200513 COVID-19 Task Force MINThe Corporation of the Town of Tillsonburg
COVID-19 Task Force Meeting
May 13, 2020
9:00 a.m.
Electronic Meeting
MINUTES
Present: Councillor Deb Gilvesy, Abbie Boesterd, Karen Devolin, Larry Scanlan, Emma
Dew, Councillor Chris Rosehart, Deputy Mayor Beres, Merley Wheaton, Roxanne
MacMillan
Staff: Michelle Smibert, Clerk; Colleen Pepper, Marketing & Communications Officer;
Laura Pickersgill, Legislative Services Coordinator
Regrets: Joe McGuire
1. Roll Call
2. Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 9:00 a.m.
3. Adoption of Agenda
Resolution #1
Moved by: Karen Devolin
Seconded by: Deputy Mayor Beres
THAT the Agenda as prepared for the COVID-19 Task Force meeting of May 13,
2020, be adopted.
Carried
4. Adoption of Previous Minutes
Resolution #2
Moved by: Councillor Chris Rosehart
Seconded by: Larry Scanlan
THAT the Minutes as prepared for the COVID-19 Task Force meeting of May 6,
2020, be adopted.
Carried
Deputy Mayor Beres posed the question on what actions will be taken regarding
promoting local information. It was noted that this information will be presented later
on in the agenda.
5. Disclosures of Pecuniary Interest and the General Nature Thereof
There were no disclosures of pecuniary interest declared.
6. General Business & Reports
6.1 Communications
Colleen Pepper provided an overview of how the Town’s social media page
engagement and growth has increased. An overview of posts that attracted a lot of
attention on the page were highlighted such as: information on Town trails being
open and using caution on the bridge, an employee designated as President of the
Lifesaving Society, information on new waste collection details, hydro rate relief and
the Mayor’s daily bulletins.
Colleen Pepper provided draft examples created with locally involved bite sized
pieces of information for sharing to the public. Committee members commended
Colleen Pepper on her hard work. It was suggested that clarification be provided
regarding dock closures but that boat launches remain open.
It was suggested that these bite sized pieces of information be shared throughout
the day while targeting peak user times identified from the Facebook analytics. The
Mayor’s Facebook live video has received a lot of attention. Colleen Pepper
summarized analytics on the Town website usage showing that website traffic is
higher this year than compared to this time last year. It was suggested that
communications information to be discussed at the meeting be shared earlier to
allow members more time for review. Members agreed that the one-pager examples
had great designs and include very eye catching pictures. It was suggested that
more signage be placed at the physical locations directing people where to go, for
example at the docks and boat ramp. Colleen Pepper will follow up with the Director
of Recreation, Culture and Parks on this matter. It was confirmed that fishing beside
the Lake Lisgar Bridge is permitted (with physical distancing in place between
fishers) as long as they are not touching or using the amenity, such as the bridge.
Members reviewed the example questions from the group for the ‘Did you Know’
Series. It was noted that all amenities, including outdoor amenities such as soccer
nets, benches and disc golf are closed and that parks should be used for walking
through and not loitering at this time. Colleen Pepper will advise the Director of
Recreation, Culture and Parks regarding the taping of soccer nets so the public
knows they are off-limits at this time. It was recommended that more information be
shared on what people can and are allowed to do at this time rather than what they
are not allowed to do at this time.
Councillor Gilvesy provided clarification that the public can now retrieve a building
permit as some construction limitations have been loosened by the Province.
Larry Scanlan encouraged those who require a police check to visit www.opp.ca and
click on the link ‘Criminal Record Checks’ at the bottom of the page to submit an
application. These applications may or may not be approved immediately.
Applicants will still be required to make payment and show proof of identity at a
detachment office in person. Vulnerable sector checks can be a requirement or not
depending on if the agency they are volunteering for requires such. Larry Scanlan
noted that the Police Services Board may need to address concerns to the OPP
regarding the current process in place for retrieving vulnerable sector checks.
It was noted that the Town must follow the guidelines provided by the Provincial and
Federal Government with respect to mandates surrounding COVID-19 orders and
regulations.
It was discussed that private businesses can allow restrictions such as having
customers wear masks while shopping to ensure the safety of their own staff and
other customers. It was suggested that enforcing actual social distancing is not
permitted under law but that it is recommended for people to follow. Some
municipalities have adopted by-laws to regulate physical distancing and that these
would need to be enforced by municipal enforcement officers rather than the OPP. A
one pager surrounding the order of groups less than 5 people could be promoted
through the Town’s channels. Local businesses could be encouraged to use
resources and posters already developed by Southwestern Public Health to use at
their businesses to assist with rule compliance.
The resolution regarding the promotion of a local testing centre will appear on the
May 25th Council agenda.
It was noted that enforcement officers are still trying to educate the public on issues
related to non-compliance rather than immediately laying charges for non-
compliance.
The topic of kind messaging and working together will be added to the next agenda
for discussion.
6.2 Volunteer Outreach Group Discussion
Karen Devolin shared information regarding a new Oxford County program
dedicated for senior citizens. The program allows individuals to contact an
assessment personnel on the telephone who will connect them with the appropriate
resources based on their needs and condition. Examples of services include
volunteers doing grocery shopping for seniors uncomfortable or unable to leave their
home. The groceries will be dropped off at the persons’ front door and the volunteer
will ensure the recipient retrieves their groceries as a wellness check. Meals on
wheels are still available at a discounted rate during the pandemic. This program is
available through funding received from the Provincial Government.
It was recommended that this information be shared publicly.
7. Round Table
People in the community may be scared when individuals are seen wearing masks,
so reminding them you are not sick but are protecting yourself and others is
suggested.
8. Next Meeting
Wednesday, May 20, 2020 at 9:00 a.m.
9. Adjournment
Resolution #3
Moved by: Merley Wheaton
Seconded by: Karen Devolin
THAT the May 13, 2020 COVID-19 Task Force meeting be adjourned at 10:03 a.m.
Carried