Aug 1, 2023 General Minutes*

 

President:    Kent Whaley (Acting for Don McKay) 

President Elect:  N/A

Secretary:  Monica Cook Sargent At Arms:  Doug Long  Call To Order:

a. The Pas Roadrunner Swim Club.  Kent shared correspondence from the Roadrunners that the Club is facing financial burdens in relation to rental fees for the pool, and requires additional assistance.  Some options for consideration are:

This will be taken to the Executive for discussion and a recommendation will be brought back to the Club.

Kent reminded the Club that we had discussed that the Roadrunner Swim Club had expressed potentially assisting with ticket sales for Catch the Big One.  Jenn Matthews is President currently, Tamsin Patience is the Treasurer.  Blair provided contact information to Don Dunnigan who will be in touch with the Swim Club to discuss this further, both in relation to potential connections with CTBO as well as to advise that it would be helpful if the Swim Club would attend a Rotary meeting to discuss various other options to support swimming safety/lessons in the Tri-Community.

Michael also mentioned that Operation Rednose was turned over to the

RoadRunner Club and it used to be quite a good way to raise funds.  Our Club has also sponsored swim lessons for $8,000 (total) for two of the school swim programs.  Carol and Blair noted that they would be in favor of sponsoring underprivileged children for swimming lessons.

Kent advised this matter would be tabled until the next Executive meeting, and a recommendation will be brought back to the Club.

Robin indicated that he and others will take care of removing/trimming the trees before the new panels can be installed.  This will most likely be next Tuesday afternoon after the Rotary meeting, so anyone available to help is welcome.  Blair commented that it would be helpful if someone had a wood chipper to assist with this work (lol).  Don will assist. .Kent also advised that Kelsey Paddock will attend our meeting in two weeks to provide an update of Destination Marketing Committee projects as well as any KRC initiatives.

 

                       a. Catch The Big One:  Catch the Big One will begin again on the Labour Day Weekend (September 2023). Don will be meeting with Connie, and will share more information at the next meeting.

 

a. Walking Trail Extension.  Kent reported that he and Robin are following up on the discussion related to extending the walking trail, and the funding which will be required for any related work. Kent will be seeking quotes for the paving and will report when he has this information – the Town has said it may be upwards of $50,000. A tender would need to be done, and getting this in place this year may not be possible.  Kent also noted that Maple Leaf is beginning a project locally soon – he will check with his contact there to see if there is any possibility to fund some of the repairs this year.  

Robin shared that he spoke with the draftsman from the Town of The Pas and was able to access the land information and receive a copy of land ownership within the Town limits.  It was pointed out that the RM of Kelsey will also have to be consulted.

It was agreed that ultimately, it would be best to have a plan in place and finalized, with associated costs (Phase 1, 2, 3 etc.). Then if/when administrators and governments change, we still have the plan conceptualized, approved and can move ahead with any additional requests for funding which may be required at later dates.

There was discussion about the potential for extending the path to the campground by the Ag Society and towards the golf course.  This will be quite expensive, so funding will be an issue.  Rick noted that hearing from other clubs which have embarked on such projects, it is a great idea to join the Ag Society and golf club and others to partner on such a projects.  Also, Rotary may have funds available for larger projects as well if there are international partners.  We should also consider a Rotary centre along this community path and in conjunction with other groups to showcase partnerships and community involvement/projects.    

This is very conceptual at this point.  We will continue to gather information and to determine costs associated with any upgrades and extension.  A preliminary meeting with the RM will be set towards the end of August.

Kent pointed out that regardless of what decision our Club makes (and in consultation with other groups and government)…  This may also be a draw for new members who are interested in

Monica will ensure the Hall is available.  Rick pointed out that we normally are not charged to use the Hall since Rotary makes a donation for its operation.  Rick will communicate with Sonja to determine which cause she will want any funds raised that evening to be provided to, and he will also check into whether there are any Paul Harris nominees.  

 

Don McKay will chair the August 29 meeting as President, and Don Dunnigan has agreed to be the Sargent at Arms for the fundraising that evening.  We will discuss a more specific agenda for Sonja’s visit at our August 8 meeting.  

Michael shared that a previous exchange student who stayed with the O’Rourke family a number of years ago visited them in Mexico, and will now be visiting The Pas in August.  Felix Napels is now an IT professional and had worked with DocuSign and has been very successful.  He will be staying with Michael, and will come to the Rotary meeting while he is here.