Council Notes to April 16, 2007

Friday, 11 May 2007 08:33

Please note:- This is a recap of Council Business only. It is not an official transcript of the Minutes of Council. Original Minutes may be viewed at the municipal web site at www.village.lions-bay.bc.ca or in the office during regular business hours.

The Municipality continues to publish this local newsletter. However, we expect a new publisher will take over shortly, offering both electronic and print services. In the meantime comments, letters to the editor, community news stories and resident participation are welcome. Just send any materials to the village office.
The revised 2006 - 2010 financial plan has been approved by Council. Copies are available on the web site or from the municipal office.
Work continues on Mountain Drive. Notices will be sent to all affected residents when we are ready to connect the water to the new pipes. Council is working on a reinstatement policy that will see a uniform approach to finishing roads after reconstruction. The goal is to have the roads looking similar to what they were when the work began, but in better condition. It is important that the ambiance of the community be maintained. Paving at Panorama Road, Brunswick Beach road north, and repairs to cuts in the roads from water repairs, should be completed by mid May.
Residents are reminded the open fires are not permitted from April 15 to October 15. The Village Fire Department has been working with other municipalities in the GVRD to develop a contingency plan for wildfires.
Council has directed that staff write the British Columbia Union of Municipalities to request that ICBC pay for our fire department responding to calls involving motor vehicle accidents. Last year over 80 per cent of our fire calls involved incidents outside the municipality. Council feels it is appropriate that the Village be reimbursed for the cost of these calls.
Noise in our quiet community is always an issue. Council is in the process of trying to get an exemption for the use of backup beepers on the construction sites, but is encountering difficulty due to legislated safety rulings.
BC Hydro made an informative and helpful presentation to Council on what happened in the power black-out, and why. Hydro staff has asked for an opportunity to present this information to the community, and we are in the process of planning a public meeting. Residents will be advised of the date shortly.
Following the success of the banner program for the Winter Light Lantern Festival, the events committee will operate a permanent banner program on poles at the Harvey Creek bridge. The banners will reflect the changing of the seasons and upcoming events.
The federal government recently announced an extension of its program to return the federal gas tax to municipalities to aid them in infrastructure funding. Currently, all federal gas tax that is returned to municipalities in the GVRD is committed directly to TransLink, under a decision made in 2005 by the GVRD board. Lions Bay taxpayers already pay an additional levy as their contribution to TransLink's operations, and Council is of the opinion that Lions Bay's share of the new round of tax transfers, beginning in 2010, should come to the municipality rather than go to Translink. We are attempting to obtain the support of other small municipalities in the GVRD to argue for this change.
The tree by-law, for the maintenance, preservation and cutting of trees on municipal land, has had its first three readings. It reflects the changes requested by residents and will come forward to the second Council meeting in May for final approval. A copy of the by-law is available on the Web site or from the village office.
Council continues to search for an Emergency Measures Coordinator. If you think you can help, please contact Don Reid at the Village Office.
The next phase of the Water System Upgrades is about to start. Process has been slow as the Village was required to gather one year of water quality data before the North Shore Health Unit would give us a go ahead for our planned work. This approval has now been received and the project will continue.
Council is concerned about the apparent increase in the level of vandalism in the community. Fences have been destroyed and tires punctured. The RCMP will attend the next meeting of Council to identify how they will be dealing with this concern. Lions Bay is still on the short list for participation in a new policing strategy that would see a community officer stationed in the village.
From time to time it becomes necessary for the Village to contact residents in a hurry about unexpected events or emergency issues - such as, for example, unscheduled blasting by the highway workers. If you would like to be on the mailing list for Village information bulletins, please send your email address to the village at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . We try to keep all residents informed as to what is going on in the Village and issues affecting the community. All reports of staff and Council are available on the Village website under " Council - Agenda". Copies of past agendas are also available at the Village Office. Residents should feel free to contact the office to ask any questions they may have. Points of view and suggestions are always welcome.