Results from the Annual General Meeting

On Thursday, October 16 we held our Annual General Meeting in the Lakeview School library.  As AGM’s go this was a pretty good one, since it gave us a chance to welcome some new members to the LCA executive, congratulate some long serving members on their retirement and set a direction for the coming year.

Here are some highlights:

2007-2008 Financials

Outgoing treasurer Dayle Wollenberg presented his sixth and final set of annual financial statements, showing an overall deficit of approximately $3000 for the year.  The deficit was pretty much expected at the start of the year as we try to keep our programs affordable for everyone and continue to invest in the community with our scholarships, outdoor ice shack supervision and free skate days, etc.

We spend nearly $10,000 every year in community investment programs and general administration of the association, and while we have a few other sources of income, the majority come from our programs. We’ll be reviewing both our program fees and our expenses over the coming year to make sure we find the right balance.

2008-2009 Budget

Our new treasurer Amy Mader, secretary Patti Chester and chairperson James Holtom sharpened their pencils and came up with a budget for the current year.  Right now we’re projecting to either break even or have a small increase in net income for the year.  The final results will depend on whether we receive any applications for our Community Grant program this year.  Deadline for applications is December 31, 2008.  I’ll be posting more information about the grant program this week.

LCA Annual Report

Patti Chester collected annual reports from all LCA executive and program coordinators and shared the document with all attendees.  It’s really great to see the wide range of contributions to the community that LCA volunteers have made in a year.  It’s a remarkable collection of achievements.  We’re working on getting a PDF version that I can post on the website for people who missed the AGM.

Thank You to Our Retiring Volunteers

Two special people were recognized at the AGM this year on the event of them retiring from the LCA executive.

Dayle Wollenberg has been our treasurer for six years now and has done an outstanding job from the first day.  Aside from making sense of a fairly complicated set of financial statements, Dayle has added some much needed colour to registration nights, budget meetings and the financials themselves.  He oversaw moving our bank account back into Lakeview at Affinity Credit Union and has built an excellent relationship with both the bank and our external reviewer.

Cindy Dyck is also leaving the LCA after several years as our Special Projects Coordinator.  Her major accomplishment is one that will last for generations, as she led the three year park improvement project at Kinsmen Park South.  The project, which cost over $70,000 in equipment and labour,  included installation of new playground equipment, benches, picnic tables and over 40 new trees.  Cindy was instrumental in creating the design, applying for matching grants, coordinating with City officials and organizing volunteers.  Over time,  this project will turn what is already an excellent spray pad into a top notch park and gathering place.

New LCA Executive

Finally, attendees elected a new executive for 2008-2009.  They are:

Chairperson:  Mark Dyck

Secretary:  Patti Chesters

Treasurer:  Amy Mader

Past-Chairperson:  James Holtom

Program Coordinator:  James Holtom

Outdoor Soccer:  Linda Thauberger

Newsletter:  Jessica Tiefenbach

Website:  Mark Dyck

Outdoor Sign:  Marci Brisbourne

South Zone Rec Board Liasion:  Lily Tingley

Thank you to everyone who agreed to take on a position.  Especially to Jessica Tiefenbach (our newest member), Lily Tingley (our longest serving member), and James Holtom (who is still playing a major role in the LCA even though he has moved to Lang, SK.)

Will You Attend Next Year?

The AGM is usually a sparsely attended event and this year was no different.  I think it reflects on how little is known about what we do in the community — either that or people fear being pressed into service.  Either way, we’re going to put extra emphasis on listening to and talking with our neighbours over the next year.  Perhaps that way, a goal of doubling attendance next year might be within reach.

Question:  What would you like to see at next year’s AGM, that would inspire you to attend?

Let us know in the comments!