CITY OF VANCOUVER

SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES

NOVEMBER 18, 2004

A Special Meeting of the Council of the City of Vancouver was held on Thursday, November 18, 2004, at 7:30 p.m., in the Council Chamber, Third Floor, City Hall.

PRESENT:

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

   

ABSENT:

Mayor Larry Campbell (Leave of Absence)
Councillor Jim Green (Leave of Absence - Civic Business)
Councillor Tim Stevenson (Leave of Absence - Civic Business)

   

CITY CLERK'S OFFICE:

Denise Salmon, Meeting Coordinator

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

MOVED by Councillor Cadman
SECONDED by Councillor Sullivan

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

COURT OF REVISION

LOCAL IMPROVEMENTS

Projects by Petition: Court No. 616
November 18, 2004

Pavement & Curbs, Trees & Bulges - Local Residential

Lane Pavement, Local Residential

Speed Humps

Lane Lighting

Projects by Initiative: Court No. 617
November 18, 2004

Speed Humps

Pedestrian Collector Sidewalks

Before Council were reports from the Collector of Taxes dated November 18, 2004, with respect to Local Improvement Courts of Revision Numbers 616 and 617. Also before Council was a Late Report for Court 617/011, 015, 025, 030, 060 (amended Objection Count) dated November 18, 2004.

COURT NO. 616 - PROJECTS BY PETITION

The Collector of Taxes certified that the projects in the report dated November 18, 2004, have been requested by the majority of the assessed owners by means of a sufficient signed petition.

COURT NO. 617 - PROJECTS BY INITIAITIVE

In the report from the Collector of Taxes dated November 18, 2004, it was noted Item Numbers 18, 21, 24, 30, 31, 34, 35, 40, 41, 45, 46, 48, 50, 52, 57, 59, 63, 64, 65, 66 were objected to by at least more than one half (1/2) the owners of the properties who represent at least more than one half (1/2) the total value of all the properties on the project.

In the late report dated November 18, 2004, the Collector of Taxes also noted additional objections received after due date on Projects (011), (015), (025), (030), and (060).

MOVED by Councillor Roberts
SECONDED by Councillor Louie

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

RISE FROM COURT OF REVISION

MOVED by Councillor Louie
SECONDED by Councillor Cadman

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

COUNCIL

ADOPT REPORT OF COURT OF REVISION

MOVED by Councillor Cadman
SECONDED by Councillor Bass

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

Administrative Report
Local Improvements Subsequent Procedure - November 18, 2004
October 27, 2004

Prior to considering the recommendation in the Administrative Report dated October 27, 2004, David Desrochers, Streets Design Engineer, with the assistance of additional staff, showed slides of the various projects. The following delegations were heard and actions taken as follows:

COURT NO. 616 - PROJECTS BY PETITION

Project No. 616/005

Clemens Schmid and Garry Gruenke spoke in opposition to the project, and expressed concerns with project cost and safety of children and animals due to speeding vehicles. Mr. Gruenke noted during construction it would be difficult, in his wheelchair, to access his home.

Franky Lam, on behalf of his parents, spoke in support of the project.

MOVED by Councillor Sullivan
SECONDED by Councillor Cadman

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

Project No. 616/006

Jennifer Moss and Rachel Eaves spoke against the project, and expressed concern with its cost and also safety of children due to speeding vehicles. Due to the proximity to the PNE and a number of other public facilities, many vehicles cut through the area's lanes in search of parking. If lane pavement is approved, Ms. Eaves requested installation of speed humps.

Paul Shaflik spoke in support of the project, which would increase safety for seniors who walk in the lane, due to even pavement. Mr. Shaflik also requested speed humps, which are preferred by the majority of residents, be installed at City cost.

In response to questions from Council regarding installation of speed humps, Elizabeth Norris, Local Improvements Clerk, Peter Judd, Assistant City Engineer, Streets, and David Desrochers, Streets Design Engineer, advised residents could be balloted and if the majority are in favour, this could proceed through the initiative process.

MOVED by Councillor Cadman
SECONDED by Councillor Roberts

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

Project No. 616/007

Stuart Hunter spoke against the project, and noted on behalf of himself and owners of the heritage house, this property is most impacted. Mr. Hunter expressed concerns with cost, loss of green space, additional traffic and drainage issues. He requested the project be delayed until it can be considered for a country lane project.

Timothy Corkan spoke in support of the project, and noted lane paving would decrease dirt and dust on adjacent property and also increase property values.

In response to questions from Council, Peter Judd, Assistant City Engineer, Streets, advised the residents could be reballoted as to their preference for a country lane. The existing petition would remain valid and would not have to come back to Council if residents were not in favour of the country lane option. If the country lane option received sufficient signatures during reballot, it would be required to come back before the next Court of Revision for approval.

MOVED by Councillor Bass
SECONDED by Councillor Roberts

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

Project No. 616/009

Richard Georg spoke against the project, and noted residents already have the perfect country lane, which is safe and slows traffic. Paving is unnecessary and detrimental and will bring increased traffic and pollution.

MOVED by Councillor Cadman
SECONDED by Councillor Louie

CARRIED
(Councillor Bass opposed)

Project No. 616/013

Colleen Shah spoke against full paving of the lane, and noted insufficient details had been provided in regard to options for partial paving, including the country lane.

MOVED by Councillor Louie
SECONDED by Councillor Woodsworth

CARRIED
(Councillor Bass opposed)

COURT NO. 617 - PROJECTS BY INITIATIVE

Project No. 617/008

Patrick Place spoke in support of the project and noted speed humps would address problems related to vehicles shortcutting to access Robson.

MOVED by Councillor Roberts
SECONDED by Councillor Cadman

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

Project No. 617/015

Leonard Halbertsma spoke in opposition to the project and advised his suite would be most impacted, as his bedroom is adjacent the lane.

Elizabeth Norris, Local Improvement Clerk, advised 24 objections were received after the due date, increasing the assessed value of those objecting to more than the required amount. Staff recommended the project not proceed.

MOVED by Councillor Woodsworth
SECONDED by Councillor Cadman

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

- - - - -

Peter Judd, Assistant City Engineer, Streets, noted a number of the Projects by Initiative had been objected to by at least more than one half the owners of the properties who represent at least more than one half the total value of all the properties on the project. He recommended these projects proceed on special grounds, which requires an affirmative vote of 2/3 (8) members of Council. This initiative responds to Council's top two priorities for transportation improvements -- pedestrians and transit. Mr. Judd spoke briefly to the benefits of concrete versus gravel and the need to proceed to finish the missing links in the sidewalk network.

Paul Tubbe, Chair of the City's Advisory Committee on Disability Issues, also spoke to the need to complete the sidewalk network, and in response to questions from Council, provided detailed information on his experiences with concrete as opposed to gravel walkways.

David Desrochers, Streets Design Engineer, provided additional information related to the STEPS Project study and with the aid of overhead presentation, introduced the projects recommended on special grounds. At Council's request, staff agreed to further research safety issues related to concrete versus gravel sidewalks for report back.

- - - - -

Project No. 617/018

Ron Pousette spoke in opposition to the project and noted he had also done so 8 years earlier. Mr. Pousette advised all neighbours he contacted were opposed to the project, which makes no sense from a safety point of view. He advised this sidewalk does not complete the link, but rather is the only portion of the link to date.

John Jang, Local Improvements, advised of the intent to complete the connection to Marine Drive for next year and Peter Judd, Assistant City Engineer, Streets, referenced timing for completion of nearby sidewalks, which run alongside CP Rail property.

MOVED by Councillor Roberts
SECONDED by Councillor Woodsworth

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY AND
BY THE REQUIRED MAJORITY

Project No. 617/021

Mi Ling Ma, Richard Tam and Heath Manering spoke in opposition to the project, which they described as a waste of money, and an intrusion on an already beautiful street.

MOVED by Councillor Roberts
SECONDED by Councillor Woodsworth

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY AND
BY THE REQUIRED MAJORITY

Project No. 617/024

Elwin Anderson, Ursula Thun, Phillip, on behalf of his grandparent -Kwei C. Tai, Louis Huang, and Wendy Simpson spoke in opposition to the project. They noted the lack of nearby private and public facilities such as schools, libraries, and hospitals to warrant the cost of a sidewalk, and further noted the money would be better spent on upgrades to existing sidewalks. The increased risk of burglary was also noted, as the sidewalk would provide easier access to their properties. Note was also made of the potential loss and/or damage to nearby trees, and increased noise due to construction, only a short time after completion of other nearby construction.

Bill Stephen, Urban Forestry Technician, Park Board, advised the sidewalk would be constructed to avoid removal of existing trees.

MOVED by Councillor Woodsworth
SECONDED by Councillor Ladner

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY AND
BY THE REQUIRED MAJORITY

Project No. 617/030

Cheryl Mixon (on behalf of 43 strata units) and John McLean (material filed) spoke in opposition to the project, and voiced concerns related to the safety of those who would use the sidewalk, especially young people on skateboards or in-line skaters. The pollution and noise from along the truck route was also noted as dangerous and unhealthy, especially for those in wheelchairs. Both delegations agreed the money could be better spent elsewhere.

MOVED by Councillor Woodsworth
SECONDED by Councillor Roberts

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY AND
BY THE REQUIRED MAJORITY

Project No. 617/031

Betty Ho spoke in opposition to the project, and noted the majority of pedestrians walk on the other side of the street, near the hospital. Ms. Ho also noted potential future impacts of the RAV line on the sidewalk, and suggested the money would be better used elsewhere.

MOVED by Councillor Louie
SECONDED by Councillor Ladner

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY AND
BY THE REQUIRED MAJORITY

Project No. 617/034

Shirleen Chandra and Teressa Euley spoke in support of the project, and noted the importance of the sidewalk to address accessibility issues and safety issues related to the speed of vehicles. The benefit to parents dropping off their children at the Moscrop School bus stops was also noted.

MOVED by Councillor Bass
SECONDED by Councillor Ladner

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY AND
BY THE REQUIRED MAJORITY

Project No. 617/038

Antonio Potesta spoke in opposition to the project and noted few people walk on this sidewalk, which is safe compact gravel. Mr. Potesta also expressed concern with the increase in his property taxes.

Elizabeth Norris, Local Improvements Clerk, provided Mr. Potesta with information regarding the City's property tax deferral program.

MOVED by Councillor Woodsworth
SECONDED by Councillor Cadman

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

Project No. 617/041

Irma Matheson (material filed) spoke in opposition to the project and noted due to vehicular speed and large trucks, it is not safe for pedestrians to walk along this section of SE Marine Drive. Ms. Matheson emphasized that children and seniors may not have the agility to avoid cars jumping the curb.

MOVED by Councillor Bass
SECONDED by Councillor Louie

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY AND
BY THE REQUIRED MAJORITY

Project No. 617/045

Joe Boskovich spoke in opposition to the project and noted there are no nearby schools or bus stops in the area, and pedestrians choose to walk down on the seawall rather than in front of his home. Mr. Boskovich questioned the importance of closing this portion of the sidewalk network loop, and highlighted his concern with the potential loss of both his privacy and a giant Sequoia tree.

MOVED by Councillor Bass
SECONDED by Councillor Louie

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY AND
BY THE REQUIRED MAJORITY

Project No. 617/046

Max Propp spoke in opposition to the project and advised he had looked after the grassy patch adjacent his home for 30 years. Mr. Propp noted the boulevard is good for walking, and expressed concerns with potential loss of trees, and also the need to relocate his sprinkler system. He sought compensation in regard to the sprinklers.

MOVED by Councillor Louie
SECONDED by Councillor Cadman

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY AND
BY THE REQUIRED MAJORITY

Project No. 617/048

Elizabeth Norris, Local Improvements Clerk, advised this project had been reduced in scope due to existing pavement.

Maninderpal Boparai, Edmundo Cabral and Tony Shea, spoke in opposition to the project, and noted their concern related to safety issues, as the location of their garages results in the need for cars to back out on to Ross Street.

MOVED by Councillor Roberts
SECONDED by Councillor Louie

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY AND
BY THE REQUIRED MAJORITY

Project No. 617/056

Ron Cook spoke in opposition to the project and noted although the City had advised no improvements would be undertaken at the location, the sidewalk gets wider and thicker each time crews work on it. Now the curves at the bottom will have to be realigned. Mr. Cook also noted a small underground creek running close to the sidewalk may cause the sidewalk to buckle due to water pressure.

MOVED by Councillor Cadman
SECONDED by Councillor Roberts

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

Project No. 617/057

Diana Herbst spoke in opposition to the project, and noted all owners along Willow are unanimously opposed to the east sidewalk, as a perfectly good sidewalk exists on the west side, which better serves the hospital facility. Ms. Herbst also voiced concerns with increased cost to those on fixed incomes, and also the potential loss of a number of trees, especially two of her trees - a Monkey Puzzle and Weeping Cherry.

Bill Stephen, Urban Forestry Technician, Park Board, advised both trees could be relocated if necessary, although the move would be expensive due to size of the root ball.

MOVED by Councillor Louie
SECONDED by Councillor Bass

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY AND
BY THE REQUIRED MAJORITY

Project No. 617/058

Liza Leung spoke in opposition to the project, and noted the lack of pedestrians to warrant the sidewalk.

MOVED by Councillor Roberts
SECONDED by Councillor Cadman

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

Project No. 617/062

Alex Stroshin (material filed), spoke in opposition to the project, and noted a sidewalk already exists on the north side; no pedestrians use this boulevard which is located in a light industrial area. Mr. Stroshin also advised industrial property is charged five times the mill rate of residential, and this will be an additional cost. He also expressed concern with the loss of newly planted trees.

Dave Desrochers, Streets Design Engineer, advised the sidewalk would be located to accommodate most trees, and Bill Stephen, Urban Forestry Technician, Park Board, advised where necessary, trees could be relocated.

MOVED by Councillor Bass
SECONDED by Councillor Cadman

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

Project No. 617/063

Peter Staiger (material distributed) spoke in opposition to the project, and advised all owners contacted were opposed to conversion of their gravel sidewalk to concrete. Mr. Staiger also voiced his objection to paying for something the neighbourhood does not want, and provided details of the safety benefits of gravel as opposed to concrete. Concern with potential damage to the root balls of a number of tall trees was also noted.

Ruth McColl and Dirk Templeman-Kluit echoed points raised by Mr. Staiger and also noted the expense of the project, and the ease and safety of shoveling snow on gravel versus concrete.

MOVED by Councillor Cadman
SECONDED by Councillor Roberts

LOST, NOT HAVING RECEIVED
THE REQUIRED MAJORITY
(Councillor Ladner opposed)

Project No. 617/064

Sylvie Langlois spoke in opposition to the project, and advised all owners were opposed to conversion of their gravel sidewalk to concrete. Ms. Langlois noted no safety issues with the gravel sidewalk and highlighted its low maintenance requirements. Ms. Langlois also expressed concern with potential loss of the large hedges which flank the sidewalk as they protect residents from the noise and dust of the busy street.

MOVED by Councillor Roberts
SECONDED by Councillor Cadman

LOST, NOT HAVING RECEIVED
THE REQUIRED MAJORITY
(Councillor Ladner opposed)

Project No. 617/065

Dale Pope (on behalf of the owners of Discovery Point) and James Cranston (representing single family owners) spoke in opposition to the project, and noted due to the speedway nature of 4th Avenue at this location, virtually no pedestrians walk on the existing sidewalk on the south side, and as presently contoured, pedestrian safety would be jeopardized on the proposed sidewalk.

Peter Judd advised the general rationale approved by Council was to have sidewalks on both sides of transit routes.

MOVED by Councillor Bass
SECONDED by Councillor Cadman

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY AND
BY THE REQUIRED MAJORITY

ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT
October 27, 2004

Council then considered the Administrative Report dated October 27, 2004.

MOVED by Councillor Roberts
SECONDED by Councillor Louie

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY AND
BY THE REQUIRED MAJORITY

NOTE FROM CLERK: Appendix 17 (see Court #617, Item 063) and Appendix 18 (see Court #617, Item 064) to the Administrative Report dated October 27, 2004, entitled "Local Improvements Subsequent Procedure - November 18, 2004" were not carried as the required 8 affirmative votes of Council were not received.

* * * * *


cr20041118.htm