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Nov. 27, 1974 The Colborne Citi-zen Page 13 Candidates night Colborne. What we need now is action," he declared. Reg Turk was the last candidate to speak. He mentioned his past record of 25 years of service on the Cramahe school board. Mr. Turk stressed he was his own man, and has made promises to no one. After the thirteen candidates had addressed council, questions were solicited from the audience, an audience which numbered around 200. The first question from a woman was directed to Harold Harnden. The woman wondered why sewers were going to extend to the new Tri-Homme development when the existing residences were not being properly serviced. Mr. Harnden replied the Tri-Homme proposal was only being studied. A gentleman asked Mr. Kelly why he had said, "If it has anything to do with Tri-Homme, I don't want anything to do with it." Ray Kelly said he felt this way because the Reeve has had a conflict of interest for some time. Mr. Kelly believed the Reeve, since he was partner in Tri-Homme, had no business voting on the matter. Mr. Kelly felt if sewers were to be put in, they should go in the whole town instead of one area. Harold Harnden later added to the discussion stating until now, Reeve McLaughlin has not had a conflict of interest. If it came up for discussion again then the Reeve would have a conflict of interest. The incumbent councillor pointed out the Reeve never pushed the proposal, he always vacated his chair when it came up for discussion. Former Reeve Alf Dove joined the discussion by saying he didn't know what the big hurry was in putting in the sewers. As far as he knew, no raw sewage was running into any creek. Barry Simpson stated he had read over all the plans and proposals. So many studies had been conducted according to him that they could roll up all the paper and make it into a sewage pipe. Mr. VOTE KELLY DEPUTY REEVE Simpson favoured the government plan, figuring the village would get more for its money. (Continued on page 15) Vote for Reg Turk for Councillor for transportation on election day call 355-2210 An Open Letter to the residents of Colborne There seems to be a great deal of confusion and misunderstanding among the citizens of Colborne as to the meaning of the so-called sewer proposal by Tri-Homme. I would like to try to clarify the situation. As an officer and shareholder of Tri-Homme Inc. I feel I am best capable of outlining what Tri-Homme has proposed. Tri-Homme was formed by three local businessmen who initially purchased .a plot of land between Division and Ontario Streets formerly owned by Colbright Orchards estate. This land was publicly advertised by several real estate firms. Some time later the Tri-Homme principals heard that the "old race track" property was for sale. Since this land was an extension to our present holdings we were very interested. We contacted the principals of the company that owned the land, submitted our offer to purchase, and in due time were informed of their acceptance of the offer. This land was not public or town property as some individuals would have you believe. Our intention was to develop this property by subdivision, the first phase of which was approved two years ago by Colborne Council and various government agencies. It soon became clear to us that we would be unable to develop this as we had planned because of the existing lagoon's capacity. At that time, 1972, the lagoon was discharging effluent to the creek that was 20% beyond the recommended level. Tri-Homme at this time commissioned a study by a large engineering firm. The study was long, comprehensive and expensive. Tri-Homme paid several thousand dollars for the completed report. Having studied this report Tri-Homme then submitted a proposal to Town Council. We offered to build an aeration cell to expand the present lagoon's capacity from 800 people to 1800. In return we asked for 21 building permits the first year and additional permits the following years, subject to Town Council's discretion. In other words we, Tri-Homme, were giving a $45,000. piece of equipment to the town for the opportunity to build 21 houses initially and eventually 185 over a prolonged number of years. Even when our total number of homes would be built, several years in the future, the Town of Colborne would have gained additional capacity for uO0 more people at no cost to you, the taxpayer. In short, approximately 50$ increase in present sewage treatment for free. Some candidates for Council are unaware of a developers role. A developer must put in streets, sewers, etc. in his subdivision at his expense and must tie into the existing trunk-line. Tri-Homme has offered to expand the lagoon's capacity, not put in sewers for the town as some people seem to think. This is not an alternative sewer proposal for Colborne. It is a proposal by a private company for a 'private company paid for in entirety by the private company. Colborne needs more sewage disposal. That will be looked after by our Council as they see fit. At best, it will take three or four years for this to be in operation. In the meantime all development has been stopped. After waiting 3 montljs for an answer to our proposal Council has now agreed to send our' proposal for an engineering feasibility study. This amounts to the reviewing of our study by the Town Consultant, a Professional Engineer. He is merely commenting on the report. This expense will be carried by Tri-Homme if they find the study is not sound from an engineering viewpoint. The local paper quoted Mr. Dance as saying "there la too much Tri-Homme in this. Council should look after the existing ratepayers' properties and not Just one section of town." I would ask Mr. Dance how he is planning to look after the existing ratepayers if the lagoon is at capacity now? Mr. Kelly has been quoted as saying "Is Tri-Homme so big-hearted that they are going to supply the people sewers free of charge?" Mr. Kelly is not very well informed on the subject when he talks about sewers. Kelly threw his hands into the air saying "Its all Tri-Homme." How can anyone make that statement when Tri-nomme is offering to pay for the cost of expanding the lagoon and only asking for use of slightly more than half that expanded capacity? Council at present cannot stop people that live on serviced streets from hooking up. Therefore Council will have to enlarge the lagoon if it is already at capacity. The Town will have to pay for the expansion themselves. Recently a subdivision was approved and allowed connection to the sewer. There was no controversy over this. How is Council going to handle the sewage from these 20-30 houses? As I see it, Tri-Homme has offered the Town a sound proposal. By turning down a motion to study the engineering feasibility of this proposal both Kelly and Dance have indicated the personality conflicts that plague our present Council, not clear thinking business sense. Over the past few months there has been much controversy both for and against industry. I cannot see anyone with a sound business mind saying that we do not need industry. In Cramahe Township 50$ of the taxes are paid by two Industries. The residents of Cramahe pay the other half. It is time the people in this area who are in business and pay a fair chunk of the tax dollar stand up and be heard. Let us not allow a small minority of misinformed people influence the taxpayers. All of the above is FACT and cannot be disputed Doug Rutherford 27 Church St. Colborne