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HomeMy WebLinkAboutClinton News-Record, 1987-11-18, Page 1INCOR FOR 4111M; -THE E U "T S'iAND 8R0)-"9 la: BAN HELD IR 6I.1.: NO. 45 County council defers report Action on a report on the feasibility of establishing a separate economic develop- ment department in the county has been deferred until the December meeting of Huron County Council. During presentation of the executive com- mittee report at its regular November ses- sion, council was asked to adopt the report and its recommendations. The report was prepared for the executive committee by the county's department of planning and development. However, when Exeter Reeve Bill Mickle pointed out that the report had not been circulated to members of council other than those on the executive commit- tee, it was decided to defer action on the ex- ecutive committee recommendation until the entire council has reviewed the report. Rather than making a specific recommen- dation on the establishment of a separte economic development department at the county level, the report chooses instead to suggest the county consider three alter- native steps: - Discussion of a commitment to local responsiveness at the county level. - A county review of its approach to the economic development function, making any necessary changes to ensure respon- siveness to local and county concerns. - The report is meant as a response to a sug- gestion made to council this summer by a committee of mayors of the county's five towns. The mayors favored an aggressive selling approach to economic development and recommended that the county separate its planning and development functions. The report raised the question of whether the mayors ,are simply asking for a new department, or a new mandate for economic development in the county. The cost effec- tiveness of such an approach and its ability to succeed in Huron County must also be assessed, the report adds. At present, the planning and development department avoids direct conflict by becoming involved in assisting a specific municipality with respect to a specific industry only if re- quested by that municipality. The report suggests that if the mayors wish to change that approach, although such a change is possible, it is unlikely that the results would be as expected. Detailed marketing will always be done most effectively by a local municipality, the report states. The planning and development depart- ment is placing emphasis on local economic development organizations. The county can assist local municipalities to pursue economic development, but it cannot do it for them, the report says. The county's role, according to the report, would be to assist in the organization of the community economic development units, providing back-up staff resources, and pro- viding funds and general assistance with county promotion and information. Such funding assistance has been incorporated in the planning and development depart- ment's five-year estimates. The report anticipates the formation of a three -tiered organization over time with in- volvement from the local municipality, the community economic development feels, this structure will provide the most effective approach to economic development for Huron County. The overall goal of the coun- ty should be to help develop an effective economic function at the local or area levels and once this is developed, the county's role should be to support the efforts of these groups, the report concludes. The county is not an effective level from which to direct marketing, it states, not only because the resource commitments would not be cost effective, but primarily because economic development is best undertaken at the local level where the local business community can be directly involved. WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1987 November 11 was a bright, sunny day, enticing many to attend Clin- ton's annual Remembrance Day service at the cenotaph. Many groups, organizations as well as a few individuals, laid wreaths in memory of those who lost their lives in the wars. Laying the wreath for the Clinton Legion were Karen Tait and Noel Flagg. ( Anne Chisholm photo) 13e a donor CLINTON - Once again, the Kinette Club of Clinton will be sponsoring their annual blood donor clinic. This year, as in past years, they are urg- ing Clinton and area residents to become a donor. Those who would like to help the cause can do so at Central Huron Secondary School between 1:30 and 4:30 p.m. and 6 and 8:30 p.m. on November 25. Building p errnits up 435 per cent By Anne Chisholm CLINTON - As of October 31, building per- mits in this town have increased 435 per cent over last year's figures. In dollar figures, this means the 94 per- mits are valued at $3,244,860 compared to the 74 permits at $745,602 in 1986. In the report prepared by chief building official Murray Taylor, it was noted that there were nine residential permits, one 12 unit apartment building permit, 15 commer- cial construction permits, four residential pool permits, two recreational permits and 63 permits for garages, carports, decks and other miscellaneous items. There was also one refund given for $16 for a porch permit. Blyth loses $500 severance By David Emslie BLYTH - Council here learned during their November 10 meeting that a $500 severance fee paid to the county will not be refunded. For a number of months council has been communicating with the Planning and Development Committee of Huron County in an effort to retrieve their fee. Councillors Lloyd Sippel and Bill Manning approached the committee in June to present the village's case. It was pointed out to the councillors that the village had made errors in applying for the severance. The main point made by the committee was that council should have known that they did not have to pay for severance because they are a municipality. Although they have received final notice on the matter, some of the council members are not satisfied with the end result. "To me it is very unsatisfactory. It (the notice) doesn't allude to how the decision was reached," Councillor Manning stated, adding he would like to see in writing what thoughts the committee had in their decision. It was pointed out that in order to pursue the matter any further the village will end up spending more money, and as well, the village might want the co-operation of the committee in the future. As council does not want to spend any more of the taxpayers' money, they passed a motion to contact the committee and re- quest further explanation on how the deci- sion was reached. Save trees in Bayfield By Paul Rudan BAYFIELD - Council here is looking into the legalities of establishing a bylaw that would prevent residents from cutting trees down on private property. Council is making the inquiries as the result of complaints from Bayfield resident, Cheryl Tomlinson. Mrs. Tomlinson complained that Ontario Hydro had cut down trees on a lot adjacent to hers for the purpose of keeping branches away from hydro power lines. She said that since 1980, when she and her husband moved into their home, they have maintained the vacant lot (corner of Argle Turn to page 3 Youth programs break ground tri Huron, By Shelley McPhee-Haist CLINTON - Central Huron Secondary School (CHSS) is breaking new ground in educational programming in Huron County. The Clinton based high school is in the forefront in guidance and counselling ser- vices and alternative educational oppor- tunities offered on an in -school level. At their November meeting the Huron County Board of Education trustees heard about the success of the Youth Support Ser- vice that is being offered at CHSS on a conti- nuing basis. Janie Gattinger, a Clinton social worker was hired one year ago by the Ministry of Community and Social Services as an in - school social worker. As a youth support worker counsellor, she has counselled more than 100 students. Ms. Gattinger explained to the board members, "This service is a new way to reach young people who often fall through the cracks of services. These students pro- bably wouldn't be involved with other agencies." She told the board members that her work with the studentts is usually on a short terra basis, and most problems are often of a per- sonal nature, not school related. She works with students on a highly con- fidential, individual basis. Her work is often liaisoned with services offered at Family and Childrens Services and the Huron Cen- tre For Children and Youth, where family issues can be dealt with. Joe Wooden, CHSS principal noted, "it's been an astounding addition to the staff to have this service available. We have every hope that the Ministry of Community and Social Services will continue to fund this program." Mr. Wooden explained that the CHSS pro- gram is unique, the only situation of its kind in the province. It is the only such school program to have funding provided by the Ministry of Community and Social Services. Normally in -school social workers are hired through the Ministry of Education. Bill Weber, guidance counsellor at CHSS reported to the Huron education trustees that the Youth Support Service at CRSS has been a highly successful pilot project. Mr. Weber said that his work at CHSS focussed on career guidance, course selec- tion and the personal problems of the students. He noted, "We are finding a greater amount of social and personal pro- blems and more suicide attempts ( among the students). We were getting bogged down and it was difficult to handle. ',Janie's expertise has deal," he noted. in the past year special group programs have been set up for students. One group focussed on the effects of divorce in the family, and single parent families. "There is an increasing amount of students from single parent families. Studies have shown that this can effect the students' academic performances for at least two school years," Mr Weber said. CHSS staff members are working in various ways to provide and ensure educa- tional opportunities for high risk students. Some investigation is currently underway regarding the establishment of an alter- native school setting. helped a great are eligible to continue their secondary school studies through this alternative schooling proposal. The proposal calls for the setting up of an individual classroom area within CHSS to accommodate the alternative school. Ideal- ly. such programs operate more successful- ly at a location removed from the traditional confines of the school building, however since CHSS is burdened with empty classrooms, attempts are being made to utilize the space. Mr. Wooden told the board members, "In terms of the school building geography, the location i for the alternative school) is ade- quate. As CHSS has surplus space, if is logical to use the rooms in spite of the fact Rob Parr, vice principal at CHSS that it would be psychologically better to reported, "There is a percentage of students move the classes to another location." at risk because of their home life. Others are Students under the new proposed program at risk because of the law, because of would be accepted on a continuing basis, school." whereby avoiding the restrictions of the These students are at risk of failing, of traditional September enrolment. The alter - dropping out of school. native schooling program would allow CHSS is proposing the establishment of a students to start at any time of year, on any program that will encourage drop -outs to go given week or day. hack to school. individual courses of study would be set "Some 12 to 20 kids could fit into that up for each student, with the aim of working category next year," Mr. Parr said. towards credits to obtain Grade 12 There are some eight young people who diplomas. Full time and part time accom- .4 modations would be included. "The aim will be to take the transition back to school as smooth and as painless as possible," Mr. Weber said. As a model for the alternative school pro'- posal, CHSS staff members are looking towards the adult education program that has been running at the school since 1986. r irteen adults went back to school in this innovative education program. Now some 35 adults are being accommodated in this pro- ject that is jointly co-ordinated between the Huron County Board of Education, Con- estoga College and the Canada Employment Centre. "We feel that we are building a lot of ex- perience with the adult education pro- gram," Mr. Wooden said. "It gives us a model to base other continuing education programs on." He told the board members of the remarkable success of the program and how it has changed the lives of people who were previously unemployed, unsatisfied with their jobs, or seeking new career options. "i cannot speak highly enough of the suc- cess of this program in human terms," Mr. Wooden said. Turn to page 3 4