Blind River Mayor Sally Hagman took advantage of council’s last regular meeting of the year to address work done by council in its first term and wish residents a festive season.
Hagman said the current council has had a hectic year with several issues it has dealt with or is dealing with. These include the passage of its budget, initiation of its strategic economic development plan, a service delivery review and asset management plan.
“We are moving forward on all of these plans and keeping them on the front burner on our discussions and decision making,” the mayor said prior to the meeting.
Council is also discussing its community improvement plan. In all, the mayor added, council dealt with 494 motions brought forward during the term, with nine deferred and six defeated.
“That’s a lot of deliberations,” Mayor Hagman said.
Council also hosted two public information sessions during the year in an effort to keep residents updated on issues council is dealing with. The public information sessions will continue in 2020 with one set for Jan. 28 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the community centre. Public information meetings were part of the mayor’s election promises that got her elected during the last municipal election.
“We’ve held public information sessions and attempted to be as transparent a council as we could, keeping our residents’ issues and initiatives at the forefront of all discussions.”
Council members have also been trained in new code of conduct regulations outlined by the town’s integrity commissioner.
Council also went under some changes with the death of Councillor Clifford Spratt who was replaced by new councillor Jennifer Posteraro in September.
“We’ve been out there participating in events and helping out when and where possible as your elected officials.”
Mayor Hagman, on behalf of council, offered holiday greetings to Blind River residents.
“Our holiday wish from council to all of you is to enjoy a safe, healthy and fun filled season,” she said, adding residents should take the opportunity to enjoy the walking trails around the community.
“December is the darkest month of the year, so be good to yourself and take time out being mindful of both your mental and physical wellbeing and above all else simply enjoy the magic of this special time of year.”
Council will meet next Monday evening in a special session to discuss user fees charged by the town. The meeting is set to start at 6:30 p.m.