“Per David N’s request, the minutes of our last meeting are now posted. If there are any corrections, additions, or omissions, please make note of it for amendments at the May meeting. I will be posting the minutes again closer to our May meeting as way of reminder.”
1. CALL TO ORDER
COUREURS DE BOIS ELLIOT LAKE Meeting March 15, 2022
The meeting was called to order by David N. at 7 p.m. There were 14 members in attendance.
2. APPROVAL OF THE NOVEMBER 16, 2021 MINUTES
Minutes of the previous meeting approved by Jackie S., seconded by Heber D.
3. PRESIDENT’S REPORT – David N.
David reported that Jerry indicated that there are hike leaders who certification has expired. There is no longer a need to re-write the exam, and the fee to renew is $5.00.
A motion was made that the Club pay the fees for hike leaders who wish to renew their certification. Moved by Chuck Z., seconded by David N. CARRIED.
Jerry will provide a list of hike leaders whose certification has expired.
Bill H. offered to contact people who were hike leaders in the past and inquire if they are interested in becoming active leaders again.
Shared Used report: two meetings had been scheduled, but both were cancelled.
The Rod and Gun Club is having an open house on the 4th of June and they asked if we would be interested in setting up a table representing our hiking club. Heber is willing to look after this, and asked for several volunteers to help man the table.
An idea of having guest speakers at our regular meetings was put forward, such as Bill Johnson of Bear Wise, Chuck speaking on everything you want to know about mushrooms, etc. This proposal was agreed to by the members present. We would only have snacks at these special guest speaker evenings.
There was a brief discussion on a logo for the club. Marty T. indicated that he has a logo of the club which can be drawn up/designed for other uses as desired. A suggestion was made about having a club crest that could be sewn on backpacks, coats, etc.
VTA – a map of our section of the VTA, Kings Lake Rd. to the end of Pipeline Road, will be added to the VTA overall map.
The VTA is spending a great deal of money to update their website, making it more interactive, etc.
The next hike leaders’ meeting will be on March 22, 2022 at 2:30 at the Snowmobile Club.
4. VICE-PRESIDENT’S REPORT – Julie B.
The hiking club still has a credit of $400 with Laird signs, so we will order signs for Grant’s Trail and Emily’s Trail.
A local company, Sign Rite, can also make signs for us at a reduced rate - $18.00 each or $15.00 for 10 or more signs. Once our credit is used up with Laird signs, this option can be
investigated.
Julie gave a report on our website’s additional pages re information on our trails and the Tidbit section. Information needs to be gathered on the different trails so that current and future members will have an understanding on how these trails came about, how they got their names, etc.
The Tidbits page will be taken down as there appears to be no interest in contributing to it. Julie explained to the membership the intended purpose of the Tidbit page at the request of a member.
5. FINANCIAL AND MEMBERSHIP REPORT – Sue L.
Sue reported on the financials since the last meeting. The financial report was approved by Jackie S. seconded by David N. CARRIED.
We currently have 102 paid members. 3 new members joined in January.
6. TRAILMASTER’S REPORT – Heber D.
Heber gave a report on the conditions of several trails - Snowshoe Trail, Helen’s Trail, and High Rocks Trail. He also mentioned that a new trail, Nordic Lake Lookout Trail, is still being cleared and it will be a beautiful trail for members. It should be ready and marked by summer. Signs will also be required by summer.
7. NEW BUSINESS
Marty T. reported on the last VTA meeting. The VTA has decided that we pay our local membership fees via their website. This is to go in affect April 1st. The rationale behind this decision is that there will be one date, April 1st, when all membership fees will be due. Concerns were put forward that not everyone in our club would be comfortable with paying online, some may not have internet, etc. A question was put forward whether there would be an option for members to pay by cheque via mail.
Family membership fees have been done away with, with only single memberships available for $30.00, a price increase of $5.00.
The VTA discussed the possibility of hiring someone to keep trails open as some clubs
have very few members, or none at all, to work on the trails.
There was a discussion of Covid regulations, sanctioned hikes, etc. David N. said that we are covered by insurance if we do our due diligence. As most mandates are lifted, this is no longer an issue.
Chuck Z. made a motion that the hiking club drop all restrictions, seconded by Bill. A discussion followed with members voicing concerns and opinions. A vote was taken but it was a tie. It was decided that there were not enough members present to really take a vote on this issue, so for the time being the status quo will be maintained.
Sue L. said that Jean-Guy L. had asked about the possibility of having Coureur de Bois “business cards” that could be handed out to people who express an interest in the club. It was agreed that this was a good idea. The blog’s website should be on the card as well as the membership person. Jackie S. is to explore the costs on Vista for printing the cards.
Heber D. brought up the idea of having the name or description of a hike being put on the blog. Discussion followed. Bill H. felt only special/different hikes should be put on the blog; it also creates more work for the blogger. Pros and cons of this idea were discussed.
8. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 8:11 p.m.
