MINUTES OF TETC MEETING

1. Minutes of Last Meeting

Read and approved.

1. Dominion Hill Ad/Flyer

TETC will fund the cost of the ad in the August NEAT. Copies of the draft ad will be sent to Helen, Sylvia and Myra for review.

1. Western Island Pond/River Testing

Madeleine advised that the test for E.Coli of the water in the river by Ethel Labrie’s house had shown safe levels. Tests for nitrates and phosphorus as recommended by DFO would cost between $100-150 for each site.

It was agreed that tests would have to be done on a regular basis over a period of time to provide useful and dependable data. Helen and Sylvia will approach individuals at MUN to see if they would be interested in doing this as a research project.

1. Western Island Pond Brochure

The first version of the new brochure prepared by EHJV was reviewed. Recommended changes/additions will be submitted to Ralph. Members will check also out the second sample brochure to see what the difference is and decide which version they prefer.

1. Recycling - Beverage Containers and Paper

Madeleine and her husband would like to give up sorting the recyclables, or at least get a lot more help. The blue box at the town hall usually fills up about every two weeks.

Some options were discussed but everyone agreed that this is an important source of extra income for TETC and we should continue if possible. Helen will send out an email to the membership looking for volunteers to participate. In the meantime, we will organize a ‘recycling party’ at Madeleine’s to deal with the current lot. Madeleine and Georges will continue to pick up the recyclables at Bridie Molloy’s.

Helen and Madeleine met with the town and representatives of MMSB recently to discuss paper recycling.

1. 2009 Municipal Elections

Municipal elections will take place on September 29^th. Madeleine will inquire from Dawn about the date for nominations. Helen will prepare a message for our upcoming newsletter referring to the changing demographics in Torbay and encouraging residents to participate and vote.

1. Newsletter

Target date for release of our summer newsletter is the end of August. Items so far are: elections, ‘Meet the Candidates” evening, Property Beautification Awards, rock garden update, monthly hikes, recycling, rain barrels, etc. We will include photos. All items are to be submitted to Helen and Monica Barnes by Monday, August 17.

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1. ACAP Water Conservation Program

Madeleine tabled a letter from ACAP which was sent to us by Council for review and recommendation. TETC supports both the ‘Freshwater Joys’ education program and their rain barrel program. The committee feels that the ‘Freshwater Joys’ booklet is an excellent resource which would benefit any homeowner living on freshwater. Madeleine will check with ACAP how many copies are available and what the cost, if any, would be. The booklet is also available on the ACAP web site. Mention of both initiatives will be made in our newsletter.

1. Rock Garden

A lot of work has been carried out this summer on the rock garden, including the planting of numerous shrubs and a heather garden. All of the plants that have been put in so far are doing well. The colours springing up this year have been noticed by many people.

Myra reported that a more planned approach to this project is needed given the size of the area, the steep slopes involved and some of the issues that need to be addressed such as the difficulty of bring water to the new plantings. Consultation with Dr. Nichols of the Botanical Gardens is planned.

1. Monthly Hikes

TETC continues to host a hike on the first Sunday of every month. This month’s hike took us to Bottle Pond and was followed by our summer social at Myra’s. Thanks go out to our hosts.

The next hike will take place on September 6.

1. Torbay Beach Update

Helen will get an update from Ralph and forward it to the membership.

1. Torbay Bypass

Helen suggested TETC could try to soften the look of the extensive cleared areas along the bypass road by collecting seeds of native plants/flowers like lupins and dropping them along the way next spring.

1. Property Beautification Awards

There was a large number of nominations this year thanks to the cards sent to every household by the town. The awards night will take place on August 13.

1. TETC Elections

Timing of the next elections for the TETC executive will be decided after the September 29 municipal elections. This will be placed on the October agenda for decision.

1. Adjournment and Next Meeting *****

The next meeting will take place on Tuesday, September 1 at 8:15pm at the Kinsmen Centre.

**** (NB. Meeting delayed to Wednesday, September 2 at 8pm at Helen’s house due to nomination day)