Hello all?

Craig & I just returned from a meeting of the Mountain Resort Association Steering Committee.

The meeting was held at Lizard Creek Lodge, June 28, 2001.

Attending the meeting were the following persons:

Barbara Harris (chairperson)

Al Raine (consultant)

Michael Vaughan (lawyer working for Al Raine)

John Birrell (representing business and Fernie C of C)

Mike Delich (large properties)

Brian Bell (smaller properties)

Bernie Hide ( residents and owners)

Craig Morris (observer)

Mike Fikowski (observer)

Geri Rothal (observer, RDEK district "A" elected representative )

The meeting was called in order that Al Raine could present his draft report and to discuss the draft bylaws. Both drafts were distributed to committee members a few days before the meeting.

The meeting was both positive and productive. Craig & I had identified several areas of concern and raised them during the course of the meeting. Our concerns revolved mainly around fair representation and the assessment formula. In each case Al indicated that the bylaws would be revised to address our concerns.

The exact geographic area to be included in the proposed MRA is yet undetermined. A decision was made to poll those owners who are not currently subject to the "rent charge" in order to gauge the level of support for an MRA. If you are Timberline Cres. or Griz Inn owner you may be receiving a call from Barbara Harris.

The tentative timetable for the attempted implementation of a Fernie Mountain Resort Association is as follows:

June 20, 2001 - Al Raine will submit the revised bylaws to the committee

July 13, 2001 - Al Raine will present the final report to committee

July 27, 2001 - final date for committee input to bylaws or report

- submit bylaws to regional district for approval

August 3, 2001 - public release of bylaws and report

September 21, 2001 - public meeting

Oct. 1 to Dec. 31/01 - petition property owners for approval

If the petition is successful, an application will be made to the provincial government to approve the formation of the FMRA. It usually takes a couple of months to receive approval.

These dates are tentative and subject to slippage. There are several factors that may affect this schedule. Ski hill ownership, the degree of public support and regional district approval to mention a few.

Al has asked that we keep the bylaws and report within the committee until they are released to the committee's sponsor (The RDEK) at the end of July. In early August we will post these documents on the web site. It is anticipated that we will have a general FSVCA meeting on the Labour Day weekend and a meeting will be scheduled by the MRA steering committee on or about Sept. 21 to allow for public input and discussion.

If you have any questions regarding the MRA of any other community association business, please don't hesitate to call or email us. (fsvca@redtree.com)

Here's to good summer!

Bernie