General Meeting Minutes
November 21, 2007 12 noon
Parksville Community Centre
In Attendance: Michelle Jones, Chair Manley LaFoy
Dan Jack Shirley Wright
Karen Barry Bruce Cownden
Kim Burden Bud Shelly
Matt Breedlove Tom Eardley
Dean Dreger Pat Nevison
Bernie Walsh Caroline Grover
Marilyn Hayden, Recording Secretary
Guests: Councillor Marc Lefebvre, City of Parksville
Councillor Wendy Maurer, Town of Qualicum Beach
Michelle Jones called the meeting to order at 12:15 pm. and introductions were made around the table.
Michelle Jones announced that Caroline Grover, Parksville Economic Development Officer has tendered her resignation and will be moving out of the area. Michelle commented on her outstanding efforts and her positive enthusiasm working with the ODCA and presented her with a thank you card and plaque.
Approval of Agenda
Add under New Business:
City of Parksville guest speaker, Mr. Todd Litman
Qualicum Beach “Talk & Treats”
Qualicum Beach Financial Plan
Parksville waterfront erosion
Approval of October 17, 2007 Minutes
MOTION: Moved by Bruce Cownden, seconded by Manley LaFoy to accept the minutes of October 17, 2007 as circulated. CARRIED
Liaison Report – Councillor Marc Lefebvre, City of Parksville
· The City of Parksville Committee Meetings have been disbanded and in place 2 Committee of the Whole Meetings will be held each month.
· At the last council meeting a motion was passed to refer the Affordable Housing initiatives to the ODCA for review and comments.
· At the Committee of Whole Meeting the proposed Development Process Review by the ODCA was sent back to staff.
· City of Parksville is sponsoring a sustainability speaker this evening “Smart Policies for Healthy Communities” 7 pm at the Parksville Community Centre. Marilyn reported that the invitation was forwarded to all members.
· The proposed Dockside Green tour needs at least 30 participants to make it viable to rent a bus. 15 people are interested to date and the tour transportation may be in cars. Contact Marc if you are interested in going on the tour. Another possibility would be to invite Dockside Green representatives to the ODCA February meeting for a presentation. Marc requested Kim Burden canvass the chamber for interested participants.
Liaison Report – Caroline Grover
· Caroline announced that the “Business Assistance for Successful Enterprise” is now available to every business in the Parksville and Qualicum Beach areas at no cost. As well as established businesses the service is also available to people starting up a new business. A paid coach has been hired and the volunteer mentorship team has been set up. Caroline thanked the ODCA for sponsorship and volunteer mentors.
· Caroline was asked if a new Economic Development Officer will be hired. Caroline responded that she was not knowledgeable. Councillor Marc Lefebvre replied that the city would be looking to hire an Economic Development Officer.
Round Table discussion on proposed Parksville Development Process Review
· Michelle Jones reported that the proposal went to the Committee of the Whole and the staff recommendation was to cancel. The motion was defeated and a motion was passed for staff to meet with the ODCA for discussions on a “process review” not an “operational review”. Discussion followed on the concept of process versus operational in the Terms of Reference written by the ODCA. Following discussion it was agreed that a “process review” would implement an “operational review” and rather than using the term “operational” the better wording would be “policy implementation”.
· Councillor Marc Lefebvre reported that the majority of council supports a Development Process Review.
Round Table discussion on proposed Parksville Affordable Housing Initiatives
· Councillor Marc Lefebvre reported that staff recommended deleting the development permit requirement in certain situations but this was defeated at the committee level and sent back to staff for review.
Councillor Wendy Maurer entered the meeting at this time.
· Councillor Wendy Maurer reported that Qualicum Beach is working on changing process and are inviting developers to bring in conceptual drawings to promote discussion with Council, staff and the public prior to submission.
· Discussion followed.
· Caroline Grover reported that the Parksville Attainable Housing Steering Committee report is available at www.businessbythebeach.com under “projects”.
· Contact Marilyn if you would like to be involved in reviewing Affordable Housing.
Old Business
RDN Area G OCP Review Update – Helen Sims
· Michelle Jones reported that Helen Sims sent her regrets that she was unable to attend today’s meeting and reported via email that so far the Area G OCP Review committee has only received one review from John Moore.
· Bruce Cownden reported that he had reviewed and made comments sent directly to the RDN.
Newspaper Article Update – Matt Breedlove
· Matt Breedlove reported that 14 ODCA members have sponsored the advertorial, which will be printed in the November 26th edition of the Oceanside Star.
· Michelle Jones reported that the Oceanside Star have set up an interview with her on Friday to be printed on the adjoining page to the advertorial.
Fall HPO Seminar #8 – Duane Round
· Michelle Jones reported that Duane Round sent his regrets that he was unable to attend today’s meeting and Marilyn reported that there are 13 registered for the seminar to date. The seminar takes place this evening from 6-9 pm and all are welcome to attend and pay at the door.
New Business
City of Parksville guest speaker, Mr. Todd Litman
· As per Councillor Marc Lefebvre’s liaison report.
Qualicum Beach “Talk & Treats”
· Michelle Jones reported that an invitation has been received from the Town of Qualicum Beach to attend a communication meeting to be chaired by a facilitator on November 26th 6:30 pm at the Qualicum Beach Civic Centre.
· Councillor Wendy Maurer invited everyone interested to attend this public communication meeting. The town wants to know how they are doing in communications and customer service. Wendy encouraged everyone to let the Town Council know how they are doing and suggested bringing a list of items that Town Council needs to address.
Town of Qualicum Beach Financial Plan
· Contact Marilyn if you would like a copy of the Financial Plan emailed.
Parksville Waterfront Erosion
· Manley LaFoy reported that a response was not received from the Design Team to questions and input to the beach erosion issue and requested of Councillor Marc Lefebvre how the city is responding to committee work and going ahead with the project?
· Councillor Marc Lefebvre responded that he will look into it. Community members are entitled to a response to their input.
Other New Business
· Councillor Wendy Maurer reported that a motion was passed at Town Council today that “all forest land sales be halted immediately” which will be sent to AVIC.
2008 Civic Elections
· Following discussion, it was agreed to identify civic candidates to support in the 2008 Civic Election.
The meeting adjourn at 1:50 pm.
Next General Meeting: There will not be a General Meeting in December due to the Christmas Season.
Annual Wine & Cheese: January 16th, 2008, venue to be announced