As Timmins council meets for the first time this month, masks are on the agenda.
The agenda for the July 14 meeting is fairly short and includes an update from the mayor on COVID-19.
The item that has sparked much debate over the last couple of weeks is mandatory mask use in public indoor spaces during the pandemic. The staff report for the item recommends council "take no action on this item until such a time as the Medical Officer of Health for the Porcupine Health Unit issues an order requiring the mandatory wearing of masks." If council passes a temporary bylaw, the report from clerk Steph Palmateer says it would be premature without an order from the health unit. Council would also need to consider enforcement and affordability of face masks locally. You can read the full report online.
In an interview last week, PHU medical officer of health Dr. Lianne Catton said the health unit has been talking about masks. Read the full interview about those discussions, as well as why they are being considered at this stage in the pandemic here.
A once-popular bar, the former public works building, and a house could be demolished for a TV show. Staff is recommending Timmins council single-source the demolition of three properties to the TV production The Salvage Kings, which airs on the History Channel. The total cost for demolition and abatement is $249,209. That's $20,574 for 34 Fourth Ave., $77,315 for 84 Bruce Ave., and $151,320 for 59 Evans St.
Public works is looking for help to complete priority jobs for water and sewer service repairs. A staff report recommends awarding a $172,430 tender for utility cut restorations to Interpaving Limited. It explains that environmental services and public works has responded to various repairs over the past year, and that public works typically does the service repairs. "Public works has advised that they are unable to complete the restoration work, due to the complexity of the restoration and internal resources required. It is necessity to complete the restorations to mitigate liability and nuisances to the public and property owners," reads the report. There are 19 priority addresses listed. The cost is not part of the 2020 budget.
The virtual council meeting starts at 6 p.m. You can watch it online here.
