MINUTES
TORBAY ENVIRONMENT & TRAILS COMMITTEE MEETING
Wednesday, November 26, 2003, 7:30pm, 'Kinsmen Room', Kinsmen Centre
Present: Shirley Thorne Madeleine Florent
Mike Byrne Michele DuRand
Harvey Best
Agenda approved.
The minutes of the last meeting were approved.
3.1 Fundraising Auction, November 23, Bridie Molloys
The auction was a huge success raising close to $5800 less any Visa charges we may have to refund Bridie Molloy's. Thank you letters and receipts will be mailed out and a thank you note will be placed in the Northeast Avalon Times. Krista will arrange to have a notice placed on the town sign as well as updated information on the TETC web site. She will also contact the Telegram and VOCM Good News program.
3.2 School Involvement
The schools were major participants in the auction. We will need to arrange a ceremony so HTES can present the funds they raised for the classroom through their recycling blitz. We could get a large cheque printed at Wade Company.
HTHS is also looking at possible fundraising. We could offer the limousine gift certificate as an incentive.
3.3 Update on Other Activities
We will be preparing a letter to Jack Byrne looking for funds for the project to cover the shortfall from EcoAction. We also need to give some momentum to our recycling program.
Harvey is working on plans for the classrooms and preparing a list of materials. He has been in contact with the TD Bank who have indicated they will be reviewing our application at their December meeting.
Christmas cards are being sent to all major partners and supporters.
3.4 Xmas Holidays
Krista will be away during the Christmas holidays so the Gully office will be closed from December 20 to January 5.
Harvey has been in touch with Dr. Simms. Work on the project is progressing slowly.
The issue of incorporation/charitable status for the TETC came up earlier this month because we were unable to get a lottery licence from Government Services for the auction night. This is something we will need to look at either for the TETC as a whole or for the Gully Project alone. Charitable status is complicated but would have advantages such as HST refunds, tax receipts, etc. However, since incorporation/charitable status does mean extra work and responsibilities, it was agreed we could not look at this unless we are able to increase our membership substantially. Shirley will speak to Allan and Elizabeth Molloy about the benefits and requirements of incorporation.
We need to look at how we could generate interest in our committee. The best way is probably word-of-mouth so everyone is encouraged to try and recruit people they feel would be interested in our activities. It is always difficult to get people to attend meetings but perhaps residents might be willing to participate in some of our individual projects/activities.
There will be a TETC Christmas social at Shirley's house on Wednesday, December 17 at 7:30pm. Tea, coffee, wine and desserts will be served. All TETC and Gully project members will be invited. As well, we will invite all town councillors, town staff, other town committees, and our major supporters including Kevin Maynard, Gary Mahon, Jerome and Nancy Coady, etc.
8.1 TETC Web Site
Michele informed the committee that she had redesigned the web site. The home page has been streamlined and a new navigation bar installed. Harvey will provide updated information and graphics on the trail mapping project. Madeleine will ask Krista to send Michele an update on the Gully project. Michele will submit the bill for the domaine to Rodney for payment.
The next meeting will take place on Wednesday, January 28 at 7:30 at the Kinsmen Centre.