February 16, 2021: Mayor's Report

February 2nd

I presided over the regularly scheduled Council Meeting.

February 3rd

I attended the regular meeting of Hastings Prince Edward Board of Health. I was elected Vice-Chair to the Hastings Prince Edward Board of Health.

Dr. Oglaza’s comments were based on three issues: Update on COVID, Finance and the Website. COVID-19 cases have declined. He attributed these results to community compliance with lockdown restrictions and good communication. He further advised that immunization sites will be set up and timing will be based on supply. There has been a significant financial impact on the Board. He explained the challenges to determine staff levels and they are tracking all costs in anticipation of funding. We have a low number of cases but they need to be prepared if there is a further increase of cases. The Website has about 10,000 visits per day.

Board staff reported that the school restart has been very successful. Eric Serwotka complemented the Boards of Education and schools for their excellent work. I passed his compliments to Councillor Carman who is Vice Principal in Marmora Public School. Thank you to the teachers, staff and students of both schools for their commitment to teaching and learning during these difficult circumstances.

On behalf of Council and Marmora and Lake Residents, I would like to pass along our appreciation to the Board and Staff of the Hastings Prince Edward Board of Health for their excellent work in putting measures in place to keep our community safe and continuing to meet their obligations for the other services they provide.

February 3rd

I participated in a teleconference zoom meeting with Hastings Prince Edward Board of Health and other partners such as Chief Paramedic Doug Socha, CAO of Quinte Health Care and Hastings County Council and Staff. A topic of concern was paid sick leave to reduce the spread of COVID. A letter of support was sent to the Minister of Health.

February 8th

I presided over a Special Closed Meeting of Council.

February 9th

I participated in the Emergency Control Group Meeting. The Provincial State of Emergency expired on February 9th and the Stay at Home Order lifted.

Please refer to Sector-specific public health and workplace safety measures and public health advice on the website.

Hastings Prince Edward County, Kingston, Lennox and Addington and Renfrew Counties were reduced to Green Zone. It was determined to open the offices and facilities with regular screening and collecting tracing information. We encourage the public to make appointments if there is a need for in-person service. We will leave the State of Emergency in place until our next meeting in case there is a change in positive cases as a result of lifting the restrictions.

February 10th

I participated in the regular Hastings Prince Edward Board of Health and Hastings County zoom meeting.

Dr. Oglaza reported that the Stay at Home order had expired but expressed concern that there may be migration from areas still under lockdown attempting to book weekend plans.

In order to provide enhanced protection to our community, Dr. Oglaza issued a Class Order made pursuant to Section 22(5.0.1) of the Health Protection and Promotion Act, as follows:

  • Bookings for accommodation, personal service settings and dine-in food services shall be accepted only for individuals residing in regions where Stay at Home order has been lifted with some exceptions;

  • Dine-in services shall be limited to 6 people per table;

  • Contact information shall be required for all patrons attending local accommodations, dining establishments and personal service settings;

  • Retail businesses shall be required to maintain/post a safety plan and wear appropriate face coverings or PPE;

  • Retail businesses shall not play music at a volume any louder than a normal conversation and patrons shall not be permitted to line up inside a retail setting, or to line up/congregate outside a retail setting unless they are wearing a face covering.

Dr. Oglaza stated that he will continue to monitor the status and will update the Class Order as needed to protect our community. He commented that he is asking all residents to remain thoughtful about their daily choices and to continue to limit close contacts to those within their household, physically distance with all others, and wear a mask when physical distancing is not possible, avoid travelling to - or hosting guests from other regions, especially regions where a stay at home order is in effect.

My personal thank you to all our residents, businesses, schools and our municipal staff for your co-operation in adjusting your routines and lifestyles to adhere to the recommended guidelines. This is so important because it is the answer to keeping our businesses and schools open, avoiding overwhelming our medical system and keeping our community safe.

February 10th

I participated in a meeting with Andrew Redden and Mark Hanley, Hastings County Economic Development staff, Tonia Bennett, CAO; Tammy May, Economic Development Coordinator. This was a follow-up meeting to an interview session held in 2019. Andrew and Mark will be providing a report based on the meeting items.

February 10th

Janice Chrysler, Women in Wellness, invited me to make an announcement in support of International Womens’ Day and to declare the week of March 1st to 8th as International Women’s Week. International Women’s Day is a day dedicated to honouring the achievements of women throughout history and across the globe.

It is, therefore, my honour to declare the week of March 1st to 8th as International Women’s Week and March 8th as International Women’s Day. In recognition and support of International Women’s Day, I urge you to wear the colour purple.

February 11th

I had the opportunity to welcome our new priest at Sacred Heart Parish and to take him on a short tour of our beautiful municipality and point out some of the interesting history and sites.

February 16th

I participated in the Hastings County Planning and Development Committee and Finance, Property and Personnel Meetings.

This is our regularly scheduled Council Meeting including the Public Meeting set aside for delegations and input to the 2021 Draft Budget. To all residents who have taken their time to provide comments and input both written and verbal delegation tonight – thank you for your contribution. You will note there is a staff report requesting approval to amend the original budget meeting schedule. The revised schedule will be posted on the website.

For your information, Jocelyn Hill, Municipal Treasurer has tendered her resignation effective February 19th and has accepted a new position. On behalf of the Council, thank you for your service and we wish you well in your new endeavour.

Thank you.

Jennifer Bennett