Mayor's Report for April 5, 2022
March 15th
I attended the Hastings County Planning & Development Committee Meeting and the Finance, Property and Personnel Committee Meeting.
At 4:30, I presided over the regular Council meeting for the Municipality.
March 16th
I participated in the bi-weekly joint meeting of the Hastings Prince Edward Board of Health and Hastings County. I attended the office to sign documents.
March 22nd
I met with the Reeve of Tudor Cashel to discuss fire department arrangements for joint services in the north.
March 23rd
I participated in the 200th Anniversary Volunteer Meeting. It was a great turnout and lots of enthusiasm. The key issue is to establish dates for events and to produce a calendar of events for advertising. Purchase of merchandise and promotional material is in progress.
March 25th
MPP Daryl Kramp invited me to attend a formal announcement and media release regarding approval of a funding grant for renovations and additional beds for Caressent Care in Marmora. There were other funding announcements for additional long term care homes in various municipalities in the County. MP Calantra, MPP Kramp, Warden Phillips, Mayors and Councillors from municipalities in Hastings County were present. The event was held at the Memorial Hospital in Napanee. On behalf of Council and our community, I thanked Premier Ford, MP Calantra, MPP Christine Elliott, Warden Phillips and particularly MPP Daryl Kramp and all ministries involved for their support in securing this funding. We all agreed that it is extremely important for our seniors and vulnerable population to be able to continue to live in their hometown community where they can sustain friendships and family contact while receiving the care they need and deserve. I also complemented and thanked the management and staff of Caressent Care for their service to our community.
March 26th
I was honoured to be the guest of honour at the #7 Classic Cruisers Car Club Dinner held at the Springbrook Diner. Donations for the food bank were accepted. The dinner was excellent and there were a number of draws. Thank you to Henry Toews and the Car Club for a wonderful evening. Just a reminder, the Car Show is scheduled to resume on Thursday, May 19th and will be held weekly, weather permitting. Proceeds from these events are being returned to the Community so please plan to attend and support these events. In 2021, donations were made to both schools and food banks.
March 28th
Following some disturbing and aggressive behavior directed at works staff during an emergency repair on River Garden Road on Saturday evening. I worked with staff to create a message/announcement for our web site appealing to the public to understand that potholes and road surfaces are part of the spring thaw process and there are few options to fix them until the frost is out of the ground. Staff patrol the roads and are aware of the problem areas.
We recognize the frustration and respond to the "requests for service”, as soon as practicable. Priority is given to the most severe locations in accordance with the equipment and resources available. However, intimidation and verbal abuse of staff while performing their job is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. There have been incidents where a staff member was barricaded against his will while investigating a bylaw violation. You will note a Public Relations Policy and Bylaw in this Agenda which specifies a "no tolerance” policy and possible ultimate consequences for violations.
The municipality has a fiduciary responsibility and duty of care under legislation and in the workplace in accordance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act to provide a safe work environment for its employees. The municipal staff have the right to perform their duties and jobs without harassment and degradation. Please note and I repeat, this a "no tolerance" policy.
I personally have received written threats and observed numerous situations of staff being verbally abused and berated.
March 29th
I attended the TD Bank in Madoc to be registered as a signing authority for the Crowe Valley Conservation Authority.
At 5:00 p.m. I chaired to regular meeting of the Economic Development Advisory Committee. Three new members have been appointed. Joyce Ioannou, Annabella Stoyke, and Launy Schwartz. I would like to take the opportunity to welcome the new members to the Committee.
March 30th
9:30 I attended Hastings County Council, in person. The 2022 Budget was passed unanimously. A reminder that Hastings County Council Meetings are live streamed.
1:45 I participated in the bi-weekly update with the HPEPH and Hastings County. Dr. Toumishey, MOH gave an update and advised that the surge in COVID cases is not unexpected and we have probably entered a 6th wave. It was decided that the bi-weekly meetings would be paused unless there is further government restrictions and further meetings would be at the discretion of the MOH.
1:30 I chaired the BOH Governance Meeting. I was re-elected Chair of the Governance Committee for this term. Staff prepared a comprehensive Governance Package which sets out the principles, policies, procedures and bylaws that govern the conduct and meeting standards for the Board of Health.
April 2nd
I attended the Lion's Club Pancake Breakfast which was delicious. I was asked to participate as a judge in the maple syrup competition. There were 11 entries.
Thank you to the Lion1s Club for organizing this community event and to Mary Provost for the generous donation of the prizes.
April 4th
I attended the AGM for the "Madoc” Chamber of Commerce. Membership was approved in the 2022 Budget. Approximately 18 businesses in Marmora and Lake have joined. A name change is being considered since membership includes a number of local communities. There are many benefits to membership especially for small businesses. This Chamber is considering purchasing software to be able to share services and information across Canada. It is their plan to bring in professional educational speakers and provide training and coaching for small businesses.