Minutes

February 21, 2007
Manor Road United Church
7:15 - 8:30 p.m.

DRAFT MINUTES

Attendance
President: Brian Abbey
Directors: Jonathan Colford, Margaret Walker, Cheryl Creatore
Regrets: Brad Buss, Ron Lalonde, Shelley Laskin, Jim Walker, Margaret McKelvey and Paul Newbigging

  1. Welcome and Introductions
    • Brian Abbey convened the meeting at 7:20pm and welcomed the Board.
    • Brian informed the Board that he had received an e-mail from Helga Teitsson earlier today advising that she could not commit to SERRA at this time.
  2. Agenda and Follow-up items
    • Nothing to report.
  3. Minutes of January 17, 2007
    • On a Motion by Cheryl Creatore, seconded by Jonathan Colford, Minutes were approved as read.
  4. Treasurer's Report
    • As of the January statement and assuming no outstanding invoices.
    • Legal Account remains the same at $1,853.24.
    • General Account is at $2,647.04.
    • On a Motion by Cheryl Creatore, seconded by Jonathan Colford, Treasurer's report was approved.
  5. Committee Reports
    • Minto - Margaret reported that there was no new business.
    • FoNTRA & CORRA-Brian Abbey was to attend the FoNTRA meeting on Tuesday, February 16th on behalf of SERRA but was unable due to a bad cold. Margaret Walker filled in for Brian at the last minute.
    • Margaret reported SERRA is 1 of 9 associates with 2007 annual FoNTRA dues paid; some members dues still outstanding from 2006.
    • FoNTRA's function and reasons for existing were outlined by Co-Chair Peter. Did we know the FoNTRA Geographic area? It is (N-S) Hwy 401 - Bloor, (E-W) Leslie to Bathurst.
    • Two new Co-Chairs are required a.s.a.p. Baker and Millbrant terms finish.
    • CAPTR (Coalition after Property Tax Reform) and PVA (Property Value Assessment) - presentations by Walter Pridham - Exec Board Member. CAPTR is a 400+ member group of ratepayers representing over 1 million Ontario residents.
    • The Executive Board in discussions with Minister of Finance Sorbara and proposed "an annual cap of 5%, allowed on the previous year's assessment for ALL residential properties, with the expectation that many PVAs would be less than 5%" to be in the 2007 Ontario Budget.
    • The CAPTR group is dollar rich - requesting only visible and vocal support from member associates of FoNTRA. WP distributed copies of a multi-page document on discussions held with the Ontario Government with President Brian for review.
    • There was an update on the CORRA Appeal of the New Official Plan to the OMB. Moving well, only one major item outstanding for resolution with the City. Unlikely to proceed to a Hearing at the OMB. (good dialogue with City Representatives). The outstanding account to the lawyer representing CORRA on February 14 was $3,000.
    • It portions out to FoNTRA owes $500 (to be paid within 2-weeks as dues received) and CORRA owes $2,500 (nothing in the bank). The Executive is suggesting a fundraiser.
    • Joint Meetings are being held with various politicians (Govt. and Opposition) in Wards 22, 25 and 26 to hold discussions regarding five significant issues for the Ontario Elections 2007; a copy of questions/issues will be sent to Brian - March 23 and 28 dates mentioned.
    • Statutory Approvals-Brian Abbey reported on the 18 Brownlow OMB hearing that he had received a decision from the Board that requires the proposed building to be reduced in both height and density that is a reasonable compromise between the City and Developer that makes good planning sense and would be acceptable for the adjoining neighbourhood. Site circulation and driveways were also addressed.
    • The Board's Order has been withheld for 90 days pending revision to the proposed Zoning Bylaw and a revised Site Plan.
    • Committee of Adjustment - Brian reported that he had reviewed the last two Agendas and did not find any contentious applications.
  6. Fundraising
    • As Ron Lalonde was not present, fundraising will be tabled at the next meeting.
  7. The OWL
    • Jonathan Colford advised that he intends to get the next OWL newsletter out well before the spring fundraiser and has requested that all articles be circulated to the entire board prior to Easter weekend for review and comment.
    • Once again the Board discussed the possibility of Corporate Sponsorship but it was agreed to defer this to the next meeting when more members would be present.
  8. Updating the Website
    • Brian Abbey advised that he had registered the new domain as www.southeglinton.org and that he had purchased an enhanced "template website" with 1,000 pages and 10 emails (30 with aliases). He also advised that he had already started construction of the site and would copy the data from the old site over the coming weeks.
    • Brian Abbey also advised that Charles Iscove had agreed to take over the role as Webmaster on a volunteer basis. Brian will meet with him in due course to discuss his responsibilities and what the board expects of him.
  9. Other Business and Wrap-up
    • Brian asked that the matter of attendance at Board meetings be deferred until the next meeting and discussed with more members present.
    • With no further business Brian made a motion to end the meeting at 8:37pm seconded by Jonathan.
Next Meetings