BCFFPA Board of Directors
Teleconference Summary
April 3, 2008
1.
Debbie Drewitz informed the Board that a non board member was on
speakerphone. Melanie allowed him to stay, but requested that a check will be
done to ensure that this follows policy
No salary or personnel issues discussed, only the approval of the Letter of
Employment and Job Description for the ED.
Melanie has loaned a print to the Federation office and does not require or request
compensation. No further discussion.
2.
Acceptance of Minutes March 10, 2008. - Accepted as amended (Heather Bayes)
3.
Budget over expenditure of $76,808.00 for the fiscal year. Ellaine clarified that
this was due to lack of fundraising, cost of Idea Forums, and Macro Regional
Assistance
4.
Additions – David McKnight will attend for legal assistance
a.
Has provided a legal opinion in addition to the one provided by Anders
Orume . He has reviewed the P & P, Constitution and Bylaws and the
Societies Act and finds the following:
-
Membership expires December 31 of any given year
-
There is a 30 day grace period given which expires January 31 of
the following year
-
Societies Act governs Societies Constitution and Bylaws are
registered with the Registrar
-
Section 23 speaks to changes to the bylaws that are filed in
Victoria. These changes are voted on by members and if passed
are forwarded to Victoria.
-
Section 25 of the Societies Act states that all Directors owe a
fiduciary duty to the Federation that includes upholding the
Constitution and Bylaws of the Organization – There are no
exceptions to the duties of the Directors – ignorance is no
defense.
-
Article 3 of the BCFFPA Bylaws speaks to membership and
states that A Foster Home Member is in Good Standing when
membership dues and applications are received by the
Federation/Provincial Office on or prior to the due date.
-
Section 4 of the by-laws says that by signing the membership
application a member agrees to abide by the Bylaws. Policies and
Procedures and Code of Ethics of the Federation
-
Section 6 states that membership ceases 30 days after the due
date.
-
A board member stated that she has been late paying in the past.
The information was checked but was inaccurate
-
The Board has a fiduciary duty to uphold the Bylaws going
forward.
-
Threatening e-mails have been sent to one board member,
however regardless of whether the sender agrees, the bylaws
must be upheld.
-
There will be special resolutions coming forward to the AGM to
address the issue
-
If the issue goes to court the courts may step in and place its own
limitations on the organization.
-
If someone is suing the Federation they cannot hold a position on
the board.
-
David suggested more detail in the bylaws and offered his
assistance to do so
5.
President
a.
ED letter of employment and job description
01/04/2008: MSC: (Heather Bayes) Move to accept and sign off the letter of employment
as stated. Carried Jan Chapman asked that her no vote be recorded
02/04/2008: MSC: (Heather Bayes) Move to accept the job description of the ED as
received. Carried Jan Chapman and Debbie Drewitz abstained.
b.
the process for nominations was explained
c.
Bylaws will be strictly adhered to going forward
d.
A letter will be sent to all foster parents in Vancouver Coastal requesting
nominations.
e.
The entire board became the Nominations Committee which going
forward will be chaired by Louise Dol. After much discussion it was
clarified that two of the candidates who have put forward their nomination
for election on the Executive Committee do not meet the criteria.
03/04/2008: MSC: Move that while we appreciated the interest of two people running
for office they do not meet the criteria and therefore their applications are
disallowed. Carried. Jan Chapman and Debbie Drewitz voted against and asked that
their no votes be recorded.
A letter will be written from the committee to the two nominees.
6.
Regional Delegate Reports
a.
Fraser – Nothing to report
b.
Interior – Held a teleconference to discuss Macro AGM and budget.
There are no numbers available regarding Protocols. Training meetings
and planning are ongoing with the bulk of the training for the year already
complete.
c.
North – The next Advisory Committee meeting for the North is scheduled
for April 22 in Prince George. Sherrie had a call from a foster parent
experiencing health issues, and wanting to know if the BCFFPA is able to
assist.
d.
Vancouver Island –The Delegate attended a partnership meeting on the
13th of March and provided a brief report to those in attendance. Jill
Beach discussed the letter sent to the BCFFPA with the Delegate
explaining the role of the BCFFPA Delegate as it relates to the agencies
and community. The agency appears reluctant to share information with
the BCFFPA Delegate and suggested that she obtain information from the
Island Connection Newsletter.
She has a concern regarding duality of roles whereby a person is President of
a Foster Parent Support Agency and also President of a BCFFPA local. Feels
it may be a conflict. The Secretary will draft related to holding both positions
for the May 12, 2008 call
7.
Old Business
a.
Interior Macro obtained some funding from the ministry which was taken
from Retention dollars. They have provided $4000 in funding to cover
relief costs for up to 20 caregivers to attend the AGM. A copy of the letter
is available for use by the other regions.
b.
AGM funding discussed
04/04/2008:MSC: (Heather Bayes) Move that the BCFFPA make available up to $2000
per region to assist voting members to attending the AGM to a maximum of $250 per
voting member. Carried Jan wanted her abstention noted.
The person requesting funding must be present at the AGM itself to qualify for
reimbursement of some expenses.
c.
Legal Assistance for a foster family
-
As no budget has been finalized it may have to wait. A motion
was made and passed that a donation of $500 will be given to the
foster parents should funds become available.
Next Conference Call May 12, 2008 9:30-11:30
