Mayor's Report for December 6, 2022

WELCOME COUNCIL, STAFF, DELEGATES AND RESIDENTS TO THE FIRST OFFICIAL COUNCIL MEETING FOR THE COUNCIL TERM 2022 - 2026.

I WANT TO CONGRATULATE OUR NEWLY ELECTED COUNCIL MEMBERS AND RETURNING COUNCIL MEMBERS AND I LOOK FORWARD TO WORKING WITH YOU.

November 2nd

I attended the regular meeting of the Hastings Prince Edward Board of Health. Mayor Albert was the chair and it was her last meeting as she is retired.

That afternoon I attended the scheduled in house training for the new Council elect. Orientation Binders were provided to Council by staff and staff provided the training. Thanks to Jenn Bennett.

November 10th

I attended the Legion's candle light ceremony at the Common Cemetery and Sacred Heart Cemetery.

November 11th

I attended the Remembrance Day ceremony at the cenotaph and Deputy Mayor Stevens and I laid a wreath on behalf of Marmora and Lake.

November 14th

I attended the Hastings County Planning and Development and Finance Property & Personnel Committee meetings. A special meeting of Hastings County Council was held immediately following the committee meetings.

November 15th

Council attended in house training for the new Council elect in preparation for the inauguration in the afternoon.

At 2:00, the inauguration ceremony commenced with Tonia Bennett's Election Report and the swearing in of the new Council. The inauguration was held at the Community Centre. Each member of Council was sworn in by the Clerk. Family, friends, staff and the public were invited to attend. Council provided a light lunch and refreshments and the Lion's Club graciously served at the bar. Thank you to staff for organizing the event and setting up the hall. Thank you to everyone who attended and helped to make the day special. It is an honour to serve on Council.

November 16th

I attended the Crowe Valley Conservation offices to participate in a consultation with their solicitor in preparation of three public hearings scheduled for November 17th.

At 12:00, I attended the new restaurant "Wings & Strings" and cut the ribbon for their official opening. This is a welcome addition to our downtown and provides a much needed food venue and gathering place. Congratulations to Eva and Peter and on behalf of myself and Council, we wish you every success. Thank you to Tammy and the Hastings County small business marketing for their support.

November 17th

I presided over three Public Hearings of the Crowe Valley Conservation Authority.

November 21st

I met with the CAO as part of the ongoing Orientation training.

November 22nd

I attended the National Housing Day Presentation organized by Hastings County and a number of developers to promote affordable housing throughout the County.

November 24th

The Classic Cruisers Car Club invited me to attend their Christmas Dinner. Proceeds were donated to the local Food Banks. They assured me they plan to have the car shows every Thursday starting in May.

November 28th

I spent the day in the office for a couple of meetings and to sign documents.

November 29th

I was the Hastings County orientation Meeting.

At 4:00, I met with Tammy, Economic Development Co-ordinator to discuss heritage locations in Marmora and Lake.

At 5:00, I commenced the Economic Development Committee Meeting. Going forward in January Councillors will be appointed to the various Boards and Committees by by-law. Vacancies will be advertised and I encourage you to apply as a volunteer on any of the Boards and Committees. Eric Daoust will be appointed to the EcDev Committee as Chair.

December 1st

I was the Hastings County Inauguration Ceremony. There are a number of newly elected officials on Hastings County Council. Bob Mullin, Stirling Rawdon was elected Warden. A nominating committee was appointed and met to assign and appoint members to the various Committees. All Council Members sit on the Planning & Development and the Finance Property and Personnel Committees and usually one other committee. In addition, I was re-appointed to the Hastings Prince Edward Board of Health.

That evening, I attended the Frolicking on Forsyth. It was a super great event and on behalf of myself and Council, I want to thank the organizers for a wonderful evening put on for the community's enjoyment. Also, thank you to the volunteers who successfully funded and exceeded the goals to purchase new lights for the downtown and thank you to everyone who installed decorations, provided food and refreshments, and to the store owners who kept their stores open for additional shopping opportunities.

December 2nd

I helped to decorate a float representing Marmora and Lake. Garry & Brenda Poirier provided the truck.

December 3rd

Deputy Mayor Stevens and I attended the parade in a float. This had to be one of the biggest parades in Marmora's history. People were gathered all along the parade route and everyone seemed to be really enjoying the parade.

Thank you to Cindy Reid and the Lion's Club for co-ordinating the floats in the parade and organizing the refreshments at the Community Centre. In spite of the weather, it was a great day. Thank you to everyone who participated.

December 4th

I attended the Polar Plunge at Booster Park. This was fund raiser.

There were about 6 participants. Our Fire Department was in attendance and they were conducting a search and rescue training event. Following the swim, the Catholic Women's League catered a Chile lunch at Sacred Heart. Everyone had a good time and they successfully raised a substantial amount of money.

December 6th

I attended a meeting with the Crowe Valley Conservation Manager and their solicitor in preparation for the meeting on December 7th.

Today at 5:30, I presided over the Planning Meeting. Following the Planning Meeting, the Committee of Adjustment met to select a chair. Mike Stevens was elected Chair for this term of Council. Congratulations.

December 7th

I have been requested to attend the grand opening of the Miner's Restaurant on Matthew Street. Again, this is a welcome addition to the Town and behalf of Council , I extend congratulations and wish the new owners every success.

I also want to announce that OPG is hosing an open house on December 15th at the Marmora Legion. This is an opportunity to become informed on the pumped storage project.

Jennifer Bennett