St.Margaret's Bay Toy Library

General Meeting

Wednesday, June 11th, 2003

In Attendance

Ann, Michelle, Andrea, Sharon, MJ, Jane C., Allison, Samantha, Christine, Sherry

Ann moved to accept the minutes from the last meeting. Andrea seconded and the motion passed.

Old Business

Housekeeping/Garbage: A cleaning person has been contracted to clean the school twice per month at a rate of $12 per hour. Cost for cleaning service will be shared with Scouts.
Water Supply: Stu is still awaiting the water testing results, specifically checking for coliform bacteria. Bottled water will have to be provided until test results are received. Per current practice, the person opening for the day is also asked to bring fresh water.

New Business

Reduction of Board Size

The board size has been reduced from 13 to 9 people. Michelle and Ann are to provide an amendment to the by-law in time for September start.

Nut-free Policy

Due to our recent scare with an allergic reaction to peanuts, the Toy Library will now formally introduce a nut-free policy. The policy will be reinforced with attendees through signage and inclusion in the new membership package. Upon joining, parents will be asked to identify their child's allergies and this information will be recorded on their membership card. As a general practice, parents will also be asked to monitor the sharing of their child's snacks with others.

Due to the presence of babies it was also thought that popcorn does present a choking risk and will be discouraged in the future.

The Operations Committee will be asked to provide a fully stocked first aid kit containing Benadryl as well as Ipecac.

Fire Alarm Update

In the event of any false fire alarms in the future, the Fire Chief's phone number will be posted in the hall. If the alarm is pulled by accident, someone in attendance should call the Chief and let him know not to send fire trucks. As well, Michelle's husband will look at the alarm system to insure it can be properly reset should it be set off accidentally.

Donations

There is $100 allowed in the budget for donations. Thus far, $50 was given to t he St. Margaret's Bay Food Bank. It was mentioned that a recent issue of Masthead News contained articles about two local families facing cancer. Samantha volunteered to find out more about these families and initiate the donation of the remaining $50 to one of these families.

It was also agreed that a $25 Unlimited Country gift certificate should be presented to B&C Convenience again this year as they kindly continue to hold the building key for us.

Committee Reports

Co-chair report: Ann read the report. Membership next year is anticipated to continue at approximately 20 families.
Operations: Andrea provided a report. It was agreed that the person opening should now plan to arrive at 9:30 a.m. and be advised in advance if they need to bring fresh water.
Publicity: Allison provided an update on what publicity efforts were most successful this past year and left her file containing all pertinent information. Most effective was the signage at Irving. This vehicle will continue to be used. Ann will also pursue information on advertising in the HRM Parks and Recreation Guide. A decision to use the Guide is pending cost information.
Dietary: The current committee will not be continuing. Ann will manage this task if no other volunteers can be found.
Newsletter: Current committee (Samantha) will continue.
Telephone: New committee is Christina and Sherry.
Fundraising: MJ provided a report. Fundraising activities for this upcoming year to include: memberships, citrus sale, flea market, pancake breakfast(s) at the Superstore, Sobeys tapes and remaining cookbooks. The basket raffles are to be discontinued.
Treasurer's Report: Sharon presented the year-end report. Current balance is $2,695.99. For the upcoming year, membership dues are budgeted for 20 families. As mentioned above, fundraising activities will remain consistent with last year with the exception of the raffles being replaced by the pancake breakfast(s).
On the expense side, it is feared that there will be a notable increase in insurance costs. The amount of this increase is to be determined.