Council of the Township of Whitewater Region heard a motion to approve entering into the Memorandum of Understanding with Renfrew County and District Health Unit regarding vaccination booking process support.
Clerk Miller reported that the memorandum regarded the confidentiality agreement for taking vaccine appointments.
“There is some financial obligation.” Miller said. “At this time it is hard to determine what kind of financial contribution is required.”
“Going forward, we are going to try and help, but in a lesser capacity.” CAO Robert Trembley said, saying that they had ‘other obligations’, including the shuttering of the Cobden Arena.
Charlene Jackson asked if they were funding Clerk Miller’s salary for the work with the vaccine appointments.
Cao Trembley said that they were only funding “in a limited capacity”.
Jackson asked if anyone else could volunteer to contribute to this.
Miller said that the registration line was received multiple times, which put them in a queue requiring a callback for each call.
“Everyone is so anxious.” she said. “If they don’t hear back from that night, they call again.”
“Most municipalities have paid staff doing this work.” Trembley said. “Which is odd; here are calls with the Mayor, and Sean [Crozier, Treasurer] and myself, that we’re picking up.”
He said he would ring it up in the April 15 meeting with Dr. Kushman on the COVID relief effort.
“I would even go as far to say if they need more help, we can do that.” Said Councillor Neil Nicholson. “I am frustrated that the provincial government left it to use in a trickle-down effect. I think we need to address that.”
He said that the information on who can be vaccinated is not getting out.
CAO Trembley said that the press releases are ‘being put out’.
Mayore Moore asked if Councillor Jackson had to wait for the vaccines. She said she searched online and ‘went on the Ontario site’ and filled out the information.
“They’re at the mercy of the trucks, and what’s there.” The Mayor said.
Reeve Cathy Regier asked if they can post Dr. Kushman’s updates to the Whitewater Region website.
The motion was carried.
