Agenda Index City of Vancouver

3

CITY OF VANCOUVER

SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
COURT OF REVISION

June 11, 2002

A Special Meeting of the Council of the City of Vancouver was held on Tuesday, June 11, 2002, at approximately 7:40 p.m., in the Council Chamber, Third Floor, City Hall.

PRESENT:

Acting Mayor Lynne Kennedy
Councillor Daniel Lee
Councillor Don Lee
Councillor Tim Louis
Councillor Sandy McCormick
Councillor Sam Sullivan

ABSENT:

Mayor Philip Owen (Leave of Absence)
Councillor Fred Bass (Leave of Absence)
Councillor Jennifer Clarke (Leave of Absence)
Councillor Gordon Price (Leave of Absence)
Councillor George Puil

   

CITY CLERK'S
OFFICE:

Denise Salmon, Meeting Coordinator
Char Imai, Meeting Coordinator

MOVED by Councillor Louis
SECONDED by Councillor Daniel Lee

THAT this Council resolve itself into a Court of Revision for the purpose of hearing complaints against the proposed assessments or the accuracy of frontage measurements, or any other complaint which persons interested may desire to make and which is by law cognizable by the Court, Acting Mayor Kennedy in the Chair.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

COURT OF REVISION

LOCAL IMPROVEMENTS

Projects by Petition: Court No. 606
June 11, 2002

Lane Lighting
Pavement, Curbs, Trees & Bulges - Local Residential
Lane Pavement - Local Residential
Speed Humps
Pedestrian Collector Sidewalks
Sidewalk Reconstruction
Traffic Circle

Projects by Initiative: Court No. 607
June 11, 2002

Lane Lighting
Pavement, Curbs, Trees & Bulges - Higher Zoned
Pavement, Curbs, Trees & Bulges - Local Residential
Lane Pavement - Higher Zoned
Speed Humps
Pedestrian Collector Sidewalks
Sidewalk Reconstruction

Special Projects by Initiative: Court No. 608
June 11, 2002

Lane Paving - 2 Concrete Strips

Special Projects by Petition: Court No. 609
June 11, 2002

Street Lighting - Beautification
Pavement - Environmental Street Treatment
Before Council were reports from the Collector of Taxes dated June 11, 2002 with respect to Local Improvement Courts of Revision Numbers 606, 607, 608 and 609. A Late Report for Court 609 dated June 11, 2002 was also before Council, regarding project number 609/002.

COURT NO. 606 - PROJECTS BY PETITION

The Collector of Taxes certified that the projects in the report dated June 11, 2002, have been requested by the majority of the assessed owners by means of a sufficiently signed petition.

COURT NO. 607 - PROJECTS BY INITIATIVE

In the report from the Collector of Taxes dated June 11, 2002, it was noted that Projects 002, 005, 014, 017, 023, 033, 041, 042, and 044 were objected to by at least more than one-half the owners of the properties who represent at least more than one half of the total value of all the properties on the project. Therefore, these projects were defeated. Projects 004 and 037 were recommended to be withdrawn and Project 039 was recommended to be reduced in scope.

COURT NO. 608 - SPECIAL PROJECTS BY INITIATIVE

The Collector of Taxes certified that the project in the report dated June 11, 2002, has been recommended for withdrawal as the majority of adjacent owners were not prepared to support this project.

COURT NO. 609 - SPECIAL PROJECTS BY PETITION

The Collector of Taxes certified that the projects in the report dated June 11, 2002, have been requested by the majority of the assessed owners by means of a sufficiently signed petition.

In a late report dated June 11, 2002, the Collector of Taxes noted that after identifying an environmental alterative that would conform with the conditions outlined in the Southlands Plan, the City reballoted the owners to determine continued support for this alternative and recommended Project 002 proceed.

MOVED by Councillor Louis
SECONDED by Councillor McCormick

THAT the report of the Special Assessment Roll for Court Nos. 606, 607, 608 and 609, submitted by the Collector of Taxes, dated June 11, 2002, be approved, with the corrections and changes noted herein.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

RISE FROM COURT OF REVISION

MOVED by Councillor Don Lee
SECONDED by Councillor Daniel Lee

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

COUNCIL

RECIVE REPORT OF COURT OF REVISION

MOVED by Councillor Don Lee
SECONDED by Councillor Sullivan

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

Administrative Report
Local Improvements Subsequent Procedure - June 11, 2002
May 22, 2002

Prior to considering the recommendation in the Administrative Report dated May 22, 2002, David Desrochers, Streets Design Engineer, showed slides of the various projects. The following delegations were heard and actions taken as follows:

COURT NO. 606 - PROJECTS BY PETITION

Project No. 606/005

Walter Fung spoke in opposition to the project and noted the lane is not long enough to require lighting. Owners have their own security lighting; to add more lighting would be redundant.

MOVED by Councillor Sullivan
SECONDED by Councillor Daniel Lee

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

Project No. 606/008

Santokh Chana registered support for the project, but did not speak.

MOVED by Councillor McCormick
SECONDED by Councillor Don Lee

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

Project No. 606/010

Nancy Devries registered support for the project, but did not speak.

MOVED by Councillor McCormick
SECONDED by Councillor Daniel Lee

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

Project No. 606/012

Isaac Kinakin spoke against the project, as lane paving would encourage cars to travel at higher speeds, and due to proximity of 2nd Narrows, would encourage drivers to use the lane to circumnavigate McGill. Mr. Kinakin also noted the paving would be hazardous due to the adjacent bike route, which runs perpendicular to the lane.

David Desrochers, Streets Design Engineer, noted traffic calming options, i.e. speed humps, could be requested by owners if traffic speeds become excessive.

MOVED by Councillor Daniel Lee
SECONDED by Councillor McCormick

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

Project No. 606/015

Karin Hall spoke against the lane paving and enquired if the large tree behind her property could be saved and paved around.

David Desrochers, Streets Design Engineer, suggested if traffic is not impeded, owners could request paving crews to retain small portions of green to accommodate trees, etc.

MOVED by Councillor Daniel Lee
SECONDED by Councillor Don Lee

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

Project No. 606/018

Chi Nguyen registered support for the project, but did not speak.

MOVED by Councillor Don Lee
SECONDED by Councillor Sullivan

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

Project No. 606/20

William Beck, while in support of the project, raised concerns that paving the lane will exacerbate the flooding of his garage.

John Jang, Local Improvements, advised any flooding problems should be reported to Engineering.

MOVED by Councillor Sullivan
SECONDED by Councillor Daniel Lee

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

Project No. 606/29

Manuel Franko spoke against the project, and noted a traffic circle is not required as the stop signs currently in place are sufficient to calm traffic.

Sharole Tylor, Bryan King, Alain Franchi and Thomas Little, registered support for the project, but did not speak.

MOVED by Councillor Sullivan
SECONDED by Councillor Louis

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

COURT NO. 607 - PROJECTS BY INITIATIVE

Project No. 607/007

Greg Reid, while in support of the project, spoke in opposition to the corner bulges. Mr. Reid noted there is little traffic to calm and the street also has a serious slope. The bulges will contribute to vehicle manoeuvring issues during winter conditions, and the trees leaves will contribute to flooding.

David Desrochers, Streets Design Engineer, recognized the issues raised by Mr. Reid, and advised both the environmental aspects of the bulges and benefits to pedestrians must also be considered.

Evan Davies, while in support of the project, echoed Mr. Reid's concerns associated with the bulges. Mr. Davies also noted the road is at a different and varying grade from the adjacent sidewalks.

John Jang, Local Improvements, advised the road designers would make adjustments to the elevations where necessary. Mr. Jang also addressed Mr. Davies' concern related to his storm sewer drainage.

MOVED by Councillor Louis
SECONDED by Councillor Don Lee

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

Project No. 607/020

Claudia Laroye, on behalf of the Marpole B.I.A., spoke in support of the project.

Ragnar Bertelsen registered support for the project, but did not speak.

MOVED by Councillor Don Lee
SECONDED by Councillor Sullivan

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
Project No. 607/033

Ralph McLean (photographs, letter and petition on file), on behalf of the Vancouver Montessori School located on Barnard Street, addressed safety issues related to the defeated project. Mr. McLean noted there is currently no proper access to the school from SW Marine Drive, as a portion of the City boulevard is blocked by private landscaping.

David Desrochers, Streets Design Engineer, advised a gravel sidewalk will be installed on City property at no cost to the homeowners, unless property owners object; no objections have been received to date. Mr. McLean advised this was his concern, that there may be objections, resulting in no safe access to the school.

Council discussed the situation and agreed on the need to ensure the safety of pedestrians and assurance the gravel path would be installed. Mr. Desrochers further advised if homeowners wish to upgrade in future this can be considered at a future Court.

MOVED by Councillor McCormick
SECONDED by Councillor Louis

THAT the affected property owners on Barnard Street be advised that after due consideration by Council, staff be directed to proceed with the installation of a gravel sidewalk on City property on the east side of Barnard Street, from S.W. Marine Drive to the lane south.

CARRIED
(Councillor Sullivan opposed.)

COURT NO. 608 - SPECIAL PROJECTS BY INITIATIVE

Project No. 608/001

Elizabeth Norris, Local Improvements Clerk, advised this project was withdrawn as the majority of adjacent owners were not prepared to support it; however, there was some interest as this was an environmental two concrete strip lane. Sample photographs of a water filtration "Country Lane" were circulated for Council's information.

George Rammell noted the environmental benefits of the lane to both the Hastings Park Stream Conservancy Project and Burrard Inlet, and also noted it would contribute to a countrified appearance. Mr. Rammell advised that while there was overwhelming neighbourhood support for the lane, many could not afford the cost.

David Desrochers, Streets Design Engineer, advised the lane south of Yale Street from Slocan to Kaslo Streets is one of three lanes proposed for a pilot demonstration project at City cost. The relevant report is expected to be before Council for consideration in July and staff hope for support to allow construction to begin this fall. If successful the project will provide for alternative lane treatment options in future Courts.

COURT NO. 609 - SPECIAL PROJECTS BY INITIATIVE

Project No. 609/002

Sinclair Healy spoke in support of the project.

Dan Forrer spoke in opposition to the project, and noted changing the path of traffic could be detrimental to the unique characteristics on Crown Street; traffic will increase in front of a number of houses at the end of the street that currently have very little traffic. The project will have substantial impact for marginal benefit. Mr. Forrec also noted the proposed swale in front of his home was tantamount to a ditch.

Craig Beattie spoke in support of the project, and advised the two-thirds who supported the project are strongly in favour of this initiative.

MOVED by Councillor McCormick
SECONDED by Councillor Don Lee

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

Council then considered the Administrative Report dated May 22, 2002.

MOVED by Councillor Don Lee
SECONDED by Council Daniel Lee

THAT the Recommendations of the General Manager of Engineering Services, as contained in the Administrative Report dated May 22, 2002, and quoted below, be approved, taking into account the specific actions taken this day:

A. THAT the projects "by petition" in Court #606 and #609 be approved.

B. THAT projects by "Initiative Principle" in Court #607 be approved except for the Defeated Items.

C. THAT Special Items in Court #607, Items #4, and#37 and Court #608, Item #1 be Withdrawn and that Special Item in Court #607, Item #39 be approved as described in this report.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

The Special Council adjourned at 8:45 p.m.

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cr020611.htm

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