Mayor's Report for March 7th, 2023

February 21st

I attended the Planning & Development and Finance Property and Personnel Committee meetings at Hastings County.

At 2:00 p.m. - I participated in a follow-up meeting for Doctor Recruitment efforts. Mayors Deline, Blackburn and myself met with Cathy Coe, OPA, Central Hastings Family Health Organization. We are continuing to assess our combined efforts to attract physicians to this area. I have been advised that the CTV, Ottawa, article as resulted in at least two enquiries. John Nichlas, Hastings County recruitment representative advised me that he has scheduled a tour with an interested physician, of our facilities in the next couple of weeks.

At 5:30, I presided over the Planning Meeting and at 6:30 I presided over the regular Marmora and Lake Council Meeting.

February 22nd

I attended the Hastings Prince Edward Board of Health Finance Committee Meeting. Garnet Thompson was elected Chair of the Finance Committee.

February 23rd

I attended the regular meeting of Hastings County Council. Northland Power and OPG made a presentation similar to the presentation to our Council on February 21st. I was pleased to have Councillor Daoust, CAO, Tonia Bennett and Deputy Clerk Jenn Bennett attend the meeting in support of the project. Hastings County Council unanimously supported a motion to re-affirm it's support for the project.

At 3:00, I participated in a telephone conference call with Dr. Toumishey, Medical Officer of Health and Michael Kosovos, Vice Chair, in preparation for the regular Board Meeting.

February 24th

I participated in the Source Water Protection Meeting and then in the regular Crowe Valley Conservation Authority Board Meeting. The 2023 Budget was passed. A CVCA report will appear in the next Agenda.

March 1st

I chaired the first regular meeting of the Hastings Prince Edward Board of Health for this term. The Medical Officer of Health reported on the COVID vaccination program. His advice was to ensure that you have received the vaccinations. His opinion is that COVID is here to stay. With better weather in the near future, hopefully, the numbers may decrease as people start spending more time outside.

He also cautioned that with spring coming and considering the potential for flooding and ground water, those on private water systems should have their water supply tested. This is a free service provided by Hastings County. You can pick up a sample bottle at the Town Hall and return it with the water sample to the town hall where it is collected.

At 2:00, I attended Caressant Care to acknowledge the beginning of International Women's Week along with Janice Chrysler, Joyce Ioannou and Laurane Bennett who represent Women's Wellness in Marmora. Caressant Care staff had decorated the common room in purple and many of the ladies were appropriately dressed in purple, the representative colour of International Women's Day which is March 8th.

I acknowledged the efforts and contribution of the ladies of our community and the significant contribution they have made through volunteering, fund raising, membership in various organizations and for the most important roles of being wives, mothers, sisters, neighbors and the vital role they still play due to their years of experience. They were encouraged to tell their personal stories. The staff served refreshments and thanked us for bringing attention to the women of the community. I would like to extend our thanks to the Caressent Care staff and the event organizers for the opportunity to connect with and thank these special ladies.

At 2:30 - I attended the Tourism Centre to present a "new business" certificate to Crowe Valley Plumbing. Ryan Reid has launched his new plumbing business in the Marmora area. We wish Ryan every success in his new venture. We constantly hear that it is difficult to hire Trades people so I'm sure his services will be in demand.

March 2nd

I attended a special Planning Meeting at Hastings County. The County Planning Department employed KMPG Consultants to conduct a Service Delivery Review. KMPG presented their report with significant recommendations. The recommendation to implement the project was unanimously approved. When implemented, the planning process will be more efficient and consistent throughout the 14 member municipalities. Currently, each municipality complies with the Planning Act regulations, each has it's own process to deal with planning applications. Some municipalities have more planning expertise and staff than others. The Director of Planning has committed to working with all municipalities toward the implementation of the program to ensure that all needs are considered in developing the processes, communication and data sharing.

Currently, most applications are paper with tracking on excel spread sheets. The new method would include a software application and progress data tracked would be available to staff and the applicant. We have already implemented an iCloud software for permits.

That evening I attended a Ladies function at our new restaurant Wings & Strings. They dedicated the evening to ladies of the community. The food was excellent, the music was great and many ladies of the community were there. Thank you to Eva and Pete for a great event and opportunity to celebrate International Women's Week.

March 4th

I attended the Women in Wellness Expo at the Community Centre. Thank you again to the ladies who call themselves Soul Sisters in the community for organizing the event. There were many vendors with various products and services and special food for those with dietary restrictions. Thank you again for a great community event in spite of the snow storm.

I want to also thank Dylan Adams and the transportation crew for quick response to another significant weather event.

The following is a message regarding the Marmora Pumped Storage Project Northland and OPG asked me to relay the following information regarding site field work scheduled for March 2023.

The proposed Marmora Pumped Hydro Storage will be installing four water-wells within and around the pit over the period of late March to May 2023. The purpose of this work is to aid the study and modelling of groundwater, and to gather additional geotechnical information. A drill rig will be working onsite along with a bull-dozer. All work is occurring within the bounds of the project property, and will occur during normal work hours daily. All work is part of the ongoing baseline studies that will be occurring throughout 2023. In discussion with representatives of the project they reaffirmed their commitment to keep the residents informed and they plan to conduct another open house and information meeting in May. They have also offered to provide a tour at some point if people are interested.

Today, I received a request to participate in another TV interview to discuss and promote doctor recruitment in Marmora. On Monday or Tuesday, TVO will be here and they will conduct some interviews and take some shots of Marmora area to be broadcast on March 26th. Marmora is definitely getting some attention. It is important to highlight Marmora and Lake as a great community and make our attractions and lifestyle appealing to a potential physician. I will make every effort to make sure we take advantage of these opportunities to promote our information and the incentives we provide.

BUDGET 2023 - PUBLIC INPUT

This is the opportunity for the public to personally address council with comments on the proposed draft 2023 budget.

Firstly, thank you for taking the interest in the operation and capital budget for the municipality. Your comments/concerns will be received by council, recorded by the clerk and considered in development of the final budget document which will be presented on march 28th for council's approval.

Secondly, thank you to staff for co-ordinating departments and collecting input and recording public comments throughout the year. The recommendations in the budget are prepared in collaboration with various studies, reports, and historical data, public comments and our strategic plan approved by council.

Council must do their due diligence by approving sufficient revenue sources to maintain the integrity of the corporation and reduce risk due to negligence. We must ensure adequate resources to respond to emergencies such as the two tornadoes in 2022 and increased demand for services to respond to changes in demographics. We also must consider the maintenance and life span of our infrastructure to meet legislative requirements and protect the health and safety and well being of our residents, tourists and the public in general.

The same rules apply as for public input-speakers may not speak disrespectfully of any council member, staff member, or any other person and must not use offensive words or gestures or make abusive comments.

Please speak directly into the microphone