Vancouver City Council |
REPORT TO COUNCIL
STANDING COMMITTEE OF COUNCIL
ON CITY SERVICES AND BUDGETSMARCH 31, 2005
A Regular Meeting of the Standing Committee of Council on City Services and Budgets was held on Thursday, March 31, 2005, at 9:30 a.m., in the Council Chamber, Third Floor, City Hall.
PRESENT:
Councillor Tim Louis, Chair
Mayor Larry Campbell
Councillor Fred Bass
Councillor David Cadman
Councillor Jim Green
Councillor Raymond Louie
Councillor Anne Roberts
*Councillor Tim Stevenson
Councillor Sam Sullivan
Councillor Ellen Woodsworth, Vice Chair
ABSENT:
Councillor Peter Ladner (Leave of Absence)
CITY MANAGER'S OFFICE:
Judy Rogers, City Manager
CITY CLERK'S OFFICE:
Denise Salmon, 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 March 3, 2005, were adopted.
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VARY AGENDA
MOVED by Councillor Louie,
THAT the order of the agenda be varied to consider Items 2-5 before Items 1 a and b.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
(Councillor Stevenson absent for the vote)
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NOTE FROM CLERK: To ensure clarity, items are recorded in the order they were dealt with at the meeting.
RECOMMENDATION
2. 2005 Community Services Grants Allocation (File 2151)
The Committee had before it an Administrative Report dated March 11, 2005, in which the Director of Social Planning recommended the 2005 Community Services Grants allocations (in all three categories and Rent Subsidy grants) for all applications not referred to the reconsideration process. Also before Council were two options for Council's consideration for lower priority, but eligible, Direct Social Services applications, either J.1 terminating or no grants for 5 groups, or J.2 continued or new funding for a full year for these same groups, which would require the addition of $47,100 to the grants budget. The General Manager of Community Services recommended approval of A to I and submitted the choice of either J. 1 or J.2 for Council's consideration.
Also before Council was a memorandum dated March 22, 2005, from the Director of Social Planning, which noted Council, at its meeting on March 17th, had approved an increase to the Community Services Grants budget. Accordingly, staff recommended approval of J.2 as noted above.
Jeff Brooks, Director of Social Planning, and Rick Gates, Social Planner, were present to respond to questions.
MOVED by Councillor Roberts
THAT the Committee recommend to Council
A. THAT Council approve 8 Neighbourhood Organization Grants totalling $484,268 as listed in Appendix A-1 of the Administrative Report dated March 11, 2005, entitled "2005 Community Services Grants Allocation". Source of funding is the 2005 Community Services Grants budget.
B. THAT Council approve a one-year terminating Neighbourhood Organization Grant of $52,324 to Kitsilano Neighbourhood House. Source of funding is the 2005 Community Services Grants budget.
C. THAT Council approve 7 Organizational Capacity Building Grants totalling $169,424, as listed in Appendix A-2 of the Administrative Report dated March 11, 2005, entitled "2005 Community Services Grants Allocation". Source of funding is the 2005 Community Services Grants budget.
D. THAT Council approve 75 Direct Social Service Grants, including any recommended CONDITIONS on the grants, as listed in Appendix A-3 of the Administrative Report dated March 11, 2005, entitled "2005 Community Services Grants Allocation", totalling $2,427,100. Source of funding is the 2005 Community Services Grants budget.
E. THAT Council approve a six-month terminating Direct Social Services Grant of $14,400 to the Mt. Pleasant Community Centre Association for the Cambodian Family Support Services program. Source of funding is the 2005 Community Services Grants budget.
F. THAT Council approve the establishment of a $20,000 reserve for the Partners in Organizational Development program. Specific allocation recommendations will be made at a later date this year.
G. THAT Council approve a Rent Subsidy grant of $39,073 to the B.C. Coalition of People with Disabilities, source of funding is the 2005 Other Grants budget.
H. THAT Council approve a Rent Subsidy grant of $8,880 to Central City Mission for the Dugout, source of funding is the 2005 Other Grants budget.
I. THAT Council approve a Rent Subsidy grant of $15,500 to Family Services - Street Youth Program, source of funding is the 2005 Other Grants budget.
J. THAT Council approve the following Community Services Grants:
ORGANIZATION |
GRANT |
La Boussole, Centre Communautaire Societe |
$14,280 |
North Shore Counselling Society |
$10,000 |
Pacific Post Partum Support Society |
$17,000 |
Vancouver Recovery Club |
$26,780 |
Western Institute for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing |
$10,000 |
Source of funding is the 2005 Community Services Grants budget.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
(Councillor Stevenson absent for the vote)
3. Get Out! - Olympic Youth Legacy for Physical Activity, Sport, Culture and the Arts - Grants Recommendations (File 4209/4102)
The Committee had before it an Administrative Report dated March 11, 2005, in which the Managing Director, Cultural Services; Director, Vancouver East District, Park Board; and Director, Social Planning, presented the Adjudication Committee's recommendations for 25 requests to the Get Out! Youth Legacy Grants Programs. The General Manager of Community Services and the General Manager of the Park Board recommended approval.
Cherryl Masters, Cultural Planner, Debbie Anderson, Social Planning, and Doug Ragan, Program Coordinator were present to respond to questions.
MOVED by Councillor Woodsworth
THAT the Committee recommend to Council
THAT Council approve 13 Get Out! - Grants to Youth amounting to $33,260 and 12 Get Out! - Community Partner grants amounting to $66,740, as listed in Appendix A of the Administrative Report dated March 11, 2005, entitled "Get Out! - Olympic Youth Legacy for Physical Activity, Sport, Culture and the Arts - Grants Recommendations" for a total of $100,000. Source of funds to be the Olympic Legacy component of the 2005 Grants budget.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
(Councillor Stevenson absent for the vote)
4. 2005 Property Tax Options: Averaging Effects (File 1551)
The Committee had before it a Policy Report dated February 14, 2005, from the General Manager of Corporate Services/Director of Finance, the motions of which were approved by Council on March 3, 2005, including Council authority to prepare a by-law to 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. Per Council's resolution, the City advised taxpayers of this action through newspaper advertisements in advance of the by-law being considered at the March 31st meeting.
Ken Bayne, Director of Financial Planning and Treasury, was present to respond to questions. The Chair noted no members of the public had registered to speak on this matter, and the relevant by-law, which would require approval from Council if the averaging program is to proceed, would be before Council at the meeting immediately following the Standing Committee meeting.
Councillor Louis noted his opposition to this matter.
5. 2005 Operating Budget - Final Estimates (File 1605)
The Committee had before it an Administrate Report dated March 21, 2005, in which the General Manager of Corporate Services/Director of Finance sought Council approval of the final revenue and expenditure estimates for the 2005 Operating Budget and updated Council on the financial implications of the increase in Police staffing levels as approved by Council on March 17, 2005. The City Manager recommended approval.
Estelle Lo, General Manager of Corporate Services and Director of Finance, and Annette Klein, Director of Budget Services, were present to respond to questions.
MOVED by Councillor Louie
THAT the Committee recommend to Council
THAT Council adopt the final 2005 Operating Budget revenue and expenditure estimates with a property tax increase of 2.99% as outlined in the Administrative Report dated March 21, 2005, entitled "2005 Operating Budget - Final Estimates" by approving the budget resolution attached as Appendix 2 to that report.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
1.(a) World Peace Forum 2006 Funding Request (File 3120-1)
1.(b) World Peace Forum 2006 Report from Joint Steering Committee (File 3120-1)
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Items 1 (a) and 1 (b) were dealt with concurrently and have been minuted together for ease of reference.
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Council had before it an Administrative Report dated March 23, 2005, in which the City Manager provided Council with the findings and analysis of the funding proposal submitted by the World Peace Forum Society. The City Manager had been instructed by Council to contract a feasibility study on the City's involvement in holding a World Peace Forum in conjunction with the World Urban Forum in 2006. The report provided an overview of the research and analysis from the feasibility study and other considerations by City staff.
Council also had before it an Other Report dated March 16, 2005, from the Joint Steering Committee: City of Vancouver Peace and Justice Committee and World Peace Forum Society that provided the background of, rationale for, and evolving plans to host the World Peace Forum 2006 in Vancouver, June 23 - 28, 2006. The report sought Council's endorsement of the World Peace Forum 2006 based upon information provided in the report.
The City Manager submitted both reports for Council's consideration.
Wendy Au, Manager, Special Projects, provided Council with an overview of the staff report, and introduced Suzanne Christiensen and Stacey LeBlanc from Ideas Work Consulting, who had prepared the feasibility report for the City Manager. The consultants responded to questions related to liability issues, their involvement in the World Peace Forum Society's three day planning session at UBC in November and provided their suggestions on requirements for the Forum to successfully move forward, with focus on the need for development of a fund raising plan.
The following members of the Joint Steering Committee provided Council with comments related to the positive legacy of promoting world peace and the critical role that Vancouver can play with the World Urban Forum in conjunction with the World Peace Forum 2006, both scheduled for Vancouver as back to back major international Forums in June of 2006:
Jef Keighley (brief filed)
Thekla Lit (brief filed)
Ian Mass
Nola-Kate Seymoar
Jennifer Simons (brief filed)
Sam Fillipoff, Peace and Justice Committee member, introduced Alison Diesvelt, a teacher at Trudeau Elementary School, who coordinated a flag design project in which twelve Vancouver schools participated. Four children who participated in the project shared their thoughts on peace with Council.
The following registered speakers spoke in support of the World Peace Forum, and urged Council to approve the recommendations contained in the Joint Steering Committee's report:
Victor Chan, Dalai Lama Centre for Peace and Education
Gini Sims, President, BC Teachers' Federation
Lillian To, Executive Director SUCCESS
Grant Hanson (material filed)
Barry Cooke, Director, Multifaith Action Society
Councillor Cadman noted he wished to move a motion. The Chair suggested if remaining speakers were in support and concur, Council could proceed to a vote without hearing from the remaining 19 registered speakers.
Lynne DeCew, Vice-President, Marketing, Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre, noted 2006 marks the 50th anniversary of the Vancouver Aquarium, and expressed concern with potential space conflicts with the World Peace Forum during 2006 related to the flying of banners for these events.
Ian Adam, Assistant City Engineer, Transportation, acknowledged the great deal of interest in banner locations for next year, and suggested the report back, as put forward in Councillor Cadman's motion, would help address this matter and hopefully meet the needs of all.
MOVED by Councillor Cadman
THAT the Committee recommend to Council
A. That Council approve a one time grant of funding of $150,000 to the World Peace Forum, source of funding to be the 2005 Contingency Reserve. The grant funding to be released once other funding identified in their budget is in place, and in a phased manner as set out in B, C and D below.
B. That Council approve $50,000 to be available April 1st, 2005 to cover specific contract costs of the World Peace Forum 2006, in particular venue rental costs. It is understood that this will release $350,000 worth of funding from the Simons Foundation.
C. That the next $50,000 be released on Council approval of a detailed budget, fundraising plan and program plan, and on the condition that an additional $200,000 worth of funding is secured.
D. That the final $50,000 be released on Council approval on the condition that an additional $500,000 worth of funding is secured.
E. That Council host a general assembly of the International Association of Peace Messenger Cities, and host a joint meeting of representatives from the International Peace Messenger Cities, Mayors for Peace and Cities for Peace in association with the World Urban Forum and the World Peace Forum at a cost not to exceed $50,000 subject to further Council approval as part of the 2006 budget considerations.
F. That Council instruct staff to work with the Mayor's office and report back on a comprehensive plan and budget needs in hosting the general assembly and joint meeting of the International Peace Messengers Cities, Mayors for Peace and Cities for Peace.
G. That Council request the City's Banner Committee consider themes related to the World Urban Forum and Peace and Justice and report back to Council with recommendations on appropriate themes for City banners in 2006.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
The Committee adjourned at 12:32 p.m.
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|
CITY OF VANCOUVER REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
MARCH 31, 2005 |
A Regular Meeting of the Council of the City of Vancouver was held on Thursday, March 31, 2005, at 12:32 p.m., in the 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
|
ABSENT: |
Councillor Peter Ladner (Leave of Absence) |
CITY MANAGER'S OFFICE: |
Judy Rogers, City Manager |
CITY CLERK'S OFFICE: |
Denise Salmon, Meeting Coordinator |
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
MOVED by Councillor Stevenson
SECONDED by Councillor Green
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
March 31, 2005
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(a). World Peace Forum 2006 Funding Request
1(b). Joint Steering Committee: City of Vancouver Peace and Justice Committee and World Peace Forum Society
2. 2005 Community Services Grants Allocation
3. Get Out! -Olympic Youth Legacy for Physical Activity, Sport, Culture and the Arts - Grants Recommendations
4 2005 Property Tax Options: Three-Year Land Averaging for Property Tax Calculations
5. 2005 Operating Budget - Final Estimates
Items 1(a) and (b), 2 and 3
MOVED by Councillor Louis
THAT the recommendations and actions taken by the Standing Committee on City Services and Budgets at its meeting of March 31, 2005, as contained in items 1 (a) and (b), 2 and 3, be approved.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY AND
BY THE REQUIRED MAJORITY
Items 4 and 5
MOVED by Councillor Louis
THAT the recommendations and actions taken by the Standing Committee on City Services and Budgets at its meeting of March 31, 2005, as contained in items 4 and 5, be approved.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
RISE FROM COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
MOVED by Councillor Louie
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 Roberts
THAT the report of the Committee of the Whole be adopted.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
BY-LAWS
MOVED by Councillor Stevenson
SECONDED by Councillor Woodsworth
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 average Land Assessments for 2005 (By-law No. 9017)
MOTIONS
A. Administrative Motions
1. 2005 Operating Budget - Final Estimates (File 1605)
MOVED by Councillor Cadman
SECONDED by Councillor Roberts
THAT WHEREAS, the Vancouver Charter, Section 219 requires that the Director of Finance submit to Council each year the detailed estimates of revenues and expenditures of the City for the year;
AND WHEREAS the Vancouver Charter, Section 372 requires that Council adopt the estimates of revenues and expenditures for the City as soon thereafter as possible;
AND WHEREAS Council has reviewed the development of the estimates in reports submitted by the Director of Finance on January 18, 2005, and March 15, 2005 and approved measures to bring the estimates into balance, including approval of a 2.99% general purposes property tax increase;
AND WHEREAS the total estimated expenditures of the City to pay all debts and obligations of the City falling due in the year 2005, exclusive of the amounts required for school, Greater Vancouver Regional District, Greater Vancouver Transportation Authority, British Columbia Assessment Authority and Municipal Finance Authority purposes and not otherwise provide for, as amended by Council, amount to $773,095,200;
AND WHEREAS the total estimated expenditures as aforesaid is the sum of the appropriation requests of all departments and boards properly supported by detailed analysis of those expenditures and listings of the salaried staff;
AND WHEREAS the total estimated revenue of the City for 2005 from sources other than real property taxes, as amended by Council, amounts to $319,217,800;
AND WHEREAS the amount of the General Purposes Tax Levy so required is $453,877,400;
THEREFORE be it resolved that the said estimates, both as to totals and individual items pertaining thereto, of the Director of Finance as so amended by Council be and the same are hereby adopted by Council.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
NEW BUSINESS
1. Funding for International Events (File 4201)
Councillor Sullivan submitted the following Motion. The Mayor called Notice under Section 5.4(c) of the Procedure By-law. The Motion will be considered at the next regular Council meeting which will be held immediately following this afternoon's Standing Committee on Planning and Environment meeting.
MOVED by Councillor Sam Sullivan
SECONDED by
WHEREAS:
1. The World Peace Forum is a regular international event that takes place in cities throughout the world.
2. The Peace and Justice Committee initiated an effort to have Vancouver be the venue for the 2006 Forum.
3. The city hosted two forums with hundreds of invitees at which the Mayor expressed his commitment.
4. The World Peace Forum is a very important gathering that seeks to improve the conditions for world peace.
AND WHEREAS
1. The Harm Reduction Drug Conference is a regular international event that takes place in cities throughout the world.
2. The Mayor announced in Melbourne that Vancouver would be hosting the Conference in 2007 despite having no authority from Council.
3. This Drug Conference will cost Vancouver taxpayers $500,000
4. The Harm Reduction Drug Conference is an important event which enables experts from around the world to share their experiences with harm reduction efforts.
5. There are many worthy international conferences that choose Vancouver as a venue every year.
6. The City of Vancouver could be liable for overruns that could total $1 million for both events.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Mayor and Councillors be requested to refrain from committing the city to major spending on international events before public debate and approval by Council.
Notice
The Council adjourned at 12:38 p.m.
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