By Sue Tiffin

Published May 9 2017

The following are brief reports of items discussed at the May 3 meeting of Highlands East council.

Jan Simon Highlands East Studio Tour chair requested an additional $1000 to help run the program which is in its 15th year. Simon said the committee had successfully reduced some duplicated spending in their marketing efforts but required funds for new signs.

“The signage has been out there coming on 15 years now” said Simon. “It’s tired it’s broken. We’ve been patching it with tape.”

The studio tour has grown with nine studios and app roximately 15 artists committed to the 2017 program. Last year six studios and nine artists participated.

The Studio Tour is currently working with a $2000 budget. Council approved Simon’s request.

People interested in learning more about technology are invited to Tech Time a once-a-month program at the Wilberforce library branch. The drop-in program can include discussion of technology trends and also one-on-one time for people who aren’t comfortable with their phones tablets or computers and want to learn more about how to use them.

Bessie Sullivan Haliburton County Public Library CEO said support staff can help residents download books or troubleshoot problems with technology but noted there are “thousands of devices out there and we’re not miracle workers.”

The next tech time will be held at 1 p.m. on May 11 at the Wilberforce library branch.

Post-secondary students Adam Bird and Robert Carter have been hired to work on the septic maintenance and re-inspection program running from May 1 to Aug. 25.

Letters and preliminary questionnaires have been sent to property owners who can expect a site inspection. Property owners in the Glamor and Billings lakes area will be first to participate.

“It is a pilot project so we’re all learning as we go along” said Laurie Devolin chief building official. “It will ease us into the program to have friendly reception.”