200603 COVID-19 Task Force MINThe Corporation of the Town of Tillsonburg
COVID-19 Task Force Meeting
June 3, 2020
9:00 a.m.
Electronic Meeting
MINUTES
Present: Councillor Gilvesy, Councillor Rosehart, Abbie Boesterd, Larry Scanlan, Joe
McGuire, Karen Devolin, Roxanne MacMillan, Merley Wheaton (joined at 9:32 a.m.)
Staff: Michelle Smibert, Clerk; Colleen Pepper, Marketing & Communications Officer;
Laura Pickersgill, Legislative Services Coordinator; Julie Dawley, Aquatics Supervisor;
Rick Cox, Director of Recreation, Culture & Parks; Melanie Corbett, Recreation and
Programs Coordinator; Cephas Panschow, Development Commissioner; Andrea
Brown, Recreation and Program Services Manager
Regrets: Emma Dew, Deputy Mayor Beres
1. Roll Call
2. Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 9:02 a.m.
3. Adoption of Agenda
Resolution #1
Moved by: Karen Devolin
Seconded by: Abbie Boesterd
THAT the Agenda as prepared for the COVID-19 Task Force meeting of June 3,
2020, be adopted.
Carried
4. Adoption of Previous Minutes
Resolution #2
Moved by: Joe McGuire
Seconded by: Larry Scanlan
THAT the Minutes as prepared for the COVID-19 Task Force meeting of May 20,
2020, be adopted.
Carried
5. Disclosures of Pecuniary Interest and the General Nature Thereof
None
6. General Business & Reports
6.1 PPE- non-surgical masks and sanitizer
Cephas Panschow provided a summary of information regarding the availability of
non-surgical masks from a local supplier, named Kevin McCotter. Mr. McCotter is
reaching out to municipalities to see if they are interested in procuring these masks
to sell on consignment to local businesses. Mr. McCotter started this campaign in
April and has had more than 80,000 masks donated to frontline workers. It was
noted that area municipalities Chambers of Commerce are purchasing these masks
and reselling them to their businesses at cost. There is 3000 masks available for the
Town at a cost of $12 for a 10 pack. Larry Scanlan indicated that the Police Services
Board would likely be interested in this initiative. It was discussed that the price of
non-surgical masks has greatly increased since the pandemic began. The
Committee recommended that staff work with the BIA on this initiative.
Cephas Panschow left the meeting at 9:12 a.m.
6.2 Communications
The Committee encouraged staff to share more information related to ensuring
physical distancing is maintained, promotion of kindness and goodwill and that
masks are now mandatory to be worn to enter the Tillsonburg Hospital.
6.3 Recreational activities for youth/children
Julie Dawley provided an overview of the information included in the agenda for
virtual recreational ideas and plans. It was noted that staff are continuing to attend
webinars to see what other communities are doing to engage their population. It
was suggested the recreation staff develop their own Town recreation Facebook
page to start using rather than solely using Instagram to accommodate a greater
demographic. The members agreed to the idea of staff sending out a survey to the
public to gauge the public’s feelings on needs for recreation, child care, and if they
would be comfortable coming back into a public facility or not.
Staff noted that they are investigating every way possible to be able to operate a
safe and fun summer day camp for children. There was concerned noted that many
people will be returning to work and will require care for their children. Staff noted
concerns with being able to keep children apart at the camps and that there would
be a very limited number of children allowed per leader which may not be feasible. It
was noted that additional summer students would need to be hired to operate a full
camp program. Staff indicated that the Town had applied for the summer student
grant and was unsuccessful in retrieving the funding, similarly to previous years
before.
Joe McGuire indicated that the Station Arts Centre will not be able to proceed with
running a full camp program as per usual as there are not any Federal grants
available at this time. Station Arts Centre staff are reviewing the possibility of having
a reduced number of days with a camp.
It was discussed that the Ministry of Health has released a guidance document to be
followed with regards to day camps. Staff indicated that there is concern with liability
and that this would be unaffordable at our current rates.
Recreation staff will continue investigating ways to develop virtual programming that
allows participants to be physically active. Staff are awaiting changes from the
Province to be able to offer in person swimming or exercise lessons even if it is a
private group.
Staff will circulate a survey and provide feedback to the Committee at a future
meeting. The Stations Arts Centre has asked to be included on receiving the results
of this survey.
It was suggested that there be many sanitation stations available when the
community centre re-opens.
Members have requested that the Town recognize recent graduates on our social
media platforms.
Julie Dawley, Rick Cox, Melanie Corbett and Andrea Brown left the meeting at 9:49
a.m.
6.3 Testing Activity Update
It was noted that the public can get tested by appointment at the Tillsonburg Testing
Centre located at 17 Bear Street on weekdays.
It was discussed that antibody testing is not yet available to the general public but
that it is anticipated to be available in the future.
6.4 Self-care activities
Abbie Boesterd will retrieve statistics regarding local mental health outreach from
before the pandemic began compared to the current state. The government
announced that there will be more free treatment available. CMHA Oxford is still
offering support, live chats and virtual education.
Members would like to see greater promotion of self-care ideas and information on
available counselling services.
6.5 Pop-up patio discussion
The Committee had a discussion on pop-up patios and passed the following
resolution:
Resolution #3
Moved by: Joe McGuire
Seconded by: Karen Devolin
THAT the COVID-19 Task Force supports the concept of pop-up patios in all
restaurants within the entire boundary of the Town of Tillsonburg where feasible.
Carried
7. Round Table
Joe McGuire left the meeting at 10:03 a.m.
The Tillsonburg Library is open for curbside pickup. This process involves users to
walk up to the main library door or have books delivered to them in their car in the
parking lot. Some home deliveries are being made as well. Library staff is trying to
resolve concerns for the public who rely on the library for computer access. Curbside
pickup at smaller branches will become available in the coming weeks.
Larry Scanlan noted that the two metre physical distancing rule does not apply to
essential services with regards to penalties. This law only applies to those services
recently allowed to re-open.
Staff are investigating areas for cooling stations and increasing access to public
washrooms.
8. Next Meeting
June 17, 2020 at 9:00 a.m.
9. Adjournment
Resolution #4
Moved by: Karen Devolin
Seconded by: Abbie Boesterd
THAT the June 3, 2020 COVID-19 Task Force meeting be adjourned at 10:11 a.m.
Carried