Municipalities hold virtual meetings during state of emergency

Clearview council met Thursday on an online video conferencing platform that allowed council and staff to sign in from home.
Their first order of business was to amend their procedure bylaw to allow for electronic participation in meetings by members of council, local boards and committees. The option opened to municipalities with the passing of the Municipal Emergency Act, passed by the legislature on March 19, granting the discretionary authority to participate in public and closed session meetings via electronic means during a state of emergency.
Mayor Doug Measures said Clearview has not declared a state of emergency but they are working under the umbrella of the province and the County of Simcoe. He said he is keeping a close eye on the local situation as the municipality continues to offer uninterrupted services during a pandemic that is starting to spread through this region. He said he is working diligently, from his basement, working on several devices to keep up with his duties as mayor and county councillor.
“We have confidence we are going to get through this,” said Measures, adding that there will be take-away lessons for better and more thorough pandemic planning in the future.
“People are learning that this may be the new reality,” said Measures. “If we can’t get this under control we’ll be doing meetings like this for quite some time.”
Measures gave kudos to all the healthcare workers and to the business owners that have adapted to the take-out and delivery service method. He said there is at least one restaurant in almost each of Clearview’s villages and hamlets that is doing a great service to their community, and taking extreme measures to clean, sanitize and maintain social distancing.
“In some cases you have fine dining restaurants turning into a take-out business and I thank them for continuing to do that,” said Measures, acknowledging it has been a struggle. “It’s tough when you have employees you have to lay off, or adjust shifts. There are a lot of people struggling. It’s not easy, that’s for sure. We have to take stock of our financial health and our personal health.”
The municipality is reminding residents to stay home and follow the advice of health professionals. They have had to ask that children not use playground equipment because staff does not have the resources to get out and sanitize it regularly.
“It’s difficult to shut it down when people want to get outside. The problem is all the touch points,” said Measures.
And, perhaps a fallout from the infamous toilet paper buying spree, the municipality is pleading with people not to flush anything down the toilet other than human waste and toilet paper.
Measures said it is suspected that people are flushing wipes, and possibly paper towel down the toilet, causing blockages.
Also on the agenda for the March 26 council meeting, was a review of Clearview Transit. Council considered a recommendation to discontinue the Creemore route, effective immediately; Operate the Stayner route from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily, until further notice; and offer free transit fare for all riders, until further notice. Passengers will be asked to enter through the rear doors (unless they have accessibility requirements) in an effort to maintain a safe distance from the driver, and each other. The motion passed.

Image: Clearview Township Mayor Doug Measures is conducting business, including interviews with The Creemore Echo, from his basement.

Mulmur takes measures to protect employees

Mulmur is also utilizing the virtual meeting option.
“We will be using Zoom technology to hold our first virtual council meeting on April 1. Up to 100 residents will be able to join the meeting – which would be a record attendance!  We hope that our rural internet will support the effort.  Connection by phone will also be available,” said Mayor Janet Horner in a message to residents.
The Mulmur township office is closed to the public but staff are working remotely. The roads department has formed two crews, working different days and shifts to minimize cross contamination. They will continue to work clearing downed branches and trees, clearing culverts and maintaining safe and accessible roadways.
Fire and EMS in Dufferin County have moved to a tiered response – meaning that any calls are pre-screened by the 911 operator who will then determine whether fire or paramedics are dispatched. This minimizes potential exposure for firefighters by limiting the medical calls they will be responding to. 
“Our new reality demands that we also look after ourselves. When the unknown is greater than the known, it is natural to become anxious. Do the things that keep you calm – read, walk outside, clean your closets, clean your yard. We are lucky to live in a township where it is easy to practice social distancing.  I can’t imagine being on the 40th floor of an apartment in a large city.  We have much to be thankful for,” said Horner. “Finally, check in with your friends and neighbours by phone or social media. During this turbulent time, some will have lost their employment. Others will be working from home while juggling busy households. Our seniors may be missing the family contact that they are used to having. Make sure that your friends and neighbours have enough food, medications and are staying socially connected while maintaining their physical distancing. This is a great time to donate to food banks, hospitals and other groups that help to support the most vulnerable in our communities. Be good to yourself and others. Our new reality is going to be here for a long time. We must also make it a good time!”