Call to Order: The meeting was called to order at 1:15 p.m. by Michael McNamara.
Minutes of Board Meeting, May 18, 2011 were read and approved by general consent.
President’s Report: Michael McNamara highlighted the year’s activities. He spoke of the assessments of the land that have been done, including mapping, a biological inventory and a riparian survey. We are working toward a rezoning application to the Islands’ Trust in the next year.
Engaging with potential residents is a prime focus of the board. ISLA is not a top down organization; a working group of ISLA board members and potential residents has been formed.
Treasurer’s Report: The income and balance statements were available as hand outs. Kevin McMahon summarized the statements. He explained the adjustment to fundraising revenue sources. At this point, ISLA is funding its core service expenditures and the land studies through grants and local fundraising. Now, several hundred thousand dollars are needed to proceed with infrastructure. The access road has proceeded as far as possible pending the permission that will be possible only after the land studies are complete. Fund raising was discussed. ISLA’s business plan is contingent upon potential residents and their ability to buy into the project. In response to a question on charitable status, it was explained that ISLA has applied for this and was rejected because CRA sees home ownership as an individual benefit and they don’t see “provided housing” as a community benefit. To meet the Charitable status criteria, ISLA would have to provide only rental housing and residents would have to leave once their income exceeded the CRA low income level. Conservation covenants may provide development monies to ISLA. Long term leasing was suggested; can ISLA explore this? The financial report, detailing revenues of $41,715.75 and expenditures of $27,365.08 was approved by general consent.
Fundraising Highlights: Masoud Zadeh provided highlights on local fund raising, explaining that one of the objectives of projects was connecting the community with ISLA. $16,299 was raised through local fund raising. An ISLA summer event is scheduled for July 16th and there are plans for a fundraising event at the ball park in August as well as a fall event. Kati Marshall is coordinating fund raising. Monthly live radio program was suggested as a community outreach for ISLA board to pursue. Every Tuesday from 3 – 4 pm is “soapbox” radio.
Resident’s Eligibility and Selection Process: Cindy Anderson reported that the committee is waiting for more information about potential residents. Outreach to potential residents needs to be broad. There was discussion. How do we accommodate the infrastructure costs? Revenue generation from buy in of residents is one means. There was discussion. ISLA’s objective is to take the cost of land out of the equation. Rental housing was discussed. As soon as we know how much of the land is suitable for building sites, home siting plans can begin in earnest. Various models of home ownership were broadly discussed.
Update on Site Planning: Wayne Roberts summarized early site planning. Beulah Creek set back is anticipated to be less than originally thought. Final riparian assessment report is pending. A site map was referenced. Characteristics of ISLA’s land were summarized and potential building sites described. A walking trail linking ISLA’s land with the Crownland was demonstrated. Consideration of the neighbours is a goal and the access road placement will be sited with this in mind.
ISLA’s Business Plan: Michael Berman summarized that we have an outline of the plan. The key is how much is it going to cost? Who will live there? How much will they pay? How will the houses be built? How much money in and how much out? Our first survey disclosed that very few potential residents have the necessary down payment. ISLA needs $200 - $300 thousand dollars to begin. Challenge is to provide affordable housing with mixed income residents. Areas of building sites and building phases need to be decided. Key elements of the business plan are to demonstrate the occupancy and financial feasibility. ISLA will be having owner workshops to engage potential residents. Creative financing needs to be explored. Can the Hornby Island Community Fund be approached about investing in housing on ISLA land?
Fundraising Idea: Tim Biggins offered the idea of a coffee table book that ISLA could sponsor.
Annette Hurtig offered to help with the potential residents’ workshops.
Application by potential residents will be more formal in the future. Next study is an engineering project to decide re roadways, septic and water and hydro. There was a recommendation to coordinate potential residents’ workshops so as to match residents with desired specific housing models.
Elections:
Ø Special recognition of outstanding contributions to ISLA: Member Number One, Kevin McMahon was applauded and thanked for his contribution.
2010/2011 Board of Directors
( ) indicates the year this term of office ends
® indicates retiring director
Michael McNamara President (2012)
Michael Berman Vice President (2012)
Kevin McMahon Treasurer (2011) ®
Jenny Brown ®/ Kati Marshall Secretary/ Fund Raising Coordinator (2011)
Ian Thomson (2011)
Cindy Anderson (2012) ®
Masoud Zadeh (2012)
Sharon Rogalsky (2013)
Wayne Roberts (2013)
Ø To Be Elected: 3 directors to three year terms; 1 director to a one year term
Ø Volunteering and nominated for election to the board are: Ian Thomson, Kati Marshall,
Bill Rapanos, Veronica Graham and Sonja Goldsmith. It was agreed by general consent to increase the number of directors to ten. Nominees Bill, Sonja and Veronica introduced themselves. There were no further nominations from the floor. Nominees were declared elected by acclamation. Veronica Graham stated that she would prefer the one year term.
Ø Adjournment at 3:30 PM by general consent.
Michael McNamara Janet LeBlancq
President Recording Secretary