===  Saturday, April 15th ~ Dundarave Merchants' Easter Egg Hunt ~

Also on Easter Sunday:   LIGHTHOUSE PARK PRESERVATION SOCIETY

Meet at 2:30pm in the Phyl Munday Nature House near the entrance to the Lighthouse

THEME: CLIMATE CHANGE: WHAT IS CLIMATE CHANGE & HOW IS NATURE ADJUSTING?

Climate change is not new in the Earth's history; it is only new in our lifetime.  Accompany David Cook (Biologist & Geologist) on a one- to two-hour walk along the trails of Lighthouse Park to better understand how climate change might have been initiated and how the animals and plants of our temperate rainforests might be adjusting.  For further information call David at (604) 924-0147 or email cookeco2@yahoo.com.

A CELEBRATION  --  EASTER MONDAY  -- 5-6:30pm  EAGLERIDGE BLUFFS PARKING LOT (exit 2)

=B7        INUKSHUK BUILDING (bring rocks to create your own Olympic symbol)

=B7        PRESS CONFERENCE AND INUKSHUK BUILDING (begin promptly at 5:00 pm)

=B7        KIDS' ACTIVITIES  /   MUSIC   /   SPEAKERS and INFO BOOTH

This is a family event where we encourage friends and neighbours to gather and peacefully celebrate the beauty of Eagleridge Bluffs while sending a message to the provincial government that we remain steadfast in Taking Back the Bluffs. There are viable alternatives that fulfil the government's mandate of a safer route to Whistler while avoiding the devastating destruction of the bluffs and wetlands. Major blasting and logging starts the next day so it is absolutely imperative that you come out for this final push. [More info in Updates below.]

~ 3:45pm ~ YAC

*~ 5pm ~ Museum and Archives Adv Cmte at Gertrude Lawson House [rarely on Calendar so hasten to add!]

~ 7pm ~ CSAC

ALSO:  Touring the Gleneagles Golf Course Clubhouse.

Paintings in acrylic on birch ply by BARRY COGSWELL

Special Artist's Lecture  BARRY COGSWELL  Tuesday  April 25, 7pm   FREE

---------------------------------------------------------------

~ 5:30pm ~ resurrection of FAC?

~ N Sh Family Court & Youth Justice Cmte at CNV Municipal Hall

~ Clovelly-Caulfeild Nbrhd Plan Open House at Caulfeild Elementary School (till 8pm)

*THEN

===  Friday, April 21st at the Ka= y Meek Centre (to May 6)

If there are children in your household who would enjoy participating in this program, make sure to set the morning of April 22 aside for a visit to the library and Memorial Park. In past years hundreds of children have helped to release salmon fry in McDonald Creek with the hope that they will return as adult salmon in the years to come.  We hope to see you.

THE LAND CONSERVANCY staff will be celebrating Earth Day on Saturday, April 22, 11am-3pm at Bear Creek Park (88th Ave & King George Hwy) in Surrey. As part of the Surrey Park's Environmental Extravaganza, TLC will have an information booth and be making animal badges for kids. If you have any questions about TLC, please stop by and talk with Rich Kenny.

+  Artist's Talk at FBG at 2p.m.

~ 5pm ~ NSACDI at CNV M Hall Conf Room

~ 7pm ~ FREE at FBG: Special Artist's Lecture:  BARRY COGSWELL

and

                Neighbourhood Information Meeting

Meeting Location: WV Seniors' Activity Centre, Visual Arts Room

The applicant, Ted Murray Architect Inc., is conducting the meeting as part of a Development Application to present the proposal for public review.  A community planner from West Vancouver well be in attendance to respond to questions on policy and process.  The public will have the opportunity to submit written questions or comments on forms to be provided.

The meeting is being held by the applicant.  Council will receive a staff report regarding any issue raised at the meeting and will formally consider the proposal at a future council meeting.

The proposal is for a two-storey commercial bank building of approximately 4990 square feet, located at the north-east corner of Marine Drive and 18th Street (the old KFC site). The building is to be located adjacent to Marine Drive with 11 on-grade parking spaces located to the rear of the property, accessed from 18th Street.

There will be an informal open house from 6:00-7:00pm, with a presentation at 7:00 followed with questions and comments. Light refreshments will be served.

and  at 7:30pm ~ HERITAGE VANCOUVER

Location: Vancouver Museum, 1100 Chestnut Street; Admission: Non-Members $5.00; Members Free

~ 4pm ~ Police Bd mtg in Chamber of Commerce Boardroom (may by moved to Srs' Ctr)

* START OF YOUTH WEEK

=

David Marley (in addition to his written submission Apr 10th):

=

=

A Message from the Coalition:

As you all know this is our final opportunity to stop the destruction of Eagleridge Bluffs. Our strategy is to begin with the gathering celebration as described above and then stage an 'occupation' that will continue until we successfully take back the bluffs.  This will take the form of a 'tent city' that you will see on Monday and it will be 'manned' at all times. You will receive further information via email and at the Easter Monday event, so that you can make an informed decision about joining in the occupation.

For most of us, taking this step is something very new and perhaps somewhat intimidating. Unfortunately the Government has left us no choice. We have done everything possible to get the government to meet with us and engage in meaningful dialogue about the overland highway and possible alternatives to the senseless devastation of the Eagleridge Bluffs. Not only have we citizens been ignored, but so have the Municipality of West Vancouver, the District of North Vancouver, the City of North Vancouver, and the Greater Vancouver Regional District.   We have appealed to our local MLA who in turn has completely ignored our concerns. She has never even taken the time to visit this extraordinary piece of her constituency. Kevin Falcon, the Minister of Transportation and Highways, has never taken our concerns seriously and has instead passed us off as a small group of rich NIMBYs.

Our undivided support and participation in this occupation will be imperative if we are to have any success. Through media coverage that we will undoubtedly receive, awareness will expand across the rest of British Columbia and North America.

The key ingredient in this final effort however will be you the people. Without numbers we cannot hope to demonstrate that this is more than just a regional concern but rather an issue that all urban environments are facing.

Please continue to monitor our website for information on our occupation.

Thank you,

The Coalition to Save Eagleridge Bluffs

www.eagleridgebluffs.ca

o  register with Dave Rudd by emailing him at: dave@calrudd.com

o  volunteer as part of substantial "support" crew for outside the actual tent city to act as "observers", photographers, sign bearers, caterers of water/food for occupants, etc.

o  sign up for camping shifts on April 17, 18, 19, 20, or volunteer as a member of the support crew; please contact Patricia Barnes, our Tent City Occupation Supervisor at pbarnes@barnesandjeffreys.com.

 >>>  CCL MTG Apr 10th NOTES <<<

The Mayor explained that if Ccl decides to resolve something, cd move into ccl mtg [from Cmte of Whole], said exciting night [re Heritage Strategic Plan]

Stephen Mikicich, Staff (Heritage/Planning): first draft of plan summary; grants: $7500 from BC Heritage Branch, and $800 from the Heritage Society of BC

gave background; workshop kickoff of values-based plan; mbrs of HAC and consultant present; thanks; slides

Jacquie Gijssen (HAC), speaking on behalf of working group: started last year; fortunate to have consultant Hal Kalman

why? need to start with What is heritage?

popularly used for old buildings; we came to the understanding that it means quite a bit more here

WV has three nationally designated heritage sites

only surviving log crib dam; held back water, flumes fed shingle bolts

craftsman and vernacular bldgs

West Coast Modern; '40s/50s; one of Canada's first shopping ctr; winding Marine Dr

relationship of houses to landscape; much more than just old bldgs

everyone's business; for strong and cohesive cmnty

why? had since 1988 and much has been accomplished in that time

inventory, 1988, 1994 ('45 - '75) landscape character study

Awards; two major events H Wk and H Wkd

however the tools for substantial planning have not been av

focus for action

use resources efficiently, effectively; enhancement of nbrhds and areas; contribute to area revitalization; preserve features, enhance livability...

policy and planning

ten goals for next years and 39 steps

who for? ideally enabling partnerships in the cmnty; prop owners, biz, etc

provides a guide for action and tools that will enhance cmnty planning in the future

Hal Kalman: pleasure to work with you in WV

pls read it; I'll give you the highlights

[gave background, details of consultation]

study process v rational; began last spring, District-generated events; first event, excellent workshop...

v much a collaborative plan; situation analysis first (material in appendix); second interim report, what strategies might be

v much a high level plan; doesn't come to terms of details of anything

ten strategies, between two and six [each category]

[grid on slide]

seek more specific feedback; opp for further involvement

report back in June as a result of cmnty input

ideal, plan be directed back to H cmnty

HAC prepare a three-year action plan -- key actions, not all; tackle in first three years

really only a list but all of the other actions fall from that

...

Mayor: first Cclr Day who's worked on this

RD: been involved in H for a long time 1986 to 1996

prior to that some achievements, FBG GLHouse

1988 worked on H inventory, needs completion

1994, survey of signif architecture; Lower Caulfeild Conservation Study, set a precedent and we see nbrhd planning taking place in Clovelly

...

recognize the efforts of those on that cmte...  thank you very much

Sop: what's not to like?

wanted to embark and expand H plan

imp to me to have grasp on long range vision

staff and resource implications; proper set up with five-year budgeting

Planning Parks/Env; follow demands, how many toes stepping on

on nbrhd plans re Clovelly Walk, are we duplicating services?

wonder if rules too severe in future for those who want to do things

must include budgeting process and long-term plan

burdened this year, higher taxation

we all want these plans; looking for something coming back, simple straightforward

identify five-year plan but review it  -- shd be monitoring and assessing

then put off or something new

I identify with the registry, how works within M, involve cmte; involve volunteers and resources

JF: thank all

eliminate fears; keeping small cottage [not limited/restricted to]

achieve balance

JC: thank you and congratulate you; magnificent document

Mr K wanted us to read it

smelled toast; read summary, got into third chapter got excited

wd like to draw everybody's attention, p 16

the most important line in this doc in my view: a special opp to improve H mgmt, right now

MS: natural cultural and built H resources

cmte consider sites as H, thinking of driving into WV, used to have sights nice hotel cd argue heritage, pastoral -- and look at what's there now

something a real gateway to our cmte, looked to designating that hotel as a site

JG: certainly something echoed by cmte mbrs

WV values those settings -- a trail, a creekside, a garden, a blvd

we've heard that's what the cmte values

seeking the tools to do that

means coming to cmnty and coming to Ccl that's a valuable feature

HK: wrt Cclr Smith is saying, this is a cultural landscape

created by ppl as opposed to one created by nature

good/bad cultural landscapes

anything form a former logging trail, to waterfront park, all cultural landscapes

what ppl did, activities and read into past

the hotel was gone before we came on; being high level, not commenting on specific places

first is to identify what is of value

ten years ago if this policy, wd hv been on register and discussed

Sop: if area creek with park, and designated H and wanted it to be kept

redo house under new creek protection?...

a lot of stuff hasn't come down to ground; start and then reality sets in

JG: HAC comes back with a three- to five-yr plan

key actions...  why wd one creek be on the list and another not

need a list of criteria; ability to be negotiated

remind ourselves ev year; not meant to impede change or opportunity in the cmnty

SM: brought back a slide; diff between natural; helpful if Hal you wd explain

one more layer of mgmt in a cmnty managed

JG: under policy and planning

we cd, as a possible recommendation, create a green door policy

Sop: I'd like to see more details; so entrenched with bylaws now

how some new rules -- positive or not -- got to hear more before I get excited

VV: quote -- incompatible [to have devts that] erode nbrhd character and prop values

brought right back to approving and not devts

rate we're replacing sgl by multi, feel H value is being challenged

curious haven't expressed concern about it; over the years we cd hv changed it by the time you get to it

concern about what you're doing right now

Mayor: Ccl V likes to spice things up

JG: speak on behalf of working group -- yes

RD: forgot to recognize Hal Kalman in thanking; to sum up

never sat down, considerable investment already

haven't completed that investment; now need to complete the process

how did we lose the Pk Royal hotel? it was on inventory, secondary -- we tried, Ccl tried, but not able

signif loss

many cities have well-established H plans; H sites and homes have more value than others; ppl seek out H homes and want to preserve them

also a great deal of evidence, H is also economic -- New Westminster and Victoria cdn't live without it

thank you

Mayor: I'd like to add; SM utterly engaged but so was cmte

workshop three things that came out; wanted Ccl to understand what H means to WV and Ccl to champion this

on way, after hearing from public

part of this H plan we're all into; key word is balance

thanks for vision, carried through; not always easy

MOTION moved

JF: the FAC has not been asked to look at this and there certainly are financial obligations

build up funds; perhaps not the time; why they were left off list?

CAO: maybe a bit premature

immediate priorities for [feedback]; if we wish to move ahead, then at that level, then talk about impact

Sop: positive initiative; other Ms have done the same thing

JG: wd be useful, the one piece of information

we're not seeking to start a dept of H

when you have a chance to digest this, some realized thru Parks/Env, some Permits, Licensing, some Planning; interrelated plan; some interaction -- how does this work

Sop:  if you say it's going to float around

[devt] say: you face that bylaw mister, but btw, we have this floater there, heritage

maybe you're forbidden if you don't

whole thing for future; better be more specific; where -- simple and precise

Mayor: I hesitate to respond; at WV Fdn Cmnty

at their AGM today; they'd love to fund

some homes wd find it easier if H, b/c home non-conforming and unique

so may be streamlining some things; the strength of our cmnty is our nonconformity

we've got a few months to hear

EBarth, Dir/Engg: report; three add'l make this operate a bit better; volume and pedestrian safety

Lower Bellevue is posted at 30km and monitored -- high adherence

traffic count recently, numbers well consistent with a local street

on Lower Bellevue, orange delineators unsightly; staff recommend a proper sidewalk

24th and 25th; observed operating v well, some add'l things we can do

can report back in six months about how well it's performing

CAO: Ccl asked if an add'l study cd be done

we have done the studies; the recommendations flow from those studies

the reversion is intended to occur when the add'l parking stalls become av

mid Apr but may be delayed more than that

JF: the sidewalk idea is a given

in the process, the residents complied, change on interim basis without serious objections

without dialogue, about how a change wd play put -- benefits to them and biz area

any public mtg planned?

EB: whenever change we send out a notice

we viewed this as a continuation

after Feb mtg we received a lot of comments for Ccl to reconsider and not just from biz, from residents as well

Sop: capacity of traffic in whole area

traffic study down on 25th having a driveway not too many feet from 25th and Marine -- you weren't around then

not a traffic study done; left lane turning north a help

Ccl statement to revert back to two way

are you suggesting we do nothing for six months and you'll do a signif study on parking and traffic

north of MDr, not just Bellevue?

so reasons why one way, aside from the fact that naturally staff wd like free parking, a given in that area, that's where the voices coming from but residents as well, their safety

we said we'd revert, but now b/c a new look again, are we going to sit with this for another six months?

EB: feel from a technical standpoint, has been adequately looked at

Sop: how many other residents sent in letters zero in in Upper Bellevue???  said in large numbers?

EB: I don't have the exact number of correspondents

those are the comments of some coming to use seawall, shopping

also letters from whole stratas supporting

Sop: thank you for the time; drove around and saw some empty spots on Upper Bellevue

some of the lanes -- some of those owners fence off?  have to have a negative effect?

the very ppl asking for add'l parking are fencing off?

boggles the mind

won't put on north street b/c of residents but will on south but it's residential

not criticizing Mr Barth of the Engg report

reasonable, two-way street, quiet cmnty of WV; uniqueness

most unchanged method, find add'l spaces

food store is going to open its underground, don't know what effect that's going to be

how much ppl value character of cmnty

Bellevue, parking, biz, sleepy country lane -- don't want to belabour this, I'll wait till vote

Mayor: good

RD: says removed; really going to remove 12 spaces north side?

EB: Brent Dozzi's more familiar with this

MS: I second Ccl Day's salutations of Mr Barth and Mr Dozzi's efforts to resolve this; it is working v well

isn't excessive traffic on Lower Bellevue -- if working well, why change it?

if six months, hope logic and common sense will prevail

ppl that work there have to find places to park; medical bldg at 24th and Bellevue

hope Ccl reverses erroneous decision made some weeks ago

leave as it is, if nec revisit in six months

Mayor: purpose of Cmte of the Whole is to discuss

staff - shd we refer this to a ccl agenda Apr 24th?

CAO: is it imp to advise ppl; cd defer to 24th and advise those interested parties

Mayor: expected outcome of this evening

individs who live on Bellevue who were promised revert

nothing to say they are aware of this scheme and agree

EB: that wd be part of sending notices out to the cmnty

if recomm to 24th, we'd send notice to those indivs be considered at that time

VV: I'm quite concerned...  we gave our word...

and if we did that a few weeks ago I don't want to stir the hornets' nest up again

sympathise with staff

the majority vote for a Ccl but not a majority vote for parking

look after residences

if the area needs more parking I'd like a solution providing more and not going back on word

CAO: we'd make it clear add'l measures wd be taken; not a permanent decision

Ccl has to balance interests -- biz pays taxes in that area

our difficulty is, notwithstanding Ccl's comments, if three months down the road, ask to put it back residents will ask why not do it first place

EB: at the time we came forward with this temp plan; much was based on no experience with the [new parking] facility; had six to eight months

JC: in Feb I said a deal's a deal and I stand by that

but if waiting for add'l parking in IGA, this is bandaid; don't have problem on a safety basis

I was there for half an hour today and all the signs are there

leaving Bellevue, I was passed on left, beige Camry, have lic #

what are those plastic tubes in middle of block

BD: there were more than two, ev 20m along corridor to provide between vehicles and pedestrians

over last few months

JC: stolen

BD: stolen or struck, they disappear; same problem other parts of district, kids see them as targets

selected not to replace them

Mayor: add to Ccl mtg in future; intent is Ccl intends to extend this plan

Ccl wishes to take time to make the best decision

Sop: there is a decision by this Ccl to change back; this motion in effect is not altering that decision?

Mayor: that's where we need more clarity

CAO: don't anticipate IGA stalls ready by 24th, so this gives cmnty opp to comment on these measures

Sop: move a deferral

Mayor: Cclr JF

JF: receive report, second defer decision until opp for public discussion

Mayor: receive or bring whole thing 24th?

CAO: cd receive and then defer matter to 24th on basis inform cmnty Ccl will consider this

in particular the recommendation continue for another six months

Sop: receiving and deferring?

Ans: yes

Sop: I'll go with that.

JC: Apr 28/29 conference re family justice court with stellar cast including Wally Oppal; call 925 7000 for information

RD: a week ago last Saturday, received call 7pm call from Mayor: son emergency appendectomy

go in her place to Armenian concert at WV United Church

so I said Okay; got there at 7:25 and concert at 7:30

the two Armenian performers were excellent; classical, violin and piano; featured Khatchaturian

Mayor: good team

=

John Chaston (sp?): 2250 Bellevue, longtime resident; presentation comprehensive but cd hv bn in a form easier to understand and suggest format of 2004 annual report.

Sop: cd Mr Laing explain?

don't think Admin and Fin services higher

Mayor: wd like to stick to format

=

George Noble: my nbrs and I wd like to thank Ccl for pressing for a resolution on variance at Gulf Place; Cclrs Sop and Day have been kind enough to look at this on site

basically we feel there's an injustice here; clearly the Act has been violated; affecting enjoyment

CAO: procedural matters, a number of ppl involved

=

Carolanne Reynolds:

[Several topics: Procedure; Heritage; missing Five-Year Capital Plan; New Cmnty Ctre $40-45m; Zero-Based Budgeting; Costs of Options for Taxpayers' Info at Open Houses; Changed Times on DWV's Calendar]

thank you, just a question before starting --

--- PROCEDURE (residents speaking at Ccl of Whole)

I had put my name down to speak to the Heritage item; are the public not allowed to speak during the Cmte of the Whole part?  I know we're just experimenting with this, I just wondered

CR: I noticed when you received it, I didn't know what the reason was for not [allowed to speak]

b/c we're still experimenting with this, so I just thought I'd ask when

so you can speak at the Cmte of the Whole?

Mayor: mmhm

CR: so, before I ask my questions for Question Period, I'd like to make a few comments, if I might about the heritage part, with your permission

Mayor: sure

I wd like to put a different tone on what I heard in some of the comments

I think really important -- I don't think this shd be looked upon as another rule, I think something was missing, and this hole has been filled, and it can be filled in a really positive way.  It shd not be seen as limiting, as some of the ppl said, limiting what you can do with your house.  If you wanted to add to your house in the same architectural style [no problem!], nobody shd think that [it wd be forbidden or not allowed], of course the nbrs wdn't be happy if you put a carbuncle on a Tudor, but I think if you're going to be reasonable and if it enhances nbrhd, I think the emphasis has to be on the fact that this is all to keep the character [not an impediment to modernizing a kitchen or enlarging]. Number one is our natural heritage and our [nbrhd] character.

If you can do something, and Ccl cd do things that are incentives, they're not a cost to the owner. They can actually have incentives. It shdn't be a question of will the creeks stop [devt].  Our creeks are preserved anyway but somebody can get some other benefit if they're helping the creek here [in their devt]; so I really wd like to change, create a paradigm shift of some of the comments, this is really a positive thing.

Ppl can get funding [for heritage renovation/restoration/maintenance] as they do in Victoria and New Westminster; and everybody, the ppl keeping the heritage are happy and the nbrs are happy b/c the character is [kept].  This is a positive thing, it's not a rule or regulation that's going to be a dampening or a restricting.  It's opening us up [to positive steps for preservation].

As you alluded to [Your Worship] in the end of your comments, it's really great.

And as to [the] Park Royal [Hotel], Cclr Day is right, it there had been a policy it might have been more helpful, but it needed a will of ccl; what has happened is there will be photographs of what it looked like

There is something left; they did do something wrt a trail along the Capilano River; so I think Ccl at the time did try to do some things to preserve it although they didn't have means to preserve it all

so I think [this proposed Heritage Strategic Plan] will enhance and add to our charm -- think of it as another great thing WV is doing and not a limitation at all; it's opening up more opportunities.  One of the new things is the natural heritage, it's a new thing and really great here--

One of the mbrs brought up, the point of view, she wanted to identify a stump as a heritage ... and it really was important!  There's a very large stump, not too far from here, but huge, to give some idea of the size of the trees that used to be here

so there are lots of opportunities

thank you for your comments [Your Worship]

one of things I wanted to talk about was the budget, b/c there's a mtg on Wed night

I understand, and if you cd pls clarify, that there's supposed to be a five-year plan passed at same time as budget

Mayor: Mr Laing?

RL: the five-year plan is being worked on right now

it's basically a high-level continuation of what the 2006 budget will be

it carries forward the same assumptions that underlie that and that will be produced on Wednesday

so you might want to consider having some more input at the ccl mtg on 24th

it was a really good mtg to have the information on [the budget] last Wed night but some other ppl said to me staff had promised some other info and they haven't got that either

so I'm glad we'll have the five-year plan so maybe some of the other info ppl have asked for will [be produced]... when that five-year plan comes through

One of the points from that point of view is that some ppl [that is staff/cclrs] were saying, it's "pay as you go" and we didn't need to go to referendum, as you know I recommended a referendum,

so I don't know what opportunity you have now to rationalize with the shortage of funds

I'm sure we cd all puts our heads together and come up with something, we cd even lease Gleneagles [laughing], we cd do all sorts of things --

CR: and I agree with the person who spoke earlier, I've advocated zero-based budgeting for a long time, so I hope he has more success than others have had

--- COSTS OF OPTIONS FOR TAXPAYERS' INFO BEFOREHAND! (presented to the public for feedback)

CR: also on Wed night, I mentioned that when proposals come up in an open house that the amount of money shd be there [ie, what it will cost taxpayers/residents]; Mgr kindly said it was an oversight [ie shd have been on the displays]

[It showed] options one, two, and three -- no prices anywhere for someone to look at [to compare when looking at the options, ie merits, design, and cost]

[Afterward] when I went back, I have the feedback form right there [holding up the form] and it has option one, two, and three with the deadline Mar 31.  There's no costing on this so I wd suggest wrt the feedback you get from this, pls keep in mind ppl did not know the first was $600K and third was $1.3m.

Mayor: Mr Stuart?

MMgr wrt Budget: we did mention at the mtg the other night that residents wd continue to have opp to provide input to Ccl at each ccl mtg where budget being discussed

CR: Oh good

CAO, the new term for the MMgr: I did mention it that night.

CAO: The second thing is, I wd hope that Ms Reynolds's reference to $45m, I don't know where that came from -- that certainly hasn't been referred in any discussions by staff or documents

Hope it isn't taken or isn't considered by anybody in the cmnty as a new figure for the cmnty ctr

We are continuing to work with the budget that has been approved by Ccl and it's our intention to stick with that budget.  In the five-year capital [plan], we will provide details.  As I mentioned, the cmnty will have an opp to provide input in subsequent ccl mtgs

CR: that's good to know; the figure perhaps was not $45m but the figure over $40m was given/mentioned

Mayor: what I think your question points out is the the need to review that so that public and Ccl are clear on what the figures are, what the budget that has been passed is, and it's most appropriate to do that during our discussion of the 2006 budget.

do you have anything else?

CR: I agree there wasn't an actual figure of $45m; the figure was "over $40m"; so that was what it is.

and one other thing, I have another suggestion--

Mayor: --I'm not sure where that's coming from and we want to be accurate b/c Ccl is keeping a very close eye on the budget.  Perhaps Mr Laing, if you'd like to give a firm figure on that.

Well, folks, there you have it.  Whether last year estimate's for the new cmnty ctr is $40m or $45m, with or without contingency, that's not the point; it's still a whopping big whack of taxpayer money Ccl did not get your agreement to spend.  It'll possibly beggar the cmnty for some years or at least severely curtail any other expenditures!  And if salaries are automatically going up 3% every year, with staff saying no choice and must be in budget, who really believes last year's estimate of $40m will not go up as the cmnty ctr is being built over the next two to three years???}

CR: the other thing that wd like to make as a recommendation

as you know I put out a newsletter; really glad that there's a Calendar on the website and I copy and paste it and put it in.  Today when I sent out the msg that I copy and pasted, the Ev Dr Cmnty Open House on the 19th, from 6 to 9 on your Calendar, I immediately got email back from ppl on my list saying no, it's 6:30.  I don't know where else it is on the website, and maybe it's one place or another, but the point I wd like to make is a  constructive one.  I know things sometimes change and I know that sometimes you show it's been postponed or rescheduled or something, but I think it wd be valuable if when [not same from when first put up] you either have same from beginning, or if changed put an annotation it's been rescheduled, so ppl know there was different time before they see that one [current, updated].

Mayor: mmhm; thank you very much

CR: thank you

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

>>>  HAIKU  <<<  ...also 2006 March 24..............

On March 28, 1969, Dwight D. Eisenhower died in Washington at age 78.  After graduating from West Point in 1915, he embarked on an enormously successful military career that culminated in his serving as supreme commander of Allied Forces during WWII.

=  "In preparing for battle, I have always found that plans are useless, but planning is indispensable."

=  "You don't lead by hitting people over the head -- that's assault, not leadership."

=  "Leadership is the art of getting someone else to do something you want done because he wants to do it."