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 26, 2001.

Mayor Michael Coleman;

Paul Douville, City Administrator.

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

Movd. Councillor M. Lukaitis

Secd. Councillor M. Caljouw

THAT the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of City Council held on February 12, 2001 be adopted.

Carried.

For consideration was a letter and a 25 page submission dated February 9, 2001 from the Duncan/Cowichan Chamber of Commerce.

Movd. Councillor S. Jackson

Secd. Councillor M. Caljouw

THAT the Council of the City of Duncan support "in principle" the February 2001 Funding Proposal of the Duncan-Cowichan Chamber of Commerce and the Community Futures Development Centre - Cowichan entitled "OPPORTUNITIES COWICHAN" - PLANNING FOR RETAIL BUSINESS RETENTION AND GROWTH.

Carried.

Movd. Councillor P. Kent

Secd. Councillor M. Caljouw

THAT April 2001 be proclaimed "Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse Awareness Month" as requested in the February 16, 2001 letter from the British Columbia Society for Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse.

Carried.

Movd. Councillor G. Maxwell

Secd. Councillor M. Lukaitis

THAT the Council of the City of Duncan authorize local nurses to stage an awareness raising Health Care Walk called "Light Up The Night for Health Care" on the evening of March 31, 2001 (Saturday) on the sidewalks within the City boundaries outlined in their February 19, 2001 letter and to use Charles Hoey Park for a rally subject to:

• The RCMP being notified
• The Organizers of the Walk saving harmless the City of Duncan from all and any possible public liability claims;

AND THAT Ms. Roberta Moss be requested to contact the District of North Cowichan for similar permission for the portion of the walk within the District boundaries.

Carried.

Movd. Councillor P. Kent

Secd. Councillor M. Caljouw

THAT as requested by the Cowichan Valley Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) Action Team on February 26, 2001, the Council of the City of Duncan support "in principle" the "Finding Alternative Solutions Mentorship Program".

Carried.

Retirements - Don Meyer - 20 years

Duncan Mall & Wal-Mart Expansion

Roy Jones - Deceased

Councillor Caljouw reported on the recent presentation sponsored by the Gulf Pacific Group regarding the proposed major expansion of the Duncan Mall and Wal-Mart. The proposal is for the construction of 106,000 square foot Wal-Mart super centre on the lands known as the "Mound" with a new railway crossing between the existing mall and this new Wal-Mart. Councillor Caljouw stressed to the proponents that Canada Avenue will have to align directly with the entrance into the new Wal-Mart development and that the intersection of Government Street and Canada Avenue will have to receive improved traffic signalization. In the existing Duncan Mall, Staples is to occupy the space previously occupied by Country Grocer and Winners is to occupy most of the space being vacated by Wal-Mart. The Real Canadian Superstore is also slated for an expansion. In addition to the plans proposed by the Gulf Pacific Group, Safeway intends to build a new 55,000 square foot store immediately south of their present store, which is to be demolished.

Councillor Jackson noted the sad passing of Roy Jones. She expressed condolences to his family and friends. She noted that Mr. Jones was heavily involved with the scouting movement for many years and was very active on the Mayor's Advisory Committee for People With Disabilities, the MS Society and the Lion's Club. He was instrumental in having the Life-Line Medic Alert System available in the Cowichan Valley. He will be sorely missed.

Mayor Coleman reported that he recently participated in the March for Hunger organized by the Scouts and Guides. He said it was a well organized and well attended event.

Mayor Coleman noted that the electors of the City of Duncan turned down the concept of a library in downtown Duncan. He noted that this was a visionary proposal, but that the electors showed their support for the Cowichan Community Centre, concerned for traffic at the proposed Government Street/Canada Avenue location and concern with the arrangements with the property owner (i.e. option to purchase the property back). Mayor Coleman commended the Duncan Business Improvement Area Society and Members of Council for their solid support of the concept and their diligent work on the referendum.

Movd. Councillor P. Kent

Secd. Councillor S. Jackson

THAT the ballot account of the February 24, 2001 Library Referendum be received.

Carried.

The following results were noted:

Do you support the concept of Yes 254

a Library in Downtown Duncan? No 433

Number of Voters on List 2518

Add New Registrations 54

Add New Non-Resident Registrations 18

Total Eligible 2590

Total Voted 687

% Voted 27%

For consideration were the following items:

• Letter dated February 16, 2001 from the Duncan Business Improvement Area Society (DBIAS)
• Memos dated February 19, 2001 from the City Treasurer and the Public Works Superintendent.

Movd. Councillor M. Caljouw

Secd. Councillor G. Maxwell

THAT the subject of Downtown Duncan recycling be referred to the Public Works Committee.

Movd. Councillor G. Maxwell

Secd. Councillor M. Caljouw

Carried.

Movd. Councillor S. Jackson

Secd. Councillor M. Lukaitis

THAT "Green Door Society Heritage Structure and Site Bylaw No. 1913, 2001" be read for the first time.

Carried.

Movd. Councillor P. Kent

Secd. Councillor M. Caljouw

THAT "Green Door Society Heritage Structure and Site Bylaw No. 1913, 2001" be read for the second time.

Carried.

The Administrator advised that the required Public Hearing will occur at 7:30 p.m., March 12, 2001.

Movd. Councillor G. Maxwell

Secd. Councillor M. Caljouw

THAT the Council of the City of Duncan resolve into Committee of the Whole (i.e. Special Meeting) to discuss legal matters and personnel issues;

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

Carried.

At 7:50 p.m., City Council resolved into Special Meeting.

At 8:25 p.m., the following Motion was PUT:

Movd. Councillor M. Caljouw

Secd. Councillor S. Jackson

THAT this Special Meeting of City Council rise and report to City Council.

Carried.

Movd. Councillor S. Jackson

Secd. Councillor G. Maxwell

THAT the following remuneration for Election Officials for the April 28, 2001 Councillor By-Election be approved:

Chief Election Officer $500.00

Deputy Chief Election Officer $350.00

Election Officials (4) $225.00

Carried.

Movd. Councillor S. Jackson

Secd. Councillor P. Kent

THAT this meeting of City Council do now adjourn.

Carried.

At 8:26 p.m., the meeting adjourned.

Michael Coleman

Paul Douville