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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000-04-10 Special Council Meeting Agenda and Reports.pdfcO Corporation of the District of Maple Ridge ( 'c SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING April 10, 2000 The Minutes of the Special Municipal Council Meeting held on April 10, 2000 at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber of the Municipal Hall, 11995 Haney Place, Maple Ridge, British Columbia for the purpose of granting Mr. Austin Pelton the Freedom of the Municipality. PRESENT Elected Officials Appointed Staff Mayor A. Hogarth Mr. T. Wingrove, Municipal Clerk Councillor C. Gordon Mrs. J. Hertzog, Co-ordinator of Administrative Services Councillor F. Isaac Mr. M. W. Murray, General Manager of Community Councillor J. Harris Development, Parks and Recreation Services Councillor L. King Mrs. S. M. Karasz, Confidential Secretary Councillor K. Morse Councillor C. Speirs Note: These Minutes are also posted on the Municipal Web Site at www.mapleridge.org 01 CALL TO ORDER Mayor Hogarth called the meeting to order and advised that it is a great honour for the Municipal Council to grant Mr. Pelton the Freedom of the District. He thanked the following for their participation in the ceremony: Royal Canadian Legion Branch 88 Honour Guard Royal Canadian Air Cadets Squadron 583 Harpist Michael Absalom 02 OPENING FRA YERS Reverend Charles Balfour of St John the Divine Anglican Church conducted opening prayers. 03 PRESENTATIONS AT THE REQUEST OF COUNCIL Council Meeting Minutes April 10, 2000 Page 2 Introduction of Guest of Honour and Family The Mayor introduced Austin Pelton and his wife Louise, and recognized the following members of the Pelton family - Sandra and Dale Purcell; Kim and Brad Nick and their family Brandon, Ryan and Caitlin, Gordon Ratcliffe, Brent Purcell and his fiancée, Leslie; and Carrie and Brad Murray. The Mayor called upon Mrs. Hogarth to present a boutonniere and corsage to Mr. and Mrs. Pelton. The Mayor advised that the Municipal Act allows Freedom of the District to be bestowed by a unanimous vote of the members of Council to honour a distinguished person in the Municipality who has made a significant contribution to the Municipality. This honour is a unique one for local government in British Columbia and has only been conferred upon six individuals and one Armed Forces Regiment by the District of Maple Ridge. He asked those in attendance to join with him in recognizing the many confributions of those following six individuals: Mr. Russel Kirkpatrick Mr. Peter Jenewein Freeman Jim Hadgkiss Freeman George Mussallem Freeman Elmer Waiske Freeman Reginald Franklin At the request of the Mayor, the Municipal Clerk shared th following history of the Freedom of the District which was provided by the Maple Ridge Historical Society: Being designated as a "Freeman of the City" is a practice that began in 12th Century. Dublin, Ireland, has lists of Freemen going back to 1172. Edinburgh, Scotland, has at least 500 years of such references. This designation was originally rather common and was used to identify the class of occupant that the Greeks would have called "citizen". These were free men of some means and rights as opposed to serfs or other indentured people. Over time, as more and more people were recognized with basic rights by the government, the "Freeman of the City" designation came to be an honour bestowed on citizens who were seen to have given service of great value to their community in a voluntary capacity. Honoring a person's contribution is still the meaning of being granted "Freedom of the District" today. The military application is somewhat different. It confers upon a military unit the right - - fixed". The decision to grant this freedom has always rested with Municipal authorities I Council Meeting Minutes April 10, 2000 Page 3 and amounted to a peace and goodwill agreement between the two parties. The District of Maple Ridge conferred Freedom of the Military on the Royal Westminster Regiment in a special ceremony last year. The Mayor advised that Mr. Austin Pelton is a deserving individual to be granted Freedom of the District, not only for his many years of political service as an Alderman, Mayor and Member of the Legislative Assembly for Maple Ridge, but also for his other contributions to the community. He then called upon the following guest speakers to elaborate on those contributions: 04 GUEST SPEAKERS Mr. Danny Griffin (former Mayor and Councillor of Maple Ridge) Mr. Griffin provided a brief biography of Austin Pelton, noting that he was born on March 19, 1920 in Vancouver. He served in the Royal Canadian Airforce from 1941 to 1970 and then brought his family to live in Maple Ridge upon his retirement from the RCAF. Mr. Pelton then became active in the Royal Canadian Legion, Lions Club, Air Cadets, Anglican Church and the Maple Ridge Credit Union. He entered Municipal politics as an Alderman in 1977 and served as Mayor in 1982 and 1983. In 1983 he became a Member of the Legislative Assembly and served as Deputy Speaker and Minister of Environment and Parks. Mr. and Mrs. Pelton have five daughters. Mr. Griffin related a number anecdotes and tributes from Mr. Pelton's former colleagues reflecting the manner in which he served his community and the Province with honour and distinction. Mr. Ron Steveson, Royal Canadian Legion Branch No. 88 Mr. Steveson advised that immediately upon moving to Maple Ridge in 1970, Mr. Pelton joined Branch 88. He served on the executive and was elected President. Austin was the first ex-career serviceman to stand for office and it was the first time he ever ran for office. The members found him to be an honest, fair minded person. He went into Municipal politics but never left Branch No. 88. He continues to live by the Legion's oath to serve those who need help. Mr. Larry Harrison presented Mr. Pelton with a 75th Anniversary pin from the Legion. Ms. Gladys Wong, Maple Ridge Lions Club Council Meeting Minutes April 10, 2000 Page4 Ms. Wong recognized Mr. Pelton's contributions as a long time member of the Lions Club, noting that he has spent 27 years serving on various committees. She advised that he is a recipient of the Judge Brian Stevenson Award which is the highest honour that a Lions Club member can achieve. Ms. Wong presented Mr. Pelton with a Certificate of Appreciation from the Lions Club. Captain Brian Holgate, Commanding Officer, Royal Canadian Air Cadets Squadron 583 Mr. Holgate noted that Squadron 583 has operated under a Charter since 1954 and is sponsored by the Legion. Mr. Pelton assumed command from the early 1970's to 1975. Squadron 583 currently has 75 Cadets and Mr. Pelton can be just as proud of them today as he was when he was in command. The squadron is in the process of compiling its history and will present Mr. Pelton with a copy when it is completed. Mr. Holgate presented Mr. and Mrs. Pelton with flowers on behalf of the Squadron. Mr. Douglas King, Maple Ridge Community Savings and Credit Union Mr. King advised that Mr. Pelton was a Director of the Maple Ridge Credit Union from March 13, 1975 to April 15, 1980. His former colleagues still speak glowingly of his contributions, and when he left the credit union for Municipal politics, it was the District's gain and the Credit Union's loss. He thanked Mr. Pelton for his many contributions to the Credit Union and to the community. Mrs. Launi Jacobson on behalf of Mr. Norm Jacobson, former Mayor and M.LA. Mrs. Jacobson advised that Mr. Jacobson could not be in attendance this evening due to a serious logging accident. On behalf of both of them, she congratulated Mr. Pelton on being awarded the Freedom of the Municipality, noting that he has clearly earned it and is deserving of the honour. It is an indication of the respect the people of Maple Ridge have for Austin and his wife Louise. She and Norm join the Peltons' family and many friends in recognizing Austin's achievements and wish Austin and Louise good health and God's blessings in the years ahead. 05 PRESENTATION OF PROCLAMATION R/00-200 MOVED by Councillor Morse Proclamation SECONDED by Councillor Isaac - U Council Meeting Minutes April 10, 2000 Page 5 Freeman Whereas with his significant community service through the Royal Canadian Legion, Air Cadets, Lions Club, Anglican Church and the Maple Ridge Community Credit Union since he moved to Maple Ridge in 1970; And Whereas he served his community as a elected official from 1976 to 1990 as Alderman, Mayor and finally Member of the Legislative Assembly; And Whereas his contributions to Maple Ridge as both a citizen and an elected official have been both numerous and significant; And Whereas he always conducted himself in a manner that represented this community with honour and distinction, Now Therefore by resolution of the Council of the Corporation of the District of Maple Ridge on the 10th day of April in the year 2000, His Worship Mayor Al Hogarth hereby proclaims that Freedom of the District of Maple Ridge is hereby bestowed upon Austin Pelton. Discussion The Councillors each personally expressed their support for the resolution, congratulated Mr. Pelton, and wished him and his family well. The motion CARRIED. The Mayor presented Mr. Pelton with the Proclamation and an inscribed lapel pin. Other Letters and Presentations The Mayor read letters of congratulations and good wishes from the following who were unable to be attend the ceremony: Freeman Elmer Waiske Mr. Grant McNally, M.P. Mr. Bill Hartley, M.L.A. The Mayor also acknowledged a number of former Council members and Municipal staff who were in attendance. Council Meeting Minutes April 10, 2000 Page6 06 PEL TON FAMILY RESPONSE Mr. Dale Purcell, Austin Pelton's son-in-law, expressed regret that not all their family members could be present as they live some distance away. He spoke of the love and pride the family has for Austin who has always been a role model with his enduring optimism and the way in which he conducts his life. He has the ability to relate to people on every level and the title "Affable Senator" which he earned in politics says it all. He has always been able to see the bright side of life and the silver lining behind every cloud. Mr. Purcell added that Austin's wife, Louise, has been his companion for 58 years and her love and support has helped him achieve his goals. The entire family is proud of those achievements. He is deserving of the award and an inspiration to his family who love and respect him. 07 ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 8:00 p.m. followed by a reception in the Council Chamber foyer. Mayor Certified Correct Municipal Clerk wwo MAPLE RIDGE lnrporated 12 Septemba, 1874 Corporation of the District of Maple Ridge SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING A GENDA Monday, April 10, 2000 Council Chamber, Maple Ridge Municipal Hall 7:00 p.m. Royal Canadian Legion Branch 88 Honour Guard Royal Canadian Air Cadets Squadron 583 Assisting. Musical Interlude provided by Harpist Michael Absalom 01 1 CALL TO ORDER 02 OPENING PRAYERS Reverend Charles Balfour, St. John the Divine Anglican Church. 03 PRESENTATIONS AT THE REQUEST OF COUNCIL 03.01 Introduction of Guest of Honour and Family 03.02 PresentatIon of Boutonniere & Corsage to Mr. & Mrs. Pelton by Deb Hogarth. 03.03 Introduction of Other Freedom of the District Recipients Mr. George Mussallem Mr. Reginald Franklin Mr. Elmer Waiske 03.04 Brief Biography of Austin Pelton Presented by former Mayor & Councillor of Maple Ridge - Danny Griffin. Special Council Meeting Agenda April 10, 2000 Page (2) GUEST SPEAKERS 04.01 Representing Royal Canadian Legion Branch No. 88 - Ron Steveson 04.02 Representing Maple Ridge Lions Club - Gladys Wong 04.03 Representing Royal Canadian Air Cadets Squadron 583 - Captain Bryan Holgate 04.04 Representing Maple Ridge Community Savings and Credit Union - Mr. Douglas King Presentation by Mayor Al Hogarth of pin and proclamation. (Picture Opportunities) PELTON FAMILY RESPONSE ADJOURNMENT. Dated at Maple Ridge, B.C. 71h day of App, 2000 Clerk PLEASE JOIN M$. PELTON AND GUESTS FOR COUNCIL CHAMBER. PLEASE FEEL F$EE TO RETURN TO THE COUNCIL CHAMBE$ WITH YOUR REFERESHMENTS. PLEASE SIGN THE GUEST BOOR MAPLE RIDGE huxrporatcd 12 Septcmba, 1874 Corporation of the District of Maple Ridge SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING A GENDA Monday, April 10, 2000 Council Chamber, Maple Ridge Municipal Hall 7:00 p.m. Royal Canadian Legion Branch 88 Honour Guard Royal Canadian Air Cadets Squadron 583 Assisting. Musical Interlude provided by Harpist Michael Absalom 01 CALL TO ORDER OPENING PRAYERS Reverend Charles Balfour, St. John the Divine Anglican Church. PRESENTATIONS AT THE REQUEST OF COUNCIL 03.01 Introduction of Guest of Honour and Family —03.02 Presentation of Boutonniere & Corsage to Mr. & Mrs. Pelton by Deb Hogarth. 03.03 Introduction of Other Freedom of the District Recipients Mr. George Mussalleni - Mr. Reginald Franklin Mr. Elmer Walske 03.04 Brief Biography of Austin Pelton Presented by former Mayor & Councillor of Maple Ridge Danny Griffin. Special Council Meeting Agenda April 10, 2000 Page (2) GUEST SPEAKERS 04.01 Representing Royal Canadian Legion Branch No. 88 - Ron Steveson 04.02 Representing Maple Ridge Lions Club - Gladys Wong 04.03 Representing Royal Canadian Air Cadets Squadron 583 - Captain Bryan Holgate 04.04 Representing Maple Ridge Community Savings and Credit Union - Mr. Douglas King Presentation by Mayor Al Hogarth of pin and proclamation. (Picture Opportunities) PELTON FAMILY RESPONSE ADJOURNMENT. Dated at Maple Ridge, B.C. j% 7th day of Ap1, 2000 icipal Clerk PLEASE JOIN M$. PELTON AND GUESTS FOR COUNCIL CHAMBER. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO RETURN TO THE COUNCIL CHAMBER WITH YOUR REFERESHMENTS. PLEASE SIGN THE GUEST BOOR. CORPORATION OF THE DISTRICT OF MAPLE RIDGE PROVINCE OF BRITISH COLUMBIA WHEREAS with his significant community service through the Royal Canadian Legion, Air Cadets, Lions Club, Anglican Church and the Maple Ridge Community Credit Union since he moved to Maple Ridge in 970; AND WHEREAS he served his :iii4munity as an elected official from 1976 - 1990 as Alderman, Mayor andjinally Member of the Legislative AND WHEREAS his contributions to Maple Ridge as both a citizen and an elected official have been both numeroüls and significant; AND WHEREAS he always conducted hims'elk in a manner that represented this community with honour and distmction NOW THEREFORE:i y By RiSOCW27Oi1 of the Coüwof tFii Coryoratlon of the DistrIct of.MayCe Ridge on the jt of 4prI In the year - -200 H1s 14'orsñIp Maqr .AfiIogarth herethj proclaims that F E--DOn--4-- T vIs'TRJeT oy • L1DT IS 91TRT/S'IQTWTD liTOJsI A1JS17J[ TTLT'OJ'[ Speaking Notes for Special Council Meeting - April 10, 2000 01 Call the Special Council Meeting to Order 02 Opening Prayers by Reverend Charles Balfour 03 Introduction of Guest of Honour and family It is my pleasure, on behalf of Municipal Council and the citizens of Maple Ridge, to introduce and welcome back Mr. Austin Pelton to the Council Chambers at Municipal Hall. [applause] Mr. Pelton is joined by his wife Louise and other family members that I would also like to recognize: . Sandra and Dave Purcell . Kim and Brad Nick and their family Brandon, Ryan and Caitlin • Gordon Ratcliffe • Brent Purcell and his fiancee Leslie • Carrie and Brad Murray At this time, I would like to ask my wife Deb to make a small presentation to Mr. and Mrs. Pelton. [applause] The MunicipalAct allows Freedom of the District to be bestowed by a unanimous vote of the members of Council to honour a distinguished person in the Municipality who has made a significant contribution to the Municipality. We are privileged to have other individuals who have been granted Freedom of the District at this evening's ceremony. This honour is a unique one for local government in British Columbia and has only been conferred upon six individuals and one armed force regiment by the District of Maple Ridge. Please join me in recognizing the many contributions of each of these individuals to our community. • Mr. Russel Kirkpatrick • Mr. Peter Jenewein • Freeman Jim Hadgkiss • Freeman George Mussallem • Freeman Elmer Waiske • Freeman Reginald Franklin [applause] I have a brief history of Freedom of the District that was thoughtfully provided by the Historical Society that I would like to share this evening. Being designated as a "Freeman of the City" is a practice begun in 12th Century Britain. Dublin, Ireland has lists of Freemen going back to 1172 and Edinburgh has at least 500 years of such references. This designation was originally rather common and was used to identify the class of occupant that the Greeks would have called "citizen," namely, these were free men of some means and rights as opposed to serfs or other indentured people. Over time, as more and more people were recognized with basic rights by government, the "Freeman of the City" designation came to be an honour bestowed on citizens who were seen to have given service of great value to their community in a voluntary capacity. Honouring a person's contribution is still the meaning of being granted "Freedom of the District" today. The military application is somewhat different. According to the Canadian Maritime Forces, this honour confers on the specific military unit the right for all time to march through the city with "drums beating, colours flying, and bayonets fixed." The decision to grant this freedom has always rested with municipal authorities. This was because the presence of an armed garrison adjacent to a town could be seen as a threat to that authority so that the granting of the "Freedom" amounted to a peace and goodwill agreement between the two parties. This freedom was granted to the Royal Westminster Regiment in a special ceremony held last year. Austin Pelton is a deserving individual to be granted Freedom of the District, not only for his many years of political service as Alderman, Mayor and Member of Legislative Assembly for Maple Ridge but also his other contributions to this community. Mr. Danny Griffin, a former Mayor and Alderman of Maple Ridge, has prepared a brief biography of Mr. Pelton to be presented this evening. Please join me in welcoming Mr. Griffin. [applause] 04 Guest Speakers The Royal Canadian Legion Branch No. 88 is represented this evening by Mr. Ron Steveson and the Honour Guard who are present. Please welcome Mr. Steveson this evening and join me in thanking those who protected the flag. [applause] Mr. Pelton has been involved with the Maple Ridge Lions Club for a number of years. Ms. Gladys Wong, President of the Lions Club, has been kind enough to prepare some remarks for this special occasion. Please come forward Ms. Wong. [applause] Captain Bryan Holgate is here representing the Royal Canadian Air Cadets Squadron 583 along with two cadets who have been welcoming guests to this special evening. Thank you to the Air Cadets and welcome to Captain Holgate. [applause] Mr. Douglas King is here this evening representing the Maple Ridge Community Savings and Credit Union and has prepared some remarks. You may have also noticed the British Columbia Millennium Book in the lobby of Municipal Hall for this event. The Maple Ridge Community Savings and Credit Union is sponsoring the Millennium Book in our community and you are invited to sign this document tonight or at the downtown branch during their normal business hours. Would Mr. King kindly step forward? [applause] At this time, I would ask the Municipal Clerk to read the Council resolution. 19 [Trevor to read the resolution] Would Municipal Council be prepared to move and second this resolution? [moved by Councillor and seconded by Councillor J I would ask that Councillors make any remarks prior to the question being called. [Councillors to provide remarks about Mr. Pelton or community service generally] Call the question. All those in favour? The motion is carried unanimously. I have a special lapel pin in recognition of Mr. Pelton being granted Freedom of the District that I would like to present at this time on behalf of Municipal Council and the citizens of Maple Ridge. I also have a presentation on behalf of Speaker Bill Hartley who was unable to be present tonight but has forwarded a letter and gift to Mr. Pelton. [presentation of resolution and Freedom of the District lapel pin and photographs] 05 Pelton Family Response We have provided an opportunity for Mr. Pelton to make some remarks at this time if he would like to step forward. [may actually be Dale Purcell on behalf of his family] 06 Adjournment Before I ask for a motion to adjourn this Special Council Meeting, I would just remind everyone that a reception will be hosted in the foyer. Please take the time to sign the guest book and the Millennium Book and feel free to return to the Council Chamber with your refreshments. Motion to adjourn? [moved by Councillor and seconded by Councillor All those in favour? Thanks for everyone who attended this evening with the Pelton family and to Austin Pelton for his special contributions to this community.