Whenever you're ready. Ready. Awesome. Okay. I would like to call the Monday, May 11th, Langley City regular council meeting to order and start us off in a good way by acknowledging that the land on which we're gathered is on the traditional and unceded territory of the Kwantlen, Katzie, Mathew, Kwikwetlem, and Semiahmoo First Nations. Uh, we have an agenda in front of us. I would move it. Is there a seconder? Seconded by Councilor Albrecht. Any further discussion? So seeing none, I'll call the question. All those in favor? Any opposed? So there's none opposed, so that's carried unanimously. We have the consent agenda. Would anybody like to remove anything from it? So seeing none then, uh, who would like to move the consent agenda? So moved by Councilor Albrecht, seconded by Councilor Mack. Further discussion? So seeing none, I'll call the question. All those in favor? Any opposed? There's none opposed, so that's carried unanimously. That brings us to our delegation. Uh, we do have a verbal report from, um, Ms. Simpson and Mr. Chang. So over to you. We have a presentation on my side as well. Okay. All right, thank you. Thank you, Mayor. Uh, so before you, uh, within this package, you're gonna have the draft financial statements for year ended December 31st, 2025. There's also a report to council, which provides a summary of the results of, uh, the results for 2025. In this presentation, I'd like to make a few brief comments around ma- management's responsibilities, statement of financial position, and statement of operations. Uh, so on page three of the draft financial statements, there's a letter signed by myself outlining the city's management's responsibilities to prepare the consolidated financial statements, and to ensure that accounting procedures and sys- systems of internal controls are in place to safeguard the city's assets. Um, in addition to these internal controls, the city also engages, uh, an accounting firm, BDO Canada, to conduct a 2025 audit, and to express an opinion as to whether the consolidated financial statements fairly, fairly present the financial position of the City of Langley as at December 31st, 2025, and the results of its operations for the year. So with us this evening, we also have Christine Simpson from BDO Canada, and she will be s- and she will speak to the other report shortly. On page seven of the draft statements is the statement of financial position. Uh, at December 31st, 2025, the city had f- financial assets of $173.3 million, and financial liabilities of $122 million, resulting in a positive outcome of 51.3 million in net financial assets, uh, which is only a slight decrease of 0.3 million in comparison to 2024. As indicated in previous years, this provides a positive indicator of the city's financial flexibility, its ability to finance operating activities and meet current financial obligations. A few things worth noting on this page, um, is that the total cash and cash equivalents, um, along with the portfolio investments remained consistent, consistent year over year. Uh, deferred DCCs have increased by 11 million due to an increase in contributions received in 2025 in comparison to previous years. Uh, further details, uh, for DCCS can be found in 05 of the consolidated financial statements. Um, also on this page, uh, non-financial assets have also increased by 27.8 million in 2025 from 326.9 million in 2024 to 354.7 million in 2025. Non-financial assets are made up primarily of, uh, TCAs, which in this case, you can see it's worth around 354 million. Uh, tangible capital assets are things like land, buildings, roads, and pipes under the road, and are significant economic resources managed by the city, and are a key component in the delivery of services to our, to our citizens. Um, the final, the final line of this statement is showing an accumulated surplus of 406 million. Uh, it's important to note that, um, it's important to note that this is not a surplus funds that can be allocated to fund a particular expenditure in the future, um, but rather provides a picture of how the city is managing its economic resources. Uh, it could also be interpreted as the net worth of the organization. If we raise revenues, uh, to acquire new tangible capital assets, a surplus will result. Um, if the city does not invest in the maintenance and renewal of our assets over time, the, the accumulated surplus attributable to tangible capital assets will decrease through the amortization charge. Uh, the change in accumulated surplus will gauge how we are maintaining our assets, uh, basically. So in 2025, we had a net positive increase in the accumulated surplus of 27.4 million. Um, the surplus is detailed, uh, on the statement of operations, which I'm gonna run through next Uh, and before you get going, uh, 'cause this is technically a delegation, it's five minutes. So I would like to, uh, move that we extend the delegation to, uh, 20 minutes, seconded by Councilor Wallace. Further discussion? Seeing none, I'll call the question. All those in favor? Opposed? So that's carried unanimously. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. So, on page eight of the draft statements, um, the statement of operations shows all the city's revenues and expenditures for 2025. When comparing 2025-... actual results to the financial plan, it's important to note that the financial plan presented in the financial statements does not reflect any amendments adopted by City Council. Also, any prior years' capital projects that were delayed and carried forward to 2025 are not included in the presented financial plan amounts. Um, (clears throat) as indicated in the council report, 2025 revenues was higher, uh, than the 2025 financial plan, and in 2024, primarily due to (clears throat) increase in user fees and other revenues. Uh, there was higher than expected, um, engineering, admin, inspection fees, revenues. Uh, there was higher than expected, uh, license and permit revenues, as well as, uh, CACs that were collected throughout the year. There was also a higher than expected government transfers and investment earnings, um, in 2025 as well. And in addition to all of that, uh, there was the gain in disposal of, uh, the TCAs, primarily on the gain on the sale of the land of approximately, uh, $5 million. On the expense side, actual results were slightly less than budgeted by approximately 3.2 million. Detailed explanations are provided in the report, and, um, would like to highlight, uh, that the surplus remains in wages and benefits accounted for roughly around 1.7 million. Uh, majority, if not all, of these roles were vacant, uh, at the start of 2025, but eventually were filled during the year. Um, and most of those roles are basically filled right now. Um, within this page, uh, we're gonna see the annual surplus breakdown. Uh, roughly around, um, so for the 2025 operating surplus, it's roughl- around $22,929. There was an increase in TCA of 22.3 million and an increase in reserves of 5.1 million. Um, the combination of those will make up the total annual surplus of $27.4, uh, million. After processing the remaining billings and the year-end accounting accruals, general fund operating surplus, uh, provided for an, an additional transfer of 1.36 million into the capital works reserve for future investment through our capital investment, capital improvement plan. Uh, as indicated in the report as well, uh, there was a, for- $458,000, uh, transfer to the sewer and drainage reserves, and an a- additional $80,000 was transferred to water reserves. Uh, so once these financial statements are adopt- are approved by council, the final 2025 financial plan amendment, uh, is required, which will be presented later on this evening, um, to allow for any over expenditures as well as any additional transfers of operating surpluses to reserves, uh, noted earlier. Uh, without going into, uh, much detail, those were the highlights for the 2025 financial statements. Uh, thank you. Uh, so I know we'll have an opportunity to discuss the consolidated statements a little bit later, but is there any, uh, questions for Mr. Chang on his presentation? So I'm not seeing any right now, so I think, Ms. Simpson? Thank you. Good evening. It's a pleasure to be here tonight. Uh, first off, I'd like to thank Mr. Chang, uh, Alex, James, and Quealy, and all the other City of Langley staff that were integral in the audit process. Uh, many were very new to the city team, but great contributors. Uh, it was a very successful process this year. We had good discussion of non-routine matters in advance to confirm our planned approach. There were no material audit adjustments during the audit, no new significant internal control concerns. Uh, we reviewed any non-routine land transactions, including expropriations and contributions collected to the SkyTrain project, and the disposal of land that Mr. Chang mentioned, uh, to fil- facilitate a new housing development project. We also review- reviewed the assumptions, calculations, and disclosures related to the deintegration with the Township of Langley. I will remind council and users that auditing requires a threshold of materiality, which is determined based on generally accepted practices in the public sector, that are consistent with other large firms and accepted by the regulator- regulating bodies. This is agreed ou- upon in advance and discussed with council as part of our planning process, and any non-trivial audit filings or adjustments are discussed as part of our closing discussions. I'll remind you that we're following public sector accounting standards. The financial statements that you're presented with are drafted and presented by management, and our audit opinion states that there, there are no material misstatements with the figures. Uh, we do not provide comments on the additional details provided in the unaudited, uh, schedules. These are meant for specific funders. Uh, the most critical areas of the audit include understanding the various IT systems and general controls and processes. We did provide some recommendations for potential improvements to management. We review the routine operations, i.e. the non-capital areas, and comp- a lot of comparison to budget and prior years' figures. And we also review the capital projects and the associated debt financing and/or utilization of development cost charges. As well as any estimates where there's significant judgment, such as provisions for liabilities, where there may not be underlying invoices or valid agreements, or any provisions for unsettled union contracts. We have presented a draft clean audit opinion to council that will be signed off once council's approval is completed, and that opinion states that, in our opinion, the accompanying financial statements pref- present fairly in all material respects the financial position of the city as at December 31st, 2025, and the results of operations, changes in financial assets, and cash flows for the year then ended. Uh, thanks again to management team for their hard work and cooperation. Uh, thank you so much. Uh, is there any questions for Ms. Simpson?Okay, so I'm not seeing any, so then we have a recommendation here, uh, that city council approve the 2025 consolidated financial statements. Is there a mover and a seconder? So moved by Councilor Mac, seconded by Councilor Wallace. Further discussion? Uh, Councilor James. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I do have a question. I think it's for Mr. Flack. I did notice a line item on the documentation we received, so I'm just asking if you'd go into a bit more detail of the $290,000 variance for increased legal service fees for labor matters. Uh, I think, Mr. Chung. Uh, thank you. Uh, through the mayor to Councilor Mac, uh- Uh, I think it's Councilor James. Oh, Councilor James. Sorry. (laughs) Um, obviously, um, the items itself is, uh, sensitive in terms of labor management, labor, uh, fees, but what I can say is that, uh, it re- involves, uh, most of it involves, uh, council matters, uh, for this council as well as previous council. Uh, thank you. Uh, oh, is there anything else, Councilor? No, that was fine. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Okay. Uh, any other discussion? So seeing none, I'll call the question. All those in favor? Is there any opposed? So there's none opposed, so that's carried unanimously. Uh, so our next council meeting's May 25th, 2026, and June 15th, 2026. Any council advisory body updates? Uh, Councilor Wallace. Um, thank you, and through the mayor, I think this is a really important one, uh, in regards to the air quality, Metro Vancouver Air Quality Committee. Um, just the air quality warning report, and, uh, and wildfire smoke, uh, preparedness for 2026. Um, there is a heightened risk of wildfi- wildfire because of low snowpack, as we all, all know, and low, lower rainfall. We are already below our average as of May 1st, and it's not looking (laughs) like it's gonna get any better. So, um, there is a two-tiered, a new two-tiered, um, program. So you will be noticing yellow for high and orange for extreme. Um, and then there was just some talk about, um, some behavioral change. I know that, uh, when we look at the use of water and how we have to maybe collectively how we use our water. Um, and then also just working, and, and Metro Vancouver does work with the health authorities, but just working with, um, with community groups, especially with those that struggle with health conditions, um, throughout the summer, and just, uh, the cooling, you know, places for cooling and so on and so on. So just wanted to, uh, mention that to, um, the city in hopes that we have, um, some information available on our website in regards to, uh, fighting air quality and, uh, the climate change that is happening and just the safety of, uh, human beings and, and animals. Thank you. Thank you so much. Uh, any other updates? So seeing none, then, we do have our bylaws. So the first one is for our, uh, 2026 tax rate. So the recommendation is that the bylaw cited as 2026 tax rate bylaw 2026 number 3336 be read a final time. I'll move that. Is there a seconder? Seconded by Councilor Albrecht. Further discussion? So seeing none, I'll call the question. All those in favor? Is there any opposed? There's none opposed, so that's carried unanimously. Uh, the next one is that the bylaw cited as financial plan 2025 to 2029 bylaw 2025 number 3308, amendment number two, bylaw number 3339 be read a first, second, and third time. Is there a mover and seconder? Moved by Councilor Albrecht, seconded by Councilor James. And this is just, uh, to support the year-end consolidated financials reconciling things, which we need to do. Uh, s- any questions, comments? So seeing none, I'll call the question. All those in favor? Any opposed? So there's none opposed, so that's carried unanimously. So that's committee reports. I don't know if, uh, Councilor Wallace, if you wanted to speak to that? Um, actually, I'm gonna hand it over to Chair, um, Albrecht. Okay. Sorry. Thank you. Um, thank you, uh, Mr. Mayor, and, and thank you to my, uh, um, co-chair, um, Rosemary Wallace. And, and I'd also like to, uh, thank members of the committee. They worked really hard to try to get this. It took a long time, uh, but, uh, I think we've got a incredible, uh, incredible sign that's going to be, um- Let's get those recommendations first. Oh, I am so sorry. So the recommendation, uh, is that the installation of an interpretive sign identifying the salmon release location at Pleasantdale Creek be approved, and that the $33,500 cost to supply and install the sign be funded from the enterprise fund. Thank you. And I'll move that. It is seconded by Councilor Wallace. Um, so is there any discussion on this matter? Yeah, I just, I just wanted to say that, uh, we've had members of the community, we've had the school district, and we've had our committee working really hard on getting this sign designed, um, uh, set up, uh, organized, approved, and, and, uh, accepted by, uh, a number of different parties. So we're really excited about having this done, and I'm hopeful that, uh, the rest of the council will support the expenditure of those dollars. Thank you. Awesome. Uh, Councilor Wallace. Um, thank you. Through the mayor, uh, yeah, the sign is in our package, and it would be nice if it could have been put up on the screen for others to see, because I know there's members of the public that have worked extremely diligently, um, to make this happen. But I just wanted to say, and sometimes a-It does take an extra long time for things to happen, but I think in the process of it happening, is the, the work that was done with, um, some of our environmental groups like Langley Environmental Partnerships and the other groups that are mentioned here, Nicomekl Enhancements Soc- Society. I think what, what's really great about this program has been going on for years and years, but I think through doing this sign, which was done through H.D. Stafford Middle School, it allowed for more educational opportunities. So, um, I just wanted to thank, um, all of those involved, Nicomekl Enhancement Soci- Society for bringing this forward. I look forward to this sign, hopefully, if it gets voted through, um, being something that the community gets to see as a further education. Well, there you go. Thank you. Uh, thank you so much. Uh, it is definitely an awesome sign, I look forward to seeing it installed. Uh, it reminds me of, uh, back when I was in elementary school, salmon was really important, uh, and being able to learn about it was really key. Any other questions/comments? So seeing none, I'll call the question then. All those in favor? Is there any opposed? So there's none opposed, so that's carried unanimously. Uh, we're on to FIFA funding request. So the recommendation is, that council approve $10,000 in one-time funding to support the delivery of four FIFA viewing parties within the City of Langley, uh, and that the $10,000 in one-time funding to support the delivery of four FIFA viewing parties within the City of Langley be allocated from the Council Enterprise Fund. Is there a mover and seconder? Uh, moved by Councilor Albrecht, seconded by Councilor Wallace. Further discussion? Uh, just a quick one for me. Uh, where would these FIFA viewing parties be? And maybe that's for Ms. Hilton. Thank you, Mayor. Um, the parties will be hosted in our civic plaza, right to the north of City Hall here. Okay, thank you so much. Councilor Wallace? I think I just wanna bring a question in regards to, I know there's the safety aspect of it, and maybe Mr. Chung could speak to that. But also, I think what's really important about this is like, some people are looking at the frivolous costs of doing, you know, paying another, so much money for this. But I wanted to maybe emphasize, um, I guess the, the multicultural aspect of, of, you know, um, countries that are involved and that, will that be a part of the celebration in regards to we're doing the, the sports piece, but we're also doing that piece as well? Thank you. Uh, s- so I don't know, there, if the safety... And maybe Ms. Hilton can speak to the safety piece. I think that was the question. Thank you, uh, Your Worship. Yes, uh, our program supervisor is working with the RCMP, uh, on this event. And we, the focus of this event i- is, along with it being a viewing party, the focus really is cultural. So we are bringing in, um, a- activities, performances, crafts and food of the, uh, various, um, countries that are involved. Thank you. Uh, is there any other questions or comments? Uh, Councilor Albrecht? Uh, yeah, thank you Mr. Mayor. And, and thank you for bringing this forward. I think this is a great way of building community and getting to know each other and cultures. Um, my question is, uh, maybe you could, um, um, Ms. Hilton, uh, talk about, uh, waste collection, um, in that area. Because if we're gonna have food and, you know, uh, beverages or whatever is gonna be going on, uh, it'd be nice to have, uh, maybe a, a, let's say a step up in our game for, um, um, you know, that kind of, um, waste control. Thank you. Thank you Councilor Albrecht, through the mayor. Um, this will be after our Community Day event, which is we're giving our first big trial, uh, hopefully. And so we'll be using some of their waste receptacles from that event to help with the recycling. Thank you. Uh, any other comments or questions? Okay, so seeing none, I'll call the question. All those in favor? Any opposed? So there's none opposed, so that's carried unanimously. Uh, yes? Um, thank you. Sorry, um, Mr. Mayor, and my apologies. Um, however, I made an error earlier in the agenda, and I'm not certain, um, I would maybe refer to the clerk in terms of proper process. However, I intended to vote again- um, against 7A, um, so I really do apologize, and sorry for the disruption. That was my error. Okay, thank you. Um, so with that then, 'cause I think it would just, I could bring it back as a consideration. Yes, you may do that. That would be- You can ask, you could ask for consent, if you had unanimous consent from members present- Yeah, I- ... you can, I can correct the error. ... I'm happy to have your vote recorded as against. So, that's fine. Thank you. Uh, I'm assuming Councilor James is fine with that too? So it needs to be unanimous. Yeah, thank you. I am, Mr. Mayor. Yep. Okay. So, that's the zero-waste strategy. So we have the recommendation that the zero-waste strategy be endorsed, that the zero-waste strategy be implemented on a phased basis, and that the city review the efficiency or efficacy of each phase before expanding to the next phase. So, I'll move that, is there a seconder? Seconded by Councilor Mac. Further discussion? Councilor Wallace? Sorry, through the mayor, I feel like I'm talking a lot today (laughs). But, um, just as, uh, my co-chair here could probably agree with me that this has been a longstanding item in regards to, I mean, not only for council, council peers, but also for, um, the committee. And I appreciate the, the time that it's taken to get it onto this agenda and that we will be doing a phased-in approach. Because I know the cost of it, and it was really, it was really difficult to, um-... relay that to, to a committee that's just like, we've been waiting. We've been talking about these receptacles that are on, around the city for, for a very long time, and I know this is a, you know, just one, uh, uh, piece of it, in regards to the event piece. So, uh, I think that starting out with a community day is r- is, is a big one. So, I look forward to seeing how that works. I guess we have to vote on it first but, uh, yeah, and that if, you know, that we could use those receptacles in other places. So, um, the one piece that I would like to encourage maybe is some signage of, you know, what we're trying to, to do as far as the waste management phase-in. Like, if it was at a, at, um, maybe you're doing it, I don't know, but if it was at, uh, Douglas Park where you had a signage to say, this is, this is what, you know, council is, is endorsing and would like to do, and then just, you know, the phase-in approach. And then, it just gives people mo- you know, it ... They take it seriously, right? 'Cause we're taking it seriously. Thank you. Uh, Mr. Pollack. Through the chair, to Councillor Wallace, um, indeed that's what is proposed, is that (clears throat) in addition to the stations themselves, that there is signage directing people to where those would be, as well as having a, a tent, uh, for protection of the, of the, the volunteers or the, the members that are there. But also, some of what we call feather signage, to make it very visible. So, that's certainly the intent moving forward, and that's part of the hard costs that are actually recommended in the report. Thank you. Thank you. Uh, any further comments, questions? Okay, so I'm seeing none. I'll call the question. All those in favor? Opposed? There's none opposed, so that's unanimous. Uh, final item is that, uh, renaming. So that council approve a committee name change for the Crime Prevention Committee to the com- to the Community Safety Awareness Committee, and that council approve the updated committee terms of reference to reflect the new name and expanded mandate. So, I'll move that. Seconded by Councillor Albrecht. Further discussion? Seeing none, I'll call the question. All those in favor? Opposed? That's carried unanimously. I'll move that we adjourn, seconded by Councillor Mack. I'll call the question. All those in favor? Opposed? We're carried and adjourned. So, thank you. Have a great evening.