Rockland
Neighbourhood Association: Minutes of the Board
Meeting of the Board of Directors
March 10, 2010
Directors Present: Bob June (BJ), Catherine Spencer (CS)), Dave Clark (DC), John Edwards (JE), Jean Gubby (JG),
Regrets: Janet Simpson (JS)
Guests: Councillor Chris Coleman (CC), Lois Johnson (LJ), Jane Wheatley (JW),
Summary of motions and actions:
Motion to appoint RNA member Jane Wheatley to the board as a director
Motion to table discussion of a potential response to the ombudsperson’s reply.
Motion to appoint the Vice President, Treasurer and Secretary as signing authorities on RNA accounts.
Motion that the board support the tuition of any RNA director who wishes to attend the “Board boot camp”.
Action – DC will create a table that will provide a written record of all non-unanimous votes.
Action – Record of the vote on every motion will be reported in the minutes.
Meeting called to order at 19:06
1. Introduction of new directors
2. Introduction of guests
Motion to appoint RNA member Jane Wheatley to the board as a director (CS/BJ) Carried unanimously
3. Agenda
Motion to accept agenda as amended
(DC/CS)
Carried unanimously
• Requirement for Polled votes was a change to the bylaws, not the constitution.
• Add Land Use Committee update - LJ
• Add RNA response to the Ombudsperson’s reply
4. Councillor’s Report
• Copy of report sent out to email list. Other
Councillor’s will adopt this approach. Largely a product of the City
Hall Communications group, filtered to our neighbourhood interest.
• New items –
o Johnson Street Bridge Electric system deteriorating – resulted in an unscheduled closure;
o Audit of Esquimalt Policing efforts. If they pursue
an Oak Bay-type approach Victoria will either have to cut services or
raise appropriations;
o Letter from John Weaver re: pairs of sneakers on
hydro wires. It will be determined which utility is responsible for the
wires in question. Once brought to City’s attention, City is
potentially liable and must act.
o As the RNA now records votes, should consider developing a policy on conflict of interest, disclosure.
• Discussion - do you have a pecuniary interest
that requires awareness in this area? Any financial benefit or
financial responsibility?
5. Minutes of January 9th, 2010
Motion to accept as amended (DC/CS) Carried unanimously
Mulroney (Spelling)
Tony Wade regrets
6. Update on Land Use - Lois Johnson
• Conversation with Jim Bennett, (BC Housing)
liaison for the Municipal housing authority. VIHA has closed the
file on 1322 Rockland – will not pursue the use as a care facility.
• Kiwanis tried to enter into an agreement on the
property; owners declined. Salvation Army then tried without success.
Discussion – BB - In the current climate, large rental properties in
heritage age homes are gradually running down. Solutions include strata
title. More owners will be better equipped to maintain the property.
Limited Heritage restoration grants are available for designated properties. Victoria Heritage Foundation.
Response to the Ombudsperson’s reply is somewhat moot, certainly has
lost urgency as VIHA is no longer negotiating to use 1322 as a care
facility. that we table this to the next meeting.
Motion (JG/DC) to table discussion of a potential response. Carried unanimously.
Action photocopy Ombudsperson’s reply (done, CS)
Action send digital copy of the Land Use Committee’s draft response to Jane Wheatley. (done, DC)
7. Business Arising from AGM:
Bylaw change regarding polled and recorded votes takes effect
immediately, as registrar of Companies has signed off the bylaw change.
• Roberts’ rules allow for recorded votes on request. We have made it mandatory.
Action – DC will create a table that will provide a written record of all non-unanimous votes.
Action – Record of the vote on every motion will be reported in the minutes.
Vacant position of President – according to bylaws Janet Simpson
maintains the office until replaced. Bob June relates his reluctance to
fill the position.
Vacant director positions - we are still receptive to attracting new board members
Motion (BB/JG) appoint the Vice President, Treasurer and Secretary as
signing authorities on RNA accounts. Carried
unanimously.
8. Communications received – all directors
Mayor’s office asks to address us (letter from Pam Delaney)
Action: Discuss with Chris Coleman at April meeting
Chamber of Commerce course offering – boot camp for board members
Monday March 29th /30th – board procedures, better meetings
- $169 for two days. www.victoriachamber.ca
Topics covered (list can be viewed at).
http://memberservices.membee.com/bcviccoc/irmevents.aspx?id=775
Motion (DC/CS) board support the tuition of any RNA director who wishes to attend. Carried unanimously.
Action DC send out the web link to all Directors (Done, DC)
March 16th Grafitti meeting
Don Hamilton and Lloyd Ollila.
Victoria Police – Ralston Alexander is our rep (again)
Garage Sale end of April at Central Middle School
Langham Court latest production.
Phone Calls
Concerns regarding Despard house demolition and removal of all vegetation (all within rules). Cole is the Developer
Concerns regarding blasting at 1025 Moss St.
1238 Richardson – backs on to Langham Court – Owner would like to move
into garage and redevelop and rent the house – Garage is right on the
property line. Want a relaxation of the Clean Hands Policy that
requires owners to move off the property while the renovations are
underway.
Action for next month’s agenda - Social – Jerymy Brownridge is conducive to summer social
Meet your neighbor - RNA members encouraged to bring a friend.
Suggestion - speaker’s night – Olaf Niemann, heritage topics, e.g.,
construction of the Legislature, gardeners, (could then use the
Government House facilities)
Other speakers?
Public Vegetable Gardens
Given the number of renters, could we identify a possible area for an allotment garden or set up a partnering system.
9. Committee Assignments
Land Use (zoning and strategy)
Bill Brooks, Jean Gubby, Jane Wheatley, Janet Simpson, Lois Johnson.
Prepare for the update Strategy Session for directors.
Business Process review.
(Lois Johnson Left)
Communications Director John Edwards
Newsletter – Edwards
Website – Don Hamilton
Social – Bob June
Grafitti – Catherine Spencer
Garden Janet Simpson
Membership Dave Clark
Liaise with welcome wagon – give them a package to include for Rockland Residents.
Work with Catherine Spencer, Susan Bartol Drinker,
Traffic Committee won’t be chaired until necessary.
Emergency Preparedness, Safety, Neighbourhood Watch won’t be chaired until necessary.