By In Attendance
President – Stuart Sykes
Vice President – Laurie Lyon
Secretary – Klaus Kollenberg
Community Liaison Director – Liz Allen
Media Director – Paul Hobkirk
Merriel Petry
Absent
Treasurer – Grace Dimion
1. Call to order – Mr Sykes called the meeting to order at 8:20pm. The delayed start resulted from a lengthy in-camera meeting with Councillor McRae regarding the status of the Laurentian – Smart Centers development. Merriel Petry, a member of the community who has expressed interest in the Board, was introduced.
2. Motion to approve agenda – Mr Hobkirk moved the approval of the agenda and was seconded by Ms Lyon. Agenda was approved.
3. Treasurers update – Mr Sykes advised the board that the current treasurer will be stepping down due to other commitments. He also reported that the signature papers for the OCPCA bank account are ready to signature at the Westgate Branch of TD Canada Trust. Mr Hobkirk reported that he is still awaiting a copy of the OCPCA Incorporation papers to satisfy the PayPal documentation requirements as non-profit status (and lower fees) – the papers provided previously were not sufficient. Memberships and advertising fees can then be collected on-line. Mr Sykes committed to getting these forms.
4. Ice Rink Final Report – On behalf of the ice rink committee Mr Sykes reported that this winter season was a great one for the ice rink. The hockey day in Ottawa and Family day events were well attended. The rink was much larger since we had a longer hose that could reach farther. We also had snow removal provided by Exterior Sollutions. This considerably reduced the work of the volunteer committee lead by Bruce Radburn and Abid Mallick! The acceptance of the report was moved by Mr Hobkirk and seconded by Ms Petry.
5. Discussion of Welcome Wagon – Mr Hobkirk reported that reparations for the welcome package were bearing fruit. The centrepiece mugs with the OCPCA logo and contact info would be arriving imminently. The identification of new arrivals would have to be accomplished by neighbours. It was proposed that the community liaison director hold the balance of the mugs while each board member would have several on hand that could be delivered to new arrivals. There will be an item on the OCPA website to let people know that they can get a Welcome package. Paul agreed to prepare a welcome letter that would go with the package.
6. Succession Planning – Mr Sykes stated that he would be stepping down at the end of April so that he can focus on the organization of the private streets in Central Park. This had previously been communicated to board members some
months before but a firm date of departure was now set. Subsequent to the meeting Mr Hobkirk announced that he would be leaving Central Park and would also be stepping down. There was discussion of who would act as president until new elections would be held. The interim board at the end of April would then be:
Acting President: Liz Allen
Vice President: Laurie Lyon
Acting Community Liaison: Laurie Lyon
Secretary: Klaus Kollenberg
Treasurer: vacant
Media Relations: vacant
Communications: vacant
Mr Sykes and Ms Allen will discuss the presidency position in the coming weeks. Mr Sykes will also continue his efforts to recruit new board members before his departure.
7. Other business
- Clean up day. A volunteer coordinator has stepped forward to organize this annual city event in May. Mr Sykes will be working with them to get the clean-up day rolling.
- Community Garage Sale and Family Fun and Play Day will be happening again this year – Ms Allen will be the coordinator for the garage sale and Ms Lyon the coordinator for the Family Fun and Play Day.
- Basketball court consultations. Being that it is a Councillor led initiative and that she will be conducting consultations with the community to determine if a court is desired, it was agreed that no position needs to be taken by the board and that involvement be limited.
8. Adjournment – Mr Sykes adjourned the meeting at 9:10pm.