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EE ------------------------ | | | | The Adult Protective Service Worker Program has been saved. On Wednesday, Durham Re- gion councillors voted 24-2 in fa- vor of keeping the program that helps 156 developmentally handicapped = Durham resi- dents live within their commu- nities. Scugog councillor Yvonne Christie was one of the dissent- ing votes. "I must rise in opposition, not because I'm opposed to the ser- vice" but to take a hard stand on the financial aspect of the issue, Councillor Christie said. Test Hill resident complains to council Joseph Meszaros, addressed council Monday with com- plaints of bikers on his proper- ty. Meszaros' property is located on Concession 1, better known as Test Hill. Meszaros claims that when he goes to his proper- ty there are people there with guns, and bows and arrows. He also states there are cars burnt on his property, that are totally incinerated, beyond recogni- tion. Meszaros has appeared in front of council several times, in attempts to have these people arrested and kept off his prop- erty. He also says because of the isolated location, and the fact that there are no road signs in the area,the police have on two occasions not responded, when he has called in a com- plaint. "I have been more than roughed up on my property, I have had one person step on my head. Itis a very serious situa- tion, more serious than you could ever dream of," he said. Meszaros feels all his at- tempts are futile, and has his own suggestions. Police have tried 4 wheel drive vehicles, but he believes they are useless. He wants them to sell their ve- hicles, and with that money and his taxes that he pays, they could afford to grade that road twice a month, during the six summer months. He also thinks that uni- formed police patrols with marked police cars should be sent in, especially on Satur- days, and Sundays. Also that signs should be put up to say that it is private property, not open land for holding parties, etc. Mayor Howard Hall made re- marks to Meszaros's sugges- tions, such as the fact that it is an unopened road, and the town does not maintain it. Hall also said it is Meszaros's re- sponsibility to place private property signs on his property if he wishes to. In connection with the people on the property, Hall stated he realizes itis a serious situation, and he himself has been down there on more than one occa- sion with the police. Hall also contradicts Meszaros story by saying that almost every week- end there have been arrests made, for liquor offences, etc. Meszaros wants something done about the people who trespass on his property. "I'm not running away, I refuse to leave this place," he said. When the region agreed to ad- minister the program 11 years ago, it did so under the agree- ment that the provincial gov- ernment would fund it 100 per cent. But the province backed out of its agreement when it refused to pay the $46,000 deficit creat- ed after Durham realigned the salaries of the four service workers. The province had set guidelines allowing wages to raise 4 per cent. The salary in- creases given by Durham were 30 per cent. Councillor Christie said that if the region picked up the defi- cit on this provincially-funded service, it would only lead to similar problems with other services in the future. She also suggested that the 166 people using the service, along with the 56 adults on the waiting list and nine adults waiting assessment, could be better served by an alternative program. "I do not deny that the pro- gram is somewhat limited," she said. "So many people are on the waiting list." Councillor Christie would like to see a program estab- lished that would accommodate more of the developmentally handicapped adults and serve them better. She said the Peter- borough office of the community and social service ministry- could re-organize and expand it. But Durham's health and so cial services committee vice- chairman Tom Edwards wasn't as optimistic. He said the committce has been looking for some other or- ganization to take over the pro- gram, but has been unsuccess- ul. Oshawa mayor Allan Pilkey said the region may have brought the problem onto them- selves because they raised the salaries by 30 per cent. "We did it," he told his fellow councillors, "knowing that the provincial guideline was four per cent. "We can't blame the province. We're the ones who put them in PORT PERRY STAR -- Tuesday, November 7, 1989 -- 11 APSW program saved from regional axe this," he said. Oshawa councillor Linda Dionne said that if the program was axed, she would not be con- cerned about the workers. "With their experience, they would be able to get a job any- where," she said. It is the adults who use the service, she is wor- ried about. } "They are not people who want your sympathy," she said. "They want your support." Another Oshawa councillor, Nancy Diamond, said the APSW program is the best she has seen. "We're talking about giving people their self-esteem," she said. After a half-hour of delibera- tion, the majority of councillors voted in favor of continuing the rogram and picking up the 46,000 deficit. Although the region has de- cided to keep the service run- ning, nothing has been resolved between the Durham and the provincial ministry. Part of the recommendation Don Forder and Glen Parks are very pleased to announce the purchase of the portfolio of business of Don Forder Insurance Brokers Lid. from Selwin Holdings Inc. Don and his new partner Glen, who also has over 20 years IIIT experience in the insurance business, LEN PARKS along with their staff, are looking forward to giving you personal attention on all your i insurance needs. Management and Staff would also like to welcome Debbie Andrews back as Office Manager of our company. Staff of Forder-Parks Insurance Brokers Inc.: From back, left, Maureen Mackey,Broker; Debbie Andrews, Office Manager; Lezlie Chevis, Receptionist; Debby Appleton, Personal Lines Supervis- or. Front seated, Glen Parks and Don Forder. Absent Isabelle Vernon, Broker/Bookkeeper. by the health and social services committee included that the re- gion continue to set up a meet- ing with the provincial ministry and community and social ser- vides minister Charles Beer to discuss ongoing funding. Other attempts by the region to discuss the matter with the ministry and Mr. Beer have not materialized. In a letter dated August 24, 1989, Mr. Beer informed the re- gion's health and social service committee that "my schedule does not permit me to meet at this time. However, I would en- courage you to continue your discussions with the staffin the Peterborough area office. I am confident that they will be able to address your concerns." Vice-chairman Edwards said the region has not been able to set up a new meeting with the minister of community and so- cial services. He said he is "personally of- fended with the off-hand" treat- ment the minister has given the matter. NT FORDER - PARKS INSURANCE BROKERS INC. 34 WATER STREET - PORT PERRY - PHONE 985-8471 ) pp TY EE a SRE SP TER TN ERAT RETIN REL % J