THETIS ISLAND RESIDENTS’ AND RATEPAYERS’ ASSOCIATION
GENERAL MEETING
October 20, 2005
Forbes Hall, Thetis Island
MINUTES
Meeting commenced at 7:30 p.m.
Chaired by Pat Mooney, President.
22 members were in attendance
The June 16, 2005 General Meeting minutes were briefly reviewed. A Motion was made by Graeme Shelford, Seconded by Donna Stadt to adopt these minutes as presented. Motion CARRIED.
The recycling contract with Ron Bannister has been renewed and recognition of Ron’s dedication and hard work was commented upon.
At the last Community Forum meeting, a Statement of Purpose was prepared and reviewed with respect to the community organizations. Anyone wishing a copy of this document are requested to contact Pat Mooney.
A discussion ensued with respect to the wording and installation of a community information sign at the ferry dock area. Pat Mooney drafted a brief sample of the wording, which would include information on the 3 agencies involved. Rewording of the draft was recommended and a discussion followed. It was suggested that perhaps the logos or insignias of each agency could be included on the sign, as well as the logo for Thetis Island. It was recommended that a temporary sign be installed, with the wording to be discussed and agreed upon. A permanent sign would follow, whereupon input would be made available at the March 2006 AGM. Mary Forbes has volunteered to create a draft sign and with assistance from David Essig, David Steen and Wendy Andison, they will meet with Pat Mooney to discuss the contents prior to completing the temporary sign. A suggestion was also made that perhaps a smaller sign could be posted on the BC Ferries bulletin board inside the lounge area. Further discussion will ensue with respect to this matter.
A Motion was made by Mary Forbes, Seconded by Shirley Burr that a temporary sign be designed within 2 weeks, incorporating the 4 logos and descriptive information to be posted on the bulletin board next to the ferry dock, with plans for a permanent sign to follow, with input to be provided at the March 2006 AGM. Motion CARRIED.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Treasurer: Kevin Galbraith provided the members present with a revised Financial Report, incorporating Opening Balance information, Projected Year End Totals and Previous Year Totals. The document was very thorough and allows for a quick review of past and projected totals. A total balance of $26,770.39 exists in both the General and Garbage Fund, being $6,707.11 in the General Fund and $20,063.28 in the Garbage Fund. There are currently 241 full-time members and 224 part-time members, for a total of 465 members who have paid their dues.
Sanitation: Barbara Williamson - absent. Ron Bannister advised that recycling is going well with respect to the volume of material being taken off island. He is concerned, however, that the garbage bins are filling up quickly and anticipates a problem in the coming months, as garbage pickup is done once a month in the winter. A suggestion was made that perhaps the garbage could be picked up every 3 weeks, as opposed to every month. Ron advised that TIRRA is sharing the garbage pickup expenses with several other commercial businesses on the island. As a result, it would not be cost efficient to have an extra pickup done, with TIRRA paying the full cost of this pickup. A query was made with respect to using the land alongside the garbage site to house extra bins, to which Ron advised that the Ministry of Highways were previously contacted and they have advised that this location is unavailable for the community’s use. Another suggestion was perhaps roadside garbage pickup could be established. This raised concerns of the possibility of smells and mess alongside the roadway, due to weather and animals. Pat Mooney and Kevin Galbraith will meet to review past statistics with respect to usage and rates, and will report to the community at the March 2006 AGM. Abuse problems continue to be evident, which is probably accounting for the increase in garbage this past month. Perhaps the Sanitation Committee could send out a notice to be put in the post boxes to remind residents that abuse continues and to remain observant should anyone be seen disposing non-household waste in the bins.
Corresponding Secretary: Veronica Shelford - absent. Graeme Shelford advised there only routine mailings have been received from Volunteer Canada.
Community Trail: The Terry Fox event that was organized was a great success, with over $875.00 received for this fundraising organization.
Ferry Advisory Committee: Pat Mooney indicated that the term for the current members of the committee will expire on December 31, 2005. A notice soliciting members will be published in the local newspapers, whereupon information will be provided to explain the role of the committee, etc. Pat Mooney indicated that talk of a bridge connecting Kuper and Thetis Islands together has resurfaced and that this could be a cost effective solution. David Essig indicated that at a recent Islands Trust meeting, the connecting bridge matter is no longer an issue and will not resurface for another 14 years. Apparently the Islands Trust prohibits connecting islands, with the exception of Pender Islands.
Bylaws: Tooner Knowles - absent.
Cemetery: Lorrie Wood - absent. Nothing to report.
Land Use: Ernie Hunter suggested that perhaps a list of issues of concern be established, to include various matters including demographics, affordable housing, water, and various other statistics. Ernie indicated that prior to providing effective solutions for issues of concern, it is imperative that identification of the issues be made. Wendy Andison, Bev Vreeswijk and Doreen Lilley have volunteered to assist Ernie in compiling this information, with details to follow in due course.
A Motion was made by Den Kelsey, Seconded by John Stadt that people of Thetis be invited to submit a written list of issues of concern relative to land use and environmental issues to be submitted to Ernie Hunter as soon as possible. Motion CARRIED.
This Motion will be included in the upcoming Quarterly for information of all concerned. Wendy Andison indicated that perhaps real estate agencies could be approached with respect to upholding existing Islands Trust Bylaws, etc.
A Motion was made by Den Kelsey, Seconded by David Essig that a standard letter or e-mail be sent by the Corresponding Secretary to all persons in non-compliance with existing Islands Trust Bylaws. Any potential purchaser(s) of land would also receive a standard letter with respect to land use Bylaws. Motion CARRIED.
Anyone noticing any infractions are requested to provide this information to the Corresponding Secretary (Veronica Shelford).
OLD BUSINESS:
Bulletin Boards: John Stadt advised the construction and installation of new Bulletin Boards is underway on Capernwray property, alongside the roadway near the existing phone booth. Capernwray have gathered the required materials and the Bulletin Boards will be built in accordance with plans that were previously submitted. It was suggested that TIRRA make a contribution to Capernwray for their efforts.
Post Office Boxes: The road condition at the Post Boxes has significantly improved with a mysterious driver filling in some of the holes. The other alternative made available to the community is the relocation of the post boxes onto the “Right of Way” belonging to the Highways Department. This avenue would be less desirable, due to the fact that no shelter could be built due to liability issues. It was suggested that the existing post boxes remain where they are and that this matter be left alone.
The matter of a facilitator to review matters relating to Islands Trust rental accommodation concerns was brought up at the recent Community Forum meeting. A consensus was made that this issue be held in abeyance and that the facilitator be put “on the back burner” for now.
NEW BUSINESS:
Mary Forbes requested whether other means of supplying information to the community was available, other than the current notices placed on the Bulletin Boards. E-spokes is a subsidiary of the Quarterly and is an effective means of providing information to the community. TIRRA minutes will be sent to David Steen to be “linked” onto the E-spokes communiqués. In addition, the Thetis Island website (www.thetisisland.net) includes updated TIRRA minutes for community information.
With respect to the recent Islands Trust Local Trustee re-organization and elections, a recommendation was made that TIRRA organize an “all candidates meeting” via the special meeting process. Pat Mooney will follow up on this request, with details to follow.
An acknowledgement of David Essig and Gail O’Hara as Local Trustees of the Islands Trust was made with respect to their hard work throughout their years of service.
With the imminent departure of Michelle Shaver as Recording Secretary, a request went out that anyone wishing to assume this position should contact Pat Mooney.
Meeting adjourned at 9:30 p.m.
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