MINUTES

1. Approval of Agenda and Minutes of Last Meeting (April 30, 2008)

The agenda and minutes were approved.

TETC has received confirmation from Dawn that its 2008 budget is set at $5329.30

Members are reminded that Rodolphe needs comments on the second draft of the trail map package as soon as possible. Copies of the maps have been emailed to members of the sub-committee that worked on the project last summer.

1. Spring Newsletter

Our next newsletter will go out at the end of June. This edition will be limited to 4 pages. Contributions should be forwarded to Geoff within the next two weeks. Proposed articles include:

- update on rock garden

- information on monthly hikes

- Western Island Pond/Forest Landing update

- Property Beautification Awards

- how to have a ‘green summer’

- recycling

- announcement of a ‘full moon hike’ along Father Troy Trail on August 16

1. Letter re Frog Pond off Robin’s Pond Hill Road

Madeleine tabled a letter from a resident expressing concern about the destruction of a small but thriving frog pond along the proposed bypass road near the intersection with Robin’s Pond Hill Road. It is our understanding that wildlife whose habitat is disturbed by road construction must be relocated by the contractor. Madeleine will follow up with Ken Hannaford, the environmental officer at WST who will be addressing these types of issues during road construction. Madeleine will make a copy of the letter for Ralph.

1. Oceans Day

It was agreed that we would participate in the Oceans Day by cleaning Tapper’s Cove on Saturday, June 7. Evan will contact a diving club to get their help in cleaning the ocean floor at

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Tapper’s Cove and confirm an appropriate time. He will also contact Darla O’Reilly at HTHS to see if they would like to participate. Once arrangements have been made, Evan will send out a notice via email.

1. 2008 Neighbourhood Clean-up

Ralph advised that a date for this year’s clean-up had not yet been set.

1. June Hike

This month’s hike will be from the Town Hall to Middle Cove Beach, followed by a boil-up at the beach. Evan will lead the hike and prepare maps. In the event of inclement weather, we may opt for an inland hike in the outh Pond/North Pond area instead. Evan will keep everyone updated by email.

1. Workshop Ideas

Several ideas were put forward:

- birding/bird identification: Helen will email Judy Blakeley and Helen Jones

- Evan offered to do some rock interpretation during one of this summer’s boat tours

- pesticide-free lawn care or ‘how to have a lawn-free yard: Helen will email Ross

1. Gully Gazebo

Ralph has raised the need for repairs/maintenance at the Gully Gazebo with Council. Dawn advised today that the town would be renting a sandblaster to remove the graffiti. Ralph will ask Dawn for a timeline on the work. TETC offered to assist with putting on new stain.

1. Father Troy Trail - Stairs at Tapper’s Cove

The town and the ECTA are in discussion on how to proceed to repair the stairs at Tapper’s Cove. Ed Delaney of the ECTA is expected to report back to Council next Monday on what needs to be done and what assistance the ECTA can provide with the work.

The ECTA hopes that the town will take over responsibility for light maintenance work on the trail and is willing to provide training to staff and volunteers who are willing to help out. Evan will let Robbie Hicks know that we are interested in this training.

1. Jones Pond Trail Access

TETC asked for an update on the access issue at the Marine Drive entrance to the Jones Pond Trail. Ralph reported that Bob Codner had met with Ed Delaney and discussed precedents. Ralph will bring this up at the next Council meeting and report back.

1. Trails around Western Island Pond

TETC has concerns regarding the loss of trails and access to trails in the Forest Landing development: (1) The trail which runs parallel to Western Island Pond and connects to the playground has been removed to make way for housing and we do not have a timeline as to

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when this trail will be replaced; (2) the trail connecting Forest Landing to Bullocks Town Road is now blocked; and (3) there is no indication in the concept plan for Phase 6 what replacement trail will be provided to replace the trail removed by the proposed new subdivision. It was decided that we would hike to the area from the North Pond Road entrance on Wednesday, June 4 at 6:30pm to have a look. A notice will be sent to everyone inviting them to the hike.

1. 2009 Tourism Guide

Shirley received a notice from the provincial government requesting additions/changes to our section in the 2009 tourism guide by May 31. It was agreed that we would add a mention of our monthly hikes. Shirley will complete the form and send it in.

1. EHJV Questionnaire

Members reviewed the questionnaire and provided input. The questionnaire will be finalized later and returned by the due date of June 15.

1. SAM Meeting in Bay Roberts/Spaniard’s Bay, June 27-28

June 13 is the deadline for registration. It was agreed we would send the following representatives: Ralph Tapper, Helen Spencer, Geoff Gallant, Shirley Thorne and Madeleine Florent. Shirley will contact Diane Eastman and confirm arrangements.

1. Provincial ATV Symposium

Ralph referred to correspondence asking for expression of interest in a proposed Provincial ATV Symposium to consider issues such as the environmental damage created by ATVs, enforcement, possible solutions, the merit of creating ATV trails, etc. It was agreed that any discussion that could address the serious environmental problems caused by ATVs would be worthwhile to pursue. Ralph will suggest that the town respond positively to the province.

1. Rock Garden

Our 2008 budget includes $1,000 for the rock garden project. Ralph will speak to Ross to get his suggestions on what to do with the funding as well as the items that were purchased last fall. A plan will need to be prepared. It was suggested that a small group get together next Tuesday (weather permitting) to start planting.

1. Tidy Towns

Ralph is chairing the Tidy Towns Committee. A small group met last week to get the work started and divide up the 8 categories involved in the competition. The environmental awareness portion has been given to Helen. There will be a meeting in two weeks’ time to review the draft responses in each category. When we get an idea of the timelines involved with Tidy Towns, we will look at the feasibility of combining events with the Property Beautification Awards.

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1. Hillside Festival, July 26-27

It was agreed that we would not be hosting a booth at this year’s festival.

1. Town Depot

A petition is being circulated around town objecting to placement of the new town depot behind the town hall overlooking the harbour. Ralph explained that the town had unfortunately not been able to find a suitable alternate site for the depot to date. The existing town garage/yard does not meet the future demands that will be placed on the town once the bypass road is built.

1. TETC Office

Ralph referred to an email from Dawn regarding our office space in the Kinsmen Centre. According to the email, the space may be required to accommodate the 50+ project. Helen has not yet received this notification. There is no indication as to what alternate space, if any, will be provided to TETC to house our substantial files, resource materials and equipment. Even though we currently do not have project staff, TETC still needs a base from which to operate. Once Helen receives the email from Dawn, Ralph will arrange a meeting with Dawn to discuss the town’s plans and where we go from here.

1. Forest Landing/Western Island Pond

There was considerable discussion about Council’s vote regarding rezoning at Western Island Pond for Phase 6 of Forest Landing and what further action could/should be taken by TETC.

1. Date of Next Meeting and Adjournment

The next meeting will take place on Wednesday, June 25, at 8pm at the Kinsmen Centre.