S.A.R.A. Executive Meeting Minutes – March 19, 2002
Present: Jamie Bell, Ron Braun, Ritvars Bregzis, George Dubauskas, Marianne Fenner, Louis Gris, Bill Haines, Merle Hudson, Victoria Masnyk, Jean McMullan, Joan Oreto, Bill Roberts, Vicki Vancas
Regrets: Lina Volpe, Peter Keefe
No Regrets: Lynn Clay, Sybil Wilkinson
Guests: Frances Labelle, 1 Ripley Avenue, Suite 315, Toronto M6S 4Z6 416-762-1468 E-mail: flabelle@attcanada.ca
Call to order: Meeting began at 7:35 p.m. at the Swansea Town Hall.
Approval of Agenda:
A motion was made by Bill Roberts and seconded by Joan Oreto to add five new items to the agenda.: Expansion of patio license on Beresford (Pizza Pizza), Dark Horse liquor license changes, ravine control bylaw, boathouse and the colonization of sign bylaws. Carried
Acceptance of previous minutes: February 19, 2002
A motion was made by Bill Roberts and seconded by Joan Oreto to correct the word “Treasurers Report“ to “Treasurers Deposit“ in the motion made section on page 2. Carried
A motion was made to accept the amended minutes of February 19, 2002 by Ritvars Bregzis and seconded by Joan Oreto. Carried
SARA VISION AND MANDATE
Ron Braun presented a “straw dog“ for review regarding SARA's Mission & Vision Statement:
Purpose:
Provide a forum for ratepayers where local community issues of concern to residents and business interests can be voiced and debated.
Maintain a strong community, build on the unique character of Swansea within the context of the GTA, and respond to the needs of the Swansea community.
In a Way That:
Involves and encourages participation from local residents
Provides an open forum for discussion, information sharing and voicing of specific community issues
Seeks involvement, support & participation from the Swansea City Councillor and other levels of government as required
Encourages sound planning that addresses the unique needs of Swansea, specifically on zoning, developments, traffic, safety, schooling issues.
So That:
Consensus is reached, and action plans recommended and implemented
Swansea's interests are expressed and Swansea is promoted in the most effective manner possible.
Suggestions made at the meeting:
Purpose:
Provide a forum for ratepayers where local community issues of concern to residents and business interests can be voiced and debated.
Build a strong community, build on the unique character of Swansea within the context of the City of Toronto and environs and respond to the needs of the Swansea community.
In a Way That:
Involves and encourages participation from local ratepayers, residents and businesses within the general area of the former Village of Swansea.
Provides an open forum for discussion, information sharing and voicing of specific community issues
Seeks involvement, support & participation from the local City Councillor, and City Council and other levels of government and other groups and organizations as required
Encourages sound planning that addresses the unique needs of Swansea, specifically on zoning, environment, developments, traffic, safety, schooling and community issues.
So That:
Discussions are reached, and action plans are recommended democratically and implemented
Swansea's interests are expressed and Swansea interests are promoted in the most inclusive manner possible.
This is to be reviewed at the next board meeting to be held on April 16th.
MEMBERSHIP
Louis Gris submitted his report on membership as of March 19, 2002.
Single 7 @ $10.00 = $ 70.00
Family 15 @ $12.00 = $180.00
Business 1 @ $14.00 = $ 14.00
Total 23 = $264.00
Paid memberships to date = 90 (8 pre-paid in 2001)
2002 SARA memberships consist of the following:
Single 43
Family 43
Business 4
Honourary 3
New in 2002 6
Monies forward to treasurer: $264.00
A motion was made by Louis Gris and seconded by George Dubauskas to accept the membership report of March 19, 2002. Carried
TREASURER'S REPORT
Joan Oreto presented the Treasurer's Report as of March 19, 2002
There was a motion made by Joan Oreto and seconded by Marianne Fenner to accept the Treasurers Report as of March 19, 2002.
Carried
Expenses: no new expenses for this month
LOCAL ISSUES
8 SOUTH KINGSWAY
Potential provincial legislation regarding 48 hours advance notice of advice of price changes linked to the hours of operation.
It was stated that the municipality has no authority to govern gasoline prices. The topic of 48 hours advance notice will be discussed at the Transportation Committee meeting being held on Monday, March 25th. Ron Braun will attend this meeting on SARA's behalf.
The current bylaw state that gas stations can be open from 9 am to 5 pm in restricted areas, and from 7 am to 7 pm in zoned residential area.
A motion was made by Bill Roberts and seconded by Jamie Bell that Victoria Masynk write a letter to David Miller regarding this matter, asking how the process will work and how the city will regulate the residential and non-residential areas, before it offers support for this zoning/by-law change. Carried
1947/1997 BLOOR STREET WEST – CONTEXT DEVELOPMENT
Peter Keefe stated that the OMB hearing was yesterday. There are still concerns about the environment, and that these concerns must be addressed with the community. This is contamination from the pipes off Windego Way; public health has taken an interest in this project; a letter was received from Elizabeth Witner, Minister of the Environment; the Water Keepers Alliance (a US based non-profit group) is also looking at this project; more water sampling is needed: Peter Keefe will contact the ministry of the environment regarding this project.
HUMBER CYCLING/PEDESTRAIN TRAIL
Jamie Bell stated that David Miller contacted him and informed him that this project needs to go to SARA, and that there are no revised plans as yet. There still needs to be a site visit done by SARA.
Jamie Bell still has to write a letter to David Miller regarding this mater.
FRED VICTOR CENTRE – LAKESHORE/WINDERMERE
Jamie Bell stated that there are no updates and that he will continue to monitor.
47 ST OLAVES ROAD
Victoria Masynk spoke to Richard Fisher today, and he has appealed to the committee of adjustment. They are in the process of hiring a lawyer, but a date has not been set as yet.
MUNICIPAL SHELTERS
Bill Roberts will continue to monitor, and report back on the city by-laws issues regarding this matter. Bill also stated that he was contacted by an east end ratepayers group.
WINDERMERE BY THE LAKE – REON DEVELOPMENT
Next committee meeting is to be held on April 9th. The committee of adjustment meeting regarding this project is on Tuesday March 26th. A motion was made by George Dubauskas and seconded by Bill Roberts that Victoria Masynk will write a letter to the committee of adjustment regarding this matter and copy David Miller. There was an article in the Saturday ‘Toronto Star regarding this project, and it was noted that Victoria Masynk did not give SARA's support to the author of the article. Will continue to monitor.
BILLY BOB'S
Bill Roberts stated that the appeal is being made on April 10th.
SAVANNAH RESTARUANT
Bill Roberts stated that they are looking to convert this property for other uses (where old post office was). There will be a meeting held regarding this on March 28th. Bill Roberts will continue to monitor.
CORRA – CONFEDERATATION OF RESIDENT & RATEPAYERS ASSOCIATIONS
A motion was made by Bill Roberts and seconded by Ritvars Bregzis to renew SARA's membership with CORRA at the rate of $45 for one year. Carried
COMMITTEE OF ADJUSTMENT
Victoria Masynk is still checking on the issues regarding 3 and 6 Windermere Avenue.
Victoria Mayynk stated that 56 South Kingsway is adding a second storey to the house.
HUMBER YORK COMMUNITY COUNCIL
Merle Hudson stated the only issue was with the Travel Agency, and that there were no negative issues regarding this.
GARDINER LAKESHORE TASK FORCE, CENTRAL WATERFRONT PLAN II & TORONTO OFFICIAL PLAN
Victoria Masynk to send a letter to Jack Layton noting that Bill Roberts will speak on SARA's behalf and be its representative regarding this plan.
Victoria Maynyk noted that there were 64 speakers at the Waterfront Reference Group Meeting held on February 20th.
HIGH PARK CITIZENS ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Jean McMullan stated that the meeting was being held tomorrow night.
RENNIE PARK
Merle Hudson stated that the structures in the park project were being tendered out and that the work would begin in April.
SWANSEA MEMORIAL LIBRARY
George Dubauskas circulated the letters that were written to the Toronto Public Library Board. He also noted that the Village Gleaner wrote an article and an editorial in the same issue. As a result, there maybe some positive changes in the hours and in getting more materials. A motion was made by Bill Roberts and seconded by Jean McMullan that George Dubauskas write a letter to the library board to ask that the library have three more hours added to its hours of operation, and that it be open at least one night per week. Carried. George Dubauskas also stated that the Friends of Swansea Library Committee will be doing a survey at the upcoming Swansea Home Show, along with a petition, and everyone who participates in the survey will be given “A cookie for your thoughts“.
SWANSEA PUBLIC SCHOOL
Peter Keefe stated that the Grade 7 extended French immersion program will be open to all residents in the city, and that some Swansea students may be displaced. The selection process will be done by a lottery. There will be a meeting held tomorrow night at the school regarding this matter.
SWANSEA TOWN HALL
Louis Gris attended the meeting on March 5th. George Dubauskas did a presentation regarding the Swansea Memorial Library. Louis Gris stated that the Swansea Town Hall expansion is moving along. Bill Roberts stated that he had issues with the bylaw for expansion, and that there are still issues outstanding with the city building department on this matter. Louis Gris to get information and follow up.
SWANSEA RECREATION CENTRE
Merle Hudson stated that there will be a meeting on April 15th. Merle Hudson noted that the City changed their position and will not be changing fees to the Swansea Hockey Association. Merle Hudson noted that the Professional Tennis Management Company made a proposal to the city to make a tennis bubble over the tennis courts. She noted that there were concerns expressed regarding this at the meeting. It was also noted that the same company has approached the High Park Tennis Club and that they were turned down. April 20-th is the date of their fundraising dance.
TRAFFIC CALMING
Merle Hudson reported that there is a new proposed policy going to council in April for approval.
WORLD 19
Louis Gris reported that this group is sponsoring a new public discussion and forum on march 26th at 7:30 pm at Runnymede United Church, the subject is “Health Care Who Cares“,
NEWSLETTER
Bill Roberts reported that the next newsletter will be sent out before the AGM. Jamie Bell will be putting together the newsletter.
Victoria Masynk noted that she received a letter of thanks from Dick Wilkins.
MARKETING
Vicki Vancas asked that the committee state looking at privacy rules regarding the website.
Once SARA's vision and mandate is completed, then the committee will move forward.
FUNDRAISING
Louis Gris has contacted the Village Players, and the fundraiser will most likely occur in the third week of November 2002.
AGM
A motion was made by Joan Oreto and seconded by Louis Gris that an honorarium of $100 be given to Dick Wilkins for his printing and creative services to SARA over the years. Bill Roberts suggested buying a set of Swansea historical books worth $45. Carried
A motion was made by Bill Roberts and seconded by Jamie Bell to spend up to $75 for the food. Carried
OTHER ISSUES
Pizza Pizza on Beresford:
It was discussed that SARA give support to the concerns around the Residents of Durie Avenue and Beresford regarding this patio extension and licensing request. A motion was made by Bill Roberts and seconded by George Dubauskas to have Victoria Masynk write a letter to the liquor licensing board to not support give a licence. Carried.
Dark Horse:
Louis Gris stated that the Dark Horse wants to expand their outdoor licensing areas, and have the liquor licensing board remove Condition Position Number 1. A motion was made by Bill ‘Roberts and seconded by Jamie Bell to have Louis Gris write a letter to the liquor licensing board to ask that they not remove condition number one fro the Dark Horse. Carried
Ravine By-Law:
There will be a meeting to deal with the Ravine Bylaw on September 9th.
Boathouse:
Victoria Masynk discussed this project with Norm McLeod regarding the placement of the boathouse on the Humber River. The City needs to look at alternative locations. The City has allocated $600,000 for these projects. A motion was made by Bill Roberts and seconded by George Dubauskas to have Victoria Masynk write a letter to David Miller and cc City Parks regarding this project and its location. Carried
Colonization of Sign Bylaws:
A meeting will be held on March 25th regarding this matter. The City is looking for approval for putting up signs on polls and the charge a fee for this. A motion was made by Bill Roberts and seconded by George Dubauskas to have Victoria Masynk to write a letter to the city to no have this passed, and allow for community groups to put up signs at no fees. Carried
NEW BUSINESS:
No new business.
ADJOURNMENT
A motion was made by George Dubauskis and seconded by Ron Braun to adjourn the meeting. Carried.
The meeting adjourned at 10:20 p.m.
NEXT MEETING
Tuesday, April 16, 2002 at 7:30 p.m. STH.