The “Doc” is out, new fire hall in

Russell Williams’ home sold

Another development in the long, drawn-out civil lawsuit by victims’ families against serial killer Russell Williams and his wife, Mary Elizabeth Harriman.

Mary Thomas is following that story.

Chief: Costing process could cause problems

Belleville Police Chief Cory McMullan addresses City Council on May.13/13. (Photo: Michael J. Brethour)

The Chief of the Belleville Police Service says going through a costing process from the Ontario Provincial Police is not a harmless little exercise.

Chief Cory McMullan points to a situation in Sarnia.  Council there entered into a costing with the OPP that took three years and hurt morale on the Sarnia Police Service and in the wider community.

In the end, Sarnia council voted to keep its local police.

McMullan also  says the costing process itself, could become quite expensive.

Belleville council will make a decision on whether or not to ask for an OPP costing at the end of summer.

Meanwhile, Police Board Chair Bob Dolan says tomorrow’s meeting of the board has been cancelled because members are away, including Mayor Neil Ellis, who is in China.

OPP costing debate heats up

A heated debate at Belleville city council last night over whether or not the city should look at the cost of switching from city police to the Ontario Provincial Police.

The council chambers were packed to hear a presentation from the OPP on the costing process, and at times there was applause for local police.

Councillor Taso Christopher slammed the desk and shouted that he “works too” when Councillor Pat Culhane said she’d been working and  hadn’t had time to get enough information.

Councillor Jack Miller moved a tabling motion giving local police three months to show savings.

Police Chief Cory McMullan says she’s confident that new overtime rules and six retirements will create savings.

The tabling motion passed on a recorded vote of 7 to 2 with Councillors Denyes and Christopher voting against.

Councillor Culhane in overdrive on drive thrus

A Belleville councillor will take another drive at the fast-food drive-thru issue.

Councillor Pat Culhane has given notice that she’ll present a motion at next City Council meeting to have more control over any new fast food drive-thrus proposed for the city.

Culhane says she was surprised at the “rabid” response to her proposal last year when representatives of fast food chains objected to her proposal..

She says as a nurse she sees the dangers of obesity and noted the Ontario Medical Association is pushing for some action on drive-thrus.

Culhane says she is not talking about the present businesses but more site-control over any future business.

Teen tanning: Belleville says No

Young people under the age of 18 will soon be barred from tanning salons in Belleville.

Late last year a young cancer victim told council her health issues were developed from the use of tanning beds.

The Health Unit and the Canadian Cancer Society have called for a ban on teenagers using the salons.

The provincial government has indicated it will eventually bring in a tanning salon ban for young people under 18 years of age.

Last night Jackie Denyes was the only councillor to vote against the ban, saying provincial law “trumps” municipal law and the province may bring in something “totally different.”

Once the bylaw is enacted, the licensing bylaw officer will enforce the ban on a complaint basis.

New rules for rec vehicles in Belleville driveways

Belleville residents parking large recreational vehicles in their driveways will be facing a fine in 2013.

A new city bylaw will prohibit large recreational vehicles such as trailers, boats, and R-Vs in driveways.

The restriction covers items greater than seven feet long and eight feet wide, and includes snow vehicles and motorized homes.

Councillor Tom Lafferty, who introduced the motion at council, says there have been many complaints from residents who say their view is hampered by these large vehicles.

The bylaw, which will carry a fine, is expected to be in place in the new year.

Agriculture Society wants casino at fairgrounds

Work starts on bringing higher learning to Belleville

Belleville will take a look at the possibility of attracting a university to the city, but with caution.

Last night City Council struck a University Attraction Committee following up on the province’s former committment to select three new university sites in the Ontario.

Both Councillor Jackie Denyes expressed concern about the fact there’s no funding available and council should “tread softly.”

Mayor Neil Ellis pointed out that Barrie has already spent millions of dollars on a site in hopes of being chosen.

In the end council established the committee, adding economic development staff and the Quinte Economic Development Commission as members.

Does Hastings County need another ambulance?

Hastings County council is considering adding a new ambulance to it’s emergency services.

Officials say response times for ambulances working in centre and north Hastings County are a little higher then they should be, at about 21 minutes.

It’s believed another ambulance would improve service in the north of the County.

The cost for an ambulance, equipment, and crew, is close to $700,000 a year, with the province picking up half the tab.

Hastings County council is sending the issue to upcoming budget discussions.