WVM2010-03
Jan 25 Ccl NOTES
AGENDA Feb 1
Calendar to Feb 11
by
Carolanne Reynolds, Editor
www.WestVan.org
Budget Blues and
Countdown to the Olympic torch!
IN THIS ISSUE:
Main Items on Agenda Feb 1st: Dundarave Festival of
Lights; Olympic Transportation Plan; Road Closure/Hwy Dedication 4112
Burkehill (Bylaw Adoption); Strategic Plan WG Final Report;
Second Reading of Amended Bylaw for Fees and Charges for Sec
Stes (staged, reviewed); 2010 Draft BUDGET BYLAW (info to be
provided so why not time for public and cmnty groups to review and
comment?); Metro Regional Growth Strategy (not
supporting; has Upper Lands a Green Zone?); DVP App for 2604
Palmerston set for Mar 1; some letters on the budget in
Correspondence (why aren't they with that agenda item?)
= BREAKING 2010 BUDGET NEWS!
= Vive le Canada (Victoria and Vancouver);
ANIMALWATCH (even more Octopi, if I don't watch I think I'm going to
die! and bottle-nosed dolphins' teamwork); from the EDITOR'S DESK
(Good/Sad News); UPDATES (Gleneagles Clubhouse; WVSPCA); Olympic
Torch Relay Feb 10
= CALENDAR to Feb 12th; CULTUREWATCH
(Theatre, Music)
= Ccl Mtg NOTES Jan 25th: DVP App 4726
Woodvalley Place; [WV Streamkeeper/EPN] Student Salmon
Survey; Sport Field Master Plan; Five-Year Financial Plan
Bylaw / Draft Budget 2010 Bylaw {Version 6 not
presented, Version 5 defeated; met Jan 27 re more options for reducing
the increase? Zero anyone? nope! mtg produced .69% };
Correspondence including Cmnty Grants Cmte minutes of June 8
last year {at last -- maybe b/c of changes and as a result
of my questions?}, flooding on Cranley, Theme for Heritage Week
Feb 15 - 21 Sport and Recreation {fits in with
Olympics!}; reply re loan from Endowment Fund but not legal
opinion requested.
= Ccl Mtg Feb 1st -- SUBSCRIBER
SUMMARY!
= NEWSWATCH (US grain for fuel; Patience/Endurance tested);
MAIKU (inspired by The Edward Curtis Project, play at PH in NV);
QUOTATIONS/BUDGETS/ECONOMISTS/PUN
***
LATE-BREAKING NEWS ! Budget down to zero?
Ccl heading toward a
zero-increase budget for 2010 at ccl mtg Feb 8th.
At the Feb 1st Council
Meeting, Council chose not to adopt a 0.69% tax increase. A
Motion was approved to defer to a Finance Committee mtg on Wed Feb 3rd
at 9:30am to review the budget in more detail. At that meeting,
Council directed staff to prepare the Budget Bylaw with a 0% tax
increase.
=== Vive le Canada ===
Victoria and Vancouver
> An interesting time lapse film of Vancouver.
> Fantastic 360=B0 Panorama view from the air of
Metropolitan Vancouver.
Warning: it does take a bit of
time to load the picture.
=== ANIMALWATCH ===
Octopi
> 2006 Aug 07
--
Here is a video that shows how smart
cephalopods are. This is my octo opening a vending machine toy
container to get to a crab. The first time I put one in, it took him a
day to open it. This video... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_umYYoqaGl4&NR=1
> We
put a crab in a glass jar and screwed the cover on. Watch Violet the
octopus unscrew the cap and remove the crab. Here's where Violet
lives: www.biomescenter.com
A pod of [bottlenosed] dolphins off the
coast of Florida have developed a remarkable hunting strategy in order
to catch fish. Another awesome thing about this technique is that only
one female in the pod can create this ring. From the first
episode (Challenges of Life) of the new BBC series Life. http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00lbpcy
=== from the EDITOR'S DESK
===
+ Good news
Ccl
seems poised to pass a "zero per cent" budget Feb 8th --
they listened.
ADRA,
ITAC, WVM, and others requested reduction and time.
Appreciated.
fyi: The Maclean's survey of 31 Canadian cities
found that, on average, in comparing staff numbers, cities have one
FTE per 100 residents - for West Vancouver it's one FTE per 70
residents (or 60, if including Transit), at the low end of the range.
ie higher number of staff per resident.
Elizabeth James's column in the NSNews provided some information
and statistics:
Outside the suites looking in -- Published: Wednesday, January 27,
2010
"The easiest cheque to
write is the one drawn on someone else's money." William R.
Bennett, former B.C. premier
+ Sad news
Olga Ruskin, woman of many accomplishments and with several of us
at the founding of the North Shore Heritage Cmte, later she was the WV
rep. Many may have seen her programs on Shaw, Our Pioneers and
Neighbours. Some of her Shaw shows (three of them, Munday, North
Lonsdale, Spillsbury) are up here:
http://www.youtube.com/user/pioneighbourCelebration of her life will be 11am Tuesday March 23 at the
Vancouver Club, 915 West Hastings.
=== UPDATES ===
Council Approves Operator for Gleneagles
Golf Course Clubhouse Restaurant / Banquet Hall
Last night District
of West Vancouver Council approved a Licence Agreement with Mr. Bernd
Rohde of West Vancouver, to provide restaurant and banquet hall
services at the newly-renovated Gleneagles Golf Course Clubhouse.
"Mr. Rohde has a track record of success in food services and
event management and exactly the commitment to working with the
community that we were looking for," said Mayor Pamela
Goldsmith-Jones.
In April, the
Gleneagles Golf Course Clubhouse will officially open to the
public. The facility will be a natural gathering place for
golfers and the community to enjoy. All ages will be welcomed in
both the restaurant and the banquet hall. The restaurant will be
open early to meet the needs of those teeing off first thing in the
morning, and will provide service to golfers, residents and visitors
throughout the day.
The Clubhouse
facility features a magnificent banquet ball (also known as The Great
Hall) to host weddings, parties, and special events. The banquet
hall services will be available for the community to book at
competitive rates...
WVSPCA
Loonies for Love... February is Love Month and our
animals on the North Shore need a little
love.
Help make the life of our
shelter animals more comfortable by participating in our Loonies for
Love program.
Bring your Loonies, or spare
change, to the SPCA shelter on Pound Road beside the Ambleside playing
fields
in West Vancouver. Your
kind contribution will help in our efforts to save the lives of these
homeless animals.
* Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torch
Relay
Wednesday,
February 10, 2010
Join us! We are
thrilled to play host to visitors from around the world, and to
celebrate with our community and communities across Canada in the 2010
Olympic Torch Relay. Our planned celebration showcases the unique
character of our community and features live performances, visual
artistry, traditional and contemporary music. We are honoured to be a
part of an exceptional Olympic tradition. This event is free and
open to the public.
+ Horseshoe Bay Olympic
Torch Run and Pancake Breakfast
The Torch arrives by BC Ferry
at 7am at Horseshoe Bay after visiting Bowen Island. Gather at
7am at the Ferry Terminal in Horseshoe Bay, and along Bay and Nelson
Streets to cheer on our Olympic Torch bearers.
Make your way to the
Gleneagles Cmnty Ctr for a Pancake Breakfast
7:30 - 9
am
- Community Breakfast Relay Route - Gleneagles Community
Centre
Hosted by the Horseshoe Bay
Biz Assn, the Western Residents' Association, DWV, Safeway, and
Blenz Coffee. Admission: Tons of community
spirit!
6 - 7 pm
- Live music and
performance from local artists and community groups - WV Cmnty
Ctr Spirit Square
7 - 9 pm
- Cheer on our
West Vancouver torchbearers as they carry the Olympic spirit into our
community
The WV section of the Torch
Relay will commence at approx 6:35pm from Hwy 1 and Westmount. It will
run south to Marine Dr and then go north up 22nd, across Mathers,
south on 15th, on Inglewood, south on 11th to Marine Dr and then
west to the Cmnty Ctr.
The
Official Torch Relay Celebration will take place beginning at 6:45 PM
with Chor Leoni.
The Torch is
expected to arrive at Spirit Square at 8:00 PM.
9 - 9:15 pm
- Canadian Winter Sport Showcase
Twice nightly the
Spirit Square will come alive with this unique performance created
specially for West Vancouver 2010 by URP Event Production and Creative
Services. A cast of 12 professional dancers perform in, around, and on
top of the building in a celebration of Canada's winter sports. The
live performance is complemented by a dynamic soundtrack, huge video
screen, and high tech lighting design.
9:15 - 11 pm
- Delhi 2 Dublin
Vancouver-based
Delhi 2 Dublin is a group of five musicians who mash up electronica
and world music, keeping it heavy on the Bhangra, Celtic, and Dub
flavours. The crew -- by fusing tabla, fiddle, dhol, Punjabi vocals,
and electric sitar with scorching electronic beats -- takes listeners
of all ages on a wild ride through global sounds and
synchronicities.
More
Information
Updated Torch Relay Route -- Traffic and parking during
the Torch Relay
Follow the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torch Relay on its tour
across Canada
Information about the Olympic Torch coming through your
community
For more info --
www.westvancouver2010.ca/torchrelay
=== CALENDAR to Feb 11th
===
{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, cannot possibly, be complete.
Please check DWV website wrt cmtes and WGs that are of interest to
you.}
= Tuesday Feb 2 ~5:30pm ~ Housing Pilot Prog
WG
= Wednesday Feb 3
~
9:30am ~ Special Finance Cmte (re Budget 2010 shooting for
zero!)
~ 4pm ~
Climate Action WG at Cmnty Ctr (Cedar Rm)
~
6:30pm ~ Lower Caulfeild Nbrhd Review at St Francis in the Wood
Church
= Thursday Feb 4
~ 7:30am ~ Field Sports Forum WG; Worksyard Conference Rm,
Operations Ctr, 3755 Cypress Bowl Rd
~ 6:45 - 8:45pm ~ Devt Information Open House re 2203 Marine
Dr and 787 - 815 22nd St
WV
Library, Welsh Hall
= Wednesday Feb 10 ~ 5 - 9:30pm ~ WV Cmnty Ctr
-- Olympic Torch
Relay Community Celebration
Olympic Torch Relay Community Celebration
= Thursday Feb 11 ~ 4:30pm ~ Design Review Cmte
[CANCELLED]
+++ 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
Stay up to date with what's going on at the Library
- Register now for our
Monthly eNewsletter!
2010 Olympics Library Events
English Corner
Practise English conversation, discuss interesting topics, make
new friends. Come to English Corner Friday, February 5 from 10 to
11:30am in the Welsh Hall.
Find out more...
The next exhibition is Monster, presented with the Vancouver 2010
Cultural Olympiad with the support of the Audain Foundation, opening
February 4
Monster -- Exhibition runs from February
5 to May 8
Presented with
the Vancouver 2010 Cultural Olympiad with
the support of the Audain Foundation
Opening Reception Feb 4
Thursday 7pm
Monsters have appeared throughout the ages
and in most cultures. Fear, paranoia, and the triumph of good over
evil manifests itself in horror, polarized societies, and intolerance
giving rise to monsters rooted in folklore, mythology, legend,
literature, art, and popular culture. This contemporary art exhibition
features innovative works by leading Canadian and international
artists Shuvinai Ashoona, Shary Boyle, Lutz Braun, Beau Dick, Marcel
Dzama, Alexandra Flood, Sandra Meigs, Nick Sikkuark, Corin Sworn,
Joseph Tisiga, Howie Tsui, and Nicola Tyson who explore monstrous
sensibilities in their practice.
Artist talks: Saturday, February 6 -- Howie
Tsui: 1 - 2:30pm; Alexandra Flood: 3 - 4:30pm
Saturday March 20 -- Sandra Meigs: 1:30 - 3pm
FEBRUARY 9 - MARCH 5
TED HARRISON "Painting
Stories"
The Ferry Building Gallery is honoured to present an exhibition
of 27 original illustrations for The Cremation of Sam McGee and The
Shooting of Dan McGrew. On loan from the Yukon Arts Centre.
The exhibition is generously sponsored by Julie Miller, Prudential
Sussex Realty. There will also be additional works from Artists
For Kids.
Opening Reception: Feb 9 Tuesday 6 -
8pm
+++ SILK PURSE +++
www.silkpurse.ca
"Super
Natural BC -- February 2 - 14
To celebrate BC in 2010,
this unique exhibition of 20 artists from the Lower Mainland
represents all visual art disciplines and depicts BC landscape art,
Vancouver cityscapes, and awe-inspiring images of the West Coast.
Vancouver is home to a very rich and diverse art scene and the Silk
Purse welcomes artists: Enda Bardell, Marnie Boullard, Kirsten Chursinoff,
Betty Ditters, Joan Fraser, Jim Gladden, Sachiyo Grossmann, Charlotte
Grundig, Amir Jam, Tessa Johnston, Sarah Johnstone, Louisa Leibman,
Frank Levin, Marguerite Mahy, Christiane Markgraf, B. Adrienne Moore,
Gloria O'Neil, Barbara Parkin, Riitta Peirone, and Cathy
Roddie for this special
show during the Olympics.
Opening
Reception: TUESDAY February 2nd from 6 - 8pm
+++ KAY MEEK CENTRE
+++
+ 7pm Sunday
Feb 7 + IN THE SPOTLIGHT: A CREBER MUSIC CABARET
+ 7:30pm Monday
Feb 8 + MOVIES AT THE MEEK: CAIRO TIME
+++ ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION BRANCH 60, West
Vancouver +++
The Winter Issue of "The Torch"
is available.
To view the newsletter, just click the
following link for direct access:
Best regards, Janice
Mackay-Smith, The Torch
*** One of the
Legion's most popular entertainers, Greg Hampson, will be singing here for your listening and/or dance
pleasure on Saturday, February 6th. As weekend dance music is now limited to
Special Events, you may enjoy coming down and seeing Greg. He
will be playing from 7 to 11pm. He plays wonderful music, he is great to dance
to, and he takes requests!
CHAMBER BREAKFAST Jan 20 with the
Mayor was sold out; v good speech, on DWV website:
>>> Paint
the town
Red Award
Presentation and
Chamber 2010 Social
5 - 7pm
Thursday, February 11th
Hosted by Crave Restaurant,
1362 Marine Dr. Complimentary hors d'oeuvres from Heirloom
Catering prepared by Chef Wayne Martin. Wayne Martin is the owner of
Crave and Fraiche Restaurants. Complimentary wine sponsored by
Red Rooster Wines.
MEMBERS
FREE --
Non-Members - $25 (plus GST) for one ticket or $40 (plus GST) for two
tickets (If a non-member joins the WV Chamber at time of registration
for Awards the $25/$40 fee will be waived)
=== CULTUREWATCH
===
Cultural Olympiad Events:
*
THEATRE
+ THE ARTS CLUB (687
1644)
- Mrs. Dexter and Her
Daily -- January 7 - February 7 -- Stanley Industrial
Alliance Stage
by Joanna McClelland Glass, directed by Marti
Maraden
Starring Nicola Cavendish and Fiona Reid
A world premiere
co-production with Canada's National Arts Centre English
Theatre
- NEVERMORE: The Imaginary Life and
Mysterious Death of Edgar Allan Poe
Production conceived by Jonathan Christenson and
Bretta Gerecke
Presented with the Vancouver 2010 Cultural
Olympiad -- Jan 21 - Feb 6 -- Granville Island
Stage
A Catalyst Theatre
production, presented with The Cultch and the PuSh International
Performing Arts Festival
A Musical Fable for Adults
-- "All that we see or seem is but a dream within a dream." So
wrote Poe nearly two hundred years ago. His lingering myths are fused
with music in this enthralling, fantastical rendering of the Gothic
dreamscape of his life, revealing the psychology of the man whose
haunting, darkly comic writings resonate in each of our tell-tale
hearts. http://www.artsclub.com/20092010/plays/nevermore.htm
+ VANCOUVER PLAYHOUSE
-- tix 873 3311
Beyond Eden -- world
premiere, part of the 2010 Cultural Olympiad -- Jan 16 to Feb
6
In the abandoned Haida
village of Ninstints stand totem poles. They have stood there for
decades. Lewis Wilson and his long-time friend and colleague Max
Tomson are on an expedition to rescue these totem poles and save them
from their waterlogged, beetle-infested, and fragile condition. On
their journey both men struggle: Wilson with his authority and
resistance to removing the poles; Max to find his place between the
white world and his Haida ancestry.
+ Jericho Arts Centre,
1675 Discovery -- 224 8007 -- Ivanov by Chekhov Jan 22 to Feb
14
New translation by Tom Stoppard
=== COUNCIL NOTES Jan
25th ===
+ SUBSCRIBER SUMMARY
What happened?
AWOOGAH!
No Version 6 Budget 2010 presented at mtg! Instead Ccl
unanimously defeated last week's Version 5 of Budget 2010 that had a
2.43% increase!
Since no Version 6 presentation (Mon Jan 25), must have known it
wasn't going to fly. Looks like Ccl has been listening....
Ccl has asked staff to come back scenarios zero, 0.5%, and 1.0%.
The CAO, quite justifiably and reasonably, asked for direction before
preparing the new bylaw for Ccl's consideration Monday Feb 1st.
The Mayor then called for a Finance Cmte/Workshop -- OPEN!--
for 9am Wednesday Jan 27.
So it looks as if it will be reduced but how much and where are
the questions.........
Keep in mind even if "zero" achieved, there's still the
average household's increase of the $238 utility fees.
Watch the debate in action! Act Two will be Monday Feb
1st. It's your money.
Other Highlights of the Ccl mtg:
= Interesting presentation by Streamkeepers and EPN re
salmon coming back to our streams
= Impressive report on the Sport Field Master Plan (Terms
of Reference and Collaborative Funding)
= Budget: 7:45 - 9:22; Comments by ITAC, ADRA, Yours Truly,
and others (most advocate zero)
= Oil Tank Presentation with clarification and mea
culpa
= Reports: Opening of new Childcare Ctr, Opening of the
Welsh Hall (at the Library)
= Mayor rightly pleased her talk at the Ch of Commerce
breakfast was sold out even when double the usual price.
+ PARTIAL TRANSCRIPT
=== Ccl Mtg NOTES Jan
25th ===
1. CALL TO ORDER OPEN SESSION
2. EXCLUSION OF THE PUBLIC
RECOMMENDED: THAT in the public interest, members
of the public be excluded from part of the January 25, 2010 regular
Council Meeting on the basis of matters to be considered under the
following section of the Community Charter:
90. (1) A part of a council meeting may be closed
to the public if the subject matter being considered relates to or is
one or more of the following:
(a) personal information about an identifiable
individual who holds or is being considered for a position as an
officer, employee or agent of the municipality or another position
appointed by the municipality;
2. personal information about an
identifiable individual who is being considered for a municipal award
or honour, or who has offered to provide a gift to the municipality on
condition of anonymity;
4. the acquisition, disposition or
expropriation of land or improvements, if the council considers that
disclosure could reasonably be expected to harm the interests of the
municipality;
5. the security of the property of
the municipality;
3. ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION -- Council will then proceed
with the closed session.
7:00 PM following conclusion
of the closed session
4. RECONVENE OPEN SESSION
Mayor: Welcome...before a motion to approve the agenda, just to
congratulate on behalf of Ccl and the entire cmnty, the WVPD for its
quick action last Tuesday afternoon when we were faced with armed
robbers in Dundarave. This was a first class containment
exercise in real life involving collaboration between the VPD, NV
RCMP, the NV RCMP Dog Unit, AirOne, and the WVPD. It was a real
life example of the incredible importance of our interoperability with
our E-Comm radio system and integrated policing. And everybody
deserves our congratulations and our gratitude, and we are in v good
hands here in WV, so thank you. Those ppl were in court in the morning
and charged.
5. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Amended by adding to Item 10 and replacing the first page...
updating title and motion re oil tank storage presentation;
withdrawing Item 12 and adding to Correspondence List items 12.1,
12.2, and 12.3 (a) to (m).
6. ADOPTION OF MINUTES
7. DELEGATIONS
W. Kim and J. McDaniel regarding Student Salmon Surveys
(File: 1015-01)
PowerPoint presentation to be provided.
John Barker: Coordinator of Student Programs with WV
Streamkeepers
[text provided:
WEST VANCOUVER
STREAMKEEPERS / EPN STUDENTS -- PRESENTATION to COUNCIL Jan 25
at 7pm
Madam Mayor,
Council.
My name is John Barker. With
me tonight are two students from WV Secondary School: Joseph McDaniel,
a Grade 11 student, and Wonjun Kim, a Grade 10 student
I am a member of the West
Vancouver Streamkeeper Society and serve as the coordinator of Student
Programs. Streamkeepers are volunteers from the community whose
task is to help maintain the health of our streams and work to protect
and enhance the salmon, trout, and other aquatic species that reside
in these waters.
For many years, among other
activities, Streamkeepers have surveyed streams in our community,
enumerating returning salmon that will spawn in our local
creeks.
A few years ago we were
approached by a teacher sponsor of a student group at WV Secondary to
see if there was an initiative that could involve students in some of
the Streamkeeper work.
We decided to offer an
opportunity to these students, who are members of a school
organization called EPN, that stands for Environment Protection
Network, and for the students to join Streamkeepers in surveying some
of our creeks for returning adult salmon.
In December last year we
completed our third year of this program. Our participating
numbers have grown from 28 students in the first year, to 32 in the
second year and 46 students last year.
The program is as
follows.
Students are divided into
teams and each team has a Streamkeeper sponsor who works with the
students. This past year, we had nine teams surveying zones mainly on
Brothers Creek but also including Hadden, Lawson, and McDonald plus a
team of students from Bowen Island who surveyed two streams in that
community.
Each team completes one
survey a week for seven weeks starting in
mid-October.
We had a rather remarkable
year for returning salmon but that is the story for the students to
tell.
Now I would like to turn this
over to them. Wonjun Kim will be providing you with a statistical
summary of the findings for 2009 and he will be followed by Joseph
McDaniel who will give you a student's perspective of the learning
experience from this program.
[COMMENTS BY JOSEPH
MCDANIEL]
As a student who has been
part of the Salmon Survey program for three years now, I can truly say
that it has been a tremendously valuable learning experience for us
all.
One of the first things it
taught us was responsibility, for we'd have to show up at the survey
site on the same day and time for eight weeks a row, and not just be
there with all our gear, but be there with willingness and enthusiasm
to learn all that the Streamkeepers would teach us.
And one of the most important
things they taught us was not just to see the creek or the fish as
isolated things, but to see them as part of a whole environment, a
whole community that we as humans are responsible for stewarding and
nurturing.
And so when we went out we
wouldn't just count fish, but would look out for the birds, the
trees, and vegetation and learn to appreciate them all. And it is this
appreciation for all creatures that we as youth want to pass on to our
parents, our friends, and future generations.
Lastly, I would like to say
that the Salmon Survey program has been great fun for us all. Whenever
we went out we'd always be so thrilled to see the fish battling
their way upstream, whether [it was] the first fish we'd seen or the
hundredth.
And we are so grateful to the
Streamkeepers [for giving] us this opportunity to have fun and do good
work at the same time, and we hope that the excitement can continue
for years to come.
---]
Mayor: why higher numbers?
Ans: fluctuation in runs; rain, perfect for salmon to
return
TP: you do incredible work wonderful -- anything else you
do?
Ans: one of the main events, ongoing maintenance and stewardship
of Hay Park
planting
100 juvenile salmon and cutthroat trout
special to Eva Jordensen...
annual Tenderfoot Egg-Take; Adopt-a-Fry event in April
Sop: congratulations
before you were born cd see a sea of red -- where gone?
incredible work by volunteers, numbers slightly increase in 30
years
where did they go? those fish are disappearing; can't accept fact
nothing is done world wide
Mayor: think you shd come annually
windup was marvellous but at high school so think shd come [to
Ccl]
ML: congratulations, Cclr Sop, whose thanks is often longer than
the presentation
congratulations; wish I was a competent as you in a PowerPoint
presentation
REPORTS
At the Dec 14 reg mtg Ccl received the report dated Dec 1 from
the Cmnty Planner and set the date for consideration for Jan 25.
{The report on the application received but no
correspondence.}
{Geri Boyle, staff, gave overview; already there want to make
more convenient while they age; slide has drawing; coverage less than
10% and FAR of .17, protects trees on north face}
variances storeys, bldg ht, accessory bldg, parking; want to
have sec street and want parking not to be pervious.
Sop: what classification does it come into?
GB: sgl-fam house
Sop: registered?
GB: wd hv to be; some of those procedures still being
developed
Sop: if new owner doesn't want sec ste?
GB: second kitchen eg wd hv to be decommissioned?
Sop: process, Mr Sokol? Ms Boyle? See, I--
Mayor: --excuse me, Cclr Sop, if you've got some
questions--
Sop: that's the question I'm asking; I haven't got an answer
yet
Mayor: I think what you're getting at is the whole subject of the
debate, so I think that's for Ccl to work out, given the proposal in
front of us, and Ms Boyle will be available in that discussion if we
have further questions. I don't think she's able to say without
Ccl's discussion of variances
Sop: I'm just asking, I didn't get an answer; you said ask
questions; that's what I'm doing
Mayor: The debate is for Ccl to have, not for the senior planner
to have with you before we get there. Do you have any other
questions?
Sop: well, the question was to Mr Sokol then.
Sokol: applicant will be able to submit plans with a sec ste;
plans will be reviewed, if no bldg plans they cd still use that sq ftg
as part of main house b/c still well below FAR allowed.
Ev: ref to a shed that owner wishes to retain -- what's the
signif?
GB: shed came to staff's attention when being reviewed
original with Bldg Dept, originally going to Bd of Var
shed has been there for many years b/c trees grown up around
it
Ev: does it matter if there's a shed or not?
GB: applicant wd like to keep it?
Marty Bailey [?]: shed is a workshop, there when I bought it in
2005
difficult to move; when I had the prop surveyed and close to prop
line
we're not looking to rent, v small house, ....
Sokol: one of the variances is to the sideyard to 3ft 3in to
accommodate the shed
Mayor: no correspondence?
SSch: no
{Mayor asked three times, no one came forth}
PRESENTATION BY APPLICANT
CALL FOR PUBLIC INPUT
SW moved: THAT the proposed DVP App which would provide for an
existing dwelling with a third storey and covered deck to be
retained, be approved.
{How did it get built without approval? Did anyone
ask?}
Great proposal the applicant wants to age in place; secondary or
not has nothing to do with it, support of diversified houses in our
nbrhds.
Ev: likewise comfortable; goals we've been
like one of the pilot projects
Sop: I'm always curious when new devt when it comes by a diff
way, by addn of a ste to a house
appearance of the variances, quite high from normal
standards
all the best to the owner, is this a new direction we're going to
find?
devt in future a secondary ste in a home? this the norm for
the entire WV?
have we finished our dialogue on housing?
I don't think so; I question these things
some other person may come along, get ste in future, thus another
large house; where are the guarantees?
TP: supportive of sec stes -- cd this hv gone forth as an inlaw
ste with the policy we had before? b/c it's not going to be a rental
unit
GB: in original discussion, had been talking to us as an inlaw
ste? started talking long ago
ML: not sure you answered Cclr Panz's question cd this have gone
ahead?
GB: yes
ML: that was my question.
Mayor: this is a classic example of a number of variances; speak
directly to maintaining nbrhd character
conforming houses that can be v destructive of the lot, the
setting, and the nbrhd
I don't think anyone in WV wd consider a 1750sf with 800sf ste or
addition as excessive in the least, so my msg as a result of the
Housing Dialogue is to encourage ppl to work with what they've got and
to respect the site that they own, and believe that our Ccl is v
interested in that and less interested in the support that our
Zoning Bylaw lends to large insensitive homes.
{so fix the bylaw! counting basements in the FAR wd
help}
I think this is a successful step forward; I'm v plsd with the
application myself. Call the question?
Sop: may I just comment back?
Mayor: sure
Sop: and respectfully; I agree, Mdm Mayor
When others look at the bylaw, max 25ft and we're at
35'10", we're offering
highest bldg face 22ft and we're at 33ft+ inches
number of storeys two and a basement to four and a
basement
somebody comes along and says, they got a great variance,
terrific; I'm going to do the same thing
{YES, wise to be worried -- those are considerable
variances!}
that's where we're heading with sgl-fam lots throughout this
cmnty
Mayor: and away from blasting
MOTION CARRIED
Corinne Ambor, staff: MaryJo Campbell is here to give the
presentation tonight
MJC: and predecessor received feedback needing a game plan
SLIDES
Support Field Master Plan SFMP; FSFWG
two components: T of Ref; collaborative funding mode
TofRef, used input from other groups; WG reviewed in early Dec;
circulated to groups; broadly supported
Collaborative Funding: $10K in budget for this master plan;
groups will match by $5K in-kind expertise and $5K in cash
donations
Wd like to get going on plan asap.
TP asked all the mbrs of the WG to stand: Thank you for all your
hard work.
I move THAT
1. The report dated January 25, 2010 from the Park
Programs Manager titled, be received;
2. The Draft Terms of Reference attached as Appendix
A be approved;
3. The Collaborative Funding Model in this report be
approved, and that Working Group and staff be directed to
proceed.
wd like to amend, "subject to approval of the 2010
Budget".
I think it wd be appropriate to release a decision Ccl made wrt
Ambleside
I'll read this out: proceed with Option One [described; no
parkade] and Option Two [described plus second phase of public
consultation]
wrt location of field house I have a question --
clarification?
AM: refer to Andrew Parks, Mgr of Parks
AP: been working with groups on this; still working on details,
looking at a site close to where existing field bldg is.
TP: great interest to soccer cmnty of Field B, is that embedded
in the plan?
AP: through this process, we're making all effort that we don't
compromise; xxx
alternate field B; looking fwd for WG to recommend
TP: I've had the pleasure of working with two groups; have worked
well together and not always easy; worth noting how these sports field
groups have increased and many youth.
The users in 1986 1845 and in 2004, 7580; trend upward and
think Sports Field Master Plan looking how to use more efficiently,
working collaboratively, shd be commended.
Ev: thank you to the group, in particularly for making that
monetary contribution both in-kind and cash, demonstrates
earnestness. Value that and them
Mayor: we're running to keep up with the sports field users;
we're all the beneficiaries
PASSED
10. [Five-]Year Financial Plan Bylaw No. 4628
- 2010 Draft Budget Bylaw
(File: 1610-20-4628)
Information to be provided.
RECOMMENDED: THAT "[Five-]Year Financial Plan Bylaw"
be read a first and second time.
Mayor: we'll move first reading, hear public, then move to second
reading and Ccl debate
This is opening the discussion
David Marley: When I heard Cclr Sop speak about red, thought he
was talking about the budget
pare it by $1.8M
2008 election; wanted to see introduction of some fiscal
restraint
half way through term; take action now
Barbara Pettit: Western Nbrhds, neither chair nor vice
chair
commend on budget; watched last week, and BSC
model for responding to NIMBYism
84% want more variety in housing options
want to test new options and how they can be integrated
our WG was asked to devp [pilot projects]; selected two; commend
you for including our recommendations in the budget; high priority in
the budget
learning and ....; with more staff time can look
wch we are currently developing
will give Ccl useful direction, housing needs; achieve a more
sustainable cmnty
on behalf of the WG privilege to work with professional staff
xxxxx
as a private citizen; b/c involved with WG have heard nothing but
positive from
report the Robbie Burns Night was an absolutely huge
success
Scott Hean: last time I think I came after the dog
glad to see .... budget attracts a goodly crowd
after I pushed the send button, I realized a made a gross error,
so I won't go into that again
live in HBay and mbr of ITAC; speaking on behalf of myself and my
wife
the as-usual attitude disappointing
[text supplied:
As you know, I am the
cofounder of the Interested Taxpayers Action Committee ("ITAC")
which will submit its position relative to the District's proposed
budget on January 25. Garrett Polman will be making that submission on
behalf of ITAC, which position I wholeheartedly support particularly
increasing reserves to infrastructure (roads, sewers,
water).
The apparent business as
usual attitude contained in the budget is quite disappointing.
While District staff and you have made a concerted effort to have a
more timely budget debate (and thank you for that), these efforts have
resulted in a continued status quo operating environment.
Notwithstanding numerous voices in the community over the past 3 or 4
years which said enough is enough particularly in these times of
trouble, this status quo environment is no longer
valid.
I once had a boss who kept
saying (as a paraphrase) "give me a breakout strategy not the
small band aids you guys always come up with". Band aids are
not the answer here.
Every where one looks, the
damage of this current and continuing worldwide economic shock can be
seen:
Building permits down in
West Vancouver 64% year over year,
For rent signs in empty
store fronts along Marine Drive,
the increasing list of
people deferring their taxes,
seniors on a fixed income
(and a growing percentage of DVW's aging static population) have
seen a real decrease in their incomes, and
Other municipalities are
experiencing the pain...like the City of Vancouver laying off
staff to help cover a $60 or $61 million shortfall,
and
the District of North
Vancouver is now saying it is in an unsustainable environment and
cannot continue its present course.
It is very clear the status
quo is simply no longer acceptable nor can it be tolerated any
further. The time has come to not only review but to revitalize our
ways of managing our taxpayers hard earned money.
The trumpet call
"services will be cut" has been used by many in the past. No
doubt it will sound during this debate. It will be loud and full of
fear. As one of a growing group of concerned sincere residents,
I respond "nonsense" for the call is spurious at worst and
disingenuous at best. It is not believable on a $62+ million operating
budget that 4% to 5% can't be identified as excessive, fluff,
padding and/or nice to have. This 4% to 5% needs to be
permanently eliminated from the budget.
Madam Mayor and
Councilors'...Peter Drucker once said "The greatest danger in
times of turbulence is not the turbulence; it is to act with
yesterday's logic."
Let us not be among those who
said we did nothing to change our logic.
Thank you for your time and
consideration.
Garrett Polman: SLIDES [TEXT SUPPLIED]
Presentation
to Council, West Vancouver 2010 Budget (Version for oral
delivery)
Good evening, Your
Worship and Council. My name is Garrett Polman and I live at
2635 Westhill Way. I represent ITAC, the Interested Taxpayers'
Action Committee.
Last week several
of you stressed a deep recession is the time to focus
strongly on those
services that directly benefit the public and on replenishing our
infrastructure reserves. The draft budget does the opposite: it
carries nothing for infrastructure and is loaded with overhead
goodies. We appeal to you to redress the balance. Here are
some suggestions:
Here's a list of
all units where proposed expense increases exceed 10%. There are nine
of these, and the average increase sought is 27%. None of this
is going to services for residents. The first seven are pure overhead
and the last two are primarily related to enforcement of secondary
suites and oil tanks.
$136,684 27.3%
Chief Administrative Officer
$109,106 28.5%
Communications
$
74,215 36.0% Deputy
CAO
$
24,846 13.1% Emergency
Program
$
21,841 11.3% HR
Payroll Services
$215,114 21.2%
Finance
$
44,184 12.7% Finance
Taxes & Utilities
$238,313 65.6%
Fire Dept.-Fire Prevention
$186,983 26.2%
Bylaw Enforcement
That totals
$1,051,286. That's a 2% tax increase we can do
without..
Secondly, the
Balanced Scorecard. It's is a good management
technique, but you probably didn't expect it to have a
$700,000 plus price tag, nearly all of it for
administrative expenses and hundreds of thousands of dollars for
consultants. It adds 1% to operating costs. ITAC
suggests you cut it all and instead of outside consultants seek the
expertise of community volunteers.
Thirdly. When
the 2009 budget was presented, it was promised that all vacant staff
positions would be scrutinized. Implicit in that review was a
promise of some reductions. Delta did this, and they identified
$1 million in savings in a matter of months. I hold in my hand
the 2009 plan. 538 staff positions. And here is the 2010
plan. Before proposing 7 new staff, also 538 positions.
They're exactly the same. What happened? Is it credible
that out of all the retirements and turnover during an entire year,
there wasn't one vacancy where a position could be eliminated or
consolidated? In an organization that has more staff per
resident than any other Metro Vancouver municipality? It's a
disappointing outcome. Our recommendation is to set a target for
this year-say a saving of $750,000 and ensure delivery of this
target.
Finally, some of
our expenses are too high. A few examples:
We spent $131,000
on ads in the NSN in 2008, the last year of published expenses.
At $2000 or so for a full page ad, that's equivalent to more than
one full- page ad per week. And for 2010 the budget seeks an
additional $109,000 for Communications, a 28.5% increase bringing that
budget to half a million dollars.
Secondly, we
spent $822,000 in 2008 on telephones. That's over $100 per
month per employee. I thought I was over that problem when my
teenage kids grew up. It's double what the District and the
City of North Vancouver spent.
ITAC recommends a
strong focus on what benefits the residents and on prudent reserves
for infrastructure. First, we suggest $1.8 million in
expense reductions, and we've identified areas with potential for
significant savings. This will get us from a 2.43% tax increase
proposed by staff to a 1% decrease. It's a reduction of
less than 3% from the proposed operational budget, and it still allows
an increase of almost a million dollars for
expenses.
Then, secondly, top
that off by increasing the infrastructure reserves. You might
want to look at some options:
Add $500,000 to
the reserves. That would mean a zero percent tax
increase.
Add $1 million
to the reserves. That would mean a 1% tax
hike.
Thank
you.
Garrett H. Polman
Retired (Treasury Board, Ottawa, and Financial Manager at JPMorgan
Chase Bank)
---]
Gordon Ward Hall: [text supplied: COMMENTS ON WEST VANCOUVER 2010
BUDGET
Good evening Your Worship and
Council. My name is Gordon Ward Hall and I am President of
Ambleside & Dundarave Ratepayers' Association
(ADRA).
West Vancouver's budget
presentation and ITAC's letter and presentation to Mayor and Council
contain important information that is of major concern to ADRA
members. It should be of concern to all residents namely:
-
West Vancouver's
operating expenditures per resident is from 17% to 67% higher than in
all the other municipalities in the Lower Mainland.
West Vancouver's
operating expenditures increased by over 6% per year from 2003 to 2008
during a period when the inflation rate averaged 2% and when the
increase in the number of residents in the district was under
0.4%.
In the present budget there
is an average 27% increase in costs in nine management
departments.
The overall increase in
Divisional Operating Expenses in the 2010 Budget is 4.64%. This
is during a period of severe economic downturn where the inflation
rate is just over 1% and when the Provincial Government is instituting
wage freezes and laying off employees and Vancouver City is targeting
administrative reductions.
ADRA considers that the
emphasis should be on reducing the spiraling costs of both management
and operating expenses and to focus on the efficient delivery of core
services at the lowest cost. Instead it would appear that the
focus has been diverted to the installation of the "Balanced
Scorecard Management System" which is reflected by the major
increase in costs in the management departments.
The average West Vancouver
household is already faced with a $238 increase in the cost of utility
services. This is equivalent to nearly a 5% increase in
their taxes. The economic downturn has severely lowered the
income of many households, especially seniors, and any increase in
Municipal tax will be a further burden on them. It is important
therefore to minimize tax increases.
The overall focus should be
to control operating expenses, as there is a limit to the money that
can be raised from other sources in order to lower taxes.
In order to reduce operating expenses, the management system and
structure will have to be reviewed and streamlined in all areas
including the Police and Fire Departments. The necessity and the cost
of proposed additional programs should be reviewed to establish if
they are really necessary or whether they can be handled within the
present management structure. An example is the proposed
cost of $238,313 for additional Fire Prevention.
The lack of a resolve to
control operating costs and tax increases is again reflected in the
Five-Year Plan that surprisingly includes a 4% yearly increase in
taxes.
Based on this
submission ADRA recommends a zero increase in taxes, and
recommends that Council request management to take the necessary steps
to reduce operating expenses so that there is no need for an increase in municipal
taxes.
---]
Alex Tunner: Good evening
a few words about the little one-page Item I sent to you
yesterday, no need to display as overhead
speaking as mbr of V4S; to generate info for WG
=B7 Note the $8 M deficit for 2010
... that's not spelled out in the budget;
=B7 Note that the $238 utility
increase is 8% of property tax, or 6% of combined (property tax +
utility) amount.
=B7 Also note the high 40% of the
District's total revenue which is from fees &
charges.
=B7 Why they still don't report
Consolidated Financial Statements is puzzling - it's a required
sine-qua-non for GFOA accreditation
operating costs have been rising at 6% per year looks like $8M
deficit in 2010, what's been happening
40% from user fees on top of taxes
revenue from prop taxes has....
one of the problems I see is that there's an emphasis on the
2.43%; citizens lose sight of 6% increase xxx
one of the problems I've had looking at budget docs
some lack of clarity
no consolidated financial statements, a requirement for the GFOA
award DWV is seeking
all activities including utilities; stmt of debts and reserves;
reserve accumulation
V4S WG, found no indication anything in particular citizens
wanted to chop but no desire for tax increases
having worked with this material for some time
I've managed to boil down numbers to a sgl word: the sgl word is
ENOUGH
enough of programs and services, citizens are content with what
they have, and enough of increases in taxes and charges; and the place
to look for these is in efficiencies; that is contained in
recommendations of WG and there's plenty of evidence in what we've
collected from other Ms to show there is indeed room for efficiencies
here.
Thank you.
Mayor: Alec Orr-Ewing
{ANS sounded like he said he agreed with previous speaker and
didn't come up}
Andy Krawczyk: slightly diff from prev speakers, a little bit of
a microcosm
what it is all of these dollars have been referencing really
do
mbr of Cmnty Ctr Bd and having been mbr of several WGs
delivering as a citizen -- you are well-served whether by staff
or volunteers
resources must be maintained you as Ccl and I hope as cmnty hv
asked for
as mbr of Cmnty Ctr Services Society, here's some of the things
I've observed over the years
volunteer board, 14 of us, put in countless hours doing cmnty's
biz; progs, liaison with other groups; overseeing finance; looking at
future resource gathering
support of staff cdn't be done without their help and
advice
b/c otherwise we wd offer not value added, but strictly value,
and you have asked for value-added, and in order to do that, staff is
necessary so that we can truly provide that extra multiple
This does not happen by chance in that it does not happen by
random; it happens b/c of deliberate decisions made by you as Ccl and
it happens b/c of the extraordinary work that staff that you employ,
and volunteers that have come to add, put in, in order to make this
cmnty work
Ask that you consider that, coming up with difficult task of
budget, wch I do not envy.
CR: Carolanne Reynolds, Editor of West Van Matters {holding up
an issue}.
Readers have expressed preference for a zero increase --
wch supports what others have said tonight, including ADRA, ITAC, and
Cclrs Smith and Soprovich.
btw, today Prez Obama announced a program freeze for three years,
so it's affecting everybody.
My reply to them was that a new version of the budget wd be
presented this evening, wch is what I understood was said last week --
but perhaps that's changed, I don't know -- but since Ccl has asked
for public input, it is my hope that the updated information, or
whatever information you have now, will be well circulated to citizens
for them to assist Ccl and staff in the difficult task this year, by
working with them providing practical recommendations for reductions
and sources of revenue.
In that case, I wd request that you pls delay passage to allow
for this cooperation and the opportunity for further input whether as
individuals now that they've seen the information, or perhaps by
appointing a Task Force that cd take the next six to eight weeks b/c
even at that, that wd be April 15th and it doesn't have to be passed
until May 15th, and the departments are well practised in using
the existing budget to go forward. They don't need to know how
much MORE money they've got; they can provide the essential.
And maybe perhaps have a webpage wch, uh, residents can write
in with their practical suggestions where they wd like to see changes
and cuts. I think if we work collaboratively, wch is what
the Mission Statement says; we all work together in trying to address
this and get the budget down to what's at least closer to the drastic
cut ... that some of the seniors who speak to me -- their taxes
go up b/c of their fixed assets in their home, and their income
doesn't move or goes down.
So, I think if we put the call out to everybody to work
together to come up with practical solutions, I hope you will allow
that time, and I hope you will consider the positive, constructive
suggestions that the public will make, working with you.
Thank you.
Rick Gregory (?): Spirit Trail
Public amenities don't materialize; ppl willing to back up with
funding
funding from other sources, $2.5M funding, Prov $750K, TransLink,
and Park Royal $500M
Mayor: $500K
Ans: yes, $500K; for a total of $4.2M; speaks volumes
Ccl prepared to do all it can to address the need.
overwhelming positive response; everyone v much behind this
project
pleasure last spring working with this group, diverse, but
through patience and discussion able to move forward
your job, not an easy one
taxes put toward this will leave a legacy no one will
question
Heather Drugge: live in Ambleside
speaking as a citizen who has lived in WV for 20 years
CAWG and Parks
not proportional to other Ms; not only do we pay more, pay higher
levels to others
b/c we can doesn't mean we shd
xxx reallocation is required
know we're coming up with a plan that will improve our cmnty ....
but will also ....
dollar amts
don't believe perforce xxx; mgmt look xxx
shifting money from roadwork to walking; when priorities shift so
shd our tax xxx
the recent V4S survey, wch I thought was an excellent
exercise, revealed that 97% of the cmnty wd prefer a zero per cent tax
increase
I urge Ccl to direct staff to produce a budget that will enable
progressive changes to our cmnty and at the same time not increase
taxes
The positive steps we have looked at efficiencies through
amalgamating with our NSh counterparts can extend to other areas
include Police, Fire, Engg, and Library services
WV can become a model combing progressive policy with fiscal
prudence. Let's start moving in that direction.
Mayor: anybody further?
Martin Element: lived in WV for 38 years
moved in last month so large proportion of my family lives
here
SURE
b/c I will be back
love it here when they immigrated here at 60 years of age; spent
20 years reminding me
things for free; beautiful seawalk
had a short mtg with Madam on a project hope to get going later
this year
was an 8 o'clock mtg and she's already had two mtgs so
short
gave her a small card
been here 38 years and seen a lot of mayors come and go but since
you have been in power I hv not seen as many visible and practical
things happen in such a short time
whatever you have done with the money
from the visible and amenity POV a first class job
hearing the presentation, don't envy what you're going to
face
as to gentlemen .... you've done a commendable job
even down to roads, bridges, on seawall extension, not a garden
pine, someone is thinking
fact you were able to pull off what you did last summer; must
have been a lot of naysayers; a first class concert in a park
dragging WV into the 21st century kicking and screaming -- need
to give yourselves a pat on the back for that.
Mayor: anyone else? so Ccl will begin debate; xxx
I know we're uncomfortable with 2.43%; eager to go
I'm on E-Comm Bd, seen that ...
also seen thoughtful involvement... BSC... driven by
cmnty's long-term goals, hard to think but xxx
Ccl has supported unanimously the direct link of xxx with
BSC
Staff provided 2.43% last week; don't expect it to be
supported by Ccl but on floor
Our CAO .... 1%...with .....
have seniors calling me
to get lower, can scale back repairs to Library
we believe we've got a better biz model for sec stes
more modest estimates for Police and Fire; line in the sand we
want to draw hope rest will want to follow
consultants hired, a tenuous one
hope BSC, a financial coordinator better controls, leasing agent
-- we have numerous leases
begin Parks WG... know how passive xxx
Cclrs have expressed a range of concerns; fleet replacement
timing and costs
expect issues tonight focus on best practices; optimizing
financial tools
these shd not be overlooked; heart and soul of the plan
new ideas all wish
energy daycare funded 2/3 by prov; Spirit Trail, funded entirely
by
opening of Welsh Hall last Friday xxx; list goes on and on
these take v little resources, created by the ppl who live
here
to staff, Ccl really appreciates the work you've done; not xxx of
Ccl xxx
We will make our best effort ... for the cmnty
ev day we let ppl down and exceed expectations and the next day
changes all over again
counting on all of us to keep a ... this Ccl
real issues and willing to take the long view
[text supplied:
January 25, 2010 Council
Meeting
-- Our Balanced
Scorecard
-- Mayor
Goldsmith-Jones
We have seen a year of major economic decline
internationally, layoffs within provincial and local governments,
steeply climbing graphs that show the gap between infrastructure
replacement costs and infrastructure replacement funding to cover
those costs. No member of Council can disregard this
environment.
In West Vancouver, we have also seen a year of
thoughtful involvement by a cross section of the community in
developing our strategic plan. Our staff has created a powerful
business management tool in the balanced scorecard, so that budget
decisions are driven by the community's long term goals.
Should we choose to cut budgets, we can see what we are choosing to
put off, or not do. Council has supported unanimously the direct
link between our strategic goals and our budget process, through the
balanced scorecard. Tonight we put that tool to the
test.
Staff presented a draft budget recommending a
2.43% tax rate increase at our public Finance Committee meeting last
Monday. Based on our fairly cursory comments in public last
week, I do not expect this increase to be supported by Council, but it
is on the floor to start to our budget debate.
Our Chief Administrative Officer has some
recommendations that get to an increase that is closer to 1.0% by
reducing capital transfers for work on the Marine Drive barrier
replacements and almost all of the upgrading to Gordon Avenue -
although we do need a mid-block crosswalk, it scales back repairs to
the library based on the Board Chair's refined suggestion, and it is
based on a much better and more cost effective business model for
implementing secondary suites legislation, and more accurate and much
more modest estimates for Police and Fire labour agreements (and a
line in the sand on increases which we hope the rest of the region's
management has the courage to follow). Mr. McRadu can
speak to any of these recommendations tonight depending on Council's
direction.
Turning to new initiatives within the Balanced
Scorecard, the assumption that staffing can be added, or that
consultants will be hired for special projects is a tenuous one.
I hope we can continue to work from the Balanced Scorecard to keep
funding in place for a Financial Coordinator being recommended, who
can bring better financial controls to all departments, and a leasing
agent who will ensure that the District's leases are current and
maximizing value for the taxpayer - our leases are numerous, and
the revenue they generate in many cases has not kept current. I
am prepared to support the resources to begin the Parks Master
Plan, because I know how much heavy lifting our own citizens will
do on that working group and there is everything to be gained by
that.
Councillors have expressed a range of concerns
about staffing numbers and funding essential infrastructure
replacement. Some of the minor capital requests are being
questioned, including fleet replacement timing and
costs.
I expect that the issues in our discussion
tonight will focus on best business practices and measuring what we
achieve. There is a particular focus in the balanced scorecard
on optimizing financial tools, measuring service costs and providing
for the long term financial stability of the community through
development of the taxpayer owned land-based assets. These
should not be overlooked.
Nor would I wish to neglect the heart and soul
of the plan, which is about civic responsibility and community life.
New ideas flourish during a time of change. Ways to support the
energy in the community that we see at the opening of the Gordon House
childcare last week, in the use of the Spirit Trail or at the
commemoration last Friday of the Welsh Music Hall due to the $2
million bequest given to the library, or in the 100 or so volunteers
who were in this Council chamber on Saturday afternoon being trained
as volunteers for the celebrations that will take place here during
the Olympics. The list goes on and on, and it is generated by
the people who live here, and their expectations of us.
All of Council appreciates the work our staff
have done to put together the balanced scorecard. The budget is
now the property of Council to shape further, in our best effort to
represent the expectations of the entire community. Our job is
hard - every day we let some people down, and do things that were
beyond expectations, in a good way. And then the next day it
changes all over again. I am counting on a first class
discussion, and our ability to listen across our differences to
understand one another and find a balanced, prudent way forward.
---]
turn over to Cclr Walker to move second reading and then I'll try
to monitor/manage the debate
SW: preparing, I went to review the budget for last ten years and
increased by $15M
entirely new financial staff at table
not look at past, these are our expectations
we all know 2.43% will not be acceptable; have to drill
down
ask staff to drill down
figure out how to deliver services WV expects, and how to
be more financially accountable
talked about it last year, see what we can do for residents
Staff knows we appreciate all the services in past year; all here
for the same goal
wrt BSC, opportunities to refine
utilize WGs for some of these initiatives so eliminate use of
consultants
re Hburn Ridge; users and experts in land devt
pay parking -- part of larger parks plan, will leave that to Cclr
Panz
do question some support staff at $60K sure we can get for a
lot less, know you can in private sector
emergency planning; Communications Budget -- $500K a $20K
increase, seems highly high to me
know focus outreach maybe that cmte can reach those goals
$30K for a .....? compensation model hope
all of our benchmarking, public av -- some $30K better
spent somewhere else
wrt incremental. Once fill new Fin Dir position, part of
role, how to get away from incremental budgeting
As one of the other speakers said, look at amalg of Fire and
Police; ways we can work together; goes back to revision
we talk about leading by example
Ccl support our staff supporting some of these initiatives
residents have to talk about how we're going to support
ourselves; all residents, not sustainable, green biz xxx
ML: ... This inspiring excellence and leading by
example
in my opinion, any increase above zero is not
acceptable
same level of services for less money; or increase without
having to raise taxes
Important for ppl to understand even at 2.43%, the average,
when you add utilities, it's an 8.04% increase
difficult; don't see it as realistic
even,...still 7%
waste and solid fees and they are going up; we are delaying the
day of reckoning xxx
infrastructure has to be replaced and we're not putting enough
in
74.6M from ?????
we're not talking about eliminating taxes, eliminating tax
increases
we lead Metro V, and talk to other Ms; burdened with [fees?] from
MetroV
all being based on assessed values
confident we can do better and hope we take that opp
Mayor: anyone?
TP: first time we've had the BSC proposed to us
agree with Cclr Walker look at things in a diff way ...
where we want to go ... share
quality of life we expect in WV; my concern going too far done
zero budget we sort of shoot ourselves in the foot and don't take
xxx
think it wd be worth spending a bit more time on the BSC, don't
know if others want to do that
understand $600K tied to BSC and not sure xxx
it's a tool we need to be using in this discussion; not sure
anyone wants to go through that xxx
Mayor: let's hear from ... then be clear how to
reduce
Ev: Let me weigh in. As an introduction, I don't think a
zero budget is the holy grail of budgeting
trying to achieve worthy goal; some haven't been recognized
I'm not suggesting 2.43% is what I'm comfortable with but many
of us have worked with/on the expenses and sure we can get it down to
a lower figure
we are dealing with some costs beyond our control
eg within budget contractual wage increases and step increases
and combined $1.5M and that's between 2 and 2.5%
if this Ccl not bound to this figure, immediately the 2.43 wd
be down to zero
this debate more difficult -- yes, we can cut but it's a
question if we shd
distinction between good mngmt and good govt
believe we can do better than 2.43
one element staff, staffing, and payroll a target
my biz experience and working with over many years
commend the level of attention staff give to this cmnty
see staff as part of the soln ad not part of the
problem
MS: ... struggle with the concept
some ppl do not seem to realize there is a fundamental change
going on
{debt/shortfall?} over a trillion $ in US, Canada
and when things come out of the economy things will be less
rosy than now; our chn subsiding our life style
Prov, Fed, can't control, we can only in M
ev other justification -- we can be a leader
cd come out with an economic plan that truly reflects what's
going on
fundamentally it is 4.6% increase
Andy is quite right and Cclr Evison, staff have worked hard,
what they thought this Ccl wanted
exempt staff reduce increase by 2% and they shd be saluted for
that
not staff, it's Ccl, focus, we try to do too much
this is the second mtg we've had to discuss budget, one
Finance mtg
another one scheduled for last week cdn't attend,
cancelled ... xxx
we shd be able to say knock on any door, your money went for
this and be proud
looking at some of these figs: two Ford Ranger pickups for $28K
b/c have to be hybrids and you can buy one for $13K or $14K
why have politically correct? -- don't buy it any more
connection to the Srs' Ctr for $240K in the budget. I
went over there and paced it off, it's 50 or 60ft, that's $5K a
foot!
At some point we've got to recognize that we cannot keep building
Taj Mahals every time we turn around
The money just isn't there. We've used up almost all our
capital reserves
if we can't sit back now and take a sober second look at what
we're doing, I don't think we ever will be able to
I wdn't support any cut of any nec program in the District that's
well delivered
I'm talking about making cuts to things like hybrid pickups, $5K
a foot connections, 100s of thousands of dollars on consultants.
I put consultants same category as lawyers, all you get is the
bill
this is the year we can lead by example
Fire Services, a more friendly labour model and can staff with
NV
what's wrong with contracting out?
our Srs Ctr $500K; 30% [users] not WV, nothing wrong with
charging
we've got a Cadillac facility -- you're welcome to use
it, a lot cheaper than building your own
have to get on with it
do agree with Cclr Lewis and other cclrs, now is the time;
freeze over above the $238 hit between the eyes
3% or 3 1/2% ... sky is falling ... take a hard look at what
we're doing and do a better job
Sop: speak?
Mayor: you didn't put your hand up
Sop: guess the buck stops here; why we get paid the big
bucks
Mayor: no increase for Ccl
Sop: have seen tax increases over the years; 2% or less, thought
close to inflation
thought what was needed along the way; pattern we've lived with
for some time
must say since new CAO came to this cmnty and Finance Dept,
who brought forth to us, open transparent format
most of these cclrs new so wdn't have known
was innovation started last year, look at long-term profies
?profits? and sustainability
a scorecard to keep us on track
Mr Leigh and other citizens, WG, some here tonight, a product we
can be proud of
don't want to go downhill xxx
many phone me; trouble meeting their taxes
60% of this cmnty {seniors?} xxx some live below
our stipends-- believe that!
we shd be jumping for joy what we've achieved xxx
quality staff, live with every day
got a call from a citizen who had a problem, xxx, found he had to
have some xxx by the District -- with 20 minutes solved
overwhelmed
we have this quality cmnty and come down to budget time
$xxx, we can find all the resources to balance budget to
zero
and secure our future to this scorecard; simple as this; not
going to support 2.43
and if we tell staff to come back, tell them what; see xxx
Mayor: we're at second reading, sounds as if we're going to
defeat this 2.43% proposal; and start again; will go around the
table
Sop: go; not know then???
Mayor: xxx
Ev: voting on?
Mayor: on 2.43% increase
Sop: polled vote
DEFEATED
Mayor: so that's defeated, so now? reintroducing next week?
second reading?
SSch: second reading was defeated but if .... draft bylaws
...
Mayor: so we'll do the same thing as next week
ML: wd it be possible for staff to come with several
scenarios?
wd like to know implications, maybe 1.5 and
1%
I'd like to see anything above zero to go to
infrastructure
CAO: timeline v difficult
{understatement!}
we have proposed some ways to reduce; next week and cd have that
next week; infrastructure, staffing
... can come back with some proposals
{well, easier if already have pinpointed some places to
reduce}
know wrt infrastructure, prepared to reduce the fleet
at this point in time diff scenarios
... can come back within BSC
some of the proposals you have already seen, can go through it
now or next week
SW: what Cclr L was proposing; some guidance for Mr McRadu for
next week
Mayor: we've defeated
cd come with intro/first reading xxx; don't know how best to do
that for next week
ML: we already have diff scenarios
spreadsheet level; shd not be that onerous
have heard Cclr Walker went through ev on scorecard she wanted to
happen
save staff the logistical problems of drafting the bylaw;
tweaking
CAO: the whole purpose of BSC and Strategic Plan was so that BSC
will direct budget
work prog we've done every year; trying to look at three-year
process
hope serious discussion about those costs; tremendous work you
have ahead of us
No 4 of BSC tries to address a number of those issues
what items are you prepared to support? we're prepared to
push off; we've come with our best; made clear service level wd stay
the same
have reduced from 5% down to 2.43; heard reduce further
and prepared to to do that; number of scenarios
reduction of some of the infrastructure; if directed not be
touched will take a great deal of time, ie involving staffing
Sop: say to you a zero, .5, and 1%; during week roll up our
sleeves
Mayor: ask staff to quantify that
This focus this achieved but not tied to budgeting process, it
was a list
exercise discipline; tried to organize a Finance Cmte mtg
-- happens every week
don't mind, xxx ; meet this week, so next Monday we can pick a
path
ev mbr of Ccl wd like to know consequences
TP: know that came out of consultation with cmnty over past
year
financial sustainability; other mission stmts as well and don't
want to lose sight of that
want to do a long-term strat plan
if we can't do under BSC wonder why we went out to
cmnty
zero, got to comfortable zero's not going to come
back
this is a three-year program that can be deferred or
amalgamated
parks sitting there since 2006
the natural space has not been taken care of and it's a big
part of why a lot of us live in this cmnty
look at our assets, how we're managing
maybe some of those parks shd not be parks
there's more to this doc than just the financial
component
if this means Spirit Trail gone or can't fix roof on Library or
xxx
Mayor: motion, then we can debate that
Sop: refer to FCmte re zero, .5, 1% for 2010
Mayor: further comments
Ev: if we're going to take this route we shd be allowed to
include infrastructure, shd not be sacrosanct
through infrastructure we can access what I raised last week,
paddy wagon
spent a lot of time, comfortable with about 1%
want to be clear if less than 1%; comes the time too aggressive
we put things at risk
public to understand
Sop: we'll sit down and discuss all these factors; shdn't be
fear
great cmnty
{what is the motion again???}
Mayor: Ccl to consider a zero, 0.5%, 1.0%, discuss next
week
MS: why not bring in .5 and 1 and vote on it next
week
Mayor: ...
CAO: believe brought to FCmte; bring scenarios
midweek, Wed, give us a day
if you agree to that we need to get a budget doc in place for
next week; real time crunch to get for Monday, need Wed/Thur
MS: don't want to be obstreperous
direct budget 1%, .5, and zero, then debate it next week;
mtg?
Mayor: usu wed at 9
someone: Th at 9
Mayor: levy Police xxx; or srs' walkway
MS: trouble with going through the BSC; only a part
not all the $74M is in the BSC; missing a lot of items we cd
pull out
Mayor: Mr McRadu has xxx
priorities; some things get pushed off and some do happen,
so
ML: to Cclr Smith's point, I don't think our core operating
expenses are out of the question; xxx
Sop: change my motion, bring scenarios to FCmte then we come
next week
some v positive things on that scorecard
some not done one two three, some further
points to a budget process that.... money every year
staff move dept, processes, so they want to spend
we don't sit with line items ev day; we give direction ev
day
I've never had so much exposure to ppl who have cited their
concerns
WV has among the highest xx[assessments?]xx in BC
never had that same pressure as this last year; ppl are having
it tougher to meet and saying why
so get down to brass tacks; get down to zero
MetroV how'd you do that, terrific staff, ... I believe we
can do it
don't want fear tactics, shdn't be doing this that
incredible steps, most citizens aren't even aware of yet
Ev: in principle don't disagree with most of what Cclr Sop has
said; how do we get there?
looking at three options in a Finance Cmte
might agree .5 and I might want an X expense and someone else
a Y expense
asking for three budgets?
Mayor: ... in the morning Mr McRadu will ask me what does
Ccl want
fundamental shift; common understanding of how we get there
next Monday of what tax rate it will be and how we'll get
there
just provides that much more clarity
Ev: xxx staff to prepare ... or jump into presentation without
input
Mayor: a public mtg; open discourse
Sop: polled vote
Mayor: go the other way
{ALL AYEs}
Wed or Thurs? at 9am; don't know cclrs' calendars yet
welcome to workshop Wed morning at 9am
11. Oil Tank Presentation (File: 1802-06)
PowerPoint presentation to be provided.
RECOMMENDED: THAT the presentation from the Fire Chief be
received for information.
Fire Chief Jim Cook: Asst Chief Martin Ernst has dealt with the
public he's the scorecard
xxx only about 1000 removed leaving about 3500
life expectancy 15 to 25 years; 90% leak
to remove danger to the environment
recent article in the Prov newspaper, owner resp to disclose to
purchasers and liable for [remediation?]...
MErnst: photo of tank; removing a tank not as obtrusive as you
might think
pile of contaminated fill and one clean; ... trying to
tanks we know exist
FChCook ?: xxx decommissioned declare to Fire Dept and will not
have to pay fee
information will be kept on file but still owner's resp stay
decommissioned
may want to choose to leave tank if not a danger, will have to
pay the $250 fee and required to tank pressure test ev two years
will provide assistance whether leaking; key msg, like to be
removed
a lot of ppl looking to remove
most had info sent to them before but prop owners may have
changed
if tank and want it removed, come to Fire Dept and get permit
xxx
staff will come around recommend licensed consultant and
xxx
Fire Dept will determine if contamination, replace with clean
soil
MErnst: xxx
Chief: happy ending but there's more
notices early Dec, received wealth of info and about the
proper way to communicate
public apology from Mayor and me; want to publicly
apologize; and to Mayor and xxx
deadline extended to June 1st
time to do pay bill; those who have come forward and paid shown,
we have cancelled the fees for that
SLIDES
westvancouver.ca/fire
WE'RE HERE TO HELP THE HOMEOWNER 925 7370
email: firedepartment@westvancouver.ca
we've answered, think most
ongoing for a long time, now brought to forefront
Sop: so you can leave the tank in the ground but has to be in
a decommissioned state?
see if any residuals?
none, considered decommissioned?
MErnst: if it passes the pressure test; if fails xxx
Sop: fill full of sand?
MErnst: no more; removal is preferred
Sop: you can't suggest a company but
MErnst: we have a list of companies, registered regulated;
contractors anyone can get a licence
Sop: exorbitant bill to an unsuspecting contractor, if told
thousands?
Fire Dept be there?
MErnst: part of the reason moving more to consultant rather
than contractor is b/c will plot a course of action
seeps under the foundation of the home
bio-mediation, eat the oil up rather than remove b/c
impossible to get rid of
if engineer-led xxx
contractors don't test as they dig, that's what the engineer
is for
MS: we're going to charge $250 a year for everyone who has a
tank?
Chief: correct; monitoring fee
MS: still buying furnace oil still pay fee
know any other M charging a fee for using an underground
tank?
MErnst: back East and down the coast but here we may be ahead
of the curve
MS: a person with a tank pretty well everyone in 1950s and
60s
and followed solution, empty the tank filled with sand, fee
even though inert
Chief: difficulty, if a purchaser comes in may need xxx
do a metal detection test
problem with doing that, may give questions from potential
buyer and have to anyway
take it out only have to do it once
taking it out and their fees being cancelled
Mayor: how many ppl still using furnace oil?
Chief: don't have that info
Mayor: that made some ppl on their heels xxx
maybe want to take a one-on-one approach
you're saying you have to change your whole heating system and
not sure we have that right
Chief: have the right to xxx
able to change the bylaw
Mayor: or even the fee
MS: what we're doing is we're interfering with the market place,
by forcing safe, cheap, comfortable, clean to switch to gas
{many smiles since his company sells/distributes
oil}
and there are hundreds in WV using furnace oil
MErnst: if somebody's tank and they do not pressure test; they
can always above ground
beyond repair
MS: the supplier is digging/dipping {?} for water or oil
can pressure test tank and find a problem in the oil xxx
pipeline/hose
pretty big subject so shall leave it there.
WITHDRAWN
RECOMMENDED: THAT
1. The report on "Impacts of
the Economic Downturn on Local Social Service Agencies" dated
January 14, from the Mgr of Social Services be forwarded to the Cmnty
Grants Cmte of Ccl, the NSh Substance Abuse WG, the WV Community
Centres Services Society Board, and the WV Memorial Library Board for
information;
2. Copies of this report
be forwarded to the North Shore Members of Parliament and Members of
the Legislature for information, and to the agencies who responded to
the recent City of North Vancouver survey thanking them for their
involvement; and
3. Staff work with the
other North Shore municipalities, non-profit agencies, and our
relevant committees, working groups and boards to continue to monitor
the situation and to explore strategies for community based
responses.
CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS
13. Consent Agenda Items - Reports and
Correspondence
RECOMMENDED: THAT the Consent Agenda items be approved: Item 14 -
Correspondence List.
CORRESPONDENCE LIST FOR CONSENT AGENDA
14. Correspondence List
(File: 0120 24)
(2) Committee and Board Meeting Minutes
{Better late than never! no wonder
policy/decisions not well-known}
Referred to Municipal Clerk for response.
Mayor: cd we schedule this for March, Ms Scholes? I totally
jives with our access and inclusion policy
MClk: yes, first mtg in March.
...
then letters added at 12 (see approval of agenda at
beginning)
(12) ...
{Reply to letter/question asked in September; now awaiting
reply to letter/question in December}
Mayor: Now I've made an oversight. There was a mbr of the
public who wished to speak on oil tanks.
still here? Oh, I'm glad. Sorry.
Manny Bazunis (?): seems a settlement on the steps of the
courthouse; had opp to speak with Chief
the District's responsibility is to prove oil tank to prove on
the prop not for me to prove there isn't
and ....
on the steps before mtg... a simple letter from me ... to
the Fire Dept is sufficient to waive this fee
if that can be confirmed, I'll dispense with the rest of my
presentation
Chief Cook: on the issue of prop owners been removed
we confirm letter; prop owner's declaration
we had a record of a tank on the prop; we're cancelling the
invoice and the fee for that owner
15. REPORTS from MAYOR/CCLRS
MS: pleasant evening last Wed, yourself, Panz, and others;
personally give thanks to Anne Mooi and Leanne Sexsmith
this spring looking forward to joining; others joining that
chain
good many out and enthusiastic xxx
Labour Relations Board with our new HR Dir
don't want to create more work for Mr McRadu
what are we going to do with our mbrship; Vanc, Bby, Surrey
out; based on my experience, I'm reluctant to see us throw all our
eggs in that basket to deal with the labour costs
Vanc $1M
Mr McRadu report whether getting value put off too long, shd
address
CAO: discussion going on
they have served notice, will function in 2010; changes
after we know some of these scenarios
the three NSh Ms potential of working together and will come
forward with the recommendation
TP: energy forum; housing form
Ev: Housing WG request extend to end of April; how to
Mayor: thank you again for opening of Welsh Hall
huge; brought that Library to life
Leslie, nephew, flew out in less than 24 hours, impressed
Robert Leslie Welsh a huge fan of the Library
understated; faithful not asking for a lot of attention
Congratulations to Ch of Commerce, Breakfast with the
Mayor
tix double the price and selling out
{gd speech; on DWV website:
http://www.westvancouver.ca/Residents/Level3.aspx?id=24470 }
Chief of Police, Pamela Martin broadcasting from here
and myself speaking about......
sorry will miss Energy Fair, it's the Mayors' Dinner
support Lookout Shelter; safe house
hope and lots to be grateful in this cmnty
thank Ccl for excellent discussion this evening
16. PUBLIC QUESTIONS/COMMENTS
Ralph Beltz: speaking on behalf of my uncle
he's concerned that his permit was not renewed for his
cabin
short letter, can give, don't have to read out
had the cabin for a long time, done the repairs Ccl asked
appears maybe the process wasn't done correctly; now asking Ccl
to respectfully reviewed
Mayor: ask it be referred to Dir who's responsible ...
RB: sure; Uncle: had for a long time, nice cabin
have to have a yearly permit to occupy and I've done it for all
those years and then they wdn't accept my xxx
expensive this year; I cannot continue, can't stay there, unless
permit
appreciate bringing to our attention
Mooi: xxx and will attend to it this week
17. ADJOURNMENT 9:55
=== Ccl Mtg AGENDA Feb
1st ===
Editor's
Musing........
CLOSED SESSIONS at
6pm
Before Open Mtg at 7pm: the requisite
notes/explanation have appeared in the previous two issues so will no
longer appear in the newsletter.
BUDGET
The budget is so very important and
wanted to get Monday's agenda out to subscribers asap. Well, we
know that BUDGET 2010 is on the agenda, if they follow what they said
Monday (Jan 25th), and undoubtedly with such a short time frame one cd
not really expect full documentation to be available in advance.
This wd seem to me that after released Monday night (along with
answers to some of the questions asked during the past mtgs), that
there be time given for the public to review and comment on the new
version of the budget.
While many may be overjoyed that the
increase will be reduced to 1% or less (and maybe even zero), there
may be a diversion of opinion over wch cuts. Some wd probably
wish to keep certain items and cancel others, some to replace cuts,
some to make further cuts. Wdn't Council benefit, in this
difficult time and trying to get cmnty acceptance, from hearing
residents' views to see what more cd be cut, what cd be substituted,
or what shd be reinstated?
What if the cuts are all capital
projects that are simply being deferred?
Will the high ratio of staff to
residents (and its growth both in number and pay over the past decade
or two) be addressed?
IMO, the extra staff and costs for the
Olympics shd be in a totally separate category, and not considered an
increase on the assumption and commitment that category will be
totally removed for 2011.
Another approach. All are aware
that contracts cannot be touched (and staff have already got a 4%
increase as of Jan 1st), but why not freeze depts' budgets
(except for Engg since we have a serious lack of funding for
deteriorating infrastructure) and let them deal with as best they see
fit?
REGIONAL GROWTH
STRATEGY
The motion recommends not supporting
this until "a key issue identified by WV is satisfactorily
addressed", but it doesn't mention the key issue. Hm.
Why on earth not? Devil in the details or buried in a memo or report.
My curiosity wd not let me send this out without finding out what the
key issue was. Sure enough, there it was. WV feels that if
the Upper Lands are to be a Green Zone, this wd affect the
municipality's plans for devt. No doubt. The relative
roles and powers need to be clarified.
=== Ccl Mtg AGENDA Feb
1st ===
6:00 PM
1. CALL TO ORDER OPEN SESSION
2. EXCLUSION OF THE PUBLIC
RECOMMENDED: THAT in the public interest,
members of the public be excluded from part of the February 1, 2010
regular Council Meeting on the basis of matters to be considered under
the following section of the Community Charter:
90. (1) A part of a council meeting may be closed
to the public if the subject matter being considered relates to or is
one or more of the following:
(e) the acquisition, disposition, or
expropriation of land or improvements, if the council considers that
disclosure could reasonably be expected to harm the interests of the
municipality.
3. ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION
7:00 PM ... following
conclusion of the closed session, the following items will be
considered:
4. RECONVENE OPEN SESSION
5. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
6. ADOPTION OF MINUTES
DELEGATIONS
7. Dundarave Festival of Lights Society
(File: 2180-06)
RECOMMENDED: THAT Council thank G. Allison for the
delegation
REPORTS
8. Olympic Presentation and Transportation Plan
(File: 3085-01)
Information to be provided.
BYLAW FOR ADOPTION {wonder why not in a Bylaw
section}
This bylaw received first, second, and third readings
at the December 14, 2009 meeting. Statutory notice was provided on
December 20 and 27, 2009 in the North Shore News.
for
receipt
BYLAWS that have had first reading
This bylaw received first reading on Nov 2 and
was the subject of a Public Hearing on Nov 16.
RECOMMENDED: THAT:
1. Fees and Charges Amendment Bylaw received first reading on
November 2 and as attached to this report dated January 25, 2010 from
the Director of Planning Lands and Permits be amended to include a
First Licence Fee for a secondary suite of $250 for applications made
before September 30, 2010, a First Licence Fee of $400 for
applications made after that date, and to delete the annual renewal
fee; and
2. Fees and Charges ... as amended receive second and third
readings.
3. The annual renewal fee be referred to the Finance Committee
for discussion and a recommendation to Council of an appropriate fee
by June 1, 2010; and
4. Staff report back to Council on a quarterly basis commencing
April 1, 2010 on the secondary suites program with a status report
including, but not limited to, the number of new suites applied for
and approved and their locations; the number of existing suites
legalized and approved and their locations; revenue received to date;
issues identified; and potential bylaw amendments or administrative
changes necessary to resolve those issues.
12. [Five-]Year Financial Plan Bylaw No. 4628
- 2010 Draft Budget Bylaw
(File: 1610-20-4628) This bylaw received
first reading on January 25, 2010.
Information to be provided.
RECOMMENDED: THAT:
1. Council affirm that the District supports the foundation and
the policy directions of the February 2009 Metro Draft Regional
Growth Strategy, but does not support adoption of the Strategy at
this time, unless the key issue identified by the District can be
satisfactorily addressed.
2. Council direct staff to submit the letter to Metro on West
Vancouver's comments on the November 2009 Metro Draft Regional
Growth Strategy as outlined in the January 22, 2010 report from
the Director of Planning, Lands, and Permits.
14. Appointments to Municipal Insurance Association
(File: 0115 01/0055 20 MIAB1)
Mayor Goldsmith-Jones as the Council representative;
and
G. McRadu, Chief Administrative Officer, as the alternate
District representative.
CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS
15. Consent Agenda Items - Reports and
Correspondence
Item 16 - Development Variance Permit Application No.
09-047 (2604 Palmerston Avenue)
Item 17 - Correspondence List.
REPORTS FOR CONSENT AGENDA
RECOMMENDED: THAT the Municipal Clerk give notice that the
DVP, to allow an at-grade open area under an existing dwelling to
be enclosed into liveable floor area, will be considered on
Monday, March 1.
CORRESPONDENCE LIST FOR CONSENT AGENDA
17. Correspondence List (File: 0120 24)
-- Correspondence received up to January 22,
2010
Requests for Delegation -- No
items presented.
Action Required
1. January 19, 2010, regarding 2010
Olympic Pins
Referred to Chief Administrative Officer for consideration and
response.
2. P. Buck, Communications Manager,
The Kidney Foundation of Canada, January 19, 2010, regarding Request
for Proclamation - March is Kidney Health Month
Referred to Municipal Clerk for response.
3. N. Madatali, President, 1571 and
2461 Bellevue Holdings Inc., Jan 20, re Annual Inspection Fee for
Services
Referred to Fire Chief for consideration and
response.
No Action Required (receipt
only)
4. G. Knight, Co-Chair, Hollyburn
Heritage Society, Jan 14, re Hollyburn Heritage Society Annual Report
for 2009
(5) 4 submissions (a - d) regarding Proposed
2010 Budget
Responses to Correspondence --
No items presented.
Responses to Questions in Question Period
-- No items presented.
18. REPORTS from MAYOR/CCLRS 19. PUBLIC
QUESTIONS/COMMENTS 20. ADJOURNMENT
=== Ccl Mtg Feb
1st ===
SUBSCRIBER SUMMARY
Bylaw stalled at second reading, deferred to next Monday (Feb
8th).
Finance Cmte mtg 9:30am Wed Feb
3rd Discussing how to get to zero!
Good news! Smith led off, Lewis, Walker, and Sop also urging zero
but Smith said better to have 5 or 6, more pulling together, than 4 -
3.
So the .69% budget increase will come back next Monday night
unless they agree on a (mere?) $300K reduction (out of $61M) in wch
case WV will lead by example at zero! Several cclrs gave
examples of cuts.
In any case, Ccl and staff deserve praise for not only reducing
the budget increase but also trying to do more.
So, looks like ZERO here we come! Agree with Cclr Walker,
not for "bragging rights", but for drawing a line in the
sand, and as someone in the gallery said to me later, it's important
b/c symbolic and sends a msg. This Ccl 's getting serious.
HIGHLIGHTS:
= Great slides by Dundarave Festival of Lights Society
(decorated trees at Christmas; raised $25K for the homeless)
= Slides on Olympics activities; info on parking/travel
restrictions; get ready for the torch's arrival on the 10th!
= Final Report from Strategic Planning WG and BSC
Boosters
= Fees and Charges for Secondary Stes (thoughtful
amendments, tempting registration with lower fees)
= Budget of .69% public input started ~8:11, Ccl debate
~8:30, ending at 9:26 with deferral to next Monday; another kick at
the can for the Finance Cmte Wed (3rd) 9:30am -- pls help Ccl wrestle
the monster to the floor!
= Letter re Metro Regional Growth Strategy makes good point
-- roles must be made clearer b/c right now appear to overlap; rights
that remain WV's to plan/alter GreenZone?
= Cclr Lewis spooked us with report from MetroV re sewage
-- Lions' Gate and Iona, $1.4B by 2020 with a 30-yr amortization
period. Undoubtedly more about this. If paid by taxation
on assessments, then WV's portion is HIGH. {Time to get away
from so many taxes being assessment-based!}
=== NEWSWATCH ===
+ The Guardian Weekly's Quotation of the week:
+ CPTnet -- 27 January 2010 --
www.cpt.org
AT-TUWANI: Israeli settlers and soldiers invade At-Tuwani,
attack and injure villagers
On Tuesday, 26 January
2010, approximately ten to fifteen Israeli settlers from the Israeli
settlement of Ma'on and the Israeli outpost of Havat Ma'on
attacked Palestinians in the village of At-Tuwani. Israeli
soldiers in three army jeeps and the settlement security agent of
Ma'on accompanied the settlers. Villagers from At-Tuwani
gathered to protest the settlers coming into their village and
entering their homes. An Israeli soldier punched a Palestinian
villager, breaking his nose.
Immediately thereafter,
Israeli settlers began throwing stones at the Palestinian villagers
while soldiers fired three canisters of tear gas at the Palestinians.
Afterwards, the settlers drove to the entrance of At-Tuwani, and began
throwing stones at passersby on the road.
The day's incident
began at 9:20 a.m. when three army jeeps and a pickup truck with an
Israeli settler from Havat Ma'on and the settlement security guard
from Ma'on drove into At-Tuwani. The settler accused the
villagers of stealing goats. Palestinians in the village told
him to call the police and let police officers search village.
However, the settler continued to walk throughout the village,
entering Palestinian homes, accompanied by the soldiers and settlement
security guard. He then made phone calls until other settlers
arrived.
Women of At-Tuwani told
CPTers that during the attack, soldiers threatened them and their
children, saying that if they did not leave the area, soldiers would
arrest all of the men of the village and kill at least one.
Despite their fear, the women remained where they were and told the
soldiers they were welcome to arrest them as well as the
men.
The day after the
attack, doctors reported that the Palestinian who was punched in the
face will need surgery.
=== IA&A ===
Initializations, Acronyms, and Abbreviations
The budget has brought up more:
CID
= Caller ID (identification, on phone)
FTE =
Full Time Equivalent (used for staffing information)
GFOA
= Govt Finance Officers Assn
h/w =
hardware
IT =
Information Technology
s/w =
software
SFMP
= Sport Fields Master Plan (approved; bound to be hearing more about
this)
TfT =
Trees for Tomorrow
and from now on indicating Cclr Michael Evison, changed from ME
(obviously cd be ambiguous) to Ev.
=== MAIKU ===
2010 January 31 ... during the matinee of The Edward Curtis
Project (NV)
we
each view the world
through a personal prism
float, pass like snowflakes
=== QUOTATIONS
===
We have, in fact, two kinds of morality side by side one which we
preach but do not practice, and another which we practice but seldom
preach.
--
Bertrand Russell, British philosopher (1872 - 1970)
No question is so difficult to answer as that to which the answer
is obvious.
--
George Bernard Shaw, Irish playwright (1856 - 1950)
It is dangerous to be right in matters where the established
authorities are wrong.
--
Voltaire, French writer (1694 - 1778)
Never base your budget requests on realistic assumptions, as this
could lead to a decrease in your funding.
--
Scott Adams, Dilbert
Some couples go over their budgets very carefully every month;
others just go over them.
-
Sally Poplin
A budget is just a method of worrying before you spend money, as
well as afterward.
-
Unknown
A budget tells us what we can't afford, but it doesn't keep us
from buying it.
-
William Feather, American author (1889 - 1981)
After the government takes enough to balance the budget, the
taxpayer has the job of budgeting the balance.
-
Unknown
I have enough money to last me the rest of my life, unless I buy
something.
--
Jackie Mason, American comedian (b 1936)
My problem lies in reconciling my gross habits with my net
income.
--
Errol Flynn, Australian actor (1909 - 1959)
It's clearly a budget. It's got a lot of numbers in it.
-
George W. Bush, former US president (b 1946)
ECONOMISTS:
> Economists are number crunchers
who, if they had any charisma, would have become
accountants.
> Someone told me recently about an architect, a
surgeon, and economist.
The surgeon said, 'Look, we're the most
important. God's a surgeon because the very first thing God did was to
extract Eve from Adam's rib.'
The architect said, 'No, wait a minute, God
is an architect. God made the world in seven days out of
chaos.'
> The economist smiled, 'And who
made the chaos?'
PUN
The man put his name on the neck of his shirt so he would have
collar ID.
