2011 December Quarterly General Meeting Draft Minutes

CBPOA Meeting Minutes-December 07 2011

WELCOME! (Mark) Christmas Party to follow: 25 present

GUEST PRESENTATIONS:SAFETY (Bert Paquet)
OUTCOME: Bert unable to attend – information provided by email
Post meeting email from BP: “You can update the attendees by telling them that I have recently met with Colleen and Jacki from the Surrey Crime Reduction Strategy, and continue to plan for a meeting in the early new year involving the relevant stakeholders (including your association) that will assist us in developing a Crime Prevention strategy that will have the best impact on the issues affecting your community.”

EMERGENCY ACCESS AND WHISTLE CESSATION (Jaime Boan)
Emergency Access: Options and shortlist provided at the previous meeting; Crescent Road underpass selected – with 2 lane everyday access.
Challenges: GVRD sanitary main relocation 2M$, railway requirements.
Commitment: developing Terms/Reference, cost estimates.
Whistle Cessation: End of January assessment goes to Transport Canada and Railway companies. Lengthy process anticipated; 1 – 3 year resolution expected.
Q: Did White Rock have to go through the same process? Their request went through almost immediately.
A: Jaime will follow up; the distinction is that ours is a vehicle vs. a pedestrian crossing in White Rock
Clearances were reviewed – will be sufficient for a fire truck.
Q: City of Surrey requirements?
A: Must consider powerful legislation for railway companies.
Q: Timelines?
A: Early in new year to consultant so next level of study will likely occur in the Fall 2012.
Q: Relocation of railway?
A: Too expensive; would require railway interest to pursue. Comment Increasing numbers of trains.
Q: Flexibility in use of whistle volume?
A: Discretion of engineer
OUTCOME: Mark to Invite Jaime back in June to provide an update. Offer of assistance from CBPOA

PREVIOUS MINUTES
Minutes of last meeting: Moved with no amendments (Karen MacPherson); Seconded (Brian Lauder)
OUTCOME: Minutes approved and to be entered onto the CBPOA Blog by Joanne

BUSINESS ARISING
1. Maple Street Pump Station – not discussed
2. Beecher Place disturbances: gates, signage, community policing, curfew change suggested – see below

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Treasurer: Malcolm Stewart Attached report $40,178.10 net position
Moved Jim Mason; Seconded Brian; all in favor
Membership Reports: Bruce Friesen Attached report. Acknowledged all canvassers as a strong, enthusiastic and welcoming team; 392 members, a bit ahead of last year . Half have signed up for 2 years. Revenue from membership $4500.00 Thanks to all members! Moved Margo Thomson; Seconded David Grant; passed
Green Committee: Sustainability: Leanne Mason; Wendy Wulff (Micky Rogers absent). Bob Costanzo is keen to move ahead with making Crescent Beach the Greenest place on earth.
- Three big bellies for garbage and recycling with GPS and solar powered. Want to install more in Crescent Beach in the spring after an assessment to determine the appropriate number. Will remove the old ones.
- Hoping to install “no idling” signs at train crossings.
- Merchants are keen to use recyclable items.
- City will trial picking up recycling for “residential”/ businesses. (where tenants reside with their business location) - City will trial picking up recycling for “residential”/ businesses. (where tenants reside with their business location) New waste contract Oct 1st.
- The four on this committee meet regularly and want to liaise with executive –Seeking input from nearby associations.
OUTCOME: Plan to increase liaison between this committee and the executive. Mark to invite in January
New waste contract Oct 1st.

NEW BUSINESS

SMART METERS– Brian concerned about them being “foisted” on us. Lack of information, etc. Handouts were distributed to homes and he read the headings. He attended a meeting with Hydro representation. Concerned citizens attended.

BLACKIE SPIT PARKING– will occur in 3 phases. Meeting held involving CBPOA, Swim Club, Sailing Club – feedback – maximize the parking is proposed to the engineers. Start phase 1 work in Spring/Summer 2012. Question about drainage from Brian; engineers will need to review this.

Leanne Mason raised the DOG BYLAW issue. Parks dept willing to look at a change if enough CB residents in favor. Compared to other municipalities – variable bylaws. Is access between 6 – 10 AM possible? Enforcement might be difficult. More information neede re sustainability in managing dog waste. CB is family friendly and natural environment must be considered. Raising the issue – vote was held 3 – 4 years ago.
Q: Different rules on walkway vs. beach (federal jurisdiction).
A: City may lease beach from federal government and would reduce dog access.

BAYVIEW SPEED BUMPS –speed bumps on Bayview approved and in City’s 2012 budget. Hopefully install spring and will evaluate. May extend to McBride.
Q: Flashing light 30 km; could vehicle speed be noted too?
A: This is still up for debate but we can support this request and bring it forward.

MEETING WITH ALEXANDRA NEIGHBORHOOD HOUSE ~ crime issues. Working to develop a closer relationship and they will become members. Plan to present their roles and function to CBPOA.

CRIME – Meeting was held with the City and RCMP. Will be invited back in March. Canvassed community to identify victims of theft, etc. Impact statement developed and will be posted (not available tonight). It Takes a Village – ~ 60 letters came back with common themes – a way of life.
Fear (caution at night and with exploring the neighborhood, walking past groups of young people; lights on and “inviting” retaliation if RCMP called);
Motivation to call for help;
Anger “enough is enough” and changed perception re alcohol with, less tolerance;
Recommendations for prevention (road checks, prominent signage, community police location). Sent to the judge this week and it will be read if the youth are found guilty, by the judge and crown council, and to the City.
Meeting Block Watch at Westminster House (Brian).
Discussion of Eric’s incident – very frightening.
Eric - thanks to the community for the response.

DONATION – A $5 gift certificate was provided from Hooked for everyone. Esquires kindly donated the coffee this evening.

Adjournment: Moved by Karen MacPherson; Seconded by Margo Thomson. Meeting adjourned at 8:25.

Blackie Spit Preservation Society AGM held (David Grant) Minutes to be produced by David.

Annual Christmas mingle followed.

Next Meeting: March 7, 2012, 7:30 pm - CAMP ALEXANDRA - Dining Hall