March 14, 2016
President John opened the meeting with the singing of O’Canada, Rotary Grace and a toast to the Queen.
Guests: Mayor Andy Letham, Councillor Pat O’Reilly, Honorary Rotarian Ray Smith, Danielle Green
Humorist: In Charlie’s absence President John told a story about 2 catholic parrots wanting to have some fun.
New Member Induction: Danielle Green was inducted as a new Rotarian
under the Scotiabank Corporate membership.
Duties for next week March 21, 2016
Sgt at Arms: Jim Mackey and Anthony Polito
Thanks/Fine master: Bert Lauwers
Greeter/Prize: Dan Donaldson
Humorist: Cathy Danbrook
Today’s Door Prize was won by: Teresa Fleming. Watch for her about town in her new Irish hat.
Business announcements:
The Tri-Club Rotary Meeting will be held on May 2nd at the Peterborough Golf Club.
There will be a Rotanza update next meeting. It was clarified that all tickets pulled for the early bird or $150 prizes will be back in the drum for the car draw.
April 2nd is the Food packing event at the Wellness Centre in Peterborough. There will be a bus taking those interested from CKL. More info to follow around times.
The Rotary Board of Directors meets tomorrow March 15/16 at 8:30 am at Lindsay Police Services. All welcome to attend.
Pres. John presented Ian Crockford with a Sponsorship pin.
Happy Bucks:
Happy Bucks were collected by Fine master Jill Sadler. Dan told us 2 Irish tales, Jason for his son’s hockey team, Lynda ranted that her car has been hit for the fourth time. Teresa for continually running into Lynda’s car, Bernie for his recent ancestry search, Bert for the Maple Leafs win over the Red Wings, Carol for VCCS winning the Kawartha Conservation Business Award, Gary for his work as co-Sgt at arms, and lastly Jill fined Greg Clements for arriving late with our newest inductee Danielle Green. Luckily Danielle had a buck to bail him out.
50/50 Draw was won by guest Pat O’Reilly who failed to pull the joker. The pot lives.
Today’s Guest speaker was Mayor Andy Letham who was introduced by President John. Andy was born in 1962 and resides in Cameron. He was a Business Owner for 13 years and managed the Fair Grounds for seven. His hobbies include reading, golf and travel. Mayor Letham was here to talk about the City of Kawartha Lakes Strategic Plan. He started by saying that CKL is a different place than it was a year ago. They are looking to create optimism and pride in our community and define our unique attributes. The plan will help us get Better, Stronger and More Strategic.
Recent successes in our area include the completion of the NW Trunk line which will enable 6,000 more residential homes and commercial retail space. Council wants to support local business and not get in the way with more red tape. They want vibrant down towns and to make CKL a four season destination. Streetscape and Façade guidelines for towns and villages have been completed. A planning approvals task force is in place to streamline processes and get developers started faster. Mayor Letham sited there were 950 building permits issued last year and the number of industrial permits had doubled. We also enjoyed a high number of residential sales in the area. Council hopes to set a foundation so that Business and the community can thrive. The 3 pillars of work focuses around a Vibrant Growing Economy, Exceptional Quality of Life and a Healthy Environment. Global leaders such as Mariposa Dairy, Pickseed, and Kawartha Dairy were mentioned. The Mayor also noted assets such as the Trent Severn Waterway and Fleming’s Frost Campus of Natural Resources. City staff are being asked to develop short and long term budgets. The Mayor hopes to meet face to face with our residents noting “people define communities and not buildings”. A number of new staff are in place to help with “an affordable plan with a heart”. Service Clubs were recognized to play a strong role within the plan. In closing the Mayor stated that in 2014 the residents chose change and that the City will be better if we all work together.
The Mayor fielded questions on a Municipal Cultural Plan and local commercial availability. Mayor Letham was thanked by Jill Sadler.
In Closing President John asked all to follow the Presidential theme and “Be a Gift to the World”.
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