Mayor's Report for December 17, 2024
December 3rd
I presided over the regular Council meeting. Due to the forecast of bad weather, I travelled to Belleville to be in attendance at the BOH meeting as it was the final meeting of the Board and I am the Chair.
December 4th
I presided over the regular meeting of Hastings Prince Edward Public Health. This was the final meeting of the HPEPH Board since the Province approved our merger proposal and the new corporation consisting of Leeds Grenville, Lanark and Kingston Frontenac Lennox Addington and Hastings Prince Edward Public Health Boards will be implemented on January l5, 2025. The new Board will be called South East Health Unit (SEHU).
December 5th
I attended the Inaugural Meeting to appoint Bob Mullin as Warden of Hastings County.
That evening I was invited and attended the Christmas Dinner with the members of the Classic Cruisers Car Club. The event was held at the Springbrook Diner. I would like to thank the Car Club for their generous donations and support for the breakfast programs in both the Marmara Public and Separate Schools.
December 7th
I participated in our annual Santa Claus Parade. The Lions Club again put together and organized a fabulous parade. The floats were excellent. Thank you to Jeff and his staff for putting together a truck float with a popular snow man and thanks Jeff for making sure I got there and back home safe. The weather was horrible but the spirit of the community was not discouraged. The attendance was amazing. Thank you to the Lions Club and to all the participants in making this the best parade Marmara has been proud to have.
December 9th
The meeting previously scheduled for the South East Transition Team was cancelled due to poor weather. The meeting was rescheduled for December 12th. Due to the very challenging time lines, the three Board Chairs and the three Medical Officers of Health participated in a Zoom meeting from 11:00-12:30.
December 12th
I chaired a meeting of the South East Transition Team. Frequent meetings are necessary as we must be prepared for implementing the new Board on January l5th, 2025. I will be participating in a meeting on January 1st at 3:00 p.m. to put and vote on critical by-laws and the positions of Chair and Vice-Chair.
This process is necessary to also establish the mandatory roles of the Chief Medical Officer of Health and three Associate/Deputy Medical Officers of Health.
December 13th
John and I delivered Christmas Cards to staff.
That evening I was invited to attend the dinner organized by the Boomerang Club at the Mighty Crowe Bar & Grill. There was entertainment, a traditional menu for Christmas dinner and wonderful company. Thanks for sharing and including me in your celebration.
December 15th
I was invited to attend the 150th Anniversary at St. Paul's Anglican Church in Marmara. I presented them with a certificate and on behalf of the Mayor, Council and the Municipality congratulated them on this very important occasion. A lunch was provided following the service. Thank you to the members of the congregation for their community participation.
December 17th
I attended the Hastings County Council Christmas Lunch at the Mighty Crowe Bar & Grill.
Tonight I am presiding over our Regular Council Meeting.
This is the final Council Meeting for 2024.
We have had some challenges over this past year. Fortunately, we have successfully hired an Arena Manager and CAO. We are in the process of negotiating a first Collective Agreement. We will be working on Budget for 2025 and a schedule will be provided in the near future.
I would like to take the opportunity to thank Council for their diligence in going through the recruitment process to put our management team in place. There were many special meetings to conduct the necessary interviews. Thank you to Waterhouse Executive Search for their guidance and support during the process. Thanks particularly to staff who were dedicated and committed to the organization during vacancies. We have an excellent team and staff and they continue to support the public and Council.
I want to wish Council, staff and all residents and visitors a Very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.