CITY OF VANCOUVER
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
A Regular Meeting of the Council of the City of Vancouver was held
on Tuesday, November 7, 1995, in the Council Chamber, commencing at
approximately 2:00 p.m.
PRESENT: Mayor Owen
Councillors Bellamy, Chiavario, Clarke,
Hemer, Ip, Kennedy, Kwan,
Price, Puil and Sullivan
CITY MANAGER'S OFFICE: Ken Dobell, City Manager
CLERK TO THE COUNCIL: M. Kinsella
PRAYER
The proceedings in the Council Chamber were opened with prayer read
by the City Clerk.
"IN CAMERA" MEETING
Council was advised there were items to be considered "In Camera"
later this day including property matters.
ADOPTION OF MINUTES
MOVED by Cllr. Puil,
SECONDED by Cllr. Clarke,
THAT the Minutes of the Regular Council Meeting (City Services &
Budgets) of October 19, 1995, be adopted.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
ADOPTION OF MINUTES (CONT'D)
MOVED by Cllr. Price,
SECONDED by Cllr. Hemer,
THAT the Minutes of the Regular Council Meeting (Planning &
Environment) of October 19, 1995, be adopted.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
MOVED by Cllr. Bellamy,
SECONDED by Cllr. Chiavario,
THAT the Minutes of the Vancouver Traffic Commission Meeting of
October 19, 1995, be adopted.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
MOVED by Cllr. Bellamy,
SECONDED by Cllr. Clarke,
THAT the Minutes of the Regular Council Meeting (with the exception
of the 'In Camera' portion) of October 24, 1995, be adopted after
amending the enquiry from Councillor Clarke on page 15 to read:
referred to correspondence she has received regarding a new
24-hour business which is operating on East Hastings without a
business license. Councillor Clarke suggested the City's
Licensing By-laws may need to be amended to more clearly
regulate these businesses.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
*underlining denotes amendment
MOVED by Cllr. Hemer,
SECONDED by Cllr. Kwan,
THAT the Minutes of the Special Council Meeting (Show Cause) of
October 17, 1995, be adopted.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
MOVED by Cllr. Bellamy,
SECONDED by Cllr. Price,
THAT this Council resolve itself into Committee of the Whole, Mayor
Owen in the Chair.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
REPORT REFERENCE
1. 1996 Operating Budget Projections File: 1606-2
Before Council was an Administrative Report dated October 19, 1995,
concerning the 1996 Operating Budget Projections. This report was
scheduled to be considered at the City Services & Budgets Standing
Committee meeting on October 26, 1995, however, due to time constraints
it was referred to this meeting.
The report summarized the projections for next year's Operating
Budget, and sought Council's instruction on a provisional level of the
general purpose property tax increase for 1996. The General Manager of
Corporate Services submitted the following recommendations:
A. THAT in establishing the 1996 departmental operating
budget targets, Council instruct staff that the City's
present policy of holding tax increases to inflationary
levels be maintained. Currently the rate of local
inflation is 2.7%, but we are recommending a 2.5% tax
increase for purposes of developing 1996 budget targets,
subject to a further review in the early new year.
B. THAT in establishing the 1996 general purposes tax levy,
Council agree to pass through any tax increase
attributable to the Greater Vancouver Sewerage & Drainage
District that exceeds the tax increase percentage target
approved by Council.
Also before Council was a memorandum dated October 24, 1995, from
Mr. Ken Stoke, General Manager of Corporate Services, submitting the
following alternative to Recommendation A as contained in the
Administrative Report dated October 19, 1995:
THAT in establishing the 1996 Operating Budget at this time,
Council instruct staff to develop the 1996 departmental budget
targets on the basis of a 0% and a 2.5% tax increase, subject
to a further review in the new year, reflecting:
- the costs/savings associated with the transfer of the
Health Department, or the continued cost of the Health
Department remaining with the City;
cont'd
REPORT REFERENCE (CONT'D)
1996 Operating Budget Projections (cont'd)
- the impact associated with any major changes to the
City's non-taxation revenues related to external economic
factors outside the control of City Council; and,
- the proposed impacts of budget reductions necessary to
achieve a 0% and a 2.5% tax increase under one or several
of the above scenarios.
Council also considered a letter dated November 7, 1995, from the
General Manager, Board of Parks & Recreation, advising of the following
motion approved by the Board at its meeting on November 6, 1995:
THAT the Park Board go on record as encouraging City Council
to entertain a tax increase equivalent to the cost of
inflation so that the budget shortfall for 1996 will
approximate $3 million rather than $11 million.
Mr. Ken Bayne, Comptroller of Budgets & Research, with the aid of a
slide presentation, provided Council with a review of the revenue and
expenditure projections for the coming year. These projections are
based on what is known and assumptions for what is not known at this
time. Council was also advised that these projections are dynamic and
subject to further changes. The current policy of Council regarding tax
increases is to maintain any tax increases at or below the rate of
inflation, which is currently estimated at 2.5%. In the absence of any
tax increase, there is currently an $11 million budget shortfall. Based
on a 2.5% tax increase, there would still be a shortfall of $3.2
million.
MOVED by Cllr. Puil,
THAT in establishing the 1996 Operating Budget at this time,
Council instruct staff to develop the 1996 departmental budget targets
on the basis of a 0%, 1% and a 2% tax increase, subject to a further
review in the new year, reflecting:
- the costs/savings associated with the transfer of the
Health Department, or the continued cost of the Health
Department remaining with the City;
cont'dREPORT REFERENCE (CONT'D)
1996 Operating Budget Projections (cont'd)
- the impact associated with any major changes to the
City's non-taxation revenues related to external economic
factors outside the control of City Council;
- the possibility of transferring funds in the amount of $2
million from the Truck & Equipment Revolving Fund;
- confirmation of the B.C. Assessment Authority estimates
on new construction values for 1995; and
- the proposed impacts of budget reductions necessary to
achieve a 0%, 1% and a 2% tax increase under one or
several of the above scenarios.
FURTHER THAT in establishing the 1996 general purposes tax levy,
Council agree to pass through any tax increase attributable to the
Greater Vancouver Sewerage & Drainage District that exceeds the tax
increase percentage target approved by Council.
- carried unanimously
MOVED by Cllr. Kwan (in amendment),
THAT the foregoing motion be amended to delete the figure 2%, and
substitute therefor 2.5%.
- LOST
(Councillors Bellamy, Chiavario, Clarke, Hemer, Ip, Kennedy,
Price, Puil, Sullivan and the Mayor opposed)
The motion to amend having lost, Councillor Puil's motion was put
and CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
MOVED by Cllr. Bellamy,
THAT the letter dated November 7, 1995, from the Park Board be
received for information.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
Members of Council also requested information concerning the
history of the appropriate endowment fund, and the implications of
increasing the amount transferred from the PEF to the Operating Budget.
MANAGER'S REPORTS
1. Administrative Report
(October 4, 1995)
Demolition of Vacant Building File: 5111
on City-owned Site at
2205 Main Street
MOVED by Cllr. Bellamy,
THAT the recommendation of the General Manager of Corporate
Services, as contained in this report, be approved.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
2. Administrative Report
(October 17, 1995)
Amendment to Section 215 Covenant - File: 2608-2
7116 Selkirk Street
Development Application No. DE400159
MOVED by Cllr. Clarke,
THAT the recommendation of the General Manager of Community
Services, as contained in this report, be approved.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
3. Administrative Report
(October 19, 1995)
Information Services - Microcomputer File: 1306-5
Support Specialist Position
MOVED by Cllr. Sullivan,
THAT the recommendation of the General Manager of Corporate
Services, as contained in this report, be approved.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
MANAGER'S REPORTS (CONT'D)
4. Administrative Report
(October 16, 1995)
Form of Development: File: 2607-2
6120 MacDonald Street
DA 217733 - CD-1 By-law No. 7405
MOVED by Cllr. Clarke,
THAT the recommendation of the General Manager of Community
Services, as contained in this report, be approved.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
1. Policy Report
(October 24, 1995)
Rezoning: 572 Beatty Street File: 8010-15/5303-2
(International Village)
In a Policy Report dated October 24, 1995, the Director of Central
Area Planning, in consultation with the General Managers of Engineering
Services and Parks & Recreation, the Directors of Social Planning and
Legal Services, and the Manager of the Housing Centre, reviewed an
application by Hendersen Development (Canada) Ltd. to amend the False
Creek North Official Development Plan, the existing CD-1 By-law and the
approved Form of Development for International Village (Sub-area 8) in
False Creek North. The report noted the developer wishes to make a
number of changes, including:
- to increase the maximum number of residential units to 1400
units, by building smaller units and converting commercial and
hotel space to residential;
- to change the non-market housing locations to provide sites
that are easier to implement;
- to concentrate more commercial space on Parcel E;
- to locate a new 24-storey tower on Parcel E;
cont'd
MANAGER'S REPORTS (CONT'D)
Policy Report
(October 24, 1995) (cont'd)
Rezoning: 572 Beatty Street
(International Village) (cont'd)
- to increase tower heights to accommodate massing relocated
from Parcel B;
- to reduce residential and commercial parking standards to be
consistent with other downtown areas; and
- to change the approved one-way traffic system on Abbott
Street, south of Pender Street, to two-way traffic.
During discussion of the report, a member of Council requested
staff to provide information at the Public Hearing concerning the
rationale for determiningthe payments-in-lieu forpark and socialhousing.
MOVED by Cllr. Puil,
THAT Recommendations A and B of the General Manager of Community
Services, as contained in this report, be approved.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
MOVED by Cllr. Puil,
THAT the portion of Abbott Street between Pacific Boulevard North
and Pender Street be changed to two-way traffic.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
2. Policy Report
(October 18, 1995)
Certification of Fire Protection File: 3651-4
Equipment Inspection Technicians
MOVED by Cllr. Hemer,
THAT the recommendation of the General Manager of Fire & Rescue
Services, as contained in this report, be approved.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLYMANAGER'S REPORTS (CONT'D)
3. Policy Report
(October 24, 1995)
Referral of RS-6 Zoning to Public File: 8028/5301-2
Hearing for a Portion of South
Shaughnessy/Granville
Single-Family Zoning Review Study Area
MOVED by Cllr. Bellamy,
THAT the recommendation of the General Manager of Community
Services, as contained in this report, be approved;
FURTHER THAT an exclusion of basement floor area from FSR
calculations (provided an amount equal to one-third times the excluded
basement floor area is deducted from the permitted above grade FSR on
the first and second storeys) be included in the draft by-law for
consideration at Public Hearing.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
4. Policy Report
(October 24, 1995)
Arbutus Neighbourhood - Implementation File: 8000-2
of Development Cost Levies
MOVED by Cllr. Puil,
THAT the recommendation of the General Manager of Community
Services, as contained in this report, be approved.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
5. Policy Report
(October 18, 1995)
The New British Columbia Environment File: 111-2/3501-2
Assessment Act - Bill 29
During discussion of this report, a member of Council requested
staff to determine whether there is a defined list of companies that are
authorized to conduct environmental reviews.
MOVED by Cllr. Sullivan,
THAT this report be received for information.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
COMMISSIONS AND OTHER REPORTS
I. Report of Vancouver Heritage Commission
(October 16, 1995)
Langara Clubhouse
(Clause 1) File: 3102-21/5051-4
In its report dated October 16, 1995, the Vancouver Heritage
Commission reviewed the merits of retaining the Langara Clubhouse, and
submitted the following recommendations:
A. THAT the Vancouver Heritage Commission's concern is to
maintain and preserve the original building with a
minimum of alterations;
FURTHER THAT the Commission review all proposals prior to
the Park Board's consideration of them;
AND FURTHER THAT the Commission recommend Council
designate the Langara Clubhouse under the Heritage By-
law.
B. THAT the Vancouver Heritage Commission strongly urge
Council to request the Park Board to ensure the Langara
Clubhouse building is stabilized and not demolished at
this point in time;
FURTHER THAT the Park Board actively request proposals
for appropriate use of the building;
AND FURTHER THAT the Commission give conditional support
to the Langara Heritage Pavilion Society's proposal.
In comments from the City Manager, it was noted the Park Board has
been reviewing options for the Langara Clubhouse for some time. In July
of this year, the Board requested proposals for re-use from community
groups, and only one real proposal was received. This proposal was
considered unsatisfactory in that no funding was in place to support it.
The City Manager believes that Council should acknowledge the review and
public process conducted by the Park Board, and accept its decision to
demolish the building.
cont'dCOMMISSIONS AND OTHER REPORTS (CONT'D)
Report of Vancouver Heritage Commission
(October 16, 1995) (cont'd)
Langara Clubhouse
(Clause 1) (cont'd)
Also before Council was a letter dated October 27, 1995, from the
General Manager, Board of Parks & Recreation, advising of the following
motions passed by the Park Board at its regular meeting on October 23,
1995:
THAT the Board authorize the demolition of the former Langara
Golf Clubhouse and redevelop the site to include parking and
landscaping.
THAT the demolition of the former Langara Golf Clubhouse
proceed in an environmentally friendly manner.
Ms. Jo Scott-B, Vancouver Heritage Commission member, advised that
the George Woodcock Society is interested in the Building, and has
resubmitted its application for use of the building as they now
understand they would not be required to upgrade the building. The Park
Board has indicated there would be very little cost to stabilize the
building for retention.
Mr. Robert Lemon, Heritage Planner, advised that the Langara
Clubhouse was built in approximately 1926, and is currently in
relatively good condition. The building consists of 2300 sq. ft. on the
ground floor, with a full basement and partial second floor. There are
architectural elements of the building, both on the interior and
exterior, which have heritage value. A letter has been received from
the Book Publishers Association, who have requested that demolition be
delayed to provide the Association with an opportunity to put a proposal
together. A Public Hearing would be required should Council wish to
proceed with designating the Clubhouse under the Heritage By-law.
MOVED by Cllr. Price,
THAT Council indicate to the Park Board its regret over the loss of
the Langara Clubhouse; and request the Park Board to reconsider its
decision to demolish the building and to review any proposals for
adaptive re-use or renovation of the Langara Clubhouse.
- CARRIED
(Councillors Hemer, Puil, Sullivan and the Mayor opposed)
cont'd
COMMISSIONS AND OTHER REPORTS (CONT'D)
Report of Vancouver Heritage Commission
(October 16, 1995) (cont'd)
Langara Clubhouse
(Clause 1) (cont'd)
MOVED by Cllr. Kwan,
THAT Council refer the designation of the Langara Clubhouse under
the Heritage By-law to Public Hearing.
- deferred
MOVED by Cllr. Chiavario,
THAT the foregoing motion be deferred pending the further review of
the issue by the Park Board.
- CARRIED
(Councillors Kwan, Puil and the Mayor opposed)
RISE FROM COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
MOVED by Cllr. Bellamy,
THAT the Committee of the Whole rise and report.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
ADOPT REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
MOVED by Cllr. Bellamy,
SECONDED by Cllr. Hemer,
THAT the report of the Committee of the Whole be adopted.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
BY-LAWS
1. A By-law to amend the Pound By-
law being By-law No. 2046
1995 Fees and Charges)
MOVED by Cllr. Ip,
SECONDED by Cllr. Clarke,
THAT the By-law be introduced and read a first time.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
The By-law was read a first time and the Presiding Officer declared
the By-law open for discussion and amendment.
There being no amendments, it was
MOVED by Cllr. Ip,
SECONDED by Cllr. Clarke,
THAT the By-law be given second and third readings and the Mayor
and City Clerk be authorized to sign and seal the By-law.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
2. A By-law to amend By-law No.
6774, being the Residential
Tenancy Act Lease Approval
By-law (Former Caretaker's
Suite at 1878 Robson Street)
MOVED by Cllr. Price,
SECONDED by Cllr. Ip,
THAT the By-law be introduced and read a first time.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
The By-law was read a first time and the Presiding Officer declared
the By-law open for discussion and amendment.
There being no amendments, it was
MOVED by Cllr. Price,
SECONDED by Cllr. Ip,
THAT the By-law be given second and third readings and the Mayor
and City Clerk be authorized to sign and seal the By-law.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
MOTIONS
A. Conveyance, Acceptance and
Allocation of Lands for Lane
Purposes (The South 2.5 ft. of
Lot 3 of Lot 4, Blocks 12 to 21,
D.L. 666, Plan 1378 -
1020 East 40th Avenue)
MOVED by Cllr. Ip,
SECONDED by Cllr. Clarke,
THAT WHEREAS the registered owner will be conveying to the City of
Vancouver for lane purposes land in the City of Vancouver, Province of
British Columbia, more particularly known and described as follows:
City of Vancouver
Parcel Identifier: 005-392-781
The South 2.5 feet of Lot 3 of Lot 4
Blocks 12 to 21
District Lot 666, Plan 1378
AND WHEREAS it is deemed expedient and in the public interest to
accept and allocate the said lands for lane purposes;
BE IT RESOLVED that the above described lands, upon conveyance, are
hereby accepted and allocated for lane purposes and declared to form and
to constitute a portion of a lane.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
ENQUIRIES AND OTHER MATTERS
Social Housing Allocation File: 4656-2
Councillor Puil referred to a recent announcement by the
Provincial Government advising that the Social
Housing allocation for 1996 is 260 units, of
which approximately half of the allocation is
for the Lower Mainland. Cllr. Puil expressed
his pleasure that progress is being made with
this type of housing.
Vehicle Window Washers File: 3504
Councillor Price referred to a letter received from a concerned
resident regarding vehicle window washers who
have been operating at the intersection of
Broadway and Commercial Drive. These
individuals are very persistent and
intimidating to drivers.
Cllr. Price requested a report back on what the
Vancouver Police Department are doing in regard
to this issue or why they are unable to do
anything.
Mayor Owen reported that this matter had been
discussed at the last Police Board meeting, and
noted the Police are having some difficulty
enforcing existing by-law provisions.
The Corporation Counsel undertook to pursue
this matter with the Chief Constable to
consider possible by-law amendments.
ENQUIRIES AND OTHER MATTERS (CONT'D)
Absences at Meetings File: 1251-2
Councillor Kennedy referred to a recent article in the WestEnder
concerning absences at meetings by Council members.
Cllr. Kennedy noted that Council members are often
absent from a meeting due to a scheduling conflict
with other civic business, such as GVRD Committee
meetings. In addition, Council members who leave a
meeting due to a conflict of interest are often not
called back to the meeting following completion of
the respective item. The reason for the Council
members' absence is often not recorded in the
Minutes of the Council meeting.
Cllr. Kennedy requested the City Manager to report
back on the foregoing issues.
City of San Diego - Retail Store File: 5125
Councillor Kennedy advised she had recently visited the City of
San Diego where she noted the City operates a
retail store in the main lobby area of City
Hall. The store represents an important source
of revenue generated through the sale of street
signs, old parking meters, t-shirts and other
items.
Cllr. Kennedy requested staff to enquire with
the City of San Diego concerning how the store
was established and how much revenue is
realized from its operation.
The Mayor so directed.
ENQUIRIES AND OTHER MATTERS (CONT'D)
Commercial Drive File: 1010
Councillor Clarke advised she had recently accompanied some
medical doctors on a walking tour of Commercial
Drive. It was noted the eastside of the block
between Grandview Highway and Broadway is not
very well lit and there are large bushes behind
which a significant amount of drug action takes
place. The area is littered with drug
paraphernalia.
Cllr. Clarke enquired whether this area is
SkyTrain Right-of-way, and if the lighting
could be improved and the bushes trimmed to
make this a less attractive place for drug use.
The Mayor requested staff to provide
information on this matter.
* * * * *
The Council recessed at 5:00 p.m. for an "In Camera"
meeting in the Mayor's Office.
* * * * *