Mayor’s Report for May 3, 2022
April 19th
I attended the Hastings County Planning and Development Committee Meeting and the Finance Property and Personnel Committee Meeting, in person.
April 19th
I attended the zoom call announcement regarding progress of broadband service delivery. There was no new information.
At 4:30 – I presided over the regular Marmora and Lake Council Meeting
April 20th
I attended the Crowe Valley Conservation Offices to meet with the general manager in preparation for the scheduled Board Meeting.
At 12:00 – MP Shelby Kramp Neuman, MPP Daryl Kramp attended the Marmora and Lake offices to formally announce the award of the joint grant for the watermain project on Hwy. # 7 and North Maloney Street. The Federal portion is $382,800; Provincial portion is $318,968.10 and Marmora and Lake’s portion is $255,231.90 for a total of $957,000.00. On behalf of myself and Council, I would like to extend a very sincere thank you to our federal and provincial representatives for their support of this project. Also, thank you to Victor Reid, Environmental Services Manager and Tonia Bennett, CAO for their work in preparing and submitting the successful grant application.
April 21st
I presided over the regular Crowe Valley Conservation Board Meeting. Conservation Authority Staff presented an excellent review of the Authority’s regulations and considerations when processing applications requiring conservation permits. Tim acknowledged the volunteer efforts to make improvements and restore the Callahan Rapids conservation area.
In the evening, I attended a retirement celebration for Daryl Kramp held at the Armouries in Madoc. The event was well attended and many very sincere tributes and acknowledgements were expressed by various dignitaries and Daryl’s family. The recognition was well deserved as Daryl has been very supportive both as MP and MPP in this area. On behalf of Council and our residents, I extended our appreciation for his services and wished him well in his retirement.
April 25th
I participated in the “So you think you want to be on Council” training. The training was provided through the Association of Municipal Clerks and Treasurers. Fred Dean was the presenter, Tonia Bennett, our CAO, was the moderator and Jenn Bennett provided the technical support. Thank you to our staff Tonia and Jenn and to Fred for an excellent session.
At the office, I responded to a number of Property Standard Complaints.
April 26th
I chaired the meeting of the Economic Development Advisory Committee. Three new members were present: Annabella Stoyke, Joyce Ioannou and Lawney Swarz. I reviewed the meeting procedures for the benefit of the new members.
April 27th
I participated in an update meeting with the Medical Officer of Health, Hastings Prince Edward Public Health, Hastings County staff, Cities of Bellevile and Quinte West, Quinte Health Care. Dr. Toumishey advised that we are at the peak of the 6th Wave of Covid. It is determined that the numbers will decrease when weather improves and outside activities can be enjoyed. He encouraged personal safety by wearing masks in high risk settings but confirmed that new restrictions would not be imposed.
April 28th
I attended the Hastings County Council meeting. Rick Breeser was a delegate. Rick is currently the Warden in Lennox Addington. Rick advised that he is running as conservative candidate for Hastings Lennox Addington riding in the upcoming provincial election.
At 5:00 p.m., I participated in the meeting of the 200th Anniversary Volunteer Group. The volunteers have done a great job in planning and organizing various events throughout the year. Tammy May is coordinating event schedules and fund raising and promoting them on the web site. Please take note of the silent auction. There are amazing donations. Thank you to all the businesses and organizations for their very generous donations. A special thank you to all the volunteers for their personal contribution. I am amazed at the innovative ideas, enthusiasm and energy of this volunteer group. Please continue to spread the word throughout the community to buy a flag for their lawn, participate in the silent auction and plan to attend the events. Posters outlining the various events have been distributed for display throughout the business community.
April 29th
I participated in a meeting with Dr. Toumishey, Chair Albert to discuss the upcoming Agenda for the Board of Health Meeting scheduled for May 4th. As chair of the Governance Committee, I will be making a presentation to the Board on the Governance Committee meeting and some changes regarding the governance document. This document is valuable to the Board and staff as we transition from COVID response to the regular mandate of the Board of Health.
April 30th
I participated in the annual Tree Giveaway Program organized by Deputy Mayor Stevens. Thank you to Mike and all the volunteers and staff who assisted with set up and distribution of the trees. There were approximately 1100 trees of various varieties.
The program is well received and residents expressed their appreciation to the Town for this program.
At 11:00, I met with the owners/operators of a new business – ATV Thrill Seekers who will be offering guided ATV trail rides in the area. Thanks to Eric Doust for being an advocate for their new business and an ambassador for business location in Marmora and Lake. Tammy has worked with them to promote their new business and assist them with connections to Trail authorities in the area. Their official opening is this Saturday at the Powell Power Sports location at 10:30 a.m. Everyone is welcome.
May 1st
I reviewed Agendas and prepared for Council and for Board of Health Meetings this week.
May 2nd
I attended the office to do a practice session for the meeting tonight. This is the first virtual meeting with the new equipment and set up in the Council Chambers. Thank you to Jenn for purchasing and setting up equipment. This arrangement accommodates Council to either attend in person or virtual, allows public attendance and continues to stream the Council meeting live through U-Tube which can be viewed by residents at home. The funds to set up the Council chambers was from the Covid Recovery Funds and at no cost to the taxpayer.
May 3nd
I attended Crowe Valley Conservation Authority to sign documents.
I attended the office to do a practice run for the new council chambers arrangements in preparation for this meeting. Some of Council are attending virtually and some in person along with the public. We will continue to provide the meetings virtually which requires significant technical co-ordination.
I ask for your patience and understanding as we proceed through this first in person meeting with new equipment and Council attending either virtual or in person. I will need to monitor both the screen and the members in the Council chambers. For voting on motions or wishing to speak, I ask Council members attending in person to raise their hand and those attending virtually to raise their hand so I can see it on the screen. I will continue to determine voting decisions by asking for “anyone opposed”. Council attending in person will need to turn on their mic when they wish to speak. Please turn off your mic if you are not speaking to reduce any background noise.
Thank you.