Minutes of a meeting of the directors of SIRRA Saturday, January 25, 2020

Present: MichelChiasson (president), David Osborne (Secretary), Ron Hall (Treasurer), Helen Wale, Jeanne Crerar, Colin Curwen Regrets: Mairead Boland (Vice-President) 1. Michel called the meeting to order at 12: and welcomed everyone. David agreed to chair the meeting and to take and distribute these minutes. Our presence on Coast Salish traditional territory is acknowledged. 2. The agenda was approved as circulated. 3. The minutes of December 8, 2019 were approved as circulated. 4. Business arising: a. Changes to the granting policy and application form discussed. David to add a line for a specific amount requested on the form. Further discussion tabled after noting that SIRRA will generally not provide ongoing funding, but only 'one-time' grants, we need to expand and clarify the granting criteria beyond SIRRA's constitutional purposes, we need to clarify the amount required for reserves, and we should consider pro-actively spending some funds on workshops for the community about issues of general interest to residents. MOVED: By Michel, seconded by Jeanne that the reserve funds be set at $4000.00 for the time being. Carried. b. The Facebook page has been made public. c. Ron reported discussion with Sharon Schermbrucker that a plaque will be provided by SIRRA and placed on a public bench near her home to remember Bill. Discussions ongoing. d. Michel reported that the Board must continue to prioritize three objectives for lobbying the Islands Trustees. One will probably be their budgeting process and financial reporting. e. Colin reported that Tyler Stolting has been hired and has begun work on updates to the new web site. Colin will update Harvey Janszen. Colin will discuss Tyler becoming a board member with him. Colin asked that members forward web links to interesting and relevant articles for the web site. Incorporating the mailing list to the web site discussed. Question as to whether $500.00 was previously authorized by the Board for this. David and Ron to follow up. f. MOVED: By Michel, seconded by Ron, that SIRRA grant $250.00 to the Saturna Singers (choir) for their 2019/20 year. Discussion ensued. Carried. g. Helen and Jeanne reported that distribution by hand (and foot) of the new brochure continues. Suggestion that a table at the recycling centre might be more efficient. 5. Ron provided an update (attached) on our finances. SIRRA has approximately $7000.00 on deposit. 6. Other business: a. Discussion of more surveys to members, specifically whether to do general surveys as before, or more specific' targeted' issues. Tabled for further discussion. b/c. Michel reported that he will meet with David Howe, our elected CRD representative, and Adam Olsen, our MLA respecting the condition of Saturna's roads. Others will join him. He recommends a letter writing campaign as a most effective tool to get the attention of the relevant minister(s). d. Strategic planning discussion tabled e. David reported that the process for appointment of commissioners to the Harbours and Parks commissions still needs improvement with respect to fairness and transparency and that he will follow up with Paul Brent about this.