Minutes of a meeting of the directors of SIRRA Monday, November 12, 2018

Present: Michel Chiasson (President), Ron Hall (Treasurer), David Osborne (Secretary), Mairead
Boland (Vice-President), Helen Wale
Regrets: Jeanne Crerar
Guests: Colin Curwen, Judy Tipple
1. The meeting was called to order by the President at 10:35. A quorum of 5 declared. The chair
welcomed everyone, especially the guests. The Secretary to take and circulate these minutes.
2. The agenda was approved as circulated with the addition of item 9.a. “Wetlands update” and 9.b.
“Parks Canada Liaison Committee”
3. The minutes of September 15, 2018 were approved as circulated to be posted with the Treasurer's
report on the web site.
4.a. No report from communications and membership available. Tabled to next meeting. Discussion
of the web site and calendar ensued. The need for one calendar for Saturna emphasized.
b. Discussion of the report circulated by Helen and Jeanne about a welcome package. Additional items
noted. How much of this is SIRRA's job? What should be the priorities? Helen and Jeanne to follow
up and report.
c. Since the clinic funding referendum was overwhelmingly approved, and the Committee disbanded,
the Board approved the removal of the 'fact sheets' and other material from SIRRA's web site.
d. David reported on the progress of the Saturna FireSmart Committee's efforts to apply for a second
year of funding for 2019/2020. No current demand for the $500.00 offered by SIRRA to do home
assessments. To be reconsidered in future.
e. MOTION: By David, seconded by Michel, that the Grant Application Policy and Application Form
circulated by David be approved for use now, and be posted on the SIRRA web site under 'policies'.
Carried.
5. Ron delivered his treasurer's report orally. Discussion of whether to set aside some amount in a
GIC. Ron to investigate and report back.
Amendment on March 4th 2019, by Mairead Boland.
November report was withdrawn as the report for January 26, 2019 covers the period from September,
2018.
6. Discussion of results of member survey about the 'Foreign Buyers' Tax' and its impact on Saturna.
MOTION: Moved by David, seconded by Mairead, that Ron be authorized to draft and circulate to the
Board for approval, a letter to our MLA, Adam Olsen, with copies to the finance minister and premier,
opposing the application of the tax to Saturna and the SGI. Carried. Mairead to draft and circulate a
report on the survey to be posted on SIRRA's web site.
7. After a report by David, and some discussion, the Board authorized the new 'transitioned'
constitution and bylaws of the society to be placed in the record book and to replace the copies
currently on the web site. Place on the agenda of the next AGM for consideration by members.
8. Discussion of the current vacancies on SIPRC and the importance for SIRRA's members that it
continue to function efficiently. David will continue to monitor.
9.a. David reported no current demand for the $500.00 committed to the 'Wetlands' project.
b. Ron reported that he will no longer attend meetings of the Parks Canada Liaison Committee. No
other Board member was prepared to replace him.
10. Meeting Adjourned 12:35. Next meeting Saturday, January 26, 2019 at 10:30 at the rec, centre.