2009 AGM
Edmonton Bicycle Commuters 2009 Annual General Meeting
13 Sep 2009
1 Welcome
2:11 pm Chris Chan called the meeting to order. He went over an overview of the organization, it is the oldest community league bike organization. He spoke about the goals and activities of EBC, especially BikeWorks being currently open 7 days a week. BikeWorks accepting used bikes as donations, and recycle those that cannot be fixed. EBC does work outside of the shop, for example the rails to trails initiative, and getting bike racks on buses. Chris mentioned the transportation master plan as an additional item to the agenda.
2. Organization Overview
EBC is a registered non-profit society, formed 29 years ago in August 1980. EBC is focused on supporting the bicycle as a healthy and ecologically sound mode of everyday urban travel. A core part of our charitable activities includes BikeWorks, a community do-it-yourself bike workshop where we teach and help people to fix their bikes. Staffed mostly by volunteers, and some times paid mechanics, we've been open 7 days a week for the past two summers. From the beginning, we've been committed to reducing the environmental impact of bicycles: to that end, we accept used bikes and salvage usable parts, then recycle the rest. We do a lot of work outside of the bike shop too, and though it's not as immediately visible, the benefits for all the city's cyclists are apparent. The Rails to Trails initiative was begun by EBC members (leading to paths like the ones along 109 St and 121 St), and EBC purchased the initial racks for the Bikes on Buses. We continue to work on our advocacy role, making cycling an easier choice (and I daresay better choice) for Edmontonians to make.
3. Introduction of Board Members
Introduced past board members, president, vice-president, secretary, treasurer. And the non-executive members.
4. Description of Board Positions and Tasks
Spoke of general overview of board positions, board meetings, board sub-committees, term lengths, elections, how board positions are chosen and board members elected.
Positions (9 available)
1. President – Executive Head of the Society and is an ex-officio members of all
committees
2. Vice-President – Assumes all duties of President in his/her absence. Focus
on advocacy and increasing awareness of EBC and cycling issues
3. Secretary – Ensures all meeting minutes are accurately recorded, maintains
records of the society.
4. Treasurer-maintains accurate account of financial status, presents financial
statement at AGM and prepares next year’s budget
5. BikeWorks Director - Coordination of BikeWorks
6. Communications Director – handles media, announcements, publicity, etc.
7. Community Events Director- Coordinate involvement with events in the
community.
8. Volunteer Director- Coordinate and recruit volunteers, hire and supervise
Volunteer coordinator
9. Office/Sponsorship and Fundraising Director- Work on non-mechanical side of
BikeWorks
10. Membership/Registration Director- Processing memberships, etc.
11. Policy Director- develop and maintain long term policy.
** New position (Non-Board)
12.. Information and Technology Director-maintain website, improve computers in shop, any technological tools necessary.
5. President's Report
2:24 pm -Scott McAnsh, VP gave report on behalf of Michael Kalmanovitch.
-Spoke of membership, new membership, over 300 new members. Organizational growth.
-Advocacy to members of city council, council committees. EBC attended events for bike plan, continues to go to council to support bike plan, efffort is hoped to continue with the new board.
-Ghost bike program, spoke of program. Achieved some media recognition. Hosted Ghost Bike ride. Coordinated globally with other bike clubs.
-Bikeology success, EBC involved,, will continue role in future.
-Secured grant to get project coordinator position, one year contract, position is ending next spring, but is hoped to get grant to continue
-had funding for 2 full time mechanics at BikeWorks. Allowed BikeWorks to stay open 7 days a week. At least 1 mechanic will be kept.
-EBC building lease is extended for another 2 years. Longterm, building may be sold fairly soon.
-Volunteer coordinator did excellent job, good volunteer support.
-Media contact, EBC became mainstream source for bicycle commentary in the Edmonton media
6. Treasurers Report
2:32 pm- Chris Chan gave Treasurer’s Report, for details see original paper copy of itinerary/report for details.
240 - Budget- Chris presented the new budget for the upcoming year. See his notes for details.
- Funding for mechanics, EI expenses, BikeWorks expenses, Bike Month, courses, trailers, instructors, program expenses, supplies and material, Ghost Bikes, volunteers (meals, travel, etc)
- rent, utilities, building repairs and maintenance, advertising and promotion, newsletter, web and internet, insurance, consultants,
246-Question from the floor (Molly) -Is the Out Reach money separate from the budget?
247 - motion by Karly Coleman to accept budget as presented, seconded by Keegan McEvoy. All were in favor, motion carried.
7. Recognition
2:49 pm -Chris spoke of various groups and people deserving of recognition. See original paper copy of planned itinerary minutes for details.
2:51 - Karly Coleman introduced the Jack Grainge Award. Chris spoke of nominees - Molly Turnbull. Stephen Talman and Wendy Allsopp. Don Iveson and Sarah Chan.
-Award goes to Don Iveson and Sarah Chan.
259 - Molly Turnbull spoke of Dale Allsopp and introduced Dale Allsopp award for contributions to EBC. Nominees -Alex Hindle, Bill Sellers, Michael Kalmanovitch, Coreen F, Keegan McEvoy.
-Award goes to both Coreen F AND Keegan McEvoy!
8. Elections
3:10 pm - Chris Chan stated that there are 9 vacancies are available on the Board as there are two returning Board members. Chris spoke of nomination procedure, including acceptance/declining of nominations, speeches, and other options for nominees. Voting procedures.
Previously nominated nominees (7)
-Keegan McEvoy
-David Feldman
-Michael Janz
-Lauren Price
-Sharon Barker
-Chris Chan
- Derek Pluim
Nominations from Floor (3)
-Jason Ponto
-Neil Carey
-Keith Hallgren
3:25 - All candidates accepted the nominations, and a recess of 5 minutes was called.
3:46 - nominees returned, having decided amongst themselves who will be board members and who will head committees. Upon discussion amongst themselves, David Feldman declined the nomination.
All board members accepted by acclamation
New Board: Erich Welz, Bill Sellers, Christopher Chan, Keegan McEvoy, Lauren Price, Derek Pluim, Sharon Barker, Michael Janz, Keith Hallgren, Jason Ponto, Neil Carey
3:47 - Michael Janz - spoke of new transportation plan, and master plan hearing event at city hall on 14 september.
-questions from members - where is transportation master plan? Answer: on the City website
-when is plan presented to city council? Answer: Tomorrow is chance to speak about it, however, can email or postcard points or questions to council.
9. Door Prizes
-draws for door prizes were given away.
-Air horn, silicon LED, bike bell (2), shaking colourful LED sparklers (2), umbrella holders (2), MEC jersey, pannier bag, MEC pants, small LED lights
10. Adjournment to First Board Meeting
4:08 pm - thanks were given to everyone involved, especially outgoing board and new board members. Meeting adjourned at 4:10 pm.