Minutes

Monday, November 19, 2007
Manor Road United Church
7:00 - 8:30 p.m.

DRAFT MINUTES

Attendance
Present: Brian Abbey, Cheryl Creatore, Ron Lalonde, Shelley Laskin, Rob Newman, Jim Walker, Margaret Walker
Regrets: Jonathan Colford, Paul Newbigging

  1. Review the Agenda and Follow-up Actions from Previous Meeting
  2. Election of Officers
      3. President Brian Abbey
      Moved Jim Walker, seconded Cheryl Creatore. Approved.
      Vice-President Ron Lalonde
      Moved Jim Walker, seconded Margaret Walker. Approved.
      Secretary Shelley Laskin
      Moved Jim Walker, seconded Cheryl Creatore. Approved.
      Treasurer Paul Newbigging
      Moved Brian Abbey, seconded Margaret Walker. Approved.

      Immediate Past President Jim Walker
      The OWL Editor Jonathan Colford
      Statutory Approvals Liaison Brian Abbey
      FoNTRA and CORRA Ron Lalonde supported by Brian Abbey
      Fundraising and Membership Rob Newman supported by Cheryl Creatore
      Membership Secretary Margaret Walker
      Web Master Charles Iscove
      Member at Large Cheryl Creatore
    • Brian will follow-up with Charles to confirm his interest and seek confirmation that he prefers not to be on the board.
    • Rob will seek additional board members as part of the membership drive.
  3. Approval of the Minutes - Board Meeting October 15, 1007
    • On a Motion by Jim Walker, seconded by Cheryl Creatore, Minutes approved.
    • Rob Newman abstained.
  4. Treasurer’s Report
    • No Report Presented
    • $390 collected at the AGM. Paul Newbigging donated the coffee; Shelley Laskin donated refreshments.
  5. Committee Reports
    • FoNTRA and CORRA – Jonathan Colford (written reported provided)
    • Discussed recent history of the organization and where it will go. FoNTRA should stay focused on main issue of development (New Official Plan, how Toronto grows); also sustainable development in Toronto; secondary plans; OMB reform; role of liaison with other umbrella associations. Discussion included other issues FoNTRA could take on, such as transportation and taxation. FoNTRA steering group to meet and discuss. Chair position in FoNTRA will rotate starting in 2008. Need more volunteers.
    • Membership dues: $50 currently. They are asking that associations send their $50 by January. Discussion included suggestion that FoNTRA raise its membership fee.
    • Issues discussed: Section 37 reform (HCD studies as s.37 benefit); property assessment (FoNTRA is a member of Coalition After Property Tax Reform). Representatives talked about developments in their areas.
    • There was a proposed fall meeting between FoNTRA and councillors (also suggestion to include MPPs). This has been postponed to January. No date given.
    • Statutory Approvals – Brian Abbey
    • Committee of Adjustment—official severance for Brownlow Development is on the agenda. Brian asked for Board approval to write letter to say we had no objection to the severance. Copy to be circulated to the Board.
  6. OWL – Jonathan Colford (written report provided)
    • Due to computer problems, Jonathan reported he had not had a chance to get started on the OWL
    • He is looking for article ideas and interested writers.
    • The Board is fully supportive of Charles’ idea of a cross-platform template for the OWL. Brian to communicate to Charles.
    • Editing articles and the rewrites can be done within a week after they’re submitted.
    • The layout takes time: articles had to be shortened this summer to fit the space so planning is needed. Based on word counts from the Summer OWL, an article (plus headline and photo/artwork, if any) of 300-325 words can fit on half a page. This word count could change depending on the fonts and margins selected.
    • Ideas for articles—AGM, Election, Membership Drive, article from Paul Newbigging on Police Services. Draft for December 19th.
    • Discussion with benefits for before or after the holidays. Potential aim for distribution the second week of January.
    • Paul Newbigging has offered to fund the OWL on a quarterly basis. It is a prime driver for membership.
  7. Other Business
    • PJ Wade willing to come to December meeting to discuss exposure of SERRA—and why be a member. Rob will follow-up with PJ Wade and Margaret.
    • Ron suggests that SERRA could take on its own issue, beyond that of watchdog—e.g. garbage cans on Bayview, community safety, street signs. This idea will be followed up at a future meeting as a means of self-promotion and to build credibility.
    • As an example, Margaret reported on a large puddle at the SW corner of Eglinton near the CIBC—residents in her building complained to the Councillor, but did not come through her to SERRA. Margaret will find out what actions are taken to date and we could write a letter in support.
    • Margaret reported that Minto had called another meeting and should be reinstated as a standing item. Met last Thursday, November 15th and Margaret represented SERRA.
    • Occupancy permit ongoing; no vehicle infractions or road cleaning complaints; Yonge St hoarding over sidewalk continues to be monitored; laneway through the back is now wide-open and cemented and lit—no longer a hazard; upon completion of the North Tower a minimum of 1000 cars are expected to be using the lane; they will not landscape the street until they complete the 54-story North Tower in 12 months; they will be topping it off shortly; the South Tower is complete; tower crane removal soon.
    • Third phase of occupancy for South Tower started in mid-late September and should continue until Christmas—most units are sold (335 units); North Tower (550 units) are 75% sold.
    • Police are still monitoring the local area for parking infringements—people who occupy the suites in the south tower want two parking spaces and requested street parking from the city and they have refused—suggest they can park in the commercial space. Councillor’s office asked for speed bumps down the lane, as it is two-way traffic. They will not be having a featured closed in Atrium between the two towers as per architect’s original drawing. Instead there will be public art displayed in an open areas—space can be locked at night.
    • Shelley reported that the Groundbreaking for North Toronto Collegiate Institute is November 21, 2007.
    • Margaret suggested that we make a $200 donation to the church in appreciation of their kindness in accommodating us.
    • On a Motion by Jim Walker, seconded by Margaret Walker, donation approved. (Timing to be clarified pending confirmation of timing of last year’s donation.)
Adjournment
Date of the Next Board Meeting
2008 Schedule