ACTON ISLAND ASSOCIATION
MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL
MEETING
AUGUST 24,
2003
Call to order at 1:20 p.m.
Executive present: Bob Anderson, Carolyn Crozier, Frank Stillo, Jim Claydon, Jim Lewis, and Gwen Jocelyn
Executive absent: Pat Sinclair, Mark Murphy, and Gord Richards
1. Verification was given by the secretary that a quorum was present and that the notice of the calling of the annual meeting was sent.
2. Minutes of last years Annual Meeting were accepted as circulated on AIA web page.
3. Business arising from last years minutes: none
4.0
President’s Report: Jim
Lewis:
4.1 Update on the Calacci issue: Due to a predated zoning bylaw, Mr. Calacci may continue with his religious retreats under a “legal non-conforming use”. The Township will not interfere unless the retreats become a nuisance or infringe on the neighbour rights.
4.2 Social Get-togethers: We have had 2 social activities for AIA this year. Pat and Jack Sinclair hosted a Christmas party and Eleanor and Jim Lewis had a June lawn party.
4.3 Variance Application: Our executive took a position of opposition on a variance application last spring for the building of a cottage on a small irregular parcel of land. The executive felt that this variance if allowed would not support our by-law objective #3c. The owners, who were members of our association at that time, were not pleased that their own association would oppose their request. At that time, our association did not have the right to speak at the Township meetings. Since then, our executive has put into place a policy, developed by the Operation Committee, to spell out how and when the Board speaks on behalf of the Association. The new policy was passed by the executive June 14, 2003. Copies are available from Bob Anderson. The Board will continue to monitor developmental issues on the island but will let the owners know if the executive is against a variance.
4.4
Feedback from Members: Road improvement is the major concern of
our membership. Mr. Len Troop
visited Acton Island to view the mosquito breeding holes left by the road crew
last year and the poor condition of the roads. He stated only $15,000 is in the budget
to repair Acton Island roads. This
amount is only enough to patch.
With the amount of taxes collected from our island, we should be getting
better roads. All membership is
encouraged to make calls and write letters.
5.0 Carolyn Croziers’
Report:
5.1 The Township is proposing a new by-law for water front properties. It will limit the size of cottages and boathouses being built. It is in the preliminary stage. There will be a meeting Sept. 20th at the Township building to review this new proposal. To view the proposal, see our web site at http://www.actonisland.com/.
6.0 Director of Communications: Jim Claydon:
6.1 There are 272 properties owned on Acton Island. 200 are AIA members and 150 have e-mail addresses. The approximate assessed value of AIA properties is 165 million with over 2 million in property taxes paid to the Township. Because of this, the Township should listen to our concerns.
6.2 West Nile: There is no record of infected crows found on Acton Island. There was one found near Bala. The government has given permission to use certain larvacides on your own property that are approved by Health Canada.
6.3 Gypsy Moth: This moth presents a problem next year to our forests. You can buy a moth trap resembling a milk carton to hang in a tree to capture the moths. See our web site for more information.
6.4 The OPP are aware that our association exists. They would be willing to provide information of interest to island residents that could be posted on our web site. We are exploring this option. Steve Messenger is updating our web site.
7.0
Director of Operations: Bob Anderson.
7.1 A policy has been created about when the board will speak on behalf of the association. See AIA web site for the policy.
7.2 A “Good Neighbour Policy” has also been created. Post on the wall of your cottage. Copies are available from Bob Anderson.
8.0
Secretary: Gwen Jocelyn:
8.1 Apparel with AIA logo on it can now be purchased through Shadow River at 18 Knowles Cres. Rosseau. 705-732-2795. You can also order on line at http://www.shadowriver.ca/
8.2 A sand blasted sign, with our logo, is being considered for the west side of the bridge welcoming people to our island.
9.0 Treasurers Report:
9.1 Previous Bank Balance:
1970.08
Income from membership fees to 30/06/03 5050.00
Expenses: Bank charges 200.00
Council agenda fee 321.00
Executive meetings 72.03
Incorporation 432.35
Membership drive 688.91
Postage Post Box 187.41
Total Expenses 1281.80
Total Liabilities & Equity
5738.28
Moved by Scott Fairley.
Seconded by Larry Weston
11.0 Nominations of Members for Election to the Board.
11.1 Two executives have resigned from the Board this year – Mark Murphy and Carolyn Crozier/ Frank Stillo.
11.2 Floor open to nominations – none given
11.3 Barbara Davis is the only new member to the Board. Gord Richards will take on two positions – Treasurer and membership.
12.0 Presentation From the Muskoka
Lakes Association: Eleanor Lewis
12.1 Benefits of becoming a member of MLA were emphasized. MLA issues are taxes, water quality and land development and assessment.
12.2 Introduction of Scott Fairley who is a Director of MLA and a resident of Acton Island. Scott gave a review of the pamphlet called “Enough is Enough” produced by the Muskoka Fair Tax Coalition, which is a group of Associations committed to ensure fair taxation for all property owners. To find out more about this, the complete report can be downloaded from www.muskoka.on.ca/taxation-task-f.htm.
12.3 Introduction of guest speaker Mike Logan: Mike spoke about the water quality of our Muskoka Lakes. See the MLA web site for the full report – http://www.mla.on.ca/. Generally, the quality of our lakes is good.
13.0 New Business:
13.1 Larry Weston spoke about the annoyance of the wake boarders off his property making it unsafe at times for family to swim. The only suggestion was to contact the Marine Patrol through the OPP.
13.2 Numerous members spoke about the speed of boats on the lakes and that the boats were not adhering to the 100 foot rule from shore. Contact the Marine Patrol for assistance.
13.3 Moved by Eleanor Lewis and seconded by Larry Weston to donate $500.00 to the Muskoka Lakes Marine Patrol. Carried.
13.4 Fishing from the bridge is a nuisance for cars and boaters. There are no restrictions against this.
13.5 Speeding on our roads: Too many cars speed and even pass on our narrow roads making it unsafe at times to walk. Moved by Carolyn Crozier and seconded by John McMechan that the new executive this term will investigate more signage on Innisfree and Acton Island Road to slow down traffic. Carried.
13.6 Walking Trails: There are 3-4 owners of interior lands willing to have walking trails made. We need volunteers to make these paths. We may incur some liability with having the paths.
14.0 Introduction of the new executive for this year: Pat Sinclair, Bob Anderson, Jim Claydon, Jim Lewis, Gord Richards, Barbara Davis, and Gwen Jocelyn.
15.0 Raffle draw for the metal garbage
bin:
15.1 The Country Store at Glen Orchard will sell the bear proof metal garbage bins for $444.00 to AIA members, which originally cost $469.00. With the problem of bears on our island this summer, it is a recommendation the residents purchase these if in need of a garbage receptacle. Winner was Jim Claydon. Jim donated the garbage bin back into the raffle, as he already owned a metal one. The next winner was Arleen McFadden.
16.0 Adjournment: 3:00 p.m.