Halifax Community Investment Fund Board Meeting

Wednesday, July 9, 2008

Room 201, 2030 Gottingen Street

Present:           Clark Cromwell, Jenette Beals, Bryan Darrell, Nanci Lee, Peter Green, Craig Walkington, Linda Mantley, Shazza Laframboise, Nick Pryce, Michelle Strum and Irvine Carvery

Absent:            None

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1.       Call to Order – The meeting was called to order at 5:39pm.

2.       Review and Approval of Notes from Previous Meeting – Meeting of 28 May 2008.  Moved – Shazza / Seconded – Nanci.  Carried.

3.       Standing Committee Reports:

a.     Communications Committee – The following issues were discussed:

i.     Flyer – Nanci reported that she met with Maureen MacDonald, MLA for the area, and Maureen has agreed to print the flyers.  Maureen also made suggestions with regard to the content on the website and when the applications for bursaries in 2009 should be opened on 15March 2009 with announcements by 15 May 2009

ii.   Website – The website is now up and running.   The website is www.HalifaxCIF.org

b.     Programs and Administration Committee – The following issues were discussed:

i.     Human Development Program – As noted in the meeting notes of 28 May 2008, InterTransition Consulting Group was approved as the proponent to run the Power From Within Program.  Nick said that he checked the references and they all praised the InterTransition Consulting Group.  A space in which to conduct the sessions must be identified.  Irvine said that he would check on the availability of the George Dixon Centre.  Nick will prepare a flyer and application form and circulate it once it is finalized.  Nick asked that all Board members circulate the flyer and applications.  The deadline for applications is 15 August 2008.  It was also recommended that some advertizing for the program be taken out in The Coast.                    

Motion – That the HCIF Board approve a total of $7,000 for the overall cost and associated expenses for the Power From Within Program.  Moved – Peter / Seconded – Irvine.  Carried.

Craig will send a letter to Darlene Higginbotham of the InterTransition Consulting Group advising her that her organization is the successful proponent.

ii.   Bursary Program – Peter (Chair of the Bursary Selection Committee) made his report on behalf of the Bursary Selection Committee.  There were 17 applications and each was rated on Financial Need, Academic Achievement, and Community Involvement.  He said it was a thorough and objective process.  Based upon the quality of the applications, it was requested that an additional bursary of $3,000 be approved. 

Motion – That the HCIF Board approve an additional $3,000 bursary for a total of nine bursaries of $3,000 each.  Moved – Peter / Seconded – Clark.  Carried.

The Bursary Selection Committee proposed the slate of recommended applicants, each to receive a $3,000 bursary.   

Motion – The HCIF Board approve the following nine successful candidates, all of whom live in the area, each to receive a $3,000 bursary:

-        Note – Names of recipients have been deleted for privacy reasons       

Moved – Peter / Seconded – Shazza. Carried.

                     Letters will be sent to all applicants advising them of the results.  In addition, the Chair will send a letter to Rev. Rhonda Brittain of the Cornwallis Street Baptist Church thanking her for her work as a member of the Bursary Selection Committee.

                     Moved – That the HCIF Board make a donation of fifty dollars ($50.00) to the General Fund of the Cornwallis Street Baptist Church as a token of thanks to their Pastor, Rev. Rhonda Brittain, for her work on the Bursary Selection Committee.  Moved – Irvine / Seconded – Linda. Carried.

                     Peter said that it would be beneficial if the Bursary Selection Committee remain in place to work on two issues.

                     Moved – That the Bursary Selection Committee remain in place to:

a.      Review the Bursary Program procedures and process for next year; and

b.      Prepare an application to the Halifax Youth Foundation to ask for a grant of $30,000 for 10 bursaries for the academic year 2009/2010.

Moved – Peter / Seconded – Nick.  Carried.

                     The following motion that was circulated by e-mail and telephone was reviewed:

                     Moved – That one of the HCIF Bursaries be named “The Owida Bruce-Downey Bursary” in memory of Owida Downey (former Halifax Community Liaison Committee member).  Moved – Nanci / Seconded – Paul.  Carried.

            Craig said that he will write a letter to Mrs. Downey’s husband, Robert Downey, expressing the sympathy of the HCIF Board and advising him that one of the Bursaries has been named after his late wife.

            On behalf of the HCIF Board, the Chair thanked the Bursary Selection Committee for their hard work and diligence in successfully running the first Bursary Program.

c.     Investment Committee – A report will be tabled at the next HCIF Board Meeting.

d.    Legal Committee – The following issues were discussed:

i.     Status as a Charity – Peter noted that the HCIF Board must decide if it wishes to seek Registration as a Charitable Organization with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) – Peter said that he had gathered the material.   

ii.   HCIF Society By-Laws – Craig noted that the By-Laws needed to be tidied-up as the ones submitted as part of the HCIF Society’s registration had not received a full review prior to their submission.  It was agreed that Craig and Peter would discuss this issue to determine a course of action.

4.       Other Business:

a.               Resignation of Paul Crane from HCIF Board – Craig noted that he regretfully accepted Paul’s resignation from the HCIF Board due to a significant amount of personal and work related commitments.

b.        Starting the Accountant – It was noted that the Treasure and Chair must meet with the previously approved Accountant, Donna Smith, as soon as possible.

c.             Annual Review Process – Craig noted that we should start thinking about when we should meet in Fall 2008 to review the previous year and look at the programs for 2009.

d.        Business Sponsorship Strategy – Craig said that we should be looking at how we can obtain support from local area businesses.  The support could be used to cover some operating expenses and to fund programs.  It was noted that there is a significant number of business in the area and that we should carefully plan how we approach them for support.  Craig said that the Investment Committee will meet to develop a strategy.

e.             Directors/Officers’ Liability Insurance – Irvine said that he had not yet finished the task to obtain quotes from Zive Insurance.

f.              Process to Fill Board Vacancies – There are now two vacancies.  Craig said that it was important to ensure that the vacancies are filled by people who fit the HCIF Board’s criteria and who are willing to work.  Craig said that he will send an e-mail to the Board Members asking for names and he will bring forward the list at the next HCIF Board meeting for discussion on how the Board should proceed to fill the vacancies.

g.        Tour of Halifax Site Wastewater Treatment Facility – Craig advised the members that a tour would be available to HCIF Board members and former Halifax Community Liaison Committee members and it would occur in the Fall.  He said he would circulate an e-mail advising members and asking for their preference with regard to day of the week and time. 

5.       Next Meeting – 5:30pm on Wednesday, 27 August 2008 at 2030 Gottingen Street.

6.       Adjournment – The meeting adjourned at 7:40pm.