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The Citizen, 1986-09-10, Page 1VOL. 2 NO. 37 Serving Brussels, Blyth, Auburn, Belgrave, Ethel, Londesborough, Walton and surrounding townships. WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 1986.40 CENTS Reminiscing about the good old days, a group of steam engine fans nearly 11,000 visitors, and all events played to packed crowds for the discuss the ancient monsters which were the highlight of the 25th most successful show yet. Thresher Reunion in Blyth last weekend. The three-day show drew Condo development makes Brussels think of annexation A proposal for a condominium project at the edge of Brussels has the Brussels council thinking of expropriation of more land within the village. Charles Thomas of Grey town­ ship made the proposal to village councillors Monday night saying he would like part of his farm annexed into the village in order to properly service the land, east of an extension of Burgess St. at the village limits, for development. The land, north of the Maitland river is currently zoned for agricul­ ture and recreation. Mr. Thomas proposes to develop one part of the annexation as a 10 or 12-unit condominium project. The one- storey-high units would be devel­ oped and marketed particularly to city people looking for retirement homes (although he said there would be nothing to stop interested local people from purchasing units). As well as the land for the project, Mr. Thomas’ house and some parkland would also be acquired by the village. Mr. Thomas said he is only proposing a portion of his land be annexed because if more land was incorpor­ ated within the village it would affect the 2000-foot buffer zone between farms and urban dwell­ ings in the township. This should have no effect on the buffer zone, he said. If the land is annexed before it is developed, Mr. Thomas said, acquisition by the village will be easierbecausethere is only one landholder to come to agreement. He pointed out that he had proposed years ago that other land in the same area be annexed but council didn’t proceed on the matter. Several new homes were built on the land and now it would be difficult to get agreement from all the property owners to annex the area into the village. Since this will be an urban development it is better suited to being in the village than in the township, he said. He said he didn’t expect an immediate approval from the village but, if council agreed in principal he would get a lawyer to draw up the necessary papers so that it would keep the development from costing the town anything until it was to the point develop­ ment seemed imminent. Council took up the topic again at the end of the meeting for discussion. Councillor Malcolm Jacobs said the village needs more industrial land but doesn’t really need additional residential land. Still, he said, he would not want to stand in the way of Mr. Thomas’ development. ReeveHankTen Pas said hecould see little problem coming to an agreement with Mr. Thomas but worried more-about getting agreement with the town­ ship of Grey. Councillor Gordon Workman said there had been mistakes in the past in not annexing land that was going to be developed and require the village’s services. He thought the village should agree to the annexation. Councillor Betty Graber felt the Brussels council should make a courtesy call to Grey township to inform them of the intentions (Mr. Thomas said he had sent informa­ tion on his proposal to Grey township). Thresher Reunion huge success The 25th annual Pioneer Thresh­ er & Hobby Association’s Reunion was an outstanding success from all accounts, with even the weather co-operating with mostly clear skies and invigorating autumn air. Attendancewascloseto 11,000 overthe three day show, according to the Association’s secretary, Marian Hallahan, with Senior Citizen and handicapped admis­ sions on Friday up substantially; camping spaces nearly tripled from last year, and exhibitors filling every space in a packed arena. The John Hallahan Memorial Trophy for Belt Setting was won by Darryl and Carl Sear son of Wat­ ford, and presented by Jim It was pointed out that the area would be developed by Mr. Thomas under a plan of sub di vi­ sion which means the developer would pay for all services such as street construction, sewers and hydro. Council voted unanimously to agree with Mr. Thomas’ proposal in principal and authorize him to proceed tofind out what is involved in annexation. Hallahan; Wayne Houston presen­ ted the Wayne Houston Family trophy for the best restored steam engine to Ernie Allen of Mitchell; while Gordon Radford presented the Clinton Auto Parts trophy for the best antique car to Burton Pinder for his magnificent 1907 Cadillac. Eddie Mole of Owen Sound walked off with the Thresher Association’s trophy for the cham­ pion fiddler on Saturday, compet­ ing with 21 other players in front of judges Kathy O’Neill of Kitchener and Jim Flannigan of London; while the overall champion step­ dancer, competing before profes­ sional judges Lila Storey of Sea- Continued on page 9 County in dispute with librarian BY BILL BRAG Huron County's chief librarian said he will consider leaving the post he has held for 14 years because of allegations made by staff members about the was he runs his headquarters administra­ tion. William Partridge told a meet­ ing Thursday of Huron County Council that he has consulted his lawyer about two letters written to the library board by staff mem­ bers, one in June and a second in July. He said the second letter had been “cleaned up a bit" from the first but both contained charges against his administration. After consulting with his lawyer, he said, he made a verbal presentation to two members of the library board indicating his posi­ tion. “1 enjoy working for Huron County," he said, “andlhopelwill continue working there. I am not ashamed of my services to the county and I feel that 1 have given full worth.’’ Hensall Reeve J. B. Robinson, a library board member, said the issue involved personnel and asked Council to permit the board to continue its efforts to reach a solution in private. Bayfield Reeve Dave Johnston said the whole issue should be brought before the council because it involved the possibility that Partridge would quit his job. “Itcan’tbevery confidential when people on the street know about it,’’ he said. Reeve T. J. Cunningham of Hullett Township, library board chairman, said it was the feeling of the board that the issue should be kept in confidence so that no one would be hurt. “Certain individuals have taken it on themselves to go public with it and the board cannot help that,’’ he said. “At this point we have nothing to bring before Council because we haven’t heard all sides. “We must give those indivi­ duals who are wronged or who feel they are wronged a chance to reply to the accusations.’’ He was asked by Reeve J. R. Kernighan if he could place a motion resolving the issue before the next meeting of Council in October. He said he couldn’t guarantee it but that he hoped the dispute would be settled by then. Tentative agreement reached Negotiators for the Huron Coun­ ty Board of Education and the Canadian Union of Public Employ­ ees (CUPE), Local 1428, have reached a tentative agreement, and are expected to recommend acceptance of the terms agreed upon in London last week, accord­ ing to Gino Giannandrea, person­ nel relations administrator at the Board office in Clinton. The union which represents 77 teacher’s aides and secretaries in both elementary and secondary schools across Huron, had been poised to walk out Friday. Both parties met Sept. 4 with officials of the Ontario Labour Relations Board in an attempt to reach an agreement. Mr. Giannandrea said discus­ sions between the Union and the Board will likely take place in Clinton early this week, but declinedtocommentfurther at this time. Hewasunabletosaywhat effect such a strike would have on Huron County students. “We will certainly try to settle thisasquicklyas possible,’’ be said.