Minutes of Meetings

Minutes of Members Meeting 3 Nov, 2020

Pokehaw & Black Rock Recreation Council Inc.

Minutes of the meeting of members held on November 3, 2020.

Chairman of meeting: Kevin Whelton

Sec. of meeting: Thomas W Riordon

1. Agenda: On motion made by Fred O’Neil seconded by Reg Murphy and carried the agenda as set out by the chairman with 1 addition was adopted.

minutes of the last meeting

business arising from the minutes

financial statement

directors’ meetings, summaries questions, answers etc.

review of summer activities at the Park and Beach

picnic shelter update. Consider name trading post [historic]

upgrades at Beach, condition of the building at entryway and renovations

improvements to Hall and winter operations

windmill update

Park, Beach, rec centre future activities

support that may be possible from the ICCA

fruitcake sales

other business

adjournment

2. Minutes of last meeting

the minutes of the last regular meeting held on August 4, 2020 were read by Tom. On motion made by Tom and seconded by Reg the minutes were accepted as read with one amendment. The repairs that had to be made to the road to the beach was corrected.

3. Business arising from the minutes:

Kevin reported to the meeting that a letter had been sent to the Minister Highways in relation to the speed limit and turning lanes and that no reply has been received. Kevin agreed to follow-up.

Tom Informed the meeting that he had made an application for funding to ACOA for improvements at the beach including washrooms, boardwalk, and fencing. A quotation had been obtained for washroom construction and further information as requested was supplied. Unfortunately, we were later informed that we did not qualify for funding under existing programs.

When asked what the cost of the portable toilets rented amounted to Kevin informed the meeting that the price was $240 per month.

Kevin also informed the meeting that the funding under the contract for maintenance at the park in the amount of $10,000 had not yet been paid. Under the agreement for a five-year term

The province had agreed to pay an amount of $10,000 per year. Kevin told the meeting that he would do a follow-up with Eric Morneault and inquire about the funding.

4. Treasurer’s report

The Treas. Wilma Murphy presented the following financial statement for the period August 1 to October 31, 2020

Income

Donations $418.20

Beach and Park revenue $8112.60

student project SEED $3482.00

Total Income $12,012.80

Expenses

NB Power $606.82

DNR fees $949.61

Beach and Park expenses $1255.33

Bank charges $21.75

Wages $9354.84

Miscellaneous $100.00

Pay Deductions Revenue Canada $2046.72

Office Supplies $65.22

Total Expenses $14,400.29

Book Summary

Bank Balance July 31, 2020 $51,686.49

Add: income July 31 to October 31, 2020 $12,012.80

Total Income $63,699.29

Less: expenses July 31 to October 31, 2020 $14,400.29

Balance on hand October 31, 2020 $49,299.00

Caisse Populaire Summary

Savings Account $30,000.00

Checking Account $19,198.98

Petty Cash $100.02

Balance in Bank and Petty Cash $49,299.00

On motion made by Wilma seconded by Lillian Riordon the financial statements were approved.

Wilma also presented a summary of the beach and Park operations for the 2020 season:

Four employees were hired for summer operations all funded by government programs

Three workers were funded for 12 weeks, $16,430.40

One worker was funded for eight weeks, $3482.00

Total funding $19,912.42

We paid one worker four weeks, $1703.52

Total wages paid, $21,615.92

Most of the visitors at the Park and Beach were from New Brunswick, 99.5%.

Total revenue:

Beach $7185.01

Park $9330.20

Total $16,515.21

Donation Boxes $743.94

Total $17,259.15

Expenses

Beach $1031.07

Park $1981.38

Total Expenses $3012.45

Net $14,246.70

Less Wages $1741.21

Money in Bank $12,505.49

` `5. Repairs to Picnic Shelter and the work at Park

Kevin reported that the interior and exterior painting of the picnic shelter was completed by Bernie and his crew, Lillian, Viola, Michael, Jaycanthe and Tom. It was noted that the ceiling of the picnic shelter should be repaired and painted.

Also, that Wilma had placed flowerpots at the Park and Beach.

On 17 October, a crew of volunteers did preparation work for the winter, a small cleanup, picnic tables and garbage cans were stored and a big tree that had blown over in the wind was removed. Bernie and Guy were thanked for cleanup of the stump, wood, and branches, Paul for cutting the tree.

Paul was also thanked for draining the water supply and preparing the washrooms for winter.

Wilma picked up the inventory of supplies. It was stored in Kevin’s basement.

Heritage signs were covered for winter y Mary Anne, Wilma, and Guy.

Mary Anne reported that Eric Landry had made a protective cover for the Pioneer Post in metal. She noted that when asked for the cost of this work he said it was a donation. This was indeed appreciated, and Kevin was directed to send a card of thanks and appreciation to Mr. Landry.

6.CIF Funding

Wilma informed the meeting that funding from the Community Investment Fund in the amount of $5000 had been approved for electrical upgrades at the hall. The application for this funding and approval was supported and helped by MLA, Denis Landry. He made Wilma aware of the funding and an application was made. An estimate for the electrical work had been obtained and from Dugas Electric in the amount of $5500. After some discussion, the undertaking and completion of the electrical upgrading at the hall was approved.

7. Mini Split Heat Pumps

After becoming aware of the funding for electrical upgrades, Bernie suggested that at the same time the heating system at the hall be improved by installing mini Split heat pumps. Considerable discussion followed and the meeting was informed that some quotes had already been received for mini split heat pumps. It was felt based on information received that two 24,000 BTU units would suffice and adequately heat the building.

On motion made and seconded the executive was authorized to obtain quotes and then contract to have mini Split heat pumps installed at the hall.

8. Directors meetings summary

Tom summarized the minutes of a meeting of the directors that had been held and action taken.

9. Review of activities at the beach and Park

Kevin reported on the activities at the beach and Park over the past summer. Overall, it was an extraordinarily successful year. Traffic was double that of the previous summer. The four students that were employed provided excellent service. Mike and Laura Dozois were thanked for supplying a large quantity of toilet paper.

10. Items for future consideration and action

A) signage for handicapped parking at the beach

B) signage for Kayak parking at the beach

C) signage for dogs to be kept on leash and owners to clean up

D) get a crew ready to handle emergency situations at the Beach and Park considering problems with fires and dogs running loose, etc.

E) acquire metal buckets to extinguish fires at the beach if needed.

F) contact Fire Chief for advice

G) consider plexiglass covers to protect heritage panels. Mary Anne agreed to investigate this. Viola suggested that epoxy be given some consideration.

11. Gazebo at the park

Wilma informed the meeting of George’s intention to build a gazebo at the park near the west boundary. This project was submitted to the provincial Department to the attention of Eric Morneault and approved. Wilma agreed to contact George to proceed with the completion of the project.

12. Trading Post

Mary Anne informed the meeting that in the late 1700s there was a trading post comprising some four buildings in the community operated by Benjamin and James Hager. She suggested that consideration be given to naming the picnic shelter as the “Trading Post” to recognize this historic establishment.

A short discussion followed, and general approval of this idea was given. Mary Anne was asked to do further preparation and research and report back later to the executive.

13. Upgrades at the beach

There was some discussion on future upgrades, it was felt that proper washroom facilities would be beneficial and useful. The entrance building needs to be improved; repairs are needed. A short history of this building which was built by Wayne Whelton was reviewed. It was decided that efforts be made to obtain funding to make improvements that are desperately needed. Wilma mentioned that some bushes around the building should be cut and improvements made to the entrance.

14. Birdwatching

The activity of birdwatching is extremely popular. Mary Anne reported that she had discussed this with some experts in the field and learned that a special bird known as the Razor Bill Penguin had been seen. According to Bernie there are eight different species of birds on the island. It was felt that this should be followed up and that possibly funding for a capital project could be obtained from the provincial Department as Eric Morneault had mentioned that funding is available for capital projects. Mary Anne agreed to study this further and recommend action to be taken to promote birdwatching.

15. Park benches

Mary Anne informed the meeting that the Sisk family would like to place a bench or benches in the park. It was felt that this was a good idea and could possibly generate revenue by naming the benches. The type of bench was discussed, Diane informed the meeting that she had one built that might be suitable. John suggested something made of logs like benches at Cabelas and the Bass Shop. It was decided that Mary Anne, Guy, and John study this further and make a recommendation to the executive.

16. Tourism pamphlets

Mary Anne recommended that we prepare a pamphlet to promote tourism of the area and that it be placed in different locations in the region. She agreed to investigate further and report back to the executive. Bernie suggested that the cranberry and peat moss operations be approached to sponsor such a publication.

17. Cranberry Festival

Mary Anne suggested that consideration be given to holding a Cranberry Festival next autumn. She described to the meeting the beauty of the cranberry operations in the community by Canwick. It was felt that this was a good idea and that a committee should investigate further. Fred agreed to work on the committee with Mary Anne and make recommendations.

18. Kitchen upgrades at the hall

Fred suggested that consideration be given to upgrade the kitchen and get proper appliances suitable for commercial type kitchen. He suggested obtaining quotations. It was felt that this should be looked at after the electrical upgrades are completed and kept in mind when doing the upgrades to the electrical wiring.

19. Windmills

Kevin informed the meeting that he had recently had discussions with Ben Greenhouse who informed him that Potentia were continuing to negotiate with NB Power on the project. An extension of the completion date was needed due to delays encountered due to the pandemic. He said that a one-year delay had been asked for and that the developer was optimistic that an agreement could be reached with NB Power. He noted that this had been heard before and that as of the present time negotiations were continuing.

Danny Murphy noted that he had heard from reliable sources of other negotiations and that the project had been cancelled he inquired whether negotiations were necessary and whether been was being honest with the community. He pointed out that NB Power might be more interested in modular nuclear reactors. Fred commented that maybe Danny should have kept us informed of the information he had obtained.

Bernie then provided further details and noted that NB Power and given a three-month extension to the end of March 2021 to complete the project. He said that this was not feasible in that it would take at least six months to acquire turbines. He stated that negotiations were continuing and hopefully the developer would be back on the job to complete the project.

20. Other business

Mary Anne informed the meeting that there is a possibility of some modest financial assistance being provided by the ICCA. It was the consensus that any assistance would be appreciated regardless of amount. Mary Anne agreed to follow-up on this topic.

Mary Anne informed the meeting that an article of interest would be appearing in a future edition of the Irish Leaf.

Mary Anne also informed the meeting of a video of interest relating to people of the region who had served in the Armed Forces which was anticipated to be shown prior to Remembrance Day. It was agreed that this video be shared on Facebook.

The decoration of a Christmas tree at the park was also suggested by Mary Anne and she agreed to investigate this further and take appropriate action.

Bernie reported that the fundraising project of selling fruit cakes were continuing in this year. This project is spearheaded by the Lions Club who have supported it in the past and had donated $1000.00 last year. The club presently has 102 fruitcakes left over from last year and he encouraged all members to support this project and participate in selling the cakes. He noted that the Lions Club will be meeting with the District Gov. on November 15.

John reported that the Terry Fox run was highly successful and that $2000 had been raised for this good cause. This was the best year ever for this activity. He expressed appreciation for the use of the hall for this event.

The payment of $60 to Francois Landry for expenses incurred to maintain the lawn at the Black Rock corner was approved.

Tom informed the meeting that he and Stan Knowles had donated a conference room table to the Hall. It was agreed that receipts for charitable donations be issued, one to Tom for $100 and one to Stan for $200.

21. Adjournment

There be no further business the meeting was adjourned.

Kevin Whelton Pres. Thomas W Riordon Sec.