Greenspace Alliance of Canada’s Capital
Minutes of the General Monthly Meeting of 20 November 2008
Billings Room, City Hall
 

Started: 8:30 pm.
 
Members present: Cheryl Doran (Chair), Chris Szpak (minute taker), Hugh Carter, J.H. Eric Cousineau, Al Crosby, Erwin Dreessen, Theresa Jobateh, Amy Kempster, Daphne McCree, Joseph Potvin, Janice Seline, Sol Shuster, Mikelis Svilans, J.P. Unger.
 
Regrets: Carol Gudz.
 

1. Welcome and Introductions.

2. Adoption of the Agenda:

 
Motion: Amy K. moved and seconded by Daphne M. to adopt the Agenda as amended. Carried.
 

3. Appointment of Officers:

 
The following directors were appointed officers for the coming year: Sol S. (Vice-Chair), Janice S. (Treasurer), Chris S. (Secretary), and Barry G. (Membership). No Director offered to be Communications Officer, but Chris S. agreed to take over the responsibility for maintaining the Alliance’s website.
 

4. Approval of the minutes of previous meetings:

 
Motion: Theresa J. moved and seconded by Janice S. to approve the minutes as amended of the 16 October 2008 General Meeting. Carried.
 
Motion: Erwin D. moved and seconded by Amy K. to approve the minutes of the 17 November 2008 Special Board Meeting. Carried.
 
5. Membership Report:
 
The Membership Report was given at the Annual General Meeting held earlier.
 

6. Treasurer’s Report:

 
The Treasurer, Amy K., gave a report on the current standing of Alliance’s finances.
 
Motion: Amy K. moved and seconded by Erwin D. to reimburse Joseph P. $136 for costs associated with organizing the Chelsea meeting. Carried.
 

6. Date of the next General Meeting:

 
It was decided to hold the next General Meeting on 18 December 2008.
 
8. Business Arising:
 

1. Leitrim Wetlands: Sol S. gave an update on the judicial review of an OMB decision regarding the development of Findlay Creek Village. The developer and the City are demanding that the Alliance pay for the legal costs incurred by them. On the principle that public interest groups such as the Alliance should not be liable for costs if they act responsibly in the interest of the community, the Alliance has approached Councillor Rick Chiarelli. He and Councillor Cullen will introduce a motion at Council that would prevent the City from pursuing such a course of action.  They will also issue a media release in support of the Alliance’s position. The meeting agreed that the Alliance should alert the public to the issue and attempt to gain support for its position.

 
Motion: Erwin D. moved and seconded by Al C. to issue a press release stating the Alliance’s position and the un-democratic precedent the City would be setting by pursuing its claims for cost from a community interest group such as the Alliance. This release would be done at the same time as the press release by the Councillors. Carried.
 
Action: Cheryl D., Carol G., Erwin D., and Sol S. will draft a press release.
 

2. Greenbelt Coalition / Meeting with the NCC: Cheryl D. and Sol S. met with several NCC directors to voice the Alliance’s concern about possible development in the Greenbelt and its wetlands. The impression was given that the NCC would not approve any developments in the Greenbelt until the new Greenbelt Master Plan has been approved. The NCC is to set up an advisory committee to consider the future of the Greenbelt and the Greenbelt Coalition will be able to have a number of representatives on it.

 
Action: Sol S. will write a follow-up letter to the NCC reiterating the understanding reached at the meeting.
 
9. Adjournment:
 
Motion: Janice S. moved and Theresa J. seconded to adjourn the meeting and defer the remaining items on the meeting agenda to the December meeting. Carried.
 
Meeting was adjourned at 10:30 pm.
 
 
Next Meeting scheduled for: 18 December 2008