Gibsons council voted three to two on May 1 in favor of giving first reading to an official community plan amendment that could incorporate the present Gospel Rock neighbourhood plan.
Councillors Dan Bouman and LeeAnn Johnson opposed the motion, which received little discussion at the table.
"I can't support the bylaw because the Gospel Rock plan, but I'm very happy to see this is becoming a more understandable document form overall," Johnson said.
A public hearing can be expected as the plan nears adoption.
Financial statements
Council received and adopted its 2011 audited financial statements package.
Accountant Bill Cox was present at the preceding committee of the whole meeting to explain the findings, as well as to answer questions about the new style of reporting necessitated by Canada's adoption of International Auditing Standards.
In addition to finding no fraudulent or illegal activities on the Town's books, Cox noted that the number of possible misstatements in Gibsons' accounting were well on track at roughly $9,300.
The Town's revenue predictions were almost spot on at $3.2 million, but expenses in 2011 rose from the planned $5.7 million to $6.5 worth of expenditures. The bulk of this change was found in general departmental expenditures.
Total government grants to the Town and its taxpayers totalled just shy of $2.8 million for 2011.
Passenger ferry
Gibsons voted in favor of a committee recommendation to lend its support to the passenger ferry initiative.
Citing sustainability, the needs of commuters and promotion of the Sunshine Coast as a safe and affordable alternative to Vancouver, council voted to press B.C. Ferries and the provincial government to look closely at passenger-only ferry services.
Boating
Council responded to calls from resident Ken White, who appeared as a delegate during the April 24 committee of the whole to press for more consideration of boaters.
The Town is currently engaged in discussions to finalize a lease with the marina.
"I think we should have some kind of general meeting to let people talk about what it is that they're looking for," said Coun. Tretick.
Chief administrative officer Warren Waycheshen related to council some of the difficulties associated with renewing an old lease like the marina's.
"We were pretty much in a squatting position at the time because it expired," he said. "We actually didn't have any lease for a while."
APC
The bylaw to establish an advisory planning commission in Gibsons received second and third reading.
Municipal planner Michael Epp reported that he had received two completed application packages so far from residents interested in serving on the commission.
"If anyone knows of anyone who may be interested please encourage them to apply so we have as many quality candidates to consider from as possible," said Epp.
Lost Canadians
Leader of the Lost Canadians and Gibsons resident Don Chapman appeared before council as a delegate requesting support for his cause to obtain citizenship rights for alienated Canadians born to European warbrides.
Chapman has devoted much of his time and energies to fighting the cause after he himself struggled to gain citizenship status before the passage of Bill C-37 in 2008.
The activist requested the Town throw their support behind the cause and cast itself as the epicentre for citizenship rights in Canada.
"This is something I think the Town should jump on. It's here for the taking. You'll get a lot of honour in that," he said.
"I will educate myself and perhaps we will have a further discussion," offered Mayor Wayne Rowe.
