Mayor's Report for February 21, 2023

February 7th

I presided over the regular meeting of Council. If you recall, there was a packed house. It is very nice to see genuine interest in the decisions and operation of the municipality.

Northland Power made an excellent presentation and the same team is making a presentation to Hastings County Council on February 23rd. They advised that there will be another information presentation in May. In the meantime, if you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact them.

February 14th

I attended the Crowe Valley Conservation Authority to sign cheques and documents.

Kimberley Johnson, CTV Ottawa, contacted me to ask if I would be willing to be interviewed for an upcoming news release regarding doctor recruitment in this area. I agreed and contacted doctors in both medical clinics to request their participation. She conducted interviews with our local physicians in both Centre Hastings and Marmora Medical Clinics and myself regarding the Doctor Recruitment Program. I arranged for her to interview Dr. Janet Webb at the Tri Area Medical Centre (Madoc), Dr. Emily Callery, and Dr. Payman Charkhzarin in Marmora Medical Centre. So, she was able to observe medical services and clinical offices in both locations. She then interviewed me in my office at the Town Hall. I provided her with documentation detailing our recruitment incentives. Marmora's incentives includes an annual payment of $20,000 each year for five years, living accommodations and the services of a phlebotomist paid by the municipality. We also partner with Hastings County who provide a monetary incentive and there is some provincial funding. The interviews aired on CTV Ottawa on February 15th at 6:00 p.m. We have already had one enquiry. This is the first interest in some time so keep your fingers crossed that we are successful.

February 15th

I presented a new business certificate to Joe & Dee, Bellissimo's, Auto Detailing on Booster Park Road. Thank you to Joe & Dee for choosing Marmora and Lake to open your business and we wish you every success in the future.

February 21st

I attended Hastings County Planning and Development Committee and Finance Property and Personnel Committee Meeting. The Planning Department has been doing a Service Delivery Review based on the increased pressure for planning services for both the County and the municipalities. A separate meeting to present the report is scheduled for March 13th.

The Finance Property & Personnel Committee approved payment of the insurance for the next term. Discussion about the every increasing amount for insurance affecting every municipality and the lack of competition in companies to provide insurance.

At 2:00p.m. I attended a follow up meeting with the doctor recruitment committee in Madoc. We discussed the incentive packages offered from Madoc Township, Centre Hastings and Marmora and Lake. Marmora and Lake has the most beneficial incentive package. We discussed the possibility of attending a job fair to recruit doctors and how we can co-ordinate our incentives.

At 5:30- I presided over the Planning Meeting. This is the regular meeting of Council for February 21st.