Recreation Committee Meeting
March 11, 2009
Town Council Chambers
Present
Councillor W. Cormier
Councillor D. Roberts
D. Anderson
L. Boucher
K. Kingston
T. Cameron, Recreation Director
D. Wilson, Deputy Clerk
Mr. D. Barry, Delegate
Regrets
Deputy Mayor D. MacInnis (Chair)
In the absence of both the Chair and Vice-Chair, Councillor D. Roberts Chaired the meeting.
Call to Order
Councillor D. Roberts called the meeting to order at 3:30 PM.
Approval of Agenda
Moved by Councillor W. Cormier
Seconded by L. Boucher
“That the Agenda be approved as circulated.” Motion carried.
Approval of Minutes
Moved by Councillor W. Cormier
Seconded by D. Anderson
“That the Minutes of the meeting held on February 11, 2009, be approved.” Motion carried.
Business from Minutes
l T. Weingartshofer Presentation
The Chair requested clarification on the status of Mr. T. Weingartshofer's presentation and funding request. The Recreation Director noted that her department already has a partnership with the Science Program and that the request for funding was in fact, for the creation of a book. The Chair indicated she would seek further clarification at the next meeting of Council.
l Talk of the Town/Waste Brochure
In response to a query, T. Cameron advised that she is in the process of obtaining prices, locally first, for combining the Talk of the Town and the Waste Brochure. Savings in the area of $3,600.00 are anticipated.
l Olympic Torch Community Up-Date
T. Cameron advised that a meeting was held to create sub-committees, and that she will be involved with the Pre-entertainment Committee. The route for the relay was outlined, which will finish at the parking lot to the rear of the Student Union Building, St. F.X. campus. T. Cameron to obtain flag samples in an effort to determine if they might be placed along Main Street lamp posts.
l Volunteer of the Year
The Committee was advised that Mr. F. Purcell has accepted the nomination as Volunteer of the Year for the Town of Antigonish.
Moved by L. Boucher
Seconded by Councillor W. Cormier
“To recommend that Council accept Mr. F. Purcell as Volunteer of the Year.” Motion carried.
l Swim Program
The Committee was apprised on the status of the Town's Swim Program, and T. Cameron noted that she and the County Recreation Co-ordinator are still working toward a combined program.
Correspondence
l Recreation Month
T. Cameron noted that June is Recreation Month and that correspondence was received from Ms. M. Thompson, Manager of Public Health Services for Antigonish. A meeting with the Town and County Recreation Co-ordinators to plan a joint campaign was requested and has now been scheduled for April 9, 2009.
l Public Health
A request was received from Public Health (under the umbrella of the Guysborough Antigonish Strait Health Authority (GASHA)), requesting consideration for a member of their organization to sit on the Recreation Committee. T. Cameron agreed to look further into the matter.
Other Business
l Antigonish Town & County Artificial Turf Update
Mr. D. Barry was in attendance to update the Committee on the status of the project, and the following points were noted:
- Awaiting Provincial Government template to complete the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency application (possibly end of March 2009 for application submission);
- Renditions of Dr. J.H. Gillis Regional School proposed site received today;
- Application filed to obtain charitable status;
- Antigonish Regional Development Authority will be compiling a brochure for the project;
- Discussion ongoing with property owners re Phase III (walkway) which may be key to additional funding opportunities; and
- A baseball field may be moved to the existing Field #4, possibly saving both money and a baseball field at the same time.
Mr. D. Barry was thanked for his time and update; Mr. Barry left the meeting.
l Recreation Committee Policy
The proposed Recreation Committee Policy was reviewed by the Committee, and some concern was expressed, particularly with section 3(2). The Committee was requested to take time to thoroughly review the Policy.
Moved by D. Anderson
Seconded by Councillor W. Cormier
“That the Recreation Committee Policy be Referred to the April 8, 2009, meeting of the Recreation Committee for further discussion.” Motion carried.
l Columbus Field
L. Boucher noted that it is extremely important that the trunk sewer project which began last year but was not complete, be finished up in time for this years’ soccer season. Recreation Director, T. Cameron agreed to speak with the Town Engineer to ensure this is a priority for his Department. Councillor D. Roberts agreed to bring the matter before Council at their next meeting.
l Memorandum of Understanding - St. F.X., Town, and County of Antigonish
T. Cameron noted that she and the County Recreation Co-ordinator, Ms. M. Melanson, have been meeting with St. F.X. representatives L. MacPherson and R. Connors on the draft Memorandum of Understanding for joint use of the St. F.X. Oland Stadium Turf Facility. Although the fees have not yet been determined, they will be based on a 'head count' and specific number of hours used. Clauses are also included to address priority users and storage. Liability Insurance will be utilized through existing insurance plans.
The Committee was requested to review the document and provide any feedback they may have.
l Wellness Program
T. Cameron advised that the Wellness Program is a project of the Union of Nova Scotia Municipalities, which would see municipal staff take part in an on-line questionnaire. The results would show the 'condition' of staff and also, whether there is a need for a Wellness Co-ordinator within a specific region. She noted she would like to have Council include volunteers in the Program. T. Cameron will be doing a presentation on the Program before Council on Monday, March 16, 2009.
l Events Calendar
T. Cameron noted that she is in the process of compiling a calendar of events of which the Town is involved in, and invited the Committee to advise of anything they know of that should be included.
Adjournment
Moved by D. Anderson
Seconded by K. Kingston
“That the meeting be adjourned.” Motion carried.