A G E N D A

REGULAR MEETING OF COUNCIL

MONDAY, JANUARY 10, 2005 AT 7:00 PM

IN THE CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS

PRESENT:

A. APPROVAL OF AGENDA (including introduction of late items)

B. ADOPTION OF MINUTES

1. Special Council Meeting held December 23, 2004 at noon.

C. DELEGATIONS

1. Abashiri School Delegation

Members of the Twinning Society in attendance to introduce the Abashiri school delegation.

2. Monty Mearns, United Steelworkers Local 1-85

To discuss his letter dated January 5, 2005 regarding coastal forest issues, inviting Council to attend a meeting hosted by the Steelworkers on Tuesday, February 22, 2005 at the Coast Bastion Hotel in Nanaimo and requesting Council's support for severance for the Sproat Crew Local 1-85.

3. Port Alberni Fire Fighters' Association (CS)

Members of the Port Alberni Fire Fighters' Association in attendance to discuss Presumptive Cancer Legislation for professional fire fighters in BC and requesting Council's support of their draft resolution to the province and the Workers' Compensation Board (WCB) to create legislation and regulations in this regard. Please find attached a letter dated December 23, 2004 from the BC Professional Fire Fighters' Association providing additional information regarding this topic.

D. PROCLAMATIONS NIL

E. CORRESPONDENCE FOR ACTION

1. City of Kamloops (HC)

Copy of a letter to Prime Minister Martin regarding the Heroes of Confederation Project, encouraging all Municipalities and Regional Districts to support the request for the federal government to enact legislation to officially recognize the contributions of the early Chinese Railway Labourers.

2. Comox-Strathcona Regional District (LP)

A copy of a letter dated December 10, 2004 to The Honourable Paul Martin requesting support for its resolution against a further decrease in funding for the Salmon Enhancement Program. (Council may wish to consider sending a similar letter in light of cutbacks at the Robertson Creek Hatchery.)

3. Association of Vancouver Island and Coastal Communities (HC)

A memo dated December 10, 2004 announcing a competition for the best written resolution, offering a prize to the member who submits the best drafted resolution for debate at the 2005 convention. Deadline for submission of resolutions is February 11, 2005.

4. R. Winchell (AL)

A letter dated December 17, 2004 requesting that a garbage pick-up schedule be made available to local residents. (Mr. Winchell has been provided with a schedule for his collection days in 2005.)

5. Ministry of Forests (HC)

A letter dated December 15, 2004 including an invitation to join in the activities listed on the enclosed schedule of public events during the Honourable Michael de Jong’s Trade Mission to China and Japan in January, 2005.

6. Rodger and Judy Clark, 5065 John Street (LP)

A letter dated December 7, 2004 requesting that a privacy/noise barrier fence be installed in front of their home across from the new Wal Mart on John Street.

7. Native Brotherhood of BC and the United Fishermen and

Allied Workers' Union (UFAWU-CAW) (LP)

A letter dated December 21, 2004 asking Council to pass its resolution regarding having input before the removal of fisheries from public ownership and to write to the federal Minister of Fisheries, Geoff Regan and the provincial Minister of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries, John van Dongen with concerns regarding possible privatization of this resource.

8. Barry P. Miller (CM)

An e-mail dated January 5, 2005 concerned about the new 10% Parks and Recreation surcharge and, as Treasurer of the Port Alberni Orchestra Society, recommending that they no longer sell their concert tickets at Echo Centre. (Please refer to the memo dated January 5, 2005 from the Director of Parks and Recreation attached).

F. INFORMATIONAL CORRESPONDENCE

1. Community Futures Development Corporation of Alberni-Clayoquot

A letter dated December 1, 2004 including background information and a listing of current Community Futures Development Corporation of Alberni-Clayoquot (CFDC of A-C) activities that may be of interest in providing options for carrying out economic development activities.

2. British Columbia – Communities in Bloom

An invitation to participate in the Communities in Bloom 2005 Development Program and Competition.

3. Recycling Council of British Columbia

A letter dated November 26, 2004 stating the RCBC’s activities. (Copies of their Waste Reduction Calendars have been circulated to Council members).

4. Variety – The Children’s Charity

An email dated December 10, 2004 with an invitation to take part in the Global TV filming of the Scavenger Hunt and donation presentations. Presentations are to begin at about 1:00 pm on Sunday, January 23, 2005 in the Banquet Room at the Barclay Hotel, and video segments will be aired during the Show of Hearts Telethon on February 12 and 13, 2005.

5. Ida Chong, Minister of State for Women’s and Seniors’ Services

A letter dated December 9, 2004 introducing the new Government website dedicated to Seniors’ Services.

6. Minister of International Trade

A letter received December 10, 2004 in response to the City’s letter concerning the softwood lumber dispute with the United States. (City's letter attached along with correspondence from the United Steelworkers Union)).

7. Cariboo Regional District

A copy of a letter to the Honourable Gordon Campbell received December 13, 2004 regarding the Softwood Lumber Dispute, urging the Province to protect the future of the forest industries.

8. Federation of Canadian Municipalities

A letter dated December 9, 2004 advising that the FCM’s National Board of Directors has unanimously adopted a proposal for sharing the federal fuel tax, starting next year.

9. Federation of Canadian Municipalities

An information pamphlet regarding the FCM’s Annual Conference and Municipal Expo held June 3 – 6, 2005 in St. John’s, Newfoundland.

10. BC Transit

A letter dated December 10, 2004 including a summary of the proceedings of the Transit Forum, “Focus on the Future,” hosted by the BC Transit Board of Directors during the UBCM Annual Convention.

11. Provincial Health Service Authority

A letter dated December 10, 2004 with a newsletter providing the latest regional update on accomplishments in the Vancouver Island Health Region.

12. United Steelworkers of America

A letter dated December 16, 2004 advising of a meeting at the Coast Bastion Hotel in Nanaimo from 11:00 am – 1:30 pm on Tuesday, February 22, 2005 to discuss the forest industry, its problems and the future of coastal communities.

13. Pilot Emission Removals, Reduction and Learnings Initiative, Environment Canada

A fax dated December 17, 2004 announcing a New Climate Change Opportunity for Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emission Reduction/Removal Projects.

14. Stepping Stones & Stepping Stones Too Programs

A letter dated December 20, 2004 thanking City Council for their three year exemption from municipal property taxation.

15. Aaron Dinwoodie, UBCM President

A memo dated December 21, 2004 regarding the Analysis of Supreme Court of Canada Haida Decision Prepared for UBCM. (Note: Report in Reading File).

16. Rotary Club of Nanaimo North, Sihlegeni Secondary School Project

A letter dated December 16, 2004 offering thanks and gratitude for the donation of 16 IBM monitors for students in Zimbabwe.

17. Coast Mental Health Foundation

A letter dated December, 2004 requesting assistance in identifying people deserving recognition for their efforts at overcoming adversities and obstacles in their lives. (Note: Pamphlets in Reading File).

18. BC Assessment

A letter dated December 23, 2004 advising that BC Assessment will be implementing a new valuation system called valueBC, which is a large and complex system, so there may be minor interruptions in their regular service to clients, delays in the delivery of supplementary assessments in May and June and also advising they will be distributing a customer service survey.

19. Minister of Health

A letter received December 29, 2004 advising of its new report entitled "Toward Better Health Care for British Columbians". (Note: Report in Reading File).

20. BC Progress Board

A letter dated December 16, 2004 providing copies of the two volume Fourth Annual Progress Board Benchmarking report and the discussion paper titled Transportation as an Economic Growth Engine - Challenges, Opportunities and Policy suggestions. (Attached is the press release and backgrounder for each publication. All three publications are in the Council Reading File).

21. National Guide to Sustainable Municipal Infrastructure

A letter dated December 16, 2004 inviting the City to join the InfraGuide Network of Excellence to promote continuous improvement in infrastructure knowledge and skills by passing a resolution endorsing the use of InfraGuide Best Practices.

22. Union of British Columbia Municipalities

A fax dated December 17, 2004 advising of a local government conference entitled "Environment Conference: Integrated Environmental Management" on March 3 and 4, 2005 in Richmond.

23. British Columbia and Yukon Chamber of Mines

A letter dated December 15, 2004 concerned about British Columbia's mineral exploration and mining, and enclosing a brochure entitled "Geoscience: a Sustainable Investment in BC's Future".

24. Port Alberni Association for Community Living

A letter dated December 21, 2004 thanking the City for providing a grant to cover the cost of the water hook-up for their new Westporte residence.

25. Blue Wave Swim Club

A card dated January 3, 2005 thanking the City for allocating a grant-in-aid to their Club.

26. Friends of Cathedral Grove

Press Release dated January 5, 2005 concerned about the possibility of a new addition to MacMillan Park.

That Informational Correspondence items numbered 1 through 26 be received and filed.

G. UNFINISHED BUSINESS NIL

H. BYLAWS

1. "Zoning Amendment No. 26 (5642 Strathcona Street) Bylaw No. 4573" (LP)

That the verbal report of the Public Hearing to consider "Zoning Amendment No. 26 (5642 Strathcona Street) Bylaw No. 4573", held this evening at 6:45 pm, be received.

That "Zoning Amendment No. 26 (5642 Strathcona Street) Bylaw No. 4573", be now read a third time.

That "Zoning Amendment No. 26 (5642 Strathcona Street) Bylaw No. 4573" be now finally adopted, signed by the Mayor and Clerk, sealed with the corporate seal and numbered 4573.

2. "Expenditure of Land Sale Reserve (New Port Alberni RCMP Detachment),

Bylaw No. 4574, 2004" (CS)

That "Expenditure of Land Sale Reserve (New Port Alberni RCMP

Detachment), Bylaw No. 4574, 2004" be now finally adopted, signed by the Mayor and Clerk, sealed with the corporate seal and numbered 4574.

I. REPORTS

1. Accounts (HC)

That the certification of the Director of Finance dated January 10, 2005 be received and the cheques numbered to inclusive, in payment of accounts totalling be approved.

2. Engineering and Public Works (AL)

Monthly report from the Engineering and Public Works Department providing information about departmental operations in December 2004.

3. Planning (LP)

Monthly report from the City Planner providing information about departmental operations in December 2004.

4. Fire Department (CS)

Monthly report from the Fire Department providing information about departmental operations in December 2004.

5. City Clerk - Tag Days (CM)

A memo including a chart of proposed tag day allocations for 2005 to be approved by resolution of City Council.

That Council for the City of Port Alberni approve the 2005 tag day allocations outlined in the report from the City Clerk dated December 8, 2004.

6. City Clerk - Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Policy (HC)

A memo from the City Clerk dated January 5, 2005 introducing a guide for the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Policy to be implemented by the City.

That Council for the City of Port Alberni endorse the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Informational Manual to be used by City staff and to be available to the public.

7. City Clerk - Court of Revision for 2005 (HC)

A memo from the City Clerk dated December 29, 2004 advising of the City's requirement to establish a Court of Revision for the purpose of the parcel tax roll for the authentication of the assessment roll for the Arena Parcel Tax.

That Council for the City of Port Alberni establish that the 2005 Court of Revision, to deal with complaints respecting the assessment roll and authentication of the assessment roll for the Arena Parcel Tax, meet at 10:00 am, March 21, 2005 in the Council Chambers at 4850 Argyle Street.

That Council for the City of Port Alberni appoint Councillors ________________ and _____________________ , with Councillor ________________ as alternate to the 2005 Court of Revision, Chaired by Raymond Kwok.

8. City Clerk - Renewal of Lease to Port Authority for Parcel "C", AHQ (HC)

A memo from the City Clerk dated December 30, 2004 advising that the Port Alberni Port Authority wishes to renew Parcel "C" at Alberni Harbour Quay.

That Council for the City of Port Alberni agree to lease Parcel “C”, that part of District Lot 118, Alberni Land District, lying to the southwest of Plan 15825, containing 948.8 sq. meters more or less, to the Port Alberni Port Authority for twenty years for a nominal fee, under the terms and conditions of the agreement as circulated.

9. Director of Finance - Audit Committee Minutes (HC)

That the memo from the Director of Finance's dated December 28, 2004 responding to questions arising from the December 13, 2004 Committee Meeting, the minutes from the December 13, 2004 Audit Committee Meeting and the November Statement, be received.

10. City Manager - Contract for Architectural Services, New RCMP Detachment (CS)

That the memo from the City Manager dated January 6, 2005 recommending that Council approve entering into a contract with Meiklejohn Architects Inc. and authorize the execution of this contract in the amount of $230,000 in stipulated fees plus estimated expenses of $25,000, be received and the recommendation endorsed.

11. City Clerk - Asian Tsunami Relief (HC)

Various Councillors and local organizations and community members have approached the City to discuss a communal effort to assist the area ravaged by the tsunami. At the request of the Mayor, staff have investigated various options, including the potential to "adopt" a local jurisdiction in an effort to provide relief and support over time. A report with options will be presented for consideration of Council before the Regular Meeting. Contact has been made with the Canadian Consulate Generals in India and Sri Lanka, with various aid agencies on the ground and with the Federation of Canadian Municipalities to determine the options and needs. The report will be circulated upon response from these contacts.

12. Dan Washington - Proud and Proactive Media Resources Funding Proposal

(HC)

That the memo from Dan Washington, Chair of Proud and Proactive, dated January 6, 2005 requesting Council's approval for funding for three projects to improve the community's capacity to utilize the media at a cost estimate of $2,000, be received and the proposal endorsed.

13. Acting City Engineer - Council Resolution for the China Creek

Watermain Replacement Project (AL)

That the memo from the Acting City Engineer dated January 5, 2005 requesting Council's approval to authorize the China Creek Watermain project to be planned and budgeted for in 2006, be received and the recommendation endorsed.

14. Acting City Engineer - Victoria Quay Promenade Guard Rail (CM)

That the memo from the Acting City Engineer dated January 5, 2005 requesting Council's consideration to fund a project change for the Victoria Quay Tsu-Ma-As Promenade at Victoria Quay at an estimated cost of $48,351, be received.

15. Director of Parks and Recreation - Legacy Now Grant

Report outlining the City's Legacy Now Grant application and requesting Council's endorsement.

That Council for the City of Port Alberni endorse the Director of Parks and Recreation's recommendations for the Alberni Valley Multiplex Legacy Now Grant application outlined in his January 6, 2005 report.

16. Mayor's Report

17. Councillors' Reports

J. QUESTION PERIOD

An opportunity for the public and the press to ask questions of the Mayor and Council.

K. OTHER COMPETENT BUSINESS

(Including Motions and Notice of Motions)

L. ADJOURNMENT

That the meeting adjourn at pm.