One election down and two to go! (Nov 15 and May 2009): all three levels of govt in seven months!

IN THIS ISSUE:                            

MAIN ITEMS Oct 20 PUBLIC HEARING/Ccl Mtg Agendas: PH on revised grade and FAR calculations (decks); Spirit Trail; SPCA Operating Agreement; Correspondence about MDr Gateway, B C Binning House, $30K in grants from prov govt to DWV; Finance Cmte and Budget 2009

=  ELECTIONWATCH; Vive le Canada; from the EDITOR'S DESK (Research DWV Mtgs); UPDATES (WRA & Smart Growth)

=  CALENDAR to Oct 31st (well, as much as known at the moment!)

=  THEATREWATCH

=  Ccl Mtg NOTES Oct 6th: Homelessness; Joint Operating Agreement between WV Cmnty Ctrs Services and the District; HBay Firehall site 6520 and 6540 Marine Dr zoning change to three sgl-fam; 2009 Permissive Tax Exemptions; Rock Removal at 3320 Thompson Cr for swimming pool; Dundarave Preschool by the Sea Society Modification Agreement; Power Outage

=  Ccl Mtg Oct 20th AGENDA (abbreviated, with entire Letter No 16 on Finance and Budget 2009)

=  LANGUAGEWATCH (Anagram, Diagramming Sarah); Haiku; Quotations

=== ELECTIONWATCH ===  MUNICIPAL ELECTION: November 15

+  7pm Wed Oct 15 (Membership at Sentinel Secondary) and Thurs Oct 23 (Endorsement at KMC): WV Citizens for Good Govt ACM mtgs.  Memberships postmarked Oct 16 were the last to be accepted to vote for slate Oct 23.   Website is www.wvcgg.ca with email address and directors' phone numbers.

+  7pm Tues Oct 21: the WRA All-Candidates Meeting at the Gleneagles Community Centre; doors open at 6:30.

+  Wed Oct 22: Ch of Commerce breakfast mtg 7:30am at Hollyburn Country Club for mayoralty candidates to complete: "If I am elected as the Mayor of the District of West Vancouver in November, I will promote, enhance, and facilitate business in our community by=8A"  RSVP by 5pm Friday Oct 17; call 926 6614

[+ The Real Estate Board is having the mayoralty candidates also; mbrs/invitational]

+  7pm Tues Oct 28: Legacy North Shore Society's ACM mtg at Hollyburn Elementary School

+  7pm, Wed Nov 5: BPAHA ACM mtg at WV United, 2062 Esquimalt

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

+ Election Facts, thanks to VSun: 168K fewer Canadians voted Tory in this election than last; the Liberals have not won a majority with an Anglophone leader since Mackenzie King in 1945; if Dion steps down he will be only the second Liberal leader in Canada's history not to become PM (Edward Blake in the 1880s was the first).

+ Congratulations to Andrew Saxton and John Weston

+ Condolences at the passing of past NV Mayor, Murray Dykeman.

+  PASSCHENDAELE -- Paul Gross's movie, a homage to Canada.  We have to find out about our heritage so we can celebrate it and keep it alive.

The battle took place in 1917 when Canada was only 50 years old.  We had under 8M in population yet we sent more than 600,000 to the Western Front.  If you've travelled in the Gulf Islands, many Englishmen had settled there but answered the call of WW1, thus depopulating some (rest of family cdn't stay), and the reason you see the cairns.

+  TYPOS -- those typo leprechauns are a menace!  The L was supposed to be a B (in the last issue). Apologies.

1  What's the oldest incorporated city in Canada?

Saint John is in New Brunswick, not Newfoundland.  Of course it was all the British Empire Loyalists' doing, bringing their experience with govt in the Thirteen Colonies up to the north.  Think that's why UNB is the oldest university in Canada -- 1784, no?  Besides, the city in Newfoundland is St John's.  St John's however is the oldest English-founded city in North America (guess incorporation is another category -- maybe I'll let them battle it out).  Newfoundland became a colony in 1583 and didn't join Canada until 1949.

At the WRA mtg the SmartGrowth Workshop with Ione Smith went very well.  It was interesting to think about the unity of the Sea-to-Sky Corridor and how the predicted increase in population will have a major impact on West Vancouver.  Ione focused on the way an extensive and connected Green Belt in the Corridor was a precursor to shaping compact, dense, self-sufficient development along Howe Sound and beyond.  As the Horseshoe Bay area is a funnel through which all northern traffic must pass, WRA is always concerned about the way growth will be handled.

        ~ WV Police Department's 2008 Cops for Cancer: Tour de Coast Cyclists' Gala Evening

To acknowledge the achievement of the WV Police Department's 2008 Cops for Cancer - Tour de Coast cyclists, a second Gala Event will be held, graciously hosted at the private residence of Mr. Eric Savics.  Limited tickets are available in advance for $250 . Contact:  Cpl Fred Harding at 604-925-7353 or  fredharding@wvpd.ca  or from Mrs. Ana Unger at anaungerc4c@hotmail.com

Sunday, Oct 19 at 3pm --  St Francis in the Wood: Angela Larsen, Concert Pianist; $15 includes refreshments.

        ~ 1:30pm ~ Arts and Culture Facilities WG

        ~ 6:30pm ~ Child Care WG -- moved to Nov 5     

==  Thursday Oct 23 ~ 5:30pm ~ Police Bd Mtg at WVPD Boardroom

        ~ 4:45 ~ Finance Cmte  /and/  ~ 5pm ~ NSACDI at DNV M Hall

   In the Gallery to Oct 31: Recent works by Parvis Djamtorki, Tannis Turner, and Sa Boothroyd.

+  Let's Speak English!  Join the group, make new friends and practise your English conversation skills at the Library every Friday in October from 10:30am -12noon.  No registration required.  For info 925 7402.

Join Joe Ronsley for readings and discussion of the works of one of the best poets of the 20th century.  Tues mornings:  Oct 21, Nov 4, 18, 25, and Dec 2. 10:30 - 12:30pm.  No registration required, drop-ins welcome.   Poster; Reading List

See: http://ferrybuildinggallery.com/exhibitions/upcoming_exhibition

Would you like to be a member?  Join us at the next meeting October 29, 10am - 12 noon.  For more info, see http://ferrybuildinggallery.com/news_for_artists

+++ SILK PURSE +++  (1570 Argyle) www.silkpurse.ca

+  Wed Oct 15 ~ Caroun Photo Club (CPC), www.CarounPhotoClub.com

        ALSO: Photography Tours: Reifel Sanctuary Oct 26; Queen Elizabeth Park Nov 2

        info: www.CarounPhotoClub.com

+ October 21 - November 2 -- "Blanket Statement"

The Prints of Alistair Bell  to February 7, 2009

Taiga Chiba has worked internationally seeking inspiration and acquiring alternative skills that build on the traditional Japanese printmaking techniques he uses in his own art. He will share his experience teaching printmaking to Inuit artists in Nunavut and as an artist in residence in Mexico, India, Brazil, and Thailand.

To see the electronic newsletter, the address is http://kaymeekcentre.weebly.com.  Getting onto the mail list: the simplest method is to call the box office (604 913 3634) or email tickets@kaymeekcentre.com

Find out what's happening by visiting: http://www.westvan60.com/newsletter.html. 

or http://www.westvan60.com/Images/The%20Torch%20Newsletter%20-%20Fall-2008.pdf

In Honour of all Those who Served in the Cause of Peace and Freedom

Jeremy Woodham, Poppy Campaign Chair:

Donations to our Poppy Trust Fund would be gratefully accepted.

Email:  legionbranch60@gmail.com; T: 922 3587; F: 922- 2659; Mail: 580 - 18th St, WV, V7V 3V7.

Feeling like watching a bit of silliness?  Take a trip to see LEADING LADIES at the Richmond Gateway Theatre, but hurry to buy tix -- we got the last two on Saturday Oct 18, but it's on a bit longer.

Also will be going to see By Some Divine Mistake at the Jericho Arts Ctr.  It's about Alma.  You know, the v young second wife of Sir Francis Rattenbury, architect of the Parliament Buildings in Victoria, who when they were in England took the gardener as a lover who then killed Sir F and when he was convicted she drowned herself; Sir Terence Rattigan wrote Cause Celebre about this and Stoner lived to see it but refused to comment.  There.  I've told you the plot.  We all know the story -- rather infamous BC history.  Now let's see how the play deals with it.

Mayor: before we begin, I've got a couple of announcements

It is interesting to note that the West Vancouver investment portfolio generated a return of -0.16% (that negative sign is not a typo) in the second quarter (the most recent information available). Although it made 3.01% in the first quarter, it is going to be difficult to make the $1.2M predicted in the budget if Q3 and Q4 look anything like Q2.}

As well, announce this is the beginning of ride-share week; access www.ride-share.com

Competition for businesses, highest participation

Also Homelessness Action Week taking place across the region, focus on need for safe, affordable housing... many things we can do... Habitat for Humanity

1.  APPROVAL OF AGENDA

Add to Item 6 from CAO; change in title of Item 10, Chg to ccl mtg schedule; add 10.1 withholding permits

2.  ADOPTION OF MINUTES: September 22, 2008 Regular Council Meeting.

AM: number of homeless in WV; Ms to work together

plsd to introduce Eric Black from Vanc Coastal Health, and Paul Butler from Hollyburn Family Services; garner help; main msg from our ten-year work plan is the six focus areas; been working on plan for a year; a number of issues we've already proceeded with: homeless count (in 2008 number has increased by 22% since 2005; on NSh increased by 49%, for total 127, with 4 from WV; staying in parks, alleyways), your park staff think 10 to 15 in parks and upper lands; 80 volunteers from NSh participated in the count; believe higher, around 200; asked principals in schools and number came back as 37 in addition to the 127; outreach position,

Mayor: you've got ten minutes

AM: gathering info, advocacy.... support services; homeless resource card, mental health workers

ten-year work plan; Paul will talk about the--

PB: don't know how much time I have

Mayor: three or four minutes

Paul: so start with Oct 12 to 19 Homeless Week; action to support; Thanksgiving Dinner; hygiene kit, game bulldogs; all schools across NSh, clothing drive for chn homeless

NSh Youth Safe House, opened 2007; 142 chn have gone through safe house, 97 new chn

homeless partnership initiative -- hippie fund

fed govt does require Hollyburn...

schools raising funds through grad progs; Shoppers Drug Mart, Tree of Hope Initiative; Soroptimists fund raising

wd like to share two stories; 14- to 18-yr-olds

today I picked up a 13-yr-old under-nourished; [have] picked up an18-yr-old living in a shed

asked him why homeless? nobody asked

just wants to get his [school?], no food, ...

when opened Sept 21st, I received a 12-year-old ....   Erin Black

Sop: thanks for update; social sustainability work done over year, ongoing consulting

4.  Update regarding Homelessness on the North Shore (File: 2620-11)

5.  Community Sport Working Group Final Report (File: 0117-20-CS)

JF: thank all of the mbrs of the group, hours of work, pls stand and be recognized [named them]

APPLAUSE

Mary-Jo Campbell: in the interests of time will skip over our purpose, and go down to what we did

Jan 2008, met monthly, mtgs were open occasionally attended by some sports groups

three subgroups to discuss key tasks: capital imp, field alloc, field usage fees

public forum Apr 30; v successful

devpd and dist'd the prelim recs to the field sport groups in early Sept

a number of views arose repeatedly

imp of maintaining affordability; many opposed imposition of user fees

if fees, groups said youth be charged less than adults

little support for introducing a premium for non-resid, addressed through priority

important to maintain dialogue between field users and muni staff -- scheduling, capital improvements, staying abreast of issues of common concern

maintenance of DWV sport fields at least to existing standard

usage fees more palatable if dedicated to Cap Imp Fund rather than maintenance

many fields lack basic amenities; shortage of field time

SLIDES

A  IMPLEMENT AN ONGOING FIELD SPORT FORUM

B  DEVELOP A FORMAL FIELD ALLOCATION POLICY

C  CONVERT THE FIELD USAGE FEE SYSTEM TO AN HOURLY SYSTEM

rather than a per-head task; rec hourly use model in 2009

baseball can go on for hours not knowing, whereas soccer allocated time and must finish

supported by field sport groups

will increase efficient use and reduce block booking

on rectangular that have alt all weather, only be charged for the grass-field

youth sports played on diamonds, partly reduced fee recogn not times like other sports

this accommodates use of grass fields that need to be preserved

rec Ccl direct staff to formulate the 2009 field usage fee rates based on an hourly rate fee structure rather than the per capita structure

lower hourly field for youth as adults/ may be difficult since four times as many youth use fields than adults

want ppl play sports from cradle to grave

U18 to university -- no better off able to pay fees

if 2009 field use revenue exceeds $100? surplus funds shd be held in trust in case of shortfall

continues, toward cap imp

recs consultation with field user groups if future changes considered

Field Sport Forum ideal

C5 maintenance continue to at least same standard as in place

IN CONCLUSION

recog imp role field sports play in promoting active and healthy lifestyles in our cmnty

facilitate and enhance success

thx to all field sport groups; thx to Sch Bd and M staff; and to Cclr JF for invaluable insight and time she spent with us

Sop: Is there a policy for chn in this cmnty that if you don't pay you don't play

Ans: no, neutral as a group; as mbr of soccer club if anyone U6 to 18 who cannot afford, they will be granted field privileges without having to pay a fee

have several dozen and we do have 50 families not able to pay...

Sop: Vancouver now has nine artif fields and they don't charge

take this and assimilate it for a bit

do we need another body to tell the Dist how to spend our money?

Lady: more getting input only, not telling you

more as to priorities, what's imp to sporting groups, how they wd rank them

we found diff sporting groups spoke to each other at the Forum, some recognized desires/needs more immediate than their own

get them to collaborate with each other

re chn being able to pay for free in Vanc, not sure that's the case

in WV, there are 5000 youth and 1200 adults playing

looking at reduced fee, diff b/c fewer adults playing; prob we face here

Sop: all 5000 from WV?

Ans: no, but majority

Sop: ever talk about a Society running these sports?

Ans lady: the Cmnty Ctr society was looked at, shd be watched; felt that sort of structure not needed

JF: the Field Sport User Group did not institute fees, Ccl did

WG as to how to meet

if you feel Youth shdn't pay then bring up at budget time

Sop: yes, I did that

VV: lower fees for youth sports, not on clock

assume youth that play cricket wd as well

Man: that was urged upon us youth less than adults

have yet to find out if DCCC [?] receives the report

if there is a decrease for youth, has to be shouldered by adult

        adult group too small, may burden too great

Sop: wd like to have some time to think about this; receive for info until staff confer with Ccl what wd be right to approve and not

Mayor: thank you at this time for your ..., collaboration, and ...; helped Ccl enormously, .... fantastic job, tyvm

MOVE rec'd for info

Mayor: go through all and support all four

Sop: no defeats my [point]

Mayor: my question is, is there any mbr of Ccl suggesting separating?

Sop: I

Mayor: then rec'd for info

CARRIED

now Field Sport Forum

Sop: my hat's off to any group; once received up to Ccl to say where going

probably some discussion about creating a new Forum

wdn't like to approve until have those discussions

MS: am holding a lengthy [report] so we cd deal with this tonight

staff report is here, dated Sept 22 so don't know why filibustering this and attached report from staff

JF: WG found all the groups in the cmnty, first time ever gotten together to talk about needs and concerns and they were overjoyed with the opp to do that

....dispelled entirely, began to support each other, began to understand why differences

plsd to have opp; helpful for Ccl and staff

Mayor: question

Sop: may I comment?

Mayor: yes, briefly

Sop: yes, good in staff report but reports are reports then we shd look at sensibly and look at what comes out of any WG; can argue staff have done their work, done a wonderful job, when Ccl do job ... future....

MS: if you address Ccl to me, staff to Ccl, read

Sop: I have read

Mayor: ....; now to discuss...  long overdue .... long overdue .... Staff...  call question on motion

MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY

Mayor: three

CARRIES

Mayor: four

JF: move to an hourly system

Mayor: question for staff, will we have a recommendation from staff as to how this will work?

Mayor: Question

CARRIES with one opposed [Sop]

6.  Draft Joint Operating Agreement between West Vancouver Community Centres Services Society and the District (File: 0117-20-CCG)

Mayor: Barbara Brink joins us this evening to report

BB: [slides] collaboration and a common focus; foster cmnty ownership

non-profit society established; purpose of society is to oversee the operation of the designated cmnty facilities, max cmnty involvement, cmnty leadership and to add value (list)

Mission Vision Values

building cmnty; coordination alliances and partnerships; welcoming and sustainable; social rec and cultural hub; benefits in a cost-eff manner

VALUES

cmnty, innovation, learning, partnership, inclusiveness, responsibility, integration

everyone will be seen as a learner

cmnty, staff, Vanc Coastal Health etc partnership

July 14 Cmnty Ctr Society

Key Features of the JOA [slide]

safeguards [slide]

District Human Resources

collaborative relnship; fiscal accountability

Cmnty [lead?].... and owned ...

mechanism to increase collab and inv

review of arrangement; specific point of contact for getting involved; pursuit of add'l funding

may terminate...

thanks to staff and board, sp mtg tomorrow night; Cmnty Ctr and Aq Ctr

Mayor: thanks, any questions, thank CAO

Sop moved: the Joint Operating Agreement as attached to the report dated Sept 30, 2008 be approved.

CAO: one item 9.1 page 15, 16, clerical change

mbrship shall be limited to the DWV of [age?] 16 and add: older who own real property

Sop recounted process: right way to do business; that's why I shudder getting night of ...; my hat's off to you

Mayor: indication of work, call question

Carries -- flying colours

7.   Future Use of Fire Hall No. 2 Site (Lots 2, 3 & 4 - 6520 & 6540 Marine Drive) (File: 0510-18)  

Bruce McArthur: I've seen lots or reports, I live right next door to this prop

this one says preparing zoning in preparing for construction; staff prior to sale

report shows the layout; in general I'm in favour of three lots and.35, concept is okay; and think I cd even put up with changes in setback allowances, reasonably sized homes on this property

in the analysis; used prior layout of three lots presented in June

I raised question at that time, don't think that wd work b/c of storm, drainage, ... laid out in old arrangement, wd like to be assured; services won't allow this sort of arrangement

understand why changed, b/c of corner, flanking lot; think you'll have to look at this further

another minor prob, soil contamination

what exposure I have and what mediation might be required

they tell me all testing so far no prob yet they want to dig a deeper hole

something mysterious about what happened in my mind anyway

Mayor: wd like to get responses, but are your comments just about concluding?

BMcA: at back of report, says design guidelines for sgl-fam dwellings

under plantings; rear so many lots filled with natural vegetation

see att 1, the native plants they talk about are ........   and bamboo

not .... M telling them they can put plants adjacent to my prop

somebody shd take some of the offensive plants out of

Mayor: absolutely

Sokol: had thought I was going to make my presentation first

saw plants...  assumed it had been vetted by staff design guidelines

wrt utilities, wd be determined; that's when those issues wd be dealt with

talked with Mr McA a month ago and assumed his question has been answered

CR: Carolanne Reynolds, Editor of West Van Matters

I just had a question about this in principle and was hoping I cd offer some suggestions that wd be practical.  I've heard these discussions, going on for some time, and that some ppl had wanted, in the interests of raising money -- we need the money -- of changing this into multi-family, or something like this.  Someone else wanted three sgl-fam, but what occurred to me, and I did a bit of research with realtors, is that if the sgl-fam homes that are being built right now, many of them have secondary suites wch at this moment are not legal...  [so you're going to get six units most probably]

I just wanted to throw that out while you're still discussing what to do.  If maybe this wd be a compromise ... one building [or variation] instead of as some ppl have said, three separates. Thank you.

Christine Banham: take adv of suggestions form WG ....

with public process perhaps come to same result but cd be double tracked at same time

Sokol: staff believe the ... meets a number of the goals set out in WG

reduced setbacks, better compatibility...

if moving forward, a second direction, prepare some conditions of sale we might put on prop, further add'l goals

requiring houses built to green standards, ... , pervious driveways

Mayor: ask Ccl F to introduce the motion

JF moved: that

1. Council direct staff to prepare zoning bylaws to allow for the construction of three single family homes, with design controls and limited floor area, at Lots 2, 3, & 4 - 6520 & 6540 Marine Drive.

2. Council direct staff to report back to Council prior to the sale of the property/ies on potential conditions to be placed on the sale that will enable the achievement of additional community goals of sustainability and affordability.

VV: exceptional piece of property, not sure we're getting the best out of it with this approach; from my own point of view I've not been in favour of what wd be called spot zoning in a sgl-fam nbrhd but this was not sgl-fam it was a firehall, public use designation so I don't think it has necessarily to be converted to sgl-fam units.

Now you might consider that the M wd get good value from the sale of these properties on that basis, but the truth is the M has ongoing expenses and has to collect annual property tax.  And if three houses, property taxes from three houses, but no property tax relative to the other three households occupying those bldgs, and there is logic and a viable case to be made for a fiscal impact analysis

I imagined architecture with innovative design, outdoor sitting area for new houses be onto MDr rather than at the back toward the nbr on Nelson; these cd be a courtyard situation, no reason to have their outdoor patios in close proximity

Sokol: belief staff believes this advances goals of WG and consistent with surrounding nbrhd

Sop: understand what Cclr JC says, HBay is a unique area, even above

not made any final decisions wrt density change; recommendations, a lot of good ideas

we actually have to go ahead and say, looking at HBay, what do we want? is that a logical place for a density?

staff made recommendation some time ago and said, here's a logical site, not that big, made the presentation to us; based on all before us, wdn't support any more than what staff have provided

Not saying I wdn't look for other things in other areas of HBay, but specific areas where cd entertain that

It's not there in that site, in my view

I think Mr McArthur, explained, was not WRA's decision supporting that high density

still coming back to us, you say Mr Sokol, construction, green design and everything else, can still improve on this

staff report, sensible, well laid out; if staff had thought differently they wd have told us they didn't support it

JF: I find it interesting, sweet irony, that I normally champion of higher density and multi-fam, and those championing sgl fam housing seem to be proposing densification -- a reversal of roles, quite interesting

think we've had a great deal of public input on this site; including a public charette, though apparently someone thought not public enough

professional planners have looked at the site from all angles, including with the public at the charette, and have told us regardless of how much they wd like to see multi-fam in this particular area, there are some constraints that don't make it the best choice for this site

I'm not an architect, not a planner, in spite of my passion for multi-fam particularly in walking distance of elementary schools and this is

feel compelled to support staff; don't think they'd be making this recommendation if at all workable to accommodate multi-fam on this site.

MS: almost like a bad movie; reality is this shd hv bn decided years ago when decision made to replace the firehall; you wd come forward in a normal biz-like setting with a plan to build a new firehall and with an attached for disposing of the old site

here we are; amt of staff time, and brought back to Ccl, almost unbelievable

here's a report Oct 2007 Ccl authorized staff to come forward with bylaws to rezone as a three sgl-fam lot site

Explore alternatives; so WG suggested public charette -- Jan 21st 2008, Ccl directed holding one re various options for the property [done]; in June staff reported back that best use was for three modest-sized sgl-fam homes with some design controls.  We're not running a left-wing experiment here we're trying to handle M revenue and M assets in most effective way possible; and best as staff keeps point out is to rezone as three sgl-fam lots; already missed a blazing hot housing market we shd hv hit -- now we're fiddling around talking about green roofs and everything else.

We shd rezone these lots, and get on with it; put the For Sale signs out and move on.

This is a M asset and we shd be selling it for the highest and best use.

RD: think I agree Cclr F and Sop; have looked at this carefully; lot small

normally in favour of multifam on a site such as this but site really too small to do much with; surrounded by sgl fam homes; better stick with sgl-fam format; other sites might be more suitable, not much room for experiment and don't think area wd be happy with experiment

Planning has studied this carefully cautiously, on right track, will vote in favour

Mayor: agree with Cclr Smith

I was at that charette; was most interest in small sgl-fam homes, but the benefit of the time we've taken is that attitudes are shifting, the benefit of the fact that it's our, the taxpayer's, property; can put design controls than a normal sgl-fam home where we cdn't

The overwhelming response from the cmnty was keep the tree, keep a soft buffer with the street

In 20+ responses Planning Dept got was keep three small sgl-fam homes

the fact that ppl are wishing to see three small sgl-fam homes is a shift.

We have some work to do, soil quality, subsurfaces; still going to take a while

Cclr Smith is right, this is something we need to deal with now, not nec'ly b/c of the revenue, it's b/c that corner needs to be kept in keeping with the nbrhd and it's a piece of biz this Ccl committed to dealing with three years ago.

In favour?

MOTION CARRIES [JC and VV opposed]

Mayor: that will be coming back to us; public process with regard to zoning

8.   2009 Permissive Tax Exemptions: Tax Exemption Bylaw No. 4577, 2008

                ...  introduced and read a first, second and third time.

9.   3320 Thompson Crescent - Rock Removal for Swimming Pool (File: 2390 20)

RECOMMENDED:  Staff be authorized to issue a Rock Breaking Permit to remove approximately 3.0 to 5.0 cubic meters of rock for the purpose of installing an [in-ground] swimming pool.

CARRIED

Sop: The Council Workshop scheduled for Oct 20 be changed to a Special Council Meeting immediately following PH.

Mayor: Carries -- sorry, missed 10.1, withholding of bldg permits

Ccl you have a report in front of you

that staff be directed to forward to Ccl for their consideration all bldg permit applications with construction elements that conflict with the proposed Zoning Bylaw 2200 Amendment Bylaw 4581 wch we gave first reading to

Mayor: Further discussion.  Hearing none. oh,  Ccl Sop?  almost had it!

Sop: What's going on here?

Mayor: well, we were going to vote

Sop: I'll let it go; I know we're going to get a report back.  This is an interesting discussion, Mr Sokol informed us of and it's v serious

so I'm hoping we can come back with a report that will allow us to look at this, avoid frustrations by owners and let us move along with some of our bylaw amendments

I think it only fair, give ppl opportunity and maybe this report will do so

Mayor: Mr Sokol, if you wd like to expand on this and what is affected as a result

Sokol: Ccl gave first reading on Sept 29 covering FAR exemptions for second-floor covered decks, attached accessory structures, revisions re retaining walls and grade lines on property

once those amendments are adopted they will apply to all new devt applications and bldg permits

question before Ccl this evening is what happens to devt permits that come in between now first reading and adoption

with this resoln, as they come in, in conflict with what proposed you gave first reading to last week, we'll bring those to Ccl direct staff not to process under existing; hold them until new adopted

CARRIED

11. District of West Vancouver Delegation Bylaw No. 4580, 2008 to Establish West Vancouver 2

REPORTS FOR CONSENT AGENDA (rec'd for information)

13. Development Applications Status List (File: 1010-01)

14. Dundarave Preschool by the Sea Society Modification Agreement (File:  1145-02)

15. Correspondence List (File:  0120 24) {None exempted for discussion; list in last issue}

MS: at last mtg of Srs' Adv

[re power failure] resident 20th floor of 2020 Bellevue; not able to return until 5am b/c emergency generator not tied up to elevator; sent memo to Mr Sokol who promptly replied

Martin Ernst encyclopaedic knowledge

right now v cloudy area; some of the older area; some with generators not connected to elevator

length of outage makes it diff to get to and from site

that particular bldg 2020, 100 suites, Fire Dept has to walk up and down stairs

suggest we ask Mr Ernst, appoint, have two- or three-pers cmte; in terms of addressing the issue

... some work going on

Sop: Madam Mayor, you and I went up to opening of Eagle Lake; had a tour

I have in front of me if you can see it, a filter; capturing 99% of all the bad things in water; less chlorine; small hydro plant there; wonderful thing is that we can eventually serve more to WV

monitor use; site will be out of ppl's minds, quite the operation, hats off to Engg

Sop: Civic night thank staff; citizen leaders; almost 350 ppl .... most of all work citizens put into

John Bannister: lived here for 40 years, ACDI, Measuring Up WG; speaking personally; extremely difficult to live as a disabled senior

turning three fam lots into nine units;excited, disabled myself, extremely difficult to find [accommodation?] for disabled seniors

spent considerable money, putting in hoists,

know three of those units elevators, knowing... ; next to cmnty ctr,

Mayor: I don't think Ccl knows about this proposal; ask about CAO ....

purpose not for ....

Sop: I received a brown envelope with something in it; not comment until

shd know formal proposal; understand needs out there

far from ... until it goes through that process

Mayor: expect seeing a proposal at Planning

Mayor: I haven't yet; bearing that in mind, next person on speaking list is Judith Hall.  Same matter?

JH: Yes, lived here about 40 years; note slightly out of whack

re John; re seniors now downsizing; sense of cmnty delightful; downsize difficult with prices; think this proposal wch will come to you; for us on Chippendale allows us to downsize; don't want to leave cmnty; they are smaller and ppl will be able to afford them.  I have seen the plans also; think v good, architect superb

Mayor: I really don't want to turn this Chamber into a pitch on something we know nothing about

Sop: nothing in front of us, how are we--?

Mayor: I made that point, so thank you

JH: reiterate what he says

Mayor: wd like to restate that if any mbrs in gallery wishing to comment on that; we prefer that we have something in front of us so we can be in this together

To make sure we're on the same page, Phil Cunliffe [sp]? If it's on the same proposal

PC: not at all, I will keep my comments strictly to [unintelligible word] although it is on the issue at stake at the moment

live on west side of Van, need for alternative housing, identified by the Housing Dialogue WG presented two weeks ago

lived in WV until 12 years until empty-nesters and we no longer wanted or needed a four-bedroom home

searching for two years...  unable to find a thing suitable particularly within ... and services.....  with great regret leaving cmnty

recall speaking to Cclr Clark and expressing those regrets eight years ago

since leaving kept informed in hope situation wd improve and wd allow us to return...  almost a decade later, any change has been for the worse; houses becoming larger instead of smaller, particularly in the lower Amb and Dund areas

hope recommendations recently submitted signal a long overdue turning point however trust Ccl will not limit its thinking by concluding that the soln wd be legalizing sec stes in 4000+sf monster homes

This is not what the majority of couples wishing to downsize wd opt for, nor does it offer more affordable housing to their chn who wish to raise their families in WV

to quote the WG: a unique cmnty demands unique solutions

WV can and must rise to the challenge, the do nothing will not keep WV as the cmnty we remember, we know today, and want in future

Mayor: thank you

PC: wd like to finish by saying, when ppl are driven out of the cmnty as we feel we were, it loses its heart and soul.  Sadly this is what is already happening to WV with the chn of long-time residents unable to afford to live here while their parents forced to leave for lack of alternative housing.

This Ccl must be commended for its awareness the need for smaller and more affordable housing, it must now proceed with the urgency the situation demands

urge you to take immediate action implementing WG recs; proceeding with pilot/demo projects; making it easier for builders and developers to secure rezoning and permits for alternative housing options; the need has been defined; popn has been consulted, and really no excuse for further delay.

Mayor: want to remind everyone that you have three minutes; that went over but don't want to stifle freedom of speech.  I'm going to state one more time

PC: ...after two and a half hours

Mayor: that's our policy for PQP and we appreciate your input

Next, I have Joel Sloane.  Are you the developer?

Joel Sloane: Although I understood Planning was going to make some submissions tonight, that has not happened and that was primarily reason here

I wd like to take opp to thank you v much, know some cclrs retiring; I think things will look different then.  My opinion is that ppl in public service have a v difficult job and a thankless one most of the time.  Thank you.  Sorry for the misunderstanding.

Mayor: Thank you,  Med Rahbar.

MR: I'll leave it for the forthcoming sessions.

Mayor: Finally, Carolanne Reynolds

CR: Thank you, it's actually a question about what I said earlier b/c I didn't quite hear, if you cd explain.

CR: Okay, great; you have flexibility. Thank you.

Mayor: That's right.  Thank you.

17. ADJOURNMENT 8:44

===  PUBLIC HEARING  The Council Meeting will commence immediately following the Public Hearing

e. A fair determination of the total number of eligible electors of the District of West Vancouver is 34,357.

(16) C. Reynolds, West Van Matters, October 6, 2008, regarding Comments on the Finance Committee and 2009 Budget* [see whole letter at end of this agenda]

(20) B. Sokol, Director of Planning, Lands and Permits, October 7, 2008, regarding Follow Up on Property Soil Testing

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

***  THE GOOD WORD: LANGUAGE AND HOW WE USE IT.

Diagramming Sarah:  CAN PALIN'S SENTENCES STAND UP TO A GRAMMARIAN?

URL: http://www.slate.com/id/2201158/  Copyright 2008 Washingtonpost.Newsweek Interactive Co. LLC

===  HAIKU  === 2008 August 26 rainy Vancouver, reading Raja Shehadeh's Palestinian Walks

Language is a skin: I rub my language against the other. It is as if I had words instead of fingers, or fingers at the tip of my words. My language trembles with desire.

                        -- Roland Barthes, literary critic and philosopher (1915 - 1980)

If we are all in agreement on the decision, then I propose we postpone further discussion of this matter until our next meeting to give ourselves time to develop disagreement and perhaps gain some understanding of what the decision is all about.

                        -- Alfred P. Sloan

Here, the 28th U. S. President, Woodrow Wilson, demonstrates his understanding of a fascinating oxymoronic theme-the shortest things often require the lengthiest preparation.  Blaise Pascal was the first to express the insight, writing in a seventeenth-century letter: "I have made this letter longer than usual, because I lack the time to make it short."  Ever since, countless speakers and writers have echoed the notion.

The world is divided in to three classes of people: a very small group that makes things happen, a somewhat larger group that watches things happen, and the great multitude which never knows what happened.

                -- Nicholas Murray,  (b. Liverpool 1952)

If our democracy is to flourish, it must have criticism; if our government is to function, it must have dissent.

                -- Henry Steele Commager, American historian (1902 - 1998)

Market collapse quotation of the week [Date: Wed, 15 Oct 2008 23:29:14 -0700]