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Huron Expositor, 2007-11-28, Page 10limMer Page 10 The Huron Expositor • November 28, 2007 News Council seeks `design .and buiIcV for Brussels library Huron East councillors argue about whether public fundraising should begin first Susan Hundertmark aiREMEND While Huron East council decided to proceed to contact local builders for plans to design and build a new library for Brussels, the decision was made with some argument about whether public fundraising efforts should begin first. Asking for a new building that Join Huron County's Premier Golf Course 2008 Membership Sale We pay the tax plus give you a FREE driving range membership. 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But, Brussels Coun. Frank Stretton argued that the community should have raised its share of the costs before the building is put to tender. "If we do, we're sending out the message that we'll cover it all. I'd like to see the community get going on fundraising first," he told council at its Nov 20 meeting. Brussels Coun. David Blaney said he has been stunned lately by Brussels residents unwilling to fundraise. "I've had three people say why are we bothering with fundraising," he said. Blaney added that 'since the Brussels community trust has already agreed to match up to $50,000 in fundraising, the cam- paign has already begun. Seaforth Coun. Joe Steffler said he disagreed that fundraising should be necessary for the Brussels library. "It would be ridiculous to close the library in Brussels because the building is used by a lot of people. Let's get on with it and get the building up," he said. Stretton argued that since libraries are part of the "soft ser- vices". offered by municipalities - opposed to the hard services of roads and sewers - anyone who uses the library should be asked to par- ticipate in fundraising. "Only certain people use them and they aren't essential services. We wouldn't have arenas if we didn't fundraise," he said, adding that the Brussels arena was funded two- thirds by the province and one-third by community fundraising. Steffler argued that using that green breeze power logic, he shouldn't be paying school taxes since he no longer has a child using the school system. Blaney disputed the distinction between hard and soft municipal services, adding that while arenas and libraries may not be essential, those looking to locate in a commu- nity expect them. "Communities that lack them tend to be dying communities," he said. Blaney warned council that if Huron East expects Brussels to raise 22 per cent of the total for a new library, that will be the per- centage that should be expected for all other new buildings in the municipality, including a new fami- ly health team building in Seaforth or recreation centre in Vanastra. Tuckersmith Coun. Larry McGrath said he's had six people stop him during the past week to complain about council's expecta- tions on ratepayers paying for new buildings. "They're saying how much more does council think the community can stand with a $2 million medical building. There are concerns out there," he said, adding that he agrees fundraising efforts could stop if council "starts turning ground." Clerk -Administrator Jack McLachlan pointed out that the 30 people who attended the recent pub- lic meeting about the Brussels library were disappointed that a specific design had not yet been decided upon. "That would be the time to set up a fundraising committee, when peo- ple can see the plans," he said. "It's hard to raise money for a vacant lot," agreed Blaney. Mayor Joe Seili said it is impor- tant for council to start spending money on infrastructure. "It's the same old story. The public doesn't want to spend money on buildings but we have doors on some buildings you could throw cats out of," he said. Council agreed to go to tender for the library. Results of a straw vote at the pub- lic meeting showed 12 people in favour of a new building and four supporting renovations to the exist - w McTaggart Wettlaufer INSURANCE BROKERS INC. • AUTO • HOME • FARM • TRAVEL • COMMERCIAL • LIFE INSURANCE BROKERS Paul Wettlaufer • Amy Siemon Suzanne Zehr • Leigh Crawford Ken Hutchison • Bill Siemon 68 Ontario Rd. 348-9150 Mitchell 1-800-561-0183 ing Carnegie building. Morris-Turnberry has agreed to financially support the new building at 20 per cent of the cost to a maxi- mum of $100,000 over a four year period. Budget impacts of the new library show an expected $300,000 to be paid by Huron East with $300,000 expected to come from "proposed revenue." Huron East to have three towers for highspeed Susan Hundertmark Huron East has agreed to enter into an agreement with Tuckersmith Communications Co-operative Limited to install electronic equip- ment on the Seaforth water tower that will allow highspeed Internet service to local customers. Seaforth Coun. Bob Fisher asked if the municipality is charging rent for the use of the water tower but was told it wasn't by Clerk - Administrator Jack McLachlan. "They need a source of electricity and they're prepared to pay for that," added McLachlan. He said Tuckersmith would also be erecting a tower at the Walton ball park and at the Brussels sewage plant. The county -wide broadband pro- ject is being provided by Comcentric Networking Inc., of which Tuckersmith is a partner. County politics irk Huron East From Page 3 asked what the candidates for incoming warden think of attempts to have next year's budget passed before the position is even filled. "That's going to completely tie their hands. Aren't they objecting to this?" he said. Huron County's warden for 2008 will be chosen Dec. 5 at a special inaugural session of county council.