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REPORT TO COUNCIL STANDING COMMITTEE OF COUNCIL
NOVEMBER 18, 2004 |
A Regular Meeting of the Standing Committee of Council on City Services and Budgets was held on Thursday, November 18, 2004, at 9:30 a.m., in Council Chamber, Third Floor, City Hall.
PRESENT: |
*Councillor Tim Louis, Chair |
CITY MANAGER'S OFFICE: |
Judy Rogers, City Manager |
CITY CLERK'S OFFICE: |
Nicole Ludwig, 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 October 21, 2004, were adopted.
RECOMMENDATION
1. Capital Grant - Redevelopment of Little Mountain Neighbourhood House (File 1602)
The Committee had before it an Administrative Report dated October 28, 2004 in which the Director of Social Planning explained why including a neighbourhood branch library in the redevelopment of Little Mountain Neighbourhood House (LMNH) is not feasible, alerted Council on the extent of cost increases for the LMNH redevelopment and sought approval of funding to complete the detailed design for the project. The City Manager recommended Council make it clear to Little Mountain Neighbourhood House Society that the proposed $1.9 million in additional funding for the redevelopment, for a total of $4 million, is the maximum that will be provided.
Rick Gates, Social Planner, explained the history of neighbourhood houses, their financial support and sources of City funding, the necessity of quick approval for this project due to increasing construction costs, and indicated Vancouver Public Library (VPL) is actively exploring options to stay in the area.
Mr. Gates responded to questions regarding options for the library, the community’s ability to raise necessary funding and the role of City Council in prioritizing projects in the schedule of provincial infrastructure funding.
Joel Bronstein, Executive Director of Little Mountain Neighbourhood House, explained the role of the neighbourhood house in the community, detailed why a new neighbourhood house is necessary and the amount of effort put into plans by the community, that show a wide range of support for this redevelopment.
Daphne Holmes explained the importance of LMNH to seniors because of the wide variety of seniors services provided that are generally unavailable elsewhere.
Ingrid Steenhuisen, President, Little Mountain Neighbourhood House Board of Directors, explained the history of this redevelopment, delays that have forced proponents of the redevelopment to change their plans and the community’s needs which had been established 35 years ago, but still need to be met.
John Hawke, Chair, Little Mountain Neighbourhood House Capital Campaign, explained funding and financing aspects of the redevelopment, how space has been consolidated in order to come in under budget and reassured Council that the ensuing reduction in size in no way compromises services to the community. Mr. Hawke also indicated LMNH has a long history of financial prudence and often has surpluses.
Pretti Grewalson, Branch Manager VanCity – Main and 26th Community Branch, explained the close alignment of values between LMNH and VanCity, the expansion of services to a large cross-section of the community, and detailed funding and the vision for LMNH.
Larry Adams, Architect, indicated it is critical the project begin as soon as possible due to rising construction costs and that the community has stepped up to challenges and changes.
MOVED by Councillor Woodsworth
THAT the Committee recommend to Council
A. THAT City Council approve a Capital Grant of up to $125,000 to the Little Mountain Neighbourhood House Society for the completion of design drawings and permit applications for Little Mountain Neighbourhood House on the City-owned site at 3867-3891 Main Street (without the inclusion of a neighbourhood branch library). Source of funding is the 2002 Capital Budget – Little Mountain Neighbourhood House.
B. THAT Council advise the Little Mountain Neighbourhood House Society that the City’s financial commitment to this project is limited to $4 million (including the $1.1 million already approved), as detailed in the Administrative Report dated October 28, 2004, entitled “Capital Grant – Redevelopment of Little Mountain Neighbourhood House”.
C. THAT if Federal/Provincial Infrastructure funding in the amount of $2,000,000 is awarded, staff report back to Council with details on the amounts and sources of City funding required to complete development of this project.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
2. 2004 Arts Partners in Organizational Development Grant Allocation (File 2051)
The Committee had before it an Administrative Report dated October 28, 2004 in which the Director, Office of Cultural Affairs, recommended approval of the City’s contribution to the Arts Partners in Organizational Development program (Arts POD) for ten cultural organizations based in Vancouver.
Cherryl Masters, Cultural Planner, reviewed the report and responded to questions regarding increases in funding and indicated she would report back on additional funding for arts grants.
MOVED by Councillor Cadman
THAT the Committee recommend to Council
THAT Council approve an Arts Partners in Organizational Development (Arts POD) grant of $15,000 to the Centre for Sustainability for subsequent distribution to 10 cultural organizations in the amounts indicated in Table 1 of the Administrative Report dated October 28, 2004, entitled “2004 Arts Partners in Organizational Development Grant Allocation”, source of funds to be the Organizational Development component of the 2004 Cultural Grants budget.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
3. 2004 Diversity Initiatives Grants: 2nd Deadline (File 2051)
The Committee had before it an Administrative Report dated October 28, 2004, in which the Director, Office of Cultural Affairs presented staff recommendations for three Diversity Initiatives grant requests. The General Manager of Community Services recommended approval.
Cherryl Masters, Cultural Planner, reviewed the report, and responded to questions regarding the decision-making process and levels of funding for the recipients.
MOVED by Councillor Woodsworth
THAT the Committee recommend to Council
THAT Council approve three Diversity Initiatives grants totalling $18,000, source of funds to be the 2004 Cultural Grants budget:
Atmasphere Art Society*
Neworld Theatre Society
Vancouver Dance Centre Society
*Subject to the conditions contained within the Administrative Report dated October 28, 2004, entitled “2004 Diversity Initiatives Grants: 2nd Deadline”.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
4. Course/Conference Funding for Vancouver Heritage Commission (File 3105-1)
The Committee had before it a Report dated June 11, 2004, in which the Vancouver Heritage Commission (VHC) requested Council increase the VHC’s funding for courses to allow its members to keep their knowledge level current and relevant. The City Manager recommended consideration of the VHC’s request to be included as part of the 2005 operating budget process.
Cam Cathcart, Vice-Chair, Vancouver Heritage Commission, explained the request for funding and the necessity of members of the VHC to keep their knowledge current as it pertains to heritage and conservation.
Judy Rogers, City Manager, responded to questions regarding what will happen to funding that is granted and not spent this year.
MOVED by Councillor Green
THAT the Committee recommend to Council
THAT Vancouver City Council increase funding related to continued learning for members of the Vancouver Heritage Commission to $2,500 annually in order that they can remain current on new and evolving information relevant to the Commission’s mandate.
carried
AMENDMENT MOVED by Councillor Bass
THAT the words, “starting with the 2005 operating budget process” be added following the word “annually.”
LOST (Tie Vote)
(Councillors Cadman, Green, Roberts, Stevenson and Woodsworth opposed)
(The Mayor absent for the vote)
Councillor Bass’ amendment having LOST, Councillor Green’s motion was put and CARRIED, with Councillors Ladner, Louie, Louis, and Sullivan opposed, and the Mayor absent for the vote.
MOVED by Councillor Green
THAT the Committee recommend to Council
THAT Vancouver City Council increase funding related to continued learning for members of the Vancouver Heritage Commission to $2,500 annually in order that they can remain current on new and evolving information relevant to the Commission’s mandate.
CARRIED
(Councillors Ladner, Louie, Louis and Sullivan opposed)
(The Mayor absent for the vote)
5. Sidewalk Task Force – Implementation Plan (File 3155)
The Committee had before it an Administrative Report dated October 21, 2004, in which the General Manager of Engineering Services provided a status report on the actions taken by Council and staff to respond to the recommendations in the report.
Peter Judd, Assistant City Engineer, reviewed the report, and along with Dave Rudberg, General Manager of Engineering Services, responded to questions regarding pedestrian safety, traffic control, implementation of pedestrian issues in the transportation plan, car-pedestrian crashes, pedestrian maps, and the involvement of advisory committees and the public.
Miklos Csupak indicated the mandate of the Sidewalk Task force should be expanded to include other issues surrounding pedestrian safety, such as brightly coloured markings for the visually impaired and installing sidewalks where none currently exist.
MOVED by Councillor Roberts
THAT the Committee recommend to Council
A. THAT Council receive for information the updates on the recommendations provided by the Sidewalk Task Force, contained in the Administrative Report dated October 21, 2004, entitled “Sidewalk Task Force – Implementation Plan”.
B. THAT staff examine the feasibility of extending sidewalks across lanes and driveways instead of giving structural priority to vehicle traffic.
C. THAT staff determine the budget required in order to increase the number of pedestrian lights added annually.
D. THAT staff investigate restricting right turns at heavily-used pedestrian crossings to avoid car-pedestrian collisions caused by drivers preoccupied with looking left for a break in traffic.
E. THAT staff report back on the number and location of applicable sites where bold zebra stripes on streets, large visible signs over streets and vehicle stop lines in advance of pedestrian crossings to increase pedestrian safety at crosswalks could be implemented.
F. THAT staff identify potential residential streets that could be modified to replicate the successful Woonerf model used in Holland, including such features as street plantings, alternating sides for street parking, adding bike lanes and widening sidewalks.
G. THAT staff report back on efforts to lobby the Province of British Columbia to allow the City of Vancouver to reduce the speed limit in residential areas to 40 kilometers per hour.
H. THAT staff investigate actions to remedy the rate of pedestrian collisions at intersections identified in the Top 5 for the past three years.
I. THAT staff provide Council with a status report on recommendations regarding pedestrian improvements adopted in the City’s Transportation Plan 1997 (Neighbourhoods and Pedestrians Initiatives, page 47), including an explanation of why, for those objectives not yet achieved.
CARRIED
(Councillor Sullivan opposed)
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At this point in the proceedings, Councillor Louis left the meeting and Councillor Woodsworth, Vice-Chair, assumed the chair
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MOVED by Councillor Bass
THAT the Committee recommend to Council
WHEREAS the Vancouver Transportation Plan identifies pedestrians as having the top transportation priority;
AND WHEREAS the City of Vancouver’s Sidewalk Task Force has focused primarily on sidewalk design issues and less on pedestrian flow across the city, pedestrian injuries and a comprehensive pedestrian plan;
AND WHEREAS cities such as Kamloops, Oakland Portland, Cambridge and Madison have developed comprehensive pedestrian plans;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT staff report back to Council on:
1) Establishing the position of Pedestrian Coordinator to guide development of a comprehensive pedestrian plan for Vancouver;
2) Gathering information on and mapping pedestrian injuries and deaths;
3) Preparing a pedestrian map of Vancouver to promote walking/jogging;
4) The costs of 1) to 3) above.
lost
MOVED by Councillor Stevenson
THAT the question be put on Councillor Bass’ pending motion.
CARRIED
(Councillors Bass, Ladner and Roberts opposed)
(Councillor Louis absent for the vote)
The motion on the question having CARRIED, Councillor Bass’ motion was put and LOST.
MOVED by Councillor Bass
THAT the Committee recommend to Council
WHEREAS the Vancouver Transportation Plan identifies pedestrians as having the top transportation priority;
AND WHEREAS the City of Vancouver’s Sidewalk Task Force has focused primarily on sidewalk design issues and less on pedestrian flow across the city, pedestrian injuries and a comprehensive pedestrian plan;
AND WHEREAS cities such as Kamloops, Oakland Portland, Cambridge and Madison have developed comprehensive pedestrian plans;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT staff report back to Council on:
1) Establishing the position of Pedestrian Coordinator to guide development of a comprehensive pedestrian plan for Vancouver;
2) Gathering information on and mapping pedestrian injuries and deaths;
3) Preparing a pedestrian map of Vancouver to promote walking/jogging;
4) The costs of 1) to 3) above.
LOST
(Councillors Cadman, Green, Ladner, Louie, Roberts, Stevenson, Sullivan, Woodsworth and the Mayor opposed)
(Councillor Louis absent for the vote)
6. Traffic Fine Revenue Allocation (File 1756)
At its meeting November 16, 2004, Vancouver City Council referred this matter to a Standing Committee meeting on November 18, 2004, in order to hear from delegations.
Prior to hearing from speakers, the Mayor indicated he would be moving a postponement of this motion, pending a report back from staff.
Don Ransom, President Vancouver Association of Community Policing Centres, indicated Community Policing Centres (CPCs) are in need of funding, Councillor Ladner’s motion acknowledges these needs, the limited resources of the Vancouver Police Department (VPD) have increased demand on CPCs and suggested an amendment to the motion that specifically designates a portion of traffic fine revenues as sustainable funding for CPCs.
Eileen Mosca, Vice-President Vancouver Association of Community Policing Centres requested identification of the staff involved in creating the finance report and distributed a brief (on file).
MOVED by Councillor Ladner
SECONDED by Councillor Sullivan
WHEREAS the B.C. government has given the City of Vancouver $7.8 million from traffic fine revenue, intended for specific purposes such as community policing, crime prevention and neighbourhood safety;
AND WHEREAS these are top-ranking concerns of the citizens of Vancouver, according to the city’s most recent budget survey of public opinion;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the City of Vancouver allocates this $7.8 million to balancing the budget for 2004 fiscal year, with the remaining funds, and further traffic revenue funds in future years, directed to public safety initiatives.
postponed
POSTPONEMENT MOVED by Mayor Campbell
THAT this issue be postponed until the report on available finances is submitted by staff.
CARRIED
(Councillors Ladner and Sullivan opposed)
(Councillor Louis absent for the vote)
The Committee adjourned at 12:18 p.m.
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CITY OF VANCOUVER REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
NOVEMBER 18, 2004 |
A Regular Meeting of the Council of the City of Vancouver was held on Thursday, November 18, 2004, at 12:18 p.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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ABSENT: |
Councillor Tim Louis |
CITY MANAGER'S OFFICE: |
Judy Rogers, City Manager |
CITY CLERK'S OFFICE: |
Nicole Ludwig, Meeting Coordinator |
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
MOVED by Councillor Roberts
SECONDED by Councillor Cadman
THAT this Council resolve itself into Committee of the Whole, Mayor Campbell in the Chair.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Report of Standing Committee on City Services and Budgets
November 18, 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. Capital Grant - Redevelopment of Little Mountain Neighbourhood House
2. 2004 Arts Partners in Organizational Development Grant Allocation
3. 2004 Diversity Initiatives Grants: 2nd Deadline
4. Course/Conference Funding for Vancouver Heritage Commission
5. Sidewalk Task Force – Implementation Plan
6. Traffic Fine Revenue Allocation
Clauses 1 to 3
MOVED by Councillor Stevenson
THAT the recommendations and actions taken by the Standing Committee on City Services and Budgets at its meeting of November 18, 2004, as contained in Items 1 to 3, be approved.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY AND
BY THE REQUIRED MAJORITY
Clauses 4 to 6
MOVED by Councillor Stevenson
THAT the recommendations and actions taken by the Standing Committee on City Services and Budgets at its meeting of November 18, 2004, as contained in Items 4 to 6, be approved.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
RISE FROM COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
MOVED by Councillor Woodsworth
THAT the Committee of the Whole rise and report.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
ADOPT REPORT OF COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
MOVED by Councillor Bass
SECONDED by Councillor Cadman
THAT the report of the Committee of the Whole be adopted.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
BY-LAWS
MOVED by Councillor Cadman
SECONDED by Councillor Stevenson
THAT Council enact the By-law listed on the agenda for this meeting as number 1 inclusive, and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to sign and seal the enacted by-law.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
1. A By-law amending Security Alarm System By-law No. 7111 with respect to second and subsequent alarm cancellation fees (By-law No. 8953)
The Council adjourned at 12:20 p.m.
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