THETIS ISLAND RESIDENTS’ AND RATEPAYERS’ ASSOCIATION
October 16, 2008
Forbes Hall, Thetis Island

Meeting commenced at 7:35 p.m.
14 members were in attendance.
Vice President Steve Frankel welcomed those present.

Approval of Minutes:
Chairperson Steve Frankel asked if there were any changes or additions to the minutes of the June 21, 2008 General Meeting, which were posted on the Bulletin Board and on the Website.
MOTION made by Graeme Shelford, seconded by Ernie Hunter to adopt the minutes of June 21, 2008 as presented. Motion CARRIED.

Treasurer’s Report:
Treasurer Kevin Galbraith distributed a copy of his report to those present and provided the following highlights:
General Fund:
A total of 468 TIRRA members are paid up to date. This is a decrease from the 474 members paid last year, however it represents a small increase in households.
242 of these paid are full time residents and 226 are part time.
Expenditures were $1,215.37.
The balance in the General Fund as of October 16, 2008 is $10,699.91.
Garbage Fund:
Expenditures to date are $14,295.57. This includes $2,717.19 for the Special Garbage pick up.
Kevin noted that the recycling contract is now paid monthly instead of twice per year, as was the case previously.
The balance in the Garbage Fund as of October 16, 2008 is $16,884.51. This includes a donation of $1,000 for the new system.

Old Business:
MOTION made by Ernie Hunter, seconded by Jeanine Caldbeck that the Garbage Site be opened twice per week for a total of 5 hours and that these hours of opening be 09:30 to 12:00 on Wednesday and Saturday, initially, and that these be changed as deemed necessary. Motion CARRIED.

SPECIAL MOTION made by Steve Frankel, seconded by Andy Keir to approve a line of credit to cover the cost of a compacter and generator if needed, and that the line of credit be for the amount of $10,000.
12 of the 14 people present supported the motion and two abstained. The motion was therefore CARRIED.

Standing Committee Reports:
Sanitation:
Barbara Williamson submitted a brief written report and in her absence Ron Bannister provided an update to the meeting. 
He noted that he has had a couple of offers of generators and that he will be following up on these to see if they are suitable. He farther noted that the 40-yard bins, which he needs, have increased in cost and are likely to cost closer to $10,000 than the $7,000 that he was initially quoted.
It was noted that Carol Swan and Lorrie Wood will explore grants that may be available for recycling and that Stephanie Cottel will be giving an education session, once the new system is in place.

Transportation:
Graeme Shelford noted that in response to a second letter from Dennis Culver, he had looked into the cost of a convex mirror for the corner of Harbour Road. A three foot diameter mirror will cost $334.51 + taxes. 
Fire Chief, Jeanine Caldbeck, indicated that the Fire Department had approached Department of Highways in relation to setting up such a mirror at the junction near the fire hall and had been told that it could not be done because of liability, for example sun hitting the mirror, blinding a driver, leading to an accident.
This therefore negated the idea of the mirror.
Discussion arose about the formal proposal of a sidewalk but Graeme noted that no one has come forward to volunteer to research/deal with this issue and he has not the time. Also Highways were not supportive of this.
Wendy Andison also noted that there was something in the OCP and bylaws, which negated this.
Ernie Hunter suggested that one solution might be to post speed limits in the areas of concern, however Wendy Andison felt that we had enough signage on the island. Graeme stated that he would follow up on the possibility of signage with Greg Galpin of Department of Highways.

Ferry Advisory Committee:
Doug Snyder provided a handout to those present and this is also included as part of the minutes.
Doug noted that the Ferry Advisory Committee appointments are for a three-year term, which expires at the end of this year. He indicated that two members, one of them being he, will not be seeking re-election.
He discussed the positive things that had been achieved, and the ongoing issues, such as fares going up.
He noted that they will be meeting for a second time with Transportation Minister Kevin Falcon this coming Monday. They are hoping for a one-time infusion of cash.
Doug noted that TIRRA will be approached to provide names of possible candidates and he felt that it would be beneficial if TIRRA requested a quarterly report from FAC as this would be a means of communication and also provide a sense of connectedness and accountability, which in his opinion is important.
Steve Frankel thanked Doug for his participation.

Land use and Environment:
No report as Ken Youds was absent.

Cemetery:
No report as Lorrie Wood was absent.

Community Trail:
Dave Steen noted that the trail had been inspected several times over the last two weeks and it was in good shape and appeared as though it had been well used.
He noted that it needs some pruning but that there was no need for a work party.

TIPC:
No report as no one from the committee was present.

OTHER:
Steve Frankel indicated that he had three issues that he wished to discuss. These are as follows:
1. Steve informed the group that he had recently purchased a composter from the Compost Education Centre in Victoria, and that he had been shown a type of composter called a “Digester” which deals with kitchen waste which is not suitable for a the regular compost bin. He also noted that staff had indicated that they would be willing to come to Thetis to do a session on composting. Apparently they had been to Salt Spring to deliver such a session and had made composting bins available to the community at cost.
This information will be passed to Stephanie Cottel.
2. In relation to the recent well testing that was done, Steve had asked if they would be willing to provide a session to the community. They responded affirmatively but noted that they could not do so until they have all the results compiled.
It will therefore be possible to have a session on Aquifers, provided by the Ministry of the Environment. This would take place in either late November or in the New Year.
3.Steve asked those in attendance if they would give some thought to obtaining names for persons who might be willing to stand for TIRRA Vice President or President, as he thought that he might not be able to continue.

A question was asked about the APC information session, which had been cancelled. The individual wished to know if this was being re-scheduled. Steve did not have a definitive answer, although he thought not. He advised that this question be asked of the Islands Trust planner, Chris Jackson.

Voting for Islands Trust trustees will take place November 15, 2008.

Jeanine Caldbeck asked if TIRRA knew anything about the concrete structure that had appeared in the school playing field.
She noted that this is the designated GPS landing site for a helicopter for emergencies.
The concrete structure appears to be a well casing and no one was aware of why, or when it had appeared. It was suggested that it might be to keep run-off out of the well.
Steve will follow up with some calls to the school division.

Adjournment:
Andy Keir moved, seconded by Jeanine Caldbeck that the meeting be adjourned at 9 p.m.