Tonight we have two separate entries to review for Art at Council, both entries are from independent local art groups, and each group has created Centennial-themed exhibitions opening later this month.

The first piece is by Blackberry Artist Del Holbrook. The medium is wood intarsia, which is a technique that refers to sculpting various pieces of wood to assemble one final image. This piece is titled "Powerful" and it was directly inspired by train engine #1190, as described in the Port Moody Station Museum’s "Tracks in Time" book.

Del and ten other members of the Blackberry Artist’s Society have all created original art inspired by this popular Centennial themed book, and the works will be displayed along with their inspirational excerpts, in the galleria at the Civic Centre from Sunday, September 8 through Friday, September 20.

The two oil paintings are by award-winning Suite E Life Drawing Group artist Sue Cowan, and capture two very recognizable Centennial characters that we’ve seen around a few times this year: Colonel Richard Moody and his wife Mary Moody. These pieces, and many more that reflect upon past and present Port Moody residents, will be on display at the Port Moody Arts Centre, in an exhibition titled "Then & Now: Portrait of a Community" which opens Thursday, September 12 and runs until October 13

As students head back to school this week, it is interesting to reflect on some of the history of Port Moody schools. 2013 is the 40th anniversary of Port Moody Secondary school. The previous high school, Moody High, was destroyed by fire in 1969. Although the cause of the fire remains unknown, it resulted in $2 million worth of damage. A poem written by a student after the blaze laments the school’s destruction as "she reared her proud head, violently shuddered, and crashed beaten to the ground." The next morning’s light revealed "the ugly crippled ruins, baring her blackened bones to the sight of the grieving saddened students who came to pay their last respects."

After the destruction of their school, Port Moody high school students were bussed to Coquitlam schools in shifts until their school was rebuilt for September classes in 1970. The modern Port Moody Secondary school opened its doors 40 years ago in 1973.

On a more positive note, one year prior to the tragic fire, in 1968, Moody High was in the headlines for a successful rebellion. A group of girls, having had enough of the antiquated attitude that it was considered unladylike for girls to wear blue jeans to school, donned their jeans, came to school, staged a sit-in in the hallway and refused to move. A few days later an announcement rang through the school informing girls that blue jeans were now acceptable clothing.

You can read more about the history of Port Moody schools, and much more, in Port Moody Heritage Society’s history book "Tracks in Time: Port Moody’s First 100 Years" available at City Hall and at the Station Museum on Murray Street (not, incidentally, the original location of the museum – you’ll have to read the book to find out more).

2. Public Input

Maria Wall, Port Moody, noted that she and her partner worked for a great number of years for the City of Port Moody in the Parks Division. Referring to the Municipal Service Assessment for the parks division and the proposed reorganization, she questioned why, if this MSA has not yet been implemented, three positions in the parks division have not been filled. She noted that a number of years ago the same reorganization was proposed and was found to be unsuccessful as parks services deteriorated. She noted that the park inventory has doubled and the parks division should remain a separate division from operations to preserve and maintain the high level of service.

Ruth Foster, Belcarra, on behalf of the Mossom Creek Hatchery spoke regarding the proposed terminal for the Kinder Morgan pipeline and the potential impacts on aquatic life in the inlet. She requested that Council invite Kinder Morgan to host a town hall meeting in the City of Port Moody so the public would have an opportunity to raise questions and hear responses of their experts. She also noted that in past years, regular meetings were initiated by environmental staff with stewardship groups and requested that this practice be reinstated. She also noted that if there was an environmental incident the stewardship groups received a telephone call and this no longer occurs. For example, the groups did not hear about an August 7th fish kill from accidental leakage related to the Evergreen Line. She requested that the city consider practices that would put environmental groups back into the loop.

Diane Jolly, Port Moody, expressed disappointment that there is no longer a specific manager of environmental services to deal with environmental issues to ensure they are front and centre but that now this is part of the sustainability division

Diane Jolly, Port Moody, expressed disappointment that there is no longer a specific manager of environmental services to deal with environmental issues to ensure they are front and centre but that now this is part of the sustainability division

Arnold McLaughlin spoke on behalf of Mr. Choi, the owner of the Heritage Mountain Shopping Centre. He suggested it would be fair play to consider allowing an increase in the height in the OCP on this site to be more consistent with other properties in the vicinity noting that Mr. Choi will not get the same privileges as other developments in the area. He noted that his taxes continue to rise because of the land value and that should be taken into consideration in the OCP. He advised that Mr. Choi has a new proposal for an OCP designation of 4-12 storeys. He outlined some of the proposed details of the proposal.

Ann Hulbert, Port Moody, suggested a bistro in the Appleyard House so it would generate revenue. She also spoke to the cleanup of an oil spill and suggested the Environmental Protection Committee look into this to ensure spillers have a program in place to treat wildlife affected by spills. She expressed concern that it appears the environmental manager is not going to be replaced.

David Ritcey, Port Moody, spoke regarding the Arts Centre’s variance application that will affect parking at the Arts Centre. He noted it is a significant request that should be weighed carefully. He inquired about the traffic flow study on St. Johns Street and expressed concern that Port Moody could not change crosswalk times, etc. because it is a TransLink road. He suggested changes to St. Johns traffic flow require a comprehensive review as it is a complex issue

AND THAT the signing officers for all the city bank accounts be any two of the following: • Mayor Clay or, in the absence of the Mayor, the Acting Mayor or Second Acting Mayor

Mr. Anthony Boni, Architect, Boni Maddison Architects was in attendance and responded to questions.

Staff were requested to report back with a proposed budget.

The recommendation from the September 3rd, 2013, Committee of the Whole meeting on the following item was forwarded to this evening’s meeting for consideration.

2. The City pursue BC Hydro’s funding offer for the development of Moody Centre New Development Energy and Carbon Performance Plan; and that

3. The City pursue BC Hydro’s funding offer for the Sustainability and Energy Specialist.

8.2 Staff Reports (none)

9.3 Mobile Device Policy

11 Adjournment