Highlights from the July 25 Delta council meeting.

- Inclusion of Milk Containers into the B.C. Deposit System:

Corrine Atwood, executive director of the BC Bottle Depot Association, presented information to council on the association's efforts to lobby the Minister of Environment to have milk containers included in the current used beverage container deposit system rather than the curbside collection program. Council endorsed a resolution that the BC Bottle Depot Association's initiative be supported and communicated to UBCM and the Metro Vancouver Board as an emergency resolution.

- Fraser Health Authority:

Representatives from the Fraser Health Authority presented information on the Healthier

Communities Initiative, a partnership between Fraser Health and its municipalities. Council endorsed a resolution that the report card and material provided by the Fraser Health Authority be given to staff for a report back to council.

- Mid-Rise Wood Frame Buildings:

Delta's fire chief Dan Copeland presented information to Council on the efforts by Delta Fire and Emergency Services, through collaboration with Delta's Community Planning & Development Department, to update Delta's Fire Safety Plans on construction sites.

- In-Ground Basement and Height Regulations Bylaws Adopted:

Council adopted two bylaws for in-ground basements and height regulations. Bylaw No. 6890 amends the text of "Delta Zoning Bylaw No. 2750, 1977" by exempting the floor area of in-ground basements from floor space ratio calculations and revising building height regulations for single family and duplex dwellings.

Bylaw No. 6973 amends "Delta Building/Plumbing Bylaw No. 6060, 2002" by establishing criteria for private sanitary and storm water pumped systems in cases where underground services cannot rely on gravity.

- Third Reading for Rezoning at 4469 River Road West:

Council gave third reading to a bylaw that will rezone the property at 4469 River Road West from Special Light Industrial to Mixed-Use (Port Guichon East). Rezoning, along with a transfer of density from the upland to the water, would legitimize use of the property for the two float homes which are now located on the water lot.

- Air Quality Impacts - South Fraser Perimeter Road:

Council endorsed a resolution from the Environment Advisory Committee. The committee expressed their dissatisfaction with the response from Gateway advising that an air quality model comparing interchanges to intersections is not proposed to be completed for South Fraser Perimeter Road (SFPR), and recommended that Council request the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure to provide an actual vehicle emissions and air quality comparison relating to traffic flow through an existing interchange versus an existing intersection that would be representative of SFPR.

- Contracts Approved for Ruggedized Laptop Computers, Desktop Computers & Standard Laptops:

Council approved a contract for the provision of 44 laptop computers and a contract for the provision of 110 desktop computers and 14 standard laptop computers. Funding for the computers is provided through the 2011 Equipment Reserve.

- Sidekick Players Club Licence Agreement Approved:

A licence agreement for the Sidekick Players Club to occupy space in the Tsawwassen Arts Centre, effective September 1, 2011 was approved. This licence will ensure continuity of programming and services, and provide an opportunity for Delta to introduce new classes, expand programming and create long term partnerships with arts and culture providers.

- Cromie Tennis Courts to Undergo Reconstruction:

A contract for the reconstruction of the Cromie Park tennis court facilities was awarded to Custom Blacktop.

- South Delta Recreation Centre Lobby Enhancements

Council approved a contract for the supply and installation of structural steel as part of the South Delta Recreation Centre's main entrance lobby enhancement project. This project includes front entry improvements and conversion of the former Delta Gymnastics space into a community gymnasium. The gymnasium conversion is well underway and is on target to open Sept. 19. Completion of the main entrance lobby enhancements is expected near the end of November 2011.

- Port Community Liaison Committee Update:

An update on the Port Community Liaison Committee was provided to council along with a draft letter of response approved by council outlining Delta's expectations for the Terminal 2 project consultation.

- Tsawwassen First Nation Sanitary Sewer Agreement:

Council approved a temporary five year agreement between the Corporation of Delta and the TFN to permit TFN to discharge a limited amount of sewage into Delta's sewer system. This temporary agreement first requires Metro Vancouver's approval for TFN to discharge sewage into Delta's sewage system and to include TFN in the Greater Vancouver Sewerage and Drainage District. Following the interim five-year agreement, TFN is responsible for determining a long-term solution to address their sewage requirements.

- Delta Agricultural Plan - Update on Phase 2 Issues & Options:

An update was provided to Council on the issues and options report prepared by Delta's consultants, which outlines the range of feedback heard during the stakeholder interviews and workshops for the Agricultural Plan. This report is intended to assist in the development of the Delta Agricultural Plan and will be posted on Delta's website.

- Civic Recognition Policy

Council approved an updated Civic Recognition Policy that acknowledges not-for-profit community groups and individuals who accomplish a high level of success and achievement in Delta, offering the opportunity to be publicly and/or permanently recognized.

- Spring Freshet Update:

Council received an update on the 2011 freshet which sustained high river flows for the Lower Fraser River ranging between 8,000 to 10,000 m3/s, and elevations at the Mission gauge between 5.2 to 5.8 metres, for approximately six weeks. Currently the levels are trending downward and it is not anticipated that additional peaks above those already experienced will be observed.

- Irrigation Enhancement Project Update:

Council received an update on enhancements to Delta's irrigation network, which the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure has committed to as a component of the South Fraser Perimeter Road project. Construction work for the Delta Irrigation Enhancement Project is anticipated to be complete by 2013. Delta will be responsible for the long-term operation and maintenance of the new system.