April 20, 2021: Mayor's Report
April 6th
I presided over the regular Planning and Council Meeting
April 7th
I attended a Closed Session Meeting of the Board of Health until 10:00 a.m.
April 7th
I presided over the Special Council Meeting for the purpose of conducting interviews for the statutory position of Municipal Treasurer. Council, CAO/Clerk, Deputy Clerk, and two Hastings County professionals participated in the interviews of three candidates. The successful applicant will commence work on May 3rd.
April 7th
I briefly attended the weekly meeting with HPEPH and Hastings County (between interviews). It was a full day!!!
April 8th
I attended our weekly meeting with Dr. Oglaza, Medical Officer of Health and Chair Jo Anne Albert.
April 8th & 9th
Tammy May and I were scheduled to visit new businesses to welcome them. These visits were canceled as a result of the Province's new restrictions.
April 9th
I participated in a meeting with the new pharmacy owner and management. Tonia and Tammy.
April 14th
I participated in our regular weekly meeting with the Board of Health and Hastings County. Dr. Oglaza expressed his concern over the increased number of cases in Hastings Prince Edward County. He also announced that our allocation of vaccines had been reduced by 25%. Dr. Oglaza proposed to send a letter to Minister Elliott and Premier Ford expressing his objection to this reduction in allocation. The letter is posted on the municipal website.
April 15th
I participated in the Crowe Valley Conservation Authority Meeting.
1st Meeting - Special Hearing - Watershed Advisory Hearing #178-20;
2nd Meeting - Presentation by Andrew regarding the Source Water Protection Act for Clean Water.
One of the concerns was the inspection of existing septic systems which have been identified as high risk and scheduled for inspection every five years. With the significant change in usage of seasonal dwellings due to short-term rentals and year-round occupancy, septic systems installed for seasonal use may contribute to groundwater contamination and may have a negative impact on water quality in lakes. I have requested that Andrew come as a delegation to a future Council Meeting and present the information to Council.
3rd Meeting - Regular meeting of the Crowe Valley Conservation Authority.
April 15th
I participated in our regular meeting with Dr. Oglaza and Chair Albert. There has been a media release as a result of the most recent changes by the Province. It is posted on our website.
April 20th
I participated in Hastings County Planning and Development Committee and Finance, Property and Personnel Committee Meetings.
The Hastings County Council approved an amendment to the Official Plan which dealt with 4 issues:
i) Some technical and housekeeping issues;
ii) Secondary dwelling policies
iii) Mapping at Bird's Creek
iv) Changes to the Source Water Protection area in Centre Hastings as a result of a new well water supply
The Planning Director also gave an update to the Severance Policy: Recent changes restricted severance of an original lot of record to two plus one. That is being revised to a severance of a lot to create two lots and then another severance to create two more lots.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank our resident volunteers for the excellent job cleaning up around the community. I understand a group of volunteers picked up trash at the mine site and Mary Street. Thank you to Mary & John Clark for their efforts on High Shore Road. I know there are many other locations where dedicated citizens regularly pick up the garbage and demonstrate their pride in the Town. Thank you.
Thank you to John Croskery and his staff for assisting the volunteers by collecting the garbage bags and disposing of them.
Just a reminder: for the health and safety of our community, please dispose of your trash appropriately and please pick up after your animals.
Please take responsibility for your actions and decisions regarding COVID - 19. The current restrictions include a province-wide Stay-At-Home Order. The Order is in effect and requires everyone to remain at home except for essential purposes, such as going to the grocery store or pharmacy, accessing health care services including getting vaccinated, for outdoor exercise, or for work that cannot be done remotely.
Please avoid close contact with anyone outside your household.
For more information please visit the website.