Waverley Ratepayers Association Executive Meeting Minutes – February 28, 2011 PRESENT: Dave MacDonald Jane Rathbun Trish Polley Paul Hudson Ian Andrew Frank Steele REGRETS: Isaac Smith Lee Moore ABSENT: Sandra McKenzie Tim Rand Steve Saunders Tim Rand OPENING Dave MacDonald called the meeting to order and thanked the members attending. He stated that this meeting was important to discuss the approval of the amendments to our HRM Property Agreement. He pointed out that we were able to move ahead with our meeting as we had our quota of members attending to be able to vote on items. MINUTES OF LAST MEETING Jane Rathbun read the February 7, 2011 minutes. Dave MacDonald asked for any errors or omissions. Trish Polley stated her last name is spelled “Polley”. Trish Polley moved to accept the minutes with the correction. Ian Andrew seconded the motion. Motion carried. OUTSTANDING OLD BUSINESS Approval of Amendments – HRM Property Purchase There was considerable discussion on the agreement from HRM. Frank Steele clearly pointed out that WRA should negotiate with HRM on these amendments. After discussion it was agreed by members that we would request the following changes/rewording. At this time Ian Andrew left the meeting and gave his vote to Dave MacDonald, stating he wanted his votes to be the same as Paul Hudson’s votes. Deadlines and closing date be extended Remove the second sentence in paragraph 13. Remove entire paragraph of paragraph 15. Paragraph 3 (A) of Buy-Back Agreement, remove the reference to “the lessor of $40,000.00”, and change it to “the greater of $40,000.00”. Add a paragraph to the Buy-Back Agreement stating that the annual assessment for the property and the property taxes will be based on the “Fair Market Value” as determined using the “Buy-Back Value” formula established in Paragraph 3 of the Buy-Back Agreement. Paul Hudson moved that we submit these changes in our purchased agreement to HRM. Frank Steele seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously. Paul Hudson will have our lawyer, Janet Conrad, write our requests. Tax Exemption It was noted that the tax exemption application is due March 15, 2011. HRM Grant Dave MacDonald asked how the grant application was going. Jane Rathbun stated that she had told members at our meeting on December 9, 2010 that an energy audit needed to be done to support the energy improvements that we would be asking for. She waited over two months to be told that we could not get one done. Jane felt that without the support of this document our application would appear weak, as applications are carefully scrutinized for detailed facts. She expressed concern that with the deadline coming up was very soon, a large amount of time that has gone by since her initial requests and the lack of support from members she can’t see us applying for the grant this year. 2 Frank Steele told members there is no reason why we should not qualify for an energy audit. Frank will look into getting one done as soon as possible. Paul Hudson volunteered to help with the application. After we receive results from the energy audit, we will get estimates on the work to be done. At least two written estimates for each job of work to be done must be submitted with the application. NEW BUSINESS Treasurer’s Report Isaac Smith sent his report to all members before our meeting, stating that he would not be able to attend tonight. Paul Hudson told us that there would be no point in installing a metal door to the office, as entry could easily be made from the two windows. The Heritage Society had asked for a railing going up the two stairs to the alter area in the museum. It was decided that we would install a railing for safety. We will also install a railing on the right side of the steps entering the community hall door. There is a low spot there, which could cause a concern if someone were to fall. Insurance wise, these two railing will be important. Paul Hudson will purchase the materials for the replacement door to the basement. We will also get the locks and keys changed to the building for security reasons. Double deadbolt looks were suggested as additional locks. They cannot be opened from inside, in case there is a break-in. Bursary Jane Rathbun suggested again that we do not give the bursary this year until we decide on how our funds will be spent in the future. Waverley Amateur Athletics Association Trish Polley presented a letter addressed to us from the WAAA. They are requesting financial support from WRA. It was decided that we would address this at our next meeting. NEXT MEETING: March 28, 2011 – Village Office, 7:00 pm. MEETING ADJOURNED: 9:18 pm. _______________________________ Jane Rathbun - Secretary ______________________________ Lee Moore - Vice Chair