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CITY OF VANCOUVER REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES MARCH 29, 2005 |
A Regular Meeting of the Council of the City of Vancouver was held on Tuesday, March 29, 2005, at 2:00 p.m., in the Council Chamber, Third Floor, City Hall.
PRESENT: |
Mayor Larry Campbell
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ABSENT: |
Councillor Peter Ladner (Leave of Absence) |
CITY MANAGER'S OFFICE: |
Judy Rogers, City Manager |
CITY CLERK'S OFFICE: |
Syd Baxter, City Clerk
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*Denotes absence for a portion of the meeting
PRAYER
The proceedings in the Council Chamber were opened with a prayer read by the City Clerk.
PROCLAMATION - Records and Information Management (RIM) Month (File 1051)
Council proclaimed the month of April 2005 as Records and Information Management Month.
PRESENTATION - by Ralph Shaw "King of the Ukulele" (File 1051)
Council welcomed Ralph Shaw, "King of the Ukulele", who performed "I just wish I was in love".
"IN CAMERA" MEETING
MOVED by Councillor Stevenson
SECONDED by Councillor Cadman
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;
(b) personal information about an identifiable individual who is being considered for an award or honour, or who has offered to provide a gift to the city on condition of anonymity;
(e) the acquisition, disposition or expropriation of land or improvements, if the Council considers that disclosure could reasonably be expected to harm the interests of the city;
(i) the receipt of advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege, including communications necessary for that purpose.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
ITEMS ARISING FROM THE "IN CAMERA" MEETING OF MARCH 1, 2005
Council made appointments to the following:
· Vancouver Museum Commission
· Vancouver International Airport Authority
· YVR Noise Management Committee.
Names of those appointed may be obtained from the City Clerk's Office.
ADOPTION OF MINUTES
1. Business License Hearing - March 1, 2005
MOVED by Councillor Green
SECONDED by Councillor Louie
THAT the foregoing Minutes be approved.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
2. Regular Council (City Services and Budgets) - March 3, 2005
MOVED by Councillor Louis
SECONDED by Councillor Cadman
THAT the foregoing Minutes be approved.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
3. Regular Council (Planning and Environment) - March 3, 2005
MOVED by Councillor Roberts
SECONDED by Councillor Cadman
THAT the foregoing Minutes be approved.
CARRIED UNANMOUSLY
4. Business License Hearing - March 15, 2005
MOVED by Councillor Louis
SECONDED by Councillor Woodsworth
THAT the foregoing Minutes be approved.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
5. Regular Council - March 15, 2005
MOVED by Councillor Cadman
SECONDED by Councillor Bass
THAT the foregoing Minutes be approved.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
6. Special Council (Public Hearing) - March 15, 2005
MOVED by Councillor Cadman
SECONDED by Councillor Woodsworth
THAT the foregoing Minutes be approved.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
MOVED by Councillor Cadman
SECONDED by Councillor Bass
THAT this Council resolve itself into Committee of the Whole, Mayor Campbell in the Chair.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
MATTERS ADOPTED ON CONSENT
MOVED by Councillor Stevenson
THAT Council adopt Administrative Reports A1, A4, and A6 to A9, on consent.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
REPORT REFERENCE
1. Community Climate Change Action Plan (File 3501)
Tom Osdoba, Manager, Sustainability Program, presented a Report Reference on Cool Vancouver Task Force's Community Climate Change Action Plan. In his presentation, he provided an update on the progress being made toward achieving the goals of the Corporate Climate Change Action Plan and sought Council adoption of the Cool Vancouver Task Force's Community Climate Change Action Plan and direction to begin implementing that plan using approved City resources.
(a) Corporate Climate Change Action Plan - 2004 Annual Report
March 15, 2005 (File 3501)
MOVED by Councillor Cadman
A. THAT City Council receive the Corporate Climate Change Action Plan - 2004 Annual Report appended to the Administrative Report Corporate Climate Change Action Plan - 2004 Annual Report dated March 15, 2005, for information.
B. THAT Council approve the creation of a permanent fleet engineer (CE1) position in Equipment Management, subject to review and classification by the General Manager of Human Resources, to assist the further implementation and development of the action items set out in the CCAP related to improving the corporate fleet. Annual cost of this position including benefits is $78,000 plus a one time cost of $5000 for computers and software. Funding for the balance of 2005, estimated at $57,000, to be recovered through rental rates on City vehicles and equipment.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
(b) Vancouver's Community Climate Change Action Plan
March 15, 2005 (File 3501)
MOVED by Councillor Cadman
A. THAT Council adopt the Community Climate Change Action Plan (Community CCAP) and thank the Cool Vancouver Task Force for their invaluable assistance in its preparation.
B. THAT Council forward the Plan to the Board of Parks and Recreation, the Police Board, and the Library Board and ask that they endorse the Community CCAP and seek opportunities within their operations and facilities to support the Plan.
C. THAT Council forward the Plan to the Vancouver School Board, the Greater Vancouver Regional District and its individual member municipalities, TransLink, the Provincial and Federal governments, the Union of British Columbia Municipalities, and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, as a way of sharing knowledge and to solicit their help in implementation.
D. THAT Council direct staff to implement the strategies described in the Community CCAP using the resources described and approved in the 2005 Operating Budget for that end and detailed in the table in the Budget and Staffing Implications section below.
E. THAT Council direct staff to implement a community engagement and awareness building program to encourage and support individual citizens and businesses of all backgrounds to undertake energy conservation behaviours, including:
i. Building of a shared community vision for action on climate change using a distinctive visual brand, print and web-based outreach materials, special events and programs, interactive displays, and mainstream, community and multi-cultural media campaigns.
ii. An expansion of the Mayor's Environmental Achievement Awards to recognize members of the community working to address climate change.
iii. Enabling the action of community leaders and organisations by creating mechanisms to provide resources to these groups. Staff will explore potential mechanisms that balance flexibility, simplicity, and accountability as well as developing criteria for application, evaluation and decision, and report back to Council later in 2005.
iv. Continuing research of community behaviors, attitudes, motivators and barriers so that the community engagement strategies can adapt over time for maximum effectiveness.
F. THAT Council direct staff to implement a housing energy efficiency program to enable all residents to improve the energy efficiency and comfort of their homes, including program elements such as:
i. Developing and coordinating a marketing approach that integrates existing energy efficiency promotions and incentives of several public organisations, while simultaneously engaging private companies such as contractors, financial institutions and hardware stores to provide complementary promotions and services.
ii. Developing a housing energy incentive program, contingent upon securing the required funding from the BC Ministry of Energy and Mines, to accelerate the pace of home energy efficiency improvements. Staff will report back to Council later in 2005 with detailed incentive program recommendations.
iii. Exploring opportunities for the appropriate use of building regulations to ensure that homeowners realize improved energy-efficiency over the long term. Staff will work with the Chief Building Official and stakeholders in regard to such City-initiated regulation, and report back in 2006.
G. THAT Council direct staff to implement the strategies and initial actions for commercial and institutional building energy efficiency, including:
i. Consolidating and sharing information on energy efficiency benefits, and promoting best operating practices in order to stimulate greater market utilisation of energy efficiency programs and services.
ii. Promoting an environmental performance recognition system for existing buildings among potential building tenants and owners alike. Staff will evaluate existing systems and report back to Council with recommendations on promoting one by spring 2006.
iii. Researching the potential for additional approaches to commercial building energy efficiency, such as building recommissioning and alternative financing mechanisms.
G. THAT Council direct staff to implement the strategies and initial actions for community energy systems and sources, to help develop renewable, flexible and cost-effective local energy, thereby helping to provide economic development opportunities and long-term price stability in Vancouver. These activities will include:
i. Developing a technical feasibility study, organisational model and business case for a community energy system for the False Creek Sustainability Precinct. Staff will seek external funding partnerships and prepare a Request for Proposals for Council consideration in spring 2005.
H. THAT Council direct staff to implement the strategies and initial actions to provide people who live in Vancouver with improved transportation alternatives, and to promote the use of those alternatives, including:
i. Emphasizing pedestrian, cycling and transit priority infrastructure improvements, especially regarding the implementation of the Vancouver and Downtown Transportation Plans, when developing proposals for future Capital Plans.
ii. Developing a cycling end-of-trip and bike parking facility plan for downtown and other major destinations, including pursuing opportunities for new development to provide funding or in-kind contributions to bike stations. Staff will report back to Council on the adequate provision of publicly accessible facilities in 2006.
iii. Implementing a Green Trips to School Program that works with existing school trip programs, provides increased staffing to work with schools, encourages visible Council and School Board support, and partners with health promotion and pedestrian safety programs. Staff will seek external funding sources and delivery mechanisms to support capital improvements on school property, such as bike facilities, in addition to the community leaders funding mechanisms (per Recommendation E.iii above).
iv. Developing a comprehensive parking strategy for the city core that uses both on- and off-street parking supply, priority access and pricing to promote transportation alternatives. Staff will report back to Council by fall 2006.
v. Council requesting that the Vancouver Police Department work with City staff to enhance pedestrian and cyclist safety through increased enforcement and education measures.
vi. Implementing a safe cycling skills course in partnership with TransLink, schools, and community centres.
vii. Reviewing and revising Vancouver's Transportation Plan mode share targets to reflect both the successes achieved to date and the community greenhouse gas reduction target. Staff to report back with mode share target recommendations by spring 2006.
viii. Council requesting that by 2006 TransLink and the Greater Vancouver Regional District complete the Regional Parking Strategy, Transportation Demand Management Strategy, and the Regional Tolling Policy outlined in TransLink's 2005-2007 Three Year Plan and 10-Year Outlook.
ix. Council requesting that City, GVRD, and TransLink staff review GHG emission impacts/reductions in major land-use planning, engineering, and transportation initiatives, including the Vancouver Area Transit Plan.
I. THAT Council direct staff to implement the strategies and initial actions for vehicle and fuel efficiency to reduce greenhouse gas and other air contaminant emissions associated with the use of personal and commercial vehicles, including:
i. Active advocacy by Council and staff, in cooperation with NGO's, the Union of British Columbian Municipalities, the Federation of Canadian Municipalities and other partners for timely and meaningful federal fuel efficiency standards for vehicles, for tax exemptions for employer-funded transit passes, and for tax measures to promote highly efficient vehicles and discourage inefficient ones.
ii. Supporting very fuel-efficient vehicles in the Comprehensive Parking Strategy for Transportation Alternatives (as per recommendation I.iv), including recommendations regarding the creation of ultra-compact vehicle parking opportunities.
iii. Implementing an idle-free awareness campaign and bylaw. Staff will report back with recommendations for an idle-free bylaw and enforcement program once they have secured adequate external funding to complement their City budget for the launch of an awareness campaign.
iv. Participating in and supporting regional and national partnerships to promote more efficient vehicles, efficient vehicle operations and renewable fuels. These activities will include initiatives such as the development of a fleet environmental performance standard, a tire inflation awareness campaign, demonstrating and promoting the business case for hybrid taxis, and the Bio-diesel Market Transformation Project.
J. THAT Council direct staff to develop performance measures for these initiatives, consistent with `triple bottom line' indicators, and report back to Council annually on implementation progress, and to provide Council with a full evaluation of community-wide greenhouse gas emissions prior to the 2010 Olympics.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
MOVED by Councillor Sullivan
L. THAT staff report back on the benefits to the environment on options of aggressive land use policies related to residential, retail, commercial and industrial uses according to the City Plan model.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
1. Grant to Better Environmentally Sound Transportation (B.E.S.T.) for Cycling Education and Encouragement
February 23, 2005 (File 2005)
On March 29, 2005, the Standing Committee on Transportation and Traffic considered the Administrative Report Grant to Better Environmentally Sound Transportation (B.E.S.T.) for Cycling Education and Encouragement dated February 23, 2005. However, at the Council meeting immediately following the Standing Committee meeting, Council did not have the required eight votes to approve a grant and referred its decision to the Regular Council meeting in the afternoon.
MOVED by Councillor Stevenson
THAT a grant of $20,000 be approved for Better Environmentally Sound Transportation (B.E.S.T.) to produce and distribute a cycling information package in Vancouver local papers. The $20,000 grant can be provided from 2004 Streets Basic Capital for Bicycle Network (SCA2E).
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY AND
BY THE REQUIRED MAJORITY
COMMUNICATIONS
1. Vancouver International Airport Resolutions (File 123)
Council had before it a memorandum dated March 1, 2005 from the Lower Mainland Municipal Association requesting support for two resolutions regarding the Vancouver International Airport. Council agreed to refer consideration of the memorandum to a Standing Committee meeting to allow a representative from the Vancouver Airport Authority to be present to answer questions.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
1. Request by Councillor Jim Green to Travel and Attend the CHRA 2005 Congress - Linking Sectors: The Case for Housing Conference
March 9, 2005 (File 1254)
THAT Council authorize Councillor Jim Green to attend the CHRA 2005 Congress - Linking Sectors: The Case for Housing Conference to be held in Montreal from April 26-30, 2005; funding estimated at $2,503.00.
ADOPTED ON CONSENT
2. Form of Development: 4015 Kamloops Street
March 11, 2005 (File 2606)
Councillor Louie requested staff to provide a memorandum on a way to encourage multi-use development in CD-1 zoned areas and legal implications of sunset clauses. Staff agreed to include possibilities for zoning and subdivision in those areas, and examples of CD-1 areas where land use was repeated at low density.
MOVED by Councillor Louie
THAT the form of development for this portion of the CD-1 zoned site known as Kamloops Street and East 24th Avenue (4015 Kamloops Street being the application address) be approved generally as illustrated in the Development Application Number DE409007, prepared by ML Design & Services and stamped "Received, Community Services Group, Development Services February 17, 2005", provided that the Director of Planning may impose conditions and approve design changes which would not adversely affect either the development character of this site or adjacent properties.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
3. Funding Approval for Participation in a New Multi-Jurisdictional Fire Records Management System (RMS)
March 14, 2005 (File 3651)
MOVED by Councillor Louie
THAT the General Manager of Fire and Rescue Services, in consultation with the Director of Finance and Director of Legal Services, be authorized to enter into an agreement with E-Comm, Emergency Communications for Southwest British Columbia, for participation in a shared Fire Services Records Management System at an estimated cost of $715,000 annually; funding to be added to the 2006 Operating Budget without offset.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
(Councillor Stevenson absent for the vote)
4. Approval of 2005-2006 Business Improvement Area (BIA) Budgets
March 14, 2005 (File 8300)
THAT Council approve the BIA Business Promotion Schemes and Budgets for the 2005-2006 year listed below and instruct staff to bring forward the appropriate rating by-laws:
BIA |
LEVY |
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Downtown
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$1,836,000
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ADOPTED ON CONSENT
5. Vancouver Agreement 2005
February 23, 2005 (File 3508)
MOVED by Councillor Green
A. THAT Council support the signing of Vancouver Agreement 2005, confirming the City's cooperation with the Provincial and Federal governments in a second five-year urban development initiative (2005-2010).
B. THAT Council support the continuation of a Vancouver Agreement Secretariat(co-ordination unit), to be cost shared between the three levels of government.
C. THAT Council approve $40,000 annual funding for a five-year period to cover the cost of office rental, as well as an "in-kind" contribution of $160,000 per year, as the City's contributions towards the Vancouver Agreement Secretariat. The Source of funding for the prorated 2005 cost of $30,000 will be the contingency reserve, funding for 2006 through 2010 will be added to the Vancouver Agreement operating budget, without offset.
D. THAT Council approve the lease of the Vancouver Agreement Secretariat office space at 305-456 West Broadway, a PEF building, at a cost of $2,970 per month from April 2005 to March 2007 and at $3,150 from April, 2007 to March 2010; plus an annual minor repairs and maintenance of $4,360 from April 2005 to March 2007 and $2,200 from April 2007 to March 2010.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
MOVED by Councillor Sullivan
E. THAT the City's Drug Policy Coordinator, in coordination with the Vancouver Agreement Secretariat, develop options for establishing dispersed drug maintenance programs as soon as possible for problem drugs such as heroin and cocaine for the purpose of reducing:
· Property crime,
· Aggressive panhandling
· Street prostitution
· Organized crime profits, and
· Infectious diseases.
Carried
AMENDMENT MOVED by Councillor Bass
THAT E be amended by replacing the words "as soon as possible" with the following:
"as part of a comprehensive treatment, prevention, harm reduction and enforcement strategy"
LOST
(Councillors Cadman, Green, Louie, Louis, Roberts, Stevenson, Sullivan, Woodsworth and the Mayor opposed)
The motion to amend having lost, the motion was put and CARRIED with Councillor Bass opposed.
6. Local Improvements by Initiative - June 8, 2005 - First and Second Step Report
March 10, 2005 (File 5804)
A. THAT the projects listed in Appendix I in the Administrative Report Local Improvements by Initiative - June 8, 2005 - First and Second Step Report dated March 10, 2005, be advanced as Local Improvements on the Initiative and brought before a Court of Revision on June 8, 2005.
B. THAT the reports of the City Engineer and Director of Finance be adopted together with details of the Second Step Report as summarized in Appendix II of the Administrative Report, and Council declare it is desirable that the projects set out in Appendix I of the Administrative Report be undertaken and deems that each will specially benefit the real property abutting it. Source of funds for the total City's share of $344,955 is $302 from existing Street Lighting Basic Capital Account and $344,653 subject to approval of the 2005 Streets Basic Capital Budget.
ADOPTED ON CONSENT
7. Award of Contract No. 2005-01 - Seismic Upgrading of Burrard Bridge South Approach
March 10, 2005 (File 1805/5752-3)
A. THAT, subject to the conditions set out in C and D below, Council authorize the award of Contract No. 2005-01 for the Burrard Bridge Seismic Upgrading South Approach to the low tenderer, Mutual Construction (2000) Ltd. for the Total Tender Price of $4,363,460.00, (including GST).
B. THAT the total budget for the project be confirmed at $4.7 million, with the source of funding as follows:
· $2.0 million previously approved from the Canada/BC Infrastructure Program;
· $2.5 million previously approved from the $20 million of borrowing authority for cost shared projects and available in Streets Basic Capital Order Group CB3EA6A;
· an additional $200,000 from the $20 million of borrowing authority for cost shared projects.
C. THAT, subject to the conditions set out in D below, the General Manager of Engineering Services be authorized to execute and deliver the Notice of Award on behalf of the City, and the Director of Legal Services be authorized to execute the Form of Agreement on behalf of the City.
D. THAT no legal rights or obligations will arise or be created by Council's adoption of A, B and C unless and until the Notice of Award has been (a) approved as to form by the Director of Legal Services and the General Manager of Engineering Services, and (b) executed and delivered by the General Manager of Engineering Services.
ADOPTED ON CONSENT
8. 2005 Cultural Operating and Project Grant Allocations
March 11, 2005 (File 2051)
THAT Council approve 76 Operating grants amounting to $1,332,300 and 31 Project grants amounting to $111,000, as listed in Appendix A in the Administrative Report 2005 Cultural Operating and Project Grant Allocations dated March 11, 2005, for a total of $1,443,300, including 5 conditional grants as noted. Source of funds to be the 2005 Cultural Grants Budget.
ADOPTED ON CONSENT AND
BY THE REQUIRED MAJORITY
9. Business License Hearing Panels for April 12, 21, and 28, 2005
March 24, 2005 (File 2711-1)
THAT Council delegate the holding of the Business License Hearings presently scheduled for April 12 and 21, 2005, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and April 28, 2005, from 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 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 2005 business licenses and the power to make a Council decision in relation to those hearings be delegated to:
April 12, 2005 - 9:30 a.m. |
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Councillor Raymond Louie, Chair | ||
Councillor Jim Green | ||
Councillor Anne Roberts | ||
Councillor Tim Louis, Alternate | ||
April 21, 2005 - 9:30 a.m. |
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Councillor David Cadman, Chair | ||
Councillor Tim Louis | ||
Councillor Sam Sullivan | ||
Councillor Peter Ladner, Alternate | ||
April 28, 2005 - 7:30 p.m. |
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Councillor Anne Roberts, Chair | ||
Councillor Fred Bass | ||
Councillor Ellen Woodsworth | ||
Councillor Raymond Louie, Alternate | ||
Should any of the above Members of Council be unable to attend the hearings, the hearings and the power to make a Council decision in relation to those hearings be delegated to the remaining two Councillors and alternate Councillors.
ADOPTED ON CONSENT
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 Cadman
SECONDED by Councillor Louis
THAT the report of the Committee of the Whole be adopted.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
BY-LAWS
MOVED by Councillor Stevenson
SECONDED by Councillor Louie
THAT Council enact the by-law listed on the agenda for this meeting as number 1, and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to sign and seal the enacted by-law.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
1. A By-law to amend Subdivision By-law No. 5208 (re 800-900 Southeast Marine Drive) (By-law No.9016)
MOTIONS
A. Administrative Motions
None
B. Motions on Notice
1. RAV Cut and Cover (File 5559)
The following motion reflects additions to the Motion on Notice.
MOVED by Councillor Green
SECONDED by Councillor Louie
WHEREAS the lead proponent to construct the RAV line is proposing a cut and cover construction technique for longer stretches of the alignment than was anticipated during the project planning phase; and
WHEREAS this approach is consistent with the City's requirement to have a tunnel for most of the route but will cause unexpected disruption to merchants and residents along the alignment between Queen Elizabeth Park and False Creek, and portions of Granville Street in the Downtown; and
WHEREAS organizations like Do RAV Right endorse the project in principle but are demanding concrete steps to minimize negative impacts; and
WHEREAS the access agreements negotiated between the City of Vancouver and RAVCO give the City the right to review and approve the Traffic Management Plan; and
WHEREAS the City is committed to working to ensure that disruption to residents, businesses and services in the city is minimized;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council affirm that the City will:
· require the RAV project to adhere to all applicable environment protection regulations and take whatever steps are feasible to minimize negative environmental impact along the alignment;
· work with the RAV project to establish traffic and truck management measures to minimize disruption along the alignment;
· work with RAV to take additional steps, including a business liaison program and pro-active parking measures to minimize the negative impacts on businesses and residents along the alignment; and
· establish a community liaison officer to ensure resident and business concerns are met before major construction begins in the affected areas and the City urge RAVCO to do the same;
· work with RAVCO staff to maximize the coordination of needed changes to water, electricity, sewer and gas utilities and minimize the time involved in making these changes.
Carried
Councillor Roberts enquired on the status of a requested report on legal options to prohibit cut and cover. Councillor Louie rose on a point of order and requested the Mayor to rule on the validity of the request for a report. The Mayor ruled the request was out of order as the motion to request the report at a previous meeting was lost.
AMENDMENT MOVED by Councillor Roberts
THAT the following be added as a bullet to the motion:
· explore with RAVCO to determine economic impacts of cut and cover tunnelling on Cambie and Granville Street merchants and explore possible mitigation measures by RAVCO and the provincial government.
Lost
MOVED by Councillor Stevenson
THAT the question be put on the motion to amend.
LOST (Tie Vote)
(Councillors Bass, Cadman, Louis, Roberts, Woodsworth opposed)
The motion on the question having lost, and following further discussion, the motion to amend was put and LOST with Councillors Cadman, Green, Louie, Stevenson, Sullivan and the Mayor opposed.
The motion to amend having lost, the Motion on Notice was put and CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
2. AirCare On-Road Program (File 3752)
MOVED by Councillor Cadman
SECONDED by Councillor Woodsworth
WHEREAS:
1. Published reports indicate that many heavy-duty vehicles fail the Air Care On-Road Program (ACOR); and
2. The current version of the ACOR Program has no means of compelling compliance by way of issuing fines or linking compliance to vehicle registration and/or licence removal for heavy-duty vehicles that fail to meet appropriate emission testing; and
3. Heavy duty vehicle emissions are major contributor to urban smog and fine particle pollution in the Greater Vancouver and Fraser Valley Area; and
4. The Greater Vancouver Regional District has estimated that between 1985 and 2020, Air Care and other programs will save 2,800 lives, prevent 33,000 emergency hospital visits and will result in a $1.6 Billion benefit to the Provincial economy; and
5. In less than twenty years respiratory disease has increased four-fold across the country; and
6. Asthma is now the number one reason for hospital admissions among Canadian children; and
7. Air pollution is the greatest contributing factor in respiratory disease; and
8. The City of Vancouver has undertaken initiatives to reduce vehicle emissions by embarking upon an anti-idling initiative to reduce unnecessary vehicle idling; and
9. Moving the ACOR program for heavy-duty vehicles from a voluntary to a mandatory compliance phase requires legislative action from the Provincial Government;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT
1. the City of Vancouver urge the Provincial Government to act as quickly as possible to enact appropriate legislation to provide the AirCare On-Road Program (ACOR) with the ability to enforce compliance for heavy duty vehicles that fail to meet appropriate air emission standards with the Greater Vancouver area;
2. a copy of the resolution be forwarded to the Premier of British Columbia, Gordon Campbell; the Minister of Transportation, Kevin Falcon; the Minister of Water, Land and Air Protection, Bill Barisoff, and the ten members of the Legislative Assembly representing the City of Vancouver; and
3. copies of the Resolutions be forwarded to the TransLink Chair and Board of Directors, Greater Vancouver Regional District Chair and Board of Directors, and Mayor and Councillors of all Municipalities within the Greater Vancouver Transportation Authority.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
(Councillor Green absent for the vote)
3. Elimination of Nuclear Weapons (File 3506)
MOVED by Councillor Cadman
SECONDED by Councillor Bass
WHEREAS:
1. As long as nuclear weapons exist, cities around the world will be vulnerable to instantaneous devastation on a scale exceeding even that experienced by Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945; and
2. Nuclear war would devastate many cities, an accidental missile launch would devastate several cities, and use of a nuclear weapon by terrorists would devastate a city; and
3. Any nuclear attack would obliterate City Hall and all emergency response mechanisms rendering any city "planning" for such a disaster utterly futile; and
4. The world's foremost line of defence against nuclear dangers in the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) which is currently in its seventh review cycle, with all parties to the treaty scheduled to meet next May to ensure that the treaty is being fully implemented; and
5. All other weapons of mass destruction have been prohibited by international agreement and are being eliminated under international control, and the nuclear-weapon states party to the NPT have undertaken to pursue negotiations in good faith on nuclear disarmament; and
6. The International Court of Justice unanimously found in 1996 that all states were obliged to "bring to a conclusion negotiations leading to nuclear disarmament in all its aspects under strict and effective international control;" and
7. The World Conference of Mayors for Peace has launched an international campaign calling on the 2005 NPT Review Conference to launch negotiations on the elimination of nuclear weapons, to be concluded by 2010 and fully implemented by 2020, also known as the 2020 vision; and
8. Weapons of mass destruction have no place in a civilized world; and
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED
1. THAT the City of Vancouver in the Province of British Columbia support a decision by the 2005 NPT R conference to commence negotiations on the prohibition and elimination of nuclear weapons and nuclear-weapon-related materials; and circulate this resolution, asking for support and endorsation to the UBCM and FCM member municipalities.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
(Councillor Green absent for the vote)
4. Ballistic Missiles (File 3120)
MOVED by Councillor Cadman
SECONDED by Councillor Woodsworth
WHEREAS:
1. Attempts to militarize space will inevitably lead to another international arms race; and
2. The resources involved placing weapons in space could better be used to eliminate world poverty, protect the natural world, and to provide for basic human needs such as housing, urban infrastructure, clean environment, among others; and
3. The majority of Canadians, including the people of Vancouver, are opposed to a new arms race, the waste of resources, and the social, political, and economic distortions that would inevitably result from these actions; and
4. The Canadian Government was under intense pressure from both domestic corporate lobbies and from the United States; and
5. The Canadian Government listened to the democratic will of its citizens and refused to sign on to the so-called "Ballistic Missile Defence" program as well as stating its opposition to any militarization of space.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED
1. The City of Vancouver in the Province of British Columbia congratulate Prime Minister Paul Martin and the Government of Canada on the wise and courageous decision to proceed no further to increase cooperation with the Bush Administration's so-called "Ballistic Missile Defence" program and
2. The City of Vancouver in the Province of British Columbia urge the Government of Canada to do all within its power to work for arms reduction, the redirection of resources to promote peace, fund human needs, and protect our environment.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
5. Review of News Box Policy (File 2630)
The following motion reflects revisions to the Motion on Notice. The Chair noted requests to speak have been received and Council agreed to refer consideration of the motion to the Standing Committee on Planning and Environment meeting on March 31 to hear the speakers.
WHEREAS the City of Vancouver's policy and guidelines on news boxes must balance the rights of a free press with the need to keep sidewalks clear for pedestrian traffic and free of litter; and
WHEREAS the launch of three new newspapers in the city, at least two of which will be daily, raises the prospect of intense competition for sidewalk locations as well as the risk of increased litter; and
WHEREAS it is important to achieve an outcome that protects access for a full range of publications, including those aimed at smaller audiences in the gay and lesbian, youth and ethnic communities; and
WHEREAS the City is awaiting the arrival of multiple publication news boxes as part of its street furniture program that may offer a partial solution;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that Council give the City Engineer the discretion to relax the existing policy where additional newsboxes can be allowed without unduly interfering with competition in the newspaper industry, pedestrian movement, access to businesses and visibility of businesses, provided that news box owners make application and pay necessary fees for news box locations, and provided that news box owners agree to remove the boxes and participate in a multiple news box system when that is available.
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Council request a full staff report on the issues raised by the new situation, including measures to allow reasonable access for all publications and to control litter.
Referred
NEW BUSINESS
1. Improved Discount Parking Incentives for `Very Efficient Vehicles' (File 5653)
The following motion was submitted by the Mayor for the Regular Council meeting on March 29, 2005. Councillor Sullivan called Notice under Section 5.4(c) of the Procedure By-law. The Motion will be placed on the agenda of the Regular Council meeting to be held March 31 immediately following the Standing Committee on Planning and Environment meeting.
WHEREAS, the City of Vancouver has developed a Community Climate Change Plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions throughout the community, including from cars, minivans, sport-utility vehicles and pick-up trucks;
WHEREAS, the promotion of very efficient vehicles that substantially reduce greenhouse gas emissions from cars is an important element of the City's plan to reduce emissions;
WHEREAS, the City can raise the public's awareness of the importance of making smart vehicle choices, to reduce emissions and contribute to addressing the challenge of climate change;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, THAT the City ask the EasyPark board to create a one-year pilot program offering improved discount parking incentives at EasyPark locations in the City for a class of `very efficient vehicles', based on criteria established by staff, to benefit owners of the Toyota Prius hybrid vehicle, Honda Insight and Civic hybrid vehicles, and the Mercedes SmartCar; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the City ask Easy Park to implement the incentive by June 2005 and report to council on the impacts in January 2006.
Notice
2. City Initiatives to Fight Racism (File 3502)
The following motion was submitted by Councillor Woodsworth for the Regular Council meeting on March 29, 2005. Councillor Sullivan called Notice under Section 5.4(c) of the Procedure By-law. The Motion will be placed on the agenda of the Regular Council meeting to be held March 31 immediately following the Standing Committee on Planning and Environment meeting.
WHEREAS:
1. The City of Vancouver is committed to the belief that equal opportunity and treatment should exist for all people;
2. Every resident of Vancouver has the right to realize his or her potential regardless of race, color, national or ethic origin, and live at all times in conditions of dignity, respect and peace;
3. The General Assembly of the United Nations has designated March 21st as the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discriminations;
4. The elimination of racism and racial discrimination can be accomplished through understanding and respect for the dignity of all people, and is the social and moral responsibility of each person:
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT City Council instructs all departments of the City to make plans to do one initiative each to fight racism which they can report back on March 21st, 2006, to show their commitment to fighting racism in the city.
Notice
3. Leave of Absence - Councillor Roberts (File 1254)
MOVED by Councillor Cadman
SECONDED by Councillor Bass
THAT Councillor Roberts be granted a Leave of Absence for the Court of Revision to be held June 8, 2005.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
ENQUIRIES AND OTHER MATTERS
1. Parking Enforcement of City Parking Lot at 64th and Fraser (File 5653)
Councillor Green requested staff to provide a memorandum on what the City is doing to enforce parking by-laws at the City parking lot at 64th and Fraser.
Councillor Louie advised that staff is currently looking at parking by-law enforcement in that area.
2. Community Meetings related to the Fraser Street Triage (File 2605)
Councillor Green requested staff to provide a status report on the promised community meetings related to the Fraser Street Triage.
Councillor Roberts advised letters have recently been sent notifying of an upcoming community meeting in April.
The Council adjourned at 6:00 p.m.
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