District of Metchosin Minutes Council Meeting December 10, 2018 at 7:00 p.m. Council Chamber Metchosin Municipal Hall ___________________________________ Present: Mayor Ranns in the Chair; Councillors Kahakauwila, MacKinnon, Epp and Little. Also present was L. Urlacher, CAO and T. Van Swieten, Deputy Corporate Officer The meeting was called to order at 7:05 p.m. Closed Portion, Exclusion of the Public Moved and Seconded by Councillors Kahakauwila and MacKinnon that the public be excluded under section 90 of the Community Charter in order to consider: 1(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. (f)law enforcement, if the council considers that disclosure could reasonably be expected to harm the conduct of an investigation under or enforcement of an enactment; (g)litigation or potential litigation affecting the municipality. 2(b) the consideration of information received and held in confidence relating to negotiations between the municipality and a provincial government or the federal government or both, or between a provincial government or the federal government or both and a third party; Carried 1. Agenda, Additions and Approval Moved and Seconded by Councillors Kahakauwila and Little that Council approve the agenda as presented. Carried 2. Presentations Mayor Ranns stated that Bob Gramigna is unable to attend the meeting tonight and his certificate will be presented at a Council meeting in the New Year. Mayor Ranns stated that the Fire services Exemplary Service Medal, created on August 29, 1985, honours members of a recognized Canadian fire service who have completed 20 years of service, ten years of which have been served in the performance of duties involving potential risks, and were employed on or after the date of creation of the Medal. Recognized fire services include Canadian fire departments, fire marshals’ offices, fire commissioners’ offices and the Canadian Forces fire services. Exemplary service is characterized by good conduct, industry and efficiency. a) Scott Henning, Fire Service Exemplary Service Medal Mayor Ranns gave a brief overview of Scott Henning’s background as a firefighter, starting in 1998 with North Cowichan, promoted to Lieutenant after three years. He has been an officer for 16 years, and Fire Chief for the last three years. Scott has been heavily involved in Fire Investigations and is a competitive member of the North Cowichan extrication team for over ten years. Scott is also a member of their Swift Water Rescue Team and brings a great wealth of knowledge and experience in driving, pump operations, scene management and has a passion for District of Metchosin - 2 - December 10, 2018 Council Meeting Minutes the fire service. Scott came to Metchosin in January 2018 and was promoted to Lieutenant after his probationary period. Mayor Ranns stated that Metchosin is fortunate to have him as an active and dedicated member of the Metchosin Volunteer Fire Department and congratulated him on his Fire Services Exemplary Service Medal. b) Stephanie Dunlop, Fire Service Exemplary Service Medal Mayor Ranns stated that Stephanie Dunlop came to Metchosin from Peachland, worked her way up the Metchosin Volunteer Fire Department to become the Fire Chief, and has done a remarkable job as Chief. Stephanie has recommended and implemented many programs, including mutual aid agreements with neighbouring communities. Stephanie works to consistently improve life for Metchosin residents with her ability to operate effectively and economically. Stephanie introduced the tender shuttle that has saved residents on their insurance costs, hiring the District’s Public Works crew from the Fire Department to helping us have a full engine crew during the day that helps with our mutual aid as well. Stephanie has also worked very hard with our Emergency Operation Centre getting it to a remarkable state of efficiency. Mayor Ranns congratulated Stephanie on her many accomplishments over the years and congratulated her on the Fire Services Exemplary Service Medal. 3. Public Participation Gaert Linnaea, resident, stated her full support for the LaBonne Residents Association and expressed concerns about the areas lands and waterways of Wildwood Creek which feeds into Matheson Lake. Ms. Linnaea has noticed increase in tandem traffic over the last two years and asked what Council what they can do to have some control over the soil deposits. Mark Atherton, resident, restated that a workshop put on by the Ombudsperson’s Office would be a very good idea and quoted some parts of the Best Practices booklet put out by the Ombudsperson’s Office, including court proceedings and bylaw enforcement. Mr. Atherton commented on an alternative process to going to court, The Bylaw Notice Enforcement Act, which is less structured and less cost. Mr. Atherton offered to volunteer to help with a Bylaw Enforcement Workshop. Robert Patterson, resident, stated his support for the LaBonne Residents Association, adding that this issue has been going on for a long time and there is lots to be concerned about. Mr. Patterson commented that it is unsettling to know the length of time some of the soil deposits are taking and policing them all should not be just up to Municipal, there should be a Regional level involved. Bonnie Farris, resident, wanted to add onto Mark Atherton’s comments and stated the workshops put on by the Ombudsperson’s Office would be for staff and Council only, not the public. Ms. Farris went on to quote from the Best Practices Guide put out by the Office of the Ombudsperson, regarding enforcement. Ms. Farris commended Council for planning a workshop and asked that it happen fairly soon. Nicole Shukin, resident, thanked everyone that came out to support the LaBonne Residents Group and commented on bylaw violations and voluntary compliance unfolding in Metchosin, including boulders that were brought on the property in question to line a pond or erecting a screen. Over the weekend boulders being moved around the property were heard. Ms. Shukin questioned whether voluntary compliance means screening over or cleaning up a problem. Ms. Shukin also commented on the image of Parry Bay Sheep Farm on the District of Metchosin website and what happens behind the rural green image lays scenes of careless remation and the broken hearts of residents. With renewed will for serious bylaw reform, Metchosin can live up to the image it projects. Ms. Shukin supports a bylaw workshop. District of Metchosin - 3 - December 10, 2018 Council Meeting Minutes Dominique Daniel Moscow, resident, supports the residents speaking on a more effective approach to bylaw enforcement and having a workshop on bylaw enforcement. Ms. Moscow commented on the amount of fine revenue collected and stated collecting essential fines for serious offenses would help fund bylaw services. Ms. Moscow stated voluntary compliance may work in some instances but certain criteria should be applied before this being the default approach, like past history, effect on environment and/or neighbours. Karyn Woodland, resident, stated the bylaw enforcement and complaint process is flawed and supports the LaBonne Road residents and Mark Atherton’s comments about a Best Practices Workshop. Ms. Woodland gave a brief history of Metchosin and its residents, who many volunteer tirelessly to enhance environmental stewardship, but not all residents value Metchosin. Ms. Woodland stated Metchosin is known for its lax bylaws and minimal environmental standard. Ken Merkley, resident, supports the LaBonne Road residents, has recently seen the site from the Ash Mt. lookout and was appalled at the degradation since the LaBonne extension went in. Mr. Merkely felt motivated to come speak on it, and volunteer his time, with a background in policy work, to help with a bylaw workshop. Paige Jervis, resident, supports and sympathizes with all those regarding the Ash Mt. dumpsite and would like to point out there is continued dumping on parts of Section 38, Goldstream District, access off Sooke Road. Many dump trucks are entering this property regularly containing questionable materials and have reported to the District some time ago and it is still happening. Ms. Jervis asked Council to act on these illegal activities and expressed concern over the damage that these activities are doing to the water quality of these connecting creeks. Gail Dalzell, property owner, stated that a workshop would explain to residents how bylaw enforcement operates; from the time a complaint is received and up until it is rectified. Holding a workshop to find ways of fining people will not be helpful. Metchosin has always been unique and handles things in different ways. Ms. Dalzell stated that there have been many times, that residents don’t know of that Council has enforced bylaws by getting compliance and have done it quietly. Ms. Dalzell also stated that it says on the agenda why Council goes In Camera. Ms. Dalzell commended Council for all the times they have reached compliance, quietly and not by intimidation. Ken Farquharson, resident, speaking on behalf of Monique Antsy, commented that Council stopped the fill on the wetlands adjacent to her property, the owner was to have a grass field, if you go down there today there is nothing growing on there at all. If you stop a fill, is it not in your power to require some form of remediation? It is not a good situation down there. Jennifer Burgis, resident, complimented those who gave formal presentations on bylaw enforcement, stating it is important for Council to listen. Ms. Burgis wished a great holiday season to everyone and wanted to remind Council of the year 2017 where incredible things were done, purchased the school and the boundary adjustment, both significant for Metchosin and she is looking forward to 2019. Ms. Burgis noted that residents are showing they want to work more closely and positively with Council than perhaps in the past.