Recreation Committee Meeting

April 8, 2009

Town Council Chambers

Present

Councillor D. MacInnis, Chair

Councillor D. Roberts

D. Anderson

K. Kingston

Absent with Regrets

Councillor W. Cormier

L. Bouchie

T. Cameron, Recreation Director

D. Wilson, Deputy Clerk

Call to Order

The Chair called the meeting to order at 3:30 PM.

Approval of Agenda

Moved by K. Kingston

Seconded by D. Anderson

“That the Agenda be approved with additions.” Motion carried.

Approval of Minutes

Moved by Councillor D. Roberts

Seconded by K. Kingston

“That the Minutes of the held on March 11, 2009, be approved as circulated.” Motion carried.

Business from Minutes

· Sports Field Update

Ms. T. Cameron, Recreation Director, advised that the funding application has been completed and submitted to the Provincial Health Promotions department. A meeting was recently held with Mr. H. Landry to apprise the working group on key elements for a successful fundraising campaign.

An open meeting is scheduled for April 15, 2009, at the St. Andrew Junior School to update parents on the status of the project. Ms. T. Cameron noted that it is hoped that the project will be ‘shovel ready’ by August, 2009.

A memo received from G. Smith, Board Member representing Minor Baseball was circulated and briefly discussed. Minor Baseball has stated, unanimously, that they cannot accept any plan that would not have a new senior field created separately. It is expected that this matter

will be raised at the April 15, 2009, meeting.

Brief discussion took place on fundraising, in particular, other groups which may be also be fundraising at the same time within the community.

Ms. T. Cameron advised that she had received a memo from Town Engineer, Mr. K. Proctor, to be mindful of the location of a water main as the project proceeds.

It was reported that meetings with landowners to discuss Phase III of the project, a walkway linking the fields, is ongoing and is being received positively.

· Olympic Torch Community Update

Ms. T. Cameron updated the Committee and noted that the route for the Relay has been finalized, banners need to be looked at, and noted they must be placed in rows of six. The shape and location of the banners are still to be confirmed.

Discussion took place on who the final torch runner for this area would be, and three individuals have been selected. The Committee was in agreement that the final torch runners be offered the opportunity in the following order: (1) Ms. C. Gottell; (2) Mr. E. Gillis; and (3) Mr. B. Chisholm.

Ms. T. Cameron noted that she had met with Strait Regional School Board representative, Mr. J. Beaton and discussion took place on transportation and having school children in attendance at the Relay. It was noted that guests will visit local schools to build up excitement for the Relay.

It was noted that the Antigonish Chamber of Commerce advised that they are not able to be represented for the Relay. It was suggested that Ms. T. Cameron check on the availability of the President of the Chamber of Commerce and suggest, that if he should in fact not be available, that the Chamber appoint an alternate representative.

· Volunteer of the Year

Ms. T. Cameron confirmed that Mr. F. Purcell will be attending the Volunteer of the Year Award Ceremony. She noted that most municipal units typically send an elected official rather than an employee, and in this respect, Councillor J. MacPherson has agreed to represent the Town at the Ceremony. Councillor D. Roberts advised that she would be willing to represent the Town at a future Ceremony.

· Recreation Committee Policy

Councillor D. Roberts expressed her concerns with non-elected officials acting as Vice-Chair of Town Committees.

Moved by Councillor D. Roberts

Seconded by D. Anderson

“That The Town of Antigonish Recreation Policy be tabled.” Motion carried.

· Wellness Program

Ms. T. Cameron reported that Wellness Program was adopted by Town Council and that the questionnaire is now on-line. She confirmed with Medavie that volunteers can participate in the Program. Nurses are expected to attend Town Hall in May, 2009 to check blood pressure, body mass index, etc., of participants.

· Columbus Field

The Committee was advised that the Town Engineer, Mr. K. Proctor, has confirmed that work is scheduled to complete the Columbus Field Trunk Sewer Project as soon as conditions permit, with the project expected to be completed by May 31, 2009. Concern was expressed as the proposed completion date is beyond the scheduled start of the Town’s Track & Field Program.

· MOU between St. FX and Town and County

Ms. T. Cameron circulated the proposed Memorandum of Understanding for the St. FX turf field. She noted that the Memorandum was prepared in conjunction with Mr. R. Connor, Mr. L. MacPherson and Ms. M. Melanson. The field user fees were reviewed and deemed to be very reasonable, as well as the availability of the field for priority users. It was noted that a couple of numbers were inadvertently missing in the document which would be corrected prior to it going before Council for approval. Ms. T. Cameron agreed to speak with CAO D. Kampen to discuss the best way to have the document go before both Town and County Councils.

· Meeting with Public Health

Ms. T. Cameron advised that a meeting is being set up with Ms. M. Thompson of Public Health.

Ms. D. Anderson spoke about a meeting scheduled at the County of Antigonish on April 9, 2009 which she would be attending, with the purpose of discussing Physical Activity Month (June). She further noted a meeting is scheduled for April 24, 2009, to look at what is being offered by various groups and any overlaps.

· Public Health Representative on the Recreation Committee

This matter will be determined by the Town of Antigonish Recreation Committee Policy. It was suggested that perhaps the Town Recreation Policy include a clause which would permit expansion of membership to a maximum of three members at the discretion of the Committee.

· Dr. J.J. Carroll Awards

Ms. T. Cameron advised that $7,000.00 is available for this year and that approximately $18,000.00 in requests were received.

Moved by Councillor D. Roberts

Seconded by Mr. K. Kingston

“That it be recommend to Town Council to approve the following requests for funds from the Dr. J.J. Carroll Awards: Antigonish Minor Hockey - $2,000.00; Antigonish Aquanauts - $2,000.00; Wee Lads & Lassies - $1,500.00; and Town of Antigonish Learn-to-Swim Program (for instructor training) $1,500.00.

Correspondence

No correspondence was received.

Other Business

· Antigonish Early Years Network – Update from D. Anderson

Ms. D. Anderson spoke about a recent meeting and advised that enhanced home visits are now being done through Antigonish Early Years Network by a lay home visitor. There is one visitor each for Antigonish and Guysborough. She noted that all groups under this umbrella from Cumberland, Colchester, Pictou, Antigonish and Guysborough will be getting together.

· Summer Staff

Ms. T. Cameron reported that two maintenance staff (students) are available and eligible to return for employment again this summer.

Moved by Councillor D. Roberts

Seconded by K. Kingston

“To recommend to Council to hire Mr. J.A. MacDonald and Mr. D. Grant as 2009 Summer Maintenance Staff for the Town of Antigonish Recreation Department.” Motion carried.

Ms. T. Cameron advised that four summer camp staff (students) are available and eligible to return for employment again this summer, and that one position remains unfilled. She noted that she would be requesting non-elected committee members to assist in reviewing applicants to fill the remaining position.

Moved by Ms. D. Anderson

Seconded by Councillor D. Roberts

“To recommend to Council to hire M. MacPherson, as 2009 Summer Program Supervisor for the Town of Antigonish Recreation Department.” Motion carried.

· Earth Day

The Committee was advised by Ms. T. Cameron that Earth Day activities are scheduled to take place at Columbus Field on April 22, 2009, from 5:00 to 7:30 PM. She further noted that she has no staff available to assist at that time and that Mr. K. Mulhotra may be looking for volunteers.

· Spring Program

Ms. T. Cameron reported that registration for Touch Football has increased dramatically and there are now enough registrants to have a complete four team league. She noted she would be hiring a student to get the program going in the schools.

· Highland Region Recreation Coordinators

Ms. T. Cameron reported that a presentation will be offered by the Highland Region Recreation Coordinators to municipal officials on the importance of recreation and that the presentation is scheduled for May 21, 2009, at the County Municipal Building.

· Arborist

Councillor D. Roberts reiterated her concern with the Recreation Department being tasked with this matter, specifically where no funding is ear-marked for an Arborist within the Recreation budget, and feels that this is not a Recreation matter. Ms. T. Cameron advised that typically she would have the services of Mr. C. Griffiths for three weeks, at which time he would then become available to the Beautification Committee for a period of time. Ms. T. Cameron agreed to speak with CAO, D. Kampen in an effort to determine who or which Committee should be responsible for this matter.

Adjournment

Moved by K. Kingston

Seconded by Ms. D. Anderson

“That the meeting be adjourned.” Motion carried.