Recreation Committee
February 11, 2009
Town Council Chambers

Present
Deputy Mayor D. MacInnis (Chair)
Councillor L. Chisholm
Councillor D. Roberts
Councillor W. Cormier
D. Anderson
L. Boucher

T. Cameron, Recreation Director
Mayor C. Chisholm
Deputy Clerk D. Wilson
T. Weingartshofer, Delegate

Call to Order
Chair D. MacInnis called the meeting to order at 3:35 PM.

Approval of Agenda
Moved by Councillor W. Cormier
Seconded by D. Anderson
“That the Agenda be approved as circulated.”  Motion carried.

Approval of Minutes
Moved by Councillor W. Cormier
Seconded by Councillor D. Roberts
“That the Minutes of the meeting (regular) held on January 7, 2009, be approved as circulated.”  Motion carried.

Presentation from Dr. Weingartshofer:  St. F.X. Science Centre
Dr. Weingartshofer was in attendance to provide an overview of a proposal for Youth and Science in 2009.  Dr. Weingartshofer distributed information related to his proposal, and noted that a group from a Pictou County School has already started an exhibition which will be presented to the public in Pictou prior to coming to Antigonish Town and County.
Dr. Weingartshofer indicated he is seeking financial consideration of $2,500-$3,000 toward his project which would include a week-long Science Camp during the summer, and the creation of a book describing activities to be performed during the summer.  He advised he would be taking this same presentation to County Council.
The Committee thanked Dr. Weingartshofer for his presentation and advised that the request would be taken to Council for consideration.

Business from Minutes

Antigonish Sports Field Update
The most recent site plan for the facility upgrade to the Regional Fields was reviewed and concerns were raised  whether sufficient soccer fields will be available upon completion of the project.  It was noted that it is anticipated that the fields in St. Joseph's and Pomquet are to be refurbished for soccer.  The field at the Junior School is also expected to be upgraded.
T. Cameron noted that concerns were relayed in writing to G. Radcliff in September 2008, and feels the concerns have been ignored.  She is seeking the support of the Recreation Committee in having the concerns addressed, to ensure everyone is on the same page as to what will be available to various sports groups.
The use of the facilities later in the evening was discussed and T. Cameron reminded the Committee that their mandate is for minor sports teams.
It was generally agreed to request S. MacKinnon and M. Stewart attend the next Recreation Committee meeting to ddress the concerns identified.

 Olympic Torch Community
T. Cameron advised that the RCMP are participating and that entities such as The Hawk, CJFX Radio, The Casket, Regional Development Authority, etc. may be invited to become partners.
 The event will be held on the campus of St. F.X. University on November 17, 2009.

Talk of the Town/Waste Brochure
The cost of printing and distribution of both the Talk of the Town and the Waste Brochure were reviewed, and T. Cameron noted that, by combining the two, a cost saving of approximately $3,600.00  could be realized.  She further noted that, although the Talk of the Town has been printed locally, she may look elsewhere for cost comparison.  It was also suggested that savings might be realized if the paper quality was reviewed.
T. Cameron agreed to discuss the possibility of combining the two publications with the Town Engineer.

Correspondence

Earth Day:  Request for Department Support
T. Cameron has received a request for support for the upcoming Earth Day activities being sponsored by Antigonish Sustainable Development, and noted that she does not have any manpower during that  time of year; further, the event is expected to be held in the County this year. A meeting is scheduled for Monday, February 16, 2009, with Antigonish Sustainable Development.

Financial Support for 2009 Movie Under the Stars
A request  by One Stop Entertainment for $4,000.00 to assist with the 2009 Movie Under the Stars was discussed.  The amount will be reviewed during budget deliberations.

Cancer Survivor Walk:  Request for Department Support
A request for department support and park access was received.  Discussion took place on this specific organization and others as they relate to the Recreation Department's role.   T. Cameron to advise the group that the park can be made available for them, however, department support will not be available.

Other Business

Nominations for Volunteer of the Year
T. Cameron noted she is still seeking nominations for Volunteer of the Year, and requires a recommendation for Monday, February 16, 2009.  She would like to have two names to put forth.  Discussion on this program took place and the Committee agreed to e-mail any nominees they feel worthy of the Award to T. Cameron by this Friday, February 13, 2009.

Swim Program
Due to decreasing numbers, the Town and County Recreation Directors are are reviewing offering a joint program.  This would resduce costs and staff resources.   T. Cameron also noted that this year a new program will be put into place to provide instructional training for 12- 15 year old children.  These children tend to fall into a gap between completing swim lessons and the Assistant Water Safety Instructor course.

Talk  of the Town
The Committee was advised that the deadline for submissions for the upcoming publication of the Talk of the Town is February 28, 2009.

Canada Day    
T. Cameron noted that the St. F.X. University field used in the past, will not be available this year; therefore, discussions need to begin if Canada Day celebrations are to be held this year.  T. Cameron will contact the Chair of the Committee, Councillor S. Cameron for ideas, and it was suggested that  the Town and County could hold a joint celebration.

JJ Carroll Awards
T. Cameron advised that the advertisement for the Awards will be placed in the local paper in March, 2009.  Funding is available to assist youth in hockey, swimming,  and track and field.  

Saddle Span Tent Request
T.   Cameron reviewed the background on this request.  The criteria for rental of the saddle span and  time-frame were discussed. It was agreed to deny the request.

Adjournment
Moved by D. Anderson
Seconded by L. Boucher
“That the meeting be adjourned.”  Motion carried.