REPORT TO COUNCIL
REPORT TO COUNCIL
STANDING COMMITTEE OF COUNCIL
ON CITY SERVICES AND BUDGETS
APRIL 26, 2001
A Regular Meeting of the Standing Committee of Council on City Services and Budgets was held on Thursday, April 26, 2001, at 9:30 a.m., in Committee Room No. 1, Third Floor, City Hall.
PRESENT: |
Councillor George Puil, Chair
|
ABSENT: |
Councillor Lynne Kennedy (Sick Leave) |
CITY MANAGER'S
|
Judy Rogers, City Manager |
CITY CLERK'S OFFICE: |
Lori Isfeld, Meeting Coordinator |
*Denotes presence for a portion of the meeting.
Adoption of Minutes
The minutes of the meeting of March 29, 2001 were adopted.
RECOMMENDATION
1. Parking Corporation of Vancouver - 2001 Budget Review File: 1753
The Committee had before it an Administrative Report dated April 2, 2001 in which the General Managers of Engineering and Corporate Services sought Council's approval for the 2001 Parking Corporation of Vancouver Capital Budget, the 2001 Easy Park and Themepark Programs, and a Marketing-Communications Program.
Clause No. 1 continued
Bob Macdonald, Parking Engineer, reviewed the report. Dave Walker, Chairman, Vancouver Parking Corporation, with the aid of display boards, introduced the proposed new signage design and responded to questions regarding parking rates.
The following motion by Councillor Price was put and carried. The Committee, therefore,
RECOMMENDED
A. THAT Council receive for information the summary of the Parking Corporation of Vancouver (VPC) 2000 Operating and Capital financial results, with the Audited Financial Statements available through the offices of the City Clerk.
B. THAT Council receive for information the summary of the VPC 2001 Operating Budget, with the complete 2001 Operating Budget available through the offices of the City Clerk.
C. THAT Council approve the VPC 2001 Direct and Indirect Capital Budget items totalling $117,500 to be funded from the Parking Site Reserve.
D. THAT Council approve Capital expenditures of $545,000 for the installation of Easy Park signage and wayfinding to be funded from increased parking revenue.
E. THAT the VPC review the Pacific Centre operations, and provide to the City a business case evaluation prior to approval of proposed equipment expenditures.
F. THAT Staff work with the VPC to establish benchmarking criteria for the lots it manages, noting that this may result in the contracting of specific parking facilities. This would be reported on with the 2002 budget.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
2. 2001 Property Tax Options: Shifting the Burden of Taxation File: 1551
The Committee had before it a Policy Report dated April 17, 2001 in which the General Manager of Corporate Services/Director of Finance provided various taxation policy options relevant to the 2001 taxation year.
Ken Bayne, Director of Financial Planning and Treasury, provided an overview of the report, rationale for a one percent shift of the tax burden from the non-residential classes to the residential class, and responded to questions.
Bob Langlois, Board of Trade and Citizens' Advisory Group on Property Taxation spoke in opposition to the option being considered. Mr. Langlois distributed and reviewed a report dated April 26, 2001 entitled Recommendation for a Single Tax Rate, proposing a single rate for General Levy for Classes 4, 5 and 6.
Janet Stephen and Afton Cayford of the Citizens' Advisory Group on Property Taxation expressed concern about the lack of clear goals resulting from taxation shifts and requested time for their committee to review the report prior to decision by Council.
The following motion by Mayor Owen was put and carried. The Committee, therefore,
RECOMMENDED
THAT the Administrative Report dated April 17, 2001 entitled "2001 Property Tax Options: Shifting the Burden of Taxation" be received for information.
- CARRIED
(Councillor Sullivan opposed)
3. Reconsideration of Community Services Grants Applications File: 2151
The Committee had before it an Administrative Report dated April 11, 2001 in which the Director of Social Planning provided Council with the results of the reconsideration process which was initiated by three Community Services Grants applicants, and made recommendations based on the outcome of this process. The General Manager of Community Services submitted Recommendations A, B and C for Council's consideration.
Clause No. 3 continued
Rick Gates, Social Planner, reviewed the report and with Anne Kloppenborg responded to questions and clarified the grounds for reconsideration.
The following spoke in opposition to Recommendation C:
· Raven Bowen, Projects Coordinator, PACE (Prostitution Alternatives Counselling and Education)
· Tom Little, Mountainview Blockout (brief filed),
· Marilyn Pollard, Little Mountain Neighbourhood House Society
· Michael Wright, Chairman, PACE
Comments included:
· Council should reconsider funding to expand PACE's service by providing a full-time outreach/advocate staff position to work with adult women in the sex trade;
· the Mountainview Blockout group recommends approval of the full funding applied for by PACE, and supports their work in providing housing and helping women leave prostitution;
· by not providing funding to PACE, Council would be missing an opportunity to assist adult women leaving the sex trade;
· a relationship with PACE would demonstrate Council's commitment and would aid in the successful implementation of "A Framework for Action".
Geraldine Glattstein, Executive Director, WAVAW (Women Against Violence Against Women) urged Council to reconsider the additional $14,000 requested to fund the proposed new outreach to young women. Ms. Glattstein noted that the majority of sexual assaults are against women under 25 and that a new approach is needed to reach these young women.
Terry Hanley, DERA and Ian MacRae, President of the Board, DERA urged Council to reconsider funding for the proposed community development worker at DERA.
Clause No. 3 continued
The following motion by Councillor Clarke was put.
A. THAT Council approve a grant of $33,180 to Women Against Violence Against Women. The source of funds is the allocation from the Community Services Grants budget, originally recommended but not approved, for this organization;
B. THAT Council not approve a grant to the Downtown Eastside Residents Association (DERA) for the Community Organizer position, in accordance with Social Planning's original recommendation;
C. THAT a temporary grant of $20,000 be approved to P.A.C.E. (Prostitution Alternatives Counselling Education) for one year, pending a report back from the Social Planning Department on services provided to youth and drug addicts involved in the sex trade, source of fund to be the Contingency Reserve, and not to be taken out of the Community Services Grants budget.
- carried
The following amendment by Councillor Louis was put and lost.
THAT a temporary grant of $40,000 be approved to P.A.C.E. (Prostitution Alternatives Counselling Education) for one year, pending a report back from the Social Planning Department on services provided to youth and drug addicts involved in the sex trade, source of fund to be the Contingency Reserve, and not to be taken out of the Community Services Grants budget.
- LOST
(Councillors Clarke, Daniel Lee, Don Lee, McCormick, Price,
Puil, Sullivan, and the Mayor opposed)
Clause No. 3 continued
The following amendment by Councillor Bass was put and lost.
THAT Council approve a grant of $40,000 to Women Against Violence Against Women. The source of funds is the allocation from the Community Services Grants budget, originally recommended but not approved, for this organization.
- LOST
(Councillors Clarke, Daniel Lee, Don Lee, McCormick, Price,
Puil, Sullivan, and the Mayor opposed)
The amendments having lost, the following motion by Councillor Clarke was put and carried. The Committee, therefore,
RECOMMENDED
A. THAT Council approve a grant of $33,180 to Women Against Violence Against Women. The source of funds is the allocation from the Community Services Grants budget, originally recommended but not approved, for this organization;
B. THAT Council not approve a grant to the Downtown Eastside Residents Association (DERA) for the Community Organizer position, in accordance with Social Planning's original recommendation;
C. THAT a temporary grant of $20,000 be approved to P.A.C.E. (Prostitution Alternatives Counselling Education) for one year, pending a report back from the Social Planning Department on services provided to youth and drug addicts involved in the sex trade, source of fund to be the Contingency Reserve, and not to be taken out of the Community Services Grants budget.
- CARRIED
(Councillors Bass and Louis opposed to Recommendation B)
4. Heritage Revitalization Agreement - File: 5051
626 West Pender Street (London Building)
The Committee had before it a Policy Report dated April 6, 2001 in which the Director of Current Planning recommended approval in principle of a Heritage Revitalization Agreement (HRA) for the London Building, located at 626 West Pender Street. It is proposed to secure rehabilitation of the building and provide a density bonus of approximately 7 400 m 2 (80,000 sq. ft.), provided that it is transferred off-site. If Council approves these recommendations, it is expected that the owner will submit a development application which will permit staff to review a detailed building conservation plan and finalize the bonus amount. Staff would then proceed to prepare an HRA and a draft designation by-law for Council's consideration at a Public Hearing. The General Manager of Community Services recommends approval of the recommendation.
Jeannette Hlavach, Heritage Planner, and Stuart Howard, Stuart Howard Architects, responded to questions regarding the proposed transfer of density.
The following motion by Councillor McCormick was put and carried. The Committee, therefore,
RECOMMENDED
THAT Council endorse in principle the use of a Heritage Revitalization Agreement to assist in the rehabilitation of the "B" listed London Building at 626 West Pender with the following terms:
· a density bonus of approximately 7 400 m2 (80,000 sq. ft.), required to be transferred off-site;
· that the receiver site(s) be determined in accordance with Council's policy on Transfer of Density;
· the on-site density be restricted to "as built";
· the building be rehabilitated to standards consistent with those required for other buildings receiving a density bonus; and
FURTHER THAT the building exterior and certain interior features be municipally designated.
- CARRIED
(Councillor Bass opposed)
(Mayor Owen absent for the vote)
5. Noise By-law Amendments - Controlling Music Noise Levels File: 3755
From Entertainment Facilities
Following the Standing Committee on City Services and Budgets meeting on March 15, 2001, Council postponed decision on proposed noise by-law amendments to allow for broader notification, and for staff to report back on specific issues.
Accordingly, the Committee had before it a Policy Report dated February 26, 2001 and a Memorandum dated April 19, 2001, in which the Director of Environmental Health sought Council's endorsement to amend the City's Noise By-law to address concerns relating to noise impacts on residential buildings from neighbouring cabarets and entertainment facilities, especially in the Downtown, Yaletown and Gastown areas.
Nick Losito, Director of Environmental Health reviewed the memorandum and report and with Paul Teichroeb, Chief License Inspector, responded to questions.
Brian Harton, City Gate Residents Committee, spoke in support of the recommendations and expressed concern regarding noise from concerts and raves at the Plaza of Nations. Mr. Harton pointed out that attempts to mitigate noise emanating from this glass structure have not made any difference. He pointed out that a great deal of late night noise is also generated by dump trucks at the north foot of Ontario Street.
Mr. Teichroeb confirmed that after April 28th raves will not be scheduled at the Plaza of Nations. Mr. Losito confirmed that late night dumping will not be allowed in the Southeast False Creek area, and that the police department will be notified of this.
The following also spoke in support of the recommendation:
· Becky Kuenz, homeowner, 27 Alexander Street
· Christa Kirste, homeowner, 1199 Marinaside Crescent (brief filed)
· James K-M, homeowner, Gastown
Comments included:
· the Urban Noise Task Force report had reducing noise levels from clubs as a high priority; this was supposed to have been implemented in 1997;
· need to reduce noise from clubs in Gastown so residents can sleep at night;
Clause No. 5 continued
· concern expressed regarding late night noise from concerts held at the Roundhouse Community Centre;
· request that zoning in Yaletown be changed from "light industrial/commercial" to quiet residential;
· people want a culturally alive downtown but not a party town where anything goes.
The following spoke in opposition to the recommendation:
· Phil Moon, President, Numbers Cabaret (brief filed)
· Luke McKeehan, Sonar Cabaret
· Bert Hick, Hick & Associates (representing 7 Alexander Nightclub)
· John Teti, Cabaret Owners' Association
Comments included:
· people want to enjoy clubs but not in their neighbourhood;
· concern expressed that similar to Yaletown, more cabarets may be lost;
· Provincial Liquor Advisory Panel decisions are long-awaited; these decisions may also impact the current problems;
· cabaret owners need to know what options and incentives are available, i.e. what options are available to owners of 7 Alexander, who intend to move to the central business district as a pub.
Due to time-constraints discussion and decision on this matter was referred to the afternoon meeting of the Standing Committee on Planning and Environment on April 26, 2001.
6. 2001 Operating Budget - Final Estimates File: 1605
The Committee had before it an Administrative Report dated April 12, 2001 in which the General Manager of Corporate Services/Director of Finance sought approval of the final budget estimates for the 2001 Operating Budget.
Ken Bayne, Director of Financial Planning and Treasury, reviewed the report and responded to questions.
Clause No. 6 continued
David Fairey, Coordinator, Alternative City Budget Working Group, recommended holding the tax increase to 2.75% and increasing various civic grants. Mr. Fairey distributed tables outlining his proposal and described how this can be accomplished without reducing services by reallocating funds from the Contingency Reserve and/or Property Endowment Fund.
The following motion by Councillor Sullivan was put.
THAT Council adopt the final 2001 Operating Budget revenue and expenditure estimates, including an additional 0.25% increase in the general purposes tax levy (to a total of 3.0%) to pass through to taxpayers the reduction in Provincial Revenue Sharing as outlined in the Administrative Report dated April 12, 2001 and summarized in Appendix 1, by approving the budget resolution outlined in Appendix 3 of the report.
- carried
The following amendment by Councillor Bass was put and lost.
THAT the recommendations of the Alternative City Budget delegation (David Fairey) be approved as follows:
1) increase the Vancouver Public Library budget by $150,000 to restore full-time operating hours during August;
2) increase the Civic Grants Program budget by $313,000 (3%) to restore a portion of its decrease in real dollar allocation over recent years; and
3) recover the $463,000 in 1) and 2) plus the $910,000 shortfall identified by the Director of Financial Planning and Treasury ($1,373,000 in total) from the Contingency Reserve of $4,878,000 planned for 2001.
- LOST
(Councillors Clarke, Daniel Lee, Don Lee, McCormick,
Price, Puil, and Sullivan opposed)
(Mayor Owen absent for the vote)
Clause No. 6 continued
The amendment having lost, the following motion by Councillor Sullivan was put and carried. The Committee, therefore,
RECOMMENDED
THAT Council adopt the final 2001 Operating Budget revenue and expenditure estimates, including an additional 0.25% increase in the general purposes tax levy (to a total of 3.0%) to pass through to taxpayers the reduction in Provincial Revenue Sharing as outlined in the Administrative Report dated April 12, 2001 and summarized in Appendix 1, by approving the budget resolution outlined in Appendix 3 of the report.
- CARRIED
(Councillors Bass, Louis and Puil opposed)
(Mayor Owen absent for the vote)
The Committee adjourned at 1:20 p.m.
* * * * *
CITY OF VANCOUVER
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
STANDING COMMITTEE OF COUNCIL ON
CITY SERVICES AND BUDGETS
APRIL 26, 2001
A Regular Meeting of the Council of the City of Vancouver was held on Thursday, April 26, 2001, at 1:21 p.m., in Committee Room No. 1, Third Floor, City Hall, following the Standing Committee on City Services and Budgets meeting, to consider the recommendations of the Committee.
PRESENT: |
Deputy Mayor Fred Bass
|
|
ABSENT: |
Mayor Philip Owen
|
CITY MANAGER'S
|
Judy Rogers, City Manager |
CITY CLERK'S OFFICE: |
Lori Isfeld, Meeting Coordinator |
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
MOVED by Cllr. Don Lee,
SECONDED by Cllr. McCormick,
THAT this Council resolve itself into Committee of the Whole, Deputy Mayor Bass in the chair.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Report of Standing Committee on City Services and Budgets
April 26, 2001
Council considered the recommendations of the Committee, as contained in the following clauses of the attached report:
Cl. 1: Parking Corporation of Vancouver - 2001 Budget Review
Cl. 2: 2001 Property Tax Options: Shifting the Burden of Taxation
Cl. 3: Reconsideration of Community Services Grants Applications
Cl. 4: Heritage Revitalization Agreement - 626 West Pender Street (London Building)
Cl. 5: Noise By-law Amendments - Controlling Music Noise Levels From
Entertainment Facilities
Cl. 6: 2001 Operating Budget - Final Estimates
Clause 1
MOVED by Cllr. Puil,
THAT the recommendations of the Committee, as contained in Clause 1 of this report, be approved.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
Clause 2
MOVED by Cllr. Puil,
THAT the recommendations of the Committee, as contained in Clause 2 of this report, be approved.
- CARRIED
(Councillor Sullivan opposed)
Clause 3
THAT the recommendations of the Committee, as contained in Clause 3 of this report, be approved.
- CARRIED BY THE REQUIRED
MAJORITY
(Councillors Bass and Louis opposed to Recommendation B)
Clause 4
MOVED by Cllr. Puil,
THAT the recommendations of the Committee, as contained in Clause 4 of this report, be approved.
- CARRIED
(Councillor Bass opposed)
Clause 5
Discussion and decision was referred to the afternoon meeting of the Standing Committee on Planning and Environment on April 26, 2001.
Clause 6
MOVED by Cllr. Don Lee,
THAT the recommendations of the Committee, as contained in Clause 6 of this report, be approved.
- CARRIED
(Councillors Bass, Louis and Puil opposed)
CITY MANAGER'S ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
1. Authority for Councillor Jennifer Clarke to TravelFile: 1254
to Seattle, Washington, to attend the 2001 Asia Pacific
Cities Summit - May 6-8, 2001
MOVED by Cllr. Puil,
THAT Council authorize Councillor Jennifer Clarke to travel to Seattle, Washington, to attend the 2001 Asia Pacific Cities Summit at an estimated cost of $ 1,000.00 CDN.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
RISE FROM COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
MOVED by Cllr. Sullivan,
THAT the Committee of the Whole rise and report.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
ADOPT REPORT OF COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
MOVED by Cllr. McCormick,
SECONDED by Cllr. Don Lee,
THAT the report of the Committee of the Whole be adopted.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
ENQUIRIES AND OTHER MATTERS
1. Leave of Absence - Councillor Clarke File: 1254
MOVED by Cllr. Price,
SECONDED by Cllr. Don Lee,
That Councillor Clarke be granted Leave of Absence (Civic Business) on May 7 and 8, 2001.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
2. Leave of Absence - Councillor Daniel Lee File: 1254
MOVED by Cllr. McCormick,
SECONDED by Cllr. Don Lee,
THAT Councillor Daniel Lee be granted Leave of Absence for the afternoon meeting of the Standing Committee on Planning and Environment Committee on April 26, 2001, and for the period from April 30 to May 17, 2001, and that he receive no remuneration for April 24, April 26, and for the period April 30 to May 17, 2001, inclusively.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
The Council adjourned at 1:25 p.m.
* * * * *