REPORT TO COUNCIL

STANDING COMMITTEE OF COUNCIL
ON PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENT

JUNE 28, 2001

A Regular Meeting of the Standing Committee of Council on Planning and Environment was held on Thursday, June 28, 2001, at 2:40 p.m. , in Committee Room No. 1, Third Floor, City Hall.

PRESENT:

Councillor Lynne Kennedy, Chair
*Mayor Philip Owen
Councillor Fred Bass
Councillor Jennifer Clarke
*Councillor Daniel Lee
Councillor Don Lee, Vice-Chair
Councillor Tim Louis
Councillor Sandy McCormick
Councillor Gordon Price
*Councillor George Puil
Councillor Sam Sullivan

CITY MANAGER'S
OFFICE:

*Judy Rogers, City Manager

CITY CLERK'S OFFICE:

Diane M. Clairmont, Meeting Coordinator

* denotes presence for a portion of the meeting

MOVED by Councillor Clarke

THAT the Committee waive Section 3.8 of the Vancouver Procedure By-law due to the late starting time.

CARRIED
(Councillor Louis opposed)

INFORMATION

1. Garbage Trucks/Hopper Juice Spills (File: 3756)

The Committee had before it an Administrative Report dated June 1, 2001, in which the General Manager of Engineering Services, Chief Constable, and Manager of Environmental Protection Branch reported back as requested one year following actions taken.

Doug Roberts, Manager, Environmental Protection Branch, reviewed the report.

The following spoke in general about the report:

Speakers' comments included:

· general public is not aware what constitutes hopper spillage and its dangerous properties; however, municipal bodies do know and must deal with it;
· minimal contact with spillage can be a health hazard;
· compliments to current Council & staff who have been trying to rectify the problem;
· hauling companies equip trucks with an inflatable bladder; however, leakage still occurs; companies are working with manufacturers to develop better bladder design;
· seals are checked twice daily;
· industry is not intentionally ignoring the problem, but is trying to correct it.

MOVED by Councillor Sullivan
THAT the Committee recommend to Council

THAT the Administrative Report Garbage Trucks/Hopper Juice Spills, dated June 1, 2001 be received for information.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

RECOMMENDATION

2. Warning to Prospective Purchasers - 1995 West 19th Avenue (File: 2701)

The Committee had before it an Administrative Report dated June 12, 2001, in which the City Building Inspector recommended approval to file a 336D Notice against the property at 1995 West 19th Avenue to warn prospective purchasers of contraventions of the Zoning and Development, Vancouver Building, Electrical, Untidy Premises and Fire By-laws related to this building. It was further recommended the Director of Legal Services be authorized to commence legal action if deemed appropriate. The General Manager of Community Services supported the recommendations.

Dave Jackson, Deputy City Building Inspector, and Lynn Urekar, District Property Use Inspector, reviewed the report and responded to questions. They noted the owner would be aware of the number of allowable units as it is specified on the original business license.

The following spoke in opposition to the recommendations.

Speakers' comments included:

· review of legal background and relation to Council policies;
· tenants who were in contravening units have moved out;
· past history is tainting procedure and the issue should be dealt with based on present circumstances only;
· all identified deficiencies to code are being dealt with currently and the work is being overseen by qualified professionals; therefore, there is no technical justification to implement 336D Notice.

MOVED by Councillor Louis
THAT the Committee recommend to Council

A. THAT the City Clerk be directed to file a 336D Notice against the title to the property at 1995 West 19th Avenue (Lot 10, Block 46, District Lot 526, Plan 4502) in order to warn prospective purchasers that there are contraventions of the Zoning and Development, Vancouver Building, Electrical, Untidy Premises and Fire By-laws related to this building.

B. THAT the Director of Legal Services is hereby authorized, in her discretion, to commence a legal action or proceeding in relation to the premises located at 1995 West 19th Avenue and may, in her discretion, seek injunctive relief in that action or proceeding, in order to bring this building into compliance with City By-laws.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
(Councillors Clarke and Puil not present for the vote)

3. CD-1 Rezoning Policy Issues - 1220 East Pender Street (File: 5307)

The Committee had before it a Policy Report dated June 14, 2001, in which the Director of Current Planning recommended refusal of the proposal to rezone 1220 East Pender Street from I-1 Industrial District t C-1 Comprehensive Development District to allow residential use in conjunction with any uses listed in the I-1 District Schedule. The report also offered for consideration the option to process the application in the normal manner. The General Manager of Community Services supported Recommendation A and submitted B for consideration.

Dave Thomsett and Trish French, Senior Planners, reviewed the report and responded to questions. They advised that options within current policy were rejected by the applicant.

The following spoke in favour of the application:

Speakers' comments included:

· a work/live scenario could be manageable; the applicant will work with staff to consider options;
· site is in non-typical zoning area;
· types of uses could be restricted to non-toxic materials subject to Environmental Health and Workers' Compensation Board guidelines;
· normal process might lead to a public hearing; public input and departmental reaction gathered in this process would be beneficial;
· if City persists in enforcing current by-laws, this building will become a `white elephant' and the owner will suffer financial loss;
· if financially viable opportunities are not approved in this area, the time and effort taken to clean up this neighbourhood will be wasted.

John Robertson, Chief Building Official, responded to questions regarding applicable By-laws and safety issues for industrial use.

MOVED by Councillor Louis
THAT the Committee recommend to Council

THAT the application by Eric Klokstad to rezone 1220 East Pender Street (Strata Lots 1-43, Strata Plan LMS 3800, DL 182, NWD) from I-2 to CD-1, to permit residential use in conjunction with uses listed in the I-2 District Schedule, be processed in the normal manner.

CARRIED
(Councillors Price and Sullivan opposed)
(Mayor Owen not present for the vote)

4. 1088 Burrard Street (1001 Hornby Street) - 448864 BC Ltd.

The Committee had before it an Administrative Report dated June 8, 2001, in which the Chief License Inspector requested Council endorse the application by 448864 BC Ltd., (Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre Hotel) to amend its existing Class `A' Lounge liquor license number 184925 to increase seating capacity by 75 to encompass the recent hotel expansion in the new North Tower at 1088 Burrard Street (1001 Hornby Street).

The General Manager of Community Services supported approval of the recommendation.

MOVED by Councillor Clarke
THAT the Committee recommend to Council

THAT Council endorse the request by 448864 BC Ltd., for an amendment to the existing Class 'A' Lounge liquor license number 184925 or a new Class `A' Lounge liquor license to permit a 75-seat lounge in the new North Tower (1001 Hornby Street) at the Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre Hotel, 1088 Burrard Street, subject to the signing of a Good Neighbour Agreement.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
(Mayor Owen, Councillors Daniel Lee and Puil not present for the vote)

5. 2360 Commercial Drive - KCC 229 Holdings Ltd.

The Committee had before it an Administrative Report dated June 8, 2001, in which the Chief License Inspector requested Council endorse the application by KCC 299 Holdings Ltd. to replace the existing Restaurant - Class 1 with a Restaurant -Class 2 at 2360 Commercial Drive subject to specific conditions. The report also put forward two options for consideration: Council not endorse the recommendation or defer a decision pending completion of a public meeting in accordance with City guidelines. The General Manager of Community Services supported Recommendation A, but submitted the alternate choices.

Guy Gusdal, License Coordinator, reviewed the report.

John Francis, representing the owner, spoke in favour of Recommendation A.

MOVED by Councillor McCormick
THAT the Committee recommend to Council

THAT Council, having considered the opinions of area residents and business operators of the community as determined by neighbourhood notification, and the proximity of residential developments, traffic patterns, road access, availability of parking, noise impacts and the overall design, endorse the application by KCC 229 Holdings Ltd., to replace the existing 145-seat Restaurant-Class 1 with a Restaurant-Class 2 at the Caravela Restaurante, 2360 Commercial Drive, subject to:


CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
(Mayor Owen, Councillors Daniel Lee and Puil not present for the vote)

6. 3580 West 41st Avenue - Construction of Four-Storey Building (File: 2603)

The Committee had before it an Administrative Report dated June 12, 2001, in which the Director of Current Planning sought Council advice on a development application requesting permission to construct a four-storey building containing retail/health care office/residential sues, where the proposed height exceeds the maximum permitted 12.2 metres under the provisions of the C-1 District Schedule.

Anita Molaro, Development Planner, reviewed the report and responded to questions. Trish French, Senior Planner, provided zoning clarifications and information relating to the current C-2 zoning study.

The following spoke in opposition to increasing the proposed height of the building:

Speakers' comments included:

· Dunbar Residents' Association does have position on file with City department;
· notification process not sufficient; approximately 80% of respondents were opposed;
· Board of Variance shares concern regarding height relaxations;
· concerns regarding impact of commercial traffic encroaching into residential streets;
· C-2 zoning not working in South Dunbar.

MOVED by Councillor Sullivan
THAT the Committee recommend to Council

THAT the Director of Planning be advised that Council would favour the approval for the construction of a four-storey retail/health care office/residential building at 3580 West 41st Avenue as submitted under DE 405680.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
(Mayor Owen, Councillors Daniel Lee and Puil not present for the vote)

7. Secretarial Services to Council (File: 1251)

At the June 12, 2001 meeting of Vancouver City Council, consideration of a motion and the Administrative Report dated June 8, 2001, were referred to a future meeting of a Standing Committee in order to receive additional information from staff and to hear speakers.

Accordingly, The Committee had the following before it:

Council discussed the issue and comments included:

· staff resources are meant to facilitate city business as opposed to promoting a political organization or criticising other councillors;
· all issues are political and opposing opinions should be voiced;
· Councillors can say whatever they wish, but not with City resources;
· if policy prevails, it should state who makes decision regarding appropriateness of services requested.

Harry Rankin spoke in general and his comments included:

· Council's job is to determine policy and staff's job is to carry out policy;
· all Council members and all issues are partisan and this is natural in politics;
· essence of Council is opposition and must be given its full face value.

MOVED by Councillor Clarke
THAT the Committee recommend to Council

THAT Council reaffirm the policy regarding secretarial services to Council as stated in the Administrative Report Secretarial Services to Council dated June 8, 2001.

FURTHER THAT Councillors Louis and Price, in conjunction with City staff, develop wording to clarify the nature of work covered in this policy.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
(Mayor Owen, Councillors Daniel Lee and Puil not present for the vote)

The Committee adjourned at 6:50 p.m.

- - - - -
CITY OF VANCOUVER

REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
STANDING COMMITTEE OF COUNCIL ON
PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENT

JUNE 28, 2001

A Regular Meeting of the Council of the City of Vancouver was held on Thursday, June 28, 2001 at 6:50 p.m. in Committee Room No. 1, Third Floor, City Hall, following the Standing Committee on Planning and Environment meeting, to consider the recommendations of the Committee.

PRESENT:

Deputy Mayor Lynne Kennedy
Councillor Fred Bass
Councillor Jennifer Clarke
Councillor Don Lee
Councillor Tim Louis
Councillor Sandy McCormick
Councillor Gordon Price
Councillor Sam Sullivan

ABSENT:

Mayor Philip Owen (Civic Business)
Councillor Daniel Lee (Civic Business)
Councillor George Puil

CITY MANAGER'S
OFFICE:

Judy Rogers, City Manager

CITY CLERK'S OFFICE:

Diane M. Clairmont, Meeting Coordinator

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

MOVED by Councillor Clarke
SECONDED by Councillor McCormick

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

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Report of Standing Committee on Planning and Environment
June 28, 2001

Council considered the recommendations of the Committee, as contained in the following clauses of the foregoing report:

Clauses 1, 2 and 4-7

MOVED by Councillor Don Lee

THAT the recommendations of the Committee, as contained in Clauses 1, 2 and 4-7 of this report, be approved.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

Clause 3

MOVED by Councillor Don Lee

THAT the recommendation of the Committee, as contained in Clause 3 of this report, be approved.

CARRIED
(Councillors Price and Sullivan opposed)

RISE FROM COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

MOVED by Councillor McCormick

THAT the Committee of the Whole rise and report.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

ADOPT REPORT OF COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

MOVED by Councillor McCormick
SECONDED by Councillor Clarke

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

MOTION

Transit Strike (File: 5551)

MOVED by Councillor Louis
SECONDED by Councillor Bass

AND WHEREAS, seniors, students, low-income people, the disabled and others dependent on public transit have had their lives severely disrupted by the strike, reducing their quality of life;

AND WHEREAS, many small businesses, cultural organizations and non-profit agencies are experiencing a reduction in activity, negatively affecting the economic, artistic and social fabric of our region;

AND WHEREAS, striking transit workers and their families have had to cope with severe reductions in their household incomes;

AND WHEREAS, the lack of public transit has put more vehicles on our roads - in direct contradiction of the GVRD's Livable Region Strategic Plan - contributing to greater traffic congestion and poorer air quality in the region;

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT, Vancouver City Council, to end the transit strike immediately, urge TransLink, its subsidiary Coast Mountain Bus Company and the unions representing striking transit workers accept the recommendations of Special Mediator Vince Ready.

lost

AMENDMENT MOVED by Councillor Clarke
SECONDED by Councillor Louis

THAT the words in the final paragraph "to end the transit strike immediately" be replaced by "in an effort to bring an end to the transit strike immediately".

LOST
(Councillors Kennedy, Don Lee, McCormick, Price, Sullivan opposed)

The amending motion having lost, Councillor Louis' motion was put and LOST with Councillors Clarke, Kennedy, Don Lee, McCormick, Price, and Sullivan opposed.

ENQUIRIES AND OTHER MATTERS

1. Leave of Absence - Councillor Kennedy (File: 1254)

MOVED by Councillor Price
SECONDED by Councillor Sullivan

THAT Councillor Kennedy be granted Leave of Absence on:

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

The Council adjourned at 6:58 p.m.

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