May 5, 2020: Mayor's Report
Good Afternoon:
This is the first virtual Council Meeting held where the public can see members of council and staff and it is being streamed through Facebook. This is a new experience for all of us. We did a trial run yesterday and it went well. I want to thank Tonia and Jenn for their support in setting the meeting up and for their patience in training those of us that are technically challenged. You did a great job.
April 29th Emergency Control Group Meeting
The Emergency Control Group meets weekly by teleconference. All Management staff give a report on their department and provide an update on events or situations as a result of the COVID-19.
The CAO gave an update on the Phase In program outlined by the Province. It is their intention to open up business and services in three phases. The three phases are categorized as follows:
i) Protect and Support
ii) Restart
iii) Recover
For additional information, the County's Economic Development Department are developing strategies to assist businesses and be prepared to provide guidance and connectivity through consultation and social media when the government gives the green light.
Please refer to the Marmora and Lake web site for any announcements.
The Library will remain closed ·and will follow provincial guidelines when it is safe to open. In the meantime, if you are able to be on the internet you will note that there are programs and services offered on line.
The Fire Chief reported that there have been burn complaints and numerous requests for burn permits. The Fire Ban is in effect and no permits will be issued until the ban is lifted. The OPP are warning anyone with fires that there is a burn ban in effect. Fires are reported to the Ministry of Natural Resources.
The Provincial Government has declared that community gardens are an essential service. We have 12 garden beds. Wendy Bateman has volunteered to manage the gardens. Signs will be put up at the location in accordance with Board of Health guidelines to ensure gardeners are self-distancing and adhering to the maximum of five being there at one time.
The public boat launches will remain closed until further notice.
The topic of yard sales was discussed. The municipality cannot prohibit yard sales but we highly recommend that yard sales not be held. A reminder that only five people in a group.
I participate in the Hastings County Update each Wednesday morning at 8:30. Warden Phillips and CAO, Jim Pine host the virtual meeting and department heads provide an update on the current status within their area of responsibility.
April 29th , I attended a personnel committee meeting.
April 30th I participated in the regularly scheduled Hastings County Council Meeting by teleconference.
Warden Phillips gave a very sincere thank you and appreciation to the staff and caregivers for their dedication and commitment to providing the best care possible in the long term care homes, paramedic services, social services, hospitals, etc. He also thanked County staff for their support services.
Warden Phillips also announced declarations as follows:
Declarations:
May 3rd to May 9 th is Emergency Preparedness Week
May 24th - May 30th is Paramedic Services Week
On behalf of Marmora and Lake Council and staff, I would also like to declare May 3rd to May 9th as Emergency Preparedness Week; and May 24th to May 30th as Paramedic Services Week.
Finally, I want to remind you and ask for your co-operation to stay home and follow the instructions from the health care professionals. When we can meet face to face, let's make sure that no one is missing.