Meeting Minutes – Wednesday, January 21 2015

The association met at 7:00pm at Maple View Terrace.

  • Cheri discussed growing our group by creation of committees.
    • Derrick mentioned that a survey to determine why people dont come may be useful.
    • Cheri also mentioned having people shadow the executive members if they might be interested in being a part in the future.
    • Cheri also suggested the establishment of a monthly community meal to help get people out.
  • Jamie made a motion to thank Maple View Terrace for allowing us to use their space.  Seconded by Nancy Hamm.  Motion was passed.
  • Natasha offered to help with the survey that was suggested by Derrick.
  • Nancy McSloy gave a presentation on incorporating the association as a non-profit.
    • Questions:  Do we have a clear goal, is it an ongoing need, are there any other organizations who do what we do?
    • Useful when applying for grants – we don’t need to give the Urban League a percentage
    • Suggested going door to door to get the opinions of residents – to identify needs
    • Will we be able to locate the finances and resources that we need?
    • An audited financial statement is required
    • It’s more work to become a registered charity, but you are entitled to issue tax receipts
    • Derrick suggested talking to child and neighbourhood services
    • Jamie made a motion to begin investigating specifics for incorporating as a non-profit.  Seconded by Derrick.  The motion passed.
  • Nancy McSloy also gave a brief presentation on Business Improvement Areas
    • Old East Village BIA is a great example
    • Mark advised that the BIA should be organic and separate from the community association, it loses strength if it isn’t driven forward by businesses.
  • Two officers from the London Police Service were present to answer any questions
    • Alice asked if there is still a separate number for the foot patrol.  The numbers are 226 268 1429 (night) or 519 933 1542 (day), you can also email Adam Gautreau at agautreau@police.london.ca.
    • The COR Unit (for addressing ongoing issues) can also be reached at 519 661 5983, or emailing Nicole Tyhurst (ntyhurst@police.london.ca) or David Klassen (dklassen@police.london.ca).
    • Do not call these numbers if there is an emergency, please call 911.
  • Geoff suggested inviting the directors of London CARES and CMHA to a meeting.
  • Delta gave an update on the progress of the Fugitive Slave Chapel Preservation Project.
    • The slave chapel was built in 1848 to secure refuge for people coming here from the United States
    • $50,000 raised and $70,000 in grants were received from the city
    • A $9,000 trillium grant was also received, $4,000 is reserved for round table discussions
    • More money is still needed for renovations
    • Delta suggested a community meal to fulfill the round table discussion requirement
    • The meal would be held at the Duchess of Kent Legion
    • A two day open house is also scheduled the second weekend of March.
    • Cheri suggested selling unusable pieces of building materials as a “piece of history” as a fundraiser
    • Jamie presented Delta with a donation of $50.00 on behalf of the assocation
  • Beth Emmanuel serves up to 150 people per week with their free meals and is in need of volunteers and food donations – especially fresh fruit
  • Natasha gave an update on the community garden
    • Will be holding a rain barrel workshop
    • Investigating non-profit status, they are in need of grants
    • They are in need of garden tools that are in good shape
    • Suggested the creation of a community composting program
    • Funding is also needed for a floor for their shed
    • The suggestion was made that compost could be provided by people who have composters and don’t use the compost
    • A sign/bulletin board is also needed
    • A free library will also be built at Beth Emanuel
    • They have also constructed a solar oven and are interested in using it for community meals
  • Cheri told the group about SPARKS and TreeMe, suggestions were:
    • A free monthly meal
    • Grocery delivery service
    • Farmer’s market
    • A local art event
    • An event for local organizations and residents to get to know each other
    • A mural
    • Repainting our park benches
  • The meeting was adjourned at 8:25pm