THETIS ISLAND RESIDENTS’ AND RATEPAYERS’ ASSOCIATION
GENERAL MEETING
June 16, 2005
Forbes Hall, Thetis Island
MINUTES
Meeting commenced at 7:30 p.m.
Chaired by John Stradt, Vice-President, in the absence of Patrick Mooney, President.
25 members were in attendance
John Stadt welcomed new members, Dorothy Coombes and John Wright to the meeting and to the community.
The March 17, 2005 Annual General Meeting Minutes were briefly reviewed. A Motion was made by Alex Rozewicz, Seconded by John Wright to adopt these minutes as presented. Motion CARRIED.
OLD BUSINESS:
Bulletin Boards: John Stadt advised that he spoken with Ralph Kempe with respect to the relocation of the Bulletin Boards. Ralph has spoken with Charlie Fordham, and it appears that work should commence possibly in early September 2005.
Post Office Boxes: The road condition at the Post Boxes has significantly improved, but will require constant upkeep. Pat Mooney has spoken with persons from Canada Post in an effort to review the possible relocation of these units. Further information will be provided in due course.
Committee Reports:
Treasurer: Kevin Galbraith advised there is a total balance of $31,406.62 in both the General and Garbage Fund, being $6,472.75 in the General Fund and $24,933.87 in the Garbage Fund. There are currently 206 full-time members and 198 part-time members, for a total of 404 members who have paid their dues.
Den Kelsey requested that comparison figures for the same period from the previous year be included in the Financial Report. Kevin will provide these figures in future reports.
Sanitation: Barbara Williamson - absent.
Land Use: Ernie Hunter indicated that no complaints have been received to date. A short discussion ensued with respect to the mosquito problems. Ernie will provide further information in due course.
Community Trail: David Steen indicated that a group walk occurred about a month ago, whereby approximately 25-30 persons attended. Perhaps a further group walk could be scheduled sometime in the fall. The bench should be built shortly and will be located approximately at the half-way point on the trail.
Transportation: Graeme Shelford indicated there is no activity at this time. Graeme is temporarily assuming the position of Transportation Chair. A permanent replacement is still requested. Anyone interested in assuming this position is requested to contact anyone on the Executive Committee.
Corresponding Secretary: Veronica Shelford advised there is nothing to date.
Bylaws: Tooner Knowles - absent.
Cemetery: Lorrie Wood advised there is nothing new to report.
NEW BUSINESS:
Community Forum: A lengthy discussion ensued with respect to the Community Forum looking into the present Islands Trust Bylaws pertaining to rental accommodations and affordable housing. It is anticipated that a meeting will be held sometime in September ’05. Apparently the Islands Trust has set aside funding to permit an independent facilitator/mediator to review various issues in dispute, and most importantly matters relating to the existing Bylaws. Concerns were raised that at the recent Islands Trust meeting held on June 9th, mention was made of establishing “a” Community Forum, and not necessarily using the existing Community Forum process. The concern was that the existing Community Forum meetings are not well publicized, attendees are not necessarily encouraged to speak to issues, and it is not a decision making body. On the other hand, various members felt that the existing Community Forum was indeed the correct body, as representation from all of the groups on Thetis makes up the existing Community Forum. Further discussions ensued with respect to allowing the existing Community Forum to get together to talk about the process and a possible choice of facilitator, at which point the spokesperson could approach Islands Trust with recommendations. Additional comments were received with respect to the Community Forum’s authority. It was recommended that TIRRA should be the correct choice in representing the Island voice. As the existing Community Forum is not a decision making body, TIRRA could make recommendations to the Community Forum with respect to the selection of a facilitator/mediator, at which time the choice could be transmitted to Islands Trust through TIRRA. David Vickers could also be valuable in providing appropriate names of facilitators/mediators for review.
Graeme indicated that TIRRA had previously come up with a proposal, then subsequently put this forward to the Community Forum. In effect, it had recommended that a community meeting be held, with a neutral moderator heading this session. Concern was raised that careful thought should be given on what the process is. In addition, it is important to determine on a comprehensive basis what the majority will of the people is. Graeme Shelford advised that with respect to the existing difficulties pertaining to certain Bylaws, Islands Trust Local Trustee Gail O’Hara has requested input for a questionnaire which would be sent to the community sometime in the summer. Input was requested prior to June 30th. After a brief discussion, it was thought that this deadline was unrealistic.
After further discussion, the following Motion was made:
A Motion was made by Den Kelsey, Seconded by Alex Rozewicz that TIRRA ask the Community Forum to consider and make recommendations as to a person or people to serve as an independent facilitator to serve in the ongoing process of determining the will of the people with respect to the current Islands Trust Bylaws affecting rental accommodation and affordable housing. Motion CARRIED.
As a result of the above Motion, TIRRA will approach the existing Community Forum with the contents of this Motion, after which TIRRA will approach Islands Trust with their choice(s).
Meeting adjourned at 8:50 p.m.
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