Minutes

January 26, 2006
Manor Road United Church
7:00 - 8:30 p.m.

DRAFT MINUTES

Attendance
Directors: Brad Buss, Jonathan Colford, John Holland, Ron Lalonde, Shelley Laskin, Jim Walker
Members: Brian Abbey, Margaret Walker
Regrets: Cheryl Creatore, Paul Newbigging, and Paul Pelton

1. Agenda
   
   • No formal agenda was presented as this was the first meeting of the new Board.
   • Jim Walker volunteered to chair; Shelley Laskin volunteered to take minutes.
2. 18 Brownlow Redevelopment
   
   • The builders for the site asked to present their site plans to SERRA for information and discussion.
   • The proposed 26 storey condominium point tower with 265 new units is to be build on site at 5.1X density - the existing apartment building will be refinished to match the exterior of the new condo tower-parking access will remain off Brownlow.
   • The builder stressed care was being taken to maintain and enhance the green space and that to date, no negative complaints from the neighbours had been received.
   • Community Meeting tentatively scheduled for March 2nd - builder committed to keeping SERRA informed of the process.
3. Secretary's Report
   
   • Margaret Walker (past Secretary) brought packages (By-Laws and past minutes) for each of the new Directors and noted that the Minutes from the last AGM would soon be available.
4. FONTRA and CORRA Report
   
   • John Holland reported that he had attended two meetings of FONTRA since the Board had last met.
   • FONTRA had obtained the legal services of Bill Roberts to advise and present issues and concerns arising out of the new Toronto Official Plan.
   • FONTRA continues to fight for OMB reform and is keeping a focus on potential issues resulting from the City of Toronto Act and the Greater Golden Horseshoe Consultations.
   • John informed the Board that FONTRA membership fees were due and that FONTRA was suggesting a minimum $600 donation from each of its 23 associations-a formal motion was put off until after the Treasurer's Report.
   • Jim Walker informed the Board that SERRA was a co-sponsor of the St. Paul's Federal Candidate's Debate held on January 10th at UCC and that the event was well attended.
5. Treasurer's Report
   
   • Jim Walker informed the Board that the operating bank balance was $1845.04 (excluding outstanding accounts payable of approximately $200) and that the legal fund had a balance of $1853.24.
   • The Board discussed potential operating expenses including the publication of newsletters (approximately $400 each); rental of space for meetings (Manor Rd Church approximately $200); memberships to FONTRA and CORRA ($50); website maintenance ($100) and requested an updated financial report be presented at our next meeting.
   • Jim also informed the board that Michael Walker's office (through Chris Sellors) was offering grants again this year for community organizations.
   • On a motion by John Holland, seconded by Jim Walker, SERRA was requesting $600 grant from Councilor Michael Walker to flow through to FONTRA as a donation. Motion approved.
6. Committee of Adjustment Representation
   
   • Jim Walker informed the Board that Shelley Laskin had inquired as to SERRA's representation at the Committee of Adjustment and he brought the item forward for discussion.
   • Member Brian Abbey, a professional building consultant provided insight as to the workings of the Committee of Adjustment and other statutory approvals processes including the building code and offered to monitor city committees and processes on our behalf.
7. Board Membership
   
   • On a motion by Jim Walker, seconded by Brad Buss, Brian Abbey was appointed to the Board. Motion approved.
   • On a motion by Shelley Laskin, seconded by Jim Walker, Margaret Walker was appointed an ex-officio member of the Board. Motion approved.
8. Board of Director Roles and Responsibilities
   
   • The Board discussed the various roles and responsibilities of SERRA and volunteered for positions.
   • On a motion by John Holland, seconded by Ron Lalonde, the following responsibilities of Board members were put forward. Motion approved.
   President
   Jim Walker
   Vice President and FONTRA/CORRA Representative
   John Holland
   Secretary
   Shelley Laskin
   Treasurer and 53rd Police Division Representative
   Paul Newbigging
   OWL Editor and Marketing
   Paul Pelton
   Webmaster
   Brad Buss
   Statutory Approvals Liaison
   Brian Abbey
   Membership Chair
   Margaret Walker
   Creative Support
   Jonathan Colford
   Fundraising Initiatives
   Ron Lalonde