The Regular Meeting of City Council was held in the Council Chambers, City Hall, 200 Craig Street, Duncan, BC at 7:30 p.m., April 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 Agenda	Movd. Councillor S. Jackson Secd. Councillor K. Newcomb THAT the Agenda for the April 26, 2004 Council Meeting be approved. Carried.
Adoption of Minutes	Movd. Councillor M. Caljouw Secd. Councillor P. Kent THAT the minutes of the April 13, 2004 Regular Council meeting be adopted. Carried.
	Delegations
RCMP Inspector Linton Robinson – Quarterly Report	For consideration was the Quarterly Report from RCMP Inspector Linton Robinson dated April 2004. Prior to commencing his Quarterly Report, Inspector Robinson thanked City Council for supporting the Community Policing function and noted that they now have sufficient funds to carry the project to December 31, 2004. He said they are working on establishing long-term funding for this very worthwhile community effort. He said that in this year alone, 449 situations have come forward from the public to the Community Policing office and 100 businesses have signed up for the "Business Fan-Out" (fraud or counterfeit money circulation is quickly identified through a business telephone network). He said there are now 100 volunteers working for the Community Policing offices. Inspector Robinson noted that he now has funds to train 5 regular additional Auxiliary Constables plus 3 First Nations Auxiliary Constables. He said they are permitted to have a maximum of 25 Auxiliary Constables and he hopes to have all of them trained in preparation for the 2005 BC Seniors Games being staged in the Cowichan Valley. He then outlined the following statistics:
			1^st Quarter 2004		1^st Quarter 2003
	Assaults		55		34
	Break & Enter		41		40
	Thefts of Motor Vehicles		5		23
	Thefts Under $5000		127		97
	Other Criminal Code		201		138
	Inspector Robinson said that one of the most significant decreases in a particular crime within the City of Duncan is "Theft of Motor Vehicles" (1^st Quarter of 2003: 23; 1^st Quarter of 2004: 5). He said this could be the result of the efforts of the Community Police office volunteers.
	Inspector Robinson also noted the following items: · Young Offenders Crime Statistics for the 1^st Quarter of 2004 are improved over previous years. · Victim Services has had a substantial increase for the 1^st Quarter of 2004:
		2002		2003		2004
	January	164		200		325
	February	180		216		338
	March	166		240		354
	(Many of these situations relate to domestic disputes) · S/Sgt. Howard Goodridge has been promoted to Inspector and is working with a number of Island Detachments. · The Community Policing function has resulted in much higher reporting of crimes, but happily, satisfactory case resolutions are also much higher. · Cst. Calvin Beers is returning to General Duty from School Liaison with Cst. Darren Lagan filling the School Liaison position commencing in September 2004.
	Councillor Jackson complimented Cst. Beers for his work with the students, noting that she now has a 12-year old living with her and he and his friends think Cst. Beers is a good guy and provides a valuable service. · With sick leave and light duty assignments, the Inspector is still short 6 full-time members. Inspector Robinson was thanked for his presentation and he left the meeting.
	Report of Chief Administrative Officer
Administrative Report	Mr. Douville reported on the following items: · The electrical outlets in the City Square have now been changed, which should result in less trip and fall incidences. · The Trunk Road traffic-calming project should be underway this week by Duncan Paving (east of the Trans Canada Highway). There will be 3 raised islands and the islands will contain ornamental grasses, shrubs and one tree each. · The Government Street hill damage and waterline repairs have been completed at a cost of approximately $70,000. The road surface should be repaved within a week.
	Unfinished Business
Funds for Downtown Christmas Decorations	For consideration was a memo received April 16, 2004 from Bill Zylstra, Executive Member, DBIAS. Movd. Councillor M. Caljouw Secd. Councillor S. Jackson THAT commencing for 2005 and subsequent years, any capital funds remaining at year-end (i.e. initially end of 2004) for downtown Christmas Decorations be placed in the Equipment Replacement Reserve and identified accordingly. Carried.
Library Egress & Exhibition Security Fencing	Movd. Councillor P. Kent Secd. Councillor S. Jackson THAT the letter dated April 11, 2004 from the Cowichan Exhibition Society, regarding Library vehicular egress, security fencing and liability issues, be received, the contents noted and filed. Carried.
Municipal Pension Retirees Association	Movd. Councillor K. Newcomb Secd. Councillor M. Caljouw THAT the letter dated April 14, 2004 from the Provincial President of the Municipal Pension Retirees Association, regarding Medical, Dental and Extended Health Benefits, be referred to the Labour Relations Committee for recommendation. Carried.
Sound System – Train Station and Charles Hoey Park	Movd. Councillor M. Caljouw Secd. Councillor K. Newcomb THAT the subject of a broadcasting sound system for the Train Station and Charles Hoey Park be referred back to the General Purposes Committee. Carried.
	Correspondence
Coalition Against No-Fault in BC	Movd. Councillor K. Newcomb Secd. Councillor G. Maxwell THAT the letter dated April 7, 2004 from the Coalition Against "No-Fault" in BC, regarding Common, Negative Impacts of New and Expected BC Government Laws, be received, the contents noted and filed. Carried.
ICBC - Community Crash Reduction Challenge	Movd. Councillor J. Farkas Secd. Councillor S. Jackson THAT in response to the letter from ICBC, the Council of the City of Duncan advise that they wish to participate in the May 2004 ICBC Crash Reduction Challenge in conjunction with the District of North Cowichan, noting that existing statistics encompass both municipalities. Carried.
Liquidation World & Others – Requested Parking Enforcement	Movd. Councillor J. Farkas Secd. Councillor P. Kent THAT the letter dated April 8, 2004 from Ridley Wilson, owner of the mini-mall containing Liquidation World, wherein he requests parking enforcement by the City Commissionaires on his private lot, be received, the contents noted and filed; AND THAT the request from Mr. Wilson be denied; AND THAT the Parking Management Advisory Committee be requested to review other existing arrangements for parking enforcement (i.e. Cowichan Merchants Building and Handicapped Stalls at the Royal Bank). Carried.
Island Folk Festival - Banner	Movd. Councillor S. Jackson Secd. Councillor G. Maxwell THAT the Council of the City of Duncan authorize the Cowichan Folk Guild to display their banner regarding the 2004 Island Folk Festival from the banner poles adjacent to the east-side of the Trans Canada Highway and south of the Cowichan River July 19 - 31, 2004 as requested in their April 9, 2004 letter. Carried.
Aquannis Centre -2004 Annual Budget	Movd. Councillor G. Maxwell Secd. Councillor J. Farkas THAT as recommended by the Cowichan Centre Commission, Council approve the 2004 Budget of $1,408,836.00 for the Aquannis Centre. Carried.
Salvation Army - Red Shield Appeal	Movd. Councillor M. Caljouw Secd. Councillor J. Farkas THAT the Council of the City of Duncan proclaim May 3, 2004 as "Kick-Off Day" for the Salvation Army Red Shield Appeal; AND THAT the Salvation Army Flag be flown at City Hall during the week of May 3 – 9, 2004. Carried.
City Square Activity Plans	Movd. Councillor S. Jackson Secd. Councillor M. Caljouw THAT the letter dated April 19, 2004 from the DBIAS to the President of the Downtown Duncan Farmers' Market Society, regarding City Square activity plans, be received, the contents noted and filed; AND THAT this letter be referred to the General Purposes Committee for further discussion. Carried.
BC Lottery Corporation -Responsible Gambling Forum	Movd. Councillor G. Maxwell Secd. Councillor M. Caljouw THAT the letter dated April 14, 2004 from the BC Lottery Corporation, regarding a Responsible Gambling Forum for Key Stakeholders, be received, the contents noted and filed; AND THAT the Lottery Corporation letter be forwarded to the Cowichan Tribes Council for information purposes. Carried.
Terasen Gas - Natural Gas Resource Plan Workshop	Movd. Councillor G. Maxwell Secd. Councillor M. Caljouw THAT the letter dated April 13, 2004 from Terasen Gas, regarding their Natural Gas Resource Plan Workshop, be received, the contents noted and filed. Carried.
Auxiliary to Cowichan District Hospital – Annual Bazaar and Banner	Movd. Councillor K. Newcomb Secd. Councillor P. Kent THAT the Council of the City of Duncan authorize the display of the Cowichan District Hospital Auxiliaries Bazaar Banner from the banner poles adjacent to the east-side of the Trans Canada Highway and south of the Cowichan River from October 8 - 23, 2004 as requested in the April 13, 2004 letter from the Auxiliary to Cowichan District Hospital. Carried.
BC Hydro - Revised Rate Increase Proposal	Movd. Councillor K. Newcomb Secd. Councillor S. Jackson THAT the letter dated April 21, 2004 from BC Hydro, regarding their Revised Rate Increase Proposal, be received, the contents noted and filed. Carried.
The Council of Senior Citizens' Organizations in BC	Movd. Councillor K. Newcomb Secd. Councillor G. Maxwell THAT the letter dated April 14, 2004 from the Council of Senior Citizens' Organizations of BC, regarding the Royal Commission on the Future of Healthcare in Canada Chaired by the Honourable Roy Romanow, be TABLED; AND THAT the Ministry of Health be asked for comment regarding this letter prior to Council reaching a decision. Carried.
Falun Dafa Month	Movd. Councillor S. Jackson Secd. Councillor M. Caljouw THAT the Council of the City of Duncan proclaim May 2004 as "Falun Dafa Month" as requested in the April 21, 2004 letter from Matthew Little on behalf of Falun Dafa Association of Canada, Victoria Group, noting that at the core of Falun Dafa are the principles of truthfulness, compassion and forbearance. Carried.
	Reports of Committees, COTW and Commissions
	Finance Committee
Warrant No. 03-2004	Movd. Councillor K. Newcomb Secd. Councillor G. Maxwell THAT Warrant No. 03-2004 covering General Account cheque numbers 107817 – 107982 in the total amount of $348,564.69 - Payroll Account – Payroll #05 covering cheque numbers 3128-3167; & Direct Deposits in the amount of 39,092.59 - Payroll #06 covering cheque numbers 3168–3186; & Direct Deposits in the amount of 35,676.54 GRAND TOTAL . . . . . . $423,333.82 be ratified. Carried.
	Planning & Priorities Committee
	For consideration were the notes of the April 19, 2004 meeting.
330 & 340 Festubert Street – Rezoning Application (C-2 to C-1)- Balbir Parhar	Movd. Councillor P. Kent Secd. Councillor S. Jackson THAT Council authorize the initiation of the Public Hearing process to consider rezoning 330 & 340 Festubert Street (Legal Descriptions: Lot 9, Block 9, Section 17, Range 6, Quamichan District, Plan 1063 and Lot B, Block 9, Section 17, Range 6, Quamichan District, Plan VIP54167) from C-2 (Office Commercial) to C-1 (General Commercial) noting the developer is seeking variances. Carried.
	Fire Committee
	For consideration were the notes of the April 19, 2004 meeting.
2003 Fire Chief's Report	Movd. Councillor M. Caljouw Secd. Councillor G. Maxwell THAT the 2003 Fire Chief's Report be received, the contents noted and filed. Carried.
	Budget Review Committee
	For consideration were the notes of the April 20, 2004 Budget Review Committee.
Canada/BC Infrastructure Grant Application – Couplet System	Movd. Councillor J. Farkas Secd. Councillor P. Kent THAT Council authorize the City Treasurer to make application for a Canada/BC Infrastructure Grant for the proposed Canada Avenue/Duncan Street couplet system (total project cost: $1.4 million). Carried.
2004 Tax Rates	Movd. Councillor G. Maxwell Secd. Councillor P. Kent THAT the following 2004 Municipal Tax Rates be approved: 1. Residential 4.5721 2. Utility 37.9487 6. Business 13.1678 8. Seasonal 5.9438 (3% tax increase) Carried.
Miscellaneous	Councillor Maxwell reported on the April 17, 2004 Official Opening of the new Cowichan Branch of the Vancouver Island Regional Library. He said everyone is most impressed with the new library and he noted that there was a wonderful totem dedication of the City- owned Simon Charlie's totem pole during the ceremonies.
	Mayor Coleman reported on the following items: · On April 16, he attended the Cowichan Seniors Advisory Association event and thanked them for all of their community work. · Also on April 16, he attended the official opening of the E.J. Hughes Art Gallery in downtown Duncan. · April 17, he and a number of other members of Council enjoyed the official opening of the new Library. · On April 22, he participated in the Minister's Advisory Group regarding the Softwood Initiative. He said fellow members of the committee are congratulating him on securing almost $3 million for our area. · On April 23, he officiated at the opening of the Home Furniture Outlet south of Duncan.
	Councillor Kent reported that the Vancouver Island Regional Library Board met in Duncan concurrent with the opening of the new library on April 16 & 17. He said labour negotiations have commenced. The Board has approved a two-tier fee system for out-of-area residents to a Branch. The annual charge for these out-of-area residents is being increased from $200.00 to $500.00. Councillor Kent noted that this passed by a slim positive margin. Councillor Kent reported further on the Visions 20/20 Project. He said the public survey will be distributed through the Citizen Newspaper as a "Pull-Out". He encourages public participation and noted that it would be interesting to compare it to the results achieved in 1992.
	General Purposes Committee
	For consideration were the notes of the April 19, 2004 meeting.
DBIAS Agency Agreement	Movd. Councillor M. Caljouw Secd. Councillor S. Jackson THAT Council authorize the Mayor and City Administrator to sign an Agency Agreement with the Duncan Business Improvement Area Society (DBIAS) for the purpose of managing the City Square; AND THAT all events that are to take place in the City Square be booked through the DBIAS. Carried.
Picnic Shelter for Centennial Park	For consideration was a letter dated April 16, 2004 from the President of the Duncan Daybreak Rotary Club requesting permission to relocate the shelter presently located in the Mound Parking Lot to Centennial Park for community use. This would be a project in recognition of the 100^th Anniversary of the Rotary movement in 2005. Movd. Councillor K. Newcomb Secd. Councillor P. Kent THAT Council approve "in principle" of the relocation of the shelter presently in the Mound Parking Lot to Centennial Park; AND THAT permission be sought from the Cowichan Tribes for this endeavour to proceed; AND THAT if approval is received from the Cowichan Tribes, the subject be referred to the Parks & Recreation Committee to coordinate all details. Carried.
Garbage Walker Service – Limited	Movd. Councillor G. Maxwell Secd. Councillor S. Jackson THAT to make better use of resources, the Garbage Walker service be limited effective July 1, 2004 noting that any residents who are unable to take their garbage to the curb may apply to the City for assistance with this task. Carried.
	Bylaws
Financial Plan Bylaw No. 1966, 2004	Movd. Councillor M. Caljouw Secd. Councillor G. Maxwell THAT Council give leave to Councillor K. Newcomb to introduce “Financial Plan Bylaw No. 1966, 2004”. Carried.
	Movd. Councillor K. Newcomb Secd. Councillor P. Kent THAT “Financial Plan Bylaw No. 1966, 2004” be read for the first time. Carried.
	Movd. Councillor G. Maxwell Secd. Councillor M. Caljouw THAT “Financial Plan Bylaw No. 1966, 2004” be read for the second time. Carried.
	Movd. Councillor K. Newcomb Secd. Councillor S. Jackson THAT “Financial Plan Bylaw No. 1966, 2004” be read for the third time. Carried.
Tax Rates Bylaw No. 1967, 2004	Movd. Councillor G. Maxwell Secd. Councillor J. Farkas THAT Council give leave to Councillor P. Kent to introduce “Tax Rates Bylaw No. 1967, 2004”. Carried.
	Movd. Councillor P. Kent Secd. Councillor M. Caljouw THAT “Tax Rates Bylaw No. 1967, 2004” be read for the first time. Carried.
	Movd. Councillor G. Maxwell Secd. Councillor S. Jackson THAT “Tax Rates Bylaw No. 1967, 2004” be read for the second time. Carried.
	Movd. Councillor S. Jackson Secd. Councillor K. Newcomb THAT “Tax Rates Bylaw No. 1967, 2004” be read for the third time. Carried.
	Question Period
Government Street Cleanup	On a question from Councillor Farkas, Mr. Douville said that the surface repaving and cleanup of the Government Street hill should be completed this week or early next week.
Financial Summary Report	Council asked that the City Treasurer provide a brief financial summary report for distribution to the local media.
	New Business
Junior Council Meeting	It was noted that the Junior Council meeting is scheduled for 3:30 p.m., April 29, 2004.
Special Council Meeting	Movd. Councillor P. Kent Secd. Councillor K. Newcomb 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 8:40 p.m., City Council resolved into Special Meeting. At 9:05 p.m., the following motion was put:
	Movd. Councillor S. Jackson Secd. Councillor G. Maxwell THAT the Special Meeting of City Council rise; AND THAT this meeting do now adjourn. Carried.
	Michael Coleman Mayor Paul Douville City Administrator