1.0 Welcome
1.1 Bill opened the meeting at 19:30.

2.0 Approval of Agenda
2.1 Motioned by Amanda and seconded by Carolyn that the agenda be approved. Carried

3.0 Approval of December 6, 2006 RPCRA Board Minutes
3.1 Motioned by Amanda and seconded by Howard that the minutes be approved as written with the addition of the councilor’s report and topics once forwarded. Carried.

4.0 Report from OCDSB Trustee Riley Brockington
Trustee Riley Brockington spoke regarding a few school board topics with the main focus on the Hunt Club Riverside Park Consolidation Study.

4.1 The change in the process for the upcoming budget was explained. There is a projected deficit of $27 million for the coming year. The board will work on a year long budget instead of creating the budget in the summer months. This way they will be able to take into consideration contracts and personnel requirements ahead of time instead of creating a budget in 2 months after all these types of contracts and costs are already in place.
The provincial government is also working on changing the funding of schools to alleviate the deficits.

4.2 A study on the entry zones for the French immersion program is going to occur. Currently there are 3 entry zones; early (kindergarten), middle (grade 4) and late (grade 7).
4.3 The achievements of Brookfield High School students were highlighted from their school newsletter. One student had been chosen and had completed to do an artic journey. Brookfield HS is also a leader in the field of tech and trades. New equipment has been purchased thanks to sponsorship from Hewlet Packard. There were 233 graduates in June 2006, 35 of whom claimed over $55 000 in various scholarships/bursaries. Students are again participating in the House Building Co-op project. This time in Barhaven. The participating students are eligible for becoming recognized carpenters through the internship program.
4.4 HCRP Consolidation Study – The report of recommendations was released on Dec 21, 2006. On January 29th 2007 there will be a public delegation meeting. The RPCRA has requested 5min to speak and will submit a written presentation on or before Jan 24th, 2007. The final decision should be released on February 8th 2007. The recommendation is to close Bayview and change the structure of General Vanier, R.Burns Cury and Fielding Public Schools. General Vanier P.S – English program kindergarten to grade 3.
R. Burns Cury P.S – French Immersion program kindergarten to grade 3
(Special Education Program would move to Fielding – this affects 15
Fielding P.S – dual program grades 4 – 8.
Reasons supporting the decision – currently there are no grade 5 French language students at Fielding for grade (Bayview goes to grade 5), if students can’t handle French immersion this will be apparent by the end of grade 3 and can enter grade 4 at a new school. There are also space issues at RBC regarding the day care program.
There are currently 6 different studies within the school board regarding school closures/mergers. \
RPCRAA endorses the reality of needing to close one of the buildings, not the French program. There are no plans for the property as of yet.
Carolyn thanked Riely for coming and also mentioned security and the lighting at Brookfield High School.
More info can be found at www.ocds.ca look for student accommodation studies.

5.0 Mail
5.1 Several Christmas card
5.2 Recognition Plaque from HOPE for 2006
5.3 Rink Contracts -given to Howard
5.4 Letter from Dragon Boat Festival requesting Letter of Support from RPCRA for 2007 Festival – Action: Bill to invite representative to next meeting.
5.5 Howard received the bank statement from Bank of Nova Scotia
5.6 Flyers from YMCA regarding upcoming fitness certification courses and programs.

6.0 Treasurer’s Report
6.1 Howard circulated the RPCRA Comparative Income Statement – See attached.
Motion to accept report by Howard, Seconded by Bill.

7. Communication/Website – Carolyn invited anything that could be added to it to be sent. Spam issue seems to be fixed.

8.0 Festivals
8.1 Winter Fun Day – Date is now confirmed for February 10, 2007. Sleigh ride is booked 1330-1530 and Roger’s Community Cruiser is booked 1400-1600. Cost for the sleigh ride is $385.00. Roger’s will supply coffee and Timbits for 150 people.
Donation of $200.00 from Bank of Nova Scotia to be put towards the sleigh ride cost.
RPCRA should give away memberships with donation. Victoria Day Fireworks group to donate glowsticks.

Actions:
1. Cheque for the sleigh rental to be sent dated Feb 9th, 2007. Motion by Howard, seconded by Carolyn.
2. Hicham to ask Roger’s to change the time to 1330-1530.
3. Carolyn to post everything as 1300- 1500 in order stop delays due to stragglers.
4. Hicham to arrange for cambra – mega size, of hot chocolate.
5. Howard to contact Vince at Bank of Nova Scotia regarding donation and Mooney’s Bay Bistro and Greek to Go (Christopher’s) regarding gift certificates.
6. Carolyn to prepare Jelly Bean Contest.
7. Pat Murphy volunteered to take care of city permit.
8. Barb to ask about feasibility of balloon animals in winter.
9. Notice to be sent to schools and community centers and Roger’s Community Events.

8.2 Victoria Day Fire Works
Date has been set as May 20th, 2007
Next meeting will be held Jan 14th a John’s. J. Fitzpatrick is working on some sort of sponsorship.

9. Rinks
9.1 Doug to revisit – next year’s commitment.
9.2 There is an issue as to who has the keys. Verify with Doug

10. Councilor’s Report – See attached (will revise when received)

11. New Business
11.2 Christmas Light Contest. Members to send pictures of winner for each zone to Pat who will forward to Maria. Check with Marie regarding prizes from her office and if she likes the idea of just having one winner per zone.
11.3 There is a rumour going around that the building is supposed to come down at the end of January. However, Pat Murphy informed us the city has no active permits or requests concerning the property.
Carolyn has also called the head office of Idea Parking regarding a designated parking spot that is in the fire lane. See attached diagram.
11.4 Confirmed that the Christmas Dinner is on Jan 12th, 1830 at the Mooney’s Bay Bistro. Reservations have been made.

12. Round Table
12.1 Congratulations to Hicham and his wife on the birth of their baby boy; Zachirya

13. In Camera
13.1 Nil

14. Adjournment
14.1 Motioned by Howard and seconded by Bill that the meeting be adjourned at 21:20
Next regular meeting of the RPCRA Board of Directors:
Wednesday February 7th 2007. 19:30 Riverside United Churches