Minutes of Local 356 Executive Meeting

April 11, 2007

Sword Motor Inn, Bancroft

PRESENT: Arne Mikkelsen (Pres.), James Hawkins (1^st Vice-pres.), Terry Goodwin (2^nd Vice-pres.), Susan Kuiack (Treas.), Don Hughes (Sec’y), Mike Turner (Steward, Minden MNR)

REGRETS: Kathy Townsend (Steward, Bancroft MTO/MGS), Doug Jenkins (Steward, Haliburton MNR)

The meeting was called to order after dinner at 6:15 p.m.

PRESIDENT’S REPORT: President Arne reviewed changes in stewards: Mike Turner and Kent Hodgin had been added; Kathy Townsend was on temporary assignment in Kingston for four months. He noted that the local now had fairly good steward representation both geographically and by ministry. He anticipated that there would need to be three replacements on the executive this year – president, treasurer and secretary, and briefly discussed the challenges and opportunities re recruitment. A meeting at Haliburton Fire was scheduled for April 25, with the aim being to clarify rights under the collective agreement for seasonal unclassified staff.

TREASURER’S REPORT: A financial statement was not available, but the financial status was briefly reviewed. The transfer of $10k to a GIC (as passed at the general membership meeting February 15) would be done soon. A quarterly rebate from the central office was due soon. Current bank balance was >$20.7k. We had donated $300 to Bancroft Public School Playground Fund, and received a thank-you note as well as press coverage for our support. A request for a donation had been received from Fern Blais (MNR Pembroke) of OCOA and Hardwood Lake Lodge for Inner City Kids. MOTION (Turner/Goodwin) to donate $50. PASSED.

Mike Turner and President Mikkelsen had attended a Regional Meeting in Orillia, at which elections had been held. The Annual Convention was coming up April 18-21, with Arne, Terry and Mike slated to attend. Mike suggested circulating campaign material from candidates to solicit input from the members before the elections at convention.

FIRST VICE-PRESIDENT’S REPORT: James noted there was a stewards’ educational session next month (May), for which Kent Hodgin had applied for steward training. The next one would be in October. James would be attending the Fire staff session April 25, as well as visiting Parks after May 11. On the Local 356 website, he had posted minutes from executive and general meetings, and was placing questions for prizes to encourage more visits to the site.

GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING: Don noted that the general membership meeting was arranged for September 13 at the Haliburton fish hatchery. Following brief discussion about introducing an honorarium for future executive members, it was agreed that Susan, Arne and Don (all stepping down from executive) would discuss and introduce a motion at the general meeting.

MOTION (Goodwin/Hawkins) to adjourn at 7:15 p.m.