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