Minutes of Meeting, April 19, 2007

Present: Leonor Bradley (Guildford Community Partners), Bonnie Burnside (Whalley CA), Kathy Hodson (Crescent Park Annex PA), Nick Kapty (Cranley Place), Dave Moffat (Country Woods RA), Barb Paton (Semiahmoo RA), Mike Proscow (Country Woods RA),Grant Rice (South Westminster RA), Wally Sandvoss (Port Kells CA), Fred Weber (Ocean Park CA), Rosemary Zelinka (Elgin Ratepayers and Coordinator for Surrey ASC).

1. Appointment of Chair

Fred Weber was appointed Chair for this meeting.

2. Approval of Agenda

Moved by Barb Paton and seconded by Rosemary Zelinka, that the Agenda be approved as amended. CARRIED

3. Minutes

Moved by Wally Sandvoss,, seconded by Nick Kapty that the Minutes of the March 15 meeting be approved as circulated.

4. Business arising from the Minutes

(a) The Coordinator described the consultation process by the City for the Sustainability Charter, which includes, as a first stage, defining sustainability and the scope of the study. As agreed at the previous Surrey ASC meeting, an e-mail was sent to the City requesting that the deadline for response be extended. Subsequently the deadline was extended for a further two weeks. It was agreed that we would send a letter to the City, which includes our definition and also the chart of sustainability measures which was circulated at an earlier Surrey ASC meeting. It will be emphasized that we want targets for action, rather than broad motherhood statements in the Charter.

(b) Regarding becoming a society, our application has been submitted to the Province.

(c) The Coordinator reported on a meeting with Linda Western of the United Way. She circulated a draft application to the United Way, which requests a further grant of $20,000 (attached), in order to continue current activities, and also to undertake community development and promotion of sustainability.

It was moved by Fred Weber and seconded by Barb Paton that the Coordinator be authorized to submit the application to the United Way, with the addition of sections on deliverables and on recognition of United Way contributions.

(d) Progress on the volunteer appreciation dinner was described. About 62-65 people are expected, about the same as last year, but nearly a half of those attending will be different from last year.

5. New Business

(a) Expenses of $440 incurred by the Coordinator (due to difficulties in accessing our bank account) were detailed and approved for payment.

(b) Wally Sandvoss reported that Port Kells CA is discussing with the Public Art Committee, the placing of ten heritage plaques to celebrate Port Kells’ heritage. The costs would be in the order of $40,000.

(c) Kathy Hodson advised that her community is concerned about subdivision of half-acre lots into smaller lots and that this is permitted by existing zoning. Grant Rice will talk to her about the process that South Westminster went through to obtain a down zoning of their area.

(d) Rosemary Zelinka advised that she will be in Calgary for the next three months, doing some planning work for the City. During this period, Fred Weber volunteered to be Acting Coordinator, with Dave Moffat’s help.

6. Reports from Member Organizations

(a) Dave Moffat reported that Country Woods is very pleased that Council sent back neighbourhood concept plan #2 in Grandview Heights for further work. He regards this as a positive step by Council. Hopefully this will lead to an examination as to why this area is being redeveloped now, and whether a fairer planning process can’t be established.

(b) Leonor Bradley advised of a community fair being held by Guildford Seniors and the local Lions Club from 6 to 8.30 pm on April 24, at Guildford Community Centre.

(c) Bonnie Burnside reported that she, Lucy Matich and Velma Wilson have been appointed to the advisory committee on the City Centre Plan.

There are a number of graffiti issues in Whalley, which City Bylaws have been prompt to respond to.

(d) Fred Weber described a precedent set for housing along Ocean Park bluffs, when Council approved a swimming pool by amendment to a restrictive covenant after a geotechnical engineer certified its safety. This was after the neighbourhood was assured at time of rezoning that this would not happen.

He also commented that large trees were being torn down to make way for development sites in many parts of Ocean Park, and that such uncontrolled development is contrary to the OCP.

7. Next Meeting

7.00 pm, May 17, at Port Kells Community Hall

8. Adjournment

The meeting adjourned at 8.45 pm.