Council Briefs - September 4, 2012

COUNCIL BRIEFS - September 4, 2012

MEETING AT A GLANCE

Download the complete September 4 meeting package online.

Watch the September 4 meeting or archived meetings online.

PUBLIC HEARINGS

Zoning Amendment Bylaw (Function Junction - Indoor Recreation Uses) No. 2003, 2012

A public hearing was held for Zoning Amendment Bylaw (Function Junction - Indoor Recreation Uses) No. 2003, 2012. View the public hearing package online.

The purpose of the proposed Bylaw is to rezone the Lands in Function Junction to generally allow Indoor Recreation Uses in the Industrial Service One (IS1), Industrial Service Four (IS4), Industrial Light Three (IL3), and Function Junction Light Industrial Residential (ILR) zones, respectively.

One letter in opposition to this proposed rezoning was received by council, so council did not consider third reading of this bylaw later in the meeting but will do so at a future meeting.

Background:

Historically, zoning in Function Junction has not considered or generally provided for indoor recreation as a permitted use. Over recent years there has been growing demand from local business seeking to locate a wide range of indoor recreation uses within Function Junction, including dance studios, trampoline facilities and fitness facilities. Existing buildings provide suitable spaces and rents to support these uses.

During the May 15, 2012 council meeting, council gave third reading to Zoning Amendment Bylaw (IL2 Zone - Indoor Recreation Uses) No. 1995, 2012, which proposes to generally allow indoor recreation as a permitted use within the IL2 zone in Function Junction. At the public hearing on this bylaw, some individuals who commented in favour also requested that the municipality give consideration to more broadly allowing indoor recreation as a permitted use throughout Function Junction, and not just in the IL2 zone. During council’s discussion for consideration of third reading of the bylaw, council requested that staff initiate a zoning amendment bylaw to extend indoor recreation as a permitted use for other zones in Function Junction. Zoning Amendment Bylaw (Function Junction-Indoor Recreation Uses) No. 2003, 2012 is staff’s response to this request.

Council gave first and second readings to Zoning Amendment Bylaw (Function Junction - Indoor Recreation Uses) No. 2003, 2012 during the July 3 council meeting. This zoning amendment bylaw would generally extend indoor recreation as a permitted use throughout the majority of Function Junction, within the Industrial Service 1 (IS1), Industrial Service 4 (IS4), Industrial Light 3 (IL3), Light Industrial Residential (ILR) and Industrial Service 5 (IS5) zones. The only zone that would not be included is the Industrial Auxiliary One (IA1) zone, which is unsuitable for indoor recreation as the lands within this zone are located underneath power lines and are restricted to the following uses: outdoor industrial storage, vehicle parking, and vehicle impound yard.

Official Community Plan Amendment Bylaw (BC Transit Site) No. 2013, 2012 & Zoning Amendment Bylaw (BC Transit Site) No. 2012, 2012

A public hearing was held for Official Community Plan Amendment Bylaw (BC Transit Site) No. 2013, 2012 & Zoning Amendment Bylaw (BC Transit Site) No. 2012, 2012. View the public hearing agenda and package online.

The purpose of the proposed bylaw is to rezone the lands from RS-E1 (Residential Single Estate One) to CTI2 (Community and Transportation Infrastructure Two) to provide for uses related to the parking and maintenance of passenger transportation vehicles.

No written submissions for this public hearing were received; however, one community member expressed his opposition to this proposed rezoning. Council, therefore, did not give third reading to the Official Community Plan and Zoning amendment bylaws related to this proposal later in the meeting but will do so at a future meeting.

Background:

During the August 21 council meeting council endorsed an application from BC Transit to amend Zoning and Parking Bylaw 303 to rezone the BC Transit Facility, located at 8011 Highway 99, to permit passenger transportation vehicle parking, maintenance, repair, fueling and administration facilities, auxiliary buildings and auxiliary uses. At their meeting, council gave first and second readings to Zoning Amendment Bylaw (BC Transit Site), No. 2012, 2012, and first and second readings to Official Community Plan Amendment Bylaw (BC Transit Site), No. 2013, 2012. The rezoning application was required because while BC Transit is exempt from municipal land use bylaws; third party users are not.

During the July 17 council meeting, council directed staff to bring forward a rezoning application for the BC Transit Facility to utilize available capacity at the facility for commercial passenger carriers to support operation of the facility.

The current facility includes a bus wash, diesel fueling station, hydrogen fueling station, operations and maintenance facility, and covered and uncovered bus parking. The facility was built in 2010 to support an operating fleet of 50 transit buses; however, the existing facility is underutilized as the current bus fleet operates with 23 buses. BC Transit’s business case presents commercial opportunities to maximize the utilization of the existing assets to generate ancillary revenue to be shared with the municipality to support funding transit.

The rezoning will enable surplus capacity at the site to be used to generate revenue that will be applied to offset transit costs. The contracts already secured by BC Transit will generate $17,000 in the first year directly to the municipality, with that increasing to approximately $20,000 in subsequent years. The money would be put back into transit service, and the funding formula for transit costs (47 per cent BC Transit and 53 per cent RMOW) works to the municipality’s advantage. For example, the municipality purchases approximately $40,000 worth of annual transit service with the $20,000 of annual revenue. BC Transit’s contracts with third party users present no cost and no risk for the RMOW.

During the July 17 meeting, there was discussion by council about working with BC Transit to improve site remediation and drainage, landscaping, and the installation of night-sky friendly lighting.

Zoning Amendment Bylaw (Restaurant Uses) No. 2014, 2012

A public hearing was held for Zoning Amendment Bylaw (Restaurant Uses) No. 2014, 2012. View the public hearing agenda and package online.

The purpose of the proposed bylaw is to create a definition of “restaurant” in Zoning Bylaw 303, 1983 to exclude drive-in and drive-through restaurants, unless expressly provided otherwise.

No submissions were received for this public hearing, and council gave third reading to this bylaw later in the meeting.

Background:

During the August 21 council meeting, council gave first and second readings to the bylaw, which also proposes amending the LC5 zone to allow for the existing drive-through restaurant at 4370 Lorimer Road in the Marketplace.

At the direction of council at their July 17 council meeting, staff brought forward a Zoning Amendment Bylaw (Restaurant Uses) No. 2014, 2012 to exclude drive-in and drive-through restaurants from the definition of “restaurant”, across all zones in the Zoning Bylaw, unless expressly provided otherwise.

Any requests in the future for a drive-in or drive-through restaurant in a zone that allows for restaurant use would require a zoning amendment.

PRESENTATIONS/DELEGATIONS

RBC GranFondo 2012

Kevin Thomson, President of TOIT Events, gave a presentation regarding the 2012 RBC GranFondo Whistler taking place on September 8, 2012.

Thomson provided updates about changes to the third annual GranFondo. These include route changes, such as the closure of part of Highway 1 from Taylor Way to Horseshoe Bay to eliminate a pinch point in the route and accommodate more riders, and a route change through the District of Squamish; the creation of a fan zone in Squamish; the relocation of many of the post-race services from Lot 4 to Whistler Olympic Plaza; a performance by Barney Bentall at 3 p.m; and the Whistler Presents RBC GranFondo Concerts beginning at 6 p.m. with the Paperboys and She Stole My Beer at 7:15 p.m.

A traffic advisory and information about transit service disruption and parking are available on the homepage of whistler.ca.

Whistler Waldorf School

Vicky Bunbury, Whistler Waldorf School administrator, and William Trousdale, planner and president of EcoPlan International gave a presentation on behalf of the Whistler Waldorf School regarding a proposal to develop a permanent school site at Spruce Grove Park.

The Whistler Waldorf School is an accredited independent, non-profit school, which began in 2000 with three families. It has grown to include approximately 130 students from preschool through grade nine.

Bunbury presented information about the school’s history, current enrolment and growth, and vision. Trousdale presented a proposal for the development of a permanent early childhood centre and grade school at the current Spruce Grove site. The Whistler Waldorf school currently leases the Spruce Grove Field House from the RMOW and has some classes located in a temporary trailer at Spruce Grove Park.

MAYOR'S REPORT

Passing of Florence Petersen

Mayor Nancy Wilhelm-Morden reported that three important community members had passed away in the past week.

She reported that long-time resident and Whistler historian, Florence Petersen passed away peacefully at home on August 28, 2012.

Petersen first came to Whistler as a young woman in 1955, and moved to Whistler permanently in 1982 after she retired. Petersen was an accomplished author and historian, and was the founder of the Whistler Museum and Archives. She had been working on her latest book, Fresh Tracks, with the help of the Whistler Museum and it should be published shortly.

Petersen was honoured with the Freedom of the Municipality at a ceremony during a special council meeting on June 4, 2012. This is the highest honour a municipality can bestow, and Petersen was one of only three female recipients of this award.

The municipality lowered the Canadian flag at the fire hall to half-mast to mark Petersen's passing as recognition of her Freedom of the Municipality designation.

A celebration of Petersen’s life will be planned for her birthday on October 31, and the date and location will be publicized.

Passing of Dave Cathers

The mayor reported that Dave Cathers passed away on September 1 after battling with debilitating disease. The mayor said he was a pillar of the community and acknowledged his role as one of the founding members of Whistler Search and Rescue.

Passing of Art Den Duyf

The mayor reported that Art Den Duyf passed away at home peacefully surrounded by his family at the age of 77. The mayor recounted a story in which he hired her as a rookie lawyer for a week-long trial to affirm the status of Mons Road as a public road. It was a successful trial. The mayor reported that he was a successful businessman and important community member, who had donated land in White Gold to the Mennonite Brethren Conference to the Whistler Community Church. The mayor reported that he, too, will be missed.

Lakeside Park official opening celebrated August 31

The mayor reported that she attended the official opening of the newly renovated Lakeside Park on August 31.

The mayor judged a children’s sand castle building contest at this family-friendly event, which also included celebratory cake, a ribbon cutting, face painting and kids’ crafts.

Lakeside Park is one of Whistler’s oldest lakefront parks and the upgrades are part of the RMOW’s commitment to the continual investment and improvement of resort assets such as waterfront parks.

Upgrades include: new building for washrooms, concession, commercial boat tour and rental operation; renovated beachfront; provisions for commercial boat operations; renovated parking area; additional picnic tables and benches; and improved signage, drainage and landscaping.

The mayor thanked staff for all of their hard work on this project. She noted that Whistler has 31 community parks.

Residents encouraged to apply for building permit security deposit refunds

The mayor reported that residents may have noticed their names in an ad recently listing applicants for building permits issued between 2002 and 2006. Ads were placed in the local newspapers notifying residents that if they applied for a security deposit for a building permit, but did not arrange for a final inspection to ensure that there was no damage to municipal roads, works, or property, they may be eligible for a security deposit refund. The RMOW is currently working to return security deposits and close files for building permits

If you applied for building permit and paid a security deposit, which has not yet been refunded, please request an inspection. You may be eligible for a security deposit refund. Visit whistler.ca for more information.

Application for Learning and Education Planning Process Task Force extended

The mayor reported that the deadline for applications for the RMOW’s Learning and Education task force has been extended until September 7, 2012. Details are available on whistler.ca.

Seniors' Intergenerational Activity Centre opening – September 6, 2012

The mayor congratulated the Mature Action Committee as they prepare to officially open Whistler’s Seniors’ Intergenerational Activity Centre, which will be housed in the Whistler Blackcomb Foundation Social Services Centre. They mayor reported that she and MP John Weston would be present at the opening celebration on September 6 at 11:30 a.m.

This initiative has been made possible through the federal New Horizons For Seniors grant. The RMOW currently owns the space at Spring Creek, which is leased by the Whistler Blackcomb Foundation Social Services Centre.

EviroFest 2012

The mayor encouraged residents and visitors to take part in EnviroFest 2012, on September 15, 2012 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Whistler Olympic Plaza.

Hosted by the RMOW, EnviroFest 2012 offers a wide range of free family-oriented activities including interactive displays, a fashion show, music, performers, workshops and special children’s fun. Visit whistler.ca/envirofest2012 for more information.

Whistler Presents: A Summer of Entertainment

The mayor reminded everyone that there is only one more weekend left to enjoy free outdoor concerts at Whistler Olympic Plaza this summer. This programming is part of the RMOW’s Festivals, Events and Animation (FE&A) Program.

The mayor reported that two weekends ago, the resort held the Wanderlust Whistler Festival. The mayor congratulated the organizers, RMOW staff and our resort partners for a successful event and said, “we look forward to hosting them again in 2013.”

Over the past weekend, Whistler Presents offered more free concerts including Blackie and the Rodeo Kings, the Vince Vaccaro Band, Kytami, the Boom Booms and Emmanuel Jal.

This weekend the last Whistler Presents concert of the summer will take place as part of the RBC GranFondo Whistler celebrations on September 8. Musical guests will include The Paperboys and Vancouver’s own She Stole My Beer and the concerts begin at 6 p.m.

The mayor recognized everyone for their work on this successful Whistler Presents program this summer and noted that the RMOW is working on planning this fall for the FE&A program.

Visit www.whistler.ca/concertseries for more information.

Inquiries about Ironman event

The mayor reported that there have been some rumours about Whistler bidding to host the Ironman Canada in 2013. The Ironman Canada event has left Penticton and a request for proposals is posted on the Ironman website.

The mayor reported that the Whistler Events Working Committee, which includes representatives from the RMOW, Tourism Whistler, Whistler Blackcomb, Whistler Sport Legacies, Whistler Arts Council, and the Whistler Chamber of Commerce, is reviewing the request for proposals, and is in preliminary discussions with the owners of the event.

The group will report back in coming weeks.

Whistler Women’s Centre

The mayor reported that the Walk-a-Mile in Her Shoes event will take place Sunday, September 23, 2012. This is a march to end rape, sexual assault, and gender violence, and a fundraiser for the women’s centre. She encouraged her male colleagues to participate in this event.

She noted that the Whistler Women’s Centre also has new programs, including drop in yoga by donation with free child-minding.

Meeting with UNBC president

The mayor reported that she met recently with University of Northern British Columbia president George Iwama and Yasuhara Ishizawa, president of a Women’s college in Tokyo.

Chief administrative officer marks first year with RMOW

The mayor reported that it has been a year since Mike Furey joined the RMOW in his role as chief administrative officer. She stated that she is happy he joined the organization and is still with us, and looks forward to many more years of service.

Letter from constituent

The mayor reported that she received a hand-written and illustrated letter from a constituent requesting that Alta Lake be renamed “Dragonfly” lake because there are so many dragon flies around it.

INFORMATION REPORTS

Second quarter financial report presented

Staff presented a Quarterly Financial Report for the second quarter of 2012. Quarterly financial reporting is a priority identified by council as part of its Council Action Plan, and the quarterly financial report was developed by staff in collaboration with the Finance and Audit Committee.

The quarterly financial report provides council with a comparison of the annual budget amounts with year-to-date actual revenues and expenditures for operating departments and projects as of June 30, 2012. Overall municipal operating and project revenues and expenditures are at expected levels as at the end of the second quarter of the fiscal year.

Quarterly reports will provide the community, council, and staff with a regular overview of financial information and will support transparency and accountability of the organization.

Download annual reports and the 2012 second quarter report here.

Information presented about Whistler Olympic Plaza concert sound levels

Council was presented with information about concert sound levels associated with Whistler Olympic Plaza.

In 2011, Whistler Olympic Plaza officially opened and was used to host free outdoor concerts over the summer season. Along with the three different stage locations, four sound system configurations were used in 2011.

Nine sound complaints were received by the RMOW in 2011 with several complaints coming from the same individuals. The majority related to concert sound levels impacting the use of back yard patios for family barbecues or other social gatherings.

After reviewing the 2011 programming in Olympic Plaza, several adjustments were made for 2012, including using a smaller PA system, reducing concert music volume levels, adjusting speaker angles, adjusting concert times, and adjusting the length of Whistler Presents concerts to a shorter duration.

Whistler Presents concert times and duration were also adjusted based on feedback from resort partners, including the Restaurant Association of Whistler. In an effort to maximize opportunities for guests to have dinner and enjoy a concert, and not have to choose one or the other, Whistler Presents concerts were scheduled between 8:30 p.m. and 10 p.m., except the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, which started earlier.

Eight phone complaints from three individuals were received by the RMOW in 2012, in addition to correspondence received by council, and sound monitoring has been ongoing during the Whistler Presents concert series, on site, in the Village, and in nearby residential neighbourhoods.

Whistler Olympic Plaza is an outdoor venue hosting many important festivals and events, and regardless of steps taken to mitigate sound levels, some sound will inevitably emit beyond the venue. Staff will continue to explore other measures for sound mitigation.

Progress report presented for Council Action Plan

Mike Furey, Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) for the RMOW presented a progress report to council regarding the deliverables outlined the February 2012 Council Action Plan. The plan identifies five key priorities and deliverables for six, 12 and 18 months.

The following outlines the status of the deliverables identified for the first six months of the plan.  The full progress report includes updates on all deliverables.

Priority: Fiscal responsibility

Revitalize annual financial planning process:

• Council approved a zero tax and utility fee increase for 2012.
• A more robust financial planning process was initiated with the condensed 2012 budget process, and staff are developing new annual financial planning processes, which will used as the 2013 budget process begins this fall.
• The first quarterly financial report was presented to council on September 4, 2012.

Review Resort Municipality Initiative (RMI) management and expenditures

• The RMOW secured $6.35 million in RMI funding for 2012 and is awaiting final signature on the new five-year memorandum of understanding with the Province (anticipated in late September 2012). An oversight committee for RMI has been created.
• The Festivals, Animation and Events (FE&A) program received a full review and update in 2012 with a new FE&A Oversight Committee and a strategic plan in place. These initiatives have resulted in more robust 2012 FE&A programming.
• Council has also approved $1.2M for advanced 2013 FE&A planning to fully leverage 2013 events.

Continue RMOW organizational review

• The divisional organizational review was completed in January 2012 and reduced the divisions and general managers from five to three along with other streamlining measures.
• The departmental review was completed in July and saw further staff reductions.
  o The employee handbook review is well underway.

Priority: Increased accountability and engagement

Deliver and implement an RMOW Corporate Plan

• A comprehensive Corporate Plan was completed in July and is being implemented. The plan includes a range of specific accountability measures and will be updated annually.

Implement a performance management system

• Development of performance management agreements is well underway, and they will be completed in fall 2012.

Update the Municipal Communications & Engagement Strategy

• An update of the communications and engagement strategy will be presented to council in fall 2012, including town hall, community meetings, and focus groups.
• The relationship with the Whistler Centre for Sustainability has been reviewed, and the centre has been engaged to continue with a portion of their previous work on behalf of the RMOW, including the community monitoring report and community life survey.

Priority: Client-focused service delivery

The plan does not identify any deliverables for the six-month period.

Work has begun on the deliverable to review and monitor customer service levels. A new incoming request and work order tracking system is under review and work is underway on improved project management and coordination.

Priority: Open for business

Revise pay parking program in the Day Lots

• On December 7, 2011 council approved a new approach to pay parking including free parking in lots 4 and 5 and no charge to park in any of the Day Lots from 5 p.m. to 3 a.m.

Engage Provincial Officials and work towards an improved Special Occasion Liquor License regime.

• The RMOW’s resolution on improved Special Occasion Liquor Licensing was approved by the Lower Mainland Local Government Association in May 2012 and it is included in the resolutions for the September 2012 UBCM Convention. The RMOW and other local government representations to the Province resulted in legislation changes in 2012, which have improved the current liquor licensing regime.

Advance post-secondary education initiative in Whistler

• Council has approved the creation of a task force for education and learning, and work on this initiative is in progress.

Explore feasibility and costs of free Village wi-fi access with partners and community

• Staff explored costs of free wi-fi access and reported to a Committee of the Whole on the outcome of this review on July 3, 2012.

Priority: Progressive resort community planning

The plan does not identify any deliverables for the six-month period.

Two of the twelve-month deliverables are well underway including work to address the illegal space issue and initiate a Cultural Plan.

According to the report, all departments and managers have made the Council Action Plan a priority, and as a result the deliverables in the plan are on track.

ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS

New Economic Partnership Initiative Committee created

Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Mike Furey made a presentation to council about the creation of a new Economic Partnership Initiative (EPI) Committee, which will expand the Resort Municipality Initiative (RMI) Oversight Committee’s role to include a broader economic planning mandate. Council endorsed the terms of reference for the EPI committee.

The creation of the RMI Oversight Committee was endorsed by council on March 6, and is composed of representatives from Tourism Whistler, Whistler Blackcomb, the Hotel Association of Whistler (HAW), the RMOW (Council member and staff), the Whistler Chamber of Commerce (WCC) as well as a member-at-large. The EPI committee will have the same representation.

Pursuing an economic strategy is one of the key deliverables of the Council Action Plan and the EPI Committee will be tasked with the development of strategy, which builds on the outcomes of previous economic planning work in the resort community.

The purpose of the EPI committee is to improve the collaboration and alignment between key economic stakeholders within Whistler, and to produce a set of medium-term (zero to five-year) economic development and planning recommendations designed to build confidence, encourage investment, and support growth of Whistler’s resort economy.

Old Gravel Road

Council was presented with a report about the ongoing maintenance, ownership and public access to Old Gravel Road. A variety of options were presented to address concerns raised by the residents of Old Gravel Road in correspondence received at the May 15, 2012 council meeting.

Concerns included: maintenance responsibility of the road, drainage and geotechnical issues, limited sitelines, insufficient road width for two-way traffic, increased degradation of the road surface, illegal vehicle parking, school children safety at drop-off and pick-up, signage and safety and encouragement of trespassing and infringement on private properties (vehicle turnaround in private driveways).

Council endorsed staff’s recommendation to restrict public access by installing additional regulatory information and signage in the Old Gravel Road area. Council discussed long-term plans to extend the Valley Trail from Pine Point Park at Alpha Lake, and council also recommended that the installation of increased signage restricting access to Old Gravel Road should be an interim measure, while other options, including receiving feedback from residents about their proposed solutions, are explored.

Background:

The dedication of Old Gravel Road took place in 1983 by the Survey General of British Columbia under the provisions of the Land Act. The Survey General approved the Old Gravel Road dedication without RMOW consultation, resulting in the dedication of a deficient roadway as well as the creation of parcel fragments. The annual maintenance of Old Gravel Road is treated like a private roadway found within a strata development; however, unlike a private roadway, Old Gravel Road is located within a public road allowance which effectively gives access rights to the public.

The RMOW has received legal advice that the municipality is only obligated to maintain public road when the municipality or the Approving Officer has approved the dedication of the roadway and the Municipal Engineer or the Approving Officer is satisfied that the road construction has been completed to municipal standards.

Development Permit approved for 2121 Nordic Drive

Council approved a development permit for 2121 Nordic Drive to allow for an addition to the existing A-frame cabin.The cabin is located in the Leisure Recreation Two (LR2) zone, a zone which is intended for hostel use. The cabin is currently unoccupied and not being used as a hostel. An auxiliary residential dwelling unit is permitted provided it is contained within a hostel building. A business licence for hostel use is necessary for the property owner and the owner can apply in the future to rezone the property to residential use if they do not wish to operate a hostel as the zoning does not permit outright residential use.

The applicant has proposed a 66 square metre addition for a new entry to the building, a code-compliant stair, two new bathrooms and a bedroom. The addition will use the existing A-frame cabin to maintain the existing character of this original Whistler cabin.

Bylaw amended for Emerald Sewer Specified Area Parcel Tax

Council gave first three readings to Emerald Sewer Specified Area Parcel Tax Amendment Bylaw No. 2015, 2012, which amends Emerald Sewer Specified Area Parcel Tax Bylaw No. 1441, 2001 to reflect current borrowing costs when calculating prepayments, and provides for consistent wording with respect to prepayments for the parcel tax on properties in the Emerald sewer specified area.

The Emerald Sewer Specified Area Parcel Tax Bylaw imposes a parcel tax on properties within the Emerald sewer specified area for the construction of the Emerald sewer system over a period of up to 20 years, and provides owners with an option to prepay the parcel tax at any time.

Officers Bylaw receives first three readings

Council gave first three readings to the Resort Municipality of Whistler Officers Bylaw No. 1961, 2011. The new officers bylaw updates the existing bylaw to reflect changes as a result of the RMOW’s organizational structure review, which resulted in the consolidation of municipal departments and subsequent downsizing to three general managers. The bylaw also eliminates the separate Municipal Administrator Bylaw, which is now obsolete.

Sections 146 and 147 of the Community Charter state that councils must establish officer positions, including corporate officer and financial officer; and may establish other positions, such as chief administrative officer. Staff recommended that council also establish positions for corporate and community services, infrastructure services, resort experience, and human resources.

MIABC Voting Delegate

During this week’s meeting, council appointed mayor Nancy Wilhelm-Morden as voting delegate and councillors Jackson Crompton and John Grills as alternates to the Municipal Insurance Association of British Columbia (MIABC) to represent and vote on behalf of the interests of the RMOW at the annual subscribers meeting, which will take place on Tuesday, September 25, 2012 during the UBCM convention in Victoria, BC.

MIABC has provided third party liability insurance and risk management assistance to the RMOW for 20 years. The MIABC Reciprocal Agreement provides that every member of MIABC has representation at the subscribers meetings.

MINUTES OF COMMITTEES AND COMMISSIONS

Council received minutes from the Illegal Spaces Task Force meetings of:

• January 5, 2012
• January 19, 2012
• January 26, 2012
• February 16, 2012
• March 8, 2012
• May 10, 2012
• June 14, 2012

BYLAWS FOR FIRST, SECOND AND THIRD READINGS

Council provided first, second, and third readings to:

• Emerald Sewer Specified Area Parcel Tax Amendment Bylaw No. 2015, 2012
• Officers Bylaw No. 1961, 2011

BYLAWS FOR THIRD READING

Council provided third reading to Zoning Amendment Bylaw (Restaurant Uses) No. 2014, 2012.

BYLAWS FOR ADOPTION

Council adopted Land Use Procedures and Fees Amendment Bylaw No. 2008, 2012.

OTHER BUSINESS

Council appointment to the Whistler Centre for Sustainability

Council appointed Councillor Jack Crompton to the Whistler Centre for Sustainability’s Board.

CORRESPONDENCE

Council received correspondence from:

• Shauna Hardy Mishaw, Executive Director, dated August 15, 2012, and from Shawn Williamson, Chair of the Board of Directors of the Whistler Film Festival Society, dated August 14, 2012, regarding the Rainbow Theatre project. This will be considered by the new Economic Partnership Initiative (EPI) committee on September 17, 2012,  and Committee of the Whole on September 18, 2012.
• Daniel Jonckheere, dated August 26, 2012, regarding concerts in Whistler Olympic Plaza, and previous letters to council on the subject.
• Caroline Gay Cluer, dated August 20, 2012, and Angela Paterson, dated August 17, 2012, regarding concerns with water disposal at Alta Lake and the former hostel site, and a request for the installation of a sewer line along Alta Lake Road. There was discussion about prioritizing this. A gas tax application has been submitted and RMOW staff have followed up with the Province. Council made a motion advising staff to investigate alternate financing options in the event that funding from other levels of government is not approved and to bring back an Information Report regarding the feasibility of installing a municipal sewer for Alta Lake Road residences. Historically, council agreed that this would only occur should the RMOW secure grant funding from other levels of government, which has not been successful to date.
• Virgina Bagin, received August 22, 2012, regarding night time noise at Alpenglow Lodge and the Village. This letter was referred to bylaw services staff.
• Carol Coffey, Executive Director of the Community Foundation of Whistler, dated August 16, 2012, regarding the Fund statement for the Environmental Legacy Fund for 2011.
• Vedran Lovric, dated August 17, 2012, regarding one-third funding available for a BC Hydro beautification project. This letter was referred to staff.
• Margaret McCullough, dated August 15, 2012, regarding shark finning, an issue to be discussed at the UBCM meeting in September 2012.