These Minutes will be adopted at the Regular Council Meeting on September 14, 2004.
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REPORT TO COUNCIL STANDING COMMITTEE OF COUNCIL
JULY 22, 2004 |
A Regular Meeting of the Standing Committee of Council on City Services and Budgets was held on Thursday, July 22, 2004, at 9:30 a.m., in Council Chamber, Third Floor, City Hall.
PRESENT: |
Councillor Tim Louis, Chair
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CITY MANAGER'S OFFICE: |
Judy Rogers, City Manager |
CITY CLERK'S OFFICE: |
Tina Hildebrandt, Meeting Coordinator |
* Denotes absence for a portion of the meeting.
ADOPTION OF MINUTES
The Minutes of the Standing Committee on City Services and Budgets meeting of June 24, 2004, were adopted.
RECOMMENDATION
1. Emergency Grant Request - WISH Drop-in Centre (File 2151)
The Committee had before it an Administrative Report dated June 23, 2004, in which the Director of Social Planning sought Council's approval of an emergency grant of $10,000 to WISH Drop-in Centre. This funding, in combination with a total of $30,000 from other funding sources, will enable WISH to have safe staffing levels for a 4-hour/day, 6-day/week operation, prevent the loss of WISH's office space and help stabilize the organization as it moves forward with future plans. The City Manager advised that given the demand currently being placed on Contingency Reserve, this request was being submitted for consideration.
Ann McAfee, Director - City Plans, reviewed the report and, together with Judy Rogers, City Manager, and Jeff Brooks, Director - Social Planning, responded to questions related to the funding request.
MOVED by Mayor Campbell
THAT the Committee recommend to Council
THAT Council approve an emergency grant of $10,000 to WISH Drop-in Centre Society; the source of funds to be 2004 Contingency Reserve, and that this amount be added to the Community Services Grants budget.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
(Councillors Bass and Roberts absent for the vote.)
2. Year 2004 Zoning, Building and Trade Permit Fees (File 1758)
The Committee had before it an Administrative Report dated July 5, 2004, in which the Director of Development Services in consultation with the Director of Support Services, Chief Building Official, Director of Current Planning, Director of Finance and Director of Legal Services sought Council's approval for an inflation adjustment of 2.5% in zoning, subdivision, sign, tree removal, building and trade permit fees based on a "flat fee", and miscellaneous fees, to reflect increased costs due to inflation in the year 2004. Some long-established fees for various administrative services were also proposed to be incorporated into a by-law. The General Manager of Community Services recommended approval.
Rick Scobie, Director - Development Services, advised of a minor correction to the text of one of the fee schedules as follows (italics denote correction):
Private Property Tree By-law - #7347
Bylaw is amended by replacing section 12B with the paragraph below
12B. A non-refundable application fee of $46 will be charged for a tree permit
to remove one tree, and where more than one tree is to be removed by permit within a 12 month period, the fee shall be $46 for the first tree and $76 for each subsequent tree.
Peter Simpson, CEO, Greater Vancouver Home Builders' Association, spoke in favour of the report, noting it's fair and reasonable.
MOVED by Mayor Campbell
THAT the Committee recommend to Council
A. THAT Council approve an across-the-board 2.5% increase (as reflected in the fee schedules, as revised at the Standing Committee on City Services and Budgets meeting on July 22, 2004, attached to the Administrative Report dated July 5, 2004, entitled "Year 2004 Zoning, Building and Trade Permit Fees") in all zoning, subdivision, sign, tree removal, "flat fee" building and trade permit fees, and miscellaneous fees, to compensate for inflationary increases in the City's costs, to be effective September 14, 2004.
B. THAT the Director of Development Services and the Chief Building Official advise the development and building community of these changes.
C. THAT various administrative fees for legality research requests, producing permit/document copies, and file research - environmental requests, be incorporated into the Miscellaneous Fees (Planning) By-law No. 5664 and the title amended to delete "(Planning)", as outlined in the fee schedule attached to the Administrative Report dated July 5, 2004, entitled "Year 2004 Zoning, Building and Trade Permit Fees".
D. THAT miscellaneous amendments to delete references to repealed zoning district schedules and correct references to specific officials, consistent with previous revisions to other by-laws, also be incorporated in the various fee schedules, as revised at the Standing Committee on City Services and Budgets meeting on July 22, 2004, attached to the Administrative Report dated July 5, 2004, entitled "Year 2004 Zoning, Building and Trade Permit Fees".
E. THAT the Director of Legal Services bring forward for enactment the necessary by-law amendments to By-law No.'s 5585, 5208, 8057, 5563, 6553, 3507, 6510, 7347 and 5644, generally in accordance with the fee schedules, as revised at the Standing Committee on City Services and Budgets meeting on July 22, 2004, attached to the Administrative Report dated July 5, 2004, entitled "Year 2004 Zoning, Building and Trade Permit Fees".
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
(Councillors Bass and Roberts absent for the vote.)
3. Leaf Blower Regulation - Prohibtion in the West End (File 3755)
The Committee had before it a Policy Report dated June 21, 2004, in which the Director of Health Protection - Vancouver Coastal Health Authority in consultation with the General Manager of Parks and Recreation sought clarification from Council on the boundaries delineating the area of the West End where leaf blowers will be prohibited, in preparation for adoption of the enacting by-law, and put forward two options for Council's consideration. The City Manager submitted for Council's consideration the choice between Recommendation A and B, noting that there are additional operational costs to the Park Board if Council wishes to maintain current park maintenance standards. The costs are substantially higher if A is adopted. The City Manager also noted that the Director of Legal Services prepared two versions of the enacting by-law for Council's consideration later that day.
Nick Losito, Director of Health Protection - Vancouver Coastal Health Authority, explained the rationale for staff's recommended options.
The following spoke in opposition to the by-law prohibiting leaf blowers and offered suggestions Council could consider in managing leaf blower noise:
Jane Stock, BC Landscape Nursery Association (Blower Taskforce Recommendations on file)
Linda Pasacreda, BC Apartment Owners and Manager's Association (CHOA brief on file)
Tony Cox, STIHL Ltd.
Bill Crowley, ECHO Power Equipment (Canada)
Betty Cunnin, Foxglove
A summary of speakers' comments follows:
· delay this decision and give staff the opportunity to assess the recommendations put forward by the blower taskforce;
· banning leaf blowers is not the solution - there are more practical approaches to managing yard maintenance;
· refer this challenge to a joint stakeholder planning committee comprised of staff, industry representatives, manufacturers and other stakeholders - we deserve a chance to provide instructive input;
· consider the process the industry has put forward today in working towards sound and emission reductions;
· re-examine the motion passed to ban leaf blowers in the West End, specifically, allow provisions for when blower use is required and in the Fall.
Roy Silverson, Right to Quiet Society, spoke in favour of banning leaf blowers and described the leaf blower as a debris distribution device which moves grass clippings, paper, trash, sand, animal excrement and other debris from the host property elsewhere.
Mr. Losito, together with Judy Rogers, City Manager, responded to questions related to the blower taskforce's recommendations, enforcement and budgetary implications.
MOVED by Councillor Stevenson
THAT the Committee recommend to Council
A. THAT the area of the West End, where the use of leaf blowers is prohibited, will generally conform with the area outlined in black on the map attached as Schedule F (Option 2) to the Policy Report dated June 21, 2004, entitled "Leaf Blower Regulation - Prohibition in the West End", thereby conforming more closely to the City definition of West End (stopping at the mid-line of Georgia Street, from the centre line of Burrard Street to Stanley Park, on the North) and excluding the property south of Beach Avenue.
B. THAT the Park Board annual operating budget be increased by $39,000, with the 2004 amount being pro-rated from the effective date of the bylaw.
postponed
POSTPONEMENT MOVED by Councillor Bass
THAT the Committee recommend to Council
THAT Council postpone consideration of the Policy Report dated June 21, 2004, entitled "Leaf Blower Regulation - Prohibition in the West End" to allow staff to consult with the industry on a strategy to address issues related to leaf blowers and report back in September 2004.
CARRIED
(Councillor Louis opposed)
4. Water Shortage Response Plan (File 3201)
At the Regular Council meeting on July 20, 2004, the Chair advised a request to speak on this matter had been received and Council agreed to refer consideration to a Standing Committee meeting on July 22, 2004, in order to hear from the speaker.
Accordingly, the Committee had before it an Administrative Report dated June 29, 2004, in which the General Manager of Engineering Services sought Council's approval of the revised GVRD Water Shortage Response Plan. A By-law to enforce the Plan was also brought forward for approval.
Susan Clift, Waterworks Engineer, provided a brief overview of the report and, together with Dave Rudberg, General Manager of Engineering Services, responded to questions concerning water consumption and the use of grey water. In response to a question, Ms. Clift agreed to provide a Memorandum containing a breakdown of water consumption throughout the city.
Beverley Ballantyne asked Council to change the summer use by-law because the current sprinkling times are far too generous and the restrictions do not include car washing, road and driveway washing, grass and leaf raking, or the watering of flowers and shrubs. She added that water is being used excessively and unnecessarily.
Ms. Clift responded to questions related to concerns raised by the foregoing speaker.
MOVED by Councillor Bass
THAT the Committee recommend to Council
A. THAT Council endorse the Water Shortage Response Plan attached to the Administrative Report dated June 29, 2004, entitled "Water Shortage Response Plan".
B. THAT the Director of Legal Services be instructed to bring forward a new Water Shortage Response Plan By-Law for approval and to repeal the existing Water Rationing By-Law #7109.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
The Committee adjourned at 11:37 a.m.
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CITY OF VANCOUVER REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
JULY 22, 2004 |
A Regular Meeting of the Council of the City of Vancouver was held on Thursday, July 22, 2004, at 11:37 a.m., in Council Chamber, Third Floor, City Hall, following the Standing Committee on City Services and Budgets meeting, to consider the recommendations and actions of the Committee.
PRESENT: |
Mayor Larry Campbell
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CITY MANAGER'S OFFICE: |
Judy Rogers, City Manager |
CITY CLERK'S OFFICE: |
Tina Hildebrandt, Meeting Coordinator |
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
MOVED by Councillor Woodsworth
SECONDED by Councillor Cadman
THAT this Council resolve itself into Committee of the Whole, Mayor Campbell in the Chair.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
1. Business License Hearing Panels for September 15, 2004, September 16, 2004 and September 28, 2004 (File 2711-1)
MOVED by Councillor Louis
THAT Council delegate the holding of three business license hearings presently scheduled for September 15, 2004, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., September 16, 2004, from 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. and September 28, 2004, 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 hearings pursuant to Section 275 of the Vancouver Charter regarding referrals to Council by the Chief License Inspector for the year 2004 business licenses and the power to make a Council decision in relation to those hearings be delegated to:
September 15, 2004:
Councillor Anne Roberts, Chair
Councillor Fred Bass
Councillor Sam Sullivan
September 16, 2004:
Councillor Tim Louis, Chair
Councillor Raymond Louie
Councillor Anne Roberts
September 28, 2004:
Councillor Jim Green, Chair
Councillor Fred Bass
Councillor David Cadman
Councillor Peter Ladner, Alternate
AND FURTHER THAT Council refer appointment of alternates for the business license hearings scheduled on September 15, 2004, and September 16, 2004, to the Standing Committee on Planning and Environment meeting to be held July 22, 2004.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
2. Authority to travel to the Barcelona, Spain 2004 Security Forum Conference and the World Urban Forum Conference (File 1254)
MOVED by Councillor Stevenson
A. THAT Council authorize Councillor Jim Green to travel to Barcelona for the Barcelona 2004 Security Forum Conference - September 7 - 11, 2004, without cost to the City.
B. THAT Council authorize a delegation representing the City of Vancouver, consisting of Councillors Peter Ladner - Head of Delegation, Jim Green, David Cadman and Ellen Woodsworth to attend the World Urban Forum Conference in Barcelona, Spain - September 12 - 19, 2004.
C. THAT Council authorize expenses to be paid for Councillors Green ($2,375) and Ladner ($4,236) to be evenly divided between the Councillor's Travel Budget and the Mayor's Budgeted Fund; and that Councillors Cadman and Woodsworth's attendance be at no cost to the City.
D. THAT Council grant a Leave of Absence for City Business for Councillor Jim Green (September 7 - 19, 2004) and Councillors Peter Ladner, David Cadman and Ellen Woodsworth (September 12 - 19, 2004).
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
Councillor Sullivan asked for a Memorandum from the City Clerk on the principles involved with travel expenses.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Report of Standing Committee on City Services and Budgets
July 22, 2004
Council considered the report containing the recommendations and actions taken by the Standing Committee on City Services and Budgets. Its items of business included:
1. Emergency Grant Request - WISH Drop-in Centre
2. Year 2004 Zoning, Building and Trade Permit Fees
3. Leaf Blower Regulation - Prohibtion in the West End
4. Water Shortage Response Plan
Clause 1
MOVED by Councillor Stevenson
THAT the recommendations and actions taken by the Standing Committee on City Services and Budgets at its meeting of July 22, 2004, as contained in Item 1, be approved.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY AND
BY THE REQUIRED MAJORITY
Clause 2 - 4
MOVED by Councillor Stevenson
THAT the recommendations and actions taken by the Standing Committee on City Services and Budgets at its meeting of July 22, 2004, as contained in Items 2 - 4, be approved.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
RISE FROM COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
MOVED by Councillor Ladner
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 Woodsworth
THAT the report of the Committee of the Whole be adopted.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
BY-LAWS
MOVED by Councillor Sullivan
SECONDED by Councillor Roberts
THAT Council enact the by-laws listed on the agenda for this meeting as numbers 2 and 3 inclusive, and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to sign and seal the enacted by-laws.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
1. Noise Control By-law No. 6555 - Prohibition of leaf blowers from the West End - POSTPONED
2. Water Shortage Response By-law (By-law No. 8912)
3. A By-law to amend By-law No. 3914 which amended Zoning and Development By-law No. 3575 by rezoning an area to CD-1 (6450 Clarendon Street) (By-law No. 8911)
MOTIONS
A. Administrative Motions
1. Approval of Form of Development CD-1 - 2001 Cassiar Street (File 2604)
MOVED by Councillor Sullivan
SECONDED by Councillor Bass
THAT Council approve in general the form of development for the CD-1 zoned site known as 2001 Cassiar Street as illustrated in Development Application No. DE408125 prepared by The Hulbert Group, and stamped "Received, City of Vancouver Planning Department, April 5, 2004", provided that the Director of Planning may approve design changes which would not adversely affect either the development character and livability of this site or adjacent properties.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
B. Motions on Notice
1. Implementation of Front-line Transit Operators Advisory Committee (File 3051)
This item was postponed to the Standing Committee on Planning and Environment meeting to be held July 22, 2004.
2. Keep the Child Care Promise (File 2402)
MOVED by Councillor Roberts
SECONDED by Councillor Woodsworth
Whereas Prime Minister Paul Martin promised in the federal election campaign to implement a national child care strategy based on the Foundations program that is to enshrine four key principles in legislation -- Quality, Universality, Accessibility and Developmental Programming;
Whereas the prime minister promised to spend $5 billion more over the next five years to create 250,000 new high-quality, government-regulated child care spaces at an affordable cost to parents;
Whereas New Democratic Party leader Jack Layton promised in the federal election campaign to spend $5.25 billion over the next four years and to work with the provinces and territories to create an additional 200,000 high-quality, publicly funded, affordable child cares spaces;
Whereas the B.C. government cut $27.6 million from last year's child care budget, reduced last year's child care subsidies budget by $23 million, and used federal funding in previous years to replace -- not supplement -- its child care spending;
Whereas the City of Vancouver is experiencing a crisis in child care caused by the provincial cutbacks with families most in need unable to afford child care and child care centres at risk of closing because of reduce enrolments;
Whereas, the City of Vancouver has for the past two years provided subsidies to protect 600 child care spaces for those families most in need even though child care funding is a provincial and federal responsibility;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the City of Vancouver call on Prime Minister Paul Martin and NDP leader Jack Layton to keep their child care promises and to immediately pass the Foundations legislation and to begin increased child care funding within the 2004-2005 budget;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the City of Vancouver urge Mr. Martin and Mr. Layton to ensure that the provinces and the territories use federal child care dollars to supplement, not replace, provincial and territorial spending on child care;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT this motion be sent to the municipalities of the GVRD as well as the Federation of Canadian Municipalities urging them to adopt similar motions in support of quality, regulated and affordable child care for all our children; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the City of Vancouver urge all residents to contact their federal representative and the leaders of the Liberal Party and the NDP urging them to Keep the Child Care Promise.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
NEW BUSINESS
1. Leave of Absence - Councillor Cadman (File 1254)
MOVED by Councillor Roberts
SECONDED by Councillor Woodsworth
THAT Councillor Cadman be granted Leave of Absence from the Public Hearing to be held July 22, 2004.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
The Council adjourned at 11:59 a.m.
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