[This transcript was generated automatically from audio using AI and hasn't been reviewed by a person -- it can contain mistakes, including plausible-sounding sentences that were never actually said. Treat it as a starting point, not a verbatim record.] [0:00] So, let me know when you're ready, Ms. Kenny. Great. I would like to call the Monday April 17th public-language [0:09] city council meeting, and first acknowledge that we're on the unseated and traditional territories [0:15] of the math-to-quea-c-c-quantland and semi-immun-first nations. Before we adopt the agenda, I want to check [0:21] if there is any additions or changes we'd like to make to the agenda. Seeing none, I'll put forward that [0:28] the April 17th, 2023, regular agenda be adopted as circulated who would like to move that. Councillor Mack and seconded by [0:36] council all-practice, is there any discussion? I'll call the question, all those in favor. Is there any opposed? It's [0:42] carried unanimously. We're going to adopt the motions in one go. The minutes, sorry, in one go, that the minutes [0:50] of the regular meeting held on April 3, 2023, adopted as circulated in that the minutes of the special [0:57] pre-closed meeting held on April 3, be adopted as circulated who would like to move that, [1:02] move by council or white, seconded by council or wallace. Is there any corrections needed or clarification? [1:10] Seeing none, I'll call the question, all those in favor? Is there any opposed? It's carried [1:14] unanimously. With that, we have a presentation on day of morning from the US and district labor [1:21] council, and I believe we have Wendy Cook will be speaking. Welcome. You can either sit down or [1:29] use the standing mic, whatever you prefer. All stand, it's better for me. For my voice, it doesn't carry [1:35] very well. Is it on? I can hear you. All right, that's just great. First of all, thanks for having [1:44] me come in be a delegate here. I have been in here on your other circumstances so that's [1:51] wonderful to be here. So I'll do my little spill. Good evening and I'm Wendy Cook. I'm the BCTF [1:58] wrap on the US district labor council. I'm actually the executive member on that council, even though I'm [2:06] retired. Each year, the new Westminster and district labor council presents to the 14 city councils [2:16] and seven school boards within our region to seek their support and recognition of April 28th [2:22] as a day of morning for workers killed and injured on the top. Our presentations are designed to be informative [2:30] as we believe workplace health and safety is everyone's responsibility. This year, workers across [2:38] Canada are sharing that it is important to know your rights, use the tools, and defend our wins. [2:48] In 2021, over 1,000 people in Canada died as a result of their work. Too many families lose loved ones [2:58] to occupational diseases and we know those numbers are just the tip of the iceberg because they include [3:06] only those fatalities accepted by workers compensation system. In cases of workplace exposure to [3:14] toxic chemicals or materials, life asbestos affects only become apparent months, years or decades later. [3:25] On September 22, 2022, the BC labor heritage center officially dedicated their first public [3:34] asbestos memorial in North America to honor the thousands of victims who have died or been [3:42] impacted by asbestos exposure. Labor leaders, government leaders, workers, family and friends [3:49] gathered for the unveiling of magic and lethal. A metal artwork that is activated by the wind [3:57] and evokes a visual connection to the lungs and the bronchial airways of the human body. [4:04] If you visit the C-wall by the Vancouver Convention Center, you can see the memorial [4:10] in the place where workers without protective personal equipment loaded asbestos into ships for export [4:18] for decades. Workers aren't disposable and that is why memorials like magic and lethal are important [4:28] and why we say we fight for the living. We owe it to the families who have lost their loved ones [4:35] to preventable workplace fatalities, injuries and illnesses to do better for today's workers. [4:43] Know your rights. There is no better prevention measure than a well-trained, empowered, healthy, [4:50] and safety committee or health and safety committee. Workers armed with robust training [4:56] are the backbone of our health and safety system. Education is key and this is especially [5:03] true for young workers who may not know their rights or may not feel able to speak up. [5:10] While the average age of injured workers in BC in 2021 was 42 years, [5:18] work-safe statistics show that young people are seriously injured at some of the highest rates of all [5:25] workers and these injuries can impact young workers for the rest of their lives. [5:31] Use the tools. Reference to legislation, regulation, education, equipment, and more. [5:38] But the most powerful health and safety tool is knowledge. Education and information empowers all [5:45] workers to stand up for their rights at work, investing in proactive prevention measures will ensure [5:52] workers can return home so their loved ones at the end of the day and at the end of the day [6:00] and live their lives free from work-related illness and injuries. Accountability is critical when it [6:08] comes to health and safety at work. As workers we hold each other's, each other accountable, [6:14] reporting issues and dangers as soon as they arise and actively participating in joint health and [6:21] safety committees. We call on employers to invest in meaningful prevention measures, [6:29] offer robust ongoing training, identify workplace hazards and develop an action plan [6:36] for addressing them and ensure worker participation in developing and monitoring the systems [6:43] that will make work spaces safer. Governments are also accountable and have a role to play in ensuring [6:51] health and safety in our workplaces. We call on federal and provincial governments to [6:56] hire and train more health and safety officers and inspectors. In force the laws we have [7:04] including legislative, occupational health and safety requirements and the West Raila and include [7:12] mental health as a specific component of occupational health and safety in Canada labor code. [7:20] Here in BC unions have made hard-fought gains in ensuring appropriate work-safe BC coverage. [7:28] For example, in 2018 the provincial government introduced presumptive coverage for mental health [7:35] disorders and in 2019 coverage was expanded to include more categories of work under the presumptive [7:44] clause when a worker from an eligible occupation such as a first responder receives a formal [7:52] diagnosis of PTSD or an other mental health disorder as a result of a work-related traumatic event [8:01] or events. It is easier to advance a worker's compensation claim. Presumptive coverage for fire fighters [8:10] has also been expanded to include 20 occupational diseases including the addition of ovarian [8:17] and cervical cancers and important milestone for equity in workplace health and safety. [8:26] When we say defend our wins we are referring to improvements like those I just mentioned [8:33] that workers have gained over long years of lobbying all levels of government [8:38] and sharing heartbreaking stories of preventable loss, trauma and suffering. When it comes [8:46] to workplace health and safety we cannot take any backward steps, workplace injuries and illnesses [8:53] and fatalities are preventable and must never be seen as just part of the job. Finally, last year we [9:02] shared with you the Canadian labor congress campaign work shouldn't hurt. That called on the [9:10] federal government to take leadership role internationally by ratifying the international labor organization [9:18] or ILO conventions 190 which aims to eliminate violence and harassment at work. I am pleased to [9:27] report that this was passed and early this year Canada became the 25th country in the world to [9:34] ratify this convention which provides a common framework for action and a unique opportunity to shape [9:42] a future of work based on social justice. I would like to conclude by inviting you to join our [9:49] labor council this day of morning for workers killed and injured on the job on Friday April 28th [9:57] at 11 a.m. in Westminster Peer Park in New Westminster, links to the event around the labor council [10:05] website and also on their Facebook pages and everyone here today can help make a difference be safety [10:13] conscious, support accountability measures and health and safety education in your workplaces. [10:21] Thank you from the New West District Labor Council and also from myself and I don't always use a [10:27] mic as you can tell but I thought it's probably better to do that but thank you very much. Any questions [10:35] or anything like that? I know it's long. They give it to me. I saw it. [10:40] I thank you Ms. Cook. There may be some questions or comments but there's a couple of things I wanted [10:45] to mention first. Thank you again for the presentation and really outlining the hard work that [10:51] labor is done for workers and fighting for their rights and health and mental health and safety throughout [10:57] the years and it was really interesting to hear about that piece of art. I really want to go and [11:03] experience that for sure. We don't do proclamations at the city just as a matter of policy but [11:09] we will and I believe most members of council will be at our flagpole on Friday at 11 a.m. at the city hall. [11:16] So we'll be marking that occasion here in Langley City just so you're wearing that as something we've [11:22] done for many many years. I know you've also asked us to observe a moment of silence so maybe we'll [11:29] take one minute of silence right now and then we can ask if there's any questions or comments. [11:34] If that's okay for workers and their families. [12:29] So with that I would like to see if there's any other questions or comments from council. [12:39] Councilor Albert please go ahead. Yeah just a comment more than anything Ms. Cook had. Thanks again [12:45] for your presentation very well said very well prepared and I think it's a message that needs to [12:51] be repeated over and over and over again until there's no injury or death in any work site ever because [12:59] it shouldn't be happening. So I just want to say thank you to the New West and District Labor Council. [13:05] Your organization does fantastic work and keep up the fight for working people. Thank you. [13:14] Is there any other comments or questions from council? [13:17] I've seen none thank you once again for that presentation. Thank you and although I'd love to stay. [13:24] You may you have leave of council maim. So with that just to remind you that our next council meetings are [13:35] May 1st and May 8th and that's just because we have some holidays and LMLGA there which is why they're [13:42] compressed in a little bit wonky. So as a council advisory body update on LMLGA as I am the [13:50] representative or Metro Vancouver Regional District on LMLGA we have the highest registration of [13:59] elected officials or representatives attending ever and the most amount of sponsors ever. So it should be a [14:07] very, very exciting LMLGA AGM indeed and with that I will see if there's any other members of [14:14] council that would like to provide an update for us and for the community for our committees or work [14:19] groups are on in which there are no minutes submitted to council. [14:26] Seeing none I think we'll move right along to bylaws. So the 5A is a final reading so I will just [14:35] read the recommendation that the bylaws cited as council code of conduct by law 2 0 2 3 number [14:43] 3 2 2 5 be read a final time who would like to move that council all brec seconded by council or Mac is there any [14:51] discussion on the final reading. So you know this question I'll call the question all those in favor is there any [14:57] opposed that's carried unanimous. [15:00] On to item 5b, another final reading, I'll just read it, that the by-law cited as the inner municipal transportation network services business license by-law, 2023, number 2339, be read a final time. [15:17] Who would like to move that? Councilor Solium, seconded by Councillor James, is there any discussion? [15:23] So you know, discussion on call the question, all those in favour? Is there any opposed? It is carried unanimously. [15:30] The next is the 2023 tax rate by-law. So as your where council is approved, the budget, so this is basically sitting, the more rate to be able to raise the revenue as approved by council in the budget. [15:46] So with that, I will read the recommendation that the by-law cited as 2023 tax rate by-law 2023, number 3240, be read a first, seconded third time who would like to move that. [16:00] Councillor Albrecht, seconded by Councillor Solium, is there any discussion on the tax rate by-law? [16:07] Seeing no discussion, I'll call the question, all those in favour? Is there any opposed? It is carried unanimously. [16:16] With that, we are on to item 5D, which is about floodplain elevation by-law. So there's two recommendations here. [16:27] The first is that the report from the manager of engineering services dated April 17, 2023, regarding amendments to the floodplain elevation by-law, number 2768, be received for information. [16:42] Anybody like to move that? Move by Councillor Albrecht, seconded by Councillor White. Is there any discussion or questions about the report? [16:53] Is there any presentation from Mr. Baumhoff? [16:58] There is no presentation, but I would like to just take the minute to acknowledge the work that Mr. Gill, the manager of engineering services has done on this project. [17:11] We have worked diligently with the consultant for a long time. You can imagine a lot of detail work involved in this. [17:18] And also worked with development services to work at the flood construction level, changes, etc. Make sure that work for them. [17:26] So I just want to acknowledge the hard work that was put into that. [17:30] Thank you very much, Mr. Gill and staff. [17:34] It was a lot that went in there and a lot of it was based on some of the modeling even that we got out of our flooding events in 2021. [17:42] I feel like, which informed quite a significant shift actually in our floodplain elevation, and with the different gradients that we put in in some modern updated, you know, what's habitable space, what isn't, should an elevator be locked out. [17:56] And there's a flood, very technical stuff that's going to save life and property, honestly, and respond to the climate crisis that we have in the world. [18:07] So with that, is there any other comments about the report? Questions? [18:12] Seeing none, I'll call the question all of those in favor. [18:16] Is there any opposed that's carried unanimously, so then we're going to move on to the actual BILA? [18:21] That the BILA cited as the floodplain elevation BILA, number 2768, amendment number 123, number 2332, be read a first second and third time. [18:34] But anybody like to move that? [18:36] Move by Councilor White, seconded by Councilor Mac, is there any discussion about the BILA? [18:41] Yes, Councilor Albrecht, please go ahead. [18:43] Thank you Mr. Mayor and to staff. [18:45] With the, with the change to that elevation, is that going to have an impact on our environmentally sensitive areas and set back requirements for new development? [19:01] I'll wait for Mr. Gilterson. [19:07] I believe it's on. [19:09] Good evening, through the mayor. [19:13] Actually, the set back is set in the kind of provincial legislation. [19:19] It's the 30 meters from the natural water body. [19:24] But with regards to the changes in the extent of the floodplain, yes, it has some changes. [19:31] Sometimes it is more than what it was in some areas less. [19:37] And the reason is although we have added the climate change effect. [19:43] And normally you would expect that everywhere is going to expand. [19:47] We had two pieces of information that were more accurate than the last time we had. [19:55] The mapping of the floodplain area. [19:58] One was the lighter data and topography maps. [20:02] And the other one was just the model that we created was more detailed. [20:07] And the sum of the inaccuracies that in the previous file of we had in terms of the two beauteries and connections, sizes. [20:18] We had some additional serving corrected that which affected the final results. [20:27] Thank you. [20:28] Is there any other questions from members of council? [20:32] Seeing none, I'll call the question. [20:34] All those in favor. [20:35] Is there any opposed? [20:36] It's carried unanimously. [20:38] We are now on to the news sanitary sewer and storm sewer regulation by law. [20:48] There's a lot on there. [20:50] So for. [20:53] I was just actually I'll ask from the staff. [20:57] Are we able to read these together? [21:04] Through the mayor. [21:06] I would first just have the information for the report. [21:12] Just be received. [21:13] We wouldn't want to have that with the actual readings of the by law. [21:16] But are you talking about reading the fees and the sanitary sewer? [21:21] Yes. [21:22] I'll take it all be taken. [21:24] Yes. [21:25] As read and with one. [21:26] Yes. [21:27] Motion. [21:28] We can certainly do that. [21:29] Thank you. [21:30] So I'll start then. [21:32] With the first recommendation on e. [21:35] That the report of the manager of engineering services dated April 17th, 2023 regarding. [21:41] The proposed new sanitary sewer and storm sewer regulation by law 2023. [21:47] Number 32110 the proposed amendment to the fees and charges by law 2010 number 32382837. [21:58] And the proposed amendment to the city's municipal ticket information. [22:02] System by law 2011 number 2846 be received. [22:08] We're information with anybody like to move that. [22:10] Council James seconded by Councillor White. [22:13] Is there any discussions about this? [22:16] For sure. [22:17] Go ahead. [22:18] Councillor Wallace. [22:19] Thank you. [22:20] Through the mayor. [22:21] I don't know if this is appropriate question but it's a curiosity question. [22:24] So I don't know if it goes in with the. [22:26] This is appropriate. [22:27] Is it appropriate a by law? [22:29] I'm my. [22:30] Inquisitive mind is in regards to water parks. [22:35] And I think I have mentioned to you before I'm. [22:39] I'm curious of like the water that just continues to. [22:43] Go all day and what happens to that water and is there any way in the future of changing that. [22:51] And as we you know, as we deal with. [22:54] Are we are we, sorry, we capture. [22:57] Yes, thank you. [22:59] Currently it goes into the sewer system so there is no recycling involved. [23:06] But I would like an elaborate filtration system that would be required so it's it's it's something that if that's an interest the council that we we could investigate. [23:17] And just determine what the cost to that system would be versus the cost of running the water into the sewer. [23:27] Yeah, I know there's a cost factor to it but I'm just as far as we. [23:31] Our increasing heat waves and you know the usage of water during the water. [23:33] And you know, the usage of water during the summer, I'm just like, is there, you know, what [23:38] would be the cost, implications, you know, how would, how would they weigh out each other [23:43] itself? [23:44] Right. [23:45] Thank you. [23:46] Do you have any further? [23:48] Is there any other further questions from Council? [23:51] I don't want to rush anything if you have questions. [23:56] Great. [23:57] So I'll call the question on the report. [23:58] All those in favor? [23:59] Is there any opposed? [24:01] It's carried unanimously. [24:02] So we have the actual enabling components here. [24:05] So that's items 1, 2 and 3 as presented on your agenda. [24:08] So I'm going to check if everybody's clear that we are going to do one vote on those [24:13] three. [24:14] And altogether, if anybody has any concerns, please let me know. [24:17] So with that, I would anybody like to move the three bylaws. [24:23] Council White, seconded by Councillor James, is there any discussion? [24:28] Seeing no discussion, I'll call the question. [24:31] All those in favor? [24:32] Any opposed? [24:33] It's carried unanimously. [24:37] So with that, I believe we're on to six A, which is crime prevention committee. [24:43] I don't know if it would be Council All-Rector, Councilor Mac. [24:46] That would like to speak to the work plan. [24:51] Councilor All-Rect. [24:52] I think you've been volunteered. [24:55] Thank you, Mr. Mayor and Councillor Mac. [24:59] Actually, no, it's a really great committee. [25:03] And we've got some really creative ideas that are being put forward. [25:08] So the committee recommendation is that Council approve the crime prevention committee. [25:14] 2023 annual work plan. [25:17] And I'm not going to read it all out. [25:20] It's attached in your report. [25:22] It was presented. [25:24] If that's okay. [25:26] Any questions? [25:27] I'm happy to answer them. [25:28] Or Councillor Mac. [25:29] I'd answer as well. [25:31] So it's been moved by Councillor All-Rect. [25:33] Would Councillor Mac like to second the work plan? [25:36] Seconded by Councillor Mac. [25:37] Is there any discussion? [25:40] Seeing none, I'll call the question. [25:41] All those in favor? [25:42] Is there any opposed that carried unanimously? [25:45] We're on to administrative reports. [25:47] Item seven A, which is the approval of the e-comboard of directors. [25:51] So as you see in your package, this is rotates on a schedule. [25:56] And right now, we're not on the schedule for the board appointment. [25:59] So this is almost administrative. [26:01] But there are the two recommendations. [26:03] I'll read out. [26:04] That Council approves the township of Langley's chosen representative. [26:07] Councillor Barb Martens. [26:09] That's a designate for election to the e-comboard of directors. [26:12] For each of the boards yearly terms between 2023 through 2022. [26:16] And that Council approved the city of service chosen representative. [26:19] As a designate for election to the e-comboard of directors. [26:23] Each of the yearly terms between 2023 and 2027. [26:26] We'd like to move that. [26:28] Councillor White, seconded by Councillor Mac. [26:30] Is there any discussions? [26:32] Yes, Councillor All-Rect. [26:33] Just curious. [26:35] I know Councillor Martens has a background in policing. [26:40] And I'm not sure if she's still a police officer or if there's a conflict of interest or potential. [26:45] So anyways, I'm just wanted to express that. [26:49] My all concern. [26:50] Just for the record. [26:51] Thank you. [26:52] Thank you. [26:53] Councillor All-Rect. [26:54] Is there any other questions or comments? [26:58] Seeing none all call the question. [27:00] All those in favor? [27:01] Any opposed? [27:02] It's carried unanimously. [27:04] So the next is the consumption of liquor and parks and public facilities. [27:08] Again, it is rather lengthy. [27:11] So I would like to read it as presented. [27:14] But just for people who are here, the highlights are that we would be permitting the consumption of liquor in the same areas we did in previous years from Thursday through Saturday 11am to 8pm and every Sunday from 11am to 6pm. [27:31] Obviously we can have a discussion as a council. [27:33] But I wanted to first say are we able to move and second this based on what's presented here and then have a discussion. [27:40] So move by Councillor James. [27:42] Seconded by Councillor All-Rect. [27:44] Is there any questions or comments? [27:46] Councillor Wallace, please go ahead. [27:48] Thank you through the mayor. [27:51] I will not be voting in favor of this. [27:54] I'm okay with, you know, maybe Bernie Lane and City Park. [27:58] But I just the increasing vulnerability in our Douglas Park area. [28:03] And I think that temptation for people that have substance use. [28:09] Concerns or issues that it is just a temptation that I don't think we should be putting on signs for people. [28:16] So at this time, I won't be supporting it. [28:18] Thank you. [28:19] Thank you. [28:20] Is there any other questions or comments? [28:24] Seeing none, I'll call the question all those in favor. [28:27] Is there any opposed? [28:29] Councillor Wallace is opposed so the bylaw amendment carries. [28:36] With that, we are on item C of the administrative reports. [28:41] This is basically repeal of our basically older code of conduct. [28:48] So that council policy CO13 ethical standards of conduct for elected officials be repealed. [28:54] But anybody like to move that. [28:56] Move by Councillor All-Rect. [28:58] Seconded by Councillor Mack is there any discussion? [29:01] Seeing none, I'll call the question. [29:03] All those in favor? [29:05] Is there any opposed? [29:07] That carries. [29:09] So we are in new and unfinished business. [29:12] Again, I'll give some context about the motion presented here. [29:17] This was as we received as a council, a letter from the federal government. [29:22] I know like all municipalities in Canada. [29:26] Well, I believe, and I think most people believe in the right of collective bargaining. [29:31] So that wasn't the challenge here. [29:34] But the federal government did bargain with the police union for the RCMP for the whole country on a wage increase. [29:42] And as local governments, none of us were involved in that process. [29:46] So we received a bill basically. [29:50] So this is just a response to that. [29:53] I could get into more details later if it's moved. [30:00] To move us, written, okay, and seconded by Councillor Soliam. So basically, with some more details on that, we receive feedback. So this is not my motion. [30:11] It's just a copy and paste from FCM in which they're calling on all municipalities to pass this motion. And maybe I'll ask Mr. Chang if there's any other pressian information about this. [30:26] Through the mirror. No, this is central, like you said, is a lobbying campaign by FCM to request ominous policies. [30:34] Local governments in Canada to ask the federal government to recognize that we had no say in the negotiated contract with the RCMP. [30:44] And hence, we had no say in terms of the settlements on the cost. So we're asking FCM's asking each municipality to lobby the federal government to find a remedy to assist us to pay for that increase. [30:59] Thank you. [31:00] Is there any comments or questions from council? Council. [31:05] I just want to thank you for bringing this forward. I think the resolution actually speaks for itself. [31:12] And I think it's really important for the public to understand that we are given this bill without part of being part of the negotiation. [31:20] There is no kind of phasing in or a payment plan or a schedule that would ease the burden on local governments. [31:28] We can't run a deficit. We're totally reliant on our property taxation in order to pay such bills. [31:36] And to have it just, like say, placed into our lap without any kind of like input or communication or negotiation in terms of can we pay it over two years or three or what have you. [31:53] So I think it's something that is important, especially these days. We need to have that communication and that free flowing information. [32:02] So I'm fully supportive of this. Thank you. [32:05] Thank you, council. All right. Does there any other questions or comments from council? [32:11] Seeing none. I'll call the question all doesn't favor. Is there any opposed? It's carried unanimously. So I believe we're at the end of the meeting. Is that correct? [32:23] Sorry. Just for, because we need some sort of procedural guidance because we want to make sure everything's on the up and up. So, well, is the new business related to. [32:32] Yes, we are. [32:34] But is there a process to do that? Because again, we just want to make sure it's all. [32:39] Yes, through the mirror, you can have a, you know, it's motion to suspend the rules to allow the addition of the item at this time. [32:45] Would you be able to give us a hint on the topic? [32:49] Perfect. So are we okay with unanimously waving the. Okay. I will move it. It will be seconded by council or white. All those in favor. Is there any opposed? Please go ahead. [33:00] Thank you, and through the mirror, I apologize for not following procedure. [33:04] I just wanted to let the public know about or say that's taking place this Saturday from 10 to 2. [33:12] In partnership with Langley Environmental Partnerships. [33:15] We have an up cycling challenge. I'd like to think the downtown Business Association for their contribution in the prizes and the city of Langley Recreation department as well. [33:25] There will be environmental groups, container gardens and other workshops happening that day. So I hope to see the public come up. Thank you. [33:34] Thank you very much. Is there any questions? Please go ahead. [33:39] Thank you, Mr. Mayor. [33:41] Through the councilor, was, did you see where was located, where was happening? [33:45] No, I didn't. Through that. [33:48] How do I do that? [33:49] Through the mayor to councilor James, it will be taking place at Douglas Park. [33:57] And thank you. Thank you very much. Is there any other questions or comments about that particular topic? [34:04] Seeing them, I think we can move to adjournments. [34:07] That's the meeting adjournment. Anybody like to second that? [34:09] That's taken it by Councilor Solium. I'll call the question. All those in favor? [34:13] Is there any opposed? We are unanimously adjourned.