20) Other business

[Michael von Keitz]

Mention any other business here.

[Rob Clark]

Kevin Pacey mentioned someone being in charge of running the OCA team championships. If anyone would like this task, I think it would be great to have someone specifically in charge of it. Also with the new laws and regulations surrounding non-profits coming into place in 2014, I would love for some people with experience in these matters to take a look at our constitution. Are there any volunteers for such a committee? I believe if Bob Armstrong is willing, he would be an excellent person to serve on such a committee.

[Christopher Mallon]

Quite likely we have to minimize what's in the actual constitution (as there will be a fee to change that) and have most in the Regulations. One idea I've had is to have two levels of regulations, one of which still requires the 2/3 majority and quorum as if it were a constitutional amendment, but doesn't cost us money through the government.

[Egidijus Zeromskis]

Quite likely we have to minimize what's in the actual constitution (as there will be a fee to change that) and have most in the Regulations. One idea I've had is to have two levels of regulations, one of which still requires the 2/3 majority and quorum as if it were a constitutional amendment, but doesn't cost us money through the government.

Agree. When is a deadline for the last "free" changes?

[Rob Clark]

I've been doing some research for the incoming AGM. I am not familiar with incorporation law. This is the website I was looking at

http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/cd-dgc.nsf/eng/cs04973.html

It deals with the new Canada Not-for-profit Corporations Act (NFP Act). These new regulations seem to apply to only federal non-profits. It seems to me we would be a non for profit incorporated at the provincial level. My thoughts seem to be substantiated by the trillium stamping on our letters patent. Will this apply to us?

[John Coleman]

It seems to me we would be a non for profit incorporated at the provincial level. The OCA is an Ontario Corporation Number 1592467.

[Rob Clark]

So then we don't have to worry about the upcoming changes to non-profits, correct? My understanding is that it is a change only to non-profits incorporated at the federal level.

[Rob Clark]

There were some things from this year that I'd like to mention:

I'd really like to see the AGM go towards an online form every year. There were certainly some bugs this year but I think it’s been fantastic all in all. I wouldn’t be surprised if this years AGM turnout is the best in OCA history and I think it’s a good thing that everyone can see what’s going on. I think its something that should be continued.

Additionally, we might want to try to go for another trillium grant to replace the clocks and sets that have gone missing, been broken etc etc. With OLG privatizing their casinos there will be a substantial decrease in revenue and with it I doubt the trillium grants will be as plentiful. I recall hearing SWOCL was thinking about going for one as well. A grant might also be helpful with our pursuit of a youth team, with the grant providing the equipment (s well as alleviating some of the other costs), after which the equipment can join the OCA’s materials.

I think the equipment rental matter needs to be settled. What exactly is the rate and how can it be enforced/maintained is something I think should be addressed. I think that a chunk of the rental fees going to the keeper is a good idea although no governor could house the clocks and boards.

[Brett Campbell]

There were some things from this year that I'd like to mention:

I'd really like to see the AGM go towards an online form every year. There were certainly some bugs this year but I think it’s been fantastic all in all. I wouldn’t be surprised if this years AGM turnout is the best in OCA history and I think it’s a good thing that everyone can see what’s going on. I think its something that should be continued.

Additionally, we might want to try to go for another trillium grant to replace the clocks and sets that have gone missing, been broken etc etc. With OLG privatizing their casinos there will be a substantial decrease in revenue and with it I doubt the trillium grants will be as plentiful. I recall hearing SWOCL was thinking about going for one as well. A grant might also be helpful with our pursuit of a youth team, with the grant providing the equipment (s well as alleviating some of the other costs), after which the equipment can join the OCA’s materials.

I think the equipment rental matter needs to be settled. What exactly is the rate and how can it be enforced/maintained is something I think should be addressed. I think that a chunk of the rental fees going to the keeper is a good idea although no governor could house the clocks and boards.

Hi Rob

Your idea of an online AGM was good, and the results will speak for themselves. People are taking the time to make thoughtful comments, something that doesn't always occur in a meeting lasting just a few hours.

I agree that we have to replace equipment, but also that we should be always aware of who is storing it and consistently getting a rental fee from any person or league borrowing it.It could be a dollar a clock and a dollar a set, but it has to be done every time. We have to know, after each time equipment is borrowed, what has been broken, and always lend out functioning clocks and compete sets.

We will be in a better position to apply for Trillium Grants once we can produce notices of assessment related to our tax returns.

You mention that SWOCL was thinking of applying for a Trillium grant, which begs the question, is SWOCL a non profit like OCA? I thought you had to be a corporation to apply for Trillium grans, so is this true?

It seems to me that this is one case where the OCA could benefit all the leagues. How? By applying for a Trillium grant for equipment for all the leagues means the OCA can make one application, instead of 4 leagues making 4 applications.

[Rob Clark]

Hi Rob

Your idea of an online AGM was good, and the results will speak for themselves. People are taking the time to make thoughtful comments, something that doesn't always occur in a meeting lasting just a few hours.

I agree that we have to replace equipment, but also that we should be always aware of who is storing it and consistently getting a rental fee from any person or league borrowing it.It could be a dollar a clock and a dollar a set, but it has to be done every time. We have to know, after each time equipment is borrowed, what has been broken, and always lend out functioning clocks and compete sets.

We will be in a better position to apply for Trillium Grants once we can produce notices of assessment related to our tax returns.

You mention that SWOCL was thinking of applying for a Trillium grant, which begs the question, is SWOCL a non profit like OCA? I thought you had to be a corporation to apply for Trillium grans, so is this true?

It seems to me that this is one case where the OCA could benefit all the leagues. How? By applying for a Trillium grant for equipment for all the leagues means the OCA can make one application, instead of 4 leagues making 4 applications.

SWOCL would use the OCA as a vehicle for such a grant. That is one of the main reasons the OCA was incorporated, so it could function as such a vehicle to the leagues. I also like the idea of supporting the Olympiad players from Ontario. The amount of a dollar a clock and a dollar a set seems reasonable. It seems like there should also be something in place for damaged/missing equipment. I know you've put some thought into it, do you have any ideas as to how to tackle this problem? Also I would say that 20% of all equipment rentals going to the person housing the clocks and sets is fair if he's willing to be responsible for them. What could happen is that we could make an application for one league in which clocks and sets etc are part of the grant. After the league is done with the clocks, sets etc (assuming the grant is for either one event or a series of events) the materials could be returned to the OCA and added to the materials we have now.

[Christopher Mallon]

The amount of a dollar a clock and a dollar a set seems reasonable. It seems like there should also be something in place for damaged/missing equipment. I know you've put some thought into it, do you have any ideas as to how to tackle this problem? Also I would say that 20% of all equipment rentals going to the person housing the clocks and sets is fair if he's willing to be responsible for them.

All of this was already discussed at length and decided upon, back in 2009 I believe. IIRC it was $1 per clock and 50 cents per set, with an up front payment of 500% of the rental fee as a deposit, the non-rental portion of which is returned after equipment is back and inspected. If equipment is brought back late (at the time this was a bigger problem that dying equipment) we charge additional rental fees out of the deposit before returning it.

[Vladimir Drkulec]

It seems to me that this is one case where the OCA could benefit all the leagues. How? By applying for a Trillium grant for equipment for all the leagues means the OCA can make one application, instead of 4 leagues making 4 applications.

You might want to talk to John Coleman who wrote a successful application to Trillium. The previous successful applicant is probably not available for comment. John was explaining the criteria for the grants to me and it is clear that it is not a trivial undertaking to apply for a grant.

You might be better off making several separate applications rather than one big application as it might improve your chances of being successful. Also, if you are getting rental income from the sets do you even need to bother with a Trillium application? Just use the rental fees to gradually buy more sets and clocks.

[Brett Campbell]

SWOCL would use the OCA as a vehicle for such a grant. That is one of the main reasons the OCA was incorporated, so it could function as such a vehicle to the leagues. I also like the idea of supporting the Olympiad players from Ontario. The amount of a dollar a clock and a dollar a set seems reasonable. It seems like there should also be something in place for damaged/missing equipment. I know you've put some thought into it, do you have any ideas as to how to tackle this problem? Also I would say that 20% of all equipment rentals going to the person housing the clocks and sets is fair if he's willing to be responsible for them. What could happen is that we could make an application for one league in which clocks and sets etc are part of the grant. After the league is done with the clocks, sets etc (assuming the grant is for either one event or a series of events) the materials could be returned to the OCA and added to the materials we have now.

Previously we discussed a damage deposit cheque we could cash if equipment was broken or lost. An OCA executive member could volunteer to look after equipment. RVP's could be responsible for transferring equipment between leagues for tournaments in their geographical area. Rentals could pay for new batteries, and I've heard these should be removed from clocks when not in use. The OCA could receive the Trillium Grant, and buy equipment with some of it, adding inventory to the balance sheet. OCA would give the rest of the grant money to the league, to run a tournament, for example. We can discuss these ideas prior to implementation.

[Rob Clark]

Previously we discussed a damage deposit cheque we could cash if equipment was broken or lost. An OCA executive member could volunteer to look after equipment. RVP's could be responsible for transferring equipment between leagues for tournaments in their geographical area. Rentals could pay for new batteries, and I've heard these should be removed from clocks when not in use. The OCA could receive the Trillium Grant, and buy equipment with some of it, adding inventory to the balance sheet. OCA would give the rest of the grant money to the league, to run a tournament, for example. We can discuss these ideas prior to implementation.

Agreed, does 20% sound reasonable for the houser of the equipment?

[Rob Clark]

Also there has been dispute over geographical regions in the OCA. I would like to put together a committee to decide where in fact the boundaries lie. I would ask that each league nominate one person to serve on the committee.

[Brett Campbell]

Also there has been dispute over geographical regions in the OCA. I would like to put together a committee to decide where in fact the boundaries lie. I would ask that each league nominate one person to serve on the committee.

Sure, that sounds like a good idea. I like the idea of using postal codes, although it could be done by intersections of streets, which would require more work.

[Brett Campbell]

Agreed, does 20% sound reasonable for the houser of the equipment?

It would give an incentive to someone to look after the equipment, and they could be responsible for changing batteries and ensuring that the equipment they are renting out works, and collecting the cheque for us. So I could support this modest compensation.

[Brett Campbell]

Also there has been dispute over geographical regions in the OCA. I would like to put together a committee to decide where in fact the boundaries lie. I would ask that each league nominate one person to serve on the committee.

Sure, that sounds like a good idea. I like the idea of using postal codes, although it could be done by intersections of streets, which would require more work.

[Rob Clark]

Sure, that sounds like a good idea. I like the idea of using postal codes, although it could be done by intersections of streets, which would require more work.

I think a committee can better answer where the actual boundaries currently are for everyone. Although if it ends up going by streets....more work is a huge understatement

[Marcus Wilker]

Also there has been dispute over geographical regions in the OCA. I would like to put together a committee to decide where in fact the boundaries lie. I would ask that each league nominate one person to serve on the committee.


... if GTCL is happy to accept me representing them on this committee, I am willing to serve and help put together a clear map for the OCA website.

Marcus

I'll just add here, in case it got lost on the other thread, that I would be willing to do this, but someone else from GTCL might be a better choice.

[Christopher Mallon]

I'm willing to represent SWOCL. I would bring some historical knowledge with me but I would personally prefer the committee to look at the wishes of the people who live in various locations now, rather than what has been the case historically.

[Bob Armstrong]

Whew! The final poll at the incoming AGM closes tomorrow. Will we then be allowed to go home???

Bob A

[Bob Armstrong]

Have to renew my question, 'cause I'm not sure .....Is this meeting yet over????

Bob A