AGM Minutes

Friday, Nov-02, 2018
OBSA Head Office
101 – 100 Sunrise Ave
Toronto, ON M4A 1B3

1. Roll call and call to order Glen Wade, Barbra Plytas, Kyle Pelly, Randa Gohary, John Howe, Brian Arthur, Teresa Eaton, Terry Hoddinott. Regrets Shirley Shelby and Richard Ameland

2. READING OF AGENDA – Read by Barbra. Motion to approve by Kyle and Terry second. All in Favour.

3. ADDITIONS AND APPROVAL OF AGENDA – Ministry requirements, discussion on the gala

4. READING AND APPROVAL OF AGM 2017 MINUTES – Read by Barbra. Motion to accept the reading of the minutes by Terry and second by Barbra

5. PRESENTATION OF REPORTS
A. Jason Dunkerley, Sport Technical Chair- Triathlon, cycling, power-lifting, swimming. Sheldon does not join the call to discuss anything to do with powerlifting. For those that are actively involved, there is great progress. There is energy to the
committee. For example: For the OBSA sport days, to ensure that there is a follow up with participants, suggested that perhaps an email is sent to the participant after an event. There was a face to face meeting held in the summer of 2018. Not all the advisors were present. There was some good discussion. Meetings are held monthly or every other month. Matt is doing great things with the kids in Oshawa for soccer. Patty had applied and purchased a tandem bike with help from OBSA. One thing that came from the face to face meeting was to connect with more able bodied athletes to see if we can intermingle with our sports.

B. Goalball

C. Athletics –New sports, Judo, Beep baseball, parakarate in 2020 and 5- aside soccer.

D. Powerlifting – Tim is recovering from a back injury. Sheldon is working with him No report from Sheldon
E. Swimming – No Report
F. Office report – 32 campers to the OBSA summer sport camp in 2018. This included quite a few new members from previous years. There were about 7 kids that were not students from the school. We have added a regional goalball in January 2018. We are also sending goalball teams to Nova Scotia. The regional games will be held in North York on January 5. There is Ontario Parasport games happening Feb 8-10 in Whitby. We will also host our annual Provincial Goalball games in March and our junior national games April 2019. We discussed the inquiry held between OBSA and CNIB. Through a lot of discussion within the board and several meetings with CNIB, it was agreed that we would not shut the door with CNIB and look at what we can do together in 2019. Goalball clubs are held in Kitchener, London, Sudbury…still looking at getting something started in Hamilton and Brantford. We need to work toward recruiting more coaches. Our men team is doing well with Rob. We are going to focus more on recruiting more coaches. Talked about the Kitchener soccer club and the kids that are playing. Motion to accept the information as presented – motioned by Mr. Howe and second by Terry

6. Discuss changing timing of AGM starting 2019 – We talked about this a little last year. Glen and Kyle went through some by-law investigation and we determined that we should have our AGM about six months after our year end. Which we haven’t been doing. We are suggesting that we have our AGM in September. Kyle agrees that is a good idea. He states that the details of the gala would be known and we could work together in order to hype up the gala and promote it. Pencil in September 14-15 2019

7. PRESENTATION OF FINANCIAL REPORTS AND APPOINTMENTS OF AUDITOR

Barbra read the financial report. Barbra motioned to accept the report as read and Kyle second. The board agrees to appoint the current auditor. Final decision stays with the board. Motion to accept the auditor Terry and second by Jason

8. ELECTIONS OF OFFICERS – Terry would like to nominate Brian Arthur for Vice President. The two positions that are up for renewal is Vice President and Treasurer. The only person that came forward was Brian Arthur. Glen called out to see if there were any nominations for President. Mr. Howe motioned to close the nominations and Jason second. Glen called to see if there were any nominations for Vice President. Terry nominated Brian Arthur. Kyle second the nomination. Kyle motioned to close the nomination. Glen called out to see if there were any nominations for treasurer. Kyle motioned to close and Jason second. Barbra is treasure again. Glen called out to see if there were any nominations for Sport Technical advisor. Mr. Howe motion to close the nominations and Barbra second. Kyle to remain as community liaison  officer for a further year.

9. Discussion from the floor

• Ministry requirements from Kyle. Kyle talked about any coach or any participant needs to sign a consent form before doing the game. Kyle to work with the office group to get the athletes and the coaches to watch a video and sign a waiver.
• Zero tolerance coming in very soon. Richard to work on this and work with Kyle/Glen
• Jason brought forward to meet in person perhaps 3 times a year.
• Mr Howe spoke about the gentlemen that brought Mrs McCallum and how he really enjoyed the speeches.
• Succession planning – we need to nominate a support committee.

10. SET DATE FOR NEXT MEETING – September 14-15, 2019

11. ADJOURNMENT Motion to adjourn Mr. Howe motioned to adjourn. Barbra second.

Friday, Nov-15, 2019
Best Western Hotel
19 Holiday Dr
Brantford, ON N3R 7J4

1. Roll call and call to order Glen Wade, Barbra Plytas, Kyle Pelly, Richard Amelard, John Howe, Brian Arthur, Teresa Eaton, Terry Hoddinott and Jason Dunkerly. Regrets Randa Gohary

2. READING OF AGENDA – Read by Barbra. Motion to approve Jason and Brian Second. All in favour.

3. ADDITIONS AND APPROVAL OF AGENDA – Ministry requirements, discussion on the gala

4. READING AND APPROVAL OF AGM 2019 MINUTES – Read by Barbra. Motion to accept the reading of the minutes and the adjustments by Terry and second by Mr. Howe. All in favour

5. PRESENTATION OF REPORTS
A. Jason Dunkerley, Sport Technical Chair

Jason thanks the supporters and OBSA for their work in 2019. Jason says there is definitely more room for supporting our advisors. The advisors are the voice of the athletes and the go-to’s for OBSA. Need to continue to maintain the strong relationship. Each sport has a budget and encourage them to use the budget. In the past, the budgets have not been used by the advisors. 4 full meetings over the year. Have not met face to face. Jason is open to working with the office and the advisors in order to bring new initiatives and have them come to fruition. People are already doing the work and it’s great that the advisors are donating their time. Richard would like to help Jason assume some responsibility in stepping in while Randa is on Mat leave. Richard will connect with Jason to fill in where he’s needed.

Goalball – See F – Office Report
C. Athletics – There are a few upcoming track athletes that we are seeing. Richard still needs to figure out how we can support these athletes. Quest for gold is being discussed with Jason and Rich.
D. PowerLifting –No report from Sheldon. Tim has recovered and he is in the gym with Sheldon.
E. Swimming – No report
F. Office report – January 5 – OBSA Regionals held in Toronto (2 nd annual) 31 athletes. February 8-10 – Ontario Parasport Games (20 athletes + 6 multi-sport athletes) March 29-31 – Provincials held in Brantford. (73 athletes, 16 teams, 3 divisions). April 26-28 Junior Nations were hosted by OBSA and held in Brantford. May 8 OBSA Sports day held in London. (35 blind students). July 8-13 OBSA Summer Sports Camp (28 campers). September 14 1 st ever Blind Soccer Club Exhibition Match held in Pickering. Teams were Pickering and Kitchener. (13 players). October 18 -20 OBSA High Performance Camp (20 athletes). October OBSA Outreach held at the University of Toronto with 300+ students. The outreach programs have been very successful this year. Motion to accept the information as presented – motioned by Theresa and second by Terry

6. Discuss changing timing of AGM starting 2019 – We were not prepared to do the AGM in September 2019. We are going to work on doing it for September 2020 the last weekend in September. Perhaps the meeting could be held in Brantford. Motion to set the AGM to September 26 and 27 Mr Howe motioned to accept and Barbra second.

7. PRESENTATION OF FINANCIAL REPORTS AND APPOINTMENTS OF AUDITOR

Need to figure out how to get a company similar to Engage. Barbra read the financial report. Barbra motioned to accept the report as read and Jason second. The board agrees to appoint the current auditor. Final decision stays with the board. Motion to accept the auditor Brian and second by Mr. Howe. Barbra to investigate having OBSA as a non-charitable foundation. Can we also ask for an auditor’s report that would be seen by the board and the office.

8. ELECTIONS OF OFFICERS – The position of Vice President is open for election. Glen called to see if there were any nominations for Vice President. Mr. Howe nominated Brian and Theresa second. Glen is making the motion to appoint Bill Morgan as a Director at large. Glen called out to see if there were any nominations for Sport Technical advisor. Mr. Howe motion to close the nominations and Barbra second. Jason to remain for another term. Kyle to remain as community liaison officer for a further year.

9. Discussion from the floor
Kyle commented all the good work that Richard and the Wade’s are doing.

Ministry requirements from Kyle – Rowan’s Law coming in very soon. Richard to work on this and work with Kyle/Glen

Kyle talked about any coach or any participant needs to sign a consent form before doing the game. Kyle to work with the office group to get the athletes and the coaches to watch a video and sign a waiver.

Jason brought forward to meet in person perhaps 3 times a year.

Succession planning – we need to nominate a recruitment committee.

10. Approval of membership dues and related fees – Discussion around raising the fee or leaving it as is. Glen motioned to leave the fee as is and Terry second.

11. SET DATE FOR NEXT MEETING – September 26-27, 2020

12. ADJOURNMENT Motion to adjourn Barbra motioned to adjourn.

March 30, 2021 – 7:00 PM
Zoom Call

Secretaries Note: Though AGM is being held in March 2021, the content of this meeting covers AGM 2020

1. Call to order – Kyle Medeirus, Lisa MacLeod, Randa Gohary, Glen Wade, Barbra, Plytas Jason Dunkerley, Teresa Eaton, Jonathan Wood, Brian Arthur, Richard Amelard. Read by Barbra. Motion to approve by Brian and second by Glen. Motion passed
2. Establishment of quorum – We do have quorum. Treasurer – Barbra, Vice-President – Brian
3. Reading of agenda and introduction of other business – Read by Barbra. Motion to approve Glen and Brian second. Motion passed. No other business
4. Reading and approval previous AGM minutes – Read by Barbra. Motion to approve Glen and Brian second. Motion passed
5. Presentation and approval of reports
6. Sport Technical Chair – Nothing to report due to no organized activity
   B. Goalball – Nothing to report due to no organized activity
   C. Athletics – Nothing to report due to no organized activity
   D. Powerlifting – Nothing to report due to no organized activity
   E. Swimming – Nothing to report due to no organized activity
   F. Office report – Glen said – overall 2020 was a very different world for everyone including OBSA. We were able to have the staff work from home. We were able to continue running most of our functions with the exception of our programs. Richard said – With the pandemic, we were unable
   to proceed with any in person meeting. Richard has been able to connect with our athletes via phone and zoom calls. Richard is providing virtual work outs on a one-to-one basis with our athletes. OBSA members are participating virtually with the Achilles run. We are also lending out
   equipment in order to expose others to our programs, particularly goalball. Richard mentioned that our activities will look much different in the future. Parents may not want to send their children to these activities. We have to ensure that we have the correct protocol in place for a safe environment for our athletes. Jason gave thanks to Randa and Richard for keeping the
   members active and included in activities. Kyle also gave thanks to Richard for keeping in touch with him and keeping in contact during these different times. Randa – has been busy communicate with our supporters and our sponsors. Our organization has not received a lot of funding opportunities during the year 2020. With our Engage fundraising, we did receive some
   money during 2020. OBSA is very present and visible in the sports industries. We are sitting on a few boards. Once we are able to get back to our sports, we will have more activities that we will be able to provide our members. We received a contribution from Manulife. Barbra – As of
   current, our investments are doing well. March 2020, our investments were about $586,000. As of March 30, 2021, we are sitting at about $729,000. During the 2020 covid year, we applied and received assistance from the government in the amount of $60,000 business loan. We took this money and invested it with Edward Jones. We can keep $20,000 but will need to pay back $40,000 by December 31, 2021. We also applied for and received Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy in 2020 in the amount of about $18,000. Motion to accept the reports by Lisa and Brian second. Motion passed.
7. Presentation from auditor – We were able to have our auditor join the meeting and speak on the 2019/2020 audit. Jeremy advised that his company worked on the audit with Glen and staff. Jeremy advised that any money raised during any fundraising is taken as face value. No irregularities were found and we are following standard accounting procedures.
8. Appointment of auditor – Glen would like to have MacNeill Edmondson to represent us as our auditor again. Barbra motioned to accept the firm again and Jason second. Motion passed. Auditor appointed.
9. Approval of membership dues and related fees – Anybody that was a member December 31, 2020 has been rolled over to December 31, 2021. Anybody who joins new in 2021 will not have to pay a membership. Anybody who joins in 2022 or renews in 2022 will have to pay a membership. Brian motioned that we structure the membership dues described above. Barbra second. Motion passed. Jonathan had a question about membership dues. According to the Financial reporting, it appears that not all dues have been fully collected. Glen acknowledged this could be the case and requires further investigation.
10. Other business – no other business
11. Elections of directors – Thank you to the members that have joined the called today. We need to spread the word that we are looking for members to join our board. We will start a nomination committee. A notification will go out soon. Two positions are up for election. President and Sports Technical Chair. Glen called out for the President position. No nominations. Brian asked Glen if he is willing to continue in his position and Glen agreed to continue to hold the position. Acclaimed by unanimous consent. Glen called out for the Sports Technical position. No nominations. Glen asked Jason if he is willing to continue in his position and Jason agreed to continue to hold the position. Acclaimed by unanimous consent. Lisa asked if there will be descriptions of the positions that are available, when the call for nominations go out. Glen committed to have those available when the communication goes out. Kyle Pelly is willing to stay on
    as communicate liaison director. We will be looking to fill a position – member at large.
12. Round table discussion – There was some discussion about refreshing our brand. There was some member input, that showed us that more discussion/research is required. Fun Fact: Brian gave us some
    historical context behind our OBSA logo. The stick figure man with his arm shading his eyes, represents those who are visually impaired. The leg bend at the knee, represents those with mobility issues. The right arm extended out, represents amputees.
13. Set date for next meeting – September 2021 – Exact date to be determined
14. Adjournment – Motioned to adjourn Barbra second, Jason. Motion passed

October 21 st , 2021 – 7:00 PM
Zoom Call

1. Call to order– Glen Wade, Barbra Plytas, Randa Gohary, Richard Amelard, Brian Arthur, Jason Dunkerley, Kyle Pelly, Teresa Eaton, Lisa MacLeod and Ahmad A. Motion to approve by Glen and second by Barbra. Motion passed.
2. Establishment of quorum – We do have quorum. Treasurer – Barbra, Vice-President – Brian
3. Reading of agenda and introduction of other business – Read by Barbra. No other business
4. Reading and approval of previous AGM minutes – Minutes presented. Motion to approve Glen and second by Barbra
5. Presentation and approval of reports – Being as most reports are based on various sports and activities that have taken place, we don’t have any reports on any individual sports. The office has maintained the lights on. Randa has been busy with gathering grants and working on the virtual Gala. Randa has been working closely with two summer students this year. The summer students have been instrumental in working on getting work done on the virtual gala and working on branding materials. The only sport that we have had any participation is 5-aside Soccer. March or May 2022 5 aside running at Lake Joe. Booking permit locations is still a challenge as schools have not opened up to that activity yet. Richard is still looking at finding a facility in order to have some goalball sessions. Richard has continued to work virtually with some members to continue their training. Richard has taken the lead on OBSA’s participation in representing Ontario’s interest as changes take place with CBSA and the men’s high
   performance.
6. Presentation from auditor – Read by Barbra. Motion to accept Teresa and Second by Jason/Lisa
7. Appointment of auditor – Glen would like to have MacNeill Edmundson to represent us as our auditor again. Barbra motioned to accept the firm again and Lisa second. Motion passed. Auditor appointed.
8. Approval of membership dues and related fees – Anybody that was a member December 31, 2020 has been rolled over to December 31, 2021. Anybody who is on the books as of December 2021 will be contacted for membership renewal for the year 2022. The amount will be $20.00 flat to become/join OBSA for the year Brian motioned that we structure the membership fee to $20.00. Lisa second. Motion passed.
9. Other business – No other business
10. Election of directors – According to the by-laws, the treasure, president and the sport technical director have completed their maximum three consecutive two-year terms. Thus, moving forward should they continue, it will be on a year-by-year basis. There are several positions up for renewal. President, Treasurer, and Sport Technical Director. Glen called for nomination for President. Glen called three times and Brian nominated Glen for president an extension of another year. Motion to close the president nomination by Barbra and second by Brian. Glen was acclaimed for another year as president. Glen called three times and Teresa nominated Barbra. Motion to close the treasurer nomination by Brian and second by Teresa. Thank you, Jason for filling the roll of Sport Technical Director. Glen called for nomination of Sport Technical Director. Glen nominated Janice Dawson. Glen called two more times and no further nominations. Nominations closed. Janice is now the Sport Technical Director for a two-
    year term. Congratulations and thank you Janice. Two remaining director positions will be board appointed at the next monthly general board meeting.
11. Round table discussion – Kyle talked about the strat plan that OBSA is working on and once again offered his experience and expertise to the project. It should be completed by April 2022. Randa is working hard on getting the finishing touches on the 2021 virtual gala. Once this is behind her, she should be able to spend some more time working on the strat plan. We have been working on a branding refresh for OBSA. Randa has a branding document. The main change is the colouring on our existing
    logo.
12. Set date for next AGM meeting – September 22, 2022
13. Adjournment – motioned to adjourn Lisa second, Barbra. Motion passed

November 17 th , 2022 – 7:00 PM
Zoom Call

1. Call to order – Glen Wade, Barbra Plytas, Randa Gohary, Brian Arthur, Jason Dunkerley, Teresa Eaton, Jeremy Giles, Janice Dawson, Stephanie Antone and Richard Amelard Motion to approve – Jason, second by Barbra
   Motion passed
2. Establishment of quorum – We do have quorum.
   Treasurer – Barbra Plytas, Vice-President – Brian Arthur and Sport Technical Director – Janice Dawson
3. Reading of agenda and introduction of other business – Other business introduced, appears as #8 on agenda. Motion to approve – Brian, second by Jason. Motion passed
4. Presentation from auditor – Jeremy Giles from MacNeill Edmundson presented auditors findings. Jeremy indicated they found our financial records in good shape and they met the requirements as set
   out by government standards. Based on what Jeremy saw they are comfortable we are operating as expected. Motion to accept report as presented – Teresa, second by Barbra. Motion passed
5. Reading and approval of previous AGM minutes – Read by Barbra. Motion to approve – Brian, second Jason. Motion passed
6. Presentation and approval of reports – OBSA had been operating without an Executive director for the past 5 years so we determined we were in a good position to fill that vacancy in July of 2022.  We felt we could make that move internally and promoted Randa Gohary to that position as of Jul-01-2022.

We gave up our office space effective October 31, 2022.  We had been sharing office space with Paracore, formerly Wheelchair Ontario who decided to shift to a full-time work from home model.  We will be looking for a new physical work space over the coming months where Richard and Randa can work collaboratively in person.

The primary goal during the pandemic was to stay connected with our members virtually and get our athletes outside whenever and wherever possible.  Successfully, we were able to have some 5-aside games outside over the last 6 months or so.

We went from 2 teams to 4 teams. We are looking forward to seeing some competitions happening in the 2022/2023 season.

For Goalball, Ontario is hosting Senior Nationals in Ottawa, May-2023.

Our head coach for goalball men/women is stepping down.  We are looking for a head coach to fill his position.

We haven’t had any out-reach programs over the last couple of years.  We are now hearing from groups that are interested in having us out again.  We are making plans to get back to delivering those very soon.

We just held our Hall of Fame gala Nov-12 in Brantford, it went very well.

The strat plan is done.  The next time for us to update the strat plan is 2025.

Operational plans for 2022/2023 and 2023/2024 are being worked on.  Working on updating board job descriptions.

Working on the website to make it more visually appealing and accessible.

We recently launched an email fund raising campaign reaching out to past donors and it was quite successful.  We raised about $2000.00.

7. Appointment of auditor – Good positive feedback in support of staying with our current auditor. The amount of questions received from the auditor has gone down since our last audit.  Randa feels that she has a good rapport with the auditor.  Glen is recommending MacNeill Edmundson to represent us as our auditor again. Motion to appoint MacNeill Edmundson as our auditor for the coming year – Barbra, second Janice. Motion passed. Auditor appointed.
8. Other business – Approval of membership dues and related fees – Richard is recommending that our membership year run from September to August as this better supports the bulk of our sports season. Good discussion both for and against, to be deferred and resolved at our next board meeting.
9. Elections of directors – The Treasurer and President have completed their maximum three consecutive two-year terms. Thus, moving forward should they continue, it will be on a year-by-year basis.
   This means there are 3 positions up for election.
   President, Treasurer and Vice President.
   Position – President
   Glen called for nomination for President.  Brian nominated Glen for another year. Glen called 2 more
   times with no further nominations.
   Motion to close the president nomination by Brian and second by Barbra.
   Glen was unanimously acclaimed as President for another year.

Position – Vice President
Glen called for nomination for vice-president.  Glen nominated Brian for another 2 year term.
Glen called 2 more times with no further nominations.
Motion to close Vice President nomination by Glen and seconded by Teresa.
Brian was unanimously acclaimed as Vice President for a 2 year term.

Position – Treasurer
Glen called for nomination for treasurer.  Jason nominated Barbra for another year.

Glen called out 2 more times with no further nominations.
Motion to close Treasurer nomination by Glen and seconded by Teresa.
Barbra was unanimously acclaimed as Treasurer for another year.

Elections closed.

There are currently 2 more board positions not elected but appointed and voted upon by the board.
Jason Dunkerley – Director at large
Jason has indicated an interest to continue for another year, will be confirmed at next board meeting.
Second Director position also appointed and voted by board is Community Liaison.
This position currently held by Kyle Pelly.
Kyle has decided to not extend his service for another year due to other obligations, thank you Kyle for all
you have given to OBSA over the years both from staff and board prospective!
Recruitment currently underway to fill this position.

10. Round table discussion – Stephanie raised a concern that Ontario’s junior Goalball program has shrunk significantly and is in urgent need of revival.
    Both Glen and Richard agreed and indicated OBSA is aware of the current state and OBSA are committed to making this improvement happen starting this season.
    Richard will start by meeting with Stephanie in the coming week or 2 in order to discuss just how she as a volunteer can help in this effort and perhaps Stephanie can engage the WRMS parent group she is part
    of.
    Much more to come on this but things do look good for a revival of the program both with new up and coming athletes and a commitment from board, staff and volunteers.
    No other round table topics
11. Set date for next AGM – September 21, 2023

12. Adjournment – Motion to adjourn, Barbra. Motion passed.

November 10, 2023 – 7:30 PM
Best Western hotel
19, Holiday drive, Brantford
Also accessible via Zoom Call

Agenda:
1. Call to order – Glen Wade, Barbra Plytas, Brian Arthur, Jason Dunkerley, Teresa Eaton, Janice Dawson, Richard Amelard, Aaron Prevost, Jill MacCharles Crain, Tina Jillings, Randa Gohary, Cheryl Hurd, John Howe
Motion to approve – Jason, seconded by Barbra.

2. Establishment of quorum – We do have quorum.
   Treasurer – Barbra Plytas, Sport Technical Director – Janice Dawson, Vice-
   President – Brian Arthur, Director at large – Jason Dunkerley, Community Liaison Director – Jill MacCharles Crain, Athlete Representative – Aaron Prevost
3. Reading of agenda and introduction of other business – No other business Motion to approve – Barbra second by Mr Howe. Motion passed.
4. 
   Reading and approval of previous AGM minutes Read by Barbra. Motion to approve – Brian second Teresa. Motion passed.
5. Presentation and approval of reports – Barbra read the report from the president. Motion to accept Glen, Second Jason. Motion passed.
6. Presentation from auditor – Read by Barbra. Jeremy from MacNeill
   Edmundson confirmed they found our financial records in good shape, and they met the requirements as set out by government standards. Motion to accept, Mr Howe. Second – Aaron.
7. Appointment of auditor – The auditor that we have been with has been a developing relationship. The back and forth has become much smoother. Glen recommends MacNeil Edmundson to represent us as our auditor again as a one- year term.
   Motion to appoint MacNeil Edmundson as our auditor for the coming year – Teresa, second Brian. Auditor appointed.
8. Confirmation and approval of membership fees – Our membership calendar has now change to September 1 to August 31. Recommendation is to maintain the membership fee @ $20.00 for the current season. Move to maintain motion by Brian and second by Aaron. Motion passed.
9. Other business – No other business raised.
10. Election of directors – The Treasurer and President have completed their maximum three consecutive two-year terms. Thus, moving forward should they continue, it will be on a year-by-year basis. Mr. Howe was appointed as scrutineer.
    There are 3 positions up for election.
    President, Treasurer and Sport Technical
    Director Position – President
    Mr. Howe asked for nominations for president. Teresa nominated Glen for another year. Glen accepted. Mr. Howe called 2 more times with no further nominations. Glen was acclaimed unanimously as President for a one-year turn. Motion to close the president nomination by Brian and second by Barbra.
    Position – Treasurer
    Mr. Howe asked for nominations for treasurer. Jason nominated Barbra for another year. Barbra accepted. Mr. Howe called 2 more times with no further nominations. Barbra was acclaimed unanimously as Treasurer for a one-year term. Motion to close the treasurer nomination by Jason and second by Brian.
    Position – Sport Technical Director
    Mr. Howe called for nomination for Sport Technical Director. Barbra nominated Janice for another two-year term. Janice accepted. Mr Howe called 2 more times with no further nominations. Janice was acclaimed unanimously as Sport Technical Director for a two-year term. Motion to close the Sport Technical nomination by Glen and seconded by Barbra.
    Elections closed.

There are board positions not elected but appointed and voted upon by the board.
Jason Dunkerley – Director at large
Jason has indicated an interest to continue for another year, will be confirmed at next board meeting.
Jill MacCharles Crain – Community Liaison
Jill has indicated an interest to continue for another year, will be confirmed at next board meeting.
Aaron Prevost – Athlete representative
Appointed by the board unanimously. Welcome Aaron.

11. Round table discussion – There was good general discussion around the health of our organization. There were some great suggestions on some changes and improvements moving forward. Glen reminded everyone about our Hall of Fame Gala being held November 11, 2023. Congratulations to all inductees and award winners.
12. Set date for next meeting – September 20, 2024
13. Adjournment – Motion to adjourn, Barbra. Jason Second. Motion passed

December 9, 2024 – 7:30 PM
Zoom Call

Agenda:
1. Call to order – Hillary Scanlon, Brian Arthur, Barbra Plytas, Glen Wade, Jason Dunkerley, Aaron Prevost, Jill MacCharles Crain, Gene Hart, Chantal Simard, Bob Brown, Stephanie Antone, Mo Nabavieh, Jade Ondrik, Susan and John Howe, Randa Gohary, Richard Amelard, Jen McMillan, Marc Proulx, Kelly Grennaway, and Emma Reinke

2. Establishment of quorum – We do have quorum.
3. Reading of agenda and introduction of other business – Hilary asked if voting can be done anonymously. This had not been brought up prior to the AGM meeting and we were not able to implement it on the fly. However, we did commit to making such a process available moving
   forward. A request was submitted to have the zoom meeting recorded. Randa was able to record the meeting. John Howe motion to approve Barbra Second. Motion Passed.
4. Reading and approval of previous AGM minutes – Read by Barbra. Motion to approve – Brian, second Mr. Howe. Motion passed.
5. Presentation and approval of reports –
   Report from Treasurer – During the 2023-2024 fiscal year, we needed to withdraw from Edward Jones $155,000.00 in order to meet our operational requirements within this fiscal year. March 2023 the assets with Edward Jones was $761,098.67. March 2024, the closing balance was $741,482.93. Fortunately, the portfolio has withstood the large withdrawals and continues to do well for us. Within the fiscal year 2022-2023, the repayment back to the government for the $40,000.00 CEBA was processed. As we can attest to in our personal lives, the day-to-day costs
   are increasing. The same applies to operating OBSA. Increase in airline ticket prices, hotel costs, transportation costs, tournament costs, etc. These are all part of the way of the world as we know it. Report from the President – 2023/2024 was a busy and productive year for the organization! During that time frame we re-launched many programs and events that had
   been either put on hold or scaled back due to the pandemic! Because of that “full speed ahead” of re-launch and adding new initiatives our costs did increase as you heard from the treasurer’s report. That combined with general increased inflation markers we have had to increase our head-
   tax requirements to the athletes and find ways to be more fiscally responsible in whatever ways we can trim expenses without cutting programs or events. Funding from the government has also been reduced overall so that has created more uncertainties as well. In order to help minimize costs assessed to the athletes we are increasing our fundraising efforts, and the hope/goal is to keep any increases moving forward to a minimum. Our staff, Randa and Richard, continue to do
   great work for our members and organization and I thank them for all they do! Our board is extremely committed and dedicated, and all members are ready, willing and able to roll up their sleeves to help make sure all tasks and asks are completed as necessary! I can’t thank this incredible collection of board members enough and it is an extreme honour and pleasure to work
   alongside them as we serve OBSA in a professional and respectful manner! Also, a special shoutout to all of our athletes and volunteers who represent  our organization and themselves on the front lines every day.
   Report from Richard
   Richard gave a rundown of our programs from this pass year. Examples: HP camp, junior nationals, senior nationals, provincials.
   Motion to accept – Marc. Second Bob. Motion passed
   The question was raised why there wasn’t a report from the Executive Director. Glen indicated that it was his omission. He didn’t request that report from the Executive Director in time for the meeting.
6. 
   Presentation from auditor – MacNeill Edmundson confirmed they found our financial records in good shape, and they met the requirements as set out by government standards. Motion to accept – John Howe, second by Barbra
7. 
   Appointment of auditor – Glen is recommending that we go to market to see if we can find a new auditing firm as we have had some issue’s with MacNeill Edmundson meeting deadlines these last couple of years. This has ultimately caused delays in our AGM date. Motion to have
   the Executive Director and President to look for a new auditor. Second by Stephanie
8. 
   Confirmation and approval of membership fees – Our membership calendar is now September 1 to August 31. Recommendation is to maintain the membership fee @ $20.00 for the current season. Move to maintain motion by Jason and second by Barbra. Motion passed. The question was raised about instituting a lifetime membership option.

After a lot of discussion, it was determined such a move does come with pros and cons. This item was deferred to be discussed again at the next AGM.

9. Other business – No other business
10. Election of directors – President, Treasurer, Vice-President and Member at Large Elections
    were held by secret ballot.
    Position – President
    Mr. Howe asked for nominations for president. Barbra nominated Glen for another year. Brian second. Mr. Howe called two more times for nominations. No further nominations received. Glen was unanimously confirmed for president for another year.
    Position – Vice – President

Mr. Howe asked for nominations for vice-president. Two nominations were received. Stephanie Antone and Gen Hart. Mr. Howe called two more times for nominations. No further nominations received. Stephanie was elected vice president.
Position – Treasurer –
Mr. Howe asked for nominations for treasurer. Glen nominated Barbra. Mr Howe called 2 more times with no further nominations. Barbra was unanimously confirmed for treasurer for another year.
Position – Member at Large
Mr. Howe asked for nominations for member at large. Two nominations were received. Bob Brown and Mo Nabavieh. Mr. Howe called two more times for nominations. No further nominations received. Mo was elected member at large.

11. Round table discussion – In order to increase opportunities for our athletes Stephanie suggest we become members of The Eastern Association of the Blind. Coaches and staff will gather more information and if it looks like a positive move for our organization, we will certainly join. Bob asked if OBSA could apply for more community-based grants. Randa does look at such opportunities and has applied for some, having no success. Brian indicated, based on vast experience, with such opportunities, those grants are not available to provincial organizations. The idea was raised to have a status update of grants provided at each board meeting. As president, Glen agreed this would be a positive move and agreed to do that moving forward.
    Stephanie raised the idea of holding the gala every two years instead of annually. It was confirmed that this has been part of the ongoing conversation and will be discussed further as a board early in the new year. Mr. Howe suggested the idea of holding the gala at W Ross. This was seen as a great idea and will be discussed further as a board early in the new year. A request was made to have more open meetings throughout the year to address the members and to allow for more ongoing dialogue.

This was seen as a good idea and a further suggestion was to hold the members’ meetings when the quarterly newsletter is released. Aaron stepped up to say he would facilitate these meetings. Jade requested clarification on the Administration and Communication item on our financials. Randa committed to providing a more detailed breakdown. Jade also asked what efforts are made around donor retention. A great round table discussion raised the importance of increased efforts in this area as there is not a lot happening as it stands.

12. Set date for next meeting – September 16, 2025
13. 
    adjournment – Motion to adjourn, Barbra. Jason second. Motion passed