Mayor's Report for April 2, 2024

March 19th

I presided over the Regular Council Meeting for Public Input.

Thank you to those that provided constructive comments and input for the Draft 2024 Budget. All of Council and Staff have reviewed and considered the input received. A revised Draft is available in the April 3rd Agenda. April 3rd, starting at 9:00, is the Budget Meeting. A reminder - this is a formal meeting of Council and the Public cannot participate in debate. The Agenda for the Budget Meeting contains all correspondence received regarding the Budget, as well as a fee Schedule to be approved.

March 21st

I participated in the Appeal Hearing under the Source Water Protection Policy and the regular meeting of the Crowe Valley Conservation Authority.

March 27th

I chaired the Special Meeting of the Hastings Prince Edward Public Health Board to consider a motion to recommend the merger of the Tri Board now officially named the South East Public Health Unit. A motion to proceed with the recommendation to merge and present the business case to secure funding was approved unanimously. The business case had to be submitted to the Provincial Minister of Health by April 2nd.

March 28th

I attended the regular meeting of Hastings County Council. The 2024 Annual Budget was approved. The increase to municipalities was 5.27%. The non-union Cost of Living increase was approved at 3%.

I chaired the Cemetery Board Meeting in the afternoon. You will see a modest request in the Budget for $5,000. Last year, we made considerable improvements to numerous head stones that were creating a safety concern. No money had been spent in recent years so there was considerable work required. The Cemetery Board recommends that some funds be put aside annually to address maintenance issues before they become a problem. Also, you will see an amount in the budget for salaries. This is money re-allocated from Parks and Recreation to provide grass cutting to the cemetery.

That evening I attended the meeting at the Legion.

I would like to thank the members and volunteers of the Marmora & Lake Business Association for organizing the Easter Egg Hunt over the Easter Weekend. Thank you to the businesses who made donations and to everyone who attended.

April 1st

I spent the day reviewing the budget and letters received in preparation for the special budget meeting.