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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Wingham Advance-Times, 1987-02-11, Page 01I _g t �191h,+AhL ALA11MIN t A, I +A ftighazn, Otftricr •We&mfty, Feb. 11, 1W County council endorses recommendation of mayors Huron County Council has agreed has land purchased and plans in with Transportation Minister Ed As town leaders, the mayors face to add its support to a brief which a place to extend the four -lane Fulton on Thursday, Feb. 19. many similar problems covering a committee of mayors from Huron's highway from Kitchener to Tama Mrs. Palmer said at least five broad range of issues such as five towns hopes will persuade the Inn," she said. The mayors intend to cabinet ministers are expected to policing, communications, waste Ontario Ministry of Transportation request that this four -lane attend that meeting to hear the disposal, recreation, planning and and Communications to improve development be extended to brief. She also extended an in- others. They have found in the last and develop Highway 8 from Kit- Stratford. In addition, the brief will vitation for Warden Brian nine months that an exchange -of chener to Goderich. suggest a bypass at Stratford and McBurney to attend the meeting. solutions and approaches could The request for support was one of the possibility of passing lanes in "One of the difficulties in at- "shorten that endless period bet - three items included in a presen- "precarious" locations to improve tracting industry to this county is the ween discussing a problem and tation made by the committee of the highway between the festival poor transportation route up devising a successful resolution to mayors in an appearance before town and Goderich. Highway 8 from Kitchener," she it." council at its February meeting in Representatives from the muni said. "It is a problem that pertains The mayors' meetings were to Goderich. cipalities in Huron and Perth Coun- to all of us and deserves your sup- assist each other in searching .for Goderich Mayor Eileen Palmer ties which border on the highway port." solutions to common problems, he told council the Highway 8 traffic have already met with their Exeter Mayor Bruce Shaw opened said. "N'ou can see then, we are far corridor must'- undergo im- respective MPPs, Agriculture and _the committee's° presentation, removed from a group of sub- provements in order to enhance Food Minister Jack Riddell and assuring council the mayors were versives trying to undermine our development in Perth and. Huron Speaker Hugh Edighoffer. The two there only for "positive reasons and political structures." Counties. "We understand that MTC have arranged a further meeting (to) seek your support." He alluded Although some of the committee's Library board to continue to 'earlier presumptions by some major concerns centre on members of county council that the relationships with some the The fees were increased to $500 "Sometimes we vote before we of just last year, council was told, know the repercussions of what we committee's mission was to tell neighboring townships and various with membership of eight them how to do their jobs. "And departments of council, the regular monthly meetings. c•ommitfee's recommended increase again through rumor, we un- presentation would focus on just Usborne Township Reeve Gerry for 1987 was based on the expected derstand that some of you even three specific items. The three are In a 23T-8 recorded vote at.its as the new library board, is still resent our appearance here this the Highway '8 improvement, February meeting, Huron Count/' before the prgvincial legislature. afternoon." (Please turn to Page 8) Council decided to take the advice of Should the bill pass, citizen ap- year. its solicitor and keep the one extra public member on the Huron County would a longer be necessarysince necessary since the board's business s Wing ham PUC purchases Library iDan would e conducted by,a committee `However, total of $57,225 to process while Murch the count solicitor, P Y, Y of couprd. f coo `cil': council has $39,500 computers stem hadadvised council to take no action would continue to have,non y at this time on the library board members of council sitting on the delayed, appointments, at least until the board. The Wingham Public Utilities Mr. Saxton said the $39,500 price status of Private Bill Pr. 7 is The confusion surrounding the Commission has purchased a new tag on the computer system includes clarified. . board's membership arose when, computer system for almost $40,000. hardware, software :arid training. He The bill, which would dissolve the council, in setting committees for The decision to purchase was hopes„(,he training sessions can present board and establish council 1987 last December, dropped Janis made following an in -camera begin by April 1 and the system will was the one to benefit most, the Bisback from the board and ap- session at last Thursday's meeting, be fully operational by this summer. H u rot board Pointed Isabel Elston to replace her. PUC Manager Ken Saxton reported In tither business, Bill Keil at- ask the applicant to pay. However,abellroneivedaleerin Friday.- tended to provide an insurance WIII butt out January from Citizenship and The PUC has been looking fora quotation from the Frank Cowan Company for the PUC's equipment $250 increase was made, however, Culture Minister Lily Munro which computer system for the past before council was aware of the said appointments to library boards several months and budgeted $3u,000 and buildings. ( The commission's g Members of the Huron County a are concurrent with the three-vear this year for the purchase. Even liahiiity insurance is covered Board of Education have passed a term of council. Mrs. Bisback was though the Harris system•.the through the Municipal Electric motion to permit s ing at only subsequently re -appointed to the commission finally decided to bay is Association and its waterworks one location in the b(ard's office at board. $9,500 more than was budgeted, Mr. insurance is covered tinder the Clinton. At the February meeting, Exeter Saxton said he can juggle several towns policy') Following the lead of education Reeve, Bill Mickle questioned the items within the budget to come up By opting for higher deductibles, centre employees, the board board's position of keeping four non- with the extra money. the PUC has managed to pay less to unanimously agreed that smoking council members on the board, The Harris system is the one used the Frank Cowan Companv for itg would henceforth take place only in saying the elected members have by many other utilities in the insurance this year than in 1986, said the staff room at the centre, whichMr. lost their majority as a result. 1 axlon. The renewal cost is province, said Mr. Saxton. Once in would be equipped with an Hensall Reeve Jim Robinson, place, it will do the billing, general $7360, almost $600 Ictis than last ecologizer in an attempt to provide board chairman, said the board has ledgers and accounts for the PUC. in Year. Mr. Saxton also reported the PUC clean air for eve.ryrne using the been operating smoothly with the fact, it will do everything but the received almost $103,000 for work building. The policy decision was made - four citizen -four elected distribution of its membership and saw no payroll. the utility did last year in the neigh - following a recommendation b the g ” Y reason to change the situation. Currently, the PUC purchases boring municipalities of Fordwich, board's executive: committee and He said another council member computer services from the London Brussels, Mildmay, Blyth, Lucknow went into effect immediately could be appointed, but he felt it Utilities Commission for $500 a and Teeswater. This is up over followingthe board's meLtin last g wasn't necessary since it appears to month. $10,000 from 1985. week. Last trustees a be working without a council "i, 1 V year passed majority as chairman, am q` resolution prohibiting smoking inPrepared to work with the situation ,• `'' the board room, but provided as it now stands and that is also) February meeting following dis- themselves with a ten-minute the consensus of the board." , "comfort break" each hour in order Bayfield Reeve Dave Johnston for Sunday Association of Canada. that smoking could done elsewhere in the building. expressed concern that council r' that Ontario Premier David (Please turn to Page 8). Area.residents sign petition ( Please turn to Page 8) Police board point a three -party committee to consider amendments to the Wingham man's against cut in day care funds , condition is listed bud et ro °sal p p r,°* .o Well over 200 concerned citizens Wingham to day care. .. � �� � n from and area signed aMrs. Lindsay said she feels the i ■ petition last Friday protesting means test approach can be "pretty i;. • 1+� �' proposed funding cuts today care. demoralizing" That is one of the govern retail store openings on The petition will be sent to Ontario main reasons the local group is 't Premier David Peterson. As well, lobbying the government to continue letters were signed to be sent toJohn the direct grant system. Y J Sweeney, Ontario Minister of Ilowever, the biggest reason for amendment to empower municipal- Community and Social Services, the protest is the real concern ities with the responsibility of Huron -Bruce MPP Murray Elston among hoard members that the governing such openings within and Jack Riddell, currently MPP for Huron -Middlesex, but who will run Wingham centre might be forced to `. was northbound and in the centre of close its doors if child care becomes Although council was unanimous in the newly -formed riding of Huron too expensive for area families. in its ultimate decision to advise the in the next provincial election. Patricia Bailey of Wingham, a association it favored the suggested Annette Lindsay, a member of the strong supporter of subsidized day amendment, Councillors Ron Wingham Day Care Centre Board care, says families need affordable Beecroft and James McGregor and a spokesman for the group, says day care. "Women are working now. expressed reservation during the she is extremely pleased with the We' can't say to them you have to early stages of the discussion. Mr. community support received. in stay home." ~' , addition to the parents of youngsters As of Monday, Mrs. Lindsay said ment to the existing act could currently enrolled in day care in the letters still were arriving. They +r,ii'• Wingham, Mrs Lindsay said the will be sent to the parties concerned s effort received support from people later this week and then the group k without children or whose children will wait for a reaction. She said i are grown. they intend to keep up the pressure y'r "They all seemed to agree with until they hear from the govern - open on Sundays and holidays and what we are trying to do," she said, ment continues to lobby for that cause.. "and would hate to see it (the day care centre) close." Firemen ca called - •- - *�•�. - What the group is protesting is the withdrawl of an indirect subsidy and to chimney fire• directed to inform the association trailer has beenestimatedat$16,000, Wingham Town Council for review that council is in favor of municipal a direct grant for the (lay care before receiving final approval at a responsibuity for ut 4 . ,ions on centre as of June 30. This means The Wingham and Area Fire De parents, who currently pay $13 per partmenf was called out at noon day for their child to attend day Sunday to a chimney fire at tt(1 John care, could be expected to pay as much A3 $3.5(1 a day. Street, Wingham. Fire Chief Flarte y Gaunt said elle ALEX IRWINof Wingham was one of the concerned c1ti,7ens to lend his g Parents will be directly subsidized call to the Charles Edgar residence signature last Friday to a petition protesting proposed cuts in day care if they pass a means test ad came at 12 20 p m. Firemen were at funding. The petition will be sent to Ontario Premier David Peterson and ministered every six months or they the scene only a short lime and letters were signed to be sent to John Sweeney, Jack Riddell and Mur - will he expected to pay 100 per rent luckily, were not impaired by the ray Elston, all members of the provincial cabinet. Little Courtney of the cost of sending I heir children winter storm raging at the lime. Schenk of Wingham took a keen Interest the whole process. ARCHITECT'S MODEL — Above is the architect's conception of the Huron County Pioneer Museum following an extensive renovation and rebuilding program which is about to get underway. The green light for the project's first phase was given Friday when Ontario Agriculture and Food Minister Jack Riddell and Health Minister Murray Elston announced a $1,171,300 Community Facilities improvement Program grant has been awarded for the work. Council says no increase, wipes. out $18,000 revenuep A debate over who should be ex- At this point, the effect of the said the county's budget -setting pected to pay for consent fees previous decision was made clear as procedure was at fault, something ultimately resulted in action that some members of the planning and he has been attempting to change for effectively removed more than development committee pointed out a number of years now. "Why can't $18,000 in anticipated revenue from the resulting loss of revenue which the county set aside one day, to deal the proposed 1987 budget of Huron the fee hike was expected , to with the budget, rather than have County's department of planning generate. And because of this, the them ( departmental proposed and development. county's portion of the budget would budgets) come in piecemeal when Huron Countv Council, at its now be increased to more than . we don't have the facts before'us to February meeting in Goderich, $400,000 if the department hoped to deal with them,"heasked. turned down a planning and de- retain all of its proposed programs. Under the current system each de- velopment committee recom- As the impact of their action partmental budget goes through a rnendation to increase the fees for became clear, members of council lengthyx' review process — at least consent applications to $750, a 50 per rose one after another to suggest twice by council — before getting cent increase over the 1986 fees, possible methods of rectifying what final approval and incorporation because the majority felt the price they were now beginning to consider into the overall Huron County was too high for applicants to pay. as a faux pas. , budget. usually the departmental The fees were increased to $500 "Sometimes we vote before we proposals are included in reports of just last year, council was told, know the repercussions of what we committees made at council's following several years at $250. The are doing," Hullett Township Reeve regular monthly meetings. c•ommitfee's recommended increase Torr. Cunningham said. Erasing Usborne Township Reeve Gerry for 1987 was based on the expected anticipated revenue from the budget Prout argued that. all council needed cost of processing the number of would not help members of council was to -use a little common sense". consent applications expected this in "holding our increases to a it should be understood, he said, that year. minimum this year". a committee recommending such a Last year 85 applicali,ms cost a Bayfield Reeve Dave .Johnston (Please turn to Page 8) total of $57,225 to process while revenue from fees amounted to just Huronview $37.625. 25. In order to cover the,.actual needs studies costs of processing the applications, the fee should have been ap- delayed, now due in March proximately $673. While some members of council Huron County will have to wait for However, at its February session, felt the applicant should pay for the another month before learning the council was told by Stanley cost of pAcessing since that person results of two needs studies being Township Reeve Clarence Rau that was the one to benefit most, the carried out for Huronview, the the studies were to be delayed by one majority felt $750 was too much to county -operated home for the aged month. ask the applicant to pay. near Clinton. The decision to reject the proposed The two studies, one showing the A disappointed ?fir. Rau, $250 increase was made, however, needs of seniors in Huron County Ifuronv;ew management committee before council was aware of the and the other a functional needs chairman, said the architects had, ramifications of its action. Seconds study showing how these needs assured the committee the studies after the hands were counted to turn affect the proposed expansion and would be ready by Feb. 18, but have down the recommended increase, renovations at Huronview, were now requested the one-month council was then asked to give approved by county council at its postponement. "The committee had preliminary approval to the December meeting. no choice but to accept that," he department's proposed 1987 budget At that time the county also hired said. -We felt the same as some before referring it to the executive the architectural firm of Robert Ritz county councillors, that it was a committee for review. The budget and Stinson, Montgomery and Sisam short time period (in which to ex - was for it total of $521,958 with the to do the two studies at a cost of pect) to have the studies done." countv's share set at $382,808, an $70,000, shared. by the province and In a letter from the architects increase of four per cent over 1986. the county. which Mr. Rau read to council, a - Sunday opening should be delay in getting background data for the studies was blamed for "a change in the overall schedule" of the choice of municipalities theproject. The two studies were approved by The decision to allow or disallow the association's executive director, county council in December, based retail store openings on Sundays and and Bill Reno, chairman of its, on information from a November holidays should be the responsibility Ontario committee for the meeting between Huronview of municipalities and not the provin- regul.1tion of Sunday and holiday committee representatives and cial government. retailing, invited council's com- officials from the Ontario Ministry That was the consensus of ments on the recent Supreme Court of Community and Social Services. Wingham Town Council at its of Canada decision which upheld the At that meeting, the province February meeting following dis- Ontario Retail Business Holidays requested that an "overall approach •. cussion on a letter from the People Act. should be taken with regard to for Sunday Association of Canada. Specifically, the letter pointed out Huronview and its many deficien- The letter, signed by Les Kingdon, that Ontario Premier David cies" and recommended that both Peterson has indicated he will ap- ( Please turn to Page 8) Police board point a three -party committee to consider amendments to the Wingham man's approves 1987 le One suggested amendment is that condition is listed bud et ro °sal p p municipalities, rather than the pro.- vincial government, should be as satisfactory charged with the responsibility of The Board of Police Commis- sioners its approval last week making that decision, through the bylaws A Wingham man is in satisfactory 10condition gave enacting of municipal to in the Wingham and to the 1987 budget for the Wingham govern retail store openings on District Hospital following a car - Police Department totalling Sundays and holidays. truck accident last Monday evening $326,449. Most members of council said they on Highway No. 4 just north of While the budget's gross total were in favor of the suggested Belgrave. represents an increase of 6.6 per amendment to empower municipal- An Ontario Provincial Police cent over the 1986 gross budget of ities with the responsibility of spokesman at Wingham reports $306,026, this year's net total will governing such openings within Harold Whitehead, 72, of Scott Street cost Wingham taxpayers $262,449, or their own boundaries. was northbound and in the centre of an increase of approximately 8.4 per Although council was unanimous the road on the highway last Monday cent over the $242,138 net total of in its ultimate decision to advise the at 8:55 p.m. 1986. association it favored the suggested A 1978 GM(' transport truck, Budget expenditures include amendment, Councillors Ron owned by Canada Packers, $217,249 in salaries, $48,500 for Beecroft and James McGregor Walkerton and driven by Robert employee benefits, $30,000 for expressed reservation during the Gray, 36, of Hanover, was in the communications, $21,700 in vehicle early stages of the discussion. Mr. southbound lane at the time. The expenses ( including purchase of a Beecroft felt that such an amend- police say Mr. Gray braked to avoid new vehicle, $2,500 for uniforms and ment to the existing act could a collision, slid to the east shoulder, equipment. and $6,500 for building eventually result in opening up a jackknifed and struck the shoulder maintenance. "hot hall of wax" for the municipal- on the west side. Listed in the budget under revenue. it.ies. Mr. Whitehead hit the rear of the are a VA.0 Nl Ontario police grant The association has been a strong trailer on the east shoulder. He was and $4,000 estimate to be received opponent of allowing retail stores to taken to the Wingham hospital by from payments for parking open on Sundays and holidays and ambulance with chest injuries. Mr. violations. continues to lobby for that cause.. (dray was not injured. The budget now goes to the finance Clerk Byron Adams has been Damage to the 1987 Freehauf and management committee of directed to inform the association trailer has beenestimatedat$16,000, Wingham Town Council for review that council is in favor of municipal according to the police and damage before receiving final approval at a responsibuity for ut 4 . ,ions on to Mr. Whitehead's 1978 Dodge future meeting of council. Sunday openings of retail stores. station wagon i4i