The Regular Meeting of City Council was held in the Council Chamber, City Hall, 200 Craig Street, Duncan, BC at 7:30 p.m., October 29, 2001.

 

 

Present:      Mayor Michael Coleman, Councillors Mike Caljouw, Sharon Jackson, Phil Kent, Martin Lukaitis, Geoff Maxwell and Ken Newcomb.

 

Also Present: Mark Frame, Deputy Clerk.

 

 

His Worship Mayor Michael Coleman opened the Council Meeting with a prayer and called for order.

 

Adoption of Minutes

Movd. Councillor M. Caljouw

Secd. Councillor K. Newcomb

      THAT the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of City Council held on October 9, 2001 be adopted.

Carried.

 

 

Delegations

 

Opportunities Cowichan Retail Project

Helene Costain, Duncan Cowichan Chamber of Commerce and Chris Waddell, Duncan Business Improvement Area Society addressed Council regarding Opportunities Cowichan: Planning for Retail Business Retention and Growth. Also present to answer questions was Louise McMurray, Opportunities Cowichan Project Manager.

 

Using a powerpoint, they outlined the following:

 

Goal

·       Create a strong and vibrant retail industry by:

 

Bringing the retail merchants and small business owners, the economic development agents and the municipal representatives together to identify and put in place activities that will reenergize the key commercial areas in our communities, by;

- Strengthening individual businesses through access to workshops and business services, and by;

- Working together to make Cowichan residents more aware of the goods and services available in the communities.

 

 

Working Group

·         FutureCorp Cowichan

·         Chemainus District Chamber of Commerce

·         Cowichan Lake District Chamber of Commerce

·         Duncan-Cowichan Chamber of Commerce

·         Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce

·         South Cowichan Chamber of Commerce

 

·         Duncan Business Improvement Area Society

·         CVRD Economic Development Commission.

 

 

Key Activities

·        Strategic Planning

·        Retail Business Workshops and Skill Development

·        Business Assessment Services

·        Consumer Awareness Campaign

 

 

Local Government Action

·        Municipal/Town Council presentations (October/November)

·        Retail Survey Report to Municipal and Town Councils (November)

·        Local Governance Questionnaire/Input (November/December)

·        Representation at the Opportunities Cowichan Round Tables(January/February)

·        Appointment of an Official Opportunities Cowichan Liaison Person

 

 

Any home based business or businesses that have not been randomly selected are encouraged to fill the survey out by going to the Opportunities Cowichan Retail Website at www.CowichanToday.com/oc.

 

 

The Retail Survey will be followed by a Consumer Survey, where Cowichan residents will be asked to provide their input by identifying their retail preferences and needs.

 

In closing, the presenters noted that information from both surveys will form the basis for five Retail Round Table Planning sessions scheduled for January – February, 2002 to look at different areas such as marketing, technology, business skill development, regulatory and downtown core development to prioritize activities and activate short and long term plans to strengthen the retail industry in the region.

 

Helene Costain, Louise McMurray and Chris Waddell were thanked for their presentation and they left the meeting.

 

Country Cabs – Application for Two Additional Taxi Licenses

Cory Morrison and Bill Snyder of Country Cabs were available to answer questions regarding their application to the Motor Carrier Commission for two (2) additional taxi licenses.

 

 

Also present was Joginder Wahlla, President – Duncan Taxi Ltd.

 

 

Mr. Snyder advised that he needs more taxis to keep up with his current customers.

 

Movd. Councillor M. Lukaitis

Secd. Councillor S. Jackson

      THAT the Council of the City of Duncan provide a letter of support to Country Cabs for their application to the Motor Carrier Commission for two (2) additional taxi licenses.

Carried.

 

 

Messrs. Cory Morrison, Bill Snyder and Joginder Wahlla were thanked for their attendance and they left the meeting.

 

 

Communications

 

Down Syndrome Awareness Week

Movd. Councillor S. Jackson

Secd. Councillor M. Caljouw

      THAT the Council of the City of Duncan proclaim November 1 - 7, 2001 as "Down Syndrome Awareness Week" in the City of Duncan as requested in the October 10, 2001 letter from the Greater Victoria Down Syndrome Society.

Carried.

 

Banner Request

Movd. Councillor S. Jackson

Secd. Councillor G. Maxwell

      THAT the Council of the City of Duncan authorize the display of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints banner from the banner poles adjacent to the east-side of the Trans Canada Highway and south of the Cowichan River for the month of December 2001 as requested in the October 11, 2001 letter from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

 

Carried.

Halloween Bonfire

Movd. Councillor M. Caljouw

Secd. Councillor K. Newcomb

      THAT the Council of the City of Duncan authorize St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church to stage a bonfire on their property at 531 Herbert Street, Duncan, BC on Halloween Evening (October 31, 2001) subject to the Fire Chief and RCMP being advised of the event as requested in the October 16, 2001 letter from church officials and subject to St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church saving the City harmless from any liabilities that may arise as a result of the staging of this event.

 

Carried.

 

Christmas Cheer Kettle

Movd. Councillor P. Kent

Secd. Councillor M. Caljouw

      THAT the Cowichan Valley Ministries of the Salvation Army be authorized to locate one of their Christmas Cheer Kettles and periodically their Christmas Brass Band on the west side of City Hall during December 2001.

Carried.

 

 

 

 

Cowichan Community Centre Theatre Lobby

For consideration were the following:

 

 

·        Letter dated October 16, 2001 from the Friends of the Cowichan Theatre Society

·        Letter dated October 22, 2001 from George Seymour, Chair - CCCC

 

Movd. Councillor P. Kent

Secd. Councillor G. Maxwell

      THAT the letter dated October 16, 2001 from the Friends of the Cowichan Theatre Society and the October 22, 2001 letter from George Seymour, Chair – Cowichan Community Centre Commission, regarding the "Telus Mobility Lobby" at the Cowichan Community Centre, be received, the contents noted and filed.

Carried.

 

DNRC Appointments

Movd. Councillor K. Newcomb

Secd. Councillor S. Jackson

      THAT Council welcome the following appointments to the Downtown Neighbourhood Revitalization Committee (DNRC) as outlined in the October 19, 2001 letter from the DNRC:

        Richard Bird - Chair

        Sean Napier - Financial Officer

        Bob Milman - Secretary.

Carried.

 

11th Annual Super Cities WALK/Run for MS

Movd. Councillor G. Maxwell

Secd. Councillor S. Jackson

      THAT City Council authorize the BC Division of the Multiple Sclerosis Society to stage their 11th annual "Super Cities Walk/Run for MS" April 14, 2002 (Sunday), between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., on the SIDEWALKS of the roadways within the City as outlined in their October 19, 2001 letter;

      AND THAT the MS Society be requested to contact the District of North Cowichan for the portion of the route in their jurisdiction;

      AND THAT this authorization be subject to the event not interfering with the movement of vehicular traffic.

 

Carried.

 

Application for an Increase in Person Capacity – Silver Bridge Inn

Movd. Councillor P. Kent

Secd. Councillor M. Caljouw

      THAT the Council of the City of Duncan advise the BC Liquor Control and Licensing Branch that they have no objection to the increase in the Silver Bridge Inn licensed seating capacity to a maximum of 97 seats (note: permitted occupant load is 124 persons).

Carried.

 

VSO - Parking Lot Paving

Movd. Councillor K. Newcomb

Secd. Councillor G. Maxwell

      THAT Council authorize the Valley Seniors Organization (VSO) to have their parking lot repaved at their expense;

      AND THAT Council express appreciation to the VSO for maintaining the property and building in good repair.

Carried.

 

Legion – Two Minute Wave of Silence

Movd. Councillor K. Newcomb

Secd. Councillor P. Kent

      THAT the Council of the City of Duncan proclaim “The Two-Minute Wave of Silence” for 11:00 a.m. on November 11th, 2001 in the City as requested in the October 25, 2001 letter from Royal Canadian Legion;

      AND THAT Council encourage all citizens and employees to pause for Two-Minutes to reflect on the sacrifices made to defend our freedom and way of life.

 

Carried.

 

 

Reports of Standing Committees

 

 

 Public Safety Committee

 

Chemainus Hazardous Substance Incident

Councillor Newcomb noted that at the October 16, 2001 Public Safety Committee meeting, Inspector Robinson made reference to the recent incident in Chemainus where four suspicious packages were left at various business locations in Chemainus.  Considering all of the ramifications of the September 11, 2001 terrorist bombing of the World Trade Centre and the US Pentagon, this incident was taken very seriously.

 

Inspector Robinson also advised that a training session will be organized for November with the RCMP Bomb Disposal Team out of the lower mainland for all first responders.  He noted that this bomb disposal team is the only team mandated to do this work in BC and it is a nine-member team.

 

Policing Costs

Regarding policing costs, Councillor Newcomb referred to the September 20, 2000 report entitled "Policing the City of Duncan".  In the report, the RCMP are recommending that if the City of Duncan reaches the 5,000 population threshold, they be responsible for 12 RCMP Members.

 

RCMP Strategic Planning

Councillor Newcomb also noted that at the October 16, 2001 meeting, Inspector Robinson reminded the Committee Members that the focus of the RCMP Strategic Plan is youth, traffic and organized crime.  A strategic plan for future policing in the City of Duncan will be thoroughly discussed at the next meeting scheduled for January 22, 2002.

 

 

 Fire Committee

 

New Fire Truck

Councillor Caljouw noted that the new fire truck will be delivered in the Spring of 2002.

 

 

Reports of Special Committees

 

 

 Mayor's Advisory Committee for Persons

 With Disabilities

 

Disabled Employees Parking Exemption Permits

 

Movd. Councillor M. Caljouw

Secd. Councillor P. Kent

      THAT Council authorize the processing of a Streets Bylaw Amendment to provide for the issuance of $15.00 per month Disabled Employees Parking Exemption Permits, which would permit such Disabled Employees to park for extended periods of time in all 2-Hour parking zones (i.e. for permanent or temporary disabilities).

Carried.

 

Time Limits – Designated Disabled Persons Parking Stalls

Movd. Councillor M. Caljouw

Secd. Councillor P. Kent

      THAT Council authorize the processing of a Streets Bylaw Amendment to provide for 2-Hour Time Limits on Designated Disabled Persons Parking Stalls.

 

Movd. Councillor P. Kent

Secd. Councillor S. Jackson

      THAT the Motion Moved by Councillor M. Caljouw and Seconded by Councillor P. Kent regarding time limits on Designated Disabled Persons Parking Stalls be amended to 3-Hour Time Limits.

Carried.

 

The Main Motion, as amended, was then PUT and CARRIED.

 

Miscellaneous

Councillor Kent reported on the following items:

 

·        On September 25, 2001, he attended the Cowichan Community Centre Commission meeting regarding the library. At this meeting, Frank Raimondo discussed alternatives for the library construction. He noted the following:

 

 

- a construction management request for proposal is being prepared

- funding of the new library will be between the City of Duncan, CVRD Electoral Areas "D" and "E" and the south-end of North Cowichan (existing partners in CCC complex).

 

 

·        On October 25, 2001, he attended the regular CCCC meeting. The financial report to September 30, 2001 was presented. He noted there was good news with the arena and the theatre but bad news in the area of food services. Even with adjustments made last year, a deficit of $56,600 is shown for the 9 months ended September 30, 2001.

 

·        He recently attended the Vancouver Island Regional Library Board meeting in Nanaimo. The 2002 proposed budget was presented. A 2.88% increase overall is expected. The City of Duncan's portion will be increased by 1.78%. He also noted that the new Vancouver Island TV station will be reporting weekly on library services.

 

·        He attended the Royal Roads Strategic Community Directions program October 20 – 23. He noted that it was one of the most positive educational processes he has been through. It focused on creating a sense of direction in community, striving to improve the community, allowing for a feedback process and progress measurement.

 

 

Councillor Newcomb reported on the following:

 

 
  • On October 11, he attended the FutureCorp Cowichan Open House (formerly Community Futures) and congratulated Jenny Farkas on being presented with the Community Futures Champion Award.
  • On October 24, he attended a ½ day meeting with the House of Friendship Society regarding Aboriginal homeless people in the valley.
  • The Royal Roads Strategic Community initiatives was stimulating and engrossing. There were 35 participants made up from 2/3 local government and 1/3 business. In part they discussed new ways of approaching problems, leadership styles, strategic/action planning and implementation processes. He highly recommended it to other Councillors and future Councils.

 

 

Councillor Jackson reported on the following:

 

 
  • Because of attending the recent Royal Roads Strategic Community Initiatives program, she will be a better decision-maker and team player. She thanked Council for the opportunity to attend this program.

 
  • On October 24, 2001, she attended the Raging Grannies peace initiative.

 
  • On October 26, she attended the Breast Cancer Vigil held at Charles Hoey Memorial Park.

 

 

Councillor Caljouw reported that on October 27, he met with an Economic Development group from Australia and discussed our local economic development initiatives.

 

 

Mayor Coleman reported on the following:

 

  • On October 11, he attended the Open House for FutureCorp Cowichan.
  • On October 20, he attended the Cowichan District Hospital Auxiliary Bazaar.
  • On October 28, he attended the Royal Canadian Legion Flag Raising Ceremony at City Hall.

 

 

Unfinished Business

 

AVICC & UBCM Annual Conferences

Movd. Councillor P. Kent

Secd. Councillor K. Newcomb

      WHEREAS it has been the policy of the City to allow any member of Council, without restriction, to attend both the UBCM and AVICC annual conferences;

     AND WHEREAS a need for additional fiscal prudence, during an uncertain economic climate is essential;

     THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the policy of the City, herewith, limit the attendance to four(4) delegates to include the Mayor and three(3) others (inclusive of administrative staff) to the UBCM and AVICC annual conferences;

     AND THAT the delegates be chosen to attend on a rotational basis. Therefore each Councillor will attend at least one(1) of each of the UBCM and AVICC conferences in their three year term;

     AND THAT if one(1) or more of the Councillors cannot attend in their turn, that delegates be chosen by way of a draw to attend in their place.

Carried.

 

Mayor Coleman and Councillors Caljouw and Lukaitis dissenting.

 

ICBC Safer Communities Audit

It was noted that Councillor Newcomb was one of two winners of the ICBC prize draw for a Safer Communities Audit at the recent UBCM Convention. This audit has an equivalent value of $5,000.

 

Arena and Aquannis Centre Funding

Movd. Councillor P. Kent

Secd. Councillor M. Lukaitis

      THAT City Council approve the joint expenditure from respective Pool Reserve Funds of $13,050.00, plus taxes, for the Aquannis Centre noise abatement sound baffle capital project.

Carried.

 

Softwood Lumber

Movd. Councillor S. Jackson

Secd. Councillor M. Caljouw

      THAT the City provide a letter of support to Dr. James Lunney, MP, Nanaimo-Alberni, urging a) that all export of logs, either directly or indirectly, be cancelled immediately until a fair trade agreement can be reached that is satisfactory to all parties; b) that Canadian Western Red Cedar products and other high-valued and appearance-grade products which come from species unique to the west coast of Canada be immediately removed from the Canada/US softwood lumber talks, in order that our suffering resource-based communities can get back to work.

      AND THAT a copy of this letter be sent to our local MP, Reed Elley.

Carried.

 

Policing Costs

Movd. Councillor K. Newcomb

Secd. Councillor G. Maxwell

      THAT the Council of the City of Duncan endorse the proposed appointment of Mayor Don Leben – Town of Creston to the UBCM Ad Hoc Sub-Committee to deal with policing issues (i.e. plight of "Group of 14" just under or just over a population of 5,000).

Carried.

 

Proposed Cooperative Science Discovery Centre

Movd. Councillor P. Kent

Secd. Councillor S. Jackson

      THAT Councillor Geoff Maxwell represent the Council of the City of Duncan at the 8:00 a.m., November 19, 2001 (Monday) meeting at the FutureCorp Cowichan (Community Futures) Centre regarding the proposed Cooperative Science Discovery Centre.

Carried.

 

September 11, 2001 Tragedy

Movd. Councillor G. Maxwell

Secd. Councillor M. Caljouw

      THAT the October 23, 2001 letter from Hugo Llorens, Consul General of the United States of America be received, the contents noted and filed.

Carried.

 

A copy of this letter will be posted on the City Hall main floor notice board.

 

Traffic Study Proposal

Movd. Councillor G. Maxwell

Secd. Councillor P. Kent

      THAT Council authorize the City Engineers to proceed with Options 2 & 3 of the Traffic Study Proposal, including Network Options Analysis and Modeling;

     AND THAT the traffic study be funded as follows:

 

 

Existing traffic

 engineering budget     $ 2,500.00

Existing traffic

 capital budget           6,500.00

Council contingency      6,000.00

 

Total including net GST $15,000.00

Carried.

 

BC Ferry Corporation Inquiry

Movd. Councillor K. Newcomb

Secd. Councillor S. Jackson

      THAT Council endorse the draft letter, prepared by Councillor Phil Kent, to Capital West Partners regarding the inquiry of the BC Ferries Corporation;

      AND THAT the letter be forwarded forthwith.

Carried.

 

Christmas Decorations

Movd. Councillor M. Caljouw

Secd. Councillor M. Lukaitis

      THAT Council authorize the Public Works Superintendent to purchase and install "Downtown" gateway lights for Station @ Canada and Station @ Government (i.e. Christmas Season 2001);

     AND THAT the cost of these two banner lights be shared as follows:

 

City of Duncan             $2,500.00

Downtown Business

 Improvement Area Society  2,500.00

Total                      $5,000.00.

 

Movd. Councillor G. Maxwell

Secd. Councillor S. Jackson

      THAT the subject of new Christmas decorations be referred to the Public Works Committee for recommendation.

Carried.

 

 

Bylaws

 

Water Regulations Bylaw No. 1167, 1977, Amendment Bylaw No. 1919,

2001

Movd. Councillor S. Jackson

Secd. Councillor K. Newcomb

      THAT Water Regulations Bylaw No. 1167, 1977, Amendment Bylaw No. 1919, 2001" be reconsidered, finally passed and adopted.

Carried.

 

Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 1759, 1995, Amendment Bylaw No. 1921,

2001

Movd. Councillor K. Newcomb

Secd. Councillor P. Kent

      THAT "Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 1759, 1995, Amendment Bylaw No. 1921, 2001" be reconsidered, finally passed and adopted.

Carried.

 

 

New Business

 

Water Billing – 3066 Westview Street/ Ryall Road

For consideration was a letter dated October 9, 2001 from Harbans and Darshan Dhanoa. It was noted that a duplex on the corner of Westview and Ryall had been charged as two separate residences for a number of years. The owners are requesting a total refund of the difference.

 

 

In his memo dated October 16, 2001, the City Treasurer recommends that a refund in the amount of $25.50 (one year) would be appropriate.

 

Movd. Councillor S. Jackson

Secd. Councillor G. Maxwell

      THAT the October 9, 2001 letter from Harbans and Darshan Dhanoa be brought forward to the November 13, 2001 Regular Meeting of City Council.

Carried.

 

Cowichan District Hospital CT Scanner - PST

Councillor Lukaitis urged all members of Council to rally behind the Cowichan District Hospital and make a financial contribution in order to eliminate the $98,0000.00 Provincial Sales Tax debt levied on the recently purchased CT Scanner.

 

Councillor Lukaitis advised that he and his wife, Ellen, have contributed $200.00 to this cause.

 

Special Meeting

Movd. Councillor S. Jackson

Secd. Councillor K. Newcomb

      THAT the Council of the City of Duncan resolve into Special Meeting (Committee of the Whole) to discuss legal and property matters;

      AND THAT persons other than Council Members and the City Administrator be excluded from this meeting (Section 242.3 – Local Government Act).

Carried.

 

 

At 9:20 p.m., City Council resolved into Special Meeting.

 

Adjournment

At 9:30 p.m., the following Motion was PUT:

 

Movd. Councillor S. Jackson

Secd. Councillor K. Newcomb

      THAT this Special Meeting of Council rise;

      AND THAT this meeting do now adjourn.

 

Carried.

 

 

 

                                        

Michael Coleman

Mayor

 

 

                                        

Mark Frame

Deputy Clerk