MINUTES

3. Trail Mapping Project Update

The situation regarding access to the Jones Pond Trail from Marine Drive has not yet been clarified. Rex will be visiting the site and report back. It was our understanding that there is a right-of-way off Marine drive that permits access to the trail.

Ralph tabled a letter from the town’s insurance company confirming that trails are covered under the town’s liability insurance.

Some feedback and inquiries have been received since the launch of the draft maps. The maps are available for sale at the town hall. All residents are encouraged to provide their comments to any member of TETC.

3. Torbay’s Green Living Initiative - Auction

The project is proceeding very well and Cathy has been very busy, especially with activities with the schools and field trips. The newsletter has been delayed but a draft is under way. The sale of compost bins is going well.

Our annual fundraising auction will be taking place on Sunday, December 3 at the Kinsmen Centre beginning at 7pm. This year’s auction will feature a dessert party and live music by the Gallows Cove Band. Tickets will be $10 and will be available soon. Everyone is encouraged to help out by collecting donations of prizes and selling tickets.

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3. Gully Project - Funding

The schools have been very active with the Gully Project. Cathy has taken several HTES students on field trips as part of the Artsmarts Program and the Friends of the Gully Group at HTHS has been very busy meeting every week and doing various projects. The Committee would like to pursue some work to improve better access to the Gully for students by constructing wheelchair-accessible trails from the schools. Funding sources are being explored such as the TD Friends of the Environment and the Rotary Club.

Tara Power was in attendance to explain the funding program available through The Rotary Club of St. John’s East Foundation Inc. The Club is made up of 60 businesses and it provides funding to groups aimed at fostering fellowship within communities. Tara explained the application process and encouraged the committee to apply early in the new year. A review of applications is done three times per year. Suggestions for projects that were mentioned were wheelchair-accessible trails to the Gully from the schools and a look-out on Torbay Road. Whatever we decide to apply for, we need to know exactly how much money we will be seeking which means we will need some fairly detailed design information and costing.

Tara suggested we contact her as soon as we are ready to apply.

3. Proposed Mink Farm in Portugal Cove/Forest Landing

There was some discussion about the proposed mink farm and the history of the area. The Town Council has sent a strong letter to the provincial government objecting to the proposed farm. EHJV has been contacted for their input. It was agreed that TETC would send a letter to the Minister of the Environment and Conservation outlining our concerns which range from the potential impact on the Western Island Pond watershed, the possible increase in coyote population in the area, the danger of escaped animals in an urban region, etc.

3. TETC Budget 2006 & 2007

The proposed TETC budget for 2007 was tabled, along with a status report on this year’s budget to date. Next year’s budget will include $500 for the Rock Garden project planning.

Madeleine mentioned that the balance of monies owing to us under the One-Tonne Challenge Project had been received from Environment Canada.

3. Other Business

8.1 Municipal Plan Review:

Ralph will verify with Brian whether or not the proposed change in the zoning of the HTHS property adjacent to the Gully has been included in the Municipal Plan Review. It was also suggested that the town pursue discussions with the Episcopal Corporation regarding the wetland portion of their property at HTES. There will be a public meeting on the Plan in November.

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Landowners in the vicinity of HTHS have again raised the problem of trespassing students with the school and made another request for a fence. It was agreed that TETC should send a letter to the school board supporting their request.

8.2 Upcoming SAM Meeting, November 17-19, Springdale:

Shirley and Madeleine will be attending the upcoming SAM meeting on behalf of the town.

8.3 Buffer Zones:

Information will be included in the town or TETC newsletter regarding buffer zones and their importance. There have been several cases of habitat destruction in the buffer zones at Western Island Pond and EHJV has visited the area. All residents, and particularly those residing in the vicinity of critical wetlands, need to better understand their responsibilities in buffer zones (ie Western Island Pond and Gosse’s Pond). It was suggested that a reminder be included in next year’s property tax bills. The town will be sending out letters to residents of Forest Landing. We should also encourage residents in the area to form a ‘neighbourhood watch’ group to help the town in its efforts to protect this sensitive area .

8.5 Portable Signs:

There is a proliferation of portable signs along the main road. Many people feel they are very unsightly and that some controls are needed. There are apparently no provincial regulations on these at the present time but TETC would like to recommend to Council that it consider bringing in some regulations of its own. Ralph will draft a letter to Council.