So behind, this is a double issue.

Remember Ccl mtg May 7 starts at 6pm b/c Youth Ccl starts at 7pm.

Shd be interesting b/c if Ccl wants to amend the budget, they must rescind third reading, go back to second reading to make the changes before going to third reading again (and then adoption has to be at another mtg).  Looks like that's going to be done! Root for the Zero Brigade!  The deadline is May 15, so there is time.

...but let's look at salaries.  Last week the news revealed that the Premier of BC makes $121K, and that's LESS than DWV dept heads, and even the NSNews is querying his salary being increased to $186K when that is LESS than the highest paid staff mbr of DWV made last year!

An MLA makes $76K and there's a long list of DWV employees making over $75K wch has to be made public.  You'll see a bus driver makes $81K.  (Can't copy and paste so will be in a future issue.)

=  MAIN ITEMS Ccl Mtg Agenda Apr 30: Specified Area Tax Bylaws; Capilano Rugby Club Lease (SEE NOTES)

=  MAIN ITEMS Ccl Mtg Agenda May 7 at 6pm: shd be exciting -- Five-Year Fin Plan for adoption; McKechnie DVP withdrawn; ANNUAL TAX RATE BYLAWS (up for three readings so that does indicate they'll probably rescind the previous and make amendments, especially since adding a ccl mtg Wed 8:30am -- will the zero brigade win and the tax rate increase will be zero??? stay tuned, shd be fascinating to watch!); EVELYN DRIVE MASTER PLAN SUBMISSION for receipt; Billboards; have been told Vera's lost lease will come up at the mtg; YOUTH CCL: Amb Town Ctr Strategy; awards, reception

=  Vive le Canada; ANIMALWATCH/WEBWATCH (Math and Dem Prez Candidate); INFObit (DWV Salaries); Calendar to May 16th; Ccl Mtg Apr 23rd NOTES (More Budget!; YT appointed to CEC, mirabile dictu); ; Apr 30th Ccl AGENDA then NOTES (convoluted debate on CEC and motions; detailed presentation re budget from ITAC at end); 6pm Ccl Agenda May 7th before Youth Ccl at 7pm;  Protect Steelhead on Capilano; Quotations

Enjoyed Tosca -- this is Canada after all and the score was 1-0 for the Canucks in the first intermission, 2-0 during the second, and tied at the end as cellphones flipped open.

This is hard to believe but very funny anyway.  The Aussie farmers must be very envious.

Baa-king -- http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,21629305-2,00.html

For mathematicians and engineers, and those interested in school standards, see if you can answer:

Mathematicians set Chinese test

Scientists set mathematicians a Chinese trigonometry challenge, to illustrate a standards gulf.

< http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/em/fr/-/2/hi/uk_news/education/6589301.stm >

His humorous response about someone wondering when first elected how he got elected, and then later wondering how the rest got elected.  I did not watch the whole debate, just saw highlights and snippets on CNN then a correspondent sent me this clip wch is quite interesting so no surprise it wasn't on FOX and nowhere else that I came across:  Sen. Mike Gravel at SC Debates April/26/07

===  INFObits ===  DWV C= ouncil and Senior Staff SALARIES 2006

Mayor Pamela Goldsmith Jones:

Remuneration: $62, 582.40  Taxable Benefits: $1,658.88   Car Allowance: $3,816.00   Expenses:  $8,801.31

===  CALENDAR to May 16th  ===  [all at M Hall unless otherwise]

Deborah Stephan: acrylic on canvas; Carla Tak: oil & acrylic on canvas; Laura Kaufman-Weisbord: kiln-formed glass

        ~ 2pm ~ Artists' Talk: Saturday, May 5

Join Joe Ronsley for an ongoing reading & discussion of Ulysses. Drop in to any session, 10:30am - 12:30pm in the Peter J. Peters Room. For more information call the Reference Dept. at 925 7405.

~ 4:30pm ~ Well, last week's Finance & Audit Cmte mtg was cancelled the morning of.  If there's one this Tuesday, it's not yet on the DWV website calendar so better check, just in case.

~ 4:30pm ~  Special Design Review Cmte Mtg re EVELYN DRIVE MASTER PLAN (I went and the mbrs asked for more information and also made some interesting, valuable suggestions)

~ 6 - 9pm ~ Ambleside Youth Centre OPEN HOUSE (at the AYC, of course!) - Open Mic Night.

What does the Good Life cost -- and can you put down a refundable deposit? Richard Lipsey explores the economics of happiness. Guest-Richard Lipsey, Professor Emeritus, Department of Economics, Simon Fraser University [free lecture at SFU Harbourside]

+++  THEATRE for some chuckles:

by David McGillivray and Walter Zerlin Jr.; presented by Theatre West Vancouver. Directed by Paul Tourneur

The Farndale ladies create stage mayhem and a dramatic massacre when everything goes wrong as they valiantly attempt to bring a little culture to their community. This Agatha Christie-style 1930s' drawing room murder mystery requires them to play all 14 roles with hysterical results.  Info 913 3634.

+++  MORE THEATRE:

=== doGs === May= 2 to 12 = Wed - Sat at 8pm at Performance Works of Granville Island

Preview May 2, Pay-what-you-can; Matinees: May 5, 10 and 12 at 2 pm

doGs explores the essence of belief; is it a hope beyond reason?=92 Nine odd, quaint, bizarre, and mundane characters bring their beliefs; and absence of beliefs to the crossroads. After peeling away the political correctness that shields their convictions, a dance of dialogue ensues.

 Stephen Drover states, "In an ironic way, it really is an exercise in having faith -- of a different kind. I love turning my process on its ear and re-assessing how theatre can be made. By seeing people not as disabled, but as having unique gifts to give, the theatre process is given new light."

Tickets 604-231-7535 or www.ticketstonight.ca

~ 9 - 11am ~ Seniors' Breakfast at Seniors' Activity Ctr (SAC) - served by AYC Youth and Staff

~ 10am - noon ~ BC Special Olympics Walkathon (Seawalk - Ambleside/Dundarave)

~ 8 - 11pm ~ Fashion Show and DJ Night at Park Royal South (Food Court), but this youth event has a $5 charge at the door.

That's what it says but Tidings contradicted itself in this sentence:  There are lots of activities planned for Emergency Preparedness Week, a month of activities on the North Shore.

Tuesday, May 8th- Take a free workshop on personal emergency preparedness. Learn about safe food and water supplies, utilities, sanitation, out of area contacts, what to put in your home kit and more.  Visit www.nsemo.org or call 983 7440.

==  Mon May 7th:  Ccl Mtg 6 - 7pm; and Youth Ccl Mtg 7 - 8pm

== Tues, May 8th  ~ 7 - 9pm ~ Youth Board of School Trustees (WV Sch Bd office)

~ 4:30pm ~ there may be a Fin&Audit Cmte mtg, best to check

at the Library ~ 7 - 8:30pm ~

If you missed the Farndale play mentioned above (wch ended at KMC May 5th), it's WV's entry in the Theatre BC North Shore Zone Festival of Plays; we've seen it and it's good for a giggle, some British village silliness.

 ~ 4 - 6pm ~ NSh Walks Kick Off (The Village at Park Royal)

== Fri, May 11th  ~ 8:30 - 10:30pm ~ Music Night -- The Medicine Path (Gleneagles Cmnty Ctr)

~ 9am - 1pm ~  Gleneagles Garage Sale (Gleneagles Cmnty Ctr)

~ 10am - 4pm ~ Dundarave Farmers' Market in the village

== Mon, May 14th ~ 10am - noon ~ Cmnty Engagement Cmte

~ 3:45pm ~ Youth Awareness Cmte

~ 7pm ~ Board of Variance in Ccl Chambers and Library Board at the Library

~ 4:30pm ~ perhaps first Heritage Strategic Plan Implementation WG mtg (it's just being set up and awaiting mbrs' confirmation able to attend).

1.  APPROVAL OF AGENDA -- many additions

Mayor: for clarification; some had what ratification means; ...., setting of mtg date

-->  CALL FOR PUBLIC INPUT -- none

MS/RD moved/Seconded

Sop: outcropping

with allowance there will be fair number of Douglas fir removed but some near water kept intact

SJN: a number of trees have already been removed; a number will be retained

intent is to use the existing bldg envelope/fdns, not to construct a basement so no blasting

CARRIED

RL: following through on Ccl's recommendation from last week's mtg

JC: moved receipt/CARRIED

JC: memo capital and op budget received / CARRIED

Mayor: opening of financial plan bylaw

JC: said what I wanted last week

Sop: p4 on replacement from last week

revenues DCC in reserves from $700 to $2.3M+, why changed?

RL: an error in amount from infrastructure funds; transfer

Sop: capital expenditures, 2007 - 11

Computers, ~ $4M

when last look at IT where we're going and where we came from

another black hole for another four years

seems an ongoing demand

equipment and furnishings $3M over four years -- absolutely necessary?

Sop: Fin & Adv Ctme, a little mini task force, where we can go in future

going to approach for change

Sop: transportation infrastructure;

look at major configuration; Lower Rd -- any earmarked for future

RL: infrastructure budget is mainly for maintaining existing

if thinking of anything new

Sop: $17M basic streets and repair, and new design most of the money?

RL: including bridges

Sop: Almondel and others

...... part of that is the cmnty ctr -- major projects $75.3M Gen Capital

a portion for cmnty ctr?

[Ans: yes]

that's 2007, 2008 is?

RL: $24M in $8.6M in 2008

Sop: 2009/10/11 for 13-odd items on original report

was there an ability to be discretionary? look at this and forecast out?

when we go from here to there, what we actually absolutely need, how much is discretionary?

Sop: if acceptance tonight and request for go ahead in

how do you go back and do a referendum if passed?

Sop: why do we do a five-yr plan; how do we know what we're doing?

amounts of taxation, add on year after year till I'm long gone

CAO: the F&A has devpd work around ref

as we move through will appear different

Sop: 2007 capital and operating budget

CAO: in many cases can't find it

we're acknowledging

tougher issue will be Fire Dept overtime; present approach relying on overtime is not fiscally sustainable

hope we can reach an agreement with the Union, meets both needs and meets contract

Sop: what are we going to do in 2008?

fin adv cmte, Fin Sust; what's going to be different?

we shd be starting with 2008 momentarily [sic?]

wd like to know and report back otherwise no change

CAO: F&A just recently discussed the budget

recommended a diff approach

earlier approach as well as a diff target

work of the F&A recommending [start Budget 2008] immediately after adoption of the budget

looking at potential budget sources

all will assist Ccl ......

Mayor: wd argue we are making inroads

go further in 2008 budget

topic for ..... user fees, Park and cmnty services looking at more closely

looking forward to Police Ccl joint mtgs, looking at a new bldg

what's in our budget is pretty bare but looking at P3; doubt Spirit Trail wd be there without prov funding

VV: won't speak at length this evening b/c I did that last mtg

look at this, doesn't look as if any signif change is contemplated

we still don't look as if we're going to take action here

not even to moderate

eg. KMC, Gleneagles golfers... now Rugby, income from that

taxes going up

increased fees is a recognition -- but v small 30-cent solution

shdn't allow this gross to rise

we don't look as if we're making any serious choices

particularly interested in what Cclr Sop said -- $7M out of infrastructure fund; repairs of rec facilities

looking at 2007, that's a lot of money

look at next three four years, same thing, increasing

I'm not sure; I can't justify to taxpayer that

same for rec; wd like user pay more

not sure that much

MS: I agree with Cclr V; taxes are too high at ev level

but talking at this level, what are you going to do with it?

staff came to us with 3%, and 3% service level challenges

Ccl quite properly cut 3% and said we're prepared to fund a 2.95% maintain services

and if you need more, find it within

look...  FTask Force 2.3% Govt Canada, so .6 over...

with 10%

cd hv said to staff, want a zero $% increase: close the Lib, swimming pool two hours a day and wd have our zero per cent increase; don't think the way to go

look at each line; diving down to see

do more effective manner with staff

that's the way to go, takes time, a third of the way into the year

looking at 2008 budget, three largest depts, that much earlier so in fall shd hv proposed 2008 budget

instead of going off the rails now

this approach a beacon of common sense for other Ms to follow

looking at our expenses, energizing our staff to come fwd with ways of doing things better and more efficiently; with sensible biz case will be well recvd

instead of coming in at zero

Sop: point of order?

MS: made me lose train of thought

Mayor: the intention

MS: on track

don't like raising taxes

need facts on table to make a decision, 38 years in biz world, better decision

funny how that works

we don't have the facts to freeze; will get to where we want to go, but will take time

JF: said most of what I wd like to say

during evolution of OCP: fiscal sustainability one of four pillars

one of the choices, 2.95 will result in some social and envtal sustainability erosion

certainly had comments during last week that Ccl not as concerned about social and envmt

so track the effects of them

have info so not making one of the pillars taller than others and out of balance; or do it so public truly understands

Sop: listening to Cclr Smith; take exception to going off rails

when look; don't have facts; what are all these figs?

proof is in the pudding

VV: right

MS: Mbrs of Ccl have been supplied with reams of information

identified down to the dollar; don't want left in the dark; are getting facts and figures

some ppl not reading them

Sop: who's not reading?

Mayor (meanwhile recognizing): Cclr Day

RD: interrupted

not accept behaviour

Cclr Sop true; received tons; promised more;

can't suddenly do bit study ........

if to zero right now, serious disruption of service; not just lib and aq ctr; youth to seniors

destructive; may be possible in future

in the meantime brought it down; 2.95 lower in LM: lower than two NVs, way lower than City of Vanc

nobody knows for sure what we'll be doing three years from now

want to support what Cclr Smith said

reasonable 2.95 budget increase

Mayor: this cmnty and this Ccl are v prudent

year 2007 year we test some of the assumptions that hv bn in place for some years

looking at subsidies vs user fees

entrepreneurial, partnership...

at end of ten years -- looked at 1995, rec'd $3M gone by 1999

BC Ferries and BCR won and we lost

taken a conservative approach by many ccls

this Ccl says we recognize that

homeowners make up -- transfer b/c inequitable

look at what you're putting your money to

don't want to throw the baby out with the bath water

have already been criticized, VV said 30 cents minimal

heard from Soccer, but moving to about $20 per player [per year], in order to pay for fields is not fair; yet we are one of the last cmnties in the Lower Mainland to move to that and we feel that it's equitable

this Ccl is going to withstand real criticism on those things

we're testing; we may change our mind in 2008 or we may go farther data; good input

in 2008 may be well positioned to put maybe some philosophical questions, capital spending items on referendum

JF you raised some things still important, some not on this budget

opp we have, one a wonderful class A gallery in Amb, supported by artists with renewal in Amb, not in this budget

one time funding as WGs go forward

getting to VV's point; ev with sustainability -- corollary of what can afford

disappointing to me those opposed, not able to describe creatively and constructively to the rest of us, what their vision wd look like

ev wants to come to this with an open mind

2.9% will represent some sacrifices, not the least from staff who have tried really really hard to meet with a v demanding Ccl this year, around the kind of information we've been provided with, Cclr Sop

I'm going to support this budget

Mayor: Thank you.  I wd like to apologize, we had begun our debate on the budget, and somebody had signed up after, so I can't entertain that but will come back to it at the end of the mtg, after reports, at PQP.

JF: move receipt of the reports, schedules and Statement.... Apr 18 from Dir/Finance

CAO: note Police have been excluded, after review by Police Assn and in discussion with the Ministry Finance, directed to exclude them; in addition we have suggested a number of changes and they will consider those for 2008

Mayor: good news

Sop: this is info we received tonight? on table, salaries?

Mayor: yes

CAO: two parts, salaries and amts paid

Mayor: and Ccl remuneration and expenses

Sop: have one financial info reports and another 2007 cap and op budget

CAO: just referring to financial info reports

CARRIED

CARRIED

CARRIED

CARRIED

VV: do have concerns about appointing non ccl mbrs to Ccl Engagemt Cmte, not similar to others, b/c CEC exercising control; selecting mbrs of WGs; not the sort of duties that can be delegated to non-elected indivs

we elected do have a diff status; sworn in; make declarations

and we can't confer that status onto an unelected representative

can employ ppl as staff; can talk to citizens as advisers

can't dilute vote of cclrs b/c that diminishes the vote of  Ccl

I voted against the other no doubt excellent mbrs of the cmnty who were appointed previously; their credentials not the issue, the fact that they're not elected by the public is the issue

really believe logic of situation prevents us from having mbrs of the public voting alongside and amongst elected cclr mbrs in matters that exercise prerogatives, control, and authority of the Ccl

absolutely notwithstanding the excellent merit, in particular this mbr of the public; can't do this

certainly we've established this precedent over years, most recently with the F&A cmte, before that with FSTF, and the Select Cmte on Rec Facilities

I believe working hand in hand with mbrs of the cmnty enhances Ccl's credibility and service to the cmnty

I agree with you, and I think we discussed this, wrt apptmts, completely fine reside with mbrs of Ccl.

the CEC citizens are off and working on our public involvement policy now; our staff isn't and Ccl isn't, and we look forward to the fruits of that labour in a few weeks

oversight may come into play, but not so sure; quite right, that's Ccl's ultimate goal

apptmt of Carolanne Reynolds?

CARRIES with VV opposed

RD: move this for discussion

Mayor: add: forwarded to UBCM as a resoln

as mbr of GVRD Waste Cmte, we have a zero waste challenge

seriously challenged with improving, in LMainland we've gone backwards

goal shift burden from taxpayer to producer

support imp to Recycling Ccl of BC; re landfill, Cache Crk, running out of time; need help

JF: deposit and return at purchase

Mayor: purpose get on floor of UBCM; bn successful in past.

CARRIED

Mayor: It's the Youth Ccl Mtg wch will start at 7, so we can continue with our biz

[Mayor laughed; CARRIED]

o  MS: to clarify, last wk made ref to Bye Bye Birdie, was my hope KMC staff and board incorporate into website so public know and supported; I subsequently got a copy of the April Kay Meek agenda, and it was in there.  I salute the KMC staff and glad promoting school productions

o  JF: point of information, invite anyone interested in the Amb Ctr Planning WG come to the mtg tomorrow morning (Tu 24th) at 8am at Ch/Commerce boardroom.

o  Sop: on your behalf, to NSh Emerg Vol night; wonderful display, ppl from N and WVan

The Brewers came to mind; Dave Brewer, whom I went to school with

humbly said to him 41 years on NSh Rescue services; incredible amount of time given

On 19th started, first mtg of Envmt WG; great mix on indivs

looking at a host of areas of envmtal policy; Mr Pike, words of wisdom; took all that

going to have an amazing process

forum up and active; imp for public to understand, this engagement with public imp portion of forum

not only will staff be moderating, opp to get into the play and help shape this cmnty by your positions on many issues.  Think it will be v successful.

o  RD re: Fred Titcomb's 95th birthday at SAC; born in WV in 1912; active mbr of cmnty, retired, a no 1 volunteer at SAC; as acting mayor filled in for you at WV Cmnty Fdn (AGM), volunteers do some much, Fdn now has an Endowment of $6M -- projects, charitable activities, scholarships, v gd work; Sunday 10am, MS run, and MLA Sultan plus other two reps from NV there as well, v gd run, reasonably good weather; vital role volunteers play on NSh

o  Mayor: astonishing how much it means to cmnty when mbr of Ccl there to support them.

Howe Sound Forum (cmties WV to Pemberton); goal -- what we think devt is going to look like

incumbent to start behaving as a region; know pressure we're under; sustainability is key

Whistler led a session -- steps, mistakes, hard it's bn, seven years later, their 'natural step' is supported by 35 cmnty orgs who all think the same way Ccl does when doing procurement; ecological footprint part, v inspiring

Jim Bailey came, what devt will look like in Upper Lands; how fundamentally diff this approach is and goals are; v inspiring

updates on Spirit trail and sea to sky trail

four MOT [staff there said] they didn't realize we were working together

next mtg going to come up with a loose framework how to work together; outcome re livability

o  Mayor: Elaine Fonseca, sorry missed you during the budget

o  Elaine Fonseca: ADRA Prez, as the budget has been passed, still have comments

Mayor: hasn't passed yet, it's at third reading.

EF: Ray Richards [Treasurer] not able to come this evening; I have comments I'd like to read from, from what he has given to me:

ADRA has advocated a ten-yr budget projection, in other words what will this budget mean to the District of WV's financial position in a ten-yr period.  There appears to be a signif deterioration in the financial position of the District so far.  There are implications debt will be incurred to complete some of the District's required expenditures.  Example: the new rec facility that is well over budget, estimates of $16M are now $39M

Mayor: uh, all right, later--

EF: it is our understanding that this Ccl is looking for public input for the budget process.  To do a proper analysis and to make recommendations to this Ccl, more time and information is required.  ADRA feels it is unreasonable to expect residents to comment in depth in a three-minute time restriction.  Why do we not have as we have had in past ratepayer groups; I remember five of us, sat around a round table with Ccl mbrs and staff.  Our mtg was not three minutes each.  We wd spend a good portion of the day.  Information was solicited and information was passed and brought forward where we cd all discuss what was in this budget.  Recommendations from the ratepayer groups for efficiency and effective budget cuts were put forward.

We hope you will take another approach to this budget process.  As many taxpayers here feel they are not being heard.   Thank you.

Mayor: a lot of statements there I think not correct

particularly cmnty ctr; orig est $16M from 2002

CAO: and scope has changed; budget for what was approved not changed

Mayor: no debt involved; unless borrowed from MFA on behalf Health Auth wch is being paid back to us for an asset we will own

wrt long term capital plan, this may well be something on a referendum around Police Stn, many ways of funding capital requirements; many not as well suited, depending on what it is

trying to put that all in front of the public, major capital investment

this process has been lengthy

F&A cmte mtgs on going, Fiscal Sustainability Task Force mtgs were bi-wkly for months

Cmte of the Whole [mtg re budget input] certainly not restrictive of anybody's input, in one case listened to one mbr of the public for 35 minutes, then he had a second opportunity

we wd welcome any kind of input in any fashion; for next process can do this

this process been more open and had more time paid to it than every before

v v tough coming up with an outcome for those who wish to see a zero per cent tax increase

we're being deliberative, in order to achieve that we do it as sensitively as possible and in a way that will be supported by the cmnty

believe it or not, can't remember survey results, maybe as much as half say, who say raise my taxes, I wish to pay a premium to live here so we balance all these things.

Anything further on that, Mr Stuart.

CAO: can comment through forum and other methods

certainly input not been limited to three minutes at various public mtgs

at ev mtg been opp to comment.

o Mayor: next I have Carolanne Reynolds

o MS: the hockey game's on Carolanne!

o CR: I'm sorry, Cclr Smith, I'll try to be as fast as I can

~ I just wanted to clarify something that was said that I didn't quite understand, if you'll forgive me.  The Mayor said there'd be two weeks for more budget input, wch is appreciated, and at second reading you make amendments, and then Cclr Clark moved third reading and it passed.  So I wonder if you were going to make any changes, if you were contemplating then rescinding third reading as has bn done on occasion in the past to go to adoption b/c there aren't any changes at third reading.  That's what made me wonder what you had in mind.  I recognize this has been a difficult budget and baby steps are better than none, so maybe in 2008 we can make the Great Leap Forward.

I agree there has been info, but what some ppl have said to me that I think there was a sort of an oblique reference tonight, there's even some new information tonight and that makes it a little difficult -- to go through it several times with updates, and I recognize trying to update it, but I just want [you] to keep that in mind, that's one of the things I've heard, if it changes it's hard to say something, and knowing it's going to change is hard.

I had asked for example, for more details on the IT Dept purchases and things at the March 29 [budget] mtg, was told I wd get them, I haven't got them yet and I know staff are busy with other things, so I was hoping I cd get them in time to comment perhaps then next week, since you're still welcoming [input].

~  Also someone had mentioned to me that some telephone service hd been contracted, and it was the highest price there was without its going to tender.  So I had asked just over a week ago, about a week ago. for info on what your policies are wrt tendering, so that wd be info on that.  So staff's agreed to give me that.  I don't have that either.  And I'm sure... but my question-- I'm just wanting to make sure there's still time is time for input as you said.

~  The second thing is about forums [re Cmte/WGs]

I think it's really great you're having forums but there are a lot of retired ppl out there who either don't have computers or don't have access to computers.  One of the suggestions I wd have, is to identify, and perhaps the Director, Kevin Pike, can help with this, areas in the cmnty, say five gathering areas in wch you put up your agendas or put up your requests for information with a pouch for ppl to put them [their comments/input] in and then they can be informed there without having to go somewhere else.  As they do in France {eg Paris}, you might have a place where there's all the things.  I'm not suggesting another telephone pole as others have done, but some place it's agreed convenient to read and put it in right there.

[eg, Park Royal, Ambleside, Dundarave, Caulfeild Ctr, HBay as a Municipal Info Bulletin Board] posters/agendas/notices, and perhaps with a pouch for residents to put in comments, give input

* Last thing: congratulations to Fred Titcomb [born in 1912] b/c you know 1912 was the same year that WV was born.  So we shd do something.  Cmnty Day, we've got to do a really big show for our 95th birthday [celebrate his birthday and WV's during Cmnty Day]

thank you v much

Mayor: thank you, Mr Stuart

CAO: v quickly; the request for info on IT expenditures was provided last week in the supplementary information that was tabled with Ccl and copies were provided for the public.

Mayor:  at ccl mtg next week I will be away and Cclr Ferguson will be away but it's an opportunity to consider that material and provide feedback, and May 7 we can obviously rescind third reading and have another debate if we like, so there is that opportunity

CR: so there is that possibility.

Sorry I didn't realize it was part of a package but I will definitely look at it, tyvm

CAO: You can rescind third reading but you will have to pass something on the 7th.

Mayor: and adoption, I realize that, thx.

JC: 2 to 1 for Vancouver early in the third and I move adjournment.

                                Mayor and Cclr JF absent; Cclr Day in chair (acting mayor)

RD: Two announcements:

= National Emergency Week May 6 - 12..... info available in lobby on NSh Emergency Services; as mbr to the org, I can say they are doing a lot of planning

1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA: Addns: Correspondence including from ITAC

Sop: no action required?

CAO: they wd be responded to; likely Ccl hv an opp under correspondence or public input to hear or ask staff to do something else.

3.         2007 Specified Area and Local Area Service Tax Bylaws for receipt; then to be read a first, second and third time:

SSch: no comments received

Sop: considering access, NV?

KP: I think you're referring to Fullerton but closed; boundary along edge of park

Sop: the pull-in there is really not suited

if major events, not responsible for putting that right?

KP: have worked with NV in the past and recently; it is a difficult left turn however it is periodic

they've deemed this of not high enough priority to put a light there

it's half a block away from light set at Capilano and Marine

Sop: left, turn right to parking lot, to park, is that well signed?

KP: in 1994

recently Engg's been back and cut hedging, some removed to make sightlines safer and a stop light put there as well both to

if for first time, wd be confusing, main onto park road; hv had comments from Klahanie Park and Rugby Club aware concerns

Sop: parking?

KP: can find out, road goes down there past Evergreen Squash Club, not resident-only parking, will check signs

Sop: know Club has parkers, where do they put extra cars?

KP: put on gravel field beside their parking lot

Sop: re Klahanie, maybe there shdn't be parking there, don't think they've been heard wrt that issue

KP: will take that up with Engg again

CAO: we have had conversations with Rugby club re improvements, certainly their objective

CARRIED

Sop: will read [above motions/amendments], then comment.

RD: Seconder. [done, then] I think Mr Stuart wd like to comment on that

CAO: the intent as I understand it is really to provide some more cmnty input, particularly the phase now moving into

the first amendment just clarifies whether a registry or a forum, fairly minor; second deals with adding citizen representatives and ensuring flexibility to exclude them if inconsistent with intent of legislation

ccl mbrs of cmte made appointments, now want broader discussion around public consultation

Sop: I'd like to see this deferred, in second section eg chairperson shd not be chosen by mbrs

there's been no verification to us, no discussion in CEC

no verification we can have 3+, haven't seen if Charter gives us the right; secondly if allowed three from ccl and three from cmnty, then this cmte (CEC) is diff from the WGs in that the decisions are made by elected officials only

unlike you and I chair WGs, we've established that, and works well, but in this cmte [CEC] we set a lot of the terms and policy to make this whole thing work properly

to get this on the right straight track, get ducks in order, so we know exactly when finished WG scenario

then we can stand back and say that's a good process

what's not clear is this cmte, that oversees

needs ccl only, not

haven't seen charter to see, and if so fine

chairman shd not be from mbrs

CAO: this has been reviewed, I believe, with CEC and including by Cclr Sop, and by the mayor

Charter does allow, had them on cmtes, including Fin Task Force

if selected by mbrs is a problem, can delete that

right now the Mayor is considered the Chair of that cmte

Charter does anticipate citizen reps on their cmtes and WV has a history of that

Sop: we talked about on cmte, two, then third, don't have problem about that

take these little steps, appreciate a year from now

VV: did express my concern mixing elected representatives with invited mbrs of the public to the same cmte, particularly CEC wch has authority over other groups

we are elected to carry out duties, and if invited vote along with cclrs, in effect dilute then diminish the effect of elected representatives

not satisfied meets criteria or representation by the electorate

accept CAO's comment that legally allowed, but that doesn't mean wise to do it

allowed or not opposed when it's exercising powers of the Ccl

disturbed if unelected mbrs selecting mbrs

elected cclrs shd have more powers than unelected public

the Mayor shd surely be the Chair

I find this not the best way to represent the public

CAO: the Mayor did not go through the Charter with the cmte, read them out, and the duties were spelled out in Tof Ref, on agenda

it just spells out mbr participation may vary

if the issue about the chairperson to be selected by mbrs, then you cd amend this tonight and see what you get

Sop: cd I make a motion for deferral first?

RD: hear Cclr Smith first

okay to change chairperson to mbr of ccl; don't think we shd spend a lot of time on this.

RD: it's a cmte, not a WGk section within Cmnty Charter

Standing Cmte of Ccl...Mayor must establish...appoint...at least half must be ccl mbrs

the real issue is who's the chair

Sop: if in right process, Cmte shd hv discussed this beforehand and they didn't; move to deferral so can go ahead with it

RD: Mr Beauchamp takes precedence?

[yes]

JC: I'll second; how quickly come back?

SSch: May 14th next Ccl mtg back to May 28

RD: vote to defer? in favour?   [Sop and MS, but possibly he didn't see MS when he turned to the other side] one vote in favour.

contrary-minded?  [VV; and JC, who actually seconded the motion]

two ppl didn't vote [apparently he didn't see Mike vote and he didn't see John vote]

Sop: you have to decide, Mr Mayor

RD: if two ppl, if you abstain essentially you're voting for, aren't you?

VV: no abstentions, Mr Mayor

RD: so we have one against and one for; two abstentions, two didn't vote

Well, I'm willing break a tie, but it seems to me that everybody shd

Sop: wd you call the vote again

RD: motion is to defer

MS: on a point of order, can I have Mr Stuart respond; whether this much ado about nothing

this cmte provides some direction and makes some decisions wrt apptmts but essentially the amendments here around who's going to be on the cmte and what are they going to be doing

The only concern I have is if Ccl not in majority and is opposed to adding mbrs then wd hv to tell the citizen mbrs that they can't come to the mtg until clarified

then cmte can debate that; the wording as it stands is same as Fin&Aud Cmte

if CEC want to discuss further, two mbrs of cmte absent tonight, then they cd

Sop: if that be the case, then be able to talk about it in cmte and withdraw that portion and I'll withdraw deferral

RD: with deferral withdrawn then

CAO: remove selection of Chair person

Sop: clarify, no way in my view not that mbrs haven't abilities to be chair, get right, go back, process, get it right

RD: delete that sentence re choice of chair

can replace; can change to Mayor shall be chair

CAO: my suggestion that you leave that for cmte to discuss, delete that sentence

do that and vote

MS: Your Worship, you're contradicting yourself, you're saying chair selected by mbrs and the mbrs might select someone not on Ccl; why not just say Chair is Mayor or one of the two cclrs

RD: you make that motion

[MS does]

RD: been moved to delete, move to replace

[DONE]

so motion now reads Chairperson shall be elected from a mbr of Ccl or the Mayor

JC: that's right, the wording, the chairperson is to be a mbr of Ccl

RD: that wd include the mayor, does it not?

JC: yes

Sop: point of order, motion on floor?

RD: we've withdrawn deferral, and amended re chair

CAO: Ccl shd take a vote on the amendment, then motion on Tof Ref

Sop: what I said was we removed Chairperson to be selected by mbrs, that was my motion; obviously we have an amendment coming so we shd defeat this; we shd defeat my motion and accept the amendment

RD: Cclr Scholes, I mean Ms Scholes {Municipal Clerk}

SSch: if Ccl wishes to replace that motion, and "Cclr Sop can withdraw previous motion put on to delete that sentence."

RD: we're voting on deleting mbrs choose, and go to MS suggestion where chairperson comes from

CAO: motion wd be to delete sentence and replace 'shall be a mbr of Ccl'.

RD: can do that simultaneously; in favour: two

{PASSES, VV opposed}

believe we're done

CAO: now need motion to adopt main motion

RD: all in favour of main motion?  opposed? one

SSch: that wd be the main motion as amended

Passes as amended with VV opposed.

RD: Item 8 is withdrawn

VV: wd like to discuss letters 11 and 18, so they're withdrawn

RD: not Correspondence, so No. 8 then 11 and 18, so now to Item 7

JC: so I move Item 9 and correspondence list except 11 and 18.

PASSED

CAO: Mr. Mayor, believe the Clerk wishes to speak with you.

{bzz, bzz, bzz}

RD: have to take off cmnty ctr, we're going to have a presentation from Josie Chuback.  Right away?  Okay, item 8

[SSch to RD: Presentation by Josie Chuback re Cmnty Ctr Qtrly Update, with Basil Davis, Project Mgr of Cmnty Ctr]

RD: Josie Chuback, Parks Dept.

JCh: wanted to give you a verbal update to accompany the cover report and quarterly report you have

what you have is the third quarterly report, Jan to Mar this year

a summary to of progress, qtrly report a number of pieces, provides update on construction

status reports total devt cost summary report, a trade contract summary, and a project schedule

cover report, references to planning, partnership, and operational devt

total devt cost summary: construction budget

costs to end of 2006, costs for this quarter, as well as estimates to complete and total cost of project

notice there are funds in contingency for LEED

access to Aq Ctr and covered walkway to SAC

project on budget; changes re

on website, webcam, can see progress has been made, steel and concrete

targeted completion Mar 2008 and opening after

leases for cafe and youth band being finalized;  expect proposals for wellness and complementary medicine back in May

ongoing discussion re Health Assn

we've got a working group; model to look at governance, types of models, expect a recommendation before end of this year

Sop: shows on p140, budget in Jan 2007 is $38.8M and est to complete $27.1M, and up to $35.7M wch is a reduction, from 38 to 35

when you say estimate to complete $27M how cd we be out so far on the budget in the first place?

second, what happens to excess monies?

Basil Davis: look one line up; composite, contingencies, misc, dist-related costs, there's a budget originally assessed of $5.2M

whereas go right to end, projected total cost is zero, is .69

basically we're trying to preserve the contingency for that line

identified just had to take out that projected fig that .69

will have to go ahead with change orders and any modifications that come down

best way to show we haven't spent contingencies

cd hv taken diff that it still came to $38.8M, just a method so reader can get a picture where we are at the moment

Sop: looks like devised to be better than it is

BD: $5.2M is a large contingency......

I cd easily, next time if you prefer it cd hv $38.8M and you have to do calculation yourself

getting at not spending contingency and see where you are

if that $35.7, approaching $38.8M get feel

Sop: project completed, we look at attachment to SAC and Youth Band fund-raising

what extra dollars? is that over?

ended up with water level

the band area has been the most problematic area so far

I can't comment as to the biz arrangements with them

JCh: mtg this week to get a status report on their fundraising and plans

CAO: we're doing prelim design about covered walkway but not doing it until unless we come back to Ccl

if funds unspent, come back for expenditure on other projects

Sop: where [Youth Band (YB)] wrt raising $1M? there yet?

BD: proj mgrs tend to be optimistic, like to feel comfortable with my own experience 30-odd years

with the margin still left, $35.7 against $38.8 your actual risk level; you won't be consuming that

good journey with form work but one heck of a battle wrt rebar and reinforcement aspects

weathered out one storm and now another one waiting and can't comment on it now

Sop: if under $3M, where's money going to go back?

MS: into capital reserves where we desperately need it

Sop: don't know that

MS: mgr just told you

RD: Cclr Smith

MS: salute the job Ms Chuback and proj mgr hv done

our goal was to keep it at $35.7M just b/c budget $38.8 doesn't mean we have to spend it

RD: in midst of giving report.  Continue pls.

BD: when second batch of costs came in

chip away at $4.9M, we got down to $4.4M

I'm working on three projs, and happened to all three

listen to you for a day, raid from other sites, take them back to another one

bn talking to VCoastal Health and their sr mgr fella, we doing over $4300M?430? in prov and if there's any way we can help we'll do that as well, but exactly the same thing happening to him 25, 30 proj

stealing from other and move

rebar; had to be cleaned up; have to reposition

contributes all to schedule wch is the biggest headache and trying to keep good labour biggest

hwy going up to Whistler, was battling with carpenters, Kiewit coming out high for that road; everybody's raiding

RD: a lot of glass in that

I go to the Aq Ctr two or three times a week

spectator sport, all appearances doing a good job

KP: next step for Aq Ctr

JCh: in a month expect to have to alt access to Aq Ctr, working on atrium and tie-in

from north plaza and through fishbowl room at the end; signif changes

RD: 7, 9, 10, need to go back to 8; tyvm

PASSED

VV: seniors writing in support of letter in NSN objecting to srs' user fees by another sr

thought the letter had support; think contained interesting point; shd hv a mtg with Ccl

in proceeding to prudent measures to raise user fees as recommended by FSTF, we're causing considerable upset and consternation among seniors; understandable

take a sentence: this senior is saying that M Govt is plans to pick the pockets of seniors in order to decrease the property taxes of the wealthy

we have some explaining to do

hope we think of an afternoon available, srs can speak to us and we can explain where correct and not correct

they mention paid for years, and hv paid for these facilities, almost like a mortgage so not have to pay any more

wish our finances had been arranged so that wd be possible but in reality taxes tend not to pay, they're paid for by other means; the Srs' Ctr as far as I know was substantially paid for by a provincial grant; Aq Grant and other amenities understand paid for by money from lease from West Royal Towers land

so not that once paid for we pay less after paying taxes for decades

think there are a lot of points here that hv bn raised, subsidisation not been debated

a recommendation by Fin Task force that only WV residents and their families shd receive these subsidies

think srs quite smart, they have a sense of not being treated with respect and fairness they deserve

we do owe them better explanation

get sense they don't really believe us not enough money b/c of the way we're spending; who cd blame them

hope we will assign proper time to deal with this

RD: believe such a mtg is being set up now

KP: attempting to do that now; mtg with Ccl and other groups

RD: so mtg wd be with Board of the Srs' Ctr

Sop: important that we do have that mtg

Sust Task Force's recommendation

wonders if we've had discussion with public wrt subsidies; don't think we did that

piecemeal, srs' then aq; why not a public mtg and have it all out

CAO: the proposed cuts were reviewed with F&A cmte, well aware

authorised to commence mtgs; seeing various groups

views re what makes sense; field users wrt grass fees; we'll report back to Ccl as we resolve these issues

Sop: we shd be involved with those groups

.... there is a subsidy

in case of seniors, volunteers alone, cost savings, cost of bldg, and funds they raise

get that for a small amt of

don't know where we sit

going to raise $200K

RD: want to underline fact we're arranging mtg with Srs' Bd and that doesn't mean not mtg with other groups, field users

we're doing that

VV: b/c facility rented out to priv parties/groups; concerned with safety of Orchill and noise into night, particularly at weekends

hope we can reassure, in conjunction, we will be ensuring all other bylaws will be followed

no reason to allow noise at night

wondering if we can have assurance from staff of managing traffic; ensuring tranquillity of nbrhd will be respected

MS, patiently: there's a letter attached to the back of the letter from mbr of the public, from staff, {and he quotes/reads from it, to the effect that} project will progress in design, planning, for facility situated at a site to be shared with the panabode; "during this process, before any construction begins I can assure you public input session to address issues that you flagged in your letter; accommodate needs/concerns"

so I'm at a loss as to what we can do

VV: I think the writer was looking at stop the noise; too general, no real guarantee

a bit subjective; don't think it's a consensus matter, it's a bylaw matter

CAO: we'll try to address noise issues

weddings and parties, you get noise

we have weddings and parties in ppl's back yards we get calls about

rental; will try to manage; that clubhouse has been the site of weddings for decades; comes with territory

RD: Move to Reports

SSch: motion to receive 11 and 18

the wonderful thing about is how many lives they touch; a lot

no wonder a success; congratulations to all of us

RD: sev have signed up; Mr Miller re user fees and sports budget

concern for soccer board b/c we don't know who else uses fields Sept to Dec; we've already set and collecting fees; haven't budgeted for it

asked by FSTF; come forward expressing concerns

if fee per player, how much is it going to be

have yet to work out precise details; so haven't charged as yet however working on those

taxpayers can't pay more subsidies, and users can pay more

a debate too complex; perhaps later; we don't even know if it's $40K or some other number b/c we don't know what other groups paying fees

VV: better if scheduled; easier to pay

o   Scott Hean (his remarks sent to me by email):

Good evening Acting Mayor, Councillors, residents, and taxpayers of West Vancouver and District Staff.

My name is Scott Hean and I reside at 6372 Argyle Avenue in Horseshoe Bay.

I am a co-founder of the Interested Taxpayers Action Committee which I will call from now on "ITAC".

For your information and by way of background, I have a Bachelor of Arts from Simon Fraser University, a Masters of Business Administration from the Ivey School of Business in London Ontario and recently, was granted the academic qualification of ICD.D or Institute of Corporate Directors "Director".

Ten years ago, I retired as a senior line executive of the Bank of Montreal having been directly responsible for annual budgets exceeding $100 million..

One year ago, I rejoined the work force and am now employed in the mining industry as Chief Financial Officer for a number of publicly traded junior mining exploration companies. Additionally, I have served as Chair of the Audit Committee of the Board for another mining exploration company.

My parents moved to West Vancouver in 1968, my sister and her family moved here in 1970 and I moved here in 1990. That span of 39 years has seen many changes to the face of West Vancouver.

Like many others we have chosen to call West Vancouver home and want to continue to call it home. With year after year of above Consumer Price Index increases in the District's operating budgets, it has become increasingly more expensive to do that -- indeed, for some, it may have become impossible.

Since ITAC's first submission to Council April 12, 2006, the Fiscal Sustainability Task Force was constituted last May and has produced a valuable report which was made public last November.

The focus of the task force was on revenue generation rather than on cost savings, as ITAC would have preferred. Nevertheless, the task force made a helpful contribution to the understanding of the District's emerging and weakened fiscal situation.

Council also appointed a revitalized and re-energized Finance and Audit Committee chaired by Councillor Smith. This committee is charged with the examination of the District's budget process and its operating expenditures. This, too, is a most welcome development. All of us at ITAC anticipate significantly improved future fiscal management as a result.

ITAC has a few serious concerns and questions respecting the financial management of our municipality.

Specifically, we believe:

1.  the District's proposed budget for the succeeding fiscal year ought to be made public no later than January 15th for the year under consideration. The District's current $65,000,000 budget demands more time to digest, assimilate, debate, and approve than was the case this year and most certainly in past years.

2.  the District's "schedule of remuneration" was delivered ahead of last year's schedule and we compliment Council on your determination to provide this schedule ahead of last year. We sincerely say good on you.

3.  ITAC believes the schedule of remuneration ought to be made public by no later than March 15th of the following calendar year. Since T-4s must be mailed to employees by the end of February in the following year the information is available by the end of February. Providing this schedule in mid March shed needed light sooner than before and in conjunction with the budget as proposed.

4.  ITAC believes that the District ought to make quarterly financial statements available to the public (by posting them on its website) within 45 days of the quarter end and audited statements within 90 days of fiscal year end. This timing is similar to publicly traded companies' requirements to provide their stakeholders with current information and ITAC believes the District's stakeholders (the residents and taxpayers of West Vancouver) ought to be similarly treated.

and finally

5.  Council ought to receive, at its monthly public council meetings, departmental monthly reports [except during July and August] detailing each department's financial performance to date. Variances of actual to departmental budget ought to be fully explained, publicly, by the departmental manager concerned. If warranted, remediation steps can then be taken quickly to mitigate the cause of the variance. Managers must be held accountable by Council for their departments.

We believe Council missed a golden opportunity to show leadership, and in the process, protect the taxpayers of the District, by failing to instruct District staff to produce an operating budget for 2007 that results in a zero per cent property tax increase.

According to the District's Director of Finance, this would have required a reduction in the proposed operating budget of $1.4 million or about 2.6% from the budget of each of the District's eight functional divisions.

The District's budget documents and, more particularly, its "schedule of remuneration" for the year 2006, reveal room for improvement. For example, over the past four years, each senior District managers (11 in total) received, on average, a 7.4% increase in remuneration every year. Yes, an average of over 7% per year for each of the last four years.

Let us not forget that these are individuals who, in the first place, were receiving substantial remuneration.

As you know, average numbers are peculiar -- did you hear the story about the poor fellow who drowned in the stream with an average depth of 8 inches? Turns out the stream was 24 feet wide and in the middle 4 feet (out of 24) was 2 feet deep. And that is where the fellow drowned.

The average for these 11 managers over the four year period was 29.5% from 2002 to 2006. One of our managers received 48% in increases over the four-year period, another almost 46% while a third got 32%. I have attached to the hard copy of this presentation a graphic chart which outlines the increases over this period.

We note, also, that District budget documents reveal that almost 80% of the DWV operating budget is consumed by staff remuneration and, further in 2006 at least, 15% of the District's employees took home 25% of the total remuneration paid out.

Clearly, a search for cost-savings ought to begin with the senior management.

It is our understanding that the District has never been in debt, including during the Great Depression.

It is quite chilling to see in the Capital Plan for the next five years $35 million of long-term debt is called for -- $22 million in 2007, $4 million in 2008 and $9 million in 2010. A full $19 million of this is for the "General Fund", the balance for the Water Fund.

This is black and white evidence that, simply put, the District is living beyond its means. What actions, or inactions, have caused this capital paucity to occur? What does Council propose to do to halt this bleeding of taxpayers hard earned dollars?

ITAC will be asking other specific questions on this and other capital planning matters in the future.

ITAC compliments the Council on its determination to focus more attention upon fiscal matters. ITAC strongly believes a more rigorous and continuing approach to operating and fiscal topics must be pursued identifying and eliminating unnecessary operating and capital expenditures. It seems a good place to begin appears to be an excess of managerial and supervisory personnel in the District's employ.

We are optimistic that the District's proposed operating and capital budgets for 2008 will reflect an approach that is more respectful of taxpayers, who are, in fact, the employers of this Council and the District's staff.

Should that not prove to be the case, the financial administration of the District will no doubt feature prominently in the campaign for election in November, 2008.

On behalf of ITAC, thank you for your attention.

The table below is self explanatory;  a picture is worth a thousand words.

Sop: was interested in this piece, saw it on the web; wd like explored further

in my experience govt and priv have time sheets

not our intention to price it out; trying to capture the cost of cutting the fields

RD: you mean instead of 2.95%?

Sop:... finally come to some decision-making

improvement in the process; have to look at our expenditures....

VV: shd look at zero; luck on exterior agencies

RD: challenges; thank you for your thoughtful presentations and contributions you've made

           R. Sultan: My riding receives its name from the wild river which bisects it - the Capilano, only 100 metres from my office door. Today the Globe and Mail labelled the Capilano the "Assembly Line of  Death" because each year 65,000 young steelhead smolts plunge about 100 metres over the spillway of the Cleveland Dam, with fewer than 20 per cent surviving their encounter with the rocks far below.

David Marley of ITAC always ends his email with:

        "A nation of sheep begets a government of wolves."   - Edward R. Murrow

Here are more quotations I found in the same vein:

     "Make yourself sheep and the wolves will eat you." -- Benjamin Franklin

     "A society of sheep must in time beget a government of wolves." -- Bertrand de Jouvenel (1903 - 1987)

     "If once [the people] become inattentive to the public affairs, you and I, and Congress and Assemblies, Judges, and Governors, shall all become wolves. It seems to be the law of our general nature, in spite of individual exceptions." -- Thomas Jefferson to Edward Carrington, 1787

Lucius Annaeus Seneca: ignoranti quem portum petat nullus suus ventus est

English: the wind is never favourable to those who don't know where they are going

Anonymous --   lawyer: an accomplice who does not run any risk

You can't be suspicious of a tree, or accuse a bird or a squirrel of subversion or challenge the ideology of a violet.

                -- Hal Borland, journalist (1900-1978)