Municipally Yours It's been a very busy couple of months at Council as we _ work through the budget process which helps determine what our tax bill will be and what services we will get for those taxes. Once again insurance costs alone have pushed the budget up by 1%. Huge amounts are consumed for roads and yet we continue to have roads that are not in good shape. The County has a 10 -year plan for replace- ment that this year will see Morrisons Point Road re-built. Next year Murphy Road is on the list. Unfortunately, the south end of the Old Milford Road, the dump road, which seems to have been ravaged by this past winter, is not up for a re-build for a couple more years, but the Roads crew are certainly aware of it and are working on repairs. There is both sadness and relief to finally see the dead trees come down on County Rd. 17 along the river ridge. I have had several calls about replacement of the trees, so [ wanted to confirm how the tree replacement policy works. The County staff will replace any tree cut down where there is a commitment by a neighbour or citizen to take care of the replacement tree. If you are interested in mak- ing this commitment, please call Leon Quaiff, our Area Road Supervisor at 476-6505. As you can appreciate, there is significant cost involved in the initial replacement, so support for survival of any tree planted is important. I'm not sure who planted the large maples that are now suc- cumbing to age and probably road treatment products over the years, but I do know that Wilber Miller has ensured a healthy line of maples along one stretch of Cty Road 17 as we watched him plant them each year after we moved here. If you haven't noticed them, look between #1702, my place, and the Creasy barn directly east. He planted them inside the fence, perhaps with some premonition that someone would create one of those horrid bushwhackers that would mar the ditches and destroy young trees! Thanks for your foresight and effort Wilber! The first round of "grants" to community groups, projects and individuals was approved at the April 28 council meet- ing giving the Milford in Bloom volunteers $1000 to con- tinue their efforts to make our "city centre" a place of pride and fun. The Easter Parade was a resounding success and reminded me of my first experiences of the Fair Day pa~ rade when we used to start at the Town Hall. Thank you to the volunteers who helped make this a fun event - they were the folks in the "bloomers"! In terms of the "Grant Process" - 1 found this a mystery when I joined Council. Approximately $26,000 has been set aside each year to support requests from community groups and individuals for projects, special events, etc. Last year our Firemen re- ceived $500 towards the fireworks for the Winter Carnival. The history of this grant fund seems to be that if you knew about the fund, you applied and you received something. I'm not sure how much citizens of South Marysburgh bene- fitted in the past, but [ am certainly willing to help groups complete the application form if they are in need of funds to accomplish a goal, project or event for this year. Please call me if you could like to discuss this further. Monica Alea Councillor, South Marysburgh 476-8045 CHECK THE ADS! By doing business with those who advertise in the Mirror, you help to ensure the continued free delivery of your community newsletter. ST. PHILIP'S ANGLICAN CHURCH | INVITES YOU TO CANOE BLACK RIVER MONDAY MAY 19,2003 THE TRIP STARTS 11.00 a.m. at GUERNSEYS (Chapman Crescent) and ends at COLLEEN COTTAGE for Hot Dogs and Lemenade, All Welcome™-