The South Marysburgh Mirror October 2023 /11 COUNCIL CORNER John Hirsch Councillor, Ward 9 South Marysburgh September - Fairs and things not so fair The Milford Fall Fair was another spectacular success, due in large part to the many volunteers who, every year, go above and beyond to make this the best fair in the County (Il am not biased, of course!) A major event for me was deciding that the only way to bring attention to a very unsatisfactory bargaining stance by the Board of Health was for me to resign. Here is the state- ment | made at Council: | enthusiastically agreed to be one of the Council represent- atives on the Prince Edward Hastings Board of Health at the beginning of this term of Council — hoping to make a positive difference as | always do in volunteer positions. | now find it impossible to continue, as | can no longer coun- tenance the board’s approach to the ongoing strikes of both the ONA nurses and CUPE employees. | am, therefore, an- nouncing my intent to resign from the board. My letter was sent moments ago. The Health Unit is effectively shut down as 50 nurses and 62 non-nursing workers who deliver critical health programs are on strike. This has had a negative impact on many members of our communities, unable to access vital services and care. Anew and more transparent approach needs to be taken in order to quickly resolve the labour disputes and get the em- ployees back to work— the very people we rely on to safeguard our public health. lam not a quitter but feel my resignation is the only way | can raise attention to the issues in our Board of Health. urge the Board to return to real bargaining ASAP. Councillor MacNaughton also announced her intention to resign. Council News Council approved creation of a new local board to manage the County buildings in Milford —- The South Marysburgh Facilities Association — The jal members appointed by Council are: Stephen ingt Kathy ingt Monica Alyea, Craig McMillan, Bruce Dowdell, Leon McConnell and Stephan Gustajtis e Council approved delegation of duties to our new munici- pal lawyer, Sarah Viau. Having an in-house lawyer will save significantly in outside legal fees. ¢ Council approved a motion to request the province to en- sure traditional activities can be maintained in the new Monarch Point Conservation Reserve e Council approved my motion to allow children under 10 not to count in persons per bedroom in short term accom- modations « Council endorsed a proposal to work with Base 31 to ask the province to create Community Housing and Infrastruc- ture Accelerator plan which speeds up the development approval process while guaranteeing an amount of afford- able housing «Council approved a motion by Councillor Roberts to en- dorse the work of the coalition for healthy school food to increase funding for food in schools e Council awarded a proposal for fire dispatch services Coming Up e Presentation from Library Board (mid-year update) e Long term debt (consent item - annual financial report) Long Term Care Rebuild project - financial update on the status of the project prior to budget e Capital Facility Bylaw agreements e Fees and Charges (annual review, to support budget 2024) Fleet Asset Management (setting service expectations to inform budget and asset management) Bridge Asset Management (setting service expectations to inform budget and asset management) 1am continuing my five days a week community email. It has been modified to focus on Covid only in the Saturday edi- tion. The rest of the week it includes timely notices, communi- ty events, etc. So if you are not already subscribed, just send me your email address and | will add you to the list of over 300 families. IF you have not been receiving my email, please look in your junk mail or spam folder as there have been some issues with the County email system. | can be reached by phone, text and email. jhirsch@pecounty.on.ca 613-846-0046 And don’t forget, for immediate service the County help line is available: 613-476-2148 ext. 1023 For complaints, pothole requests, etc. Email: in- fo@pecounty.on.ca Or submit a request using the online form on the County website: www.thecounty.ca Bylaw complaints: bylaw@pecounty.on.ca For weekend or 24 hour situations go to the who to contact page: www.thecounty.ca/: -hub/who-to-call/