Minutes

Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Manor Road United Church
7:00 - 8:30 p.m.

DRAFT MINUTES

Attendance
Present: Brian Abbey, Susan Brown, Jonathan Colford, Matthew Connors, Shelley Laskin
Members: Harold Pidduck
Regrets: Cheryl Creatore, Robert Lavigne, Paul Newbigging and Margaret Walker

Meeting called to order at 7:06 p.m.

  1. Review Agenda and Welcome to Board Members
    • Brian welcomed everyone to the first meeting of the 2008-09 Board
  2. Election of Officers
    • Brian asked for volunteers/nominations—the following slate was determined for confirmation:           
        
      President   Brian Abbey
      Vice-President   Matthew Connors
      Secretary Jonathan Colford
      Treasurer Paul Newbigging
    • On a Motion by Brian Abbey, seconded by Shelley Laskin, Officers for 2008-09 approved.
    • Brian led a discussion on the other volunteer positions and suggested that Editor of the OWL be integrated within a broader Communications portfolio
    • Matthew suggested a letter or postcard go out to all members to thank them for joining SERRA; Brian to follow-up with Margaret
    • The Board discussed the urgency to get the next OWL out before Christmas
    • Brian then requested a volunteer for fundraising
    • Susan introduced herself—retired teacher at NTCI with a special interest in supporting the arts; experience in community cemetery administrations
    • Susan offered to investigate the possibility of SERRA receiving community grants—but suggested we first
    • The following volunteers will fill the Committee Liaison/Representatives:
      Communications
      (including The OWL)      		 Matthew Connors, supported by
      Jonathan Colford
      Statutory Approvals Liaison Brian Abbey
      FoNTRA and CORRA Shelley Laskin
      Membership Secretary Margaret Walker
      Members at Large Susan Brown, Cheryl Creatore, Robert Lavigne
      Web Master Charles Iscove
    • Shelley will forward Charles the updated contact list to adjust the SERRA
      e-mail distribution list
  3. Approval of Minutes and Follow-up Actions from Previous Meeting of September 17th
    • Brian Abbey to follow-up with the group organizing itself against the proposed redevelopment of the public space at Yonge/Eglinton
    • Brian agreed to follow-up and provide information/referral to the Sampson Family re: Committee of Adjustment 374 Manor Rd E
    • Brian to contact Councilor Michael Walker’s office re: ability to provide SERRA with a donation used to pay FoNTRA
    • On a Motion by Shelley Laskin, seconded by Jonathan Colford, Minutes approved as amended.
  4. Treasurer’s Report
    • Matthew suggested the Legal Defense Fund be put in GICs in order to gain interest; Brian to confirm with Paul
    • Brian to follow-up with Paul to ensure a more detailed Treasurer’s Report is prepared for the next meeting and provided in advance through e-mail to Brian
  5. 2008-09 Priorities
    • Discussion postponed until next meeting
    • SERRA Mission/Values statement attached for referral
  6. Committee Reports
    • Shelley reported she would continue to send FoNTRA e-mails to the Board
    • Brian noted he no longer was receiving electronic copies of the agenda for statutory appeals and would be following up with Grant Monday at City Hall
    • As Margaret was away, no membership report presented
  7. Other Business and Wrap-up
    • Shelley to follow-up at FoNTRA re: Crystal Palace development at Yonge and Eglinton
    • Brian discussed preliminary proposal to redevelop the York Theatre—2 towers and retail space
    • Harold Pidduck was angry with SERRA for not agreeing to help intervene – Brian reiterated and the Board concurred that SERRA does not involve itself in disputes that put neighbour against neighbour. Minutes from September indicate that SERRA would regard the issue as a strictly local matter. Brian reiterated his offer to help with referral/ consultation—Harold remained unsatisfied with the result.
    • Harold noted that Michael Walker’s office agreed to provide council
Adjournment
Date of the Next Board Meeting