Penticton Minor Hockey Association faces a challenge heading into the next year.
B.C. Hockey, through the B.C. Societies Act, is making associations throughout the province reduce their board sizes as the governing body feels larger boards can be challenging. Kara Ouellette, the new president of PMHA by acclamation, will work with new and returning board members to satisfy B.C. Hockey. It was a topic during the annual general meeting held on May 17 that has some parents concerned, especially because some board members are already overworked from their duties.
“I think people often are uncomfortable at the thought of change or wondering why. Any change is going to cause some questions,” said Ouellette. “It’s the (B.C. Society Act) that is changing. We’re really being pushed to lower the number of directors. We’re trying to honour that, while still doing what is best for the kids.”
PMHA has a year to make the change. Ouellette said they will put forward their changes in November.
The notice of motion was brought up during the meeting. Information in the agenda states the executive shall consist of the president, vice-president, both whom shall be elected on alternating two year terms, the secretary, treasurer, selected to two-year terms and eight elected directors to two-year terms, after half, four of whom alternating every second year. Elected executive may appoint additional directors to a maximum of two years. Appointed directors and any such appointment of a director by the executive shall be for one year.
“We feel that we have shrunk the board to the smallest size, while still making sure we address things for players and their families,” she said.
When asked, Gagno, PMHA’s outgoing president, said that associations in Kelowna and Kamloops shrinked their board sizes.
Returning board members are Jamie Materi, vice president, as well as directors Craig Finer, Barb Main, Darrell Moog, Ted Van Troyen and Jill Wrigglesworth, are join by new secretary Darla Roy, treasurer Jen Jacobsen and directors Karen Beresford, Colin Powell, Rick Johnson, Tara Kenney and Stephen Juch.
As for the associations financials, the budget from May 2016 to April 2017 was $655,620 and they spent $558,758.47. Their income generated $602,082.63. From hosting 14 tournament, they estimate that $2.5 million was brought to Penticton. Among their expenses, they budget ice rental for $240,000, but that went over by $57,008.85. Their bank charges also went over budge ($5,000), by $2,004.42. The balanced budget for the 2017-18 season is $610,000.
