December 1, 2020: Mayor's Report

November 17th

I attended Hastings County Planning and Development Committee and Finance, Property and Personnel Committee Meetings virtually.

Later that evening at 6:30 I presided at the regular meeting of Council streamed via Facebook Live.

November 18th

I participated with Deputy Mayor Stevens and staff in the Emergency Control Group Meeting.

November 19th

I participated in the Crowe Valley Conservation Authority Meeting. Correspondence regarding changes to the Conservation Authority Act and the response from the Crowe Valley Conservation Chair are included in this Agenda.

November 20th

I participated in a meeting with Hastings County Council members and Hastings Prince Edward County Board of Health regarding COVID – 19, the current colour status being “green”. Dr. Oglaza provided a detailed account of the increased case count in the County. He expressed that most of the increases were the result of travel to other regions in the red zone.

November 23rd

Chief Tony Brownson, Matt de jong and I met to discuss the content for public announcements regarding COVID and safety.

November 24th

I attended the regular meeting of the Economic Development Committee. Tonia and Jenn attended to provide some training regarding meeting protocol and operating within the standard Roberts Rules of Order and the Procedural Policy for participation in a duly assigned Committee of Council.

November 26th

I attended the regular meeting of Hastings County Council virtually. Warden Phillips and Jim Pine extended their thanks for being able to attend our Council Meeting and the opportunity for Mr. Pine to provide an update on the broadband project.

That afternoon, I attended the offices to record the Public Announcement that is posted on the web site.

At the time of the announcement, Hastings Prince Edward County was considered to be in the “green” zone as defined by the Province. The next day, the county’s designation went from green to “yellow”.

November 30th

The Emergency Control Group met. Since our status has changed to “yellow” I want to remind you of the extreme need to adhere to the COVID protocol.

Some details:

There were 27 new cases reported in the Region over a 7 day period. Strengthened public health measures come into effect in our region Monday, November 30th at 12:01 a.m. These measures included limited hours of operations for certain settings, reduced recreational program sizes, additional enforcement and fines and enhanced education in high-risk settings.

I quote:

“It is crucial that we protect our vulnerable populations and our health care system capacity,“ says Dr. Oglaza, Medical Officer of Health and CEO at Hastings Prince Edward Public Health. ”The level of transmission in our region has increased quickly over the past week, requiring additional preventative measures. To avoid further restrictions, I ask all residents to redouble their efforts at this critical time. Please continue to ask yourself: ‘ What can I do to reduce my risk of exposure and help limit the spread of COVID-19?’. What can I do to protect my family, friends and community?”

HPEPH recommends all residents practice five fundamental actions to protect themselves and others:

  • Stay home when ill;

  • Always physical distance outside your household;

  • Wear a mask or face-covering in public spaces and when physical distancing is difficult;

  • Wash your hands often and clean frequently touched surfaces;

  • Get tested if you have symptoms or if you have been in close contact with someone diagnosed with COVID.

In addition, HPEPH asks that all individuals respect requests to avoid non-essential travel and stay as close to home as possible.

Please refer to the Ontario.ca web site for specific rules and regulations.

We know that seasonal residents will be travelling to their cottages particularly during the holiday season and maybe residing at their seasonal properties with the options of working remotely. If you are experiencing symptoms, please refrain from travelling here and remember our health care system could be compromised if there were to be a major outbreak in our area.

Please respect the protocol to quarantine or isolate particularly when coming from the high-risk areas identified as orange/red/grey zones. Please bring your essential supplies and avoid putting a strain on our local suppliers.

If you are visiting or living in your seasonal residence you may be located on a private road. Please ensure you have made the necessary arrangements for maintained access to your residence in the case of an emergency. Ensure that your place is equipped with proper warning devices and that heat sources meet regulations and safety standards and operating properly.

Christmas and New Year’s are fast approaching. Please be vigilant. Christmas is a time when family traditions are important but it will probably be different this year. We all look forward to celebrating with family and friends to end one year and start the next. We will all be glad to see the end of 2020 but with the hope and anticipation that 2021 will be better and COVID just a bad memory. It is apparent that “family gatherings” are a greater risk than shopping. Gather with only your immediate household so that next year, all of your family and friends will be here to celebrate the old year out and the New Year in.

Over the next few months, Council will be considering the 2021 Annual Budget. The first meeting is Monday, December 7th. This is a public meeting and will be streamed facebook live beginning at 9:00 a.m. Please take the opportunity to view the meeting. It is important that residents of Marmora and Lake understand the financial challenges and provide input to decision making. Recommendations are based on the facts and in accordance with studies and documents such as our Road Needs Study, Strategic Plan, Asset Management Plan, Minimum Maintenance Standards. Tax rates are set based on assessment and then our revenue sources and tax base required to provide mandated services. Certain expenses are non-negotiable such as school board, conservation authority, county levy. Staff consistently look for efficiencies and improved productivity and make qualified recommendations to Council on discretionary accounts. The integrity of the infrastructure must be maintained and risk management assessment considered to reduce liability to the municipality. The health and safety of the public and staff are paramount. Council will be expected to make fiscally responsible financial decisions. Decisions that are not always popular but they are essential to manage our resources and meet the expectations of the community as a whole.

Jennifer Bennett