~~~ Merry Christmas! Happy New Year! Holy Epiphany! Happy Haggis Day~~~

MAIN ITEMS on Jan 27 Ccl Agenda: WV Streamkeeper Society / WV Students' Envmtal Protection Network re Spawner Salmon Surveys; WVCCS's Yr-End Report; Denial of Envmtal Devt Permit (1384 Burnside); Proposed Five-Yr Financial Plan aka 2014 BUDGET (all three readings!); Milliken Maison Srs' Living (OCP Amendmt, Rezoning, DPA) to advance in applicn review process, staff to bring fwd proposed bylaws and DP; Cmnty Dialogue (read: Housing); PSB Status Nov 2013; Correspondence: cell towers, tennis courts, 1528 Argyle {destruction of heritage}, Election expenses {feedback by Jan 31}, ULWG, Milliken's Maison Devt, and more

= YOUR OPINION (pay parking in parks?); Vive le Canada (2014 Celebrations); from the EDITOR'S DESK; BUDGET INFO; Budget Commentary; UPDATES & INFO (Tim Jones); WV News Bites

= CALENDAR to ~ Jan 31st: CULTUREWATCH (Theatre; Art; Music, Ballet, Festivals, Lectures); NATURE (Walks)

= HEADSUP 2014-01a: Events, Nature Walk, Bird Count, Flamborough Head Heritage; Headsup Jan 10-14: Mtgs; Headsup Jan 14: Jan 13 mtg highlights; Notice Jan 15 (ADRA); Headsup: with Ccl agenda Jan 27; Notice: Jan 18; Notice re Tim Jones; Notice: Mtgs Jan 21; Notice: Mtgs Jan 22/23; Notice: Mtgs Jan 24/25

= Ccl NOTES Jan 13: Div Services Review: Fire/Rescue Pt 3; 2014 BUDGET; Cmnty Ctr Tennis Courts & Parking

= CCL AGENDA Jan 27

= ANIMALWATCH (panther); INFObits (govts); SPORTSWATCH (base jumping); ROYALWATCH; LANGUAGEWATCH (pronunciation, spelling, grammar); WORDWATCH (13 WotY): WVM 2013 LIST (p29); HERITAGEWATCH; MAIKU (Mid-East; Climate change); LESSONS; Top Ten (Rob Ford); Breakfast Surprise; QTNS/THOUGHTS/PUNS + Cdn Duo

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Your opinion please: ~ free parking in parks as now

~ passes/cards for WV residents, pay parking for others

~ pay parking in parks

~ other arrangements Write to: parking@westvan.org

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

== Vive le CANADA ===

Honouring defining moments in Canadian history leading into 150th Celebrations Jan 6; Fort Langley, B.C

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today participated in a roundtable discussion in Fort Langley with cmnty representatives to discuss regional, historical, and cultural considerations on how to celebrate the 150^th anniversary of Confederation in 2017.

“It is important as Canadians to mark the milestones that were defining moments in the evolution of our country. Our history is a uniting factor that citizens can draw strength from as we look confidently towards the future,� said the PM.  “Today’s consultations provided us with a unique opportunity to further strengthen our nation as we reflect on our proud past and look forward to a more prosperous, free, and secure Canada in 2017.�

On the Road to 2017, over the next four years, the Govt of Canada will be commemorating a number of significant milestones that helped shape our country.  In 2014, commemorations will include the centennial of the start of the First World War and the 75^th anniversary of the start of the Second World War.  These anniversaries will provide opportunities to honour the sacrifices of those who served our country and improve the understanding of how these wars shaped our character as a nation. 

In 2014, we will also mark the bicentennial of the birth of Sir George-Étienne Cartier, a key architect and Father of Confederation, and the 150^th anniversary of the Charlottetown and Quebec Conferences, which laid the foundations for Confederation and what would eventually become Canada in 1867.

The govt has already taken steps to build a lasting legacy for the 150^th anniversary of Confederation, including committing support for the construction of a permanent Visitor Centre at the Canadian National Vimy Memorial and creating the new Canadian Museum of History. 

The roundtable held today is part of the extensive consultations being held across the country to engage Canadians in planning for the 150^th anniversary in 2017.  In addition to roundtables, Canadians are invited to participate in the consultations through an online questionnaire at Canada.ca/150.

See the list of commemorations leading up to the 150^th anniversary of Confederation, complete the questionnaire, visit Canada.ca/150.

=== from the EDITOR'S DESK ===

Still suffering from cold, largely confined to house, since Dec 30. Depressingly long. Be careful, folks! Wash your hands!!!

HERITAGE WEEK 2014 -- Theme: Heritage Afloat -- Feb 17 - 23

Really thrilled the Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue (RCMSAR) will have a display. Stay tuned for activities during the week.

Speaking of heritage, many upset of the losses at 1528 Argyle. See the letters in Correspondence below (response to D Jepsen, p28) and the North Shore News:

http://www.nsnews.com/news/loss-of-90-year-old-wv-cottage-lamented-1.802243 Decrepit trees at a forester's??? Been told VanDusen and the Sechelt Botanical Garden wd hv taken some specimens and Godfrey said he'd pay for the transport.

BUDGET 2014

2.9% tax rate increase ($93 per prop) proposed; get info, give input to Ccl Jan 27. See Budget Section below.

CONDOLENCES -- Shocking and sad to learn of NSh Rescue's Tim Jones sudden death at 57.

CURIOUS AND CURIOUSER -- A result of G Pajari's letter in the NSN and pointing out if not three cell towers then maybe 60? He suddenly discovered someone had filled in his name on multiple subscription postcards and sent them in so he started receiving magazines and invoices for subscribing.

TWITTERVERSE No, I don't need/want anything else to read but I've caved in and now have a Twitter account: @gov_matters My personal one is @crpers and soon one for my poetry and one for language will be activated.

WVMs -- WVM27, alas, had the (second) word 'the' omitted from the line: "At the end of the year", so it has been added thus the printed version is WVM27. (dot) and is fixed on the website. The 2013 list of WVMs is in this issue (p29). The email version is sent out first. Sometimes there are changes before printing and even more before going on the website. The titles then have . or ° or r or R after the number depending on the number and kind of changes.

=== PROPOSED BUDGET 2014 INFO === Answers to two questions I asked at info mtg

Thank you, Michael Koke, CFO

1.  Looking for the collective agreements' expiry and renewal dates across the different unions AND the exempt salary structure.

District of West Vancouver Expiry Dates & Renewal/Status as of January 2014

District of West Vancouver Exempt Salary Structure:

The Exempt Salary Structure is divided into four broad categories (ranging from Administrative/Professional to Executive). Each category is typically broken into three to four bands and each band will typically have a total of five progressive steps.

2. Where can residents find information and provide information on the budget online, where can they pick up printed materials and information?

Information related to the 2014 Budget can be found by using the following link:

http://westvancouver.ca/government/district-operations/financial-information

This page includes a link to the westvancouverITE webpage where residents can provide input on the budget and budget process. Printed materials are available at the Financial Services counter at Municipal Hall.  Specific requests for printed materials should go to:

Pamela Rooke, Manager, Budgets and Accounting prooke@westvancouver.ca 9257035

=== BUDGET 2014 COMMENTARY === by an intrepid WVM reporter

2014 Budget Presentation at GECC, 2014-01-21, Nina Leemhuis presenting

{Meeting started with four members of the public present, and approx. a dozen members of staff. As the presentation progressed we were joined by another four or five members of the public.}

Note that the presentation slides may be viewed at:

http://westvancouver.ca/sites/default/files/dwv/assets/gov/docs/financial-reports/budget/2014_BUDGET_OPEN_HOUSE_PRESENTATION.pdf

= 3.75% average increase in salaries and benefits

   - some departments as high as 12%

   - some departments include retroactive pay

   - some tied to offsetting revenue

= there is no surplus from 2013 to carry over to this budget (unlike last year when there was a significant surplus)

= there has been an insignificant increase in the tax roll (i.e. very few new properties added)

Q: Will the FTE report be made available?

NL: Yes, before Jan 27 meeting.

{Still not available on the website, have emailed the CFO.}

= The increase in the budget is $1.63 M which is a 2.92% increase.

(Each $555K increase in the budget requires a 1% increase in taxation.) 

= This will result in a $93 tax increase for the average WV property. The average WV assessment is $1.861M

(an increase of $23K from last year) and pays $3,300 in taxes and $1,588 in utilities.

There was some discussion about whether or not management time spent on Council priorities and initiatives is tracked (to separate it from the time spent on the quotidian management of current services) in particular in the context of the new PSB. The answer was essentially no. It was suggested that the residents (and Council) would be better served if staff reports on new services and projects contained information on the staff time consumed.

Your intrepid reporter asked if the Capital Budget Binder which was reviewed by Council and which has been made available to the public in the past (most notably in 2012 when the current CAO, then the CFO, put it up on the web, much to the consternation of some Directors -- and to the delight of residents). The answer was that it would not be up on the website but was available upon request. It has been requested and will be reviewed ” report expected for the next issue of WVM.

Similarly, I asked for information on how Community Amenity Contributions are tracked and budgeted and was told an answer would be provided at a later date.

There was a brief discussion about transit funding. Although the Blue Bus costs appear in the budget, they are 100% reimbursed by TransLink. There is, of course, the problem that TransLink (and Metro Vancouver) get much of their funding through levies based on property assessments which means West Vancouver pays disproportionately more than other municipalities.

{Editorial Note: something the Mayor bemoans and is trying to do something about. -- CR}

=== UPDATES & INFO ===

+ Ccl Mtg Agendas

One of the great changes the new CAO has instituted is making the ccl mtg agenda public ten days ahead.  Huge improvement.  They used to come out on a Thursday evening for the Monday mtg.

+ IN HONOUR OF TIM JONES

Jan 20, 2014 -- Flags are flying at half mast at DWV M Hall, Fire Halls, and Police Station in honour of Tim Jones, who passed away suddenly on Sunday, January 19. Tim Jones was a NSh Rescue Team Leader who participated in more than 1,600 rescues, and he was known as the public face of NSh Search and Rescue. His dedication saved countless lives and raised the profile of the important work done by our NSh Search and Rescue volunteers.

His contribution to our community is immeasurable, and he will be sorely missed. Our deepest condolences to Tim’s family, as well as to his team at North Shore Search and Rescue. 

District of West Vancouver Council and Staff. Tim Jones Memorial Fund

+ CHANGES BEGIN NEXT WEEK AT DWV M HALL SITE

Jan 17, 2014 -- Change is coming to the District of West Vancouver’s Municipal Hall. Construction will start next week on a surface parking lot to the north of the existing building. That parking lot will provide some of the parking for the proposed new Public Safety Building that would house police and fire services in a new building connected to Municipal Hall.

“This is not a ground-breaking for the proposed Public Safety Building. It is a required first step for the project, but there are still many important decisions to be made by Council,� says Mayor Michael Smith. “Over the next months, Council will consider matters such as the overall funding strategy, final design details, and a construction schedule for this very important project that will improve the public safety infrastructure for the entire community.�

A new north parking lot will benefit the community by improving accessibility through a level barrier-free entrance to M Hall. It will also provide additional parking for M Hall.

As part of the due diligence for the project, an independent arborist conducted an assessment of the trees to the north of M Hall. A number of trees were identified as hazards and public safety risks, and will be removed within the next weeks. As well, one dedicated tree will be moved approximately seven metres. The proposed landscape plan for the PSB provides for more than 70 new trees to be planted on the M Hall block as part of the improvements to this area.

WV’s current police station is too small, beyond its useful life and expensive to maintain. Fire Hall No. 1 in West Vancouver is also beyond its useful life and needs to be replaced.

Both of these facilities are not seismic standard and would fail and possibly collapse in a major seismic event. A previous independent survey commissioned by the District identified the level of public support at 77 per cent for the Public Safety Building project.

{er, um. if you said no, they then enumerated benefits, and asked you again. -- CR}

+ Ambleside Biz Assn (ABA):

The Store front that received the most votes for best decorated window is Aldila Boutique. Congratulations Aldila.

+ The Westerner

The latest news from out west: http://www.chrisadshead.com/pdfs/w43_web_final_version_jan2014.pdf

=== NEWS BITES FROM AROUND WEST VANCOUVER [Jan 15]

Trails and bridges -- The Min of Transportation is planning improvements to the Upper Levels Highway Bridge over Nelson Crk in the spring/summer of 2014. This may have implications for the TransCanada Trail that runs under the bridge, including possible temporary closure. We’ll keep you in the loop!

Visitors pooling -- The Aquatic Ctr was extremely busy over the Christmas weeks and saw several “over-capacity� periods with patrons having to wait to enter the pool. Also, Aquatic Registration took place on Dec 20. There were over 2000 registrants for winter courses and almost 700 private lessons booked by early January.

See Shell -- A building permit for a gas station with a convenience store was applied for in December for the Shell site at 13th Ave & Marine Dr.

Birds to a tee -- A bird count was conducted at Gleneagles Golf Course in the fall of 2013 as part of the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses (ACSP), revealing 20 different species in a two-hour period. The ACSP’s objective is to integrate responsible environmental practices into the daily golf course operations. Once the GCC completes ACSP certification, the residents of WV can be confident that wildlife is being protected, chemical usage is regulated, and water quality is monitored. 

=== CALENDAR to January 31st ===

All mtgs are at M Hall unless indicated otherwise. NOTE: shown are mtgs known at date of writing; often there are additions, changes, cancellations after WVM goes out. Check the DWV Calendar: http://www.westvancouver.ca/events . Notices/mtgs/changes too late/early for an issue are sent to subscribers. [Headsup/Notices sent between issues. Subscribe! write subscribewvm@westvan.org]

ABBREVIATIONS, ACRONYMS, INITIALISMS puzzling you? See: http://www.westvan.org/glossary/

{See earlier mtg info in Headsup/Notice section.}

= Wednesday January 29

~ 5 - 7pm ~ NORTH SHORE SUBSTANCE ABUSE WORKING GROUP MEETING at DNV M Hall

~ 6:30 - 8:30pm ~ OPEN HOUSE - LIGHTHOUSE PARK PARKING LOT AND WASHROOM UPGRADE

The District is exploring opportunities for future improvements to both the parking area and the washroom facilities in the park and would like your input at this preliminary planning stage. Come to an Open House at the Gleneagles Cmnty Ctr. The Open House will provide an overview of the project, including some of the challenges with the site. You are requested to provide input on objectives and design preferences via a feedback form, online, or discussion with staff.

~ 7 - 9:30pm ~ Increasing Accessibility Mtg at Cmnty Ctr (Atrium)

The Ministry of Social Devt and Social Innovation will be holding a cmnty consultation on increasing accessibility and decreasing barriers for people living with disabilities.

More information (including registration) -- http://engage.gov.bc.ca/disabilitywhitepaper/

Questions? Send Email to the Min of Social Devt/Social Innovation: disabilitywhitepaper@gov.bc.ca

= Friday January 31 Start of Chinese New Year, a ten-day celebration -- Gung Hay Fat Choy!

+++ WV MEMORIAL LIBRARY +++ http://www.westvanlibrary.ca 925 7400

> Best book of 2013 [http://www.westvanlib.org/west-vancouver-memorial-library-best-books-2013-contest]

West Vancouverites have diverse literary tastes leaning towards classics that have stood the test of time and modern critically acclaimed authors. Over 100 people cast a vote for the best book they read in 2013 and 97 of those titles are unique! The title with the most votes was The Fault in Our Stars by John Green followed by a twelve-way tie for second place. 25 votes were cast for children and young adult titles. One vote was cast for a Chinese book and one for a Spanish book. Winners of the contest draw have been notified.

We've created two lists based on your votes:

• http://westvanlibrary.bibliocommons.com/search?t=tag&search_category=tag&q=west+van+best+book+2013&commit=Search

• http://westvanlibrary.bibliocommons.com./list/show/161293473_wvmlyouthlibrarian/225526407_wvml_readers_choice_awards_best_kids_teens_books_read_in_2013

> Authors in our Cmnty -- Talk ~ 7pm ~ Wed Jan 29 Annie Paquette's memoir

+++ WV MUSEUM +++ 925 729http://westvancouvermuseum.ca/exhibitions/current_exhibition

-- January 10 to March 22 -- Ukiyoe Spectacular  Japanese Woodblock Prints from the 1800s

This exhibition celebrates the 125^th anniversary of consular relations between Canada and Japan, and also gives an opportunity for visitors to see the visual and technical sophistication of this unique Japanese art form.

Opening Reception with Shinich Inagaki: January 9 Thursday 6 - 9pm (Remarks at 7pm)

ALSO:

At the Nikkei National Museum  6688 Southoaks Crescent, Burnaby

Talk by Shinichi Inagaki: January 11 Saturday 2 - 3pm

Opening Reception: January 11 from 3 - 5pm. Exhibition Dates: Jan 11 to March 23

+++ FERRY BUILDING GALLERY +++ http://ferrybuildinggallery.com ~ 925 7290

~~~ January 7 to 26 Natural Energy: Mixed Media Landscapes

Anne Marie Calder, Sheree Jones, Neil MacDonald, & Ross Munro

~~~ January 28 - February 9 Visage: Black & White Portrait Photography by Tim McLaughlin

Join photographer Tim McLaughlin for the launch of "Portraits Found and Taken".

The book contains over 75 portraits of artists, musicians, writers, and others taken by Tim McLaughlin over the past three years. It includes a collection of found photographs and two works of fiction: "with men of progress", and "women of vision", appearing for the first time in print. Admission is free. Signed copies will be available for sale.

Opening Reception: Tuesday January 28th from 6 - 8pm

Book Launch: 7pm Thursday January 30th

Meet the Artist: Saturday February 1st from 2 - 3pm

+++ SILK PURSE +++  http://silkpurse.ca/exhibitions/  925 7292

~~~ January 7 “ 28

Flow: a series of brushless painted works by Cory Kinney

˜Flow’ is painter Cory Kinney’s direct response to the very soggy environment we live in, here on the Pacific Northwest Coast. The shiny “wetness� on his paintings’ surfaces also suggests how easily the manufactured vision for our natural world can wash away. Pouring paint & medium on the canvas creates a plasticized appearance, akin to the idealized visions of our landscape seen in advertising. Underneath that veneer is raw wilderness expressed in the loose, vibrant paint application & the use of plaster & pumice stone for texture, reminding us that the beauty and raw power of our wilderness is still there “ just waiting to burst through.

~~~ January 28 - February 16 -- Sticks & Stones

This exhibit presents acclaimed photographer Gary Fiegehen’s personal work. The large B&W prints present three sequences: The Stein Valley, The Rock Garden, and Trees Against a Winter Sky. They celebrate the beauty and coherence found in the natural world and the joy of looking through a camera. Gary believes the visual image can serve as a bridge between the outer and inner experience. He hopes the images provide a door for the viewer’s imagination and suggests that the work is less about invention and more about remembering when the world was new and full of wonder.

Opening reception: Tuesday January 28th from 6 - 8pm

+++ KAY MEEK CENTRE +++ http://www.kaymeekcentre.com/on_stage/events_calendar

Simplest way to get on email list, call 913 3634 (also for tix) or email tickets@kaymeekcentre.com

Jan 21, 7:30pm:       Movie: Alcan Highway

Jan 22, 8:00pm:       Holmes and Watson Save the Empire (Jan 22-25)

Jan 24, 8:00pm:       Canadian Brass  

Jan 25, 8:00pm:       Dami Da Boost: A Moment with You
Jan 28, 10:30am:     John Mann - Artists Confidential

Jan 29, 7:30pm:       Pro Nova Ensemble

Jan 31, 8:00pm:       John Mann - New Music Cabaret

+++ ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION BRANCH 60, WV http://westvan60.com Ofc 922 3587 Lounge: 922 1920

JANUARY CALENDAR OF EVENTS

MEAT DRAWS EVERY SATURDAY AT 4:30 PM

UKRAINIAN DINNER -- SATURDAY, JANUARY 18TH AT 6:30 P.M.

PEROGIES, CABBAGE ROLLS, KUBASAW, ONIONS AND SOUR CREAM $15pp Music follows by the DIEHARDS

BURNS DINNER -- see Headsup/Notice (Jan 22)

+++ WV CHAMBER of COMMERCE + 926 6614 + http://www.westvanchamber.com

Business Excellence Awards 2014

- Nomination Deadline is January 24th! Get your nominations in!

The WV Chamber's President's Dinner & Excellence Awards will take place April 24th. The Nomination deadline is this Friday! Awards will be presented for: Citizen of the Year; Best Big Business; Best Small Business; Best New Business; Best Innovator, and Young Entrepreneur. Any resident of the North Shore may nominate a Business or Person; Business owners and managers may nominate themselves. The Nomination Form is on our website home page. Nominations CLOSE Friday January 24 at 5pm! Full Story: http://www.westvanchamber.com/Nomination%20request.png

5 - 7pm Thursday January 30 Join us for "Business after 5 - A Conversation with the Mayor"

Mayor Michael Smith will join us for an informal get-together with the business community. Caffe Al Mercato and Capilano University will open their doors as we host this event right next to the WV Chamber office. Ticket includes appetizers from sponsor Caffe Al Mercato, and a glass of wine, from Tinhorn Creek. Thank you to our Presenting Sponsor PARK ROYAL and LARCO INVESTMENTS, and our Gold Sponsor: WV Cmnty Foundation. Mbr $40; Non-Mbr $50

Register/Learn more: https://www.westvanchamber.com/page/calendar/ezlist_event_9b1c01ad-a08f-4976-962d-8a9005089da4.aspx#.UuHIOqWttAB

=== CULTUREWATCH ===

NB: As it got later and later some events had passed so apologies to those omitted. Best efforts.

* THEATRE

+ ARTS CLUB -- http://www.artsclub.com -- box office at 687 1644

A Brimful of Asha {a part of PuSh Festival} at Revue Stage {11 shows already sold out} Jan 16 to Feb 8

A mother and her son spar -- she (from India) wants to arrange his marriage (brought up in Canada) The Odd Couple -- Neil Simon's classic at Stanley Jan 23 to Feb 23

+ METRO THEATRE metrotheatre.com 266 7191

Deathtrap by Ira Levin, a thriller about a playwright who enlists help of a gifted amateur Jan 11 - Feb 8

+ JERICHO ARTS CTR 224 8007 x 3 jerichoartscentre.com Jan 24 to Feb 16

United Players present The Pitmen Painters; in 1934 miners take art class, met avant-garde artists; true story

+ THE CULTCH 251 1363 thecultch.com

One: Iranian traces his life, Iran to Mtl via Paris and TO in a quest for identity and belonging Jan 28 - Feb 8

+ PACIFIC THEATRE 731 5518

Measure for Measure pacifictheatre.org 8pm (2pm matinees) Jan 18 to Feb 8

+ CHAN CTR (UBC) -- The Seagull, Anton Chekhov 822 2678 chancentre.com Jan 23 - Feb 8

+ FIREHALL ARTS CTR 689 0926

Young Drunk Punk: one-man show by Bruce McCulloch (Kids in the Hall) firehallartscentre.ca Jan 28 - Feb 1

+ PRESENTATION HOUSE 990 3474 phtheatre.org

Arvaarluk: An Inuit Tale with legendary Inuit storyteller; one of Canada's finest Inuit writers Jan 28 - Feb 2

* ART

+ VANCOUVER ART GALLERY  http://www.vanartgallery.bc.ca/events_and_programs/calendar_of_events.html

Coming Exhibitions: for details: http://www.vanartgallery.bc.ca/the_exhibitions/upcoming_exhibitions.html ]

~ NB: VAG Mbrs receive 20% off admission to the Royal BC Museum in Victoria when you show your Gallery Mbrshp card.

For more info contact Member Services at membership@vanartgallery.bc.ca or 604 662 4711.

Emily Carr in Haida Gwaii ~ Jul 20 to Mar 9 ~ http://www.vanartgallery.bc.ca/the_exhibitions/exhibit_carr_haida.html

EXHIBITIONS: Charles Edenshaw to Feb 2; EMILY CARR: Deep Forest. Forty forest paintings from the 1930s

* MUSIC

+ OPERA PRO CANTANTI 340 8545 7pm Sunday at Cambrian Hall

Lucia di Lammermoor by Donizetti Jan 26 ~~~ Un Ballo in Maschera by Verdi Feb 2

+ VANCOUVER SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA 876 3434 http://www.vancouversymphony.ca/calendar/

January Festival of New Music Jan 17 to 20

Haunted Lovers: Don Giovanni and Francesca Da Rimini, Orpheum Jan 25/26; Surrey Jan 27

+ EARLY MUSIC VANCOUVER 732 1610 earlymusic.bc.ca

Sequentia: Mystical Voices of Mediaeval Germany

music composed before 1300, featuring Hildegard von Bingen at Holy Rosary Cathedral 8pm Jan 22

+ MICROCOSMOS MAKES MUSIC!

Dear Microcosmos friends,

Please join us next week to honour Benjamin Britten's one-hundredth year, with performances of his three string quartets, twentieth-century masterworks which show an intimate side to his music not found in the operas and vocal works. A gap of only four years separates the transparent and Haydnesque First Quartet (1941) and the immensely powerful second one, written soon after the end of the World War II. The Third Quartet (1975) was one of his last works, written while he was staying in Venice, and linked both to the atmosphere of the that city and to his opera "Death in Venice'.

Tuesday January 28 ~ 8pm Sharman King residence, South Vancouver - Benjamin Britten - String Quartets No. 1 & 3

Wednesday January 29 ~ 8pm Mascall-Macfarlane residence, Ambleside - Benjamin Britten - String Quartets No. 2 & 3

Thursday January 30 ~ 8pm Nowell-Miles residence, Dunbar/16th area - Benjamin Britten - String Quartets No. 1 & 3

Concerts are open to the public.

If you'd like to attend, pls send us an e-mail with your name, which day you wish to attend and number of seats. We will confirm with exact location by return e-mail. $30 cash or cheque at the door (students, etc. $20)

microcosmosquartet@gmail.com For more information please visit our website: http://microcosmosquartet.com

Remaining seat numbers for each event will be posted daily on the 'upcoming' page.

Find us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pages/Microcosmos-String-Quartet/117679734960177

We will also be performing all three Britten Quartets at the Music on Main Cellar series on February 18th. For tix and information please see their website: http://www.musiconmain.ca/concerts/microcosmos-plays-britten-string-quartets/

* BALLET Romeo and Juliet -- Royal Winnipeg Ballet rwb.org Jan 30 - Feb 1

* FESTIVALS

+ PuSh FESTIVAL -- Great variety! Many venues pushfestival.ca Jan 14 to Feb 2

+ Cavalia's Odysseo -- galloping at Olympic Village cavalia.net held over to Feb 2

+ Gung Haggis Fat Choy! celebrates Robbie Burns Day and Chinese New Year; Floata 5pm Jan 26

* LECTURES

~ 7pm ~ Friday January 24 at SFU Harbour Ctr

The Historical Context of the Palestinian Maps: Fact and Fiction

Speaker: Dr. Hani Faris, Adjunct Professor, UBC Department of Political Science

In fall 2013, the Palestine Awareness Coalition posted four maps on Vancouver`s TransLink buses and SkyTrain stations entitled Disappearing Palestine. This ad campaign received wide attention & media coverage at both the provincial & national levels.

The Zionist organization StandWithUs attacked the maps and the Coalition, called on Advertising Standards Canada (ASC) to remove the ads &, together with other Israel lobby groups, threatened to take the Coalition & TransLink, Vancouver’s public transportation authority, to court. When threats did not work, StandWithUs ended up initiating a counter ad featuring three maps.

Dr. Faris, President of the independent American think tank Trans Arab Research Institute, & internationally recognized expert on the Palestine-Israel conflict will comment on the historical context of the maps.

Questions? Pls contact palestineawarenesscoalition@gmail.com. Sponsored by the Palestine Awareness Coalition. Endorsed by Boycott Israeli Apartheid Campaign, Canada Palestine Assn, Independent Jewish Voices “ Vancouver, Seriously Free Speech Cmte Facebook Event

FREE LECTURE SERIES & LIVE WEBCAST

~ 7pm ~ Tuesday January 28 -- Rethinking Transportation: New Voices, New Ideas

Brought to you by TransLink in collaboration with the SFU City Program

Breaking the Political Gridlock to Address the Transportation Challenge: Lessons Learned from the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area -- Goldcorp Centre for the Arts (at SFU Woodwards), 149 West Hastings, Vancouver Admission is free, but reservations are required. Reserve

http://cgi.sfu.ca/~hccweb/cgi-bin/OnlineRegistration/site/event/detail.php?id=786

Live Webcast: http://creative-services.sfu.ca/broadcast/

Metro Vancouver is not the only region in North America facing difficult choices about how best to meet the future transportation needs of a growing popn “ and how to pay for it. Like MetroV, wch will add 1M new residents over the next 30 years, the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area is projected to see its popn increase by 40 per cent in the next 20 years. Both Metro Vancouver and Toronto are seeking ways to give their residents new transportation choices, ease congestion, better connect people with jobs, and enable people to travel efficiently in all directions.  To preserve and enhance their economic vitality and quality of life, both Metro Vancouver and the Toronto city-region cannot postpone significant investment in their transportation networks. In Toronto, where political gridlock has led to inaction, Dr. Anne Golden led a panel in fall 2013 to find a viable transit investment strategy for the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area. She will describe the political and financial context that was blocking progress in Toronto, and set out the plan that she and her 12 panel members hope will break the political and transportation gridlock.

Lecture Series Details: http://www.sfu.ca/continuing-studies/events/2014/rethinking-transportation.html

Global Warming 56 Million Years Ago & What it Means for Us

Presented by Dr. Scott Wing, Smithsonian Institute

~ 7 - 8:30pm ~ Thurs Jan 30 -- SFU Harbour Ctr 778 782 5466 sfu.ca/cstudies/science

Human emissions of greenhouse gases will alter conditions on earth for many thousands of years into the future. The past event that best mirrors present-day warming occurred 56 million years ago and is called the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum, or PETM. Dr. Wing will talk about the PETM, explaining what we know about its causes, and what we have learned about its effects on ecosystems in North America and elsewhere. The lessons of deep time have ever more relevance as we rapidly mold our planet in the ongoing geological epoch some call the Anthropocene, or Age of Humans.

NATURE

> Vancouver Aquarium: Divers' Weekend 2014 -- Jan 18 and 19

> Lost Lagoon's Secrets: a Stanley Park Historical Walking Tour ~ stanleyparkhistory.ca ~ 1pm Jan 19

> 7:30pm Thursday January 16^th

Title: Nitrogen fixation in the boreal forest; Putting the 'N' in Nature -- Speaker: Nicole Linfoot

A free public talk for the Botany Section of Nature Vancouver at Unity Church, 5840 Oak St

Synopsis: Have you ever looked at the splendour of the forest around you and wondered what makes the trees grow? All plants need nutrients to grow and the health of our boreal backyard relies on the tireless work of unseen microbes in the soil recycling nutrients for the plants in the ecosystem. One such nutrient is nitrogen. Nitrogen is critical in many life processes and its presence or absence often dictates the productivity of the entire ecosystem. Just how nitrogen is cycled in the boreal and what microorganisms are responsible is one of the most current research topics in ecology today; scientists are only now starting to unravel the mystery. Join us in learning about what makes the nitrogen cycle so unique in our forest and why ecologists are trying so hard to understand it.

Nicole is the Assistant Bander at the Lesser Slave Lake Bird Observatory. She has been banding birds for six years now and has banded over 6000 birds. She graduated from Northern Alberta Institute of Technology with an Honours Diploma in Renewable Resources in 2008.

> noon Sunday January 19^th

Title: Geology of some buildings and monuments in downtown Vancouver -- Trip leader: David Cook A free event for the Vancouver Natural History Society (Nature Vancouver).

Registration: b/c of a need to limit the size of the group, registration is required. This is a popular field trip. Register early.

Duration: Approximately 3 hours. Meeting location: Will be revealed on registration.

Walk description: We will examine the exterior and interior of a number of buildings in downtown Vancouver to look at the various natural building stones used in construction and decoration. The provenance, composition, and suitability of these materials will be explained. We will note how their use has changed over time according to availability, cost, custom, and durability of materials used. This will also be an opportunity to learn about masonry terminology, the history of the buildings, and their architecture.

Call/email David 924 0147 / cookeco2@yahoo.com to register. Non-mbrs welcome but for liability reasons limited to three field trips

===> Headsup 2014-01a (preliminary)

CALENDAR

= Saturday January 4

ISLAND PACIFIC SCHOOL CHRISTMAS TREE CHIP-UP Cost: TBD

~ 9am - 3pm ~ Fisherman's Cove, 5776 Marine Drive, WV

= Saturday January 4, Sunday January 5

NORTH SHORE SCOUTS CHRISTMAS TREE CHIP-UP

~ 10am - 4pm ~ Hollyburn Plaza, Marine & 18th

Cost: By donation. All proceeds benefit various scout programs.

= Sunday January 5  --  Nature Walk {moved to end of CultureWatch above} and Bird Count {details below}

= Tuesday January 7 ~ 7pm ~ Upper Lands Study Review WG; Cmnty Ctr (Cedar Rm)

= Wednesday January 8

~ 1pm ~ Invasive Plants WG

~ 7pm ~ NSh Historical Society mtg re Flamborough Head {moved to Heritage section}

NATURE

Sunday January 5th

Title: Wonderful wetlands -- A Discovery Walk for Stanley Park Ecology Society {moved to end of CultureWatch}

BIRD COUNT

Would you be interested in helping to count birds on January 5?  Marja De Jong Westman is arranging the annual bird count for West Vancouver and part of the Sunshine Coast. If you would like to help, do contact her.

Thanks so much, and wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and all the best for 2014!

Daphne

{poster; cdn't copy and paste so had to type and no birds pasted!}}

Lower Howe Sound Christmas Bird Count... Sunday January 5th...from dawn until dusk

Birdwatchers needed from Brunswick Beach to Caulfeild Cove up into Cypress Provincial Park’s forests on the mainland...and across the seas to Bowen Island, Keats Island into Gibson’s Landing. We welcome both experienced birders and novices to walk the  “trails �.

Or if you prefer to count at home, you can submit a your bird list from your backyard feeder.

WHO to call? Email?

Marja de Jong Westman 604 921 3382; mdjw@telus.net

HERITAGE

Topic: Flamborough Head stern and Shipyard Development {moved to Heritage section}

Happy New Year!

===> HEADSUP 2014 Jan 10 - 14 (+ Lessons)

Happy New Year!  Holiday is over -- the first ccl mtg of 2014 is on Monday.

You already have the agenda for Monday January 13 and the last newsletter is already on the website (WVM27). Actually there were a few corrections to 26 so now WVM26r is also on the website.

Saturday Jan 11 is Sir John A Macdonald Day!  

http://www.pm.gc.ca/eng/news/2014/01/11/statement-prime-minister-canada-sir-john-macdonald-day

Herewith:1 Announcement; 2 Culture; 3 mottos/Lessons, not resolutions; 4 PUN {3 & 4 moved to newsletter}

1  Winner of the Amb Biz Assn best decorated window contest is the Aldila Boutique. 

2  Some cultural tidbits not in WVM 27:

Fri Jan 10 and Sat Jan 11 ~ 8pm ~  50 Years of James Bond: VSO at the Orpheum

Mon Jan 13  ~ 7pm ~ Classical Guitar with David Sossa Fernandez at VPL (331 3603 vpl.ca) 

Tu Jan 14 ~ 7 -  9:30pm ~ "The Odd History of the Odd Couple"  by  Donald Brackett, cultural critic 

Arts Club Theatre Talk in the Library Series (VPL)  --  FREE

https://www.facebook.com/events/250534191772282/

3  LESSONS, SENT TO ME {moved to end}

HAVE A GREAT YEAR !

===> HEADSUP 2014 Tu Jan 14

Tu Jan 14 -- Rushing trying to keep you up to date -- BUDGET most important -- get info!

~ 6:30 - 8pm ~ Thurs Jan 16th Proposed Budget 2014 Open House at Srs' Ctr

Info: http://westvancouver.ca/government/district-operations/financial-information

Excerpt from ccl mtg below -- tax rate increase is 2.9%, about $93; on ccl mtg agenda Mon Jan 27

Herewith: mtgs; Jan 13 ccl mtg highlights; AnimalWatch (leopard Whisperer); QTP 

-> MEETINGS

= Tues Jan 14 ~ 6:30 - 8pm ~ West Bay Park Open House re West Bay Park at West Bay Elementary School

= Wed Jan 15 ~ 5 - 7pm ~ Bd of Variance [3698 McKechnie; 4130 Burkehill; 3329 Marine Dr; 335 Mathers]

~ 7 - 9pm ~ Public Information Mtg -- Evelyn by Onni, Parcel 3 at St David's, 1525 Taylor Way

= Thurs Jan 16

~ 6:30 - 8pm ~ Proposed 2014 Budget Open House at the Srs' Ctr

The open house will give you details of the Proposed 2014 M Budget, how it affects you and the services you value and how property assessments and other taxing authorities impact your tax bill. The open house will begin with a presentation starting at 6:30pm. A question-and-answer session will follow. 

~ 7 - 9pm ~ Gleneagles Cmnty Ctr Adv Cmte at GCC

-> COUNCIL MTG Jan 13 highlights:

= Divisional Review Fire and Rescue Services; slides, Q&A [7:11 to 8:05]

= [Item] 7. 2014 Budget Update (File: 0860-01)

CAO: end of 3 - 4 mo process with M&Ccl

parameters:

1 no increase to salaries except for increases required through contractual obligations.

2 no increase to non-salary expenditures, complete historical review; reductions were made where possible

3 a prioritized capital request list complete with biz case analysis for ev request above $50K although biz cases were provided for many/most above $10K

revenues from assessmts, not anticipated to increase; residents aware, flat, some decrease

final roll expected end of the month

fees and charges revenue not expected to increase over 2013

Significant discussion internally with management and staff as well as review and discussion with Mayor and individual Councillors

2.9% tax rate increase ~$93 per prop owner

limiting all overtime; some projects deferred; some long-term planning

Thurs night [6:30 - 8pm] at the Srs' Ctr; I'll be presenting and looking for feed back

{also, another budget info mtg at Gleneagles Cmnty Ctr Tu Jan 21; public input/comment to Ccl at Jan 27 mtg}

= [Item] 8. Notice of Motion regarding Community Centre Tennis Courts and Parking (File: 2100-01)

much discussion and debate [8:15 - 9:13], need for parking and tennis courts, value of prop $10M; motion failed; will be studied for the next six months or so.

= In Other Items a rather convoluted discussion about a ccl mtg scheduled for 9am Friday morning (Jan 17).  Mayor didn't know about it.  MB and NG thought they were meeting with the Ch of Comm and ABA about the Urbanics report. Other cclrs were included and the opinion expressed it wd be an (open) ccl mtg.  CC is the Chamber's ccl liaison and he didn't know about it plus he has to work that day.  DepCAO suggested postponing.  CC wanted a legal opinion re ccl mtg. Guess it's in limbo till decided.  Even MB was then opposed to having a ccl mtg then.

It is, however, on the WV Calendar with this agenda item -- maybe check to see if cancelled

REPORTS

3.  Ambleside Commercial Market & Revitalization Implementation Study “ Feedback (File: 2515-01)

Link to study on District website    

An opportunity for feedback regarding the Study. RECOMMENDED: THAT feedback be received for information. 

from URL:  http://westvancouver.ca/sites/default/files/dwv/council-agendas/2014/jan/17SP/14jan17-agenda1.pdf

=  PQP: speakers about the Maison Milliken devt (procedure, responses to letters); more comments re the tennis courts; I expressed the opinion that the topic with Ch/Comm, Amb Revitalization, was of great interest to Ambleside residents so wd suggest a ccl mtg with adequate notice and a more convenient time.

-> ANIMALWATCH {"cat whisperer"; previously sent to my EList}

The incredible story of how leopard Diabolo became Spirit - Anna Breytenbach, "animal communicator". - YouTube

mysterious eyes... this is unusual; it is, however, 13min:   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gvwHHMEDdT0

If you're curious, go to Wikipedia:

Black panther - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ Black_pantherŽ

Jump to Leopard - Leopard. A melanistic leopard. The Javan leopard was initially described as being black with dark black spots and silver-grey eyes ... Black tiger (animal) - ŽJaguarundi - ŽBlack Panther (disambiguation)

Leopard - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LeopardŽ

Both leopards & jaguars are melanistic, known as black panthers. The species' success in the wild is in part due to its opportunistic hunting behaviour, ... Indian leopard - ŽAfrican leopard - ŽLeopard attack - ŽSri Lankan leopard

Leopards, Leopard Pictures, Leopard Facts - National Geographic animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/leopard/Ž

Most leopards are light coloured with distinctive dark spots that are called rosettes, because they resemble the shape of a rose. Black leopards, which appear to ...

===> NOTICE {prepared for ADRA mbrs to be sent out} 2014 January 15

Dear ADRA Members:

+  Municipal 2014 Budget -- Taxes

At the council meeting Monday night it was announced that the proposed budget for 2014 will have a tax rate increase of 2.9% (an average of $93 per property).

The first open house for feedback will be tomorrow on Thursday January 16th at the Seniors' Centre starting with a presentation at 6:30pm.  A Question-and-Answer session follows.  Find out the priorities and choices so that you can give your opinions tomorrow and input to Council at the January 27th council meeting.  {See below for more info.}

+  Ambleside Business District

Confirmation has just been received for a special council meeting 9am Friday (Jan 17) seeking feedback on the Urbanics Ambleside Commercial Market & Revitalization Implementation Study.  The Chamber of Commerce and the Ambleside Business Assn will be present.  What do you want to see? character, height, parking, etc. 

  See  http://westvancouver.ca/sites/default/files/dwv/council-agendas/2014/jan/17SP/14jan17-agenda1.pdf

With best regards,

Carolanne Reynolds, ADRA Director on behalf of the ADRA Board

+ More Budget Info

~ 6:30 - 8pm ~ Thurs Jan 16th Proposed Budget 2014 Open House at Srs' Ctr

Info: http://westvancouver.ca/government/district-operations/financial-information

Parameters: 1 no increase to salaries except for increases required through contractual obligations

       2 no increase to non-salary expenditures, complete historical review; reductions made where possible

    3 a prioritized capital request list complete with biz case analysis for every request above $50K

Includes: limiting all overtime; some projects deferred; some long-term planning

NB: There will also be a budget open house at the Gleneagles Cmnty Ctr 6:30pm Tues Jan 21st

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

===> HEADSUP with Ccl AGENDA Jan 27

Dear Subscribers,

Hope the new year is going well for you.

One of the great changes the new CAO has instituted is making the ccl mtg agenda public ten days ahead.  Huge improvement.  They used to come out on a Thursday evening for the Monday mtg. That meant my newsletter cd not come out till the weekend.  Yes, the first WVM for 2014 is still days away, but it occurred to me you'd want a headsup of what will be on the agenda next Monday (Jan 27).  Especially so b/c recommended is all THREE readings for the budget, plus the advancement of the Milliken/Maison devt as well as Housing Policy (and there'll be mtg on Coach Houses in February -- NBRHDS: think about character or accept outcome).  Lots of letters on cell towers and tennis courts, of course, and a resident's on loss of heritage grabbed my attention (will follow up).

HEREWITH: Budget Info; Heritage Loss; Main Items Jan 27; Agenda Link; QTP.

BUDGET

NB: there are handouts re the budget 2014 mtg -- at Th Jan 16 mtg and will be a Gleneagles Jan 21, plus on DWV website and (limited number) at Finance Dept counter.

HERITAGE

in http://westvancouver.ca/sites/default/files/dwv/council-correspndence/2014/Jan/14jan03severed.pdf

v upsetting to read this letter in Correspondence:

(3)  D. Jepsen, Dec 18, 2013, re “Destruction of Cottage, Trees and Vegetation 1528 Argyle Street�

+ MAIN ITEMS on Jan 27 Ccl Agenda: 

Delegation from WV Streamkeeper Society and WV Students' Envmtal Protection Network re Spawner Salmon Surveys; WVCCS's Year-End Report; Denial of Envmtal   Devt Permit (1384 Burnside); Proposed Five-Year Financial Plan aka 2014 BUDGET (all three readings!); Milliken Maison Srs' Living (OCP Amendmt, Rezoning, DPA) to advance in applicn review process, staff bring fwd proposed bylaws and DP; Cmnty Dialogue (read: Housing); PSB Status Nov 2013; Correspondence: dell towers, tennis courts, 1528 Argyle {destruction of heritage}, Election expenses {feedback by Jan 31}, ULWG, Milliken's Maison Devt, and more

FOR THE WHOLE AGENDA and to be able to click on the reports (suggest the Cmnty Dialogue besides the Budget of course), go to the DWV website: 

 http://westvancouver.ca/sites/default/files/dwv/council-agendas/2014/jan/27/14jan27-agenda.pdf

An abbreviated version of the agenda will be in WVM as usual.

===> NOTICE re Public Demo 11am Sat Jan 18

Subject: stern of the Flamborough Head

Date: 17 January, 2014 9:26:10 AM PST

MEDIA RELEASE -- FOR IMMEDIATE PUBLICATION

Several North Shore groups are calling for a demonstration of public opposition to the decision to scrap the stern of the Flamborough Head.

The rally will be held on Saturday, January 18th from 11 to noon.

It will be south of the Pinnacle Hotel in Ship-Builders’ Square.

Many North Van residents are expressing disagreement with the City's decision to scrap the stern of the Flamborough Head which is the last remaining example of the 109 Victory ships (of the 300 or so built in Canada) that were built in the Burrard Shipyards thanks to the efforts of the men and women who built them.

The rally will also be a public demonstration of dissatisfaction that such an important decision was made 'in camera'!

It will demonstrate people's wish for greater transparency in such a major decision.

We call on Council to: ¢  Stop work and hold a public meeting

¢ Take greater account of the community's wishes

The stern of the Flamborough Head is in remarkably good condition and together with the engine (the model used in the movie Titanic!) and the propeller would make a major tourist destination landmark and a unique icon on the NV waterfront..

This would celebrate the Heritage of the City of North Vancouver as well as benefiting the hospitality industry and related businesses.

All those attending are invited to bring a sign or print out a copy of the photograph of the stern of the Flamborough Head to bring and hold as an indication of their support.

Everyone is also invited to go to: http://chn.ge/1fyZnYW and 'sign' the petition to the mayor and council.

Contact:

Peter Miller, President, NSh Heritage Preservation Society, t 604 313 9639; peter.miller@northshoreheritage.net

John Stuart, President, North Vancouver Historical Society, t 778 883-5572; stuartj@direct.ca

Ivan Leonard, Chair, The Lonsdale Citizens’ Association, t 604 986 8672; ileonard@telus.net

===> NOTICE re Tim Jones Date: 19 January, 2014 11:16:22 PM PST

From: "Editor, West Van Matters" <EditorWVM@WestVan.org>

Subject: Loss of Tim Jones a Cmnty Tragedy

Shocked to learn of his death when he was coming down from Mt Seymour a short while ago.  What a huge loss. Our condolences to family.

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/tim-jones-north-shore-rescue-team-leader-has-died-1.2503178

UPDATE: Memorial Service at the Centennial Theatre -- noon Saturday Jan 25

===> NOTICE WV Mtgs Today Tu Jan 21

Just so you know: ~ 6 - 9pm ~   Upper Lands WG mtg

~ 6:30pm ~   WVPD Victim Services Info Session

~ 6:30 - 8pm ~ Proposed 2014 Budget (presentation at 6:30pm)

~ 7:30 - 9pm ~ WRA mtg

Details below {+ pun (surprise breakfast) --> moved to later in this newsletter}

UPPER LANDS STUDY REVIEW WORKING GROUP MEETING

Jan 21 ~ 6 to 9pm WV Community Centre “ Cedar Room. Agenda and supporting materials to be posted soon.

WVPD VICTIM SERVICES PROGRAM INFORMATION SESSION

Jan 21 ~ 6:30 pm -- WV Police Dept, 1330 Marine Drive

Are you looking for a challenging and rewarding volunteer opportunity?  The WV Police Victim Services Program is looking for you. 

WV Police are hosting an evening information session for anyone interested in learning more about volunteer opportunities with WVPD Victim Services.

Victim Service volunteers are specially trained to provide to support those affected by crime or trauma in our community. Volunteers provide emotional support and reassurance, practical assistance, and information about police procedures and other community support services. Victim Services volunteers also provide support for victims as investigations proceed through the Criminal Justice System and provide 24/7 on call availability for crisis intervention.

To attend the session, pls pre-register by contacting: Victim Services Program Manager Bunny Brown 925 7468 

PROPOSED 2014 BUDGET OPEN HOUSE

Jan 21 ~ 6:30 to 8pm -- Living Room, Gleneagles Community Centre

You are invited to attend an open house to learn more about DWV’s Proposed 2014 Municipal Budget.

The open house will give you details of the Proposed 2014 M Budget, how it affects you and the services you value, and how property assessments and other taxing authorities impact your tax bill. The open house will begin with a presentation starting at 6:30pm. A question-and-answer session will follow.  More information

WESTERN RESIDENTS' ASSN  MTG

Tuesday 7:30 - 9pm January 21st, Cmnty Use Room, Gleneagles Golf Course, 6190 Marine Dr

Guest Speaker is Karly Pinch of Cool Neighbourhoods.

Cool Nbrhds is a community-based program on the North Shore that fosters cmnty engagement to support homeowners in reducing and conserving energy in their homes, understanding how simple changes affect their own lives and the world, and creating an atmosphere that encourages participation.

===> NOTICE -- MTGS Jan 22/23

guess we're in full swing with mtgs!  Here's Wed  and Thurs {with QTP at end. of this newsletter}.

Details below (but not for Library Bd or the Police Bd mtgs); DRC discusses HBay Firehall site and Grosv Sales Ctr

Wed Jan 22 4:30pm Open House - WVSS Track Facility

6:00pm 2014 Community Day Planning Session

7:00pm West Vancouver Memorial Library Board...

Thurs Jan 23 4:30pm WV Police Board Meeting and 4:30pm Design Review Committee Meeting

DETAILS

+ OPEN HOUSE - WVSS TRACK FACILITY -- Jan 22 - 4:30 to 6:30pm

We are asking the cmnty for input on options for the replacement of the track, including exploring the concept of building an artificial field with lights within the track. Come to an open house at the Cmnty Ctr atrium to find out more about this project and give us your input.

+ 2014 COMMUNITY DAY PLANNING SESSION -- Jan 22 - 6 to 8pm

Community Day is WV’s special day and we are seeking input to ensure that we preserve this great community tradition and find new and interesting ways to continually engage our citizens.

In 2013 we held a Community Day planning session that resulted in a new event site and parade route that would continue through to 2015. This year's focus group”with facilitator David Guthro of The Consulting Edge”will review the work that was implemented in 2013 and gain feedback about the new parade and event celebrations.   

Time: 5:30-6 p.m. “ Meet & greet with a light dinner, 6-8 p.m. -  Planning session

{my understanding was that an RSVP was required for 5:30}

Location: Seniors’ Activity Centre, Marine Room “ 695 21st Street

Who should attend? Representatives from cmnty groups, schools, local businesses, and cmnty mbrs welcome!

+ DESIGN REVIEW CMTE -- Th Jan 23

Agenda...

APPLICATIONS FOR CONSIDERATION:

===> NOTICE -- Friday Jan 24

Chamber deadline today, map talk tonight, reservations for Burns Dinner Sat (+ QTP)

{BREAKING NEWS: the Cmnty Day cmte chose "PLAY" as the theme for this year}

Info below from the draft WVM2014-01, still striving to finish:

+++ WV CHAMBER of COMMERCE + 926 6614 + http://www.westvanchamber.com

Business Excellence Awards 2014

- Nomination Deadline is January 24th! Get your nominations in!

The WV Chamber's President's Dinner & Excellence Awards will take place April 24th. The Nomination deadline is this Friday! Awards will be presented for: Citizen of the Year; Best Big Business; Best Small Business; Best New Business; Best Innovator, and Young Entrepreneur. Any resident of the North Shore may nominate a Business or Person; Business owners and managers may nominate themselves. The Nomination Form is on our website home page. Nominations CLOSE Friday January 24 at 5pm!

Full Story: http://www.westvanchamber.com/Nomination%20request.png

* LECTURE

~ 7pm ~ Friday January 24 at SFU Harbour Ctr

The Historical Context of the Palestinian Maps: Fact and Fiction

Speaker: Dr. Hani Faris, Adjunct Professor, UBC Dept of Political Science

In fall 2013, the Palestine Awareness Coalition posted four maps on Vancouver`s TransLink buses and SkyTrain stations titled Disappearing Palestine. This ad campaign received wide attention and media coverage at both the provincial and national levels.

The Zionist organization StandWithUs attacked the maps and the Coalition, called on Advertising Standards Canada (ASC) to remove the ads and, together with other Israel lobby groups, threatened to take the Coalition and TransLink, Vancouver’s public transportation authority, to court. When threats did not work, StandWithUs ended up initiating a counter ad featuring three maps.

Dr. Hani Faris of UBC, President of the independent American think tank Trans Arab Research Institute (TARI), & internationally recognized expert on the Palestine-Israel conflict will comment on the historical context of the maps.

Questions? Pls contact palestineawarenesscoalition@gmail.com. Sponsored by the Palestine Awareness Coalition. Endorsed by Boycott Israeli Apartheid Campaign, Canada Palestine Assn, Independent Jewish Voices “ Vancouver, Seriously Free Speech Cmte Facebook Event

---> Burns Supper -- Saturday January 25

MENU

Cock-A-Leekie Soup ¢ Roast Beef and Gravy ¢ Mashed Potatoes "Tatties" ¢ Mashed Turnips "Neeps"

"Haggis" ¢ Scottish Trifle "Tipsy Laird" ¢ Whisky for Toasts 

Doors will open at 6pm; Dinner will follow at 6:30pm;  $50 per person -- Deadline for tix Wed Jan 22nd 

{so my apologies to the Legion this didn't go out earlier; cancellations or plead :-) }

=== CCL MTG NOTES === e&oe

ABBREVIATIONS, ACRONYMS, INITIALISMS puzzling you? See: http://www.westvan.org/glossary

Re transcript: ... (gap); xxx (words missing); &&& (noteworthy; shd get); timestamps so you can find on the video

NB: unless I know the person, names are best guesses. In my desire to get this out, rather truncated and not as complete as desired. As they say, the perfect is the enemy of the good -- and, alas, this has many gaps, but it does give you more of what went on than you ever see in the ccl minutes. :-) Alas, sometimes I intend to listen to the video to get more and don't. Sorry.

=== CCL MTG NOTES 2014 January 13 ===

=== SPECIAL CCL MTG NOTES ø We don't get minutes from this so the agenda is all we know!

=== REGULAR CCL MTG NOTES ===

7:00 PM For On-Table Items Please See Items 3, 8, and 10.2    

1. Call to Order.2. Approval of Agenda

amended by:

adding to Item 3 the December 9 and December 16, 2013 special and regular Council minutes;

withdrawing Item 4 regarding Sea to Sky Clean Air Society delegation;

adding information to Item 8 regarding Community Centre Tennis Courts and Parking;

adding Item 9.6 regarding Proposed Amendment to 2014 Council Meeting Schedule;

adding to Item 10 Item 10.2 regarding correspondence;

3. Adoption of Council Meeting Minutes -- Meeting minutes to be provided.

now up: December 9 and December 16, 2013 special and regular Council meetings.

DELEGATIONS

4. Sea to Sky Clean Air Society (File: 0055-01) Information to be provided. WITHDRAWN

REPORTS

5. Reports from Mayor and Councillors on Boards, Committees, and Working Groups 

TP: good to be back

mobilizing resources Cap U; over 110 attending

first of, hope annual; packed, buzzing

capacity when we all work together; pull in xxx

welcome by chair, Gerry Humphries, WV Fdn

pulled from NV and all down the corridor

CC: with Cclr Panz, Upper Lands WG mtgs; will be some public sessions this spring; make voices heard

Mayor: anyone else? Sop?

Sop: while you xxx

ML: tomorrow at 6:30 West Bay Open House; changes, check website

Jan 16th, at 6:30 Budget Open House at Srs' Ctr

Mayor: just before Christmas I hosted a mtg here with CAO of WV, NV, Dirs of Engg, PkR, Min of Hwys, anyone concerned with TWay and MDr

Ministry will take lead role, work with all the players

more devt at PkR proposed and on [Amer]Indian land 

Town Ctr, Cap and Marine planned

Sop: just looking at TWay and MDr not the answer; whole NSh

infrastructure needs

know some work xxx in NV

....third crossing; going to be in severe gridlock

We can do some minor adjustments

PKR, Sq, our, expansion -- prov in lead, money

commend you for the initiative but wdn't want to see it sit around for another year

Mayor: the MLAs were there, there is money, plans for Lower Rd and Treatment Plant

[7:11]

6. Divisional Services Review - Fire and Rescue Services, Part 3 (File: 2700-01)

PowerPoint presentation to be provided. 

Chief Cook: here for third and final; initiatives for 2014; over to Martin Ernst

MErnst: quick overview

Slide of Prevention office structure

four positions in office; I report to chief [listed others in ofc]

SLIDE: OUR MISSION: reduce or minimize loss of life before fire happens; believe improves quality of cmnty

SLIDE List of services

Fire and Life Safety Inspections: 1729 in 2012 (not in private homes)

1300 by fire prevention ofcrs, and xxx

about 25% don't comply so go back and ask them to

&&& things that cd affect a fire or getting away

look for cooking safety, xxx, hoarding issues becoming more

hazardous material storage

[education] reached 1800

strata ccls, Coho Fest, Cmnty Day, Scout Brownie tours

take our trucks to parks on hot summer nights

recent prog, called "Hot Summer Nights"; went to HBay and Amb in the evenings; marketed it on social media; ppl really liked it

educate ppl as much as we can -- fire, fireworks safety, forest fire hazards

marketed it on social media; success

241 fire incidents in 2012, some v small

Fire investigations;  xxx

Pre-Fire Planning Service -- floor plans, site plans; on-truck computers and hard copies (laminated)

mobile info technology support; dispatch and location info

liaise w/ colleagues, Lower Mainland, speak a lot to Surrey

risk-based fire services -- most at risk, v young and v old

Education first, prevention second, xxx

build, must have sprinklers

efficiency through technology; electronics instead of pens

Chief Cook: service delivery costs; initiatives for 2014; ans Qs raised by Ccl over past two sessions

key performance indicators

SLIDE of breakdown of the budget

net 2013 operating budget was $13.3M

$367,500 in revenue; expenses of $13.7M

key pieces: 93.8% salary labour costs

Q re 4.75% salary increase in our salary between 2013 and 2014

that is a direct result of collective agreements that was reached 2010/2011, and retroactive payments that were paid out 

we also had a signif number of incremental changes to wage classifications during that period

and that makes up for that 4.75%

{hm.  And now we learn that they haven't had a contract since 2011!

It is, however, and it's something the Mayor has complained about, largely out of Ccl's hands b/c decision shared with larger groups and the prov.  Same for Police.}

[7:20] we have a total of 108 FTE staff

$900K non-labour expense -- dispatch and E-Comm

SLIDE of Ccl decisions over past 15 years

engine staffing from three to four, based on best practices

14 on duty to 18 on duty (in 2008)

each of our asst chiefs oversee two platoons -- we operate four platoons

ea fire hall, five captains each

labour costs only in ea of the firehalls

$3.8M

KPIs Slide of highlights; comparative stats, response times

Data analysis; ways of measuring emergency response times

turn-out time and travel time, doesn't include note-taking [?]

three ways of measuring

5min 20sec in 90%, ours somewhat higher;

reduction in response time in past five years

2013 av 5min 34sec, average 5min 5secs, 50th percentile

some calls longer

SLIDE: Total Response Times in 2013

NFPA comes in 2960 8min or less 82%

[second at 7:26]

93% less than ten min; on right track

We are one of the highest rated services in the District

SURVEY: 98% said satisfied [SLIDE]

Fire Underwriters' Survey

assess fire protection systems

rec'd rating of 3, comparable to most, 1 - 10, no 1s (CoV was but is now 2)

2014 Major Initiatives

PSB study; benchmarking; apparatus

report Ccl can consider to set levels for services

Dept needs a designated training ground (reviewing potential sites)

review with xxx director [7:31]

question on volunteerism

emerg services, Police run that, through NSEMO, we do

Firefighters Charitable Society; over $100K donated including Youth Band, and Seniors

&&& [7:32]  

Archives Society; Fire Museum volunteered time to build

Rick Titcomb have also volunteered time [GET at 7:33]

I have a list of Qs & As not answered in slides

standby reports to Ccl but we do not keep info re locn of trucks and at all times

will be able to when report complete

how often WV without re MUM emergencies leave some halls vacant, and nearby, what MUM {Move Up Module} does

move trucks; adequate coverage across NSh

cost/benefit analysis? will be completed in review

resources, reduction of call-back time; review will provide addl info

Sop: thank you for presentation, always enlightening

bring up 2012 comparative statistics?  there it is, NV in middle

[&&&numbers]

did for $4M less

less popn [GET THESE]

Chief Cook: main diff is geography -- one firehall so can reach all

WV elongated -- for us to provide coverage four firehalls

54 firefighters, they have three units xxx [7:38]

we have 18

Sop: saw fire engine and eight minutes later an ambulance, presume same place

firefighters same as paramedic sensible if prov govt wd allow it

we're well-served in this cmnty

is that a realization that cd take place?

Cook: level 1 is EMR, below standard but highest we can hold

yes, amb behind, our EMR level, we're with patient longer

recent changes have put us 45min or an hour waiting for response; we can use those skills

working on that in 2014, provide better service

ML: having comparative stats, wd benefit dept and help Ccl

if we can change some of the stats

not sure fire

crunching numbers, number of residents

DNV ? 193 ahead?   29  ?

maybe look at number of dwellings protected; number of halls in ea jurisdiction, staffing

looking at some of the other dates, trending positively and congratulations

look at in front of me and not always a glorious picture

HBay to TWay almost the same as TWay to Deep Cove

and we don't need to worry about industrial area, grain terminals exploding for ex

need more data to make sure more efficient

in 2014 look for more KPIs; look fwd to that

MB: re prevention prog; pre-planning material, information; prepare to go into a bldg -- only for commercial?

shd ppl provide info?

Cook: for commercial bldgs; haven't got preplans for ev bldg but work in progress; they change use; continually updating

valuable tool

[7:45] xxx

Cook: given traffic and geography

MB: any of the other standards; trucks, equipmt

Cook: not within the bylaw; some of our practices, NFP standards {National Fire Protection Assn (US)}

MB:?

Cook: within eight min

MB: total FTEs and number of firefighters is admin or mgmt

Cook: includes training 

[7:46] more

MB: not between unionized and xxx

Cook: three or four pages

.... cost per popn per sq mile

CC: follow up on what Cclr Lewis said

think we know what you're doing; it's being done well, high quality

seems to me, I'm unable to say if efficient service or too much service

some figs unflattering

look at as cost per incident, better than cost per head; we don't fair that well

three metrics you presented to us

what I'd rather see -- obviously fire and police two major services, make sure getting efficiency --- nice but don't clarify

lots of inspections, clients, oil permits -- but what are they doing?

nt??? to provide inspections

doing inspections and not having any effect

does this prog work? how do we know?

go to bottom one, lots of training and devt -- lots but doesn't tell us if increasing accidents, do things not ordinarily able to do, improving?

all the training in the world can be useless if wrong thing; can't tell

this is what we have to shoot for

see number of calls, types, but we don't really know if successful

doesn't tell us about severity; soup on stove, or entire houses burning down

without knowing severity of incidents

Fire Dept has to xxx

14 to 18, this is what you're getting for it

admit not an easy thing to do

Cook: to firefighters so they can provide service; comes down to fire loss

not v useful; one bldg can be a $3-4-5M loss and another year 5 or 6 homes; doesn't flush out cost

only inspectable [?] bldgs

the inspection -- legislation by prov govt

our system is we inspect once a year; see owners, they clean up

how many satisf and unsatisf?  loss compare?

damage is xxx; often too far gone by the time we appear

xxx; areas we go

go to schools, srs' ctrs, highest probability of injury

use those numbers to drive our work plans

have done a fairly good job; incident by incident hard

ranges from 30 seconds to over 10mins if outside; can't provide exact

highlight those; ask Ccl for direction

through CAO will provide broader KPIs we can look at

next budget season, flush out

CC: give you an example -- eg restaurants

success measured by number of fires at restaurants for year; then measure per year

occasionally like Tasos, burning down

not completely avoidable but cd be in stats

success of inspections, education progs with owners

never perfection but can say for ev 100 restaurants we have 1 fire whereas Van 50, NV 20, etc

make sure what we're doing is working -- am making that up

not Ccl, Fire Dept shd be coming up with those metrics

NG: thank you for answering several of my questions since presentation

understand your staff do a lot of volunteering but what I wanted to get at more

our Police Dept is saving about $1/4M a year, having citizens, volunteers [7:58]

will the Dept pls put their minds to how volunteers, residents, how can volunteer

do things paid staff were doing; shining your trucks, I don't know

Police: victim services, etc trained, doing imp work; am sure a lot of ppl wd love to volunteer and work with you; wd like us to look further

wrt fire prevention -- quick update on thermal imaging prog

checking re heat loss

MErnst: the prog is larger than Fire Dept going to your home and taking pix

check for heat loss areas -- some tight as a drum, some in 60s, losing [lots]

while there -- hey, what about smoke alarms, etc

spend another half an hour that we didn't come for; looking at pathways, xxx

Mayor: can ask a question

no question an expensive service, but for me, get the max out of it

particularly these medical calls; us taking over the medical service

anyone here, if I had a problem, wd want someone [&&& 8:02]

get that happening

Cook: lobby the prov govt only way; recoup some loss; many Ms provide first responder services

got small subsidies for training purposes -- $250K across BC; find rev sources from Min of Health

CC: useful for M&Ccl to write to Emerg Services? if no ans now, write a letter to us

all of us supportive more medical services but as Ccl, don't know how to provide pressure

tell us how to lobby

Mayor: ask our CAO to follow up

if xxx four-man crew and ambulance half an hour away

&&& [8:04] thank you for the three evenings of reports; keep up the good work.

ML three presentations, enlightening and want to thank you for that

want to thank you and mbrs of your staff you provide to us seven days a week 24/7

MOTION: received for information. 

[8:05]

7. 2014 Budget Update (File: 0860-01)

CAO: end of 3 - 4 mo process with M&Ccl

parameters: 1 no increase to salaries except for increases required through contractual obligations.

{misleading reassurance?  have now discovered several groups' contracts have already expired so negotiations on now presumably!  See Budget section at beginning. NB: salaries are 80% of budget.}

2 no increase to non-salary expenditures, complete historical review; reductions made where possible

3 a prioritized capital request list complete with biz case analysis for every request above $50,000 although business cases were provided for many/most above $10,000

revenues from assessments, not anticipated to increase

residents aware, flat, some decrease

final roll expected end of the month

2013 &&&

fees and charges revenue not expected to increase in 2013

Significant discussion internally with management and staff as well as review and discussion with Mayor and individual Councillors

a balanced

2.9% tax rate increase; ~$93 per prop owner

as one ccl mbr, if our assessments had gone up xxx wd hv bn signif higher

in order to achieve budget will be limiting all overtime; all hiring a rigorous process, slowed down, replacements as required; looking to eliminating or xxx with other

a number of projects deferred, staff felt cdn't do

2015, 16, and 17

on Thurs evening will be presenting the budget

ev cap request over $50K

imp to note now have all of the data we need for some long-term planning

[8:10] $% &&& ... look out long

how we deliver the progs we deliver; facilities and infrastructure over 5 10 25 years

other way to extend &&&

Thurs night at the Srs' Ctr I'll be presenting and looking for feedback

Mayor: so on Jan 27 any mbr of public can come to discuss it

Sop: this is the year; belt-tightening, serious biz, going to see an increase, ccl's debate

in this cmnty got a lot to be thankful for; managed finances fairly well

your layout to do certain things, initiatives you see; at least bring to this Ccl that we can say over last few years; not been plan; talked about it and talked about it

although increase this year, some ways and means to trim

wd be my new year's resoln

CC: thank you for that update, Ms L; helpful to have that in writing before the mtg; to formulate Qs

CAO: not sure

CC: what you just said

CAO: Ccl has seen the complete budget

CC: you and I can talk about it later

no staff increases except for collective agreements; non-collective agreement (know have steps)

MOTION: received for information.

8. Notice of Motion regarding Community Centre Tennis Courts and Parking (File: 2100-01)

MB: shd I read out the entire submission or the motion?

On-Table)  (added Jan 10, 2014) Submitted by Councillor Mary-Ann Booth, with seconder Councillor Cameron:

Whereas Council at its November 28, 2011 Closed Meeting authorized conversion of the three public tennis courts on the West Vancouver Civic Site to parking at a cost not to exceed $20,000 for an interim period during construction on the Pacific Arbour site at 22nd Street and Marine Drive, following communication with the Tennis Club;

Whereas in December 2011 the public tennis courts at the civic site were converted to parking;

Whereas representations have been made to nearby residents, the tennis community and users of the parking lot that the parking lot was a temporary measure, and they have relied on these representations;

Whereas construction on the Pacific Arbour site concluded with the grand opening of the Westerleigh Retirement Residence (Westerleigh) on September 26, 2013;

Whereas 40 parking stalls under the Westerleigh were provided as a Community Amenity Contribution for the public, including users of the Civic Site;

Whereas at the November 18, 2013 regular Council meeting, the following announcement was made: Council has determined that a comprehensive review with community consultation of all tennis facilities and parking requirements around the civic site will be conducted over the next year in order to develop recommendations for Council’s future consideration; and

Therefore, be it resolved THAT Council abide by its original promise in 2011 to close the parking lot where the tennis courts were, leave the right-angled parking in place, and encourage parking in the Westerleigh lot. 

good background material anyway [8:15]

whereas..... not to exceed $20K?

temp measure

Westerleigh, 40 parking stalls as CAC

Nov 18 2013 following announcement made

be it resolved abide by initial resoln

Mayor: signif number to speak

> Rev Trevor Fisher (St Stephen's): 

Mayor: brief

TF: as a clergyman?

thanks for mtg, gave us a headsup

dismayed thinking of continuing this prog

assurance was given for duration of the bldg prog WE

given not just to us but to &&& [8:18] realtors

something not v happy about; given assurance wd end; yes, it was a prev Ccl, but a sense of integrity

traffic on Gordon Ave not a surprise, accident waiting to happen; cars, elderly

another pkg lot, we can tell you from firsthand experience, not just an inconvenience, it's worse than that

a promise is a promise, not sworn on a Bible

Stonethro; inconvenienced, Westerleigh been built, parking under

34 on pkg lot; underground 34; Westerleigh another 54; do your planning over all

APPLAUSE

> John Bishop: one of many tennis players here tonight; concerned about loss of three courts

not many 34 in 21 locns compared with xx in NV    [8:21]

we do not think &&&

imp to replace these tennis courts, and inclusive; tennis for young and old

lessons and courts available or drop-offs; young look to other activities

2013, drop of 20% for lessons

cost of returning courts depends on service -- expect xxxxxxx 

rather than just replacing, bubble and charge

Grant Connell, paying for themselves; done with a Society

bubble wd provide rev in the winter

now 40 parking stalls under Westerleigh bldg provided as an amenity

don't know why devpr did not pay for restoring the tennis courts

why not? CAC pays for other amenities

&&& we'll help whatever way we can; working on detailed service plans

APPLAUSE

> Keith Bower: been before, can't say a pleasure; asking for FAIRNESS; Nov

Mayor Smith suggested cd be resolved; three courts on Gordon, use courts on 13th (cop shop courts); brings up further probs

these two sets of courts are critical for the public

say, why not join WV Tennis Club? -- you may not know there's a two-year waiting list to join

where do they go?

my mind is foggy

go down to Grant Connell, pay reasonable but full nearly all the time

ten yrs ago

immense desire for tennis, Ccl skeptical

convinced Ccl to put up; not as a club, for the public, doesn't have to do anything other than play

NOT mbrship, it's the right to book one week ahead

if not willing to pay ($110 this year); can go anytime and book ahead, week, 24 hours

they operate nine full courts all day long ev day -- something we shd contemplate

Mayor: winding up?

KB: she has more -- Wd like another three minutes for Pam Bennetti

Some think an elitist sport but it isn't

can get a racquet at any Thrift shop; can play in 50s, 70s

provide facility those not able to afford hockey, skiing, xxx [8:29]

another minute

John Bishop and I are working with Anne Mooi at your suggestion; seeing what has to be done, how practical.......

Mayor: we app your doing that with our staff

> Paul Hanson: agree with prev speakers

mbr/resident since 1991; took lessons by rec ctr, walked or cycled there; raised daughter and son who took lessons there

recently mbr of {Stens???}, play at Grant Connell

now getting to senior years after paying taxes for last 24 years, encourage M&Ccl to revert to tennis courts; wd like to continue to play tennis in this cmnty and my kids the same

encourage you to do the right thing

APPLAUSE

> Paul Stott: may I defer to--

> Ruth Hanson: professional real estate consultant, specialize in selling residential for homeowners in N and WV

asked to represent a seller at Stonethro

as part of my due diligence, I saw it was a parking lot and not tennis courts; approached city [sic] hall and assured wd be returned

to seller; sold promptly, plsd tennis courts to be restored

if those tennis courts are not restored as promised, WV has broken a promise

buyer has bought a prop less value; question whether she'd hv bought

can we count on?

go to any city halls

concerned something I was told, and told a client may not be true

APPLAUSE

> xxx????who?: sleep at night in WV

still have our home in Dunbar till end of the month

excitement when signed agreement in Sept; four adult chn -- three in WV athletic, excited about what we have

now with parking lot, not much excitement there

I work as an autobroker, see thousands a week, wd I hv bought looking at a parking lot?

{bit of laughter?}

wrote a chq for $1.4M!

APPLAUSE

Paul Stott: [text supplied, my underlining]

My name is Paul Stott, I live at 2129 Gordon Avenue. I have addressed Council on this topic several times. Tonight you have heard the overwhelming public support for Clrs Booth and Cameron’s motion. Council and staff made a commitment two years ago; on that basis we have kept our side of the bargain; no solution has been presented yet; respectfully, Council’s credibility is at stake here - a promise is a promise.

Parking emergency ended six months ago; Westerleigh spaces are open; Centre stands to lose only three spaces. Tennis courts parking lot is now redundant and causing a nuisance.

We have written to Council extensively and I hope you have had the chance to read our letters. You’ve been listening tonight to voices of actual experience, not hypothetical objections to a planning proposal. Parking lot and its users greatly impact our neighbourhood quality for an ever-increasing population of mobility impaired seniors: 2100 Block is an accident waiting to happen; visual destruction of the streetscape; headlights in bedrooms; not to mention the loss of a much loved and much used recreational facility

Importantly, we have provided evidence that these nuisances are contributing to depression of the market values of our property.

These nuisances are contradictory to your often-stated priorities “ protection of streetscape quality and neighbourhood character, and protection of property values. It’s completely unreasonable, without due cause, to subject us to suffer further nuisance indefinitely.

Reasons so far provided for prolonging parking have to do with pending outcomes of future studies:

[Community Centre site redevelopment; Centre parking management; Neighbourhood traffic management; District-wide tennis facilities]

• all major, difficult issues; require time and budget to study properly and more so to implement; nothing provided in 2014 budget.

No concrete justification for prolonging the temporary parking has been presented or shared; no evident push by the WVCCS; in fact, a continuation is contradictory to DWV’s attempts to have users ˜Travelsmart’ and discourages use of existing underground spaces. As we heard earlier there are surplus spaces in the underground lots.

You may be worried that the cost of restoration is high but, according to contractor estimates we have sought, depending on standards adopted, it could cost roughly, between $30 - 50K for a repaint and fencing, and $60 - 70K to repave the courts. So, there you have a simple, low-cost solution: just return the courts to their former condition, abate the nuisance, keep your promise “ put people ahead of cars “ please, do it now.

Thank you

Mayor: anyone else?

> Harry Stevens: sev aspect of tennis

health social lives, physically and mentally

have a gift for you 

{hands it to Mayor}

forget us not

[applause]

Mayor: wd like to think I always have a happy face.  Cclr Booth?

MB: hope to be within my five minutes

nothing meant as a criticism of staff; talked with CAO Dir Parks

best interests of cmnty; Ccl - buck stops with us

integrity tested to max

not biggest

but to prove trust; make a promise, xxx

not saying never deviation but shd be rare and not taken lightly

elected may change

problematic

closed decision made without consultation

[xxx 8:13]

provisions of a M service

become a bit of a catch-all -- determine xxx

{nailed it! some have mentioned to me that it appears Ccl has been stretching the 'excuses' to have a topic discussed in camera -- possibly to avoid residents knowing and not wanting or wanting to alter.  It is easier and faster.  When the motion is the resolution to go in camera, does Cclr Booth vote against?  FYI the public can go to those special/closed mtgs b/c all mtgs must begin open.  That means voting on the motion to go in camera is public too.  Might be interesting to see if any does not agree with going in camera for some issues.  There is no doubt some do not qualify according to the Cmnty Charter, and changing use of District-owned land from one public use to another -- wdn't harm M's interests, wd it.}

promise was expressed not conditional, posted in writing, in newspaper; in public dom

on the Pacific Arbour

not to evaluate

parking was at a premium from the beginning; known at time promise made

quietly ... opp to xxx trust

staff can still proceed with parking reqmts around site

mythology re parking

min spent to open tennis courts; staff can also proceed with....

xxx  by taking these three out of the inventory.... pre-empted

great respect to challenges of our staff

in an election year

self-serving ... spaces ... respect

cannot

APPLAUSE

CC: play tennis, not a mbr of a club; frequently go to NV b/c no space here

wd support more tennis infrastructure

quite troubled by assurance by prev Ccl to be restored

Ccl decision was not part of b/c not here, not to convert to parking, was to study the issue

Ccl must make difficult decisions, holistic way and for long term

parking during construction, equally true and legally improper wd stay as tennis courts in perpetuity

this site is massively used, you all know

not a site we can make decisions lightly about

in the longer term may be other plans-- bldgs, change to ice rink, a number of future initiatives; must make in interests of cmnty as a whole

residents' interests but haven't a veto

torn, about assurances

what happens during months we review the options

longer term we have to use this prop for its best use for the cmnty may or not be tennis courts

if it costs $30K to restore, I'd be in favour -- can see arguments both ways

will be temporary; have to be longterm

Mayor: I haven't prepared a speech as Cclr Booth did

listen to this as taxpayers, how as Corp of WV

will have to copy what others do, hire good ppl, recommend, supported by CAO says this site needs further study

let's see if it makes sense

[Aquatic Ctr] way over, success

Kiwanis have 25 parking spaces - don't know how shortage

don't know what's going to happen to xxx [8:52]

Westerleigh for x y z across the street

prob is we really do have a parking prob at the xxx site and we have a prob re tennis courts

Mooi knows ... take time 

as Rev said, not piecemeal

that's what staff saying

that site is [worth] $10M -- shd it be parking? tennis courts?

know CCS xxxx

$120K to convert those courts -- what's sense and then in six months change?

re promise?

same as when I got on Ccl -- Bellevue one way for angle and then ......   angle-parking so successful merchants didn't want it turned back

two weeks ago..... site go back

change

now all we want to do is study, meet with residents, perhaps xxx [?] in evenings

so we don't waste public money; won't support this motion; know it's unpopular

ML: not going to echo; will just say in agreement

in excess of 11M visits to this site; can't get there without driving

{heard of buses? been told WV has a great system called Blue Buses}

know rink xxx under discussion

what's in front of you today is not what's going to be in front of you ten years from now

asking staff to do due diligence; xxx

fully supportive of and cannot see spending funds when in six months in diff direction

TP: local govt is messy; &&& in a positive way

ev issue is challenging; need to be looking in a more holistic way

so successful it's off the chart

Staff done a tremendous job

TravelSmart NSh

letting it breathe a bit longer so we have good info is positive

we need to look at parking head-on, does affect ppl

does affect 44M, uh, 44K ppl who live in WV

haven't asked the Cmty Ctrs Society [CCS] and they have done blue-skying

I don't have all the info; wd like to access the info around that table; they care tremendously about the Cmnty site

don't believe it's piecemeal

need tennis

covered  xxx

we need

thank tennis courts [ppl] for educating me; want a bit more time; want this work to be done

Q to CAO, don't want it to drag on; want report within six months, want work done quickly

NG: my first Q, either Mooi or CAO, what discussions taken place recently that we haven't heard about?

Mooi: Mr Bishop, Mr Lezendi (?), and Mr Stott offered to xxx all the tennis courts

working closely with our mgr of parks so decisions about all; v appreciative to have that support

NG: but this motion is not about making tennis courts

MB: my motion was to abide by the original

NG: IOW to spend the money to redo the courts; having trouble with this as well

mea culpa, we as District, shd hv been on this a year ago

[murmurings from gallery yeah yeah yeah]

sorry that didn't happen; going back on that

had I bn on Ccl wd not hv bn in favour b/c I put ppl ahead of cars

the temp issue that Cclr Cam brought up and the Mayor pointed out, a visioning 

Stonethro cd be looking at a four-storey brick wall; if rec use, it may not be tennis courts

whatever happens with this, it's temporary

app comments made tonight

similar success as Grant Connell

if changed to tennis, parking for ppl who come to play tennis there?

courts elsewhere, not in ctr of worst parking 

this is a tough one

Sop: realignment, look at tennis in general

as I drove around, courts not used on continuous basis

know Grant Connell, 70-yr-old court with a bubble; not to forget ppl who don't  [join?]

supportive of seeing tennis preserved but more see where we're going in the future

WVHS, hockey, soccer, maybe tennis in background too long

have a plan, set out, maybe some initiatives by residents willing to pay for a retrofit; public help bringing about a policy  re tennis

we did indeed make the decision to put over to parking; we did say that

we didn't know our successes at the time

cmnty ctr, aquatic ctr, incredible amt [sic] of ppl in the first year

...Stone Henge

[LAUGHTER]

they realized where they bought

we tried to streamline Gordon as much as possible; main entrance to underground as well

credit to you for coming back with this, bringing back, a notice of motion, did do it sometimes, not always successful

future, don't know what will be; coming back, support that

xxx something has to be done to alleviate the prob of lights

once know direction we're going to go -- decide then, won't support that motion

Voice from audience: may I?

Mayor: no, Ccl discussing

Voice: [but] a misunderstanding

Mayor: stay for PQP

MOTION FAILS   [9:13] most left

9. CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS Information to be provided.      9.3 9.4 9.5

9.1. GranFondo 2014 (File: 1785-13)

RECOMMENDED: the report dated Dec 10 from the Mgr, Roads and Utilities be received for information. 

9.2. TransLink Customer Service Performance Report Quarter 3, 2013 (File: 3205-03)

RECOMMENDED: the report dated Dec 12 from the Transit Mgr be received for information. 

9.3. Integrated Partnership for Regional Emergency Management Bulletin (File: 0180-16)

RECOMMENDED: the report dated Dec 13 from the Director, NSh Emergency Mgmt Ofc be rec'd for information. 

9.4. Appointments of Volunteer Members to Boards and Committees for 2014 (File: 0115-01/0116-01) 

> RECOMMENDED: the following Library Bd Trustees be reappointed to the Memorial Library Bd for a [two-year] term:

Mary Jo Campbell; Geoff Jopson; David Carter; and Deborah Ryan; and Jim MacCallum be appointed for a [two- year] term ending Dec 31, 2015. 

> RECOMMENDED: the following applicants be appointed to the Cmnty Engagement Cmte for a [one-year] term ending Dec 31, 2014:  Maggie Pappas, Alex Tunner, Judith Weymark. 

> RECOMMENDED: THAT The following reapptmts to the NSh Family Court/Youth Justice Cmte for a one-year term ending Dec 31, 2014 be approved:

Member-at-large for the District of West Vancouver: Diane Gradley and Rita Pokrandt (formerly DeGraaf)

Member-at-large for the City of North Vancouver: Colleen Croft

Member-at-large for the District of North Vancouver: Lisa Upton and Peter Bjurman

Mbrs in the prof category: Const Crystal Shostak, NV RCMP, and Susan Wilcockson, Hollyburn Family Services;

¢ The following apptmts to the NSh Family Court/Youth Justice Cmte for a one-year term ending Dec 31, 2014 be approved:

Taylor Hunt, Member-at-large for the District of West Vancouver

Hala Nugent, PLEA, Professional category

Constable Jeff Wood, West Vancouver Police Department;

Five further candidates be appointed at a later date to the professional category of the Cmte from the mbrs of Councils of the CNV, DNV, and DWV; and Trustees from the WV Bd of Education and NV Board of Education.

9.5 Correspondence List (File: 0120-24) (click here to view correspondence packages) 

> Council Correspondence Update to December 6, 2013 (up to 12:00 Noon)

Received for Information

(1) Committee and Board Meeting Minutes “ Board of Variance Hearing Minutes “ September 18, 2013

(2) Strata Council, West Royal Towers, November 30, 2013, regarding 𤄨 Marine Drive�

(3) M. McCarron, November 30, 2013, re “Gordon Avenue Tennis Courts, Parking, Trafic and Common Sense� 

(4) BC Honours and Awards Secretariat, Dec 2, 2013, re � Order of British Columbia “ Call for Nominations� 

(5) 2 submissions from Organizing Cmte Info Systems Audit/Control Assn (ISACA) Vancouver BC Privacy & Security

Awareness Day, dated Dec 2-4, 2013, re BC Privacy/Security Awareness Day (Feb 6, 2014) Request for Proclamation

(6) L. and V. Jando, December 3, 2013, regarding “No to Spot Zoning on Sentinel Hill “ discussion Dec 5�

(7) C. Cameron, Dec 4, 2013, re “Calls for independent assessment of coal export expansion RealPorthearings.org�

(8) 11 submissions, dated October 2-December 5, 2013, regarding Wireless Cell Towers

> Council Correspondence Update to December 13, 2013 (up to 12:00 Noon)

Referred for Action

(1) HUB “ NSh Cmte, Dec 5, 2013, regarding � Block Marine Drive Redevelopment “ Cycling Facilities�

(Referred to Director of Engineering and Transportation for consideration and response)

(2) P. Falls, Dec 10, re “Concerns From Residents Almost Hung Out to Dry at the Open House “ Dec 5, 2013�

(Referred to Chief Administrative Officer for consideration and response)

(3) S. Slater, December 11, 2013, regarding “We have now lost even the illusion of neutrality...�

(Referred to Chief Administrative Officer for consideration and response) 

Received for Information

(4) Cmte/Bd Mtg Minutes “ Gleneagles Cmnty Ctr Adv Cmte “ Oct 10, Nov 14; Design Review Cmte “ Oct 17, Nov 12 

(5) 9 submissions, dated December 6 “ 12, 2013, regarding Wireless Cell Towers

(6) 4 submissions (including Petition with 17 signatures), Dec 8 “ 12, 2013, re Milliken’s Proposed Devt at Keith Rd and

Taylor Way (Development Permit Application No. 12-084)

(7) 11 submissions, dated November 20 “ December 10, 2013, regarding 1300 block Marine Drive

(Received after the close of November 21, 2013 Public Hearing and Public Meeting) 

Responses to Correspondence

(8) Dir/Engg and Transportation, Dec 10, 2013, response to S. Burke, “Sidewalks close to elementary schools in WV�

(9) Sr Cmnty Planner, Dec 10, response to P. Falls, “Comments on the Open House held Dec 5, 2013 “ Milliken project� (Devt Permit Applicn No. 12-084)

(10) Sr Cmnty Planner, Dec 10, 2013, response to P. Falls, “Forms that were completed at the Open house against the proposed development “ Preserve Sentinel� (DPA No. 12-084)

(11) Dir/Parks, Dec 12, 2013, response to P. Sullivan, “I would like to donate $50,000-$100,000 to the [DWV] to improve the Ambleside Skateboard park with no success?�

> Council Correspondence Update to December 20, 2013 (up to 12:00 Noon)

Referred for Action

(1) Min of Cmnty, Sport and Cultural Devt, Dec 12, 2013, re Invitation for Input on Local Govt Elections Reform

(Referred to Mayor and Council for consideration and response)

(2) Dec 16, re “Upper Lands Working Group “ Concern about lack of openness and transparency�

(Referred to Director of Planning, Land Development and Permits for consideration and response) 

(3) N. Lalji, December 16, 2013, regarding “Garbage collection “ West Vancouver�

(Referred to Director of Engineering and Transportation for consideration and response) 

(4) S. Slater, December 17, 2013, regarding “Ambleside gateway landmark�

(Referred to Fire Chief for consideration and response)

(5) S. Slater, Dec 19, re “Fwd: Letter or Response From N. Leemhuis Re: Dec 5 Public Open House “ Milliken Devt�

(Referred to Chief Administrative Officer for consideration and response) 

Received for Information

(6) Committee and Board Meeting Minutes “ Design Review Committee “ November 21, 2013

(7) MetroV, Dec 13, re “Request for the Prov to Continue Funding for the LiveSmart BC: Small Biz Program in 2014/15�

(8) Howe Sound Community Forum, December 18, 2013, regarding “Reminder “ Wed. Jan. 14th, 2014 Britannia Beach�

(9) C. Rowntree, Nov 14, 2013, re “Pro Grosvenor devt at 1300-block Ambleside� (1300 block Marine Drive)

(Received after the close of November 21, 2013 Public Hearing and Public Meeting) 

(10) A. and R. Frost, December 4, 2013, regarding 4357/4359 Erwin Drive

(11) D. Stewart, December 12, 2013, regarding “Proposed Development Permit No. 13-037 (for 1495 Clyde Ave)

(Previously received at December 16, 2013 regular Council meeting)

(12) K. Steig, December 15, 2013, regarding “Whyte Lake Area Park Dedication�

(13) M. Sigal, December 16, 2013, re “Proposed Development Variance Permit No. 13-051� (1412 Mathers Ave.)

(Previously received at December 16, 2013 Council meeting)

(14) A. Watson, December 18, 2013, regarding Increase in Licensed Dog Walker Operating Permit Fee

(15) 13 submissions, dated December 12 - 18, 2013, regarding Wireless Cell Towers

(16) 2 submissions, undated, re Wireless Cell Towers

(Previously received at December 16, 2013 regular Council meeting)

(17) 3 submissions, dated Dec 14 - 15, re Milliken’s Proposed Devt at Keith Rd, TWay (Devt Permit Applicn No. 12-084)

Responses to Correspondence

(18) Dir/Library Services, Nov 22, response to D. Kilby, “Rights, Privileges, Powers, and Immunities of the Chairman of the Philosopher’s Cafe held at the WV Public Library today�

(19) Dir/Planning, Dec 16, 2013, response to T. and D. Sullivan, “NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING/PUBLIC MEETING REGARDING PROPOSED 1300 BLOCK DEVELOPMENT�

(20) Director of Planning, December 18, 2013, response regarding “Cell Towers in West Vancouver�

[Correspondence removed for discussion]

NG: re Gran Fondo

entry fees, $3M; residents asked what is WV getting? inconvenience

Gran Fondo org donated $5K in 2012 and haven't read about since, not in report

RFung: shd make clarification; this event Vanc to Whistler

the course is not within WV roads, in roads of Ministry

tried to refine it

having said that, any out-of-pocket costs, traffic control persons, we're compensated

Gran Fondo this year wanted their contribution to be tailored more to their event

pavement; curbs and to prop line, res of M to maintain

parties have agreed to adopt that section of the hwy

with that contribution, maintenance, pavement litter pickup; adopting that section of the hwy in lieu of contrib

this in-kind arrangement, felt M benefit so worked out with the other parties

[9:17]  Sop: costs?

RF: can't speak to the policing costs; not fam with that element

I can speak to Engg, areas in my control

Sop: safety, gotta be police presence; who's paying? xxx

Mayor: let's ask Ms L

CAO: I don't have the answer but will get it shortly and send to Ccl

{Here comes the controversial mtg debate}

MB: regarding Ccl mtg Friday morning at 9 o'clock; what's the mtg for? this coming Fri

CAO: a mtg Cclrs Booth and Gambioli asked re feedback from Ch of Comm re Urbanics report

all of Cci so required us to be public, so its a reg ccl mtg

MB: I don't remember inviting all the Ccl

CAO: went out Jan 7 from Sabia on your and NG's instruction

requested room be made av

well-intentioned but not as intended; I have the email trail

mtg with Chamber, anyone else, public

CC: first I've heard of this mtg and I'm the Chamber liaison

{this was shocking for me to hear.  A mtg being set up with the Chamber and the ccl liaison for the Chamber not asked/warned/given notice???}

strange; wd like to see a legal opinion; all ccl becomes a ccl mtg?