CITY OF VANCOUVER

REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES

SEPTEMBER 15, 1998

A Regular Meeting of the Council of the City of Vancouver was held on Tuesday, September 15, 1998, at 2:00 p.m., in the Council Chamber, Third Floor, City Hall.

PRESENT:	Mayor Philip Owen Councillor Don Bellamy Councillor Jennifer Clarke Councillor Alan Herbert Councillor Lynne Kennedy Councillor Daniel Lee Councillor Don Lee Councillor George Puil Councillor Sam Sullivan
ABSENT:	Councillor Nancy A. Chiavario (Sick Leave) Councillor Gordon Price
CITY MANAGER'S OFFICE:	Ken Dobell, City Manager
CLERK TO THE COUNCIL:	Ulli S. Watkiss

PRAYER

The proceedings in the Council Chamber were opened with a prayer read by the City Clerk.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Mayor Owen welcomed Carole Taylor, Chair, Vancouver Port Corporation (VPC), and Capt. Norm Stark, President and Chief Executive Officer, VPC, to the Council meeting. The Mayor explained that arrangements had been made for the VPC officials to participate in a signing ceremony with the City of Vancouver in recognition of their mutual commitment to the economic development of the region, the provision of jobs, and efficient movement of goods and people. Accordingly, the Charter for the Relationship between the City of Vancouver and Vancouver Port Corporation was signed by Ms. Taylor and Capt. Stark, on behalf of the VPC, and by Mayor Owen and Ken Dobell, City Manager, on behalf of the City.

PRESENTATION

The Mayor greeted Dale Laird, Operations Superintendent, and Angus McIntyre, Treasurer, Transit Museum Society, who were present to award to the City, a cheque in the amount of $3,573 which represented the Street Car revenues for the month of August. Service between Leg-in-Boot Station and Granville Island Station commenced on August 1, 1998, and Mr. Laird indicated that public interest in the demonstration project, from both tourists and local residents, has been very positive, with continued requests being received for an extension to the line. The entire operation has been carried out by volunteers from the Transit Museum Society, which includes Councillor Bellamy.

The Mayor expressed appreciation to members of the Society for their dedication to this highly successful project, indicating that the funds would be placed in the Downtown Historic Railway’s account.

"IN CAMERA" MEETING

Council was advised there were personnel and property matters to be considered "In Camera" later this day.

ADOPTION OF MINUTES

1. Regular Council Meeting Minutes

September 8 and 10, 1998

MOVED by Cllr. Bellamy,

SECONDED by Cllr. Kennedy,

THAT the foregoing Minutes be adopted.

- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

MOVED by Cllr. Don Lee,

SECONDED by Cllr. Clarke,

THAT this Council resolve itself into Committee of the Whole, Mayor Owen in the chair.

- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

1. East First Avenue - Traffic Review File: 5762-1

August 20, 1998

Council had before it for consideration an Administrative Report dated August 20, 1998 in which the General Manager of Engineering Services put forward several recommendations designed to reduce the negative impacts of traffic on residents adjacent to East First Avenue. This report had been referred to Council by the Standing Committee on Transportation and Traffic, which had earlier this day heard delegations speaking to the recommendations, but due to time constraints, the Committee was unable to conclude its discussion.

cont’d

UNFINISHED BUSINESS (CONT’D)

East First Avenue - Traffic Review (cont’d)

MOVED by Cllr. Clarke,

THAT consideration of recommendation ‘D’ included in the Administrative Report dated August 20, 1998 and quoted below, be deferred:

"THAT all buses with three axles or more be restricted from using East First Avenue.".

- CARRIED

(Councillors Bellamy and Sullivan opposed)

MOVED by Cllr. Puil,

A.THAT staff prepare with the residents a pilot project for reducing noise impacts on East First Avenue, including measures such as quieter pavement, berms, landscaping, fencing, and speed enforcement, with a target budget in the range of $50,000 to $75,000, to be reported back to Council.

B.THAT funding of $10,000 be allocated from Streets Basic Capital Account number 13/32/9801/999 - Local Area and Other Improvements, for an acoustical consultant to evaluate the alternatives for the pilot project.

- CARRIED

(Councillor Bellamy opposed)

MOVED by Cllr. Bellamy,

C.THAT signage be improved so trucks accessing the Downtown are directed away from East First Avenue to routes such as Hastings Street, and the Ministry of Transportation and Highways be requested to place signage on Highway 1.

E. THAT B.C. Transit be encouraged to work with major event organizers to include transit fares with event tickets.

cont’d

UNFINISHED BUSINESS (CONT’D)

East First Avenue - Traffic Review (cont’d)

F.THAT the Police be requested to consider increased speed and commercial vehicle enforcement on East First Avenue.

G.THAT the Provincial Government be requested to consider photo radar enforcement on East First Avenue, when suitable equipment is available.

- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

MOVED by Cllr. Puil,

H.THAT staff continue negotiations and discussions with B.C. Transit around the issue of re-routing all empty buses from East First Avenue and that the report back to Council include clarification of:

a)the number of empty buses that use East First Avenue;

b)the costs involved in re-routing the empty buses and how those costs are determined;

c) any other related issues.

- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

MOVED by Cllr. Herbert,

I.THAT the City restore parking on East First Avenue between midnight and 6:00 a.m..

- LOST

(Councillors Bellamy, Clarke, Kennedy, Daniel Lee,

Don Lee, Puil and Mayor Owen opposed.)

ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS

1. Tender 9815 - Construction of Left Turn Bays

0n 57th Avenue at Knight Street

September 2, 1998 File: 1805

MOVED by Cllr. Kennedy,

A.THAT Tender Number 9815 - Construction of Left Turn Bays on 57th Avenue at Knight Street from Columbia Bitulithic Limited, the low bidder, in the amount of $278,745.27, be accepted, subject to a Contract satisfactory to the Director of Legal Services.

B.THAT the Director of Legal Services execute the Contract on behalf of the City. No legal rights shall arise hereby and none shall arise until execution of the contemplated Agreement.

C.THAT the additional project cost of $46,000 for construction of left turn bays on 57th Avenue at Knight Street be approved with funding to be provided from the Streets Basic Capital Unappropriated Account 12/31/9825/999 -Burrard, Cornwall to 3rd.

- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

2. Cambie Works Yard Site:

Ground-Water Control System

in the Asphalt Plant Area

September 2, 1998 File: 3759

MOVED by Cllr. Puil,

THAT the budgets for Morrow Environmental Consultants Inc.’s contract and MTR Consultants Ltd’s contract be increased as the Manager of Real Estate Services may approve, to install, operate and maintain a pump-and-treat control system for the contaminated plume in the asphalt plant area of the City’s Cambie Works Yard, including ongoing monitoring of ground-water quality, generally in accordance with the proposal attached as Appendix "A" to the Administrative Report dated September 2, 1998, for a total maximum cost of $205,500 plus GST to be funded by the Truck and Equipment Plant Account (Asphalt Plant Replacement Fund).

- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS (CONT’D)

3. Extension of Building Permit No. BU402238

- 75 East Pender Street

August 27, 1998 File: 2608

MOVED by Cllr. Don Lee,

THAT City Council approve a further extension of Building Permit No. BU402238 until February 27, 1999.

- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

4. Reconstruction of Intersections at Cambie Street

and 12th Avenue, and Boundary Road at 49th Avenue

September 3, 1998 File: 5809

MOVED by Cllr. Bellamy,

THAT the deep grind reconstruction of intersections at Cambie Street and 12th Avenue and the westerly portion of the intersection at 49th Avenue and Boundary be approved at an estimated cost of $150,000. Source of funds to be re-allocation from account 12/31/2822/999 - Arterial reconstruction on Broadway - Semlin to Lakewood.

- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS (CONT’D)

5. Taxicab Fare Increase

September 2, 1998 File: 2801

MOVED by Cllr. Puil,

A. THAT taxicab fares in the City be changed to the following rates (GST not included):

Flag Rate $2.15

Distance Rate $1.15 per kilometre

Waiting Time Rate $22.43 per hour

Dismissal Fee $2.00

Baggage Fee No charge

which provides an estimated 3% increase in industry revenues.

B.THAT the Director of Legal Services prepare the necessary by-law amendments to give effect to the increase as of September 1, 1998

- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

6. Award of Contract No. 9813 for the

Supply and Installation of Distribution Watermain

September 4, 1998 File: 1805

This report was withdrawn.

ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS (CONT’D)

7. Transfer of Community Services Grant

from Sunset Community Centre

to Westcoast Child Care Resource Centre

August 6, 1998 File: 2151

MOVED by Cllr. Kennedy,

THAT Council approve a Community Services Grant of $10,000 to Westcoast Child Care Resource Centre for a Youth Service Coordinator, and that the grant to Sunset Community Centre Association, previously approved for this Youth Services Coordinator, be reduced to $10,000.

- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

AND BY THE

REQUIRED MAJORITY

POLICY REPORTS

1. CD-1 Rezoning - 1742-1752 West 2nd Avenue

September 3, 1998 File: 5307

MOVED by Cllr. Clarke,

THAT the application by Weber and Associates Architectural Consultants, to rezone 1742-1752 West 2nd Avenue (Lots B, 41, 13 & 14, Block 228, DL 526, Plan 5850) from IC-1 Industrial District to CD-1 Comprehensive Development District, to permit a mixed use building, be referred to a Public Hearing, together with:

(I)plans received July 17, 1998;

(ii)draft CD-1 By-law provisions, generally as contained in Appendix A of the Administrative Report dated September 3, 1998; and

(iii)the recommendation of the Director of Central Area Planning on behalf of Land Use and Development to approve, subject to conditions contained in Appendix B of the Administrative Report dated September 3, 1998; and

cont’d

POLICY REPORTS (CONT’D)

CD-1 Rezoning - 1742-1752 West 2nd Avenue

September 3, 1998 (cont’d)

FURTHER THAT the Director of Legal Services be instructed to prepare the necessary CD-1 By-law for consideration at Public Hearing, including a consequential amendment to the Sign By-law to establish regulations for this CD-1 in accordance with Schedule "B" (IC-1).

- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

Staff was requested to provide, at the Public Hearing, a full report about traffic conditions on this street.

RISE FROM COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

MOVED by Cllr. Bellamy,

THAT the Committee of the Whole rise and report.

- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

ADOPT REPORT OF COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

MOVED by Cllr. Clarke,

SECONDED by Cllr. Don Lee,

THAT the report of the Committee of the Whole be adopted.

- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

BY-LAWS

1. A By-law to amend By-law No. 6066,

being the Vehicles for Hire By-law

(Taxicab Fare Increase)

MOVED by Cllr. Kennedy,

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. Kennedy,

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

BY-LAWS (CONT’D)

2. A By-law to amend the Parking Meter By-law,

being By-law No. 2952 (New Provisions to

Permit Use of Debit Card and Change Parking

Meter Space And to Implement Several

Housekeeping Amendments)

MOVED by Cllr. Kennedy,

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. Kennedy,

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

MOTIONS

A. Conveyance of Land for Municipal Purposes

(Establishing Road, West Side Street,

North of 41st Avenue, adjacent to 5642 Knight Street) File: 5807

MOVED by Cllr. Clarke,

SECONDED by Cllr. Kennedy,

THAT WHEREAS the registered owner will be conveying to the City of Vancouver for road purposes land in the City of Vancouver, Province of British Columbia, more particularly known and described as follows:

City of Vancouver

That portion of Lot E, Block 1, District Lot 710, Plan 9725, the same as shown heavy outlined on plan of survey completed on the 4th day of September, 1998, attested to by A. DiNozzi, B.C.L.S., and marginally numbered LD 3531;

AND WHEREAS it is deemed expedient and in the public interest to accept and allocate the said lands for road purposes;

BE IT RESOLVED that the above described lands, upon conveyance, are hereby accepted and allocated for road purposes and declared to form and to constitute a portion of a road.

- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

ENQUIRIES AND OTHER MATTERS

1. Explosion in False Creek File: 8200

Councillor Clarke referred to an explosion which had occurred in False Creek earlier this day, acknowledging that residents are concerned and would like information on the matter. She wondered what steps have been taken by the City to investigate the cause.

The City Manager explained that a reason for the explosions has not yet been determined, however City staff are investigating and have asked the owner of the building involved to hire an independent consultant. Residents who have questions should contact Tom Timm, the City Building Inspector.

ENQUIRIES AND OTHER MATTERS (CONT’D)

2. Vancouver-Richmond Rapid Bus File: 5559

Councillor Clarke recalled that at its meeting of July 28, 1998, Council approved recommendations related to the Vancouver-Richmond Rapid Bus, one of which called for a Rapid Bus Advisory Committee to be struck. She requested an information memo from staff on the progress toward setting up this committee. Councillor Clarke also felt that more signage is required on Granville Street to remind people of the speed limit.

The Mayor advised that staff are looking at the issue of more signage on Granville Street and agreed an information memo advising of the status of the Advisory Committee would be appropriate.

3. Sidewalk Vending File: 2630

Councillor Daniel Lee explained he had received complaints about the selling practices of a sidewalk flower vendor, on Dunsmuir Street, between Hornby and Howe Streets, which has been a problem since 1994. Flower shop businesses inside Cathedral Place are subject to rent and maintenance costs which do not affect the street vendor, creating an unfair situation. The complainant has requested that the vendor be relocated or the size of his business be limited and the City Manager was requested to investigate the matter and provide an information memo to Council.

The Mayor responded that he was aware the vendor is increasingly using more of the sidewalk to display his sizeable stock. He believed it was appropriate to have staff decide if the vendor was violating his permit.

4. Policing of Drug-related Activities in the Downtown Eastside File: 8104

Councillor Daniel Lee referred to problems in the Downtown Eastside, Chinatown, Strathcona and Gastown related to drugs and illegal activities, which have adversely affected these neighbourhoods for many years. He referred to letters recently received from associations in these neighbourhoods urging Council to not restrict increased policing of these areas, which has provided a noticeable change over the past several weeks. The Mayor was requested to bring this matter to the attention of the Police Board, at its next meeting.

The Mayor so agreed.

ENQUIRIES AND OTHER MATTERS (CONT’D)

5. Beach Avenue - Bicycle Route Signage File: 5553

Councillor Kennedy advised she had received a number of telephone calls about the safety hazards that exist on Beach Avenue, as the paths for pedestrians and bicycles are easily confused. She noted there is no signage on the asphalt pavement and questioned whether the City or Park Board is responsible for this oversight.

The Mayor explained he had discussed this matter with the General Manager of the Park Board and Park Board staff will follow up the complaints.

6. Granville Bridge - Vagrant File: 4659

Councillor Puil noted that an individual has "set up house" at one of the access roads to the Granville Street Bridge, and efforts to relocate him should be taken.

The City Manager responded that housing relocation services have been in touch with him and will continue to pursue the matter.

*****

The Council adjourned at 3:20 p.m.

*****

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