2023 AGM
SACTA AGM Minutes November 17th 2023
Ross Memorial Library
Attendees: Mary Wobma, Mike Power, Peter Lyman, Derek Stafford, Mark Clark, Susan Marpole, Bill Fife, Richard Bale, Wilf Young-Lai, Jenni Loudwell
Apologies: Keith Wobma
Approval of the 2022 minutes: Moved Mike Power, Seconded Bill Fife, carried.
President's Report: Mary's report included the lack of court cracks being filled by the town in the late summer, possibly due to changes in the personnel in the town maintenance department. SACTA had offered to assist with these repairs.
Mary visited the Algonquin hotel to advise staff of the need for guests wishing to play tennis to sign up for a court – signup sheets are posted at the courts. Derek suggested meeting with the hotel general manager in early 2024 would be the best way to approach this. He and Mary will meet with the hotel GM in early 2024.
Mary has met with the town for an update to the plans for pickleball. The town has stated that pickleball lines will not be put on the tennis courts, the understanding is that pickleball will be played in the curling area of the arena beginning in spring 2024. It was suggested that the parking lot could be made into pickleball courts, also the area behind the arena could be used.
Thank you letters to the sponsors of this year's Masters Tournament have been sent. The Cooke Aquaculture employee who arranged the purchase of the salmon skewers at very short notice has also been sent a thank you letter.
SACTA received a request from Mary Brock, one of the organisers of the indoor tennis facility at the UNBSJ campus asking for confirmation of SACTA's support of the project. This confirmation has been sent.
Treasurer's Report: Mark reviewed the year's income and expenses. The financial situation is healthy. Peter Lyman suggested the current investment to be reviewed, possibly could be earning a better return. Some of the funds could be used on items to improve the tennis experience.
User fees to be investigated as to number of years remaining from the exemption given by the town for the $20K contribution to the court repairs and the years of restricted use due to Covid. The user fee owing for the 2023 Masters is to be paid. Mark was thanked for his year's work as treasurer. The use of E-transfer has helped to simplify his work load.
Mark moved for acceptance of the report, seconded by Susan Marpole, carried.
Membership: Jenni reported 56 members, 28 members from 2022 did not renew this year. Mary will contact these members to gain an insight into these non-renewals. Membership fees for 2024 will be $50.00 for individuals, $70.00 for families. Susan Marpole moved this change, seconded by Wilf Young-Lai, carried. As an incentive to renew early, members who pay by March 1st 2024 will receive the 2023 rate. Membership payments need to be by E-transfer.
The 2024 membership fees and details will be sent to members by email in time for the March 1st deadline and will be posted on Facebook.
Acceptance of the report moved by Jenni Loudwell, seconded by Peter Lyman, carried.
Tournaments: The Memorial was again well attended and remains an important event for SACTA. Next year's tournament will be August 11th. The mixed weekend doubles has been successful and the new sign up format used this year will be continued.
Adult Lessons: Derek reported 14 participants, 7 took full membership. Full attendance not always seen. Weather was an issue and missed lessons were made up later. Lessons were for 8 weeks and will be continued next season. 2024 dates June 17th – August 5th. Derek suggested that social tennis be reinstated to give those taking lessons the opportunity to come out and play with members.
Derek moved acceptance of the report, seconded Bill Fife, and carried.
Youth Program: Mary gave Keith Wobma's report.18 youth between 8 and 14 years old took part in the camp. This is the first year there were no 5 to 7 year olds. Keith will run the Tennis Tuesday sessions at Vincent Massey if there is agreement from the school. For 2024 the camp will be one week, July 8th to 12th. Not all the children came for the two weeks this year. The full fee will be charged even if not all sessions attended.
Mary moved acceptance of the report, seconded Susan Marpole, and carried.
Member at Large: Mike has been maintaining the website (and the Facebook page) and reported that the web site signup page has required work. It is a complicated program and Mathew Young-Lai's expertise and time has been invaluable. We will send him a 'thank you' card to recognise his help. Mary and Mike will sign the card.
New Business:
The 2024 Masters tournament. Comments have been received as to the continuance of holding the masters and if so will there be enough volunteers to assist. Almost all the members who currently volunteer were present at the AGM and all are willing to continue. The date for the 2024 Masters is August 2nd, 3rd and 4th.
Peter Lyman offered to host coaches from Toronto who are willing to hold clinics for SACTA members with no fee to take part. Discussion followed. Tennis NB has had coaches in the past who have held clinics – TNB should be contacted to find out if these clinics are in their plans for 2024.
2024 Executive:
Mary advised she has spoken to David Robichaud. He is willing to fill the 1st VP position. The 2nd VP position is no longer required.
Past President: Wilfred Young-Lai
President: Mary Wobma
Vice President: David Robichaud
Secretary: Jenni Loudwell
Treasurer: Mark Clark
Social Convenor:
Youth Co-ordinators: Keith Wobma. Derek Stafford, Wilfred Young-Lai
Member at Large: Mike Power
Acceptance moved Mary Wobma, Seconded Richard Bale, carried.
Adjournment of the meeting moved by Peter Lyman.