June 28, 2009

Annual General Meeting
28 June 2009

The eighth Annual General Meeting of the Youbou TimberLess Society was convened at Somenos Hall in Duncan BC on Sunday, 28 June at 1:00 PM with all directors but Richard Weir present.

1. It was moved by Lucy Vermiere and seconded by Gordon Wilkinson to accept the circulated minutes of the last Annual General Meeting held on 20 April 2008. Motion carried.

2. Treasurer’s report was given by Chris Olsen. Copies of the 2008 financial report were circulated. Jack Casey queried a $200 cheque drawn for a Silva culture workshop that Ken James was unable to attend due to sickness. The funds were later reimbursed. There was also a $200 damage deposit for the Youbou hall for the Xmas party. Following a further short discussion it was moved by Dick Murdoch and seconded by Jack Casey that the Treasurers Annual Report be accepted. Motion carried

3. Ken James reported on Youbou TimberLess Society Group Health and Dental Plan changes proposed by Pacific Blue Cross. The changes fit into two categories:

a) A July 1, 2009 increase in the premiums of about 20% and

b) Changes to the actual plan coverage deemed necessary by Pacific Blue Cross to help mitigate future cost increases.

There followed considerable discussion regarding the original plan coverage and the updated enhanced coverage negotiated by YTS directors in 2006. Concern was expressed about financial hardship to members still using the original plan as they are facing increases of up to 60%. Ken explained negotiations with Pacific Blue Cross will be ongoing but also expressed his concerns about discussing this situation with Pacific Blue Cross. He noted members signed up for the original YTS group plan have enjoyed many years of stable premiums albeit with inferior coverage and, that whilst 60% is high it will effectively upgrade all members to the enhanced coverage. Anne Wilkinson asked about the differences in the two plans. Ken gave a brief Enhanced versus Original overview. He also offered some general pointers about coverage and reminded everyone that the full Group Plan agreement is available on the YTS website

4. Legal report presented by Ken James. Several months ago members were informed that legal action against the Provincial Government had ceased but Ken reported several items still needed to be wrapped up. Official and legal notification needed to be made declaring Ken James and Joe Arvay no longer wished to pursue the case. This has now been done and it is confirmed Ken is not liable for any costs. Joe expressed his pleasure at working with the group and his regret that the outcome had not been more favourable. Anne Wilknson thanked Ken for sticking his neck out and the group gave him applause. Chris Olsen explained there is still a legal fund the proceeds of which he felt should be transferred to the YTS general account. Ken directed this for consideration under new business.

5. Under Old Business Ken asked about price increase of YTS membership dues. The directors decided to not increase membership and would retain the current $10/individual annually. No projector has been purchased; however, it is still on the wish list. Anne said that there is new equipment on the market that is not as costly as it once was. Ken assured her that Keith is savvy about this and would look for the best deal.

6. Ken discussed New Business. Chris asked if the funds in the legal fund could be moved into the chequing account. Following Terry Manhas’s enquiry about the amount in the fund Chris Olsen replied $800. Chris moved to transfer the funds and Anne Wilkinson seconded the motion. Carried unanimously.

7. Under New Business, Ken suggested offering Lifetime Memberships to Joe Arvay and Scott Prudham as a small gesture of the groups appreciation for their work on behalf of the YTS. Prudham’s report Fractured Lives would have cost $1000’s to produce. Jack Casey asked questions about Prudham: he was last out in February of this year. Ken moved and Dick Murdoch seconded to offer the lifetime memberships. Motion carried unanimously.

8. Under New Business, Ken James suggested changes to membership dues structure for members enrolled in the Youbou TimberLess Society Group Medical Plan. Ken suggested that YTS membership be congruent with PBC membership, i.e. couple plan with PBC then couple membership required with YTS. Following group discussion Ken James moved and Joanelle Swan seconded motion that YTS membership be congruent with PBC membership. Carried unanimously.

All Group Plan recipients will be informed by mail.

9. Richard Vermiere asked about entering the Duncan Summer parade. Ken explained the directors decided to go into one parade per year. Handing out seedlings is a big part of this so if these are not available, then entrance to the parade doesn’t happen. Anne Wilkinson asked about number of seedlings needed. Ken explained approx 2500 trees in Lake Cowichan and 7500 trees in Duncan are handed out. The giving of trees speaks well of our society.

10. Ken talked about Trust Forests. This is a step beyond Community Forests where political parties maintain control. The YTS met with the BC Forest Society and did get some information but decided to pursue our own initiative. Please check the information that went out with the recent newsletter; it is also on our website. Eventually the YTS would like to take a show on the road. Perhaps a trip to Revelstoke again would be helpful where the focus there is community related. Scott was going to check if there were enough monies in his grant to perhaps get a two-day forum here in the Cowichan Valley.

Elections: Jack Casey, Ken James, and Rick Vermiere’s terms are up.

Nominated for directors:
Jack Casey, Rick Vermiere, Ken James, Terry Manhas, and Ron LaRose.

Willing to stand:
Jack Casey, Rick Vermiere, and Ken James;

Declined:
Terry Manhas, Ron LaRose.

By acclamation, Jack, Rick, and Ken remain as directors.

AGM declared closed at 1:55 pm. The Samosas are ready.

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