getting about $2,500 a year in taxes that hasn't been collected for awhile." Explaining his plans, Mr. Harris said he . would like to change the grade level at the road, and fix up the exterior of the building by putting in a new front door, two new bay windows and painting the building. He also said there was. already plenty of parking space. Inside, he could work with the existing structure, making a few changes. Two letters were read by Clerk -Treasurer Marie Jefferson, and one letter pointed out a concern about flammable material. To this, Mr. Harris answered, "If it can pass the concerns of the insurance company I hope it will pass your concerns. "There's no way, you can set varsol on fire. If you drop a match in a can of paint Turn to page 5 - Sewage system for Bayfield under government study conducts a pollution survey. "We want to take a closer look at the village," Mr. Bye told council. The extensive survey will include a home - to -home survey of the septic tank systems. If the survey indicates problems, the Ministry of the Environment will approach the municipality. An evaluation will take place, concerns and solutions will be review- ed and the ministry will determine if the municipality is eligible for funding. ( Municipalities with permanent populations of less than 1,000 are eligible for up to 85 per cent funding). After grant eligibilities are approved, the municipality may choose an engineering firm, meetings are held with the Ministry of the Environment and environment study reports are undertaken. This report will study all alternatives that are available to the municipality. Reeve Dave Johnston asked, "What if the village does not choose to address the ministry concerns?" - By Shelley McPhee Haist BAYFIELD - Everyone here is talking about the possibility that this municipality. may need to install an extensive sewage system in the next few years. Everyone here is concerned that this project may be more costly than the small village can handle. Last week, January 14, Bayfield Council met with Phil Bye of the Ministry of the En- vironment and Bruce Potter of B.M. Ross and Associates engineering firm of Goderich for an information gathering ses- sion on sewage issue that hangs over the head of the village. It's been a long believed notion that Bayfield's septic system is inadequate. In fact Bayfield remains the only urban municipality in Huron County on a septic system. All other towns and villages in Huron have sewage systems, or are in the process of putting in such systems, such as Lucknow, Ripley and Tiverton. The condition of Bayfield's present sewage system will be determined this spr- ing when the Ministry of the Environment Turn to page 3 First ever tie for Norman Alexander Conservation Award STANJ,EY TWP. - The highlight..orfthe .January 16 Huron Soil and Crdji improve- ment awards dinner was the presentation of the Norman Alexander Conservation award. For the first time since the award was in- itiated by long-time Huron conservationist Norm Alexander of Londesboro, judges couldn't come up with a decisive winner. The award was presented jointly to Jack McGregor, RR5 Clinton and Bruce Shill- inglaw of Londesboro. Mr. McGregor's project included ridge tillage, no tillage, mulch tillage, crop rota- tion, woodlot management and cover crops. Mr. Shillinglaw, a post president of the association was honored for his efforts in ridge tillage, do tillage, plowdown of red clover, crop rotation, reclaimed gravel pits, woodlot management, buffer strips, catch basins and grassed waterways. The other nominees for the award were Lyle Nortin, Ethel; John and Harry Swinkles, RR4 Seaforth; Ken Gascho, RR3 Zurich,' Jim McIntosh, RR4 Seaforth and Pov Erb, RR3 Zurich. The Norman Alexander Conservation award recognizes landlords and tenants for their efforts in conserving soil, water and other natural resources on the farm. This year's nominees were' visited by Brent Kennedy of the Clinton OMAF office, Robert Traut of the Ausable Bayfield Con- servation Authority and Geoff King of the Maitland Authority. Their findings were presented to a . final _ selection . committee consisting of past recipients of the award. Bert Visscher, a former Alexander award . winner and now chairman of the Huron Soil and Water District presented Ontario Con- servation Farm signs to Mr. McGregor and fvlr. Shillinglaw. 0/.agoing Soil and Crop president Ray At the' Annual Huron Soil and Crop Improvement Association din- (left), Norman Alexander presents plaques to joint winners Jack ncr in Stanley Township on January 16, the Norman Alexander McGregor of RR5 Clinton and Bruce Shillinghaw of Londesboro. Conservation Award was presented to two local people. Above, (Exeter Tines -Advocate photo) Bensali District Co -Op manager Earl At the same dinner, ABCA chairman Goi= Wagner, Andy Williams of CKNX radio and . don Johnson was in charge of awards for his television and George Smyth Welding. organization. Hartman presented Booster Awards to Jane Sadler -Richards, formerly of the Ausable- Bayfield Conservation Authority (ARCA) The group conservation award presented by Earl Rees went to Huron Centennial School and was accepted by teachers Bud Walker and Morley Desjardine. The school has planted 800-1,000 trees on its property with ABCA help. The trees serve functions of windbreaks, a woodlot. tree identification and wildlife habitat. Huron Centennialactive in conservation education programs of the ABCA has par- ticipated at Camp Sylvan. Grad, five students have visited the Bannockburn Wildlife area for field studies and the school property itself is used for stream and forest studies for all grades. Other group nominees were the Bayfield Anglers Association, the Bayfield Garden Club, Seaforth Horticultural Society, the First Hensall Scoots and the Clinton Boy Scoutsaand Clubs. The individual ABCA conservation winner was Jerry Giesen of Concession 13 in London Township. It was presented by vice chair- man Don Lithgow. Giesen has planted 10,000 trees over the past three years for windbreaks and on rehabilitated .gravel pit land for wildlfe habitat. He improved tilling and drainage ditches to control erosion and built several ponds fed by artesian springs and stocked them with trout. The other individual nominees were Doug Glenn, RR4 Thedford; Werner Schoeley, Bosanquet township; Quimby F. Hess, Zurich; Gary Van Loon, Hibbert township and Ross Haugh of the Exeter Times Advocate. The guest speaker Was Jean Bennett of Stanley Township. She presented in- teresting information on a recent trip to Nk auraga. Mrs. Bennett is a hobby beekeeper. The dinner was catered by the ladies of Goshen United Church.