MINUTES

1. Introductions and Review of Agenda

The agenda was approved with some additions under Other Business.

1. Review and Approval of Minutes of Last Meeting (January 31, 2007)

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

(1) Web Site: Jason has begun work on integrating and updating our two web sites. The missing minutes have not yet been added due to problems Madeleine has been having with her computer. This should be rectified soon.

(2) Proposed Mink Farm in Portugal Cove: Media reports indicate that the appeal regarding the proposed mink farm has been turned down by the provincial government.

(3) Portable Signs: Ralph is still researching this issue and doing comparisons with other towns.

(4) SAM Travel: Ralph will follow up on the Committee’s request for the additional funds that will be required in the 2007 TETC budget for travel to the SAM meeting in Labrador City in September. The original request was made in the November 20 memorandum to Council.

1. Trail Mapping Project

3.1 Jones Pond Access from Marine Drive - Update

We have received a request from Mr. Gover for a copy of the letter sent to TETC by Brian Winter and read at the last meeting regarding the town’s position. Madeleine will send a copy of the letter to Mr. Gover.

Ralph reported that the entrance to the Jones Pond Trail off Marine Drive had been blocked with a fence and a sign. The town had sent the property owner a letter requesting that the obstacles be removed by February 22. The town will follow up.

3.2 Motion Lane Development - Update

Ralph has asked that a letter be sent to TETC confirming the town’s approval of a 15-metre buffer along the development as recommended by the MUN geographers. Ralph will also forward a copy of a letter sent to Council by the ECTA recommending a conservation buffer zone.

Following a January 26 letter from the ECTA to the town confirming that they are applying for ACOA funding, the town has confirmed in-kind support to the organization in the order of $2500 for 2007-8. Madeleine asked to be apprised of the results of a meeting between the town and ECTA officials held recently.

- 2 -

Regarding the January NAT article and Council’s reaction, Ralph reported that Council did not feel an apology to TETC was warranted. Madeleine will prepare a letter to Council explaining the Committee’s position.

3.3 GIS Presentation to Council

Ralph reported that last Monday’s presentation to Council by Rodolphe on the GIS software had been very informative. The town has agreed to provide access to the Plan Tech’s municipal data bank.

The town is in the process of preparing a new town map for publication and is currently looking for advertisers. TETC is interested in placing an ad in the new map as it did on the last one. Madeleine will contact to Dawn.

1. Torbay’s Green Living Initiative - Update

4.1 Report on Activities

Madeleine tabled Cathy’s report on the project dated February 28. The Green Team Application has been submitted. The town will be sending its letter of support.

We have not yet received any monies from Environment Canada although a cheque is supposed to be on its way. We will be reimbursing the town for salary expenses as soon as we receive our funds.

4.2 Newsletter

There has been a lot of positive feedback on the newsletter, particularly on the bus service article. The bus idea has been raised at Council. Helen will prepare a survey form which could be placed around town to determine the extent of interest in pursuing the idea of a bus service.

4.3 Planning Group

The Planning Group is being formed to oversee the project. Bill Tapper will be invited to participate as a business representative. The new group will meet soon.

1. Planning for Rock Garden Project - Update

There is a lot of interest in the project from the tourism association. The sub-committee for the project will meet soon. The project will form part of the naturalization plans included in the Green Living Initiative. One of the first things that will need to be looked at is the question of land ownership. Dawn has been doing some research in this regard already and some property owners in the area have been approached. We will need to speak to the provincial government as well to ensure they have no future plans to widen the road that could affect our plans.

1. Meetings Attended by Members

6.1 Healthy Environments Committee

Madeleine briefly reported on our participation in this meeting. One of the results was finding

- 3 -

out about an extensive recycling guide published by the provincial government a few years ago. While some facts may be out-of-date, this is still a very useful, containing an array of useful facts about everything and anything that can be recycled.. TETC is part of the sub-committee that is looking at preparing a generic quick reference guide to recycling which could be adapted to suit individual communities and published locally.

6.2 David Suzuki Talk

Several members attended the very interesting talk given by Dr. Suzuki which marked the launch of his cross-country tour.

1. Other Business

7.1 Western Island Pond and Other Wetlands

Ralph reported that the Forest Landing brochure has just been mailed to all property owners in the area.

Ralph will check with Brian and Rex about what follow up is being given to the concerns raised by the committee last summer following a site visit to Western Island Pond. Several infractions were reported to the town at the time (i.e cutting of wood in the buffer zone, etc) and it is important that these allegations be followed up if the town is to live up to its stewardship agreement and set an example for other parts of the town. Ralph will also report back on the results of the town’s meeting with representatives of EHJV.

Public education is an important tool to ensure that residents better understand the wetland stewardship program and better appreciate their responsibilities regarding protection of wetlands and buffer zones. Madeleine suggested that the town should consider hosting a public information session in the spring which could include a screening of the new EHJV documentary on wetland stewardship, presentations by staff and a question-answer period.

7.2 TETC Logo

Madeleine tabled a proposed logo which is a simplification of the old one. We need to agree on a new logo so it can be displayed on our new web site.

7.3 Gully Project

Since TETC is hoping to build access trails from each school to the Gully, it is important that we determine what the implications of the possible move of HTES to another site will mean for the future of the Gazebo and the land around it. Madeleine will prepare a letter to the Episcopal Corporation informing them of our plans and asking for a meeting to discuss the future of the wetland property.

A meeting with the HTHS Principal and School Board representatives will also need to be arranged to inform them of our plans.

- 4 -

7.4 Moving to a More Sustainable Community

There was some discussion on how to promote a more sustainable, community-minded town. Because Torbay is growing so fast and becoming more and more a bedroom community for St. John’s, many people don’t know their neighbours and don’t get involved with their community to any great extent. The 2005 Come-Home-Year went a long way to fostering community spirit and getting people out together. We welcome any ideas residents might have to foster more community pride and involvement. For example, it was suggested we consider organizing another “Haunted Hike” this summer. Ralph suggested that a good way to get to know your neighbours is through a ‘neighbourhood travelling dinner party’. From Ralph’s description, this seemed like a fun idea. Ralph agreed to do an article for our next newsletter describing his experience with this type of party event.

1. Election of Officers - 2007

Due to the poor turn-out, this item was deferred to the next meeting.