WVM2009-06*
Ccl NOTES Mar 2
AGENDA Mar 23
Calendar to Apr

by Carolanne Reynolds, Editor
www.WestVan.org

Hope you enjoyed St Patrick's Day, Celtic Fest, Festival du Bois, Norwuz, and spring break!
We're just such a fun place!
IN THIS ISSUE:
MAIN ITEMS Ccl Mtg Mar 23rd:
o   UBC Landscape Architecture Studio Partnership
Five-Year Financial Plan Bylaw: three readings! (ignore this title camouflage -- it's really the draft ~$80M BUDGET 2009; May 15th is deadline; since just released, give us more time pls?  It's ~3% rate increase, more than inflation and resident incomes are decreasing)
o   Special Ccl Mtg March 30th!  (heck, and we thought we cd skip that one.....bit more holiday.....)
o  Strategic Planning Update
o   DVP Applications: Rodgers Crk Area 2, 2600 Chippendale; Mulgrave School
o   Delegation Bylaw (whazzup? The establishment of a WV 2010 Olympic Fundraising Subcmte)
o   (Some) Apptmts to WGs; Correspondence including: a letter quoting figures showing NV RCMP cheaper per capita than WVPD; lack of dogwalking bylaw enforcement; Earth Hour Mar 28; Homeless Count; Family Place Society Agreement and funding
=  DRAFT BUDGET 2009!; Vive le Canada (Commonwealth); ANIMALWATCH (lion cubs); from the EDITOR'S DESK (WVPD, Fireworks, System Collapse); CULTUREWATCH (Opera, Theatre, Music)
=  CALENDAR to April 6th -- How come the Climate Action WG met Mar 19 since TO BE appointed by Ccl Mar 23rd as you see above?  This is budget time -- why no Finance Cmte mtg since Feb 11?
=  UPDATES (New Dir/Parks, Block Watch); INFObits (Future of Newspapers; Child Care, BC Rivers)
=  Ccl Mtg NOTES Mar 2nd: [NB Item (8.1) added: prov giving us funds early: can you say 'election'? ]
FIRST:  WVPD's COMPSTAT and *** DRAFT 2009 BUDGET ***
They were "information to be provided"!  strange considering long time or wait till ready to put on agenda.  The draft goshdang budget shd hv bn made public in early January, if not December wch is often the stated aim.  Anyway the deadline for passage is May 15 so let's hope Ccl schedules time and mtgs for input.  And why do we have a Finance Cmte when they haven't even seen it?
THEN: Recreational Dog Walking; BC Liguor Store's awning; 1434 Marine; Zoning Bylaw Rewrite
=  Ccl Mtg AGENDA Mar 23rd
=  NEWSWATCH (Ethnic Creeping); WEBWATCH (CPT Diary/February); BOOKWATCH (Women in Islam), HERITAGE BOOKS (WV); LANGUAGEWATCH; WORDWATCH (euphemism stimulus); MAIKU (winter/spring); QUOTATIONS (Women, books, etc)/Riddle
+  RIDDLE   --   WILL FEBRUARY MARCH?
+++  DRAFT BUDGET 2009  +++
Unfortunately this topic is not on the DWV homepage when I looked (have written to Ccl) so to help you look at the proposed budget, here's the URL of the beautiful booklet:
http://www.westvancouver.ca/budget/2009/2009.Draft.Budget.Document.pdf
2009 Budget -- The DWV has developed a disciplined 2009 Budget that reflects the economic challenges and financial circumstances that our community faces.  View the detailed 2009 Proposed Budget document.  This document is also available for viewing in the Finance Department at Municipal Hall.  The Proposed Budget was presented at the Regular Council Meeting on Monday, March 2nd. A Public Meeting on Wednesday, March 4th, provided opportunity for public discussion. Council is seeking your input on the 2009 Proposed Budget through the following opportunities:
        Post a comment within the online Community Forum by visiting westvancouver.ca/forums 
        Email your comments to budget@westvancouver.ca
For more info, please call 925 7000.  [Above from: http://www.westvancouver.ca/Level3.aspx?id=16354 ]

===  Vive le Canada  ===
A newsclip of our Queen commemorating 60 years of the British Commonwealth caught my attention b/c I'd thought it was older.  Time to google and get the story!
Commonwealth of Nations  From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Establishment
Balfour Declaration 18 Nov 1926; Statute of Westminster 11 Dec 1931; London Declaration 28 April 1949 
Area - Total: 31,462,574 km2; 12,147,768 sq mi 
Population - 2005 estimate -- 1,921,974,000 
Website -- thecommonwealth.org
The Commonwealth of Nations
Headquarters: Marlborough House, London; Official language: English; Mbrship: 53 sovereign states
Leaders
 - Head of the Commonwealth -- Queen Elizabeth II (since 6 Feb. 1952)
 - Secretary-General -- Kamalesh Sharma (since 1 Apr. 2008)
 - Chairperson-in-Office -- Yoweri Museveni (since 23 Nov. 2007)
The Commonwealth of Nations, also known as the Commonwealth or the British Commonwealth, is an intergovernmental organisation of fifty-three independent member states. Most of them were formerly parts of the British Empire. They co-operate within a framework of common values and goals, as outlined in the Singapore Declaration.[1] These include the promotion of democracy, human rights, good governance, the rule of law, individual liberty, egalitarianism, free trade, multilateralism, and world peace.[2]

===  ANIMALWATCH  ===  (adorable lion cubs born in December)
=  Saw a videoclip of this on BBC so cdn't resist, "Teacher tames lion cubs":
        http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7950014.stm
=  This clip was earlier and also shows mom and dad as well as white lion cub:
        http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7775782.stm
=  Six photos (not long after birth) of the five cubs born in December at the Belgrade Zoo -- ubercute!
http://www.monstersandcritics.com/science/features/article_1447887.php/In_photos_Belgrade_Zoo_White_Lion_Cub?page=6
=  and here's a white lion family videoclip:
        http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/7531772.stm

===  from the EDITOR'S DESK  ===
+ WVPD
The Outlook Thursday Mar 19 had an article stating Chief Kash Heed, who resigned near end of February, wd be on the payroll until May 6th.  He had already stepped down and Acting Chief Almas took his position at the WVPBd mtg Feb 26.  At the end of the meeting I asked how much notice was required according to the contract and was told three months by either side. North Shore News columnist Trevor Lautens then asked to what date he wd be paid, and the answer we were given, was March 6th.  I've written asking about this since both Mr Lautens and another citizen in attendance heard Mar 6th.
+ DWV Press Releases -- who pays and how much?
As you know DWV has a Communications Dept and you can register to receive notices, so it looked odd that the new Cmnty Ctrs Services Society (see UPDATES) apparently has paid an outside firm not only to do the press release but to have its number as the contact for information about the Society!  Hope to update this story.  It's budget time, after all.
UPDATE:  Still no answer to this -- but it is a budget issue.  What are the guidelines to outsource when capability inhouse?
+ Summer Fireworks  ?    SAVED!  :-)  [See WVM5]
Of course I don't attribute that to my letter to the editor in the VSun (edited/published Feb 26, my whole letter was in the last issue of WVM).  In any case, others must have thought the same and some v good corporate citizens came to the rescue.  The largest donor was The Keg so we shd pay a visit to show appreciation for their dedication to our beautiful city and its enjoyable events.
*  GETTING DWV NEWS
As you know, you can subscribe to WVM by sending email to subscribeWVM@westvan.org or on the website www.westvan.org org to send in the form.
Please note that although the issues are numbered, this you see is WVM2009-5, updates and interim mailings are not, neither are they put on the website or printed for distribution.
Now that this year there are only two ccl mtgs a month, there's no longer a weekly newsletter.  Among other ramifications are omissions of dates of cmte/WG mtgs b/c not yet on the DWV website calendar (so I have sent out updates and sometimes added earlier mtgs afterward to the printed copy so there's some record) and current/immediate news as it happens.  For example, the breaking news about complaints and the sudden resignation of the Police Chief went out to subscribers.
*  Some musing.....
Communism collapsed as the system crumbled; and now capitalism cratering domino-like across the globe?
Where's the Third Way?  but I'm reminded of Shakespeare -- the fault is not in the stars, it's in ourselves.  Corruption in Communism and greed in capitalism?
As for going into debt in the billions and trillions, I can't help thinking about the days when doctors prescribed leeches as a cure.

===  CULTUREWATCH  ===
OPERA
= Rigoletto is Vancouver Opera's offering in March.  Interesting set, at the party had someone on stilts and a trapeze artist, although one waver the Cuban soprano's round lyricism was enchanting.  Last performance Mar 17.   Next production is Salome in May.
= Opera Pro Cantantini at The Cambrian Hall (Welsh Society), 215 E 17th, Vancouver
Vancouver's only repertoire opera company; see www.operacantini.com and tix are PAY WHAT YOU CAN !
        La Traviata 7:30pm Sunday March 22 and I Puritani 7:30pm Sunday March 29
Then 3pm Sunday Apr 5 - An afternoon of arias and duets from the 19th Century Italian repertoire
= The Threepenny Opera at Cap ends Mar 21.
THEATRE
Ayckbourn's Relatively Speaking  at Presentation House was an enjoyable romp.
Now looking forward to Toronto/Mississippi at QE Playhouse b/c heard rave reviews from WVM subscribers and to Arts Club's The Real Thing b/c we love Tom Stoppard's work.
Ending Mar 21 weekend are Bashir Lazhar on Granville Island, Under the Hawthorn Tree at the Havana,; and the next weekend: The Idiots Karamazov at Freddie Wood, Blackbird at the Cultch.
MUSIC
2:30pm Sunday Mar 22nd -- Pacific Baroque Orchestra at WV United (Esquimalt and 21st)
        Bach and Vivaldi; violin, oboe, and harpsichord

===  CALENDAR to April 6th  ===
[Pls note a) that all mtgs are at M Hall unless indicated otherwise and b) with such a long gap between ccl mtgs and WVMs along with often no or v short notice of mtgs on the DWV website, this section, while hoping to be, cannot possibly be complete.  Please check wrt cmtes and WGs that are of interest to you.]
=  Wed Mar 18th ~ both at 7pm: Bd of Variance at MHall; Library Bd in Library
= Thurs Mar 19th
~ 4pm ~ Climate Action WG at Operations Ctr Conference Room
Questions:  This is from the DWV Calendar but why is no address given for this and why meeting before appointed by Ccl Mar 23?

~ 7:30pm ~ WV Streamkeeper Society Public Mtg at St Stephen's (885 - 22nd)
The Story of Lawson Creek Yesterday and Today
Presentation and Panel Discussion:
Hugh Johnston, Past VP and Director, West Vancouver Historical Society
Mona Carlile, Co-founder of the Creek Conservation  Society
Rob Bell -Irving, Community Adviser, Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Ray Fung, Director of Engineering, The District of West Vancouver
Stephen Jenkins, Manager, Environment and Sustainability, The District of WV
John Barker, Director, West Vancouver Streamkeeper Society
The presenters will profile Lawson Creek from its early days as a watershed, logged for cedar trees, to the rehabilitated stream it is today, once again providing habitat for salmon and cutthroat trout.
Q & A followed by reception, refreshments.

= Wed Mar 25th ~ 1:30pm ~ Arts/Cultural Facilities WG -- CANCELLED
= Thurs Mar 26th
        ~ 4:30pm ~ Design Review Cmte
        ~ 5pm ~  NSh Adv Cmte on Disability Issues (DNV M Hall)
        ~ 5pm ~ Finance Cmte?  Rumours of mtg! Last was Feb 11! * UPDATE: CANCELLED *
        ~ 5:30pm ~ WV Police Board mtg (in Police Boardroom)
        ~ time? ~ 2009 Future of the Region Sustainability Dialogues at Hollyburn Country Club
=  Fri Mar 27th ~ 7:30 - 9pm
Owl Prowl at Lighthouse Park, Sk'iwitsut Hut, Lighthouse Park
The Lighthouse Park Preservation Society invites you to a free public talk and "prowl" through the woods with Dick Cannings, M.Sc., to look for owls.  Dick Cannings has been learning from nature since he was a child.  His research on the ecology of B.C. focuses on the breeding biology of birds, particularly small owls.  As a naturalist, teacher and tour guide, he has become a well-known authority on B.C.'s birdlife.  Join Dick for an informative talk and prowl through the woods to look for owls.  Dress for the weather, bring a flashlight and we'll see you at the Sk'iwitsut Hut at the foot of Beacon Trail.

= Sat Mar 28th ~ 11am ~ Cmnty Ctr Grand Opening Celebration
For whole press release see  http://www.westvancouver.ca/Level3.aspx?id=16834
Excerpts:
...Visitors will get a chance to see and try their hand at many activities that will be offered at this state-of-the-art recreational facility. Take a tour, enjoy entertainment and take part in art activities.  Try out the gymnasium and the Dynamic Movement Space, a secondary gym with a climbing wall and specialized equipment for gymnastics and aerial sports....
The Community Centre's serene Spirit Square will be open for viewing and new works of art by significant local artists, including "Beach Tangle" by the celebrated Canadian artist Gordon Smith, will be on display.
To help celebrate, the Aquatic Centre next door will be hosting a complimentary swim in the afternoon. Snacks and refreshments will be served at the Seniors' Centre. 
This exciting family event will showcase Community Centre partners:  Vancouver Coastal Health, WV Family Place Society, WV Complement Health Care, the WV Youth Band, and Bean Around the World Café.
Schedule of Events:
11am - Tours and activities begin
11:30 - On the Great Lawn - The Squamish Nation Naming Ceremony: Smelákwa- awtxw
noon - Spirit Room - A fun and inspiring children's and family performance by Bobs and Lolo
1pm - Spirit Square Atrium - Official Ceremony and Unveiling: M.C. Barbara Brink, Chair of the Society
2pm - Spirit Square Atrium - Time Capsule Opening and Draw
2:30 - Outdoors on the Spirit Plaza - Anna Chree Fountain Recognition
Get a taste of the quality and variety of programs that the Community Centre will be offering:
...Gymnasium, Canucks Autism Network I CAN Play Soccer program, Cedar Room, Arts Studio, Children's Centre, Dance Studio, Music Studio, Ocean Room, Dynamic Movement Centre, Community Music Hall, Youth Lounge...
Once you are finished exploring the Community Centre, you are invited to visit the Aquatic Centre for a variety of pool games and activities from 1pm to 4pm.  There will also be opportunities to meet the Board Members of the West Vancouver Community Centres Services Society and residents can become a member.  
Media Contact: Victoria Noble, Noble Communications 604-987-5781
      {DWV hasn't a media contact capable of handling this???  Cost in budget for hiring outside???}
***  Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival (www.vcbf.ca):
* VSO Celebrates Haiku Invitational (8pm Saturday, March 28th)
The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra announces the winning 2009 international Haiku Invitational poems at their Musically Speaking Concert.  For one night only the interactive Haiku Cherry Tree Installations by Bing Thom Architects will be on special exhibit in the lobby of the Orpheum Theatre.  Tix www.vancouversymphony.ca/concertpage.php?concertcode=08MUS04 or by phone at 876 3434.   
* Opening At VanDusen Botanical Garden (Sat Mar 28th & Sun, Mar 29th)
Put on your Pink and come celebrate Spring and our cherry blossoms with Sakura Days and Under the Cherry Tree.  Featuring: Haiku Cherry Tree Installations by Designers from Bing Thom Architects; Cherry Artisan Crafts; Cultural Arts of Japan
*  Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival -- haiku table
Pacifi-kana will host a haiku table March 28th and 29th at VanDusen Gardens in conjunction with the Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival Sakura Days events.  Members hope to lead short ginkos into the gardens, encourage writing haiku on the spot, and pass out brochures on haiku "how to" resources.  Carole MacRury will be teaching haiku to elementary school classes during the week associated with the Sakura Day Events.  See the VCBF website for all the events.

= Mon Mar 30th
~ 5:15pm ~ Measuring Up WG {CHECK, may change if special ccl mtg on 30th passed at Mar 23rd ccl mtg}
= Tues Mar 31st  ~ 7pm ~ Field Sports Users Forum WG

+++  North Shore GardenSmart Workshops for March & April  +++
The snow is finally melting, spring is on its way, and more people than ever are ready to get their hands into the soil to reap the rewards of their very own organic vegetable garden. For residents interested in growing vegetables in a sustainable way or creating an organic garden of any kind, the GardenSmart Workshop series is an accessible, hands-on, practical and effective learning experience.
The 2009 GardenSmart Workshops will include 18 free introductory gardening workshops on topics ranging from vegetable gardening to composting. Workshops are all under two hours long, free of charge, and run on weekends and weekday evenings - perfect for the busy novice gardener. Visit gardensmart.ca for dates and locations, or call 604.984.9730 for information. Admission is free but space is limited; register at 604-990-3755. 
Here is a partial list of upcoming workshops this season:


* APRIL

= Thurs Apr 2nd ~ 5pm ~ Spirit Trail WG

= Saturday April 04   ==  Seniors' Centre Flea Market  ==
The Flea market at the Seniors' Centre is an annual treasure hunt! Find great bargains on sporting & outdoor goods, electronics, furniture, children's items, clothing, books, kitchenware, jewellery, household items, and much more!
Flea market takes place Saturday, April 4th from 9am to 3pm, at the WV Arena, 786 - 22nd St.
Donations gladly accepted 
Drop off donations March 24th to April 1st, 9 am - 4 pm, at the 22nd Street entrance of the Arena.
Note: We cannot accept: mattresses, computers, TVs, rugs, old ski equipment, older heavy couches, children's car seats & cribs or large appliances such as: washers/dryers, dishwashers.  To arrange for pick up of larger items, please call 925 7280.

+++  WV MEMORIAL LIBRARY +++
- for Events and Programs: http://www.westvanlibrary.ca/index.php?page=5
- for Event Calendar: http://www.westvanlibrary.ca/event/calendar.php
- for Booktopia: http://www.booktopia.ca/
Find great ideas for all ages on the Events Calendar.
Stay up to date with what's going on at the Library - Register now for our Monthly eNewsletter!
= Thurs Apr 2 - Teen Movie Night
        Twilight  ~ 6:30pm - 8:30pm.  Free drinks and popcorn.
>  ONGOING
+ FRIDAY NIGHT CONCERT SERIES PRESENTS: JACK PINE
Friday April 3 -- Concert starts at 7:30 pm, doors open at 7 pm.
Seating is limited so come early and enjoy refreshments by the Friends of the Library.
Vancouver Opera's young Canadian singers bring opera to a young audience. in Jack Pine, Jack and his friends explore myths, legends, and facts of Canada's vast forests. Jack Pine is an enchanting blend of story, music, and botany that will engage and delight children and opera lovers of all ages.
+ Philosophers' Cafe
10:30am Thurs Mar 26 -- If you were the Auditor General for 2009 what would you audit?
Enjoy the snacks and coffee hospitably provided. Everyone welcome. Registration not required. Admission $5. Co-sponsored by S.F.U. 
Moderator: Randall MacKinnon has a Masters in Social Policy and Planning. He is an IDEASage with MackINNOVATION, a service consultancy.
+  Fridays English Corner 10 - 11:30am practise English conversation [20th, 27th cancelled]

 +++  WV MUSEUM  +++  Visit:  http://www.westvanmuseum.blogspot.com/
North Star: The Art of Lyle Wilson  [March 4 to May 30]
Presented with the Vancouver 2010 Cultural Olympiad
The West Vancouver Museum is pleased to showcase North Star: The Art of Lyle Wilson featuring the evocative and meticulously rendered artwork of Haisla artist Lyle Wilson.
Lyle Wilson has been an important figure on the Canadian art scene for more than two decades. He is from Kitamaat Village in northern British Columbia. For many years, Wilson maintained his studio in West Vancouver, producing extraordinary works on commission and for sale, as well as for the benefit of his home community. The focus of this retrospective exhibition is on Wilson's diverse artistic practice with an emphasis on his labour-intensive paintings and carvings, which explore various themes and imagery.

+++  FERRY BUILDING GALLERY  +++
=  March 15 to April 5
    8,000 YEARS OF PERSIAN ART, CULTURE, & CIVILIZATION
     featuring the work of Ali Shahidi -- paintings, ceramics, sculpture, inlay, and coins.
Evening Reception: Tuesday, March 17th, 6 - 8pm
Artist in Attendance: Saturday, March 21st, 2pm
An evening of  Persian Poetry and Music: Tuesday March 31st, 7 - 9:30pm
=  March 16 to May 8 -- The woven tapestries on linen of Hanna Haapasalo; display at M Hall

+++ SILK PURSE +++  www.silkpurse.ca
--  March 17 - March 29  --  "Fire Dance"
Iran's multi-ethnic and multi-religiosity are its most striking cultural features -- it pervades all aspects of life, even art. Iranian art favours the non-representational, the derivative, and the stylized. Join us for a look at the distinct ethnic art of three talented local Iranian artists: Fariba Dashtaray, Simin Iranmanesh, and Ali Safiyari, as we celebrate Narooz at the opening reception and Iranian art for this special two-week exhibit.
Opening Reception: TUESDAY March 17th from 5 - 9pm

+++ KAY MEEK CENTRE +++
To see a list of events: http://kaymeekcentre.com/on_stage/events_calendar
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
Movies at the Meek with Guest Speaker  
origin.ih.constantcon/6F8CEF5CFLOW
"Opens our eyes about the greatest threat of our time--the global water crisis!" Robert Redford
How did a handful of corporations steal our water? This award-winning documentary investigates the most important political and environmental issue of the 21st century: water.
With an unflinching focus on politics, pollution, human rights, and the emergence of a domineering international water cartel, Flow builds a case against the growing privatization of the world's dwindling fresh water supply.
Special Guest Speaker: Dr. John Calvert
Dr. John Calvert teaches public policy at Simon Fraser University. A leading expert on issues respecting public power and the provincial government's new Energy Policy, Dr Calvert is the author of  Liquid Gold which examines all the facts and comments on the private power initiatives of the Campbell government.
Held Over: Monday, March 23 and Tuesday, March 24 (7:30pm)  read more and buy tickets
The screening of FLOW coincides with the United Nations World Day for Water (March 22).
Buy Tickets Online   Box Office: 604-913-3634
Other Events:
A Festival of Chinese Music -- Sat, March 21, 7:30pm
Spring Celebration: A Benefit Concert for the Cascadia Society for Social Working -- Sun Mar 22, 2pm The North Shore Celtic Ensemble -- Sat March 28, 2pm
WVSS Presents LoveBites -- April 1-3, 7:30pm
Harmony House presents Ensemble Showcase -- Friday, April 3 & Saturday, April 4 (7pm)
Movies at the Meek: The Diving Bell and the Butterfly -- April 6 & 7, 7:30pm

+++ ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION BRANCH 60, WEST VANCOUVER
See: http://www.westvan60.com/Images/The%20Torch%20Newsletter%20-%20Winter%202008.pdf
We're celebrating St. Patrick's Day in the Branch 60 lounge on Tuesday, March 17th!
~ 4 - 8pm ~ Come and kick up your heels to live music, and enjoy a lovely Guinness stew for $5 a bowl, served at 6pm. 
***  The Spring-Summer issue of "The Torch" is now available via Branch 60's website: to view the newsletter, just click the following link for direct access: http://www.westvan60.com/Images/The%20Torch%20Newsletter%20-%20Spring-Summer%202009.pdf
The newsletter is available to any non-member who is interested.  To sign up, please fill in the form at the bottom of the webpage, http://www.westvan60.com/newsletter.html  Please email me at thetorch60@telus.net, if you would like to submit an article, or if you have any questions or comments.
Thank you for your interest.
Best regards,
Janice Mackay-Smith, The Torch

===  UPDATES  ===
+  Anne Mooi Appointed Director of Parks and Community Services
Thursday, March 05, 2009
On Monday March 2nd, District of West Vancouver Mayor and Council appointed Anne Mooi as the new Director of Parks and Community Services for the District of West Vancouver.  Anne has been the Acting Director of Parks and Community Services since December 2008.
Anne is a West Vancouver resident who has worked for the District of West Vancouver since October 2006, first as Manager of Social Services then as Deputy Director of Parks and Community Services.  Anne previously worked in North Vancouver for 17 years in the capacity of Executive Director for Parkgate Community Services Society and the North Vancouver Recreation Commission.  Anne oversaw the initial development and operation of Parkgate Community Centre and satellite facilities. Since graduating from university in 1980, Anne's career in the field of education, community services, and recreation has included working in Calgary, Alberta, and Melbourne, Australia, in addition to working the past 20 years here on the North Shore.
The rest of the press release is at: http://www.westvancouver.ca/Residents/Level3.aspx?id=16500
+ BLOCK WATCH SOCIETY -- March newsletter now available.
Spring is almost here and it's time for thinking about BBQs, Block Parties, and perhaps a refresher Block Watch meeting in your neighbourhood!
Let us know if you want a meeting, and Fred and I will be happy to come and talk your ears off and have a good visit with you!
Also, a reminder to check out our new website at www.wvpd.ca and sign up for e-policing to receive crime alerts from the department. It's also a great idea to look at the compstat maps to see where the most recent crime has happened.
Happy Spring and please feel free to email or call us anytime!
Anne Russell, WVPD, Community Services Unit, Block Watch Coordinator, 925 7363

===  INFObits  ===
+ The future of newspapers?
Letter to the Editor in Vancouver Sun March 5 (original, not edited)
Subject: S. Hume's Tues Mar 3 Column on the Future of Newspapers
Date: Wed, 04 Mar 2009  From: George Pajari
Mr. Hume's excellent column in Tuesday's Sun paints a bleak future for newspapers.
The deeper issue is, however, do newspapers matter anymore?
Mr. Hume suggests if the 'old media' vanishes, we will have "fewer, less reliable, and more easily manipulated sources".
I would suggest that the almost total failure of the US media to inform the US populace during the Bush years, resulting (among many other travesties) in the overwhelming support for the Iraq war and his re-election, is proof that the 'old media' does not matter anymore. Its disappearance will not have nearly the effect Mr. Hume fears for that situation already exists to a large extent.
As an avid newspaper reader, I lament the loss, but given how few appear to be reading and understanding the papers; and how poorly, as demonstrated in the US, the media behaves when confronted with a well-coordinated propaganda machine, it is not clear that the loss of the old media will damage democracy much more than has already happened.
Tis to weep.
George Pajari
P.S. - I'm watching Jon Stewart interview Sandra Day O'Connor who is saying according to an Annenberg Poll only a third of Americans can even name the three branches of US government (apart from being able to define what they are) yet 75% of Americans can name an American Idol judge. Q.E.D.
P.P.S. - Remember this part of [Stephen] Colbert's monologue at the 2006 ... White House Correspondents Dinner?
"But, listen, let's review the rules. Here's how it works: the president makes decisions. He's the decider. The press secretary announces those decisions, and you people of the press type those decisions down. Make, announce, type. Just put 'em through a spell check and go home. Get to know your family again. Make love to your wife. Write that novel you got kicking around in your head. You know, the one about the intrepid Washington reporter with the courage to stand up to the administration. You know - fiction!"
P.P.P.S. - Not to mention the damage done by the Aspers to the National Post and other Canwest papers as to the papers' credibility on coverage of the Middle East.
*  RFP for Child Care Operators  http://www.westvancouver.ca/Level3.aspx?id=16838
The Corporation of the District of West Vancouver invites proposals from qualified child care providers to operate two new District owned child care facilities in West Vancouver, BC.
The District is in the process of renovating two municipally owned buildings to provide child care centres in two locations:  Ambleside Adventure Play site in Ambleside Park; Gordon House site at 21st and Gordon Avenue
Proponents may submit proposals to operate either one or both of these facilities.  Request For Proposal Packages and Enquiries Brenda Williamson, Senior Buyer, Purchasing Department, 604 925 7165.
*  BC RIVERS
10,000 Voices for BC Rivers- Events update
On Thursday March 26 join thousands of British Columbians in standing up for BC's rivers. On that day, thousands of people from around the province will be contacting their MLA and the
Premier calling for a moratorium on river privatization. Go to www.tenthousandvoices.org today!
We've got a lot of 10,000 Voices for BC Rivers events upcoming over the next few weeks. These events will feature Rafe Mair, Joe Foy from the Wilderness Committee, and speakers from local
groups discussing the private power issue in BC.
... March 25 at Centennial Pavilion, Queen's Park in New Westminster, 7-9pm
You can find them all at
    http://tenthousandvoices.org/events.html We'll be adding more events over the next few days.
If you'd like to host an event in your community, please contact me at 604 683 8220, or andrew@wildernesscommittee.org .  Let's find out how powerful all of our voices can be.
Andrew Radzik, Outreach Director, Wilderness Committee
Canada's largest membership-based wilderness preservation organization

===  Ccl Mtg NOTES March 2nd === [Cclr Smith absent]
{NB: Cclr Smith absent}
Mayor: Welcome....
I apologize for starting a few minutes late.  Call mtg to order and ask Cclr Evison for a motion to approve the agenda.
{shuffling of papers}
It's on the screen in front of you if you need to....
1.  APPROVAL OF AGENDA
ME: Thank you, Madam Mayor.  Amend agenda by adding to item 4 Budget Book, and to 6 re awning; new 8.1 strategic cmnty funds; Corres new item 6.1
2.  ADOPTION OF MINUTES -- February 16, 2009 Regular Council Mtg Minutes
PRESENTATIONS
3. West Vancouver Police Department: COMPSTAT (Comparative Statistics) Program (File:  2900-01)
Mayor: This evening, a pleasure to welcome the WVPD.  We had a bit of a change last week in that former Chief Heed has tendered his resignation but he has left us with a strategic plan that has served us and will serve us extremely well.  I'd like to thank him for that and the work of the Dept in getting us to that place.  The strategic priorities in the plan are to reduce crime and the fear of crime, to engage stakeholders, develop/manage resources, and manage accountability and risk.  The way we're going to get there is to introduce a high standard of measurement, analysis, and accountability in all activities of the Dept, to improve communications, and to employ strict and transparent fiscal asset and human resource mgmt standards.
Our new Acting Chief, Jim Almas, is here tonight.  He's been a key leader in bring this approach forward; he's served 28 years with WVPD, and it's gratifying to see him now at the helm as we transition from former Chief Heed's leadership to the stewardship of A/Chief Almas and his team.  Welcome.
JA: Thank you, Madam Mayor.  Thank you, Ccl for inviting us to be here.
My pleasure to be here. If I cd take a minute to introduce my staff accompanying me today.  I have Michelle Brander, CompStat Coordinator; I have Const Lisa Wanless and Sgt Tim Kravjanski; and from command staff, Insp Wayne Giesbrecht and Ryan Travis, and of course former Chief Constable is in the background there.
{he was sitting near the back}
and I think Doug Murphy from our Police Bd as well.
It was quite a surprise to all of us at the WVPD to hear news Chief Heed was resigning
He worked hard to provide solid leadership and established a firm foundation for the WVPD to build upon; leaves dept in better shape than when he arrived, and he shd be v proud of what has been accomplished under his command,
I'd like to take this opp to truly thank Kash, and wish him well in his future endeavours
[text supplied]
"WVPD is still in the midst of implementing a Strategic Plan that commits to making West Vancouver the safest jurisdiction in Canada by 2011, and it is imperative that I as Acting Chief Constable maintain our department's adherence to that vision.
We have four key Strategic Priorities which we must continue to use as guides forward:
1. Reduce Crime and the Fear of Crime
2. Engage All Stakeholders
3. Develop and Manage Resources for Effectiveness
4. Manage Accountability and Risk
It is my intention to actively engage all our staff to ensure that there is still widespread buy-in in this direction.  Stability and confidence is crucial to continuing the transformation of our Department into a professional, accountable, and effective police service that will be sustainable for years to come.
 The bar for accountability has been set and I have no intention of lowering that bar. Our ongoing focus on self-responsibility and adherence to our values and ethics has led to a department with more clear policies and proper business practices.  Accordingly, 2008 resulted in a 48% decrease in reported complaints compared to 2007.
As the Acting Chief Constable and someone who has been a part of the WVPD for close to 30 years, I want to communicate to this Council and the community that I have the utmost confidence in the men and women of the WVPD.
As Acting Chief Constable, it is my intention to put a face to the department's efforts by engaging the community, our key stakeholders, and other police agencies.  The success of a strategic plan is not only gauged by statistics, but also by the confidence it instills in those it is designed to protect.
I would just like to add as a resident of West Vancouver for the last 17 years, and as a member of WVPD for close to three decades, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Mayor, Council, and District staff for all of your efforts to make West Vancouver one of the most beautiful and enjoyable communities in the country to live, work, and raise a family."
[JA continues, mentioned earlier also mentoring and coaching]:
COMPSTAT analysis overview: collecting, analyzing, and mapping crime statistics
information as a means to measure police effectiveness; hold accountable subject to this data
four basic principles: accurate and timely intelligence; effective tactics; rapid deployment; and relentless followup and assessment
Some highlights: 19% reduction in prop crime from 2007; 31% from 2006
reports on traffic and youth initiative
before turning over to Michelle, I wd like to add, as a resident of WV for the last 17 years and working here for three decades, wd like to thank.....
I never underestimate the amt of work that you engage in day in and day out and I really do appreciate it.
thank you, turn over to Michelle Brander
Michelle Brander: SLIDES; not clear but available on website
measure ev 28 days and sit down for mtg.....
2008 Crime stats: in 2008 Police responded to 15,271 calls for service: 189 violent crimes, 1,129 prop crimes, and so forth...
not counted are noncriminal events, unfounded complaints, motor vehicle incidents,....
2% increase in violent crime 2007 - 2008; and 19% decrease in prop crime
51% increase in street checks (proactive policing by mbrs on patrol)
next slide 2006 to 2008 comparison: ... xxx
now look at violent crime in WV: this diagram illustrates 2008
Level One Assault is the primary violent crime category -- 122
haven't had any murders in WV over the last couple of years
robberies were up 8% 2008 over 2007'
{NB: if you're looking at the slide you'll see that's an increase from 12 to 13}
44% increase in Level Two and Three assaults
our other crimes of violence dropped 11%; sexual assaults increased 25%
[slide 2006 to 2008 comparison]
robberies up 44%....26% drop in Levels Two and Three
{slide shows sexual assaults up 67%}
Here you have a map that illustrates where violent crime has occurred in 2008
The red area is the Capilano Reserve and Park Royal South Mall where there were between 11 and 41 violent crime incidents in that area
The two small purple areas are Pk Royal North Mall, the Horseshoe Bay Ferry Terminal, where between nine and ten incidents of violent crime occurred
{Roughly:
great news for Upper Queens of Dundarave one to two incidents (but in the village along Marine Dr three to eight) and west of 27th, ie Altamont to Lighthouse Park with NO incidents!!!}
2008 prop crime in 2008
Number one was mischief: 404 incidents.....  xxx prop crimes, theft of/from vehicles, xxx....
Note: 56% increase in shoplifting between 2007 and 2008.....
Next slide prop crime comparison, decreasing
re residential break-ins, as you can see, the west district wch is in red has the highest number of break-ins between 11 and 14; we're dealing with v small numbers here; it isn't a bad area just had a spree late in the year
Next slide, theft from vehicles: two areas in red are PkRoyal South and HBay
and finally mischief summary -- red is Pk Royal South and the residential area bordered by 15th and 21st, south of Lawson and north of Marine Dr.
Next motor vehicle incidents comparison 2007 to 08: 33% decrease in injury MV incidents; 10% in non-injury....
Finally, major decrease in injury area....
End of crime stats; any questions?
Mayor: maybe questions at the end
JA: Tim Kravjanski from the traffic section; point out result of big shift; focussed on high-crash areas, policing smarter result had signif reduction
TK: Traffic sergeant for 17 years WVPD, resident 40 years, grown up here and hope to be here longer
aim safest cmnty by 2011; part of that traffic
have done stats, compared with round the world and ICBC
23 times more likely car accident than violent crime
4 times more likely to be killed in a MVA than a violent crime
why am I out there and not chasing down murderers, there's the reason!
often told that, I try to back it up
33% reduction in injury collisions, that is the highest in the province
10% reduction in non-inj collisions
we've changed the way of looking at traffic enforcement in WV
lucky to be part of CompStat way, look at that later
no longer just writing tickets; training
Do: specialized enforcement, collision investigation, vehicle inspection
looking at high crash zones, ICBC and WVPD data -- determined our 20 high crash zones in WV, provided in table and map form to all uniformed mbrs for targeted enforcement; planning
working to reduce collisions on LGB, this morning told cdn't put more signs on LGB -- dots won't work, will go back
four steps to go through with CompStat
No 1 is 217 collisions on LGB, in Lower Mainland we are No. 5, and we've been between 5 and 7 for the last five years (LGB) so been looking for collision reduction strategies; looking for one prov will approve; ICBC has approved study and funding but Min of Transportation didn't
Two-Dot prog used in Australia and southern States, proven to work
was going to bring it in here, keep two dots between your vehicles to reduce the likelihood of collisions -- to take us out of top ten
Look at collisions: this is TWay and Hwy, a high collision zones; we're picking up enforcement so recommend you not speed
Educate the public: We do news releases all the time; see me on 6 o'clock news; we go to Srs' Ctr, .... don't want to write tickets
We also give out warnings
Have a great team (hope four); going to see us at crosswalks, high collisions zones, intersections, and LGB
get two to three nbrhd complaints a week; ppl speeding in our nbrhd
asked for new tools; are we making a difference, looking at that
traffic data capture device attached to a pole, send officers in there
getting traffic video cameras, courts love it
two new BMW motorcycles coming great for enforcement
JA: brief on youth initiative from Const Wanless
Const LW: Constable Lisa Wanless, Cmnty Services Unit; been there since 2001, also a resident of WV
writing Youth Initiative; report is comprehensive; two years response to
tasked with writing youth initiative; take at least two years; other youth agencies across NAm
methodology four phases: research across NAm; this FIRST phase has been completed; effective initiatives of other Police Depts, NY and LA; SECOND phase -- object from analyzing WV statistics (completed); THIRD phase, concerns of stakeholders; met with many throughout cmnty what can we do throughout, do as whole -- mtgs held with Sch Dist 45, priv schools, Vanc Coastal Health, Youth justice group to biz assns; PHASE FOUR: we'll be compiling all the data, making recommendations, will incorporate the four priorities
no 1 priority, bldg partnerships between schools, Vanc Coastal Health, etc, stakeholders
Project completion date Mar 15
ME: try to digest statistics; thank you, encouraging trend except shoplifting, regret might accelerate in these tough economic times
historically collision investigation slow, case in Delta took 15 hours to investigate
what can be done to speed up collision investigation
TK: we've been working with RCMP and the Min of Transportation and Hwys, and the Police Services Devision
proud to have pilot on Sea to Sky; ICART designed to reduce
with Sq RCMP, ensure ev dealt with in a timely manner; difficult to get equipment to site efficiently quickly, one-way min
reconstructionists
to reduce the wait times
recognize closures costly to public, airline trips and shows, etc
have to collect evidence
WVPD looking at methods marking the data coming back at a later time
some evidence short-lived
ME: somewhat disturbed prepared a report, funded, ICBC satisfied, yet ministry denied
how can this Ccl be of assistance?
TK: difficulty dealing with Min of Transp and Hwys; typically takes two to three years to get something through
currently on a sign-reduction strategy
right now too many signs detract so less effective so that's there reasoning for not allowing this to go ahead, also felt it wdn't work on the bridge
I disagree; pilot is to prove whether works or not, hoping to get pilot through
Mayor: Falcon at upcoming mtg
Sop: feel numbers on bridge, hwy, alarming
pressures to 2010 v disturbing
any initiatives taken by Transportation, all is not well at TWay and Marine; it's a failure area
something has to happen... whether hwy patrol initiative
our Police Force goes to Lions Bay; v small complement from Whistler to WV to look at all accidents
in spite of that our WV Police have done an excellent job
what's it gonna take for Falcon look, it's going to get worse
compliment you, Sir, have seen positioning of trucks, even though pulling over, still some
TK: some success
partnering monthly with the Commercial Vehicle Safety Enforcement with Min Transp/Hwys, and IRSU and RCMP
ten scheduled for this year, min
TWay and the Hwy, MDr, v high volume areas, collisions minor but looking at reducing them
looking at funding for hwy and LGB
Sop: Madam Mayor, you send letter to Min Falcon this issue, wrt traffic patterns?
aware of easy flow, 2010 and beyond; better start doing something now
ML: to A/Chief Almas: can you comment on comparable stats other jurisdictions?
JA: Michelle?
MB: made attempt to get stats; haven't gotten v far yet; ... will do comparison and let you know; unfortunately just don't have numbers yet
JA: we're one of first?
MB: we are actually; shd probly be a matter of weeks
Mayor: v proud as the chair of the Police Bd of work last year, year and a half
you've served cmnty v well
plsd to see youth initiative, shd be referred back to Ccl so we can support as well
finally traffic a number one concern of ppl in WV
safety you've brought is excellent
mischief, not sure why numbers so high, related to youth, see if some hope there as well.
Sop: wd like to make a motion, Ccl write to Mr Falcon, attention to serious problems we're facing on LGB, TWay at MDr and Hwy; it's serious and we want dollars to aid our Police Force
Mayor: we'll write to him; LGB don't know about the extras
Sop: when you're talking to him you can mention those
Mayor: MOTION CARRIES
Sop: is Kash Heed in audience
KH: you probably didn't recognize me
Sop: on behalf of Ccl, we'd like to thank you and wish you best in future
thanks for all you've done from what ppl I've talked to
and thanks to A/Chief Jim Almas and your staff great presentation
going into strategic planning; you know ppl always nervous about traffic and it's--
Mayor: Cclr Sop, cd you make the motion?
Sop: part of it!
[MOTION OF THANKS PASSES]
4. Draft 2009 Proposed Budget Presentation (File:  0860-01)
        Information to be provided.
2009 BUDGET INTRODUCTORY COMMENTS [text supplied]
Pam Goldsmith-Jones, Mayor; March 2, 2009 Council Meeting
Our Official Community Plan's Financial Framework is out of date.  Adopted by Council in June of 2004, almost five years later we are in a different world.
     That plan described [three-year] Corporate Business Plan budgets that would guide annual budgets.  We completed two of those cycles with the past two Councils.  While those business plans described the objectives our Councils had, they did not create the impetus for an overall strategic approach.  We did complete the Recreational Facilities Master Plan, the Eagle Lake Water Filtration Plant and water metering, and we have embarked on an aggressive user pay strategy for cost recovery - all of which have reflect new approaches to financing.
     The Financial Framework in the OCP does anticipate, however, that West Vancouver in 2004 was about to change.  We are in it now.
-         Our residential tax base will not be able to cope under increasing external pressures.  Our tax base must be diversified.
-         The demographics of West Vancouver are shifting ever older, which means we need to change our housing choices and services that we deliver.
-         We need to maintain flexibility as senior levels of government make their demands, and offer opportunities to us.
     The world's economy has fallen apart.  The recession is hitting families, corporations, and all levels of government hard.
     We may not run a deficit.  But, we should be ready to take advantage of this new interest in infrastructure funding -- and take advantage of competitive bids and low commodity prices.
     We need to trim fat and build muscle - which is what our restructuring plan is all about.
     We need to actively manage for performance - which is why performance measures are critical, and a main focus this year.
     We need to push for simplicity - which is a key challenge in all departments.  I am impressed with the members of the new Executive Team and their ability to problem solve quickly, especially in collaboration with the community.
     We need to stop spending before it occurs - which is why our capital budget is pared right down, and may be cut further in our deliberations.
     We are all asked to make each tax dollar go further, which is why business travel, conferences, and vacancies are cancelled, curtailed, and not filled.
Here's the good news:
Council is on the same page, so far.  We wish to show:
-         Good VALUE for the dollars invested.
-         Targeted REDUCTION in energy consumption and costs.
-         LONG RANGE strategic planning to guide financial decisions.
-         Proper PERFORMANCE MEASURES for optimum management of performance.
-         Leveraging opportunities through new PARTNERSHIPS.
This Budget Proposal takes us a long way towards achieving the Government Finance Officers Association best practices in budgeting, so that we can all see where we are going.
Mayor continues:
plan out of date; thank Dir/Finance for tremendous effort; responds to call
not quite complete; two years to best practices
CAO: thank the exec team and Ccl for moving this forward
austere economic times; economy has changed; rein in our spending
fiscal mgmt not new; v sound; our M unique; not .... debt
foresight, construction of new cmnty ctr, reserve funds and Coastal Health
reorg of staff; goal to flatten move to a more streamlined M
asked that we look how we operate; curtailed ... biz conference; personally reviewing all vacant staff positions
1.5% projected, below Bank of Canada inflation rate
in Feb, the fed govt, Canada's Economic Action Plan
$800K 1.75 % as cost sharing
all biz, families, recog times we're in
demog, shifts in prop values ....
we'll be setting the stage; biz cmnty will have trust
common vision address challenges; world economy changes
so imp for us to agree on a long-term .... plan ... fiscal and social
over net year, performance measurement and provide on web so can see what we say and do
RL:  POWERPOINT PRESENTATION [7:53pm]
context and process; Budget results; enhanced documentation
started 2009 from two main sources, from FSTF report of Nov 2006; staff have been implementing many of those recommendations
need to make budgeting multiyear, in line with cmnty goals, setting of targets at beginning
aggressively get into user-pay; performance reporting and mgmt; clear time frames, GFOA best practices
0%, -5%, -10%
one important ... missing is current strategic plan
had not had reference to cmnty goals and expectations
current service level review so no perf mgmt in place
hope exercise will provide us with that later in 2009
short time horizon
notice in capital program 2009 and 2010, not much beyond that
once strategic plan xxx
driver, needs support for longer plan
Target guideline for 2009 and this goes back to six months ago: base case service levels unchanged; authorized staffing at contractual rates, CPI adjustment on non labour, part year initiatives forward annualized, fees and charges review
where we are today
base case service level balancing amt equiv to 5.71%
challenged by CAO for reductions, over a $1m reduced, so down to 3.73%
reorg savings $200K down to 3.34%
final adjustments to benefit rates and capital transfers $200K so down to 2.95%
will talk about breakdown of that amt.
several depts did identify, may be issues within their ... may not be fully funded, eg blvd maintenance
I also note in Finance a xxx framework, may not carry out for this year [8:00]
staff best efforts; possibly revisiting as part of mid-year review
Visualization 0, -5, -10 begun but felt not realistic
over $500K per 1%
service reduction decisions
mgmt agreed that cmnty vision and goals we don't have xxx to make those decision/choices, do for 2010
op service levels $800K 1.57%
infrastructure mtnce inc $300K .6%
add'l trans $400 .78%
total balancing amt 2.95%
Av Assessed value $1,442,1435  so av increase $86
posted on web
implement best practices in budgeting as defined by GFOA
T of C
anticipates Strategic process 2009
some sections not yet provided 2010
some want more info, so have provided more
it was a lot of work, underestimated amt of work involved
also a lot of learning
I think I quite enjoyed the exercise and xxx
recommend for reading, not quite a coffee table but interesting stuff there

{NOTICE that there was no mention of a public mtg on the budget until I got up to speak.  Having mentioned it, then RL has another slide.  Obviously the Mayor also assumed the presentation was finished or she wdn't have looked at the speaker list and asked.}

Mayor: Thank you.  I have one mbr of the Ccl wishing to speak, sorry, of the cmnty, wishing to speak although the whole point of tonight's exercise is to put this out as a draft proposal, and we've got further evenings to come for public comment and for Ccl discussion
So, Carolanne Reynolds, if you'd like to take up to three minutes.  This is not the March 4th evening wch is not going to be time-limited as you can understand.
Thank you.
RL: Your Worship, this last slide just indicates that we will have a public mtg on the--
{pause and a chuckle heard}
Mayor: March the 4th
CR:  That was what I was going to say...
Thank you very much.  Carolanne Reynolds, Editor of West Van Matters
We look forward to the mtg on Wednesday night, March 4th, that's what I was hoping you wd make public.
It wd be appreciated if we cd have the reorganization we understand is being done, and wd be explained, and I know part of it was done tonight but we might want to ask more questions on Wednesday night.
Also, readers have asked me, now that there are two rather than four ccl mtgs per month, with this 50% reduction, have staff been reduced or reassigned?
And with the economic downturn, some places are laying off, Delta is laying off 17 staff mbrs; some are contemplating staff freezes, wage freezes, etc, so it is still my hope that the level of information and documentation we used to get about 15 years ago will be provided on Wed night.
I have been encouraged by some of the comments made by the CAO tonight -- he laid some of that, and we'll probably get more details I presume on Wed night -- and also the add'l information that I hope we can look forward to seeing on Wed night as well.
Thank you.
Mayor: RL last slide
RL: some copies of the budget booklet
budget ... web forum ... special email address
bylaws will not be introduced until Mar 23 mtg
Sop: in light of restructuring and planning for the future
what impact wd there have been in your mind, 2009 work plan
if we're going to succeed, see positive
work to be done
wd it make any diff for 2009, or not there yet in 2009
CAO: have we got a clear work plan for each dept
we certainly do; have for many years; moving toward accountability
{my thought bubble: good to hear -- about time!}
-- fits overall strategy
xxx capital -- completion of RFMP, ~ $60M; end of an era
a lot of work progs; go to cmnty find out what they're prepared to pay for for services
what we need to do is tie that together
then align the deptal workplans to that overall vision, then individ to deptal
accountable; so that what we say will be accomplished
Sop: have some inquisitive questions and will save
ME: as a new mbr, been v impressed with thoroughness of process
whether like conclusions
thoroughness of process has impressed me greatly
thank staff for diligence and hard work [holds up document]
Mayor: tyvm, see you on Wednesday
REPORTS
5. Recreational Dog Walking in Parks - Follow-Up Report (File:  2365-00)
Rebecca Black: to thank you
trying to get together as a group; resp and good dogowners and dog citizens; look forward to working with you; around my nbrhd so much more friendly since you took notice and some changes had to be made
thank you
Mayor: Ms Mooi?
AM (Acting Parks Dept Head then appointed): this report outlines our recommendations a result of working with cmnty; several cmnty mbrs and dog owners have endorsed
Corinne Ambor and bylaw ofcr Chris Cottril {sp?} here to answer
SW: quite happy I wasn't on Ccl last term
Rebecca Black's points were great; cmnty coming together to xxx
dog owner and happy to abide by bylaws
TP: comment xxx by coming forward
really with xxx managing well in cmnty; responsible dog ownership
Sop: assume dog/park ranger will do education
looking forward working with dogowners, ongoing dialogue
still reminded there is a bylaw considered to be an animal control bylaw
some dogs out of control; there are laws and must be adhered to
the go-between might be the park ranger who will educate the public
we've seen this backlash; wonder what stance is
Mayor: report is about dogwalking in parks ...  around respect and xxx
we're now saying to park ranger b/c enforcement now
bothers both responsible dog owners and others if ppl don't
achieve compliance; not the entire bylaw we're looking at now
position, year?
AM: June to September
Mayor: so get report
Sop: don't want to make it an issue, but talk here about.... walking dog, ongoing
my position is we have a bylaw, is that the law or is there going to be rebuttal?
that dog wasn't aggressive, that was xxx
Sokol: bylaw ofcr to enforce bylaw as written
MOTION:
1.  Council receive the report from the Acting Manager of Parks dated March 2, 2009 as an assessment and follow-up to the recommendations approved on May 5, 2008 entitled "Regulating Recreational Dog Walking in West Vancouver Parks";
2.  The Park Ranger position be approved in the 2009 Budget and funded;
3.  The Park Ranger position include bylaw enforcement capability;
4.  Council direct staff to continue to work with local residents who are interested in forming a "Responsible Dog Owners Group".
{wonder why the $ amt is omitted???  It's $25K for May to Sept, ie $5K a month + benefits.}
CARRIED
6. Consideration of Awning at 1434 Marine Drive - BC Liquor Store (File:  1010-20-08-026)
        Information to be provided.
Sokol: result of Ccl comments
back for Ccl affirmation meeting, further Ambleside strategy and seek approval
after ccl approval of devt permit staff review conditions proposed graphics and to identify potential ways of integrating cmnty arts needs into the facade
arts/culture and planning staff had mtgs on site, proposed graphics, integration; opportunity to use brick wall as Olympics
Design Review Cmte -- across entire
across windows; across brick portion
DRC's opinion is rain protection and public art
Mayor: Cclr Walker perceived conflict
[SW goes to leave]
Mayor: must state conflict
SW: my biz is adjacent to this
Mayor: sorry, shd hv done earlier
Sokol: sorry, jumped in
ME made motion:
1. Development Permit No. 08-026 for 1434 Marine Drive which would allow for internal and external tenant improvements be amended to:
a. provide for the extension of the canopy to the full width of the glazing to preserve the architectural character of the building and allow for the opportunity for public art on the entire existing brick wall;
b. remove the Marine Drive frontage graphics and replace it with an opaque film to screen the office space; and
c. provide an option to retain the existing punched openings of the night deposit boxes for public art; and
2. Council direct staff to work with the applicant to address the issues of internal lighting.
ME comments: completely in support of staff report and recommendations of Design Panel
Mayor: I have a couple of questions
When it came before us in the first place, Cclr Panz made a motion to go to Design but not seconded so no direction to go to Design Panel.  Now it comes back to us having been at the Design Panel b/c of, I guess, a piece of public art, b/c the ccl motion said we'd like that awning -- Ccl Evison reminded us it was part of the Ambleside strategy, so it seems to me a missed opportunity.
so I have a question about process and a question about the public art itself -- what does it look like, where's it coming from, and who's paying for it?
Sokol: staff went to site, felt this was an opportunity ... to change direction Ccl gave us awning
staff decided to go to Design so cd give their input in staff report
going to Design is an administrative decision
Mayor: public art
Sokol: no .....  no piece designated however during Olympics, have pix of banners
envision will be hung on .... wall.
ML: to Dir, uh
Mayor: Planning
ML: DirPlanning -- about where night deposits; in absence, a hole in wall?
Sokol: one wd be a large piece
DRCmte offered a special opp
also expressed concern that putting bricks over them they'd look odd; it might be an opp to do something unique
CARRIED
7. Zoning Bylaw Rewrite - Creating a Contemporary Bylaw (File: 2515-24)
Sokol: POWERPOINT PRESENTATION
When I first got here on year ago, started reading through stack of docs; got to zoning bylaw; after 15 or 20 min head hurt and put to bottom of pile
kept getting to it; talked to others; gotta do something; taken a year
not responsible; result of 100s of hours of rewrite by Steve Nicholls; not complete
all that work shd be recognized; big first step forward
why rewrite? answer, isn't it obvious
40 years old, been amended 200 times and complex as a result; in various places
height in different sections
repetitive, antiquated wording and formatting so difficult to put on website
RS2 zone: for bldgs of one storey.....
clearly the zoning bylaw -- at time crafted made sense
make it make sense again
Cmnty Care Facility Act
2004, Stantec Report recommended prepare a new zoning bylaw; some work done in fits and starts; coordinated effort now; cmnty Dialogue on Nbrhd Char and Housing
APPROACH
relates to technical rewrite, a contemporary template
et housing bulk, secondary suites, envmtal regs, heritage promotion, zoning of parks...[see list]
TECHNICAL REWRITE
types of changes: Formatting (so can be put on Web, more accessible); Terminology (modern not 1968); removing redundancies; ultra vires Sections (one is Child Care Regs technically we shdn't be regulating, coming in May); streamlining, definitions, graphics; General Regulations; Renumbering; Individual Zones (shocked me -- there are 88 different zones in WV, 43 apply to one devt! take up about one quarter of doc in front of you); Maps updating and making user-friendly
355 reduces by 125 with graphics and larger typeface!
will not resolve all; make easier to deal with some issues
CONSULTATION PROCESS
does not change policy; intend to clarify and reorg; so not extensive public [consultation]
will affect users of zoning bylaws -- direct contact with bylaw users: blders, designers, architects
opp for them to review this doc
will be meeting with interested residents
opps to meet in April
will set aside time for public to meet one on one, small groups, nbr/mbrs of bldg industry
will do add'l staff review; signif work with SJN
bylaws and permits dept, want to talk with them more before final
add'l review in Mar and Apr, M solicitor Apr May, draft bylaw for PH in June -- adoption July or Sept
TP: great we're coming into 20th century
wonder how will weave in with 2009 workplan referring to many wish to see these polices
Sokol: later this month will be talking to Ccl about how rolling this out; will make sure meets Ccl priorities
discussion paper on secondary suites; may have draft bylaw; more consultative discussion
housing bulk hoping discussion paper by fall
my philosophy, housing variety..... nbrhd character key
less devt more friendly devt process
while in lull of bldg permit; make it more friendly for nbrhd and bldg industry
Mayor: also answers your questions, Cclr Sop
Sop moved:
THAT Council endorse the recommended public consultation process for undertaking a comprehensive update of the Zoning Bylaw governing land use, as described in the February 23, 2009 report of the Director of Planning, Lands and Permits and summarized as follows:
Specific dates/times will be set aside in April for interested residents and building industry members to meet with staff to review the draft bylaw. Meetings during those times could be scheduled with staff in advance or members of the public can "drop in". The format of the meetings will not be an open house, but will provide opportunities for various individuals or small groups to hold focused meetings with staff to identify issues, answer questions, or address areas of concern. The draft bylaw will be ready for Council review in June.
Sop continues: Many issues, great impact; wondering if in this timeframe can be done by June
with public? when housing issue, sec ste issue; looking at this seriously?
Sokol: what I'm intending to bring forward in June is the technical rewrite; policy issues, eg child care in May; starting sec stes public consultation in June.  Most will follow the technical rewrite, into fall and next year
consultation then more easily move forward on other policy issues
Sop: but motion calls for endorsing public consultation process and undertaking comprehensive updating bylaw governing land use, not for zoning technical purposes
Mayor: that shd say comprehensive technical update, to be clear
Sokol: I see confusion and wd suggest the other thing wd be "undertaking a technical rewrite of the zoning bylaw", that wd help
Sop: that's acceptable
Mayor: 'technical rewrite of the zoning bylaw'. Good point.
{NICE/NECESSARY DISTINCTION.  If I understand correctly, the rewrite is technical terms/wording only and does NOT change the zoning.  After the rewrite, then there'll be public input wrt new policies.  Mtgs wrt proposed new policies out to be open.}
CARRIES
8. Ethics and Integrity Policy Adoption and Delegation Bylaw No. 4580, 2008, Amendment Bylaw No. 4591, 2009 (File:  3085-01/1610-20-4591)
Mayor: under advice of our solicitor; want to make sure high standards for ethics and integrity seems self-evident but xxx making sure?
TP moved: THAT Council adopt the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games Ethics and Integrity Policy (Appendix A) attached to the February 23, 2009 report from the Chief Administrative Officer.
Mayor: shd say same policy as Whistler has
TP moved:: THAT Delegation Bylaw No. 4580, 2008, Amendment Bylaw No. 4591, 2009 (to establish West Vancouver 2010 Olympic Fundraising subcommittee) be read a first, second, and third time.
CARRIED
8.1 [ADDED ITEM]
Strategic Community Investment Funds Agreement with the Province of BC (File:  0175-01)
Mayor: used to be called traffic fine revenue -- CAO or Dir/Fin?
RL: come to us v suddenly from prov; one response to economic downturn is to accelerate money; rate send money; amts same but faster
eg anticipated grants for 2010, over 50% will be received in 2009, encouraged to spend in 2009
partly to align with rules of prov budget's carry forward rules
if we don't sign, we won't be eligible to receive funds so recomm sign
Mayor: comes under flexibility
ML moved that:
1. The District of West Vancouver enter into the Strategic Community Investment Funds Agreement with the Province of British Columbia (which provides for the temporary replacement of annual payments of small community, regional district, and traffic fine revenue sharing grants for the 2009/10 and 2010/11 fiscal years) in order to receive funds under the Province's new funding structure; and
2. the Corporate Officer be authorized to sign the Strategic Community Investment Funds Agreement with the Province of British Columbia.
SW: can funds just go into general operating funds spent on anything and how much?
RL: have to discuss what to do
budget 2009 has what we expected but this is more so will have to discuss what
CAO: amt?
RL: will be receiving normal amt for 2009 in March $975K, and in July an advance of 2010 of $467K, and the balance of 2010 money $361K in 2010
SW: no conditions on where allocated in M?
Mayor: initially there was, intended for policing and safety, controversy at the time
required we respond saying what we did
this says now intended to stimulate investment, infrastructure opportunities
RL: I think we cd take a liberal interpretation
right initially defined as public safety. then to policing
and WV took position not just police, fire, safety of streets/intersections, think we will continue to take that interpretation
Sop: maybe public why increase in taxation when we have increase in funds?
RL: sorry?
Sop: so why tax increase?
RL: we did not know about extra money until three or four days ago so not included in budget planning
not sure shd include in 2009 budget without further discussion
Prov, they're encouraging further expenditure; need to talk about that
CAO: this may not be a windfall of new dollars, may be what we've already budgeted for
may be commitments we already have for 2010
if we spend on progs we do not have, we're going to be underfunded for 2010
before rejoicing, need to take hard look at what our commitments are, ongoing
Sop: understand that, but this is an increase, so discussion on where those funds shd go
if extra increase, where go?
RL: in terms of five-year plan, if to frontload, wd have a shortfall in 2010
Sop: not added funding in 2010?
CAO: at this time, we're not convinced if add'l dollars, just advancing and we have to clarify that
Sop: will those figures/facts be public? leading up to budget? or numbers we don't know?
CAO: since mtg in two days will try to find that out
from prov; don't believe they're new dollars
Sop: curious, how public reacts -- getting new money
Mayor: when we first got it were concerned it wd be taken away, always have to exercise caution; but more info for our public debate on our budget makes sense
CAO: prov election in two months, whether this has anything to do with it, I don't know
Mayor: Make of it what you will
CARRIES
BYLAW for ADOPTION
9. Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 4414, 2005, Amendment Bylaw No. 4589, 2009 (File:  1610-20-4589)
This bylaw received three readings at the February 16, 2009 meeting.
Mike Sharp: treasurer of WV minor hockey here to speak about increase and its impact
265 players and 80 volunteers, 7 to 17; not a monopoly, compete with Hollyburn and xxx
one of my tasks to manage costs
keep it reasonable
ice 50% of our cost -- one employee who makes $500 a month, rest volunteers
so if xxx goes up,....
on average $20 per player; 90% of our revenue from player registration, some from BC
half of cost is ice and going up X%
not for profit org; here to ask for consideration complain about increase
open access, play in Whistler, Sq, Sunshine Coast, NSh, Lower Mainland
WV Thunder our identity; cultural identity
don't know if any opp to intervene; not small and have to pass on to players
Mayor: what does this represent per family?
Ans: depends Pam on you
my son, $30 per season, son 16 or 17 or couple of kids, cd get close to $100 an extreme example
on av $20
Mayor: reason I ask is we went through with field users
AM: will be in effect in Sept 09; also applies to....
giving six months' notice
typically a couple of weeks when we xxxxx a much... minor local
currently receive the highest subsidy ...
looked at NV Commission's increase, ice fees; although diff ... feel fits within the ... structure
perhaps Pam Fr{didn't catch name} or Sue Ketler,  5.9% more than .... b/c not made in 2009
both here to provide that history
CAO: Ms Mooi said 2009, was actually 2007
PK: Dec? 2007
increase of all rental rates 5% for all, but not to hockey at that time playing catchup
so 4%, now 5.9%
Sop: relationship to other users?
PK: don't understand question
Mayor: how many ppl participate?
~ 265, we have ... many and more in lessons and public skates
Sop: inflation? what cost?
Ans: .... sewer, staffing costs
Sop: of all listed here
Mayor: thinking strategically; back to strategic plan
if ..  keep costs reasonable;  missed a year last year
Sop: being fair without; look at youth; are we providing absolute well-being of all sorts
can families afford, are we too high...
TP: This is highest subsidized
AM: 65%
ML: fair comment the subsidies don't accurately reflect costs
don't include [buildings]
AM: correct
Mayor: question is but raise taxes to keep costs under control ....
CARRIED
CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS
        withdrawn: Sop: 11; ME #1 and 4
10. Consent Agenda Items - Reports and Correspondence
REPORTS FOR CONSENT AGENDA
11. Development Applications Status List (File:  1010-01) -- to be received for information.
Sop: looking through, see one for Camelot Rd, have rights to look re sgl-fam houses but see description of wanting to increase density
a citizen phoned me and asked what the public process was move on prop
they received a card asking support or not
are we encouraging devprs with no feedback ???xxx
Sokol: this applic received, staff working with Ccl, ask Ccl if this is ready to go out to public
the process; hv bn moving forward, probably bring in about a month
devpr chose to write to nbrs, we have no control over, caused some concern
Sop: due diligence -- wd it be 18 sgl-fam homes?
Sokol: not the proposal
Mayor: ..... we are not involved right now
12. Appointments to Design Review Committee and West Vancouver Memorial Library Board (File:  0116-20-DRC / 1905-04)
1. Stuart Hood appointed to the Design Review Cmte for the term ending Jan 31, 2010; and
2. Rod Day appointed to the WV Memorial Library Board to fill the second year of the term vacated by Nicole Brown, ending Dec 31, 2009.
CORRESPONDENCE LIST FOR CONSENT AGENDA [list in prev WVM]
13. Correspondence List (File:  0120 24) to be received for information.
Correspondence received up to February 13, 2009
1.   N. Proach, Route 101 Society, February 9, 2009, re Support for Extending Route 101
        Referred to Mayor and Council for consideration and response.
ME: have we got it on the agenda somewhere; seems a bit unusual
Mayor:  ... four-lane hwy typically not involved
SSch: broad request ...... general process to Ccl for response; Ccl can decide
in favour of sticking with our own jurisdiction
Correspondence received up to February 20, 2009
Action Required
4.   V. MacGregor, The Royal Canadian Legion, Feb 12, re Application for Permissive Tax Exemption
        Referred to Director of Finance for consideration and response.
ME: rather surprised Legion making that request; believed all along had that?
Mayor: Masonic Lodge as well, I believe
RL: didn't ...
ME: surprised they had relief in this M
RL: our policy on prop tax exemptions quite strict; we jealously guard erosion of tax base
these considerations are made in Sept, bylaw in Oct, to Assmt for ...
for 2009, this application is too late
will tell you right now, this application does not qualify; I will be advising the Legion of that fact;  ...  to Ccl in Sept
14.  REPORTS FROM MAYOR AND COUNCILLORS (Including updates on working groups)
Mayor: Greg Currie retires from Blue Bus last Friday after 36 years
one of our most imp institutions, him as is blue bus
how many depts there in NV thank you for inviting me
re Srs' Ctr fundraising; ppl love it {little commuter bus they're funding}; changed lives; limit isolation; want to keep it; raise $200K over three years; our contribution has been the bus; driver doesn't just drive, she.... good... Jocelyn Ray
> lots of requests for a Youth WG; Sop, you keep asking for that; building on what Police.... want to let you know not letting that drop; in March, have our partners here
TP: attended Fraser Basin Ccl mtg Feb 19 and 20
many faces of sustainability; estd in 1997; over-leveraged ecosystems; trumped envmt again
such swings have little to do with sustainability
integrating economy envmt, keep it in balance; pay attention to interconnections
climate action
Rivers institute
...no bailouts for our
securing our future
Sop: read the booklet, they cited WV
didn't cite us for, Mr Fung is our water ...
RF: a technicality, our watersheds do not flow into Fraser, into [Georgia Strait]
Mayor: you're looking for your name
Sop: Ccl Panz
not interested, now; anytime we can promote WV leadership
even Howe Sound Cmnty Forum; entire Howe Sound a watershed
Mayor: are we nominated for ... on Sat night?
RF: yes, we are
consulting engr; competition; excellence for Eagle Lake project along with Dayton Knight
Mayor: ppl started to trickle in to cmnty ctr; met staff; perhaps .... Mooi
AM: first day of xxx; tomorrow the parkade opens; on ... and ... move into bldg
phased approach March 16; variety of spring break....
Vanc Coastal health will open Mar 16; opening celebration Mar 28
great lawn will have fence around it for a short time b/c grass soft, lawn still has to be protected
fabulous facility, building makes you smile
15.  PUBLIC QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS
Mayor: sorry, we had already launched into our discussion and you wanted to talk about CompStat
Taylor Farrell: Quite all right
seeing you are the Chief of the Police Bd
Mayor: Chair
TF: one thing I noticed re drug-related arrests... youth drugs... key part of crime in this city
I go to a secondary school and drugs are a big problem there
don't know if WVPD take [drug] stats there, if they do not, they shd
and if do, shd be included in CompStat
Mayor: you also raised the point many aspects of crime analyzed within system were not raised
drug-related arrests sometimes present themselves as violence
gang-related and surveillance
all huge interest to cmnty; some will come up when the report comes forward on youth
appreciate your attention to that and there's more info Ccl can benefit by and think we'll make this a biannual presentation by the Police Dept.
CR:  Just a question about the permissive tax for the Legion.
Have they not been receiving some consideration for all this time?
I was under the impression they had been.  Is there a sudden change or is this an addition or ?
Mayor: I don't believe so, do you?
RL: This is the first request from the Legion that I'm aware of, Your Worship.
CR: Really?  Okay, thank you.
Mayor: We will follow up.  Thank you.
CR: tyvm
16.   ADJOURNMENT
===  Ccl Mtg AGENDA March 23rd  ===
1.  APPROVAL OF AGENDA
2.  ADOPTION OF MINUTES  --  March 2, 2009 Regular Council Meeting.
DELEGATIONS
3. D. Bickford and J. Morningstar, regarding Spuraway Bus Service  (File:  3294-01)
REPORTS
4. University of British Columbia Masters of Landscape Architecture Studio Partnership (File:  2190-01)
RECOMMENDED:  THAT
1.  Council receive for information the report dated February 24, 2009 from the Manager of Environment and Sustainability and presentation material regarding the findings of the UBC graduate students;
2.  Council request staff to consider the findings and recommendations of the studio for implementation where feasible; and
3.  Council support similar partnerships with academic institutions.
5. [Five-]Year Financial Plan Bylaw No. 4592, 2009 (File: 1610-20-4592/0860-01)
        RECOMMENDED: be introduced and read a first, second, and third time.
{Do hope that more time will be given for the public to read the document -- about 70 pages -- so that it can be reviewed and meaningful comment provided a PUBLIC mtgs.  How about it Council?  Have we four who want to give us time for input?  It doesn't have to be adopted until May 15th so we have more than a month!}
6. Special Council Meeting
RECOMMENDED: THAT a Special Council Meeting be scheduled for Monday, March 30, 2009 at 7:00 pm in the Municipal Hall Council Chamber.
        {Oh dear! and we thought we had another day off!  What issue is time-critical?}
7. Remedial Action for Excavation at 856 Anderson Crescent (File: 1605-07)
RECOMMENDED:
THAT Council [consider] that the excavation located on the Property at 856 Anderson Crescent, West Vancouver, and legally described as Lot 5, block 3, DL 1048, Plan 6735 (the "Property") creates an unsafe condition that poses a significant risk to the safety of both person on the Property and to person on adjoining properties;
AND THAT Council therefore [resolve] that within 30 days of receiving a copy of this resolution, the owner of the Property is required to:
1.  Extend the existing Lock Block wall into the northwest corner of the excavation and backfill with excavated soil. The soil backfill should extend from the top of the Lock Block wall to the top of the scarp at a slope angle not greater than 1V:1H(45=BA);
2.  Remove the remnant piece of rock and concrete wall resting on the gas line. Provide protection to the exposed portion of the gas line as recommended by Terasen Gas;
3.  Extend existing portions of the soil backfill up to the base of the concrete staircase;
4.  On the north wall of the excavation, cut back the slope in the soil above the very dense, grey till-like soil horizon to not greater than 1V:1H (45=BA);
5.  Completely cover the west, north and east walls of the excavation with polyethylene sheeting;
6.  Install suitable works to intercept and collect surface water flowing down the driveway at 866 Anderson Crescent such that it cannot flow into the excavation;
7.  Position the existing steel fence such that it is setback a minimum of 1 metre from the crest (top of scarp) of the excavation;
8.  Maintain the existing lighting and signage;
9.  Block pedestrian access to the concrete staircase;
10.   [Hire a] registered professional geotechnical engineer [to monitor] the stability of the excavation on a biweekly basis.
{Let's hope those reports have to provided to the District biweekly as well.}
8. March 23, 2009 Strategic Planning Update (File: 0270-07)
RECOMMENDED: THAT Council support the outline of deliverables and attendant schedule for Strategic Planning as presented in the Deputy CAO's report of March 23, 2009.
{Important for residents to read this.}
9. 2010 Olympic Games Transportation Plan (File: 0155-07)
        RECOMMENDED: THAT the update be received for information.
10. Development Permit Application No. 09-008 for Area 2 of Rodgers Creek (2600 block Chippendale Road) (File: 1010-20-09-008)
RECOMMENDED: THAT the report from the Manager, Community Planning dated March 11, 2009 ... be received for information.
11. Development Permit Application No. 09-010, 2330 Cypress Bowl Lane (Mulgrave School, Early Learning Centre) (File: 1010-20-09-010)
RECOMMENDED: THAT the Council Report from the Senior Urban Design Planner, dated March 10, 2009, ... be received for information.
12.  Update on Terms of Reference for a Social Action Plan Working Group  (File: 0117-20-CGNS/0117-20-SOCA)
RECOMMENDED:THAT:
1.  The development of a Terms of Reference for the Social Action Plan Working Group be deferred to 2010 pending completion of the District's Strategic Planning process in 2009;
2.  The "Blueprint for Social Responsibility and Change" be included as background in the District's Strategic Planning Process.
13. North Shore Advisory Committee on Disability Issues Review of 2008 Committee Work and 2009 Workplan and Budget (File: 0180-18-06)
RECOMMENDED: THAT
1.  The North Shore Advisory Committee on Disability Issues 2009 Workplan be approved; and
2.  The budget request for a one third share ($4,200) of the total budget ($12,600) be approved utilizing existing funds within the Grants in Aid budget (the funds of which have already been provisionally allocated in the draft 2009 Budget).
14. Management of Single-Use/Disposable Shopping Bags (File:  0190-09-01)
RECOMMENDED: THAT
1.  Council informs the Ministry of Environment and Metro Vancouver that the District of West Vancouver supports an Extended Producer Responsibility program for the management of disposable shopping bags; and
2.  whereas the Retail industry has voluntarily committed to a 50% reduction in the use of disposable shopping bags over the next 5 years, Council supports Metro Vancouver's education and outreach initiatives designed to encourage this goal.
BYLAWS
15. Delegation Bylaw No. 4580, 2008, Amendment Bylaw No. 4591, 2009 (File:  1610-20-4591)
        This bylaw received three readings at the March 2, 2009 meeting.
        RECOMMENDED:  be adopted.
CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS
16. Consent Agenda Items - Reports and Correspondence
REPORTS FOR CONSENT AGENDA
17. 2009 Appointments to Working Groups (File: 0117-01)
RECOMMENDED: be received for information.
{Unfortunately DWV has put this up in a way that I can't copy and paste but since I think you'd like to know, I'll type them in here for you:
Climate Action: Matt Alexander, Nora Gambiola, Malcolm Metcalfe, Freda Pagani, Michael Rosen, Adrian Rowland, Stephen Sheppard, Walter Thorneloe
Field Sports Forum: Mary Jo Campbell, Bill Drake, Ken McGovern, Doug Quinville, Leesa Reid, Sheri Shepard, Mark Steven
Measuring Up: Frank Kurucz
Spirit Trail: Sue Bunten, Rick Gregory, Caroline Helbig, David Jardine, Alissa Reder, William Miles, Alan Smith, Bart Copeland}
CORRESPONDENCE LIST FOR CONSENT AGENDA
18. Correspondence List (File:  0120 24)
Correspondence received up to February 27, 2009
> Requests for Delegation  --  No items presented.
> Action Required
1.  February 21, 2009, regarding West Vancouver Police Department
        Referred to Acting Chief Constable for consideration and response.
{This is an interesting letter.  Look forward to the answer when it appears in "Responses to Questions" soon.}
No Action Required (receipt only)
2.  Committee and Board Meeting Minutes
1.  Design Review Committee - October 9, 2008
2.  West Vancouver Memorial Library Board - January 21, 2009
3.  February 21, 2009, regarding Proposed Rezoning of 2190 Camelot Road
4.  R. Matthies, Vancouver Gadgeteers, February 24, 2009, regarding Water Boosted Gasoline Scooter
5.  J. Godey, The Rotary Clubs of the North Shore, February 16, 2009, regarding Operation Red Nose 2008
6.  Mayor D. Corrigan, City of Burnaby, February 18, 2009, regarding Burnaby School Lands
> Responses to Correspondence
7.  Mayor Goldsmith-Jones, February 23, 2009, response regarding April as Oral Health Month
> Responses to Questions in Question Period  --  No items presented.
Correspondence received up to March 6, 2009
> Requests for Delegation  --  No items presented.
>  Action Required
(8) March 5, 2009, regarding Snow Removal/Maintenance on 18th Street between Queens Avenue and Rosebery Avenue
        Referred to Director of Engineering and Transportation for consideration and response.
(9) March 1, 2009, regarding North Side Sidewalks on Marine Drive at 24th Street
        Referred to Director of Engineering and Transportation for consideration and response.
(10) Undated, regarding Concerns about Property Development
        Referred to Director of Planning, Lands. and Permits for consideration and response.
{Again, awaiting for answer in Responses and wd be interesting to know where this was, all trees removed leaving mounds of rocks.}
> No Action Required (receipt only)
(11) March 4, 2009, regarding Policing Costs and Effectiveness
{Hm.  Well, IMO, this merits a response so don't understand why for "receipt only" unless they decide to forward it to the WVPD for reply.  The writer quotes the Globe and Mail, Feb 28 pS3: "according to these figures, the NV RCMP produced a lower crime rate in 2007 at 44% of the per capita cost of the WV Police."}
(12) Hon. D. Black, Member of Parliament, February 24, 2009, regarding Support for Bill C-315 to Amend Criminal Code
(13) March 6, 2009, regarding Budget 2009
Responses to Correspondence
(14) B. Sokol, Director of Planning, Lands and Permits, February 27, 2009, regarding Update on the Status of the Fisherman's Cove Fuel Barge
(15) A. Mooi, Director of Parks and Community Services, March 6, 2009, regarding Trees and Invasive Species
{Interesting reply.}
>  Responses to Questions in Question Period  --  No items presented.
Correspondence received up to March 13, 2009
>  Requests for Delegation  --  No items presented.
Action Required
(16) March 15, 2009, regarding Dog Walking and the Seawall
        Referred to Director of Planning, Lands and Permits for consideration and response.
{Is it correct bylaws not being enforced?}
>  No Action Required (receipt only)
(17) S. Dowey, City of North Vancouver, March 5, 2009, regarding Lights Out Across Canada For Earth Hour - March 28, 2009
        Attachments available for viewing in Legislative Services Department.
(18) M. Hunt, Metro Vancouver Waste Management Committee, March 6, 2009, regarding Upcoming Public Meetings on the Proposed Waste Export Amendment to Metro Vancouver's Solid Waste Management Plan
(19) A. Sundberg and S. Papadionissiou, Greater Vancouver Regional Steering Committee on Homelessness, March 9, 2009, regarding Revised 2008 Homeless Count Report
        Attachments available for viewing in Legislative Services Department.
(20) March 12, 2009, regarding Marine Drive Bridge over Capilano River
(21) C. Day, Office of Canada's Transport and Infrastructure Minister, and A. Paine, Ministry of Community Development, March 13, 2009, regarding Canada, BC Support Infrastructure, Small Communities
Responses to Correspondence
(22) A. Mooi, Director of Parks and Community Services, March 12, 2009, regarding West Vancouver Family Place Society - Request to Establish a Service Agreement and Funding
Responses to Questions in Question Period  --  No items presented.

19. REPORTS FROM MAYOR AND COUNCILLORS (Including updates on working groups)
20.  PUBLIC QUESTIONS/COMMENTS           21. ADJOURNMENT

===  NEWSWATCH  ===  Ethnic Creeping
from http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/02/16/AR2009021601293.html
West Bank Land Seized As Israel Looks to Build
By Karin Laub, Associated Press, Tuesday, February 17, 2009; Page A09
EFRAT, West Bank, Feb. 16 -- Plans to expand a West Bank settlement by up to 2,500 homes drew Palestinian condemnation Monday and presented an early test for President Obama, whose Middle East envoy is well known for opposing such construction.
Israel opened the way for possible expansion of the Efrat settlement by taking control of a nearby West Bank hill of 423 acres. The rocky plot was recently designated state land and is part of a master plan that envisions the settlement growing from 9,000 to 30,000 residents, Efrat Mayor Oded Revivi said.
Israeli officials said any new construction would require several years of planning and various stages of approval.
The outgoing government of Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has said it reserves the right to keep building in large West Bank settlement blocs that it wants to annex as part of a final peace deal with the Palestinians. Efrat is in one of those blocs. Israel occupied the West Bank in the 1967 Middle East war. Palestinians envision the territory as part of their future state.
The composition of Israel's next government is not yet clear because last week's elections were inconclusive. But right-wing parties have a better chance of forming a ruling coalition, with hard-line leader Binyamin Netanyahu as prime minister.
Speaking to U.S. Jewish leaders Monday, the two contenders for leading the new Israeli government expressed their differences over the Palestinian issue.
Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni, whose centrist Kadima party won 28 of the 120 seats in parliament, said Israel must withdraw from "parts of the Land of Israel," a reference to the West Bank, in a peace deal.
Netanyahu, whose hawkish Likud party won 27 seats, said he does not want to govern Palestinians but insisted on Israeli control of borders, airspace and electronic communications.
Netanyahu supports settlement expansion and has derided peace talks with the Palestinians as a waste of time, saying he would focus instead on trying to improve the Palestinian economy. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has called Netanyahu's approach unacceptable.
"We oppose settlement activity in principle, and if the settlement activity doesn't stop, any meetings [with the Israelis] will be worthless," Abbas said Monday.
Settlement expansion would be likely to create friction with Obama's Mideast envoy, George J. Mitchell, who has long pushed for a freeze on the expansion of Jewish settlements.
Yesh Din, an Israeli human rights group involved in the Efrat expansion case, said Monday that over the years Israel's government has assigned almost all areas designated as state land to settlements. The group said that is a violation of international law, which requires an occupying power to act for the benefit of the local population.

===  WEBWATCH  === CPT Diary, February
CPT: Christian Peacemaker Team; Doves: Italian Peace Group; sometimes they work with Israeli Peace groups
[Note: According to the Geneva Conventions, the International Court of Justice in the Hague, and numerous United Nations resolutions, all Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian territories are illegal. Most settlement outposts are considered illegal under Israeli law.]
SUMMARY:
Nine times this month, the Israeli military imposed checkpoints along the road passing through At-Tuwani, sometimes harassing Palestinians using it. Checkpoints on this road hinder Palestinian traffic between the city of Yatta (the nearest economic, health and educational hub) and the remainder of the South Hebron Hills.
Palestinian shepherds in the South Hebron Hills continued nonviolent resistance by grazing their flocks on their land despite Israeli army and settler harassment. In seven instances this month, members of CPT and Operation Dove (the Doves) accompanied the shepherds as they successfully accessed their land without incident. In addition, the internationals documented Israeli settlers and soldiers harassing shepherds (seven and three times, respectively) while on Palestinian land.
On team during this period: Jan Benvie, Laura Ciaghi, Jessica Frederick, Joshua Hough, Sarah MacDonald, Ceylon Mooney (intern), Sean O'Neill, and the Doves.
Monday 2 February 2009
In the morning, Israeli soldiers shot dead a Palestinian man on the Israeli side of the border near the Palestinian village of Jinba and the Israeli settlement of Beit Yatir. Taysir Manasra, 27, from the Hebron area, was attempting to travel into Israel for work. Following this incident, CPTers documented two Israeli checkpoints in separate locations, at which Israeli soldiers detained, beat and harassed Palestinians (see 12 February At-Tuwani Release: Soldiers Crack Down on Palestinian Migrant Labor). At one checkpoint an Israeli soldier told Sarah MacDonald, who was monitoring the checkpoint, that two of the Palestinian detainees had no registration or ID, were likely terrorists, and "may cut your throat next!"
Tuesday 3 February
Israeli soldiers arrested a Palestinian at his home in Mfagara, 1 km southwest of At-Tuwani. They claimed that the van parked outside his home was not correctly registered; they insisted this even after he produced documents, which they then confiscated (see 12 February At-Tuwani Release: Soldiers Crack Down on Palestinian Migrant Labor). During this incident, Jan Benvie had several minutes of revealing conversation with one soldier, who concluded that the hundreds of children killed in Gaza would have all become terrorists in 20 years anyway (see 26 February At-Tuwani Release: Video Available on YouTube of Israeli Army Harassment).
Monday 9 February
Benvie and Jessica Frederick went to the old Havat Ma=92on Israeli settler outpost to accompany a Palestinian shepherd grazing his flock. Around 10:30 am, Israeli soldiers drove via the road between the Israeli settlement of Ma'on and outpost of Havat Ma'on. They stopped briefly at the outpost to speak with settlers, and then approached the shepherd. The shepherd slowly herded his sheep down the hill, telling Frederick he "didn't want problems." The soldiers told him he was not allowed on his land; he had to move farther down the hill. The shepherd remained with his flock on the land. The soldiers insisted it was illegal for both Israeli settlers and Palestinians to be in the area, but said they could not produce a map designating its boundaries. The soldiers left after the shepherd moved further downhill.
Just after 5 pm, Benvie and MacDonald observed an Israeli army checkpoint on the road to Yatta. The soldiers had stopped Palestinians driving toward Yatta and were ordering the driver to remove and hand over his license plates. They allowed other Palestinian vehicles to pass after checking IDs. Eventually the Palestinian gave the soldiers his license plates. Palestinians frequently tell CPT that Israeli occupation authorities confiscate their license plates, which prevents them from traveling on the Israeli settler highways.
Saturday 14 February
Ceylon Mooney and a Dove accompanied Palestinian shepherds and their flocks to Umm Zeituna Valley. At noon Mooney saw three settlers with a flock of sheep and goats on a hill near Havot Ma'on. He filmed a masked settler approaching. The settler remained on the opposite hillside.
Monday, 16 February
Benvie and Mooney accompanied shepherds near Old Havot Ma'on. Israeli settlers drove up and stopped on the nearest hilltop. Two Israeli settlers got out of the vehicle and walked toward them. The shepherds
moved down into a nearby valley while the CPTers shadowed the settlers who were following them. The CPTers tried to talk with the settlers, who seemed focused on reaching the shepherds. Satisfied that the Palestinians had moved to a greater distance, they stopped and spoke with the CPTers, asking why the Palestinians came onto the settlers=92 land. They did not accept any Palestinian right to the land, claiming it was theirs according to the Bible.
Wednesday 18 February
Frederick and two Doves accompanied a Palestinian shepherd on Old Havat Ma'on. Three Israeli settlers, one armed, drove to the area and got out of the vehicle. One used his mobile, one looked at a map, and they talked together while looking in the direction of the shepherd and internationals. After some time, the settlers returned to their truck and drove back towards Havat Ma'on, stopping to speak with Israeli soldiers in the the area. The soldiers then drove towards the Palestinian shepherd.
The soldiers spoke with the Doves and told them Palestinian shepherds are not allowed to graze on this land. The Doves gave them a document from the Association of Civil Rights in Israel articulating the Palestinians=92 rights to access their land. The soldiers then left.

===  BOOKWATCH  ===
Int'l Women's Day so I read a book on women.  If you want to shudder at how women live in other parts of the world, read Nine Parts of Desire: The Hidden World of Islamic Women by (Australian, now American) Geraldine Brooks.  The title is derived from the Koran, about love/desire in ten parts and nine belong to women.  Brooks was in the Middle East as a correspondent/journalist and I wanted to continue reading b/c it ended in 1994.  They've even made a one-woman play out of it.

===  HERITAGE: WV BOOKS  ===  Celebrated during Heritage Week:
* Hall, Peter
        Place Names of West Vancouver -- A Gazetteer
        Can be purchased at the gift counter at the West Van Museum
* Mansbridge, Francis:
        Hollyburn:  The Mountain and the City
Available at most of the local bookstores (but not the Book Warehouse) and also the West Vancouver Museum and Cypress Lodge (and from the author $25); at the Vancouver libraries and West Vancouver Library also.
*  Martin, Elinor and Ramsay, Margaret
Celebrating Seventy Years of Ministry 1933-2003
A History of the Parish of St. Christopher, West Vancouver B.C.
Can be purchased for $15 in the office of St. Christopher's Church, corner of 11th and Inglewood, any weekday from 9am to 1:00 p.m., or at 11am on Sundays after the morning service.  The WV Memorial Library has two copies; the Museum has one copy.

===  LANGUAGEWATCH  === 
March 4th was National Grammar Day. See:  http://nationalgrammarday.com/ for an incredible list of grammar/language blogs.  Maybe more on this in a later issue.

===  WORDWATCH  ===  EUPHEMISM
comes from the Greek word euphemia, which means "using the good word", usually in place of the accurate bad one. Recently we've become experts at it.
Printing trillions more dollars and growing government to cover new debts isn't so bad if we call it "stimulus". That is far smarter than saying something honest like, "I propose a new $1 trillion debt program. [opening paragraphs]...
We are going to have to pay these debts back by cutting federal spending and entitlements or raising taxes -- or both. Or we can convince panicky debt holders abroad to loan us even more money for years at near-zero interest rates. Or we can try simply printing trillions of new dollars to inflate the economy while hoping that creditors don't mind being paid with funny money.
~~ VICTOR DAVIS HANSON (Stanford University and Hoover Institution historian, journalist, and author of A War Like No Other: How the Athenians and Spartans Fought the Peloponnesian War, 2006), "Don't Waste a Crisis?" Washington Times, 17 January 2009.

===  MAIKU  ===  February/March 2009 -- three poems
***
        suddenly, some chirps --
                winter nights overtaken
                                  this dawn welcomes spring
***
                night's black sky drains, fades
                                to pale oyster grey
                                        then dawn glows mother of pearl
***
                                  Now is the winter
                                                of our discontent
                                                    will it be worse in summer?

===  QUOTATIONS  ===
*  FIRST -- in honour of Women's Day (in US it's Women's History Month; notes thx to Mardy Grothe):
+  On December 21, 1892, Rebecca West was born in London.  Although she originally aspired to be an actress, she began working as a journalist in the early 1900s when she became involved in the women's suffrage movement.  As her career progressed, she became a biographer, novelist, social critic, and chronicler of such important events as the Nuremberg Trials.  She was such an exceptional writer that George Bernard Shaw wrote, "Rebecca can handle a pen as brilliantly as ever I could and much more savagely."  West never married.  She had a ten-year affair with H. G. Wells, who fathered her only child.  She was made a Dame of the British Empire in 1959.  West had a keen, incisive mind and an exceptional way with words:
o    Before a war, military science seems a real science, like astronomy.
        After a war it seems more like astrology.
o    Did St Francis preach to the birds?  Whatever for?
        If he really liked birds he would have done better to preach to the cats.
o     Nothing succeeds like failure.
o     I find to my astonishment that an unhappy marriage goes on being unhappy when it is over.
o     There is no such thing as conversation.  It is an illusion.
        There are intersecting monologues, that is all.
o     People call me a feminist whenever I express sentiments that differentiate me from a doormat or a prostitute.   (written in 1913!)
o     There is, of course, no reason for the existence of the male sex except that sometimes one needs help with moving the piano.
o     Economists are like Aeolian harps, and the sounds that issue from them are determined by the winds that blow.
+  The inimitable Ayn Rand: The Argument from Intimidation is a confession of intellectual impotence.
*  MORE ON BOOKS
On July 3, 1883, Franz Kafka was born in Prague.  He failed to find happiness in his lifetime, but found great solace in reading, and then in his writing.  With books like "The Metamorphosis", The Trial", and "Amerika", he became one of the 20th-century's most influential writers.  In a 1904
letter to a friend, he wrote,
"If the book we are reading does not wake us, as with a fist hammering on our skull, why then do we read it?"
And then he added: "A book must be like an ice-axe to break the frozen sea within us."
*  THEN
The only person who is educated is the one who has learned how to learn . . . and change.
                        -- Carl Roger, American psychologist (1902 - 1987)
A bank is a place where they lend you an umbrella in fair weather and ask for it back when it begins to rain.
                        -- Robert Frost, American poet (1874 - 1963)
Worry is as useless as a handle on a snowball.                 --  Mitzi Chandler, American clinical counsellor
*  AND
My duty is to speak; I have no wish to be an accomplice.
                        -- Émile Zola, French writer in a letter, 15 January 1898.
There is the same difference in a person before and after he is in love
        as between an unlighted lamp and one that is burning.
The lamp was there and was a good lamp,
        but now it is shedding light, too, and that is its real function.
                        -- Vincent van Gogh, Dutch artist (1853 - 1890)
If your daily life seems poor, do not blame it; blame yourself, tell yourself that you are not poet enough to call forth its riches.
                                -- Rainer Maria Rilke, German poet (1875 - 1926)
To the world you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world.
        -- Heather Cortez, poet (quoted in Mutts cartoon, San Francisco Chronicle, 13 Feb 2009)

*  RIDDLE Answer:  NO, BUT APRIL MAY