Sea Kayaking Association of BC, Executive Meeting
Monday, November 15, 2010
MINUTES
DRAFT
Chair: Leslie Hansen, Minutes: Eda Kadar
1. Call to Order: The meeting was called to order at 7:38 p.m.
2. Attendance: Present: Kallie Cunningham, Leslie Hansen, Karin Hartner, Nick Heath,
Christine Joffre, Eda Kadar, Bob Maher Absent: Simone Avram, Shirley Brunke, Susan
Jensen, Susan McLeish, Harald Riffel, Ray Saadien
3. Acceptance of the Agenda: Moved to accept agenda; agenda approved.
4. Approval of the Minutes: The Minutes of the previous meeting were read (two
corrections were required) and approved.
5. Financial Statements:
 Leslie went over general items in the budget (Harald Riffel absent). There is a
budget shortfall that must be addressed prior to budget approval. The group
discussed various budget areas. It was noted that the training budget was
appropriate. The group reviewed the membership budget and it was suggested
that we needed a membership package for new members. Kallie mentioned that
there has been a problem with the way new members are signing up. It was
suggested that new members should get a (reflective SKABC) sticker as a
signing bonus. SKABC could purchase additional stickers to sell to current
members. It was agreed that $250.00 would be added to the budget for stickers.
 It was asked what Karelo charges for their services (necessary information).
 Social budget and the training budget will be the same as last year. Christine
noted that one more course and two free clinics may be added. Additional stroke
and rescue courses may bring in more revenue.
 Programs budget is $1000. Karin said that this could be trimmed by about $300.
 Depending on the state of the laptop and software, we may need to spend
money on these products.
 Nick presented a 7 year analysis of revenue and expenses and the group
discussed this analysis.
 ACTION: Harald to work with committee representatives to trim budget as
required.
6. Social:
 Eda provided a brief report on the Christmas party.
7. Newsletter:
 It was reported that the Paddle newsletter is written and ready to be sent out as
an e-mail blast. (Alice Pletcher wrote the newsletter.)
 Christine noted that Bruce Pickwell might be interested in developing a
communication policy for SKABC (E-mail blasts, Paddle newsletter, Website).
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8. Trips:
 Debbie Kovacs has agreed to act as the Trip Coordinator. (We need to get her email address.) “Extending affiliation” has been tabled for the next meeting. It was
suggested that PIKA be invited to the Christmas party. ACTION: Karin/Leslie to
extend invite to the Christmas party.
9. Training (Christine Joffres):
 Christine reported on topics discussed at the October Instructor meeting. Many of
the group would like to offer Paddle Canada certification, and suggest that this
should be a pre-requisite for SKABC instructors. This was discussed by the
executive. Many thought that Paddle Canada certification was not required or
advisable.
 Mark Kelly and Maureen Benzon may be offering Instructor trainer levels II and
IV for the group.
 Christine requested approval to hold the same courses as last year. (Yes)
Agreed.
 It was agreed that SKABC will offer Paddle Canada certification for those who
have instructed courses. We will offer them some sort of competency
development with Mark Kelly. Pro-D approved. Available funding for this to be
discussed at the January meeting.
 Definitions of “courses, clinics, practice sessions” will be described on the
website when agreed upon. (Christine will match courses to definitions.)
ACTION: Executive will review definitions between now and next meeting in
January. ACTION: Christine will send minutes of the Instructor meeting to the
Executive. ACTION Christine to identify before next Executive meeting which
category applies to each scheduled training offering for 2010 or 2011.
 Changes are an attempt to improve quality of courses, and to increase the level
of interest in courses. Focus is to improve the skill level of instructors and the
level of professionalism. However, it was noted that no specific instructional
quality issue has arisen in recent years and feedback on offerings has been very
positive.
 The group discussed the skill level required of SKABC instructors: e.g.
professional or capable? It was noted that the training program determines who
instructs and who assists. If there are quality issues, the training coordinator
should deal with this. It was noted that we may need a disclaimer: “ instructors
are top notch, but may not be certified professionals.” There is a concern that
some people may be joining the club to obtain “cheap” (low cost) certification.
 For insurance purposes, there is a need to ensure that trip leaders, on-water
coordinators, and instructors have necessary skills.
 Bob will market courses at SKABC meetings.
10. Membership (Kallie):
 Kallie is getting caught up on membership processes/issues. Reported that there
are 3 new single members and 3 couples. She will be reviewing how the
membership process occurs. She noted that there is a need to have paper
copies of the (signed) waivers.
 The group discussed the online registration process as opposed to physical
registration. We should be proactively going after renewals. Kallie asked who has
access to membership lists. Who needs it? We need to remove “old” executive
from the access lists. There is level I and II access. ACTION: Delete outdated
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executive, add President, Treasurer, Membership Coordinator. ACTION: Add
Karelo review to Executive Checklist for Executive Meetings.
11. Programs (Karin Hartner):
 Karin reported on Pipedreams group (the January speakers). Their single
mandate is to “stop oil traffic in Douglas Channel.” They are making a movie and
are spending their own money (as well as donations) on the production of this
film. Karin suggested that this group needs more than the regular amount
provided to speakers. (The are not an NGO, nor attached to an NGO or a
charitable organization and subsequently monies provided will go into personal
funds.) It was agreed that they should be provided with a larger honorarium –
$200 – to come out of the programs budget. (Subsequently, Programs will no
longer have excess monies available for the general budget.)
 ACTION: Karin will tell Pipedreams to submit a written proposal for funding (that
could come out of the Legacy Fund).
 Next SKABC meeting Tuesday, January 4, 2011.
12. New Business:
 Bob Maher suggested that surplus T-shirts could be used for door prizes for the
Christmas party.
 Bob Maher requested approval to pay for lunch for the Nimbus employees. The
group alternatively suggested that everyone attending the clinic could chip in
extra monies to cover the cost of the employees lunch. All agreed to this.
 Nick has a letter that should be put on the SKABC website. All agreed.
13. Next Meeting: Monday, January 17, 2010 at 7:30 p.m.
14. Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 10:10 p.m.
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