April 4, 2022
Story by Tim FitzGerald
 
Al joined Norfolk County, as CAO, last September bringing with him career experience from Vaughn, Brampton and Georgian Bluffs - these are "lower tier" municipalities (part of a greater regional municipality). Whereas, in Norfolk - a "single tier" municipality - there's no such place to kick issues upstairs  - they are addressed right here in Norfolk. This presents Al with some exciting challenges and he's up the job. Al observed that Norfolk has had multiple CAO's in many short years. Although the media has long reported the disagreements on how things were being accomplished or should be accomplished, Al complimented the current Council for tackling foundational issues and laying the groundwork for the next 20 years.
 
Our Rotarians asked questions of pressing issues such as moratoriums on development due to a lack of sufficient municipal water supply and purification capacity. Al advised that Norfolk has employed an experienced project manager to study and quantify Norfolk's options in water supply but also sewage treatment capacities. Example - one option - Haldimand has unused water supply capacity at its Townsend site - more than enough to supply Norfolk - sounds simple? No! That's only half of the problem - there is insufficient sewage treatment capacity to process all the sewage that unabated development in Norfolk would produce. Renewal/replacement of Norfolk's aging sewage infrastructure options will be part of the report to be tabled at Council this month.
 
In addition to CAO's, Norfolk's staff and managers have also experienced high turnover. Al said that a turnover in municipalities, such as 8% to 10%, in managerial positions is to be expected. The CAO and Council have to create an environment and benefits package that both attracts new employees and retains existing talent. But managerial talent is in high demand. Even as Norfolk grows its talent pool, the recruiters are nearby waiting to "poach" good people.
 
In a similar sense, efforts and foundational issues are being enacted to attract and retain employers of all types to Norfolk County.
 
All in, it was a good and informative day at our weekly Rotary meeting!