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The Huron Expositor, 1989-10-18, Page 1INDEX Sports — Al0, Al l Dublin — Al2 Weddings — A)6 Births — Al Walton — A17 Water pipeline access proposed. See page A6 a cities th• •nsal I a Seaforth, Ontario sitor HURON EXPOSITOR, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 18, 1989 50 cents a copy 1 Council reverses decision, Wilson statue idea The bronze statue of D.D. Wilson, pro- posed for the Seaforth .Town Hall Civic Court, is no longer. Bowing to public pressure and criticism, Seaforth Town Council reversed its earlier decision to allow the statue, by a four - three vote last Tuesday. Mayor Hazel Hildebrand was required to break the tie. Before making the decision Seaforth Council members heard from two tax- payers concerned about the proposed expenditure. "I want to know if things can be stop- ped, or are they set in stone," asked Bob Litt. "I got the feeling that these things were carved in stone, and I don't go for that." In addition to asking a lot of questions about the town's streetscape, program, Mr. Litt expressed concern that the town's money could be spent on more worthwhile programs. He commented that even 30 per cent (the portion of the streetscape costs being borne by the town) can add up to a lot over the•years. "There are so many things we need in this town - like garbage pick up - and that's why I'm speaking up. This is something I disagree with. I've got some good comments and some negative com- ments, but at least I'm speaking up," he said. And Mr. Litt wasn't the only one speak- ing up Tuesday night. Brenda•Kenney also expressed concerns about the statue, and suggested council might have better ways to spend the tax- payer's money. "I have lived in this town for the last eight years, and in that time my house has been reassessed twice. and my taxes have jumped $100 for the past two years," she said. "As for comparable value in another town, Seaforth pays far greater in taxes for less. I'm not willing to see tax dollars go to trees that are half dead when they're put in. And I think money spent on statues is a waste. Let that 30 per cent go to waste collection, or to the streets. We've been undercut and undercut and our taxes just continue to rise." Mrs. Kenney expressed concern that in: dustry had been detered from settling in town and noted that 80 per cent of the Seaforth community is forced to work out of town. She suggested that many of those people might leave the community per- manently if the tax situation isn't brought under control. "Some of the work needs to be done, I'm not arguing that, but I don't like the way you're spending•our tax dollars. When 52 per cent of our wage goes to taxes, it's time to do. something about it. We may be beautifying our Main Street and it may look great when it's done, but it won't bring industry or wages to town," she said. "Personally I don't care what the stupid store looks like, I want the product that's inside," added Shirley Brugger. "So much money is being wasted. It's time council worried about the people liv- ing in town, instead of the ones passing through, commented Mr. Litt. "The stores don't have selection, they're not competitive and they close at 5:30 p.m., how can they expect to draw business to town? We're such a one-horse town and we want to get into modern society? Why should we pay 30 per cent, so they can. have people in their door? All this does me little good, I work out of town." Do you think I'm going to buy in town, when I work out of town? Council members pointed out that public meetings had been held on the streetscape proposals, and that council meetings were open to the public, so there was little ex- cuse for taxpayers to be unaware of what was happening in their own town. "Public meetings are held for a reason," said Deputy -reeve Peg Campbell. "We're trying to rejuvenate the town, and we can't do that without public sup- port. Council is working to get industry. We're not trying to discourage business, it's just unfortunate that one fell through (pant factory). But, sometimes things hap- pen to get along the way." Councillor Marjorie Claus said she agreed that the statue was not necessary, but said Seaforth's Main Street does need improvement. "If we don't do anything the Main Street will never keep business. We have to get traffic to travel through our downtown," she said. In presenting the mdtion to strike the Wilson statue from the streetscape plans, Councillor Garry Osborn said the public outcry against it, was too much to ignore. Councillor Claus agreed. "I am in favor of the streetscape, but I 100 per cent feel that the money has to be spent on the main street, not on a statue. tossed out And I think the general concensus from the public is that they do not want the statue," she said. After striking the statue, council also ap- proved a recommendation from Deputy - reeve Campbell, that the present Streetscape Committee be resolved, and a Streetscape Committee of Council be form- ed instead. "A lot of people have put in a lot of hours of work, but I think this committee needs more council input," said Deputy - reeve Campbell. I also recommend we put the money designated for the statue into a reserve fund to be used for another phase of the streetscape program," ;•A:atan and woman are ueadin wb mielitteosay s a:;possible.'znnrde; '.a 0,001rthernlimn,,ConOgfattn. Prervinditi pl}liee itfftf i1 faom ,3wete erred to a use at of t n 2 "e f jay" ownship,! r Laughs, tears at Legion review "There will be a few tears...and a lot of laughs," performer Barry Nesbitt predicted before the show began. And he was right. An audience, of about 300 flocked to Seaforth District High School on Saturday night to take a trip down memory lane with Peter Glen and his Entertainers. The troupe from Toronto performed their show Hits 'of the Blitz", a wartime song and skit review, for a delighted crowd who joined in on the songs throughout the evening. "Everybody sang along with them and clapped, just like they wanted them to," reported Mrs. Betty Felker, Chairman of the Legion Anniversary Committee. • • The Seaforth Legion brought the show to town as part of their both Anniversary celebrations. Troupe members Peter Glen, Coralie Allen, Peggy Mahon, Mickey Mac - Fadden and Barry Nesbitt performed on a stage set up as a radio booth broadcasting to the troops during the Second World War. Bryllcream and Pepsi-Cola commer- cials were interspersed among such old favourites as "In the Mood" and "White Cliffs of Dover". Peter Glen, a well-known stage and television performer in his own right and Canada's best-known Scottish tenor, thrilled the audience with a stirring version of "Danny Boy". "I think there's going to be a few peo- ple disappointed that they didn't come," added Mrs. Felker. Most of the members of the group have been working together on 'Hits of the Blitz' for four years. The show began as a gleam in Peter Glen's eye ten years ago in Oshawa, and has grown from a basic radio broadcast format to a vaudeville perfor- mance, complete with the three-legged - yes, three-legged - performer who happen- ed onto the stage and almost stole the show. Well, I guess you had to be there! Coralie Allen may have been a familiar face to many. Best known as one of the Allen Sisters from the Tommy Hunter Show, she is also an accomplished varie- ty show performer and singer, and is cur - Turn to page 16A • TAKING PRECAUTIONS - Seaforth Health Care Centre nurse will be charged for non seniors. The vaccine will protect agains Gwen Devereaux, left, gives a flu shot to fellow worker Corrie the Taiwan, Shanghai and Yamagata strands of the flu, anc Snowdon. The health centre reports that flu shots are available is recommended for those under 65 with chest conditions free of charge to all senior citizens over the age of 65. A fee Robinet photo. Water rates Board members of the Seaforth Public Utitlities Commission discussed negotia- tions concerning the four striking workers at their meeting last Tuesday evening, but no further progress has been made on the issue. The board is still awaiting word from the Labour Relations Department of the Municipal Electric Association. In the meantime, PUC Manager Tom Philips con- tinues to run a one-man show while the Commission and the workers, who walked off the job more than two weeks ago over a wage dispute, remain at an impasse. The four men were not present at the meeting. ROUND BREAKIN CEREMONY A ,ground br':a ng ceremony for therenovations to the EgmondvWe,United Church was held Monday morning by representatives .01 Oat church. The church hopes that today (Wednesday) work will -get under- way at the church to make.it accessible at the ground level. The plans cal for expanding the •entrance out 16 by 35 •feet to create ,a :large foyer that •will house a ,wheelchair accessi- ble ,washroom. The ,.existing stairwells ;of oche church 4Wlll :be (tarn+weer' ano,irn Leisavater erietaiieu in ,torte. in;plleee itef the Inner si a stairwell, a centre .stairwell with :lees of ,a grade, will in- vite .,worshippers •into the Sanctuary. •Helping with the ;ground breaking ceremony on Monday were: Helen Nott; Ed .Coyes; hole ;Moore; ,Mervin Nott, Chairman of the Trustee Board; Leonard Jamieson, :chairman of the Building Committee; 'Ken Moore, Chairman of 'the fiuNdraisieg Committee; :Bill fours t; race Stadglbauer; ;and Cheryl,Ann Stadelbauer.'Sarnpa, :Mini&ter. 'igbinet iphpto. to rise, PUC Maintenance of the town's water tower was also discussed, and the cost of repair- ing two leaking rivets on the structure is being looked into. An estimate at $5000.00 for interior/exterior work on the rivets has been given to the Board, while exterior work alone could run to $3500.00. The PUC is awaiting further information and estimates before making a decision on these repairs. The Seaforth PUC has until November 30th to advise whether or notthey wish to participate in the Municipal Utility Cash Flow Assistance Plan. The program, designed to help out Utilities Commissions with temporary cash flow difficulties, basically offers an equal monthly billing system. Seaforth, with a fluctuating service load that is currently sitting at below 65%, would be eligible for the assistance plan. The board will consult with Ontario Hydro Consumer Service Supervisor Bill Dodds before deciding whether or not they wish to subscribe to the program. talks stalled Local water rates are slated to rise by at least one dollar in 1990. The flat rate was raised by a dollar in 1984 and again in 1987 in accordance with the funding pro- gram, whereby the rate was to be review- ed every three years and upped if necessary in order to maintain the PUC capital reserve and maintenance fund. The board has opted to seal the roof of the equipment shed with tar for the time being to forestall leaking problems. More permanent repairs to the shed, which is located behind the PUC offices, will be budgeted in for next year. Winter is just around the corner and On- tario Hydro is offering consumers a chance to get a head start on the nasty weather and save some money at the same time. Booklets entitled Keeping the Heat In and Save Your Energy, the latter containing over $175 worth of coupons for a variety of energy conservation products, are available free of charge at the Seaforth PUC office, Aloette honors Trudy Broome, a sales represen- tative for Aloette Cosmetics of Canada, was among a number of Kitchener area women who were recently honoured by the ompany for superior sales achievements iroughout the past year. A resident of Seaforth, Mrs. Broome has been working with Aloette for close to five years and is now an area Manager for the akin care and cosmetics firm. All of the Aloete products contain aloe vera gel - hence the name - and are sold only through shows and home parties. A ring was presented to her at the awards ceremony in Toronto, where .high sales achievers from .across the country gathered to redeye prizes •ranging from earrings to .ninkliined raincoats ,and dia- mond and sapphire ,bracelets. Trips are also •awarded for superiority in staff sales. flings, such as.Mrs Broome :Ron, are awarded to representativls ,aghiedditig sales of 4;41000400 .or more. This is the fourth elqg *at she has won ,since begiindrig work with 4iplatte. 4sran Aleette ;sales .ret resent tlye, ; . -8.• sales rep Broome ,covers a territory which includes the London, Stratford and Kiuearxllne area. Sales (representatives attend shows and home parties with the Aloette products, and the dte s pare .delivered to the .r of days. Private a,,, s • :also be ar- o