CITY OF VANCOUVER
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
A Regular Meeting of the Council of the City of Vancouver was held on
Thursday, October 26, 1995, at 12:05 p.m., in Committee Room No. 1,
Third Floor, City Hall, following the Standing Committee on City
Services and Budgets meeting, to consider the recommendations of the
Committee.
PRESENT: Mayor Owen
Councillors Bellamy, Chiavario,
Clarke, Hemer, Ip,
Kwan, Price and Puil
ABSENT: Councillor Kennedy (Leave of Absence)
Councillor Sullivan
CITY MANAGER'S OFFICE: Ken Dobell, City Manager
CLERK TO THE COUNCIL: Tarja Tuominen
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
MOVED by Cllr. Puil,
SECONDED by Cllr. Bellamy,
THAT this Council resolve itself into Committee of the Whole,
Mayor Owen in the chair.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Report of the Standing Committee
on City Services and Budgets
October 26, 1995
Council considered the recommendations of the Committee, as
contained in the following clauses of the attached report:
Cl. 1: Tourism Vancouver - Interim Payments of 2% Hotel Tax and
Amendment of 1995 Work Plan and Budget
Cl. 2: Grant Request - Community Crime Prevention Office
Cl. 3: Sidewalk Cafe Review
Cl. 4: Legal Services - Relocation to VanCity Building
Cl. 5: 1996 Operating Budget Projections
COMMITTEE REPORTS (CONTINUED)
Report of the Standing Committee
on City Services and Budgets
October 26, 1995 [Continued]
Clauses 1, 3 and 4
MOVED by Cllr. Puil,
THAT the recommendations of the Committee, as contained in
Clauses 1, 3 and 4 of this report, be approved.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
Grant Request -
Community Crime Prevention Office
Clause 2
MOVED by Cllr. Puil,
THAT the recommendation of the Committee, as contained in Clause
2 of this report, be approved.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY AND
BY THE REQUIRED MAJORITY
1996 Operating Budget Projections
Clause 5
Council referred this item to the November 7, 1995 Council
meeting.
RISE FROM COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
MOVED by Cllr. Bellamy,
THAT the Committee of the Whole rise and report.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
ADOPT REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
MOVED by Cllr. Puil,
SECONDED by Cllr. Bellamy,
THAT the report of the Committee of the Whole be adopted.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
MOTIONS
A. Province of Quebec - File: 6009
Separatist Referendum
MOVED by Cllr. Kwan,
SECONDED by Cllr. Bellamy,
THAT WHEREAS the unity and very existence of Canada is seriously
threatened by the separatist referendum taking place in the Province
of Quebec;
AND WHEREAS a propaganda tool employed by the separatist forces
is the assertion that Canadians no longer care whether Quebec
separates or not;
AND WHEREAS another powerful propaganda tool being employed is
the assertion that the system of Canadian Confederation is incapable
of change and that the only alternative to a separate Quebec is the
rigid status quo;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:
1. That Vancouver City Council is strongly supportive of a
united Canada, a nation which has earned international
recognition as being one of the best countries in the world,
and believes that continued Quebec membership in the
Canadian Confederation is essential for maintaining that
quality of nationhood. Indeed, separation of Quebec would
not only deprive us of an important national quality but
would also seriously threaten Canada with disintegration.
2. That Vancouver City Council assert the belief that rejection
of proposals for constitutional change which has occurred
during the past few years, does not mean that Canadians
refuse to recognize that change and reform of confederation
is both necessary and desirable. British Columbians, along
with people from all regions of Canada, recognize the need
for change.
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT Vancouver City Council send a
warm message to the people of Quebec, telling them that they are very
much wanted and needed as part of Canada, a nation which will have the
capacity to grow, evolve and change in order to meet the needs of its
citizens in all of its varied and different parts.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
ENQUIRIES AND OTHER MATTERS
Request for City Sponsorship File: 2001-2
of The Greater Vancouver Book
Mr. Chuck Davis, Editor In Chief, The Greater Vancouver Book,
requested sponsorship support from the City for a one-page article on
Major Matthews and the Archives in The Greater Vancouver Book. The
cost of the sponsorship would be $920. In response to questions, Mr.
Davis acknowledged his was a for-profit organization. He expects the
book to sell for $31 per copy; the cost of publishing the books will
be underwritten by sponsors.
Mr. Burke Taylor, Director of Cultural Affairs, explained the
Charter forbids the City giving grants to individuals. Cultural
grants are given to non-profit organizations. Mr. Davis received a
research contract, not a grant, from the City to publish the original
The Vancouver Book.
During discussion, Council noted, as an issue of principle, it
could not approve a grant to a for-profit organization, when it was
difficult to sustain funding levels to non-profit organizations.
MOVED by Cllr. Chiavario,
THAT Council approve up to $1,000 to sponsor the Major
Matthews/Archives page in the Greater Vancouver Book.
- LOST, NOT HAVING RECEIVED
THE REQUIRED MAJORITY
(Councillors Bellamy, Clarke, Hemer,
Kwan, Puil and the Mayor opposed)
The Council adjourned at approximately 12:32 p.m.
* * * * *
REPORT TO COUNCIL
STANDING COMMITTEE OF COUNCIL
ON CITY SERVICES AND BUDGETS
OCTOBER 26, 1995
A Regular Meeting of the Standing Committee of Council on City
Services and Budgets was held on Thursday, October 26, 1995, at 9:30
a.m., in Committee Room No. 1, Third Floor, City Hall.
PRESENT: Councillor Puil, Chair
Mayor Owen
Councillor Bellamy
Councillor Chiavario
Councillor Clarke
Councillor Hemer (Clauses 2 to 5)
Councillor Ip
Councillor Kwan
Councillor Price
ABSENT: Councillor Kennedy (Leave of Absence)
Councillor Sullivan
CITY MANAGER'S OFFICE: Ken Dobell, City Manager
CLERK: Tarja Tuominen
Recorded Vote
Unless otherwise indicated, votes of the Committee on all items
are unanimous.
RECOMMENDATIONS
1. Tourism Vancouver - Interim Payments File: 6008
of 2% Hotel Tax and Amendment of
1995 Work Plan and Budget
The Committee had before it an Administrative Report dated Sep-
tember 25, 1995 (on file), in which the General Manager of Corporate
Services sought approval for remitting the first three months of the
2% Hotel Tax revenues for 1996 to Tourism Vancouver, in advance of
consideration of the Association's 1996 Business Plan. The General
Manager also sought approval for amending the Association's 1995
Business Plan to increase the portion funded by the 2% hotel tax by
$850,000.
Clause No. 1 Continued
Mr. Sam Kuzmick, Deputy Director of Finance, was present to re-
spond to questions.
Mr. Glyn Edwards and Mr. Rick Antonson, representing Tourism
Vancouver, requested support for the early release of the first three
months of the 1996 Hotel Tax revenues. In response to questions, Mr.
Edwards and Mr. Antonson advised Tourism Vancouver is willing to
discuss possible financial support towards the cost of hosting the
Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Conference.
The Committee requested staff to begin discussions on the APEC
Conference with Tourism Vancouver.
The following motions by the Mayor were put and CARRIED. The
Committee, therefore,
RECOMMENDED
A. THAT the Director of Finance be authorized to remit the
first three months of the 2% Hotel Tax revenues for
1996, the amounts of each remittance not to exceed
actual receipts from the Province of the 2% tax, in
advance of Council's consideration of the Association's
1996 Business Plan.
B. THAT Council approve Tourism Vancouver's amended 1995
Business Plan, which increases the portion funded by
the 2% hotel tax by $850,000 to a total of $6,151,936
for the 1995 tax year.
2. Grant Request - File: 2153-2
Community Crime Prevention Office
The Committee had before it an Administrative Report dated Octo-
ber 10, 1995 (on file), in which the Director of Finance, in
consultation with the Chief Constable, submitted for consideration a
request for a one-time grant of $6,000 to the Downtown Eastside
Residents Association for the Downtown Eastside Neighbourhood Safety
Office.
Clause No. 2 Continued
Inspector Gary Greer, Vancouver Police Department, explained the
Downtown Eastside Neighbourhood Safety Office is different from the
other community-based police storefront offices located in the area.
The Chinatown Community Services office serves the City's Chinese
community, the Native Police Liaison Storefront Office focuses on the
native community and native problems, and the Gastown office deals
with Gastown issues. Although all the storefront offices are able to
assist with the reporting of a crime, each storefront office has been
established to deal with problems, and provide input in solving
problems, in that particular community. A Community Storefront
Coalition provides networking between different storefronts.
Storfronts are set up due to the community's initiative; if the
community cannot generate sufficient interest and volunteers, it will
fail.
Mr. Ken Dobell, City Manager, noted the criteria for establishing
storefront offices is a concern. A policy for establishing community
offices is being drafted.
Ms. Debra Mearns, Co-ordinator, Downtown Eastside Neighbourhood
Safety Office, reported the Office has been running for one and a half
months. One police officer is stationed there. The Steering
Committee for the Office is broad-based and includes representatives
of Downtown Eastside organizations. The Committee is meeting weekly
to discuss the relationship with the Police Department, community
strategies, safety issues, recruitment, volunteer training,
determining needs, and developing hours of operation. The Community
Crime Prevention Coalition of storefront offices agrees it has to look
at the criteria for supporting storefront offices.
The following motion by Councillor Bellamy was put and CARRIED.
The Committee therefore
RECOMMENDED
THAT a one-time grant of $6,000 be approved to the Downtown
Eastside Residents Association for the Downtown Eastside
Neighbourhood Safety Office; source of funds to be
Contingency Reserve.
3. Sidewalk Cafe Review File: 2635
The Committee had before it a Policy Report dated October 5, 1995
(on file), in which the General Manager of Engineering Services re-
viewed the Sidewalk Cafe Program and submitted recommendations on
revised guidelines on year-round operation of sidewalk cafes.
Mr. Don Brynildsen, Assistant City Engineer, Streets Division,
and Mr. Bob Macdonald, Parking Engineer, briefly reviewed the report.
A 50% increase in sidewalk cafe license fees is recommended for year-
round operation.
Mr. Adrian Tuck, representing Planet Cafe, explained he has a
large sidewalk cafe. The sidewalk cafe adds to the flavour of the
community. There are no awnings or shops on either side of the cafe,
so his operation does not impede pedestrian traffic during the winter
months. He would like to keep his large sidewalk cafe open year-
round. People like to see activity outside all year. Mr. Tuck
suggested cafes located in different areas in the city, or close to
residential areas, have different guidelines.
Ms. Stella Kyriakidis, representing Wishs Housing Co-op, outlined
problems with a restaurant located across the street from the Co-op.
The restaurant operates a sidewalk cafe and is licensed to serve
liquor. The entire front wall of the restaurant is glass, with glass
sliding doors. Although the closing time for the sidewalk cafe is
11:00 p.m., the sliding doors remain open during the summer, and the
noise continues. Also, following the restaurant closing at 2 a.m.,
the staff go out and stack the tables and chairs. Ms. Kyriakidis
questioned how the 11 p.m. sidewalk cafe closing would be enforced and
if there would be penalties for non-compliance.
Mr. Macdonald advised staff can withdraw the sidewalk cafe
license for non-compliance with the guidelines.
Mr. Bert Hick, W.A.E. Hick & Associates, supported year- round
operation of sidewalk cafes as they contributed to the ambience of the
city and promoted tourism. Mr. Hick did not support elimination of
railings for small sidewalk cafes wishing to serve alcohol. Sidewalk
cafes wishing to serve alcohol on a year-round basis should be
considered on an individual application basis, assessed on their own
merits, with a neighbourhood notification, and issued a license for a
one-year trial basis. Year-round operation of sidewalk cafe would
provide an opportunity for the City to derive additional revenue.
Clause No. 3 Continued
Mr. Fred Valdes, Three Kings Head Inn, supported year-round
operation of sidewalk cafes. Mr. Valdes also supported an 11:00 p.m.
closing, Sunday to Thursday, and midnight, Friday and Saturday. He
opposed removal of railings around the sidewalk cafe. At his
premises, last call is at 10:30 p.m. and chairs are removed at 11 p.m.
Complaints should be responded to and dealt with.
Mr. Earl Manning, representing Restaurant & Foodservices Associa-
tion, supported year-round operation of sidewalk cafes. Restaurants
throughout the city are as varied as their clientele.
Mr. Richard Douglas, concurred with the comments of the previous
speaker.
Mr. Irvine Epstein, representing Yaletown Brewing Co., also
supported year-round operation of sidewalk cafes. Restaurants located
close to residential areas may require different closing hours. Con-
cerns with lack of awning protection for pedestrians during winter
months not realistic; pedestrians have umbrellas. Reduced demand for
sidewalk cafes in weather is a business matter addressed by the
business owner. There needs to be regulations and enforcement. Mr.
Epstein also noted the sidewalk cafe restrictions only apply to those
leasing sidewalk space from the City; restrictions do not affect those
who operate on their own property.
During discussion, the Committee agreed with year-round operation
of sidewalk cafes on a one-year trial basis. However, members made a
number of points, including: cafes should stop serving at 10:00 p.m.
if required to close at 11:00 p.m.; 11:00 p.m. closing time should be
more explicitly conveyed to owners; concerns with enforcement issues
around safety and hours; parking issues with potential increase of
restaurant seats; active enforcement of guidelines. Members also
noted the use of private versus public property is a large issue.
The following motions by Councillor Clarke were put and CARRIED.
The Committee, therefore,
RECOMMENDED
A. THAT large sidewalk cafes be allowed to operate year
round, on a one-year trial basis, with an additional
50% increase in fees; and
Clause No. 3 Continued
FURTHER THAT the City Engineer provide a report back at
the end of one year on the trial operation.
B. THAT sidewalk cafe permits continue to be issued to
restaurants and limited service food establishments
only.
C. THAT Sidewalk Cafe guidelines (Appendix A of the
Administrative Report dated October 5, 1995) be amended
so that all sidewalk cafes within 200 feet of
residential development have mandatory closing hours of
11:00 p.m., with earlier hours being instituted at the
discretion of the City Engineer.
D. THAT Large Sidewalk Cafe guidelines (Appendix A of the
Administrative Report dated October 5, 1995) be amended
to permit structures (to a maximum height of 2 feet
above the sidewalk) to harmonize indoor and outdoor
seating levels.
E. THAT the temporary 6 month EA I position approved for
the Sidewalk Cafe program be continued and combined
with the annual temporary 6 month position responsible
for the Produce Display program to create a regular
full-time EA I position. The cost of this position
will be recovered through revenue from the programs.
4. Legal Services - File: 5125
Relocation to VanCity Building
The Committee had before it an Administrative Report dated
October 17, 1995 (on file), in which the Director of Legal Services,
in consultation with the Manager of Facilities Development,
recommended the office of Legal Services be relocated to the fourth
floor, VanCity Building, and sought approval for an increase in the
annual Legal Services operating budget and a one-time expenditure of
$160,000 to provide data and telephone cabling from City Hall to the
VanCity Building.
Clause No. 4 Continued
Ms. Francie Connell, Director of Legal Services, was present to
answer questions.
Following a brief discussion, the Committee requested a report
back on previous expenditures to provide data and telephone cabling
from City Hall to the VanCity Building.
The following motions by the Mayor were put and CARRIED. The
Committee, therefore,
RECOMMENDED
A. THAT Council approve the move of the Legal Services
Office to VanCity Building, and authorize an additional
$15,000 for renovation work for a total capital budget
of $175,000; the source of funds to be the existing
allocation for the City Hall Precinct in the 1995
Capital Budget.
B. THAT Council approve an increase in the annual Legal
Services operating budget of $152,000 for rent and
operating costs for the space leased from the Property
Endowment Fund; the source of funds for the 1995
portion ($25,000) to be provided from Contingency
Reserve.
Subsequently, at the Council meeting immediately following the
October 26th Planning & Environment Standing Committee meeting,
Council approved the following:
C. THAT Council approve a one-time expenditure of $160,000
to provide data and telephone cabling from City Hall to
the VanCity Building to service the office of Legal
Services and future City offices; the source of funding
to be the Property Endowment Fund and recovery from
monthly rents.
INFORMATION
5. 1996 Operating Budget Projections File: 1606-2
Due to time constraints, this item was deferred to the November
7, 1995 Council meeting.
The meeting adjourned at approximately 12:05 p.m.
* * * * *