November update

The Evanston Creekside Community Association (ECCA) exists to serve our community by fostering connection, engagement and a sense of belonging. We are a volunteer board made up of local residents (many of whom this is their first year on the board) who dedicate our time to organizing events, advocating for neighbourhood needs and maintaining programs that benefit everyone.

Without a permanent location, the board relies on the generosity of businesses to offer their space for us to meet and for that we are grateful. Board meetings are open to the public and we ask that you email us in advance of your attendance. That way we can ensure there is sufficient space at the venue. We also ask that if you have something you would like to us address to let us know in advance (email: [email protected]) so it can be included in the meeting’s agenda.

The ECCA Board of Directors held its monthly meeting on Tuesday, November 04 at Evanston Grand Village. There were nine board members, four invited speakers and four ECCA Members. The ECCA Members did not inform the board in advance that they would be attending. As such, the names of the attendees could not be provided to Evanston Grand Village in advance (the meeting was held after normal business hours and names are needed for security and fire safety). The meeting began with a scheduled in-camera session which is a confidential session that includes only board members and sometimes invited guests. All others were asked to leave the room until the in-camera session finished.

The meeting resumed with all back in the room once the in-camera session concluded. There were reports from board members; updates about upcoming activities; resolutions to approve an application for a grant and a chocolate fundraiser; discussions about a Community Park rental fee, community survey and business sponsorships; and content for the monthly newsletter.

As the meeting drew to its conclusion, the ECCA Members began to voice their concerns about having time and a platform to speak. It was made clear that a board meeting deals with items on an approved agenda. It was explained that if Members wished to speak, they need to notify the board in advance so it can be added to the agenda. There were loud objections and unfounded accusations directed towards board members. The meeting adjourned followed by threats of posting their dissatisfaction online.

The ECCA board is open to all community members. We invite you to participate and engage in what we do for the betterment of Evanston and Creekside. However, there are still protocols and rules of decorum we must all follow even if we are all volunteers and residents. Please check out our website where we will be outlining board procedure and how community members can speak at future meetings.