Friday, May 9, 2008
RETIRED WOMEN TEACHERS OF ONTARIO
48TH ANNUAL MEETING
Sheraton Parkway Toronto North, Richmond Hill, Ontario.
June 2 - 3, 2004
MINUTES
SESSION 1 - WEDNESDAY, JUNE 2, 2004
1. Welcome, President’s Remarks - Patricia Fremlin
The 48th Annual Meeting of the Retired Women Teachers of Ontario was called
to order at 8:30 a.m. by President, Patricia Fremlin, who welcomed all
delegates and visitors. She entertained us all by reviewing Rules for
Teachers of 1873. She then announced that there would be a few changes in
the order of business as printed in the Convention program for the
Wednesday/Thursday sessions, but they would be brought to everyone’s
attention as the agenda proceeded.
2. Announcements - Convention Co-ordinators
Sherri Stokes made several housekeeping announcements, highlighting the
“Lost Trails” poster which identified members whose contact information was
out of date and requested help in locating them.
3. Delegate Voting Information - Emily McBride, Program Co-ordinator
Emily reported that there were 143 delegates in attendance, with 120 from
Branches. A simple majority for voting purpose would be 50% + 1 = 73. 66%
would be 95, and 80% would be 115.Speakers to motions would have 2 minutes
each. The Steering Committee, Timer and Scrutineers were introduced and
their roles explained.
4. Minutes of 2003 Annual Meeting - Martha Summers, Recording
Secretary Martha referred to the minutes of the 47th Annual Meeting in the
Annual Report.
Motion #03/04 - 62
Move by Martha Summers, seconded by Freddie Beekhuis, that the minutes of
the 47th Annual Meeting be approved as printed and circulated. CARRIED.
5. Reports
01 Financial Report, Presentation of 2004-5 Budget
- Johanna Vanderpol, Executive Secretary-Treasurer
The Executive Secretary-Treasurer explained the financial statement and
budget printed in the Annual Report. She attributed the higher than usual
total in the receipts column to returns from the 2003 Convention and the
Encon profit sharing contribution. She explained the statement line by line,
and pointed out the surplus of $22,963.00 for the year 2003-2004. The
proposed budget has been developed from the actual expenditures last year,
with the addition of budget lines for identified committee expenses and the
upcoming 50th Anniversary of RWTO..
02 Constitution and Resolutions - Carol Martin, Constitution and
Resolutions Chair
As Chair of the Constitution and Resolutions Committee, Carol Martin
highlighted her report as printed in the Annual Report. She announced a
change in order of the agenda, indicating that Resolutions 1, 2, 3, 10, and
11 as printed in the Annual Report would be presented at this time. A time
limit of one hour was allotted for this purpose, following which the agenda
as printed would resume.
Juanita Rathbun, Parliamentarian, gave instructions for voting procedures,
and pointed out the Rules of Order printed on the last page of the Annual
Report. A 66% majority is required for any actions which would make a change
in the Constitution.
From the Board of Directors
RESOLUTION #1 Moved by Carole Watson, seconded by Doris French
Be it resolved that the position of Membership Convenor be added to the
list of appointees to the Board of Directors.
Motion 03/04-63
Moved by Isabel Ward, seconded by Karen Simmons, resolved that motion #1 be
postponed until after the position of Membership Convenor has been included
in the Constitution. DEFEATED.
Vote on the main Resolution CARRIED.
RESOLUTION # 2 Moved by Lee Beech, seconded by Joan Sisler-Wells
Be it resolved that the position of Communications Convenor be added to
the list of appointees to the Board of Directors. CARRIED.
From the Constitution and Resolutions Committee
in consultation with York North and Mississauga Branches
RESOLUTION # 3 Moved by Lee Beech, seconded by Judy Moulton
Be it resolved that Article IV- Organization be amended by the addition of a
new section 4 Elections to read:-
Article IV- Organization (Handbook Page17)
4. Elections
(a) Election of Executive Officers
The Chair of the Nominations Committee shall submit to the delegates at the
Annual Meeting the names of nominees for executive office for the following
positions
$ Past President
$ President
$ First Vice President
$ Second Vice President
$ Program Coordinator
$ Provincial Insurance Convenor
$ Assistant Insurance Convenor
If more than one candidate is nominated for any of these positions then a
secret ballot shall be held. Election of these candidates shall be by
majority vote of the delegates present at the Annual Meeting.
(b) Selection or Election of Area Directors
(i) Each Area shall decide on the process for electing or selecting its own
Area Director.
(ii) The method to be used in selecting or electing each Area Director must
be in writing.
(iii) Copies of the process must be made available to the Provincial
Executive and circulated to each of the Branch Presidents within each Area.
(iv) The name of each Area Director selected or elected by members in her
own area must be forwarded to the Provincial Nominations Chair as soon as
possible but before the end of each fiscal year.
(v) The chair of the Nominations Committee must submit the names of the
nominees for the position of Area Director chosen by each Area for
ratification by the delegates at the Annual Meeting.
(c) Appointments to the Board of Directors
The Chair of the Nominations Committee shall submit to the delegates at the
Annual Meeting the names of the additional appointees to the Board of
Directors for the following positions:-
(i) Archivist
(ii) Recording Secretary
(iii) Parliamentarian
(iv) Convention Convenor
(v) Honorary President
(vi) Executive Secretary-Treasurer
(d) Voting
All elected and appointed members of the Board of Directors with the
exception of the Parliamentarian and the Executive –Secretary Treasurer are
entitled to a vote.
A friendly Amendment was made to the Resolution:
That the following be added to 4.(c):
(vii) Membership Convenor
(viii) Communications Convenor CARRIED.
Vote on Resolution # 3 as amended. CARRIED.
From Mississauga Branch
RESOLUTION # 10
Be it resolved that a committee be struck to investigate the re-definition
of the area boundaries of RWTO, said committee to include at least three
members–at-large, and to file its final report at the Annual Meeting of
2006. CARRIED.
From Oakville Branch
RESOLUTION # 11
Be it resolved that a new area be formed that would include the following
Branches known as LYDIA SNOW, MISSISSAUGA, OAKVILLE and PEEL NORTH. CARRIED.
5. Reports (continued)
.03 Nominations Report - Shirley Hoover, Past President
As Chair of the Nominations Committee, Shirley Hoover referred everyone to
Page 31 of the Annual Report which presented the proposed Slate of Officers
for 2004-2005. Amendments to the list of names, as a result of decisions
previously made by the membership included:
Board of Directors
Director Area 5 - Linda Seath (in lieu of Joyce Foster)
Director Area 12 - Joyce Foster
Appointments
Membership Convenor - Barbara Bain
Communications Convenor - Martha Summers
Other Committees*
Goodwill - Sherri Stokes
Issues & Concerns - Carole Watson
*These positions are identified for Executive Members in Article VI of the
Constitution.
Motion #03/04-64
Moved by Shirley Hoover, seconded by Freddie Beekhuis, be it moved that the
Nominations Report for Officers (Executive and Board of Directors and
Appointees) as presented and amended by the Nominations Committee be
accepted for the year 2004 - 2005. CARRIED.
.04 Program Co-ordinator - Emily McBride
The Program Co-ordinator’s Report is on Page 11 of the Annual Report. Emy
indicated she had enjoyed her short time in this role, having taken over
from Elsie Seddon, who was forced to resign for medical reasons. Area
Directors’ Reports follow this in the Annual Report.
.05 Policy and Procedures Committee - Emily McBride, Chair
Report in Annual Report, page 28. Emy highlighted the work of the committee
in preparing the long-awaited Policy Handbook which will be distributed
later this year.
.06 Membership Committee - Barbara Bain, Chair
This report is included as an insert to the Annual Report. Barbara briefly
spoke of the mandate and work of the committee. She especially highlighted
two Branches, Trenton and Orillia, for their exemplary work this year, and
presented them with a “Feather Hat of Honour”.
.07 Honorary Life Membership Committee - Judy Moulton, Chair
This report is included as an insert to the Annual Report. Judy highlighted
three members who would be receiving the award this year: Roberta Drew of
Muskoka Branch, Patricia Fremlin of Central Algoma Branch, and Carol Rannie
of Ottawa-Carleton Branch. The awards will be presented at he Wednesday
Banquet.
.08 Issues and Concerns Committee - Sylvia Kajiura and Lee Beech, Co-Convenors
This report is contained in the Annual Report, page 30. It is important that
members identify their issues and concerns as topics for research and
information.
.09 Archivist - Mary Jane Finn
As indicated in the report, page 31, the Memorial Service for 127 members
will be held at 8:30 a.m. Thursday. The In Memoriam Book is on display at
the Convention.
.10 Goodwill Report - Joy Patyk, Goodwill Convenor
The Goodwill Report is on page 30 of the Annual Report. Joy Patyk reported
an enjoyable year as convenor, especially receiving notes back from “Over
90's” with whom she has been in contact.
The first session was adjourned at 11:20 a.m.
SESSION 2 - THURSDAY, JUNE 3, 2004
1. In Memoriam Service - Mary Jane Finn, Archivist
A very fitting Memorial Service using the theme “Hats Off to RWTO” was
conducted by the Archivist, with participation by Area Directors, to honour
members who had passed away during the past year.
2. Opening Remarks - Patricia Fremlin, President
The second session was opened by Pat Fremlin with a reading of “A Poem for
Senior Citizens”, a humorous interpretation of the need for pills.
3. Announcements - Sherri Stokes, Convention Co-ordinator
Sherri reminded all to complete their evaluation forms and deposit them in
boxes provided.
4. Resolutions - Juanita Rathbun, Parliamentarian and Carol Martin,
Committee Chair
Presentation and discussion of Resolutions continued from Wednesday session.
From the Board of Directors
RESOLUTION # 4 Moved by Joan Sisler-Wells, seconded by Judith Hood.
Be it resolved that Article VI-Duties of Executive Officers Section 2 be
amended to read:-
Article VI- Duties of Executive Officers (Handbook Page 18)
2. Past President
The Past President shall:
(a) Chair the Nominations Committee.
(b) Advertise vacancies for Provincial Executive positions in the November
Newsletter.
(c) Present the proposed slate of elected officers and appointees to the
Board of Directors prior to being presented to the delegates at the Annual
Meeting.
(d) Present the proposed slate of elected officers and appointees to the
Board of Directors to the delegates at the Annual Meeting for election and
ratification.
(e) Call three times for any further nominations from the floor.
(f) Hold an election by secret ballot at the Annual Meeting if more than one
nomination is received for any one elected position. Each candidate will be
given an equal opportunity to speak to the delegates before the vote is
taken.
(g) Be a member of the Constitution and Resolutions Committee. CARRIED.
RESOLUTION #5 Moved by Shirley Hoover, seconded by Gertrude
MacCrimmon
Be it resolved that Article VIII- Duties and Structure of Provincial
Committees section 2 be amended by substitution to read:-
Article VIII-Duties and Structure of Provincial Committees (Page 25)
Nominations Committee
- The Nominations Committee shall
(a) be chaired by the Past President and include two Area Directors in
consultation with the current President.
(b) advertise vacancies for Provincial Executive in the November Provincial
Newsletter
(c) receive nominations for any vacancies on the Provincial Executive before
the date set by the Board of Directors
(d) prepare a proposed slate of officers to fill vacancies on the Provincial
Executive
(e) prepare a proposed slate of appointees to the Board of Directors.
CARRIED.
RESOLUTION # 6 Moved by Emy McBride, seconded by Lee Beech
Be it resolved that Article X-Annual Meeting Sections 2, 4 and 5 be
amended to read:
ARTICLE X-Annual meeting (Handbook Page 29)
2. The Annual Meeting shall:
(a) receive reports of officers and committee convenors
(b) approve the annual budget
(c) elect the officers to the Provincial Executive
(d) approve the appointments to the Board of Directors
(e) consider resolutions
(f) ratify the actions of the Executive and the Board of Directors
(g) conduct other business
4. Amendments to the Constitution
(a) Amendments to the Constitution, submitted by the deadline as determined
by the Board of Directors, shall* be made at the Annual Meeting by a 66%
majority vote of the registered delegates.
*This was approved at the 2002 Annual Meeting
5. Voting Delegates:
Each Branch is entitled to delegates according to the following formula**
Up to 50 members 1 delegate
51-100 members 2 delegates
101-150 members 3 delegates
151-200 members 4 delegates
201-250 members 5 delegates
251-300 members 6 delegates
301+ members 7 delegates
**This change was approved at the 2003 Annual Meeting. CARRIED.
From the Branches
From Hamilton-Wentworth Branch
RESOLUTION # 7 Moved by Sylvia Kajiura, seconded by Judy Taylor
Be it resolved that the Constitution be amended to read:
Article III- Membership and Fees
2. Fees
3. (f) For members who retired with an annual teacher pension of $10,000
or less regardless of the year of retirement, the fee shall be one half the
regular fee.
Moved by Karen Simmons, seconded by Alba Falconi, that the words “on
application to and approval by the Board of Directors” be inserted after the
word “retirement” in the resolution.
Moved by Mary Kidd, seconded by Steph Hattie, that the question be put on
the amendment. CARRIED.
Vote on the motion to amend. DEFEATED
Vote on the original resolution. DEFEATED
RESOLUTION # 8 Moved by Sylvia Kajiura, seconded by Judy Taylor.
Be it resolved that the Constitution be amended to read:
Article III-Membership and Fees
4.Associate Member
Any retired Educational Assistant is eligible to become an Associate Member
of RWTO subject to the same fee structure as a Regular Member. DEFEATED.
RESOLUTION # 9 Moved by Sylvia Kajiura, seconded by Judy Taylor
Be it resolved that the procedure followed for the selection of Area
Directors incorporate a vote of acceptance of each individual Area Director
by members of that Area. DEFEATED.
From Burlington Branch
RESOLUTION # 12 Moved by Marg Steedman-Turek, seconded by Nancy Kumpf
Be it resolved that the Constitution be amended by the addition of a new
category of membership to read:
Article III-Membership and Fees (Handbook Page15)
4. Fellowship Associate
(a) A Fellowship Associate is a member who is no longer able to attend
meetings due to ill health, age or other concerns, but does not qualify as a
Sustaining Member. She shall pay no fees. WITHDRAWN.
From Niagara South Branch
RESOLUTION # 13 Moved by Margo Smith, seconded by Ruth Ferguson
Be it resolved that Article III Membership and Fees 3 (b) be amended by
the addition of the following:
Sustaining Member
(a) the same
NEW
(b) A sustaining member is one who has become “shut in” due to physical
impairments and is living
(i) in a Long Term Care Facility or
(ii) at home with help from Community Care Access resources
(c) formerly 3 (b) remains the same WITHDRAWN.
NEW RESOLUTION to replace 12 and 13, withdrawn above:
From joint Burlington/Niagara South Branches
RESOLUTION 14 Moved by Margo Smith, seconded by Nancy Kumpf
Be it resolved that Article III Membership and Fees 3(b) be amended as
follows:
Sustaining Member
(a) the same
(b) is a member who is no longer able to attend meetings due to chronic ill
health, physical impairment, mobility or age. She shall pay no membership
fees.
Moved by Barbara Bain, seconded by Sharon Helps-Symington, that the
resolution be amended by including at the end of (a) the word “or”, and
following this by the wording of (b) in the resolution. CARRIED.
Vote on the motion as amended. CARRIED.
NEW RESOLUTIONS: (Note: Because Resolutions 15 and 16 are
constitutional changes, and advance notice was not given, an 80% majority is
required for the resolution to carry.)
RESOLUTION 15 Moved by Adele Muldoon, seconded by Isabel Ward
Be it resolved that Article VII of the constitution - Duties and
Structure of Provincial Committee be amended to include the addition of a
new sub-section 6 under Standing Committees: Membership Committee, with the
duties to be decided by the Board of Directors and presented to the Annual
Meeting 2005 for inclusion in the constitution.
Ref. Page 24, 25, 26 of Handbook. CARRIED.
RESOLUTION 16 Moved by Adele Muldoon, seconded by Isabel Ward
Be it resolved that Article VII of the constitution - Duties and
Structure of Provincial Committee be amended to include the addition of a
new sub-section 6 under Standing Committees: Communications Committee, with
the duties to be decided by the Board of Directors and presented to the
Annual Meeting 2005 for inclusion in the constitution.
Ref. Page 24, 25, 26 of Handbook CARRIED.
RESOLUTION 17 Moved by Carol Martin, seconded by Marg Steedman-Turek.
Be it resolved that Burlington Branch be included in the new Area 12.
Moved by Barbara Johnston, seconded by Diann Rigg, that the resolution be
deferred until the Boundaries Committee makes its recommendations. DEFEATED.
Vote on original Resolution. CARRIED.
5. Reports (Continued from Wednesday)
.01 Insurance - Joan Sisler-Wells, Insurance Convenor
Joan thanked the Board, Branches her Assistant Convenor, Judith Hood, and
Terry Kennedy of Encon for their assistance during her term. She introduced
Terry who had a presentation to make. Terry cited statistics regarding the
status of the insurance program, and was pleased to present a profit sharing
cheque in the amount of $20,263.00 to RWTO.
Judith Hood was introduced as the Insurance Convenor for 2004-2005.
6. Executive Secretary-Treasurer’s Report - Johanna Vanderpol
The report outlining the various duties of this position is printed on page
37 of the Annual Report. Membership statistics were highlighted, indicating
growth in the organization.
Johanna explained the Auditor’s Report printed in the Annual Report. The
financial status of RWTO is healthy at the present time. The Auditor’s
Report gave RWTO the highest rating given in the accounting profession,
stating that the “financial statements present fairly, in all material
respects, the financial position of the program as at March 31, 2004...” A
request was made from a Branch that the Auditor’s letter be included with
the report. It was confirmed that a copy of the letter will be sent to any
Branch upon request.
It was pointed out that additions should be made to the Budget for 2004-2005
to cover costs for positions previously approved by the membership. $1500.00
was added to Area Directors - Expenses for the additional Area Director and
$1500.00 was added for Communications Committee.
Motion 03/04-65
Moved by Lee Beech, seconded by Margaret Murdoch, that the budget for 2004-5
be approved as amended. CARRIED.
7. Motion 03/04-66
Moved by Mary Jane Finn, seconded by Margaret Murdoch, that decisions and
actions of the Board for the year 2003-4 be ratified. CARRIED.
8. Motion 03/04-67
Moved by Eleanor Vargo, seconded by Joy Patyk, that all reports for the
Annual Meeting be accepted. CARRIED.
9. Invitation to 2005 Convention
Members of Branches in Area 8, attired to highlight the theme “Bloom with
8", presented a musical invitation to attend the 49th Annual Convention in
Kingston, in June 2005.
10. Announcements
Final announcements regarding lunch arrangements were made, and all
delegates and visitors were requested to turn in their name tag holders for
use next year.
11. Adjournment
The 48th Annual Meeting was declared adjourned by Patricia Fremlin,
President, at 11:25 a.m.
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