Minutes of a meeting of the Board of SIRRA July 22, 2017

Present: David Osborne, Bill Schermbrucker, Michael Fry, Ron Hall, Jeanne Crerar (by phone)
1. David called the meeting to order at 10:05 and declared a quorum present. David agreed to take
minutes.
2. The agenda was approved with some re-ordering of the topics to accomodate Jeanne.
3. The following persons were nominated as officers of SIRRA for the coming year:
President: David Osborne
Secretary: David Osborne
Treasurer: Ron Hall
Vice-president: Bill Schermbrucker
There being no further nominations after three calls, the above were confirmed by acclamation.
4. The email vote (in accordance with SIRRA Board policy for same) to support the '13 Moons
Calendar' project on Saturna and to contribute $500.00 to it was ratified unanimously. After discussion,
the Board directed Ron to forward a cheque as soon as practicable. David agreed to provide an address
for delivery. David and Jeanne reported that they attended a planning meeting Tuesday, July 11 at the
Band Office on the Tsawout reserve in Saanich. Also present were Morgan Yates and Dawn Wood as
well as 5 Elders of the Nation. The atmosphere was very friendly and progress is being made on the
project. Next meeting is August 8 at Tsawout.
5. The minutes of May 28, 2017 were approved as circulated. David agreed to cause Harvey to post
them to the website.
5a. Matters arising:
i) David confirmed sending email thanks to Tom for his service as a Director.
ii) David reported that Sirra's contribution of $150.00 to the 2017 Tour des Isles had contributed to a
successful event.
iii) Michael will follow up by contacting MLA Adam Olsen's office about roads and particularly Harris
Road on Saturna and report back to the Board.
iv) David reported that he had sent emails of thanks to Morgan Yates and Jane Morley.
6. Ron circulated and spoke to his report as Treasurer. The report is attached. Moved by Ron,
seconded by Michael that the report be accepted. Carried, with thanks to Ron for his work.
7. David gave his report as (acting) President. He noted that all corporate filings are up to date. There
was discussion of filling the position of recording secretary. Members agreed to contact likely
candidates and to place an ad if that proved unsuccessful. The Health Sustainability Committee
continues its work. It is now publicizing and discussing information in the community. Next meeting
is August 10 or 14. David will attend.
8. Strategic planning will take place at the next Board Meeting, which will be extended for same,
Saturday, September 23, 2017.
9. Bill and Jeanne will continue to consider a new version of Survey Monkey for the annual member
survey and report to the Board.
10. New Business:
i) There was discussion of SIRRA's policies on funding. It was noted that we have money in the bank
and after setting aside a reasonable contingency fund, it should be spent for the good of the community.
Ideas were discussed, including renewing the offer of a $50.00 subsidy for Islanders who purchase a
new 'low-flush' toilet to replace and older model (up to 20 = $1000.00 expenditure), and offering
support for Islanders who adopt fire mitigation measures under the provincial 'Firesmart' program.
David offered to follow up on these ideas and report to the Board.
ii) Board members agreed to continue efforts to recruit new Board members. Ron agreed to contact 2
likely candidates.
Iii) It was noted that membership is flat or declining. It was agreed to work on raising the profile of
SIRRA and demonstrating its usefulness to the community as a way of promoting membership.
11. The next meeting Saturday, September 23, 2017 at 10: AM to be an extended meeting for up to 4
hours to include strategic planning.
12. The meeting was adjourned at 12:35 PM