Present: President - Ted Brown Vice Pres- Harvey Snyder

Treasurer - Judy Wagdin Secretary - Josh Seabrooke

Directors - Michel Dubord , Doug Longmire, Bernie McMullen, Glen Trebble

Guests - Donna Williams and Joanne Nesbitt.

Absent: Dick Trumble, and a representative from Councilor Stavinga's office.

Agenda: Discussed and approved

Minutes: Read by all present. Approved.

Business Arising from Minutes: 1. Flags and Flowers.

Judy reported that Ray Lalonde has yet to give the cost for maintaining the flowers. Judy has made accommodations for the cost of maintenance in the budget.

2. Question Boxes.

Michel to check with Richmond Library, Judy with YIG if both are agreeable to having question boxes installed in their buildings. Size, appearance and construction of boxes to be determined. Harvey suggested that a question form also be posted on the website.

3. Beautification.

Judy reported that the directional signs and fox and Duke flags will be dealt with in spring 2003.

4. Financial.

Judy reported that there is no new financial report. Another donation of $150 was made to the Beautification Fund. An error in the minutes was corrected; the $2000 is not intended for murals, but for the Beautification Fund.

5. Fair Display.

The size and layout of the fair display was discussed briefly. More attention will be given to this matter in April.

New Business:

1. Local Artists.

Harvey reported that there are some artists in Richmond who are miffed, feeling they were overlooked for the mural project, having not been given the chance to bid. It was decided that it is the responsibility of any artist to make their interest in bidding on the mural project known to the RVA.

2. Jock River Fountain.

Bernie reported that he is looking to get more information from Ganonoque about their fountain, and indicated that such a project would be something to consider for next year. Harvey suggested that inquiries be made as to whether or not an environmental assessment is needed for such a project.

3. Proposed Budget

Judy reported that the current financial statement stands at $24501.20. Judy then suggested that preparation and planning of the budget be postponed until December's meeting, when a concrete financial statement would be prepared. Fund raising will also be discussed as the funding the RVA has received in the past from the former Goulbourn Township and the current City of Ottawa may not continue. Ted to contact Gabe and see whether funding will continue.

4. Canada Day 2003.

Planning for events of 2003. Logistics of planning the celebration were briefly discussed (location, time of day, parking). Michel suggested that if Canada Day celebrations are planned for the coming year that they not be licensed to serve alcohol. Judy recommended that an article be published in the Stittsville News to see if there is enough interest in the community and that a request be made for volunteers. Josh to write.

5. Stolen Flags.

Judy reported that Councilor Stavinga's office will reimburse the RVA for the flags that were stolen.

6. Welcome Wagon.

Michel suggested that RVA information from the website be made available at the Library and to the Welcome Wagon. Josh to contact Aspa Kelly to see if welcome wagon is still rolling.

Presentation By Donna Williams re. Chanonhouse Park play structure.

The play structure at Chanonhouse was destroyed by vandals. Donna Williams from the City of Ottawa presented some options to consider in replacing the structure. The cost of replacing the structure is estimated at $20 000. Donna spoke of the Minor Capital Program, a 50/50 - grant/ fund raising program which would allow the RVA to raise funds (maximum of $7500), those funds would then be matched by the city. This program is available to help cover costs if a new, larger structure is to be built. If the community wishes to replace the structure that was already there, then insurance will cover the entire cost, replacing it in kind.

Concerns were raised over the vulnerability of the park, as it backs onto the conservation area, and that lighting in the park is poor or inadequate. There was agreement that the RVA find out what residents near the Chanonhouse Park say about the frequency of the vandalism, and if there is any need for a park at the current location. Ways of conducting a survey to be discussed later. The possibility of relocating a new structure could be considered if there are too few young children using the Chanonhouse Park.

Joanne Nesbitt presented various designs of play structures, some constructed with vandal resistant material. Judy requested a list of parks with the new structures, Joanne to send information and pictures to the Richmond Library.

Adjournment.

Next Meeting: December 2, 2002. 7:30 pm. St.Paul's United Church.