The Regular Meeting of City Council was held in the Council Chambers, City Hall, 200 Craig Street, Duncan, BC at 7:30 p.m., January 26, 2004.

 

Present:     Mayor Michael Coleman;

Councillors Mike Caljouw, Jenny Farkas, Sharon Jackson, Phil Kent, Geoff Maxwell and Ken Newcomb.

 

Also Present: Paul Douville, City Administrator.

 

 

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 January 12, 2004 Development Variance Permit Public Hearing and the Regular Council meeting be adopted.

Carried.

 

 

Delegations

 

RCMP Inspector Linton Robinson – Quarterly Crime Report

RCMP Inspector Linton Robinson delivered his most recent report to Council. He noted that in the 2nd quarter of 2003, there were 8% more criminal code offences reported in BC than in the 2nd quarter of 2002. This number represents a 9% increase from the 2nd quarter of 2001 and a 12% increase from the 2nd quarter of 2000. He suggested that this increase may be attributed to he fact that more people are reporting noted crimes.

 

For the North Cowichan/Duncan Detachment (Provincial), this increase in reports (Criminal Code offences) shows a 6% increase for the 2nd quarter of 2003 compared to the first quarter of 2003 (this includes all provincial areas of the North Cowichan/Duncan Detachment which includes the City of Duncan). However the same statistics for this period (2nd quarter of 2003) show a 2% decrease in Criminal Code offences reported for the 2nd quarter of 2002.

 

For the month of December 2003, there were 15 motor vehicle thefts compared to only 4 in December 2002. Similarly, there were 26 thefts from motor vehicles in December 2003 compared to only 11 in December 2002. Inspector Robinson noted that this is a substantial increase.

 

The Inspector then outlined the following total Crime Statistics for 2003:

 

 

 

2002

2003

 

 

 

 

 

Assaults

179

193

 

Break and Enter (Residential)

52

43

 

Break and Enter (Business)

29

90

 

Vandalism

268

212

 

Theft from Motor Vehicles

158

178

 

Theft of Motor Vehicles

75

74

 

 

 

Inspector Robinson said that 3 individuals, who were causing the majority of the business break and enters in 2003, have been incarcerated. He said he hopes that this statistic should decrease in 2004.

 

He said that there is concern regarding the increase in domestic violence and date rape/violence as reported by the Victim Services Department.

 

Regarding the Cowichan Regional Community Policing Advisory Committee (Community Policing offices), he said that the recent monthly contacts increased from 29 to 68. He said members of the public are becoming aware of the Community Policing offices and the services that they provide. During November 2003, the focus was on recruitment, screening, selection and training of volunteers. They were pleased to train 75 civilian volunteers and 4 auxiliary constables. The vacant Crime Prevention Officer position (i.e. RCMP Member) was also filled in November, further improving the partnership between the community and the police. The array of services provided by the Community Policing offices are as follows:

 

·        Volunteer Training, Coast Watch, Speed Watch, Vehicle "Lock-It or Lose-It" Campaign, Community Relations, Safety Presentations, Citizens on Patrol/Foot Patrols, Security for Special Events, Community Policing through Environmental Design and Media Relations.

 

The Inspector also stressed a new "Seniors Safety Watch Program" whereby neighbours are organized to keep a close watch on Seniors living nearby.

 

With the decrease in eligible welfare recipients, effective March 1, 2004, the Inspector was asked to be prepared for possible affects of increased crime. He said they are working on a scenario in this regard.

 

Inspector Robinson was thanked for his presentation and he left the meeting.

 

 

Communications

 

Environmental Education Program (North Cowichan and Duncan)

For consideration were letters dated October 18, 2002 and January 6, 2004 to and from the District of North Cowichan.

 

Movd. Councillor J. Farkas

Secd. Councillor P. Kent

      THAT the Council of the City of Duncan agree to continue to participate in the District of North Cowichan Environmental Education Program with an annual contribution of $1,000.00 noting the following:

·        The City of Duncan name has been introduced into the promotional material and handouts.

·        Duncan Elementary School has been added to the classroom presentations program.

·        Public display will continue to occur annually at the Duncan/Cowichan Summer Festival.

·        Public display will continue to occur annually at City Hall during property tax payment time.

Carried.

 

Kidney Month

Movd. Councillor P. Kent

Secd. Councillor S. Jackson

 THAT the month of March 2004 be proclaimed as "Kidney Month" in the City of Duncan;

     AND THAT the Council of the City of Duncan authorize the Kidney Foundation of Canada to conduct a fundraising canvass in the City of Duncan during the month of March 2004 as requested in the January 7, 2004 letter from the Kidney Foundation of Canada.

 

Carried.

 

Vancouver Island

Regional Library

– Book Rate Petition

Movd. Councillor J. Farkas

Secd. Councillor S. Jackson

      THAT the Council of the City of Duncan supports the maintenance of the current Canada Post library rate and supports the concept that the rate should be enhanced to include all library materials provided for circulation;

      AND THAT this position be conveyed to the Minister of Canadian Heritage and the President/CEO of Canada Post;

      AND THAT a petition in this regard be provided at the front counter of City Hall.

 

Carried.

 

 

Councillor Newcomb reported that the Vancouver Island Regional Library is not supporting the proposed Periodicals Lounge in the new library at the Cowichan Community Centre. He said they wish to use this space for the display of books.

 

Councillor Kent said he would obtain more information in this regard during the upcoming Library Board meeting.

 

Ladysmith 100

Years – 1904 - 2004

Movd. Councillor S. Jackson

Secd. Councillor K. Newcomb

      THAT in response to the January 9, 2004 letter from the Ladysmith Centennial Book Coordinator, Council authorize a 1/8 page ($199.00) advertisement in the Ladysmith Centennial Book;

     AND THAT the advertisement read "Congratulations to our Neighbours on the occasion of your 100th Anniversary. From the People of the City of Duncan".

Carried.

 

Ambulance Service Policy Revision

Movd. Councillor S. Jackson

Secd. Councillor G. Maxwell

      THAT the January 26, 2004 letter from Velda Dunn, regarding the recent change in the Ambulance Service Policy regarding the transfer of patients, be referred to the Management of the BC Ambulance Service requesting their comments on Ms. Dunn's letter.

Carried.

 

 

Reports of Standing Committees

 

 

 Finance Committee

 

 

For consideration were the notes of the January 19, 2004 meeting.

 

Warrant No. 11 - 2003

Movd. Councillor K. Newcomb

Secd. Councillor G. Maxwell

     THAT Warrant No. 11-03 covering General Account cheque numbers 107314 – 107442 in the total amount of   $259,442.27

- Payroll Account – Payroll #22

covering cheque numbers 2929,

2947 - 2951 and Direct

Deposits in the amount of         30,125.65

- Payroll #23 covering cheque

numbers 2952 – 2971 and

Direct Deposits in the amount of   36,459.12

GRAND TOTAL . . . . . .         $476,756.32

be ratified.

Carried.

 

Joint Purchasing Initiative

Movd. Councillor K. Newcomb

Secd. Councillor P. Kent

      THAT City Council endorse staff further investigating the viability of Joint Purchasing with School District 79 and other Cowichan Valley municipalities.

Carried.

 

Community Policing Volunteer Coordinator

Movd. Councillor K. Newcomb

Secd. Councillor P. Kent

      THAT the Council of the City of Duncan advise the CVRD Board of Directors that they support the possibility of the CVRD funding the Community Policing Volunteer Coordinator position on a long-term basis.

Carried.

 

 

Movd. Councillor K. Newcomb

Secd. Councillor M. Caljouw

      THAT Council ask the City Treasurer to include consideration in the 2004 Budget process for funding of the Community Policing Volunteer Coordinator.

Carried.

 

City Square Stage Roof

Movd. Councillor K. Newcomb

Secd. Councillor G. Maxwell

      THAT $50,000 be placed in a Reserve Account for the proposed City Square stage roof, subject to there being an adequate 2003 surplus for this purpose.

Carried.

 

 

 Planning & Priorities Committee

 

Schedule of Meetings

Councillor Kent reminded Council members of the following meetings:

 

·        Gateways and Downtown Revitalization Strategy – Urban Systems – 1:30 p.m., January 27, 2004.

·        Strategic Planning Process – 7:30 p.m., January 29, 2004.

 

 

 

CCC Commission

Councillor Newcomb reported that at the recent meeting of the Cowichan Community Centre Commission, Councillor George Seymour was reappointed as Chair and Councillor Newcomb was reappointed as Vice-Chair. The Friends of the Aquannis Centre made a presentation to the Commission regarding funding sources for the needed pool retrofit.

 

 

Reports of Special Committees

 

Joint Utilities Board – 2004 Budget

Movd. Councillor G. Maxwell

Secd. Councillor P. Kent

      THAT the 2004 Operating and Capital Budgets for the Duncan/North Cowichan Joint Utilities Board be approved:

 

Operating Budget   $465,005

Capital Budget     $114,800.

Carried.

 

Miscellaneous

Councillor Farkas reported on a recent meeting of the Cowichan Region Economic Development Commission. She said that the Commission Board is being restructured so that it is smaller with less government appointed representatives. The Chair of the Cowichan Valley Regional District will now appoint the Chair of the Cowichan Region Economic Development Commission.

 

Councillor Jackson reported on the following items:

 

·        On January 21, she attended a meeting regarding the Cowichan Green Community Jubilee Garden proposed for Centennial Park. She said the Cowichan Green Community representatives would be requesting to make a presentation to City Council very soon. She said it is their hope to involve not only the neighbours and other adults in the community, but in particular seniors and youth.

·        She is still working with Pink Creative Concepts regarding the back cover advertisement for the 2004 Warm Land Tourist Guide.

·        On January 23, she met with Cowichan Tribes Councillor Ben Joseph and gave him the present from the 2003 Maori dancers, which they left for Chief Harvey Alphonse.

·        On January 21, she and Councillor Farkas met with Phil Ives of the IMP Group regarding a City website. She said that Mr. Ives is using the spirit of the direction provided to him for development of the website.

 

 

Mayor Coleman reported on the following items:

 

·        The CVRD Board of Directors has requested that TimberWest compensate them $62,000.00 for all the work performed by the CVRD regarding the proposed Outdoor Recreation Park, which is now not proceeding.

·        The CVRD is working on low income housing initiatives.

·        On January 20, he and other members of Council met with the Downtown Duncan Farmer's Market Society. He said that the meeting was positive and useful and that further meetings are scheduled.

·        On January 22, he, Councillor Caljouw and Mr. Douville participated in the Cowichan Valley Intercultural and Immigrant Aid Society Open House.

 

 

Councillor Ken Newcomb noted that the former CVRD office building on Evans Street has now been demolished.

 

 
New Business

 

City Hall Closure - Christmas Holidays – 2004

For consideration was a memorandum dated January 9, 2004 from the City Administrator.

 

Movd. Councillor S. Jackson

Secd. Councillor M. Caljouw

      THAT City Hall be closed on Monday, December 27 and Tuesday, December 28, 2004 in lieu of Christmas and Boxing Day taking place over a weekend;

      AND THAT City Hall be closed on Monday, January 3, 2004 in lieu of New Year's Day falling on a Saturday.

Carried.

 

"Campbell Road" vs. "Campbell Street" Signs

For consideration was a memorandum dated January 21, 2004 from the City Administrator.

 

Movd. Councillor P. Kent

Secd. Councillor K. Newcomb

      THAT the legal process be followed to change the name of “CAMPBELL ROAD” to “CAMPBELL STREET”.

Carried.

 

 

Councillor Farkas dissenting.

 

Special Council Meeting

Movd. Councillor G. Maxwell

Secd. Councillor s. Jackson

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

      AND THAT persons other than Council Members, Mayor Jon Lefebure – District of North Cowichan and the City Administrator be excluded from this meeting (Section 242.3 – Local Government Act).

Carried.

 

 

At 8:15 p.m., City Council resolved into Special Meeting.

 

Adjournment

Movd. Councillor K. Newcomb 

Secd. Councillor M. Caljouw

     THAT the Special Meeting of City Council rise;

     AND THAT this meeting of City Council do now adjourn.

Carried.

 

At 9:30 p.m., the meeting adjourned.

 

                                                                                      

 

Michael Coleman, Mayor

 

                                          

Paul Douville

City Administrator