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CALL TO ORDER: Meeting was called to order.
INTRODUCTIONS: Gerry Boyce, John VanBruinessen, Owen Shortt,
Stephen Wilson, Sherri Francis, Martin Schoones, Ken & Louise
Arsenault, Shelly Lyall, Colin Pring, Bruce Cowell, Eunice
Johnston
TREASURER’S REPORT: It was reported that Danielle Byers has
completed the transfer of signing authority from Sandra Vasey the
previous treasurer to herself. With the most recent deposit,
there was revenue reported of $8881.97 and expenses paid of
$820.38. There is also $2420.99 that has been set aside for the 3
individual Ward allocations.
REGISTRAR’S REPORT:
1) Owen
reported that he was able to add additional business names from
the Township Business Directory. We now have a listing of 325
businesses with addresses in our database.
2)
As of
Feb 18th we have 52 businesses registered (of which 9 are new to
the Chamber) and we have 23 businesses that were members last year
but have yet to register for 2004. With the anticipation of
adding those who were previous members, it is anticipated that we
will exceed last year’s number of 66 members.
3) It
was also agreed that lists of members who are still uncertain of
joining would be given to the Regional Chairpersons and they would
personally follow through with registration.
4) It
was also discussed that we would hope to have all businesses
registered by March 31st in order to complete the budgeting
process.
5) Discussion
was held on allowing businesses from outside the Township to join
the Chamber.
Motion: (by Owen - seconded by John) Not to allow businesses
from outside the Township to join the Chamber. - Motion carried.
BUDGET:
1)
Short
discussion regarding the need for any group to present a budget of
funds
for 2004.
2)
Registration costs were presented as $570.00.
3)
The
advertising group was not present but a figure of $5000.00 was
tabled.
NEW BUSINESS:
1) Signage
in the Township - A discussion was held regarding the posting of
small signs on poles elsewhere within the Township. Case was made
how the South Dundas Chamber had posted many signs advertising a
Night in November where the businesses would be open until
midnight and many of signs were still posted, 3 months after the
event. Martin Schoones noted that the Township presently does not
have a bylaw concerning signage however that he would bring it to
Council for discussion. Martin also noted that Russell Village
presently does have a signage bylaw and would discuss this with
the enforcement officer to get their feed-back as to how it was
working in Russell.
An
email was read regarding the lack of noticeable highway signage at
the corners of Hwy 31 and 43. Because this is a County highway,
Martin did note the concern and will bring the issue to the
Council for furtherance to County Council.
2) It
was agreed to post the Chamber meeting dates and times for the
remainder of 2004 to the Township calendar on their website.
3) Business
Retention and Expansion- Martin highlighted the workings of the
Business Retention & Expansion model and noted that the Council
has organized a presentation to be held Tuesday March 2nd,
2004 at 7:00 pm in the local Council Chambers. Present will be
some of the local communities who have participated in the program
and how they have benefited. All local businesses are welcome to
attend and Owen will send out an email to provide details.
4) Water
Issue-Martin noted that any businesses located outside of the
Village water supplies (accessing water from a private well)
providing public washrooms are subject to the Provincial water
testing requirements and should check with the local Township
office for further details. Discussion was held on the costs
associated with providing this water testing and some of the
options involved.
NEXT MEETING: March 17th, 2004 at 7:30 am,
location to be finalized.
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