200429 COVID-19 Task Force MINThe Corporation of the Town of Tillsonburg
COVID-19 Task Force Meeting
April 29, 2020
9:00 a.m.
Electronic Meeting
MINUTES
Present: Deputy Mayor Beres, Abbie Boesterd, Karen Devolin, Emma Dew, Councillor
Deb Gilvesy, Roxanne MacMillan, Joe McGuire, Larry Scanlan, Merley Wheaton.
Staff: Michelle Smibert, Clerk; Colleen Pepper, Marketing and Communications Officer;
Laura Pickersgill, Legislative Services Coordinator
Regrets: Councillor Chris Rosehart
1. Roll Call
2. Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 9:03 a.m.
3. Adoption of Agenda
Resolution #1
Moved by: Deb Gilvesy
Seconded by: Karen Devolin
THAT the Agenda as prepared for the COVID-19 Task Force meeting of April 29,
2020, be adopted.
Carried
4. Disclosures of Pecuniary Interest and the General Nature Thereof
There were no disclosures of pecuniary interest declared.
5. General Business & Reports
5.1 Election of Chair and Vice-Chair
Resolution #2
Moved by: Dave Beres
Seconded by: Karen Devolin
THAT Councillor Deb Gilvesy be nominated for the role of Chair.
Carried
Resolution #3
Moved by: Joe McGuire
Seconded by: Merley Wheaton
THAT Karen Devolin be nominated for the role of Vice Chair.
Carried
5.2 Meeting dates and time
The group determined that meetings will be held electronically every Wednesday
morning at 9:00 a.m. until further notice.
5.3 Suspension of Development Charge Fees
Deputy Mayor Beres provided an explanation of development charge fees.
Resolution #4
Moved by: Deputy Mayor Beres
Seconded by: Karen Devolin
THAT Staff provide a report to Town Council outlining implications and advantages
of recommending the suspension of development charge fees until July 2020.
Carried
5.4 Circulate Local Company Announcements
A discussion was held regarding the sharing of announcements and providing more
information to the public on initiatives and services that are available during this
pandemic that local businesses, companies and organizations are providing. It was
noted that the BIA has the “Love My Downtown” campaign on right now where
individuals can add a frame around their Facebook profile picture advertising to shop
local. This was suggested as a potential idea for a future initiative.
Members were encouraged to provide their ideas on this initiative to share at the
next meeting.
It was suggested that information needs to be made available to all of the
Tillsonburg demographics, including those individuals who are not online.
Discussion was held regarding the importance of having information easily available
for residents.
Colleen Pepper indicated that municipal communicators are meeting through the
Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) to share best practices. In general,
tasks are changing from initial crisis response to support and recovery planning.
It was noted that Stonebridge and the Town of Tillsonburg Recreation Department
have online recreation workshops available that could be promoted by way of this
Task Force.
The following resolution was passed:
Resolution #5
Moved by: Karen Devolin
Seconded by: Joe McGuire
THAT to support “human connections” during this pandemic, the Task Force ask
RCP to provide for ideas as it relates to unique programming given the
circumstances and to connect with Station Arts on this matter and to share this idea
with other stakeholders that offer programs.
Carried
5.5 Mental Health
Laura Pickersgill will circulate an existing list of local mental health resources
available that was sent from a member on another Tillsonburg Advisory Committee.
Members were asked to review the list and provide information at the next meeting
of any additions/amendments to that list.
It was mentioned that many local youth citizens could be experiencing mental health
issues especially those in graduating classes who may have graduation ceremonies
and proms being cancelled/postponed. It was suggested that information on
available resources, solutions for deferring these events to a later date need to be
pushed out further to this demographic.
6. Current Communications Protocol
Colleen Pepper provided an overview of the Town’s Current Communications
Protocol.
7. Round Table
Karen Devolin mentioned that many community organizations are in desperate need
of personal protective equipment. Members were asked to send any information of
companies/individuals that have personal protective equipment to Laura Pickersgill
for discussion at the next meeting. It was suggested that this list could be sent out
to local manufacturers and the local hospital for their information.
Abbie Boesterd will provide information at the next meeting on the personal
protective equipment donation campaign happening currently in Oxford County.
8. Items for Next Agenda
Volunteer Outreach Group Discussion
Survey on Current Town facilities/operations
Communication Ideas
9. Next Meeting
Wednesday, May 6, 2020 at 9:00 a.m.
10. Adjournment
Resolution #6
Moved by: Merley Wheaton
Seconded by: Karen Devolin
THAT the April 29, 2020 COVID-19 Task Force meeting be adjourned at 10:44 a.m.
Carried