Vancouver City Council

CITY OF VANCOUVER

REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES

FEBRUARY 11, 2003

A Regular Meeting of the Council of the City of Vancouver was held on Tuesday, February 11, 2003, at 4:00 p.m., in the Council Chamber, Third Floor, City Hall.

PRESENT:	Mayor Larry Campbell Councillor Fred Bass Councillor David Cadman Councillor Jim Green Councillor Peter Ladner Councillor Raymond Louie Councillor Tim Louis Councillor Anne Roberts Councillor Tim Stevenson Councillor Sam Sullivan Councillor Ellen Woodsworth
CITY MANAGER'S OFFICE:	Judy Rogers, City Manager

CITY CLERK'S OFFICE:	Syd Baxter, City Clerk Tarja Tuominen, Meeting Coordinator

PRAYER

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

PROCLAMATION: HERITAGE WEEK - File 1051

The Mayor read a proclamation recognizing the week of February 17 to 21, 2003 as Heritage Week and presented the proclamation to Jon Stovell, Gastown Business Improvement Society.

"IN CAMERA" MEETING

MOVED by Councillor Cadman
SECONDED by Councillor Louie

THAT Council will go into a meeting later this day which is closed to the public, pursuant to Section 165.2(1) of the Vancouver Charter, to discuss matters related to paragraph(s):

(a) personal information about an identifiable individual who holds or is being considered for a position as an officer, employee or agent of the city or another position appointed by the city;
(c) labour relations or employee negotiations;

(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

ITEMS RISING FROM THE "IN CAMERA" MEETING OF JANUARY 28, 2003

· Council made appointments to the CityPlan City Perspectives Panel for Community Visions Program;

· Council reappointed all incumbents to the following Topic and Area-Based Advisory Commitees:

_ - Bicycle Advisory
_ - Chinatown Historic Area Planning Committee
_ - Fire and Rescue Services Advisory Committee
_ - First Shaughnessy Advisory Design Panel
_ - Gastown Historic Area Planning Committee
_ - Public Art Committee
_ - Special Advisory Committee on Cultural Communities
_ - Special Advisory Committee on Disability Issues
_ - Special Advisory Committee on Seniors
_ - Vancouver Heritage Commission
_ - Vancouver City Planning Commission

· Council approved appointments to the following civic agencies:

_ - Vancouver Economic Development Commission
_ - Vancouver Heritage Foundation Board
_ - Vancouver Athletic Commission
_ - Vancouver Civic Theatres Board
_ - Family Court/Youth Justice Committee

· Council approved the purchase of Woodward's.

ADOPTION OF MINUTES

1. Regular Council (Transportation and Traffic) - January 14, 2003

MOVED by Councillor Bass
SECONDED by Councillor Cadman

THAT the foregoing Minutes be approved.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

2. Regular Council (City Services and Budgets) - January 16, 2003

MOVED by Councillor Louis
SECONDED by Councillor Cadman

THAT the foregoing Minutes be approved.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

3. Regular Council (Planning and Environment) - January 16, 2003

MOVED by Councillor Roberts
SECONDED by Councillor Cadman

THAT the foregoing Minutes be approved.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

4. Regular Council - January 28, 2003

MOVED by Councillor Louis
SECONDED by Councillor Cadman

THAT the foregoing Minutes be approved.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

MOVED by Councillor Cadman
SECONDED by Councillor Stevenson

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

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

REPORT REFERENCE

1. A Year of Decision - Your Port at a Crossroads (File 8109 )

The Report Reference has been postponed to the Regular Council meeting of March 25, 2003.

MATTERS ADOPTED ON CONSENT
MOVED by Councillor Cadman

THAT Council adopt Administrative Reports A1, A2 and A5, on consent.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS

1. Award of Tender PSO2051 - Supply & Delivery of Water Meters
January 23, 2003 (File 1805)

THAT Council accept the low bid offering best value to the City from Neptune Technology Group Inc. for the Supply and Delivery of Water Meters for a one (1) year period from date of purchase order, at an estimated cost of $454,036.21 plus the 7% GST (less any municipal rebate received) and PST, subject to a contract satisfactory to the Director of Legal Services, with the source of funds from the Water Meter Replacement Capital Account.

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

2. 2003 Street and Sidewalk Rehabilitation Program
January 7, 2003 (File 1602/5762/5808)

A. THAT Council approve funding of $1,800,000 in advance of the 2003 Streets Basic Capital Budget (category A-1a1) to permit commencement of the 2003 Arterial Street Rehabilitation Program. Funding is provided from 2003-2005 borrowing authority approved by plebiscite.

B. THAT Council approve funding of $400,000 in advance of the 2003 Streets Basic Capital Budget (categories A-1b, A-2b, and A-2c) to improve poor condition streets and sidewalks adjacent to repairs required due to underground utility construction. Funding is provided from 2003-2005 borrowing authority approved by plebiscite.

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

3. Heritage Register Update
January 27, 2003 (File 5052)

MOVED by Councillor Green

A. THAT the Vancouver Heritage Register be amended to add the addresses of 5 publicly nominated heritage buildings listed in Appendix A attached to the Administrative Report "Heritage Register Update" dated January 27, 2003.

B. THAT the Vancouver Heritage Register be amended by deleting the addresses of 3 buildings demolished in 2002 listed in Appendix B attached to the Administrative Report "Heritage Register Update" dated January 27, 2003.

C. THAT the Vancouver Heritage Register be amended by deleting the addresses of 19 buildings demolished between 1986 and 2001, listed in Appendix C, and 3 buildings included in error on the Heritage Register, listed in Appendix D attached to the Administrative Report "Heritage Register Update" dated January 27, 2003.

D. THAT the Vancouver Heritage Register be amended to change the addresses of 29 buildings listed in Appendix E attached to the Administrative Report "Heritage Register Update" dated January 27, 2003.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

4. Transferring the Authorities of the Director of Permits and Licenses

January 14, 2003 (File 113/1365)

MOVED by Councillor Louie

A. THAT the authorities of the Director of Permits and Licenses be transferred in accordance with the proposed amendments to the Graffiti By-law, Parking By-law, Secondary Suite Program Inspection Fee By-law, Standards of Maintenance By-law, and the Untidy Premises By-law, as outlined in Appendix A to the Administrative Report "Transferring the Authorities of the Director of Permits and Licenses" dated January 14, 2003;

FURTHER THAT the Director of Legal Services be instructed to prepare the necessary by-laws for enactment substantially as set out in Appendix A to the Administrative Report.

B. THAT the Director of Current Planning be instructed to make application to amend the Zoning and Development By-law and the Sign By-law, to transfer the authorities of the Director of Permits and Licenses, as outlined in Appendix B to the Administrative Report "Transferring the Authorities of the Director of Permits and Licenses" dated January 14, 2003, and the application be referred to a Public Hearing;

FURTHER THAT the Director of Legal Services be instructed to prepare the necessary by-laws substantially as set in Appendix B to the Administrative Report for consideration at the Public Hearing.

C. THAT Council appoint Barb Windsor as Assistant Director of Licences and Inspections.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

5. Business License Hearing Panel for February 13, 2003
February 5, 2003 (File 2711-1)

THAT Council delegate the holding of a business license hearing presently scheduled for February 13, 2003 from 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. to a panel of three Council Members, pursuant to Section 277.1 of the Vancouver Charter, as follows:

The business license hearing pursuant to Section 275 of the Vancouver Charter regarding a referral to Council by the Chief License Inspector of an application for a year 2003 business license by Ahn & Sons Holdings Ltd. dba Empress Hotel at 235 East Hastings Street and the power to make a Council decision in relation to that hearing be delegated to:

Councillor Fred Bass, Chair

Councillor Peter Ladner
Councillor Raymond Louie.

Should any of the above Members of Council be unable to attend the hearing, the hearing and the power to make a Council decision in relation to the hearing be delegated to the remaining two Councillors and alternate Councillor Sam Sullivan.

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

- - - - -

Council recessed at 4:15 p.m., and, following an "In Camera" meeting in the Mayor's Office, reconvened at 5:30 p.m., with all members present.

- - - - -

CIVIC RECOGNITION: Retirees (File 1059)

The Mayor and Council recognized 23 employees who recently retired from the City with varying lengths of service.

The Mayor presented each employee with a Certificate on behalf of the City, and thanked them for their long and faithful service.

- - - - -

The Council recessed at 6:00 p.m. and following a reception, reconvened in open session at 6:30 p.m., with all members present.

- - - - -

RISE FROM COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

MOVED by Councillor Cadman

THAT the Committee of the Whole rise and report.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

ADOPT REPORT OF COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

MOVED by Councillor Cadman
SECONDED by Councillor Louis

THAT the report of the Committee of the Whole be adopted.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

BY-LAWS

MOVED by Councillor Cadman
SECONDED by Councillor Louis

THAT Council, except for those members excused as noted in the agenda, enact the by-laws listed on the agenda for this meeting as numbers 1 to 3 inclusive, and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to sign and seal the enacted by-laws.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

1. A By-law to amend By-law No. 7649 which amended Zoning and Development By-law No. 3575, by rezoning a certain area to CD-1 (7400 Oak Street - Parking Relaxations) (By-law No. 8626)
(Councillors Stevenson, Woodsworth and the Mayor excused from voting on By-law 1)

2. A By-law to amend By-law No. 8536 which amended Zoning and Development By-law No. 3575, by rezoning a certain area to CD-1 (801 West Georgia Street - Floor Area and Parking) (By-law No. 8627)
(Councillors Stevenson, Woodsworth and the Mayor excused from voting on By-law 2)

3. A By-law to amend By-law No. 8536 which amended Zoning and Development By-law No. 3575, by rezoning a certain area to CD-1 (801 West Georgia Street - Height and Exclusions)(By-law No. 8628)
(Councillors Stevenson, Woodsworth and the Mayor excused from voting on By-law 3)

MOTIONS

B. Motions on Notice

At 6:45 p.m., Councillors Green and Woodsworth declared Conflict of Interest for Motion on Notice B.1, as Councillor Green's wife and Councillor Woodsworth's partner are members of CUPE 15. They did not return until the conclusion of the discussion on the motion.

1. Elimination of Free Parking for City Hall Employees (File 1301)

The following Notice of Motion was submitted by Councillor Ladner:

MOVED by Councillor Ladner
SECONDED by Councillor Louis

WHEREAS the City of Vancouver has adopted a transportation policy that puts a priority on pedestrians, transit, cycling and transportation choices

AND WHEREAS the City should be setting an example consistent with its own policy

AND WHEREAS free parking is an incentive that encourages the use of automobiles

AND WHEREAS free parking is a subsidy that is not available to employees who use other forms of transportation

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that Vancouver City Council request staff to come back with a report on the best way to eliminate free parking for city hall employees, subject to the following conditions:

_ there be no extra cost to the City of Vancouver
_ staff expected to use their cars for work on a regular basis should be exempted
_ any allowances for transportation should be equitable to all employees
_ special consideration may be given to car pool vehicles

Referred

The Chair advised a request to speak has been received. Council agreed to refer the matter to the reconvened Standing Committee on Transportation and Traffic meeting at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 13, 2003.

Councillors Green and Woodsworth returned to the Council Chamber at 6:55 p.m.

2. Condemnation of Nigerian Government re Amina Lawal

The following Notice of Motion was submitted by Councillor Louis:

WHEREAS, a precedent is in place to acquit Amina Lawal on technical grounds (*Safiya Hussaini, October/2001);

AND WHEREAS, the Catalan Parliament, the Spanish Senate, the Polish President, Italian politicians, including the Foreign Minister and several parliamentarians, the Secretary General of the European Council, and 39 UK MPs have all condemned death by stoning sentences in Nigeria urging the Nigerian government to ensure that human rights are protected;

AND WHEREAS, US Representative for Minnesota, Betty McCallum, introduced a Congressional resolution condemning stoning;

AND WHEREAS, Italian football teams demonstrated their solidarity for the campaign against death by stoning in February 2002.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT, Vancouver City Council strongly condemns the sentencing to death of Amina Lawal for having a child out of wedlock, and demands that the Nigerian government ensure that Amina is immediately and unconditionally acquitted.

Councillor Louis did not move the motion.

NEW BUSINESS

1. Regular Council Meeting Time (File 1253)

MOVED by Councillor Sullivan
SECONDED by Councillor Roberts

A. THAT Council revert to meeting at 2:00 p.m. for its regular Tuesday Council meetings.

B. THAT Council strike a committee composed of Councillors Bass, Roberts and Sullivan to report back in one month regarding options for the time of Council meetings that maximizes public access.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

2. Request Province to Discontinue the Disability Benefits Level 2 Reassessment Process (File 1263)

MOVED by Councillor Louis
SECONDED by Councillor Woodsworth

WHEREAS, the City of Vancouver has an obligation to serve all the Citizens of the City of Vancouver;

AND WHEREAS, Citizens of Vancouver who are living with Physical and Cognitive Disabilities are being subjected to increasing hardship and suffering as a result of cutbacks in the Provincial Funding to essential Healthcare, Social Service & Human Rights programs;

AND WHEREAS, 14,000 British Columbians on Disabilities Benefits Level 2 assistance are living in fear of losing their meagre living allowance based on the Disabilities Benefits Level 2 Reassessment Program;
AND WHEREAS, the two year limit on Social Assistance brings with it the potential of a "homelessness" and "human rights" disaster in the City of Vancouver and throughout the Province;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT, Vancouver City Council urge the Provincial Government to immediately discontinue the Disabilities Benefits Level 2 reassessment process;

AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT, Vancouver City Council state, unequivocally, its commitment to the rights and well-being of all its citizens, including disabled persons.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

ENQUIRIES AND OTHER MATTERS

1. Changes in Residential Tenancy Act (File 1263)

Councillor Stevenson reported on changes to the Residential Tenancy Act proposed by the provincial government. He advised of the anxiety, anger and fear this has caused to renters, particularly in the West End, where a high percentage of the residents are renters.

He requested staff to look at whether there are any mechanisms the City can put into place to assist renters, if there are any legal means under the Vancouver Charter which the City could use to assist renters, and whether the City or municipalities are able to implement rent controls.

Councillor Green also requested staff to look at any emergency powers the City has to ensure no mass evictions would occur during a landmark event in the city.

The City Manager agreed to prepare a memo on the impacts of the new Residential Tenancy Act.

2. Anti-Idling Program (File 3752)

Councillor Ladner referred to a memorandum, dated February 3, 2003 from the Regional Director, Health Protection, Vancouver Coast Health Authority, and the General Manager, Engineering Services, responding to his request for information on the City's anti-idling initiatives.

Councillor Ladner noted staff strongly support a region-wide education campaign and generic GVRD template for anti-idling regulations.

The Mayor offered to take the suggestions to the next meeting of the GVRD.

The Council adjourned at 7:25 p.m.

* * * * *

Comments or questions? Send us e-mail at info@city.vancouver.bc.ca
© 2002 City of Vancouver