|
CITY OF VANCOUVER REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES DECEMBER 9, 2003 |
A Regular Meeting of the Council of the City of Vancouver was held on Tuesday, December 9, 2003, at 2:00 p.m., in the Council Chamber, Third Floor, City Hall.
PRESENT: |
Mayor Larry Campbell
|
CITY MANAGER'S OFFICE: |
Judy Rogers, City Manager |
CITY CLERK'S OFFICE: |
Syd Baxter, City Clerk
|
PRAYER
The proceedings in the Council Chamber were opened with a prayer read by the City Clerk.
"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):
(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;
(i) the receiving of advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege, including communications necessary for that purpose.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
ITEMS ARISING FROM THE "IN CAMERA" MEETING OF DECEMBER 2, 2003
Council appointed Judy Rogers, City Manager, as the City of Vancouver's representative to participate in the meetings of the Board of Directors of RAV Project Management Ltd. ("RAVCO") in a non-voting capacity.
ADOPTION OF MINUTES
1. Business License Hearing - November 18, 2003
MOVED by Councillor Louie
SECONDED by Councillor Cadman
THAT the foregoing Minutes be approved.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
2. Regular Council (City Services and Budgets) - November 20, 2003
MOVED by Councillor Louis
SECONDED by Councillor Cadman
THAT the foregoing Minutes be approved.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
3. Regular Council (Planning and Environment) - November 20, 2003
MOVED by Councillor Roberts
SECONDED by Councillor Cadman
THAT the foregoing Minutes be approved.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
4. Special Council (Public Hearing) - November 20, 2003
MOVED by Councillor Louie
SECONDED by Councillor Cadman
THAT the foregoing Minutes be approved.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
5. Regular Council - December 2, 2003
MOVED by Councillor Roberts
SECONDED by Councillor Cadman
THAT the foregoing Minutes be approved.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
MOVED by Councillor Cadman
SECONDED by Councillor Woodsworth
THAT this Council resolve itself into Committee of the Whole, Mayor Campbell in the Chair.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
MATTERS ADOPTED ON CONSENT
MOVED by Councillor Cadman
THAT Council adopt Administrative Reports A1 to A3, A6, and Policy Reports P1 to P5, on consent.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
REPORT REFERENCE
1. Action Plan for Creating a Just and Sustainable Food System for the City of Vancouver (File 3001-1)
Jacquie Forbes-Roberts, General Manager of Community Services, introduced a Report Reference on an action plan for creating a just and sustainable food system for the City of Vancouver. She provided a background to the creation of the City of Vancouver's Food Policy Task Force, which developed the action plan contained in the Policy Report "Action Plan for Creating a Just and Sustainable Food System for the City of Vancouver" dated November 20, 2003. Ms. Forbes-Roberts also advised Council has received a number of requests to speak on the report. The speakers will be heard at the Standing Committee on City Services and Budgets meeting on December 11, 2003.
Wendy Mendes, Social Planner, described the proposed Action Plan, and presented highlights of the three components of the plan: the creation of a Vancouver Food Policy Council; an interim Work plan; and an implementation support system.
Ms. Forbes-Roberts, Jeff Brooks, Director - Social Planning, Mario Lee, Social Planner, and Herb Barbolet, Flood and Agriculture Consultant, responded to questions. Council thanked staff for the presentation.
2. Social Indicators Publication (File 4101)
Michelle Vernooy, Social Planning Analyst, and Mario Lee, Social Planner, presented a Report Reference on a social indicators publication as measured by the 2001 census. They briefly described some of social indicators in the City of Vancouver, many of which are presented in a graphic form in a document attached to the Administrative Report "Social Indicators Publication" dated November 24, 2003 and answered questions.
The Mayor thanked staff for the presentation.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
1. Award of Tender PS03028 - Supply and Delivery of Ductile Iron Cement Lined Waterworks Fittings
November 20, 2003 (File 1805)
A. THAT subject to the conditions set out in B, C, and D, Council authorize the General Manager of Engineering Services and the Manager of Materials Management to award to the low bid meeting specifications from Mueller Flow Control for the Supply and Delivery of Ductile Iron Cement Lined Waterworks Fittings for a three (3) year period from the date of purchase order, with the option to extend for two (2) additional twelve (12) month periods at an estimated cost of $915,124.26, plus Provincial Sales tax and the Goods and Services Tax (less any municipal rebate received) and the Provincial Environmental Levy, subject to a contract satisfactory to the Director of Legal Services.
B. THAT the Director of Legal Services be authorized to execute and deliver on behalf of the City all legal documents required to implement A.
C. THAT all such legal documents be on terms and conditions satisfactory to the General Manager of Engineering Services, Manager of Materials Management and the Director of Legal Services.
D. THAT no legal rights or obligations will be created by Council's adoption of A, B and C above unless and until such legal documents are executed and delivered by the Director of Legal Services.
E. THAT funding for the purchase described in A be provided from various Engineering Services Operating and Capital Budgets.
ADOPTED ON CONSENT
2. Sale of a Vacant City-owned Lot - 2505 South East Marine Drive
November 17, 2003 (File 5102)
THAT Council accept the Offer to Purchase the City-owned property at 2505 South East Marine Drive, legally described as PID: 024-945-226, Lot X, Block 72, Group 1, Fraserview, Plan LMP48782, from Greco Development Ltd. and DaSilva Investments Ltd. in the amount of $295,000.00 under the terms and conditions contained in the City's "Tender Form-Offer to Purchase," addendums and the Administrative report "Sale of a Vacant City-owned Lot - 2505 South East Marine Drive" dated November 17, 2003. Proceeds of the sale are to be credited to the Property Endowment Fund.
ADOPTED ON CONSENT
3. Renewal of Sub Lease, Legal Services Society, #300 - 1140 West Pender Street
November 21, 2003 (File 5104)
THAT City Council approve renewal of a sublease for a term of 5 years commencing June 15, 2003 on the site and improvements located at #300-1140 West Pender Street, to the Legal Services Society, at a nominal rent of $1.00 (one dollar) per annum plus the proportionate share of operating expenses, the sublease to be renewable for two further five year terms under the terms generally described in the Administrative report "Renewal of Sub Lease, Legal Services Society, #300 - 1140 West Pender Street" dated November 21, 2003 and on terms satisfactory to the Director of Legal Services in consultation with the Directors of Social Planning and Real Estate Services, it being noted that no rights or obligations hereby arise or take effect until the sublease indenture has been executed by both the City and the Society.
ADOPTED ON CONSENT AND
BY THE REQUIRED MAJORITY
4. Local Improvements by Initiative - February 11, 2004 - First and Second Step Report
November 18, 2003 (File 5802)
MOVED by Councillor Louie
A. THAT the projects listed in Appendix 1 of the Administrative Report "Local Improvements by Initiative - February 11, 2004 - First and Second Step Report" be advanced as Local Improvements on the Initiative and brought before a Court of Revision on February 11, 2004.
B. THAT the reports of the City Engineer and Director of Finance be adopted together with details of the Second Step Report as summarized in Appendix II of the Administrative Report, and Council declare it is desirable that the projects set out in Appendix I of the report be undertaken and deems that each will specially benefit the real property abutting it. Source of funds for the total City's share of $1,155,111 is $106,816 from existing Engineering Department Basic Capital Accounts and $1,048,295 in advance of the 2004 Streets Basic Capital Budget.
C. THAT pavement and curb projects Number 3, 4 and 7 as described in Appendix I of the Administrative Report, be designated as a thoroughfare for the purposes of Part 1 of the Local Improvements Procedure By-law, so that abutting residential property owners' rates are reduced by the required 25%.
D. THAT sidewalk project Number 30 as described in Appendix I of the Administrative Report, be designated as "pedestrian collector routes" so that the abutting residential property owners' rates are reduced by the required 25%.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY AND
BY THE REQUIRED MAJORITY
5. 2004 Assessment Averaging Program: Notification to Assessment Commissioner
November 26, 2003 (File 1551)
MOVED by Councillor Green
A. THAT, pursuant to legislative requirements in the Assessment Act, the City Clerk be instructed to notify the Assessment Commissioner before January 1, 2004 that the City is considering three-year land averaging and/or land phasing as property tax calculation options for 2004.
It should be noted that this notice of intent is revocable should Council, at a later date, decide not to proceed with either of these taxation options.
B. THAT the Director of Finance be instructed to report back in February 2004 on the projected taxation impacts of three-year land averaging, based on the assessment values provided by the BC Assessment Authority in the 2004 Completed Roll.
C. THAT the Area Assessor for Vancouver be invited to address Council on the assessment trends reflected in the 2004 Completed Roll.
CARRIED
(Councillors Cadman, Louis, Roberts and Woodsworth opposed)
6. 398 Richards Street - The Vancouver Drink Cabaret Ltd. - Amendment to Liquor Primary License - Change in Hours of Operation
November 25, 2003 (File 2611)
THAT Council, having considered that the majority of area residents and business operators did not oppose the application as determined by on-site sign, the proximity of residential developments, noise impacts and relevant city policy as outlined in the Administrative report "398 Richards Street - The Vancouver Drink Cabaret Ltd. - Amendment to Liquor Primary License - Change in Hours of Operation" dated November 25, 2003, endorse the request by The Vancouver Drink Cabaret Ltd., for a change in hours of operation from 7:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. Monday to Saturday and 7:00 p.m. to 12:00 midnight Sunday to 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. Monday to Saturday and 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 midnight Sunday at the Drink Nite Club, 398 Richards Street, subject to:
i. Adherence to clean air practices.
ii. The signing of a Good Neighbour Agreement with the City.
ADOPTED ON CONSENT
7. Award of Contract for the Supply of Firefighter Turnout Gear - Proposal No. PS03005
November 18, 2003 (File 1805)
The Chair advised a request to speak has been received. The report will be considered at the Standing Committee on City Services and Budgets meeting on January 15, 2004.
8. Approval of matching funds for Vancouver's Cultural Capitals of Canada celebrations
November 28, 2003 (File 4201)
MOVED by Councillor Sullivan
A. THAT Council approve implementation of the Vancouver Arts Awards component of the Cultural Capitals of Canada program, budgeted to cost $530,000 with revenues from earned income, sponsorships, media partnerships, Federal and City matching funds.
B. THAT Council approve allocation of up to $218,000 to the Society to Bridge Arts and Community to produce the Vancouver Arts Awards; source of funds to be $51,000 from the "Opportunities" provision within the 2003 Operating budget for this event; further, an advance of $167,000, also from the "Opportunities" provision, to be reimbursed in early 2004 from the $500,000 in Federal matching funds approved from the Cultural Capitals of Canada program.
C. THAT the City enter into an agreement with Greater Vancouver Society to Bridge Arts and Community for the provision of services to produce the Vancouver Arts Awards in accordance with terms set out in the Administrative Report "Approval of matching funds for Vancouver's Cultural Capitals of Canada Celebrations" dated November 28, 2003 and otherwise to the satisfaction of the Director of Legal Services and the Director of the Office of Cultural Affairs, it being understood that no legal relations are created hereby and none shall arise until the agreement is executed by the Director of Legal Services on behalf of the City.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
POLICY REPORTS
1. CD-1 Text Amendment - 6450 Clarendon Street
November 20, 2003 (File 5303)
THAT the application by Lloyd Plishka Architect to amend CD-1 By-law No. 3914 for 6450 Clarendon Street (Lot A & B, Block 3, NW ¼ of DL 336, Group 1 NWD, Plan 10861), to permit seniors congregate housing on the entire site, with minor increases in density and height, be referred to a Public Hearing, together with:
(i) plans received August 21, 2003;
(ii) draft CD-1 By-law provisions, generally as contained in Appendix A to the Policy Report "CD-1 Text Amendment - 6450 Clarendon Street" dated November 20, 2003; and
(iii) the recommendation of the Director of Current Planning to approve, subject to conditions contained in Appendix B to the Policy Report.
FURTHER THAT the Director of Legal Services be instructed to prepare the necessary CD-1 amending by-law generally in accordance with Appendix A to the Policy Report for consideration at the Public Hearing.
ADOPTED ON CONSENT
2. Vancouver Community College: King Edward Campus
November 24, 2003 (File 5302)
A. THAT Council endorse a public planning program for Vancouver Community College - King Edward Campus, outlined in Appendix A to the Policy Report "Vancouver Community College: King Edward Campus" dated November 20, 2003, to achieve a Council approved Policy Statement to guide the assessment of a rezoning application providing for future college expansion.
B. THAT staff resources contained in Appendix B of the Policy Report and associated cost recovered budget of $182,800 contained in Appendix C of the report be approved to complete the policy planning for Vancouver Community College - King Edward Campus; and
FURTHER THAT, consistent with City cost recovery policy, Council accept a contribution from the Vancouver Community College to fully cover these costs.
AND FURTHER THAT these contributions will be applied to rezoning fees.
C. THAT, consistent with Community Amenity Contribution Policy, a contribution of at least the flat rate be negotiated in kind or cash as part of the policy planning for Vancouver Community College - King Edward Campus.
ADOPTED ON CONSENT
3. Text Amendment: C-2 District Schedule - Minor Correction
November 25, 2003 (File 5302)
THAT the Director of Current Planning be instructed to make application to amend the C-2 District Schedule for a minor correction, generally as presented in Appendix A to the Policy Report "Text Amendment: C-2 District Schedule - Minor Correction" dated November 25, 2003, and that the application be referred to a Public Hearing;
FURTHER THAT the Director of Legal Services be instructed to prepare the necessary amending by-law, generally in accordance with Appendix A to the report, for consideration at the Public Hearing.
ADOPTED ON CONSENT
4. CD-1 Text Amendment - 325 West 59th Avenue
November 25, 2003 (File 5304)
THAT the application by Dale Staples, Integra Architects, to amend CD-1 By-law No. 7522 for 325 West 59th Avenue (Lot B, Block 1006, Plan 9413, DL 526, Group 1, NWD), to permit a 43 unit market townhouse development, be referred to a Public Hearing, together with:
(i) plans received October 17, and November 13, 2003;
(ii) draft CD-1 By-law provisions, generally as presented in Appendix A to the Policy Report "CD-1 Text Amendment - 325 West 59th Avenue" dated November 25, 2003; and
(iii) the recommendation of the Director of Current Planning to approve, subject to conditions contained in Appendix B to the Policy Report.
FURTHER THAT the Director of Legal Services be instructed to prepare the necessary CD-1 amending by-law, generally in accordance with Appendix A of the Policy report, for consideration at Public Hearing.
ADOPTED ON CONSENT
5. Text Amendment to CD-1 #402, By-Law 8131
November 24, 2003 (File 5304)
THAT the Director of Current Planning be instructed to make application to amend CD-1 (402) By-law No. 8131 for 655 Great Northern Way to revise Parking and Loading requirements to be compatible with the high tech and light industrial uses as allowed in the Use section of the By-law, and that the application be referred to a Public Hearing together with:
(i) draft CD-1 By-law amendments, generally as contained in Appendix A to the Policy Report "Text Amendment to CD-1 #402, By-Law 8131" dated November 24, 2003;
FURTHER THAT the Director of Legal Services be instructed to prepare the necessary amendments to CD-1 By-law No. 8131, generally in accordance with Appendix A to the Policy Report, for consideration at Public Hearing.
ADOPTED ON CONSENT
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 Ladner
THAT the report of the Committee of the Whole be adopted.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
BY-LAWS
MOVED by Councillor Cadman
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 11 inclusive, and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to sign and seal the enacted by-laws.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
1. A By-law to amend Zoning and Development By-law No. 3575 (re miscellaneous text amendments) (By-law No. 8758)
2. A By-law to amend By-law Nos. 6180, 6320, and 8587 which amended Zoning and Development By-law No. 3575 by rezoning certain areas to CD-1 (By-law No. 8759)
3. A By-law to amend miscellaneous CD-1 By-laws (re miscellaneous text and residential storage amendments) (By-law 8760)
(Councillors Bass, Green and Sullivan excused from voting)
4. A By-law to amend Zoning and Development By-law No. 3575 (re miscellaneous text and residential storage amendments) (By-law 8761)
(Councillors Bass, Green and Sullivan excused from voting)
5. A By-law to amend Downtown District Official Development Plan By-law No. 4912, Downtown-Eastside/Oppenheimer District Official Development Plan By-law No. 5532, and Southeast Granville Slopes Official Development Plan By-law No. 5752 (By-law 8762)
(Councillors Bass, Green and Sullivan excused from voting)
6. A By-law to amend Solid Waste and Recycling By-law No. 8417 to regulate certain 2004 utility fees and miscellaneous amendments (By-law 8763)
7. A By-law to amend Water Works By-law No. 4848 (2004 Fees and miscellaneous amendments) (By-law 8764)
8. A By-law to authorize the borrowing of certain sums of money from January 8, 2004 to January 7, 2005 pending the collection of real property taxes (By-law No. 8765)
9. A By-law to amend By-law No. 8093, being the Sewer and Watercourse By-law (Establishment of 2004 Sewer Use and Connection Rates) (By-law No. 8766)
10. A By-law to amend License By-law No. 4450 re 2004 marina operator fee increases
(By-law No. 8767)
11. A By-law to amend Impounding By-law No. 3519 (2004 Charges re Towing Service Contract) (By-law 8768)
MOTIONS
A. Administrative Motions
1. Close a Portion of the South Side of 6th Avenue, west of Ash Street (File 5753)
MOVED by Councillor Green
SECONDED by Councillor Stevenson
THAT WHEREAS:
1. The City of Vancouver is the owner of all the streets and lanes lying within the limits of the City of Vancouver;
2. There is a proposal to redevelop the privately-owned lands being Lot 7, except the South 10 feet and North 7 feet now Highways, Lots 8 and 9 and Lot 10, except the South 10 feet now lane, all of Block 299, District Lot 526, Plan 590;
3. The proposal requires the closure of a portion of the south side of 6th Avenue, west of Ash Street;
4. The North 7 feet of Lot 7, Block 299, District Lot 526, Plan 590 was established as road by DF42278 on July 9, 1946;
5. The said portion of established road is no longer required for municipal purposes;
6. The said portion of road will be conveyed to the owner of said Remainder of Lot 7, Lots 8 and 9, and Remainder of Lot 10 and subdivided with the abutting lands to the satisfaction of the Approving Officer, dedicating as lane the portions of Lots 8 and 9 required for municipal purposes.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the North 7 feet of Lot 7, Block 299, District Lot 526, Plan 590 established as road by DF42278 be closed, stopped up and conveyed to the abutting owner;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the said North 7 feet of Lot 7 be consolidated with the abutting Lot 7, except the South 10 feet and North 7 feet now Highways, Lots 8 and 9 and Lot 10, except the South 10 feet now lane, all of Block 299, District Lot 526, Plan 590 to the satisfaction of the Approving Officer, dedicating as lane the portions of Lots 8 and 9 required for municipal purposes.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
2. Closing a Portion of the Lane South of 6th Avenue, East of Cambie Street, and a Portion of the South Side of 6th Avenue, East of Cambie Street (File 5753)
MOVED by Councillor Woodsworth
SECONDED by Councillor Bass
THAT WHEREAS:
1. The City of Vancouver is the owner of all the streets and lanes lying within the limits of the City of Vancouver;
2. There is a proposal to redevelop certain lands within Block 17, District Lot 302;
3. The proposal requires the closure of a portion of the lane south of 6th Avenue, east of Cambie Street;
4. The said lane was dedicated by the deposit of Plan 5832 on August 3rd, 1927;
5. Only a portion of the lane south of 6th Avenue, east of Cambie Street is required for lane purposes;
6. The City is the owner of:
a) The West 10 feet of the North ½ of Lot 1, Block 17, District Lot 302, Plan 5832;
b) The North 7 feet, except the West 10 feet, of the North ½ of Lot 1, Block 17, District Lot 302, Plan 5832; and
c) The North 7 feet of the North ½ of Lot 2, Block 17, District Lot 302, Plan 5832;
each established as road by document filed 42424;
d) That Part of Lot 9 in Reference Plan 9380, Block 17, District Lot 302, Plan 5832, established as road by document filed 553939L; and
e) That Part of Lot D in Explanatory Plan 18244, Block 17, District Lot 302, Plan 19777, established as road by document filed P97424;
(the above known as the "City Road Parcels".)
7. Only a portion of the City Road Parcels are still required for road purposes;
8. The City requires the dedication of a new lane outlet to 6th Avenue and miscellaneous dedications for road purposes from the private lands within Block 17, District Lot 302, adjacent to 6th Avenue, Cambie Street and 7th Avenue.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT:
All that portion of the lane, south of 6th Avenue, east of Cambie Street dedicated by the deposit of Plan 5832 the same as shown within the heavy outline on a Reference Plan completed on the 10th day of October 2003, attested to by J.J. Ward, B.C.L.S. and marginally numbered File: 2112 06709-03; and
a) The West 10 feet of the North ½ of Lot 1, Block 17, District Lot 302, Plan 5832;
b) The North 7 feet, except the West 10 feet, of the North ½ of Lot 1, Block 17, District Lot 302, Plan 5832;
c) The North 7 feet of the North ½ of Lot 2, Block 17, District Lot 302, Plan 5832;
each established as road by document filed 42424;
d) That Part of Lot 9 in Reference Plan 9380, Block 17, District Lot 302, Plan 5832, established as road by document filed 553939L; and
e) That Part of Lot D in Explanatory Plan 18244, Block 17, District Lot 302, Plan 19777, established as road by document filed P97424,
be closed, stopped-up and conveyed to the abutting owners; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the said portions of road and lane so closed be subdivided with the abutting:
(a) Lot A (see 505145L) of Lots 1 and 2, Block 17, District Lot 302, Plan 5832;
(b) Lot B (see 505145L) of Lots 1 and 2, District Lot 302, Plan 5832;
(c) Lot A of Lots 3 and 4, Block 17, District Lot 302, Plan 5832;
(d) Lot B of Lots 3 and 4, Block 17, District Lot 302, Plan 5832;
e) Lot C of Lots 3 and 4, Block 17, District Lot 302, Plan 5832;
f) Lot 5, Block 17, District Lot 302, Plan 5832;
g) Lot 6, Block 17, District Lot 302, Plan 5832; and
h) Lot D, except part in Explanatory Plan 18244, Block 17, District Lot 302, Plan 19777;
dedicating back to the City the portions of closed road and lane still required for municipal purposes; all to the satisfaction of the Director of Legal Services and the Approving Officer.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
B. Motions on Notice
1. Women's Work Task Force (File 3001-1)
The following motion was submitted by Councillor Woodsworth for consideration at the Regular Council meeting on December 2, 2003. Subsequently, she requested consideration of the Motion be postponed to the December 9 Regular Council Meeting. Council agreed to the request.
MOVED by Councillor Woodsworth
SECONDED by Councillor Roberts
WHEREAS the City of Vancouver is committed to ensuring equality and quality of life for all its citizens;
AND WHEREAS despite the fact the City has made advances in the promotion of policies and programs that strive to accomplish equality;
AND WHEREAS it is important for the City to ensure policies and practices that are equitable and bring about the development and advancement of those residents, including women, traditionally marginalized or excluded from the benefits enjoyed by most residents;
AND WHEREAS local government, as an integral part of the national structure of governance, is the level of government closest to the citizens and therefore in the best position both to involve women in the making of decisions concerning their living conditions, and to make use of their knowledge and capabilities in the promotion of sustainable development;
AND WHEREAS the City, as a member of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, has endorsed the International Union of Local Authorities (IULA) World Wide Declaration on Women and Local Government (Appendix A) which promotes equal representation at all levels and in all fields of decision-making, covering the wide range of responsibilities of local governments;
AND WHEREAS on April 22, 2003 Vancouver City Council endorsed the BC Committee for the Elimination of the Discrimination of Women (CEDAW) Report (Appendix B) which encourages all levels of government in Canada to take all appropriate measures, in all fields, to ensure the full development and advancement of women;
AND WHEREAS the City has documented the growing crisis in the lives of women and their families in Vancouver as a result of changes and cuts to provincial policies and programs (Appendix C);
AND WHEREAS the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women expressed concern "about a number of recent changes in British Columbia which have a disproportionately negative impact on women, in particular Aboriginal women";
AND WHEREAS the City has already seen a significant increase in the number of applications and representations from women's organizations seeking financial and other types of assistance in order to fulfill their mandate to support and promote the well-being of women in the city;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the City of Vancouver establish the "Women's Work" Taskforce to report directly to Council on:
1) ways in which the City of Vancouver can better assist women impacted by recent provincial cuts to programs, services and legislation protections as documents in the city's Social Planning Department report and the CEDAW motion;
2) a review of the principles, operating procedures and funding that exist to ensure that women's equality concerns are reflected appropriately throughout the City's work plan; and
3) what initiatives can be taken by municipalities, acting together and with the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, to improve the situation of women, their representation and access to needed services and programs;
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Task Force membership include Councillors Roberts and Woodsworth, one Park Board Commissioner and one School Board Trustee; staff of the City of Vancouver from among Social Planning, Planning, Engineering and the Equal Employment Office; community representatives from local women's groups and organizations serving women's needs; and academic experts; and be Co-chaired by Councillor Woodsworth and Councillor Roberts with the General Manager of Community Services and Director of the Equal Employment Office as staff liaisons.
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Task Force report back in three months with a work plan, time line and proposed resources for implementation.
CARRIED
(Councillors Ladner and Sullivan opposed)
NEW BUSINESS
1. Committee Memberships (File 1259)
MOVED by Councillor Sullivan
SECONDED by Councillor
WHEREAS the membership of internal and external City committees are recommended by the Mayor but decided on by the Council;
WHEREAS this system of appointment results in an effective balance between the Mayor and Council;
WHEREAS there are additional appointments that could benefit from this model;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Mayor be requested to submit his recommendations to the Council for its ratification for any external committee having a significant impact on the City.
Notice
Councillor Green called Notice under Section 5.4(c) of the Procedure By-law. The Motion will be placed on the agenda of the Regular Council meeting to be held December 11, 2003 immediately following the Standing Committee on Planning and Environment meeting.
2. Federal Government Caucus Meeting - Invitation (File 1257)
MOVED by Councillor Sullivan
SECONDED by Councillor
WHEREAS Vancouver is the third largest metropolitan region in Canada and the largest city west of Toronto;
AND WHEREAS Vancouver is the gateway to the Asia Pacific;
AND WHEREAS Canada's newest Prime Minister has indicated that he would like to give Western Canada a greater voice in Ottawa;
AND WHEREAS it is important for the federal cabinet and caucus to better understand the diversity and uniqueness of our west coast;
AND WHEREAS Canada's cities are looking to strike a new deal with the Federal Government to help develop the necessary infrastructure to make our economy prosper into the next century;
AND WHEREAS Vancouver has some of Canada's best facilities to host the Federal Government caucus;
AND WHEREAS Translink is preparing to undertake a new 10 year transportation plan that will require the partnership of the federal government;
AND WHEREAS Vancouver has an interest to build better relations with our provincial and federal governments;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Mayor, on behalf of City Council write a letter of invitation to Canada's newest Prime Minister to request that the new cabinet and government caucus hold a caucus meeting in Vancouver prior to the next federal election.
Notice
Councillor Green called Notice under Section 5.4(c) of the Procedure By-law. The Motion will be placed on the agenda of the Regular Council meeting to be held December 11, 2003 immediately following the Standing Committee on Planning and Environment meeting.
3. Leave of Absence - Councillor Stevenson (File 1254)
MOVED by Councillor Green
SECONDED by Councillor Woodsworth
THAT Councillor Stevenson be granted Leave of Absence due to civic business for Thursday, January 29, 2004.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
The Council adjourned at 5:05 p.m.
* * * * *
