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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-09-13 Workshop Meeting Agenda and Reports.pdf2. 3. 4. 4.1 District of Maple Ridge COUNCIL WORKSHOP AGENDA September 13, 2010 9:00 a.m. Blaney Room, 1st Floor, Municipal Hall The purpose of the Council Workshop is to review and discuss policies and other items of interest to Council. Although resolutions may be passed at this meeting, the intent is to make a consensus decision to send an item to Council for debate and vote or refer the item back to staff for more information or clarification. REMINDERS September 13 Closed Council following Workshop Committee of the Whole Meeting 1:00 P.M. September 14 Council 7:00 p.m. ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA MINUTES - August 30, 2010 PRESENTATIONS AT THE REQUEST OF COUNCIL UNFINISHED AND NEW BUSINESS RCMP Contract Update Verbal report by the General Manager of Corporate and Financial Services 4.2 RCMP Integrated Teams Update Verbal update by C/Supt. Armstrong, Supt. Denis Boucher, OIC LIVID Corporate & Client Services, Insp. Dan Maio, OIC IHIT and Insp. Gary Leydier, OIC IFIS Council Workshop September 13, 2010 Page 2 of 4 4.3 Mid Year Financial Update Staff report dated September 7, 2010 providing a financial update for the first eight months of 2010. 4.4 Regional Growth Strategy Date Staff report dated September 10, 2010 providing information on the process and dates being proposed by Metro Vancouver for review of the draft Regional Growth Strategy. 4.5 Discussion of UBCM Resolution re -Long Form Census See attached response from Randy Kamp, MP, Pitt Meadows -Maple Ridge -Mission 5. CORRESPONDENCE The following correspondence has been received and requires a response. Staff is seeking direction from Council on each item. Options that Council may consider include: a) Acknowledge receipt of correspondence and advise that no further action will be taken. b) Direct staff to prepare a report and recommendation regarding the subject matter. c) Forward the correspondence to a regular Council meeting for further discussion. d) Other. Once direction is given the appropriate response will be sent. 5.1 Municipal Insurance Association of British Columbia Voting E-mail dated July 29, 2010 from Marisa Newton, Municipal Insurance Association of British Columbia, requesting confirmation of voting delegates at the MIABC 23rd Annual General Meeting. 5.2 UBCM Response to Review of Agricultural Land Commission Member Release dated August 30, 2010 recommending members meet with the ALC regarding the ALC review process. Council Workshop September 13, 2010 Page 3 of 4 6. BRIEFING ON OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST/QUESTIONS FROM COUNCIL MATTERS DEEMED EXPEDIENT 8. ADJOURNMENT Checked by: Date: 101,6,710 ef Council Workshop September 13, 2010 Page 4 of 4 Rules for Holding a Closed Meeting A part of a council meeting may be closed to the public if the subject matter being considered relates to one or more of the following: (a) personal information about an identifiable individual who holds or is being considered for a position as an officer, employee or agent of the municipality or another position appointed by the municipality; (b) personal information about an identifiable individual who is being considered for a municipal award or honour, or who has offered to provide a gift to the municipality on condition of anonymity; (c) labour relations or employee negotiations; (d) the security of property of the municipality; (e) the acquisition, disposition or expropriation of land or improvements, if the council considers that disclosure might reasonably be expected to harm the interests of the municipality; (f) law enforcement, if the council considers that disclosure might reasonably be expected to harm the conduct of an investigation under or enforcement of an enactment; (g) litigation or potential litigation affecting the municipality; (h) an administrative tribunal hearing or potential administrative tribunal hearing affecting the municipality, other than a hearing to be conducted by the council or a delegate of council (i) the receiving of advice that is subject to solicitor -client privilege_ including communications necessary for that purpose; 0) information that is prohibited or information that if it were presented in a document would be prohibited from disclosure under section 21 of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act; (k) negotiations and related discussions respecting the proposed ,provision of a municipal service that are at their preliminary stages and that, in the view of the council, could reasonably be expected to harm the interests of the municipality if they were held in public; (1) discussions with municipal officers and employees respecting municipal objectives, measures and progress reports for the purposes of preparing an annual report under section 98 [annual municipal report] (m) a matter that, under another enactment, is such that the public may be excluded from the meeting; (n) the consideration of whether a council meeting should be closed under a provision of this subsection of subsection (2) (o) the consideration of whether the authority under section 91 (other persons attending closed meetings) should be exercised in relation to a council meeting. (p) information relating to local government participation in provincial negotiations with First Nations, where an agreement provides that the information is to be kept confidential. MAPLE RIDGE Deep Roots Greater Heights K03 FROM: District of Maple Ridge His Worship Mayor Ernie Daykin and Members of Council Chief Administrative Officer SUBJECT: Mid year financial update DATE: 7-Sept-2010 ATTN: Council Workshop EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: This report provides a financial update for the first eight months of 2010. While it is somewhat premature to predict year-end results based on eight months of financial performance, trends are starting to develop. Building permit and investment revenues have exceeded financial plan targets and are on track for a positive variance of approximately $1.1 million this year. Operating expenses are generally in line with expectations after eight months of activity. Capital expenditures are also below budget and in part, this is due to our reliance on funding partners coming through with their contribution. RECOMMENDATION: This report is submitted for information only. DISCUSSION: In December of each year Council adopts a financial plan for the ensuing five years; in May this plan is fine tuned so that up to -date information can be taken into account prior to establishing the tax rates. Although Council may amend the financial plan at any time throughout the year, it is the plan adopted in May that we are required to use in our external financial statements. This is reasonable because it was that plan that contained the activities that drove property taxation for the year. We now have financial results for the first eight months of the year and some key trends are starting to emerge. These should be kept in mind for the upcoming business planning sessions. For a number of years we enjoyed a brisk pace of development that resulted in building permit revenues well in excess of budget expectations; in 2009 we experienced the opposite, building permits revenues were approximately $300,000 below budget. For 2010, our financial plan anticipates revenues of $1.7 million and to the end of August we have collected $1.8 million, resulting in a positive variance of approximately $100,000 to date. Revenue from building permits is recognized on different fiscal basis than other district revenues, with the fiscal year running from November through the end of October, so at the end of August the bulk of building permit revenue for the year has been received. Development Cost Charge (DCC) collection levels have improved over 2008 and 2009 with $4.9 million collected to date this year, compared to less than $3 million in the previous 2 years. Over the past twelve years, annual collections have ranged on average between $4 and $5 million, so indications are that 2010 will be in line with this. DCC's are recorded as a liability when they are collected and subsequently recognized as revenue when they are drawn in as a funding source for a large component of our capital program. While there isn't an immediate revenue impact from lower than average collections, a prolonged period of lower collections, such as we experienced in 2008 and 2009, could impact our ability to deliver our planned capital program. Investment earnings to date exceed financial plan targets by approximately $1 million. While this contributes to the bottom line it is important to keep in mind that this positive result is partially due to 4.3 differences between the expected and actual timing of larger expenditures, often related to the capital program. Without these timing differences, it is likely that actual revenues would be closer to financial plan targets. Operating expenses overall, are generally in line with expectations after eight months of the year. Vacancies have been carefully managed in all areas in order to contain costs and it appears likely that we will see some savings from the RCMP contract. Recreation and Fire department costs are likely to be slightly over budget at year-end. Recreation costs over budget should be offset by additional revenues. All cost centers are being monitored to ensure the overall budget envelope is respected. On the capital side, planned projects of $105 million are shown, though not all approvals are in place to spend this money. The total includes 2010 projects and projects approved in prior years. A large portion of the projects are awaiting confirmation of third party funding and the outcome of property negotiations. At the end of August actual expenditures totaled $11 million. We expect that by year end, we will have completed capital projects approaching $25 million which represents the largest portion of projects that can proceed for which all approvals are in place. While the Canadian economy is currently performing better that those of many other countries, concerns about the economic health of other countries, particularly the United States, may temper growth expectations closer to home. While Maple Ridge building permit revenues and DCC collections have returned to more average levels, we will continue to monitor both revenues and expenses closely so that we are well positioned to manage any further economic turbulence. CONCLUSIONS This report provides Council with an assessment of financial activity for the first eight months of the year. That assessment indicates that operating activities are generally in line with expectations, though capital activities are lagging; building permit and investment revenues are on track for a positive variance of approximately $500,000 and we're seeing DCC collections more in line with annual averages. Prepared by: Catherine Nolan, CGA Manager of Accounting 4 Approved by: Pau Gill, CGA GM: Corporate and Financial Services Concurrence: J.L. (Jim) Rule +' Chief Administrative Officer MAPLE RIDGE British Columbia Deep Roots Greater Heights TO: FROM: SUBJECT: District of Maple Ridge His Worship Mayor Ernie Daykin and Members of Council Chief Administrative Officer Regional Growth Strategy Dates EXECUTIVE SUMMARY DATE: September 10, 2010 FILE NO: ATTN: Council Workshop Metro Vancouver recently released the latest draft of the Regional Growth Strategy and forwarded it to the Regional Planning Committee for discussion on September 3, 2010. Attached to the strategy was a report which outlined dates for moving the document towards the adoption process. This report is to inform Council of the process and dates being proposed by Metro Vancouver as well as the provision of an opportunity for Council to comment by the requested date. 0X61918181A9loIt11161011 This report is for information only. DISCUSSION a) Background Context: At the September 3 meeting of the Regional Planning Committee, the Committee voted to forward the draft Regional Growth Strategy to the Metro Vancouver Board with a recommendation that the Board forward the draft to member municipalities, adjacent regional districts, Translink, provincial and federal governments and their agencies, First Nations, school districts, health authorities, business groups, non-profit organizations and community groups and individuals who submitted comments. Comments are to be submitted to Metro Vancouver by October 15, 2010. The Metro Vancouver Board will consider this item at their meeting of September 24, 2010. In addition, the Board will be asked to endorse the following events and dates which will initiate the adoption process. Those are as follows: i) a Metro Vancouver board workshop on the draft RGS to follow the September 24, 2010 Board meeting; ii) a special meeting of the Regional Planning committee on October 29, 2010 in advance of referring the RGS Bylaw to the Board for first and second reading; iii) the RGS Bylaw to be placed on the November 12, 2010 Metro Vancouver Board meeting agenda for first and second reading; iv) a public hearing to be held on four nights in four venues throughout the region (North shore, Burrard Peninsula, North East sector, South of the Fraser) in late November 2010. Page 1 of 2 4■4 Following discussion of the details of a public hearing by the Committee, Metro Vancouver staff were asked to report back on the options for holding a public hearing for consideration by the Board. Options discussed included time of day for the 4 dates; delegation by the Board to the Regional Planning Committee to attend the public hearing, etc. In order for Council to be able to respond to the request for review of the latest draft plan by October 15, 2010, the plan, along with Metro Vancouver's response to the latest resolutions sent forward by Council in January 2010, will be on the September 20 Council workshop agenda. Metro Vancouver's CAO has been invited to attend that same meeting and discuss the plan with Council. After that meeting, any further Council comments can be forwarded to the region. b) Desired Outcome This report is intended to inform Council of the potential dates for initiating the adoption process for the Regional Growth Strategy as well as the provision of a date for Council discussion in order to respond to the region by the requested date of October 15, 2010. c) Citizen/Customer Implications The adoption process for the draft Regional Growth Strategy includes a 4 day public hearing for input by the public. d) Policy Implications The Regional Growth Strategy has been the subject of much review over the last few years by both Council and the public. The latest draft is the result of that input and scrutiny to ensure that it meets regional goals as well as respects the various local planning documents throughout the region, including those in Maple Ridge. CONCLUSION: This report is intended to inform Council of pertinent potential dates related to the adoption of the Regional Growth Strategy and opportunities for Council comments. P, MCIP Approved 1*., Frank Quinn, MBA, P.Eng I GM: Public Works & Development Services J. L. (Jim) Rule Chief Administrative Officer Page 2 of 2 Below is an information piece that briefly describes the reasoning behind the decision to replace the mandatory long form portion of the census with a voluntary survey. Please let me know if you require any additional information. Regards, Mark Strahl Executive Assistant to Randy Kamp, MP Pitt Meadows --Maple Ridge --Mission 604.466.2761 Fax. 604.466.7593 www.randykamp.com Census Information Bulletin: One of the key duties of a government is to protect the rights and privacy of all of its nation's citizens. With that in mind, our government has recently made the decision to replace the mandatory long form portion of the census with a voluntary survey. As a government, we recognize that the information gathered in the long form census is valuable. However, we also recognize that we must strike a balance between collecting information and protecting personal privacy when the government is gathering sensitive data. The reason for replacing the mandatory long form with a voluntary National Household Survey is clear. Put simply, it is not appropriate to coerce and threaten Canadians into divulging extensive private and personal information under the threat of jail, fines or both. Frankly, it is absurd that anyone not willing to disclose such information as whether their home is need of repairs or what time they leave for work should be threatened with jail time. To fully appreciate the issue one must first understand what the long form census truly is. The long form is a 40-page document that includes questions on religion, household duties and other personal activities. Since the long form was introduced in 1971, the level of detailed personal information Canadians are being asked to hand over to the government has grown. The changes we have made simply eliminate the penalties associated with non -completion of the 40-page long form census. 4.5 We have chosen this reasoned and responsible approach that finds a better balance between collecting necessary data and protecting the privacy rights of Canadians. The data that had been collected under the old mandatory long form census will now be collected through the new, voluntary National Household Survey. No responsible government can rightfully demand that their citizens share private information under threats of jail time and fines. Our government has worked extensively to ensure that Canadians will no longer be harassed and compelled into filling out the long form census and that their personal privacy is steadfastly defended. We respect that Statistics Canada is known worldwide for the quality and value of the data it collects and the Government of Canada recognizes the importance of maintaining these meticulous methods and standards used for all of its surveys. Certainly, we encourage Canadians to fill out the new National Household Survey. We believe that this new approach, combining a mandatory short -form census with a voluntary long - form survey, achieves an appropriate balance between the need for data to inform public policy research, while respecting the privacy of Canadians. The Corporation of THE CITY OF NORTH VANCOUVER CITY CLERK'S DEPARTMENT E-MAIL CORRESPONDENCE To: All Union of British Columbia Municipalities Member Municipalities From: Robyn G. Anderson, City Clerk Subject: Long Form of the Canada Census Date: July 22, 2010 File No: 1155-08-84-02 The City Council at its regular meeting of Monday, July 19, 2010 endorsed the following resolution: "WHEREAS the long form of the Canada Census has provided and continues to provide invaluable information to communities across Canada about their socio-economic, demographic, ethnic and other characteristics; AND WHEREAS this information is crucial to the planning and development of resilient and successful communities; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the City of North Vancouver call upon the federal government to maintain the long form for the 2011 and future census undertakings; AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THATthe City of North Vancouver submit this resolution for consideration at the forthcoming Union of British Columbia Municipalities convention in September, 2010 (either as a regular or emergency resolution); AND BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED THATthis resolution be forwarded to all Union of British Columbia Municipalities member municipalities, all BC MPs, the Prime Minister, and the federal Minister responsible for the Census." Iro Robyn Q Anderson City Clerk City of North Vancouver 141 West 14t' Street North Vancouver BC V7M 1 H9 Phone:604-990-4233 Fax:604-990-4202 Email: randersonacnv.orc Web: www.cnv.org cc R. White, Director, Community Development C. Miller, Planning Technician, Community Development From: Marisa Newton [mailto:mnewton@miabc.org] Sent: July-29-10 4:05 PM To: Ron Riach Subject: MIA Voting Delegate The 23rd Annual General Meeting of the Subscribers of the Municipal Insurance Association of British Columbia is scheduled to take place at 3 PM on Tuesday, September 28th, 2010 in Whistler. At the AGM, there may be a couple resolutions. One to clarify coverage for Directors & Officers. A second regarding the City of New Westminster's continuing membership in the MIABC; the same resolution that was withdrawn last year. In accordance with Article 6.13 of the Reciprocal Agreement, the following Delegate and two Alternates have been registered with the MIABC to vote your interests. Any change to this information shall require a resolution of Council/Board to be forwarded to the MIABC by September 14th, 2010. Also, to improve communications, can you please provide us with e- mail addresses for the delegate and alternates at your earliest convenience? Voting Delegate: Mayor Ernie Daykin Email address: Alternate #1: Councillor Cheryl Ashlie Email address: Alternate #2: Email address: 511 MEMBER RELEASE August 30, 2010 TO: Mayor and Council; Chair and Board FROM: President Harry Nyce RE: UBCM Response to Review of Agricultural Land Commission A review is now underway to determine if the Agricultural Land Commission (ALC) is capable of meeting its mandate as outlined in section 6 of the Agriculture Land Commission Act and to explore opportunities to more effectively administer the Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR). On August 13, 2010 the ALC invited UBCM to meet with the review committee. We delivered our presentation last week, and it is now available in the "What's New" section of our website (www.ubcm.ca). The ALC has also invited 60 other stakeholders to participate in a series of meetings that will be held Nanaimo, Castlegar, Kelowna, Kamloops, Fort St. John and Prince George over the next 30 days. We understand that while some local governments have been invited to attend these meetings, many have not received notice about the review and its process. Given the findings of the committee may broadly impact our membership, UBCM has encouraged the ALC to increase communications regarding the review process. Our delegation made several points to summarize UBCM's policies regarding the ALR: • Resolutions endorsed by the membership in 2008, 2009 support targeted reviews with local government input; • There is broad overall support for retaining the ALR and ensuring that it captures agricultural land; • The need to balance any changes to the ALR with the commitments of local governments under the Climate Action Charter; and • There is a lack of resources currently to support the ALR. The ALC advised us during our presentation that while a comprehensive review is underway, there is no support for weakening the reserve. The ALC will also attend Convention in Whistler and will be available for meetings. I encourage local governments that wish to present their views to the ALC to contact them and arrange a meeting in advance. UBCM will continue to monitor the review process and will provide further updates when appropriate. 5.2