Council briefs -
The residents of Stephenville willplay a role in bringing relief and help to the citizens of Haiti following its devastating earthquake last week.
The town of Stephenville passed a motion at its Jan. 15 meeting of council to donate $10,000 to a Haiti relief fund. The motion was put to council by Councillor Cec Stein, who was emotional in explaining why he felt the town should help.
"Five years ago when we had a flood people came to our aid," said the councillor. "$10,000 might unbalance your budget for a while, Mr. Chairman, but I can't see how the town can't come up with that. $10,000 is not bad, when you're making $200 a year as the people do in Haiti."
After passing the motion, Mayor Tom O'Brien issued a challenge to other communities around the province to step up and donate what they could. He also encouraged private citizens to do so as well.
Traffic complaints
Mayor Tom O'Brien said the town has received complaints from residents regarding difficulties in crossing the street at the intersection of Queen and Main.
Some residents had wondered if the town could change the traffic lights to include extra time for people to cross the street.
The mayor said the town dispatched the director of municipal services to look into the problem. The director indicated issued appeared to occur when drivers made left turns.
The mayor said drivers should be more cognizant of pedestrians while making turns.
"What it comes down to is drivers need to be respectful of pedestrians," he said.
Councillor Stein said he would like to see a further look at the issue and possibly consult a traffic expert on the issue.
Dilapitated buildings
The Town of Stephenville continues to receive complaints about dilapidated buildings in the community.
Speaking on the issue, Mayor O'Brien said the town, through the town manager, has contacted many of the property owners and has asked them to clean up the properties.
The mayor said if no action is taken, it may be time for the town to issue orders to property owners.
Referring to abandoned apartment buildings which once occupied space on Pleasant Ave., the mayor said it took the town about three years and $40,000 of its own money, in the end, to clean up that site.
Councillor Stein asked the mayor if the town kept a list of the properties in question, offering to go out and photograph sites for the town.
The mayor said the town manager kept a list of the places brought to the town's attention and that he would speak with the town manager again about the issue.
reporter@thegeorgian.ca
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