WERA
General Meeting of May 24, 2016
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Meeting
commenced: 7:10 p.m.
Chair: Elmer Rudolph;
Recorder: Gavin McLeod
Number of
attendees: 11
Approval of minutes of
previous meetings:
Motion to approve minutes of March 22, 2016, moved by Gavin McLeod seconded by
Joanne Dawe.
Additional Agenda Items: sprinkling
regulations.
Review of Feedback from
the O.C.P. Neighbourhood Workshops-Vision 2041: Elmer Rudolph reported on
the meeting, he was invited as a city representative to a review process on May
19th and received a 40-page summary document featuring feedback from
open houses, laneway houses and townhouses received 60 percent and 50 percent
support other choices far lower, 30 percent were opposed to all forms and 20
percent chose maybe. The soft supported was determined to be based on a wait
and see attitude and the respondents wanted to see implementation before
deciding. There was concern about enforcement of new bylaws that would be
created by increased infill; also of concern were parking problems, green
spaces, preservation of trees and lack of parks/ recreational facilities
especially in the west end. Illegal suites were also a concern.
Branding (Promoting) the city waterfront: The
city hall wants to encourage local residents and tourists to treat New
Westminster as a destination: Elmer Rudolph reported on attending a small
meeting to discuss the branding of the New Westminster Waterfront. A private
marketing company has been hired to brand the waterfront particularly the
downtown waterfront. Obstacles mentioned were lack of access, train tracks and
heavy truck traffic. The riverfront is mostly inaccessible west of downtown.
Elmer suggested that a small project be created and started instead of after
lengthy planning and discussion.
Neigbourhood Traffic
Advisory Committee Report: Gavin
McLeod reported on the recent NTAC meeting. There was a presentation by 2
officials from Translink regarding the effect on New Westminster traffic from
the repairs to the Pattullo bridge. A map was presented showing the Port Mann
bridge and the Pattullo bridge. They were asked why the Alex Fraser bridge was
not included and replied that their studies indicated no change in traffic flow
over the Alex Fraser. I disagreed and suggested that 20th street
would be affected also. It was suggested that heavy trucks be banned from the
bridge during repairs due to the vibration and the amount of road space
occupied.
Community Policing
Committee Report: Gavin
McLeod reported from the May 19th meeting. Deputy Chief Constable
(DCC) Dave Jansen reported that Calls for service were down except for
Queensborough, downtown and the east end (Sapperton). Calls for service are not
necessarily criminal code matters. Crime stats: double digit decrease for the
city; overall crime down 13%, Robberies down 41%, Break & enters down 31%,
Vehicle thefts down 23%. The only increase was Theft from Auto (TFA) up by 4%. School
Liaison Officer Program will be incorporating private and home schools into its
program, along with a greater focus on at risk youth. The 2016-2019 Strategic
Plan is available:
http://www.nwpolice.org/inside-new-westminster-police-department/strategic-plan/
Report on Recent
Residents’ Association Forum: Elmer Rudolph reported on the recent
meeting. Unlike all previous meetings the representatives were given most of
the meeting time to speak to their issues. Topics included reduced space for
meeting agenda on city page and how to increase attendance at residents’
associations meetings.
New Sprinkling
Regulations:
Gavin McLeod reported on this year’s sprinkling regulations in New Westminster.
The local news reported that New Westminster will have a hardline approach this
year due to numerous complaints last year. New Westminster stated that fines
would be imposed. Many New Westminster residents have switched over to in
ground sprinkler systems and run them in the early morning to avoid detection.
Gavin McLeod inquired about monitoring of in ground systems and was informed by
Councilor Patrick Johnstone that in ground systems would not be regulated
during phase one; it was also suggested that ratting on neighbours would no longer
be necessary but engineering services denied both suggestions. Last year only
one fine was issued despite the many complaints. Water metering may be the best
solution. It was suggested that laneways housing may be approved in 2017 with
townhouses to follow.
Overpass to River Drive: Elmer was
informed that money is the issue between provincial government, Translink and
the City of New Westminster.
Meeting
Adjourned: 20:25
Next
meeting: Tentatively scheduled for Tuesday September 27, 2016 at Unity in
Action Church from 7 pm to 9 pm.
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