WERA AGM November 28, 2017



 WERA AGM November 28, 2017
http://www.mywestend.blogspot.com Email: mywestend@telus.net
Twitter: @WERANewWest
Meeting commenced: 7:02 p.m.
                                Chair: Elmer Rudolph; Recorder: Gavin McLeod
                                Number of attendees: 6
Approval of minutes of previous meetings: Motion to approve minutes of March, moved by Gavin McLeod seconded by Mary Wilson.
Additional Agenda Items: Richard Barrow, wood stoves, NTAC delegate.
Report on Residents’ Association Forum of September 13, 2017 (Elmer Rudolph): The main topic at the meeting was discussion of financial assistance to Residents’ Associations. City council has approved assistance up to $200 without receipts, grants can be applied for once per year. An application must be submitted to Ruby Campbell. A representative from EVO car sharing attended at talked about the presence of EVO in New Westminster. There are 40 dedicated parking spots in New Westminster concentrated in high density areas. There have been some complaints about cars being left too long and a large number of EVO cars in Sapperton. EVO cars have same status as residential permits. Linking Block Parties was discussed. Instead of individual block parties it was proposed, by the president of the Brow Of The Hill RA, that a combined block parties be held on the same day. There have been complaints about the cost of tree protection deposits. (smallish tree $500, large tree $5000). Chuck Puchmayr suggested updating the RA brochure.
Community Policing Committee Report (Gavin McLeod): Deputy Chief Constable (DCC) Dave Jansen provided the following statistics:
Crime Rates in New Westminster for the month of August:
By Area: West End has seen a 2% increase, SkyTrain crime has seen a 3% decrease
Crime Types: Criminal code has seen a 7% decrease, Person’s crime (includes robberies, assaults) has seen no change (0%), property offences has seen a 5% decrease, other (includes such categories as drugs, prostitution) has seen a 20% decrease.
 Crime Categories:  Break and enters has seen no change (0%), Robberies decreased by 24% (year to date), Theft from auto decreased by 9%, theft of auto saw an increase of 14% (17 more cars in comparison from last year), assaults have decreased by 6%, drug offences have decreased by 59%
ActBiPed Committee Report (Mary Wilson): Mary Wilson reported on the Downtown Transportation Plan, what works and what doesn’t. This is a three-part project with two more meetings. Items of interest are Sapperton Green, Braid station and a crosswalk at Eighteenth street and 10th Ave.
Burnaby Developments on 11th Ave-Ice Rink? (Mary Wilson). Burnaby is speeding ahead on development at the old Safeway site and nearby properties, this will attract people and cars to the area increasing traffic on 10th and impeding pedestrian access across 10th Ave.
Additional Agenda Items
Application to City for Position of WERA Delegate to Neighbourhood Traffic Advisory Committee Meeting: WERA is entitled to send one delegate to the Neighbourhood Traffic Advisory Committee. The city requests that two names be submitted. Gavin McLeod is the incumbent delegate.
Wood Stoves: Wood smoke is a designated carcinogen. Metro Vancouver is considering a ban on wood stoves. Many houses in New Westminster have fireplaces. They are more decorative than functional as they do not burn efficiently and draw warm air out of the house. There is a rebate program for wood stoves. Richard Barrow, a resident of the West End was to speak on this topic but did not attend the meeting.
Memberships: The membership fee is due at the AGM and is $2 per person per year.
Annual Donation to Unity In Action: Motion to donate $50 to Unity In Action. Moved Joanne Dawe/ Seconded Alice Millar/ Carried.

Meeting Adjourned: 20:13
Next Meeting: Tentatively scheduled for Tuesday January 23, 2018 at Unity in Action Church from 7 pm to 9 pm.

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