CITY OF VANCOUVER

SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES

FEBRUARY 12, 2003

A Special Meeting of the Council of the City of Vancouver was held on Wednesday, February 12, 2003, at 7:30 p.m., in the Council Chamber, Third Floor, City Hall.

PRESENT:

Councillor David Cadman, Deputy Mayor
*Councillor Fred Bass
Councillor Peter Ladner
Councillor Raymond Louie
Councillor Tim Louis
Councillor Anne Roberts
*Councillor Sam Sullivan

   

ABSENT:

Mayor Larry Campbell
Councillor Jim Green
Councillor Tim Stevenson
Councillor Ellen Woodsworth

   
   

CITY CLERK'S OFFICE:

Denise Salmon, Meeting Coordinator

*denotes presence for a portion of the meeting

MOVED by
SECONDED by

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

COURT OF REVISION

LOCAL IMPROVEMENTS

Projects by Petition: Court No. 610
February 12, 2003

Projects by Initiative: Court No. 611
February 12, 2002

Before Council were reports from the Collector of Taxes dated February 12, 2003, with respect to Local Improvement Courts of Revision Numbers 610 and 611. Also before Council was a Late Report for Court 611/008 (amended Objection Count) and an Appendix #1 for Court 611/011 (amended Estimates), both dated February 12, 2003.

COURT NO. 610 - PROJECTS BY PETITION

The Collector of Taxes certified that the projects in the report dated February 12, 2003, have been requested by the majority of the assessed owners by means of a sufficiently signed petition.

COURT NO. 611 - PROJECTS BY INITIATIVE

In the report from the Collector of Taxes dated February 12, 2003, it was noted that Projects 007, 018 were objected to by at least more than one half (1/2) the owners of the properties who represent at least more than one half (1/2) of the total value of all the properties on the project. Therefore, these projects were defeated.

In the late report dated February 12, 2003, the Collector of Taxes noted one owner that had originally objected to this project (008) has since rescinded their objection stating, in writing, they are now in favour of this project.

MOVED by Councillor Bass
SECONDED by Councillor Louie

THAT the report of the Special Assessment Roll for Court Nos. 610, and 611, submitted by the Collector of Taxes, dated February 12, 2003, be approved, with the corrections and changes noted herein.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

RISE FROM COURT OF REVISION

MOVED by Councillor Roberts
SECONDED by Councillor Ladner

THAT the Court of Revision rise and report.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

COUNCIL

ADOPT REPORT OF COURT OF REVISION

MOVED by Councillor Louis
SECONDED by Councillor Bass

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

Administrative Report
Local Improvements Subsequent Procedure - February 12, 2003
January 21, 2003

Prior to considering the recommendation in the Administrative Report dated January 21, 2003, David Desrochers, Streets Design Engineer, showed slides of the various projects. The following delegations were heard and actions taken as follows:

COURT NO. 610 - PROJECTS BY PETITION

Project No. 610/001

Harry Inglis expressed concern regarding the possible loss of his on-street parking space due to the planned street bulges. John Jang, Local Improvements, with the aid of a slide, advised bulges are generally not built adjacent lanes, and therefore would not eliminate this parking space.

Robert Wilmott registered support for the project, but did not speak.

MOVED by Councillor Louis
SECONDED by Councillor Ladner

THAT this project be approved.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

Project No. 610/003

B.K. Bhathella and Bob Mawji, spoke in general support of the project, but registered opposition to the street trees and bulges.

David Derochers advised the petition had been signed with trees and bulges as part of the project, and noted while the trees could be excluded, everyone who signed the petition would have to agree to this. Jim Hall, Neighbourhood Transportation Engineer, advised

bulges are now encouraged at corners to reduce crossing distance for pedestrians and provide corner clearance. Mr. Mawji indicated he wished to withdraw his signature from the petition.

Cheryl Elsworth noted trees will not be directly in front of each residence, and spoke in support of both the trees and other improvements.

Elizabeth Norris, Local Improvements Clerk, advised the project cannot procedurally proceed with only nine signatures, and recommended this project be reballoted, pending discussions with Park Board staff on acceptable tree options for this project.

MOVED by Councillor Roberts
SECONDED by Councillor Bass

THAT this project be reballoted with provision of options for tree variety, pending discussions with the Park Board.

CARRIED
(Councillor Sullivan opposed)

Project No. 610/004

Doug Halverson registered support for the project, but did not speak.

MOVED by Councillor Louis
SECONDED by Councillor Ladner

THAT this project be approved.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

Project No. 610/006

Josephine Mulligan registered support for the project, but did not speak.

MOVED by Councillor Louie
SECONDED by Councillor Ladner

THAT this project be approved.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

Project No. 610/010

Frank Fukui registered opposition to the project, but did not speak.

MOVED by Councillor Louie
SECONDED by Councillor Roberts

THAT this project be approved.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

Project No. 610/012

Yun Lau, with the aid of an interpreter, spoke in support of the project.

Rosalind Muirhead spoke against the project, and expressed concern with the manner in which petition signatures had been obtained. Elizabeth Norris advised signatures had been obtained in an appropriate manner.

MOVED by Councillor Louis
SECONDED by Councillor Bass

THAT this project be approved.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

Project No. 610/013

Kanji Kawahara spoke in general support of the project, but registered concern regarding potential flooding problems in his garage as a result of the project.

John Jang advised construction crews would examine garages in relation to the lane and address potential flooding problems during construction.

MOVED by Councillor Louie
SECONDED by Councillor Ladner

THAT this project be approved.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

Project No. 610/014

Hans Brumme spoke in opposition to the project, due to the prohibitive cost. Elizabeth Norris provided Mr. Brumme with information on the City's tax deferral option.

MOVED by Councillor Louis
SECONDED by Councillor Bass

THAT this project be approved.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

Project No. 610/017

Peter Chan, Karen Imeson and Alice Wong, registered support for the project, but did not speak.

MOVED by Councillor Louie
SECONDED by Councillor Roberts

THAT this project be approved.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

Project No. 610/021

Guy St. Clar-Sobell noted he had earlier registered support for the project, but advised he was unaware of both the centre strip and country lane paving options, and therefore wished to withdraw his signature in support of the full width lane paving in favour of the centre strip option.

David Reeves withdrew his support for the project, and echoed Mr. Clar-Sobell's comments in support of the centre strip option.

Suzanne MacKenzie spoke in opposition to the project.

Elizabeth Norris and David Desrochers advised on the need to reballot with the withdrawal of the two signatures.

In response to questions from Council, Mr. Desrochers noted the local improvement process is undergoing revision, and to comply with Council's request, the centre strip paving option could be put forward as the first choice, with sample pictures included. He further noted to allow people to have multiple votes for various paving options would require a Charter amendment.

MOVED by Councillor Louis
SECONDED by Councillor Roberts

THAT this project be reballoted with the centre strip paving option.

CARRIED
(Councillor Bass absent for the vote)

Project No. 610/022

Ronald Bagan spoke in support of the project.

Fabio Banducci registered support for the project, but did not speak.

MOVED by Councillor Louie
SECONDED by Councillor Roberts

THAT this project be approved.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

Project No. 610/023

Sandy Ray, Greg Runzer and Peter Yong registered support for the project, but did not speak.

MOVED by Councillor Louie
SECONDED by Councillor Ladner

THAT this project be approved.

CARRIED
(Councillor Sullivan absent for the vote)

Project No. 610/026

Hans Brumme registered opposition to the project but did not speak.

In response to a question from Council, staff advised they would examine providing access for bicycles on this speed hump project.

MOVED by Councillor Bass
SECONDED by Councillor Roberts

THAT this project be approved.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

Project No. 610/036

Anthony Wong registered support for the project, but did not speak.

MOVED by Councillor Roberts
SECONDED by Councillor Louie

THAT this project be approved.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

Project No. 610/038

Ngai Tong spoke in opposition to the project, and noted lights should be installed on two adjacent poles rather than their planned location, as the adjacent tree would block the light at night.

MOVED by Councillor Bass
SECONDED by Councillor Ladner

THAT this project be approved.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

COURT NO. 611 - PROJECTS BY INITIATIVE

Project No. 611/006

Baldish Khara registered support for the project, but did not speak.

MOVED by Councillor Louie
SECONDED by Councillor Roberts

THAT this project be approved.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

Project No. 611/008

Pamela Biela, Norm Couttie, Jean Lathwell, Miranda Leung and Gail Traver spoke in opposition to the project. They noted concerns related to the potential loss of the heritage elm/dogwood trees, cost of the project, loss of driveway acess due to construction curbs and pavement bulges, potential flooding issues, and also noted the potential for increased traffic from both Crofton House and UBC students. Their desire to retain the `country lane' feel of the street was also noted.

William Arlotta, Borg Jorgensen (photographs on file), Eric Tang, and Costa Vakakis spoke in support of the project and noted the improved drainage that would result from the project, as well as improved safety for cyclists and pedestrians who currently encounter a growing number of potholes. New curbs and paving will clean up the street and allow for proper parking and safer access to the sidewalk. Support was also noted for corner bulges which would slow down traffic.

Dave Desrochers showed slides of the project and advised Park Board staff have provided advice on placement of curbs to ensure the tree roots would not be harmed. He further noted curbing of the street should address flooding problems, in conjunction with the planned sewer upgrade. John Jang advised the street would be narrowed, rather than off-set, to address heritage tree issues. In response to a query from Council, Mr. Desrochers advised staff was amenable to working with area residents as the project proceeds.

MOVED by Councillor Louie
SECONDED by Councillor Louis

THAT this project be approved.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

Project No. 611/011

Wallace Lee registered support for the project, but did not speak.

MOVED by Councillor Louie
SECONDED by Councillor Ladner

THAT this project be approved.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

Project No. 611/015

Fred Bauder spoke in support of the project.

MOVED by Councillor Louie
SECONDED by Councillor Roberts

THAT this project be approved.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

Project No. 611/016

Jorg Lutz, Margaret Lutz (read letter on behalf of neighbour), and Bill McCutcheon spoke against the project and cited the high price tag for this unnecessary project. It was noted the City's budgeted portion would be better spent on safety upgrades to main roads in need. Note was also made of the potential for increased lane traffic once the paving is complete.

MOVED by Councillor Louis
SECONDED by Councillor Louie

THAT this project be approved.

CARRIED
(Councillor Bass opposed)

Project No. 611/024

Vijay Rajan registered support for the project, but did not speak.

MOVED by Councillor Roberts
SECONDED by Councillor Louis

THAT this project be approved.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

Project No. 611/025

Ted Tompkins, Property Manager, representing the owner of the Georgian House apartments, spoke in opposition to the project. He noted speed humps would not address the problem experienced by residents of the adjacent property, which specifically relates to lack of clear site lines for vehicles exiting from said building, and not speeding vehicles. Mr. Tompkins suggested a traffic mirror would address this problem.

In response to questions from Council, Elizabeth Norris provided details of the 43 owners entitled to vote, and advised one of the five affected buildings was strata titled and therefore, according to the City Charter, all owners from that building are entitled to vote, as opposed to one or two owners for the other buildings.

After further discussion, staff recommended this project be withdrawn. Mr. Desrochers advised, if approached by affected building residents, staff will recommend either installation of mirrors or removal of the wall that obstructs the view of motorists exiting the underground parking.

MOVED by Councillor Louis
SECONDED by Councillor Bass

THAT this project be withdrawn.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

Council then considered the Administrative Report dated January 21, 2003.

MOVED by Councillor Bass
SECONDED by Councillor Roberts

THAT the Recommendations of the General Manager of Engineering Services, as contained in the Administrative Report dated January 21, 2003, and quoted below, be approved, taking into account the specific actions taken this day:

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

The Special Council adjourned at 10:20 p.m.

* * * * *

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© 2002 City of Vancouver