200617 COVID-19 Task Force MINThe Corporation of the Town of Tillsonburg
COVID-19 Task Force Meeting
June 17, 2020
9:00 a.m.
Electronic Meeting
MINUTES
Present: Abbie Boesterd, Deputy Mayor Beres, Karen Devolin, Merley Wheaton,
Roxanne MacMillan, Councillor Deb Gilvesy
Staff: Michelle Smibert, Clerk; Laura Pickersgill, Legislative Services Coordinator;
Colleen Pepper, Marketing & Communications Officer
Regrets: Emma Dew, Joe McGuire, Larry Scanlan, Councillor Chris Rosehart
1. Roll Call
2. Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 9:20 a.m.
3. Adoption of Agenda
Resolution #1
Moved by: Merley Wheaton
Seconded by: Abbie Boesterd
THAT the Agenda as prepared for the COVID-19 Task Force meeting of June 17,
2020, be adopted, with the addition of cooling station under General Business and
Reports.
Carried
4. Adoption of Previous Minutes
Resolution #2
Moved by: Karen Devolin
Seconded by: Deputy Mayor Beres
THAT the Minutes as prepared for the COVID-19 Task Force meeting of June 3,
2020, be adopted.
Carried
5. Disclosures of Pecuniary Interest and the General Nature Thereof
There were no disclosures of pecuniary interest declared.
6. General Business & Reports
6.1 PPE- non-surgical masks
Staff noted that another opportunity for acquiring non-surgical masks is available
through MedPoint at a price of $0.42 cents per mask. This price is significantly
lower than the consignment price discussed at the previous meeting at a price of
$1.10 per mask. It was discussed that the BIA is considering moving forward with
the purchase of 3,000 masks from MedPoint.
6.2 Communications
Staff will be providing communication pieces to the public regarding the proper
installation and safety of backyard pools. It was noted that it is important to check
with your insurance provider before installing a pool.
Laura will reach out to the committee to determine what all members would like to
see with regards to further communication from this task force.
Communications around the safe practices of garage and yard sales have received
good traction on the Town’s social media page. There will be messaging coming out
the week of June 22 to celebrate the recent graduates. The local radio station will
be providing free messaging on behalf of the Town for the graduates.
There has been some debate on social media amongst the public regarding the
wearing of masks (mandatory vs recommended) as Southwest Public Health has not
made this mandatory for our region. It was suggested that business owners can
require customers to don a face covering in their place of business.
6.3 Draft Survey from Recreations Department
Members agreed that the draft survey questions were appropriate.
Michelle will follow up with Andrea regarding timelines for implementation of this
survey and how long it will remain active for.
6.4 Cooling Station
The cooling station was not heavily utilized in the past week. There are more
volunteers required to facilitate the cooling station. Michelle will reach out to Andrea
regarding Merley and Abbie’s wish to volunteer for this.
6.4 Mental Health statistics
Abbie provided general statistics for walk-in counselling prior to the pandemic
compared to current statistics at the centres. Generally, there was a decrease in
users at the centres. The Wellkin program and Woodstock hospital have been
maintaining a consistent amount of users for their services (virtual and in-person).
The Community Health Centre has seen a slight decrease in users since the
pandemic began and from previous years.
There were concerns noted regarding nutritional safety among children. The
TVDSB reaches out to families with enrolled children once a week which is not as
adequate as being able to see the children in the classrooms five days a week. The
United Way offers a student nutrition program through Southwest Public Health
through eligible families with school aged children. The local food bank also has a
drop off milk program.
Laura will circulate a postcard regarding these programs to the group. Staff will offer
more communications on available food sources in the area such as the food bank.
7. Round Table
Merley is working with Oxford County social services to retain public washrooms for
the downtown core while many public washrooms remain closed. It was suggested
that some restaurants opening up for walk-ins may have public washrooms
available. Colleen shared the guidance document during the meeting from
Southwest Public Health regarding safe practices for public washroom cleaning. A
nice example of portable public washrooms that could be locked overnight are in
Port Dover.
Members are always encouraged to reach out to staff if they have suggestions for
communication even if the group is not meeting regularly.
8. Next Meeting
Wednesday, July 8, 2020 at 9:00 a.m.
9. Adjournment
Resolution #3
Moved by: Karen Devolin
Seconded by: Abbie Boesterd
THAT the June 17, 2020 COVID-19 Task Force meeting be adjourned at 9:53 a.m.
Carried