We are still waiting to hear about our EcoAction application. TD has indicated we will be getting some funding but we have not yet received confirmation of an amount. We are still exploring other funding sources.

Regarding the loss of existing trails through development, it was suggested that Forest Landing has served as a precedent whereby disturbed trails need to be replaced by developers.

5. Planning for Annual Neighbourhood Clean-up

Madeleine will ask Corrie to put up a notice of the April 7 planning meeting on the town sign. We will also put a notice in the Telegram and on the Cable Channel. We will put out a general appeal for help in our newsletter. We will emphasize the Property Beautification Awards and the importance of keeping properties free of litter. Since we hope to participate in the Tidy Towns competition next year, which is also our Come Home Year, it is important to start making the town more attractive now. We will look for help from the schools and youth groups like the Scouts and Guides. Some of the posters produced by students at HTHS might be used to publicize the clean-up.

It was the general feeling that businesses in general need to play a stronger and more active role in the town clean-up since so much of the litter that ends up on the streets originates from the retail food outlets. Some businesses could do a much better job of keeping their own properties cleaner. The TETC will prepare a letter to businesses emphasizing their responsibility and asking for their cooperation in participating in this year's clean-up. We will also promote the Property Beautification Award for 'Most Improved Business".

• TETC Newsletter

Peggy, Michele, Marian and Madeleine will meet at Peggy's home on Tuesday, April 6 at 7:30pm to prepare the spring newsletter, which is to be appended to the Gully Project newsletter.

We will include updated information about the Property Beautification Awards.

• Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Awards

It was agreed that we would put the town forward again this year and will update the information we submitted last time.

• Pesticides Update

The court case involving a company which illegally sprayed pesticides in Torbay has been settled with the defendant pleading guilty and being fined. There is a need for an educational process to take place to make sure residents are aware of the regulations and the potential risks of pesticides for all homeowners, particularly for those homes located close to water sources, like wells, rivers and ponds.

Madeleine reminded everyone that comments on the provincial Discussion Paper regarding revisions to the Pesticide Regulations should be forwarded as soon as possible so the TETC submission can be sent in by the deadline of April 23.

community development. 110 communities, representing 60% of the Canadian population, are currently members. The program works through the Federation of Canadian Municipalities to administer two funding programs: the Green Municipal Enabling Fund and the Green Municipal Investment Fund. Four municipalities in this province have joined so far, St. John's, Gander, Marystown and CBS, but only St. John's has actually begun work. Joining the program involves a 5-step process which includes (1) measuring emissions and preparing an inventory; (2) setting reduction targets; and (3) preparing an action plan.

The Committee agreed this was something worth looking at and that it would certainly support the work being done under the Gully Project. We will bring it forward for further discussion at the next meeting.

Mike B. informed the committee that the town had received approval and funding to hold a HHWD from MMSB. The town is contributing $.45 per capita. The event will probably be held in the summer and there will be lots of advertising to publicize the event.

12.2 Provincial Budget

The town will have to cope with a reduction of $36,000 in its 2005 budget due to the latest provincial budget announced by Minister Sullivan.

12.3 Vehicle Emission Clinic

Mike B. asked whether the clinic could take place at the Kinsmen Centre instead of HTES. Madeleine indicated that the choice of HTES was specifically made by Environment Canada officials based on their past experience and suggested that he speak to Krista to get further details for Council about the choice of location.

12.4 ECTA Visioning Workshop

Annette reported on the workshop she attended concerning the future of the trail and trail resources. During the discussion, the comment was made that we need better two-way communications with the ECTA. It is important that we be better aware on an ongoing basis of current trail plans for the Northeast Avalon. We will be renewing our group membership with the ECTA and will invite them to send a representative to our meetings regularly.