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CITY OF VANCOUVER
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
NOVEMBER 4, 2003
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A Regular Meeting of the Council of the City of Vancouver was held on Tuesday, November 4, 2003, at 2:00 p.m., in the Council Chamber, Third Floor, City Hall.
PRESENT:
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Mayor Larry Campbell
Councillor Fred Bass
Councillor Jim Green
Councillor Peter Ladner
Councillor Raymond Louie
Councillor Tim Louis
*Councillor Anne Roberts (Sick Leave)
Councillor Tim Stevenson
Councillor Sam Sullivan
Councillor Ellen Woodsworth
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ABSENT:
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Councillor David Cadman (Leave of Absence - Civic Business)
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CITY MANAGER'S OFFICE:
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Brent MacGregor, Deputy City Manager
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CITY CLERK'S OFFICE:
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Syd Baxter, City Clerk
Tarja Tuominen, Meeting Coordinator
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*Denotes absence for a portion of the meeting
PRAYER
The proceedings in the Council Chamber were opened with a prayer read by the City Clerk.
PROCLAMATION: City Farmer Month - File 1051
The Mayor proclaimed the month of November as City Farmer month.
PRESENTATION: by Ismaili Muslim Youth Choir - File 1051
Council welcomed the Ismaili Muslim Youth Choir, led by Joseph "Pepe" Danza and Nancy Fischer, Founding Members of Sacred World Music Festival, who sang "Rest for a Soul".
"IN CAMERA" MEETING
MOVED by Councillor Green
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):
(b) personal information about an identifiable individual who is being considered for an award or honour, or who has offered to provide a gift to the city on condition of anonymity;
(d) the security of property of the city;
(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;
(h) litigation or potential litigation affecting the city;
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
ADOPTION OF MINUTES
1. Regular Council (Transportation and Traffic) - October 7, 2003
MOVED by Councillor Bass
SECONDED by Councillor Woodsworth
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
2. Regular Council (City Services and Budgets) - October 9, 2003
MOVED by Councillor Louis
SECONDED by Councillor Bass
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
3. Regular Council (Planning and Environment) - October 9, 2003
MOVED by Councillor Roberts
SECONDED by Councillor Bass
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
4. Business License Hearing - October 21, 2003
MOVED by Councillor Sullivan
SECONDED by Councillor Bass
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
5. Regular Council - October 21, 2003
MOVED by Councillor Louis
SECONDED by Councillor Bass
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
MOVED by Councillor Louis
SECONDED by Councillor Louie
THAT this Council resolve itself into Committee of the Whole, Mayor Campbell in the Chair.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
MATTERS ADOPTED ON CONSENT
MOVED by Councillor Green
THAT Council adopt Administrative Reports A1 to A3, A5 to A9, A12 and A13, on consent.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
REPORT REFERENCE
1. Woodward's Redevelopment Update - 101 West Hastings Street: Request for Expressions of Interest (File 8104/2606)
Michael Flanigan, Manager, Real Estate Services, presented a Report Reference on the Woodward's redevelopment project framework, and an update on the outcome of the Expressions of Interest call that was structured to invite participation in the development of the former Woodward's site. Staff sought approval to release the submissions, draft terms and conditions for a more detailed Request for Proposals with a report back to Council in January 2004 with a short-list of developer and non-market housing sponsors.
MOVED by Councillor Green
THAT Council direct the Woodward's Steering Committee to release the submissions the City received pursuant to the Request for Expressions of Interest ("REOI") process, draft the terms and conditions for a more detailed Request for Proposal ("RFP") call, and report back to Council in January, 2004 with a recommended short-list of EOI respondents that should be invited to participate in the RFP.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
1. TransLink 10-Year Transportation Outlook and Three-year Financial Strategy
October 17, 2003 (File 5561)
At the Standing Committee on Transportation and Traffic meeting held the morning of November 4, 2003, Council heard from speakers on the Administrative Report "TransLink 10-Year Transportation Outlook and Three-year Financial Strategy" dated October 17, 2003. Due to time constraints, Council referred discussion and decision to the afternoon Regular Council meeting.
MOVED by Councillor Louie
A. THAT City Council advise TransLink that it generally supports the 10 Year Transportation Outlook and Three-Year Financial Strategy but has a number of comments and requests as itemized below.
TRANSIT
B1. THAT TransLink establish and implement a methodology for assessing unmet demand and for allocating transit services based on serving existing unmet demand first, before expanding transit services to serve new markets and that this allocation include standards for bus frequency and loading.
B2. THAT the Three-Year Financial Strategy be flexible enough to address needs that may be identified in the Vancouver Area Transit Plan, beyond the funding allocation already contemplated for Vancouver.
B3. THAT the City continue to work with TransLink staff to identify and implement those measures which facilitate the efficient movement of bus services within the City, including, at a minimum, dedicated bus lanes during rush hour, traffic signal priority and mass loading of passengers
B4. THAT TransLink be requested to continue and expand its programs which collect and analyze data for improved decision making in the allocation of transit services and in the overall development of the transportation system and that this include the impact of an aging population on transportation demand, as well as the best available estimates for each bus route of revenue, ridership, crowding, being on-time and other significant factors.
B5. THAT a comprehensive review be made of options for expanding the trolley bus system throughout the Lower Mainland where it would be appropriate to do so with appropriate use of articulated vehicles.
B6. THAT Translink commit to earliest possible service delivery dates for new buses purchased under this plan.
B7. THAT Translink restore night transit service in a manner consistent with the principles set out in B1 and B4.
B8. THAT Handidart service be upgraded to provide significant improvements in efficiency and flexibility for riders.
ROADS
C1. THAT Council reiterate its request that TransLink broaden the project criteria eligibility and cost-sharing flexibility of its current capital programs (Major Capital, Minor Capital, Transit Related Road Infrastructure, and Bicycle Infrastructure) to ensure that municipalities can optimize delivery of their regionally significant road, transit, cycling, or pedestrian projects.
C2. THAT TransLink be requested to initiate a more rigorous planning process to validate a priority listing of capital projects and, further, to ensure each project contributes to the development of an efficient overall road network.
C3. THAT TransLink proceed with the Major Capital projects, only after making every effort to obtain senior government cost sharing.
C4. THAT Council advise TransLink that its current policy is to maintain peak road capacity into the City at current levels, with no further significant investment to expand motor vehicle capacity into Vancouver.
C5. THAT Council advise TransLink that it is not prepared to relinquish local control and decision making for the portion of the Major Road Network in Vancouver.
C6. THAT Council advise Translink, in accordance with the Vancouver Transportation Plan objective of opposing increases in traffic into the city, that Council opposes twinning of the Port Mann Bridge or expansion of Highway 1 as proposed by the province.
CYCLING
D1. THAT Council advise TransLink that the funding levels budgeted for cycling are inadequate to meet the cycling needs of the Region and that increased capital budgets are required.
D2. THAT Translink increase its investments for cycling capital and operating expenditures, excluding major projects, to cycling's share of the modal split of all transportation.
RAPID TRANSIT
E1. THAT TransLink be requested to advance to 2004 the timing of the study to develop design options including optimized rapid bus to extend rapid transit to Central Broadway and to UBC, and to include funding to initiate this extension within the 10 Year Outlook.
E2. THAT Council request TransLink work with staff to develop a plan that integrates the downtown streetcar system into the transit network and to jointly seek a senior government funding contribution.
E3. THAT Council call on TransLink to immediately put into service the natural gas buses now in storage to meet existing demand and to rent buses if necessary to meet current service demand.
TRANSPORTATION DEMAND MANAGEMENT
F1. THAT the City support TransLink's efforts to emphasize the development of a Transportation Demand Management (TDM) program that further encourages employer and institutional based incentives (e.g. U Pass), user pay mechanisms (e.g. distance based insurance) and other measures to encourage more sustainable transportation choices; and further that a division of Transportation Demand Management be established at TransLink, including a TDM strategy for TransLink employees that can serve as a model for other employers.
F2 THAT TransLink be requested to develop an equitable regional parking strategy as a key component of a TDM package
F3. THAT TransLink be requested to expand its communication program, which educates and markets more sustainable transportation choices.
F4. THAT TransLink organize a TDM workshop for both regional and municipal participants as soon as possible, to explore additional opportunities for encouraging more sustainable transportation choices.
F5. THAT positive TDM strategies such as car-free days free transit days be implemented.
GOODS MOVEMENT
G1. THAT TransLink, working with the municipalities, continue to explore strategies to improve the flow of goods and services.
G2. THAT TransLink work with the Province and municipalities on the potential shared use by trucks of the regional HOV lanes.
G3 THAT the North Fraser Perimeter Road be a toll road to facilitate the movement of goods.
FUNDING
H1. THAT Vancouver and TransLink continue to press the Federal Government for funding support to address urban transportation problems and, further, that a portion of this funding be allocated directly to the municipalities to address municipal transportation needs.
H2. THAT TransLink be requested to defer any fare increase until 2007 when service improvements are in place.
H3. THAT TransLink be advised the City wishes to retain the zonal fare structure with consideration of reduced fares for shorter trips (e.g. a reduced fare zone Downtown) and with appropriate short-term adjustments to provide incentives to increase ridership, until the overall fare strategy is reviewed.
H4. THAT City Council reject the notion of an increased `ad valorem' tax on pay parking and request TransLink to establish a more equitable regional basis for any parking fees or taxes.
H5. THAT each municipality contribute a share of the tax financing required for the plan based on its share of the regional population.
H6. THAT City Council call on TransLink to seek a regional consensus on a long term funding strategy beyond 2007 that includes a reduction in the reliance on property tax financing.
LAND USE
I1 THAT TransLink work with the GVRD as part of the development of long range transportation and land use plans to encourage municipalities to better integrate their land use plans in tandem with the transportation services being developed and delivered; and further,
I2. THAT mechanisms be explored to ensure greater municipal accountability for locating uses in areas not well served by alternatives to single occupant vehicles.
AIR POLLUTION
J1. THAT a comprehensive review of transportation options for controlling air pollution and greenhouse gases be jointly undertaken by TransLink and GVRD.
Amended
AMENDMENT MOVED by Councillor Ladner
THAT the motion be amended as follows:
· Add the following:
A2 THAT TransLink articulate and promote a few simple goals as a foundation for political support for TransLink's 10-Year Plan.
· Amend B1 as follows:
...allocating transit services based on serving existing unmet demands first, along with farebox return on investments in new routes and ridership, before expanding transit services....
· Amend B3 as follows:
...and mass loading of passengers, with the goal of no further increase in travel times.
· Amend F1 as follows:
....and institutional based incentives (i.e. UPass, and an end to employer-provided free parking), user pay mechanisms,....
· Amend G1 as follows:
...to improve the flow of goods and services with the goal of no further increase in travel times for goods and services movement.
· Amend H6 as follows:
...on property tax financing, and that TransLink investigate property tax levies, if necessary, based on the value of land alone, not including improvements, with a goal of encouraging development and density.
(italics denote amendment)
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
MOTION AS AMENDED
A1. THAT City Council advise TransLink that it generally supports the 10-Year Transportation Outlook and Three-Year Financial Strategy but has a number of comments and requests as itemized below.
A2. THAT TransLink articulate and promote a few simple goals as a foundation for political support for TransLink's 10-Year Plan.
TRANSIT
B1. THAT TransLink establish and implement a methodology for assessing unmet demand and for allocating transit services based on serving existing unmet demand first, along with farebox return on investments in new routes and ridership, before expanding transit services to serve new markets and that this allocation include standards for bus frequency and loading.
B2. THAT the Three-Year Financial Strategy be flexible enough to address needs that may be identified in the Vancouver Area Transit Plan, beyond the funding allocation already contemplated for Vancouver.
B3. THAT the City continue to work with TransLink staff to identify and implement those measures which facilitate the efficient movement of bus services within the City, including, at a minimum, dedicated bus lanes during rush hour, traffic signal priority and mass loading of passengers, with the goal of no further increase in travel times.
B4. THAT TransLink be requested to continue and expand its programs which collect and analyze data for improved decision making in the allocation of transit services and in the overall development of the transportation system and that this include the impact of an aging population on transportation demand, as well as the best available estimates for each bus route of revenue, ridership, crowding, being on-time and other significant factors.
B5. THAT a comprehensive review be made of options for expanding the trolley bus system throughout the Lower Mainland where it would be appropriate to do so with appropriate use of articulated vehicles.
B6. THAT TransLink commit to earliest possible service delivery dates for new buses purchased under this plan.
B7. THAT TransLink restore night transit service in a manner consistent with the principles set out in B1 and B4.
B8. THAT Handidart service be upgraded to provide significant improvements in efficiency and flexibility for riders.
ROADS
C1. THAT Council reiterate its request that TransLink broaden the project criteria eligibility and cost-sharing flexibility of its current capital programs (Major Capital, Minor Capital, Transit Related Road Infrastructure, and Bicycle Infrastructure) to ensure that municipalities can optimize delivery of their regionally significant road, transit, cycling, or pedestrian projects.
C2. THAT TransLink be requested to initiate a more rigorous planning process to validate a priority listing of capital projects and, further, to ensure each project contributes to the development of an efficient overall road network.
C3. THAT TransLink proceed with the Major Capital projects, only after making every effort to obtain senior government cost sharing.
C4. THAT Council advise TransLink that its current policy is to maintain peak road capacity into the City at current levels, with no further significant investment to expand motor vehicle capacity into Vancouver .
C5. THAT Council advise TransLink that it is not prepared to relinquish local control and decision making for the portion of the Major Road Network in Vancouver.
C6. THAT Council advise TransLink, in accordance with the Vancouver Transportation Plan objective of opposing increases in traffic into the city, that Council opposes twinning of the Port Mann Bridge or expansion of Highway 1 as proposed by the province.
CYCLING
D1. THAT Council advise TransLink that the funding levels budgeted for cycling are inadequate to meet the cycling needs of the Region and that increased capital budgets are required.
D2. THAT TransLink increase its investments for cycling capital and operating expenditures, excluding major projects, to cycling's share of the modal split of all transportation.
RAPID TRANSIT
E1. THAT TransLink be requested to advance to 2004 the timing of the study to develop design options including optimized rapid bus to extend rapid transit to Central Broadway and to UBC, and to include funding to initiate this extension within the 10-Year Outlook.
E2. THAT Council request TransLink work with staff to develop a plan that integrates the downtown streetcar system into the transit network and to jointly seek a senior government funding contribution.
E3. THAT Council call on TransLink to immediately put into service the natural gas buses now in storage to meet existing demand and to rent buses if necessary to meet current service demand.
TRANSPORTATION DEMAND MANAGEMENT
F1. THAT the City support TransLink's efforts to emphasize the development of a Transportation Demand Management (TDM) program that further encourages employer and institutional based incentives (e.g. U Pass, and an end to employer-provided free parking), user pay mechanisms (e.g. distance based insurance) and other measures to encourage more sustainable transportation choices; and further that a division of Transportation Demand Management be established at TransLink, including a TDM strategy for TransLink employees that can serve as a model for other employers.
F2 THAT TransLink be requested to develop an equitable regional parking strategy as a key component of a TDM package.
F3. THAT TransLink be requested to expand its communication program, which educates and markets more sustainable transportation choices.
F4. THAT TransLink organize a TDM workshop for both regional and municipal participants as soon as possible, to explore additional opportunities for encouraging more sustainable transportation choices.
F5. THAT positive TDM strategies such as car-free days free transit days be implemented.
GOODS MOVEMENT
G1. THAT TransLink, working with the municipalities, continue to explore strategies to improve the flow of goods and services with the goal of no further increase in travel
times for goods and services movement.
G2. THAT TransLink work with the Province and municipalities on the potential shared use by trucks of the regional HOV lanes.
G3 THAT the North Fraser Perimeter Road be a toll road to facilitate the movement of goods.
FUNDING
H1. THAT Vancouver and TransLink continue to press the Federal Government for funding support to address urban transportation problems and, further, that a portion of this funding be allocated directly to the municipalities to address municipal transportation needs.
H2. THAT TransLink be requested to defer any fare increase until 2007 when service improvements are in place.
H3. THAT TransLink be advised the City wishes to retain the zonal fare structure with consideration of reduced fares for shorter trips (e.g. a reduced fare zone Downtown) and with appropriate short-term adjustments to provide incentives to increase ridership, until the overall fare strategy is reviewed.
H4. THAT City Council reject the notion of an increased `ad valorem' tax on pay parking and request TransLink to establish a more equitable regional basis for any parking fees or taxes.
H5. THAT each municipality contribute a share of the tax financing required for the plan based on its share of the regional population.
H6. THAT City Council call on TransLink to seek a regional consensus on a long term funding strategy beyond 2007 that includes a reduction in the reliance on property tax financing, and that TransLink investigate property tax levies, if necessary, based on the value of land alone, not including improvements, with a goal of encouraging development and density.
LAND USE
I1 THAT TransLink work with the GVRD as part of the development of long range transportation and land use plans to encourage municipalities to better integrate their land use plans in tandem with the transportation services being developed and delivered; and further,
I2. THAT mechanisms be explored to ensure greater municipal accountability for locating uses in areas not well served by alternatives to single occupant vehicles.
AIR POLLUTION
J1. THAT a comprehensive review of transportation options for controlling air pollution and greenhouse gases be jointly undertaken by TransLink and GVRD.
CARRIED
(Councillors Bass, Louis, Roberts and Woodsworth opposed to A1)
(Councillor Ladner opposed to E3)
(Councillor Sullivan opposed to E1 and E3)
COMMUNICATIONS
1. 2003 Federal Pre-Budget Consultation: Child Care in the City of Vancouver (File 4102)
Council received the letter dated September 8, 2003, from Mayor Campbell to the Federal Standing Committee on Finance, for information.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
1. Business License Hearing Panel for November 18, 2003
October 14, 2003 (File 2711-1)
THAT Council delegate the holding of a business license hearing presently scheduled for November 18, 2003 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 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 for the year 2003 business licenses of Nhan Hong Doan dba Café Da Kao at 960 Kingsway and the power to make a Council decision in relation to that hearing be delegated to:
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 Fred Bass.
ADOPTED ON CONSENT
2. Building By-law - Simplification of Regulations Pertaining to Awnings
October 17, 2003 (File 113)
A. THAT Council approve deletion of Sentence 1A.9.7.5.(2) from the Building By-law.
B. THAT Council direct the Director of Legal Services to bring forward necessary change to the Building By-law.
ADOPTED ON CONSENT
3. Proposed Closure and Lease of a Portion of East 44th Avenue, East of Wales Street
October 7, 2003 (File 5753)
A. THAT Council close, stop-up and lease all that portion of the north side of East 44th Avenue, east of Wales Street, the same as shown within the heavy outline on the plan attached as Appendix "B" to the Administrative Report "Proposed Closure and Lease of a Portion of East 44th Avenue, East of Wales Street" dated October 7, 2003, to the owner of the adjacent lands, being proposed Lot 4, Block 1, District Lot 50, Plan BCP ________, subject to the conditions contained in Appendix "C" to the Administrative Report.
B. THAT Council authorize the Director of Legal Services to sign, on behalf of the City, a Reference Plan of survey to be prepared, and to make application in the Land Title Office to raise title to the portion of East 44th Avenue shown within the heavy outline on the plan attached as Appendix "B" to the Administrative Report "Proposed Closure and Lease of a Portion of East 44th Avenue, East of Wales Street" dated October 7, 2003.
C. THAT no legal rights shall arise and no consents, or permissions, are granted hereby and none shall arise or be granted hereafter, unless and until all contemplated legal documentation has been executed, delivered by all parties, and where applicable, registered in the Land Title Office.
D. THAT once the form of all legal documentation and plans has been approved by the General Manager of Engineering Services and the Director of Legal Services, that the Director of Legal Services be authorized to execute and deliver such documentation and plans to the appropriate parties on behalf of the City.
E. THAT the Director of Legal Services in consultation with the General Manager of Engineering Services, be authorized to enter into an Encroachment Agreement, rather than a Lease or substitute one for the other at any time, on the same general terms and conditions, should an Encroachment Agreement be acceptable to an owner of proposed Lot 4.
ADOPTED ON CONSENT
4. Bridge Attachment Agreement with Central Heat Distribution Limited
October 17, 2003 (File 1203)
MOVED by Councillor Louie
A. THAT the General Manager of Engineering Services and Director of Legal Services be authorized to conclude negotiations, and execute and deliver a legal agreement with Central Heat Distribution Limited permitting them to attach their ductwork to portions of the Thurlow and Cordova Viaducts, incorporating the general terms and conditions outlined in the Administrative Report "Bridge Attachment Agreement with Central Heat Distribution Limited" dated October 17, 2003, and such other terms and conditions satisfactory to the General Manager of Engineering Services and Director of Legal Services.
B. THAT no legal rights or obligations will arise or be created by Council's adoption of A unless and until all legal documentation has been executed and delivered by all parties.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
(Councillor Roberts absent for the vote)
5. Approval of Availability of Child Care Spaces Subsidy Grant
October 20, 2003 (File 2402)
A. THAT Council approve 33 Child Care Subsidy Grants totalling $162,316 as listed in Appendix A to the Administrative Report "Approval of Availability of Child Care Spaces Subsidy Grant" dated October 20, 2003, with conditions as noted; source of funds: 2003 Inner City Subsidy grant allocation.
B. THAT Council approve the expenditure of an $800 grant to Westcoast Child Care Resource Centre for the translation of a Parent Permission form into Chinese, Punjabi, Spanish and Vietnamese as part of the grant evaluation; source of funds: 2003 Operating Budget.
C. THAT Council approve the expenditure of $3,300 grant to Collingwood Neighbourhood House to host a financial sustainability workshop for all Inner City Child Care Programs; source of funds: 2003 City-Wide/Administration grant allocation.
D. THAT Council approve the expenditure of $3,300 grant to Kiwassa Neighbourhood House to host a continuous Quality Improvement workshop for all Child Care Enhancement Grant recipients with grant conditions to develop a Quality Improvement plan; source of funds; 2003 Operating Budget.
ADOPTED ON CONSENT AND
BY THE REQUIRED MAJORITY
6. 2003 Arts Partners in Organizational Development Grant Allocation
October 21, 2003 (File 2051)
THAT Council approve an Arts Partners in Organizational Development (Arts POD) grant of $15,000 to the Vancouver Arts Stabilization Team (VAST) for subsequent distribution to seven cultural organizations in the amounts indicated in Table 1 of the Administrative Report "2003 Arts Partners in Organizational Development Grant Allocation" dated October 21, 2003, source of funds to be the Organizational Development component of the 2003 Cultural Grants budget.
ADOPTED ON CONSENT AND
BY THE REQUIRED MAJORITY
7. 2003 Diversity Initiatives Grants: 2nd Deadline
October 17, 2003 (File 2051)
THAT Council approve three Diversity Initiatives grants totalling $22,000, source of funds to be the 2003 Cultural Grants budget:
Gibran Theatre Group $ 4,500
Media Eyes Production Society $10,000
Urban Ink Production Society $ 7,500
ADOPTED ON CONSENT AND
BY THE REQUIRED MAJORITY
8. Single Room Accommodation Permit for 806 Richards Street (Related to DE407615 and a Rezoning for 488 Robson Street
October 27, 2003 (File 4656)
A. THAT City Council approve a Single Room Accommodation Permit for 806 Richards Street (the Plaza Hotel).
B. FURTHER THAT Council approve a payment of $165,000, representing $5,000 per room for the 33 rooms to be demolished, with that amount being deposited into a reserve fund earmarked for the creation of replacement housing.
ADOPTED ON CONSENT
9. Award of Contract No. 2003-12 for the Installation of a Median Barrier on the Cambie Bridge
October 20, 2003 (File 1805)
A. THAT, subject to the conditions set out in C and D below, Council authorize the award of Contract No. 2003-12 for the installation of the median barrier on the Cambie Bridge to the low tenderer, Surespan Construction Ltd., for the total lump sum price of $358,257.40 (including GST).
B. THAT the total budget be established at $430,000 with the source of funding previously approved by Council and available in Streets Capital Order Group CB1EA6C001 and the Translink contribution of 190,000 from the 2002 MRN Minor Capital Program.
C. THAT, subject to the conditions set out in D below, the General Manager of Engineering Services be authorized to execute and deliver the Notice of Award on behalf of the City, and the Director of Legal Service be authorized to execute the Form of Agreement on behalf of the City.
D. THAT no legal rights or obligations will arise or be created by Council's adoption of B and C unless and until the Notice of Award has been (a) approved as to form by the Director of Legal Services and the General Manager of Engineering Services, and (b) executed and delivered by the General Manager of Engineering Services.
ADOPTED ON CONSENT
10. Road Paving Adjacent New National Works Yard
MOVED by Councillor Bass
THAT the construction of National Avenue, Thornton Street and Chess Street, adjacent the City's new National Works Yard, be undertaken with funding of $865,000 provided in an advance of the 2004 Streets Basic Capital Budget. Funding is provided from 2003-2005 borrowing authority approved by plebiscite.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
(Councillor Roberts absent for the vote)
11. 1412 Cartwright Street - Liquor Primary (Concert Hall)
The Administrative Report was withdrawn.
12. Information Technology Infrastructure - 2003 Expansion and Replacement Program
October 21, 2003 (File 1151)
THAT Council approve the 2003 Information Technology Infrastructure Expansion and Replacement Program consisting of the following components:
A. Refresh the City's data storage infrastructure to replace obsolete file servers, accommodate data growth and improve data security, at an estimated cost of $2.15 million with first-year capital costs of $915,000 approved from existing sources; subsequent year capital costs of $1.235 million to be subject to approval of the 2004 Capital Budget; and additional annual maintenance costs to be added to the Operating Budget in 2004 ($25,000) and 2005 ($75,000);
B. Replace obsolete corporate web and database servers, both public and internal, at an estimated capital cost of $100,000 and additional annual maintenance costs of $5,000 to be added to the Operating Budget beginning in 2004;
C. Upgrade the Vancouver Public Library telephone system at a capital cost of $60,000;
with funding to flow through the Information Technology Long Term Financing Plan.
ADOPTED ON CONSENT
13. Authority to Incur Expenditures in London, England - November 17 & 18, 2003
- October 29, 2003 (File 1254)
A. THAT Council authorize payment for Councillor Jim Green to extend a trip to London, England, to meet with London officials on a number of mutually important issues.
B. THAT Council grant a Leave of Absence for Civic Business for Councillor Green for Tuesday, November 18, 2003.
ADOPTED ON CONSENT
RISE FROM COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
MOVED by Councillor Louie
THAT the Committee of the Whole rise and report.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
ADOPT REPORT OF COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
MOVED by Councillor Louie
SECONDED by Councillor Woodsworth
THAT the report of the Committee of the Whole be adopted.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
BY-LAWS
MOVED by Councillor Green
SECONDED by Councillor Louie
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 8 inclusive, and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to sign and seal the enacted by-laws.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
(Councillor Roberts absent for the vote)
1. A By-law to amend Vehicles for Hire By-law No. 6066 re 2004 fee increases and stretch limousines (By-law No. 8736)
2. A By-law to amend License By-law No. 4450 re 2004 fee increases and miscellaneous amendments (By-law No. 8737)
3. A By-law to amend Zoning and Development Fee By-law No. 5585 to correct miscellaneous text references (By-law No. 8738)
4. A By-law to authorize the Boundary Road maintenance agreement between City of Vancouver and City of Burnaby (By-law No. 8739)
5. A By-law to amend Zoning and Development By-law No. 3575 to rezone an area to CD-1 (488 Robson Street) (By-law No. 8740)
(Councillors Green, Stevenson and the Mayor excused from voting on By-law 5)
6. A By-law to amend Downtown District Official Development Plan By-law No. 4912 (Downtown District - 488 Robson Street) (By-law No. 8741)
(Councillors Green, Stevenson and the Mayor excused from voting on By-law 6)
7. A By-law to amend Sign By-law No. 6510 (488 Robson Street) (By-law No. 8742)
(Councillors Green, Stevenson and the Mayor excused from voting on By-law 7)
8. A By-law to amend Parking By-law No. 6059 (loading requirement standards for new developments) (By-law No. 8743)
MOTIONS
A. Administrative Motions
1. Chinatown HA-1 Guidelines for Designated Sites; Chinatown HA-1A Guidelines for Non-Designated Sites; I-2 Institutional, Cultural and Recreational Uses; RS-5/RS-5S Design Guidelines (File 5302)
MOVED by Councillor Stevenson
SECONDED by Councillor Green
THAT the documents entitled:
- CHINATOWN HA-1 GUIDELINES FOR DESIGNATED SITES;
- CHINATOWN HA-1A GUIDELINES FOR NON-DESIGNATED SITES;
- I-2 INSTITUTIONAL, CULTURAL AND RECREATIONAL USES
- RS-5/RS-5S DESIGN GUIDELINES
as amended be adopted by Council for use by applicants and staff for development applications in the appropriate areas.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
(Councillor Roberts absent for the vote)
B. Motions on Notice
1. Reductions and Cutoffs of Income Assistance Benefits (File 1263)
At the Council meeting of October 21, 2003, Councillor Woodsworth submitted the following Notice of Motion for the Council meeting of November 4.
MOVED by Councillor Woodsworth
SECONDED by Councillor Bass
WHEREAS it is the right and responsibility of City of Vancouver to advocate on behalf of its citizens to other levels of government;
AND WHEREAS unprecedented new provincial laws that limit the time people classified as employable can collect Income Assistance to two of every five years and reduce benefits for families with children by $100 per month come into effect on April 1, 2003;
AND WHEREAS the Province has failed to provide accurate numbers on Vancouver citizens who will be impacted, but it is estimated that it could be in the thousands;
AND WHEREAS the people who will be impacted are among the poorest and most vulnerable in our society, and are already struggling to deal with the impacts of cuts to other federal and provincial programs and services;
AND WHEREAS non-profit housing societies, the owners of Single Room Accommodation hotels and other businesses have expressed serious concern about their ability to do business if many of their tenants lose their ability to pay rent or have it reduced as a result of these new laws;
AND WHEREAS time limits effectively download provincial responsibility for people in need onto the City of Vancouver and other municipalities;
AND WHEREAS time limits for Income Assistance conflict with the Charter of Rights and Freedoms assurance to equality and life, liberty and security of the person, and are inconsistent with provincial and federal obligations to fulfill the right to an adequate standard of living, including food, clothing and shelter as provided in the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights to which Canada is a signatory;
AND WHEREAS Vancouver's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate stands at 8.4%;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the City of Vancouver urges the provincial government to rescind the laws imposing Income Assistance time limits and reducing benefits;
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City of Vancouver write to other BC municipalities through the UBCM, the LMMA and the GVRD urging them to call on the Province to rescind the changes to Income Assistance laws.
Referred
POSTPONEMENT MOVED by Councillor Sullivan
SECONDED by Councillor Ladner
THAT consideration of the motion be postponed pending the receipt of further information from the provincial government.
LOST
(Councillors Bass, Green, Ladner, Louie, Louis, Stevenson, Woodsworth and the Mayor opposed)
(Councillor Roberts absent for the vote)
The Chair noted several requests to speak had been received. Council agreed to refer consideration of the motion to the Standing Committee on Planning and Environment meeting of November 6, 2003.
NEW BUSINESS
1. City of Vancouver Relationship with other Levels of Government (File 1257)
MOVED by Councillor Sullivan
SECONDED by Councillor Ladner
WHEREAS Vancouver should be encouraging stronger cooperation and better relationships with our GVRD neighbours and the provincial government;
WHEREAS Vancouver has a record of playing a leadership role regarding issues affecting the GVRD;
WHEREAS Vancouver should work hard to strengthen relationships with all levels of senior government;
WHEREAS choosing a strategy of confrontation with other municipalities and senior levels of government has proven to be ineffective;
WHEREAS despite differences in political perspective, Vancouver has always in past years had a respectful and cooperative relationship with other municipalities and senior levels of government;
WHEREAS the solution to many of Vancouver's social problems involves the participation of other municipalities and senior governments in providing social services;
WHEREAS recent public comments by the Mayor of Vancouver could have damaged Vancouver's relationship with certain other GVRD municipalities and the provincial government;
BE IT RESOLVED THAT Vancouver re-affirm that it wants to work closely with other GVRD partners to help benefit the economic and social fabric of our communities;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT all Vancouver elected officials adopt a more cooperative rather than confrontational approach to working with other municipalities and senior levels of government and senior levels of government;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT council establish a bi-partisan committee of elected officials whose sole purpose is to develop a strategy to repair and enhance relations with other municipalities and senior levels of government;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT Vancouver Council apologizes for any offense taken by residents of the Fraser Valley as a result of remarks made by our Mayor;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT Vancouver Council affirms its respect and appreciation for the City of Langley, the District of Langley, the City of Surrey, the provincial government and the efforts they are making to work with us on common social problems.
LOST
(Councillors Bass, Green, Louie, Louis, Stevenson, Woodsworth and the Mayor opposed)
(Councillor Roberts absent for the vote)
2. Leave of Absence - Mayor Campbell (File 1254))
MOVED by Councillor Louie
SECONDED by Councillor Bass
THAT the Mayor be granted Leave of Absence due to civic business from November 5 to 8, 2003.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
(Councillor Roberts absent for the vote)
3. Leave of Absence - Councillor Woodsworth (File 1254)
MOVED by Councillor Louis
SECONDED by Councillor Bass
THAT Councillor Woodsworth be granted Leave of Absence due to civic business for the morning of November 6, 2003
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
(Councillor Roberts absent for the vote)
ENQUIRIES AND OTHER MATTERS
1. Effect of Development Cost Levies on New Developments (File 1755)
The Mayor requested staff to prepare a report on the effects of the timing of Development Cost Levies on developments and added costs on new developments.
2. Parking Fees in Chinatown, Gastown and Hastings Corridor (File 5654)
Councillor Louie requested staff to provide a memo exploring a trial option to eliminate or lower parking fees after 6:00 p.m. in the Chinatown, Gastown and Hastings Corridor areas to help in the revitalization of the area.
3. Impact of Strategic Projects Streamlining Act (File 111)
Councillor Stevenson requested the City Manager to provide information on the potential impact of the provincial Strategic Projects Streamlining Act on the City's powers under the Charter
The Deputy City Manager agreed to provide the requested information.
4. Delivery of Traffic Fines to Municipalities (File 1756)
Councillor Stevenson reported on the increase in street people in the West End and calls received from West End residents expressing their concern. He noted the delivery of the 75% of money collected by the province from traffic fines to municipalities, as promised by Premier Campbell, would allow additional street and beat policing in the West End.
5. Designated Parking for Co-op Cars (File 5652)
Councillor Green requested staff to provide a memo on the feasibility of providing designated parking spots for automobile co-op vehicles.
6. Campers at Creekside Park (File 4659)
Councillor Ladner requested an update on the situation with the campers and homeless people camped at Creekside Park. The Deputy City Manager provided a brief report on the current status at Creekside Park and the coordination of services provided by City and provincial staff to the campers/homeless people.
7. Amendments to C2 District Schedule (File 5302)
Councillor Sullivan requested staff to provide a memo describing how overhangs and bay windows could be accommodated on buildings in the C2 areas to give a more interesting and varied streetscape.
8. Revenues from Four Corners Bank Building (File 1751)
Councillor Ladner requested a memo from staff providing information on revenues the City is receiving from the Four Corners Bank building site.
The Council adjourned at 5:30 p.m.
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