September 11, 2017 Council Meeting Notes: Crime Prevention, Developer Fees, and Project Updates

Yesterday, I posted about a development permit that was issued for a new bank in Downtown Langley at Monday night’s council meeting. I will be covering the remaining items that were on that agenda.

Metro Vancouver is increasing developer cost charges (DCC) for sewer. This fee is charged to every new development project in the region. Langley City is part of the Fraser Sewerage Area. As I posted about in August, the sewerage DDC is increasing significantly to cover some $2.6 billion in sewerage projects. This was discussed at the council table. Councillors Martin motioned that a letter be sent to all councils in the Fraser Sewerage Area informing them of the increase, and expressing concern at the sudden change. This motion passed.

On the topic of developer charges, council approved increasing our Community Amenity Contributions from $1,000 per multifamily unit to $2,000 per unit. The funds collected are used for items such as civic facilities, public art, recreational amenities, and cultural amenities.

As you can read about in a previous post, the Langley City Crime Prevention Task Group wants to increase awareness around and promote CPTED reviews, Block Watch, and Business Watch. Council approved the following motion:

1. THAT Council direct staff to work with local media to participate in and follow the steps to set up an actual Block Watch program.
2. THAT Council direct staff to create a major social media campaign to promote Block Watch, Business Watch, and CPTED review programs.
3. THAT Council direct staff to work with the RCMP, Chamber of Commerce and Downtown Langley Business Association to promote Block Watch, Business Watch and CPTED review programs.
4. THAT Council direct staff to identify a local supplier who may be able to partner with the City on motion sensor lights that may be supplied to businesses and residences at discounted prices.

The committee also asked for funding to purchase fridge magnets to promote the reporting of suspicious activates to the RCMP Non-Emergency number. There was discussion that bookmarks might already be available that could accomplish the same task. This was referred to the Crime Prevention task group for further investigation.

Councillors van den Broek also inquired about the status of the City Watch program, a program where municipal staff report suspicious activity to the RCMP. An update on the status of that program will be forthcoming.

Council also approved some housekeeping items including updating our flag policy to allow half-masting when a former member of council dies, allowing outdoor propane or natural gas fireplaces or fire pits, and updating the title of the position responsible for corporate administration.

Council received an update on capital projects that are under construction or recently completed. The Innes Plaza refresh is nearing competition with a renovated fountain and new gardens. Work is also underway at Baldi Creek. Construction is completed on replacing a section of watermain along 200 Street. Work is also progressing well on the 200 Street Nicomekl Bridge renewal and 56the Avenue renewal. For a list of streets that are being repaved, please visit the City’s website.

200th Street Bridge Renewal. Select image to enlarge.

A new picnic shelter has been installed at Portage Park, and work continues with Hunter Park redevelopment and the spray park expansion at City Park.

New picnic shelter in Portage Park. Select image to enlarge.