Agenda Index City of Vancouver

REPORT TO COUNCIL

STANDING COMMITTEE OF COUNCIL
ON CITY SERVICES AND BUDGETS

AUGUST 2, 2001

A Regular Meeting of the Standing Committee of Council on City Services and Budgets was held on Thursday, August 2, 2001, at 9:30 a.m., in the Council Chamber, Third Floor, City Hall.

PRESENT:

*Councillor Jennifer Clarke, Vice Chair
Mayor Philip Owen
Councillor Fred Bass
Councillor Don Lee
Councillor Sandy McCormick
Councillor Gordon Price
Councillor Sam Sullivan

ABSENT:

Councillor Lynne Kennedy (Leave of Absence)
Councillor Daniel Lee (Leave of Absence)
Councillor Tim Louis (Leave of Absence)
Councillor George Puil, Chair (Leave of Absence)

CITY MANAGER'S
OFFICE:

Judy Rogers, City Manager

CITY CLERK'S OFFICE:

Lori Isfeld, Meeting Coordinator

*denotes presence for a portion of the meeting.

1. Additional Funding for a Joint Britannia/Eastside Family Place

This item was withdrawn from the agenda.

RECOMMENDATION

(NOTE FROM CLERK: Items 2 and 3 were dealt with concurrently; however, they have been minuted separately for ease of reference.)

2. Graffiti Removal Contract Award (File 1805)

The Committee had before it an Administrative Report dated July 23, 2001, in which the General Manager of Engineering Services, in consultation with the General Manager of Corporate Services, recommended the award of contract services for the removal of graffiti from public property and completion of the review of the impacts of a contract for graffiti removal from public buildings.

Rowan Birch, Streets Administration Engineer, reviewed the recommendation and noted it is in response to the June 14, 2001, Council decision directing staff to send out a Request for Proposals for a six month contract for graffiti removal from public property.

John Brayko, Hydroworks Graffiti Removal and Perri Domm, Goodbye Graffiti, spoke in opposition to the award of contract, claiming the rushed RFP process was reflected in the report, and that the time constraints and vague scope of work made accurate bidding difficult.

Joseph Maskell, Point Grey Painters Inc., spoke in support of the recommendations, and provided an overview of their company, noting they use biodegradable products and a colour matching and tracking system.

MOVED by Mayor Owen
THAT the Committee recommend to Council

A. THAT Council authorize the General Manager of Engineering Services to enter a contract with Point Grey Painters Inc. in the amount of $90,000 (plus applicable taxes) for the removal of graffiti from public property (streets) for six months with an option for a one year extension. 2001 funding to be provided as follows:

B. THAT staff report back in September 2001 on the award of contract services for public buildings following analysis of the implications on the existing graffiti removal processes in all Departments.

CARRIED
(Councillor Bass opposed)

3. Graffiti Removal on Private Property (File 3501)

The Committee had before it an Administrative Report, dated July 23, 2001, in which the General Manager of Engineering Services, in consultation with the Director of Licenses and Inspection, recommended increasing attention to graffiti on private property, increasing enforcement of the Graffiti By-law, and recommended support for graffiti removal by property owners through the supply of paint and materials. The City Manager recommended approval.

Rowan Birch, Streets Administration Engineer, noted this report back was in response to the Council Resolutions of June 14, 2001, regarding graffiti removal from private property.

Charles Gauthier, Downtown Vancouver Business Improvement Association (DVBIA), provided an overview of the DVBIA's anti-graffiti initiatives and spoke in support of the recommendations, noting that the DVBIA would be happy to work with the City on a coordinated response to deal with enforcement and apprehension of individuals. Mr. Gauthier asserted the DVBIA could not support the use of free walls because they would condone the behaviour of vandals.

Mr. Birch and Don Brynildsen, Assistant City Engineer, Streets, responded to questions and confirmed the intent to re-activate the graffiti task force and to open lines of communication to make this a coordinated effort.

MOVED by Mayor Owen
THAT the Committee recommend to Council

A. THAT Council authorize the expenditure of $15,000 from Contingency Reserve for a public consultation process, as outlined in the Administrative Report dated July 23, 2001, entitled "Graffiti Removal on Private Property", to seek input on private property owners' responsibility for removal of graffiti, including ways in which the City could support private property owners in removing graffiti from their property. Further that a subsequent report backon this matter be submitted to Council with policy recommendations.

B. THAT Council authorize the expenditure of $20,000 from Contingency Reserve to supply paint and graffiti removal supplies to BIA's, business associations and other organizations to facilitate graffiti removal from private property. This program will run parallel with the public consultation process described in Recommendation A of the Administrative Report dated July 23, 2001, entitled "Graffiti Removal on Private Property".

C. THAT Council direct staff to explore the viability of free walls as a means to reduce graffiti by offering legitimate alternatives to graffiti writers.

CARRIED
(Councillor Bass opposed to Recommendation B)

4. Extension of the Molson Indy (File 4205)

The Committee had before it an Administrative Report dated July 16, 2001, in which the General Manager of Engineering Services recommended a three year extension of the Molson Indy.

Tom Timm, Deputy City Engineer, introduced the report, and with Wayne Pledger, Strategic Transportation Planning Engineer, responded to questions regarding Molson Indy's plans to provide a legacy to the City in the form of a Southeast False Creek Seawall extension from Science World to Cambie Street Bridge.

Stuart Ballantyne, General Manager, Molson Indy Vancouver, supported the recommendation, and noted that holding the event has a significant economic benefit to the city. Mr. Ballantyne pointed out the importance of Vancouver demonstrating its ability to host a major event, especially in light of the Whistler 2010 Olympic Bid. He also provided an update regarding a race date change from Labour Day Weekend to a weekend in mid-June or late-July, one that would not negatively impact other events such as the Dragonboat and Jazz Festivals.

The following spoke in opposition to the recommendation put forward in the report:

The following is a summary of comments made by the foregoing speakers:

· incessant noise is a health hazard because it causes hearing damage and impedes the immune system;
· the Indy should be moved to a permanent location outside the city and away from residential areas;
· proposal of changing the date to June is not appropriate because June is Bike Month;
· announcement of three year extension took place before approval by Council;
· large asphalt area, race barriers and storage is unsightly, environmentally unfriendly and impedes the bikeway;
· barricades at 2nd Avenue make it difficult to access businesses on 1st Avenue which results in revenue loss;
· public process was inadequate; various groups such as the Southeast False Creek (SEFC) Working Group were not notified, nor were residents of Mount Pleasant, Fairview Slopes, Strathcona and Downtown Eastside;
· public process was inadequate; various groups such as the SEFC Working Group were not notified, nor were residents of Mount Pleasant, Fairview Slopes, Strathcona or Downtown Eastside;
· lack of consultation weakens Southeast False Creek Policy Statement which stipulates full consultation;
· suggestion was made that the extension would delay development of Southeast False Creek.

Ian Smith, Senior Planner, clarified that development of Southeast False Creek is not being delayed by the extension. Due to soil remediation work and the accent on SEFC being a sustainable development, the process is taking longer than anticipated. Work is not expectedto start for another 3-4 years.

The following spoke in support of the recommendation put forward in the report:

The following is a summary of comments made by the foregoing speakers:

· Molson Indy Vancouver promotes a volunteer organization (REV) of 1,300 people; without this support the organization would be unable to continue or support other events;
· concern expressed regarding the loss of events in the city, i.e. Vancouver Grizzlies basketball team;
· Vancouver is a vibrant city because of its series of events;
· need to work together as a community and to continue holding events, while keeping residents happy.

Robert Kerr, Executive Director, Vancouver International Jazz Festival supported extension of the Molson Indy because it is a professional, well-run event; however, he expressed concern over the consequences the proposed dates and location of the site could have on other events such as the Jazz and Dragonboat Festivals. Because the date of the Jazz Festival cannot be changed, Mr. Kerr requested there be strong recommendations regarding the proposed change of date of the Indy.

Ann Phelps and Larry Chu, Vancouver International Dragonboat Festival Society, also expressed concern regarding the potential for conflicting dates, noting the Dragonboat Festival could not feasibly take place the same weekend as the Indy because of pre-festival preparation of the Racers Village etc. Also it is Chinese tradition that the Dragonboat Festival falls in June.

MOVED by Councillor Bass
THAT the Committee recommend to Council

WHEREAS, Mayor Philip Owen wrote in a memo to Council on Feb. 4, 1997, "it is vital when reviewing any future sites, that Council and City Staff work with area residents to ensure the community is comfortable with any proposed changes to the existing site or selection of a new site."

AND WHEREAS, in October 1999, Council adopted Section 6.4.2 of the Southeast False Creek Policy Statement that "The Molson Indy Race Track should not be planned into the SEFC (Southeast False Creek) development. Any extension of Indy beyond the current termination date of 2001 should only be considered if development has not proceeded, and should include full public consultation prior to consideration by Council";

AND WHEREAS, the City is now considering active development of a model ecologically-oriented urban development in the Southeast False Creek area;

AND WHEREAS, the public has exhibited considerable concerns and interest about decisions for future Indy races in Vancouver;

AND WHEREAS, City staff have had only limited contact with members of the public on a decision to extend the Indy for three more years;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT, Council make no decision on extending the Indy race for three more years prior to holding a full, open and comprehensive public consultation process.

LOST
(Councillors Clarke, Don Lee, McCormick, Price, Sullivan, and the Mayor opposed)

MOVED by Mayor Owen
THAT the Committee recommend to Council

A. THAT Council approve a three year extension of the Vancouver Molson Indy, for the years 2002, 2003, 2004 and instruct the Director of Legal Services, Director of Real Estate Services and General Manager of Engineering Services to modify the Agreement with Molstar Inc. to reflect the 3 year extension of the race and that use of Park Lands be resolved to the satisfaction of the General Manager of Parks and Recreation.

carried

AMENDMENT MOVED by Councillor Bass

THAT Mayor Owen's motion be amended by striking the words 2003 and 2004, and by replacing the words "to reflect the 3 year extension of the race" to "to reflect the 1 year extension of the race".

LOST
(Councillors Clarke, Don Lee, McCormick, Price, Sullivan, and the Mayor opposed)

The amendment having lost, the Mayor's motion was put and CARRIED with Councillor Bass opposed.

MOVED by Councillor Price
THAT the Committee recommend to Council

B. THAT the City apply the same standards for bike detours as are applied to road detours, in particular with respect to signage.

C. THAT the Vancouver Molson Indy be scheduled on dates that will not conflict with the dates of the Vancouver International Dragon Boat Festival and Vancouver International Jazz Festival, as they are currently scheduled.

D. THAT the impacts of the Molson Indy barriers on Quebec Street north of 2nd Avenue be minimized, particularly in the evening.

E. THAT Molson Indy be requested to include in their messaging and advertising that excessive speed and noise is unacceptable on public streets.

F. THAT greater care be taken with off-season storage of materials and maintenance of the Molson Indy site.

CARRIED
(Councillor Bass opposed to Recommendations B-E)
(Councillor Sullivan opposed to Recommendation E)

5. Street Cleaning Update (File: 3756)

6. Solid Waste Division: Reorganization Improvements (File 3756)

(Note from Clerk: Items 5 and 6 were dealt with concurrently, and have been minuted together for clarity.)
The Committee had before it an Administrative Report dated July 10, 2001, in which the General Manager of Engineering Services advised Council of upcoming changes to the street sweeping and street flushing program, and the increase in the parking clearance program to enhance street cleaning effectiveness.

The Committee also had before it an Administrative Report, dated July 26, 2001, in which the General Manager of Engineering Services updated Council on the reorganization of the Solid Waste Division and recommended a series of improvements to the operation of the Vancouver South Transfer Station (VSTS) and the Vancouver Landfill, including changes in operating hours, changes in the rate structure, capital improvements and staffing changes.

Ken Davidson, President, CUPE 1004, and Paul Faoro, President, CUPE 15, raised the following concerns with the reports:

· the Street Cleaning Update report recommends moving away from street flushers and sweepers which could result in lost positions;
· request made that the current number of positions be maintained;
· request that more time be given for discussion with Unions and for results of the ongoing review process;
· Unions have not been approached regarding the changes in hours of work reflected in the Solid Waste Division Reorganization report;
· need to look at the big picture and have more discussion regarding the possibilities creating a full-time position and for keeping work in-house.

MOTION MOVED by Councillor Sullivan
THAT the Committee recommend to Council

THAT discussion and decision on the Administrative Reports dated July 10, 2001, entitled "Street Cleaning Update", and dated July 26, entitled "Solid Waste Division: Reorganization and Improvements", be referred to the Thursday, August 2, 2001 afternoon meeting of the Standing Committee on Planning and Environment.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
(Councillor Clarke absent for the vote)

The Committee adjourned at 1:46 p.m.

- - - - -

CITY OF VANCOUVER

REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
STANDING COMMITTEE OF COUNCIL ON
CITY SERVICES AND BUDGETS

AUGUST 2, 2001

A Regular Meeting of the Council of the City of Vancouver was held on Thursday, August 2, at 1:47 p.m., in the Council Chamber, Third Floor, City Hall, following the Standing Committee on City Services and Budgets meeting, to consider the recommendations of the Committee.

PRESENT:

Mayor Philip Owen
Councillor Fred Bass
Councillor Don Lee
Councillor Sandy McCormick
Councillor Gordon Price
Councillor Sam Sullivan

ABSENT:

Councillor Jennifer Clarke
Councillor Lynne Kennedy (Leave of Absence)
Councillor Daniel Lee (Leave of Absence)
Councillor Tim Louis (Leave of Absence)
Councillor George Puil (Leave of Absence)

CITY MANAGER'S
OFFICE:

Judy Rogers, City Manager

CITY CLERK'S OFFICE:

Lori Isfeld, Meeting Coordinator

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

MOVED by Councillor Don Lee
SECONDED by Councillor Sullivan

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

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Report of Standing Committee on City Services and Budgets
August 2, 2001

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

Clause 1

This item was withdrawn.

Clause 2

MOVED by Councillor Don Lee

THAT the recommendations of the Committee, as contained in Clause 2 of this report, be approved.

CARRIED
(Councillor Bass opposed)

Clause 3

MOVED by Councillor Don Lee

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

CARRIED
(Councillor Bass opposed to Recommendation B)

Clause 4

MOVED by Councillor Don Lee

THAT the recommendations of the Committee, as contained in Clause 4 of this report, be approved.

CARRIED
(Councillor Bass opposed to Recommendations A-E)
(Councillor Sullivan opposed to Recommendation E)

Clauses 5 and 6

THAT the recommendation of the Committee, as contained in Clauses 5 and 6 of this report, be approved.

RISE FROM COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

MOVED by Councillor Sullivan

THAT the Committee of the Whole rise and report.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

ADOPT REPORT OF COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

MOVED by Councillor Don Lee
SECONDED by Councillor Sullivan

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

The Council adjourned at 1:48 p.m.

* * * * *

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