MINUTES

1. Review & Approval of Agenda and Minutes of Last Meeting (January 30, 2008)

The agenda was approved. The minutes of the last meeting were approved with a slight format change and distributed.

1. East Coast Trail Association/Dominion Hill

Ed spoke about the ECTA’s plans for the trail from Pouch Cove to St. John’s, some of the issues that they are dealing with and specifically their concerns regarding the proposed development in the conservation area on the north side of the harbour known as Dominion Hill. The ECTA has sent a written representation to the town as part of the public consultation process and is pursuing the matter with the Department of Municipal Affairs. Geoff confirmed that the TETC had also voiced its opposition to the rezoning plans for the area and is interested in keeping lines of communication open with the ECTA. A future meeting with ECTA representatives will be organized so both groups can keep up-to-date on the issue and strategize on action to be taken.

Ed also mentioned that the ECTA plans to take an active part in the upcoming consultations on the Northeast Avalon Regional Plan which are expected to begin within the next few weeks. The ECTA is advocating the protection of coastal buffer zones from the cliff’s edge instead of the water’s edge. The TETC should be part of this process.

The TETC may suggest that Council invite Ed to speak at a future meeting to update them on the issues brought up tonight.

1. Old Business

3.1 Western Island Pond/Forest Landing

The Commissioner’s report has been submitted to the town. It will be made available to TETC and the public once it has been tabled at Council. Rodolphe mentioned that he would be arranging a meeting with Dr. Susan Ziegler, the MUN Canada Research Chair in Environmental Sciences, in the next few days. Dr. Ziegler is interested in looking at Western Island and possibly helping out.

We need to get the word out to as many people and partner groups as possible regarding the proposed rezoning at Western Island Pond and try to solicit as much support as possible. We will also consider sending a letter to the province.

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3.2 Trail Mapping Project

Rodolphe has emailed the revised maps and text to the executive. He asked that everyone review the maps and identify any errors, changes, etc. At the next meeting, we will need to decide on the next steps to take.

1. New Business

4.1 TETC / Town Council Communications

The TETC is very concerned with what it perceives as very real threats to our protected areas and the lack of long-term protection for green spaces in the community. Given our recent experiences with Forest Landing and Dominion Hill, TETC feels it is a priority to try to improve lines of communications with Council so we are made aware in a more timely manner of proposals affecting important conservation/green spaces, particularly those affecting past commitments. The committee also talked about identifying spaces in the town that could be considered for designation as protected green spaces/reserves/parks, eg Little Gallows Cove Pond.

Geoff will speak to Ralph about setting up a meeting for TETC with the full Council.

4.2 Promotion of our Monthly Hikes (including working with the other committees Tourism / Heritage etc)

We are looking for ways of promoting our monthly hikes and increasing participation. Suggestions are welcome. Madeleine is inviting Mary Smyth and Fred Hollinghurst of the Telegram to our next hike which will take place at the north end of town beginning at Farmers’ Road. The hike will be advertised on the town sign and a notice sent to members by email as usual. It seems that word-of-mouth is an effective way of spreading the message about hikes.

Regarding participation on other committees, it was agreed that we may want to look at that some time in the future. For now however, given the amount of work our committee has taken on, we will simply keep in touch with other committees and offer to cooperate when issues of mutual concern arise.

4.3 Cape Farewell Youth Expedition 2008

We are all very proud that a student from the Friends of the Gully group at HTHS has been chosen to represent our province on this international climate change awareness trip to the Arctic. TETC will send congratulations to the group along with a $200 donation to help defray the costs of the trip.

4.4 Urban Watersheds Workshop, March 27

Madeleine will attend this workshop and participate on the panel. This will be an opportunity to speak about concerns for Torbay’s wetlands including Western Island Pond and see what challenges are facing other communities.

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1. Administrative/Financial Matters

5.1 Vacant Secretary Position

Melanie Thorne was nominated and accepted the position of secretary which was left vacant following Monica’s resignation last month. Congratulations Melanie!

5.2 TETC Meeting Scheduling (including movie nights)

Regular TETC activities will include our monthly meetings (with an 8pm start time) and our monthly community hikes on the first Sunday of each month. It was decided that a third activity such as a movie night could not be undertaken at this time.

5.3 Green Living Initiative Update

Madeleine reported that the final payment had been sent to the town and that the GLI account at the Royal Bank would be closed out as soon as the town had cashed our cheque.

5.4 Gully Booklet

The booklets will be provided to the schools on a cost-recovery basis.

5.5 2008 TETC Budget

We have still not received written confirmation from the town of our 2008 budget. They have so far reimbursed TETC for our December newsletter as well as some ink.