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REPORT TO COUNCIL STANDING COMMITTEE OF COUNCIL
MARCH 31, 2005 |
A Regular Meeting of the Standing Committee of Council on Planning and Environment was held on Thursday, March 31, 2005, at 2:00 p.m., in the Council Chamber, Third Floor, City Hall.
PRESENT: |
Councillor Anne Roberts, Chair
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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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ADOPTION OF MINUTES
The Minutes of the Standing Committee on Planning and Environment meeting of March 3, 2005, were adopted.
RECOMMENDATION
1. 1066 West Hastings Street - Aqua 1066 Lounge - 0693750 BC Ltd.
Liquor Primary Application for an Increase in Capacity of an Outdoor Patio
(File 2615)
The Committee had before it an Administrative Report dated March 7, 2005, in which the Chief License Inspector recommended Council endorse the application for an increase in outdoor patio seating capacity from 20 to 100 persons for the Liquor Primary liquor license at Aqua 1066 Lounge located at 1066 West Hastings Street. The General Manager of Community Services recommended approval.
Guy Gusdal, Licensing Coordinator, was available to respond to questions.
MOVED by Councillor Louis
THAT the Committee recommend to Council
THAT Council, (having considered: the opinions of area residents and business operators notified by an on-site sign; the proximity of residential developments; noise impacts; and relevant city policy as outlined in the Administrative report dated March 7, 2005, entitled 1066 West Hastings Street - Aqua 1066 Lounge - 0693750 BC Ltd Liquor Primary Application for an Increase in Capacity of an Outdoor Patio) endorse the request by 0693750 BC Ltd for an increase in the outdoor patio capacity for the Liquor Primary Liquor License (License # 300548) from 20 to 100 persons at Aqua 1066 Lounge, 1066 West Hastings Street, subject to:
i. Adhering to clean air practices.
ii. Signing a Good Neighbour Agreement with the City.
iii. Agreeing to have the patio vacated by 11:00 pm
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
2. 2434 Main Street - Guys & Dolls Billiards Ltd.
Application for Liquor Primary License - Billiard Hall (File 2612-1)
This item was withdrawn.
3. Evergreen Building - 1285 West Pender Street (File 3105-1)
The Committee had before it a Report dated February 28, 2005, in which the Vancouver Heritage Commission requested Council review the proposed four-storey addition option of the Evergreen Building at 1285 West Pender Street in the interests of significant heritage preservation. The City Manager provided information on Development Permit Board decisions on this development application, and recommended an alternate resolution should Council be supportive of Vancouver Heritage Commission's request.
Larry Beasley, Director of Current Planning, and Rick Scobie, Director of Development Services, responded to questions regarding the ruling of the Development Permit Board, the possibility of adding a heritage representative to the Advisory Panel of the Development Permit Board, upgrading the heritage registry and issues regarding saving the building.
Cheryl Cooper, Vancouver Heritage Commission, reviewed the report.
Susan Boissonneault, Heritage Vancouver, addressed the cultural and architectural value of the building, noted the building was added to Heritage Vancouver's top 10 endangered list and urged City Council to overturn the ruling of the Development Permit Board.
John Laxton, owner of the Evergreen Building, indicated that saving the building is neither economically nor technically possible, initial costs of the renovations were seriously underestimated, there will be a lack of parking if the building is converted, and he will be both unable to save the existing building and not allowed to build a new one should the Vancouver Heritage Commission's recommendation be adopted.
MOVED by Councillor Green
THAT the Committee recommend to Council
A. THAT in reference to the Evergreen Building at 1285 West Pender Street, staff collaborate with the owner to look at any opportunity to maintain or save the existing structure, while not interfering with the applicant's proposal for a new building through the development application process.
B. THAT staff report back on measures required to upgrade the Heritage Register.
C. THAT staff report back on measures required in order to add a Heritage Representative to the Advisory Panel for the Development Permit Board.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
4. Single Room Accommodation By-law: 18 Month Report Back (File 4657)
The Committee had before it a Policy Report dated February 15, 2005, in which the Director of the Housing Centre and the Director of Current Planning in consultation with the Director of Legal Services and the Director of Finance provided an overview of the implementation of the Single Room Accommodation By-law that was enacted by Council, October 21, 2003, and recommended changes to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of implementing the By-law in relation to other City programs. The City Manager recommended approval.
Cameron Gray, Director of the Housing Centre. Catherine Wong, SRA By-law Coordinator, was available to respond to questions.
Andrew Mowat, Victorian Hotel, indicated he would be submitting a written report to Council and the Director of the Housing Centre on experiences with the By-law.
MOVED by Councillor Green
THAT the Committee recommend to Council
A1. THAT Council, having issued conversion or demolition permits for the following designated rooms and the conditions under that permit having been met, approve the removal of four (4) rooms in the Ambassador Hotel (1212 Granville Street) from Schedule A to the Single Room Accommodation By-law.
A2. THAT Council, having authorized exemptions from the requirements of the Single Room Accommodation By-law for the following designated rooms, approve the removal of all 34 rooms in the Jolly Taxpayer Hotel (826/830 Hastings St.) from Schedule A to the Single Room Accommodation By-law.
B. THAT Council authorize the Director of Legal Services to bring forward an amendment to the Single Room Accommodation By-law removing from Schedule A the rooms listed in this Recommendation A and amending the By-law generally in accordance with Appendix A.
C. THAT subject to 2005 budget considerations, Council approve the continuation of two temporary positions (Planner 1 and a Clerk V position, including fringe benefits) for a period of one year at an estimated cost of $134,579. The prorated impact to 2005 for these temporary positions will be $100,935, including fringe benefits, while funding for 2006 will be $33,645 and will be added to 2006 CSG operating budget without offset.
CARRIED
(Councillor Sullivan opposed)
5. 2005 Annual Special Events Report (File 4201)
The Committee had before it an Administrative Report dated February 16, 2005 in which the General Manager of Engineering Services submitted for Council approval a list of 2005 special events that have been received and vetted by the Special Events Office, and identified issues about specific events for which FEST is seeking Council direction. The Committee also had before it a memorandum dated March 31, 2005, from the General Manager of Engineering Services, indicating the Pride Society had rescinded their request for a route change for the annual Pride Parade, therefore, item F in the original recommendation had been withdrawn.
Muriel Honey, Film and Special Events, reviewed the report, and responded to questions regarding the size of the Santa Claus Parade, time issues with the parade and the status of the SeaVancouver Festival.
The following delegations spoke to the report:
Kelly Alm
Mike Botnick
Reverend Peter Elliott, Christ Church Cathedral
Sarah Good, Manager of Media and Community Relations, Rogers
James Steck, Davie Village BIA
Philip Moon
Lyn Hellyar, Davie Village BIA
Angus Paraught
Their comments included:
· gridlock occurs at many of these parades;
· the focus now is on getting people out to the parades and providing adequate parking, while acknowledging there will be gridlock;
· because many parades occur on Sundays it is difficult for parishioners to get to the churches along the parade routes;
· property protection needs to be addressed;
· the pride parade staying on its old route is a good thing;
· Rogers is amenable to renegotiating start times for parades.
MOVED by Councillor Stevenson
THAT the Committee recommend to Council
A. THAT the Special Events in Appendix A of the Administrative Report dated February 16, 2005, entitled "Annual Special Events Report", be approved, subject to staff finalizing acceptable arrangements with the event organizers; and that Council authorize the Film and Special Events Office and FEST to approve minor events that arise during the remainder of 2005.
B. THAT Council approve the closure of Water Street from Richards to Carrall on Sunday, June 5th for the first annual Gastown Motorcycle Show and Shine; subject to final arrangements being approved by FEST
C. That Council approve the closure of Commercial Drive from 1st Avenue to Napier Street on Sunday June 19th from 10:00am until approximately 8:00 pm for the Commercial Drive Community Fest; subject to final arrangements being approved by FEST.
D. That Council approve the closure of West 10th Avenue from Blanca to Discovery on Sunday June 19th from 7:30am until approximately 3:00pm for the Westside Cycling Classic; subject to final arrangements being approved by FEST.
E. That Council approve the closure of Broadway from MacDonald to Blenheim on Sunday, June 26th for the celebration of Greek Day; subject to final arrangements being approved by FEST.
F. That Council approve in principle Sea Vancouver activities from July 6th to 10th; subject to final arrangements being approved by FEST.
G. That Council approve a new route for the 2nd Annual Santa Claus Parade on Sunday, November 20th, 2005; subject to final arrangements being approved by FEST.
H . That Council approve the closure of streets around Library Square and BC Place for the 2005 Grey Cup Festival, including a Grey Cup Parade.
I. THAT staff negotiate with stakeholders on start times and access to churches along parade routes.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
6. Vancouver International Airport Resolutions (File 123)
MOVED by Councillor Woodsworth
THAT the Committee recommend to Council
THAT this item be postponed to a Standing Committee meeting on April 14, 2005.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
7. Review of News Box Policy (File 2630)
At 3:54 p.m., Councillor Louie declared Conflict of Interest for this item, as Pacific Newspaper Group is his employer. Councillor Louie left the Council Chamber and did not return until following the conclusion of the vote on this matter, during the Council meeting immediately following the Standing Committee on Planning and Environment meeting.
Vancouver City Council, at its meeting on March 29, 2005, referred the following motion on this matter to the Standing Committee on Planning and Environment meeting on March 31, 2005, in order to hear from members of the public.
MOVED by Councillor Green
THAT the Committee recommend to Council
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.
amended
Peter Judd, Deputy City Engineer, described the Street and Traffic By-law and responded to questions regarding his interpretation of the motion, and the quality of boxes that are allowed on the streets.
The following delegations spoke to the motion:
Charles Gauthier, Downtown Vancouver BIA
Claudia Laroye, Marpole BIA
Corene West, Robson Street BIA
Dan McLeod, The Georgia Straight (brief submitted)
Nick Collier, The Georgia Straight
Joe King, Metro Vancouver
Mike Cowan, 24 Hours Vancouver
Sharon Townsend, South Granville BIA
Cheryl Easton, Kitsilano-4th Avenue BIA and Point Grey Village BIA
Nick Noorani, The Canadian Immigrant
Their comments included:
· prefer to work with and enforce existing policy;
· multiple publishing boxes are slow in coming and are a year behind schedule;
· this is an opportunity to encourage stakeholders to work together, as there is no coherent policy that all stakeholders agree on;
· this motion will diminish City control;
· the problem is that the existing policy has not been enforced;
· there is no space for new boxes;
· BIAs should be viewed as partners in this issue;
· generally, there are too many boxes on streetcorners.
Councillor Stevenson raised a point of order to question a speaker's comments and the right of Councillor Green to respond. The City Clerk advised the matter was out of order, and suggested the Chair allow Councillor Green the opportunity to respond to the speaker's comments.
AMENDMENT MOVED by Councillor Green
THAT the entire motion be struck except for the last paragraph.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
The amendment having carried, Councillor Green's motion as amended was put and CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
MOTION AS AMENDED
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.
The Committee adjourned at 5:13 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 5:13 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.
PRESENT: |
Deputy Mayor Tim Stevenson
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ABSENT: |
Mayor Larry Campbell
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CITY MANAGER'S OFFICE: |
Judy Rogers, City Manager |
CITY CLERK'S OFFICE: |
Nicole Ludwig, Meeting Coordinator |
*Denotes absence for a portion of the meeting.
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
MOVED by Councillor Cadman
SECONDED by Councillor Bass
THAT this Council resolve itself into Committee of the Whole, Deputy Mayor Stevenson in the Chair.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
(Councillors Green and Louie absent for the vote)
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Report of Standing Committee on Planning and Environment
March 31, 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. 1066 West Hastings Street - Aqua 1066 Lounge - 0693750 BC Ltd.
Liquor Primary Application for an Increase in Capacity of an Outdoor Patio
2. 2434 Main Street - Guys & Dolls Billiards Ltd.
Application for Liquor Primary License - Billiard Hall
3. Evergreen Building - 1285 West Pender Street
4. Single Room Accommodation By-law: 18 Month Report Back
5. 2005 Annual Special Events Report
8. Vancouver International Airport Resolutions
9. Review of News Box Policy
Items 1 to 7
MOVED by Councillor Cadman
THAT the recommendations and actions taken by the Standing Committee on Planning and Environment at its meeting of March 31, 2005, as contained in items 1 to 7, be approved.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
(Councillors Green and Louie absent for the vote)
RISE FROM COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
MOVED by Councillor Cadman
THAT the Committee of the Whole rise and report.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
(Councillors Green and Louie absent for the vote)
ADOPT REPORT OF COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
MOVED by Councillor Cadman
SECONDED by Councillor Woodsworth
THAT the report of the Committee of the Whole be adopted.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
(Councillors Green and Louie absent for the vote)
MOTIONS
A. Administrative Motions
None.
B. Motions on Notice
At the Regular Council meeting held March 29, 2005, the following Notice of Motion was submitted by Mayor Campbell. Councillor Sullivan called Notice under Section 5.4 (c) of the Procedure By-law. The Motion was placed on the Agenda for the Regular Council meeting to be held March 31, 2005, immediately following the Standing Committee on Planning and Environment meeting.
1. Improved Discount Parking Incentives for `Very Efficient Vehicles' (File 5653)
MOVED by Councillor Cadman
SECONDED by Councillor Green
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.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
2. City Initiatives to Fight Racism (File 3502)
At the Regular Council meeting held March 29, 2005, the following Notice of Motion was submitted by Councillor Woodsworth. Councillor Sullivan called Notice under Section 5.4(c) of the Procedure By-law. The Motion was placed on the Agenda for the Regular Council meeting to be held March 31, 2005, immediately following the Standing Committee on Planning and Environment meeting.
MOVED by Councillor Woodsworth
SECONDED by Councillor Bass
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 and celebrate diversity which they can report back on March 21st, 2006, to show their commitment to fighting racism in the city.
amended
AMENDMENT MOVED by Councillor Louie
THAT the words "discrimination and" be added before the first occurrence of the word "racism" in the last paragraph of the motion.
CARRIED
(Councillors Bass, Sullivan and Woodsworth opposed)
(Councillor Green absent for the vote)
MOVED by Councillor Louis
THAT the question be put on the pending motion on City Initiatives to Fight Racism.
CARRIED
(Councillors Bass, Cadman and Louie opposed)
(Councillor Green absent for the vote)
The amendment having carried, the motion as amended was put and CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY, with Councillor Green absent for the vote.
3. Funding for International Events (File 4201)
At the Regular Council meeting immediately following Standing Committee on City Services and Budgets meeting held March 31, 2005, the following Notice of Motion was submitted by Councillor Sullivan. The Mayor called Notice under Section 5.4(c) of the Procedure By-law. The Motion was placed on the Agenda for the Regular Council meeting to be held March 31, 2005, immediately following the Standing Committee on Planning and Environment meeting.
MOVER: Councillor Sam Sullivan
SECONDER: Councillor Tim Louis
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.
amended
AMENDMENT MOVED by Councillor Bass
SECONDED by Councillor Louis
THAT the whereases be deleted.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
(Councillor Green absent for the vote)
The amendment having carried, Councillor Sullivan's motion as amended was put and LOST with Councillors Bass, Cadman, Louie, Louis, Roberts, Stevenson and Woodsworth opposed, and Councillor Green absent for the vote.
The Council adjourned at 5:55 p.m.
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