WVM2010-27
Nov 22 Finance Cmte NOTES
Dec 6 AGENDA
Calendar to Dec 18
by
Carolanne Reynolds, Editor
www.WestVan.org
PUBLIC CORRESPONDENCE BACK!
-- MORE FINANCE and
BUDGET
* Happy
Hanukkah/Chanukah * Festival of Lights Dec 1 - 8
*
IN THIS ISSUE:
MAIN ITEMS on ccl mtg AGENDA Dec 6th: Mirabile dictu but there it
is! Item 14.5 for the
letters! It is, however, a big
night for a couple of other reasons:
o Item 7
b/c it's again a night for BUDGET INPUT; we are a bit
hampered though b/c it has "information to be
provided". So we don't get anticipated answers or more
information until then, wch means it will be deferred most probably.
Ccl and staff to be congratulated for trying for a budget by the end
of the year but with a bit of a slow start, no surprise and not
significant b/c it doesn't have to be adopted until May 15. We
cd aim for February however (ppl away and the first mtg in January
isn't until Jan 10). Better later and have a better one than an
early hasty one not taking advantage of practical recommendations.
If you haven't seen the ludicrous email circulating saying zero is
unsustainable, will leave that hilarity to Monday night -- not just
fear-mongering but showing lack of knowledge of the machinations at
the Hall, not to mention civic govt.
o Item 11 is the
level crossing at Marine Drive/Pk Royal redux.
o Items on fees and charges;
prohibition of selling rabbits; sec stes regs; etc.
o Bylaws on waterworks, utilities,
etc for adoption; and -- groan! let's hope they vote it down and
defer to January -- possibly a ccl mtg for Monday Dec
20th!
= Vive le Canada (Viva Vancouver); from the EDITOR'S
DESK (Zoning; Budget; letters); POLICEWATCH; UPDATES & INFO (Xmas
trees; Operation Red Nose; TransLink)
= CALENDAR to Dec 18th; CULTUREWATCH (Theatre; Art;
Music, Opera, Photography)
= Update 26a, Dec 1st (Menorah Lighting; Mackay Crk
Project; Fed Funding; +)
= Finance Cmte Mtg NOTES Nov 22nd: Also called a Sp
Ccl Mtg but entirely Budget information and presentations from public;
Sp Ccl Mtg Nov 25 CLOSED, so no notes!
= Ccl Mtg AGENDA Dec 6th
= ANIMALWATCH (cheetah; cat; baby red panda); HERITAGEWATCH
(more on Chuck Davis); STIMULUS PAYMENTS (Oz); MAIKU;
QUOTATIONS/THOUGHTS/PUNS
=== Vive le CANADA === Viva
Vancouver!
from Australia: Numerous surveys rate Vancouver as
the best place in the world to live. Mark Jones can see why. http://www.smh.com.au/travel/the-best-city-in-the-world-20101108-17k72.html
=== from the EDITOR'S DESK
===
~=A7~ ZONING AND SUBDIVISION AMENDMENT BYLAWS
Don't forget the public mtg on Tuesday Dec 7 at 5:30.
Need to ascertain definition and effectiveness of creek preservation.
Will allowing/changing 20Ksf lots to 10Ksf affect the character of
your nbrhd? why change 2.5upa in the Upper Lands without consultation
or adequate choice, agreement, or compensation to the cmnty?
Lewis, Sop, Smith asked for more time -- it is, after all, over 300
pages -- but lost the vote. Let's see what happens.
~=A7~ Proposed BUDGET 2011
Again more time needed to considered efficiencies, reallocations,
new revenue, possibly cuts, to stop the escalator to higher and higher
taxes. We need to get our heads together and address this
intelligently, not emotionally.
Although some advocating a zero per cent tax rate increase, it's
for the Operating Budget; keep in mind an increase in the utilities
rates for over 10% is about to be adopted.
While noting how careful the Mayor was in not permitting a mbr of
the WVMEA to speak at the Finance Cmte mtg Nov 22 on the budget, it
was shocking to receive email forwarded by the WVCCSS Chair urging
targeting some cclrs and residents advocating zero, esp when the msg
has inaccuracies and threatened the result wd be ridiculous cuts no
one has contemplated: closing the Library 'at least' one day a
week, closing a fire hall, devt in parks, "possibly all municipal
funding of the arts", no more hanging baskets, etc, and this/an
outrageous list wch IMO libels some ppl and a citizen group --
incredibly, written by a member of a candidate's campaign and who
donated $4K in kind to that election campaign in 2008; obviously to
none of the three talking about zero (Lewis, Sop, and Walker).
Apparently, if those three are "hopeless cases", we
ought to talk to Smith b/c the msg says: "If Smith has any
intentions of running for Mayor, he must move away from ITAC -
surely he must see it is a trap. So, to me, the key is to cast
all approaches toward Smith."
Is Smith strong enough to withstand such pressure -- not fall for
its faulty foundation?
Hard to escape the calumny. Here'a another statement this time
about the Finance Dept: "there has been a factual vacuum for two
years."
Wonder what the Mayor and CAO think about that!
Happy to say that ADRA and WVM escaped attack (this time?) and
although we try to be rational and positive (see presentations below
by Gordon Ward Hall and me in the NOTES), can't help feeling lucky to
have been missed, or overlooked. Take it as a compliment.
Regardless, it is my hope that the good burghers of this lovely
cmnty will address the ever-growing budget carefully since the
residents' incomes have been shrinking, down 9-30% according to some
stats given. Meanwhile the union's negotiated raises are 4% a
year wch translates to 17% over four years and 22% over five.
Isn't this an unacceptable gap/situation?
Let's look at property assessments.
In January 2010 Finance Dept staff wrote to me:
"The average residential assessment for 2010 is
$1,305,290 as compared to $1,421,135 for 2009."
The present Director of Finance wrote Dec 1st, the other day:
"The average assessment for West Vancouver is $1,498,616 and
the median assessment is $1,061,400."
So our income and assets are going down and staff salaries are
going up.
There are many intelligent citizens who can present options and
solutions respectful and sensitive to both residents and staff.
Readers of WVM will have seen the list of staff who received
remuneration over $100K for 2009 (top was ~$210K) in WVM17. So
it's even higher this year and still higher for 2011.
Labour is over 80% of the Operating Budget.
Revenue-generating? attrition? what can be done?
Are the increases any surprise when staff negotiate staff's
collective agreements? Check; did someone say then non-union
mgmt just get the same?
It's not doom and gloom! No doubt difficult, but I'm
sure West Vancouver can come up with innovative and creative
solutions Let's give them to Ccl to help them in their
deliberations.
~=A7~ PUBLIC CORRESPONDENCE
At long last -- been asking starting in March.
NOTE: Letters must be addressed to:
mayorandcouncil@westvancouver.ca
If you choose not to come to a ccl mtg to tell Ccl personally
what you want to see in WV, then write with your good ideas for all of
us see/hear.
Much has been said about cmnty engagement............
=== POLICEWATCH ===
BLOCKWATCH says
Avoid putting gifts under the Christmas tree or in other obvious
locations, until the family opens them at Christmas.
There have been B&Es in the past years, where the gifts have
all been stolen from under the tree!
Record serial numbers and store this information in a safe place.
You can engrave your valuables with your BC Driver's Licence
number.
You can also get some TB Vet's securitags for a small donation.
Go to
www.tbvets.org for this
info.
=== UPDATES & INFO
===
+ Howe Sound
Lions Club Annual Christmas Tree Sales
Friday Dec
3 - 24 at
AMBLESIDE PARK from 9am to 8pm
Support the Howe
Sound Lions Club AND purchase your Christmas tree at the same
time!
Annual Christmas Tree Chip Up is Sunday January 10 from 10 to
3pm.
+ OPERATION RED
NOSE
FREE, volunteer driving
service from 9pm to 3am on Dec. 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18, and
31st. Volunteers working in teams of three people, will be
the designated drivers to escort car owners and their cars home
safely. Donations are welcome. Call 1 877 604
NOSE.
+ TRANSLINK
Date: Tue, 30 Nov 2010 15:00:48 -0800
Subject: You are invited to participate in TransLink's North
Shore Area Transit Plan
Hello,
What is the North Shore Area Transit
Plan?
This phased planning process began
in early September 2010 with early technical work, and will continue
through to July 2011. Feedback from local stakeholders and the general
public, in addition to factors such as land use and population density
projections, will help us better plan for the future.
Your participation and input is
invaluable
As a local stakeholder, your input
will be invaluable to this planning process. In early December, you
will be invited to answer an electronic questionnaire, asking you to
describe the role transit plays for your members and constituents.
This information will help us prepare for "visioning" workshops
that are being planned for late January 2011, where you and other
stakeholders will be invited to help shape the North Shore transit
vision.
We have already started working with
a Public Advisory Committee, and together with this committee, you
will give TransLink the guidance it needs to plan for a transit future
that best meets the needs of North Shore residents and
businesses.
Visit us online for more
information
I look
forward to hearing from you shortly.
Kind
regards, Andrew Brooke, Senior Stakeholder Relations Advisor,
TransLink
=== SUBSCRIBER UPDATE 26a
=== Part of what sent out Dec 1.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
First Public
Menorah Lighting
6pm Thursday
December 02
Congregation Har El
invites its friends and neighbours to the North Shore's first ever
public Menorah Lighting. Everyone is welcome to join this celebration.
Sufganiyot (donuts) and hot chocolate will be served. WV Community
Centre
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
North Shore
Streamkeepers -- nssk.ca
North Shore Streamkeepers
in collaboration with the NV Community Arts Council and the NV
District Hall present:
The Mackay
Creek Project
Painting
Exhibition and Film Preview
Film Preview
-- Thursday, December 2, 6:30 -
8:30pm
Painting
Exhibition -- December 1, 2010 - January 26,
2011
Opening
Reception: Thursday, December 2, 6:30 - 8:30pm
[North Vancouver District
Hall]
This exhibition and film
preview combines science and art to explore the North Shore watershed
and asks the question 'what are the odds of salmon survival in
urban creeks in the 21st century?'
THE
FILM
documenting the Mackay
Creek Ecology Community Art Project, Wild Chance, will offer
creative strategies encouraging a collaborative approach to conserve
important wild lands that support migratory salmon populations in the
urban interface. The film will be run every 1/2 hour between 7 -
8:30pm
THE
EXHIBITION
is a series of oil
paintings by Ron den Daas capturing a critical point in a local creek
through the seasons revealing the complex nature inherent in the North
Shore watershed. The paintings aim to inspire conservation and
enhancement of these valuable ecological resources for future
generations. The series consists of 60 panels that were created
between 2008 - 2010. The Paintings will be on display at the
District Foyer Gallery until Jan 26, 2011.
THE OPENING
RECEPTION:
The opening reception will
consist of a Welcoming Ceremony from representatives of
Coast Salish Communities, opening remarks from the District and
City of North Vancouver representatives, Chief Executive Officer of
the Pacific Salmon Foundation, Brian Riddell and North Shore
Streamkeepers chairperson, Karen Munro between 6:30 and 7:00 pm,
followed by the preview of a film documenting The Mackay Creek Ecology
Community Art Project; Wild Chance 2010 and information display panels
on the ecological state of some North Shore creeks by the North Shore
Streamkeepers. Light refreshments and snacks will be served in the
foyer.
Ron den
Daas
ecosystem@shaw.ca
studio 604 988 7544
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RECOGNITION OF AND THANKS FOR
FEDERAL $$$ FUNDING
Date: Friday, December 3rd
Time: 3 pm Place: WV
Community Centre, Atrium
West Vancouver, BC: The District of West Vancouver invites you
to join Member of Parliament John Weston, Mayor Pamela
Goldsmith-Jones, and Council on Friday, December 3rd at the West
Vancouver Community Centre to celebrate the completion of several
projects funded through the Recreation Infrastructure Canada (RInC)
program. RInC is a part of Canada's Economic Action Plan and
is designed to invest $500 million in recreational facilities across
Canada over a two-year period. West Vancouver has been the recipient
of over $200,000 of RInC funding that has been invested in parks and
community centres throughout the District.
Community members from the West Vancouver
Community Centres Services Society, the Seniors' Activity Centre
Advisory Committee, the Field Sport Forum Working Group, and the Child
Care Services Working Group will be present at the event. These
community members will speak about the significant impact of these
projects.
Join the District in thanking MP John Weston
and the Government of Canada for these funding opportunities.
Refreshments will be provided.
RInC funding has been invested in
the following projects throughout the District:
=A7 Improvements to Glenmore Park (Ed Anderson
Field) and Rick Genest Field. A new backstop at Glenmore and netting
at Rick Genest. Also in this project were two sets of bleachers at
Ambleside F field, one set at Ambleside C field, and one set at
Klahanie Park. Hollyburn Field improvements included a backstop and
gate.
=A7 Upgrade lighting at West Vancouver Aquatic
Centre. The grant was originally for the overhead lights of the main
pool. This was completed well under budget so there were further
upgrades to the underwater lights and sauna.
=A7 Expand and enhance the Outdoor Playground at
Ambleside Park.
=A7 Build a Covered Walkway connecting the
Seniors' Activity Centre to the West Vancouver Community
Centre.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PANDORA'S VOX
AND ESPIRITU PRESENTS A NOT-SO-SILENT NIGHT
~ 8pm Friday Dec 3 and Saturday
Dec 4 at 2pm and 8pm ~
A
dazzling array of seasonal song guaranteed to warm the heart and lift
the spirit!
About Pandora's
Vox
Founded in 1989 by
Director Gillian Hunt, PANDORA'S VOX has been applauded as a unique
and highly entertaining women's vocal ensemble. With an eclectic and
creative style, the charismatic VOX sings with a vocal virtuosity that
encompasses a surprising range of repertoire. The beautifully staged
concerts are invariably sold out and receive rave reviews. PANDORA'S
VOX performs regularly around the Lower Mainland and throughout the
Pacific Northwest. The VOX also performs at conventions and private
functions. PANDORA'S VOX is a two-time National finalist in the CBC
Radio Choral Competition and has four recordings available: IN TREBLE,
A SIMPLE CHRISTMAS, CANTABILE, WHISPER OF ANGELS and their newest CD
entitled INVOXXICATION.
About
Espiritu
ESPIRITU Vocal
Ensemble was formed in September 2002 and operates under the umbrella
of PANDORA'S VOX Vocal Ensemble Society. ESPIRITU, a 50 voice mixed
ensemble, was created for committed choral singers within our
community who wish to improve their vocal technique and perform
challenging and diverse repertoire. Under the inspired direction of
Gillian Hunt, ESPIRITU has developed an energetic, sophisticated and
exquisityle blended sound. ESPIRITU's CD entitled FIRST IMPRESSIONS, a
compilation of their most requested repertoire, is a welcome addition
to any collection.
For more
information, call 604-922-2513 or email pandorasvox@shawbiz.ca
$29 adult | $24
senior and student // Kay Meek Centre Box Office: 913
3634.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
== Saturday Dec 4 -- courtesy of WRA News:
~ 10am - 5pm ~ Makers' Market at St
Monica's Church at the roundabout in Horseshoe Bay
A handmade event: Pottery, Farmhouse Furniture, Handmade
Soap, Jewellery, Handbags, and Gift Bags; Artwork, Baked and Canned
Goods, Children's Clothing, Wreaths, and more .
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BRITANNIA MINE MUSEUM -- WEEKEND
-- SAT/SUN Dec 4/5
Come view the newly launched
Britannia Mine Museum. Stroll along the boardwalk and visit the
theatre, mineral gallery and restored heritage buildings full of fun,
hands on exhibits. Step back in time and take a joy ride through the
underground mine, dig up some treasured stories of our mining pioneers
and pan for real gold (now with heated water).
Members' Holiday
Weekend
Join us this weekend for a special
Members Holiday Weekend. Enjoy warm apple cider while perusing the
wide selection of gift and holiday items. Take advantage of your
membership benefit of 15% off all items in the Company Store. Our
shelves are stocked with one of a kind rocks, children's gifts, hand
crafted stone ware and a large selection of books and DVDs. New to the
gift shop is a beautiful range of jewellery with semi-precious stones
as well as tree ornaments. Gifts range in price from 1.99 for a lump
of coal (perfect for that naughty someone on your list!) to $150 for a
rare rock sample. Click here to see new items in the Gift
Shop.
Members' Holiday Weekend -
December 4 & 5; call 1 800
896 4044 for visitor info
=== CALENDAR to Dec 9th
===
All mtgs are at M Hall
unless indicated otherwise. NOTE: shown are mtgs known at
this date; often there are additions, changes, cancellations after WVM
goes out. Check the DWV Calendar: http://www.westvancouver.ca/Calendar.aspx . Notices/mtgs/changes
too late for the last WVM or too early for the next one are sent to
subscribers as updates. They then, unfortunately later, appear
in the newsletter.
ONGOING:
+ LPPS: The Phyl Munday Nature Hut in Lighthouse Park is
open Sundays from 2 to 4pm.
+ Dundarave Festival of Lights
November 27th -
Dundarave Fair and Lights Up
Featuring Pacific Spirit
Children's Choir, Sarah McLachlan's Music Outreach Youth
Choir,
Collingwood School Junior Choir,
West Van Youth Band
December 4th
- Installation of Historic Dundarave
Nativity
Special Guests Squamish Elders and VOC Sweet Soul Gospel Choir and the
Jacques Leger duo.
CANCELLED: Parks Master Plan WG, 7pm Tu Nov 23; Police Bd 5:30pm
Th Nov 25
ADDED: Sp Ccl mtg (closed; re
litigation), 8am Thurs Nov 25
Parks Master Plan WG ~ 1:30pm Thurs Nov 25 in Ambleside
Park.
== Saturday Dec 4 -- courtesy of WRA News (was in Update
26a):
~ 10am - 5pm ~ Makers' Market at St
Monica's Church at the roundabout in Horseshoe Bay
A handmade event: Pottery, Farmhouse Furniture, Handmade
Soap, Jewellery, Handbags, and Gift Bags; Artwork, Baked and Canned
Goods, Children's Clothing, Wreaths, and more.
== Tuesday Dec 7
~ 5:30pm ~ Zoning Amendment Bylaw Public
Mtg
~ 7pm ~ Parks Master Plan WG
AND Ambleside Lights Up!
Starts at Saltaire Restaurant at 5:30pm. Stroll through Ambleside Village carolling and
enjoying hot chocolate and holiday treats. Share in the Christmas
cheer with the sounds of the Collingwood Youth Choir as the giant
Christmas tree at the entrance of Ambleside lights up (15th and
Bellevue.
== Wednesday Dec 8 ~ 7pm ~ Library Bd mtg at the
Library
== Thursday Dec 9
~ 7:30am ~ Field Sport Forum WG
~
4:30pm ~ Design Review Cmte
== Friday Dec 10 ~ 9am ~ Cmnty Grants Cmte Mtg at Cmnty
Ctr (Cedar Rm, 3rd floor)
== Saturday Dec 11 ~ A World Christmas
~
A 12-mbr Mariachi Band, an Austrian Choir, a Polish Children's
Choir, and Silk Road Music --
a Chinese/Celtic fusion trio to bring colour and energy to
Christmas Celebrations.
== 7:30pm Sat
Dec 11 and 2pm Sun Dec 12
WV United
Church, 2062 Esquimalt (21st & Marine); info/tix 922
9191
PACIFIC SPIRIT
CHOIR presents the ever popular
CHRISTMAS
CAROLONG, an Old-Time
Carol Sing-a-long for the Entire Family
== Tuesday Dec 14 -- Enjoy the Christmas
Magic!
Bonfire, Carol Sing-a-long, Festive Treats, Lantern
Parade starts at 6pm at St. Monica's
Sponsored by the Horseshoe Bay Business
Association
== Thursday Dec 16 ~ 6pm ~ NSh Family Court /
Youth Justice Cmte mtg CANCELLED
== Friday Dec 17 ~ 3:15pm ~ Concert in the Atrium
This month's concert features the West Vancouver Youth
Band.
+ ONGOING Fridays, Dec
10 -- English
Corner -- 10 -
11:30am
Come practise English Conversation! Free, no registration
required.
+ Philosophers' Café -- 10:30am Friday Dec
17
Egoism -- are people interested only in themselves? When they
give presents or cards are they really just out to meet their own
needs? No registration required; admission $5.
Our piano has returned to the Main Hall and we are excited to
make use of it during the month of December. Come in out of the cold,
treat yourself to a hot chocolate and listen to some seasonal
music.
~ 4 - 4:30pm
~ Thursday December 9; and Friday, December 10
~ 1:15 -1
:45pm ~ Wednesday December 15; and 11 - 11:15am Thursday
December 16
KAO TANABE -- October 26 to December 23
Takao Tanabe is one of Canada's most respected artists
with a career spanning over six decades. This exhibition profiles a
series of new watercolour paintings of the Rocky Mountains in winter
alongside a selection of earlier works from the artist's own
collection. For more info about this exhibition, pls visit the
Museum website or call 925 7295.
+ Nov 19 - Dec 19 -- Great Stuff
-- Christmas Gift & Art Sale
Jewellery, Pottery, Textiles, Cards, Paintings,
Prints, Mosaics, and much more...created by 43 local
artisans. One of a kind items just in time for the Christmas
shopper!
Great Stuff Hours: Tues - Sun
10am - 6pm; Fridays 10am - 8pm
November 29 - Dec 1 -- "3 Day Art
Auction & Sale"
Well-known and highly recognized Capilano University
IDEA (Illustration and Design) students create images of
Vancouver, led by faculty member and respected artist Kiff Holland.
Buy that special piece of art for Christmas for a fraction of the cost
of other art works!
Opening Reception: TUESDAY November 30th from 6
- 8 pm
December 2 - 19
--
"Photographic Reflections"
An exhibition of
photographic reflections reveals an array of fascinating patterns,
intense colours, and organic and geometrical shapes. Photos include
scenes of Canada, Europe, and the North Shore, and are presented by
photographic artists
Gary Eder, Keiko Imaizumi, Niloofar Miri, and
Ensieh Rastegar.
Opening
Reception: SATURDAY December 4th from 2 - 4 pm
+++ KAY MEEK CENTRE
+++
Complete list of events: http://kaymeekcentre.com/on_stage/events_calendar
Electronic newsletter: http://kaymeekcentre.weebly.com
Simplest way to get on email list, call
913 3634 or email tickets@kaymeekcentre.com
Thursday Dec
9 ~ 11am and 8pm
~ A FAIRY TALE CHRISTMAS WITH EURYTHMY AND BELLS
Friday Dec 10 ~ 8pm
~ A ROCK 'N' ROLL CHRISTMAS
Saturday Dec 11 ~
10:30am ~ STAGECRAFT THEATRE SCHOOL PERFORMANCE
Monday Dec
13 ~ 7pm
~ WITH THANKS: A NIGHT
TO CELEBRATE, A GIFT OF MUSIC
and more!
+++ ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION BRANCH 60, West
Vancouver +++
"Where Volunteers make the difference."
Chartered November 17th, 1926
The Winter Issue
of "The Torch" is now available
To view
the newsletter, just click the following link for direct
access:
> This is my
last issue as Editor of The Torch, and what a great run it has been!
Three years ago Zone Commander Valerie MacGregor gave me the
opportunity, and to her I extend a big thank you! With no prior
knowledge of creating a
newsletter, it
has been a hugely rewarding experience for me.
I hope my
successor derives as much enjoyment as I have in being able to present
members with the timely, interesting, and informative reports relating
to our viable Branch 60. Warm regards, Janice Mackay-Smith <
Election
Results
The election of officers was
held at the General Meeting on November 23rd. Welcome to our 2011
Executive members!
President-Joan
Thibault
1st Vice-President-Donald
Sinclair
2nd Vice President-Peter
Skinner
Finance Chair-Bruce
Young
Secretary-Reid
Anderson
Service Officer-Rosemarie
Block
Past President-Rosemarie
Block
Executive
Officers:
One-Year Term-John
Wymer
One Year Remaining of Two-Year
Term-Tom Dimitroff, Doris Dungey
Two-Year Term-Ian Carter, Jay
Carter, Jeremy Woodham
COMING
EVENTS: Saturday, December 11th &
18th-Special Meat Draws of Turkeys and Hams
'Tis the Season...
The Chamber is delighted to hold the 2010
Christmas Party and Auction.
Once again this fun-filled evening will be
hosted at the elegant English-style manor house, The Capilano Golf and
Country Club.
This year partial proceeds go to the Harvest
Project.
6:30 pm - Cocktails - No Host
Bar // 7:00 pm -
Dinner
Tickets: $125.00 Per Person (Plus
HST)
Dress attire is elegant holiday or your best
business attire.... it is the perfect place and time to celebrate in
style! Please RSVP by 5pm Wednesday December 1st (922
6614).
=== CULTUREWATCH
===
*
THEATRE
+ SCROOGE -- in Horseshoe
Bay at St Monica's Church
A Community Theatre Event by Carol
Coulson Productions
THREE PERFORMANCES: Saturday
December 11th at 2 and 6pm; Sunday, December 12th at
4pm
Tickets: Adults $10 and Children $5,
available at:St. Monica's Church, Makers' Market, and Starfire
Studio. All performances are at St Monica's Church; Information:
921 9112 or scrooge02@gmail.com
+ Hendry Hall 983
2633 -- Beauty and
the Beast, Christmas Pantomime; Dec 3 - 19
~ Noel Coward's Brief Encounter ,
Nov 27 - Dec 23
+ Arts Club (tel 687
1644)
It's a Wonderful Life to Jan 2nd (Granville Island
Stage)
White Christmas to Jan 2nd (Stanley Stage)
Patron Saint of Stanley Park (Revue Stage) previews Nov 25 -
30; opens Dec 1st (goes to Dec 26)
+ Jericho Arts
Centre
United Players proudly presents
Mrs Klein by Nicholas Wright -- Nov. 12 - Dec
5
Thursday through Sunday, at 8 pm; Tix:
$14 - $18; tel 224 8007, ext. 2
+ Havana Theatre
684 2787 ~~ Hamlet, Nov 18 to Dec
11
* ART
+ VANCOUVER ART
GALLERY
Member Discounts at
shop.
- VAG PUBLIC PROGRAMS
-- All Programs free for Members.
NOW SHOWING: July 1, 2010 - January 3, 2011
IN DIALOGUE WITH CARR: Douglas Coupland, Evan Lee, Liz Magor,
Marianne Nicolson
- For more information on the
Gallery's relocation campaign, visit our new relocation website at
www.newvanartgallery.com. You can also join the discussion on our
Facebook page.
+ MUSIC at the VAG --
Eine Kleine Lunch Musik on Fridays
* MUSIC
+ BC Boys' Choir: WinterSong
Concert, WV United Church (2062 Esq) 10am Wed Dec 8th 888 909
8282
+ VSO
There are just so many great things,
pls go to the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra's website:
- 8pm Mon Dec 6th at
Orpheum: PLAY! A Video Game Symphony
Andy Brick, conductor
-- Vancouver Bach Choir
Performed by the Vancouver Symphony
Orchestra and a full choir, PLAY! A Video Game
Symphony features award-winning music from a catalogue of
blockbuster video game titles, including Halo, Metal Gear Solid,
Super Mario Bros., The Legend of Zelda, the World Premiere
of Civilization V, and many more. Stunning graphics on
large screens above the orchestra accompany the exciting scores,
highlighting memorable moments from the video games.
Order up to two (2) tickets
for 50% off the regular price in any seat for Play! A Video Game Symphony on Monday, December 6th, 8pm, Orpheum. Call
VSO Customer Service at 604.876.3434 to order your tickets now!
Not to be combined with any other offer or discount; all sales
final.
+++ Traditional Christmas
Concerts
The Lower Mainland's most beloved
Holiday music tradition! Maestro Bramwell Tovey leads the
orchestra and two great choirs (as well as playing the piano!) in a
celebration of the Holiday spirit, with carols, Christmas music, and
plenty of audience sing-alongs! Maestro Tovey's arrangements of
popular Christmas songs have become legendary crowd-pleasers over the
years, and if you have yet to experience them, then don't miss out
this Holiday Season! And, Vancouver's very own Bard, Christopher
Gaze, narrates special, heartwarming and humorous Christmas
stories.
St Andrew's-Wesley, Vancouver:
7:30pm Dec 9th; 7:30pm Dec 10th; 4pm and 7:30pm Dec
11th
[Surrey Dec 12; South Delta Dec 15;
Bby Dec 16 then:]
Centennial Theatre, NV: 4pm and
7:30pm Dec 17th; Kay
Meek Theatre, WV: 4pm and 7:30pm Dec 18th
+ EARLY MUSIC
VANCOUVER -- 40th
Anniversary Season
Early Music Vancouver --
1254 West 7th Avenue, Vancouver BC V6H
1B6
T: 604 732-1610 F: 604
732-1602 E: staff@earlymusic.bc.ca W: www.earlymusic.bc.ca
7pm
Monday, December 6
"Early Music in Context" Free Lecture
Series:
From Darkness
to Light:
Performing the
Sacred Cantatas of JS Bach in a Secular Age
Alma VanDusen/Peter Kaye Room, Lower Level,
Central Library, 350 West Georgia St.
Admission is free. Seating is
limited.
Early Music Vancouver's "Early Music in Context"
series returns to the Vancouver Public Library with a lecture by
Marc Destrubé, introducing our 2010 presentation of "Festive
Bach Cantatas for Christmas".
Why do Bach's cantatas, each composed for a specific religious
service, continue to be performed and appreciated by audiences 300
years later, and in contexts and circumstances far removed from those
of Bach's time? This talk will explore why we go to a concert hall to
hear music composed for the church, and why Bach's cantatas have a
universality that goes far beyond their original purpose, with
specific attention to the four cantatas being performed at the Chan
Centre for the Performing Arts, on Wednesday, December 22.
Co-presented by Early Music Vancouver and the Vancouver
Public Library.
* VANCOUVER
OPERA
7:30pm December 4, 7, 9, 11 * Queen Elizabeth
Theatre * 683 0222
Ancient clan hatred
leads to madness and murder in Donizetti's thrilling masterpiece of
melodic beauty and psychological depth. Lucia loves Edgardo, her
family's enemy. With cruel deception, Lucia's brother forces her
to marry another man to save the family from financial ruin. The
consequences are devastating: three innocent people die and the bitter
feud lives on.
Set in the brooding
lowlands of Scotland, Lucia di Lammermoor's heartbreaking drama of
fatal family dynamics and its portrait of a fragile virtuous woman are
profoundly affecting. Passion, romance, filial love, loyalty and
betrayal are all expressed in Donizetti's exquisite bel canto score.
The climactic "mad scene" is one of the most famous in
opera.
December 1 - 31 from noon to
8pm -- "New Year Art & Craft Sale"
Painting, Calligraphy, Photographs, different Crafts
(gifts)
=== Sp Ccl Mtg / FINANCE CMTE MTG NOTES
Nov 22nd ===
6pm in MHall Main Floor
Conference Room; 7pm ccl mtg in chamber
Note: At 6pm the reg
Cci Mtg will commence in open session and will be immediately followed
by a motion to exclude the public in order to hold a closed session,
pursuant to section 90 of the Cmnty Charter.
6:00 PM
1. CALL TO ORDER OPEN SESSION
2. EXCLUSION OF THE PUBLIC
RECOMMENDED: In the public interest, members of
the public excluded from part of the Nov 15th 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:
(g) litigation or potential litigation affecting
the M;
(i) the receipt of advice that is subject to
solicitor-client privilege, including communications necessary for
that purpose.
5. ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION
7:00 PM
4. RECONVENE OPEN SESSION
{but it starts with 1, so maybe
diff between ccl mtg and FinCmte mtg}
1. CALL TO
ORDER
Mayor: Cclr Walker is ill unfortunately, so she's not with us
this evening, so I'm going to be acting Finance Cmte Chair.
2. CONFIRMATION
OF AGENDA
Mayor: we're going to vary the order just slightly, and put Chief
Cook's presentation following the capital items so that our Dir/Fin
can give a full presentation
If questions, can do during presentation but it's mostly review
and a bit of further clarification based on our original FinCmte mtg
on the budget.
Here to hear from the public.
3. ADOPTION OF
MINUTES
Mayor: Adoption of the minutes; I
have a couple of corrections
Under Public Questions, I'm not
exactly sure Mr Tunner doesn't live on West Bay Place; it's Odlum
Court or something; and the name Gary Polman is Garrett
Polman
4. DIRECTOR
OF FINANCIAL SERVICES - RECAP OF NOVEMBER 8TH
PRESENTATION
NL: Thank you to the cmnty coming out, it's cold and miserable;
brave coming out; appreciate that.
Part of this is going to be a review; fees and charges about 20%
of our revenue budget
corporate initiatives; capital and infrastructure; proposed
projects for 2011; pls feel free to bring questions forward
cmnty strategic plan drove the plan this year; principles, to
operational plan
used BSC as our tool; ensures aligned and to measure; gauge
ourselves on a quarterly basis
through 2011 going to see better measure and BSC
appreciated comments; heard what you were saying; we want to
do quarterly financial reporting, will take a while to get
there
think Mr Richards brought that forward as something he wd like to
see, and I think beneficial for Ccl and the cmnty
performance metrics, have moved in that direction; allows us
to benchmark
further definition to services we currently provide
discussion as we go forward, levels and quality of service;
potentially delivering in a different manner
SLIDES
2011 Budget will be compliant with the GFOA; v rigorous set of
standards, moving to that compliance
$77M budget, considering cost drivers, given our commitments
(salaries, etc), legislative standards, $1.2M increase overall
in our budget
no FTE growth; speaks highly innovation, of our
employees/staff
insurance reduction and allocation of capital; funds not spent
last year will be moved forward; accomplished all the reqmts and in
prudent manner
operating activities -- cost-saving: Cost Drivers within budget,
a $2.6M increase just to manage our collective agreements and increase
pension & benefits costs, and increased expenditures for changes
in legislative standards
Labour represents 80% of our budget over all
Sop: you said no increase in FTEs; going to be?
eg we're budgeting for a person in Communications
how many expect to hire in 2011
NL: can't speak to hirings but can speak to allocations;
vacancies in past, reallocated FTEs from one dept to another,
realignment of FTEs
639 FTEs union, 101 non-union
ML: are we talking budgeted FTEs or actual FTEs
tell me end of 2010 and end of 2011 -- will there be a
growth
NL: no
ML: so the 639 and 101 what we shd expect
NL: absolutely
ML: salary adjustments for 2011; understand commitment from
collective agreements
are there increases in non-union
NL: xxxx complex model wrt steps
ML: impact of not raises
NL: around $100 to 110K
CAO: not just managers, talking all exempt, clerical
ML: so
CAO: not managerial
{someone wanting to speak}
Mayor: wd be great to have your whole presentation; otherwise bit
difficult to manage
NL: historically on
looked at needs for 2011 and going three to five years out
vehicles, some v rigid long-term plans; incredible amt of
analysis
in other areas not had the opp to look at
IT one, Facilities Mntnce another so looked at what we need for
2011, v small allowance in those envelopes in terms of emergencies,
generally this is needs-based
spoke about what was not spent in IT; technology was changing
that the District wanted to take advantage of: virtual servers, robust
enough so worth to look at -- something that had long-term cost
efficiencies
some of the uses of our PCs not what we thought
we cd potentially look at different applications for different
users so IT did not evolve as we anticipated
Infrastructure and mntnce and assets, so about 10% and that's $7M
for 2011
Fees and Charges about $15M
a couple of years ago moved from tax-funded to user-pay
Fire do home inspections, their budget is $500K+
some Ms charge a flat 2% across; we did not think it the best
way; each reviewed in its own merit so will be reviewed next
Monday
Mayor: Dec 6
NL: good; Cmnty Strategic Plan; have highlighted [slide];
BSC
individual lists of assets requested; each with standardized
template that captures all of the costs, ties in requests with BSC and
strategic plans
all submissions reviewed on a needs basis; tie into a particular
service, etc......
major capital projects: a list included in package
rlwy crossing gate, ped crossings, ensuring our residents are
safe
compliance with requests from BCR
15th St and MDr: just the traffic signal
[list on slide; some funded by third parties, prov/fed; Spirit
Trail Greenway, Amb Turf Field]
Library roof, 1756/1758 etc
Capital Fund Budget and Operating Budget
Mayor: does that conclude your presentation
NL: yes
Mayor: hear from Fire Chief or questions now
5. CHIEF COOK
- FIRE PRESENTATION [7:28]
FCh: SLIDES
purpose high level overview; cost drivers that impact the budget,
finally some initiatives to make WV a safer cmnty in 2011
four fire stations, respond to over 3500 this year
109 FTEs; will save from reduction of one FTE
recovery fees
$12.3M
budget will support service levels for the cmnty
Ccl decisions on staffing determine
staff with four means crews can enter immediately
v high satisfactory rating
highest factor is salaries
$600K O/T and I've implemented strategies to reduce
shared services with our nbrs
replacement of a truck, xxx, largest cost a fire truck
Initiatives: feasibility planning for a new bldg shared with
Police
fire tanks; training division; updating three-year plan
finally in partnership with Eagle Island residents, energy
audits
all three Ms cross; etc.
signif opps, sending the nearest firehall or truck, means can
cross boundaries
fire and parks staff together
District is a leader in the delivery of emergency services
Mayor: xxx [7:43]
Sop: where are we going in the next few weeks wrt public,
etc
wd like to know time schedule
Mayor: will depend on what we hear tonight; Qs re
presentations and public
Sop: I have five pages of questions and will submit over next
week
Mayor: begin tonight
Sop: Fire Chief -- our per capita costs, re other Ms why are we
so high?
FChief: costs not seen as a good measure
one is popn and another, the length of the terrain
four fire halls, some Ms, eg CNV, small area and can manage with
one fire hall
the travel time across this district, east - west - to
north
number of staff to serve, diff
Sop: from the 2011 budget appears Fire costs will exceed Police
-- ever going to see a reduction? based on bargaining; others saying
4%, what's it going to take?
FCh: we can cost share, cost avoidance; wages largely dictated
by other Ms
recognized Fire wages signif more than others last sev
years
try to provide service at least [sic] amt of cost
Sop: a series of consultant work to be done
xxxx, xxxx. [lists amt 7:39] all consulting fees
what's wrong with that picture?
not the expertise on staff?
NL: will ask my directors to jump [judge?] wrt their specific
areas
they have put in initiatives, an expertise either not in the
District or not 7:40
BL: one of those items -- centennial celebration is not a
consulting fee; we were imagining a cmte????? presumed half raised
through fundraising and half by District
first year hope $60K, half by fundraising
for now imagining, half committed by District; sorry, loose
Mayor: and they're all up for debate
Sop: block replacement policy, wonder eye ? of achieving
replacement cycles based on hardware and software operability
where efficiencies if block?
NL: we certainly did not approach as block in any way shape or
form, looked at needs of District as a whole
based 2011 on what was currently needed and technology
Sop: one more, then other cclrs
wrt blueprint for change, states that mean income in WV is
$77K and indivi $34K and that was 2006
popn: adults 44%, low income 16.2%, over 65 is 23%; sgl-parent
was xxx 7:44
that was in 2006 before the crash, wondering about ability to
pay
Mayor: sounds good, but a question? still have to hear from
public
Sop: must spend to achieve ecic progress
know revenues going to be there but ever consider the
revenues
backwards. ability to pay. Not rosy.
when say quite comfortably to ppl we've done ev we can for last
years; appears never going to be able to do that based on ecic
progress
Mayor: so that's a rhetorical question
think all of us discipline to 7:46
MS: I'll forgo questions, listen to public then debate
TP: to Fire Chief, do you see shared services gain?
impact of closing a fire hall and what that wd mean to
cmnty?
fees and charges, do you feel we've reached the max?
FCh: gains from shared services, see signif gains as work in
unison not just for emerg but for training, etc; believe can shrink
structure down
tried to align our bylaws and training across NSh
Four fire halls based on studies -- situated to allow four- to
six-minute response to anywhere; stretched; there was a recommendation
for a fifth
critical time for fire and rescue; based on that
re revenue, ofc staff maxed -- invoices, mgmt, close to making
that $520K in rev
Ccl made decision toward user fees; some fit that well; normal
resident doesn't receive ??????????not paid for by the taxpayers
ML: do the fees over the costs?
when might the shrinkage result in a reduction of the Op
budget?
think we confuse the need for a fire hall with the need to
position trucks, service delivery
linking together, we need to look at the fire delivery model
from the bottom up; feel nothing changed since the Dark Ages; big fire
engines to traffic accidents and heart attacks?
when cover
FCh; fees cover, yes; where we can, will charge back
... one supervisor for NSh instead of three
ML: target?
FCh: July
ea jurisdiction has its rank and file; one a bit challenging;
maybe another governance to make it cost effective to do it that
way
look at number of aerial trucks -- we have three, cd get by
with two
vehicles within ten years of replacement
smaller vehicles but ours travel with all equipment: fire,
medical, ropes for bridge, etc so not have to get another truck; xxx
get [7:56]
Ev: does that include
FCh: xxx ... 13 firefighters, five officers,
"lootenants"
{fyi: in Canada lieutenant is pronounced LEFFtenant, as in
BC's Lieutenant Governor Steven Point.
See also LANGUAGEWATCH in the last newsletter,
WVM26=BA.}
Ev: don't know what an xxx fire truck is
plsd to hear what Dir/Fin said; policy for replacement of
vehicles
what was the basis of replacing it this year, it's a 1990
vehicle, what about leaving it to next year?
on NSh three and you say we cd get by with two
Mayor: so to speak
Ev; so to speak
FCh: the Anderson fire truck is the one of the day
shd be ignored as Ford Chevy
vehicle will be 20 yrs old in 2011; don't put on a lot of mileage
but terrain a lot
annually we have to test all our pumps; rated, need to meet
its rating -- failed last year
rigorous; need to meet standard
engines are generic, not like ladder trucks
only way for benefit is to join a hall -- not in WV but can DNV
and CNV
we try to carry two reserves unless we need a callback
{fallback}
one is out b/c being pump-tested
8pm
Mayor: now feedback from public; haven't a sign-up sheet -- you
had a question from before
Laurie Moxon: $2.6M increase, $500 a head
what part does inflation bear in that?
when do the collective agreements expire?
[TEXT and COMMENTS SUPPLIED]
We have been advised that in the 2011 Budget:
1. Under Labour/Collective agreements
Salary/Wage
Increase: $2,590,503 -- no overall FTE growth
Increases
Pension and
Benefits: 317,432
Increased
Expenditures for new standards and legislation:
200,000 est.
$ 3,107,935 Total
2. Labour represents 80.81% of the general operating fund
budget.
3. 639 Union Employees + 101 Non-Union =
740 Total
(so increase works out to an average of $4200 per employee, for this
year)
4. Perhaps this has been advised before, but for my information
I would like to know:
How many Labour/Collective Agreements are
there? SIX
When do they expire? Two are under
negotiation at present
Generally, four-year Terms to expire in 2012
to avoid Olympic year? [no ans]
What per cent increases apply in 2011
budget? 4%
Is there a Cost of Living percentage
included in that percentage?
There is no separate % for cost of living included in the
4%.
NL: I can answer and TJ can step in
4% increase and expire in 2013 -- for xxx and WVMEA --
Fire and Police as well?
TJ: we have six collective agreements spread [8:03]
two Fire and Police; WVMEA expires in 2012; Amalgam, Transit
expire 2012
LM: what of the 4% is for COL increase?
TJ: 4% are negotiated increases, not COL per se, part of the
neg itself
{When TJ came back to sit down near
where I sit, I thought I'd ask about the 4% b/c it cd be taken as 4%
until 2012/expiry but I'd been told 4% per year. He said it was
4% per year. It was then I decided that shd be clarified to
anyone watching/listening. A collective agreement that is 4% is
quite different from one that's 4% per year for four or five years.
This struck me b/c of the contrast -- ITAC's and Cclr Lewis's
statistics that the income of WV residents has gone down from 9% to
30% while going up 4% a year for WV staff's income -- compounded
that's an increase of 17% after four years and 22% after five years.
There's something v wrong with this
picture.
Undoubtedly it needs more
clarification.
Besides -- if COL goes down, will
settlements? in our dreams.}
Ray Richards: find this awkward; cd sit down and
talk
Mayor: open and public
RR: but we can't cross-question
what we want to find out about
a huge amt of capital called mntnce -- is there a difference
between ofc XXXXX
and not in Operating Budget
into that $6M pot
NL: Capital gets allocated out of the operating budget, just
terminology we've used
maintaining the equipment inventory within the District
RR: but it says prop repair; doesn't look like a xxx
NL: operating envelope, includes a, b, [?]
RR: then put back into Op Exp by auditors?
NL: to tangible op expenses
we didn't want to have our operational activities
acctg procedure for expenditures done outside of the budget
RR: just doesn't fit general acctg principles
NL: all are... flow through to
actual transaction
treated as ... at end of year
Mayor: committed to meet..... that will complete in 2011
wrt local govt
Gordon Ward Hall: we were told that the union, two will expire
in 2012; when were they negotiated?
Mayor: to TJ
TJ: believe 2008
Mayor: four-year contract
GWH: wondering if before we cd xxx the equation
NL: new for [iRWS?] in 2008
GWH: two union agreements, two largest Fire and Police not
negotiated yet
{YES}
GWH: [TEXT SUPPLIED]
WEST VANCOUVER BUDGET
2011
Last year there
was concern about the 2010 budget because the operating expenses were
continuing to increase at two to three times the rate of
inflation.
This year there
has been no reduction in expenses and the 2011 budget numbers once
again have operating expenses increasing at the same
pace.
West Vancouver
Operating Expenses per capita, of which over 80% are for salaries and
benefits, already exceed those of every other municipality in the
lower mainland yet the District is proposing a further 4.5% increase,
and this during a period of recession and financial
uncertainty.
This increase of
4.5% is based on a comparison between the 2010 and 2011
budgets. A more accurate reading of the percentage
increases being proposed for 2011 is obtained if one reviews the
divisional details at the back of the budget which show the
"forecasted dollars to be spent in 2010" compared with to the 2011
budget breakdown.
Based on this
information the following percentages indicate the actual increases
for Salaries and Benefits in 2011 over the forecasted costs for
2010 for certain departments.
Administrative
Services
plus 11.5%
Community Management
& Partnerships plus
13.4%
Human Resources and
Payroll
plus 18.3%
Financial
Services
plus 13.6%
Police
Services
plus 7.6%
The increase for the
remainder of the departments is above 4.5%.
These increases
are obviously unacceptable. The District salaries and
benefits are already much higher than those in private industry, yet
the District increased salaries by 38% from 2004 to 2009 and continues
to award increases at 2 to 3 times the rate of
inflation.
For a comparison
I checked with a local association with 150 employees that is
funded by the Government. They had salary increases of 2%
a year from 2006 to 2009 and there was no increase at all in
2010. Their funding has been reduced and they had to find
efficiencies in order to continue to provide the same
services.
West Vancouver
must accept the fact that their operating expenses are out of line
with all other lower mainland municipalities and they must reduce
their overheads and expenses. This is not about cutting
services but rather increasing efficiency and reducing management and
staffing costs in most departments with the goal of providing present
services at a lower cost.
The District
should continue to raise revenue from services and other sources but
there is a limit to the dollars that can be raised in this way so the
focus must be on reducing operating costs.
The overall
increase in cost is partly due to the high cost of the Balanced
Scorecard Management System. This should be reviewed to
determine if the system is yielding the required operating
efficiencies or whether the focus of management has become the
maintenance of the system rather than the goal of delivering high
quality services at the lowest cost.
The budget does
not appear to include a provision for the future replacement costs of
below ground infrastructures. The District has recognized
that it is going to be faced with this future expenditure and should
therefore be making a yearly provision to cover these major
expenses.
In conclusion, I
reiterate the need for the District to reduce the operating expenses
while maintaining their present services and also to make provisions
for the future replacement of the underground
infrastructure. These reductions should commence as
soon as possible so that there is no requirement for a tax increase in
2011.
David Marley: wonder if I might get a glass of water, Mr Ward
Hall's comments made me...
I have provided comments [in a letter], don't intend to read
it
[TEXT SUPPLIED FOR THESE REMARKS]
Re: District's 2011
proposed operating budget.
I make this
submission as a District resident tax-payer as well as on behalf of my
colleagues in the Interested Tax-payers' Action Committee
["ITAC"], each of whom is also a District resident
tax-payer.
I'd like to
begin with two acknowledgments. Firstly, for a variety of well-known
reasons we are all extremely fortunate to live in West Vancouver, not
the least of which being the fact that the budget challenges facing
our local government, while significant, pale in comparison to those
facing many communities across Canada and elsewhere in advanced
societies throughout the Western world. Secondly, our District's
Council ought to be complimented for having demonstrated real
leadership respecting budget matters insofar as it has kept local
property taxes to virtually no increase over these past two
years.
Context is always
important when budgets are being considered. My ITAC colleagues and I
were encouraged to hear our District's newly-appointed director of
finance refer to this fact at the last finance committee meeting. As
she said, "We can't develop our budgets in isolation from what is
going on in the rest of the world...We must be aware of the impact of
regional infrastructure demands for tax dollars."
We know, for instance, that according to StatsCan census data the
median income of West Vancouver residents fell by 14.7% in the five
years leading to 2005, with that of our "senior families" (ie.
those over age 65), who as at that year made up fully 23% of our
population, falling by an astonishing 30.9% to only
$25,023. We know that since 2005, and
especially since 2008, North America has experienced a serious assault
on personal income and wealth, a situation that continues to pose a
clear and present threat.
Beginning last
July 1st, the province imposed the 12% HST on goods and services,
hitting consumers hard. Metro Vancouver operating budgets continue to
rise, with attendant tax or utility fee increases. To finance expanded
services, mostly in places other than the North Shore, TransLink is
proposing an additional property tax levy across the Greater Vancouver
area, to be set for residential properties at $8.91 per $100,000 of
assessed value. West Vancouver property owners will once again feel
the impact more than most.
Here in
West Vancouver population has remained essentially static in
recent times, growing by a mere 1.3% between 2004 and 2009.
Meanwhile, according to annual reports, over those five years
the District's operating budget grew by 46.5%, from $46,609,982 to
$68, 272,261, an average of 9.3% per year.
We have been
informed repeatedly that at least 80% of the District's annual
operating costs are attributable to employee salaries and benefits
packages. Shockingly, District documents reveal that, over the five
years 2004 to 2009, fifteen senior managers received, on average, a
38.5% increase in their remuneration. That's an average of 7.7% per
year. In one case, the five year total was 71.2%, while in another it
was 63.7%. These increases are as unacceptable as they are
unsustainable.
Earlier this year, the
District informed residents that we will be facing substantial
increases in utility fees in order to cover costs associated with
infrastructure replacement, specifically sewer and water mains and
pipes. Last year, our utility fees went up by 4.4%. This year,
according to articles in recent editions of the NS News, it appears
that sewer, solid waste and water rates will increase, on average,
by roughly 8%, for a total of some $103 on the average assessed
residential property (ie. in West Vancouver currently, I believe,
an improbable $1.1 million).
ITAC agrees with
the statement recently attributed to our mayor to the effect that
increasing utility fees to cover necessary infrastructure replacement
is the "long term responsible thing to do". However, the
tax-paying residents, and businesses, of West Vancouver require some
offsetting financial relief. A budgetary girdle must be placed on what
appears to be profligate spending increases year over year on District
operating costs, specifically employee remuneration.
What to do?
First, ITAC recommends that the 2.35% property tax increase presently
slated for imposition in 2011 be eliminated. At a saving of $537,000
per tax point, this will amount to a reduction of $1,261,950, or a
mere 2% of the District's proposed operating budget of
$64,732,186. The 2011 operating budget will still increase by
2.45%, or $1,520,632 over this year. With no local population growth
and virtually no, if any, inflation such an increase should be more
than ample.
Second, ITAC
recommends that an amount equivalent to the cost associated with
District infrastructure replacement in 2011 (ie. estimates for sewer
and water systems are apparently $2.24 million) be removed from the
proposed operating budget and set aside for future infrastructure
replacement.
Given the
disproportionate amount of operating funds currently going to employee
remuneration, this will require the District to begin reducing its
payroll which, according to the District's web-site, now stands at
875, or one employee per 51 residents. This can be done by
attrition and, where warranted, by adopting alternative service
delivery methods. Any decision respecting the latter will necessitate
Council being provided with appropriate activity-based cost
information so as to be able to make accurate
comparisons.
In less than one
year, local elections will be held and a new Council chosen. District
residents will benefit greatly from a campaign leading to these
elections during which issues of fiscal and operational management are
openly and vigorously debated. In the meantime, this Council can set
the tone by continuing to demonstrate leadership and bringing in a
District operating budget for 2011 that is both responsible and
respectful of the people who are being asked to provide the
tax-dollars.
On behalf of ITAC,
DOM
-- and Mr Garrett Polman has some specific suggestions
GP: efficiencies; reduce overhead; responding to Cclr Smith's
request last week
[TEXT SUPPLIED, my bolding]
Presentation to the DWV
Finance Committee
What ITAC has
recommended is a zero per cent tax increase and absorption of the
infrastructure funding which we are very pleased Council approved last
week. This means it is now all the more important for the
District to effect efficiencies. I come from a corporate
perspective where the practice was - don't reduce customer
service; find ways to reduce overhead and find cost savings that
don't affect services. And that's what I'm proposing
tonight.
We are the
most expensive municipality in Metro Vancouver because we have the
most staff proportionate to our size. 80% of our operational
expenses go to staff. And as staff get annual increases, that
percentage will inexorably go up. In the draft budget 90%
of the proposed increases go for staff costs. 90%. And
only 10% for other types of expenses. As the mayor
said two weeks ago, we've even deferred painting the white lines on
our streets, and that in a community with lots of curves in our roads,
heavy rains and few street lights. We need to break the
cycle.
The budget
proposes salary and wage increases of $2.6 million. On average
every employee will get a 5.2% raise. How do we justify 5.2%
in a weak economy and in a province where provincial wage contracts
are up only 0.2%? Over the last five years salaries and
benefits in our municipality have gone up 30% overall and nearly 39%
for senior staff. In 2009 one third of staff was paid over
$75,000 and 65 received over $100,000. All of this is
unsustainable. This is a municipality, not a law
firm. ITAC has three suggestions that can save us
somewhere between $1.5 and $2 million next year:
Freeze salary
increases for employees whose salaries are at Council's
discretion.
Require
Council's approval to fill vacancies and investigate reorganization
or whether the position is truly essential. ITAC suggested
this two years ago. Senior management said they would take this
on, but it wasn't done. The number of FTEs is still exactly
the same as the budget of two years ago. We suggest Council
oversee this instead.
Thirdly, we
suggest taking an approach similar to the province with negotiated
contracts. If they can manage 0.2%, so should
we.
Two weeks ago
the Chief of Police noted three other municipalities in Metro
Vancouver with low crime rates. I've put those municipalities
plus the City of North Vancouver on an overhead and compared their
per capita expenses for police, the fire department and libraries to
those of West Vancouver. See the results: compared to those four
municipalities our Police is 33% more expensive, our Fire Department
65% more expensive and our Library 87%
more.
Best practices
include having a set of metrics that can be applied to similar
activities so that you can compare efficiency across an industry.
All four municipalities have virtually identical opening hours for
their libraries as we do in West Vancouver, offer the same statutory
programs and will get you any book you need. So why are our
library costs almost double everyone else's? And why do we
have almost the same police staff as the District of North Vancouver
which has twice the population? ITAC believes, that as in the
corporate sector, managers in the public service should conform to
best practices. Even achieving savings of only 5%--some $3
million -- for next year's budget in the context of a cost structure
in West Vancouver that is some 50% more expensive than the Metro
Vancouver average is a useful start. If you want savings, push
back and give direction so we actually start implementing some best
practices. Here are a few
ideas.
The contract
with library employees limits work that may be performed by
volunteers. Why would you want a contract that reduces the flexibility
of the taxpayers and increases their costs? In this community
where probably a third of the residents are retired or semi-retired
and where there are hundreds of volunteers, we should welcome their
involvement.
The recovery
rates for recreational activities vary. For the Community Centre
on 21st Street, it's 75%; at Gleneagles, it's 71%. If you
swim in the Aquatic Centre it's 79%, but if you skate in the Ice
Arena it drops to 57%. The average recovery rate according to
the budget is 68% (p. 42 of the Budget). Most of the
administrative costs are not recovered at all. Why not?
Each percentage point of recreational recoveries is worth $120,000.
We all know why we're charging user fees for recreational
activities, but are they at the right level given that we have
unfunded infrastructure needs?
And why do we
pay $1.5 million for cultural services but recover only 26%?
What is the rationale for subsidizing some activities more than
others? I recall Councillor Soprovich saying that after many
years on Council he did not know the ins and outs of our cultural
subsidies. Seems our subsidies and cost recovery activities
could benefit from a thorough review.
Finally, I want to return to
overhead expenses. I have the following
questions:
Why is HR seeking a 20%
increase in expenses including an additional
FTE?
Why is the Chief
Constable's office getting a 55% increase?
Why is the CAO's office
looking for a 7% increase?
Why do Cultural Services
want a 14.5% increase?
Why is the Central
Administration of the Parks Division up 7.3%?
By far the largest
component of the Community Engagement Division is Cultural Services
which has its own manager. In that case what is the value added
of the Deputy CAO office?
Do we really need a Director
of Communications with 4 FTEs?
Why does the Fire Department
have a full time finance officer?
Why does the Police have a
homicide detective when murders in West Vancouver are a rarity and
used to be dealt with elsewhere? How can this detective gain
expertise? Where is the community benefit?
It's disturbing to see that
the areas of the municipality seeking the largest expense increases
are almost wholly for more overhead. This does nothing for the
residents. ITAC urges Council to have a serious look at all of
these requests and scale this back.
Thank you 925
9899
[8:34] Chief Lepine: re homicide he's embedded with the VPD;
decision some years ago; cease with Integrated
Mayor: Ccl supported that
Lepine: yes; relnship was formalized; IHIT and VPD; $80K cheaper
and ITHT; offset by one
Mayor: your ofc and increased
Lepine: can't speak to that b/c we do WVPD budget somewhat
differently
Mayor: HR Mr Schmaltz
TJ: seeking an add'l FTE; number of factors internally and
externally; in terms of comparator
struggle to meet demands of dept
metrics used from a HR perspective, HR staff ratio, District our
112 FTEs per HR persons
other Ms similar in multi-union envmt
New West five unions, 55 to 1; Pt Moody 57 to 1; Vanc 76 to
1
internal look
added services, now seeking to provide add'l support to Police
Services not previously resourced
signif portion employment costs
HR goal, managing costs; allocating; finding cost savings where
possible
NL: imp ppl understand rigour
non-labour expenditures $192K increase on a $77M
budget
worth noting divisions looked hard and deep to find
savings
labour increases, you're absolutely right; the collective
agreement says 4%
where an employee sitting on a step or band, will move up and
will result in a 4.5 or 5% increase for the employee; that's how the
collective agreement is structured and we're bound to that
non-labour expenses have been kept to a minimum
Mayor: further input? Carolanne, you can be next.
{I'd got up
earlier}
Marsha Bergen (Library): want to respond to challenge to the
Library's budget; don't have figures to compare with other
libraries
our op budget less than $4M last year and based on popn that
can't translate into 97 dollars per capita, so wd like to take opp to
respond to this in writing and will submit to Ccl
CR: Editor of WVM
Receiving all this information tonight, I didn't have anything
prepared so I've been madly writing while ppl hv bn speaking.
We all know that we live in a fabulous M, don't think there's any
doubt about that, and I think everybody's aims really to polish it to
make it more sleek and efficient, and that's what our aim is
but I do think there are ways cd make more efficient, I think,
uh, ... haven't had the time to come up with any of the excellent
ideas that ITAC has, but they're good to keep in mind
the recession has made things more difficult for Ccl to, and
the residents -- and we hear daily about the problems
world-wide.
Cclr Lewis's figures last week of how much incomes had gone
down were quite a shock.
I thought they might have gone down a little bit but the
figures that he gave show that they're quite remarkable
and ITAC's figures support that decline in residents'
income
TJ, I'm sorry I don't know his name, b/c you referred to him as
TJ
Mayor: Mr Schmaltz
CR: Mr Schmaltz said that agreements expire in 2012 and the
increase is 4%.
I think it's important for everyone to understand that what he
meant was the increases are 4% per year, not 4% between now and
2012.
{When TJ Schmaltz had finished
speaking at the podium and came back to sit down, I called him over to
clarify what he said. As you see above, he said a raise of 4% and the
agrmt expired in 2012. At best this is unclear. I pointedly asked him
if he actually meant 4% per year, not 4% from now to 2012. He
said he thought ppl wd understand it was 4% per year, and that's one
of the reasons I decided to get up to clarify. This is important to
note b/c the years of 4% each year adds up, esp when thinking of Cclr
Lewis's and ITAC's statements of the severe drop in the incomes of WV
residents. Four years at 4% is 17% and five years,
22%.}
When you keep in mind the cost of living increases and ppl's
salary increases, 4% last year, 4% this year, 4% next year, 4% for
2012, represent an enormous income and higher amt than most of the
rest of the ppl, not only in this fabulous cmnty but other parts
of BC and even Canada.
Who negotiated such rich agreements?
It seems rather, um, either optimistic of how much revenue we're
going to have or, well, I'll let you figure out why you think it wd be
such an incredible increase.
Maybe there cd be a different system.
We cd find out what your system is for the
increases.
Maybe you cd involve some of the ratepayer groups and ITAC
mbrs to look at the system and the suggestions and that, so that we
can hope for something that's a little closer to what most ppl think
wd be reasonable for the staff, b/c of what they're doing.
Mr Richards mentioned that this was awkward, and Madam Mayor, you
said this is open.
I agree with both of you.
I think that you're both right. Having this presentation in
the open is v good for everyone to see. It's going to be on
television, so ppl can watch it and I think that's an excellent idea,
tyvm, however, to get down to some of the discussions and concrete
suggestions, in the past they used to have round tables with the
ratepayer and interested [ppl/groups/things], and then it cd be
divided either into tables or into subjects, so that the residents or
the ratepayer groups and ITAC can go away with certain subjects that
you set for an agenda. And then you come and you meet with the
ppl either separate tables and groups, or all together so that there
can be a free flow.
B/c often what somebody says on the outside isn't practical on
the inside when you know the situation, but we can't [always] know
that.
And also, ppl on the outside don't always look outside the box,
outside the Hall.
So I think a roundtable, if you cd have that, I think that might
address some of the more, uh, make ppl come up with concrete
suggestions and everyone cd be prepared for answers.
That was just my suggestion that 80% as the staff
[remuneration/proportion of the budget], of course leaves a lot of ppl
with questions, esp with such high increases.
So perhaps if we get more information we'll be able to give
better input next time and maybe have a roundtable that we can help as
much as we can.
to try to keep the budget down to the zero rate increase that
it was last year
tyvm.
Mayor: anybody further?
Ccl's really wishing to get into this ... Input or
leaving?
{Man comes forward; apparently a
mbr of one of the unions}
Mayor: uh, no. Well, as a representative of our staff, I'm not
sure it is entirely approp
Mr McRadu?
CAO: he's the biz rep for our
Mayor: for WVMEA (the Union); not sure approp
Man: I just wanted to set the record straight on the comments of
the last individual
{someone said not a ratepayer}
Mayor: then I wd welcome you to pass on to the CAO, and he can
offer that.
Anyone further?
Maggie Pappas: second VP of Ch of Commerce
sat on Strategic Plan and we came up with the vision and mission
stmt and the BSC
{ah, that overconfident bragging
DWV vision stmt put forward by the Strategic Planning
WG:
West Vancouver will inspire excellence
and lead by example.
Will? know it will so you can make
that claim?
simple future, it will happen so no
effort needed?
at least someone on the DWV
homepage put more reasonably and encouragingly that WV wd
strive to inspire excellence. There are many excellent
things about DWV but it's rather an exaggeration in some areas to say
WV leads by example.}
wholeheartedly agree with BSC
only way go forward with consistent an [8:48]
everyone in WG convinced best way to go along with three-year
budget process
my personal opinion,
seems to me a one-year budget process
sharp minds and wise thoughts
in my role in Strategic Planning WG, we went through a phone
book
looking at what cut; do that at your peril
85% wants what it has already and it wants more
{really? where's that stat from?
true most are happy but wanting more involves a
cost.
One survey I saw, IMO wasn't
worth much b/c when asking if ppl are willing to pay more, has no way
for a citizen to say how much more. That makes things
difficult. Some may take that as carte blanche to do whatever,
however, ask a resident and they'll have a limit.
In fact, the last Synovate
survey reveals that only 7% wanted more services, figure that I've
been told has been relatively consistent for 20
years.}
efficiencies, you'll have to cut someone
I count 25 ppl here tonight, thousands not here tonight b/c
happy
only hearing those who want a diff kind of cmnty
live here for a reason, and part is b/c of &&&
WG, giving back to cmnty
hardworking ppl never knowing
here till midnight, weekends; a lot of extra time; providing
groups here a lot of time
like to hear Ms Leemhuis measure that
{fyi, I've been told it varies: banked time, time off, don't
charge, or get overtime, etc}
that said, wd like to comment Ms Leemhuis in difficult
circumstances
...xxx and totally support what you're doing
{Mayor called three times}
[8:52] any questions?
Sop: what kind of questions do you want?
Mayor: I prefer to have a motion on the floor
MS: want a motion on the floor
Sop: I can put a motion on the floor
MS: can I explain why I don't want--
Sop: I move to eliminate 2.35% and XXXX set aside for
XXX
ML: second
Sop: back down to zero
look at last year when we ended up with zero; hard
work done by staff, didn't fall apart
serious prob when ever-increasing labour
costs
leaving less and less for things to do
not to take away from work staff do
how sustain our future
individs able to stay and [pay]
options to have staff deferred but can't have utilities deferred
so no relief
leaders in prov, zero two years in a row
progressive enough in this Ccl to find it
look at BSC, corporate plan
something for five, ten, 15 years
don't look at a big plan for any specific thing we're going to
do
answer for everything, don't know if all right answers
makes a lot of sense to me, zero, and that's why I made the
motion I did.
ML: speaking in support of Cclr Sop's motion
confused what trying to achieve ... xxx
describing the 2011 budget as extraordinary [8:57]
degree of information missing for me to make informed
decisions to go forward
we do have a xxx BSC
however all driven by ability to pay for it
three-yr budget, one year plus two maybe, in this ecic
climate
lucky if one year GIC at the bank
I rather like Cclr Sop's motion
not line by line; not going over $10K for X at the X
$77M budget
like staff to come back with a zero tax increase with add'l
funds to infrastructure
we don't expect a degradation in service
we went through zero and this cmnty has not fallen
apart
rather think we can again
after two years on the FinCmte, and on Ccl, this is the first
time I've got XXXXX 9pm
whether too many middle mgrs
where are the metrics?
v diff to provide the oversight, stewardship we were elected
to perform for the cmnty
wd like this coming from staff
Mayor: understand zero % tax increase, second part?
Sop: xxx @2.4M infrastructure, xxx ... get ...
ML: I think you're referring to $2.4M already allocated
[xxx]
redirected
as described in the ground
Sop: isn't that what I stated?
ML: not exactly
Mayor: I don't know what you're talking about; wd hv serious deep
deep consequences
not that it can't be reduced
have to do a lot ... at this point, see where this can
go
Ev: get away from this zero budget ... xxx
expenses we're aware
it may be we can reduce budget by 10%
can, know, xxx
cd be 2..35% cd be more
simply to attach importance to zero is the wrong way to go
about it
look at dept expenses look at anticipated, what imp to this
M
come up with an increase or a reduction that makes
sense.
got to be more substantive, then xxx
MS: build on something Cclr Lewis said
it's 9 o'clock on Nov 22nd -- first chance Ccl able to ask
questions
PROCESS
we shd be having monthly budget mtgs throughout the year;
discussing each
options for doing things more effectively
until we get to that level, it's like throwing darts at a
wall
Mr Marley and Mr Polman, general ecic malaise
mathematical certainty this is not going to end well
Ireland [lists countries 9:06]; Americans are $X trillion in
debt
have to look at our budget in that context, and in context of
other Ms
credit staff 2.35%, chatting with other Ms, they came up with 5%,
beat up on it and 3%
at least staff did not do that; realize an efficient xxx
cutting [xxx get amts]
as usual, can't make a pie with hot air and pastry
filling -- things we have to look at
strategic plan -- pedestrian [9:07] sitting on chair what
entails?
worse than Mr Ward Hall said, look at .....
it's actually increase of 5.9%; clearly that's a
concern
there are areas we need to look at and cut; got to look
at each dept
I'm prepared to look at certain things
too much on Police and Fire, Police going up 7%
at dinner with board
budget increased 8% a year last few years
we don't have control, prov appoints, xxx
don't support increasing 4.6%
luck wd have it; figs at
low .47 M Ridge. ....Surrey, Langley DNV and WV 2.23
we do have Cadillac fire service and v grateful for that
Remembrance Day Service looking at them, had a beer with them,
these really healthy young ppl, underemployed, over world
fortunate Fire/Police Chief not up through ranks now the time to
do it
good executive, they pay a price, load on the work bc they can
handle it
doesn't make sense to keep responding to the medical calls we
get, trucks that get 3 to 4 miles to the gallon
lead by example; projecting % increase for Mayor and Ccl; tax
free
how on top
shd be able to find ppl who are willing to do this for $1 a
year
{Sop laughing}
[I was] on Sch Bd $4000 a year
cd ramble on
there are opps to make some savings; have to direct staff to do
it; can't just cut xxx
Maggie Pappas right, like living here, choose to live here, like
services
high, more than satisfactory level
need time to come up with right soln
provide staff with direction -- where to find savings
don't know when between now and end of Dec
not in support of this motion or any motion b/c we haven't had
time to
Mayor: ... will
Sop: criticize me
Mayor: ... then go back
TP: I'm not going to support his motion; agree with Cclr Sm
keep going back to other Ms; by choice this cmnty doesn't want
any more industry, by choice no increased density
CNV, DNV, have to be careful about making those comparisons
BSC and Strat Plan was done during the recession
ITAC good ideas, too bad they were not engaged wd hv been
valuable
BSC long-term thinking
going to a zero budget ev year, doesn't make sense
now Lib has tried, Police
can't sustain this
keep hearing from the cmnty can cut and maintain service
levels
not convinced; wd like to see
compliment Fire Chef, looking at shared services; excellent
example in UK where they've cut staff
taken them over a decade to do it; don't do it
instantly
in favour of new ideas
Fire and Pol .... don't think cmnty wants it to change
wd be interested to see what this survey says
safe cmnty b/c that service
not sure I'm hearing from the cmnty
hearing from citizens tonight, through xxx listened
happy with services here
many new executive, looking at
we have to be good stewards of financial resources of this
cmnty
arts and culture, our environment, cmnty services
Mayor; call the question on this, then?
Sop: all charged -- to Cclr Lewis and [me]
came up with eight or nine pages; assume we cd eliminate the
2.34%
second part, you have a full pot of $68M and you can't find xxx
?
based on the BSC
fledge along in twinkle toes; never going to get resolved
we did it last year to set a precedent
Cclr Sm, you xxx
where when 80% salaries, it's always going to be that way
look at what's being stated; I have the same passion for this
cmnty and the staff and the work they do
setting policy for the future
Madam Mayor same.....
I like today ... zero ... that is a policy of moving forward
slowly
I consider a sound policy for next two to three years
then look to future, we might see a blip
might not always be at zero but [9:22]
sit down with Ms Leemhuis, with this, where ability to make
change
way to go
District infrastructure of $2.4M then way to get around it
the feedback xxx??, can't accept it; in $67M xxx
MS: imp ppl realize what happened last year
zero but spent X%
{more?}
xxx ... cut infrastructure so just passed on the cost to
future
do agree we need a proper process; that's the name of the
game
Mayor: it's shocking to me that all mbrs of this have not been
steeped in this done
to xxx is a stretch, it will put the District in a position of
neglect
I inherited neglect xxx a Police Dept xxx I paid a price
prof ..... wch drives revenue
prov requires, otherwise they'll tell us what to do
it's diff, costs more money
if we wish to decrease that budget will be at cost to cmnty
cut sch liaison, can't be violent crime
wrt Fire Dept, I inherited staff running circles around
mgmt
eliminated $600K
lack of xxx; opp to build a new fire hall across the street; can
start that now
will be difficult, draconian cut
cost of fire dispatch and E-Comm
NV ready to go and we're holding it back
Gleneagles boarded up, Klee Wyck; cmnty xxx whole xxx
partly why cmnty so engaged
think of Strat Plan and WG initiatives
but you can't ask ppl to meet weekly, parks, child care, then
then say we can't afford it
[9:27] over and over and that's what makes WV special
solidly residential
can't just one, ? miles on a grid
face questions re density in this nbrhd
same ppl will say reduce taxes
think Ccl is saying take this on
don't think mayors' ccl will get anywhere with TransLink Dec
9
WV has the most to lose in that debate
I'm one of a handful not to support that
the challenge is to take a xxx approach
share with each other before the next mtg
? we can cut $3.4M
fire hall we're closing or Lib
highest recovery rates
best Library, b/c of our volunteers -- they knock themselves
out
repeated in other facilities
be careful taking away -- Lib, Police, xxx no increases to get to
2.35%
delicate balance
want to make sure were clear of the impact and proud of it b/c in
best interests of cmnty
this will return to Ccl Dec 6 unless organize another Finance
Mtg
ML: not sure the motion was going to pass this evening
assure some continuity; adjustments; a bit painful but staff came
back
as a group Ccl went through, maybe this can wait a year, this
we can forget about
without that at a loss to see how we can move
forward
Mayor: staff have worked for months
this is their best, professional opinion
as Cclr Sm said, our Dir/Fin, Fire/Police Chief
ML: hear what you're saying but not xxx
talked last year, we're talking about a lot going to retire
signed a whack of them
over the course of this year; don't fill immediately will be cost
saving
just learned xxx $110K
what we can manage through attrition
credit to staff, barring snow removal, we're going to end with
a $500K surplus, that's a 1%
if we can save 1%, that's in itself is a xxx
totality xxx; I'll take xxx
CAO: now comes down to a political decision
we can not replace but that work is not going to get done or
xxx
believe only one person who is prepared to retire in 2011; there
are a number eligible to retire; can deal with that but Ccl has to
understand what work is not going to be accomplished or who's gong to
take that work
Sop: policy for purchasing goods and services
that review will take some time; look at bidding process for
paving, etc
not saying anything wrong but cd see some efficiencies
NL: you always make me look good
this is something we're looking at in 2011; opp for partnerships,
sharing of services with NV; volume buying;facilities/asset mgt;
currently separately
how we purchase gas, etc; absolutely going in that
direction
Sop: through proper review cd see ... to reduction
Mayor: you've heard Ms L say that three times in her
presentation
the diff between that and $5.3M
pressure on staff to carry through with suggestions
illustrate attention
under leadership of Ms L and our CAO
allow us to tread water but not scale and scope your motion
suggests
certainly an excellent debate
Ev: not necessarily wedded to 2.35%; xx
a couple of years ago new CAO and seen a tremendous change
imp gen public reminded
pretty tough in our first two budgets; lowest of all MetroV two
years in a row
if 2.35% the increase wd be 1.7% av over three years
doesn't mean we can't improve; can make some economies and
changes
new Dir/Fin and she's been able to demonstrate to me
believe we'll see benefits [9:41]
we've taken those steps, sometimes a little bit too slow for some
ppl
generally we're going in the right direction
this M over the past three years has done a v gd job and I'm
xxx
Mayor: motion is defeated; have budget discussion
return to a regular ccl mtg
TP: agree
CAO: topic or bylaw?
Mayor: Cclrs come forward with where cut, then bylaw; don't
think bylaw yet
CAO: guess you and I will have to decide how xxx
Sop: wd like another public mtg; without that, discussions stop
here
certainly with what we get on the 6th, will be a full mtg
Dir/Fin want to
Mayor: you know cclrs away until Dec 1st
Sop: or on a Wed morning
Mayor: know no time before Dec 6; have it on Dec 6 mtg for
suggestions
Sop: so each cclr sit down with Dr/Fin for her to see the
light
Mayor: your POV, do it in public, then staff to according to will
of Ccl
Sop: where does it go?
Mayor: you've been on the ccl longest
again direction has to [9:46]
Sop: nothing to hide
Mayor: ADJOURNMENT
{Hello? Hello! Other speakers'
questions were answered but not mine about who and how collective
agreements negotiated. AND, staff remuneration is over 80% of
the Operating Budget! Surely that's the elephant in the room
that has to be dealt wth. Address the biggest reason for the
increases.
HR negotiates for all the staff?
and according to Ward Hall's and Garrett Polman's presentations
they've increased 18% to 20%.
Apart from that, the Public
Question Period just before Adjournment was
skipped.}
--> hm -- what happened to this part of the agenda
go?
6. FEES AND CHARGES
7. QUESTION PERIOD
8. COMMUNITY STRATEGIC PLAN
MONITORING VIA BALANCED SCORECARD INITIATIVES, DIVISIONAL SUMMARIES
AND ONE TIME FUNDING; QUESTION PERIOD
9. CAPITAL ITEMS: INFORMATION
TECHNOLOGY; SMALL
EQUIPMENT; FACILITY
MAINTENANCE; GROUNDS AND
PARKS; TRANSPORTATION AND
INFRASTRUCTURE; 1756/1758 - AMENITY
FUND; MAJOR PROJECTS; QUESTIONS
10. PUBLIC QUESTION
PERIOD {Didn't
call for it or have it!!!}
11. NEXT STEPS // 12. NEXT
MEETING
13. RESOLUTION RE EXCLUSION OF
PUBLIC PURSUANT TO s.90 of THE COMMUNITY CHARTER (if
required)
14. ADJOURNMENT
=== COUNCIL MTG AGENDA/NOTES Thursday
Nov 25 === 8am
1. CALL TO ORDER OPEN SESSION
2. EXCLUSION OF THE PUBLIC
RECOMMENDED: In the public interest, members of
the public excluded from part of the Nov 15th 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:
(g) litigation or potential litigation affecting
the M;
(i) the receipt of advice that is subject to
solicitor-client privilege, including communications necessary for
that purpose.
{SO NO NOTES}
=== COUNCIL MTG AGENDA
Dec 6th ===
6pm in MHall Main Floor
Conference Room; 7pm ccl mtg in chamber
Note: At 6pm the reg
Cci Mtg will commence in open session and will be immediately followed
by a motion to exclude the public in order to hold a closed session,
pursuant to section 90 of the Cmnty Charter.
6:00 PM
1. CALL TO ORDER OPEN SESSION
2. EXCLUSION OF THE PUBLIC
RECOMMENDED: In the public interest, members of
the public excluded from part of the Dec 6th 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;
(c) labour relations or other employee
relations;
(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;
(f) law enforcement, if the council
considers that disclosure could reasonably be expected to harm the
conduct of an investigation under or enforcement of an
enactment;
(g) litigation or potential litigation
affecting the municipality; and
(k) negotiations and related discussions
respecting the proposed provision of a municipal service that are at
their preliminary stages and that, in the view of the council, could
reasonably be expected to harm the interests of the municipality if
they were held in public.
3. ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION
7:00 PM
4. RECONVENE OPEN SESSION
5. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
6. ADOPTION OF MINUTES
RECOMMENDED: THAT the following Minutes be adopted as
circulated:
REPORTS
7. 2011 Proposed Budget (File: 0860-01)
-- Information to be
provided.
{What sort of input can be expected if
information to be provided Monday night? Let's hope they put
some up ahead of time. In any case, time is needed; no problem
deferring more input to January. The deadline for adoption of
the budget is May 15.)
RECOMMENDED THAT:
1. The proposed amendments to the Special Events Policy, as
attached to the report dated November 22, 2010 titled "Special
Events Report", to integrate commercial and corporate events through
the introduction of five categories be approved;
2. The proposed amendments to the Special Events Procedures, as
attached to the report dated November 22, 2010 titled "Special
Events Report", to reflect the changes in the administration and
implementation of the five categories of events be approved;
3. Fees and Charges Bylaw (regarding Special Event Fees) be read
a first, second, and third time.
RECOMMENDED THAT:
1. Business Licence Amendment Bylaw be introduced and read a
first, second, and third time.
2. Notice be given of Council's intention to consider proposed
Business Licence Amendment Bylaw.
RECOMMENDED: THAT "Fees and Charges Bylaw be read a first,
second, and third time.
Councillor Soprovich provided a notice of motion at the November
15, 2010 Council Meeting.
RECOMMENDED: THAT
WHEREAS the July 26, 2010 Council Meeting
minutes, Item 8, in respect to the proposed at grade intersection and
traffic light at Park Royal and Marine Drive, states:
"THAT part 2 of the original motion be
referred back to staff for a further report and a public
process."
AND WHEREAS the report from staff dated
October 7, 2010 was first made available for the October 18, 2010
Council Meeting
AND WHEREAS a play back of the July 26, 2010
Council Meeting Item 8 video clip indicates to the public that the
staff report would be made available for public review and discussion
at a public meeting hosted by the municipality in a municipal
facility
AND WHEREAS the report from staff dated
October 7, 2010 was made available only for the October 18, 2010
Council Meeting and therefore there was no opportunity for review by
and discussion with the public at a public meeting
AND WHEREAS the motion made at the October 18,
2010 Council Meeting in Item 10 states:
"Council authorize staff to approve the
detailed design drawings for the intersection including landscaping
and signalization design subject to conformance to district standards
and requirements"
AND WHEREAS the above noted motion made at the
October 18, 2010 Council Meeting does not specify who would construct
the intersection nor does it say who would pay for the new
intersection
AND WHEREAS the impact on traffic patterns and
traffic flow of the completed Lions Gate bridgehead and Capilano
Bridge modifications is unknown and of concern to
many,
NOW THEREFORE Council resolves
THAT
1. The street level crossing from Park Royal
shopping centre south to PkRoyal north across DWV dedicated highway
known as Marine Drive not proceed until Ccl has specifically
approved design drawings and further consulted with the public,
and
2. Council host a public mtg as indicated in
Item 8 of the July 26, 2010 Ccl Mtg."
RECOMMENDED THAT:
1. The municipal commitments included in the
proposed Metro Vancouver Integrated Liquid Waste and Resource
Management Plan be endorsed subject to the following
conditions:
a) equitable cost allocation amongst member
municipalities following a review by Metro Vancouver of past cost
sharing practices for large municipal infrastructure
projects;
b) commitment of one third funding each from the
Federal and Provincial governments for the new Lions Gate Wastewater
Treatment Plant;
c) that the "Integrated Resource Recovery Study
for the Metro Vancouver North Shore Communities", completed by
Fidelus Resource Group be subjected to a peer review;
d) further technical study be conducted to
determine specific optimal technologies, as well as the feasibility of
implementation, phasing, and scale-ability for each concept, as it
relates to incorporating Integrated Resource Recovery principles to
the design of the new Lions Gate Wastewater Treatment Plant;
and
e) that the Metro Vancouver Waste Management
Committee and Board undertake a process to review the existing
governance model for local and regional governments as it relates to
resource recovery, including the development of district energy
systems and production of bio-fuels.
2. A copy of this resolution, the September 23,
2010 Council report referenced in Appendix 1, and this report be
forwarded to Metro Vancouver, the District of NV, the City of NV, and
to the Squamish Nation.
BYLAWS for ADOPTION
13. Waterworks Regulation Bylaw No. 4490, 2006, Amendment Bylaw
No. 4667, 2010; Sewer and Drainage Utility Fee Bylaw No. 4538, 2007,
Amendment Bylaw No. 4665, 2010; Solid Waste Utility Bylaw No. 4118,
1998, Amendment Bylaw No. 4666, 2010; 5 Year Financial Plan Bylaw No.
4631, 2010, Amendment Bylaw No. 4664, 2010; and Building Bylaw No.
4400, 2004, Amendment Bylaw No. 4663, 2010
These bylaws received three readings at the November 15, 2010
regular Council meeting.
RECOMMENDED: THAT the following bylaws be adopted:
Waterworks Regulation Bylaw No. 4490, 2006, Amendment
Bylaw No. 4667, 2010
Sewer and Drainage Utility Fee Bylaw No. 4538, 2007,
Amendment Bylaw No. 4665, 2010
Solid Waste Utility Bylaw No. 4118, 1998, Amendment Bylaw
No. 4666, 2010
[Five-]Year Financial Plan Bylaw No. 4631, 2010, Amendment
Bylaw No. 4664, 2010
Building Bylaw No. 4400, 2004, Amendment Bylaw No. 4663,
2010
CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS
14. Consent Agenda Items
14.1 Additional Council Meeting on December 20, 2010
(File: 0120-01)
14.2 Appointment to Metro Vancouver Labour Relations
Bureau (File: 0185-06)
Information to be provided.
14.3 2011 Acting Mayor Schedule (File: 0120-01)
-- Information to be provided.
RECOMMENDED: THAT the proposed 2011 Council Meeting
Schedule as attached to the report dated November 18, 2010 from the
Manager of Legislative Services be approved.
November 15-19
> Referred for action
(1) Stonethro BCS 1593 Strata Corporation Council, November 13,
2010, regarding Gordon Avenue, Loose Gravel Nuisance (Referred to
Director of Engineering and Transportation for consideration and
response)
(2) November 17, 2010, regarding Klee Wyck (Referred to Deputy
Chief Administrative Officer for consideration and response)
> Received for information
(3) Shaw Cablesystems, October 29, 2010, regarding Council
Broadcasts on Shaw TV
(4) North Shore Volunteers for Seniors, November 2, regarding
Invitation to Annual Christmas Luncheon
(5) [Five] submissions regarding Taylorwood Place
Redevelopment
(a) November 11 (b) November 14 (c) November
15 (d) November 16 (e) November 18
(6) November 12, 2010, regarding Proposed Sale of the Wetmore
Site at Marine and 22nd
(7) November 12, 2010, regarding Public Skating Rink
(8) Hon. K. Falcon, Ministry of Health Services, November 12,
2010, regarding New Health Promotion Initiative (ActNow BC Community
Model)
(9) Metro Vancouver, November 12, regarding Regional Growth
Strategy Public Hearing Schedule
(10) M. Roberts, Section-T Consulting, Nov 15, regarding
Delegation Request regarding the Capilano Bridge
(11) Union of BC Municipalities, Nov 16, regarding Vancouver
Foundation's Granting Programs for 2011
(12) E-Comm 9-1-1, November 16, 2010, regarding CEO Appointment -
E Comm 9-1-1
(13) Union of British Columbia Municipalities, November 17, 2010
regarding Ministry Website on Implementation of the Elections Task
Force Recommendations: Campaign Expense Limits
November 22-29
> Referred for action
(1) North Shore Family Court/Youth Justice Committee, November
18, 2010, regarding 2009/2010 Annual Report and request for delegation
(Referred to Mayor and Council for consideration)
> Received for information
(2) E-Comm 9-1-1, undated, No. 30 Fall 2010 E-Comm
Newsletter
(3) Greyhound Canada Transportation ULC, November 18, regarding
Reduction of Bus Service between Vancouver and Nanaimo
(4) Union of BC Municipalities, November 17, 2010, regarding
Community Tourism Program (Phases 1 & 2) - WinterSong Festival
(2010 Olympics)
(5) [Two] submissions regarding Taylorwood Place
Redevelopment
a) November 19, 2010 b) Charlwood International
Corporation, November 23, 2010
(6) [Three] submissions regarding Proposed 2011
Budget
a) G. Polman, Interested Tax-payers Action Committee
(ITAC), November 21, 2010
b) D. Marley, Interested Tax-payers Action Committee
(ITAC), November 22, 2010
c) November 23, 2010
(7) November 22, 2010, regarding Infrastructure Costs (Increase
in Utility Rates)
{no responses to questions or
letters?
15. OTHER ITEMS -- No items.
16. REPORTS from MAYOR/CCLRS 17. PUBLIC
QUESTIONS/COMMENTS 18. ADJOURNMENT
=== ANIMALWATCH
===
>
European cheetahs spearhead drive back into wild
By Thair Shaikh, CNN November 26, 2010 -- Updated
1523 GMT (2323 HKT)
... According to estimates, there were more
than 100,000 cheetahs in the wild in 1900 spread across at least 44
countries throughout Africa and Asia. Today between 10,000 to 12,500
animals remain, found mostly in Africa. About 100 are believed to
remain in the wild in Iran.
The species was declared
extinct in India in 1952 and it has been extinct in the Arabian
peninsula since 1972, although a litter was born in a nature reserve
in the UAE earlier this year.
http://edition.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/europe/11/26/uk.cheetah.kenya/index.html?hpt=C2
>
VIDEO: Hero house cat raises fire alarm (cute
BC story)
Last Updated:
Monday, November 29, 2010 | 10:09 AM PT CBC News
A house cat from Vancouver
Island is being called a hero for saving a family from a potentially
deadly house fire, Kristen Robinson reports.
> Red panda
packs bags for Wisconsin (adorable photo)
Last Updated:
Tuesday, November 30, 2010 | 2:42 PM MT CBC News
Sha-Lei, a red panda born in at the Edmonton
Valley Zoo in 2009 seen here September 2010. (CBC)
=== HERITAGEWATCH ===
More on Chuck Davis
'Mr.
Vancouver' loved a good fact
He made every effort to track down accurate details in
researching the past of his favourite city
TOM
HAWTHORN
Special to The Globe and Mail November 22, 2010
VICTORIA -- Chuck
Davis unearthed forgotten tales from Vancouver's rollicking past,
providing a history for a city whose memory sometimes seems no deeper
than its latest property boom.
Davis, who died on Saturday, three days after his 75th birthday, was
an amateur historian who frequented archives and libraries. He mined
documents and yellowed newspaper clippings, scavenging facts and
oddball nuggets for his books and articles.
A man of boyish enthusiasms, he had an anecdote for every occasion.
After a dramatic public announcement of a diagnosis of untreatable
lung cancer, he told reporters about one of his recent finds. In 1909,
the city acquired the first mechanized ambulance in the Dominion. The
crew proudly took it on a tour of the city, during which they struck
and killed a pedestrian.
The absurdity of
that tragedy struck him as humorous, and one could not help but admire
a man whose appreciation of the macabre was undiminished in the face
of his own death sentence.
Davis was one of
the city's most familiar figures, an avuncular presence for nearly
a half century as author, lecturer, quizmaster, cruciverbalist,
television host, and radio announcer. No living person knew more about
the city and its past, earning him the nickname Mr.
Vancouver.
He edited two
urban encyclopedias - The Vancouver Book (1976) - and The Greater Vancouver
Book (1997) -
and was at work on a third, The History of Metropolitan
Vancouver, which
he described as his magnum opus. He had 17 titles to his
credit.
An amiable man
with a hearty laugh, Davis was, in the words of one of his many
friends, a "delightful shambles". His many passions did not
extend to his wardrobe, which often consisted of rumbled shirts and
formless sweaters of unappealing pattern. He worked from a home
office through which passage was made treacherous by paper stalagmites
of uncertain stability. ...
... Charles
Hector Davis was born in Winnipeg on Nov. 17, 1935. His parents'
marriage soon after collapsed and he only once ever met his mother. In
December, 1944, his father, who operated three modest confectionaries,
moved with the boy to the West Coast. They lived in a former
squatter's shack built over the Burrard Inlet shoreline. It lacked
electricity and shook ominously when freight trains rumbled
past.
Two years later,
fire destroyed the shack and the homeless boy appeared in a photograph
on the front page of a local daily.
A teacher's
etymological examination of the origins of "breakfast" - the
act of breaking, or interrupting, a fast - sparked in the schoolboy a
lifelong fascination with words. (Davis was a demon at Scrabble.)
He also began compiling lists of such facts as the rivers of Australia
and the prime ministers of Hungary. His father jokingly suggested he
compile a list of his lists, which became much of his working
life.
The boy and his
father moved to Toronto, where they lived in rooming houses. Chuck
sold copies of The Globe and Mail at the intersection of Queen and
Bathurst streets, offering passersby a patter of slick talk
("almost like speaking in tongues").
Since the neighbourhood included many Poles and Ukrainians, he asked
another vendor for a Slavic word for newspaper. He later discovered
that the day's poor sales were the result of his trying to sell
newspapers while bellowing the Polish word for feces.
His formal
education ended at 13 midway through Grade 8. At 17, by which time he
had held 23 different jobs, he decided he wanted to fight in Korea. He
enlisted with the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry in June,
1953. ...
From:
http://v1.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/LAC.20101122.OBDAVISATL/BDAStory/BDA/deaths
-----
From:
http://tomhawthorn.blogspot.com/2010/11/chuck-davis-historian-known-as-mr.html
Chuck Davis
delights at finding another swell fact. Photograph by Les
Bazso.
...For the past several
years, he has been beavering away on The History of Metropolitan
Vancouver. Having learned
his lesson from the previous fiasco, he enlisted corporate sponsors to
finance the writing of a year-by-year account of the region
stretching from Bowen Island east to Langley. An extensive website,
which can be seen at
vancouverhistory.ca,
offers a flavour of the rich anecdote and telling detail Mr. Davis
uncovered in his research.
The book is to
be issued by Harbour Publishing next year to mark the city's
quasquicentennial. The author spent his final weeks raising $30,000 to
hire a writer to complete the work. Negotiations are
continuing.
Mr. Davis
received a diagnosis of cancer in December, 2007. The following month
he had surgery to removed his bladder and prostate. As he awaited the
procedure, he wrote a limerick, a favoured pastime, which he eagerly
shared with his wide circle of friends. With typical gravitas, which
is to say little, he wrote:
On the first
day of 2008
Chuck Davis
sat mulling his fate:
'They'd
make me feel gladder
To leave in my
bladder
'Cuz peeing
the old way was great!'
Students,
historians and journalists owe him a tremendous debt, as his diligent
work has made any project about the past so much easier.
The
announcement of his ill health in September sparked tributes, many of
which were overdue. The city declared a Chuck Davis Day last month and
he was awarded the George Woodcock Lifetime Achievement Award for his
literary work.
On Friday, just
hours before his death the following morning, a plaque honouring Mr.
Davis was placed on the Writers' Walk at the main branch of the
Vancouver Public Library, a home away from home for the tireless
researcher.
== STIMULUS PAYMENTS == from
Australia Subject: NEXT STIMULUS PAYMENT
Labor Stimulus
by: Gillard
and Swan.
Sometime this year, we taxpayers may again receive
another 'Economic Stimulus' payment.
This is indeed a very exciting program, and I'll explain it by
using a Q & A format:
Q. What is an 'Economic Stimulus' payment ?
A. It is money
that the federal government will send to taxpayers.
Q. Where will the government get this money
? A. From taxpayers.
Q. So the government is giving me back my own money
? A. Only a smidgen of
it.
Q. What is the purpose of this payment ?
A. The plan is for you
to use the money to purchase a high-definition TV set, thus
stimulating the economy.
Q. But isn't that stimulating the economy of China
? A. Shut up.
Below, helpful advice how to best help the Australian
Economy by spending your stimulus cheque wisely:
If you spend the stimulus money at Coles, the money will go to
China or Sri Lanka.
If you spend it on petrol, your money will go to
the Arabs.
If you purchase a computer, it will go to India, Taiwan
or China.
If you purchase fruit and vegetables, it will go to
Mexico, Honduras and Guatemala.
If you buy an efficient car, it will go to Japan or
Korea.
If you purchase useless stuff, it will go to
Taiwan.
If you pay your credit cards off, or buy stock, it will
go to management bonuses and they
will hide it offshore.
Instead, keep the money in Australia
by:
1) Spending it
at garage sales
2) Going to
the footy
3) Spending it on prostitutes or
4) Beer or
5) Tattoos.
(These are the only Australian businesses still operating in
Australia.)
Conclusion:
Go to a footy game with a tattooed prostitute that you met
at a garage sale and drink beer all day !
No need to thank me, I'm just glad I could be of
help.
=== MAIKU ===
2010 November 1
"climbing a
mountain
starts with the
first step"
so -- look down or
up?
=== QUOTATIONS/THOUGHTS/PUNS
===
An example of Baron's Second Law of
English usage:
Everybody wants to be correct, but nobody wants to be
corrected.
No government can be long secure without a formidable
opposition.
-- Benjamin Disraeli, 1st Earl of Beaconsfield, British
Prime Minister, parliamentarian (1804 - 1881)
Some people become so expert at reading between the lines, they
don't read the lines.
--
Margaret Millar, Canadian-American writer (1915 - 1994)
Nothing will ever be attempted if all possible objections must be
first overcome.
-- Samuel Johnson, British author (1709 - 1784)
It's always too early to quit. -- Norman
Vincent Peale, American minister and author (1898 - 1993)
The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the
strong.
-- Mohandas Gandhi, Indian pacifist leader (1869 - 1948)
o I believe I'll be able to run
my car on politicians' promises but I'm having trouble with the fool
injection system.
o A penny saved is a government
oversight.
o Did you ever notice: The Roman
Numerals for forty (40) are XL ?
o The cat took up computer
lessons in hopes of mastering its grip on a mouse.
o The book of incantations was
useless. The author had failed to run a spell check.