It has been a year since your municipal council was elected and it is high time that we report on our progress. We were elected by a majority of islanders who responded to our goals for improving the economic environment and social well-being of our community. I believe that this council, with invaluable support from volunteer committees and municipal staff, has pushed forward with realistic initiatives designed to serve the interests of all Bowen residents.
We began the term faced with the need to act on a gamut of tangible and intangible issues. Among the latter was an inherited climate of divisiveness in our community. While diversity of opinion and open debate is always healthy, we adopted an overriding aim to reduce the distracting effects of unproductive discord through providing responsive, accountable and practical leadership.
As council took office at the beginning of the year, two pressing tasks loomed before us. Bowen's 2012 budget was unrealistic and incomplete, and we lacked a strategic plan to guide us going forward. Thanks to outstanding cooperation among council and municipal staff, together with expert input from committee volunteers, both major tasks were reworked and produced on schedule to the highest standards.
Successful implementation of these two essential tools enabled council to expand its focus. On the staffing front, we appointed long-time employee Kathy Lalonde as BIM's chief administrative officer and are pleased to report that, under her management, staff morale has improved materially. We enhanced our planning capability and now have an efficient, highly-motivated municipal team moving ahead with elements of our strategic plan, under the parameters of a solid operating budget.
All of the candidates elected last year myself included campaigned on the promise that we would listen and respond to the will of Bowen residents. As evidence of that commitment, in summer 2012, we undertook the first survey of Bowen Island households. The results reaffirm the direction laid out in our strategic plan. That is, in terms of expenditures for development, islanders give priority to ferry marshalling, Snug Cove redevelopment and a community centre.
Ferry marshalling and the condition of the cove have been big issues on Bowen for decades; this council is taking action. We are currently considering a new proposal for ferry marshalling, soon to be taken to the public for comments and input. Final decisions on traffic movement will be made hand-in-hand with a Snug Cove redevelopment plan and interested stakeholders, especially local businesses, will be invited to provide input.
We are all committed to building a community centre on Bowen and await the interim report of the community centre implementation committee that will be presented to council shortly.
Now, I realize that for some of the public and even some council members, we are not moving fast enough. However, overall costs and impacts on taxpayers must be a prime consideration in determining the timing and scale of projects. At present, our financial house is in order. We cannot go into debt and will only move forward with our strategic plan when and if proper funding is in place.
As we seek solutions to funding identified priorities, it may be necessary to take a close look at Bowen's existing financial obligations. Our 2012 householder survey revealed a very low rate of public support for Bowen's tax-funded annual dues to the Islands Trust, which were $214,000 in 2011 and total some $1.92 million since 2000. (Bowen is in a unique position with respect to the Islands Trust; we are the only municipality under its jurisdiction and the only member that also pays dues to Metro Vancouver.)
Given my understanding that Bowen's dues are used solely to fund the Islands Trust's operating and administrative expenses, I have asked the Trust to provide an accounting of the value, in terms of services, our taxpayers derive from these substantial annual payments. To date, the Trust has not responded. Clearly, if the dollars we are obliged to pay the Islands Trust could be redirected to our local needs, we could expedite action on projects of high priority to Bowen Islanders.
Council's commitment to respond to the public led to the rescinding of two intrusive and ill-conceived bylaws, commonly called the Steep Slopes and Environmentally Sensitive Permit areas; the issues involved will be addressed through more sensible guidelines. As well, with our staff and contract planners, we made good progress in clearing up the backlog of subdivision and rezoning applications, which, in some cases, have been outstanding for over six years. This includes approval of the long-standing rezoning application for the Belterra Co-Housing Project.
Here, I want to spotlight the contributions that this Council receives from the volunteers who form our committees. It`s no secret that Bowen Island is home to what may be the deepest pool of concentrated talent in the province. Recognizing that so many gifted islanders are willing to share their skills, one of council`s most important moves has been to restructure and make better use of our committee system. As a result, Bowen is benefiting from top professional expertise while significantly reducing the need for and cost of outside consultants.
The Finance Review Task Force oversaw development of the 2012 budget that kept tax increases to below 3 per cent, initiated a core services review and developed Bowen`s first householder survey.
Our Solid Waste and Resource Management Advisory Committee managed Bowen`s successful conversion to organic waste collection and is working on a cost-saving plan for future self-management of green waste. The Human Resource and Compensation Committee produced the municipality's first formal job descriptions, designed a standard performance review process, and managed hiring of new planning staff --eliminating the need for expensive headhunters.
The Economic Development Advisory Committee was recently created with a mandate to provide fresh ideas to council on how to overcome barriers to growth and stimulate economic activity on Bowen.
Our Ferries Advisory Committee is currently putting forward our concerns to BC Ferries and will serve as Bowen's voice throughout upcoming negotiations and consultations.
I also want to recognize the volunteers who provide skills and services to other committees and advisory groups. They include the architects and planners on the Board of Variance Committee and the community-minded islanders serving on the Bowen Community Centre Implementation Committee, the Parks, Trails and Greenways Advisory Committee, and Advisory Design Panel.
Over the past year, I've become increasingly aware of what a remarkable community we have on Bowen Island.
Looking with admiration at the volunteers who operate BIRD, the Knick Knack Nook, the fire hall, hatchery, CAWES and the Legion, at the soccer dads and moms who expanded the BICS grass field, and at the energetic teams staging events like Steamship Days and Bowfest, I see a community of neighbours where self-sufficiency is the norm, not the exception.
Most of you know by now that I'm undergoing medical treatment. It's a fact but many of the reports about my health circulating on the rumour mill are just plain wrong or wildly exaggerated. I remain hard at work, involved in my job and find inspiration in fulfilling my responsibilities.
It has been an honour to serve as your mayor this past year and I appreciate your support. Together with council, I look forward to achieving continued progress for Bowen Island.
JACK ADELAAR, Bowen Island mayor
