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The Citizen, 2003-08-20, Page 24PAGE 24. THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 20, 2003. Few turn out to Huron E. water meeting By David Blaney Special to The Citizen If the public meeting held by Huron East is any indication area residents are resigned to substantial increases in their water rates. The Aug. 12 meeting of council to discuss the proposed increases generated little interest as only four ratepayers attended to express their concerns. Huron East currently has four separate water systems but only one ratepayer from the Brucefield area and three from Seaforth were in attendance. At an earlier meeting Brussels councillor Greg Wilson commented that ratepayers in his ward didn’t need a public meeting because they knew that higher rates were coming and the public response would seem Johnston to seek releetion in M-T Another Huron County politician has thrown his hat into the ring for re-election this November. Keith Johnston, mayor of Morris- Turnberrj announced early in August that he would seek a second term, citing many projects he would like to see through to their conclusion. Among those is the new ambulance station for the Wingham to have confirmed his opinion. Only two areas of significant concern were discussed at the meeting. The first, expressed by a Seaforth-area resident, was the manner in which the municipality calculated water rates in that ward. The second, expressed by several councillors, concerned the connection charges for new hookups to the existing system. Most residents of Huron East pay for their water through a flat-rate charge added to their tax bills. In Seaforth however several apartment buildings have water meters either for individual apartments or for the building as a whole. Councillors appeared confused about whether the flat rate charge applied to apartments in buildings with a communal meter. Deputy-Mayor Bernie MacLellan a very strong had to area, which Johnston said is exciting project. Believing himself to be a leader, Johnston said he has make some tough decisions, but that they were in the best interest of the taxpayers. Working through the amalgamation of two mainly rural municipalities, Johnston said they have merged well, particularly the suggested, “If I remember correctly we talked about the minimum fee being charged whether water was used or not because it was to maintain the system.” Other councillors however seemed to feel that attaching a minimum fee to all the apartments in a building with a communal meter was not what had been intended. Unfortunately, treasurer Brad Knight was on vacation and an explanation of the Seaforth billing system, satisfactory to all, was not forthcoming. Councillors were also unable to establish new connection charges at this time as suggestions ranging from $850 to $3,500 met with disapproval for one reason or another. Current charges in the municipality range from a low of $450 to a high of $2,500 for a which has efficient­ public works department used taxpayers’ money •y- He is also proud, of ability to attain a zero increase in taxes in year. Johnston has worked with interest on the improvement of water systems and the implementation of new nutrient management council’s per cent the last residential connection. Brussels councillors suggested a fee of $1,000 for new connections but others on council felt that the fee should be higher to account for the added costs to water systems in areas that could experience a significant number of new connections ’resulting on pressure to improve the system. Councillors also discussed whether charges should be the same across the municipality so that high charges in one area would not drive away development. Councillor Larry McGrath stated flatly, “I believe water and sewage connection charges should be the same across Huron East.” MacLellan disagreed. “I don't think it is right to paint the area with the same paintbrush. If you are in Brucefield hooking up to the water regulations. In the coming term, Johnston sees the landfill site as an important issue. He would also like to see more industrialization in the wards, providing economic development and jobs for residents. system the $2,500 charge is pretty minor compared to drilling a well.” At the request of clerk­ administrator Jack McLachlan, council passed the new flat rate charges in order not to delay the issuing of the fall tax bills. The new rates will result in a combined water and sewage rate of $42 a month in Brussels up from the current rate of $34.50. Seaforth-area residents will see a rate increase of $10.15 to a total of $40.60. The difference in rates results from a provincially mandate policy that users of the system must pay the actual costs of running the water system even if it results in differing charges for residents of the same municipality. Pound Foolish Healfhwise Carrying extra weight is hard on your body. Lose those extra pounds - eat sensibly, be physically active and consult your doctor. PdRTicipacnon ® www participaction.com Morris-Tumberry briefs Council files objection to county forest bylaw Morris-Tumberry councillors filed an objection to the county forest conservation bylaw at the Aug. 12 meeting. • Council objected to the section which required a registered professional forester ora member in good standing of the Ontario Professional Foresters Association to mark woodlots prior to destroying or injuring trees. *** Council supported the Blyth and District fire board to purchase a tanker truck for a maximum of $164,550. i ***._ The Harding/Colquhoun property owners were given an irrevocable extension of 30 days, to Sept. 15, to satisfy chief building official Albert Nauss with all requirements for the building permit process or the structure will have to be removed *** Council agreed to proceed with the transfer of part of the fire lane between Lots 250 and 253, known as Alice Street, Belmore, to Dave Welsh. He will pay the costs of the survey and legal matters. The transfer is subject to approval by the Dave planing department. *** Council authorized Woodward from Lerners to prepare a bylaw to confirm ownership of Gibbons Line. A meeting will be set up with George Gibbons to discus the width of the road. *** Public works co-ordinator Barry O’Krafka and employee Gary Pipe were authorized to attend a fishing trip sponsored by Control. bi-weekly, paid by the municipality. This will be reviewed annually.*** A quote from Maitland Manor Nursery for the construction of Bluevale Park was accepted.*** The former Turnberry office property will be listed for sale with Prudential for three months at a price of $80,000. Da Lee Dust CONSTRUCTION LTD. R.R. 2 Bluevale • Licensed Septic Installations • Screened & Field Topsoil • Bark Mulch • Sand • Gravel • Fill • Backhoeing • Bulldozing • Excavating • Loading & Hauling Give us a call 887-9061 Fax 887-8734 Cell Phone 357-6547 C.Q.P.E. at C.H.S.S. *** Road accounts in $55,795.73 were payment. the amount of approved for *** Lorna Cook will be billed $554.23 for water line repair on Jane Street, Belgrave. The municipality absorbed some of the cost due to the transition period.*** A quote from Bridge Motors, for $300, to paint the dump box on the new truck was accepted.*** A four-yard bin for recycleables will be placed at Braemar Retirement Home at a charge of $15 Dangerous Teach young children to tell a grown-up when they find matches and lighters. r Are you between the ages of 16 and 21? Have you been out of school for 3 months or more and are looking for ways to improve your employability skills and/or earn credits towards your high school diploma? You may be interested in the COPE program. Cope is a program for youth and young adults between the ages of 16 and 21 who have been out of high school for a period of 3 months or more and who are looking for a way to improve employability skills and earn credits towards a high school diploma. Cope is a 1 year program designed to help those students currently not enrolled in school full-time, prepare to return to school full-time or enter into the work world. Cope students spend 2 days per week in the classroom studying personal life management, doing group work or correspondence courses. The remaining 3 days of the week are spent at a work placement. To register for COPE this September, call Student Services at 482-3471 for an application form. rVl Avon ?wLmJ Maitland Learning for a Lifetime BOX OFFICE 1-877-TO BLYTH www.blythfestival.com FROM THE BARN, PART II by Ted Johns Last seasons sold out hit returns!