Category: Minutes

Meeting minutes

April 2012 Minutes

The West Bend Community Association

Minutes from April 18, 2012

IndianRoadCrescentPublic School

 Chair: Tim Noronha     Minutes: Des McComish

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m.

In Attendance: Tim, Des, Stuart, Joel, Joey, Johanne, Shannon, Chloe, Aaron, Janice, Jacob,

  1.     Presentation by Sherri Rousell, Director of the Keele Correctional Centre at Keele and Annette

 

  • The all-male Centre has 40 beds with no plans to increase that number. It is one of three such facilities in Ontario – the others are in Kingston & Hamilton. There are also other halfway house facilities run by organizations such as the Salvation Army and St. Leonard’s.
  • There will be no more than ten sex offenders at KCC at a time. They are very closely monitored and their movements restricted as to where they can go e.g. playgrounds are off-limits.
  • KCC staff has little or no choice/discretion in the prisoners sent there.
  • Public safety is the prime concern; KCC operates in close liaison with 11 Division. Parolees earn privileges gradually and can have them retracted.
  • The KCC offers on-site counseling and other support services to help released offenders successfully re-enter the community. The more structure & support offered, the greater the rehabilitation success
  • Canada has statutory release after two-thirds of a sentence has been served. Offenders can earn parole earlier than the two thirds point but more are coming out of prison now at the two thirds mark, perhaps because they didn’t qualify for or apply for early parole.
  • The Post Office is slowly moving out of the Keele-Annette building and some more Corrections administrative functions may move in but there is no increase planned in the numbers of offenders sent there.
  • An offender’s first 3 months at the Centre are critical to his successful re-integration.
  • There is a CAC or Citizens Advisory Committee that has 3 local members; the CAC provides feedback to the Centre and also advocates on its behalf.
  • 11 Division also runs a CPLC or Community Policing Liaison Committee and residents are encouraged to join
  • The KCC accepts/needs donations of good quality men’s clothing, books, CD’s, sporting equipment.
  • It is difficult for the KCC parolees to obtain employment so if anyone or a local business can assist that would be appreciated. TWBCA could advise KCC of possible volunteer opportunities in the community.

 2.     Approval of March Minutes

 Joey moved to approve the Minutes, seconded by Jacob

 3.     Membership and recruitment

 The redesigned membership application form is now embedded on the website.

  • Joey has drafted a flyer to promote the WBCA and will polish it up shortly.        
  • It would help drive membership if the WBCA could present to an upcoming Indian Rd Cr. Public School PTA Parent Teacher Association meeting.
  • Wanda Street party will be held Saturday June 9th so we should set up a table to promote the WBCA to attendees and attract new members; volunteers will be needed to man the table.
  • Consider printing 500 TWBCA business cards and flyers to hand out at the street party and other events.

 

  1. 4.     TWBCA website

 We have updated the website and set up a WordPress working group with the goal of further improving and continually updating the website so that it remains fresh and relevant. Joel Citulski will co-ordinate its efforts and organize a group meeting.

 5.     Annual General Meeting

 In March Joey made a motion that we hold our annual general meeting, election of officers etc in October and the motion duly passed.

 

The meeting was adjourned at 9.00 pm:  Moved: Joel   Seconded: Joey

Minutes October 19, 2011

The West Bend Community Association

Minutes from October 19, 2011

IndianRoadCrescentPublic School

 

 

Chair: Tim Noronha     Minutes: Des McComish

 

The meeting was called to order at 8:10 p.m. This was an abbreviated meeting due to our attendance at the pre-application meeting in the gym re the 2803 Dundas St W development.

 

In Attendance:

Special Guest: Martin Lennox, Chair of the Junction Residents Association

 

  1. Approval of September Minutes

 

Maurice Richter moved to approve, seconded by Jim Chisholm

 

2.1  Outreach to new residents/possible new members

 

Mary Jo contacted a local realtor and has obtained info on new residents who have recently moved into our area.

 

Martin from the JRA advised that the JRA has a Membership Coordinator who organizes flyer deliveries to selected homes/streets prior to their next meeting; they always get a spike in new members as a result. The JRA’s goal is to have 1% of their catchment area’s population on their email list.

 

We need to update our own membership application form and embed it in the new website; Martin offered to show us how to add a Paypal link to facilitate online payment.

 

2.2  Update of website

 

Tim has made progress on transitioning to the WordPress site and the site is now live; Tim encourages members to try it out. Preparing a flyer (similar to that of the JRA) to advertise TWBCA is still a work-in-progress.

 

3       Discussion re adding the word “Residents” to our name i.e. to become TWBCRA or The West Bend Community Residents Association

 

This was proposed by Des who noted that almost all neighbouring associations incorporated the word “Residents” in their name. The JRA chair present noted that his local Councillor at the time asserted that “Community” association was a vague title and that it was best to convey the focus of the organization……..to better enable the Councillor to represent their concerns.

 

However, after a round table discussion there was no support for any name change at this time.

 

4       Other Business

 

Johanne provided an update and a handout on the City’s requirements for any renaming of a park to commemorate Hilary Bell. We decided to defer further discussion until we have heard the wishes of Hilary’s husband in the matter.

Mary Jo has arranged that Frank Cunningham (from the Annex residents association) will present to our January TWBCA meeting.

 

When do we schedule a TWBCA meeting date with Gord Perks?

 

Johanne has contacted the guerilla gardeners along the south side of Edna Ave, west of Dorval abutting the TTC wall. We wish to see if there is a role for TWBCA to play in enhancing that green space and would like to bring that project in under our umbrella with the appropriate official permissions from the TTC etc.

 

 

5       Treasurer’s report

 

Tim advised that there is $1,099 in the bank of which only $225 is unmarked or available to TWBCA

 

The meeting was adjourned at 9.00 pm

 

Moved: Tim             Seconded: Johanne

 

 

Minutes from September 21, 2011

The West Bend Community Association

Minutes from September 21, 2011

IndianRoadCrescentPublic School

 

 

Chair: Tim Noronha     Minutes: Des McComish

 

The meeting was called to order at 7:10 p.m.

 

In Attendance: Mary Jo, Logan, Joe Costa, Tim, Des, Brad Hanna, Jeff Stanford, Johanne, Jim Chisholm, Mara

 

 

  1. Approval of June Minutes

 

Jim Chisholm moved to approve, seconded by Joe Costa

 

 

  1. Strategic Planning

 

The main focus of the September 2011 meeting was strategic planning, organizational structure and the revitalization of the West Bend Community Association (following on from our June meeting). The discussion was led by Tim.

 

Jim proposed that Tim Noronha be our chairman, Joe seconded and all were in favour.

 

It was decided that the membership period, covered by the $10 annual membership fee, will run from September to August – the school year.

 

2.1  Outreach

Joe advised that he sits on the Indian Rd Crescent public school parent-teacher committee and has raised awareness there of TWBCA; given the number of residents with elementary school age children we would like to have a representative from the parent-teacher committee attend our meetings and take a seat on the steering committee.

 

Mary Jo will contact a local realtor to see if we can obtain info on new residents who have recently moved into our area.

 

2.2  Update of mandate

 

It was decided we should all review the mandate currently shown on website. i.e.

“The West Bend Community Association works to foster a sense of community and to promote a happy, safe and healthy living environment. TWBCA is dedicated to improving the community within our area and the city of Toronto through active participation of TWBCA members in Neighbourhood Projects and the life of the city.

The Association supports the City of Toronto’s official plan, identifies its own projects and seeks to co-ordinate its efforts with its Municipal Councillor.”

2.3  Update of website

 

We again discussed using WordPress to revamp the existing website and also preparing a flyer (similar to that of the JRA) to advertise TWBCA. Joe and Logan undertook to take on this project.

Our email list is functioning well.

 

 

 

  1. Discussion of TWBCA’s stand on local issues affecting the West Bend

 

We discussed just what role TWBCA should play locally with respect to whether and/or when we take stands on particular issues e.g. proposed building developments. Do we simply provide a forum for discussion and act as a facilitator or do we take a strong stand for or against an issue of local concern – such as the defeated Giraffe condominium building proposal.

 

  1. Other Business

 

Joe discussed “greening” our area, traffic and cycling issues; it seems the City is re-examing the bike lanes implemented on Dupont St. with a view to their removal.

 

Mary Jo advocated that we keep the West Bend a mixed development area, open to all income groups. Mary Jo will try to arrange that Frank Cunningham (from the Annex residents association) present to an upcoming TWBCA meeting.

 

When do we schedule a TWBCA meeting date with Gord Perks?

 

The developer of the former McBride’s Cycle site at 2803 Dundas St W wishes to meet with the community.

 

Mary Jo raised the subject of a project to commemorate the enormous contribution of the recently deceased Hilary Bell to our local community.

 

Johanne noted that some neighbours (inspired by our new Dorval garden) have been guerilla gardening, in a good way, along the south side of Edna Ave, west of Dorval abutting the TTC wall. Johanne will contact them to see if there is a role for TWBCA to play in enhancing that green space.

 

 

  1. Treasurer’s report – an update will be provided at the October meeting.

 

 

The meeting was adjourned at 9.00 pm

 

Moved: Des            Seconded: Johanne

 

 

Minutes from November 16, 2011

The West Bend Community Association

Minutes from November 16, 2011

IndianRoadCrescentPublic School

 

Chair: Tim Noronha     Minutes: Des McComish

The meeting was called to order at 7:10 p.m.

In Attendance: Tim, Des, Joel, Stuart, Joe, Johanne, Mary, Ron.

 

 

  1. Approval of October Minutes

 

Joe Da Costa moved to approve, seconded by Johanne

 

  1. Discussion of items to raise with Councillor Gord Perks at February 2012 meeting

 

Joe brought up the topic of recycling under the new scenario of contracted out garbage collection in our area and wondered if separation of recyclables and garbage will continue; expressed concern that there is no provision for overflow items with the new contract.

 

Mary pointed to increased traffic on Keele St and St Clair, fears it will worsen when the new Smart Centre opens in 2013. We should ask the three municipal councillors if a traffic study has been done for the Keele St – St Clair intersection.

Joe suggested we look at all the local streets and ask what we can do as a community to look at traffic – from the viewpoints of pedestrians, drivers, cyclists. Made reference to uncollected tree leaves causing a hazard on bike paths; wondered if radio waves emitted by water meter transponders could pose a health hazard.

 

Joe noted that the Baird park dogs off leash area continues to cause friction between some residents and some dog owners – apparently 11 Division officers stated that its taking up a lot of their time in responding to calls there.

 

Tim raised the issue of the possible sale of City owned municipal assets and wondered if it might be a short sighted solution to City’s budget deficit; cuts to librairies pending.

 

We need to update our own membership application form and embed it in the new website

 

  1. Membership and recruitment

 

We redesigned the membership application form and should embed it on the new website.

 

Joe suggested that the WBCA sponsor a hot chocolate afternoon or evening this winter at Baird Park when the skating rink is operating and raise awareness of TWBCA. Johanne will ask Tim Hortons to consider providing the beverages.

 

  1. Other Business

 

Johanne advised that the City, not the TTC, owns the strip of land along Edna St adjoining the TTC – this in reference to the recent guerilla gardening efforts there to which TWBCA would like to contribute.

 

Frank Cunningham (from the Annex residents association) will present to our January TWBCA meeting.

The meeting was adjourned at 9.00 pm

 

Moved: Joel            Seconded: Stuart

Minutes March 21, 2012

The West Bend Community Association

Minutes from March 21, 2012

IndianRoadCrescentPublic School

 

Chair: Tim Noronha     Minutes: Des McComish

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m.

In Attendance: Tim, Des, John Suline, Stuart, Joel, Joey, Johanne, Elena, David Coffey, Ike Zimbel, Shannon, Chloe

 

  1. 1.     Approval of February Minutes

Joey moved to approve, seconded by Johanne.

 

  1. 2.     Discussion of items with Karen Duffy, Executive Assistant to Councillor Gord Perks.

 

  • Karen provided an update on the status of two recent development proposals.
  • 2803 Dundas St West – the City has accepted the application on the old McBride’s site and there will be another community meeting, with an expanded “notification to residents” area.
  • 2376 Dundas St West – The application, submitted by Urban Strategies, proposes to redevelop the site for a new mixed-use development containing a 9-storey mid-rise building on Dundas Street West and a 26-storey tower on the eastern portion of the site adjacent the rail corridor.  The City Planning report states that the” application in its current form is not supportable. Of considerable concern to staff is the appropriateness of the proposed tall building. The City will meet with the developer to raise its concerns and hold another community meeting.
  • The traffic study at the new Riocan retail development at St Clair & Keele did not look at the impact on the Keele St – Dundas St intersection.
  • Karen will find out what is happening with the Chairtex building (just north of Shoppers Drugmart on the east side of Dundas St).
  • Baird Park update; at the request of neighbours, the police are holding a meeting with City staff and Animal Control staff to resolve such issues as parking, outside hours use of the off-leash area, barking dogs.
  • We noted to Karen that there is a pedestrian safety issue with vehicles taking short cuts through the former gas station at Dundas and Annette to avoid the traffic lights. Perhaps the site could have barriers erected to prevent this?
  • We discussed the proposed Metrolinx wall and will defer taking a position until after their May 16th presentation to us.

 

  1. 3.     Membership and recruitment

 

  • We noted the redesigned membership application form and should embed it on the new website.
  • Joey undertook to work on creating an informational promotion flyer on his Mac.
  • Johanne will flyer the list of new homeowners in our catchment area.

 

  1. 4.     TWBCA website

 

We set up a WordPress working group with the goal of updating the website. Joel Citulski will co-ordinate its efforts and organize a group meeting.

 

  1. 5.     Annual General Meeting

 

Joey made a motion that we hold our annual general meeting, election of officers etc in October and the motion duly passed.

 

The meeting was adjourned at 9.00 pm:  Moved: Johanne   Seconded: Tim

Minutes February 15, 2012

The West Bend Community Association

Minutes from February 15, 2012

IndianRoadCrescentPublic School

 Chair: Tim Noronha     Minutes: Des McComish

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m.

In Attendance: Tim, Des, John Suline, Maurice, Harry, Alies, Johanne, Eugene, David Coffey, Ike Zimbel.

1.     Approval of November Minutes

Johanne moved to approve, seconded by Alies.

2.     Discussion of items with Michael Butler, assistant to Councillor Gord Perks who was ill and unable to attend.

Lots of City budget cuts; four year deal secured with union local 416 outside workers;

  • Transit – council passed motion to restore Transit City but it’s all in flux still.
  • Toronto Community Housing to sell off as many as 753 houses (the City took over Metro Housing from the Province). We discussed the pros & cons of selling these rental properties.

We asked Michael to raise the issue of a traffic study at the new Riocan retail development at St Clair & Keele – there are concerns re increased congestion.

  • We asked Michael to find out what is happening with the Chairtex building (just north of Shoppers Drugmart).
  • John asked about any follow up re landscaping at the Freshco site.
  • We discussed the proposal by Metrolinx to build a noise barrier wall along Dundas St and noted that we have asked Metrolinx to present to us at an upcoming meeting.

3.     Membership and recruitment

 We need to edit the redesigned membership application form and should embed it on the new website. We’ll email the form to current TWBCA members and ask them to sign up interested neighbours.

  • Alies suggested canvassing local businesses for merchant coupons to include in a package to be given to new residents and potential members.
  • Tim has the list (from Mary Joe Leddy) of the new homeowners in our catchment area.

 4.     TWBCA website

Not much progress on improving the website although WordPress is the best platform. It was suggested that we ask students at Ryerson or even Humberside Collegiate to work on improving the site as a school project – Maurice undertook to make this contact.

  • A suggestion was made that we allow advertising on the site. Harry offered to work on the website later in the year as currently his company is just too busy with paying projects.
  • Johanne offered to gather BIA data for a revamped website.

5.     Treasurer’s report

Tim provided an updated report and copy of the BMO bank statement – there is $1,149.56 in the account. We have over 20 paid up members for the current membership year (September 2011 to August 2012) and there are about 163 recipients on our email list.

The meeting was adjourned at 9.00 pm

Moved: Johanne               Seconded: Alies