SWANSEA AREA RATEPAYER’S ASSOCIATION
MINUTES OF MEETING, Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Present: Nick Singh, Bill Roberts, David Fleming, Heather McCulloch, Kate Lawson, Chris Korda, George Dubauskas, John Meijer, Ed Gaigalas, Sybil Wilkinson, Ian McIsaac
Regrets: Bill Jermyn, Bill Steele, Louis Gris
1. CALL TO ORDER AND DECLARATION OF CONFLICTS OF INTEREST:
The meeting was called to order by Nick Singh at 7:37 pm.
2. AGENDA AMENDMENTS & APPROVAL:
Upon motion by Bill Roberts, seconded by John Meijer, and carried, the Agenda for June 19, 2007 was approved.
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Upon motion by Bill Roberts, seconded by John Meijer, and carried, the amended Minutes for Tuesday May 15, 2007 were approved.
4. EXECUTIVE REPORTS
a) Membership: John Meijer presented the membership report. The report was accepted upon a motion by John Meijer, seconded by George Dubauskas and carried.
b) Fundraising: George Dubauskas reported that the tickets for the Village Playhouse fundraiser, Night Watch, on November 15, 2007, are printed. The tickets will be available for the AGM.
c) Treasurer’s: John Meijer presented the membership report. The report was accepted upon a motion by John Meijer, seconded by Bill Roberts and carried.
d) Expenses: John Meijer submitted expenses of $68 for stamps and for the newsletter and paper for the AGM flyer.
5. CURRENT MATTERS
a) New Members and Guests: Ted Fortuna and Judy McCormick from 39 Brule Crescent.
b) Adopt a Block: There were two new signups at the garage sale, and one at the community garage sale. Some people are saying that they do not want to make a commitment, but they are currently working at keeping their area litter free.
c) Storage for SARA at the Town Hall: David Fleming has not had the time to move the contents of the storage locker to the cages in the basement.
d) Property Encroachment at 55 Mayfield Ave - Willard Gardens Parkette: Nick Singh reported that he had contacted Mr Keys. He informed Nick that he is still waiting on some documentation.
e) Traffic Studies in Swansea: Nick Singh reported that he had contacted Councillor Saundercook on this issue as well as other issues dealing with item i). Councillor Saundercook has not yet got back to him.
f) Cheri DiNovo: No news
g) Flyer to promote SARA to new Swansea Residents: The new flyer is out. The overall look is good, but distribution needs to be addressed. Ian McIsaac will drop off flyers at Bloor Street real estate agents offices. Nick Singh and Ian McIsaac will form a committee to work on a flyer distribution plan. Bill Roberts suggested that we drop off Horticultural and Historical Society literature as well.
h) Proactive Measures to Preserve the Character of Swansea: The guest speaker at the AGM provided good information regarding historical designations. They can be defined as a street or an area. Riverside Drive could be an area. A specific type of house (two story houses with an open porch) could be used to identify an area. John Meijer will add an item to the next newsletter so that the response can be gauged.
i) Swansea Town Hall Web Site Redesign: John Meijer reported that he will work on the SARA website and Town Hall website content over the summer.
j) Humbergate Initiative: No news.
k) Planning decisions switching from Community Council to the Planning and Growth Management Committee:
Councillors John Filion and Cliff Jenkins are trying to prevent a possible attempt to move decision making for any Official Plan amendments from the Community Council to the Planning and Growth Management Committee (five councillors hand picked by the mayor). There is a community meeting one June 28, 2007 at the North York Community Centre Council Chamber at 7pm. Please call 416.395.6411 or 416.395.6408 to RSVP.
l) All Candidates Meeting for the October 10, 2007 Provincial Election: Nominations close on September 10, 2007. Upon motion by Sybil Wilkinson, seconded by Kate Lawson, and carried, the All Candidates Meeting will be held on Tuesday September 25, 2007 at 7 pm in the Rousseau Room at the Swansea Town Hall. David Fleming will send an email to the nominees with the details.
6. LAND USE ITEMS
a) 11 Coe Hill, 84 South Kingsway, 39 Grenadier Heights, 41 Brule Cres, 44 Lavinia, 93 Coe Hill:
11 Coe Hill: Item was defered.
84 South Kingsway: All variances were granted with orders to build according to plan and consulation with an arborist.
39 Grenadier Heights: All variances were granted with no conditions.
41 Brule Cres: The applicants were sent back to reconsider the GFA of .46. They came back with .45. The GFA of .45 was granted. Ted Fortuna and Judy McCormick from 39 Brule Crescent will appeal the ruling to the OMB. They asked for advice on their chances, and whether they would be liable for monies if they lose. They indicated that the neighbourhood is against the proposed changes. The largest house on the street is .37 GFA.
b) 79 Deforest Ave: No new news. David Fleming will follow up.
c) 35 Beresford Ave – Parking Pad Appeal: This item is supposed to come up in the June 26 Community Council meeting.
d) Past COA Matters: 44 Lavinia, 93 Coe Hill:
44 Lavinia: All variences were approved except for the below grade garage.
93 Coe Hill: The item was deferred and the applicants were asked to talk to City afficials and SARA before proceeding further.
e) New COA Matters: 28 Worthington Cres: SARA is not opposing the .39 GFA (.35 allowed).
7. COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS
a) Community Police Liaison Committee: No news.
b) High Park Community Advisory Council: Heather McCulloch reported that the children’s gardening program, and a few others, is still open. The dog survey is online. The AGM will be June 20, 2007.
c) Swansea Community Recreation Centre & Rennie Park: Kate Lawson reported that the community garage sale on May 26, 2007 was a success. The Oktoberfest fundraiser will be on October 20. They are currently adjourned for the summer.
d) Swansea Memorial Library and Friends of the Library: George Dubauskas reported that the Swansea Public School has been sending children to the library. Promotion of the use of the library is excellent. The librarian and the library seem to be doing a great job of promoting the library.
e) Swansea Public School: Bill Roberts reported that the convocation will be June 25, 2007 at 6:30. Upon motion by Sybil Wilkinson, seconded by George Dubauskas, and carried, up to $100 were allocated to cover costs of plaques, engraving, and awards.
f) Swansea Town Hall Board of Management: No news.
g) J.T. Bonham Residences: No news.
h) CORRA: Bill Roberts reported that there will be a meeting on Wednesday June 20, 2007 at the Davisville and Yonge Starbucks. CORRA is being brought back to life slowly. Bill talked to representatives from People Plan Toronto about getting organized by joining CORRA, instead of forming a new ratepayer’s organization.
8. ITEMS BEING MONITORED
a) Windermere by the Lake: Nick Singh reported that $400,000 of Section 37 monies were allocated to build the callipers artwork at Windermere by the Lake. The issue of Section 37 monies being used to adorn the builders development is concerning. Nick Singh will contact Norm McLeod about the process. We may have to go through the Freedom of Information Act to find out how the monies were allocated.
b) Southport Plaza: No news.
c) Former Joyco Station: Sybil Wilkinson will contact Councillor Saundercook’s’ office regarding how and when the site will be cleaned up.
d) Dark Horse (liquor license): No news.
e) Humber Bay Treatment Plant: No news.
f) Petro Canada Station – 8 South Kingsway: No news.
g) Storm Water Management Plan – Ellis Ave/Colbourne Lodge Dr: No news.
h) South Kingsway Ramps Redesign Meeting: The public meeting for the Environmental Assessment Schedule B, Open House Number 2 took place on June 6, 2007. The City does not seem to be listening to the community and is recommending the “Link Road” alternative. Bill Roberts reported that he talked to a resident, Peter Jarvis, who had put together a 90 signature petition, opposing changes to the ramps. Margaret Smith of “Save our St. Clair” suggested to Councillor Saundercook that he help lobby to oppose the changes to the ramps. She also suggested asking for an extension for the reporting period. It was discussed that a very large community opposition must be put together to oppose the changes. Bill Roberts motioned that up to $1000.00 be allocated to place ads informing the community of the issue. The motion was seconded by George Dubauskas and carried. Nick Singh made a motion to strike a committee with Nick as chair, assisted by Chris Korda and Kate Lawson. The motion was seconded by David Fleming and carried. The committee will organize ads and send letters on behalf of SARA/SARG. Bill Roberts motioned that SARA/SARG oppose any of the proposed reconfiguration of the ramps, seek an extension to the study, send a letter to the reconfiguration committee, and take action on any other necessary issues. The motion was seconded by George Dubauskas and carried.
i) Front Yard Parking: No news.
j) Bloor West Urban Design Study: Nick Singh reported that he has been trying to contact Greg Lintern regarding the study and any action to take.
k) 296 Riverside Drive: Bill Roberts reported that the OMB hearing has been completed, and that the chair will reserve the decision.
9. NEW BUSINESS:
a) Fairvote: Nick Singh reported that the Fairvote organization had talked to him about the referendum in the October Provincial Election. There mandate is about giving the people proper representation at the ballot box. Nick also talked to the BWVRA about the possibility of holding a public meeting. It was discussed and no action will be taken on this issue.
b) Waterfront Master Plan: Nick Singh reported that the there will be a distillation of ideas followed by a report on the matter.
10. NEXT MEETING: Tuesday September 18, 2007
11. ADJOURNED: 10:10 PM