Craig Walkington, Maureen Strickland, Alvena Cain, Owida Downey, Arthur Carter, Sharon Laframboise, Clark Cromwell, Delaine Clyne, Anne Perry 
 

Bryan Darrell 
 

Call to Order - The meeting was called to order at 6:04pm. 
  

Review of Notes from August 24, 2004 Meeting - Moved by Sharon L. seconded by Alvena to accept the notes from the August 24, 2004 meeting. Carried.

Matters Arising From August 24, 2004 Meeting :

a. Integration of Design Concept Into HRM Capital District Plans - Status Report . Craig said he would be meeting shortly with George Rogers and Frank Palermo to discuss turning the Design Concept into a written format for submission to HRM. 
 

b. Interim Holding Account for CIF - Status Report . Craig circulated a letter from Ted Tam (dated 26 August 2004) on this matter. The following quote from the letter states why the CIF cannot be placed in a holding account to earn interest pending approval of the CIF Proposal:

• Currently, HRM does not possess, in cash, the total approved, but as yet unspent, budget for the Harbour Solutions Project in the Environmental Protection reserve. The remaining HSP budget will be spent over five years and the Harbour Solutions Project Finance Plan ensures funds are in place to meet our obligations - including the Halifax CLC - when they arise. Funds come from other levels of government, borrowed funds, and the ongoing revenue stream of Environmental Protection levies, as well as funds held in reserve.
   
• The HRM does have the capacity to ensure payment of the full $1,000,000 of expenditures made for the Halifax CLC within typical payment process time frames.
   
• All expenditures must be approved and flow through HRM to ensure proper fiscal reporting and documentation. This ensures all procurement policies are met as required by the Policy for Expenditure from Community Integration Funds.

• Funds currently in reserves are invested by HRM staff to obtain the best interest rate possible. This interest revenue is paid into reserves and the Harbour Solutions Project anticipated interest revenues are already accounted for in the project budget. 
   
• By having funds invested by the Municipality it benefits HRM by maximizing interest revenues. This minimizes the total cost of the Harbour Solutions Project; this revenue savings is then passed on to all residents through lower pollution control charges on their water bills.

Follow-Up From Meeting With HRM HS Project Staff and D&D Water Solutions Architects .

The CLC discussed what had occurred at the meeting with HRM HS Project Staff and the D&D WS representatives and architects on Thursday, September 9, 2004. There is a real concern shared by all members of the CLC that the consultation process between D&D Water Solutions and the CLC is not in accordance with the CLC Terms of Reference. The CLC felt that there was no flexibility being shown by D&D WS and its architects when suggestions and concerns were raised during the meeting. In addition, the CLC felt that the consultation process is confusing and needs to be clarified. Specifically, D&D WS appears to only recognize their relationship with HRM and the HS Project as the only entity that they will deal with or respond to. Conversely, the CLC feels that the HS Project simply refers the CLC to the contractor when issues are raised. As such the CLC feels voiceless in this process. Further, the CLC feels that our requests for our ideas to be taken seriously are not being heard. The CLC considers that it is being reasonable in this process and it also recognizes that there are certain limitations and constraints in building the plant. The CLC also feels that its vision for the area, the potential use for the top of the building, and our concerns about the limitations being imposed by the architects must be addressed.

In order to address this issue, Craig said he would contact the HS Project to set up a meeting as soon as possible after Ted Tam's return from vacation. The CLC also asked Craig to contact Councillor Dawn Sloane about this issue. 
   

Community Planning Model Proposal - Next Steps :

a. Request for Support Letters - Status Report . Craig said he had received a further letter. This brings a total of 22 letters of support. We now have 151 letters/signatures/votes of support, 13 votes against, and one spoilt ballot.

b. Community Focus Groups - Update . The first Focus Group will take place at 6:00pm on Tuesday, 28 September 2004 at the George Dixon Centre. This first meeting will involve approximately 6 to 8 people who are involved with or promote community development. Sharon Martin will be asked by Anne Perry to facilitate the meeting. As we do not want to have too many CLC members at the focus session, this meeting will only involve Craig, Anne, and Delaine. Owida and Alvena will attend as observers. The agenda for the focus group is as follows:

• Introduction and explanation of the CLC and what the CLC does (Craig)
• Introduction of participants and what he/she or their organization does (Participants)
• Overview of a Community Development Corporation (Maureen MacDonald)
• Overview of the Community Planning Model (Delaine)
• Discussion to generate support and ideas (All)
• Conclusion and Next Steps

Anne said she would contact Sharon about refreshments for the focus session. Anne will also prepare and send a letter that would be sent to the participants prior to the meeting.

c. Next Sub-Committee Meeting . To be organized by Delaine and she will advise the other sub-committee members.

Other Business : None
  

Next Meeting Date - 6:00pm, Tuesday, 5 October 2004 at the George Dixon Centre. 
  

Adjournment - The meeting adjourned at 7:30pm.