Ehatare’s Interim Executive Director Piret Komi and present Executive Director Veronika Viinamäe presented reports for their respective service periods. Both noted how staff and management handled the challenges of the pandemic with great compassion and effectiveness, highlighting how the Nursing Home had not suffered any deaths due to COVID-19. Pandemic funding provided by the Ministry of Long-Term Care was meant for infection control improvements. Common areas of the home also received attention. Carpeting was replaced with laminate flooring, high-touch surface areas were replaced with upgraded materials and new furniture with washable material was purchased. New mattresses, beds, privacy curtains and bed lifts were installed in the Nursing Home. Funding also went towards tables and chairs in the 4th floor dining hall along with washable chairs for the solarium and resident rooms. New LED lighting has made Ehatare a brighter and warmer home. Pandemic funds from the Ministry of Long Term Care continued throughout 2021 covering the cost of infection control supplies as well as the testing kits needed for all visitors entering the facility.
Glenn Dennis CPA delivered the audited financial report for 2021. Mr. Dennis’ comprehensive summary included an analysis of the effects the pandemic on the operations at Ehatare and the overall financial health of ERC. Mr. Dennis also noted that ERC was in better financial shape than many other corporations that are going through the pandemic. A higher than normal vacancy rate in the retirement home during the pandemic continues to put greater reliance on ERC’s savings. The auditor’s report was approved by attending members.
The membership also approved the Board proposal that ERC’s annual membership fee remain at $10.
Each year the terms of three ERC directors expire. The Board nominated current Directors Kristiina Valter and Piret Komi for re-election, and Tiina Maripuu was acclaimed as a new director to ERC’s Board. Tiina Maripuu replaces Anne-Mai Pedel who left the Board.
Resolutions to amend three by-laws were proposed by the Board to the membership to bring certain activities of the board more in line with the new Ontario Not-for-Profit Corporations Act (ONCA). These resolutions clarified procedures and responsibilities between the Board and the Executive Director as well as allowed the organization to hold electronic (virtual) meetings until a new set of by-laws are passed by the membership. The by-law resolutions proposed by the Board were passed with one modification adopted by the members to the third resolution which limited holding electronic meetings only until to June 30th, 2023. The Board will be presenting a new set of by-laws to the membership during 2023 in accordance with the ONCA deadline.
Allan Meiusi reported on ERC activities which also gave members the opportunity to ask questions about future directions for the organization. The membership will continue to be notified and engaged by the Board as directions and projects are considered.
Ehatare’s Executive Director Veronika Viinamäe is supported by the current ERC board members: Allan Meiusi (Chair), Kristiina Valter (Vice-Chair), Kristina Lepik (Secretary), Tiina Maripuu (Vice-Secretary), Epp Aruja (Treasurer), Tiina Tamm (Vice-Treasurer), Allan Eistrat, Piret Komi and Pia Hess.
