Field Recreation Advisory Association Board Meeting October 19, 2020

/in /by

In Attendance: Sally Watson, Kathryn Cameron, Paulina O’Brien (virtual attendance)

Excused: Sonya Leenders, Greg Dowman, Flint Palmer

1. Meetings

Field Utility Board (FUB) Meeting scheduled for November 4, 2020.

Agenda Items from FRAA:

  • 2nd Quarter reports
  • Fire Protection for Field Townsite and Yoho National Park
  • Circulate Snow Removal map and Best Practises digitally to residents
  • CP Staff Accommodation Plan to replace three residences with a new facility
  • Report on Mt. Dennis de-watering project 

Annual General Meeting scheduled for November 16, 2020, 7 pm at Field Community Hall. We’ll use the same format used for the Town Hall Meeting on September 28, 2020: up to 28 people in person in the Community Hall, and, via Zoom for people who want to attend virtually.  It worked quite well for the September meeting. Nomination papers are at the Post Office. Please put your name forward!

2. Programs

HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) at Field School Gym: self-lead on Sunday evenings from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm, no admission fee; and on Wednesday evenings with Laura Penner, $12 Admission fee. Cleaning protocols after each use to be developed.

Yoga Flow with Julie starts on Thursday, November 5, 2020 at 7:00 pm at Field Community Hall. Admission by donation. Please bring your own mat and props. If you don’t have the equipment you can sign out what you need for the duration of the program. Cleaning protocols after each use to be developed.

Ice Rink: How can we operate this winter under COVID-19 guidelines? The FRAA needs a rink champion to oversee the program. Here’s what we discussed:

  • Hand washing/hand sanitizer on entry to the change room
  • Bring your own equipment, and take it home with you. All equipment on site will be boxed up and put in the storage room.
  • Physical distance of 2 meters on the ice and in the change room when interacting with people outside your personal bubble
  • Maximum 10 people in change room to warm up. Masks recommended when indoors
  • Alcohol consumption on site is prohibited. Please police yourself and comply. When people drink, their inhibitions are suppressed and commitments to follow health guidelines tend to disappear. 
  • Clean and disinfect washrooms daily
  • Designated Kubota operators

Feedback, suggestions welcome.

Kid’s Room: In really good shape. Clearly getting use, care and attention. Thank you parents and kids.

COVID-19 Update for Community: Last update was posted July 22, 2020. FRAA will review current Provincial guidelines, and update our community guidelines.

Potential Hall Rental – FFRD use of Community Hall for Annual Emergency Services Christmas Supper: Community Hall provides large space that may be safer than restaurant option. FRAA to get more information about potential number of people who will attend, and food service plan. We will research and may submit the plan to Interior Health for guidance. Hall rental guidelines apply.

3. Certificate of Incorporation – Update:

Definition Member: The FRAA amalgamated two definitions (“voter” and “qualified voter” in the By Laws, Part 1.1.f. to read: 

1.1.f. “member” or “qualified voter” means a person 19 years of age who has resided within the geographic area of Yoho National Park for not less than one year.

Change to be made and updated document circulated with minutes for discussion at the AGM.

Quorum: Discussion regarding questions about Part 4.16.1: “A quorum is three directors present or such greater numbers as the directors may determine at a general meeting.” and Part 6.29.2. “The directors from time to time fix the quorum necessary for the transaction of business and unless so fixed the quorum shall be a majority of the directors then in office.” This may seem contradictory. The Board feels that it is a way to allow decisions to deal with specific situations that require immediate action. The FRAA has a long history of managing the programs and assets of the organization through communication and consultation with the community. It’s a two way street. The FRAA welcomes advice and guidance that keeps our operations legal, proper and without personal gain.

Borrowing: Discussion about Part 8 – Borrowing refers to borrowing money for operations of the organization. At no time will individual Directors be allowed to personally borrow funds from the FRAA. The FRAA does have a policy that residents and local organizations/businesses may borrow tables, chairs, and/or kitchen equipment on a per request basis for dinners or events. Each request is considered on risk to assets.

4. Columbia Shuswap Regional District (CSRD) Grant In Aid

The FRAA received Grant In Aid funds of $1260 to subsidize participation in HIIT and Yoga over the last year. We have used all the grant money. A report to CSRD is in process.

5. St. Joseph Project

The FRAA anticipates receiving revised conceptual plans from Alasdair for review very soon. Then, community consultation: first, send the narrative and plans to residents by email with one week to respond, and; second, hold a one-day open house for further comment and discussion. Following community review the conceptual plan will be complete and sent to the Development Office for review and then on to engineered drawings and architectural review. It’s on a tight timeline to meet the December 16, 2020 deadline to spend grant money from the Columbia Basin Trust Community Initiatives Program.

6. Gym Facility at Field Elementary School

Equipment purchase has started. The FRAA will work on a License of Occupation with Parks Canada to sign when the lease surrender for the lot and building from Rocky Mountain School District process is complete.

7. Kicking Horse Ski Club – Operations 2020/21

  • Marilyn is training volunteers to oversee membership and communications. 
  • Michael Furfaro and Dave Allen have cleared 97 trees from the Emerald Connector. 
  • Joe will continue to clear trees and track set trails this winter.
  • Insurance on the skidoo trailer has been renewed for the season.
  • Memberships are starting to come in. Sally to set up e-transfers as payment method.

8. Round Table

Diane Tammen, BC Hydro Community Relations Manager for East Kootenay retires on October 27, 2020. Sally MacDonald will take on the role following Diane’s retirement. Sally’s email address is: sally.macdonald@bchydro.com

Parks Canada payments for the Contribution Agreement and use of the public washroom facility for 2018 and 2019 have not been received.