The Regular Meeting of City Council was held in the Council Chamber, City Hall, 200 Craig Street, Duncan, BC at 7:30 p.m., January 27, 2003. Present: Deputy Mayor Mike Caljouw; Councillors Jenny Farkas, Sharon Jackson, Phil Kent, Geoff Maxwell and Ken Newcomb. Absent With Prior Notice: Mayor Michael Coleman. Also Present: Paul Douville, City Administrator.
	His Worship Deputy Mayor Mike Caljouw opened the Council Meeting with a prayer and called for order.
Queen's Golden Jubilee Commemorative Medal Presentation	The Honourable Graham Bruce, MLA Cowichan – Ladysmith, was in attendance to present the Queen's Golden Jubilee Commemorative Medals to various outstanding individuals. The medal recognizes people who have made outstanding contributions to their communities, province or country, either through their careers or through volunteer work. The medals commemorate the 50^th Anniversary of Her Majesty's rein as Queen of Canada.
	Mr. Bruce presented the medals to the following individuals:
	Russell Barber Retired from Canadian Military after 48 years of service. Founding Chairman for #744 Air Cadet Squadron. Numerous volunteer positions with Canadian Cancer Society.
	Fred Cairns 1966 founding member of North Oyster Volunteer Fire Dept. Practiced community building through volunteerism. Participates actively in farming community.
	Dr. Owen Gloster 1977 President of BC College of Family Physicians. Founding and active member of Cowichan District Hospital Foundation. Founding and active member of The Cowichan Foundation.
	Jack Hutton Visionary, organizer and builder of Providence Farm of Vancouver Island. Providence Farm has a wide range of programs and services serving the disadvantaged and disabled.
	Denise McKinlay Tireless community volunteer. Founding and active member of Cowichan Hospital Foundation and organizer of major fundraiser, raising hundreds of thousands of dollars.
	Lorern Stubbs Director of Vancouver Island Providence Community and Chairperson of Fund Raising Committee for the Annual Providence Farm Hoedown. Extensive community service.
	Mr. Bruce then invited the recipients and their families and friends to join him at the Constituency Office for a reception.
Adoption of Minutes	Movd. Councillor G. Maxwell Secd. Councillor P. Kent THAT the minutes of the January 13, 2003 Public Zoning Hearing be adopted. Carried.
	Movd. Councillor S. Jackson Secd. Councillor K. Newcomb THAT the minutes of the Regular Meeting of City Council held January 13, 2003 be adopted. Carried.
	Delegations:
Brian Clark – Ice Sculpting in China	Brian Clark from our community was invited to participate in the 17^th Annual International Ice Sculpting Competition staged in Harbin, China in early January 2003. Mr. Clark has been an excellent sculptor for many years. Such people as the Duke of Edinburgh and Dr. David Suzuki own his work in collections all over the world.
	Mr. Clark addressed the Council meeting advising that his letter of introduction from Mayor Coleman was presented to City officials in Harbin, China along with City lapel pins and totem books. He said these items were very well received and he referenced a reply letter from the Mayor of Harbin, which is in Chinese.
	Mr. Clark advised that there were 22 entries in the competition and that his sculpture placed 2^nd (Silver Medal). He said he experienced much respect and a warm ambiance during his entire visit.
	Mr. Clark was congratulated on his great efforts and for representing Canada and the Cowichan Valley so well.
Opportunities Cowichan – "Shop Cowichan"	Louise McMurray, Opportunities Cowichan Project Manager, addressed the meeting. She advised that Opportunities Cowichan is unveiling its new "Shop Cowichan" marketing campaign and is requesting the support of the City of Duncan in this exciting and innovative cooperative marketing initiative.
	Ms. McMurray advised that their goal is to promote the unique and interesting products available in the Cowichan Valley along with the great and friendly personal service that shoppers can enjoy. They will be trying to entice shoppers to the Cowichan Valley from the Victoria and Nanaimo trading areas. The theme of the promotion will be "Ready for Something Different – Shop Cowichan or Dine Cowichan". The promotion will include diverse advertisements including newspapers, magazine, external advertising on buses, billboards and banners. Their promotion will also be included on the Shaw Cable channel and through internet advertising. She advised that the promotion will be launched at the end of March 2003.
	Ms. McMurray advised that representatives from the five Regional Chambers of Commerce, the Duncan Business Improvement Area Society, FutureCorp Cowichan, the Economic Development Commission and a number of independent businesses are spearheading this project. In concluding her presentation, Ms. McMurray asked City Council to consider displaying "Shop Cowichan" banners throughout the community and for the City to purchase these banners. She was asked to put this request in writing and to outline the projected costs. Ms. McMurray was thanked for her presentation and she left the meeting.
BC Hydro Power Smart Program	Representing the BC Hydro Power Smart Program, Dave Thomson, Manager Community Relations – Vancouver Island, addressed Council. Mr. Thomson advised that earlier this month, BC Hydro launched a drive to make Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands BC's first Power Smart Region. Hydro plans to invest $20 million in fiscal 2001/02 and $70 million over the following 3 years to help address Vancouver Island's growing electricity demands. By investing 120 million in the region over 10 years, Hydro expects to save enough electricity to power an additional 70,000 homes, a number equal to half the homes in Victoria.
	Mr. Thomson noted that converting to such items as LED traffic lights produces a 90% energy saving. He referenced their recent promotion where they will be distributing Power Smart light bulbs throughout Vancouver Island, which use approximately 30% of the energy of regular light bulbs. He also advised that under their refrigerator buy back program, they will give owners $30.00 for working fridges so that they can be taken out of operation. He also advised of a major weatherproofing project for individual homes.
	Using skits, BC Hydro representatives are visiting schools to provide education on energy saving practices. He said they hope to have children become the "energy police" so that they can encourage their families to be more power smart. They are also conducting energy audits of schools so that they can suggest improvements for these buildings.
	A brief discussion ensued regarding the need for additional hydro energy sources and Mr. Thomson was thanked for his presentation and he left the meeting.
	Communications:
Breast Cancer Candlelight Vigil	Movd. Councillor S. Jackson Secd. Councillor K. Newcomb THAT Council authorize the Cowichan Valley Unit of the Canadian Cancer Society to use the City Square for a Breast Cancer Candlelight Vigil at 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, October 5, 2003; AND THAT the Society be requested to use dripless candles with candleholders to avoid wax being dripped on the new City Square bricks. Carried.
Cowichan United Way - Banner	Movd. Councillor G. Maxwell Secd. Councillor P. Kent THAT the Council of the City of Duncan authorize the display of the Cowichan United Way Banner from the banner poles south of the Cowichan River on the east-side of the Trans Canada Highway from November 3 – 30, 2003. Carried.
Proclamation – Kidney Foundation	Movd. Councillor K. Newcomb Secd. Councillor S. Jackson THAT the month of March 2003 be proclaimed as "Kidney Month" in the City of Duncan as requested by the Kidney Foundation of Canada in their January 13, 2003 letter. Carried.
Cowichan Lawn Bowling Club – Grant Request for Clubhouse	Movd. Councillor G. Maxwell Secd. Councillor K. Newcomb THAT the January 14, 2003 grant request from the Cowichan Lawn Bowling Club to assist with the provision of a new clubhouse be denied since the Council Grants Policy states "The Council will not provide funds to individuals or teams for sports related endeavors". Carried.
District of Salmon Arm - Municipal Infrastructure (Federal Program)	Movd. Councillor J. Farkas Secd. Councillor P. Kent THAT the letter dated January 16, 2003 from the District of Salmon Arm, regarding the Federal Government contribution to Municipal Infrastructure, be received, the contents noted and filed. Carried.
	Movd. Councillor P. Kent Secd. Councillor K. Newcomb THAT the Council of the City of Duncan correspond with the Prime Minister of Canada requesting that his government commit to adequately assist rural Canadian municipalities in their effort to maintain their foundational infrastructure. Carried.
Heritage Week	Movd. Councillor S. Jackson Secd. Councillor K. Newcomb THAT the Council of the City of Duncan proclaim the week of February 17 to 23, 2003 as "Heritage Week" in the City of Duncan as requested by the Honourable George Abbott, Minister of Community, Aboriginal and Women's Services in his letter dated January 16, 2003. Carried.
	Councillor Farkas advised that the Green Door Society will be conducting Heritage Lectures and Ceremonies between 1:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. on February 18, 2003. She encouraged members of the public to attend.
12^th Annual Walk/Run for MS	Movd. Councillor P. Kent Secd. Councillor K. Newcomb THAT City Council authorize the BC Division of the Multiple Sclerosis Society to stage their 12^th annual "Super Cities Walk/Run for MS" April 13, 2003 (Sunday), between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., on the SIDEWALKS of the roadways within the City as outlined in their January 20, 2003 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 or pedestrian traffic and subject to proper marshalling being provided throughout the route by the event coordinators; AND THAT the British Columbia Division of the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada hold harmless the City of Duncan from any and all possible liability claims relating to this event; AND THAT the City of Duncan be named as an "additional insured party" on a $2 million per occurrence liability insurance policy. Carried.
Duncan-Cowichan Chamber of Commerce – Grant Request	Movd. Councillor G. Maxwell Secd. Councillor P. Kent THAT the January 20, 2003 Grant Request from the Duncan-Cowichan Chamber of Commerce be referred to the 2003 Budget Review Committee. Carried.
Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District - Additional Electricity Supply to Vancouver Island	Movd. Councillor P. Kent Secd. Councillor K. Newcomb THAT the letter dated January 21, 2003 from the Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District, regarding additional electricity supplies to Vancouver Island, be received, the contents noted and filed. Carried.
	Movd. Councillor S. Jackson Secd. Councillor G. Maxwell THAT Councillor J. Farkas be authorized to attend the January 31, 2003 meeting in Nanaimo hosted by the Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District regarding additional electrical energy supplies for Vancouver Island. Carried.
Provincial Ombudsman - Budget Reductions	Movd. Councillor P. Kent Secd. Councillor G. Maxwell THAT the letter dated January 20, 2003 from the Provincial Ombudsman, regarding budget and service reductions, be received, the contents noted and filed; AND THAT Council correspond with the UBCM requesting that they explore ideas how Ombudsman services could be provided internally with the reduction of the Provincial Ombudsman services. Carried.
	Reports of Standing Committees
	Parks & Recreation Committee
Craig Street Sewer Hookups	Councillor Maxwell advised that a meeting was held on January 22, 2003 with the property and business owners of establishments on the west-side of Craig Street and the north-side of Kenneth Street. He advised that individual meetings were arranged with the contractors to ensure the least disruption to business as possible. Overall, Councillor Maxwell reported that the meeting went very well.
	Public Safety & Emergency Services Committee
Regional Block Watch Program	Movd. Councillor J. Farkas Secd. Councillor K. Newcomb THAT the Council of the City of Duncan ask the CVRD Board of Directors if there is any interest in establishing a Regional Block Watch Program in conjunction with the RCMP. Carried.
	Reports of Special Committees
Miscellaneous	Councillor Kent reported on the following items: · On January 25^th, he attended the Annual General Meeting of the Vancouver Island Regional Library Board. A $104,000 surplus was announced for 2002, which represents 1% to 1.5% of the total budget. Changes in long-term planning were also discussed, such as the Port Alberni Library not proceeding, which will also create budget reductions. The annual election was held at the AGM and Councillor Tom Krall of the City of Nanaimo was elected Chair of the Library Board. · At 7:00 p.m., February 12, 2003, several organizations are invited to attend a meeting at City Hall to discuss the "Communities in Bloom" program. Councillor Kent indicated that there is considerable interest in becoming involved in this endeavour.
	Councillor Newcomb reported on the Cowichan Community Centre Commission Board meeting held on January 23, 2003. He outlined the commission membership and advised that they adopted a policy to limit meeting times to no more than 2 hours. North Cowichan Councillor George Seymour was re-elected as Chair and Councillor Newcomb was elected as Vice-Chair. On January 31^st, the new Library Steering Committee will be holding a lengthy meeting and Councillor Newcomb will be participating. He advised of the recent meetings with the Agricultural and Exhibition Societies to resolve the egress issue to Clements Street. He advised that a resolution should be forthcoming soon. He also reported that the Community Centre brochure has been much improved and well received.
	Unfinished Business
Flower Baskets Tender	For consideration was a memorandum dated January 13, 2003 from the Public Works Superintendent. Movd. Councillor G. Maxwell Secd. Councillor P. Kent THAT as recommended by the Public Works superintendent, the January 12, 2003 tender from Westhaven Nursery Ltd. of $6,452.07 (taxes included) for our 170 flower baskets for 2003 be accepted. Carried.
Softwood Industry Community Adjustment Advisory Group	Movd. Councillor P. Kent Secd. Councillor G. Maxwell THAT the letter dated January 17, 2003 from the Minister of Industry, Government of Canada, regarding a new Softwood Industry Community Adjustment Advisory Group for British Columbia, be received, the contents noted and filed. Carried.
	The Minister of Industry has appointed Mayor Michael Coleman to this Advisory Group.
Safeway Grocery Store – Highway Access	For consideration was a letter dated January 6, 2003 from Boulevard Transportation Group.
	Movd. Councillor S. Jackson Secd. Councillor K. Newcomb THAT as recommended by the Boulevard Transportation Group, the Council of the City of Duncan endorse "in principle" the following position regarding the requested Trans Canada Highway access for the proposed new Safeway Grocery Store on Cowichan Tribes Reserve Lands:
	"Before final approval being given to allow the left turn access off the Highway it is recommended that: 1) Further discussion takes place with the Ministry of Transportation in regards to their plans, priorities and intent for the Highway. 2) That the results of the Duncan Mall urban design and traffic flow study be concluded.
	If the redevelopment of the Safeway requires approval prior to the above recommendations being met, then it is recommended that the left turn access be allowed subject to all stakeholders (Safeway, Cowichan Tribes, Ministry of Transportation, City of Duncan) agreeing that the signal installation at Cowichan Way takes priority over signalizing the access.
	If agreement cannot be achieved, it is recommended that the left turn access not be allowed."; AND THAT copies of this resolution and the January 10, 2003 letter from the Boulevard Transportation Group be forwarded to the following individuals: Richard Lewthwaite – Canada Safeway Don Henderson – Bunt & Associates (Transportation Planners & Engineers retained by Canada Safeway) Bob Webb – District Technician, Ministry of Transportation Shawn O'Sullivan, District Transportation Engineer (Fax: 250-390-6191) · Cowichan Tribes Council. Carried.
Cowichan Lawn Bowling Club – Water Service	For consideration were letters dated November 6, 2002 and January 3, 2003 to and from the Cowichan Lawn Bowling Club. Movd. Councillor G. Maxwell Secd. Councillor S. Jackson WHEREAS it is not the intention of the Public Works Superintendent to upgrade the irrigation system in Centennial Park within the current 5 year financial plan; AND WHEREAS whenever maintenance must be performed on our irrigation system, it must be shut down;
	AND WHEREAS free land has been provided for the Cowichan Lawn Bowling facility (Note: City Council does very much appreciate the provision of this facility through the hard work of the Cowichan Lawn Bowling Club); AND WHEREAS the Cowichan Lawn Bowling Club should have a separate water service especially with their proposed Club House project; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT as indicated by the Parks and Recreation Committee, the Cowichan Lawn Bowling Club again be advised to pursue a separate water service at their expense (Note: maximum projected cost is $5,000.00). Carried.
Proposed Neighbourhood Pub/Store – Beverly Corners	Movd. Councillor P. Kent Secd. Councillor G. Maxwell THAT the letters dated January 16 & 22, 2003 to and from the District of North Cowichan, regarding the proposed Neighbourhood Pub and Liquor Store at the Beverly Corners, be received, the contents noted and filed. Carried.
Softwood Lumber Industry -"Pension-Bridging Assistance"	Movd. Councillor P. Kent Secd. Councillor G. Maxwell THAT the letters dated October 31, 2002 and January 21, 2003 to and from the Federal Minister of Finance, regarding Softwood Lumber Industry "Pension-Bridging Assistance", be received, the contents noted and filed. Carried.
BC Transit Funding & Service Strategy Review	For consideration was a letter dated November 15, 2002 from the Chair of the BC Transit Board of Directors.
	Movd. Councillor J. Farkas Secd. Councillor P. Kent THAT in response to the BC Transit request to select an option to deal with projected funding shortfalls in the 2003/04 budget, the Council of the City of Duncan select "Strategy One" efficiencies"; AND THAT in response to the BC Transit request for input regarding sustainable funding and governance models, the Council of the City of Duncan support providing flexibility in the funding formula, along with assurance of a dedicated fuel tax from the existing Provincial fuel tax. Carried.
BC Citizens for Public Power	For consideration was a letter dated January 17, 2003 from the BC Citizens for Public Power. Movd. Councillor J. Farkas Secd. Councillor S. Jackson THAT the Council of the City of Duncan reiterate support for the following UBCM resolution: "The UBCM does not support the privatization or sale of BC Hydro electrical generation, transmission or distribution functions, nor does it support the contracting-out of administrative services to Accenture, and urges the provincial government to recognize BC Hydro as a strategic core public asset to preserve and promote energy advantages for British Columbians."; AND THAT Council send a letter to the Honourable Graham Bruce, MLA Cowichan-Ladysmith, requesting his comments in this regard. Carried. Councillor Newcomb dissenting.
	New Business:
Skeleem Recovery Centre	Movd. Councillor P. Kent Secd. Councillor S. Jackson THAT the Council of the City of Duncan send a letter to the Provincial Health Authorities, Mental Health Branch, requesting that the parties concerned re-assess the closure of the Skeleem Recovery Centre and provide interim funding until an alternative funding plan is put in place to maintain the Centre. Carried.
RCMP Safety Reports	Movd. Councillor G. Maxwell Secd. Councillor S. Jackson THAT the January 16, 2003 letter from RCMP Inspector Linton Robinson be received with appreciation; AND THAT Council agree that the RCMP reports be presented to Council at the following regular Council Meetings: · April 28, 2003 · August 11, 2003 · October 27, 2003 · January 26, 2004. Carried. (Note: Inspector Robinson advises that he or his representative would be prepared to meet with the Public Safety & Emergency Services Committee as deemed necessary by City Officials.)
Special Meeting	Movd. Councillor S. Jackson Secd. Councillor P. Kent THAT the Council of the City of Duncan resolve into Special Meeting (Committee of the Whole) to discuss property issues; AND THAT persons other than Council Members and the City Administrator be excluded from this meeting (Section 242.3 – Local Government Act). Carried.
	At 9:30 p.m., City Council resolved in to Special Meeting.
	At 9:50 p.m., the following Motion was Put: Movd. Councillor M. Caljouw Secd. Councillor K. Newcomb THAT this meeting of City Council does now adjourn. Carried.
	Mike Caljouw Deputy Mayor Paul Douville City Administrator