MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE DIRECTORS OF

THE FRASER VALLEY ESTATE PLANNING COUNCIL

January 12, 2010 @ 8:45 AM

AT MANTHORPE LAW OFFICES

 

 

Present:        Rosalyn Manthorpe, David Lee, Carey Vandenberg, John Blackmer, Karl Maier, Anne George and Nick Cheng

 

Regrets:        Charlene Taylor

 

 

  1. 1.Confirmation of Agenda 

 

The meeting began with the confirmation of the agenda – a discussion of drop-in fees was added to Anne’s report.

 

  1. 2.Approval of Minutes 

 

Minutes of the meeting on September 8, 2009 approved.  

 

  1. 3.President’s Report (Rosalyn Manthorpe) 

 

Rosalyn Manthorpe asked the Board about how they felt Coyote Creek did in September and November.  They were fine according to Board.  Rosalyn then explained that after she completed the Coyote Creek survey, we were awarded a golf prize.  It was decided that the prize would be awarded to a member by way of draw from business cards at the next meeting.  Rosalyn then raised the process for obtaining CLE credits for lawyers from attending the meetings.  It was decided that the Membership chair would submit the programs to the Law Society for pre-approval.

 

  1. 4.Vice President’s Report (Nick Cheng) 

 

The Vice President discussed ideas for new gift.  It was agreed that for the next meeting, there should be an Olympic related gift for the speaker.  It was decided that the next speaker would receive a $100 gift card from Ticketmaster plus a $50 Olympic scarf and $150 Ticketmaster for the rest.  John will pick up scarf.

 

  1. 5.Treasurer’s Report (Anne George) 

 

Anne George reported that the balance in the bank account is $12,132.61.  There will be 3 more dinners.  The cost per dinner was typically $1,600 so there is lots of money in the account.  Last dinner was $2,258 so we made about $640.  Next, Ann raised the topic of drop-in fees. Membership fee for early bird is $210.   After early bird, membership costs $250.  As a result, each meeting costs effectively $50.   The pamphlet says $45 for drop in but it can only be claimed once and then you have to become a member.  People are coming more than once and paying at lower drop-in rate.    It was decided that effective next membership year, $30 will be charged for first time drop-in and guests, but thereafter, the fee for attending a meeting without membership will be $55.  CAGP members will be entitled to a $10 discount so it will be $45.  For the rest of this year, the drop-in fee will continue to be $45.  As well, there will be no continuing education credits for guests.

 

  1. 6.Membership (Charlene Taylor) 

 

No report for Charlene.

 

 

  1. 7.Public Affairs (Carey Vandenberg) 

 

Carey Vandenberg reported that there were no updates for several months to the website, so we have had some cost savings since the change over.  Invitations have been sent to various professional associations but only CGA’s have been responsive so far.  Carey will follow-up with CGA to see if they agree to reciprocal notice of meetings.  Karl moved, David seconded and it was unanimously approved that the council should become a partner with Leave a Legacy.  

 

  1. 8.Program Committee Report (Dave Lee) 

 

David Lee advised that for the remainder of the year, the presenters are Sean Murray on tax and the owner/manager next week, Trevor Todd will discuss estate litigation and the Wills Variation Act in March at the joint CAGP meeting and Laura Watts will present on recent legislative changes in adult guardianship and elder issues at our AGM in May.  For September, 2010 the speaker will be Trevor Throness and his topic will be Soft Issues in Business Succession.  For the rest of the year, the following suggestions were made:

 

- Brenda McEachern

- John Clark – Pacific Spirit Investment Counsel (possibly)

- Jane Shanks / Lisa Collen (possibly)

- Trust Co panel

- Eileen Reppenhagen – CGA (The Tax Detective)

- Capacity issues

- Estate planning for disabled

- Insurance underwriting

- US estate tax / cross border planning

 

With respect to member spotlights, a possibility would be Arnold Machel on the topic of RDSP’s.  As for the meeting next week, David will introduce the speaker and Rosalyn will thank him.

 

  1. 9.Karl Maier  

 

Karl Maier reported on his presentation to the Victoria Estate Planning Council.  They meet at the Empire Club over lunch.  There are approximately 120 members.  There is a limited number of members for various categories like lawyer, accountant, financial planner, etc.  There is not a lot of opportunity for the FVEPC and the Victoria to work together because of distance.  He also noted that there was a smaller amount of networking time given the luncheon format.

 

  1. 10.New Business 

 

Board for next year will be Anne, David, Nick and Rosalyn.  John and Carey will advise in the next meeting.  Karl will speak to Charlene.  Rosalyn will request nominations at the meeting next week.

 

  1. 11.Adjourment 

 

The meeting adjourned at 10:25am.