April 6, 2021: Mayor's Report
March 16th
I attended Hastings County Planning and Development and Finance, Property and Personnel Committee Meetings.
March 16th
I presided over our regular Council Meeting
March 17th
I participated in Hastings Prince Edward Health Unit and Hastings County teleconference.
March 18th
I participated as Vice-Chair of the Hastings Prince Edward Public Health Board in a weekly teleconference with Dr. Oglaza, Medical Officer of Health, and Jo Anne Albert, Board Chair. Dr. Oglaza provides us with any updates to the status of the COVID cases and rollout schedules for vaccination clinics.
March 19th
I was invited to the virtual announcement and media release regarding the successful approval for upgrades to the Eastern Ontario Regional Network and the award of the contract to Rogers. This project involves 23 connectivity projects and will provide approximately 3,000 jobs. Existing towers will be upgraded and new towers will be constructed with the upgrades starting this spring.
Access to the internet and cell coverage has become an essential service and considered a # 1 Priority. This will provide opportunities for virtual education, improved economic development and personal benefits for communication throughout the county and in fact throughout the province and country. On behalf of myself and Council, thank you to the Eastern Ontario Warden's Caucus and Mayor's Caucus for their persistent advocacy for funding. Thank you to Hastings County Warden Rick Phillips and CAO Jim Pine for the project development and support. This is a tri-level financing project with the Federal and Provincial governments.
March 22nd
I participated in a Personnel Committee Meeting to discuss the process for the Treasurer's position.
March 22nd
I presided over a Special Closed Meeting of Council.
March 24th
I participated in r regular weekly teleconference with Hastings County a Hastings Prince Edward Public Health
March 24th
I participated in the weekly teleconference with Hastings Prince Edward Public Health and Hastings County regarding COVID.
March 25th
I attended Hastings County Council. Centre Hastings was the site chosen for a 123-bed long-term care facility. Congratulations to Mayor Tom Deline.
Further information regarding the EORN project was provided. The project will consist of 600 towers - 300 existing and 300 new construction. The partnership with Canada/ Ontario and Rogers is in the range of $300 M. Thank you to MPP Daryl Kramp, MP Todd Smith for their support.
The County passed the Budget at 3.19%.
March 25th
I participated in the weekly teleconference with Dr. Oglaza and Chair Albert. A new committee is being established to coordinate communication between community partners regarding the rollout of the vaccination.
March 30th
I presided over the Public Budget Meeting. The meeting was in-person and it was open to the public. There was no one from the public in attendance. As a courtesy, we attempted to provide audio access. This was our first attempt at a hybrid meeting and unfortunately, the audio was not good.
I apologize. We had tested it multiple times on Friday and it worked perfectly. We are working with the supplier's technical support to get it fixed. Please note that the official minutes are posted on the website.
Also, on the website are my comments prior to the Budget Meeting with a brief overview of the budget process.
The 2021 Budget passed unanimously with a 2.51 % tax increase. I would like to thank the public for their input. Thank you to Tonia and staff and Alex for a well-presented budget.
Thank you to Council for approving a very responsible and reasonable budget.
March 31st
I participated in a meeting with Hastings County Council, Daryl Kramp and Minister Scott, Minister McKenna, and the Eastern Ontario Trails Alliance announcing funding from Infrastructure Canada through the Community Culture and Recreation Infrastructure Fund. Marmora and Lake received a grant of $40,142 specifically allocated to improvements at the softball diamond. Significant funding was awarded for trail maintenance and bridge construction.
March 31st
I participated in the weekly teleconference with Hastings County and Hastings Prince Edward Public Health. Up until now, HPEPH has had the lowest rate of COVID cases compared to our surrounding health units. This has changed significantly in a very short time. As of that date we had 388 cases, 32 for two days in a row. The Province announced lockdown measures and Dr. Oglaza amended Code 22 restrictions to reflect the provincial changes. The spike of cases is attributed to social gatherings and visitors from other areas.
Please consult the public health website for the specific restrictions under Code 22. There are charges and penalties for noncompliance.
March 31st
Tammy and I visited Pizza Pizza and KFC to congratulate the owner and welcome him and his business to
Marmora and Lake.
April 1st
I attended the regular weekly meeting with Dr. Oglaza and Chair Albert. One concern about the vaccination roll-out and reservations is that the provincial registration does not restrict the issue of the vaccinations to individuals from other areas provided they meet the other criteria.
There is some hesitance to receiving the AstraZeneca Vaccine.
It is still recommended as there doesn't seem to be scientific data to support the concerns. Please get vaccinated. This is our light at the end of the tunnel.
April 1st
I attended the office to collect my Agenda and to sign cheques.
April 6th
I had discussions with Dr. Oglaza this morning prior to our meeting of the Emergency Control Group. He advised that we continue to have an increased number of cases which is a concern that they are monitoring closely. Marmora and Lake will continue to be under the State of Emergency until there is some stability in the COVID and variant cases. This permits us to recover costs incurred due to COVID.
Please be vigilant and comply with COVID protocol and the Order issued by the Medical Officer of Health. News reports that the variant is much more contagious and is affecting the younger population between the ages of 20 to 50 since now the older population is vaccinated. Hospitals are nearing capacity.
Please be safe and keep your family and friends safe by avoiding social gatherings.
I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate and thank Chief Tony Brownson for achieving success in compliance results under the Emergency Management & Civil Protection Act. Tony is the Community Emergency Management Coordinator.
April 6th
I presided over the Planning Meeting prior to this meeting and now Council.