|
REPORT TO COUNCIL STANDING COMMITTEE OF COUNCIL
MAY 6, 2004 |
A Regular Meeting of the Standing Committee of Council on Planning and Environment was held on Thursday, May 6, 2004, at 2:30 p.m., in Council Chamber, Third Floor, City Hall.
PRESENT: |
Councillor Anne Roberts, Chair
|
ABSENT: |
Councillor Tim Louis (Leave of Absence - Civic Business) |
CITY MANAGER'S OFFICE: |
Judy Rogers, City Manager |
CITY CLERK'S OFFICE: |
Diane Clairmont, Meeting Coordinator |
* Denotes absence for a portion of the meeting.
ADOPTION OF MINUTES
The Minutes of the Standing Committee on Planning and Environment meeting of April 8, 2004, were adopted.
VARY AGENDA
The Committee agreed to vary the order of the agenda to accommodate a request to consider Item 3 prior to Item 2 due to scheduling concerns. For ease of reference, the minutes are recorded in numerical order.
RECOMMENDATION
1. Practicing Democracy (File 1253)
The Committee had before it a report Practicing Democracy - a Legislative Theatre Project, dated April 21, 2004, from Headlines Theatre in which recommendations resulting from shows held in Vancouver which used theatre to make law were detailed. Headlines Theatres, represented by David Diamond, Artistic and Managing Director, Sandra Pronteau, Theresa Myles and James Mickelson, actors, along with Carrie Gallant, Gallant Solutions Inc., reviewed the report and responded to questions relating to sources of funding, how the City can respond, origin and development of the concept, and safety and fire issues (materials submitted - on file).
Peter Sweeney, Manager, Building Inspection Branch, responded to questions relating to fire and safety by-laws.
Sarah Angus spoke in support of the recommendations indicating that communication through the arts is an important aspect of freedom.
MOVED by Councillor Cadman
THAT the Committee recommend to Council
THAT the report Practicing Democracy - A Legislative Theatre Project, dated April 21, 2004, be referred to the City Manager for follow up; and
FURTHER THAT Headlines Theatre be informed when staff reports reflect recommendations from the report Practicing Democracy - A Legislative Theatre Project", dated April 21, 2004; and
FURTHER THAT a separate report be prepared by staff relating specifically to fire and safety issues for SROs city-wide; and
FURTHER THAT a brief accounting of all the recommendations and their status within the City be prepared and submitted to Council; and
FURTHER THAT reports be brought back to Council as they occur and a full accounting be completed within one year.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
MOVED by Councillor Woodsworth
THAT the Committee recommend to Council
THAT the City's strategy regarding homelessness be prepared by the end of June 2004.
lost
In response to questions from Council, Judy Rogers, City Manager, advised that while staff is currently preparing a strategy on homelessness, it would be extremely difficult to complete this before September 2004, due to the complexity of the issues.
MOVED by Councillor Stevenson
THAT the question be put on the pending motion regarding the City's strategy on homelessness.
CARRIED
(Councillors Bass, Roberts, Sullivan and Woodsworth opposed)
The motion on the question having carried, the motion on the City's strategy regarding homelessness was put and LOST with Councillors Bass, Cadman, Green, Ladner, Louie, Roberts, Stevenson, Sullivan and Mayor Campbell opposed.
INFORMATION
2. Vancouver Athletic Commission - 2003-2004 Annual Report (File 3111-1)
The Committee had before it a Report to Council dated April 15, 2004, in which the Vancouver Athletic Commission outlined the Commission's functions and activities for the past two years and current trends in the sports it regulates.
Don McIntyre, VAC representative, reviewed the report and responded to questions relating to succession of the current members of the Commission.
MOVED by Councillor Ladner
THAT the Committee recommend to Council
THAT this report be received for information.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
(Councillor Louie not present for the vote)
RECOMMENDATION
3. 3003 West 51st Avenue -Warning to Prospective Purchasers (File 2701)
The Committee had before it an Administrative Report dated April 6, 2004, in which the City Building Inspector recommended Council direct a 336D Notice be filed against the title to one strata lot at 3003 West 51st Avenue to warn prospective purchasers of by-law violations. The General Manager of Community Services recommended approval.
Peter Sweeney, Manager, Building Inspection Branch, reviewed the report.
MOVED by Councillor Louie
THAT the Committee recommend to Council
A. THAT the City Clerk be directed to file a 336D Notice against the title to one strata lot at 3003 West 51st Avenue (Strata lot 1, District Lot 194, Strata Plan LMS670) in order to warn prospective purchasers that there are contraventions of the Zoning and Development and Vancouver Building By-laws related to this building.
B. THAT the Director of Legal Services is hereby authorized, in her discretion, to commence a legal action or proceeding in relation to the premises located at 3003 West 51st Avenue (strata lot 1) and may, in her discretion, seek injunctive relief in that action or proceeding, in order to bring this building into compliance with City By-laws.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
4. Liquor Retail Policy and Guidelines (File 2610)
The Committee had before it a Policy Report dated March 19, 2004, in which the Director of City Plans in consultation with the Chief License Inspector, the Director of Development Services, the Director of Social Planning and Director of Current Planning, sought Council approval on policy and guidelines relating to the processing of Liquor Stores under the Zoning and Development By-law. The General Manager of Community Services recommended approval of either Recommendations A or B, and C.
Heike Roth, Planner, reviewed the report.
The following spoke in favour of Recommendation B (Option 2) of the recommendations:
John Kettlewell, Elephant Walk Pub
John Teti, Barwatch
Carlos Brito, Oscar's Pub
Kevin Kleparchuk, Cedar Cottage Neighbourhood Pub
Danette Kynoch, Blue Horizon Hotel
John McNally, Silvertone Pub
Tannis Roop, Avanti's Pub
Gary Reilly, Sunset Grill
Dave Crown, ABLE BC
Speakers' comments included:
· 71 eligible small business operators have democratic right of due process to apply for beer and wine store licenses;
· operators receive many requests to sell variety of liquor and request opportunity to apply;
· beer stores should be able to sell wine and liquor if, historically, the establishment has not had problems;
· supported Option 2 as it limits the number of liquor stores that would be opened;
· does not support privatization of liquor stores - will lead to big box stores;
· 150m limit will lead to problems;
· new retail liquor stores in private sector should be limited to 2,000 sq. ft.;
· economically difficult for an operator to survive selling only one type of liquor;
· staff did not consult the association that oversees liquor industry;
· most operators can co-exist in harmony with governments stores, but not with niche market establishments;
· most licensees already sell beer & wine off-sales;
· of 71 applicants eligible to apply for a development permit, very few have because Province has stayed in retail business, making it hard to compete;
· even with more retail outlets and expansion of licenses to restaurants, actual sales volume for liquor has not increased.
The following spoke in favour of Recommendation A (Option 1) of the recommendations:
David Knowles, BCGEU
Sherry Dance, BCGEU
Speakers' comments included:
· Council urged to support all citizens, not just a specific group whose only interest is making money;
· government stores ensure liquor is distributed in safe and responsible manner;
· current moratorium states there will be no expansion of private liquor stores;
· private establishments are already selling liquor and making profits; the City is well served;
· BCGEU is not opposing the opening of more liquor stores.
Dennis Coates, Mair Jensen Blair, expressed concerns with both Recommendations A and B (Options 1 and 2). Comments included:
· there are not 71 applicants who would apply as the Province has imposed deadlines which will reduce the number of potential applications;
· sales of beer and wine together would be a very positive step;
· City needs to take a more consultative role with stakeholders;
· 150m is not enough separation;
· if private liquor store is to be a smaller convenience model, 2,000 sq. ft. limit is recommended;
· west end of Gastown should be excluded from the moratorium area;
· a committee should be established to study issues and what the Liquor Distribution Branch is going to do.
Ms. Roth, along with Paul Teichroeb, Chief License Inspector, Trish French, Senior Planner, Bill Boons, Co-Manager, Processing Centre, and Guy Gusdal, License Coordinator, responded to questions relating to the following:
· policies developed in New Westminster and how they relate to Vancouver's proposed policy;
· policies relating to beer only and wine only stores;
· impact of policy changes on potential number and location of stores;
· impact on applications currently in process;
· zoning approvals and development permits;
· enforcement;
· impact on neighbourhoods;
· provincial regulations;
· application process and assessment of individual applicants.
MOVED by Mayor Campbell
THAT the Committee recommend to Council
THAT the Policy Report Liquor Retail Policy and Guidelines dated March 19, 2004, be postponed to a future meeting of Standing Committee of Planning and Environment to provide an opportunity for staff to prepare a memo back to Council clarifying various issues including the following:
· consideration of the inclusion of beer and wine sales;
· the 150 metre spacing limit;
· the process to choose liquor stores in shopping areas;
· industry consultation;
· store size limits;
· per capita consumption of liquor; and
FURTHER THAT staff review establishments that are currently in violation of current policies.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
(Councillor Woodsworth not present for the vote)
5. Hours of Liquor Service Review: Festival Dates, Temporary Extensions Outside the Downtown Area and Update (File 2610)
The Committee had before it a Policy Report dated April 21, 2004, in which the Chief License Inspector provided information on initiatives underway to mitigate issues related to the later hours of liquor service and recommended Council approve extended hours of liquor service for Liquor Primary licensed establishments under specific criteria.
Guy Gusdal, License Coordinator, reviewed the report and along with Paul Teichroeb, Chief License Inspector, responded to questions relating to the hours of establishments outside the downtown core, the grace period allowing customers to remain in the establishment after liquor cut-off time and policing costs.
The following spoke in support of the recommendations:
John Teti, Barwatch
Blaine Culling, Granville Entertainment Ltd.
Speakers' comments included:
· expressed gratitude to staff and Council for making Vancouver a late-night city, a mutually beneficial arrangement;
· public consultation was well done;
· Barwatch supports rollback to 3 a.m., even though late night hours have been disproportionately blamed for crime;
· Barwatch is working to increase safety;
· if the purpose of the rollback is to limit migration from other municipalities; then migration within Vancouver would be mitigated by allowing all bars to have same rules;
· Council urged to request a report back regarding 3 a.m. closing 7 days/week and 4 a.m. on special occasions;
· policing costs would not be a factor.
Inspector Harrison, Vancouver Police Department, responded to questions relating to closing hours, the impact on police staffing and related problems in the downtown core.
MOVED by Councillor Stevenson
THAT the Committee recommend to Council
A. THAT Council revise the Interim Hours of Service Policy to generally limit the hours of liquor service in the downtown area to 3 am.
B. THAT Council instruct the Chief License Inspector to consider applications for extended hours of liquor service until 3 am on weekday City festival nights for Liquor Primary establishments in the downtown area for major festivals such as:
i. Vancouver International Jazz Festival, June 25 to July 4;
ii. Molson Indy, July 22 to July 25;
iii. Vancouver Pride Festival, July 22 to August 1; and
C. THAT Council not support later hours of liquor service at this time for Liquor Primary establishments in areas not currently included under the Interim Hours of Service policy until a full review is complete.
D. THAT Council, through the Mayor, send a letter to the Solicitor General and the Ministry of Public Safety, requesting that the Liquor Control and Licensing Branch(LCLB) policy be revised to permit on-going and unlimited temporary amendments to liquor licenses or to provide the City or the LCLB with the ability to rescind permanent amendments in an expedient manner.
E. THAT the Chief License Inspector consider extending the hours of liquor service to 4:00 a.m. weekends (Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights) for the following events:
i. Vancouver International Jazz Festival, June 25, to July 4, 2004; and
ii. Vancouver Pride Festival, July 22 to August 1, 2004.
carried
AMENDMENT MOVED by Councillor Sullivan
THAT the motion be changed to substitute 2:00 a.m. for 3:00 a.m. wherever it appears.
LOST
(Councillors Bass, Cadman, Green, Ladner, Louie, Roberts, Stevenson and Mayor Campbell opposed)
(Councillor Woodsworth not present for the vote)
The amendment having lost, the main motion was put and CARRIED with Councillor Sullivan opposed.
The Committee adjourned at 6:25 p.m
* * * * *
|
CITY OF VANCOUVER REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
MAY 6, 2004 |
A Regular Meeting of the Council of the City of Vancouver was held on Thursday, May 6, 2004, at 6:25 p.m., in Council Chamber, Third Floor, City Hall, following the Standing Committee on Planning and Environment meeting, to consider the recommendations and actions of the Committee.
PRESENT: |
Mayor Larry Campbell
|
ABSENT: |
Councillor Tim Louis (Leave of Absence)
|
CITY MANAGER'S OFFICE: |
Judy Rogers, City Manager |
CITY CLERK'S OFFICE: |
Diane Clairmont, Meeting Coordinator |
* Denotes absence for a portion of the meeting.
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
MOVED by Councillor Roberts
SECONDED by Councillor Louie
THAT this Council resolve itself into Committee of the Whole, Mayor Campbell in the Chair.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Report of Standing Committee on Planning and Environment
May 6, 2004
Council considered the report containing the recommendations and actions taken by the Standing Committee on Planning and Environment. Its items of business included:
1. "Practicing Democracy" - A Legislative Theatre Project
2. Vancouver Athletic Commission - 2003-2004 Annual Report
3. 3003 West 51st Avenue - Warning to Prospective Purchasers
4. Liquor Retail Policy and Guidelines
5. Hours of Liquor Service Review: Festival Dates, Temporary Extensions Outside the Downtown Area and Update
MOVED by Councillor Roberts
THAT the recommendations and actions taken by the Standing Committee on Planning and Environment at its meeting of May 6, 2004, as contained in Items 1 - 5, be approved.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
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 Louie
THAT the report of the Committee of the Whole be adopted.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
NEW BUSINES
1. Leave of Absence - Councillor Stevenson (File 1254)
MOVED by Councillor Cadman
SECONDED by Councillor Louie
THAT Councillor Stevenson be granted Leave of Absence for the meetings of Standing Committee on Planning and Environment and Public Hearing on May 20, 2004
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
(Councillor Roberts not present for the vote)
ENQUIRIES AND OTHER MATTERS
1. Vancouver's Sponsorship Program (File 2151)
Councillor Sullivan submitted a letter dated May 6, 2004 relating to the issue of grant applications and the conduct of Councillors raised at Standing Committee on City Services and Budgets meeting earlier this day. Councillor Louie submitted a letter dated May 6, 2004 in response (letters on file).
The Council adjourned at 6:35 p.m.
* * * * *