Mayor's Report for March 15, 2022
March 1st
I presided over the 2022 Municipal Budget Meeting. The budget was approved by a unanimous vote of council.
Thank you again to Tonia and all departments for presenting a good and reasonable budget document. The Budget document considered all sources of funding, identified efficiencies and cost savings and potential revenue sources beyond collected land tax. We considered public input submitted in the public survey and individual input as a result of the public opportunity for comment to the draft budget document. The approved budget provides the human resources and equipment to ensure we meet our standard service delivery policies and progress toward meeting objectives set out in the Strategic Plan.
Well done.
At 4:00 p.m. I presided over the regular Planning Meeting and Deputy Mayor Stevens presided over the Committee of Adjustment Meeting.
At 4:30 p.m. I presided over the Regular Meeting of Council.
March 2nd
I attended the Hastings Prince Edward Board of Health Meeting.
At 12:30 - I participated in our bi-weekly meeting with Hastings County and Hastings Prince Edward Board of Health. Dr. Toumishey provided his update on COVID statistics in Hastings Prince Edward and Chief Doug Socha reported on paramedic services and Dave Pym updated the group on Quinte Health Care. All health care services are impacted by a lack of health care professionals and recruitment of qualified personnel is challenging.
March 3rd
I met with the CAO regarding a legal matter.
I had a telephone meeting with the Treasurer.
March 4th
I had a telephone meeting with Deputy Clerk regarding a legal matter.
March 7th
I attended a Special Closed Meeting of Hastings County Council.
I had a telephone meeting with the municipal solicitor regarding a human resources legal matter.
March 9th
I attended the office to pick up my Agenda and sign documents. I responded to a number of enquiries.
March 11th
I responded to a resident's concern and contacted the Hastings County Planning Department to refer his concerns.
March 14th
I reviewed agendas in preparation for today's meetings.
At 6:00 - I attended a meeting of the decorating committee to plan events for the 200th Anniversary organized by Deputy Mayor Stevens.
Thank you to Mike and to all the volunteers who attended the meeting.
Several events are planned to raise funds for the events. There is still time to volunteer and to participate in the celebration. A program calendar will be available soon.
March 15th
I attended the Hastings County Planning and Development Committee Meeting and Finance Property and Personnel Committee Meetings this morning.
The Director of Planning reported on some of the issues with the Planning and Development Department and presented the 2022 Budget.
The CAO is conducting a service delivery review of all departments including the Planning Department.
Last year, there was a 41% increase in permits issued. Enquiries this year have increased. It was noted that there is more dependency on Hastings County Planning by member municipalities. This will reduce the service delivery times. I continue to reinforce the need for planning staff at the municipality. Delays in responses to enquiries and application processes has a negative impact on development and real estate transactions and we have no direct control or authority over the process. We also committed to having a short-term rental bylaw prepared and it is time to review the official plan. Our staff are not qualified planners. Incorrect information or not meeting legislative deadlines for applications is creating a risk of legal action, could discourage development and has a negative impact on our customer service.
Finance, Property and Personnel Committee considered and approved the 2022 Capital and Operating Budget. The tax levy impact is 2.7%.
Jim Pine, CAO, provided an update on the changes to COVID restrictions at County facilities as amended by the provincial government and effective March 21st . There are serious concerns over the changes and in his words "COVID is not over". In fact, there are numerous outbreaks in the community, and it is difficult to judge how many since there is no testing and tracing.
At this time, on behalf of myself and Council I would like to acknowledge the pain and suffering being imposed on the citizens of Ukraine and offer thoughts and prayers for an end to the unrest and war. Please join me in a moment of silence to recognize the serious circumstances in Ukraine and hope for a quick ending to this war.