2009 Annual General Meeting
| |
|
2008 Annual General Meeting
The 2008 AGM was held, as usual, at the Grand Marais Recreation Centre on August 30. The event was attended by 65 of our 170+ members. Congratulations to the members of the 2008 - 2009 Management Committee: Linda Leonard - President, Anelia Humnisky - Vice President, Jerry Meagher - Past President, Roberta Dalman - Treasurer, Donna Meyer - Secretary, and Paul Leonard, Garry Dunne, Gord Koffman, Wendy French, and Jeff Landry - Directors.
The GMPOA gratefully acknowledges the participation of:
Mr. Ed Gunning (RM of St. Clements) - Mr. Gunning brought greetings from the RM and responded to questions from the floor. In summary:
- dust control is applied to the roads once each summer; one pass is made on all streets; Grand Marais Boulevard receives two passes because the provincial government pays for one of them; the RM would be willing to make two passes but residents would be charged on their property taxes for the extra pass; if residents want two passes on all streets, they should put-it-in-writing and send it to the RM.
- the RM has a contract to have the public washrooms at the corner of Grand Marais Boulevard and Grand Beach Road need emptied, cleaned and supplied with toilet paper; these washrooms will be removed once the new Information Centre/Heritage Museum is opened; the new centre will provide potable water and public washrooms; the centre should be operational next summer.
- residents' concerns about damage caused to boulevards by snow clearing will be forwarded to Public Works for their attention.
- in order to receive proper attention, all concerns and complaints should be sent in writing to the RM at Box 2, Grp 35 RR1 - East Selkirk, Manitoba - R0E 0M0 ( Editor's Note: GMPOA members are requested to forward a copy of their concern/complaint so our Concerns Action Committee can follow up on it with you.)
- over 400,000 visitors came to Grand Beach in 2008
- recycling bins will be installed for next summer; Grand Marais residents may use them
- the washrooms at the west end of the boardwalk will be renovated for next season.
- memorial benches can be purchased from the Grand Beach Cottage Owners Association Inc.
- call Natural Resources officers at 754-5043 if wild animals are seen in the park or in Grand Marais.
- off road vehicles (ATV's, quads, dirt bikes, etc.) are subject to the Off Road Vehicles Act; ORV's are not allowed on any public roads; however, if an ORV is proceeding to an off road trail by the shortest route, then the individual will not be ticketed, provided the operator is wearing a helmet, is accompanied by a responsible adult if unlicensed and is obeying all traffic laws, including the speed limit (which is 30 kph in Grand Marais); if ORV's are being operated on public roads in an unsafe manner, residents are advised to get a description of the ORV and its operator and call the RCMP at 754 -3494 or 754 - 2300
- fireworks are illegal unless you have a license; contact the RCMP at the numbers above if you have a concern/complaint
- there is a 24 hour noise bylaw in Grand Marais; contact the RCMP at the numbers above if you have a concern/complaint
- the speed limit in all residential areas is 50 kph unless otherwise posted; the posted speed limit in Grand Marais is 30 kph; some signs have been stolen and need to be replaced.
- parking is illegal along Grand Marais Boulevard, from Deepdale Avenue to Pinehurst Avenue; the RCMP cannot ticket offenders however because the "No Parking" signs have been stolen.
- PBLE can enforce municipal bylaws only, not provincial or federal laws.
- bylaw enforcement is complaint driven; in order to receive proper attention, all concerns and complaints, including derelict buildings, should be sent in writing to the RM at Box 2, Grp 35 RR1 - East Selkirk, Manitoba - R0E 0M0 ( Editor's Note: GMPOA members are requested to forward a copy of their concern/complaint so our Concerns Action Committee can follow up on it with you.); concerns/complaints will be forwarded to PBLE and/or to the Selkirk and Area District Planning Board for their attention; if necessary, PBLE and the Selkirk and Area District Planning Board will forward information to appropriate authorities that can apply other legislation that has real clout.
- septic waste must be collected in a septic tank that is emptied by a qualified contractor or in a portable toilet that is emptied legally or in an approved composting toilet; outhopuses using an open pit or a bucket are illegal.
- the GBADC partnered with the GMPOA to present the Canada Day fireworks and the Big Swampy Ice Fishing Derby.
- the GBADC owns and maintains the large sign and the Reader Board at Vassar Lane as well as the bulletin board at Doris's.
- the GBCOA and the RM of St. Clements are working together to provide a doctor at the East Beaches Fire and Rescue Department during the summer season
To view the reports of the president and standing committees, click below:
(Note: a free Adobe Reader will be required to view the files.)
- President's Report 2008
- Ice Fishing Derby Report 2008
- Garbage Committee Report 2008
- Membership Report 2008
- Communications Committee Report 2008
- Concerns Action Committee Report 2008
- COPP Report 2008
- Fire Truck Pull Report 2008
- Staircase Report AGM 2008
- Treasurer's Report 2008
FAQ About Memberships
Q: Why should I become a member?
A: Firstly, to have the support of the entire membership when you have an issue that needs follow-up with authorities. Secondly, so your ideas and opinions can be heard by the membership and, if supported, acted upon by the membership.
Q: What is the difference between a property owner member and an associate member?
A: A property owner member is a property owner in Grand Marais and is entitled to vote at meetings. An associate member cannot vote at meetings.
Q: Why do associates not have a vote?
A: So associates cannot control the association and lobby for improvements that property owners would have to pay for.
Q: Why should I take out an associate membership when I don't get a vote?
A: So your ideas and opinions can be heard and, if supported, acted upon by the membership. As well, associate members can be elected to the Board of Directors and obtain a vote. Our founder (and past president) is an associate member.