Mayor’s Report for February 7th, 2023

Some important provincial and municipal political representatives and some local residents have passed away since our last meeting. I would like to ask that we stand for a moment of silence in memory of the contribution made by each of them.

Thank you.

January 17th

I attended the Hastings County Planning and Development Meeting and the Finance Property & Personnel Meeting. Hastings County Councillor Don DeGenova was elected chair of the Planning and Development Committee and Councillor Tom Deline was elected chair of the Finance Property & Personnel Committee.

January 19th

I attended a “Doctor Recruitment” meeting at the Madoc Medical Centre. John Nicholas, Hastings County, Dr. Janet Webb, Dr. Payman ?, Mayor Tom Deline and I were in attendance. Cathy Coe, Administrator, chaired the meeting. We discussed the incentive packages being offered by Hastings County, Marmora and Lake and Centre Hastings. I am proud to say, Marmora and Lake has the most impressive package and that was acknowledged by the group. I provided copies of the overview of our incentive package to everyone. One of the concerns regarding the Marmora facility expressed by the doctors was the space and use of the current layout. I suggested that if a doctor was committed to locating in Marmora, I would approach Council to make the necessary renovations to accommodate their needs at the medical centre. There are also some medical licensing changes being considered which may present opportunities to recent graduates and immigrant medical professionals to consider serving in rural areas.

City of Belleville have hired a full time doctor recruitment staff person. Other municipalities are reviewing their recruitment incentives and some are offering a significant signing bonus and incentives to attract doctors/nurse practitioners, nurses, etc.

January 20th

I attended the Crowe Valley Conservation Authority Meeting. Jim Martin, Mayor, Havelock Belmont Metheun is the new Chair.

January 22nd, 23rd and 24th

I attended the ROMA Conference in Toronto. The conference was attended by about 1500 registrants. Chair Robin Jones welcomed the delegates and provided a detailed account of the achievements, goals and objectives of the ROMA Board. Premier Doug Ford and Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health spoke and generally their message focused on Indigenous relations, proposed changes to the Health Care system, legislation changes to build more homes, homelessness, mental health and addictions, etc.

Some of the concurrent sessions included Blue Box Transition, Indigenous Relations, Innovative Practices to Attract and Retain Talented Staff to Rural Municipalities.

I have to say that Marmora and Lake is already doing the practices that were recommended to retain our valued staff. I would like to recognize our CAO, Tonia Bennett for implementing these incentives and hopefully Council will continue to support her efforts and maintain a productive and safe work environment. Our human resources are our most valued resource. The phrase used to describe the objective was “recruit to retain to retire”. It was stated that every time someone resigns, it costs 40% of that person’s salary to rehire and train new staff.

I also attended a learning lunch focused on Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO). Their presentation included a lot of reference to pumped storage projects and the future needs for electricity and the delivery of power through the grid.

Perennial Emergencies especially since the storms experienced last year, focused on challenges for the Joint and several Liability which has been an ongoing risk to every municipality and the presenters admitted that in spite of numerous attempts to have the legislation changed, there was no solution in the near future.

January 24th

Municipality of Tweed applied to be a delegation to the Minister regarding the downed timber and blockages in creeks and rivers as a result of the storms last year and requested financial assistance to reduce the fire and flooding potential. I, Councillor Lakatos and CAO, Tonia Bennett were invited to attend in support. The Minister was Ric Bresee. As it turned out Minister Breseein addition to Tweed’s storm damage, acknowledged the significant damage in Marmora and Lake. Mayor DeGenova had prepared a detailed package which he presented. Minister Bresee invited me to speak as well and stated that we would be hearing some news in the next weeks.

January 26th

I attended Hastings County Meeting. An election was held for Deputy Warden. Paul Jenkins, Mayor of Bancroft was elected Deputy Warden.

Jim Pine, CAO, advised that he will retire officially in June. Jim Duffin, Facilities Manager has tendered his resignation. A search committee has been established and will commence the search for these positions.

January 31st

I attended the Economic Development Committee Meeting. Minutes of all Ec Dev Meetings are in the Agenda when they are officially approved.

February 1st

I attended the regular meeting of the Hastings Prince Edward Board of Health. I am appointed to the Board of Health by Hastings County. I was elected Chair of the Board for the next term.

February 2nd

I attended the office to collect my Agenda and sign documents.

February 3rd

I had a number of telephone meetings and responded to e-mails.

February 7th

Today, I met with residents and this is our regular meeting of Council.