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Serving the Mapleton Community
Community News Volume 47 Issue 29
Drayton, Ontario
1 Year GIC - 2.09% 3 Year GIC - 2.26% 5 Year GIC - 2.80% Daily Interest 1.55%
638-3328
Friday, July 18, 2014
www.jackfinancial.ca
Borrowing for bridge work approved; priority projects get go-ahead
Poster girls - Drayton Terry Fox Run/Walk/Bike organizers met recently to plan this year’s event. From left: Dale Franklin, Theresa Scholten, Hennie Klaassen and Louise Ellis unpack the 2014 posters and pledge sheets. Both will be distributed throughout Drayton and Moorefield by early August, with the run being held on Sept. 14. photos by Sue Hogenkamp
Work has begun for Terry Fox Run by Sue Hogenkamp DRAYTON - Drayton’s Terry Fox Run organizers met recently to plan this year’s event. Scheduled for the afternoon of Sept. 14 in conjunction with runs held across the country, the 2014 run will mark the 34th annual Marathon of Hope to raise funds for cancer research. Those who enjoy getting together with family, friends and neighbours, who want to feel good about doing something that can really make a difference, and are able to walk, jog, run, roller blade or ride a bike, are encouraged to come to the local event, which starts at the old arena at the fairgrounds. Registration occurs between noon and 1:25pm, with the “Grand Send Off” at 1:30pm. Participants have the choice of a two kilometre mini-route through town, or a 10km scenic country route. During registration, a host of fun activities are planned, including live music and face painting. Barbecued food and ice cream will be available for purchase before and after the run. Pledge sheets will be available for pickup at businesses in Drayton and Moorefield early in August, or can be downloaded by going to terryfox. org. Pledges can also be collected online by following the easy step-by-step directions on the foundation’s website. Participants are also encouraged to check out the new 2014 Terry Fox T-shirt, which will soon be available for purchase at Blooming Dale’s in a variety of adult and youth sizes. This year’s shirt is navy and sports a determined Terry Fox in mid stride, along with a portion of Terry’s journal in his
However, he noted consideration could be given to closure of a bridge on Sideroad 17, a seasonal road with no winter maintenance, as an alternative to replacement of the structure. The savings from the closure would be $140,000. The issue of proceeding with the work based on a quote from one company was raised at the June 24 meeting. Councillor Mike Downey, who was absent from that meeting, raised the question again on July 8. “I have an issue with disregarding our purchasing policy,” said Downey “It might be the only way we can do it this year,” said Mayor Bruce Whale. “I think in retrospect we would have asked Reeves to come back and not give us quotes,” said councillor Andy Knetsch. “Frankly I think we shouldn’t have done that. Hindsight’s always 20/20, but that’s where we’re at.” “If we’re challenged by another company for not making it public, can we defend this?” asked Downey. “I don’t know legally whether we can defend it or
not and I’m not going to try and make a legal argument,” responded Whale. “I believe that council has the authority to waive any of its policies. That’s not to say we wouldn’t get some feedback on it. It’s not the ideal way to go,” said CAO Patty Sinnamon. “That’s kind of my point,” said Downey. Councillor Neil Driscoll said council felt it needed additional input beyond a bridge and culvert assessment done by the engineering firm of R.J. Burnside for the township. “We looked at the bridge report from Burnside and thought we should be getting another opinion,” said Driscoll. He asked what the annual cost of the $1-million debenture would be. Sinnamon said it would be $151,000. Council passed a motion to forgo the work on Sideroad 17 for the time being. However, no decision was made on closing the bridge. A resolution waiving the procurement policy and authorizing staff to proceed with the rest of the bridge work as outlined in the Reeves report was also passed.
Auditor: Mapleton’s books in good shape by Patrick Raftis
Terry’s T’s - Drayton’s Terry Fox Run head organizer, Louise Ellis, left, and committee member Dale Franklin unveil the 2014 navy blue T-shirt design. The words on the shirt are from an actual journal entry in Terry’s own writing. Soon to be available for viewing and purchase at Blooming Dale’s, all proceeds from shirt sales will go directly to cancer research. own writing, outlining that first momentous day as he began his cross country run to help stop the suffering of cancer patients. All proceeds from shirt sales go towards cancer research. There are many other walks and runs to help raise funds for various charities, but the Terry Fox Run is the original, with the largest percentage of funds raised going directly to cancer research. Organizers are proud to report that Drayton’s Terry Fox Run regularly ranks among the top runs in the province for revenue per capita, and is the top run for overall revenue in Wellington County, other than the City of Guelph. One need only look at the planning committee for this event to realize cancer research is saving lives. Half of the group is made up of cancer survivors, while the other half includes those with fam-
Main St. W. Palmerston
Rated 14A
by Patrick Raftis MAPLETON - Council has waived requirements of the township’s purchasing policy in order to proceed in a timely fashion with work on municipal bridges. Council agreed to proceed with most of the bridge work outlined in quotes provided by Reeves Construction Limited for $611,562 plus HST with the addition of $8,500 (plus HST) for additional slope protection for a structure on Concession 14 and a $65,000 contingency allowance. Staff were also directed at the July 8 meeting to approve a $1-million debenture to cover the cost of the 2014 bridge work and street light upgrades throughout the township. The decision came after recently-hired public works director Brad McRoberts had a chance to review a bridge repair report deferred by council on June 24. McRoberts also consulted with the township’s engineers and Reeves Construction officials. Based on his review, McRoberts recommended on July 8 proceeding as proposed at the June 24 meeting.
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ily members who have battled the disease. Indeed, Drayton’s Terry Fox Run honours cancer survivors and their friends and families who would like to join the battle and help end the suffering of others. Perhaps Terry summed it up best when he said, “It took cancer to make me realize that being self-centred is not the way to live. The answer is to try and help others.” And when he was unable to complete his epic journey because his cancer returned, he pleaded, “Even if I don’t finish, we need others to continue. It’s got to keep going without me.” Drayton organizers urge, “Let’s work together to outrun, out-walk and out-bike cancer on Sept. 14.” For more information, to make a donation or to volunteer, contact Louise Ellis at 519-638-2120.
MAPLETON – The township’s books are in good shape and residents pay their taxes promptly, the municipality’s auditors told council on July 8. Matt Venne of Robinson, Lott and Brohman Chartered Accountants provided council with the annual auditor’s report at the meeting. He noted the municipality’s cash position is slightly distorted by a $1.5million insurance payment set aside for rebuilding of the township’s main public works
shop, which burned down in December. “When you come down to bottom line, if you account for two factors, it’s basically bang on,” Venne explained, noting funds set aside to be spent on capital projects later this year are also inflating the municipality’s cash position. “We’re quite comfortable that when you adjust for accrual changes, that your numbers are reasonably good this year,” said Venne. He also noted the munici-
pality has a much higher percentage of taxes collected than most other municipalities with which the firm works. “You’re actually the best news story that we’ve had so far,” he pointed out. “Your staff’s been working hard and people have been paying.” Venne told council that, “Overall you’re accomplishing your goals and you’re meeting your budget.” “Hopefully we can have similar figures for 2014,” said Mayor Bruce Whale.
Garden artists - Taylor and Morgan Wideman of Drayton enjoyed art in the garden at Studio Factor in Drayton on July 9. photo by Caroline Sealey
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