CITY OF VANCOUVER

REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES

March 13, 2001

A Regular Meeting of the Council of the City of Vancouver was held on Tuesday, March 13, 2001, at 2:00 p.m., in the Council Chamber, Third Floor, City Hall.

PRESENT:	Mayor Philip Owen Councillor Fred Bass *Councillor Jennifer Clarke Councillor Daniel Lee Councillor Don Lee Councillor Tim Louis Councillor Sandy McCormick Councillor Gordon Price Councillor George Puil *Councillor Sam Sullivan
ABSENT:	Councillor Lynne Kennedy (Leave of Absence)
CITY MANAGER'S OFFICE:	Judy Rogers, City Manager
CITY CLERK'S OFFICE:	Ulli S. Watkiss, City Clerk Tarja Tuominen, Meeting Coordinator

*Denotes presence for a portion of the meeting.

PRAYER

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

PROCLAMATION

The Mayor proclaimed March 21, 2001 as the International Day to Eliminate Racial Discrimination and presented the proclamation to Lorna McCreath, Director, Equal Employment Opportunity Program.

"IN CAMERA" MEETING

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

THAT Council will go into a meeting later this day which is closed to the public, pursuant to Section 165.2 of the Vancouver Charter, to discuss matters related to paragraphs:

(e) the acquisition, disposition or expropriation of land or improvements, if the Council considers that disclosure might reasonably be expected to harm the interests of the city.

- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

ADOPTION OF MINUTES

1. Regular Council (Planning and Environment) - February 22, 2001

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

THAT the foregoing Minutes be approved.

- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

2. Regular Council - March 6, 2001

MOVED by Cllr. Louis,
SECONDED by Cllr. Clarke,

THAT the foregoing Minutes be approved.

- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

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

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

- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

REPORT REFERENCE

1. 2001 Operating Budget - Interim Report

March 8, 2001 File: 1605/RTS:1957

Ken Bayne, Director of Financial Planning and Treasury, presented a Report Reference on the 2001 Operating Budget - Interim Report. With the aid of a powerpoint presentation and a handout, Mr. Bayne reviewed the results of the 2001 Budget Review, provided proposals to achieve a tax increase at inflationary levels of 2.5% to 2.75%, presented an overview of the impacts of proposing a tax increase below inflation levels and the impact of Police Budget issues on the budget.

Following the presentation, Mr. Bayne responded to a variety of questions, including operational reviews, transfers, and specific revenue and expenditure amounts.

Also before Council was a letter, dated March 13, 2001 from the Vancouver Police Board regarding the 2001 Operating Budget.

In addition, Council heard brief presentations from Mary Collins, representing the Vancouver Library Board; Commissioner Laura McDiarmid and Susan Mundick, General Manager of Parks and Recreation, representing the Vancouver Parks Board; and Deputy Chief Gary Greer and Inspector Doug LePard, representing the Vancouver Police Department. The foregoing presenters also responded to questions on the implications of the proposed 2001 Budget on their specific Boards and Departments.

MOVED by Cllr. Clarke,

THAT consideration of the 2001 Operating Budget - Interim Report be postponed to the Standing Committee on City Services and Budgets meeting of March 15, 2001.

- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

- - - - -
The Council recessed at 4:50 p.m. and reconvened at 5:00 p.m.
with all members present, except for Councillors Clarke, Daniel Lee and Price.

- - - - -

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

1. Grant Requests from On-Street Special Events and Civic Events Policy

February 26, 2001 File: 4201/RTS: 1928

On March 8, 2001, the Standing Committee on City Services and Budgets considered an Administrative Report, dated February 26, 2001, which submitted two funding requests for grants toward special events and recommended that staff be directed to review and report back on civic policy and practise regarding "civic" events as well as annual and other special events in the city.

At the meeting, Council approved a one-time grant of up to $13,3000 to Canada Place Corporation to pay for the cost of engineering and police services for the Canada Day celebrations, an on-street event on July 1, 2001. Council also directed staff to review and report back on civic policy on "civic", annual and special events in the city.

Council referred its decision on the request from the Gastown Business Improvement Society for a one-time grant to assist the Society in paying for entertainment and marketing as well as police and engineering costs for a Civic Birthday Celebration on April 7 or 8, 2001 to the next regular Council meeting.

Before Council was the Administrative Report, dated February 26, 2001 and a Memorandum, dated March 8, 2001, from the City's Event and Multimedia Services Coordinator advising of Vancouver Birthday Weekend Celebrations.

Also before Council was a letter, dated March 12, 2001, from the Gastown Business Improvement Society, advising the GBIS would not be able to go ahead with the proposed birthday event without equal partnership support from the City. Since the $5,000 recommended by staff in the Administrative Report is ear-marked for street closure and policing costs only, the GBIS will not be able to use the funds as a much smaller event will not require any street closures.

Therefore, Council unanimously agreed to withdraw the grant request for the Civic Birthday Celebration.

CITY MANAGER'S ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS

1. Proposed Lease Terms - 1254 East 8^th Avenue

February 21, 2001 File: 5104/RTS: 1870

MOVED by Cllr. Louis,

THAT the City, subject to Project Commitment from BC Housing, grant a lease to Lu'ma Native Housing Society with the Standard Charge Terms registered in the Land Title Office under number ST941002 and on the following specific terms and conditions:

1. a term of 60 years;
2. a prepaid lease rent of $880,050;
3. commencement date being 180 days from the date of Council approval of the lease terms or at such later date as may be approved by the City Manager;
4. the City may cancel the lease if construction has not commenced within 12 months of the date of commencement of the lease;

5. such further and other terms as are acceptable to the Director of the Housing Centre, the Director of Real Estate Services and the Director of Legal Services; and

6. that no legal rights or obligations are hereby created and none shall arise hereafter except upon signing of all of the agreements by all parties.

- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

(Councillor Clarke absent for the vote)

2. Supply of Diesel and Gasoline Fuels

February 21, 2001 File: 1805/RTS: 1939

Council had before it a letter dated March 12, 2001 from the Society Promoting Environmental Conservation requesting to speak to the report. Council, therefore, unanimously agreed to refer consideration of the report to the Standing Committee on Planning and Environment meeting on March 15, 2001.

3. Award of Request for Proposal No. PS00007: Supply and Installation

of Automated Fuel Management System, Fuel Dispensing Equipment
and Tank Upgrades
February 27, 2001 File: 1805/RTS: 1576

MOVED by Cllr. Louis,

THAT Council accept the low bid meeting the City's requirements from Belco Electric Co. Ltd. for the supply and installation of the RNI 2000 fuel management system, fuel dispensing equipment and tank upgrades at a total cost of $646,818.41 ($376,634.33 for fuel pumps and fuel management system equipment, $218,670.00 for cardless vehicle hardware for an estimated 1500 units as and when required, $27,994.08 for control hardware and fuel truck controllers, and $23,520.00 for under pump containment sumps), plus the PST and the 7% GST (less any municipal rebate received), subject to a contract satisfactory to the Director of Legal Services.

- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

(Councillor Clarke absent for the vote)

4. Parking Payment in Lieu - Fee Review, Assignment of Payments,

and Refund of Payment
February 8, 2001 File: 5655/RTS: 1918

MOVED by Cllr. Louis,
A. THAT the payment-in-lieu charge per parking space be increased from $13,500 to $14,500 as detailed in Appendix A of the Administrative Report, dated February 8, 2001.

B. THAT the payments identified in Appendix B of the Administrative Report, dated February 8, 2001, totalling $556,400 be transferred from the payment-in-lieu fund to the parking site reserve.

C. THAT Council rescind the approval of payment-in-lieu for 14 parking spaces for 302 Davie Street, as the proposed hotel development on this site will now meet the Parking By-law requirements, and that once the By-law has come forward the Director of Finance refund the $189,000 with interest to the date of the application for refund.

- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

(Councillor Clarke absent for the vote)

5. Common Police Records Management Environment, PRIME-BC

February 19, 2001 File: 1007/RTS: 1916

MOVED by Cllr. McCormick,

A. THAT Council receive this report for information and be provided with an update report 6 months after the transition date, March 21 2001, that explains the public safety benefits realized from the new RMS and provides an update on the staff savings achieved.

B. THAT Council approve the purchase of 180 personal computers to ensure appropriate departmental access to the new PRIME-BC Records Management System, at a cost of $436,680; source of funding to be Public Safety capital funding of $360,000 budgeted for CAD/MDT System Upgrade and $76,680 budgeted for Upgrade of Radio Receivers.

- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

(Councillors Bass and Louis opposed)
(Councillor Sullivan absent for the vote)

6. Business License Hearing Panel for March 15, 2001

March 7, 2001 File: 2711-1/RTS: 1951

The Administrative Report was withdrawn.

CITY MANAGER'S POLICY REPORTS

1. CD-1 Rezoning - 1175 Broughton Street

February 27, 2001 File: 5303/RTS: 1719

MOVED by Cllr. Puil,

THAT the application by Studio One Architects, to rezone 1175 Broughton Street (Lots 19 and 20, Block 49, DL 185, Plan 92) from RM-5 to CD-1, to permit congregate housing, be referred to a Public Hearing, together with:

(i) plans received October 19, 2000;

(ii) draft CD-1 By-law provisions, generally as contained in Appendix A of the Policy Report dated February 27, 2001; and

(iii) the recommendation of the Director of Current Planning to approve, subject to conditions contained in Appendix B of the Policy Report dated February 27, 2001;

FURTHER THAT the Director of Legal Services be instructed to prepare the necessary CD-1 By-law for consideration at Public Hearing.

- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

(Councillor Sullivan absent for the vote)

2. Liquid Waste Management Plan - Stage 3

February 26, 2001 File: 3753/RTS: 1937

Also before Council was a letter, dated March 12, 2001, from the Society Promoting Environmental Conservation requesting to speak on the matter. Council, therefore, unanimously agreed to refer consideration of the report to the Standing Committee onPlanning and Environment meeting of March 15, 2001.

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. Louis,
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 -

Taxi Cab Fare Increases By-Law No: 8310

MOVED by Cllr. Clarke,
SECONDED by Cllr. Puil,

THAT the By-law be introduced and read a first time.

- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

(Councillor Sullivan absent for the vote)

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. Clarke,
SECONDED by Cllr. Puil,

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

(Councillor Sullivan absent for the vote)

2. A By-law to amend Schedule A of By-law No. 6754, being the Coal Harbour Official Development Plan (1299 West Hastings Street) By-law No. 8311
MOVED by Cllr. Bass,
SECONDED by Cllr. McCormick,

THAT the By-law be introduced and read a first time.

- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

(Councillor Sullivan absent for the vote)

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. Bass,
SECONDED by Cllr. McCormick,

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

(Councillors Clarke, Kennedy, Daniel Lee and Louis excused from voting)
(Councillor Sullivan absent for the vote)

3. A By-law to amend By-law No. 7681, being a By-law which amended the Zoning and Development By-law by rezoning an area to CD-1 (1299 West Hastings [501 Bute Street]) By-law No. 8312
MOVED by Cllr. Bass,
SECONDED by Cllr. McCormick,

THAT the By-law be introduced and read a first time.

- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

(Councillor Sullivan absent for the vote)

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. Bass,
SECONDED by Cllr. McCormick,

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

(Councillors Clarke, Kennedy, Daniel Lee and Louis excused from voting)
(Councillor Sullivan absent for the vote)

MOTIONS

B. Motions on Notice

1. Car-Free Day - Thursday, April 19; and

Earth Day - Sunday, April 22, 2001 File: 4201

At the Council meeting of March 6, 2001, Councillor Bass submitted the following Notice of Motion which was recognized by the Chair:

MOVED by Cllr. Bass
SECONDED by Cllr. Louis,

WHEREAS our Livable Region Strategic Plan has, as its four objectives:

- Protect the Green Zone
- Build complete communities
- Achieve a compact metropolitan region
- Increase transportation choices;

AND WHEREAS the future climate of the planet depends upon Vancouver rapidly moving from the automobile as our major means of urban travel;

AND WHEREAS Vancouver needs to invite commuters to try alternative means of transportation;

AND WHEREAS promoting walking, cycling, and non-motorized transit is promoting a fit and healthy community;

BE IT RESOLVED THAT the City of Vancouver (including communication to Parks Board and the Vancouver School Board), will find feasible means to invite thepeople of Vancouver to celebrate Car-Free Day on Thursday, April 19, and Earth Day on Sunday, April 22, and will register Vancouver as one of the cities participating internationally in the celebration of these two days.

- amended

AMENDMENT MOVED by Cllr. Clarke,
SECONDED by Cllr. Price,

BE IT RESOLVED THAT the City of Vancouver invite the people of Vancouver to recognize Earth Day on Sunday, April 22 and to celebrate Car-Free Day on Thursday, April 19 by challenging the other Councils in the GVRD to minimize the use of cars on that day.

- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

MOTION AS AMENDED:

WHEREAS our Livable Region Strategic Plan has, as its four objectives:

- Protect the Green Zone
- Build complete communities
- Achieve a compact metropolitan region
- Increase transportation choices;

AND WHEREAS the future climate of the planet depends upon Vancouver rapidly moving from the automobile as our major means of urban travel;

AND WHEREAS Vancouver needs to invite commuters to try alternative means of transportation;

AND WHEREAS promoting walking, cycling, and non-motorized transit is promoting a fit and healthy community;

BE IT RESOLVED THAT the City of Vancouver invite the people of Vancouver to recognize Earth Day on Sunday, April 22 and to celebrate Car-Free Day on Thursday, April 19 by challenging the other Councils in the GVRD to minimize the use of cars on that day.

- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

2. Vancouver's Annual Canada Day Celebrations File: 4201

The Council granted Cllr. Bass leave to waive notice for the following motion:

WHEREAS Vancouver has the second largest Canada Day celebration outside Ottawa, attracting 80,000 visitors each year to the Canada Place event site;

AND WHEREAS Canada Day marks an important federal holiday and provides Vancouverites with a fun, free, and family-oriented celebration of our nation's founding;

AND WHEREAS during 2000, $7 million was spent on Canada Day celebrations across the country by the Federal Government, with $5 million spent in Quebec alone;

AND WHEREAS in 1998/1999, the Federal Government spent $29 million in Quebec on events and groups promoting Canada's federation, while only allocating $1.3 million to similar activities in Western Canada;

AND WHEREAS the celebration organizers - Canada Place Corporation - has seen a decline in recent years from an annual Government of Canada of $195,000 in 1998 to $47,000 in 1999 and then to $0 in 2000;

AND WHEREAS on March 8 the City of Vancouver allocated $13,300 to pay for additional engineering and policing services, to offset the loss of financial support of Vancouver's Canada Day celebration by the Federal Government;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT Vancouver City Council ask the Federal Government to reinstate direct financial support of Vancouver's annual Canada Day Celebrations at Canada Place to earlier levels.

- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

NOTICE OF MOTION

1. Funding Options for TransLink File: 5561

The following Notice of Motion was submitted by Cllr. Louis and recognized by the Chair:

WHEREAS, if TransLink were to maintain and expand services as outlined in its five-year strategic plan, the agency would have a total cumulative budget deficit of $134 million over the next three fiscal reporting periods (2001, 2002 and 2003), following TransLink's recent failure to institute and collect a vehicle levy through ICBC;

AND WHEREAS, before it had secured the necessary revenue to pay for new expenditures, TransLink committed to spending:
(a) $60 million on ticket vending machines and electronic fare boxes;
(b) up to 7 per cent more on senior management salaries and bonuses; and
(c) approximately $1 million annually on the salaries of a new level of upper management;

AND WHEREAS, TransLink has proposed a $5 million cut to public transit to reduce the 2001 budget deficit, with more severe service cuts to follow in 2002 and 2003;

AND WHEREAS, transit fares were increased last June with the understanding that services would be improved;

AND WHEREAS, the City of Vancouver transportation plans and policy statements endorse the principle that more and better public transportation services are needed in the City and the region for social, environmental and transportation services;

AND WHEREAS, TransLink's five-year strategic plan states that "new taxation powers and funding sources set out in the GVTA legislation will facilitate the funding of transportation improvements;"

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT, Vancouver City Council recommend TransLink consider the following funding options, under Part 3 of the GVTA Act, before any cuts to public transit services are made by the agency:

(a) collect a levy on most or all vehicles in the region through TransLink-managed agencies such as AirCare;
(b) increase the utility power levy and continue collection through partner public utilities;
(c) institute project tolls linked to parts of the road network undergoing improvements;
(d) raise the level of property tax devoted to funding transportation;
(e) increase tax on parking stalls; and
(f) increase the parking sales tax on parking fees.

- notice

2. Free Trade Agreement File: 6001

The following Notice of Motion was submitted by Cllr. Bass and recognized by the Chair:

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Mayor, on behalf of Council, request the Government of Canada to disclose fully the details of the proposed Free TradeAgreement of the Americas to be addressed in Quebec City in April.

- notice

The Council recessed at 5:20 p.m., and reconvened
"In Camera" in the Mayor's Office.

* * * * *

(c) 1998 City of Vancouver