M north shore news UNICIPAL Wednesday, May 7, 1997 -- North Shore News — 45 RECORD West Van taxes rise by average From page § average residential property in West Vancouver. The Annual Budget and Tax Rates Bylaw shows total revenues and total expenditures of $111,979,700 inchiding $22,500,000 in’ contingency revenues for expenditure of reserves. According to Councillor Ron Wood the council faced the “unprecedented budget shortfall of $3 million” because the provincial government withdrew annual revenue shar- ing transter payments. He also pointed to the loss of $566,000 in grants for the municipal police force and the removal of the Provincial, Court House from West Vancouver. Councillor Victor Durnian said he was troubled by raising taxes to pay for improvements that have yet to be approved by council. He proposed amend- ing the bylaw and reducing the budget by placing $2,716,000 on hold for infrastructure expenditures, The council voted down Durman’s amend- ment. “I feel satisfied the work for 1997 is good,” said Councillor Russ Fraser. “J think our work is done.” Attendarice: 60 Capacity: 50 Duration of meeting: 2 hours Absent: Coun. Dean Issue: That’a public meeting to review the application of a development variance permit for 1789 Lonsdale Ave, (RKTG Associates Ltd.} be scheduled. Result: carried unanimously — Jolanda Waskito we ancouver Bistie ‘Council . Attendance: 47 Capacity: 70 Duration of meeting: 2:45 Absent: None Issue: That Council approve the first three readings of a five-year Capital Expendiure Program Bylaw for the ycars 1997 to 2001 containing total sources and requirements of $75,917,000 and including on a ‘preliminary basis’ $25 mil- lion for Major Capital Projects. Result: Carried Issue: ‘That council approve the first three readings of Waterworks Loan Authorization Bylaw No 4054, 1997, to mect the. financing ‘needs of the Waterworks Capital Pregram over the next five years. Result: Carried Issue: That council approve the first three readings of Dog Licency, Kennel and Pound Brlaw No. 3209, 1986, Amendment Bylaw No. 4041, 1997. Result: Cacried — Susan Poborsh? Councillor Allan Wilianis called the budget deliberations an “excruciating exercise” that produced cost efficiencies of $994,000 in all municipal departments. He also pointed out revenue increases of $600,000 the municipalirny hopes to achieve through user fee increases, new fees, increas- es in permit fees and penalties for bylaw infractions. Durman charged that coun- cil had not properly considered efficiencies stating chat 10 municipal departments went over their budgets in 1996 He took issue with the $2 million fevers: LOWEST PRICES EVER ON surplus in the 1996 nvunicipal budget and another proposed surplus in the 1997 budget. “Contingencies are impor- tant,” said Councillor Fraser. “We can’t always be ready for everything. Look at the snow removal this year.” Williams opposed the tax increase and proposed that $593,000 in items be shiited into the roads budget thereby reducing the expendinire for capital works. Durman and Councillor Bill Soprovich con- curred with Williams; however, the other four councillors vored down the amendment. Mayor Pat Boname noted thar while West Vancouver resi- dents have the highest per capi- ca income ia Canada, increases in tees will hit children and seniors hardest. “T don’t wanr to see them unnecessarily burdened,” she said. “We chose not to have industry. We chose to have strong fire and police protection. We have to ante up to those commitments and desires.” Later firefighter Martin Ernst asked the council to reconsider combining fire dis- patch service with other North Shore municipalities. ” + 100% COTTON. : 260 COUNT : 35 QZ. ‘BAFFLE BOX CONSTRUCTION OUR 2 BEST-SELLING TOWELS YOUR CHOICE 2° ser 50% ovr or 3° oer FREE 1ST SET BATH TOWEL = 9,99-16.99 HAND TOWEL 7.99-11.99 FACECLOTH _5,99-5.99 SET REG. 23.97-34.97 Bene 11.98-17.48 OR puy 2SETs AT OUR LOW REGULAR PRICES, aro set FREE PLUS ALL COORDINATING TUB MATS, BATH SHEETS & RUGS 25 % OFF 2ND SET 50% OFF 50% OFF 50% OFF MORE SAVINGS! Assorted Name Brand Percaie Sheet Sets Compare Up To $120 Assorted patterns and colours. Includes: Flat s/ieet, Fitted Steet, pilloweas ols) Twin King Reg. Price 39.99 Double 49.99 Queen 69.99 79.99 ~-Canadian Owned & Operated: ~ OPEN T Bays A WEEK 7 * FULL 45 YEAR | “GUARANTEE: = “When you farm out service vou lose touch with people,” he said. Ernst also pointed out that firefighters who are injured of il serve on light duty as dis- patchers. This saves the depart- ment from paying overtime wages. He suggested the West Vancouver dispatcher could monitor private security sys- tems, providing income for the municipality. Municipal Manager Doug Allan said he would meet with the firefighters’ union to discuss a variety of options to pursue. Ron Venne of Horseshoe Compare at °35” Gif perfect Our regular °24” ED'S LINENS $1,000,00 CHAIN-WIDE INVENTORY CLEARANCE! E & MORE! f 8% Bay presented a petition signed by 500 persons opposed to cut- ting hours of operation at the West Vancouver — Aquatic Centre. Venne asked the council to reconsider their decision to close the centre at 9 p.m. rather than 10 p.m. suggesting a fee increase to cover Casts, Allan defended councils decision, but admitted that he may come back to the council later to say that the public was unable ro adjust to the closures. “This is one of the reasons we have contingencies,” Allen added, ‘SALE 24.99 - 84: uy One, ‘Get One at 50% err Including Quallofil, Ultima, Hollofoam, Feather, Down Ail PILLOWS AND MORE... 7 ¢ Shower Curtains (special Purchase) he 30% OFF x selected Fashion Bedding Co-ordinates Open Stock—Patterns vary by store tb anseyengneensapensensecnessosensses: he Vellux® Blankets... Buy One Get One FREE! Ul | ° 25% off ail table linens (regular priced) Tablecloths, Placemats & Napkins