SATURNA ISLAND PROPERTY OWNERS ASSOCIATION

MINUTES OF DIRECTORS’ MEETING

DATE HELD: Saturday, August 20, 2011

LOCATION: Residence of Susie Washington-Smyth

Saturna, British Columbia

CALL TO ORDER: 1:05 p.m.

 

In attendance: Paul Brent

Ellen Bourassa

Ron Hall

Susan Jamieson-McLarnon

Murray Rankin

Bill Schermbrucker

Susie Washington-Smyth

Regrets: Ron Monk, Michael Fry

CALL TO ORDER:

The meeting was called to order at 1:05 pm by Murray Rankin. A proper quorum was in attendance.

APPROVAL OF AGENDA:

It was moved by Ellen Bourassa to approve the circulated agenda. Carried.

APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MINUTES:

It was moved by Paul Brent to approve the minutes of the previous Directors’ Meeting. Carried.

FINANCIAL REPORT:

Ellen Bourassa reported that as of August 20, 2011 the balance in the SIPOA account was $7,070.46.

MEMBERSHIP:

Ellen Bourassa reported that currently our membership stands at 214, with 31 members currently in arrears. Reminder notices for outstanding dues will be sent. Murray Rankin will contact the membership of Old Point Farm to encourage new members. Our goal should be to be in a position to speak for over 50% of Saturna property owners. Ellen Bourassa agreed to speak to those preparing the welcome package for new Saturna residence so that our organization is brought to their attention.

Action: Ellen and Susie to coordinate membership list

All board members are to promote membership with their neighbours.

6. ONGOING BUSINESS

6.1 PILTS:

Murray Rankin reported that he had spoken with Tom Johnstone who advised that the Dispute Advisory Panel had appointed an independent research officer from Vancouver to review the valuation of National Parks lands on the Gulf Islands. Unfortunately the expertise of the BC Assessment Authority is to be ignored. It is unfortunate that the individual chosen does not have valuation expertise. However, we understand that this work is now underway and SIPOA will await the report before deciding what further actions may be required.

Action: It was agreed that Murray Rankin would write our MP, Elizabeth May, to ask her to actively assist SIPOA regarding our position with respect to fair compensation for park lands, to monitor this issue and to obtain a copy of the report when it is finalized.

6.2 ROADS:

Thanks in particular to Susie Washington-Smyth, we have established an apparently positive relationship with the new manager for the Ministry of Transportation, Mark Traverso. Apparently Bob Webb, past manager, has allegedly destroyed his files relating to Saturna roads issues and, in particular, the oral agreement that had been reached concerning Harris Road. Murray Rankin is to contact Mr. Traverso to see whether or not these records can be re-created from backup tapes systems that the government must keep for e-mails. Apparently the agreement between the Saturna Island Local Trustees of the day, Tom Johnstone and John Money, and the Ministry of Transportation, is to the effect that the MOT would accept the lands at Harris Road as a public right-of-way and the owners of the vineyard and Strata Council there would continue to maintain a private road over the public right-of-way. Dian Johnstone, one of our two local trustees, has requested the offices of the Islands Trust to copy all files regarding this matter and forward them to SIPOA. We understand that both Tom Johnstone and John Money as well as Larry Page for the vineyard are prepared to provide affidavits to the effect that there was such an agreement and that this handshake agreement was witnessed. If necessary, it was agreed that Murray Rankin would help to provide affidavits if necessary.

6.3 Car Stop Program

SIPOA has received a cheque for $1500 for this initiative. We discussed the notices that would be provided in conjunction with Dawn Wood of the Community Club. The signs will be ordered. Murray will ask Michael Fry if he has time to participate in this venture, failing which he and Paul Brent will work on contacting Dawn Wood and Pat Ropars and arrange for a post-hole digger. Nine signs will be set up.: at the Ferry Dock; at the Recreation Centre/General Store area; corner of Sunset Road and East Point Road; Breezy Bay Lodge area; Four Winds B&B/Gaines property area; the Vineyard; Carefree Court.

Note that we have promised the community that if this initiative proves unsuccessful within a two-year period, the signs would be removed.

It was hoped that it might be possible to include notice of the Car Stop program in the spring 2012 tourism brochures and that all B&B operators will be advised of the program as well and given a map with the location of the signs indicated. We will also put a notice of the Car Stop program on our website as well as post notices up at the General Store and at the Parks Canada notice board indicating the location of the signs. BC Ferries will be contacted to see if they would also provide notification of the new program.

6.4 BC Ferries update

It was noted that the Ferries Commissioner, Gordon Macatee, is to be at the Saturna Recreation Centre on October 1 between 1 pm and 3 PM. Paul Brent will prepare a presentation after seeking ideas from our members. Positive solutions will be offered at this event. We agreed that our oral presentation would be 2 minutes in length and printed materials would be circulated.

6.5 WATER CONSERVATION:

The results of our survey of members regarding the proposed Bylaw 104 has been circulated to the local trustees and the Islands Trust. A SIPOA director will be at attendance on Wednesday, August 31 at 12:30 PM at the Community Hall, when this issue will be addressed. Susan Jamieson-McLarnon and Ron Hall will confer and determine who will present on behalf of SIPOA.

A summary of water conservation measures has been prepared and will be published in the next issue of the Scribbler.

6.6 HEALTH SERVICES:

Murray Rankin will contact Dawn Woods to seek an update on efforts to assist the clinic.

6.7 Telus Emergency Issue

Murray Rankin will re-establish contact with Telus to determine what can be expected by way of follow through to their letter of May 27, 2011 in which Telus indicated that it "would like to work in partnership with the SIPOA to request an increase in service levels from BC Hydro and help reprioritize their Gulf islands restoration map".

6.8 Yahoo Group: public/private issue

It was agreed that we would provide notice that by September 1 SIPOA has decided to transition to a private listserv, given the very successful SIPOA website. In other words, the listserv will be now closed to non-members. It is hoped that non-members who have found this service useful will join SIPOA in order to use this community facility.

7.0 NEW BUSINESS:

Prime Minister's Volunteer Awards and Lieutenant Governor's Award: Susan Jamieson-McLarnon will write a letter nominating the Saturna Island Fire Protection Society for each of these awards.

Societies Act annual report: directors signed the updated material circulated by Ellen Bourassa which will be filed with the relevant authorities in Victoria.

“SIPOA at the Pub". It was agreed that on Saturday, September 17 at 4:30-6 PM the directors would meet any members of the public who are interested in joining us at the Pub. Notice to this effect will be provided to the community in advance.

 

8. NEXT MEETING:

The next meeting was set for November 12 at 1 PM at the Rec Centre.

9. ADJOURNMENT:

As there was no further business at 2:55 pm Ellen Bourassa moved a motion to adjourn. Carried.