MINUTES

 

TORBAY ENVIRONMENT & TRAILS COMMITTEE MEETING

 

Wednesday, November 7, 2007, 7:30pm, Kinsmen Centre

Present:          Shirley Thorne             Madeleine Florent

                        Ralph Tapper                           Myra Maynard

                        Ross Traverse                          Helen Spencer

                        Monica Barnes                        Geoff Gallant

 


1.                  Approval of Agenda and Minutes of Last Meeting (September 26, 2007)

Approved.

 

1.                  Business Arising from the Minutes


1- Green Living Initiative: Madeleine reported that she had spoken to Cathy recently and that, with her help, the final report on the project would be completed soon.

2- Natural History Society Tour of the Gully: Madeleine took several Society members and TETC members on a tour of the Gully on September 30.  They are interested in visiting again in the future.  Society members offered to help review our new booklet “Flora and Fauna of the Gully”. A few typos and errors have been detected. We will also consult Ross and Judy.

 


3.                  Update on Projects

3.1       Trail Mapping Project

The Trail Mapping Project Sub-committee met to review suggestions/corrections submitted over the last year and decide on the final text.  Rodolphe and his student Krista will be working on updating the data base and producing a final copy of the maps which we will then submit to Council for approval before printing. 

 

The issue of the Jones Pond trail access off Marine Drive has been referred to the town’s lawyer for review and recommendation. Another traditional right-of-way which needs to be looked at is the old ‘Winter’s Trail’ (also known as Torbay Men’s Trail) off Gully Road/Whitty’s trail. Historically, this trail was suitable for a vehicle.  The trail has been blocked off presumably to protect farmers’ fields but is no longer easily accessible to hikers. It was agreed that Helen, Shirley and Myra would have a look at the area in question this weekend and then arrange a meeting with the farmer. Following this, a report to Council will be prepared.

 

3.2       Rock Garden Initiative

Myra reported that the sub-committee had been quite busy. A meeting was held to discuss this summer’s findings and over 100 bulbs were planted.  A meeting with Dr. Wilf Nichols was held at Traverse Gardens to get his advice on how to proceed and what to plant. The result was a list of numerous plants that would ideal for the area, eg rose bushes, blueberry bushes, high bush

cranberries, chuckley pear, mountain holly, among others.  The Botanical Gardens has offered to donate rose bushes.  Shirley, Monica, Myra and Ross will visit the site tomorrow at 2pm to to

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place identifying ribbons on  plants so they are easily distinguished next spring.

 

Some weeds need to be removed from the area.  Our biggest challenge will be getting funds to buy the materials/plants.  Funding for this will be included in our 2008 budget.  Madeleine reminded the group that TETC owns equipment which is currently stored at her house, that will be helpful for the project: wheelbarrow, shovel, rakes, hoses, etc. 

 

3.3       Trails at the Gully/Gazebo  

The town has not yet completed the trail at HTES. There are some concerns with the slope in a couple of places. The construction plans have been passed over to Ron Fleming, the new director of operations, for review.  In the meantime, with the $750 donation by the Torbay Theatre Group, we will be able to purchase and install four large rocks at the bottom of the trail before the winter.

 

The Gazebo is in need of maintenance. Some boards have been pushed out and a lot of graffiti has been written on the wall, rendering it unusable by young children of HTES.  Madeleine has advised the town of the need for repair.

 

Regarding the trail at HTHS, Madeleine has contacted Marc Poirier about getting the plans drawn up and is waiting to hear from him.

 

3.                  New Business

4.1       Forest Landing

Several TETC members submitted comments to the town following the public notice of the proposed change in zoning to the east side of Western Island Pond. We are now awaiting word about the status of the proposal and when the public hearings will be held. Ralph will follow up and report back.

 

Madeleine tabled an email received from a resident at Forest Landing objecting to the blocking of the traditional trail to the airport from Western Island Pond Drive. Madeleine pointed out that recent construction on the north side of Western Island Pond Drive near the playground has also destroyed the existing access from Indian Meal Line.  In addition, we are wondering if a walking trail is going to be built adjacent to the river as suggested to the town some time ago.  Madeleine will send Ralph, Dawn and Brian a copy of the email from the resident. Ralph will follow up and report back.

 

4.2       Town Meeting on Vandalism & Speeding

The town is holding a public meeting at HTES on Wednesday, November 14 at 7:30pm to discuss the issues of vandalism and speeding in our town. The RNC will be present.

 

4.3       Newsletter

It was decided that we would release a newsletter by the end of November to disseminate

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important updates on TETC (including the election of a new executive).  Geoff is our new editor and he will coordinate submissions.   A meeting to prepare the newsletter will be held next Wednesday, November 21 at 7:30pm.  Anyone interested in helping out can attend the meeting or forward their input/suggestions for articles to Geoff.  Ross offered to submit an article. 

Madeleine will contact Tina and reserve the room for the meeting.

 

4.4       Web Site

Madeleine will send Geoff the email addresses for Jason Byrne and Michele DuRand.  The new web site has been designed and some updates are needed before it can be launched.

 

4.5       Christmas Social/Community Hike & Pot Luck Supper

This year’s Christmas social will consist in a hike and potluck supper at Camp Carey Cabin (Upper Three Corner Pond - Bauline Line). The plan is to meet at Ross’ house at 2pm and hike to Camp Carey.  We will need to make arrangements for the food to be brought over to the cabin, return transportation, etc.  All TETC members are invited as well as special guests such as Council members, town staff, MHA Jack Byrne, Cathy, Krista, Bob S, Sandy, and others (suggestions welcome).

 

3.                  Financial Report

5.1       2007 Report

We expect to be underspent by about $2300 in 2007 primarily because we will not be ready to print the trail maps before the end of the year. 

                                                                                                                       

Regarding the TETC’s own savings, the balance is currently about $2300.  Madeleine will prepare a letter to Linda Reddy thanking the Theatre Group for their donation.

 

5.2       Proposed 2008 TETC Budget

Madeleine will check with Dawn as to when our 2008 budget must be submitted to the town.

 

5.3       Recycling 

For the time being, the recyclables dropped off in the blue box at the town hall will be donated to HTHS Friends of the Gully to help them raise funds for environmental projects.  Madeleine will discuss with Dawn whether she can coordinate the regular transport of the recyclables to HTHS on pre-arranged days.  Madeleine will continue to pick up the recyclables from the Kinsmen Centre and from Bridie Molloys.

 

5.4       Office Space

In response to a question from Ralph, Madeleine confirmed that TETC has occupied the office space in the Kinsmen Centre since January 2002.  This space was provided because there was no space available at the town hall.  The office is used by TETC executive, houses a mass of resources, books, equipment, etc, and is open to the public by appointment.

 

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3.                  Other Business

6.1       Bus Survey

There was a lot of positive feedback about getting a bus service in Torbay. Initially the town considered placing an ad in the newspaper looking for expressions of interest from potential bus/taxi companies.  However, the town is now considering undertaking a feasibility study similar to one done in CBS. Ralph will follow up and report.

 

6.2       Portable Signs

Ralph reported that there are currently no restrictions on the number or placement of portable signs in our town.  The whole issue of signage, including portable signs,  however, is expected to come up as part of the discussions about the by-pass road. Ralph will ask Ron Fleming to look into the issue.

 

6.3       Eastern Hemlock

Madeleine proposed placing an ad in the ‘Buy and Sell’ to sell the wood which was purchased originally to build the outdoor classroom at HTHS. The wood is no longer needed as it has been decided that the structure, when approved, will be built out of stone.  The money raised from the sale of the wood will be used for the HTHS trail. Ralph suggested we hold off a bit on the ad to give him time to check if the wood could be used by the town to repair the trail at Tapper’s Cove.

 

6.4       NLEN/CSC Worshops on Volunteerism, November 23 & 24

Helen and Geoff will attend the workshops and the costs will be refunded from the TETC account.

           

6.5       Christmas Tree Mulching in Torbay

Ralph will speak to Dawn about making arrangements for the mulching of Christmas trees in January. The first mulching day held last winter was very successful and enabled a lot of residents to get free mulch for their gardens.

 

3.                  Election of New Executive

Ralph conducted the elections on behalf of TETC. Congratulations to the new TETC executive:

 

            Chair:                          Helen Spencer

            Vice-Chair                   Geoff Gallant

            Secretary                     Monica Barnes

            Co-Teasurers               Shirley Thorne & Madeleine Florent

 


3.                  Date of Next Meeting and Adjournment

The next monthly meeting will take place on Wednesday, November 28 at 7:30pm at the Kinsmen Centre.