September 7, 2021: Mayor's Report
Our last regular Council meeting was Tuesday, August 3rd, 2021
August 4th
I participated in the bi-weekly meeting of Hastings County and the Hastings Prince Edward Board of Health.
August 5th
I participated in the weekly meeting with Dr. Oglaza, Medical Officer of Health, and Chair Albert.
One of the items reported was that a private zoo operating in Hastings Highlands had been closed to the public.
August 9th
I attended the special hearing meeting of the Crowe Valley Conservation Authority to consider three appeal applications.
August 10th
I met with a resident regarding drainage on his property.
August 11th
I participated in a special meeting regarding the selection of the new ambulance base. Marmora and Lake proposed a location at the Fire Hall. The Stirling Rawdon location at their Administration and Works Yard was selected. That location was preferred based on deployment statistics. I was very disappointed and expressed my observation that Marmora and Lake is the only urban area without an ambulance base.
I participated in the regular weekly meeting as vice-chair with MOH and Chair of the Health Board. Dr. Toumishey, Acting MOH advised that a 4th wave of the pandemic is imminent.
August 12th
I participated in regular meetings of Hastings County Planning and Development and Finance, Property and Personnel. Hastings County has developed a site for residents to report on Gypsy Moth infestation. Hastings County made a delegation to the Ministry to advocate for support and direction to deal with the matter going forward.
August 14th
I attended the annual fundraiser, the Butterfly Release at Heart of Hastings Hospice house in Madoc. I delivered a message of appreciation on behalf of Marmora and Lake for the excellent services they provide to the community and surrounding areas and thanked the front-line workers and volunteers for their extra contribution during the pandemic.
August 15, 16, 17 & 18th
I participated in the virtual AMO Conference as a representative of Hastings County. This was an excellent conference with many informative sessions and panels debating current issues.
I attended the following sessions:
Historical traumas and affect on the Arctic
Conservation Authorities Act Revisions
There will be a Community Advisory Board/Committee. The revisions are focused on provincial programs that will be considered mandatory while municipal responsibilities will be considered non-mandatory. A memorandum of understanding agreement will be necessary between the conservation authority and the municipality.Built for Zero
AMO was sponsored by the City of London. The Social Services Director for the City of London provided a presentation called Built for Zero. This was an initiative of the City of London to ensure veterans were not homeless.Abbeyfield
The Executive Director also made a presentation on the concept of shared accommodation, and it is referred to as Abbeyfield.
What is Abbeyfield?
This is a house/building with rental spaces to accommodate 12 to 15 independent seniors, generally low to moderate-income who chose to not live alone. They have individual living quarters which they maintain. It is a not-for-profit charity, community volunteer operated, and common spaces are shared and consist of full-time housekeeper and cook.
Cannabis Production is Legal – Regulatory Overview
The topics discussed were balancing restriction and access. Patients have the right to grow their own supply.
Health Canada needs to provide the means to curb criminal activity and develop safety and building codes for production facilities which have become a major challenge for municipalities.
Eastern Ontario Warden’s Caucus and Eastern Ontario Regional Network
It was unanimously agreed that access to broadband internet service should be declared an essential service. There needs to be clear engineering standards and risk mitigation practices. Community engagement and collaboration among funding partners will result in fair competition and have an impact on providing the services that are affordable.
August 18th & 19th
I participated in weekly meetings with the Board of Health.
August 25th
I drove to observe the four locations of the Rezoning Applications that are the subject of the Planning Meeting today.
August 26th
I participated in the regular meeting of Hastings County.
Chief Socha provided an update on the decision of the choice of location of the new ambulance base.
August 27th
I participated in a special meeting with Dr. Oglaza, Dr. Toumishey, Chair Albert and senior staff at the Board of Health. Dr. Oglaza informed us that he had been offered and accepted the position of the MOH at Kingston, Lennox and Addington to replace Dr. Moore who recently became the Provincial Medical Officer of Health replacing Dr. Williams.
August 31st
I met with Tonia and Tammy to discuss the plans for the 200th Anniversary.
The Economic Development Committee’s regular meeting was replaced to attend an arranged tour of the Marmora Mine with Northland Power for the members of the Economic Development Advisory Committee.
September 1st
I participated in the regular meeting of the Board of Health. The Medical Officer of Health position is a mandatory position. The Board appointed Dr. Ethan Toumishey as the Acting Medical Officer of Health and a selection committee was appointed to fill the vacancy. As vice-chair, I am on that selection committee.
September 2nd
Tammy and I presented two certificates to new landscaping businesses.
At 2:00 p.m. – I participated in the Police Services Board Meeting on behalf of Deputy Mayor Stevens.
At 4:00 p.m. – I participated in the weekly meeting with the Medical Officer of Health and Chair Albert.
September 7th
Today, I chaired the Public Planning Meeting. There were four applications for rezoning. Tonight is the regular Council Meeting.