CITY OF VANCOUVER

REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES

FEBRUARY 23, 1999

A Regular Meeting of the Council of the City of Vancouver was held on Tuesday, February 23, 1999, at 2:00 p.m., in the Council Chamber, Third Floor, City Hall.

PRESENT:	Mayor Philip Owen Councillor Don Bellamy Councillor Nancy A. Chiavario Councillor Jennifer Clarke Councillor Alan Herbert Councillor Lynne Kennedy Councillor Daniel Lee Councillor Don Lee Councillor Gordon Price Councillor George Puil *Councillor Sam Sullivan
CITY MANAGER'S OFFICE:	Judy Rogers, City Manager
CLERK TO THE COUNCIL:	Ulli S. Watkiss, City Clerk

*Denotes presence during part of the meeting only.

PRAYER

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

"IN CAMERA" MEETING

Council was advised there were matters to be considered “In Camera” later this day.

ITEMS ARISING FROM “IN CAMERA” MEETING
OF FEBRUARY 16, 1999

· Legal Authority of Director of Planning

Council approved the appointment of Ms. Lynne Rippon as Director of Planning for the purposes of exercising the authority of the Director of Planning as contained in the Zoning and Development By-law, Official Development Plan By-laws, Parking By-law, Private Property Tree By-law, Heritage By-law, Vancouver Charter, and for administration of the Heritage Conservation Act.

ADOPTION OF MINUTES

1. Regular Council Meeting

(Planning & Environment)
February 4, 1999

MOVED by Cllr. Clarke,
SECONDED by Cllr. Chiavario,

THAT the foregoing Minutes be adopted.

- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

2. Regular Council Meeting

February 16, 1999

MOVED by Cllr. Sullivan,
SECONDED by Cllr. Herbert,

THAT the foregoing Minutes be adopted.

- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

3. Special Council Meeting

(SkyTrain Alignment)
February 18, 1999

MOVED by Cllr. Herbert,
SECONDED by Cllr. Bellamy,

THAT the foregoing Minutes be adopted.

- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

MOVED by Cllr. Don Lee,
SECONDED by Cllr. Bellamy,

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

- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

REPORT REFERENCE

1. Rapid Transit Phase 1 File: 5559

Boundary Road to Commercial Drive

The City’s Manager of the Rapid Transit Project, Jane Bird, provided Council with a report reference on the first stage of the Province’s Phase I SkyTrain planning process as outlined in the Policy Report dated February 19, 1999. It was acknowledged that the City is dealing with objectives for technology and route selection which have been set by the Province. In response, staff have prepared a preliminary evaluation and several recommendations regarding the proposed guideway alignment and station locations from Boundary Road to Commercial Drive, assuming early delivery of ridership numbers and the safety and security report, which to date, have not been forthcoming. Ms. Bird noted that further changes may still occur, as the Province has not yet secured the required right-of-way.

Frank Ducote, Planner, Rapid Transit Study Group, referred to Council’s stated principles with regard to the Liveable Region Plan and, using slides, provided a review of the proposed route. Wayne Pledger, Strategic Transportation Planning Engineer, responded to questions concerning ridership and station location.

MOVED by Cllr. Puil,

A. THAT any endorsement by the City of Vancouver of the proposed alignment or station locations be conditional upon the Province:

a) completing a review of ridership and patron movements, particularly at the Broadway/Commercial Drive intersection, and designing and implementing traffic management and transit interface plans to accommodate those movements effectively;

b) completing a comprehensive review of safety and security issues, and addressing those issues in station and precinct designs;

c) addressing the concerns of the community and City staff in the design of the station and station precincts as generally outlined in this report; and

d) designing and constructing a Greenway/Bikeway in the Grandview Cut Right-of-Way.

B. THAT subject to Recommendation A, the City of Vancouver acknowledges the Province’s proposed Phase 1 SkyTrain alignment along the route selected by the Province from Boundary Road to Commercial Drive as more particularly shown in Appendix A of the Policy Report dated February 19, 1999.

C. THAT subject to Recommendation A, the City of Vancouver acknowledges the Province’s proposed station locations at Rupert, Renfrew and Commercial, with provision for a future station at Nanaimo at Grandview as shown in Appendix A of the Policy Report dated February 19, 1999.

D. THAT the City of Vancouver acknowledges the Province’s proposal that no stations be located at Boundary Road or Nanaimo at Grandview at this time.

E. THAT staff continue to work with the Province’s Rapid Transit Project Office:

a) to address the conditions enumerated in Recommendation A; and

b) to begin the following tasks:
· Station design and station precinct programing
· Nanaimo and Lakewood Street bridge design and construction
· exploring potential sewer separation/creek daylighting opportunities in the Grandview Cut
· Utility replacement or relocation.

F. THAT staff work with the Rapid Transit Project Office in their efforts to secure the right-of-way for Phase 1 of SkyTrain, and report back to Council by May 30, 1999 with a proposal for the compensation by the Province for its use of City-owned land in the Grandview Cut and associated airspace parcels.

G. THAT staff prepare and submit to the Special Commissioner for Environmental Assessment, a response to his Interim Report, emphasizing the importance of:

· mitigation measures to address impacts to the Grandview Cut, especially during construction
· mitigation of noise and vibration impacts in the Grandview Cut and in the vicinity of the stations
· mitigation measures to address public concerns about safety, security and crime in all station areas, especially the existing Commercial/Broadway station area
· a Greenway/Bikeway.

- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

2. Downtown Streetcar File: 5558

RTS: 366

Ian Adam, Assistant City Engineer, Transportation, provided Council with an introduction to the report reference on the results of a study undertaken to investigate possible routes for a streetcar system in the downtown, as outlined in the Administrative Report dated February 2, 1999. Mr. Adam was assisted by Mark Zaborniak, Traffic Management, who reviewed the phasing and future extensions of a preferred route, and the cost analysis, and Richard Johnson, Planner, using slides, provided a visual projection of the proposed route.

The Mayor noted a delegation request had been received from a representative of the Downtown Vancouver Association. It was therefore agreed to refer consideration of the following recommendations contained in the Administrative Report to a future Standing Committee meeting, at which time speakers will be heard:

“A. THAT, extending from the South False Creek line, Council endorse a routing from Science World to Waterfront Station via Quebec, Columbia, and Cordova Streets as Phase One, and a general routing from Science World to Roundhouse Community Centre, along Pacific Boulevard and Davie Street as Phase Two of the Downtown Streetcar System.

B. THAT Council instruct staff to consider the proposed streetcar corridors when undertaking rezoning, development permit applications, area planning studies or other projects that affect roads, in locations that are affected by the study.

C. THAT the General Manager of Engineering Services be authorized to seek Senior Government funding for a portion of the first part of the streetcar project, from Granville Island to Waterfront Station.

D. THAT Council instruct staff to report back on a proposed work program and funding requirements to undertake detailed design and cost analysis of Phase One and Phase Two.”

CIVIC RECOGNITION

At this point in the proceedings, the Mayor and Council recognized eight employees who recently retired from the City with varying lengths of service.

The Mayor presented each employee with a Certificate on behalf of the City, and thanked them for their long and faithful service.

---
The Council recessed at 4:00 p.m.,and following a reception,
reconvened in open session, at 4:30 p.m. with all members present.

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UNFINISHED BUSINESS

1. Co-management Principles: Major Road Network File: 5562

RTS: 469

At its meeting of February 4, 1999, the Standing Committee on City Services and Budgets heard speakers on the above Policy Report, dated January 12, 1999. The Committee requested the three Council representatives on the Greater Vancouver Transportation Authority meet with staff and interested citizens to review the co-management principles and that a revised set of principles be submitted for Council’s consideration.

Accordingly, before Council was the following documentation:

· Amended Policy Report dated February 22, 1999 (to replace the Policy Report dated February 16, 1999):

· Memorandum dated February 18, 1999 from the General Manager of Engineering Services to Council providing a commentary on material submitted by the Director of City Plans in reference to the Policy Report;

· Policy Report, dated January 12, 1999.

Dave Rudberg, General Manager of Engineering Services, reviewed the Policy Report dated February 22, 1999 and the recommendations contained therein, including the consideration item that the City’s consent to the designation of Major Roads not include Seymour, Howe, Nelson and Smithe Streets at this time. Mr. Rudberg explained that the Director of Central Area Planning and the General Manager of Community Services are concerned that designation of some streets in the downtown at this time may limit reasonablechoices arising out of the Downtown Transportation Plan. It was noted that the Greater Vancouver Transportation Authority Board will be meeting on March 8, 1999 to consider adoption of the Principles of Co-Management.

MOVED by Cllr. Price,
A. THAT City Council support the Principles of Co-management of the Major Road Network as in Appendix A in the Policy Report dated February 22, 1999.

B. THAT the Principles of Co-management of the Major Road Network be transmitted to the GVTA with a request that they be adopted by the Board.

C. THAT Council consent to designation of the Major Road Network in Vancouver, as illustrated in Appendix C in the Policy Report dated February 22, 1999, on the condition that the GVTA Board adopt the Principles of Co-management.

D. THAT the GVTA be advised that the City may submit revisions to the designation of streets in the downtown peninsula, as a result of the Downtown Transportation Plan, and may submit restrictions to the hours of operation of trucks on certain routes, in accordance with the Transportation Plan.

E. THAT staff report back on development of standards of maintenance, management and operation, and on the issue of loss of funding if one roadway fails to comply with standards.

F. THAT Council adopt a principle that a portion of annual savings from the GVTA funding for regular maintenance be allocated to supplement existing budgets for improving pedestrian safety, comfort and convenience; reducing speeds; and other actions to address traffic impacts of the MRN.

- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS

1. Downtown Heritage Railway - Eastern Extension File: 5558

January 12, 1999 RTS: 473

MOVED by Cllr. Clarke,

THAT the recommendations contained in the Administrative Report dated January 12, 1999 be referred for consideration at the Standing Committee meeting that will deal with the Administrative Report dated February 2, 1999 entitled “Downtown Streetcar”.

- LOST

(Councillors Bellamy, Chiavario, Herbert, Kennedy, Don Lee and Price opposed)
(Councillor Sullivan absent for the vote)

MOVED by Cllr. Bellamy,

THAT Council approve an extension of the existing heritage street car line as outlined in this report at a cost of $590,000; source of funding to be the Streets Basic Unappropriated Capital Account 30001337, Burrard Bridge Bikeway.

- CARRIED

(Councillor Puil opposed)
(Councillor Sullivan absent for the vote)

2. Heather Civic Marina 1999 Moorage Rates File: 1757

and Other Fees RTS: 514
February 4, 1999

The Administrative Report dated February 4, 1999 had been withdrawn from the agenda at the request of boat owners at the Heather Civic Marina, who felt they had not been provided with sufficient time to review the report. It was referred for consideration at a future Standing Committee meeting, at which time delegations will be heard.

3. Adjustment of Contaminated Site Ground Water File: 1755

and Ship Wastewater Disposal Fees RTS: 500
January 26, 1999

MOVED by Cllr. Kennedy,

A. THAT Council increase the contaminated site ground water and the ship wastewater disposal fees in the Sewer Use Regulation By-law No. 5320 from 20 cents per cubic metre to 50 cents per cubic metre.

B. THAT Council instruct the Director of Legal Services to make the necessary changes to the Sewer Use Regulation By-law No. 5320.

- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

(Councillor Sullivan absent for the vote)

4. Van for Carnegie Community Centre File: 4161

February 8, 1999 RTS: 518

MOVED by Cllr. Don Lee,

THAT Council approve a loan of $22,000 from the Truck Plant Account for the purchase of a van for the Seniors Committee of the Carnegie Community Centre Association on the following conditions:

· the loan to be repaid over a seven year period at the rate of $340/month, and
· the Carnegie Association be responsible for the operating and replacement costs of the van.

- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

5. Nuisance Property - 1250 Rossland Avenue File: 2701-1

February 3, 1999 RTS: 519

MOVED by Cllr. Puil,

A. THAT Council declare that the condition of the property at 1250 Rossland (Lot 5, Block 3, District Lot Sec. 23 S.E. 1 Qtr., THSL, Plan 4819) is a nuisance pursuant to Section 324A of the Vancouver Charter.

B. THAT Council approve the attached Resolution and order the Registered owner of the property to remove the two dismantled vehicles, and miscellaneous items and materials listed in Appendix A of the Administrative Report dated February 3, 1999, from the site within 14 days of a copy of the resolution being served, pursuant to Section 324A of the Vancouver Charter.

C. THAT in the event of the failure of the owner to comply with the order of Council, Council further orders and hereby authorizes the City Building Inspector to have the two dismantled vehicles and miscellaneous items and materials listed in Appendix A of the Administrative Report dated February 3, 1999 removed at the expense of the owner.

- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

6. 1999 Local Government Grant Applications - File: 1756

Water, Sewer and Other Infrastructure RTS: 520
February 9, 1999

MOVED by Cllr. Clarke,

A. THAT the General Manager of Engineering Services submit the following projects to the Province for funding consideration under the Local Government Grants Act:

(i) $11,966,000 in water distribution main replacement projects as summarized in Appendix 1 of the Administrative Report dated February 9, 1999;

(ii) $15,917,000 in sewer projects as summarized in Appendix 2 of the Administrative Report dated February 9, 1999; and

(iii) $786,000 in other infrastructure (greenway and bicycle) projects as summarized in Appendix 3 of the Administrative Report dated February 9, 1999.

B. THAT the General Manager of Engineering Services submit an Infrastructure Planning Grant application under the Local Government Grants Act on behalf of British Columbia municipalities, to fund the majority of the British Columbia share of costs for establishing a National Technical Guide for Municipal Infrastructure.

- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

7. Strata Title Conversion: 2301-2311 West 8th Avenue File: 5311

February 11, 1999 RTS: 252

MOVED by Cllr. Puil,

THAT the application to convert the previously-occupied building at 2301-2311 West 8th Avenue (Lot D, Block 302, D.L. 526, Plan LMP36922) to strata title ownership be approved in principle, but that pursuant to Section 9(1) of the Condominium Act, the Certificate of Approval (Form 10) shall not be issued unless the following condition has been met within one year of the date of this approval:

Completion of all work in accordance with the approved plans and permits, and issuance of an Occupancy Permit, all at no cost to the City and to the satisfaction of the City Building Inspector, in order that this previously-occupied building substantially complies with all relevant by-laws.

- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

POLICY REPORTS

1. CD-1 Rezoning - 4470 West 8th Avenue File: 5304-2

(Sasamat Gardens) RTS: 487
February 5, 1999

MOVED by Cllr. Puil,
A. THAT the application by Home Investments Ltd. to rezone 4470 West 8th Avenue (Lot 1, Block 149, D.L. 540, Plan 229) from RS-1 One-Family Dwelling District to CD-1 Comprehensive Development District, to permit 42 dwelling units in two-family dwellings and multiple dwellings with three and four units, be referred to a Public Hearing, together with:

(i) plans received October 13, 1998;
(ii) draft CD-1 By-law provisions, generally as contained in Appendix A of the Policy Report, dated February 5, 1999; 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 Policy Report, dated February 5, 1999; and

FURTHER THAT the Director of Legal Services be instructed to prepare the necessary by-law for consideration at Public Hearing.

B. THAT, subject to approval of the rezoning at a Public Hearing, the Subdivision By-law be amended as set out in Appendix C of the Policy Report, dated February 5, 1999; and

FURTHER THAT the Director of Legal Services be instructed to bring forward the amendment to the Subdivision By-law at the time of enactment of the zoning by-law.

- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

RISE FROM COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

MOVED by Cllr. Don Lee,

THAT the Committee of the Whole rise and report.

- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

ADOPT REPORT OF COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

MOVED by Cllr. Bellamy,
SECONDED by Cllr. Herbert,

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

- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

MOTIONS

A. Establishing Road, West Side Knight Street

South of 41st Avenue, adjacent to 5793 Knight Street File: 5807

MOVED by Cllr. Herbert,
SECONDED by Cllr. Kennedy,

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
All that portion of Lot 4 of Lots 1 and 6 to 8, Block 2, District Lot 714, Plan 8240, Group 1, New Westminster District, the same as shown heavy outlined on plan of survey completed on the 2nd day of February, 1999, attested to by A. DiNozzi, B.C.L.S., and marginally numbered LD3580;

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

1. Asbestos Removal File: 4101

Councillor Puil referred to recent information he had read which claimed that thepresence of asbestos in buildings does not pose a health hazard as previously reported. Based on this new information the Councillor felt the City should prepare another case seeking justification from the Worker’s Compensation Board for the City’s expense in removing this substance, when it is not harmful.

The Mayor so agreed.

2. Dispute on Musqueam Lands File: 8005

Councillor Chiavario referred to the recent dispute on Musqueam Lands involving property tax increases, and advised that the Lower Mainland Treaty Advisory Committee would be meeting tomorrow to discuss this issue. The Musqueam Band’s power to impose the tax increases is provided by the Federal Government’s Bill C49. The Councillor advised she would report back to Council following the meeting.

3. Taxi Industry File: 3145

Councillor Chiavario referred to a questionnaire recently received from the Provincial Government concerning the taxi industry. Councillor Chiavario advised that the Taxi Host Advisory Committee would review the questionnaire.

4. Subsidized Housing File: 4656

Councillor Chiavario referred to a recent memorandum from Cameron Gray, Manager, Housing Centre which outlined concerns related to changes in the Provincial role with regard to subsidized and social housing. Councillor Chiavario will address these concerns at the next meeting of the Greater Vancouver Housing Corporation.

5. Provincial Government Discussion Paper Concerning the

Property Classification Regulation under the Assessment Act File: 1551

Councillor Kennedy advised that following Council’s discussion of the above matter at a Standing Committee meeting this morning, she had contacted the Executive Director of the Union of B.C. Municipalities’ office. It was learned that the UBCM have not made a submission on this matter, and the Executive Director agrees with Council’s decision to request that the Province initiate further discussion and consultation with stakeholders.

6. Fiscal Management File: 3252

Councillor Kennedy explained that a recent media release from the Union of B.C. Municipalities’ office provided information on a survey conducted to learn how the public feels about fiscal management on the part of the Province and the City. A majority of respondents believe the City is very fiscally responsible, while the Province is not. The UBCM will review the survey in more depth at its meeting on February 24, 1999.

7. Urban Transportation File: 5551

Councillor Price referred to a letter he had received, on behalf of City Council, from the Urban Transportation Council which forwarded its new briefing entitled Achieving Livable Cities. The letter explained that while the briefing is a “stand alone” document, the Transportation Council is using it to launch a new round of municipal endorsements for its 1993 New Vision for Urban Transportation. Accordingly, a draft resolution for Council’s endorsement was included in the package of material.

The Councillor asked that the information be forwarded to the General Manager of Engineering Services and to the Director of Planning for review and report back to Council.

The Mayor so agreed.

8. Leave of Absence File: 1254

MOVED by Cllr. Puil,
SECONDED by Cllr. Kennedy,

THAT Councillor Clarke be granted a leave of absence for March 22, 1999.

- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

The Council adjourned at 5:45 p.m.

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(c) 1998 City of Vancouver