FOBC - MINUTES OF COMMITTEE MEETING - FEBRUARY 2003

MINUTES OF COMMITTEE MEETING

Date: Tuesday 11th February 2003

Location: Home of Rob Brierley

Present: Robert Brierley (President), Eleanor Stephenson, Barrie Gallacher, Chris Walter, John Cott

Apologies: Jim Breen, Bob Strickland

1.WELCOME

1.1. Rob welcomed members and attendees.

2.CORRESPONDENCE

2.1.Received from Melbourne Water re forthcoming public meeting re tree removal in the creek.
2.2.Received from Weed Society re seminar 20th February 2003 ¡ÈHerbicides in Natural Waterways¡É
2.3.Advised by Barrie as to Boroondarra Biodiversity Seminar Draft Report.

3.BUSINESS OF THE MEETING

3.1.Melbourne Water Meeting

Approx. 30 people attended the Saturday morning meeting. There was a vocal minority but most people were attentive and listened to what MW had to say. The latter pertained to the removal of 5 willow trees in the creek bed which had either fallen or presented a danger.

During December 2002 MW employed an arborist who numbered and listed all trees including species, age, height, diameter together with a recommendation as to whether it would be retained or not. This was to provide a basis for a community plan. MW advised the meeting that future activity would be confirmed in writing to the community (FOBC).

3.2.Planting

It was noted that there had been a twilight planting and working bee on 15th December. Due to the drought some plants at Riversdale Road were struggling with those on the face of the bank doing OK but others were having difficulty. Approx. 50% of those on the top of the bank seemed to have survived. Most plants at the Cornell Street end however seemed to be doing well. Rob reported that of the seedlings that had not been planted 50% had unfortunately died. Therefore it was decided to wait until rain had provided sufficient ground moisture before planting the rest.

3.3.Pathway

Rob reported that the design was now complete and the project had been put out to tender by Boroondarra Council. Rob advised that he would follow up Bunnings with a view to obtaining some sponsorship from that company.

3.4.Newsletter

It was noted that a newsletter would be required later this month, especially to advise as to ¡ÈClean Up Australia¡É day. It was also decided to include details of the MW meeting in the form of their community bulletin.

3.5.Membership

It was noted that 2003 subscriptions would be due soon and therefore a concerted drive might be needed to encourage renewals and new members. It was suggested a note to this effect might be included in the Newsletter.

3.6.Finance

Bob Strickland provided a balance sheet and profit & loss statement for the 12 months ended December 2002 (attached). It was noted that Bob Spence who was an independent auditor, would audit the accounts in accordance with the requirements of incorporation.

3.7.New Business

The following items of new business were discussed: Grant Applications to MW for plantings following tree removal. Amount requested totalled 1500. Rob was to meet MW mid February 2002 to discuss this. It was noted that the AGM would be due soon. Four weeks notice of a meeting was required to be given €€ a date of 22 March 2003 was suggested. Notice could be given by Newsletter and a guest speaker from Boroondarra invited to discuss the boardwalk.

Jim requested that a list of working bees be provided in order that he could mount same on the web site. Working Bees were nominated as follows
2/3 (Clean Up Australia Day),
13/4,
18/5,
15/6,
27/7 (National Tree Day),
17/8,
21/9,
19/10,
16/11,
14/12.

4.NEXT MEETING

4.1.Scheduled for Thursday 6th March at the home of Jim Breen (subsequently deferred. New time and place to be advised). Following meetings were decided as follows:
3 April - Home of Chris Walter
1 May - Home of John Cott
5 June - TBA
3 July - TBA
7 August - TBA
4 Sept - TBA
2 Oct - TBA
6 Nov - TBA
4 Dec - TBA