Here are the highlights from the Township of Drummond/North Elmsley Council meeting held on Tuesday, January 24, 2023:
Second-Hand Truck Purchase
Council approved the purchase of a 2002 Ford F-150 XLD 4x4 from the Drummond/North Elmsley Tay Valley Fire Department for $2,500 and approved the expense of $3,500 to pass the required safety inspection. The vehicle will be used as a spare vehicle for road patrolling and building inspections.
In-Kind Contribution
Council agreed to compensate Councillor Paul Kehoe $60 per hour for the use of his tractor as an in-kind contribution for his work in bush hogging the proposed Drummond/North Elmsley Trail.
Committee of the Whole Meeting January 24, 2023
Perth & Smiths Falls District Hospital CEO Michael Cohen attended the meeting to give Council an overview of the hospitals’ activities. Staffing shortages and supply chain difficulties are continuing to be significant challenges though overall operations are
stable. The catchment area for the hospitals contain the highest concentration of older adults which will require an increase in the number of beds to 215 by 2050, up from the current 88.4 beds (2019/2020).
Mr. Cohen highlighted the four priorities of the hospitals’ strategic plan:
1. Provide an excellent experience for the people we serve, every time,
2. Meet the changing needs of our community
3. Support and empower our people
4. Ensure our future sustainability
The hospital started a $6M fundraising campaign for a new MRI machine. The MRI machine requires $2M in hospital renovations that will protect people’s safety.
The PSFDH initiated a core capital program 4 years ago to help address capital funding gap and partnered with many area municipalities. Annually, their assets depreciate by $4.6M against an investment of $2.4M in asset renewal. They are not keeping up with their assets. He mentioned that the funds from the program are directed to the clinical transformation project that was designed to improve patient safety, quality of care and leverage information to better manage the hospital and create innovations of care.
Upcoming Meetings
• Special Committee of the Whole - Council Priorities 2022-2026: February 8, 2023
at 1:00 p.m.
• Council Meeting: February 14, 2023 at 5:00 p.m.
• Committee of the Whole: February 14, 2023 following the Council meeting