Minutes of 20 November 2006
Fallingbrook Community Association
Minutes of the Executive Meeting
20 November 2006
Ray Friel Centre
Those Present:
Zybina Richards, David Villeneuve, Marc Cappelli, Don Pottier,
George Blake, Eric Tousignant, Nick O'Connell, Ken Marentette (Serco), Diane Fox
(Parks and Rec), Brendon Johnston (for Phil McNeely), Marc Thibault, Mike Pyndus,
Louise Lapensee (for Rob Jellett), Councillor Bob Monette, Royal Galipeau MP
Mike Pyndus Presentation
Mike Pyndus, an Orleans resident, gave a presentation about the
operation of the Ray Friel Centre (RFC).
The text of Mike's presentation is available
online here.
- Serco was originally given the contract to operate RFC by the
City of Cumberland, then in 2002 it signed a P3 partnership with the
City of Ottawa to expand and operate RFC.
- Other Class A recreational facilities in Ottawa charge $374 for
adult users (up to $460 depending on packages), RFC charges $505.
For seniors, ORC charges $374, RFC charges $344. At RFC,
seniors start at 55, not 65.
- The RFC membership is not transferable to other city facilities.
- RFC makes a profit for the city, unlike other similar facilities
that lose money.
- Ken Marentette says that Serco has delivered on all contract
requirements, perhaps the contract should be amended.
- Bob Monette said he also found many problems with the facility
in 2005.
- George asked Bob if membership could be transferable.
- Mike says all contracts can be amended, it is common in
construction projects.
Correction added by Ken Marentette, Serco's director of the Ray
Friel Centre: This presentation had nothing to do about Serco
and/or problems with the RFRC. It was an attempt by Mike Pyndus to get
the City to change the contract if possible for items that are beyond
Serco’s control. His intention was to solicit the FCA’s support against
the City, not Serco. It would be appreciated if the minutes would
accurately show that.
Motion (George, Eric) -- The FCA supports Mike Pyndus to have the
City and Serco revisit the RFC contract, to bring it in line with
services at other Class A facilities. Carried.
Previous Minutes (David Villeneuve)
- Minutes of Oct 2006 were approved (Don, Nick) after David said
he would remove comments made by Royal Galipeau that were not
intended for the minutes
Treasurer's Report (Don Pottier)
- Don sent the financial statement earlier by e-mail.
- Shows an overall loss for the year.
- Report was passed (Don, George)
MP's Report (Royal Galipeau)
- Mr Galipeau stressed that he comes to these meetings to listen
- He will not be seeking third term on Ottawa Library Board
- He suggested that we put names forward for new city advisory
committees
MPP Report (Brendon Johnston)
- 30 members of east end multicultural committee
- Annual Christmas party of Phil McNeely will be in Center Ice
Restaurant
Councillor Rob Jellett (Louise Lapensee)
- Everything is very quiet after the election, nothing much
happening
Councillor Bob Monette
- Thanked everyone who voted in the municipal election
- Met with new Mayor O'Brian, looks forward to working with him
- Crystal Beaulieu is Bob's chief of staff
- Philippe is constituent representative
- Laura is admin assistant
- Presidents Council may be expanded to include business reps
- Royal asked that Bob send him a list of advisory committees to
put in the minutes.
City Parks and Rec (Diane Fox)
- Diane is replacing Suzanne Sanford until spring
Parade of Lights
- FCA will enter a float, a 50 foot flatbed trailer.
Outdoor Rinks
- Paul Pelletier is retiring as overall rink manager after almost
20 years
- Last year's 3 rink managers will probably return
- Nick O'Connell says that he is willing to be the overall rink
manager
Town Centre Development Application
- Zybina had mailed out copies of the development plans
Family Fun Fair
- David Fraser enquired if we are interested in doing it again in
2007
- Perhaps mix with a multicultural food fair
- August long weekend
Hydro Lines (David Villeneuve)
- David asked about the proposed electrical connection between
Quebec and Ontario
- It will cross at Cumberland Village
- Will this have an impact on Fallingbrook residents?
- David attended the public information meeting that week
- Currently there are two sets of towers that go through the south
end of Fallingbrook one at 115 kV and the other at 230 kV.
- All environmental approvals were given several years ago
- Between Cardinal Creek and Tenth Line Road, the metal lattice
pylons will be replaced with modern looking tubular towers.
- The spacing between towers will be about half of what it is now.
- The lowest lines will be somewhat higher than at present, but
the overall height will be greater.
- The north line will be 230 kV, the south line will be double 230
kV.
Earlier Meeting Time (Eric Tousignant)
- Eric asked if we could start the meetings at 7:30 pm rather than
8 pm.
- Everyone was in favour.
Meeting adjourned at 9:40 pm.
Minutes recorded by David Villeneuve.
