Feature Article August 21, 2002
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NF deputy mayor appreciates response to stormby Will Cybulski Gleva Lemke, one of North Frontenacs Ward 3 Municipal Councillors, serves as Deputy Mayor for the township. On Friday, August 2, when a devastating storm hit this area, she was called to task as the person in charge of our municipalitys affairs, in the absence of Mayor Stan Johnston. In the wake of the storm, Council declared a local state of emergency. With Deputy Mayor Lemke at the helm, Council later passed and forwarded a resolution to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, asking that the township be declared a disaster area, and that financial aid be considered under the Ontario Disaster Relief Assistance Program. That process has become a newsworthy issue in its own right, but in the aftermath of the storm, Deputy Mayor Lemke has asked that her thoughts be passed along to all who were involved. I feel its really important to relay my deepest appreciation to all those who contributed their expertise during our state of emergency. I hope that I may be able to express my heartfelt and sincere gratitude to those who were involved and/or affected by the storm. During such stressful events, some may be overlooked when it comes time to say thank you for your participation. You know who you are, she said
Deputy Mayor Lemke went on to say that she was impressed by the quick and efficient response from emergency providers. Many who answered the call were volunteers from many organizations and businesses, with some coming from beyond North Frontenacs boundaries. Thank you for being there in our time of need, said Councillor Lemke, She explained that the combined effort of all parties -volunteers, municipal or provincial representatives, helped expedite the Townships emergency procedures, and alleviated the stress felt by residents of the municipality.
She also wished to express her condolences to those families who suffered the loss of loved ones, or sustained injuries or personal property damage during or after the storm. In her role as Deputy Mayor, Councillor Lemke stated that staff of the municipality continue to work diligently to ensure that clean-up in the aftermath of the storm will be as quick as possible. We appreciate your patience, as we are still short of staff to get to everyone immediately.
Councillor Lemke also advised residents to keep details of their loss to primary dwellings/property, and watch or listen for further news articles or notices which will inform residents of clean-up status and other information. She also reiterated that brush and debris not be burned, as a fire ban was imposed due to the potential hazard from deadfall within the municipality.
Waste disposal sites will accept brush debris from the storm until August 31 without the usual fee, said Lemke, and if you are clearing your property of fallen trees, extreme caution is advised.
