MINUTES OF TETC MEETING

1. Minutes of Last Meeting

Read and approved.

1. Torbay Bypass

Ralph gave an update on the work. Most of the cutting work on the north side of Indian Meal Line has been completed and some blasting is now under way. Concerns reported recently regarding the frog pond have been investigated and provincial officials have confirmed that no threat has been posed and the work around the area was carried out correctly.

Several members commented on how extensive the area being cut is, especially in certain areas like Indian Meal Line. Madeleine will contact Ken Hannaford and invite him to give his presentation on the environmental protection plan for the bypass road to our next monthly meeting.

1. Rock[M1] Garden

The town has confirmed that $1,000 has been allocated to the rock garden project in our 2009 budget.

1. Forest Landing

Ralph reported that a revised plan for Phase 6 had been submitted to the town’s development committee by the developer. It is not yet known when this will go to Council. The possibility of protecting the buffer zone through Environment Canada’s Eco Gift Program is being looked at.

As a result of public reaction concerning Phase 6 and in order to ensure the long-term protection of wetlands and other sensitive areas of town, TETC has been asked to review the Municipal Plan to see how the sections on conservation zones, buffer zones and other environmental clauses in general could be strengthened. Helen, Geoff and Derek will get together to work on this and to prepare recommendations to Council.

Follow-up action on Phase 1 infractions by the town still remains to be done. Ralph, Helen[M2] and other town officials have visited the site and documented what needs to be done.

Ethel said she had observed a marked increase in the flow of the waters of Western Island Pond River in recent times and suggested that the impact of development upstream, both in terms of quantity and quality of the water, is something that needs to be looked at.

1. Dominion Hill

Christine reported that there are now over 1200 names on the petition. There was some discussion on how to proceed with the petition. There is room on Council’s agenda for presentation of petitions at the beginning of the public meetings. Other options include presenting it to the Minister of Municipal Affairs, to the House of Assembly via an opposition

- 2 -

member, etc. The Save our Shores coalition will try to meet this Sunday to decide on a course of action.

In the meantime, we will continue circulating the petition. Christine will send Madeleine the link so she can forward the petition to the two schools and to the full TETC mailing list.

Helen will prepare a letter to Council reiterating the concerns expressed by TETC during the public consultation in February 2008 and confirming our continued opposition to the proposed development.

1. Conservation Zones

Dominion Hill and the whole issue of conservation zoning in the Municipal Plan continue to generate a lot of interest and discussion. Some members feel that the coastline has been zoned conservation for over 30 years, this zoning was confirmed in the current Plan and it is Council’s responsibility to maintain this long-term protection. Ralph suggests that the best way to protect conservation lands is for the town to acquire title through compensation programs like the Eco Gift Program or through the Nature Conservancy. Ralph has made some inquiries and will bring forward a motion to Council that the town hold a public information session on the Eco Gift Program and the Nature Conservancy to make residents aware of the options that are available for conservation or other sensitive lands[M3] .

1. Stewardship Association of Municipalities Meeting, Codroy Valley, June 12-13

Ralph said he would be attending at the town’s expense so TETC can send two representatives if we like. Shirley had indicated that she might be available. Anyone else interested in attending should let Helen know.

1. Newsletter

Congratulations to Helen on putting together an excellent newsletter despite some frustrating formatting challenges. We have received many positive comments. An error in communications resulted in the newsletter being printed in colour which means we may exhaust this year newsletter budget and we may need to find the funds ourselves for the next newsletter. We hope to have the next one out by late August as this will allow us to talk about the upcoming municipal elections, to report on the Property Beautification Awards, etc. Myra will ask her sister Monica if she would like to help format the next newsletter. In the meantime, anyone who would like to submit an article for the next newsletter, is welcome to forward it to Helen.

1. Monthly Hikes

Sylvia reported that 9 people showed up for the icy challenges of Moon Pond Ridge last Sunday, March 1. Many thanks to Ross Traverse for leading the hike and welcoming everyone to his house for refreshments afterwards.

For the April hike, Sylvia will contact Pat Lacey who had offered to lead a hike in the backcountry around South Pond/North Pond. Evan Edinger has also offered to lead a future hike which will feature geological interpretation.

- 3 -

1. Green Movie Night

The first movie night took place on February 17 and featured the very enlightening “Who Killed the Electric Car”. Our thanks to Melanie and Craig Ryan for hosting the evening and providing the popcorn.

This month’s movie night will take place on Tuesday, March 24 due to the St. Patrick’s holiday the week before. Location and movie selection will be emailed to everyone soon.

1. Gardening Course

The workshops will take place on March 5 and 12 at Traverse Gardens. Everyone is welcome. Sylvia and Myra will help with registration and refreshments[M4] .

1. Trail Maps

The latest draft of the trail guide is still being reviewed. Helen has some revisions that she will be sending to Rodolphe. We also need help from anyone interested in ‘proofing the loops’, ie walking the loops according to the maps to make sure they are accurate. Once[M5] the next draft of the maps is ready, we will make a presentation to Council. Ralph confirmed that a second legal opinion is being sought by the town concerning the controversial access to the Jones Pond Trail off Marine Drive.

Madeleine will email the draft maps to Christine and Ethel for their input.

1. Office Space

Helen will send a letter/email to the town asking that the issue of a more appropriate space for our files and resources be placed on Council’s agenda for discussion. While we do not have staff at present and do not require a large space, it is important that we be able to have ready access to our files in proper cabinets. Right now, everything is stored in banker’s boxes and it is next to impossible to find anything in a timely manner.

1. Community Garden

Helen will be talking to Tina about this. Tina has already begun discussions with Ross.

1. Citizen of the Year

March 24/09 is the deadline for submission of nominations. Forms are available at the town.

1. Trail Custodian for Father Troy Trail

TETC has received a request from the ECTA for an individual who would be willing to serve as custodian for the Father Troy Trail. They will explain the requirements and provide training to the new recruit. Christine said she was interested. She will get more information from the ECTA and report back at the next meeting. Madeleine will send a reply to the ECTA giving them Christine’s name and email address.

1. Gully Gazebo

Madeleine is investigating a report regarding the fate of the Gazebo and will report back at the next meeting.