The Regular Meeting of City Council was held in the Council Chambers, City Hall, 200 Craig Street, Duncan, BC at 7:30 p.m., February 28th, 2000.
Present:
Mayor Michael Coleman;
Councillors Mike Caljouw, Sharon Jackson, Phil Kent, Martin Lukaitis, Geoff Maxwell and Ernie Moon.
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 G. Maxwell
THAT the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of City Council held on February 14th, 2000 be adopted.
Carried.
Delegations
Jenny Farkas - Chesterfield Sports Society
Representing the Chesterfield Sports Society, Jenny Farkas addressed Council indicating that she wishes to provide an update on the activities of the Society. Among other points, Ms. Farkas stated the following:
* The Chesterfield Sports Society is a non-profit charitable organization.
* Their mandate is to develop 29 acres on the east-side of Chesterfield Street into a multi-use sports facility.
* Work in this regard has been underway for approximately 10 years and the Society was formed in 1996.
* The estimated budget to complete all phases is currently $10 million.
* Phase I ($1.5 million for the 8-lane track and infield) is almost completed; this summer they plan to install the rubberized surface to the 8-lane track at a cost of $211,000; they have raised $100,000 to date primarily through their 12-hour relays.
* In 1997, the sports field was completed and has been in full use since and in 1998, the chip trail was provided.
* The facility is open to the public during daylight hours.
* They are proud sponsors of the annual Canada Day celebrations.
* PERC Consultants recently completed a feasibility study, which concluded that baseball fields may not be necessary with the advent of baseball fields in other parts of the Regional District.
* They wish to work with local governments and the School District in completing all components of the project once the concept is fully finalized.
* They will be supporting the proposed application by the City and the District of North Cowichan to host the 2003 BC Seniors' Games and will provide as much help as possible.
* Ms. Farkas invited Council to appoint a representative to their Board of Directors noting that their meetings are normally held on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of each month at 7:00 p.m. at the Chesterfield Complex.
Ms Farkas was thanked for her presentation and she left the meeting.
DBIA - Public Restrooms
For consideration was a letter dated February 21st, 2000 from the Duncan Business Improvement Area Society requesting that the new public washrooms be opened for extended times.
Representing the DBIA, Gwen Kardos addressed Council. She said that their Board of Directors believe it is in the best interest of the downtown business community to extend the hours of the new restrooms to include Friday evenings until 8:00 p.m. and Sundays from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. These are times when many businesses are still open and the proprietors are asked by the public for restroom access. Sundays also appear to be very popular for tour buses to stop in the downtown core. Their Board is also interested in seeing that the restroom hours are extended during the summer months to accommodate the increased walking traffic that comes with the longer days.
Ms. Kardos added that if Council decides that there is a need for the restrooms to be open longer, this should occur at no additional cost to the downtown business owners. They also do not feel that they should be responsible for incurring any additional costs for liability that may result because of these extended hours nor do they believe that the DBIAS should be required to find individuals or volunteers to staff these extended hours.
Mayor Coleman requested that this item be placed under "Unfinished Business" at the end this Agenda and Ms. Kardos was thanked for her presentation and she left the meeting.
Communications
New WCB Secondhand Tobacco Smoke Workplace Regulation
Movd. Councillor M. Caljouw
Secd. Councillor P. Kent
THAT as requested by the Simon Fraser Health Region in their January 19th, 2000 letter, the Council of the City of Duncan correspond with the Chair of the Workers' Compensation Board (WCB) and the Provincial Minister responsible for the WCB expressing support of the WCB Secondhand Smoke Regulation, made effective January 1st, 2000, to protect the health of all workers, as well as members of the public, throughout the Province of BC;
AND THAT copies of the correspondence be forwarded to the Simon Fraser Health Region.
Carried.
Councillors Jackson and Maxwell dissenting.
Knights of Pythias - Pythian Week and Convention
Movd. Councillor S. Jackson
Secd. Councillor M. Lukaitis
THAT May 7th to May 13th, 2000 be proclaimed "Pythian Week" in the City of Duncan as requested in the January 20th, 2000 letter from the Grand Lodge Knights of Pythias;
AND THAT all members of Council be encouraged to attend the dedication ceremony at 4:00 p.m., Friday, May 12th, 2000 at the Old Knights of Pythias Hall (331 Brae Road) at which time a plaque will be unveiled in memory of the Knights and Sisters who erected the hall.
Carried.
Master and Annual Operating Agreements (Custom/Para-transit Service)
For consideration was a letter dated January 21st, 2000 from BC Transit.
Movd. Councillor S. Jackson
Secd. Councillor G. Maxwell
WHEREAS officials of the District of North Cowichan advised us on February 22nd, 2000 that they agree with the proposed formats of the Master and Annual Operating Agreements with BC Transit for the Custom/Paratransit Service;
AND WHEREAS separating the Annual Operating Agreement into Master and Annual Operating Agreements streamlines the process;
AND WHEREAS City staff officers have reviewed the proposed Agreements and recommend acceptance thereof;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council advise BC Transit that we concur with the proposed formats of the Master and Annual Operating Agreements between BC Transit and the City of Duncan and the District of North Cowichan for the Custom/Paratransit Service.
Carried.
Cowichan Tourism Association - Annual Contribution
Movd. Councillor M. Lukaitis
Secd. Councillor S. Jackson
THAT the February 4th, 2000 request from the Cowichan Tourism Association be the annual contribution from the City Tourism Account be referred to the Budget Review Committee.
Carried.
Garry Oak Trees
Movd. Councillor S. Jackson
Secd. Councillor P. Kent
THAT Council support the efforts of the Garry Oak Ecosystems Recovery Team to ensure a future for our Garry Oak Ecosystem treasure of southern British Columbia and indeed a treasure of the entire nation as requested in the February 8th, 2000 letter from the Team.
Carried.
CDH Auxiliary Annual Bazaar
For consideration were letters dated February 10th, 2000 from the Cowichan Community Centre Commission to City Council and a letter dated December 7th, 1999 from the District of North Cowichan to the Cowichan District Hospital Senior Auxiliary.
Movd. Councillor M. Caljouw
Secd. Councillor S. Jackson
THAT Council provide a 2000 grant of $75.00 to the Cowichan District Hospital Senior Auxiliary to assist them with their venue rental fee at the Cowichan Community Centre for their October 2000 Bazaar (note: The rental fee is $575.00 plus GST);
AND THAT Council encourage the CVRD Electoral Area Directors and the District of North Cowichan Council to provide grants in this regard.
Carried.
Councillor Moon dissenting.
Traffic Safety Committee
For consideration was a letter dated February 14th, 2000 from Cpl. D.G. Vanderlinde, Island District (Victoria) Collision Reconstruc-tionist, RCMP
Movd. Councillor P. Kent
Secd. Councillor S. Jackson
THAT Councillor Mike Caljouw, Chair of the Public Works Committee, be appointed to the proposed Traffic Safety Committee comprised of representatives from the RCMP, Ministry of Transportation and Highways, City of Duncan, Municipality of North Cowichan, ICBC and School District #79.
Carried.
Cowichan Valley Hospice Society Banner
Movd. Councillor S. Jackson
Secd. Councillor G. Maxwell
THAT the Council of the City of Duncan authorize the display of the Cowichan Valley Hospice Society Banner from the banner poles adjacent to the eastside of the Trans Canada Highway and south of the Cowichan River for the last two weeks of May 2000 as requested in their February 23rd, 2000 letter.
Carried.
Reports of Standing Committees
Finance Committee
For consideration were the notes of the February 17th, 2000 meeting.
Paul Osborne's Parking Lot
(171/177 Ingram Street) Commissionaire Services
Movd. Councillor M. Caljouw
Secd. Councillor S. Jackson
THAT the Council of the City of Duncan agree on a month-to-month basis to provide Commissionaire patrols and enforcement of the parking regulations for the "Ingram Street Parking Lot" (171/177 Ingram Street) beside the Post Office subject to:
1. The City retaining the revenue derived from processing parking infraction tickets;
2. The City being paid 20% of the monthly revenue from the rental of the parking spaces in this lot (remittance to the City to be made quarterly);
3. Keldan Investments Ltd. and North Pacific Land Ltd. advising all users of this parking lot that this procedure is in effect and that they must prominently display their monthly parking passes on their vehicle dash boards or from their rear-view mirrors;
4. Keldan Investments Ltd. and North Pacific Land Ltd. erecting at least two (2) signs in the parking lot advising users and others of this enforcement provision. One sign is to be at the entrance to the lot and the other is to be located at the discretion of the owners;
5. Keldan Investments Ltd. and North Pacific Land Ltd. indemnifying and holding harmless the City of Duncan from any and all liabilities associated with the service provided by the City;
6. Keldan Investments Ltd. and North Pacific Land Ltd. grading the lot before the Commissionaire service begins and keeping the lot well graded;
AND THAT the owners of the Tzouhalem Parking Lot (Government and Canada) and the Cowichan Merchants Building (80 Station Street) be requested to consider this 20% of monthly revenue formula as a condition of continuation of the Commissionaire service we provide for them. (Note: The present arrangement of the City retaining the revenue derived from parking infraction tickets does not cover related City costs).
Carried.
Councillors Kent and Moon dissenting.
Warm Land Specialty Food Cooperative - Grant Request
Movd. Councillor E. Moon
Secd. Councillor M. Caljouw
THAT Council deny the January 18th, 2000 grant request from the Warm Land Specialty Food Cooperative (i.e. $700.00) noting the need for fiscal restraint and the fact that Council does not wish to expand the already substantial grants list.
Carried.
Councillor S. Jackson dissenting.
Public Works Committee
For consideration were the notes of the February 24th, 2000 meeting.
Lakes Road Lane
Movd. Councillor M. Caljouw
Secd. Councillor S. Jackson
THAT Council agree to close the Lakes Road Lane to vehicular traffic by placing a barrier adjacent to the south property line of 1090 Trunk Road;
AND THAT signs be installed at the east-end of Lomas and Prevost Roads and north-end of Lane indicating "NO EXIT";
AND THAT the Fire Chief be advised of this arrangement.
Carried.
East-Side of Jubilee - Parking
For consideration were the following items:
i.) Letter dated October 28th, 1999 from Denise Fraser, 245 First Street
ii.) Letter dated November 17th, 1999 from the Strata Council, Centennial Place, 245 First Street
iii.) Recommendation dated November 2nd, 1999 from Allan Husbands, Commissionaire Sgt.
iv.) Letter dated February 22nd, 2000 from Nancy & Earle Brougham.
Movd. Councillor M. Caljouw
Secd. Councillor M. Lukaitis
THAT the "No Parking Zone" on the east-side of Jubilee Street be increased to include one parking space north of First Street, Second Street and Third Street;
AND THAT Nancy and Earle Brougham be advised that the on-site parking on the Wright Focus property at 715 Canada Avenue is in compliance.
Carried.
Public Safety Committee
Safer Futures Organization
Councillor Lukaitis reported that he attended a recent meeting of the Safer Futures Organization. At this meeting, they reviewed the progress on their recommendations to-date and outlined plans for the year 2000.
Reports of Special Committees
Pioneer Complex Committee
Pioneer Park - Pre-Budget Approval
For consideration was a letter dated February 18th, 2000 from the Pioneer Complex Committee Secretary.
Movd. Councillor E. Moon
Secd. Councillor M. Caljouw
THAT as recommended by the Pioneer Complex Committee, Council authorize pre-budget approval for the following items:
1. Fence improvements, diamond 5,
removable chain link fencing $10,000.
2. Backstop and fence repairs,
T-Ball diamond $12,000.
3. Remove 4 concrete block dugouts
and replace with chain link,
diamonds 5 & 6 $18,000.
Carried.
Councillor Jackson reported on the following items:
1. On February 22nd, she participated in the Mayor's Advisory Committee on Race Relations. She said that this is a very interesting group of people, who plan to work with Shaw Cable to achieve their mandate and are developing a race relations policy.
2. On the evening of February 22nd, she and other members of Council attended the Downtown Neighbourhood Revitalization Committee meeting at which time community representatives were invited to express their views. She said this was an excellent brainstorming session.
3. On February 26th, she and the Administrator attended the very successful Chamber of Commerce Annual Auction.
Councillor Moon reported on the recent Cowichan Community Centre Commission meeting. He said that they approved the 2000 Budget and forwarded it on to the CVRD Board for their consideration. He said that the
Recumbent exercise bicycles will now be considered as an appropriation from the General Operating Budget rather than the Capital Budget. He said there was a brief discussion regarding the Community Centre being utilized for the required new CVRD offices with no conclusion being reached.
Mayor Coleman reported that in addition to the Race Relations Committee and the Downtown Neighbourhood Revitalization Committee, he attended the annual Scouts and Guides Hike for Hunger on February 26th. He said there was an excellent turnout with approximately 250 young people participating.
Unfinished Business
SPL - Boal Road Facility
Movd. Councillor S. Jackson
Secd. Councillor M. Lukaitis
THAT the following correspondence regarding the Boal Road Facility of Septage Processing Limited (SPL) be received, the contents noted and filed:
i.) Letter dated February 16th, 2000 to SPL from the CVRD;
ii.) Letter dated February 17th, 2000 to JUB from the CVRD.
Carried.
SPL - Langford Plant
Movd. Councillor S. Jackson
Secd. Councillor G. Maxwell
THAT the fax communication dated February 18th, 2000 from Hydroxyl Systems Inc., wherein they outline excellent BOD/TSS and COD results from their Langford Plant, be received, the contents noted and filed.
Carried.
The Administrator advised that Mr. Laughlin of Hydroxyl Systems Inc. has made formal application to the Capital Regional District for the Langford Plant to commence receiving out-of-area septage on March 6th, 2000.
Park Beside Wedgwood House
For consideration was a memorandum dated February 23rd, 2000 from the City Administrator.
Movd. Councillor M. Caljouw
Secd. Councillor G. Maxwell
THAT the Park on the east-side of Wedgwood House (256 Government Street), which the City acquired from BCBC in 1999, be named "TOTEM PARK".
Movd. Councillor S. Jackson
Secd. Councillor E. Moon
THAT the resolution moved by Councillor M. Caljouw and seconded by Councillor G. Maxwell, regarding the Park beside Wedgwood House, be referred to the Parks Committee.
Carried.
471 Trans Canada Highway - Fire Rebuild
For consideration were the following items:
i.) Report dated February 23rd, 2000 from the Building Inspector;
ii.) Letter dated February 22nd, 2000 from Somenos Construction Ltd.
Movd. Councillor G. Maxwell
Secd. Councillor M. Caljouw
THAT as recommended by the Building Inspector, Council authorize the issuance of a Development Permit for the Fire Re-build of 471 Trans Canada Highway (i.e. Van Isle Insurance Mini-Mall) noting the following items:
* the footprint of the building will remain identical to the one existing prior to the fire with the same footings being used
* the building will remain one storey in height
* the building conforms with all the required setbacks for the C-3 zone
* the parking requirements are in compliance
* the building exterior will match what is existing on the front unscathed portion of the Mall with colours as existing;
AND THAT the Building Inspector also be authorized to issue the Building Permit.
Carried.
The Administrator was asked to ensure that the Building Inspector enforce code requirements strictly so that any water seepage is 100% avoided.
Aerial Spraying - Gypsy Moths
Movd. Councillor S. Jackson
Secd. Councillor M. Caljouw
THAT the following items of correspondence regarding aerial spraying - Gypsy Moths, be received, the content noted and filed:
i.) Letter dated February 16th, 2000 from the Ministry of Forests, Executive Branch.
ii.) Letter dated January 12th, 2000 from the City Administrator to the Honourable David Zirnhelt, Minister of Forests
iii.) Letter dated December 14th, 1999 from S. Jean Wallace, Member of Stop Overhead Spraying Coalition.
Carried.
CVRD Bylaw No. 2065, 2000 - Local Transit Service
For consideration was a letter dated February 24th, 2000 from the Cowichan Valley Regional District.
Movd. Councillor S. Jackson
Secd. Councillor M. Lukaitis
THAT the City of Duncan consents to the adoption of "CVRD Bylaw 2065, 2000 - Amendment to Local Transit Service Establish-ment Bylaw No. 1540", which would incorporate Electoral Area D - Cowichan Bay into the CVRD Local Transit Service Area.
Carried.
CVRD Bylaw No. 1909 - Emergency Programs
For consideration was a letter dated February 25th, 2000 from the Cowichan Valley Regional District.
Movd. Councillor S. Jackson
Secd. Councillor G. Maxwell
THAT the City of Duncan consents to the adoption of "CVRD Bylaw 1909 - Emergency Programs (Emergency Program Act) Extended Service Bylaw, 1999".
Carried.
DBIA - Public Washrooms
Movd. Councillor S. Jackson
Secd. Councillor P. Kent
THAT Councillor Maxwell be excused from the item regarding the extended hours of operation of the Public Washrooms requested by the DBIAS since he is the current President of the DBIA Society.
Carried.
Councillor Maxwell left the Council Chamber.
Movd. Councillor M. Lukaitis
Secd. Councillor M. Caljouw
THAT the request from the Duncan Business Improvement Area Society for extension of the hours of operation of the new Public Washrooms be referred to the Finance Committee for recommendation.
Carried.
Councillor Maxwell returned to the Council Chamber.
Adjournment
Movd. Councillor M. Caljouw
Secd. Councillor S. Jackson
THAT this meeting of City Council do now adjourn.
Carried.
At 8:50 p.m. the meeting adjourned.
Michael Coleman
Mayor
Paul Douville
City Administrator
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