MINUTES

1. Introductions and Review of Agenda

Agenda approved with the addition of: flood risk mapping, OTC town participants, compost bins & rain barrels and ECTA.

1. Review and Approval of Minutes of Last Meeting (January 26, 2005)

The minutes of the last meeting were approved and the following updates provided:

(i) Mike has provided a copy of the Phase 2 Final Report to Jack Byrne;

(ii) Madeleine will check with Shirley regarding the reply to SAM about stewardship expenditures in Torbay;

(iii) the Gully Project Steering Committee will be taking steps to become incorporated as a separate entity.

1. Gully Project Update

Madeleine reported that Krista would be assigned to the position of the OTC Program Manager position effective February 7 and we will soon be seeking an individual to take over the position of Gully Project Coordinator for the remaining 5 months of the project. The position has been advertised and several applications have already been submitted.

Krista will be taking part in two radio shows organized by a partnership of the NLEN, Conservation Corps and MUN. Her first show will run on Monday, February 28 from 3-4pm and will deal with wetland stewardship; the second one will be on climate change. These shows are part of an 8-week radio series entitled ‘ Bridges and Branches’ and they run on CHMR-FM. You can listen to CHMR-FM (1) on 93.5FM in most areas in St. John’s; (2) on 103.7 Cable, or (3) by clicking ‘listen’ on line at . Madeleine will ask Krista to call Mike with the details and Madeleine will send an email to everyone informing them of the programs.

Copies of the draft letter to landowners will be sent to Bob C. and Mike for their review. Copies of the Q1 Quarterly Report are available for review and the Q2 Report should be completed soon.

Some dates for events have been set:

March 9 workshop at Traverse Gardens on vegetable gardening and composting

March 23 workshop at Traverse Gardens on strategic landscaping and alternatives to pesticides

April 17 4^th Annual Open House

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Madeleine tabled information she found on the donation ‘wishingwell’ which could be purchased as an aid for fundraising for the Gully Project. Background information gathered shows this might be a very effective tool for fundraising and for community awareness. Ideally, we should look for a corporate sponsor who could help with the purchase price. Mike said he would look into this and report back.

Our next newsletter is being drafted and will be released in time to advertise the gardening workshops.

1. Torbay’s Community Challenge

Madeleine tabled a letter from Council congratulating our committee on the approval of our OTC project. Mike confirmed the names of Town Councillors and staff who are interested in being part of the pilot program.

The OTC project includes two other components: the anti-idling campaign at HTHS and a public awareness campaign in the community. Madeleine suggested it might be beneficial to send letters to all businesses in Torbay seeking their help in curbing the practice various delivery companies have of leaving their vehicles idle in front of businesses while they go in to stack shelves or deliver goods.

Madeleine confirmed that Newfoundland Power is fully behind the project. We could perhaps approach them for help with printing our newsletters.

1. 2005 Come Home Year Celebrations

Sue Gruchy has been hired by the town to coordinate the Come Home Year celebrations and activities.

Regarding our BBQ at the Gully Gazebo on July 16, it was decided that it would take place from 5-8:30pm and we will serve hamburgers and hot dogs. We need to form a sub-committee to plan this event. Anyone interested is asked to contact Madeleine or Krista to confirm their participation.

A suggestion has been made to hold a ‘back-country hiking tour’ of Torbay as part of the CHY celebrations. This could highlight the work done through the trail mapping project and use the trails that have been identified. It’s possible also that we will have a map printed before the summer. We could advertise the hike and see what kind of expression of interest we get.

We have also agreed to prepare a 16-month calendar of Torbay which will be available for sale during CHY celebrations and will raise funds for the Gully Project. Anyone who has some great shots of Torbay should contact Krista or Madeleine as soon as possible. Other sources of photos could be the museum, the Fire Department or the CCDA web site.

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Madeleine has learned that Dave Wheeler and Gordon Pittman will be making a documentary about Torbay. The Gully project will be included.

1. The Great Torbay Pick Me Up 2005

It was decided that we would hold the neighbourhood clean-up (the Great Torbay Pick-Me-Up) this year on Saturday, May 7 from 10am-4pm. Since we want our town clean and bright for Come Home Year, this will give us enough time to publicize the event and get as many people as possible to participate. Again this year, we will write to businesses and invite them to participate. We will also try to involve the schools and youth groups. Mike will advise Council of the date chosen. So far, Council has not set the date for the spring clean-up.

1. Development Issues Update

Madeleine met with Bob Codner recently and he confirmed that the town is striving to maintain a 50-metre buffer along Jones Pond. The first 30 metres would be a public space under the town’s control and remaining 20 metres would be on private land and protected through agreements.

1. Election of Officers

This item was deferred.

1. Flood Risk Mapping

Mike confirmed that the work done last summer by the provincial government and by Dr. Catto at MUN to identify and map flood plains in Torbay will be combined into one report but this has not yet been completed.

1. Trail Mapping Project Update

Mike reported that Council is receptive to the proposal to have the town take over the data bank compiled by MUN over the past three years of the trail mapping project. How and when this would occur has not yet been worked out as some logistical/administrative considerations must still be worked out, ie. cost of obtaining the necessary software, training involved, etc.

1. ECTA Meeting with Council

Mike reported that the ECTA had made a presentation on its future to Council at its last meeting on February 14. Mike has suggested to them that they come and make a presentation at one of our upcoming meetings. Until they can obtain significant funding, the ECTA will continue to work on land issues north of St. John’s and doing some trail work using volunteers.

Mike said that Council proposes to include the traditional rights of way along the coast in the

upcoming revised Municipal Plan.

1. Compost Bins and Rain Barrels

Council has asked TETC to prepare a proposal to MMSB, via the Minister of Environment and Conservation, seeking funding for the town to purchase compost bins and rain barrels and to

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offer them to residents at a reduced rate. These useful tools promote alternative to pesticides and encourage water conservation. The Town of Logy Bay-Middle Cove-Outer Cove had a similar successful program last year.