Councillor Kennes urged residents to be careful on ice/frozen ponds at this time of year.
Councillor Hipple noted that Transfer Stations are busy, but asked that visitors remain respectful. The Councillor noted the site manager was experienced a lot of negativity due to the slight price increase. Councillor Hipple received a question from a resident about the length of trains crossing through the Municipality, and further concerns about trains getting longer. Mayor Vanderheyden indicated that the newly introduced rotating ambulance operations help alleviate concerns about reaching one side of town or the other.
Councillor Brennan has also discussed the issue of trains with a resident and noted that the ambulance dispatch does address this problem. The Councillor inquired if the Municipality is working with the local health unit to get access to rapid test kits. The County Warden has brought forward a request for a testing facility in the community. Councillor Brennan looks forward to meeting new staff following the pandemic.
Councillor Baker congratulated Council and staff for taking on a project like Caradoc Housing to alleviate the housing crisis. The Councillor thanked the municipal IT department for their work throughout the pandemic, noting that nearly two years of virtual meetings have run smoothly, with the exception of the very brief disconnection that evening.
Councillor Cowan spoke of his appreciation for the efforts of the Mount Brydges and Melbourne fire departments in running outdoor rinks for their respective communities.
Councillor Flegel suggested a Zoom meet-and-greet with new staff to get to know them. The Councillor hopes facilities will be able to re-open as planned in the coming weeks. Councillor Flegel recommended that residents join notification lists for rapid test availability through local pharmacies.
Mayor Vanderheyden thanked volunteers for their commitment to the outdoor rinks. The Mayor participated in a photo op at Caradoc Community Centre to commemorate the 1 millionth vaccination in London-Middlesex, and also volunteered at the mobile vaccination clinic in Melbourne. A virtual neighbourhood Open House is scheduled for Tuesday evening regarding the Saulsbury Street development.