July 7, 2020: Mayor's Report
June 19th
I attended teleconference meeting for Hastings Prince Edward County Board of Health hosted by Dr. David McKeown and participants included Dr. Yaffee and Dr. Williams, the chairs and vice chairs of the Board of Health and Dr. Caturay, acting Medical Officer of Health.
The purpose of the meeting was to update us on COVID-19 and the opening of Phase II. Phase II opening of businesses and services is different in different areas based on the number of cases. Dr. Yaffe reported on the status of Long Term Care facilities. There is a new method of collecting data which will be beneficial if there is a second wave and they are expecting there will be. Elizabeth Walker advised that a new schedule will be issued soon for consultations regarding the Health Care modernization which were put on hold when COVID-19 became the priority.
Boards of Health have been severely impacted financially by additional costs related to COVID. They can now apply for funding.
Dr. Williams, Ontario Medical Officer of Health was very complementary to the HPEC Board of Health for their excellent service and response to public needs.
Consensus is the people are becoming relaxed and complacent especially since the warm weather is here. Travel from high risk to low risk areas is still discouraged.
Phase II is now being implemented, however, if numbers of positive tests increase, it may be necessary to revert back to Phase I conditions.
June 19th
Jim Pine provided a briefing regarding Hastings County by teleconference.
Both Centennial and Hastings Manor are admitting new residents and outdoor visits are permitted with strict protocol.
Community and Human Services have negotiated an agreement to use the former Quinte Secondary School to shelter homeless when isolation is necessary.
Day Care facilities are experiencing difficulty resuming services due to gathering limits and extra costs due to increased sanitation requirements.
Chief Doug Socha reported that over 6,000 swabs have been taken.
Hastings County Warden’s Caucus and Eastern Ontario Regional Network have been working diligently to improve connectivity for homes and businesses particularly in rural areas. Letters were sent to Ministers signed by all Hastings County Councillors urging their immediate attention to the needs of the rural communities which currently have poor or no service.
Staff have posted the letters on the Marmora and Lake Website and I encourage you to send your personal letter of support. Internet service is imperative for businesses and on-line education and for social interaction during this pandemic.
June 19th
I participated in a ZOOM meeting of AMO.
MPAC made a virtual presentation to the Board. There will be no change in property valuation in 2020.
AMO established a Health Task Force to make recommendations to the Provincial Independent Consultation Committee regarding Long Term Care.
Minister Steve Clarke attended the meeting virtually to discuss the Province’s initiative to prevent evictions by enacting the Protect Small Business Act.
AMO is working on a number of items:
Climate change
Blue box – currently in arbitration regarding full producer responsibility
Broadband – new funding formula will soon be announced
Consultation on water resources particularly regarding water bottling operations
Implementation of photo radar in school zones
Gas tax allocation to be administered
Post pandemic collective agreements regarding pandemic pay, redeployment issues, etc.
June 25th
I attended Hastings County Council through ZOOM.
Eastern Ontario Regional Network is moving forward to fix connectivity in our Region. There may be a request for municipal lands to accommodate tower builds.
June 25th
I attended the pop up testing centre and was tested for COVID. I am relieved to say my results were negative. There were 167 swabs taken in a 3 hour period.
At this time, I would like to thank Chief Doug Socha, his paramedic staff and our own staff for organizing the pop up test centre in Marmora. Thank you for providing the service locally and compliments to the people doing the swabbing for their excellent service. In appreciation, on behalf of myself and Council, I would like to ask staff to send a letter of appreciation to Chief Socha.
June 27th
I attended the 50th Anniversary of Janice and Bill Deline, lifelong residents of Marmora.
June 29th
I attended a special closed meeting of Council.
June 30th
I attended a special meeting of Hastings Prince Edward County Board of Health triggered by a recent outbreak of COVID in our neighboring community including Kingston.
Dr. Caturay spoke primarily on the issue of making it mandatory to wear a mask or face covering when in enclosed areas versus making a strong recommendation to wear masks.
Individual municipalities can pass by-laws to make wearing masks mandatory however enforcement would be a challenge.
There have been no new cases in HPEC since May 18th.
Dr. Caturay drafted a letter to be sent to all businesses strongly recommending the use of masks and posters will be provided as well.
June 30th
I participated in our bi-weekly regularly scheduled Emergency Control Group meeting.
Opening up businesses and services allowed under Phase II and how this affects all of our facilities and public spaces.
Gatherings have been increased for funerals and weddings.