DISTRICT OF MISSION - PDF document

DISTRICT OF MISSION � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � PUBLIC BUDGET CONSULTATION MEETING MARCH 17, 2008 at 6:00 p.m.

�������������������� TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGES Introduction ......................................................................................................1 Council’s Goals & Objectives ..........................................................................2 - 5 Provisional Operating Plans/Budgets.............................................................6 – 8 Property Tax Revenue from New Construction..............................................9 Public Safety and Transit.................................................................................10 – 12 Municipal Grants ..............................................................................................13 – 14 Summary of Provisional Budgets/Tax Increases ...........................................15 – 16 Tax Classes.......................................................................................................17 Permissive & Revitalization Tax Exemptions .................................................18 – 19 Capital Plans.....................................................................................................20 Utilities .............................................................................................................21 - 26 Debt .................................................................................................................27 Property Assessments and Taxation ..............................................................28 Overall Increase in Municipal Taxes & Utilities ..............................................29 Taxing Authorities ............................................................................................30 Concluding Remarks........................................................................................30 District of Mission Elected Officials and Officers...........................................31 Public Budget Consultation Meeting – March 17, 2008

�������������������� � � � � � � � � INTRODUCTION � � � � Council is pleased to present its financial operating and capital plans/budgets to the community. These financial plans/budgets are focused on achieving council and community goals/objectives and maintaining the current level of municipal services. These plans/budgets represent a balance between the present and the future and between the need for new services/programs and related taxation levels. In striking this balance, Council recognizes that difficult choices or decisions have to be made, especially considering the many needs within our growing community. Before final budget decisions are made, Council would appreciate your feedback and input. The District’s financial plans/ budgets represent Council’s proposed balance between the present and the future and between the need for new services/ programs and related taxation levels. Page 1 Public Budget Consultation Meeting – March 17, 2008

�������������������� � � � � � � � � COUNCIL’S GOALS & OBJECTIVES Waterfront � To develop a long-term, comprehensive, multi-use development plan for the waterfront with maximum community involvement so that it reflects the vision and aspirations of the community. Progress to Date: � Council endorsed a planning process for the waterfront area and a major charrette planning session (facilitated by a consultant) was held in August of 2006. The planning session resulted in an overall Waterfront Conceptual Plan. � Public meetings were held in October of 2006 to garner feedback on the Waterfront Conceptual Plan. A staff report outlining the next steps, in terms of the planning process, was then forwarded to council in January of 2007. � Various applications were made to federal/provincial grant programs in February of 2007 to obtain funds for more detailed waterfront planning including related studies. � The District was advised in the fall of 2007 that the various grant applications were unsuccessful. Staff will be reporting to council in early 2008 outlining alternate grant/funding strategies to further Mission’s vision for the waterfront area. � Progress has been made with designing a highway bypass, as well as identifying property for a new civic complex. Crime Reduction � To adopt, implement and review the three-year Strategic Policing Plan with the following five priorities: o Youth involvement in crime; o Public disorder; o Property crimes; o Traffic safety; and o Drug activity associated with organized crime. Progress to Date : � Additional policing resources have resulted in a steady and marked reduction in crime (17% drop from 2006 to 2007), including break and enters, thefts, assaults, and property damage. � A comprehensive Policing Strategic Plan was adopted by council in December of 2007. This Plan provides for an incremental increase in RCMP members on an annual basis. � To review with the Crystal Meth Task Force its recommendations and identify priorities and to secure funding for treatment/detox facilities. Progress To Date : � Council met with the Crystal Meth Task Force in June of 2007. A staff report will be forwarded to council. Page 2 Public Budget Consultation Meeting – March 17, 2008

�������������������� COUNCIL’S GOALS & OBJECTIVES cont’d Social Development � To � � � develop a Social Development Strategy for Mission that describes the priority action � areas related to the social well-being of residents and outlines where the various agencies and jurisdictions (including the District) will partner together to support, advocate for and/or deliver specific community services or initiatives. Progress to Date : � The Social Development Committee was formed in February of 2006 and the first committee meeting was held in December of 2006. � An initial Phase I draft of Mission’s Social Development Plan was completed in December of 2007. Council adopted a Social Development Plan implementation strategy in November of 2007. � A Community Planning Session was held on February 7 & 8, 2008, to finalize the social development strategy. � T o increase the recognition of, and support for, community involvement and volunteerism in Mission. Progress to Date: � A community involvement and volunteerism strategy is being drafted and is due to be presented to council around the middle of 2008. This strategy will explore various methods of increasing volunteerism in the community. � To continue to implement the Arts and Cultural Strategy by reviewing and identifying specific actions which need to be addressed. � � �� � � � � Progress to Date: � A Cultural Resources Commission has been formed to implement council’s previously adopted arts and culture strategy. Council recently approved budget funds for this Committee. Silverdale Neighbourhood � To ensure compliance and community awareness of the Silverdale Urban Residential Neighbourhood Planning Terms of Reference for any new development in South West Mission. Progress to Date : � Council, in consultation with the community, has adopted a detailed neighbourhood planning process with related milestone timelines for development of the first neighbourhood plan in South West Mission. The first neighbourhood plan is targeted for completion in July of 2008. Page 3 Public Budget Consultation Meeting – March 17, 2008