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The Huron Expositor, 1983-05-11, Page 1Incorporating Brussels Post 50c per copy ht Neighbour about new Neighbours' objections to a Seaforth landowner's plan to build a house and a garage on the corner of Ann and James St. may lead to an Ontario Municipal Board hearing. When the Town's committee of adjust- ment met Monday night fo consider Leo Medd's application for a minor variance to Seaforth's zoning bylaws, nine area resid- in the audience. Mr. Medd, who ed the white frame Victorian house ler lot since 1981, applied under the ents wer has ow and cot The existing house at the corner of James and Ann and the excavation for a new one in the foreground. planning act to reduce the required front yard from 25 to 15 feet. The sketch accompanying his application shows a new house fronting on Ann St. and a detached garage fronting on James. The present house on the lot faces James. A second sketch drawn to scale and distributed at the meeting showed the garage .attached to the house by a breezeway. Jim Gould chaired the meeting in the absence of chairman, Ken Oldacre. "The main reason I'm here," said Dave Tremeer, whose house sits kitty corner from Mr. Medd's lot, "is why is someone going to build a garage in front of their house? It's unsuitable to the structure of the neighbour- Hen's.a,lI asks the Queen SEAFORTH, ONTARIO, WEDNESDAY, MAY 11--20 PAGES unhappy; building hood, and I'm going to be sitting looking at a garage." CORNER LOTS Corner lots have two front yards, and zoning bylaws can't interfere with design of buildings, said Huron planner Roman Dzus, who said he attended the meeting as a resource person for the committee. A foundation excavation has already been dug for the new residence and the footings are in place. Mr. Medd wants to live in the existing house while the new one is gonstructed, he explained as the reason for the house .being sited as it is. First the residence will be build. then the old house torn down and then the garage and breezeway built. summarized Mr. Gould and Mr. Medd agreed. - if the present house were demolished first, could the'plan not be reversed and the garage put in back of the lot, suggested another neighbour, David Cornish. "Is there not something in the bylaw (saying) that you can't have two houses on .one lot?" "Yes," Mr. Dzus replied, but the committee has solicitor's advice that if the applicant "gives an undertaking" to abolish the other house within so much time -of construction of the new house, it would be allowed. Mr. Dzus and Mr. Gould said that the committee could only rule on whether or not the minor variance of 10 feet for the Ann St. front yard would be allowed. Other houses on Ann St. are even closer to the road, they said, and good planning takes the look of the neighbourhood into account when allowing vattances, JAMES ST. TOO Why doesn't the committee concern itself with James St. as well, Mr. Cornish asked. The biggest concern of neighbours who've talked to her, committee member Brenda Reid said, is that Mr. Medd is in, the garage business and has operated a garage at his present residence in the past. "With a'30 x 30 garage is he considering doing garage work within his neighbours eyesight?" If he does, under RI zoning, said fellow committee member Bruce Hoelscher, "he's done...At a later date if there's a complaint it could be investigated then. It has nothing mositor to do with the 10 feet on g . a . The garage on the site plan "seemsLJ awfully big even forl�pp double garage, sal .4 neighbour Elsie S6uthgate. According to' Seaforth's zoning bylaws a detached garage can't exceed five per cent of the lot size. At' 900 square feet.the garage is too big and if It were considered an accessory building, Mr. r , Medd would have to apply for another minor variance to build it, said Mr. Dzus. But the plan distributed at the meeting , showed the garage attached by a breezeway. Mr. Medd said it would be tied in with the house roof line and circulated photos of wl t it would look like. If it's considered attached. and according to the second sketch in, his opinion it would be, clerk Jim Crocker said the house and garage together do not exceed the required 33 per cent of the lot size. FOOTINGS IN Pointing out that the affidavit on Mr. Medd's application was not correctly signed, Mr. Tremeer asked "is it permissible to issue a permit to dig a hole and put footings in when -• in contravention of a zoning bylaw?" "Yes," the Huron planner replied. "If the variance isn't allowed does he have to fill it in?" asked Mr. Cornish. "Yes, and the applicant was aware of that," replied clerk Crocker, who added Mr. Medd could sign the application correctly _"but tha,. doesn't alter the fact that he's asking for 't a minor variance to 15 feet." By digging the hole before the minor variance had been discussed, Mr. Medd has put neighbours and the committee "on the spot," said Mr:, Cornish. "Why didn't he do' this after asking us?" Discussion about the garage, the lot, the' neighbourhood and the committee of adjustment's authority..."v'e can't deal with what he might do. We have to deal with what. he's asking for," summarized Mr, Dzus, continued for nearly an hour and a half. There are two standards here, said neighbour Gord Rimmer. "People don't' want to look at a garage aesthetically. You're'' saying he can do it, it's within the zoning bylaw. On the next step you're saying the zoning bylaw is going to be contravened, you can give the variance because he doesn't Please turn to page 3 UP 'AND AWAY—Brussels public school students and their teachers released 200 helium filled balloons Friday at 3:05 p.m. as part of education week. The Idea, thought up by teacher Idella Wilson, will be a geogrhphy and science exercise for students. They will learn about wind currents, distance balloons travel and how long it takes to find the balloons. Students will also be 'olved In writing thank you letters to the finders. As of Tuesday, May 10, no replies had been received by the school. The balloons drifted in a north-westerly direction. (Photo by Wassink) Councillors'are critical of Huron board budget Trustees of the Huron County Board of Education were criticized by members of the public for bringing in a 1983 budget with an increase over the provincial guidelines. The board's 1983 budget of $35,264,154, of which the Huron ratepayers will pay $11,640,733, was approved at its May 2 session. Spectators present, including some public officials, were invited to make comments n the budget. Goderic town councillor Bill Clifford said anything F or other spectators said would be redunds t because the budget had already been pproved. "One"item oes concernine.'1-cfln't help• but notice t at the biggest share of the budget is - he tremendous ' increase in salaries and benefits. i find it difficult to swallow when local municipalities are controlled by the (provincial) five per cent guidelines," said Mr. Clifford. Superintendent of personnel Peter Gry= seels explained that the board has adopted the five per cent guidelines for salaries, but the problem is that salary contracts follow the school year, September to August. "The board settled its contracts before the legislation was passed," added director of education John Cochrane. "The board of education' s restraint is nine months behind," said trustee John Jewitt. A former Goderich town councillor Elsa Haydon criticized the board administration centre budget which totals 52,596,486, Queen Elizabeth 11 will be invited to visit Hensall during her visit to Ontario next summer. Hensall council agreed to issue the invitation Monday night. Since the ,Queen will be travelling to Ontario for its bicentennial in 1984, council voted to invite her to the village's Centennial celebrations from June 29 to July 2, 1984. The invitation will be sent to the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, The Honourable John Black Aird, who will be planning her itinerary. Councillor Irene Davis said although there was no guarantee that the Queen would accept, a visit by her would, be a great honor to Hensall. Her visit would also bring a lot of business to the village, said Reeve, Harry Klungel. Council voted to back the financing of the Centennial committee if it is needed. Committee chairman, Charles Hay Said instead of paying for the celebration through taxes, he aimed to make the Centennial self-supporting. By keeping the number of souvenirs down, Mr. Hay said the Centennial should not lose money as Zurich did during their 125th celebration last year. Another recommendation for the Centen- nail celebrations was a Heritage Day on or near Feb. 15 when the councillors would dress in period costume and hold a public meeting. Council would encourage school children and local merchants to wear costumes as well. The committee was hesitant about holding any special events outside of the four day celebration in the summer, Mr. Hey said. But. Mrs. Davis said Hensall should "do something a little spectacular since it's Ontario's bicentennial." Thousands here representing a 22 per cent increase over last year. it's excessive and I'm surprised no board members questioned it," stated Mrs. Haydon. She 'asked if areas that could be cut had been identified and if any cuts had been made. It's been pretty well estimated that we have control over five per cent of the budget," responded Mrs. Wallace, noting the board's control included papers, pencils and books. WHAT WAS CUT? Superintendent -of program Robeyt•McCaih' stiff of fliat in his area of concern (program) ' items had been considered, but cut. He referred to the hiring of a curriculum co-ordinator, the deferring of an increase in the French core program and the deferring of both math and computer studies co-ordinators. Trustees pointed out that the budget had been one over thoroughly by the executive committee after other committees had presented their respective budgets. "We have committee meetings that are open to the public," said trustee Jewitt. Dashwood resident Joe Miller said he finds it "disconcerting" that the taxpayers of Huron County have to pay such a high rate for education. "Farmers are going broke, small busi- nessmenare going broke...1 find it discon- certing that there were no budget cuts," said Mr. Miller. Trustee Tony McQuail pointed to the average assessment figure of $3,110 on which a taxpayer will pay $398.71 for one year. REASONABLE "For one child that is a very reasonably priced education." said Mr. McQuail, adding it works out to about 52.50 per school day, which is cheaper than day care. Vice-chairman Eugene Frayne noted the increase works ouf`to about 75 cents a week, which he said is cheaper -than a„package of .cigarettes;. "We as trustees feel that the people we represent think we're a bunch of cement heads,” said Mr. Frayne, noting the board has close to 700 employees with most backed by a strong association. "We've done our best, but it probably doesn't suit most people. if it doesn't the board will have to make decisions that will be very unpopular - cut courses, cut people and close schools. We'll have the place back there filled," stated Mr. Frayne, pointing to the back of the board room. It was noted several times throughout the budget discussions that about the only way ,g decrease expenditures would be to close the smaller schools thus operating more efficient schools. "Caring, and sharing" upsets some parents there is something wrong with the board of Cieslar for his comments. education." "It's meant for older students," acknow- Mr. Regier said he is "sick of fighting" ledged the MOH, noting the film provided a against books and films being distributed in tr ihtfoand information and is not the school system. judgemental. "You're corrupting my kids. You sit on "It's been around for 10 years.... can't )rout fat a— and you guys are not doing your understand the sudden furor," said Dr. job. That film isn't fit -to look at," said Mr. Cieslar. Regier.. The MOH added that if people think the The scene turned into a shouting match as film is unappropriate, it could be dropped. board chairman Dorothy Wallace assured the He noted that only a small group of people parents that administration would look into opposed the film. the matter, "It's too late," Mr. Regier toplied. Superintendent of program Robert McCall NO more said teachers are responsible for the films showing in the classroom and the admini- stration doesn't attempt to monitor films. it • was noted that the film was not availal'le from layoff s I Yl the board's media centre. Mr. Rau indicated the teachers from South Huron Secondary School had obtained the film from the Huron near future County Health Unit. Mrs. Regier said she has five students attending the Exeter high school with two in Grade 12. The Zurich woman said she was The 130 employees of the Genesco shoe responsible for obtaining the film and having factory in Seaforth started back to work it shown to the group of parents. Monday after a two week layoff. The board has referred the matter to its Charlie Geddes, factory manager. blamed education committee and Mrs. Regier said the economy for the layoff. she will "just have to wait and see what the "People just weren't buying shoes but board does". we've had quite a few orders during the At Huron County Council on the following layoff." he said. Thursday, the film was mentioned by Business is looking good for at least three Stanley Township Reeve Paul Steckle. He or four months but Mr. Geddes said he cannot had been approached by a number of predict past that time. Although there will be parents about Sharing and Caring and he no hiring in the near future. there will also be asked Medical Officer of Health Dr. Harry no more layoffs, he said. An estimated 2,500 to 3,000 people visited Seaforth and Egmondville on the London Free Press Shunpikcr Tour on Sunday. Local stops included St. Thomas Anglican Church, of simple, dignified, white frame construction, built in 1863 and the Van Egmond House. where visitors saw slides, a painting exhibit, a weaver and a blacksmith. Many of the visitors, who came into town along #8 Highway from Mitchell, had never been in the area before, said Lynda Jones of the Van Egmond House. "They said they'll come back in summer when the house isn't so crowded.' WANT THAT ONE—Helium filled balloons, courtesy of the Seaforth BIA, were given to youngsters during the clean sweep sale on the weekend. Jason Hulley points tot eballoon t on k he wants Jeff Wilbeeassisted In giving out the balloons. (W Po ‘‘?'1-111)°N ° A` g'41'A BY STEPHANIE LEVESQUE "Caring and Sharing" a film shown to Grade 12 students at South Huron Secondary School in Exeter has severalparents and at least one Huron Board of Education trustee upset. Trustee Dennis Rau of R.R. 2, Zurich asked the board to investigate the showing of the film to Grade 12 family..udies course students. At the board's May 2 meeting. Mr. Rau said a group of about 50 people viewed the film 4t St. Boniface School, after it had been shown at the high school. The trustee was one of the those who viewed the film and described it as being "in bad taste". Stating he would be frank with the board, Mr. Rau said the film mainly discusses masturbation and pre -marital sex. What he takes offense with, is that the film describes masturbation as being healthy and suggests that pre -marital sex is good and will help people find the right partner. "There was nothing about love," said Mr. Rau. Although he is a Catholic, Mr. Rau said parents of other religious denominations also viewed the film and were in some cases more upset then the Catholic parents . It was felt the film undermines the morals taught by the Catholic Church. Mr. and Mrs. Clare Regier of Zurich and Joe Miller of Dashwood were present at the board meeting and wanted to know who is responsible for allowing the film to be shown in the school. "Is there not a committee here that reviews films?" asked Mr. Miller, "if not They aim to keep manure on fields, out of streams /A3 Neilsen Classic held Saturday /A11 Bikes galore at BIA auction /A18 inch* Births /A7 Brussels news /Al2, 13 Classified /A16, 17 Dublin news /A4, 5 Entertainment /A15 Family /A6, 7 Farm /A8 Hensel/ news /A9 Obituaries /A4 People /A18 Smiley /A2 Something to Say /A2 Sports /A10, 11 Londesboro, /A1g Walton /A17