SATURNA ISLAND PROPERTY OWNERS ASSOCIATION

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES

DATE HELD: Saturday, 03 May 2009

LOCATION: Saturna Island Recreation Centre

Saturna, British Columbia

CALL TO ORDER: 1:10 p.m.

In attendance: Susie Washington-Smyth

Ron Monk

Marilyn Sewell

Bernie Ziegler

Murray Rankin

Bill Schermbrucker

Regrets: Susan Jamieson-McLarnon

Guest: Ellen Bourassa

1. CALL TO ORDER:

The meeting was called to order at 1:10 pm by Susie Washington-Smyth. A proper quorum was in attendance.

2. TREASURER’S REPORT and MEMBERSHIP:

Bernie Ziegler reported there is approximately $3500.00 in the bank. He has sent out membership renewal notices. Of 177 members 47 have now paid, many of these for 3 years. Six or seven new memberships have been received as a result of the marketing letter sent out earlier. Bernie felt that we benefited from people who aren’t members becoming informed. Murray Rankin wondered what percentage of property owners SIPOA represented. Susie reported that previously 35 – 40 percent of property owners were SIPOA members. Murray felt that if SIPOA actually represented half of property owners we should use that information to our advantage. Bernie Ziegler and Murray Rankin will analyze the Assessment Roll and our membership list to determine what percentage of property owners actually belong to SIPOA.

3. MEDICAL SERVICES REPORT:

Murray Rankin reported that he met with Lee Doney, the Chair of the Emergency Health Services and BC Ambulance and Liz Keay. As a result of this meeting Liz has drafted a letter to the Emergency Health Services Committee and Murray Coell regarding the Medical Services concerns for Saturna Island. Murray and Ron Monk acknowledged the tensions that exist between Health Services and the Fire Protection organizations on Saturna. The question for SIPOA regarding a sustainable funding and delivery model for Health Services and Fire Protection is: Should SIPOA’s role be neutral or should we be more involved in trying to provide aide, vision and direction? It was suggested by the board that SIPOA take a more active role if and when it seemed appropriate. However, it was recognized that we need to be sensitive to the conditions and agreements under which we agreed to work with the Community Club. Murray discussed his research regarding legal models and Ron discussed ways the Fire Protection and Medical Services could work together. Bernie Ziegler raised the question of the donations to the Rec Centre for the Ambulance Building. Susie indicated that she will ask George Jones, SIPOA’s lawyer and tax specialist regarding donations and if these can be forwarded to SIFPS for a joint building, should the parties decide to pursue that option, as this is of concern to the Rec Centre and to the Health Committee.

4. ROADS:

The extreme winter weather has worsened the already dreadful condition of our roads. The temporary repair last summer of pot holes on East Point Road is now worse than ever because there was no adequate preparation done prior to filling the holes. It is now dangerous and an impact on public health and safety. Susie Washington-Smyth was firm in her assertion that the fault does not lie with Pat Ropars, our local roads maintenance foreman, but rather with the inadequate performance of Mainroads Management. After discussion it was decided that Susie would send out another letter to Bob Webb, Operations Manager of Saanich District. Failing a response to this it was felt we should go directly to Highways Minister Murray Coell and print and television media. Susie will contact Pat Ropars to advise him of our action and to stress to him that he is not to blame for this situation. Council members stressed their concern that although plans are now in place for repaving this summer that no provision has been made for adequate preparation of the roadbed before it is paved.

5. ASSESSMENT, TAXES AND PILTS:

Susie Washington-Smyth informed Council that once tax assessments are public we should know what the Federal Government has paid in Pilts. She will send this information to Susan Jamieson-McLarnon and have her write something up about it for the members and the Scribbler. SIPOA needs to take credit for an increase in what the government pays. Tom Johnstone has agreed to take a look at the mill rate to determine exactly what it contains.

6. ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING:

This meeting is usually held in May. A date was set for 17 May 2009 to be held at the Rec Centre at 2:00pm. Susie will talk to Susan Jamieson-McLarnon about the possibility of having a speaker. As on-line voting is conducted we need to have a firm slate determined two weeks in advance of the AGM. Ellen Bourassa agreed to stand as a candidate. Susie Washington-Smyth announced that she will not serve another term as President but would sit on the board in another capacity. Bill Schermbrucker agreed to approach possible candidates. With the resignation of John Money from the board Susie-Washington Smyth moved and Ron Monk seconded that Ellen Bourassa be appointed as an interim board member to fill the vacancy left by the resignation of John Money.

Carried Unanimously.

 

 

7. NEXT MEETING:

The next Executive Committee meeting was set for 4 April 2009 at 1:00 at the Rec Centre.

8. ADJOURNMENT:

As there was no further business at 2:50pm Susie Washington-Smyth moved and Ron Monk seconded a motion to adjourn.

Carried Unanimously.