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Home My WebLink AboutThe Times Advocate, 2005-03-09, Page 22 Exeter Times–Advocate Wednesday, March 9, 2005 Regional wrap up Steckle lauds budget CLINTON — Huron - Bruce MP Paul Steckle gave a thumbs up to the federal budget, accord- ing to the Clinton News - Record. But Steckle said while the budget is a "good news" one, there is still a lot of work to be done. Highlights of the bud- get, according to Steckle, include enhanced benefits for the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) and an allowable increase of up to $22,000 per per- son to Registered Retirement Savings Plans. "On balance, i think the budget has done Canadians proud," Steckle said. Flu in Huron County SEAFORTH — Huron County is in the middle of "confirmed Influenza A activity", according to the Huron Expositor. Huron County Health Unit public health man- ager Laura Farrell said Huron County residents are also reporting symp- toms of Norwalk virus as well as a few cases of whooping cough. "Flu season's often later in Huron County than in other places and it's not over yet. We have had some cases reported in the last few weeks," she said. School closing delayed KIN SBRIDGE — St. Joseph's elementary school in Kingsbridge has been given a one- year reprieve, according to the Goderich Signal - Star. The decision was made at a Feb. 28 meet- ing of the Huron -Perth Catholic District School Board. Trustees approved a recommendation to wel- come students back next September and revisit enrolment projections in January to decide if the school's current level can be maintained. Council's 2004 salaries released By Scott Nixon TIMES -ADVOCATE STAFF SOUTH HURON — It cost taxpayers about $116,000 last year in salaries, expenses and insurance costs for South Huron councillors and police services board members. As set out by the Municipal Act, the munici- pality recently released 2004 remuneration figures and expenses. Councillors are paid by a combination of an annual flat salary as well as payments per meeting attended. Costs also include life insurance and expenses for con- ferences, meals, travelling and lodging. Mayor Rob Morley was paid $19,953.74 in 2004, while Deputy Mayor Dave Urlin was paid $17,679.74. Urlin was paid an addition- al $4,420.87 for his role on the police ser- vices board. Other figures for councillors were: Pete Armstrong, $15,531.34; George Robertson, $15,113.28; Ken Oke, $14,395.79; Harvey Ratz, $12,495.58; and Jim Dietrich, $12,106.42. Police services board members Allan Quinn and Elizabeth Bell were paid $3,031.72 and $1,874.77, respectively. Other council notes: Insurance costs down The municipality has renewed its insurance policy with Jardine Lloyd Thompson Canada for $157,925 annually, down from last year's figure of about $163,000. There was debate about whether or not council should stay with Jardine or go with the Frank Cowan Company, but Jardine ended up being slightly less expensive, even though Cowan's deductible was $5,000, com- pared to Jardine's $7,500. Chief administrative officer Larry Brown determined there was no financial advantage for the municipality to change insurance car- riers, nor were there any significant advan- tages in Cowan's coverage. Despite deciding to remain with Jardine, council is asking a representative from the company to speak to council to answer some questions councillors have concerning the policy. A representative from Cowan spoke at Monday night's council meeting. Lots of development Building and development manager Bob Pattison remains pleased with development in the municipality so far in 2005. In presenting his February building report Monday night, Pattison notes three permits were issued in the month at a total value of $515,000, with permit fees of $3,508. The overwhelming majority of those numbers comes from the planned reconstruction of the Oakwood Inn Pub, valued at $500,000. Ten building permits have been issued in 2005, with a building value of $1.37 million, more than two times the value at the same time last year. Pattison added demand for housing in Exeter is increasing, while there are several new commercial developments, including the new Shoppers Drug Mart, a new video store and a new gym. Childhood centre update Morley reported good news to council regarding the Relouw Early Childhood Learning Centre. According to a letter from parent company London Bridge, "we are very pleased with the success of this centre, and with the support it has received from parents, the community, the municipality and the county." Eighty-two children attend the childhood centre either on a part- or full-time basis, with the number increasing monthly. There are many names on a waiting list, although the centre is confident it can provide services for all who need them. London Bridge executive director Ian Gibb writes that the Ontario Early Years Centre has also been successful in the centre's build- ing. "In summary, we are very pleased with the success of the Relouw Centre." Morley said the success of the centre is "tremendous" and things have gone "above and beyond their expectations." "We should be proud we have day care in our community," he added. EBA budget The Exeter Business Association will have a budget of $44,000 this year. Armstrong, who sits on the EBA, noted the total has remained the same for a number of years. The associa- tion's budget is paid entirely by the over 200 business owners who are members. Huron County supports agricultural community By Pauline Kerr SPECIAL TO THE T -A GODERICH — Huron County should "step up to the plate" and take a lead- ership role in trying to get the province to help Ontario farmers, accord- ing to Ben Van Diepenbeek, who repre- sents Ashfield-Colborne- Wawanosh on county council. At his suggestion, county council will endorse a res- olution asking the provin- cial government and all MPPs to assist farmers. Van Diepenbeek was one of the county councillors who attended the "One Voice" rally in Toronto March 2. "The province needs to recognize the situation in the farm community is serious... a crisis is going on," Van Diepenbeek said. "They haven't done any- thing. " He went on to say that all governments have con- tingency funds. "If they can come up with $400 million for Casino Windsor, surely they can come up with $300 million for our farm community." The resolution proposed by Van Diepenbeek at the March 3 meeting of county council will be passed at the next meeting of the Delays thwart Huron Park sale By Scott Nixon TIMES -ADVOCATE STAFF SOUTH HURON — Despite much fan- fare last August about industries in Huron Park being able to finally buy their own land from the province, so far nothing has happened. South Huron Mayor Rob Morley is hop- ing this will change after the vice-presi- dent of the Ontario Realty Corporation (ORC) promised him the municipality would have a plan of subdivision by March 18. The 635 -acre former Royal Canadian Air Forces base includes a residential community and an industrial side, including 26 businesses and an airport. After years of talks, the province announced in August businesses would fmally be able to buy their land. However, between then and now, nothing has happened, Morley said at Monday night's South Huron council meeting. He said the ORC (the corpora- tion that manages the park for the province) has had many staff changes since August. Tired of delays, Morley said he and Huron -Bruce MPP Carol Mitchell went "straight to the top" of the ORC looking for action. "We'll see what happens," Morley said of the ORC's March 18 promise. "I've had promises before from them." Morley said because of the numerous delays, industrial tenants looking to buy their land in the park have resigned themselves to the feeling that nothing will happen regarding land sales. committee of the whole. Van Diepenbeek said it has to be brought to the MPPs' attention that pro- grams like CAIS aren't working. "It needs to reflect the immediate situation," he said, adding that the pro- grams that work, seem to get cut. Ninety Exeter -area snowmobilers hit the trails March 6 to raise money for Saint Elizabeth Health Care Foundation which provides support and resources for caregivers and care recipients living in Huron County. 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