Mayor's Report for April 1, 2025

March 18th

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

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

March 19th

I participated in the official opening and ribbon cutting ceremony for the new restaurant at the Marmora Inn. I welcomed the new restaurant and wished them success in this new venture. They prepared a lovely buffet and we were able to sample some of their menu items which were delicious.

March 21st

CAO, John, and I met with MPP Ric Bresee and his staff. We discussed a number of issues such as OPP costs, funding for rural municipalities, the value of shared services, etc.

March 25th

I presided over the Special Council Meeting to present the 2025 Budget. The budget was passed with an increase of 8.30%. I want to take the opportunity to thank staff for presenting a very responsible budget and thank Council for their support. Thank you to Nancy for her report and for demonstrating the process and explaining the budget by department. Also, thank you to the public for their input. This is a very difficult environment to judge our upcoming expenses considering inflation on supplies and equipment and the possible implications of the potential tariffs.

At 1:30, I participated in the South East Health Unit Governance Committee Meeting by Zoom.

March 26th

I chaired the regular South East Health Unit Board Meeting in Belleville.

March 27th

I attended the regular meeting of Hastings County Council. Council passed the 2025 Budget with a levy increase of 4.6%.

March 28th-29th

March 28th and 29th was the ice storm. I know there are still power outages - I am one of them. Staff are working to clear away the branches and wood but it will take some time. I believe the Information Centre is open for people to use the washrooms and charge devices if you need to. The Fire Hall has potable water if anybody needs that. And I believe we are opening the arena for use of the water and showers.

March 30th

I travelled to the Good Roads Conference in Toronto.

March 31st

I attended a number of sessions:

i) Starting with the opening of the 2025 Conference and greetings from Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow

ii) A presentation by David Zipper: The Hidden Costs of Car Bloat. This was interesting as he discussed the trend to eliminate the basic sedan for SUV's. SUV's are bigger and create challenges such as fewer parking spaces in cities, extremely more damaging car collisions; heavier therefore more pressure on infrastructure, etc.

iii) Transporting Used Nuclear Fuel in Canada. This is more of a concern on major highways

iv) Circular Materials in Infrastructure which is reusing recycled asphalt and concrete and the financial savings and reduced impact to landfill.

v) Signs and Lines - The legal aspect of having the proper signage and using reflective materials in appropriate places. Signage is a critical consideration in investigating incidents and accidents.

April 1st

I returned from Toronto.

Tonight is the Planning Meeting, Committee of Adjustment and Regular Meeting of Council.