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These Minutes will be adopted at the Regular Council meeting on Feburary 15, 2005. REPORT TO COUNCIL STANDING COMMITTEE OF COUNCIL
JANUARY 20, 2005 |
A Regular Meeting of the Standing Committee of Council on Planning and Environment was held on Thursday, January 20, 2005, at 2:00 p.m., in Council Chamber, Third Floor, City Hall.
PRESENT: |
Councillor Anne Roberts, Chair
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ABSENT: |
Mayor Larry Campbell (Leave of Absence - Civic Business)
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CITY MANAGER'S OFFICE: |
Brent McGregor, Deputy City Manager |
CITY CLERK'S OFFICE: |
Diane Clairmont, Meeting Coordinator |
* Denotes absence for a portion of the meeting.
VARY AGENDA
The Committee agreed to vary the order of the agenda to deal with Item 8 first as Councillor Woodsworth had to leave on Civic Business. For ease of reference, the minutes are recorded in numerical order.
ADOPTION OF MINUTES
The Minutes of the Standing Committee on Planning and Environment meetings of December 2, 2004, and December 16, 2004, were adopted.
RECOMMENDATION
1. 1850 East 38th Avenue - Warning to Prospective Purchasers (File 2701)
The Committee had before it an Administrative Report dated November 24, 2004, in which the City Building Inspector recommended Council direct a 336D Notice be filed against the title to the property at 1850 East 38th Avenue, in order to warn prospective purchasers that this building has been used as an illegal marijuana grow operation on two occasions and of by-law violations. The General Manager of Community Services recommended approval.
Peter Sweeney, Manager of Building Inspection Branch, reviewed the report.
Vincent Prakash, Owner, presented a letter dated January 19, 2005 outlining the history of the property. At the request of the Chair, the Meeting Coordinator read the letter (letter submitted - on file).
MOVED by Councillor Louis
THAT the Committee recommend to Council
THAT the City Clerk be directed to file a 336D Notice against the title to the property at 1850 E 38th Avenue, Lot 37, North ½ of District Lot 707, Plan 4542, PID 011-501-855 in order to warn prospective purchasers that this building has been used as an illegal marijuana grow operation on two occasions and there are contraventions of the Vancouver Building and Electrical By-laws related to this unapproved use.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
(Councillor Woodsworth not present for the vote)
2. 3531 Eton Street- Warning to Prospective Purchasers (File 2701)
The Committee had before it an Administrative Report dated November 24, 2004, in which the City Building Inspector recommended Council direct a 336D Notice be filed against the title to the property at 3531 Eton Street, in order to warn prospective purchasers that this building has been used as an illegal marijuana grow operation on two occasions and of by-law violations. The General Manager of Community Services recommended approval.
Peter Sweeney, Manager of Building Inspection Branch, reviewed the report.
MOVED by Councillor Louis
THAT the Committee recommend to Council
THAT the City Clerk be directed to file a 336D Notice against the title to the property at 3531 Eton Street, Lot 1 & 2, Town of Hastings Plan LMP 10968, PID 018-376-614 in order to warn prospective purchasers that this building has been used as an illegal marijuana grow operation on two occasions and there are contraventions of the Vancouver Building and Electrical By-laws related to this unapproved use.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
(Councillors Green and Woodsworth not present for the vote)
3. 870 West 49th Avenue - Warning to Prospective Purchasers (File 2701)
This item was withdrawn.
4. 1122 East 12th Avenue - Warning to Prospective Purchasers (File 2701 )
The Committee had before it an Administrative Report dated December 10, 2004, in which the City Building Inspector recommended Council direct a 336D Notice be filed against the title to the property at 1122 East 12th Avenue, in order to warn prospective purchasers of by-law violations. The General Manager of Community Services recommended approval.
Peter Sweeney, Manager of Building Inspection Branch, reviewed the report.
MOVED by Councillor Louis
THAT the Committee recommend to Council
THAT the City Clerk be directed to file a 336D Notice against the title to 1122 East 12th Avenue (Lot 3 W Hlf, Block 172, District Lot 264A, Plans 222 and 1771) in order to warn prospective purchasers that there are contraventions of the Zoning and Development, Vancouver Building, Electrical, Standards of Maintenance and Untidy By-laws related to this property.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
(Councillors Green and Woodsworth not present for the vote)
5. Nuisance and Dangerous Building at 1942 West 2nd Avenue (File 2701)
The Committee had before it an Administrative Report dated December 21, 2004, in which the City Building Inspector recommended Council declare the building at 1942 West 2nd Avenue a nuisance and dangerous to public safety and order the building demolished and a chain-link fence be provided around the site to prevent dumping. It was further recommended that staff be authorized to have the work done or seek injunctive relief to have the work done if warranted. The General Manager of Community Services recommended approval.
Peter Sweeney, Manager of Building Inspection Branch, reviewed the report and responded to questions relating to the building permit and the demolition process.
Darlene Brown, who has an interest in the property, spoke in opposition to the recommendation. Her comments included:
· provided description of the building and its intrinsic value;
· provided history of attempts to obtain permits describing potential of the building and police visits;
· acknowledged the building is in desperate need for repairs which have been delayed;
· requested Council approve a temporary postponement of recommendations.
MOVED by Councillor Louis
THAT the Committee recommend to Council
A. THAT Council declare that the building at 1942 West 2nd Avenue, Lot 12, Block 226, District Lot 526, Plan 590 PID 015-287-327 is a nuisance and dangerous to public safety pursuant to Section 324A of the Vancouver Charter.
B. THAT Council approve the Resolution attached to Administrative Report Nuisance and Dangerous Building at 1942 West 2nd Avenue dated December 21, 2004 and order the property owner to pull down and demolish the building and to provide a chain-link fence around the perimeter of the property within 30 days of a copy of the Resolution being served pursuant to Section 324A of the Vancouver Charter.
C. THAT in the event that the owner fails to comply with this order of Council, Council further orders and hereby authorizes the City Building Inspector, in his discretion, to carry out the work outlined in paragraph (B) above pursuant to Section 324A(2) of the Vancouver Charter.
D. THAT in the event of the failure of the owner to allow the City Building Inspector and/or his designate access to the site to carry out the work as outlined in paragraph (B) above, the Director of Legal Services is hereby authorized, in her discretion, to commence a legal action or proceeding in relation to the building located at 1942 West 2nd Avenue, and may, in her discretion, seek injunctive relief in that action or proceeding in order to bring the building and site into compliance with the City By-laws and Council's resolution.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
(Councillor Woodsworth not present for the vote)
6. 3408 West 5th Avenue and 2131 Waterloo - Warning to Prospective Purchasers and Injunction Request (File 2701)
The Committee had before it an Administrative Report dated December 22, 2004, in which the City Building Inspector recommended Council direct a 336D Notice be filed against the title to the property at 3408 West 5th Avenue and 2131 Waterloo in order to warn prospective purchasers of by-law violations. It was further recommended that staff be authorized to commence legal action or seek injunctive relief to bring this site into compliance with City By-laws. The General Manager of Community Services recommended approval.
Peter Sweeney, Manager of Building Inspection Branch, reviewed the report.
The following spoke in opposition to the recommendations.
Nathalie Baker, Lawyer, representing the Owner (letter submitted - on file)
Paul Phillips, Principal, Environmental Design Group
Speakers' comments included:
· reviewed history of the property including requested increase in FSR , in-fill proposal and zoning;
· similar request for property owner at 2476 West 6th Avenue was allowed;
· requested referral to staff to explore options;
· consultant was engaged by owner to obtain development permits;
· neighbourhood meetings were held (including Kitsilano Residents' Association); there was support indicated for increase in FSR, but not for in-fill;
· staff decisions should be equitable; this property should receive same consideration as 2476 West 6th.
Bill Boons, Co-Manager, Processing Centre, Development, Mr.Sweeney, and Carlene Robbins, Manager, By-law Administration, responded to questions relating to FSR, density, and zoning relating to the subject property and the property at 2476 West 6th Avenue, the existing order for demolition, and previous rejections by the Board of Variance and Director of Planning.
MOVED by Councillor Louis
THAT the Committee recommend to Council
A. THAT the City Clerk be directed to file a 336D Notice against the title to 3408 West 5th Avenue and 2131 Waterloo Street, Lot 6 except the west 22 feet, Block 33, District Lot 540, Plan 229, PID 003-627-080 in order to warn prospective purchasers that there are contraventions of the Zoning and Development and Vancouver Building By-laws related to these buildings.
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 3408 West 5th Avenue and 2131 Waterloo Street, and may, in her discretion, seek injunctive relief in that action or proceeding, in order to bring this site into compliance with City By-laws.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
(Councillors Sullivan and Woodsworth not present for the vote)
7. Proposed Amendment to Subdivision By-law No. 5208 - Reclassification of 2832, 2848, 2862 and 2876 West 33rd Avenue (File 113)
The Committee had before it an Administrative Report dated January 5, 2005, in which the City Building Inspector recommended Council approve the reclassification of properties at 2832, 2848, 2862 and 2876 West 33rd Avenue from Category D to Category A for the purpose of subdivision. The General Manager of Community Services recommended approval.
Rick Scobie, Subdivision Approving Officer, reviewed the report.
MOVED by Councillor Louis
THAT the Committee recommend to Council
THAT Council approve the application to reclassify the properties at 2832, 2848, 2862 and 2876 West 33rd Avenue from Category D to Category A of Schedule A, Table 1, of Subdivision By-law No. 5208.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
(Councillor Sullivan and Woodsworth not present for the vote)
8. Grandview-Woodlands Traffic Plan (Files: 8008/5761)
At its meeting on January 18, 2005, Council referred a motion relating to this issue to the Standing Committee on Planning and Environment meeting on January 20, 2005, in order to hear speakers. Councillor Woodsworth introduced the motion with revisions to the motion originally submitted to the Regular Council Meeting on January 18, 2005.
Council also had before it a memo dated January 19, 2005 from Tom Timm, General Manager of Engineering Services.
The following spoke in support of the motion:
Jill Smith (brief submitted - on file)
Dexster Smith, Traffic Committee, Commercial Drive Business Society
Peter Trainor (brief submitted - on file)
Emily Chu
Geoffrey Hull
Coral Payne, Victoria Park Neighbourhood House
Petronella Vander Valk, Neighbourhood Traffic Group
Camia Weaver, Grandview Woodlands Area Council/Kettle Friendship Society (brief submitted on file)
Marilynne Friedman
Gregory Bruce
Michael Friedman
Dorone Smith
Speaker' comments included:
· proposal is renewable, sustainable, stable, and reliable;
· will encourage resident/pedestrian-based patronage of businesses;
· first step in reclaiming neighbourhood and will restore Commercial Drive/Grandview-Woodlands area to pedestrian-first neighbourhood;
· traffic engineering policy has been destructive; difficult to safely walk in area;
· this area is a natural model for progressive neighbourhoods; similar to other cities which have successfully developed pedestrian-first neighbourhoods (e.g. Portland);
· pedestrians are core of successful communities;
· communities designed to support walking are liveable;
· proposal challenges automobile culture;
· families need to feel safe as pedestrians; changes will increase peace of mind for parents;
· community groups have been working closely with Police and Park Board to improve traffic problems which impact seniors and families;
· problems are multi-faceted and effective remedies must be multi-faceted; proposed motion as amended is appropriate;
· changes will encourage traffic onto Clark Drive which is not residential and can handle the increased capacity;
· the proposed changes will provide a necessary and beneficial safety measure to members of the Kettle Friendship Society and Britannia High School students;
· implementation timelines requested.
Ian Adam, Assistant City Engineer, Transportation, responded to Council questions relating to specifics of the proposed changes, including traffic flow and implications for transit.
MOVED by Councillor Woodsworth
THAT the Committee recommend to Council:
WHEREAS:
1. The City of Vancouver's Transportation Plan encourages traffic calming measures for pedestrian friendly areas of the City of Vancouver.
2. Since Grandview-Woodlands is a natural model neighbourhood to protect and preserve on the basis of an established, pedestrian first initiative. This neighbourhood has a committed pedestrian resident population, the last remaining family owned and operated small business economy in the City of Vancouver, and a united coalition of individuals, businesses and organizations have been asking to be a pedestrian first community since 1985 (Report to Council from the Standing Committee on Transportation June 20th, 1985).
3. Mid-1980's traffic engineering changes that altered First Avenue to become the primary arterial that it is today cut East-West through the heart of this neighbourhood, thus dividing the community into two.
4. Traffic on Venables-Victoria, as a result of these changes, cuts across entrances to Grandview, Victoria and Woodlands parks, and the Britannia Community Centre.
5. Traffic on Venables-Victoria, as a further result of these changes, cuts across entrances to 4 area schools: Britannia Elementary School, Britannia High School, Lord Nelson and St. Francis of Assisi Elementary School.
6. Local resident groups have been working since 1998 to develop a comprehensive traffic plan for the area bounded by Parker St., First Ave., Victoria Dr. and Nanaimo St.
7. Over the course of the past year, there has been an increase in the number of pedestrian related accidents in the Grandview-Woodlands area, including one pedestrian fatality.
8. Much of the through traffic in Grandview-Woodlands can be traced to eastbound and westbound traffic from Venables using Victoria Drive and the neighbourhood as a means to cut through to 1st Avenue.
9. Residents, merchants and key organizations have clearly and regularly requested that the intersection of Clark-Venables be redesigned to reduce traffic, improve pedestrian safety, preserve pedestrian access, and preserve the unique character of Grandview-Woodlands.
10. A redesign of the Clark-Venables intersection to include a curb bulge on the south side of Venables, east of Clark, would reduce peak eastbound traffic flow into the Grandview-Woodlands neighbourhood, and encourage commuters to use Clark instead.
11. Grandview-Woodlands Area would see these initiatives as the beginning of a multi-step plan to making their community a model of a pedestrian first community in Vancouver.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT
1. As one component of a pedestrian first plan, Victoria Drive be downgraded from secondary arterial to local collector status.
2. A temporary curb bulge be installed for 6 months on a trial basis on the south-east side of Venables, east of Clark, to reduce eastbound traffic on Venables from two (2) lanes to one (1) into the Grandview-Woodlands neighbourhood and maintain the pedestrian-friendly character of Grandview Woodlands.
3. Staff implement items 1 and 2 and report back in six months on Item 2 and additional diversionary traffic calming and reduction measures that could be implemented on local streets in Grandview-Woodlands between Venables and 1st Avenue.
CARRIED
(Councillor Sullivan opposed)
(Councillor Ladner opposed to 1 and 3)
The Committee adjourned at 4:30 p.m.
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CITY OF VANCOUVER REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
JANUARY 20, 2005 |
A Regular Meeting of the Council of the City of Vancouver was held on Thursday, January 20, 2005, at 4:30 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: |
Deputy Mayor, Anne Roberts
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ABSENT: |
Mayor Larry Campbell, Chair (Leave of Absence - Civic Business) | |
Councillor Raymond Louie (Leave of Absence - Civic Business
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CITY CLERK'S OFFICE: |
Diane Clairmont, Meeting Coordinator | |
* Denotes absence for a portion of the meeting.
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
MOVED by Councillor Green
SECONDED by Councillor Cadman
THAT this Council resolve itself into Committee of the Whole, Deputy Mayor Roberts in the Chair.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
1. Request by Councillor Green to Travel and attend the World Urban Forum Themes Meeting (File: 1254)
MOVED by Councillor Ladner
That Council authorize Councillor Green to attend the World Urban Forum Themes Meetings to be held in Ottawa on January 27th & 28th, 2005; funding estimated at $3,025.00 and to be fully reimbursed by CMHC.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Report of Standing Committee on Planning and Environment
January 20, 2005
Council considered the report containing the recommendations and actions taken by the Standing Committee on Planning and Environment. Its items of business included:
1. 1850 East 38th Avenue - Warning to Prospective Purchasers
2. 3531 Eton Street - Warning to Prospective Purchasers
3. 870 West 49th Avenue - Warning to Prospective Purchasers
4. 1122 East 12th Avenue - Warning to Prospective Purchasers
5. Nuisance and Dangerous Building at 1942 West 2nd Avenue
6. 3408 West 5th Avenue and 2131 Waterloo - Warning to Prospective Purchasers and Injunction Request
7. Proposed Amendment to Subdivision By-law No. 5208 - Reclassification of 2832, 2848, 2862 and 2876 West 33rd Avenue
8. Grandview-Woodlands Traffic Plan
MOVED by Councillor Cadman
THAT the recommendations and actions taken by the Standing Committee on Planning and Environment at its meeting of January 20, 2005, as contained in Items 1 to 8 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 Louis
SECONDED by Councillor Cadman
THAT the report of the Committee of the Whole be adopted.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
NEW BUSINESS
1. ADVERTISING ON ELECTION DAYS (File1101/1103)
Councillor Cadman asked that the Chief Electoral Officer provide a memo to Council on:
i) the status of the police investigation relating to the advertising on the day of the October 16, 2004 plebiscite;
ii) whether the Chief Electoral Officer was aware of advertising on the day of the 2002 Municipal Election, and if so, what action has been taken.
The Council adjourned at 4:50 p.m.
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