Minutes of the Annual General Meeting of the Hunter-Clyde Watershed Group
 
Meeting Date: April 25th 2001
Place: New Glasgow Fire Hall

Attendees: Garth MacLean, Andrew Lush, Bob Bentley, Gay Hancock, Ken Stewart, Terry Perry, Rob Moffatt, Libby Larkin, Brian Gallant, Marian Voileau, Kathy MacInnis, Charles Smith, Nellie Ingelman.

President's report: Garth made his President's Report in the April newsletter and that stands as this year's President's Report.

Financial Report: We currently have $1082.26 in the bank. The printing of the newsletter has still to be paid for and there are a number of new members joining at the moment as a result of the newsletter. A list of transactions was made available for members to view.

Workers for 2001: Garth asked all members to let him know if they can think of anyone who might be interested in working for the Watershed Group during the summer.

Minutes of the previous meeting: One amendment was made to the minutes of the previous meeting: the paragraph on Eco-Tourism should read 'Rustico Development Group …'. Otherwise the minutes were accepted.

Rustico Eco-Tourism Group: The group has two more meetings before their strategy is finalised, then it will be presented to the community. Bob suggested that we discuss this topic at the next meeting. It is important to our group and we are important to them.

Election of Officers: Garth MacLean was nominated for President by Bob Bentley and seconded by Gay Hancock. There were no other nominations and Garth was duly elected.
Gay nominated Andrew Lush to continue as Treasurer and Andrew was elected by acclamation.
Garth nominated Bob Bentley to continue as Vice President and Bob was elected by acclamation.
Three volunteered themselves for the position of Officers at Large: Libby Larkin, Rob Moffatt and Martin Caird. All present agreed to accept their nomination and they were duly elected.
Garth nominated Andrew Lush to continue as Secretary and Andrew was elected by acclamation.
All present voted unanimously for the nominees.

Workers for 2001: Bob suggested advertising for workers in the Northern Star. Rob will contact the UPEI Department of Biology about placing an advertisement there. Garth will contact Josh and Curtis to see if they might want to return this year. Supervisor rate is $9 per hour and the term is 12 weeks, worker rate is $6.50 and the term 8 weeks.

Volunteer Day: Bob explained that the Nicholsons plan to have a fence erected around Moffats Brook in the spring before the cattle are out. A clean-up of the area has been called for on Saturday June 9th and there is a call for volunteers. The Sea Cadets, through the Cadets Caring for Canada program, will help. Sandra Skeffington has offered to help out by providing an educational aspect for the cadets. Garth has applied for funding for mature trees to plant in Moffats Brook from Island Nature Trust and funding for a cattle bridge from the Wildlife Conservation Fund. This is a very visible example of stream improvement. Note: Terry said that we'll need an enhancement permit. It was proposed to have before and after photos taken. Martin agreed to take the photos and Garth proposed that we would reimburse Martin's costs. Bob said that he would put together a one page flyer about the event to bring along to the next meeting. All agreed on these proposals.

Tree Nursery: Bob said that Shelly Cole suggested putting plastic covers on the trees or spray, in order to keep the animals off. Maintenance work on the nursery will take place on the Volunteer Day.

Bagnall's Dam: The purchase of Bagnall's Dam by the village is with the lawyers. The village has asked for our help and guidance with respect to the environmental aspects of the proposed work on the dam.

Membership: The Treasurer proposed that membership fall due on 1st May for those who wish to renew. Those who joined recently will be exempt.

Watershed Tour: Gay suggested repeating the watershed tour that was poorly attended (probably due to the weather). The date for the tour could go on a mail-out.

Next meeting: Wednesday 23rd June at 7:30 in New Glasgow Fire Hall.

Meeting adjourned at 8:47.



Andrew Lush
Secretary/Treasurer