The 2008 Budget Booklet is available now!  It's on the DWV website; copies at Library and Finance Dept; use the online forum at westvancouver.ca/forums to post comments.

As presented, the 3% means $83.50 more per year for the average assessment of $1.4M; there's pressure for an increase.  The actual operating expenditures increase is 6% but it counts on offsets to get to 3% but some depts want more and threaten some cuts.  See discussion at end of notes for Jan 14th mtg.  Have your say at the Feb 4th ccl mtg (no mtg Jan 28).  User fees, finding revenue, sponsorships/partnerships, etc can help control costs.

Remember Correspondence was removed Nov 2006 and then reinstated a while later but names blanked out?  We got them to at least put in govts and agencies since the argument of privacy was ludicrous, irrelevant, so they appeared, and then the blanked-out letters.  Well, they've done it again -- the Jan 21 agenda hasn't even a list of letters received!  OUTRAGEOUS!

As ppl have mentioned to me: you give your name and address when you speak at Ccl; letters are part of Public Hearing items, why not in Correspondence?  My simple solution (since legal advice was that letters for a Public Hearing were public) was to name it Public Correspondence.

Anyone wanting privacy has many opportunities (phone, write to staff, or only to a mbr of Ccl); some years ago the practice was confirmed that letters to 'Mayor and Council' were public -- it's addressing your govt after all -- and in an open democracy!!!

On DWV's marvellous website, go to: http://www.westvancouver.ca/article.asp?a=5447&c=898 for more info.  Details were in WVM2008-01.  Call the Hall 925 7055.

If you have a suggestion for an event or an activity, pls call 922 4000, also if you'd like to have a table to display, provide info on, your group at Heritage Fayre, Sunday 24th Park Royal North.  The theme this year is Trade and Commerce.

= Main Items on Agenda Jan 21: Strategy for Dogs; Environmental Strategy and Awards (and request for $32K); Horseshoe Bay Fire Hall site; 3785 Excess Rock Removal; 4012 Marine Rock Removal; Ccl Appointments; DVP 5340 Seaside Place for consideration Feb 4; NO CORRESPONDENCE LIST!!!

=  Vive le Canada; Heritage Awards; UPDATES; ANIMALWATCH; INFObit; WEBWATCH :-); BOOKWATCH (Irreligion); CALENDAR to Jan 31st+

=  Ccl NOTES Jan 14: Continuation of Jan 7th's ccl mtg: Recommendation to allocate $36,400 of Budget 2008 for World Cup Partnership curtailed by acrid smell in mid-debate; Non-Enforcement of Noise Control bylaw for WVYC request with dates changed to 15th to 21st; 2008 Parcel Tax Roll Review Panel; [NEW agenda item] DNV proposed bylaw wrt Capilano Suspension Bridge (CSB) property on WV side; Adoption of bylaws for utility fees, water regulation, fees and charges but remember, they said public input permitted so there were comments; Correspondence re heritage measures, five-year budget (savings) suggestions, Hugo Ray Park, Dundarave Parking; Workshop on the Budget/Process: comments by each dept head; PQP re more info and (former/future) F&A cmte; release of 2007 salaries after T4 deadline Feb 28 (29th this year?); Cmnty Ctr; agreement with Vancouver Coastal Health

=  Ccl AGENDA Jan 21: Holocaust Survivor: Lesson; THEATREWATCH with philoso-ku; Quotations

The Canadian taxpayer has given MDA half a billion dollars.  It's a pity if the sale to ATK goes through, the Canadarm will be American-owned.  Maybe we can live with that, but definitely not the loss of Radarsat-2 b/c it's critical to our sovereignty.  It can watch our Arctic and see who's passing through.  The US claims it's international waters.  We think it's Canadian territory.  And if we can't watch who's there or going through?

You will have heard of Paul Cottle who resigned as soon as he heard of the sale (b/c of ATK's landmine manufacturing as well) -- brave principled stand, the more so b/c he's an American!  Must have come here to be one of us.  We can admire and learn from his example.

On DWV's marvellous website, go to: http://www.westvancouver.ca/article.asp?a=5447&c=898 for more info.  Details were in WVM2008-01.  Call the Hall 925 7055.

>>> HERITAGE AWARDS WILL BE PRESENTED DURING HERITAGE WEEK FEB 18 TO 24.

If you have a suggestion for an event or an activity, pls call 922 4000, also if you'd like to display at Heritage Fayre, Sunday 24th Park Royal North.

Deferred: CSB rezoning (DNV) of land on 'our' side; Wallace Shipyards heritage de-designation (CNV);  the blacksmith's shop is a significant element of the North Shore's history.

POLAR BEAR FEVER (CBC Doc Zone)

The polar bear has become the poster child for climate change. This film deconstructs the debate and questions whether they can save the world from global warming. See: http://www.cbc.ca/doczone/polarbearfever/video.html

You heard about Knut three-month old cub last year?  Well, now we have a female cub just weeks old -- unbelievably adorable.  See http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dV9ssECWvEI and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bWQZr3gJ8to

Amazing.  Watching with wonder.  If Bush can get the Israelis and Palestinians to live side by side in viable states even if only approximating the UN intention, it will truly be a miracle.  We must wish him Godspeed and all the best.

Reuters: Canada places U.S., Israel on torture watch list http://www.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idUSN1762987120080117?pageNumber=3&virtualBrandChannel=0

*  This book review caught my attention.  'Irreligion' by John Allen Paulos is reviewed by Jim Holt in the NYT Review of Books (Jan 13).

*  One-line summary was: A mathematician tries to refute the arguments for the existence of God.

*  Excerpt from the review:

But here is something you probably didn't know. Most mathematicians believe in heaven.

*  Naturally I cdn't help recalling the remembering how long so many were distracted arguing about how many angels cd dance on the head of a pin........

+ Mon, Jan 21st ~ 7pm ~  THE CITY PROGRAM - SFU

Next free public lecture (SFU Harbourside): Hallmark Events and Impacts on Housing: A Lecture by Dr. Kris Olds on Monday, January 21st. Reservations are not required for this event only. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.  For other lecture information as well as upcoming SFU City Program courses and workshops, visit http://www.sfu.ca/city .

+ Tues, Jan 22 ~ 4pm ~ Fire & Rescue Services Review WG

+ Wed, Jan 23

+ Thurs, Jan 24 ~ 4:30pm ~ Design Review Cmte

                ~ 5pm ~ NSACDI mtg at DNV M Hall

+ Fri, Jan 25th [See Library events also]

   ~ 1 - 3pm ~ The Stewardship Cmnty of the NShore celebrates Jim McCarthy's 20 years of service; Ambleside Youth Ctr, 1018 Marine (near the SPCA); Coffee and Tea provided by The Pacific Streamkeepers Federation; Baked Goods donated by Whole Foods; RSVP Paul at fiona_wright@telus.net

   ~ 5:30pm ~ The Robbie Burns dinner of course.  Info/reservations 998 3162 or 312 0950

Lighthouse Park Preservation Society's first event in its educational lecture series at the Library,

Guest Speaker: Jared Hobbs, M.Sc. is a Registered Professional Biologist and wildlife photographer based in Victoria, B.C.  He has worked throughout the province on many of British Columbia's rarest species, and was the 2006 recipient of the International Shikar-Safari conservation award for his dedication to the preservation of species and ecosystems.  Everybody is invited.

+ Tues, Jan 29th ~ 4pm ~ Fire and Rescue Services Review WG.

+ Thurs, Jan 31st ~  4:30pm ~ Heritage WG CANCELLED

On Wed Jan 30th from 10am to noon, there's also an Arts Connection event, a Networking Salon for Artists

The topic is "Wild Words for Artists", merging art-making with creative writing -- tips and techniques. Meet other artists, enjoy coffee and muffins, $5 drop-in.

+++  WV MUSEUM +++   BEHIND THE WIRE -- Nov 7 to Feb 9 

THE WARTIME DIARY AND ART OF ROBERT BUCKHAM [full description earlier]; see lecture Jan 30 above

+++  WV MEMORIAL LIBRARY +++ see www.westvanlib.org

Maria De Lourdes Ledesma Velazquez & Emilio Goicoechea.  Bright and exciting paintings that capture the Mexican culture on canvas from two Mexican artists who have recently settled in Vancouver.

Artists' Reception: 6:30 - 8pm Fri, Jan. 18, hosted by the Friends of the Library. Everyone is welcome.

+ Tues, Jan 22 ~ 10:30am - 12:30pm: The Irish Theatre: The Plays of W.B. Yeats; Discussion series; open to all.

-- Philosophers' Cafe -- Is Richard Dawkins delusional?  ~ 10:30am to 12:30pm ~ Everyone welcome; $5 admission.

Doors open 7pm, concert 7:30pm. Seating is limited so come early, enjoy refreshments by Friends of the Library.

  + Tues 5th  ~ 4pm ~ Fire & Rescue Services Review WG

  + Wed 6th ~ 6pm ~ Cmnty Heritage Workshop: Writing a Statement of Significance (SOS) at Srs' Ctr

  + Thurs 7th ~ 5:30pm ~ Rodgers Crk WG

+++ Don't forget to check out www.silkpurse.ca and www.kaymeekcentre.com for their events

1.  APPROVAL OF AGENDA   /  2.  MINUTES -- No items scheduled 

3.         2008 Freestyle World Cup Partnership Opportunity

KSteig, reading parts of letter submitted:

Sop: did I hear about money for banners?

JF: was deleted

Mayor: shown on screen but deleted, part of $36K

VV: if no one has, I will for discussion, though I intend to vote against

Mayor: since last week, reduced, taken up Cclr Clark's suggestion of fee; banners same as for 2010;

reduced to $26K; leverages $103K

important to know 1400 schoolchildren intend to attend as spectators

Cypress donating $26K for uniforms for volunteers

VV: this section re 'employment engagement'

invite some up and bask in beauty

that's M staff -- on paid time or vacation time?

Mayor: good question

Susan Ney: my understanding that it wd be on staff's own time; encouraging them to volunteer; promoting District

VV: so a couple of days of annual leave

SN: a weekend event

VV: references to their being minimum costs

just as we had paying for police it was $89/hr

but our own staff, no formula so don't know how much it costs it

out of pocket, not full amount

when we were pretty well fully enthusiastic in July, the report made reference to youth, so youth opp to train as volunteers and ambassadors

I'd still like us to maintain our position, engage our youth

fair some banners -- don't think we need to pay for them -- but appropriate make Gleneagles av without paying $4K+ rent, those two days fine

but now it says youth....  pay, not enough for youth

welcome to rec ctr to use it, and pay for manuals, don't see why supporting this b/c it's not a real financial partnership

the others are going to be doing this quite apart from us; quite odd

particularly odd: says staff enter into agreement, I rather thought the District wd

so apart from rental for rec ctr, and [staff?], don't see

Christie O'Krainetz: has engaged youth through process and we hope to engage more

1400 coming up to spectate and then will do snowtubing

[referring to volunteer hours] amt needed for graduation

ambassador prog: training, pilot prog by Tourism, will host athletes through Dine Around

WinterSong Festival

so hope youth up to mtn to see on stage as well as that

JF: speak in support and of even in general

when proposed we didn't know what cost wd be but some cost

a remarkable opp for WV and its citizens to begin to learn how we may participate in the Olympic Games

have a lot who volunteer for Harmony Arts; see same at Coho Festival

time we look to broaden, give opp to meet and greet others

opp for us to bring more profile to arts and cultural events -- to Metro Vancouver and  beyond

we've seen Harmony Arts grow to one of the best loved in the Lower Mainland

WinterSong, also bring to that and our cmnty

may even make it a fun place to be

we're greying but I know a lot who'd want to go up there and hear bands

maybe go to KMC and listen to jazz; go to wine and dine events around town

easy to say youth can participate on their own, but in meeting the actual athletes, cd lead to mentoring; an opp we shdn't miss

also an investment in our ability to bring attention to such activities in our cmnty

we can hardly take an ad in the NSNews for $26K, compare with attention we'll receive

help to enliven our biz district, come to dinner and shop

revitalizing our biz cmnty, this is an opp

MS: that's tough act to follow; always feel like talking against motherhood and apple pie

shd separate -- ev supports this event and glad spinoff benefits, restaurants, students, schools, great

the reality is, do we need to spend this $26K, just as they've managed to cover the money for security and bus, can it be found within budget.........

anyone? I think it shd come out of X, Y, or Zee

Sop: can remember having a mtg with VANOC and we said, we look to support you in various ways but not supplying any money

can see import, leading up to Olympics

take you back to our Tax Sustainability Agenda, and position we'll be in for next years

looked at sponsorship and that was going to be a new way for new events

p 14, it says "new corporate" -- look to enhance as sponsors/partners; any stepped forward to help?

secondly we have an org sponsored by Canada Post, another supported by taxpayer;

wonder why Canada Post wdn't cover whole cost

think we shd look v hard to bring about, but like Cclr Smith, think we shd find it within our depts

send msg to our taxpayers we're looking at budget to stay within

JC: I waited b/c -- and almost accused of setting place on fire with my words

share view

no issue with Ski Assn, in July; still in favour and of no 4 but I almost resent the way presented to us; like an Arthur Murray dance

$36K down to $26K; lousy way to do biz; apart from 4, can't support

JF: by approving the funding $26K, it's not an add-on; we're about to have discussions on Budget 2008 and that's the time to discuss whether more or within...

Mayor: that's what I think; unless staff wants to comment on funding source

Josie Chuback: at the time the report was done we weren't in the 2008 budget; we typically look at areas where contingencies; look at one-time for the year

I did touch base with Dir/Finance

Mayor: not sure what you said

JCh: when report put forward, one of the responsibilities I had, went to Dir/Fin and we look at possibilities

Mayor: so this is a one-time, not part of budget?

RL: we wd treat it as a special project and treat it as such

Sop: then back to staff -- can you find $26K?

RL: if directed to do so, yes

Sop: where wd it come from?

RL: probably come from surplus

Sop: if that's coming from surplus, how can we tell [others?]

VV: talking about $26K, but it's more -- it doesn't count the $4K

and this other part nothing other than staff time (in three places), we don't know unless we know time

we haven't identified the full cost so not done even with the $26K

Mayor: although when Ccl approve staff plan, staff work, etc, assume costs; not funding the World Cup in perpetuity; Call the motion:  FAILS

4.         United Way Participation Award --Presentation to be provided; received for information

RB: update; staff have collected this past year, exceeded target of $25, collected $25,500; know United Way appreciated this; worth to extend appreciation to staff, especially to admin staff who facilitated that

Mayor: and thanks wrt gift baskets, raffles; staff; we thank you

RECOMMENDED: THAT Council approve the request ... for a maximum of SIX (6) days between Jan 15 to Jan 21 to allow their principal contractor Westshore Constructors to carry out specific construction works involving drilling into the bedrock to secure several piles that support the deck.

Sop: nothing more aggravating than a drill, hammering away anywhere

know unprotected compressor, nothing more annoying; and running to 9pm doesn't sit well with me; the area is a bowl and resonates around

Mr Wells: the actual work will be with a small hydraulic hammer, removing scale; then small electric hammer drill that will drill four holes for reinforcing rods; noise will not be continuous, will be sporadic; expect to have to set for ten piles

Sop: decibel?

Ans: don't have

VV: I've had phone calls complaining about this, and even from one a mbr of the WVYC

how the tides work, you have two, so take evening or morning

Ans: wd be 3 in morning; work wd take six weeks and intend to have this part done within ten days

VV: latest technology being used? way so nbrhd wd not object?

Ans: piledriver being used has a buffer so somewhat reduced but reiterate, the driving of the piles will not occur between 5 and 9pm; just want to set anchor pins

MOTION CARRIES

Mayor: by this time next week, will be over.

RECOMMENDED: THAT

     2.  The Director of Finance give notice of the date, time and place of the first sitting of the 2008 Parcel Tax Roll Review Panel in accordance with the Community Charter;

     3.   Cclrs Day, Soprovich, and Vaughan be appointed to the 2008 Parcel Tax Roll Review Panel; and

     4.   Cclrs Clark, Ferguson, and Smith be appointed as alternates to the 2008 Parcel Tax Roll Review Panel.

Mayor: many wishing to speak but Geri Boyle first

GB explained new zone for Suspension Bridge property, initiated by District to regularize a situation that was induced, and bylaw intended to remedy the situation.  Adjourned from Nov to tomorrow night: We think the bylaw is a good one but cd go further as far as WV is concerned.

As drafted it allows up to 5Ksf on the west side and given 1K already there, suggesting be cut back to 1.5Ksf.  Think useful also to add that no customer service from west side.  We know today ev from east side, give cmnty confidence that's not going to change.

preclude construction traffic?

Metro Vancouver Parks site -- between CSB and DWV boundary

encourage along trail change from C5 to Park zoning; clarify right to cross park

once licence agreement sorted out, helpful to sit down with NV to understand what access wrt this property

Mr Finch (sp?): think I was clear in my letter; want to thank Mayor G-J and Cclr Sop to come on Saturday and see what we're concerned bout

wd like to see two things added

sound problem -- music or what have you, wd be magnified to Rabbit Lane, etc

wd like to see those two added; whether NV will accept that is up, cd be crossed off with the rest

tyvm for your time

Jeff Rhett (sp?): first, thank you v much for listening to the presentation on 19th wch allowed us to get this report

wd like to thank Geri Boyle and Jim Bailey -- think they grasped the situation

went a long way to addressing the concerns

May 25th of 2006, Paula Hubbard wrote that the tourist attraction wd need to be defined...... and that is not included

also that bldgs restricted and again not included

passed in DNV Ccl rescind bylaw and draft new bylaw but they have not done that; they shd listen to their own Planner's report

when CSB sold to Metro Vancouver, it specifically restricted traffic over that prop (except for maintenance)

Alderman Lanskail at the time said numerous proposals had been made and they were dormant

it was specifically anticipated those 30 acres, no future devt or access through Moyne Drive

Clear CSB does not have access for construction or ongoing operations

like the recommendations as they are, but change 2d: include, provision of supplies and removal of garbage and similarly on 4 for clarity

Noreen Brocks: Jeff has covered a lot of what I wanted to say

a lot not here today b/c a lot going to mtg tomorrow and felt that this was a friendly

had a petition of 116 sigs; a lot concerned

Jeff has touched on history -- always intended this wd remain a greenbelt

after unsuccessful rezoning for apt

the die was cast at that time; prob when CSB devped tree walkway without permit

although required to give notice to Moyne Dr did not do that.....   and did not give notice, nor instruction to be given

trusted eventually wd go away and wd be the end of it; but over last five years continued to have traffic

west side has food services yet plan a natural wildlife area, so get garbage removal

tried to negotiate, not successful

Now NV bylaw -- will limit my remarks to west side; it's not just a corrective bylaw, many challenging that; space non-conforming, now asking

not principal, accessory allows all of this; not corrective, it's significant upzoning

5K of accessory floor space so that means it cd build a restaurant on the west side; can't be stopped

think shd remain park-like setting

now no more limits on tables and chairs!

we're faced with a big problem; if goes through, and not for maintenance only, and if DWV doesn't protect laneway -- if we sell our prop, may become a parking lot

thank Ms Boyle and Jim Bailey; they've been helpful

shd say: whereas bylaw......will negatively impact nbrhd...... downzoning to 1500......

covered enclosures and food limited as now

agree with Jeff we have to restrict operational as well as constructive traffic

Metro Vancouver has allowed this to happen; still negotiating; shd......

add: DWV shd obtain legal advice

wrt access; Moyne Drive, occasional only; a permanent solution

Victoria Halverson (sp?): live on Moyne Dr; oppose bylaw; area is a quiet child-friendly nbrhd; know each other by name, the way it was when I grew up

if goes through, dump trucks, will continue to use although they haven't the right to do so

Mayor: Bob Brynner?

Ans: he's going to be late

Mayor: Steve Jones

SJ: I do communications for CSB; owned by Stibbard family, lives in Vancouver, bn here for many, many years

think there shd be some new perspective; genesis, where came from

not brought by CSB, but by DNV, after bylaw of 1995 wch was brought forward erroneously and took away any devt rights that CSB had

District realized mistake had been made and brought forward this bylaw, and this is a downzoning, not an upzoning

some erroneous info tonight; space devpd limitless, no

shd be understood, if we want to build anything at all on west side, if we were to build secondary space wd have to build primary; so highly impractical to build secondary when you have to build something ten times bigger

5K so CSB can see its way through trees; minimal devt rights

recognize rights of Moyne and have had mtgs

difficult with tree that came down; bad time with storm; tried to dialogue re accesses; we have never had intention to have customers come from west side

our sense, a bit of overreaction to anything CSB may plan

our aim is to have ability to make plans and we have not had that; we've been standing still

we'd have to build a new restaurant to build a new washroom

that forest is Capilano's biz; if a tree comes down that hurts us; if a tree comes down, act of god, not us; counter of what Nancy Stibbard does for a living

make no mistake, this is a downzoning for CSB

we want to put an explorers' cabin down there, to ask us to go down to 1500 -- that makes us to go down to 500sf wch is the size of a double garage -- that's laughable

so we had to do some construction on Moyne Dr, some house will have to come down there if someone sells

Mayor: not personal

SJ: sorry, not intentional; unrealistic to come down to 1500

this is a downsizing, not upsizing

Amiko Ando: on Moyne Drive for 15 years; two doors from access

wd like to acknowledge the District for listening to concerns of residents in area, will go some way to a solution

don't want to reiterate what my nbrs Jeff and Noreen said but do want to read part of a letter from Nancy Stibbard written 2006:

the CSB has no plans to build a restaurant on west side of Cap Riv, destroy .....

wd...  in that envtal restrictions make any devt

wd really like the District to seriously consider rights of access; small service, not even paved, goes between two houses; v difficult when trucks come down, hairpin corner, logging trucks a lot of noise; heard earlier of pile-driving at WVYC but this has gone on for years so really wd app whatever you can done

Mayor:  Mr X still not here?

Noreen Brocks: maybe he's not coming; I'm a lawyer as is Amiko; we and Corrie Kost have gone back to

don't think the District really understands what it's doing; in 1995 zoning changed and restriction put on accessory space

Mr Jones is not correct, washrooms are not accessory, they are primary

all principal use

yes, it's downzoning for principal space

what else; right now can build no more accessory space

huge amount; bring banquet hall and XXX (?) over to west side

I don't know whether they will do it

there shd be no more accessory space allowed on the west side

Mayor: Cclr Smith, wd you like to put motion on floor

MS: ask Ms Boyle if she's going to make any recommendations wrt changes?

have heard from public

GB: made a note of all the recommendations

one was that a preamble be added; takes the flavour of the report

sets out reasoning and wd be consistent with report

another recommendation wrt obtaining legal advice

if Ccl adopted the recommendation dealing with after Metro Vancouver secures agreement -- as norm wd confer with lawyers

third was adding words "operational" and wdn't have a problem with that, consistent

my discussions with NV staff, they have been working with CSB; recently working to food coming across

Mayor: and food? no amplified noise

MS: wd like to add no 6, that staff present at DNV mtg

Mayor: that's in; need to read into record; can we say as printed?

MS: move with changes

Sop: even as a youngster -- well, not all that long ago

don't wish them any ills; Ms Stibbard and family have done an amazing job

I was out with Ms Brock and Mr French and surveyed an incredible rainforest, park we know and love and the wonderful walk on west side of river

did look down and saw confining way, gate locked, saw some activity

what concerns me more, is Metro Vancouver, I hope will make a sound statement that the area shd be considered changed from C5 to Park.  We have to work in harmony with the environment, I know they do that

Moyne Dr is not a place to have traffic

park, not wide enough, too steep, too many turns

notice now a sign saying no trucks allowed into Moyne area and wonder if enforced

think Metro V shd be telling CSB that that zoning was originally intended for maintenance and repairs and shd go no further, status quo

great tourist attraction but their bottom line does not supersede the residents

opened a door and in past has got opened a bit

Ms Boyle at mtg tomorrow night; principle, we'd do the same for their residents

stunning, want to keep it that way

EB: we have been trying to come to some kind of arrangement; trying to minimize amt of truck traffic; our staff in contact with CSB; in spite of that cmnty still not happy with level of activity; we do allow some pickup of garbage but haven't gone far enough to satisfy cmnty

VV: encourage CSB to take garbage out?

Mayor: intention of motion

JC: one of the most difficult in the eight years I've been on Ccl

do agree with a lot; do think we shd be protecting our residents re traffic, agree service traffic going through

Metro V wch we have a copy today and will be at mtg tomorrow, goes a long way to addressing the problems, not only DNV, but CSB, DWV, residents

not an easy one

Mayor: take preamble as given, so item No 1

[CARRIES]

[CARRIES]

[CARRIES]

[CARRIES]

[CARRIES]

Item 3 as printed

JC: You missed sound

Mayor: 2e  limits on sound;

[CARRIES]

back to 3

[CARRIES]

[CARRIES]

[CARRIES]

[wrt sound] Item 6 CARRIES;  thank you

8:36 BYLAWS FOR ADOPTION

Mayor: This is adoption; strict, stay to three minutes. Mr Roach, heard from you last week; this will be the last year wrt water

EB: want to say phase in for water and utilities this year; for 2009

DR: my understanding was you were accepting comment up to the point; my understanding from last mtg in Dec

Mayor: yes, not likely to debate this at adoption

DR: I have undertaken some analysis of the billing mechanism of the water/sewer put forward and have identified some particular difficulties with it; in interests of time b/c quite technical will submit a paper on it, you can see for yourself wrt billing and timing, we don't begin to bill until April for the first quarter, so there is some time for adjustments, can make and come back for adjustments before we start in process in  billing, not sending out quickly now -- so you've got 60 days

another observation wrt some research I did with CMHC, webpage cites City of Vernon water efficiency program, have had universal metering since 1992 and for ten years following have reduced water consumption by 30%

come back to this paper/presentation, I'll find that out; I'll demonstrate some of the problems I have with database on water consumption (in WV)

Mayor: I know Mr Laing has spent time with you in past and will again

Ray Richards: two separate reports so three minutes each

let's look at sewage and drainage bylaw, no draft budget for utilities at Hall today so can't tell if surplus or deficit

capital P? no definition -- a mistake in drafting you say; the whole thing is a mistake

says universal; but there is none for sewage, that relates to water

maybe I don't have to pay anything, not covered in this bylaw

residents were connected a long time ago, long before Jan 2007; why change in sewer, water?

Mayor: staff

RR: that's the key, not staff; does Ccl understand

Mayor: questions; will ask Mr Barth

EB: asking why reference to universal metering for water in relation to sewer

water a proxy for sewer, don't have meter for sewer but approximates that, makes that connection

Mayor: justification for that

EB: in moving from a metered to a flat rate, looking at differently; aggregate or average of what cost to run system; fixed costs for us running the systeml what we need to do whether you flush or turn on the faucet or not

moving to system, going to user-pay methodology but doesn't eliminate costs that incur regardless, for example of you turn tap on; even if you don't turn on tap, you still need water main; that's in base charge

Mayor: two more minutes

now a couple of other matters

Mayor: water? one more minute

RR: sewage; there's drainage in there;  what sense does it make to levy the higher rate on a residence that had its water supply commencing Jan 1st 2007 for $17.41 per quarter, and levy for residence with meter installed prior to 2007, $7.64 per quarter -- and that's for drainage

now switch to--

Mayor: you've been there for eight minutes; we really have to get on with our--

RR: important you shd consider water as well

if gas utility came to DWV saying, we're going to give you a higher rate for the new cmnty ctr b/c  meter installed after somebody else, you'd say that's not right

Mayor: I think we've spent quite a bit of time; will ask Mr Barth to reply then Ccl debate

EB: wrt base rate for metered customers; phase in for existing metered customers, not b/c felt diff when you get your meter; rationale not based on when you got your meter, rather that when rates originally set didn't accurately reflect all the true costs and to go to implementing the full base rate for those existing customers, wd hv meant v signif increases for them, and it's always been part of our goal to make sure something cmnty wd embrace and be seen as positive; as far as they knew they were paying full cost, not that they were getting away with something

had heard concern over length of time to bring everybody to same level/base rate, originally over five years, substantially shortened that now, as of 2009, so now within one year, all users, sewer and water, will be paying full base rate

RR: also refer to multi-family and water use rate

Mayor: excuse me, I wd like you to clarify on the seeming disparity between sgl and multi fam.

There's no more opp for public input

EB: we spent a year developing these rates and worked with a consultant; for that specific question, ask Mr Fung to come forward

RF (staff): my understanding is a duplex exhibits in many ways same sort of characteristics as a sgl fam home, ie some yard and some outdoor uses, sprinkling, as opposed to a pure townhouse or apt block, so our intention that a duplex wd  be treated the same as sgl fam and no actually categorized the same as a townhouse and a multi-fam unit

can check with Finance staff and make sure our intention carried through and if some account classification needs to be reviewed, it will be; not our intention to treat duplexes diff from sgl fam

Mayor: that's Ccl's understanding as well

8:55  JF: moved adoption

RL: at this point not great issue; not sure what clarification we can provide

EB: seems the primary issue is the phasing in of the base rate

approach we adopted with water Ccl agreed with; only 2500 accts in cmnty; not much more staff can provide

Mayor: are you making a motion to defer?

MS: then can I speak?

MS: I support water conservation but not on Ccl

see cost of $200K wch wd hv eaten up savings

also agree you cannot charge citizens diff rates; fundamental charge same for same service

maybe we shd hv a 90-day WG to look into this; I have some suggestions

Sop: this is not the first night it's been discussed

Mr Roach has been extremely helpful and knowledgeable and had others; looked at all these issues wrt fairness and equity

staff have looked at length of time between flat and metered and shorten that time down to 2009, a considerable drop

from what I understand, real benefit even in first year

don't think we need another week b/c not going to be told anything we haven't already heard

heard from citizens

this is our fist year, six months, made some adjustments

JF: I agree with Cclr Sop; first year metering in effect learned some lessons; continuing to modify and equity in 2009

frankly pleased we're escalating the time so equal payments made sooner than later

VV: sympathize with Cclr Smith and remember when we had a thorough going over and did see things not quite right or fair; we didn't have a solution that made it any better other than shortening it; best we cd do at the time; unless Cclr Smith has another idea

just accept not going to be fair and get on

Mayor: only had 14 or 15 complaints; benefit over years; congratulate staff

Mayor: vote on deferral? defeated. Motion:

9:04  CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS

11.       Consent Agenda Items - Reports and Correspondence --mexcept No 39

12.  Correspondence List -- {listed in previous WVM}

VV: think it shdn't be here for no action

huge, over 80% on salaries and benefits, extraordinarily high

normally wd have an external review

not had a review for several years, not since Cuff Report in 1998; we need an arm's length review and wonder when we'll get around to this

budget, matters of efficiency; when

RB: at pleasure of Ccl, staff cd bring back this for Ccl debate

Mayor: cd refer it to budget debate

9:07 DONE

Sop: on New Year's Eve I sat in for you on 15th; band fantastic; hot chocolate; I just got up to say 4, 3, 2, 1!  just marvellous from 11pm, Fire and Police letting off fireworks; wonderful night

VV: I have a bee in my bonnet about getting things right; believe error in our Dec 16 Tidings [in NSN] wch refers to the 2007 survey results.  It says about our cmnty, 86% feel they receive good value for the property taxes they pay.  That number shd be 20% b/c the actual question was, do you consider that you get v good, or somewhat good, or somewhat poor or v poor value for property tax dollar for the M portion.  The answer was 20% said v good value; 66% said somewhat good value.  Now 'somewhat' good qualifies it on the down side, it means less than good, so we cannot add the 20% that said v good to the 66% that said somewhat good and say 86% -- it's just not true.

Mayor: doesn't somewhat plus very equal just good?

o   wd like to invite everyone to Chamber breakfast Wed 7:30; my annual address to cmnty about the year ahead of us and the two years or work that Ccl, the cmnty, and staff together have accomplished.

o   huge thanks for resurrection of the N Sh Youth Safe House; Tony and Kim Allard (sp?), West Van residents, out of the goodness of their hearts donated $340K wch served as a catalyst to get the attention of the NShore, the prov, the fed govt, the Rotary Club, and Service clubs; and

16 young ppl have stayed in that Safe House since Dec 21st when it opened, demonstrating tremendous value; a big victory for all govts and the cmnty.

14.  PUBLIC QUESTIONS/COMMENTS  -- NONE  /  15.  ADJOURNMENT

[9:11]

***   COUNCIL WORKSHOP  ***  slides and overheads for deptal presentations

RL: first public presentation of the details of Budget 2008; Ccl has been working on budget since September, some depts earlier; budget booklet on web, and will have copies tomorrow

discussion of our budget target; high level summary; proposed expenditures; divisional narratives with revenues and expenditures; 2007 accomplishments, workplan issue; 2008 general capital program; and in back section, utility budget and user rates adopted this evening

The budget framework for 2008 as approved by both the F&A cmte

and Ccl itself

was to maintain existing service levels within a target tax rate increase of 3%

challenges; initially had gap of $1.5M

signif measures in closing the gap; new and enhanced revenue sources; booklet talks about what some are

$183K from new permits and fire alarm fees; $270K from fire reviews and inspections; $75K from enhanced planning recoveries and bldg permit fees -- those are the three largest; others listed

book also talks about outstanding challenges we have not accommodated; four cd not be accommodated

in Police, request for $500K enhancement to service levels; Fire $250K to enhance existing overtime budget; new Cmnty Ctr, $250K to cover half of operating costs increases; possibly add'l $200K for rec if don't follow through on phase to reduce rec subsidies

a couple of typographical errors, will be corrected tomorrow morning

propose depts appear in order in book

RB: MClrk will put pages up on screen; ADMINISTRATION

Emergency Planning has been moved from Fire to Admin

Prog initiated by province

research and upgrading of website technology...

review of public engagement

website visits, 1.8M; ccl mtg 92 and 43 ...  FOI

implementing the bizpal prog; Police Dept, Fire Dept; primary object to recover

evaluate bylaw services delivery

electronic mgmt prog

2008 civic election, a major undertaking; implement new website will require training

support initiatives such as Rodgers Crk

finding time for staff training

downloading from prov govt; constantly having new regulations; efficiencies wherever possible to reduce cost; resource consumptions; hoping transferring from manuals to electronic; ongoing duplication of systems

happy if clarification

Mayor: ask staff to concentrate on 2008 so Ccl can

$972K new revenue flag for us, professional advice; big outstanding challenges

Susan Ney, HUMAN RESOURCES: about $1M: 600+ employees plus 100+ temp staff

negotiation of all six, contracts with unions; WVMEA Feb 6; inside/outside Library; Blue Bus Feb 13; Police later this spring -- huge

Police, Library, DWV -- provide assistance to all three employers

budget constraints; focus on skill shortage and increasing difficulty; started branding prog

efficiently use training fund

av retirement age risen from 58 to 60 so hoping to keep staff we've got so they can continue

how to encourage staff to stay

9:31 RL, FINANCE: ...  New IT ... Public Sector Acctg Board; tangible capital assets; asset mgmt program... takes one of current

... evaluating impacts of growth; operating impacts; benefits to cmnty

three of the four highlights I mentioned are long term

we'll be challenged in assembling these, across WGs; b/c of multifacet, seems to be nature -- collaborative, cross-dept; requires different attitudes

staff we hire, clerical skills from past no longer valuable to us; looking to WGs

Kash Heed, POLICE: not going to go over this; [discussions/process] going on till Feb so if questions will answer

FTEs; shortfall, request for two new positions

reduced by 2.5 FTEs b/c two employees wd be absent and were added to operating shortfalls

uniforms and equipment upgrades: replace some items worn for some time, upgrade standards

waterproof jackets for traffic, $X for vehicle inspections; asking for $20K for a total of $97K

training and education, so important in Policing in 21st century; and for retention

we're at $45K; av per officer $400, others $1400 asking for...

travel must cover Police Board, travel for training, investigations suspects who have fled WV

operational travel $20K; overtime not sufficient, small increase $20 to $86K

as for c.... contractual ...  $220K

staff increase, seeking one, for investigations, need a separate unit; crime analyst; going to target our...

continually targeting; $182K; just an explanation of $500K -- [need] $508K

important that I give you a bit of understanding where to get if not approved; will have to have discussion with my board

two areas I may have to consider cutting services; a lot of discussion expected at bd level

those areas I as Chief Constable will look at, long discussions with Board if we do not get

Mayor: thank you; see Nancy Farran of Police Bd here

Jeff Oates, FIRE Dept:  can speak at Feb 11 about past and what's on board...

budget increase of $64K so we can meet our obligations; will cover the overage experience last year

overage from Fire Dept

not increase in budget; decrease and resp for difference; to cover this, not common in regional jurisdictions

user fees -- adopted earlier [this evening]

currently first false alarm is free, now first is $150 and goes up

inspection fee -- reinspection $250

first in prov to instituted; bldg permit fee; emergency preparedness

challenges: labour costs will eat up most of increase if settlement for Police 3.5%

...not ...  vehicle ...  at 3% can't maintain present service levels

banning overtimes, or curtailing ....

EB, ENGG AND TRANSPORTATION: utilities are included in the budget booklet; don't intend to speak to that this evening, think we've spent enough time on utilities

exciting: this is a low-density style village, involved problems; difficult -- spread along shore, even snow removal difficult for efficiencies; also side of mtn, reason I live here but difficult to provide engg services

cmtny with high expectations

been trying to stay within CPI, the reality is that within construction, much higher so

stay within 3%; and try not to impact services; so looked at ways to increase revenues; fees and charges, make sure current

while not part of taxation, come from same ppl; tried to look at what doesn't come directly from taxpayer

advertising on bus shelters

signshop, looking at expanding that to other Ms, others who have need of that service

want to make sure not competing with private sector

find new sources of revenue without causing probs for others

disappointed to say that in the Survey our sidewalks one of the areas least satisfaction; that's back to funding levels

if less than 3%, we'd be looking at reduction of cleaning of sidewalks, cul de sacs , etc ....

may even have to look at not clearing snow for example

depressing news; the things I'm excited about

improvements to LGB; Rodgers Crk; move ahead with Ambleside Gateway; signif work on asset mgmt

looking at a systematic way of looking at our utility infrastructure

JC: move [mtg] to end of biz

Mayor: do we need that in workshop?

SSch: we do

PASSED

SJN, PLANNING: through increasing fees, to 90% so reducing net cost to ~$300K

2008, do intend to do complete revamp of rezoning bylaws of M -- complete Amb Town Ctr; complete Heritage Registry; dialogue on incentives; Nbrhd Character; Rodgers Crk Plan; a land prog

our challenge is to get through to 2009

KP, PARKS: liked Mr Barth's presentation; rang true, will run through

don't want to dwell on 2007 but we removed about $400K from budget in 2007

2008 is going to be busiest in whole decade...

new Cmnty Ctr; new governance structure, board; goal one social sustainability

Hugo Ray Park; Child Care

bolstering our effectiveness on social services

looking for ways to further our arts and culture goals

we are responding to challenging times, 3% still pressures

developing a new volunteer strategy; resource devt; sponsorships

flexibility among managers b/c we see changes

staffing shortages Ms Ney referred to, v real for us

a couple of years advertise and got 50 now 15 and maybe 5; for first time cancelling progs

frontline staff working O/T b/c no one there

revenue unpredictability -- change in weather, rain, and severely affects goal revenues

new cmnty ctr, think we're going to do well; lots of optimism

expectations, shortages, staff overload; relationships; external resources; governance a lot of work, exciting

est was $250K, increase in size now $500K; half for utilities and maintenance and half for customer service and programming; part of consultation with public

Ann Goodhart, Chief Librarian, LIBRARY: presenting on behalf of Library Bd, several mbrs here

purchased self checkout units in 2007, will begin to use them in 2008

hope to be able to have RFID, including conversion

plan to continue to refine our work on delivery model

mainly moving resources around within budget; moving things around within depts, etc

will see some changes in service points

2010 strategic plan-- exciting huge amount of time over past 18mos; if approved by Ccl

bookmobile service, seeing changes in residential facilities, service ppl not able to come to Library on their own

Mayor: concludes? summary?

Sop: face this ev year; received this on-table tonight; want to get a look at it

in all the years I've been on Ccl the projected budgets always higher, never lower, never even

always on an uphill spiral

wonder if somewhere in the not-too-distant future at the way we do biz in WV and how we do biz

not critical of staff

how costly is it going to be five and ten years down the road?

any indicators as to what we'll be facing? how long since reviewed efficiencies?

we've had criticism of our salaries -- been review of that over past ten years?

needs don't stop; ever-growing; have to take a v hard look

corporate biz plan we do ev three years has to be tied to budget in front of us

not to take away from our staff; somewhere along the line it's going to break

FSTF made recommendations and some followed

other Ms facing higher than ours

we're facing higher assessments; we've had good value for our dollars

one v good reason, why we aren't producing a zero tax increase

I'll stop there; will have to look at all the figures

Mayor: something missing from some presentations -- what if not 3%; Fire and Police did

looking at closure of the Library on a Sunday

AG: if Ccl decided to go through with 3% and excess

Mayor: if no increase

AG: if unable to cover raises

JF: thank the staff for presentations this evening; thank Mr Laing and his dept for tax booklet

obvious we're facing some challenges -- as a cmnty and a Ccl

what want to see remain and what perhaps reduced

VV: look at affordability; only 7% want to pay more; don't know why go ahead

not with household incomes

56% said wd choose to pay more only if to maintain

just list current and what enhancement; what 7% want to support

wd like to connect those facts

CR: Carolanne Reynolds, Editor, West Van Matters.  Happy New Year!

just a couple of questions after listening to the budget presentations, thank you.

1

Is it possible to have the binder of info that we used to get in the past (and I can ask this after the mtg of Mr Laing so it doesn't keep your time here).  {Strange expression, Carolanne!}

I think you'll know what we're talking about b/c we did get it a couple of years ago.

2

We wd like more complete information on the Information Technology (IT Dept), and I think that's something Mr Laing wd be able to provide later.

3

In trying to help with the Police budget.

I noticed in the North Shore News just a little while ago that they were having a mtg wrt volunteer auxiliaries, so since the RCMP had that mtg to look at auxiliaries, that might be something that our Police Dept might look at -- have some volunteer auxiliaries to do some of the work that isn't as dangerous as our brave policemen do.

[4]

wrt Quarterly Investments

I understand the return has been quite low.  I wonder if Ccl has been receiving the information on the Qtrly Investments {what I mean is the qtrly report on the investments}  and what -- I mean there's a range -- but what, uh, if there's anything going to be done to make sure they come up a bit.

I too have questions not comments; Carolanne asked one of the ones I was going to ask -- and Madam Mayor I thank you for your response to that

just the deptal; those on a gross basis have increased by 6%; brought down the net

operating expenditures to go up 6%; before considering revenues, 5.5% overall

DM: why rush?  was May 15; rush to middle Feb,

imp for Ccl to know; known well in advance

Mayor: Mr McTavish lengthy letter; thank you for your comments

happy to talk to you tomorrow; some of your questions don't pertain to the budget

v informative; first one I've ever attended; understood minutes wd be issued

Mayor: so minutes of last F&A mtg.  Mr Laing?

Mayor (looking at his letter): logs on seawall; Cmnty ctr? garage?

unless on budget, rest can discuss with staff tomorrow; we're in a budget workshop right now

the last time I heard ready and occupiable by June; and tonight thought I heard someone say Sept

DMcT: ...  slowest job I've ever seen in my life, and I've been in this for 60 years

we're behind b/c of the roof; that perhaps will shift the June

pertains to cmnty ctr across way, to commitment of prev Cclr, Durman

in point of fact, the first half of the 30-year lease, residents will be carrying a portion of the service

KP: not paying for any facilities; paying through a payback/lease arrangement

Mayor: for part of the bldg District; thank you for decorum

Footnotes and rest of interview at http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article19044.htm

and so

2008 Jan 19

There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle, or the mirror that reflects it.

                        -- Edith Wharton, American writer (1862 - 1937)

Lost causes are the only ones worth fighting for.

                        -- Clarence Darrow, American lawyer (1857 - 1938)

Justice will not be served until those who are unaffected are as outraged as those who are.

                        -- Benjamin Franklin, statesman, author, and inventor (1706 - 1790)

Forgiveness is an attribute of the strong.  The weak can never forgive.

                                -- Mohandas K. Gandhi

When we forgive, we set someone free -- ourselves.

                        -- Mardy Grothe (see www.drmardy.com)