HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-07-29 Council Meeting Agenda and ReportsCORPORATION OF THE DISTRICT OF MAPLE RIDGE
NOTICE OF SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING
Please be advised that a Special Council Meeting has been called pursuant to
Section 174 of the Community C'harter, as follows:
DATE: July 29, 2004
HOUR: 8:30 a.m.
PLACE: Council Chamber, Municipal Hall
AGENDA
CALL TO ORDER
MAPLE RIDGE DOWNTOWN CORE FACILITIES TEMPORARY BORROWING
BYLA WNO. 6251-2004
To authorize temporary borrowing pending the sale of debentures.
Final reading
CONSENT TO G VRD SER VICE CONVERSION AND REPEAL B YLA W NO.
1011,2004
To give consent to the transfer of governance and funding of the 9-1-1 service
from the GVRD to E-Comm.
ADJOURN
Dated this 27th day of July, 2004
TJ'e ' r r
Da1 C
CORPORATION OF THE DISTRICT OF MAPLE RIDGE
NOTICE OF SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING
Please be advised that a Special Council Meeting has been called pursuant to
Section 174 of the Community Charter, as follows:
DATE: July 29, 2004
HOUR: 8:30 a.m.
PLACE: Council Chamber, Municipal Hall
A GENDA
CALL TO ORDER
MAPLE RIDGE DOWNTOWN CORE FACILITIES TEMPORARY BURRO WING
BYLA WNO. 6251-2004
To authorize temporary borrowing pending the sale of debentures.
Final reading
CONSENT TO GVRD SER VICE CONVERSION AND REPEAL B YLA W NO.
1011,2004
To give consent to the transfer of governance and funding of the 9-1-1 service
from the GVRD to E-Comm.
ADJOURN
Dated this 27th day of July, 2004
u cipal C
THE CORPORATION OF THE DISTRICT OF MAPLE RIDGE
BYLAW NO. 6251 - 2004
A bylaw to authorize temporary borrowing pending the sale of debentures
WHEREAS
A. It is provided by section 181(1) of the Community Charter that the Council may,
where it has adopted a loan authorization bylaw, without further assents or
approvals, borrow temporarily from any person;
B. The Council has adopted "Maple Ridge Downtown Core Facilities Loan
Authorization Bylaw No. 6246 - 2004" (the "Loan Authorization Bylaw")
authorizing borrowing:
up to $32.1 million for the purpose of lending the amount borrowed to
Maple Ridge Municipal Holdings Ltd. ("MRMH") in connection with
MRMH's acquisition of the Downtown Core facilities,
up to $17 million for the purpose of:
satisfying, if necessary, any guarantee by the District of debt
assumed or otherwise incurred by MRMH in connection with
MRMH's acquisition of the Downtown Core Facilities, or
acquiring the Downtown Core Facilities from MRMH;
C. The funds referred to in recital B(l) are required on or around November 1, 2004;
D. The sale of the said debentures has been temporarily deferred;
E. The District intends , under the authority of this bylaw, to assume the mortage in
favour of the Toronto Dominion Bank registered in the Land Title Office under
number BR289630 (the "TD Mortgage") and to pay that mortgage out on or
before November 1, 2006 with the funds referred to in recital B(2). The mortgage
assumption is intended to occur within approximately four months of the date of
adoption of this bylaw;
NOW THEREFORE the Council of the Corporation of the District of Maple Ridge, in
open meeting assembled, enacts as follows:
1. The Council is hereby authorized and empowered to borrow
(a) an amount or amounts not exceeding the sum of $32.1 million for the
purpose referred to in recital B(1), and
a~
2
(b) an amount or amounts not exceeding $17 million for the purpose of
assuming the TD Mortgage in connection with the purpose referred to in
recital B(2)(b).
2. The form of obligation to be given as acknowledgement of the liability shall be
in respect of the amount referred to in section 1(a), a promissory
note or notes bearing the corporate seal and signed by the Mayor
and Director of Finance, and
in respect of the amount referred to in section 1(b), the TD
Mortgage and such other evidence or indebtedness as the lender
under that mortgage may require, all signed by the Mayor and
Director of Finance.
3. The money so borrowed shall be used solely for the purposes set out in said
"Maple Ridge Downtown Core Facilities Loan Authorization Bylaw No. 6246 -
2004."
4. The proceeds of the borrowing under the Loan Authorization Bylaw or so much
thereof as may be necessary shall be used to repay the money so borrowed.
5. This bylaw may be cited as "Maple Ridge Downtown Core Facilities Temporary
Borrowing Bylaw No. 6251 - 2004."
READ A FIRST TIME this day of , 2004.
READ A SECOND TIME this day of , 2004.
READ A THIRD TIME this day of 12004
ADOPTED this day of , 2004.
iwati MUNICIPAL CLERK
7300
em Lo"mr! 4
CORPORATION OF THE
MAPLE RIDGE DISTRICT OF MAPLE RIDGE
TO: Her Worship Mayor Kathy Morse DATE: July 26, 2004
and Members of Council FILE NO:
FROM: Chief Administrative Officer ATTN: Council
SUBJECT: Consent to GVRD Service Conversion and Repeal Bylaw No. 1011, 2004
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The Greater Vancouver Regional District (GVRD) Board of Directors is proceeding with the full transfer
of governance and funding of the 9-1-1 service to E-Comm and is requesting a resolution from member
municipalities consenting to GVRD Bylaw Service and Repeal Bylaw No. 1011, 2004. Recognizing
earlier support for this initiative, consent is recommended.
RECOMMENDATION:
That consent be given to GVRD Service Conversion and Repeal Bylaw No. 1011, 2004.
DISCUSSION:
On January 13, 2004, after considering a report dated December 18, 2003 (see attached copy), Council
passed a resolution endorsing the movement of control of the 9-1-1 function from the GVRD to E-Comm.
The GVRD Board of Directors was notified of this support (see attached letter dated January 15, 2004).
The GVRD Board is proceeding with the full transfer of governance and funding of the 9-1-1 service to
E-Comm and is requesting a resolution from member municipalities consenting to GVRD Bylaw Service
and Repeal Bylaw No. 1011, 2004 (see attached copy). Recognizing earlier support for this initiative, it is
recommended that consent be given.
Prepared by: 7erj'5 Fryer
Approved PaS "l B.B.A., C.ti.A., F.R.M.
General Manager: Corporate & Financial Services
J. L. (Jim) Rule
Chief Administrative Officer
Page 1
3
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RECEIVED IN AcknIDFexDMHDEm&I
CLERK'S J)EPT. D Co hi M & C Ioad.riU Fib
JUL 1 92004
U Future Agnda Item
0 Staff to Prepare
1 •, /7' Report
I I I IJ Staff to Respond Dbrectly Finance & Administration / withncctoM&C -
Greater Vancouve.1 IgvonaLs#-t&t--- Telephone (604) 432-6249
4330 Kin gsway, Fax (604) 436-6860
File No. CR-13-01-RD
To:
From
GVRD Municipal Clerks
Gordon Ruth, Chief Financial Officer
Date: July 16, 2004
Subject: Bylaw No. 1011, 2004 to Repeal the Service of E911 Emergency
Telephone System
This memorandum is a follow up to our written request of May 19th (copy attached) for
you to forward GVRD Bylaw No. 1011 for consideration and consent by your council at
the earliest opportunity.
Please advise us when your council will be dealing with this matter and their decision of
the GVRD' s resolution thereafter.
If you have any questions in this regard and wish to speak to me directly, you may reach
me at (604) 432-6272.
Thank you.
Attachment
Document No. 004164871
L Greater Vancouver Regional District
4330 Kingsway, Burrza.by, British Columbia, canada V5H 4G8
Finance & Administration
Telephone 604-432-6249
Fax 604-436-6860
File No. CR-13-0 1-RD
May 19, 2004
To: GVRD Municipal Clerks
Cc: GVRD Mayor & Council Members
Subject: Bylaw No. 1011, 2004 to Convert and Repeal the Service of E911
Emergency Telephone System
At the GVRD Board of Director's meeting held April 30, 2004, the following resolution
was adopted to proceed with the full transfer of governance and funding of the 9-1-1
service to E-Comm.
"That the GVRD Board support E-Comm in its request to
transfer the full responsibility for the 9-1-1 function to E-Comm
provided that performance guidelines are established and
annual reports on performance would be provided to the
GVRD. Control and funding issues would remain with E-
Comm, their Board, their members and the CRTC. The
property tax bill would be reduced through the transfer of costs
to the telephone bill."
As you may be aware, the GVRD was given the function of E91 1 Emergency Telephone
System for the participating member municipalities and electoral area by way of
Supplementary Letters Patent dated May 19, 1988.
In order for the GVRD to divest itself of this function, the function must, by bylaw, be
converted to a service exercised under the authority of an establishing bylaw pursuant to
section 774.2 of the Local Government Act. The bylaw creating that service can then be
repealed.
The bylaw creating and then repealing the service must comply with the provisions of
section 802 of the Act. Under section 802(1), an establishing bylaw may be repealed
with the consent of at least 2/3 of the participants.
,
To: GVRD Municipal Clerks
Bylaw No. 1011, 2004 to Convert and Repeal the Service of E911 Emergency Telephone System
-2-
Under section 801.4, a participating area municipal council may consent, on behalf of the
electors, and notify the board of its consent. For electoral areas, consent may be given by
the electoral area director consenting in writing to the adoption of the bylaw [s.801.5(2)].
If the bylaw receives the consent of 2/3 of the participants, it is then sent to the Inspector
of Municipalities for approval [s.802(3)]. Lastly, the bylaw is adopted by a majority of
the GVRD Board.
Given the foregoing, we request that you bring forward the attached form of GVRD
bylaw for consideration and consent by your council at the earliest opportunity and
subsequently advise us of the result.
Also, attached for reference purposes is a copy of the reports provided to the GVRD
Board at the April 30, 2004 meeting in which this direction was decided.
Should you have any questions to the above, please contact me at (604) 432-6272.
Y
G
Chief Financial Officer
Attachment Document No. 004112801
GREATER VANCOUVER REGIONAL DISTRICT
BYLAW NO. 1011, 2004
A Bylaw to Convert and Repeal the Service of
E91 1 Emergency Telephone System
WHEREAS on May 19, 1988 Supplementary Letters Patent were issued providing the Greater
Vancouver Regional District (the "GVRD") with the function of Division XVII - E91 1 Emergency
Telephone System (the "Service");
AND WHEREAS on June 8, 1999 the E-COMM Emergency Communications for Southwest
British Columbia Incorporated ("E-COMM") began providing a portion of the Service functions to
the GVRD;
AND WHEREAS the Board of the GVRD has approved a proposal whereby E-COMM will
assume the performance of all functions of the Service in lieu of the GVRD;
AND WHEREAS pursuant to the Local Government Act, the Service is a continued service for
which no establishing bylaw has been required to be adopted;
AND WHEREAS pursuant to the Local Government Act a bylaw must be adopted in order to
convert a continued service and amend or repeal the service;
AND WHEREAS consent from at least two-thirds of the Service participants to discontinue and
repeal the Service has been received;
NOW THEREFORE the Board of the GVRD in open meeting assembled enactsas follows:
That the Service, effective on the date of the adoption of this Bylaw, is converted and
immediately thereafter discontinued and any establishment bylaw deemed tqhavebeen.-
adopted in relation to the Service is repealed.
This Bylaw may be cited as the "Greater Vancouver Regional District Service
Conversion and Repeal Bylaw No. 1011, 2004".
READ A FIRST TIME this day of ,2004.
READ A SECOND TIME this day of ______, 2004.
READ A THIRD TIME this day of ________, 2004.
APPROVED BY THE INSPECTOR OF MUNICIPALITIES this day of _______, 2004.
SC/i 201546
January 15, 2004
File No: 7500-20-01/ECOM
J. Marvin Hunt, Chair
Board of Directors
Greater Vancouver Regional District
4330 Kingsway
Burnaby, B.C. VSH 4G8
Dear Mr. Hunt:
Re: Responsibility for 9-1-1: Administration and Funding
In response to your correspondence dated December 2, 2003, the above-noted subject matter was
considered by Council at the regular Council Meeting of January 13, 2004.
The following resolution was adopted:
That the movement of control of the 9-1-1 function from the Greater
Vancouver Regional District (GVRD) to E-Comm be endorsed; and
That a Call Answering Levy as the funding source for the 9-1-1
service be supported; and further
That the GVRD include a corresponding reduction in GVRD
property taxes when the Call Answering Levy is instituted.
Thank you for affording the opportunity to comment on the proposed changes to the
administration and funding of the 9-1-1 function.
Yours truly,
cc E-Comm
DISTRICT OF Agenda Item: 932
MAPLE RIDGE Council Meeting of: January 13, 2004
MOVED BY COUNCILLOR
SECONDED BY COUNCILLOR
hteLr/7 5
That the movement of control of the 9-1-1 function from the Greater Vancouver Regional
District (GYRD) to E-Comm be endorsed; and
That a Call Answering Levy as the funding source for the 9-1-1 service be supported; and
further
That the GVRD include a corresponding reduction in GVRD property taxes when the Call
Answering Levy is instituted.
/' "Kathy Morse"
CAR7IED DEFEATED DEFERRED ____________________MAYOR
ACTION NOTICE
TO: - Chief Administrative Officer
woeGen Mgr - Corporate & Financial V RCMP
I' Fire Chief
- Dir- Communications & HR
#' Dir - Finance
- Chief Information Officer
- Gen Mgr - Public Works & Development
- Dir - Planning -
- Dir - Licenses, Permits & By-laws
- Municipal Engineer
- Dir - Development Engineering
- Dir - Engineering Operations
- Dir - Project Engineering
- Gen Mgr - Corn. Dev. & Rec. Services
- Dir - Parks & Facilities
Clerk's Section
- Municipal Clerk
- Property & Risk Manager
- Ceri Marlo
Diana Dalton J,L4't2.d4.A.L Je24
- Karla Kirk /
- Sandra Belley
- Karen Kaake
The above decision was made at a meeting of the Municipal Council held on the date noted above and is sent to you for
notation and/or such action as may be required by your Department.
January 13, 2004
7S?o-//
CORPORATION OF THE DISTRICT OF MAPLE RIDGE
TO: Her Worship Mayor Kathy Morse DATE: December 18, 2003
and Members of Council FILE NO:
FROM: Chief Administrative Officer ATTN: Committee of the Whole
SUBJECT: 9-1-1 Administration and Funding
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
E-Comm is the regional emergency communications centre for southwest British Columbia. As a
privately held corporation, founded under the provincial Emergency Communications Corporation Act
in 1997, E-Comm has-an annual budget of approximately $36 million and a fiscal mandate to "break-
even." A 15-member Board of Directors (it can be expanded up to 25 members if new members wish to
purchase shares) provides governance to E-Comm. Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows currently share
representation and Councillor Jon Harris is our representative
At the June GVRD Board Committee meeting, E-Comm staff presented to both the Finance and -
Corporate and Intergovernmental Committees two proposals on:
• The transfer of the 9-1-1 function to E-Comm; and
• A shift from property taxed based funding to call answer levy.
The GVRD is now asking member municipalities for comment and advice by the end of January 31,
2004.
RESOLUTION:
THAT Council endorse moving control of the 9-14 function from the GVRD to E-Comm;
and
THAT Council support a Call Answering Levy as the funding source for the 9-1-1 service.
DISCUSSION:
a) Background Context:
All 9-1-1 calls placed from phones in the GVRD - both wireline and wireless - are routed
through Telus provincial network to the E-Comm building where the greeting operators answer
the calls. The calls are then "downstreamed" to 20 different Public Safety Answering Points
(PSAP's). Some of these PSAP's are within the E-Comm building, some are in the
municipalities. At present, 25% of the calls are downstreamed outside of E-Comm.
Since the service started in 1990, the GVRD has assumed the role of custodian of the service,
ensuring that the needs of all the participating agencies are addressed. The GVRD also provides
9-1-1 call-answer service to the resort community of Whistler and the Sunshine Coast Regional
District.
-1-
"And
A copy of the full report to the GVRD from the Corporate and Intergovernmental Committee is
attached for your information.
Issues for Council to Consider:
• Transfer of Responsibility
E-Comm's proposal is to consolidate all aspects of the 9-1-1 service in the region under
E-Comm only. (See letter in full report.) In order to accomplish this, E-Comrn would
have to replace the GVRD as the signatory to the Telus 9-1-1 Service Agreement. In
addition, E-Comm would need to request that the Province make the necessary
regulatory changes to their Act.
The GVRD took on the 9-1-1 role when no other organization existed to fulfill this role
- this is no longer the case - their role now is largely one of contract administration and
funding.
EComm exists to serve regional emergency needs and now reports to a Board that
includes some regional representation. The proposed change would move the control of
9-1-1 to E-Comm's existing Board, and the CRTC. The CRTC through its tariff and
audit structure exercise significant control over 9-1-1 services and their related costs.
As such, it may now be appropriate that E-Comm assume the 9-1-1 role in its entirety.
• Financial Implications:
The transfer of 9-1-1 services directly to E-Comm would complete the services offered
by E-Comm, which include 9-1-1 call centre and emergency radio and dispatch systems.
The transfer would also remove the 9-1-1 portion of the costs placed on the GVRD
municipal levy - a reduction in the levy of approximately 8.5%, with these costs then
recovered via telephone bills (see the section on Call Answer Levy - Appendix 1).
The annual GVRD budget for the 9-1-1 function, paid through property taxes, is $2.6
million in 2003. This is the estimated contract costs of $2.4 million plus the overall
system administration.
• Shift from Property Tax Levy to Call Levy:
Contract negotiations between the GVRD and E-Comm have been under way for more
than three years, but talks have now been suspended pending review of the E-Comm's
requests on governance changes and a call-answer levy. While under the negotiation
process, E-Comrn has indicated that they feel fees should be substantially higher. The
estimates they have given are approximately equal to $3.8 million. E-Comm would
require a Call Answer Levy as a funding source as they do not have any tax requisition
authority. One method of collecting this could be through phone bills. Without a
transfer of 9-1-1 function, the GVRD could introduce a Call-Answer Levy to replace or
supplement property tax funding of the 9-1-1 service.
Alternatives:
The Corporate and Intergovernmental Committee report laid out the following alternatives:
-2-
The Board could support E-Comm in its request to transfer the full responsibility for the
9-1-1 function to E-Comm. (This is the recommended alternative.)
The Board could continue with its current 9-1-1 function and direct staff to explore the
possibility of introducing a Call-Answer Levy on all telephones in the GVRD and report
back on the exact amount to be collected monthly with a view to reduce or eliminate
funding from property tax.
The Board could continue with the existing 9-1-1 governance function using the GVRD
as an intermediary with E-Comm and keep the funding structure through property
taxation. Negotiations with E-Comm would resume.
The GVRD could, at the end of the term of the Telus 9-1-1 service agreement in June,
2004, cease to offer 9-1-1 service. Each municipality would then be free to operate its
own call-answer centre at their local police or fire dispatch centre or to negotiate a
contract for call-answer services with E-Comm or another agency. Introduction of a
call-answer levy would be at the discretion of the municipality.
As in 3 above, the GVRD could continue with the existing 9-1-1 governance function
using the GVRD as an intermediary; however, if it was felt that the market may offer a
better estimate of value for service, the GVRD could consider using another -
organization to provide a similar type of service.
CONCLUSIONS:
E-Comm performs the majority of the 9-1-1 functions now, so we recommend they assume full
responsibility for the function.
Prepared by: Brenda Graham
Executive Assistant
Approved by: Pau'l Gilt, B.B.A., C.G.A.
General Manager: Corporate and Financial Services
Concurrence: j,L. (Jim) Rule
(Thief Administrative Officer
PG:bkg
All.
-3-
/ Greater Vancouver Regional District
4330 Kingsway. Bumaby. British Columbia, Canada V5H 408
-p
Office of the Chairperson
Telephone 604.432-6215
Fax 604.451-6614
December 2. 2003 Our File: CR-10-02-ECOMM
Mayor Morse and Members of Council
District of Maple Ridge
11995 Haney Place
Maple Ridge, BC
V2X 6A9
Dear Mayor Morse and Members of Council:
Re: Responsibility for 9-1-1: Administration and Funding
The Greater Vancouver Regional District Board, at the Regular Meeting of the Greater
Vancouver Regional District Board of Directors held on October 31, 2003, received the
above noted report and adopted the following recommendation:
That the GVRD Board refer this report to member municipalities for comment
and advice and for the Board to consider member municipalities comments at
their November Board meeting.
in order to allow sufficient time for municipalities to comment, the Board will consider
this report in the new year. Please forward your comments to us by January 31, 2004.
in accordance with this recommendation, a copy of this report is enclosed. A copy of the
report was also included in the November 26, 2003 Regional Administrative Advisory
Committee agenda.
Yours truly.
J. Marvin Hunt
Chair, Board of Directors
Enclosure
ADMINISTRATION
DEC 12 2003
7 Finance & Administration
Greater Vancouver Regional District Telephone (604) 432-6249
4330 Kingrway, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada V5H 4G8 Fax (604) 436-6860
Committee Meeting Date: October 17, 2003
Board Meeting Date: October 31, 2003
To: GVRD Board of Directors
From: Corporate and Intergovernmental Committee
Date: June 5, 2003
Subject: Responsibifity for 9-1-1: Administration and Funding
Recommendation.
That the Board refer this report to member municipalities for comment and advice and for the
Board to consider member municipalities comments at their November Board meeting. -
PURPOSE
To present a proposal to transfer of the 9-1-1 function and to respond to a request from the
Corporate and Intergovernmental Committee for a report on E-Comm and a proposed call
answer levy.
CONTEXT
At the June Board Committee meetings, E-Comm staff presented to both the Finance and
Corporate and Intergovernmental Committees two proposals on: (1) the transfer of the 9-1-1
function to E-Comm and; (2) a shift from property taxed based funding to call answer levy.
Finance had referred these proposals to the Corporate and Intergovernmental Committee who
then requested further information.
E- Comm and 9-1-1
E-Cornm is the regional emergency communications centre for southwest British Columbia.
As a privately held corporation, founded under the provincial Emergency Communications
Corporation Act in 1997, E-Comm has an annual budget of approximately $36 million and a
fiscal mandate to 'break-even'. A 15- member Board of Directors (it can be expanded up to
25 members if new members wish to purchase shares) provides governance to E-Comm. (see
attached Appendix 2 for present composition of the E-Comm Board of Directors).
The Greater Vancouver Regional District was given the authority to establish an enhanced
9-1-1 telephone system through letters patent in 1988. The District's 94-1 system went into
operation July 15, 1990. From 1990 to 1999, the Vancouver Police performed the initial call-
answer function for the district through a contract for service. Since June 8, 1999, E-Comm
has assumed that role.
All 9-1-1 calls placed from phones in the GVRD - both wireline and wireless - are routed
through the Telus provincial network to the E-Comm building where the greeting operators
answer the calls. The calls are then "downstreamed" to 20 different Public Safety Answering
Points (PSAPs). Some of these PSAPs are within the E-Cornm building, some are in the
municipalities. At present, twenty five percent (25%) of the calls are downstreamed outside
of E-Comm.
Since the service started in 1990, the GVRD has assumed the role of custodian of the service,
ensuring that the needs of all the participating agencies are addressed both inter-agency and
with Telus, the other local service providers, the wireless carriers and the regulatory bodies
(CRTC and Industry Canada)..
The GVRD also provides 9-1-1 call-answer service to the Resort Community of Whistler and
the Sunshine Coast Regional District. These services had been provided for several years
before the start of E-Comm through agreement with the 9-1-1 Management Committee and
approval of the GVRD Board.
Transfer of Responsibility
E-Comm's proposal is to consolidate all aspects of the 9-1-1 service in the region under E-
Comm only (see letter attached). In order to accomplish this, E-Comm would have to replace
the GVRD as the signatory to the Telus 9-1-1 Service Agreement. In addition, E-Comm
would need to request that the Province make the necessary regulatory changes to their i-.ct.
E-Comm is seeking the support of the GVRD Board for these purposes.
The transfer of 9-1 -1 services directly to E-Comm would complete the services offered by i..-
Comm which include 9-1 -1 call centre and emergency radio and dispatch systems. The
transfer would also remove the 9-1-1 portion of the costs placed on the GVRD municipal
levy - a reduction in the levy of approximately 8.5%, with these costs then recovered via
telephone bills (see the following section on Call Answer Levy - Appendix 1).
The GVRD took on the 9-1-1 role when no other organization existed to fulfill this role on a
regional basis. Today that is no longer the case - our role now is largely one of contract
administration and funding.
E-Comm exists to serve regional emergency needs and now reports to a Board that includes
some regional representation. The proposed change would move the control of 9-1-1 to E-
Comm's existing Board, and the CRTC. The CRTC through its tariff and audit structure
exercises significant control over 9-1-1 services and their related costs. As such, it may now
be appropriate that E-Cornm fully assume the 9-1-1 role in its entirety.
Shift from Property Tax Levy to Call Levy
The annual GVRD budget for the 9-1-1 function, paid through property taxes, is $2.6 million
in 2003 (estimated contract costs of $2.4 million as well as the . overall syster
administration).
Contract negotiations with E-Comm have been underway for more than three (3) years, but
talks have now been suspended pending review of E-Comm's requests on governance
changes and a Call-Answer Levy. While under the negotiation process E-Comm has
indicated that they feel fees should be substantially higher. The estimates they have given are
approximately equal to $3.8 million.
If E-Conirn were to assume full responsibility for the 9-1-1 service it requires a Call Answer
Levy as a funding source for 9-1-1 operations since they do not have any tax requisition
authority. They indicated that they would need to use the phone bills as a mechanism for
collecting all of the money the GVRD now collects through the tax requisition. It should be
noted that without a transfer of 9-1-1 function, the GVRD could introduce a Call-Answer
Levy to replace or supplement property tax funding of the 9-1-1 service.
While G\TRD staff are unsure of the actual breakdown for any increase in current costs, a
significant portion of the balance would relate to existing infrastructure costs that are
allocated to all of E-Comm's service operations. E-Comm has advised that the 9-1-1
function has not been allocated its share of these costs in the same consistent fashion as those
of other services and has indicated that any deficit in 9-1-1 funding is paid by its existing
shareholders. This (allocation issue) is something that would need to be verified if it was to
be included in negotiations into current contracts if the GVRD retains this function (note.
these increases have not been considered when setting our 5 year financial targets). And
similarly, if E-Conim takes full control of the function these allocations would then be
subject to review by the CRTC in establishing a call-answer levy.
3. ALTERNATIVES
The Board could support E-Comm in its request to transfer the full responsibility for the
9-1 -1 function to E-Conim. Control and funding issues would remain with E-Comm,
their Board, their members and the CRTC. The property tax bill would be reduced
through the transfer of costs to the telephone bill.
The Board could continue with it's current 9-1-1 function and direct staff to explore the
possibility of introducing a Call-Answer Levy on all telephones in the GVRD and
report back on the exact amount to be collected monthly with a view to reduce or
eliminate funding from property tax.
The Board could continue with the existing 9-1-1 governance function using the GVRD
as an intermediary with E-Comm and keeping the funding structure through property
taxation. Negotiations with E-Comm would resume.
The GVRD could, at the end of the term of the Telus 9-1-1 service agreement in June,
2004, cease to offer 9-1-1 service. Each municipality would then be free to operate its
own call-answer centre at their local police or fire dispatch centre or to negotiate a
contract for call-answer services with E-Comm or another agency. Introduction of a
call-answer levy would be at the discretion of the municipality.
5) As in 3 above, the GVRD could continue with the existing 9-1-1 governance function
using the GVRD as an intermediary however if it was felt that the market may offer a
better estimate of value for service, the GVRD could consider using another
organization to provide a similar type of service (go out to tender for bids). This could
be a local organization or with current technology, the service could even be provided
from a distance. E-Comm would also be able to bid.
4. CONCLUSION
The key decision here is really the one of who assumes full responsibility for the 9-1-1
function. E-Comm performs the majority of these functions now. Does the E-Comm board
along with the C.R.T.0 have sufficient governance of this function such that the GVRD
Board can remove itself from these issues? This decision can be argued from several fronts
and therefore staff recommends that this issue be referred to member municipalities for their
instruction.
Appendix 1: Call Answer Levy
Appendix 2: E-Comm Board of Directors
App endix 3: Letter from E-Comm to Johnny Canine dated June 26, 2003
APPENDIX 1
A Call-Answer Levy is a monthly fee collected on every monthly telephone bill. The Telus 9-1-1 Tariff
allows regional districts to have Telus (and all the other local phone service providers) act as their billing
agent by collecting a monthly user fee - a Call-Answer Levy on every phone bill. Other regions of BC
that have successfully introduced Call Answer Levy are:
Capital Regional District (Victoria) 66 cents
Nanaimo 47 cents
Powell River 69 cents
Nelson 75 cents
The GVRD investigated Call-Answer Levy in 1999 during discussions as to whether Access Fees would
be placed on the monthly phone bills or paid directly by the GVRD. The Access Fee is the amount
payable to Telus for the telephone lines in their provincial 9-1-1 network and use of the customer records
database and is separate and distinct from a Call-Answer Levy.
When the GVRD did preliminary calculations in 1999, the amount of a Call-Answer Levy was estimated
to be approximately 15 cents per phone line per month. Since that time the CRTC has allowed call-
answer levies to also be collected from some enhanced wireless phone subscribers and the number of -
land lines has increased so the monthly rate today would be lower per line if costs had remained the
same. The GVRD did not pursue the levy in 1999, primarily because the collection fee paid to Telus (in
addition to the per line fee) was 7 cents per line, but did elect to move the 9-1-1 system Access Fee on to
the monthly phone bills.
By definition, the Call-Answer Levy must be specific to the call-answer function. Once the amount is
agreed to by all the parties a submission is made to the CRTC for approval prior to the actual
introduction of the charge on monthly phone bills. The entity introducing the Call-Answer Levy then has
to sign collection agreements with each local service provider. The GVRD worked with the CRTC
Industry Steering Committee, through the Emergency Services (9-1-1) Working Group to develop the
contracts used in all regional districts in B.C.; only minor modifications would be required to allow E-
Comm to use these documents.
Should the Board of the Regional District agree to the introduction of a Call-Answer Levy, the tariff
allows the carriers to collect an additional 7 cents per month on every phone bill for performing the
service. Each of the local phone subscribers' bills would then have three lines for 9-1-1 service charges,
plus applicable taxes, each month:
- 9-1 - I monthly Access Fee payable to Telus (currently in place)
- 9-1-1 Call-Answer Levy (new charge)
- 9-1 -1 billing and collection fee payable to the local service provider (new charge)
F-Comm states they would be looking for a Call-Answer Levy set somewhere in the range of 25 cents to
fully fund the current 9-1-1 operations. As such, E-Cornm estimates show phone bills for subscribers
having the following monthly charges:
16 cent - 9-1-1 monthly Access Fee payable to Telus/Other Providers
25 cent - 9-1-1 Call-Answer Levy payable to the GVRD or E-Comm
7 cent - 9-1-1 billing and collection fee payable to the local service provider
total 48 cent monthly charge plus applicable taxes
Using the above estimate, the 25 cent call answer levy would generate approximately $4 million
annually. The 7 cent billing fee payable to service providers for billing purposes would be approximately
SI M annually. The 16 cent fee is already in place and would not change.
1. (lL.rw?Tevv
Appendix 2
I E-COMM BOARD OF DIRECTORS 1
Don Evans - Independent Director and Chair of the Board
Gary Briggs - RCMP
- Jhn....Lynn Vanco.uv.erPoliceBoard.
Dan Cunningham - Emergency Health Services Commission
Jon Harris -. Maple Ridge/Pitt Meadows
Tony Heemskerk - Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General
Lois Jackson and Len Garis - Delta/Langley Township and City/White Rock/Surrey
Patti Marfleet - City of Vancouver
Kiichi Kumagai - City of Richmond
Barbara Sharp - West Vancouver/North Vancouver District and City
Ross Montgomery - Independent Police Boards (New Westminster. Delta, Port Moody & West Vancouver)
Joe Trasolini - Burnaby/Port Coquitlarn/Coquitlam/Port Moody! Belcarra/New Westminster
David Korbin - Independent Director
3301 East Pender Street
Vancouver BC V5K 513
Canada
Append
June 26, 2003
Johnny Canine
Chief Administrator1s Office
Greater Vancouver Regional District
4330 Kingsway
Burnaby, BC V51-1 4G8
Dear Mr. Canine,
Further to our meetings with your staff concerning E-Comm's desire to assume
full legal responsibility for 9-1-1 service within the GVRD, on behalf of E-Comm
we are writing to request that the following resolution be put before the GVRD
Board at the earliest opportunity:
That the GVRD support the transfer of legal responsibility for 9-1-1 service
from the GVRD to E-Comm.
We appreciate the time and support of GVRD staff, as well as both the Finance
and Corporate and Intergovernmental Affairs committees in considering this
issue.
If there is any further information that we can provide or if it would be of
assistance for 'us to attend or make a brief presentation, we would be pleased to
do so. Thank you for your consideration of our request.
Yours truly,
I
Ken Shymanski
President & Chief Executive Officer
Helping to Save Lives and Protect Property
7so-/
Z~tDvvj
CORPORATION OF THE DISTRICT OF MAPLE RIDGE ( 'I
TO: Her Worship Mayor Kathy Morse DATE: December 18, 2003
and Members of Council FILE NO: (
FROM: Chief Administrative Officer ATTN: Committee of the Whole
SUBJECT: 9-1-1 Administration and Funding
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
E-Comm is the regional emergency communications centre for southwest British Columbia. As a
privately held corporation, founded under the provincial Emergency Communications Corporation Act
in 1997, E:Comm has an annualbudget of approximately $36 million and a fiscal niandate to "bteak
even." A 15-member Board of Directors (it can be expanded up to 25 members if new members wish to
purchase shares) provides governance to E-Comin. Maple Ridge..and Pitt Meadows currently share
representation and Councillor Jon Harris is our representative
At the June GVRD Board Committee meeting, E-Comm staff presented to both the Finance and
Corporate and Intergovernmental Committees two proposals on:
• The transfer of the 9-1-1 function to E-Comm; and
• A shift from property taxed based funding to call rnswer levy.
The GVRD is now asking member municipalities for comment and advice by the end of January 31,
2004.
RESOLUTION:
THAT Council endorse moving control of the 9-1-1 function from the GVRD to E-Comm;
and
THAT Council support a Call Answering Levy as the funding source for the 9-1-1 service.
DISCUSSION:
a) Background Context:
All 9-1-1 calls placed from phones in the GVRD - both wireline and wireless - are routed
through Telus provincial network to the E-Comm building where the greeting operators answer
the calls. The calls are then "downstreamed" to 20 different Public Safety Answering Points
(PSAP's). Some of these PSAP's are within the E-Comm building, some are in the
municipalities. At present, 25% of the calls are downstreamed outside of E-Comm.
Since the service started in 1990, the GVRD has assumed the role of custodian of the service,
ensuring that the needs of all the participating agencies are addressed. The GVRD also provides
9-1-1 call-answer service to the resort community of Whistler and the Sunshine Coast Regional
District.
-1-
"Awwo
A copy of the full report to the GVRD from the Corporate and Intergovernmental Committee is
attached for your information.
b) Issues for Council to Consider:
• Transfer of Responsibility
E-Comm's proposal is to consolidate all aspects of the 9-1-1 service in the region under
E-Comm only. (See letter in full report.) In order to accomplish this, E-Comm would
have to replace the GVRD as the signatory to the Telus 9-1-1 Service Agreement. In
addition, E-Cornm would need to request that the Province make the necessary
regulatory changes to their Act.
The GVRD took on the 9-1-1 role when no other organization existed to fulfill this role
- this is no longer the case - their role now is largely one of contract administration and
funding.
E-Comm exists to serve regional emergency needs and now reports to a Board that
includes some regional representation. The proposed change would move the control of
9-1-1 to E-Comm's existing Board, and the CRTC. The CRTC through its tariff and
audit structure exercise significant control over 9-1-1 services and their related costs.
As such, it may now be appropriate that E-Comm assume the 9-1-1 role in its entirety.
• Financial Implications:
The transfer of 9-1-1 services directly to E-Comm would complete the services offered
by E-Comm, which include 9-1-1 call centre and emergency radio and dispatch systems.
The transfer would also remove the 9-1-1 portion of the costs placed on the GVRD
municipal levy - a reduction in the levy of approximately 8.5%, with these costs then
recovered via telephone bills (see the section on Call Answer Levy - Appendix 1).
The annual GVRD budget for the 9-1-1 function, paid through property taxes, is $2.6
million in 2003. This is the estimated contract costs of $2.4 million plus the overall
system administration.
• Shift from Property Tax Levy to Call Levy:
Contract negotiations between the GVRD and E-Comm have been under way for more
than three years, but talks have now been suspended pending review of the E-Comm's
requests on governance changes and a call-answer levy. While under the negotiation
process, E-Comm has indicated that they feel fees should be substantially higher. The
estimates they have given are approximately equal to $3.8 million. E-Comm would
require a Call Answer Levy as a funding source as they do not have any tax requisition
authority. One method of collecting this could be through phone bills. Without a
transfer of 9-1-1 function, the GVRD could introduce a Call-Answer Levy to replace or
supplement property tax funding of the 9-1-1 service.
c) Alternatives:
The Corporate and Intergovernmental Committee report laid out the following alternatives:
-,:,-
It
The Board could support E-Comm in its request to transfer the full responsibility for the
9-1-1 function to E-Comm. (This is the recommended alternative.)
The Board could continue with its current 9-1-1 function and direct staff to explore the
possibility of introducing a Call-Answer Levy on all telephones in the GVRD and report
back on the exact amount to be collected monthly with a view to reduce or eliminate
funding from property tax.
The Board could continue with the existing 9-1-1 governance function using the GVRD
as an intermediary with E-Comm and keep the funding structure through property
taxation. Negotiations with E-Comm would resume.
The GVRD could, at the end of the term of the Telus 9-1-1 service agreement in June,
2004, cease to offer 9-1-1 service. Each municipality would then be free to operate its
own call-answer centre at their local -police or fire dispatch centre or to negotiate a
contract for call-answer services with E-Comm or another agency. Introduction of a
call-answer levy would be at the discretion of the municipality.
As in 3 above, the GVRD could continue with the existing 9-1-1 governance function
using the GVRD as an intermediary; however, if it was felt that the market may offer a
better estimate of value for service, the GVRD could consider using another
organ ization to provide a similar type of service.
CONCLUSIONS:
E-Comm performs the majority of the 9-1-1 functions now, so we recommend they assume full
responsibility for the function.
Prepared by: Brenda Graham
Executive Assistant
Approved by: Pau'l B.B.A., C.G.A.
General Manager: Corporate and Financial Services
Concurrence: j,L. (Jim) Rule
chief Administrative Officer
PG:bkg
An.
-3-
1a--
c
Office of the Chairperson
Telephone 604-432-6215
Fax 604-451-6614 ZV7 Greater Vancouver Regional District
4330 Kingsway. Bumaby. British Columbia. Canada VS/-I 408
December 12003
Our File: CR-10-02-ECOMM
Mayor Morse and Members of Council
District of Maple Ridge
11995 Haney Place
Maple Ridge. BC
V2X 6 A 9
Dear Mayor Morse and Members of Council:
Re: Responsibility for 9-1-1: Administration and Funding
The Greater Vancouver Regional District Board, at the Regular Meeting of the Greater
Vancouver Regional District Board of Directors held on October 31, 2003, received the
above noted report and adopted the following recommendation:
That the GVRD Board refer this report to member municipalitiesfor comment
and advice and for the Board to consider member municipalities comments at
their November Board meeting.
in order to allow sufficient time for municipalities to comment, the Board will consider
this report in the new year. Please forward your comments to us by January 31, 2004.
In accordance with this recommendation. a copy of this report is enclosed. A copy of the
report was also included in the November 26. 2003 Regional Administrative Advisory
Committee agenda.
Yours truly.
J. Marvin Hunt
Chair. Board of Directors
Enclosure
ADM!NtSTRATION
DEC 122003
Finance & Adrni,zsszronon
Greater Vancouver Regional District Telephone (604) 432-6249
4330 Kingsway, Burnaby, Bruish Columbia, Canada VSH 4G8 Fax (604) 436-6860
Committee Meeting Date: October 17,2003
Board Meeting Date: October 31,2003
To: GVRD Board of Directors
From: Corporate and Intergovernmental Committee
Date: June 5, 2003
Subject: Responsibility-for 9-1-1: .Adrninitration andFunding
Recommendation:
That the Board refer this report to member municipalities for comment and advice and for the
Board to consider member municipalities comments at their November Board meeting.
PURPOSE
To present a proposal to transfer of the 9-1-1 function and to respond to a request from the
Corporate and Intergovernmental Committee for a report on E-Comm and a proposed call
answer levy.
CONTEXT
At the June Board Committee meetings, E-Comm staff presented to both the Finance and
Corporate and Intergovernmental Committees two proposals on: (1) the transfer of the 9-1-1
function to E-Comm and; (2) a shift from property taxed based funding to call answer levy..
Finance had referred these proposals to the Corporate and Intergovernmental Committee who
then requested further information.
E- Comm and 9-1-1
E-Comm is the regional emergency communications centre for southwest British Columbia.
As a privately held corporation, founded under the provincial Emergency Communications
Corporation Act in 1997, E-Comm has an annual budget of approximately $36 million and a
fiscal mandate to 'break-even'. A 15- member Board of Directors (it can be expanded up to
25 members if new members wish to purchase shares) provides governance to E-Comm. (see
attached Appendix 2 for present composition of the E-Comm Board of Directors).
The Greater Vancouver Regional District was given the authority to establish an enhanced
9-1-1 telephone system through letters patent in 1988. The District's 9-1-1 system went into
operation July 15, 1990. From 1990 to 1999, the Vancouver Police performed the initial call-
answer function for the district through a contract for service. Since June 8, 1999, E-Comm
has assumed that role.
S -.
jc
All 9-1-1 calls placed from phones in the GVRD - both wireline and wireless - are routed
through the Telus provincial network to the E-Conmi building where the greeting operators (
answer the calls. The calls are then "downstreaxned" to 20 different Public Safety Answering
Points (PSAPs). Some of these PSAPs are within the E-Comm building, some are in the
municipalities. At present, twenty five percent (250,16) of the calls are downstreamed outside
of E-Cornm.
Since the service started in 1990, the GVRI) has assumed the role of custodian of the service,
ensuring that the needs of all the participating agencies are addressed both inter-agency and
with Telus, the other local service providers, the wireless carriers and the regulatory bodies
(CRTC and Industry Canada).
The GVRI) also provides 9-1-1 call-answer service to the Resort Community of Whistler and
the Sunshine Coast Regional District. These services had been provided for several years
before the start of F-Comm through agreement with the 9-1-1 Management Committee and
approval of the GVRD Board.
Transfer of Responsibility
F-Comm's proposal is to consolidate all aspects of the 9-1-1 service in the region under F-
Comm only (see letter attached). In order to accomplish this, E-Comrn would have to replace
the GVRD as the signatory to the Telus 9-1-1 Service Agreement. In addition. F-Comm
would need to request that the Province make the necessary regulatory changes to their i-.ct.
F-Comm is seeking the support of the GVRD Board for these purposes.
The transfer of 9-1-1 services directly to E-Comm would complete the services offered by -
Comm which include 9-1-1 call centre and emergency radio and dispatch systems. The
transfer would also remove the 9-1-1 portion of the costs placed on the GVRD municipal
levy - a reduction in the levy of approximately 8.5%, with these costs then recovered via
telephone bills (see the following section on Call Answer Levy - Appendix 1).
The GVRD took on the 9-1-1 role when no other organization existed to fulfill this role on a
reiona1 basis. Today that is no longer the case - our role now is largely one of contract
administration and funding.
F-Comm exists to serve regional emergency needs and now reports to a Board that includes
some regional representation. The proposed change would move the control of 9-1-1 to E-
Comm's existing Board, and the CRTC. The CRTC through its tariff and audit structure
exercises siiificant control over 9-1-1 services and their related costs. As such, it may now
be appropriate that F-Comm fully assume the 9-1-1 role in its entirety.
Shift from Property Tax Levy to Call Levy
The annual GVRD budget for the 9-1-1 function, paid through property taxes, is $2.6 million
in 2003 (estimated contract costs of $2.4 million as well as the overall syster
administration).
Contract negotiations with E-Comm have been underway for more than three (3) years, but
talks have now been suspended pending review of ECo mnits requests on governance
changes and a Call-Answer Levy. While under the negotiation process E-Cornm has
indicated that they feel fees should be substantially higher. The estimates they have given are
approximately equal to $3.8 million.
If E-Comrn were to assume full responsibility for the 9-1-1 service it requires a Call Answer
Levy as a funding source for 9-1-1 operations since they do not have any tax requisition
authority. They indicated that they would need to use the phone bills as a mechanism for
collecting all of the money the GVRD now collects through the tax requisition. it should be
noted that without a transfer of 9-1-1 function, the GVRD could introduce a Call-Answer
Levy to replace or supplement property tax funding of the 9-1-1 service.
While GVRD staff are unsure of the actual breakdown for any increase in current costs, a
significant portion of the balance would relate to existing infrastructure costs that are
allocated to all of E-Comm's service operations. E-Conim has advised that the 9-1-1
function has not been allocated its share of these costs in the sante consistent fashion as those
of other services and has indicated that any deficit in 9-1-1 funding is paid by its existing
shareholders. This (allocation issue) is something that would need to be verified if it was to
be included in negotiations into current contracts if the GVRD retains this function (note:
these increases have not been considered when setting our 5 year financial targets). And
similarly, if E-Comm takes full control of the function these allocations would then be
subject to review by the CRTC in establishing a call-answer levy.
3. ALTERNATWES
The Board could support E-Comm in its request to transfer the full responsibility for the
9-1-1 function to E-Comm. Control and funding issues would remain with E-Comm,
their Board, their members and the CRTC. The property tax bill would be reduced
through the transfer of costs to the telephone bill.
The Board could continue with it's current 9-1-1 function and direct staff to explore the
possibility of introducing a Call-Answer Levy on all telephones in the GVRD and
report back on the exact amount to be collected monthly with a view to reduce or
eliminate funding from property tax.
The Board could continue with the existing 9-1-1 governance function using the GVR.D
as an intermediary with E-Comm and keeping the funding structure through property
taxation. Negotiations with E-Comm would resume.
The GVRD could, at the end of the term of the Telus 9-1-1 service agreement in June,
2004, cease to offer 9-1-1 service. Each municipality would then be free to operate its
own call-answer centre at their local police or fire dispatch centre or to negotiate a
contract for call-answer services with E-Comm or another agency. Introduction of a
call-answer levy would be at the discretion of the municipality.
5) As in 3 above, the GVRD could continue with the existing 9-I-I governance function
using the GVRD as an intermediary however if it was felt that the market may offer a
better estimate of value for service, the GVRD could consider using another
organization to provide a similar type of service (go out to tender for bids). This could
be a local organization or with current technology, the service could even be provided
from a distance. E-Comm would also be able to bid.
4. CONCLUSION
The key decision here is really the one of who asses full responsibility for the 9-1-1
function. E-Cornm performs the majority of these functions now. Does the E-Comm board
along with the C.R.T.0 have sufficient governance of this function such that the GVRD
Board can remove itself from these issues? This decision can be argued from several fronts
and therefore staff recommends that this issue be referred to member municipalities for their
instruction.
Appendix 1: Call Answer Levy
Appendix 2: E-Comm Board of Directors
Appendix 3: Letter from E-Cornm to Johnny Canine dated June 26, 2003
APPENDIX 1
A Call-Answer Levy is a monthly fee collected on every monthly telephone bill. The Telus 9-1.1 Tariff
allows regional districts to have Telus (and all the other local phone service providers) act as their billing
agent by collecting a monthly user fee - a Call-Answer Levy on every phone bill. Other regions of BC
that have successfully introduced Call Answer Levy are:
1. Capital Regional District (Victoria) 66 cents
2.Nanaimo 47 cents
Powell River 69 cents
Nelson 75 cents
The GVRD investigated Call-Answer Levy in 1999 during discussions as to whether Access Fees would
be placed on the monthly phone bills or paid directly by the GVRD. The Access Fee is the amount
payable to Telus for the telephone lines in their provincial 9-1-1 network and use of the customer records
database and is separate and distinct from a Call-Answer Levy.
When the GVRD did preliminary calculations in 1999, the amount of a Call-Answer Levy was estimated
to be approximately 15 cents per phone line per month. Since that time the CRTC has allowed call-
answer levies to also be collected from some enhanced wireless phone subscribers and the number of
land lines has increased so the monthly rate today would be lower per line if costs had remained the
same. The GVRD did not pursue the levy in 1999, primarily because the collection fee paid to Telus (in
addition to the per line fee) was 7 cents per line, but did elect to move the 9-1-1 system Access Fee on to
the monthly phone bills.
Bv definition, the Call-Answer Levy must be specific to the call-answer function. Once the amount is
agreed to b all the parties a submission is made to the CRTC for approval prior to the actual
introduction of the charge on monthly phone bills. The entity introducing the Call-Answer Levy then has
to sian collection agreements with each local service provider. The GVRD worked with the CRTC
Industry Steering Committee, through the Emergency Services (9-1-1) Working Group to develop the
contracts used in all regional districts in B.C.; only minor modifications would be required to allow E-
Comm to use these documents.
Should the Board of the Regional District agree to the introduction of a Call-Answer Levy, the tariff
allows the carriers to collect an additional 7 cents per month on every phone bill for performing the
service. Each of the local phone subscribers' bills would then have three lines for 9-1-1 service charges,
plus applicable taxes, each month:
- 9-1-1 monthly Access Fee payable to Telus (currently in place)
- 9-1-1 Call-Answer Levy (new charge)
- 9-1-1 billing and collection fee payable to the local service provider (new charge)
F-Comm states they would be looking for a Call-Answer Levy set somewhere in the range of 25 cents to
fully fund the current 9-1-1 operations. As such, E-Cornm estimates show phone bills for subscribers
having the following monthly charges:
16 cent - 9-1-1 monthly Access Fee payable to Telus/Other Providers
25 cent - 9-1-1 Call-Answer Levy payable to the GVRD or E-Comm
7 cent - 9-1-1 billing and collection fee payable to the local service provider
total 48 cent monthly charge pius applicable taxes
Using the above estimate, the 25 cent call answer levy would generate approximately $4 million
annually. The 7 cent billing fee payable to service providers for billing purposes would be approximately
S 1 NI annually. The 16 cent fee is already in place and would not change.
,-_1 ,_ ,,.- I . -.
Appendix 2
I E-COMM BOARD OF DIRECTORS I
Don Evans - Independent Director and Chair of the Board
Gary Briggs - RCMP
John Lynn - Vancouver Police Board
Dan Cunningham - Emergency Health Services Commission
Jon Harris - Maple Ridge/Pitt Meadows
Tony Heemskerk - Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General
Lois Jackson and Len Garis - Delta/Langley Township and City/White Rock/Surrey
Patti Marfleet - City of Vancouver
Kiichi Kumagai - City of Richmond
Barbara Sharp - West Vancouver/North Vancouver District and City
Ross Montgomery - Independent Police Boards (New Westminster. De'ta, Port Moody & West Vancouver)
Joe Trasolini - Burnaby/Port Coquitlarn/Coquitlam/Port Moody! Belcarra/New Westminster
David Korbin - Independent Director
F
3301 East Pender Stree:
Vancouver BC V5K 5j3
Canada
Append
June 26, 2003
Johnny Canine
Chief Administrator's Office
Greater Vancouver Regional District
4330 Kingsway
Burnaby, BC V5H 4G8
Dear Mr. Canine,
Further to our meetings with your staff concerning E-Comm's desire to assume
full legal responsibility for 9-1-1 service within the GVRD, on behalf of E-Comm
we are writing to request that the following resolution be put before the GVRD
Board at the earliest opportunity:
That the GVRD support the transfer of legal responsibility for 9-1-1 service
from the GVRD to E-Comm.
Weapp reciate the time and support of GVRD staff, as well as both the Finance
and Corporate and Intergovernmental Affairs committees in considering this
issue.
If there is any further information that we can provide or if it would be of
assistance for us to attend or make a brief presentation, we would be pleased to
rio so. Thank you for your consideration of our request.
Yours truly,
Ken Shymanski
President & Chief Executive Officer
- . . Helping to Save Lives and Protect Property