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The Citizen, 2016-12-15, Page 11THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2016. PAGE 11. M -T appointment policy sparks heated debate By Denny Scott The Citizen committee selection process at a recent council meeting. The appointment bylaw, which A list of new committee was presented at council's Dec. 6 appointments for Morris-Turnberry meeting, came under fire from councillors was rejected after heated Councillor John Smuck who felt debate broke out about the council members need more input on the decision-making process for the placements. "We should have been able to write down our requests," he said, claiming he has always found himself on committees that deal with what he calls "back burner" issues. Students create IPM benches Somewhere to sit The International Plowing Match set for Walton in 2017 has partnered with local high school students to construct special event benches for the match that can be sponsored by locals and then taken home by the sponsor at the end of the match. The benches are currently on sale for $350 plus tax each. Showing off the functionality of the benches are IPM Senators Neil McGavin, left, and Don Dodds. (Photo submitted) Huron County will be welcoming nearly 100,000 guests to Walton for the 100th International Plowing Match and Rural Expo (IPM) in September, 2017. As "Huron Hosts on Ontario's West Coast" all efforts are made to offer an exceptional experience to visitors, including ensuring everyone has a great place to sit. Helping to achieve this goal are students in the construction classes at all five Huron County high schools and one in Perth County. Through the hands-on learning building 250 benches, students are learning necessary, real-life skills. Benches are a traditional part of the IPM as community members, businesses and organizations can purchase a bench, engraved with their name. The benches will be used as seating at the match. After the match is completed, the benches will be returned to the owner for personal use. The bench represents a lasting memory of the IPM. "I am proud to be leading the co- ordination of the benches as the IPM 2017 bench represents all that the Match is supposed to be, empowering youth in our community, organizational leadership and community spirit," said Jane Zwep, Chair of Exhibitors and Bench co-ordinator said. Pinder, Taylor, McNeilly, Godkin LLP of Exeter supported the initiative and Watson's Home Hardware of Gorrie supplied the wood to support the bench program. Benches sell for $350 plus tax. To purchase a bench or receive more information please contact Jane Zwep, Chair of Exhibitors and Bench Co-ordinator at jzwepipm2017@gmail.com or by phone at 519-887-6605. Mayor Paul Gowing asked what Smuck would like to see changed and Smuck said he has requested several times to be on different committees but his requests seem to have no effect. "The problem with the discussion is it's a one-way street with you [Gowing], not an eight -lane highway like it should be," Smuck said, adding that he would like everyone to be able to select their top three or five committees and have those requests best met to make sure council members were bringing fresh eyes to the issues. After more debate, Smuck dropped the issue, saying he was busy enough and didn't want to debate the issue any longer, however other council members also felt the committee appointments needed to be re-examined. Councillor Sharen Zinn said she felt council doesn't need representation on some committees of which they have historically been a part. "The Farm and Home Safety Associations, for example, I don't think we need to be there," she said. "We help them out a couple days a year, but I don't really see it as a benefit to council" Gowing said any committee changes would be at the wish of council and, if there were no benefits to being involved, council could decide to no longer send representation. Zinn said being a part of the Coalition for Huron Injury Prevention (CHIP) was worthwhile, but the other safety associations didn't bring the same value to the table. As for requests, Zinn wanted to sit on the Wingham and Area Health Professional Recruitment Committee to find out how it operates and found that the current representative, Councillor Dorothy Kelly, was happy to let Zinn have that experience. "I've been on that board for eight or nine years," she said, explaining when she wasn't representing council she was there as a volunteer. Smuck, to whom Kelly had offered her seat on the health preofessional recruitment committee during previous discussions, reiterated his call for different representation on each committee. "We shouldn't be sending the same people all the time," he said. "While I agree we don't need representation on some committees, there are a bunch of committees I want to be involved in." Smuck went on to say the committee list was made by Gowing and Administrator Clerk -Treasurer Nancy Michie without any consideration for individual requests, however Gowing said the appointment bylaw is up to council every year and changes can be made. Council deferred the issue until requests similar to Smuck's idea could be made by each councillor and the issue could be further discussed by council. Foil Highlights $72 + tax 1/2 Highlights $52 + tax SHEAR TALENT Hair Design & Tanning 45 West St., Goderich 519-524-6555 #1 And We Still Try Harder Recent circulation figures show The Citizen has the highest circulation in the northern part of Huron County, #3 in the entire county. The Citizen Proudly Community -Owned Since 1985 F NORTI I HURON • ; 104 "7. *tfive tit co ftlisAinggsu all t ie est ijte Ao113 season frni tRe ouncil an ($taffeftortA Ryon Wingham Landfill Hours Tuesday, December 20, 2016 Friday, December 23, 2016 Saturday, December 24, 2016 Tuesday, December 27, 2016 Friday, December 30, 2016 Saturday, December 31, 2016 Tuesday, January 3, 2017 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. amoi IT‘f 7ee&A, end i Christmas Tree Recycling Residents can drop off Christmas trees to be composted at the landfill free of charge. When recycling your tree please remove all lights, ornaments, tinsel, string, garland and tree stands. Do not bag or wrap your tree (including recycling tree bags). The Municipal Office will be CLOSED from December 26, 2016 to January 2, 2017 Recreation Office Hours Saturday, December 24, 2016 Sunday, December 25, 2016 Monday, December 26, 2016 Dec. 27 to Dec.30, 2016 Saturday, December 31, 2016 Sunday, January 1, 2017 Jan. 2, 2017 to Jan. 6, 2017 Closed Closed Closed Regular Hours Closed at 1 p.m. Closed Regular Hours For more Recreation information call 519-357-1208 Look on www.northhuron.ca for the Christmas Break Calendar listing all of our sponsored skates and swims and other activities.