These minutes will be adopted at the regular Council meeting on March 29, 2005.

A Regular Meeting of the Standing Committee of Council on Planning and Environment was held on Thursday, March 3, 2005, at 2:00 p.m., in the Council Chamber, Third Floor, City Hall.

*Denotes absence for a portion of the meeting.

ADOPTION OF MINUTES

The Minutes of the Standing Committee on Planning and Environment meeting of February 3, 2005, were adopted.

INFORMATION

1. Significant New Rezoning Application (File 5304)

The Committee had before it for information a description of a Significant New Rezoning Application which has been received by the Planning Department for 1133 West Georgia Street.

Phil Mondor, Rezoning Planner, provided an overview of the proposal including the community benefits which are proposed in exchange for being able to build one of the higher buildings in the city. Mr. Mondor and Larry Beasley, Director of Current Planning, responded to questions concerning proposed commercial and residential land use of this site and the property taxes which would apply.

MOVED by Councillor Louie
THAT the Committee recommend to Council

THAT the description of a Significant New Rezoning Application for 1133 West Georgia Street, prepared by the Planning Department, be received for information.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
(Councillor Sullivan absent for the vote)

RECOMMENDATION

2. Proposed Amendment to Subdivision By-law No. 5208 - 871 and 891 S.E. Marine Drirve (File 113)

The Committee had before it an Administrative Report dated February 14, 2005, in which the Subdivision Approving Officer reviewed an application to reclassify the properties at 871 and 891 S.E. Marine Drive for the purpose of future subdivision, and recommended approval of the application. Reclassification of other lots in this block frontage was also presented for Council's consideration. The General Manager of Community Services recommended approval of the application for 871 and 891 S.E. Marine and submitted reclassification of the remainder of the block for consideration.

Graham Lougheed, Project Coordinator, Processing Centre - Development Services, briefly reviewed the report.

MOVED by Councillor Louie
THAT the Committee recommend to Council

A. THAT Council approve the application to reclassify the properties at 871 and 891 S.E. Marine Drive from Category B to Category A of Table 1, Schedule A, of Subdivision By-law No. 5208;

FURTHER THAT the Director of Legal Services be authorized to prepare the necessary by-law amending the Subdivision By-law implementing the required changes.

B. THAT Council reclassify the properties from 805 to 851 and 911 to 989 S.E. Marine Drive, inclusive, from Category B to Category A of Table 1, Schedule A, of Subdivision By-law No. 5208;

FURTHER THAT the Director of Legal Services be authorized to prepare the necessary by-law amending the Subdivision By-law implementing the required changes.

CARRIED
(Councillor Louis opposed to B)
(Councillor Sullivan absent for the vote)

3. 2005 Property Tax Options: Three-Year Land Averaging for Property Tax Calculations (File 1551)

The Committee had before it a Policy Report dated February 14, 2005, in which the General Manager of Corporate Services and Director of Finance sought Council's approval to prepare a bylaw that will authorize continuation of three-year land averaging as the method for calculating property taxes for Class 1 (Residential) and Class 6 (Business and Other) for 2005. Approval of the recommendations will put in motion a process that will meet the requirements of the Vancouver Charter to advise the public that averaging is being considered by Council, of the impacts averaging will have on sample properties in the City, and of the opportunity to make their views known prior to a Council decision to proceed. The bylaw would be submitted for consideration on March 31, 2005, at which time input from the public would be heard.

Liz Jones, Financial Analyst, Corporate Services Group, (materials filed) briefly reviewed the recommendations. Ken Bayne, Director of Finance, responded to questions concerning transfers of properties and tax rates from one class to another and the effects on averaging.

MOVED by Councillor Louie
THAT the Committee recommend to Council

A. THAT Council instruct the Director of Legal Services, in consultation with the Director of Finance to prepare a bylaw to authorize continuation of three-year land averaging as the 2005 property tax calculation methodology for residential (Class 1) and business/other (Class 6) properties as discussed in the Policy Report dated February 14, 2005, entitled "2005 Property Tax Options: Three-Year Land Averaging for Property Tax Calculations".

FURTHER THAT the bylaw be submitted to Council for approval on March 31, 2005.

B. THAT the Director of Finance be authorized to place advertisements advising the public that Council is considering enacting an averaging bylaw and inviting input at City Services & Budgets Committee on March 31, 2005.

C. THAT, should Council approve the continuation of the land assessment averaging program on March 31, 2005, the Director of Finance be authorized to make appropriate arrangements with the BC Assessment Authority for the production of an averaged 2005 taxation roll, at an approximate cost of $20,000; source of funding to be the 2005 Operating Budget.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

* * * * *

At 2:20 p.m. prior to the commencement of the following item, Councillor Roberts declared Conflict on Interest on Item 4(a) and 4(b) as she is an employee of Langara College. Councillor Roberts left the meeting and did not return to the Chamber until following the conclusion of the votes on this matter.

Councillor Woodsworth assumed the Chair in Councillor Roberts' absence.

* * * * *

 4(a). Langara College Policy Statement - Langara College 100 West 49th Avenue

The Committee had before it a Policy Report dated February 11, 2005, in which the Director of Current Planning, in consultation with the General Manager of Engineering Services, the General Manager of Parks and Recreation, the Director of Social Planning, and the Director of Cultural Affairs, recommended adoption of the Langara College Policy Statement, which sets out the guiding principles and directions to evaluate future rezoning and subsequent development proposals to expand campus facilities at the college. The General Manager of Community Services recommended approval.

Larry Beasley, Director of Current Planning, noted the need for an updated overall master plan for Langara College to respond to the facility's development needs and increasing space requirements while at the same time responding to their immediate need for a new library. Mr. Beasley introduced Brent Elliott, Planner, Major Projects Group, who, with the aid of an overhead presentation, provided an overview of the Policy Report and proposed Policy Statement.

Mr. Elliott, along with Deanna Douglas, Bursar, Langara College, and Mr. Beasley, responded to questions concerning Provincial guidelines relating to student population densities. Staff also responded to Councillors' comments concerning bicycle facilities and LEED certification.

MOVED by Councillor Louis
THAT the Committee recommend to Council

A. THAT Council adopt the "Langara College Policy Statement", based on the key site planning and policy directions outlined in the Policy Report dated February 11, 2005, entitled "Langara College Policy Statement - Langara College 100 West 49th Avenue" and as attached in Appendix B to that report, as the guiding policy framework and basis for assessing future rezoning and phased expansion of Langara College located at 100 West 49th Avenue.

B. THAT, consistent with the policy directions set out in the Langara College Policy Statement, Langara College be required to complete a traffic impact assessment through the subsequent rezoning process to identify and propose appropriate responses to traffic issues related to the Langara College campus, subject to the satisfaction of the General Manager of Engineering Services.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
(Councillor Roberts and the Mayor absent for the vote)

4(b). Langara College Policy Statement - Report from Bicycle Advisory Committee

The Committee also had before it a report from the Bicycle Advisory Committee forwarding the Committee's recommendations in regard to the proposed Langara College Policy Statement.

Brent Elliott, Planner, Major Projects Group, responded to questions regarding whether the timeline will allow for further consultation with the Bicycle Advisory Committee, and whether the Committee's recommendations are being addressed through the Policy Statement.

MOVED by Councillor Louis
THAT the Committee recommend to Council

THAT Vancouver City Council support the following recommendations from the Bicycle Advisory Committee:

A. THAT Langara College strive for a cycling mode split of 10% by 2010.

B. THAT a cycling facility be provided on 49th Avenue.

C. THAT measures be incorporated to reduce traffic on the Ontario Greenway / Bikeway.

D. THAT covered, secure bicycle parking facilities on the Langara campus be increased, be distributed around the campus, and be more visible.

E. THAT a Traffic Demand Management (TDM) plan be developed by Langara College to realize a significant shift to cycling to the college and decrease the single-occupancy-vehicle trips. This TDM plan should address parking requirements to support this needed shift to cycling.

F. THAT staff be directed to report back to the Bicycle Advisory Committee with additional details on student and staff numbers, trip characteristics and cycling facility details.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
(Councillor Roberts and the Mayor absent for the vote)

* * * * *

 Councillor Roberts returned to the meeting at 2:42 p.m. and resumed the Chair.

* * * * *

 

5. 3102 West Broadway - Private Liquor Store
Development Application Number DE408796 (File 2604)

The Committee had before it an Administrative Report dated February 15, 2005, in which the Director of Current Planning sought Council's advice on a development application to change the use of an area on the ground floor of this existing building to provide for a new private liquor store. The General Manager of Community Services put forward the option of either favouring or not favouring approval of the application for Council's consideration.

Bill Boons, Co-Manager of Processing Centre, Development Services, reviewed the report, and described the site, noting it is a difficult one in terms of access.

Dave Crown, Avanti's, spoke on behalf of the applicant in support of the proposed private liquor store. Mr. Crown provided examples of other private liquor stores operating with no neighbourhood complaints, including one he operates in West Vancouver, and also noted that there are approximately 290 private liquor stores in the province, and the rate of disciplinary actions required is less than 2%. Mr. Crown provided further explanation of the application, and noted that private liquor stores are reliant on the neighbouring residents for 90% of their business and therefore must maintain a good relationship with the neighbourhood.

The following spoke in opposition to the proposed private liquor store:

Greg Booth, Upper Kitsilano Residents Association
Elaine Murray
Maria Lowe
Dr. Allen Bain (materials filed)
Beata Wasty
Nadine Laughlin
Rosemary Hunt
Leah Whitehead

Comments provided by the foregoing speakers included the following:

MOVED by Councillor Louis
THAT the Committee recommend to Council

THAT the Director of Planning be advised that Council would not favour approval of Development Application Number DE408796 for a Private Liquor Store (Type 1 - Beer only) at 3102 West Broadway.

CARRIED
(Councillor Sullivan opposed)

6. Additional Dual Taxicab Licenses (File 2801)

At its meeting on March 1, 2005, Vancouver City Council referred this item to the Standing Committee on Planning and Environment in order to hear from people wishing to speak.

Accordingly, The Committee had before it an Administrative Report dated January 31, 2005, in which the Chief License Inspector sought Council's approval for the issuance of 29 additional dual taxicab licenses for an annual license fee of $940 each. The licenses are to be divided amongst the four licensed taxicab companies in the City of Vancouver. Proposed amendments to the Vehicles for Hire Bylaw include increasing the maximum number of dual taxicabs to 59. It was also recommended that additional training be made a requirement for all Vancouver taxicab drivers by January 1, 2006. The General Manager of Community Services recommended approval.

Paul Teichroeb, Chief License Inspector, reviewed the report and its recommendations. Mr. Teichroeb also responded to questions concerning the proposed number of additional licenses, the proposed increase in the annual fee, and revenue which will be generated by the increased license fee. He also responded to concerns expressed in regard to possible difficulties people may experience in having to call multiple companies to obtain an accessible taxicab.

Several Council members expressed concern with regard to the proposed increase in the annual license fee.

Jane Dyson, BC Coalition of People with Disabilities, noted the Coalition has lobbied for additional dual taxicab licenses for years. She expressed support for the proposed mandatory training for drivers, but also noted that the companies should be required to pay for such training and for drivers time spent on the training. Ms. Dyson advised a taxi priority system should be implemented to mitigate problems with long waits for taxis, and expressed hope that the system will be monitored for effectiveness.

John Palis, Vancouver Taxi Association (brief filed), spoke in opposition to the recommendation for an increase in the annual license fee to $940, and noted the report contains no justification for the proposed increase. He also noted the taxi industry was not made aware of the proposed increase until very recently. Mr. Palis also advised that a system would be in place whereby a person wanting an accessible cab will only have to make one phone call, and if that company does not have a vehicle available, they can call other companies on the customer's behalf.

Mr. Teichroeb responded to questions regarding concerns expressed by the foregoing speakers.

MOVED by the Mayor
THAT the Committee recommend to Council

A. THAT Council approve the issuance of twenty-nine (29) new dual taxicab licenses for an annual license fee in 2005 of $321.00 each to be distributed amongst the four licensed taxicab companies in the City as per numbers and conditions approved by the former Motor Carrier Commission and outlined in the Administrative Report dated January 31, 2005, entitled "Additional Dual Taxicab Licenses".

B. THAT the current $321.00 license fee for taxicabs and dual taxicabs be reviewed and staff be directed to report back with new rates before the 2006 fees are due.

C. THAT Section 20 (1) of Vehicles for Hire By-Law No. 6066 be amended to increase the total number of dual taxicabs in the City in any given year to fifty-nine (59).

D. THAT Council requests staff to amend Vehicles for Hire By-Law No. 6066 to require all taxicab drivers employed by the four licensed taxicab companies in Vancouver to successfully complete at least 45 hours of training approved by the Inspector which includes a focus on transporting people with mobility impairments, by January 1, 2006.

E. THAT the Director of Legal Services be requested to prepare the necessary By-law amendments to Vehicles for Hire By-law No. 6066.

F. THAT staff be directed to consult with taxi companies to devise ways to subsidize the costs of additional driver training for their employees and that this be reported back to Council when recommending the 2006 license fees (see B above).

carried

AMENDMENT MOVED by Councillor Sullivan

THAT B be amended to strike out $321.00 and replaced with $940.00 as per staff's recommendation.

lost

MOVED by Councillor Louis

THAT the question be put on the pending amendment to the motion.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

The motion to call the question having carried, Councillor Sullivan's amendment was put and LOST with Councillors Cadman, Louie, Louis, Roberts, Woodsworth, and the Mayor opposed.

The amendment having lost, the Mayor's motion was put and CARRIED with Councillor Sullivan opposed to A and Councillors Ladner and Sullivan opposed to B.

7. Permissive Exemptions for Veterans (File 1551)

The following Motion was submitted by Councillor Louis at the regular Council meeting on March 1, 2005. Councillor Louie called Notice under Section 5.4(c) of the Procedure By-law. As a request to speak had been received on the motion, Council agreed to consider the motion at the next meeting of the Standing Committee on Planning and Environment in order to hear from speakers.

MOVED by Councillor Louis
THAT the Committee recommend to Council

WHEREAS:

1. The Vancouver Charter does not give the City of Vancouver the legal authority to grant permissive exemptions lowering or eliminating property taxes on properties owned by charities.

2. The Community Charter permits all municipalities governed by it to grant permissive exemptions lowering or eliminating property taxes on properties owned by charities.

3. The BC Yukon Command of the Royal Canadian Legion and the Army, Navy, and Airforce Veterans units of Vancouver are seeking a lowering of their property taxes.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT:

1. The City of Vancouver request the BC Provincial Government to amend the Vancouver Charter to make it consistent with the appropriate sections of the Community Charter (BC) which allow municipal councils to give "permissive exemptions" to lower or eliminate property taxes on veteran's clubhouses.

notice

The following people spoke in favour of the Motion:

Ian Wadell, Canadian Legion and Army Navy Units of Vancouver
Ron Robinson
Gerry Vowles
Rob Dodsworth
John Cain

Comments provided by the foregoing speakers are summarized below:

· the South Vancouver Army and Navy and Air Force club offers activities to serve almost everyone, celebrates all holidays, is a place where everyone is treated equal, and is one of the most charitable organizations in the neighbourhood;
· each year branches of the Royal Canadian Legion across the province raise approximately $2.5 million over and above the poppy sales, the vast bulk of which is cycled back into communities to fund youth activities, seniors activities, housing and assistance, hospital equipment and research, etc.;
· services are provided to veterans at virtually no cost to taxpayers;
· simply request a level playing field with other branches in other municipalities;
· the Vancouver Charter should be amended to give Vancouver the same legal authority in this regard as all other municipalities;
· if this Motion passes today, we are hoping to get the Provincial Government to deal with the request before the current session winds up;
· Council is not being asked to grant a permissive exemption; only to open the door to such requests, which could then be dealt with on a case by case basis.

Judy Rogers, City Manager, responded to questions concerning possible implications to the City of such a Charter change.

POSTPONEMENT MOVED by Councillor Louie
THAT the Committee recommend to Council

THAT decision on the motion entitled "Permissive Exemptions for Veterans" be postponed for six months pending a report from the City Manager providing additional information on possible implications to the City.

CARRIED
(Councillors Louis, Roberts and Sullivan opposed)

The Committee adjourned at 5:15 p.m.

* * * * *

A Regular Meeting of the Council of the City of Vancouver was held on Thursday, March 3, 2005, at 5:15 p.m., in the Council Chamber, Third Floor, City Hall, following the Standing Committee on Planning and Environment meeting, to consider the recommendations and actions of the Committee.

*Denotes absence for a portion of the meeting.

"IN CAMERA" MEETING

MOVED by Councillor Louie
SECONDED by Councillor Woodsworth

THAT Council will go into a meeting later this day which is closed to the public, pursuant to Section 165.2(1) of the Vancouver Charter, to discuss matters related to paragraph(s):

(a) personal information about an identifiable individual who holds or is being considered for a position as an officer, employee or agent of the city or another position appointed by the city;

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

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

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Report of Standing Committee on Planning and Environment
March 3, 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. Significant New Rezoning Application - 1133 West Georgia Street
2. Proposed Amendment to Subdivision By-law No. 5208 -
871 and 891 S.E. Marine Drive
3. 2005 Property Tax Options: Three-Year Land Averaging for Property Tax Calculations
4. Langara College Policy Statement - Langara College 100 West 49th Avenue
5. 3102 West Broadway - Private Liquor Store -
Development Application Number DE408796
6. Additional Dual Taxicab Licenses
7. Permissive Exemptions for Veterans

MOVED by Councillor Cadman

THAT the recommendations and actions taken by the Standing Committee on Planning and Environment at its meeting of March 3, 2005, as contained in items 1-7, 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

MOTIONS

A. Administrative Motions

None

B. Motions on Notice

1. RAV Cut and Cover (File 5559)

MOVED by Councillor Louis
SECONDED by Councillor Roberts

WHEREAS:

1. The proposed cut and cover for the RAV line along Cambie Street will cause undue hardship and great financial loss to Cambie Street merchants.

2. Neither Translink nor RAVCO ever advised Council of the plan to use cut and cover to build the RAV line along Cambie Street.

3. When Council agreed to grant RAVCO a right of way on Cambie Street for the construction of RAV, Council was not advised of the plan to use cut and cover.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT:

1. Council be provided with a copy of any confidentiality agreements entered into by the City of Vancouver with TransLink and RAVCO regarding the proposed RAV line on Cambie Street.

2. Council instruct the Law Department to review the legality of the open ocean dumping that will result from the cut and cover construction of the RAV line on Cambie Street.

3. Council instruct the Law Department to advise Council in camera no later than Tuesday March 15th, 2005 on any and all legal options available to Council to prohibit the cut and cover construction of the RAV line on Cambie Street.

LOST
(Councillors Cadman, Ladner, Louie, Sullivan, Woodsworth and the Mayor opposed)

2. Public Input to RAV Line (File 5559)

The following motion reflects an addition to the Motion on Notice.

MOVED by Councillor Louis
SECONDED by Councillor Roberts

THAT Council request the Environmental Assessment Office of the Government of British Columbia to extend the period of public input from February 23, 2005, on the Richmond / Airport / Vancouver project another 40 days to April 4, 2005, to allow full public response to the cut-and-cover method of tunneling now proposed.

LOST
(Councillors Cadman, Louie, Sullivan and the Mayor opposed)
(Councillor Ladner absent for the vote)

ENQUIRIES AND OTHER MATTERS

1. Four RCMP Officers Dead in Alberta (File 1051)

The Mayor advised that four RCMP officers had been killed earlier that day in Mayerthorpe, Alberta and he has requested the City Manager to lower the City Hall flags to half-mast.

The Council adjourned at 5:25 p.m.

* * * * *

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