Mayor's Report for February 15, 2022.

February 1st

I attended Board of Health Meeting. I was re-elected vice-chair of the HPEPH Board.

At 4:00 p.m., I presided over the regular Marmora and Lake Planning Meeting.

At 4:30 p.m., I presided over the regular Marmora and Lake Council Meeting and the Closed Meeting.

February 2nd

I attended the bi-weekly meeting of the Board of Health and Hastings County.

February 8th

I attended the office to prepare for an interview with Elaine Anselmi, regarding the history of the Marmora mine and the proposed Marmora Pumped Storage Project.

February 9th

I was interviewed by Elaine Anselmi, Senior Editor of the Narwhal, which is a digital magazine focused on the Environment in preparation for an article she is preparing. The pumped storage project is of particular interest as it is not only a project to produce electricity but it meets much of the criteria regarding climate change initiatives and ultimately the project will rehabilitate the site.

I’m not sure who is responsible for the binder prepared on the Marmora Bethlehem Steel Operation which was passed to me by the former Mayor Clemens containing the history of the mine operations, the collective agreements negotiated which provided the employees with excellent wages and benefits, the contributions to the community and economic stimulus to local businesses. It was extremely interesting and helpful.

Elaine plans to visit Marmora and tour the mine site in the spring. She was very interested in the history of Marmora and the tourist attractions in the area.

February 10th

I attended the Emergency Control Group meeting. It was decided that:

  1. We would re-open to the public on February 22nd, following the guidelines of the Province;

  2. Attendance in municipal facilities requires wearing a mask and social distancing;

  3. The arena is open and subject to COVID protocol;

  4. Staff are preparing to return to in-person meetings. In the next week, the technical equipment will be tested to confirm the virtual component can be provided. Council and staff will have the option to continue to attend virtually.

  5. If you are not well, please stay home.

February 11th

I attended the office to meet with staff and discuss Agenda items.

At the meeting of February 1st, Council approved the recommendation to award the contract for Animal Control and Livestock Evaluators. I met the new Animal Control Officers – Calvin Klein and Ian Klein. They were in the office to have official identification documents prepared.

February 15th

9:30 a.m., I attended Hastings County Planning and Development Committee. County Councillor Deline was elected chair.

There are changes coming forward to the Planning Act dealing with the Environmental Assessment processes. The changes are a result of recent legislative changes and are meant to make the process more efficient. Justin Harrow, Director of Planning will share the changes with the Clerks and Treasurers through their association.

At 10:30 a.m., I attended the Finance, Property and Personnel Committee Meeting;

Both Belleville General Hospital Foundation and University Hospital Kingston Foundation made presentations for funding for their respective needs.

The Quinte Health Foundation is asking for donations/contributions of $100,000. Per year for 5 years to purchase new nuclear screening equipment;

University Hospital Kingston Foundation is asking for $129,000. Per year for 5 years to construct a new wing and to increase capacity for many services.

These requests were referred to the Budget deliberations.

Insurance Renewal 2022 was presented and escalating cost of municipal claims and provided an overview of major trends influencing claims costs. They are:

  • Climate change

  • Cyber liability

  • Class actions

  • Joint and several liability

  • Changing legal landscape

  • Future care costs

  • Transit claims

Hastings County’s premium renewal is 17% higher than 2021 for a total of $979,483.

At 11:30 a.m. – I attended the Hastings Local Housing Corporation Meeting. All Hastings County Councillors are elected as Directors of Hastings Local Housing Corporation Board of Directors.

The next committee meetings and Hastings County Council Meeting will be held in person.

At 4:30 p.m. – I am presiding over our regular Council Meeting. This meeting is setting time aside for input to the budget. Staff will read the correspondence. Just a reminder: this meeting is to receive public input and there will be no debate at this meeting.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the public for taking the time to review the budget and for providing your input. Staff will include your input for Council’s consideration during budget deliberations.

Jennifer Bennett