MINUTES
TORBAY ENVIRONMENT & TRAILS COMMITTEE MEETING
Wednesday, February 26, 2003, 7:30pm, Kinsmen Centre
Present: Shirley Thorne Peggy Manning
Madeleine Florent Mike Byrne
Harvey Best Sandy Sandeman
Sara Beaumont Michele DuRand
Kay Codner
The agenda was approved with some additions under Other Business.
The minutes of the last meeting were approved.
Phase 1 of the Gully Project is winding down and an application for funding for Phase 2 was submitted to EcoAction of February 3. It will be at least 2 months before we hear anything.
Jennifer Rotchford, Coordinator for Youth Mobilizing Youth at the High School has assembled a group of 18 volunteers willing to help with the project.
We will want to give volunteers, including our student volunteers, some recognition of their contribution, eg a certificate. Possibly we could institute an award (eg $100) for the best student volunteer in memory of Chris Codner.
Harvey emphasized the need to move quickly on the culvert issue since this is a problem across the province. We will write to Jack Byrne with copy to the Department of Works, Services and Transportation.
Peggy volunteered to distribute posters and brochures around town.
The Backyard Habitat Workshop is set for March 19. Ken will do a poster to advertise.
Mike Byrne reported that the town will look into placing recycling bins in the town yard in the spring. Harvey is looking into prices on road signs for the Gully.
We really need someone to coordinate volunteers. Harvey and Shirley will go through the volunteer forms and compile a list. Madeleine indicated that the Steering Committee was looking for a couple of interested individuals to serve as volunteers on the committee.
Harvey reported that the steering committee met last week. About 75% of the trail verification has been completed. May 31 is the deadline to have this part of the project completed.
Dr. Simms has agreed to cut a CD so that all volunteers can have a full set of maps. This will alleviate problems of overlap between sections.
We will be applying for two summer students who would be responsible for entering the data gathered on computer and scanning in the aerial photographs. If all goes well, we should be in a position to produce a map by the end of summer 2004.
The private property issue remains one which we will have to address but we will look at this once we have picked out the specific trails which we want to designate as walking trails. This will require some research using the town maps, etc.
A meeting will be set up to look at progress on section 3. Mark will contact Shirley to set up a date.
The next meeting of the steering committee will take place at the call of the chair.
Focus of the conference is waste management. We will get a report from Gerry Hayes.
We will not enter this year. It was agreed that it would be better for us to wait until we have something new to show off, eg when the Gully project is more advanced for example.
It was the general feeling that this would be a worthwhile group for us to be part of. However, this means more work so, before joining, we would like more information on what our responsibilities would be if we join, eg membership fee, meetings, etc. We should also get approval from Council before joining. Ken could be our representative while we have him. Madeleine will ask Ken to get more information on this before we proceed. One question for example is whether SAM has been invited to join.
8.1 Forest Landing Brochure
Sara has completed the brochure and placed on CD. Madeleine will take the CD to Staples to get a paper copy made and then get copies printed at Wade Company. Copies will be provided to Mike for the Council meeting.
8.2 TETC Terms of Reference
Our Terms of Reference have been approved by Council. A copy can now be placed on our web site.
Sandy led a very enjoyable 3-hour hike on backcountry trails in the area of Three Island Pond and Axes Pond last Sunday. Photos were taken and will be placed on the web site. We will make a decision on a future hike at the next meeting.
In the meantime, anyone planning a hike on the next fine day can let Madeleine know and she will email everyone.
Madeleine briefly attended the last Heritage Committee meeting. We hope to have some more interviews done covering the oral history of the Gully.
Harvey is on the planning committee for the Hillside Festival. The festival dates are July 26 & 27. They are looking at restricting the number of foods outlets so there is no duplication. As part of promotion for the event, the committee is planning a logo contest at the school. The Women's Institute has agreed to help with our booth again this year. Two things we need this year: tea/coffee and our own ice. We will try to get the use of a tent from Newfoundland Power.
The following were elected by acclamation:
Chair: Shirley Thorne
Vice-Chair: Peggy Manning
Secretary: Madeleine Florent
Mike Wawrzkow had indicated he was interested in staying involved but, in his absence, no decision was made. Shirley will ask Francis if he is interested in serving.
12.1 Pesticides Workshop, St. John's, March 10/St. John's Pesticides Management Plan:
The invitation to this workshop has been emailed to everyone. Mike will bring it to Council to see if anyone there is interested. Madeleine also mentioned an article which appeared in the Telegram announcing St. John's plan to develop a management plan for pesticides. Mike will mention this at Council too.
12.2 Recycling
According to the latest figures released by the provincial government, 68% of beverage containers is now being recycled.
12.3 ATVs
According to a study released by the Canadian Institute for Health Information, the number of ATV-related injuries which were severe enough to require a hospital stay in Canada jumped 50% from 1996-97 to 200-01.
The next meeting will take place on Wednesday, March 26 at 7:30pm at the Kinsmen Centre.