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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Wingham Advance-Times, 1985-04-24, Page 15iE Page 14—The Wingham Advance -Times, Apr. 24, 1985 Your hospital and you Our apprapch to fund-raising l Because the financing/ for the project included a fund-raising drive thecard of Governors decided to hire an outside consultant, Gordon L. Goldie Co., Limited, Toronto, a C nadian Co., to survey the community to determitne whether the fund-raising goal could be met. Their report was presented in June of 1983. The report of Gordon L. Goldie Ltd., stated that in some sectors of the community there appeared to be a breakdown in communications be- tween the hospital %the hospital board and the com- munity. Consequently the board formed an "Ad Hoc Committee". This committee consisted of board members and interested citizens in the community. - Their function ,ivas to determine how this rift could be closed. As a first step, the Committee felt a video tape should be prepared outlining what had been done in the first phase of construction and explaining why it was done. For, example, the Gordon Goldie Report revealed that any people thought the first phase had created o y office space (and .very elaborate space at that) The public did not recognize the sub- stantial cha ges that had occurred in the patient care areas,or the reasons the office area was the size it was and why it was located where it was. During the fall and winter of 1983-84, the Board Chairman, other board members, and the ad- ministrator made this presentation to 69 separate groups and over 1000 people, answering questions and listening to concerns and suggestions from those attending the presentations on how the hospi- tal could improve its serbice to the community. All questions and answers were documented, and the feedback from those meetings suggested that once people knew what the hospital was trying to ac- complish, and why, they recognized the need and supported the hospital's initiatives. The Ad Hoc Committee's report was submitted to the Board of Governors in February of 1984. In its summary to that report the committee stated, in part, " ... the Committee believes its work had been positive, constructive and has laid the ground- work for better communication and mutual under- standing between the community and its hospital". The Report contained three recommendations: 1. The Board should develop timely, ongoing methods of communication with the public. 2. The Board Re- cruit a 1 und-Raising Chairman as soon as possible to maintain the momentum created by the pres- entations.13. The Board meetings should be open to the public. The first two recommendations were promptly accepted by the Board, but the Board did not adopt the recommendation to open its meetings to the general public. The board felt that for many years the press and other media had, and still do, attend Board meetings by invitation. Although from time to time the Board did go into camera to discuss items relating to personnel, wage and salary nego- tiations, property acquisition, and lawsuits, none the less once decisions were made and the informa- tion could be made public, the media was always promptly informed of those decisions. Because the discussions were frequently sensitive and often dealt with the progress of delicate negotiations, the information had to remain confidential until pro- ceedings .. were concluded. This was common practice and in no way was intended to thwart public access to information. At that same meeting in February 1984 the Board voted to proceed to tender on phase two of the build- ing project. There was some concern about how the project could be financed, so much that the hospital, in spite of the approval and concurrence of the Ministry of Health financial experts, the hospital sought to seek the advice of Thorne Riddell and Co., the hospital auditors, to ensure the accuracy of those profections. The Auditors carefully reviewed the figures and agreed that the hospital was, in fact, capable of fi- nancing the project. They also made the suggestion that if the hospital wished to retain some capital, the new radiology machine might be leased rather than purchased outright. This would leave an addi- tional $400,000 in the capital budget. It was suggest- ed that a decision to buy or lease this equipment could be deferred until the results of the Fund - Raising campaign were known. On April 5th, 1984, the board voted to accept the bid of $1,492,000 from Rufflinghaus Const. Ltd., Goderich and proceed with the new construction. The vote to accept the bid was 10 Ayes and 5 Nays -and one abstention. At the April 18, 1984 meeting of the Board the pro- cedure followed at the special Board meeting on April 5, 1984 was again questioned. At the time the original motion to accept the bid from Rufflinghaus Const. was made the contention was that the motion was out of order since at the March 2nd, 1984 meet- ing a motion was made to ,discuss all aspects of the building project on April 5th, 1984 and defer the final decision until April 18th, 1984. A motion was made at Qthe April 5, 1984 meeting that the board abide by the March 21st, 1984 motion. The motion was defeated. It appeared that construction could commence. Street people are feet people. They're neat people who meet people. Why not join up? Take a walk. PDAT/aPDCT/on11,c Walk a block.Today. 1t Farmers face growing challenge in coming years, professor says Canadian farmers are prices. In addition Canadian invest heavily in farm land. facing some tough hog farms are facing a "If you want to sell, that's challenges during the tariff on the 25 per cent of great. If you want to expand, conning years and they will production currently shipped that's difficult. If you want to have to "batten down the to the U. S. and "that's not start, that's impossible." hatches" in order to survive, good news." In the 1980s and 1990s the according to Dr. George A substantial reduction in major problems may shift Brinkman, a professor in the beef herd offers the from the farm itself to agricultural economics at prospect of better prices' between the farm and the University of Guelph. there, he said, noting the financial institutions, pr. Speaking tq about 70 farm- biggest problem facing beef Brinkman said. ers at the annual meeting of farmers in recent years has "It's not enough to be a the East Wawanosh Town- been the decline in demand good farmer,you must also ship Federation , Dr. Brink- for their product: be a good manager — and man said farming in the Mr. Brinkman said one of damn. lucky!" 1980s has become a different the most important things to Interest rates and ex- ballgame than it was during happen to agriculture 'in change rates between Cana- the past decade. recent years has been the dian and other Currencies. fluctuation in the value of also can have a profound im- "Farms are not just farms land, , first a dramatic rise pact on agriculture, he said, any more," he commented, during the late 1970s and now adding that farm organiza- noting that agriculture has a slower decline. He said he tions are "just waking up' to become one of the most high- does not expect much in- outside influences on farm - technology and capital in- crease in land values in the ing. tensive industries in Canada. near future, noting this "The exchange rate makes In consequence this makes it means beginning farmers a lot more difference than very vulnerable to policies cannot borrow against the the red meat stabilization affecting capital. value of their land the way plan." In a very detailed talk, Mr. they once could. While he said he was not Brinkman reviewed some of trying to "tear down" supply the history of farming during One of the most signifi- management, the professor the 1970s. The most recent cant policies affecting agri- did say that some changes era of prosperity begarf in culture, which is not often are necessary in order to 1973 when incomes roughly recognized for its true im- keep quota systems from doubled, he said, but since portance, is taxation, he erecting an impenetrable then they have failed to keep said, and this can be both barrier to young farmers pace with inflation. good and bad.Not only are getting started. tax provisions more valuable The quota system in milk He then went on to make to the big, established far- is okay for the established some predictions for the met. than to the beginner, but producer, he said, but the future, though with the trying to take advantage of new producercoming in is warning that his crystal ball the tax incentives can lead to "strapped to the wall". is "filled up with smoke". bad management decisions. A "use it or lose it" He predicted some "prty It is important to look at regulation is one possible tough times" in grain both sides of tax issues, he solution, he suggested, markets, noting that the emphasized. For example commenting that one peanut huge excess capacity of one changes to Section 31 (of the farmer in the U. • S. is billion bushels in U. S. Income Tax Act) to permit currently raking in $78,000 a production means it would writing off more farm losses year just sitting at home and take at least two years of against non-farm income leasing his quota. Russian grain failures to put could work to the benefit of Other possibilities include the market back in a strong part-time or non -farmers, placing a time limit on quota position. but to the detriment of the holdings or making other Livestock producers could full-time farmer. modifications to discourage fare slightly better, although Similarly the proposed speculation in quota. in the long run lower grain elimination of capital gains Despite the problems, prices could increase hog taxes on farm land is likely there are still some very production . and depress to encourage non -farmers to substantial strengths in Object to severing of long-time association Huron County Council and the Family and Children Services of Huron County are now "divorced" and some countycouncillors are ae objecting to the situation. The association of the agency and county council, which has existed for over 73 years, was severed by the province at the, beginning of 1985. Deputy clerk -treasurer Bill Alcock said records of the Family and Children's Services, formerly known as the Children's Aid Society, were looked after at the county clerk -treasurer's office, as are those of the Huron County Health Unit, the county library and other county departments. The county charged a nominal fee for maintaining the books. However, Mr. Alcock said no other Children's Aid So- ciety in the province has a similar arrangement. The deputy clerk -treasur- er 'said the county looked after the agency's payroll and accounts. Now those tasks are handled by the agency's director John Penn and its business manager. - Mr. Alcock said there was a meeting with former Com- munity and Social Services minister Frank Drea but nothing was accomplished. "Council's feeling was that the two (Mr. Drea and . the deputy minister) were siding with the regional program supervisor," Mr. Alcock said. The regional program supervisor Mark Roberts was "adamant" about having the records removed from the county office, Mr. Alcock said. Huron County pays 20 per cent of the Family and Chil- dren's Services budget. Of an 1984budget of about $1 million, the province paid $800,000 and the county paid $200,000. The deputy clerk -treasur- er said council will continue to have four representatives on the agency's board of directors. This year, those members are Warden Paul Steckle, Exeter Deputy Reeve Lossy Fuller, Zurich Reeve Isadore LaPorte and Hay Deputy Reeve Tony Bedard. Mr. Alcock said he was elected as a member -at - large to serve on the board of directors. He has served as secretary -treasurer since he, was first elected in 1975. He said he chose not to be the secretary -treasurer this year and was not re-elected to the board. Mr. Alcock said it was handy to have the re- cords at the county office, but he was not representing'. the county while serving as 4Family and Children Serv- ices secretary -treasurer. Stonehouses mark 45th anniversary BELGRAVE — Edgar relatives of Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Stonehouse hosted a dinner in honor of their 45th wedding anniversary at a restaurant in Blyth April 18. Those present were Mr. and Mrs. Maitland Edgar of Petrolia, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Johnston of l3lyth, Mr. and Mrs. Don Craig and family of RR 2, Blyth, Mr. and Mrs. Ed Daer and fam- ily of RR 5, Wingham, Mrs. Irlma Edgar of Wingham and Mr. and Mrs. Harvey Edgar of RR 4, Wingham. Following the dinner all returned to the home of Lewis and Helen Stonehouse where Stephen Webster of Blyth joined the party. Pro- gre sive euchre was played followed by lunch. An anniversary cake was made and decorated for the occasion by Debbie Craig. County Council considers awards for .long service Long -service awards may be presented to county coun- cillors after Huron County Council agreed to consider the awards in a 15 to 12 re- corded vote at its recent ses- sion. Warden Paul Steckle said the awards could be plaques, scrolls or pins. The decision will be made by the county's executive committee. Some councillors who voted against considering such an award said they were put on council by the voters and should not be recognized by their political colleagues. "It's not up to us. It's up to the public. I don't think it's necessary," said Hay Town- ship Deputy Reeve Tony Be- dard. Goderich Township Reeve Grant Stirling, who has been on county council for the most years, said he could see the merits of such an award. "Maybe not for me, but for my family," he said. Brussels Reeve Cal Krauter, who comes second to Reeve Stirling for dura- tion, quipped, "Give us a pension." Those voting against the award were: West Wawanosh Reeve J.^ R. Aitchison, Hay Deputy Reeve Bedard, Tuckersmith Reeve Bob Bell, Clinton Reeve Ernest Brown, Sea - forth Reeve Bill Campbell, Hullett Reeve Tom Cunning.. /ham, Colborne Reeve Russel Kernighan, Zurich Reeve Isadore LaPorte, Turnberry Reeve Brian McBurney, Usi borne Reeve Gerry Prout, and Goderich Reeve Harry Worsell with two votes. Those voting in favor were: Grey Reeve Leona Armstrong, Ashfield Reeve John Austin, Blyth Reeve Tom Cronin, Goderich Deputy Reeve J. P. Doherty, Exeter Deputy Reeve Lossy Fuller, McKillop Reeve Marie Hicknell, Bayfield Reeve Dave Johnston, Hen- sel] Reeve Harry Klungel, Brussels Reeve Cal Krauter, Exeter Reeve Bill Mickle, Stanley Reeve Paul Steckle, Goderich Township Reeve Grant Stirling, East Wawanosh Reeve 'Neil Vin- cent, Stephen Reeve Alan Walper, Stephen Deputy Reeve Ralph Weber. Absent for the votes were Morris Township Reeve Bill Elston, Wingham Reeve Joe Kerr, Howick Reeve Jack Stafford and Hay Reeve Lionel Wilder. Canadian agriculture, Dr. Brinkman assured the farm- ers. They are tremendous people and have a strong will to survive. "Canadian farmers are some of the best in the world," he declared, "and they deserve the respect of all Canadians. They can meet the challenges and come out , winners." In other business at the meeting, the East Wawanosh federation returned Chris Palmer, Ralph Scott and Les Caldwell as its president, vice president and secretary treasurer, all by acclamation. Line directors are Leo Glavin, Wallace Norman, Don Dow, Doug Walker, Murray Scott, Gordon Carter and Jack Nonkes. Ralph Scott is also the county ,director and Robert Charter is the auditor. The federation received greetings' from Doug Gar- niss, president of the Huron County Federation of Agriculture, who said far- mers must work to get their viewpoint across to govern- ments and the public and to overcome "ignorance, arrogance and nonsense". Barry Mason, an OFA regional director, said the Ontario federation has set a membership goal of 25,500 for 1985. Current mem- bership is 24,294, he repor- ted. BUYING AN ANNUITY? FOR THE HIGHEST QUOTE AVAILABLE EXPERT RRSP & ANNUITY ADVICE CALL ABC ANNUITIES LTD. 33 WEST ST., GODERICIi 524-2773 (collect) WI -2900-9 THE ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION WINGHAM BRANCH 180 - DIAMOND JUBILEE TULIP, CAMPAIGN LAST CHANCE! Help Legion Branch 180 promote the Diamond. Jubilee of the Royal Cana- dian Legion- by purchasing JuOilee Tulip Bulbs' PRICE OF BULBS Price includes sales tax 100 Bulbs for $26.75 50- Bulbs for $13.40 25 Bulbs for $ 6.70 10 Bulbs for $ 3.75 Deadline- for orders, Fri. May 31, 1985 Delivery Date is September, 1985 r I enclose my cheque or money order for Bulbs at $ Make cheque payable to: BRANCH 180 ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION NAME STREET OR RR 1 TOWN MAIL TO: Jubilee Committee Branch 180 Royal Canadian Legion Box 121 Wingham, Ontario NOG 2W0 FINANCIAL Selling SUCCESS SEMINAR A Farm? TOPIC BILL -7 Rollover of up to $120,000.00 of taxable capital gains to,. R.R.S.P. .sas.ar41! PROFIT FROM OUR EXPERIENCE 316 Josephine St., Wingham Wed., May 22 & 29th/85 7:30 p.m. Admission is FREE sa11-- c?: x x: ttas t 3� �` 7. g by May 13t1, LEASING.... New Tractors; Manure Spreaders, etc. Our Prices Are Down • rive a John peers for Less ,MANURE SPREADERS 300-400 bu. Priced to Clear. * Model 660 Lease Price $1006" * Model 680 - Lease Price :1164" • Soml t-4years SIZE MODEL 55 HP ` 2350 + 146 LOADER, 85 HP 2950 + CAB. 2 WHEEL 85 HP 2950 + CAB, MFWD 120 HP 4250 + CAB, 2 WHEEL „120 HP • 4250 + CAB, MFWD 140 HP • 4450 + CAB, 2 WHEEL 140 HP 4450 + CAB, MFWD DEMO 160 HP 4650 + CAB, 2 WHEEL 160 HP 4650 + CAB, MFWD "LEASE PRICE $1931.31 2707.65 3104.67 4250.20 5433.59 4541.88 5775.27 5833.61. 6833,65 OTHER MACHINES PER REQUEST. . Lease price semi annual, based on 5 year lease, base equipment, we will take trade ins. Good until April 30, 1985 Ask a Huron Tractor Sales Rep. about Low Cost Leasing EXETER STORE 235-1115 Simon van Dom, Res: 235-0351 John snail, Ras: 262.5728 Wayne Mover, Res: 235-1410 BLYTHSIORE 523-4244 Gory Whytock, Res: 392-8158 Dave Thomas, Rea: 482-9588 MOMf MO MI MEM Exeter (319) 235-1113 Blyth (319) 323-4244