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HomeMy Public PortalAbout2022-04-21_COW_Website Agenda PackagePage 1 of 1 (Cover Pages) Committee of the Whole AGENDA Thursday, April 21, 2022 Following Public Hearing at 8:45 a.m. Livestreamed via YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_uKlob3qOA6eD62x1kK5Kw 151 King Street, Chester, NS 1. MEETING CALLED TO ORDER 2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA/ORDER OF BUSINESS 3. PUBLIC INPUT SESSION (15 minutes) 4. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING 4.1 April 7, 2022. 5. PUBLIC PRESENTATIONS/APPOINTMENTS 6. MATTERS ARISING 7. CORRESPONDENCE 7.1 Email from Trudy Flynn, Chair of the Board of Directors for Fibromyalgia Association Canada requesting Council’s consideration to light the municipal building in purple on May 12, 2022. 8. NEW BUSINESS 8.1 Cancellation of May 5, 2022 Committee of the Whole due to conference being attended by some members of Council. 9. IN CAMERA 10. ADJOURNMENT 135 MUNICIPALITY OF THE DISTRICT OF CHESTER Minutes of COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE Via YouTube Live from 151 King St, Chester, NS On Thursday, April 7, 2022 CALLED TO ORDER Warden Webber called the meeting to order at 8:49 a.m. Present: District 1 – Councillor Andre Veinotte District 4 – Warden Allen Webber District 2 – Deputy Warden Shatford District 3 – Councillor Derek Wells District 5 – Councillor Abdella Assaff District 7 – Councillor Sharon Church District 6 – Councillor Tina Connors Staff: Dan McDougall, CAO Tara Maguire, Deputy CAO Jennifer Webber, Communications Officer Pamela Myra, Municipal Clerk (via Zoom) Chad Haughn, Director of Community Development & Recreation Matthew Blair, Director of Infrastructure & Operations Solicitor: Samuel Lamey, Municipal Solicitor APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND ORDER OF BUSINESS Additions:  Warden Webber - Letter to province regarding non-resident property tax (will discuss after public input).  Councillor Veinotte – Cell service coverage. 2022-136 MOVED by Councillor Wells, SECONDED by Councillor Church the April 7, 2022, Agenda and Order of Business for the Committee of the Whole be approved as amended. ALL IN FAVOUR. MOTION CARRIED. PUBLIC INPUT Piers Baker, Chester, was present and read a prepared statement on behalf of a number of people who have contacted him. As a realtor, he has many clients who are upset right now due Committee of the Whole (continued) April 7, 2022 136 to the non-resident tax and deed transfer tax being imposed by the Province and noted that he also had copies of letters from some of those concerned citizens. Mr. Baker’s submission as well as those of others he had received and provided outlined their concern with the Province’s proposed deed transfer tax and property tax. They also noted that many of those “folks from away” fund charities, businesses, and other organizations. It was also felt that this proposed taxation will be a major economic mistake. It was requested that Council make their concerns known to the Premier and the MLA. It was noted that Council is in the process of preparing correspondence for the Premier. Mr. Baker, a card-carrying member of the Conservatives indicated that he felt this was sending an awful message and will have a ripple effect in a very negative way. The Communications Officer read submissions from:  Mike Morris.  Philip Monckton.  Bill Morris. The public input from Mr. Mike Morris, Mr. Philip Monckton, and Mr. Bill Morris requested that the Municipality outline the negative impacts of the proposed provincial non-resident deed transfer tax and non-resident property tax and forward those to the Province. Councillor Wells indicated that Councillors may have received individual letters that haven’t been tabled. He asked that they be forwarded to the Municipal Office so that they could be kept on the record. The CAO read the draft letter that had been prepared to forward to Premier Houston (and copied to Minister of Municipal affairs, MLA Barkhouse, President of the Nova Scotia Federation of Municipalities, President of the Association of Municipalities of Nova Scotia, remaining Municipalities in the Province, and the Minister of Tourism). There were some edits suggested and the CAO indicated that those would be made. This will be sent to the MLA as well requesting her to attend a Council meeting to address Council’s concerns so that she may advocate on Council’s behalf. Council directed that staff prepare and forward the letter to Premier Houston. Committee of the Whole (continued) April 7, 2022 137 MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING 4.1 Committee of the Whole – March 24, 2022 – Warden Webber. 2022-137 MOVED by Deputy Warden Shatford, SECONDED by Councillor Church the minutes of the March 24, 2022, meeting of Committee of the Whole be approved as circulated. ALL IN FAVOUR. MOTION CARRIED. PUBLIC PRESENTATIONS There were no Public Presentations. MATTERS ARISING There were no Matters Arising for discussion. CORRESPONDENCE 7.1 Correspondence dated March 22, 2022 from the Town of Mahone Bay regarding Regional Housing Strategy for Lunenburg County. The CAO outlined the discussions held at the Mayors and Wardens meeting noting that, at this time, the Province has not yet awarded the provincial housing needs assessment – which will include research in all municipalities. They talked about sharing in Lunenburg County the initiatives that have been undertaken and will wait for the outcome of the housing needs assessment to determine if municipalities to continue with initiatives or have a regional planning strategy. Short term rental regulations tie into the housing initiative and Chester has agreed to lead a discussion regarding short term rental regulations. The Senior Planner provided a background and history of what currently exists in the province and the powers/authorities through the Land Use By-Law. The plan is to develop terms of reference to develop options/alternatives for Lunenburg County units to consider with regard to short term rentals. Councillor Connors asked if there would be any collaboration with the Region of Queens and it was noted that there was no discussion at that meeting, however, that may be something that should be considered. Committee of the Whole (continued) April 7, 2022 138 It was agreed to wait for the province to complete the needs assessment before moving forward as a group. It was also noted that the housing needs assessment is being discussed at the South Shore Housing Action Coalition group. NEW BUSINESS 8.2 Cell Phone Coverage Councillor Veinotte outlined the continued degradation of cell phone service all along the south shore, noting it is not uncommon to lose calls in areas that previously would not be an area where calls were lost. He asked if there was someone who could attend a Council meeting and update Councillors on why the coverage is less that it was previously. This is a modern age where we rely on mobile devices for business and, in particular, emergency services rely on them as well. This is a safety issue as well as an economic issue. The Deputy CAO indicated that she had written to the two major carriers. She did hear from Bell who said they were in the process of installing towers, but staff have not heard anything regarding the approval process. She noted that this has been discussed at REMO from emergency standpoint. Council directed staff to draft correspondence to forward to Bell and Eastlink and request a follow-up with Council. 8.1 Budget 2022/23. Present were: Tim Topping, Director of Financial & Information Services Chad Haughn, Director of Community Development & Recreation Matthew Blair, Director of Infrastructure & Operations The Director of Financial & Information Services outlined process of today’s presentation which was distributed to Council. Budget Highlights - Revenue  Property Taxes - $13,800,393 (up $1,104,189 from 2021/22). o Residential Assessments up 9.3% overall. o Commercial Assessments up 4.9%. o Resource Assessments up 5.1%. Committee of the Whole (continued) April 7, 2022 139 o Deed Transfer Tax - $1,790,000 (up $418,918 from 2021/22).  Warden Webber commented that the proposed provincial non-resident deed transfer tax may impact the Municipality’s budget for Municipal deed transfer tax.  Landfill Fees - $3,469,402 (down $130,532 from 2021/22).  Gas Tax - %599,418 (down from 2021/22 as payments were doubled in 2021/22).  Private Roads Admin Fee - $6,019 (down from 2021/22 as the fee was reduced from 10% to 5%). Budget Highlights - Expenditures  Total Expenditures - $29,269,176 (up 3.5% from 2021/22).  Salaries, Wages, Benefits - $5,377,124 (up $626,583 from 2021/22). o Previously approved organizational structure changes, cost of living adjustments, movements within ranges, and a new 2% vacancy allowance for turnover and recruitment).  Non-Discretionary Expenditures: o Transfers to RCMP - $2,206,780 (up $219,406 from 2021/22).  Councillor Veinotte commented on the common occurrence of unfilled vacancies in the RCMP. It was agreed that staff would contact the Department of Justice for a presentation. Councillor Connors noted that she has received only positive feedback on RCMP coverage.  The CAO noted that Cumberland County is conducting a policing study and when that is complete he will provide a copy to Councillors. o Insurance Premiums have increased an average of 18.1% from 2021/22. o School Board Contributions have increased along with assessment values. o Library contributions are up 26%.  No amount has been budgeted for Sustane operations (1,020,000 in 2021/22).  Transfers to Reserves increasing due to allocation of Deed Transfer Tax.  Grants: o Budgeted $113,190. o Council $25,000. o Tourism $8,000. o District Grants $70,000. o Recreation $20,000. o Youth Sponsorship $4,000. o Leadership $4,000. o Economic Development Sponsorship $6,000. o Wind Energy Reserve $439,000 Committee of the Whole (continued) April 7, 2022 140 Corporate and Strategic Management Department The Deputy CAO reviewed the Corporate and Strategic Management Operating Summary, commenting on the following:  Council Summary Program Summary- $808,525.  Corporate & Strategic Management Program Summary - $1,176,820.  Contingency Program Summary (-$59,157).  Policing & Corrections Program Summary $2,445,117. It is unsure if the retroactive pay will affect Municipalities.  REMO Program Summary $51,588.  Fire Protection Program Summary $171,114. o Concern noted at the length of time it has taken for the fire services study to be completed. It was also noted that there is additional cost for WCB for firefighter coverages.  Community Health & Housing Program Summary $30,900.  Economic Development Program Summary $609,389.  EcoPark Program Summary $121,600.  School Board Mandatory Contribution Program Summary $5,306,924. Community Development and Recreation The Director of Community Development & Recreation reviewed the Community Development & Recreation Operating Summary, commenting on the following:  Animal Control Program Summary $38,704.  By-Law Program Summary $69,391. o A By-Law Enforcement Officer has been hired for 21 hours per week.  Building Inspection Program Summary $222,825. o Following a lengthy discussion, it was agreed to provide an amount in the budget for the purpose of hiring someone with carpenter or related experience and training that person as a building inspector. The Director of Community Development and Recreation will work with Infrastructure and Operations to determine if there are staff interested in the training. It was estimated that $70,000 to $80,000 would be required in the budget. It was noted that the other part of that would be a discussion on shared services.  Fire Inspection Program Summary $41,408. o The By-Law Enforcement Officer is in the process of completing fire inspector training but in the interim have been using shared services to fill the role.  Planning Program Summary $593,079. o The Director of Community Development & Recreation indicated that this includes the new Development Officer position. As well, staff is in working on the Committee of the Whole (continued) April 7, 2022 141 architectural study and this will be provided to Council within the next few weeks. Also, the Uniform Signage By-Law has been approved and signage is ready to be installed.  Recreation Program Summary $786,807. A break was held from 10:19 a.m. to 10:32 a.m. The CAO noted that there are Capital Budget included within the handout that indicate what capital projects will or will not be coming back to Council for input/approval. It was also noted that on the left had side, information about funding is included on each capital budget project page. Deputy Warden Shatford asked that the flashing light at the crosswalk near the Hubbards Sailing Club be added to the list due to the regatta taking place this year.  Heritage Properties and Library Program Summary $86,200. o With the exception of $500, the remainder of the amount is the Municipality’s portion for South Shore Public Libraries. Infrastructure and Operations Department The CAO noted that since the Director of Infrastructure & Operations has only been hired on in the last week and a half, he would review the Program Summaries:  Municipal Properties Program Summary $672,324. o Discussion was held with regard to eco-washrooms, walking area paved at Wild Rose Park, and future locations of washrooms. o Staff have had discussions with the ICIP program administrators and are able to release tenders without compromising access to the funding; we are optimistic that a final decision will be made before we have to award tenders. Will see staff activity related to mobilizing so we don’t lose construction season.  Public Works & Mill Cove Water Program Summary $370,614. o This is in the budget if the program moves forward.  Roads Program Summary $444,563. o This includes J Class Roads, and it was asked if the list of roads will be re-assessed before the next application for J Class roads is required.  Streetlights Program Summary $1,537.  Sewers Program Summary $24,405. Committee of the Whole (continued) April 7, 2022 142 o It was noted that there is an additional sheet that shows five year anticipated expenditures and a proposed increase to the wastewater rate. As well, this year had some HR vacancies.  Waste Collection Program Summary $852,163.  Landfill Program Summary $293,769. o This does not include any Sustane expenditures. When Sustane becomes operational that will be a trigger for tip fees they pay us. There is a more detailed slide on tip fees that will be discussed in a closed session. o Staff is optimistic that this year we will have an equipment reserve/replacement policy with a 5-year replacement schedule. o There will soon be a presentation on the work for Transition 2050 in which one of the core functions is to determine the Municipality’s base greenhouse gas emissions. Electric vehicles were also discussed.  Recycling Program Summary $78,088.  Wind Turbine Program Summary $303,771. Financial & Information Services The Director of Financial & Information Services was present to review the Financial & Information Services Department’s Program Summaries:  Property Taxes and Grants in Lieu Program Summary $16,602,799.  Federal and Provincial Grants Program Summary $609,563.  Finance Program Summary $1,371,297.  Information Services Program Summary $603,094.  Transfers from Reserve and Prior Year Surplus $1,061,205 (Refer to page 66 for a breakdown of reserves transferred). o It was requested that someone come in to talk to Council on where the broadband/economic development piece is right now. It was requested that the date of the meeting be forwarded to Council to review the video of the meeting.  Transfer to Reserves (refer to page 68 which provides a breakdown of transfers to reserves). Strategic Priority Areas (pages 69 to 63) Economic Development Environmental Stewardship Governance and Engagement Healthy and Vibrant Communities Infrastructure and Service Delivery Committee of the Whole (continued) April 7, 2022 143 The Director of Financial & Information Services noted that these pages represent what is going on throughout the year. Pages 74 to 77 include the Capital Budget Plan which has been reviewed. Debt and Debt Servicing Charges (page 78) Reserves 2022/23 Budgeted Changes (page 79 and 80) This shows the amounts and ending balances and the Projected Year End Balances for the next five years. Area Rate Budget Statement - Solid Waste (page 81) It was noted that the Solid Waste Tip fee information will be discussed In Camera. Area Rate EDU Budget Statement – Sewers (page 83) A discussion was held with regard to the EDU rate and instead of going up by $25 in 2022/23, and $5/year thereafter, it was suggested to escalate costs by CPI annually. This year it would be 4.1%. Area Rate EDU Budget Statement – Streetlight Area Rates (page 84) The Director of Financial & Information Services indicated that there needs to be a modification to this page as there are some streetlights that may be in the incorrect district. It was asked why there was not a uniform rate, and it was noted that each district has a different way of charging for the lights. Councillor Wells indicated that we have received a letter from someone who is not in favour of light pollution, and he would like to discuss it at some point in time. Undepreciated Asset Costs (page 85) The Director of Financial & Information Services commented on the streetlights which include usage and capital charge. In 2012 the province mandated the transition to high efficiency LED lights; the municipality was charged a lump sum of $15,628 but has no information to know how to charge to what lights to what district. He is recommending this be paid from general operations. Area Rate Budget Statement – Mill Cove Hydrants (page 86) Committee of the Whole (continued) April 7, 2022 144 The Director of Financial & Information Services indicated that he is not recommending any change. There will be further information on plans and goals for that area. Residential/Commercial Area Rates (page 87) The Director of Financial & Information Services reviewed the summary of rates noting there will be a change to the Sewer EDU Fee from $675 to an amount that is 4.1%. Rate/Description 2022/23 2021/22 Residential/Resource $0.705 $0.705 Commercial 1.53 1.53 Arear Rate – Solid Waste $0.1205 $0.1205 Sewer EDU Fee Increase by 4.1% CPI 650.00 Area Rate – Mil Cove Hydrant $0.28 $0.28 Area rates – Streetlights (various) See page 84 (an adjustment is also required) Others: Area Rates – Fire Protection – Various (Will be received at a later date) TBD Area Rate – Village Commission Rate (Will be received at a later date) TBD Capital and Operating “Parking Lot”: Capital :  Wastewater Upgrades And Expansion o Staff will come back with reports on this matter.  Mill Cove Fire Protection  Aspotogan Wharf o It was noted that staff is working on options but, at this time, have no insight on what the expenditures may be but want Council to be aware there may be an additional expense.  Speed Radar o It was agreed to include one mounted speed radar sign for each district in the budget. Staff is preparing a request for decision. Operating:  South Shore Regional Hospital Committee of the Whole (continued) April 7, 2022 145 o Following a lengthy discussion, it was the general consensus that the request from the South Shore Regional Hospital for $100,000 over four years would not be included in the budget.  Chester Art Centre o Following a discussion regarding the importance and benefits of the arts (economically and physically/mentally), it was agreed to discuss further an amount to include the Chester Art Centre as a budgeted amount annually. It was requested that the budget and financial statements be provided. o It was noted that there are a lot of outreach work being done. Welcome Signage – The Deputy CAO noted that Council had given direction regarding “welcome signs” in communities that are entrances to the Municipality. This will be included in future discussions of the budget. Community Trails – Councillor Connors wished to raise what she had brought forward last year – the idea of a budget for community trails. These are typically on private lands (similar to what the Municipality has with the province – an MOU). Her request is to have community trails included and request staff to come back with some idea as to how this might play out and how it could work in terms of community groups doing work on community trails. She would like a budget/work plan. She would like for Council to consider that and hope we will eventually have community trails throughout entire municipal district – not just those with rail beds. We have users in this municipality of all community trails. Councillor Assaff noted that he thinks trails are important and hope to see that eventually the system will allow people to use the trail from Hubbards onward. Not all districts have the old rail line going through them. She has looked at other areas in the province where trails have been developed with no trail bed in place and would like to see if we can make this work as well. Councillor Veinotte felt all recognize that trails – of all recreational things we support – are the most successful thing we do. He has been on community trails in New Ross, and they work well. It is not necessarily geographic – if trails are available people will want to use them. If we were able to have a network of trails, he can envision a future where the municipal trail would be the backbone with many fingers coming off from it – some built by us and some built by others. If they are open for public use, he has no issue who builds as long as they are safe. What we lack are rules/criteria for what we want to fund. For example, we support through the Recreation & Parks Committee individuals who may want to participate in a sporting event. We don’t give Committee of the Whole (continued) April 7, 2022 146 money to every single person curling or playing baseball – criteria is why. What we lack right now is the oversight. In principle he can get behind what Councillor Connors is proposing – we all think it is a good idea and not a novelty trail in someone’s back yard. When we support with public money, need some control. He agreed that that Council should have a fund that we use to build community led trails. Need framework – criteria that they would have to build them and the intended purpose. So, no unsafe trails are going somewhere not safe. If we had that structure in place, we could create something amazing. Have 30 years of experience in building trails – we need to communicate that and incentivize. Councillor Connors outlined what the New Ross Trails Society has in place and their membership in the NS Trails Organization which opens the door to accessing insurance to invite people to use the trail. They have legal agreements in place with private landowners. The checks and balances are there and in place. She has had discussions with community members from two districts – District 7 no rail bed deeper within the district, other than Marriotts Cove. All of those things we have been able to share – mobilizing some people on the ground, talking to recreation staff, being prepared to take out membership, etc. Staff was able to provide the group with templates of MOUs. Discussion included implications and what the policy would be, who would be eligible, spending public money on private lands, pitfalls of dealing with private landowners, protecting the investment, what is the level of investment, the need for a framework or terms of reference, a committee making a recommendation back to Council, staff implications, etc. It was agreed to direct staff to produce a concept and criteria but not include it in this current budget. Councillor Connors referenced the MOU that the Municipality has with the province. There is a network of trails for motorized vehicles throughout the province and they are funded and maintained by non-profit organizations. She noted that when doing research, she determined that the MOU we have with the province for the trail can be cancelled by slipping a note under the door by the province to the municipality and becomes immediate. She and her community and other volunteer organizations embrace the money that the taxpayers have invested in the Chester Connection trail – it is a lot of money. Those are taxpayer dollars. Although the Warden indicated that he is not ready to put anything in the budget, she is ready to put something in the budget commenting that just because it is in the budget doesn’t mean it will be spent right this second. Her request is to put something in the budget and then we craft after that what it is going to be required to open the cash box. We put money in budget all the time, i.e., Committee of the Whole (continued) April 7, 2022 147 Sustane. Also noted was the money invested in the Chester Connection Trail – land which we do not own. The general consensus was that more information was required prior to adding a line item for community trails. The CAO confirmed the following additions/changes:  Include speed radar signs (one for each district).  Art centre – staff will come back with more information.  Community signs at entrances to the Municipality – a one-time cost.  Building inspector training contingency.  Senior Safety – this is in the budget.  Change schedule on flashing beacons (to include the Hubbards Yacht Club location).  EDU increased by CPI to $676.80.  Streetlight for District 3 – correction - previous fiscal rate rather than the change.  Community Trail – hold a workshop to get further direction from Council. The CAO indicated that the intention is to bring the information back to Council noting the highlighted changes and it will be up to Council to decide when they wish to approve it – April 14th or 28th for approval. IN CAMERA 9.1 In Camera as per Section 22(2)(e) - Contract Negotiations – Village of Chester. 2022-138 MOVED by Deputy Warden Shatford, SECONDED by Councillor Church the meeting convene “In Camera” as per Section 22(2)(e) - Contract Negotiations – Village of Chester. ALL IN FAVOUR. MOTION CARRIED. Following a brief meeting the meeting reconvened in Regular Session with all members present, except Councillors Assaff and Church who left due to prior commitments. ADJOURNMENT 2022-139 MOVED by Deputy Warden Shatford, SECONDED by Councillor Veinotte the meeting adjourn. ALL IN FAVOUR. MOTION CARRIED. (12:36 p.m.) Committee of the Whole (continued) April 7, 2022 148 ___________________________ ___________________________ Allen Webber Pamela Myra Warden Municipal Clerk 1 Pam Myra (she/her) From:Jennifer Webber Sent:April 12, 2022 9:47 AM To:FAC-Administration Cc:Pam Myra (she/her) Subject:RE: #External: Light up Chester Municipal Building Purple for May 12 Fibromyalgia Awareness Day. Thank you for your email, Trudy. I will forward it to our Municipal Clerk to include for discussion at a coming Council meeting. After the meeting, one of us will get back to you with what they decide. Jennifer JENNIFER WEBBER Communications Officer & Outreach Coordinator Office: 902-275-4107 Cell: 902-277-1169 Consider the environment. Do you really need to print this email? -----Original Message----- From: FAC-Administration <admin@fibrocanada.ca> Sent: April 11, 2022 5:04 PM To: Communications <communications@chester.ca> Subject: #External: Light up Chester Municipal Building Purple for May 12 Fibromyalgia Awareness Day. This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recogize the sender and know the content is safe. Good Afternoon My name is Trudy Flynn. I am the Chair of the Board of Directors for Fibromyalgia Association Canada. May 12, 2022 is the 30th Anniversary of the recognition of Fibromyalgia Awareness Day. I am contacting you, on behalf of Fibromyalgia Association Canada to request to have the Chester Municipal Building light up in purple on May 12th in recognition of the 5% of Canadians living with fibromyalgia, many of them in your province. Fibromyalgia Association Canada is the National Association for people with fibromyalgia. Our website is https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fwww.fibrocanada.ca&c=E,1,77JtDkFY2XrINI_4ArFnk0f9ACUyRv- TvQwLPNOix1CioFuibTWFzt3z7oV8RHxl6rvGgDrP3XrUTrq8DsnHIXtGG_sue-iBLwWTe0JgieTY4o-1VP5lcg,,&typo=1 Thanks you in advance for any help you can be in advancing this issue. Trudy Flynn 2 Chair of the Board of Directors Fibromyalgia Association Canada HI, MY NAME IS FIBROMYALGIA. Here’s How I’m Going to Change Your Life. Hi, my name is Fibromyalgia. I’m here to introduce myself and to let you know how I’m going to change your life. I want to be involved in your work life, social activities, family life, household responsibilities, rest time – every aspect of you. Initially, you won’t know that it’s me. You may think you’re just getting older and some things are changing naturally. However, you’ll soon find out that I affect every part of your life and things may change drastically. I want to get to know you – every fiber of your being. What makes you tick? What gets you excited? What keeps you involved with social activities? Who are your friends? Is your family supportive? Will your friends and family embrace me the way I’ve embraced and stuck to you? Let’s see, what can I learn about first? I think I’ll focus first on your work life. Have you noticed that after sitting at that desk working for a while, it’s a struggle to stand up and be steady? Yep – that’s me! The pain you feel is not just the effects of growing older, but the effects of me, your new buddy. What else is changing at work? Are you finding it harder to concentrate and follow all the changes going on in your department and business? Are you confused easily and unable to concentrate very well? These are all me interjecting myself into your life. Before long, you may find that you’re missing a lot of work and your performance is being questioned. If this happens, be sure to see your doctor and get the required notes to protect your job and/or your benefits. I hope you have the type of job that gives you those benefits. You’re probably going to need them. One thing I’ll change for sure is your sleeping habit. You’ll probably not feel very rested after a full night’s sleep. Even if you slept through the night, you’ll still feel tired. That’s me, again, poking my head into an area of your life that will affect all the other areas of your life. Along with the aches and pains, I bring fatigue with me. At first you may actually enjoy staying in bed longer, but after a while, you and I will have words about how lazy you feel. It’s not my intention to make you feel that way. I really just want to be noticed and fatigue really gets me noticed. I like to be the center of attention. If you’re going to be spending more time in the bed, do some things that may make it more pleasant. For example, get a few sets of your favorite soft sheets. Put a few easy to read books, word puzzles, coloring books and other easy things you enjoy by your bed. When you have the energy, do something you enjoy. Don’t forget to keep water by your bed. You’ll need to stay hydrated. Next, you may find that your social life is being messed up. I will interfere with your weekend plans whether they be hanging out with friends, going to church, playing on a sports team or just enjoying a weekend at the coast. If your friends accept me in your life, they’ll understand. They may even work around your new schedules to spend time with you. Those are some great friends you have! Be thankful for those types of friends because many people I live with tend to slowly lose contact with friends that aren’t understanding. You know, it may be helpful for you to tell them all about me and how your life is going to be affected. I know it’s embarrassing, but that may be the best piece of advice for you. Perhaps that’ll help your friends understand that it’s not the way you choose to be now and that you’ll fight through when you can. Your family is going to get to know me extremely well. There may be days you don’t see them even though you live in the same house. You’ll probably spend a day here and there in your room sleeping because just the thought of getting up is exhausting. If you can, let them know ahead of time when I’m bothering you more. Times when the weather is changing, cold or wet seems to be my favorite time to intrude. Make sure your family knows you love them and you’re not really trying to avoid them. Maybe on days when I leave you alone, you can work with your family to make meals ahead of time. Then all they need to do is warm food up. Of course, running out for hamburgers or tacos may be an excellent choice also. Try to keep fresh fruit and vegetables in the house so there are healthy options for not only us, but for the whole family. Some families I get to know are very supportive of each other. Unfortunately, not all are that way. Have an open discussion about who I am and the effects I have on you, so they fully understand me. If possible, see if there are in-person or online support groups for families of people I encounter. That may help them understand my full impact on your life. I love your house. We’ll be staying there a lot now. Sometimes it’ll seem like I keep you from doing what is necessary to keep it organized and clean. Have patience with yourself. Let’s get up together and do a little bit at a time. Dishes for example, can be done in steps. First, empty the dishwasher and put the clean ones away. Do you need to rest? Then do so! Next, start filling the dishwasher with dirty dishes. Take is slow and easy if you need to. If there are dishes that need to be washed by hand, let them soak in soap and water for a bit. Once you’re ready to get up and do a little more, they are easier to clean. Do the laundry the same way. Do the loads when your energy is high. It may take you a day or two, so plan to do the necessities first. Can you ask for help from family members? After all, it’s their clothes and dishes, too! When you accomplish something, do a celebration dance or simply look in the mirror and congratulate yourself. You are awesome! Even with me by your side every step of the way, you got some things done. Sometimes the best self-care involves encouraging yourself with positive thoughts and looks. Now that I think about it, make a list of all the things you love about yourself. Keep that list close by for those times you’re not really feeling that great about yourself. Keep a journal close by and acknowledge yourself and the things you accomplish on a daily basis. Maybe it’s just going from the bedroom to the living room to watch TV. Maybe it’s getting a shower and washing your hair. There will be those times that I’ll try to prevent you from even brushing your teeth. If you feel like that, get up and brush your teeth and write that down as an accomplishment. While you’re at the sink, look in the mirror and tell yourself “good job.” Remember, my name is fibromyalgia. Yours is not! You are simply someone who is learning to live with me. Some days will be better than others, that’s true. However, you are always a gift. You are always loved (even when you don’t feel like it). You struggle through to make your life and the life of your family the best you can and that is wonderful. Just as we try to speak uplifting words to our children that are learning (and sometime failing) to do new things, you are learning to live with a condition. You are not the condition. Find ways to keep those positive thoughts about yourself coming your way. After all, you are amazing!