At the Whitecourt Community Council Meeting on May 3, 2007 people talked about the following business:

Talks

What Community Council is or should be?

Mary Jo discussed that planning for Community Council (mission statement and goals) would take place on Sept. 20, 2007 from 1:00 pm.

Deggie Hagman from Community Development will be the facilitator. This will take place in the NE PDD boardroom at Midtown Mall.

Talayna brought forward the need for an Advocate for housing.

Transportation

The Bus driver resigned. She may re-apply after the town of Whitecourt takes over the bus possibly June 1, 2007 (dial-a-bus.)

There is no permanent driver.

The Chair of the Committee is Lee Anne Worrall and the new Secretary is Barb.

Committee feels the bus should provide transportation to everyone, not just individuals who are disabled or seniors.

Chelsea (FCSS Coordinator) discussed a route system for those already on a route and a detour to pick other people up.

Friends cannot access bus because they are not disabled.

Transportation Committee is holding off on purchasing a second bus.

Dave said that he could have sold 40 monthly passes.

NE PDD Board

Doug Fleming reported that the Conference would be in the fall and invitations are being sent out. Bonnyville was selected to host this conference but the date has not yet been set.

Whitecourt does not have the facilities to host such a large event at this time.

Self Advocacy Summit

The Summitt will be at Portage College June 20 – 22. Each Community is asked to send up to 10 people.

Housing

Doug discussed that a Provincial Conference is being held in Edmonton next week. He asked if anyone from Whitecourt would be going?

Planning

Budget for Council will be set after the planning meeting. The deadline is June 15 and the amount is based on last year’s budget.

Co-Chairs Meeting in March

This will be held June 9 in St. Paul. Co-Chairs will meet with the PDD Board.

Self Advocacy Report

The Conference is September 22. The Council will host a Co-Chair meeting in Whitecourt.

Brochures for Community Council are being developed. Council will need to budget for the cost of the brochure. Council can used Barrhead brochure as an example to make one that will work for the community.

Housing

The Home program in Westlock will be May 22 & 26.

Budget for 2007 - 2008

Mary Jo said there is up to $2,000 per year for a budget.

Other Items

Those who attend the Self Advocacy Conference will get business cards to exchange with others.

Next Meeting

Next meeting is June 7, 2007.