200708 COVID-19 Task Force MINThe Corporation of the Town of Tillsonburg
COVID-19 Task Force Meeting
July 8, 2020
9:00 a.m.
Electronic Meeting
MINUTES
Present: Councillor Gilvesy, Abbie Boesterd, Karen Devolin, Emma Dew, Merley
Wheaton, Deputy Mayor Beres
Staff: Colleen Pepper, Marketing & Communications Officer; Laura Pickersgill,
Legislative Services Coordinator
Regrets: Michelle Smibert, Clerk; Roxanne MacMillan, Councillor Rosehart, Larry
Scanlan, Joe McGuire
1. Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 9:02 a.m.
2. 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 July 8,
2020, be adopted, with the addition of agenda item 6.2 SWPH Mask Request.
Carried
3. Adoption of Previous Minutes
Resolution #2
Moved by: Merley Wheaton
Seconded by: Karen Devolin
THAT the Minutes as prepared for the COVID-19 Task Force meeting of June 17,
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 Communications
Colleen Pepper provided an update on current communication output from the
Town. It was noted that Facebook posts are ongoing and that there will be
information provided regarding the waterpark re-opening and how to book a session.
The Facebook statistics are generally remaining consistent. The main COVID-19
Town webpage has been updated as places begin to re-open. Staff are working
with the Mayor to start to reduce the frequency of the Mayor’s daily bulletins. The
Mayor will be doing a live Facebook update at 2:00 p.m. today rather than the
regular 3:00 p.m. start time. Communication will be provided on the re-opening of
the ice at the Community arena.
It was noted that the Town is not operating a cooling centre as there was not uptake
from the public to use the centre.
It was suggested that the positive messaging promoted by this Committee has
allowed the public to find information more easily online and the discussion of this is
reflected on social media communication groups.
5.2 SWPH Mask Request
The Committee discussed varies opinions in relation to making masking mandatory.
The discussion included comments that people live in a free country so they should
be able to decide to wear a mask or not. It was noted that mask wearing can protect
the wearer and the general public. Members would be supportive of any business
who makes masking mandatory in their place of business and would encourage that
customers follow these businesses procedures without hesitation. There was
discussion held on whether or not masking can lower an individuals’ blood oxygen
level or not. Members felt that it would be important for a higher governing body to
make the decision and that that would result in greater compliance from the general
public. It was noted that making masking only mandatory on a local level may be
hard to enforce. Any specific business sector that has had guideline documents put
out by the Province should be following the protocols listed in those documents. It
was suggested that some governing body eventually needs to make a decision on
this so that businesses have some solid form of leadership to follow and to support
their individual decisions to make certain protocols and procedures mandatory. It
was noted that if the municipality were to pass a by-law making masking mandatory
that it could give the impression the municipality is trying to hide something and send
false messages that this region is in trouble. It was suggested that mandatory
masking needs to be based on scientific facts.
Resolution #3
Moved by: Deputy Mayor Beres
Seconded by: Merley Wheaton
THAT the COVID-19 Task Force appreciates SWPH on asking our opinion but we
would like to follow the direction of SWPH and the Provincial government on
mandatory masking;
AND THAT the COVID-19 Task Force supports the decision of mandatory masking
made by any local business
Carried
6. Round Table
The survey created by the Recreation, Culture and Parks department remains open
until July 10. Members noted their disappointment with regards to the lack of
recreational programs being offered by the Town whether they’re virtual or socially
distant opportunities. It was noted that this Committee has offered multiple
suggestions on this initiative and none have been followed through with.
It was noted that the museum has re-opened to the public by appointment only and
staff are preparing for the opening of the Lake Lisgar Waterpark on July 11 and the
opening of the Community arena on July 18.
The Library is planning to open the week of July 13 with a reduced hours, six days a
week with limited services available.
A discussion to be added to the next agenda regarding local child care options.
Members discussed the idea of providing greater options to our local community to
address the lack of child care options in Tillsonburg. It was noted that students
leaving grade 12 and not pursuing post-secondary school right away could be a
potential source of providing child care for families. It was suggested that the
Town’s recreation staff could release some of their children’s activities and craft
ideas online for parents to use while having their children at home. Abbie will reach
out to the employment services team at the Multi-Service Centre and will report back
to the group on this initiative. It was noted that the library could offer assistance in
cataloguing the list of available childcare recreation and programming. The
importance of having more outdoor programs available for local child care is
important. It was noted that the Town decided not to run a day camp this year as
there was too many uncertainties with logistics and cleaning due to the COVID-19
pandemic. Another suggestion was that information could be made available to
share to individuals that would like to start up their own business in childcare.
7. Next Meeting
August 12, 2020 at 9:00 a.m.
8. Adjournment
Resolution #4
Moved by: Karen Devolin
Seconded by: Emma Dew
THAT the July 8, 2020 COVID-19 Task Force meeting be adjourned at 10:14 a.m.
Carried