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1. President John Gillespie called the meeting to order at 10:05 a.m. Members of Bluewater Council in attendance were introduced: Mayor Bill Dowson; Councillors George Irvin, Bill MacDougall, and Bill Martin.

2. Action Items

2.1 Approval of Minutes

Moved by Bob Campbell, seconded by Glen May, that the previously-distributed minutes of the 2003 Annual Meeting be approved. Carried.

2.2 Directory of Shoreline Residents

Jim Chapman, Membership Secretary, outlined the status of the updating of the membership file and plans for producing a directory of shoreline residents. He indicated that requests had been received for copies of the directory information. Feedback received indicated support for releasing membership information to the OPP and the Municipality, but not to other agencies for the purpose of solicitation of any kind. The Executive Committee will review the issue and develop a policy for external release of such information.

2.3 Treasurer’s Report

Harlie Johnston presented an oral report, a copy of which is attached to the minutes. He encouraged all member associations to investigate the savings available by obtaining their liability insurance coverage through participation in the BSRA plan available from Westlake-McHugh Insurance Brokers.

2.4 Personalized “911" Signs

On behalf of the Membership Services Committee, 2^nd Vice-President Melodie Northey encouraged each member association to promote within their subdivision the sale of these personalized signs. Copies of the order form containing complete information were distributed to each association contact person. The initial order will be placed early in July with August delivery. Proceeds from this fundraiser (approximately $11/sign) will supplement BSRA general revenues, and will fund projects undertaken on behalf of all shoreline residents.

3. Updates

3.1 Political Action Committee

Bob Campbell, Committee Chairperson, reviewed the Association involvement with Bluewater Council. In summary, our objectives are: (a) to ensure that strong, competent individuals are elected to Council; and (b) to assist them by providing information to facilitate the best possible decisions.

BSRA was directly involved in the 2003 municipal election campaign to ensure the election of quality candidates. We publicly endorsed and supported candidates for the positions of Ward Councillor (Hay West – Bill MacDougall; Stanley West – George Irvin) to represent us directly, and Councillor-at-large. In response to BSRA’s recommendation, shoreline electors voted in great numbers – a much higher percentage return than most other wards – and they voted overwhelming for the Councillor-at-large candidate recommended by BSRA – Jim Fergusson. This result clearly demonstrates the significance of the influence of shoreline electors in Bluewater elections.

To ensure the best possible decision making by our elected representatives, BSRA provides data for the information of Council, comments from time to time on operating procedures and policies, and identifies areas where change may be warranted. The basic goal of the Association remains simply to work with Council to make Bluewater the type of community of which we can all be proud. In this respect, BSRA has been the only citizen group in the entire Municipality to have publicly supported working within the amalgamated Bluewater structure for the benefit of all.

3.2 2004 Property Taxes / Assessment

A written analysis was distributed. The primary information source was data distributed by the Bluewater Treasurer during the finalization of the 2004 Budget and tax rates. The highlights are as follows:

• Increase in the overall (County + Education + Bluewater) residential tax rate is 0.80%.

• The Bluewater portion decreased by a nominal 0.02% (or 11 cents per $100,000 of assessment). The 16% increase in Bluewater expenditures will be financed by the 16.1% increase in the weighted Current Value Assessment (CVA) for tax purposes, most of which resulted from reassessment.

• Change in individual property taxes is approximately equal to the percentage change in CVA, plus the 0.80% increase in overall tax rates.

• Residential taxes make up 82.45% of Bluewater’s tax revenue. This portion has increased again this year, reflecting the impact of property reassessment.

• Hay West and Stanley West contribute 46.5% of total residential taxes. Shoreline residents represent the largest single source of tax revenue for the Municipality of Bluewater. Lakefront properties experienced the greatest increase in property values which will translate into higher taxes.

BSRA intends to document for Council the instability of property taxes resulting from major fluctuations in CVA and its potential financial hardship for a number of Bluewater residents. BSRA will request that the Municipality investigate methods of minimizing the impact of such fluctuations in future. The Executive is considering joining with WRAFT (Waterfront Residents After Fair Taxation) in seeking property tax reform to address the problem.

3.3 Changes in Road Grant Program: 2004-2006

Don Brazier, Roads Committee Chairperson, outlined the changes effective for the next three fiscal years: increase in the per kilometer reimbursement cap to $2,000; minimum cap per subdivision of $1,000, irrespective of road length; inclusion of tree and brush cutting. Council rejected the inclusion of liability insurance as an expense eligible for reimbursement, notwithstanding that it would fall within the per kilometer limit. Representatives were reminded of the list of providers of road maintenance. Plans for the provision of snow clearing services for the 2004-5 winter season will be outlined not later than the 2004 Annual Meeting.

3.4 Development of Bluewater Official Plan

Glen May, 1^st Vice-President, reviewed the status of the plan development. It is currently proposed that the shoreline be designated “Lakeshore Residential”. Discussion continues on the zoning within that designation. BSRA plans to make a formal response to the draft plan when it has been finalized and distributed to the public. The date for the meeting to receive public input on the draft plan is tentatively set for the afternoon of September 11. Our website, www.bsra.ca, will provide updated information as it develops.

3.5 Economic Development

John Gillespie provided a brief update on Council deliberations to date with respect to economic development within the Municipality of Bluewater. Further discussions are expected.

3.6 Water Quality Initiative

John Gillespie outlined the progress to date on this initiative:

• Bluewater Council approved a $15M budget to cover the 2004 BSRA costs of water testing

(continuation of traditional testing - $5M; DNA testing - $10M).

• John is the BSRA representative on the Huron County Water Protection Steering Committee.

He made a presentation at its last meeting explaining our recommendations to Bluewater Council.

• The St. Joseph watershed has been proposed as a pilot area for study.

Bob Slow, Environment Committee Chairperson, outlined the 2004 water testing program, including our involvement with GAP Laboratories to develop a DNA library to identify pollution sources.

BSRA will participate in an August 14^th water quality seminar with “Friends of the Bayfield River” and the Ashfield-Colborne-Wawanosh Cottage Association.

• Attention was drawn to the blue pamphlet produced by the County Health Unit on its water testing program. The Health Unit is soliciting volunteers for rain monitoring.

• It was noted that consideration is being given to a county-wide program of certifying septic systems. The desirability of re-establishing a grant/loan program to assist in the upgrading of septic systems was noted. Bill Dowson, Mayor of Bluewater and also Warden of Huron County, is an active proponent of such a plan. He encouraged the lobbying of MPP’s and MP’s on the environmental benefit of such a plan.