3
CITY OF VANCOUVER
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
A Regular Meeting of the Council of the City of Vancouver was held on
Thursday, February 1, 1996, at 10:45 a.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: Deputy Mayor Ip
Mayor Owen (Present for Enquiries
and Other Matters)
Councillors Bellamy, Chiavario,
Hemer, Kennedy, Kwan,
Price, Puil and Sullivan
ABSENT: Councillor Clarke (Sick Leave)
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
February 1, 1996
Council considered the recommendations of the Committee, as
contained in the following clauses of the attached report:
Cl. 1: New Selection Process for Hiring Firefighters
Cl. 2: 1996 Funding Ceiling for Civic Grants
Cl. 3: 1996 Community Services Grants Budget
Cl. 4: 1996 Cultural Grants Budget Ceiling
Cl. 5: 1996 Advance Cultural Grant Instalments
Cl. 6: 1996 Childcare Grants - Funding Level
Cl. 7: 1996 Funding Ceiling - 'Other' Grants
Clauses 1 to 4
MOVED by Cllr. Puil,
THAT the recommendations of the Committee, as contained in
Clauses 1 to 4 of this report, be approved.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
1996 Advance Cultural Grant Instalments
Clause 5
MOVED by Cllr. Hemer,
A. THAT a change in the basis for calculating advance cultural
grant instalments from 50% of applicants' previous year's
grant to 40% be approved.
B. THAT advance cultural grant instalments totalling $495,600
to the 61 organizations listed in Appendix A of the
Administration Report dated January 16, 1996, be approved,
source of funds to be the 1996 Cultural Grants Budget.
(RECOMMENDATION B CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
AND BY THE REQUIRED MAJORITY)
1996 Childcare Grants: Funding Level
Clause 6
MOVED by Cllr. Bellamy,
THAT the recommendation of the Committee, as contained in Clause
6 of this report, be approved.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
1996 Funding Ceiling - Other Grants
Clause 7
MOVED by Cllr. Sullivan,
THAT the recommendation of the Committee, as contained in Clause
7 of this report, be approved.
- CARRIED
(Councillor Kwan opposed to the setting of a funding
ceiling for the Vancouver Economic Commission)
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
ENQUIRIES AND OTHER MATTERS
Homelessness Issues File: 4659
Councillor Bellamy expressed concern about the situation of two
homeless women, one who lives in the West
End, and the other at Adanac and Boundary.
Both are living outside and refusing shelter.
He understands that they cannot be forcibly
removed to a shelter unless, under the Mental
Health Act, they are considered to be a
danger to themselves.
Councillor Bellamy requested the Mayor to ask
Dr. John Blatherwick, Medical Health Officer,
to clarify this definition under the Mental
Health Act.
Councillor Kennedy requested the Mayor to ask
Dr. John Miller, the provincial Medical
Health Officer, also to clarify the
definition as the issue is a provincial one.
The Mayor so agreed.
Options to Protect Mature Trees File: 5301-3
Councillor Price requested staff to report back on options to
protect mature trees that do not have to be
removed as a result of new development.
Staff should include the personnel and
administrative implications, especially in
light of the earlier recommendations set out
in the September 12, 1994 report to Council.
The Mayor so directed.
Temporary Shelter - File: 4659
8892 Hudson Street
Councillor Kwan advised of the opening of a temporary
emergency shelter to accommodate the homeless
at 8982 Hudson Street. The shelter will be
operated by Lookout. Staff will be advising
Council of the status of the shelter.
Councillor Kennedy advised the shelter is in
need of blankets, warm clothing and
volunteers, and wondered how this could be
communicated to the public.
The City Clerk was requested to consult with
the Communications Advisor on an appropriate
form of communication.
Emergency Shelter Issues File: 4659
Councillor Kwan enquired on the status of a report back on
the need for long-term emergency shelters in
the City of Vancouver, in particular on the
need for a shelter outside of the downtown
core, and incorporation of potential sites.
The Council adjourned at approximately 10:55 a.m.
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REPORT TO COUNCIL
STANDING COMMITTEE OF COUNCIL
ON CITY SERVICES AND BUDGETS
FEBRUARY 1, 1996
A Regular Meeting of the Standing Committee of Council on City
Services and Budgets was held on Thursday, February 1, 1996, at 9:30
a.m., in Committee Room No. 1, Third Floor, City Hall.
PRESENT: Councillor Puil, Chair
Mayor Owen (Clause 1 only)
Councillor Bellamy
Councillor Chiavario
Councillor Hemer
Councillor Ip
Councillor Kennedy (Clauses 1, 4 to 7)
Councillor Kwan
Councillor Price
Councillor Sullivan
ABSENT: Councillor Clarke (Sick Leave)
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.
Adoption of Minutes
The Minutes of the Standing Committee on City Services & Budgets
meeting of January 11, 1996, were adopted.
RECOMMENDATION
1. New Selection Process
for Hiring Firefighters File: 1306-8
The Committee had before it a Policy Report dated January 15,
1996 (on file), in which the General Manager of Fire & Rescue Services
sought approval for implementation of a new selection process for
hiring firefighters.
Fire Chief Glen Maddess, General Manager of Fire & Rescue
Services, presented an overview of the report, and described the
process to design and develop a recruit selection system which would
select people who would be representative of the community, and
reflect contemporary and future standards for the variety of tasks
required as a firefighter.
Mr. David Mitchell, President, Vancouver Firefighter's Union,
Local 18, complimented the administration of the Fire Department and
the City for the joint and open process in designing the new selection
process. There was real commitment from all the participants to
design a process which will work well for all concerned. The Union
will be involved in the outreach programs to attract potential
recruits, and is committed to making the process work.
The Committee also received copies of letters sent by the Fire
and Human Resources Departments to members of the current eligibility
list advising them of the new selection process, termination of the
current eligibility list, and asking candidates on the eligibility
list if they are interested in being reconsidered and assessed for the
position of firefighter (on file).
Two representatives of the Vancouver Firefighters current
eligibility list expressed a number of concerns related to the
termination of the current eligibility list, including:
- members of the current eligibility list received very short
notice of the termination of the list (5 days);
- why was the current eligibility list terminated before the new
selection process was adopted;
- members will have to pay for their training at the Justice
Institue; previously, it was paid by the Fire Department;
- only 12 candidates will be participating in the March 18
Justice Institue training class; how will the 12 candidates be
selected;
- those on the current eligibility list are asking to be treated
the same as those on past eligibility lists;
- having to pay for training will create difficulties because of
the short time frame to make financial arrangements.
Fire Chief Glen Maddess, Assistant Chief Leon Brown - Support
Services, and Assistant Chief Singleton - Training responded to
questions regarding the termination of the eligibility list and status
of those on the current list. Candidates received such short notice
because of the need to confirm their interest in the March 18 training
class. Prior to selection of participants in the class, the Fire
Department needs to conduct a medical assessment, criminal check and a
final interview with the Fire Chief. Candidates on the current
eligibility list will be considered for the next 2 classes, March 18
being the first. Participants in the classes will be eligible for the
interest-free student loan program. Upon completion of the training
class, participants will be offered employment with the Fire
Department. Candidates on the current eligibility list have been on
the list since 1991; it is important to reaffirm they are still
physically capable through a medical assessment, update their overall
experience over the past 5 years, and generally reaffirm they are
still qualified candidates. Candidates on past eligibility lists had
to meet the same criteria. Candidates not selected for the two
classes held this year will have to go through the new selection
process.
During discussion, some concerns were expressed by several
Committee members: all candidates on the terminated eligi-bility list
will be given the information on how the process works and
availability of student loans; and, the cost of the firefighter
training at the Justice Institute may be a barrier in attracting
future candidates. The Committee also asked for a report back in
approximately one year's time on the new selection process and what
impact the training costs may have had on the outreach program.
The following motion by Councillor Chiavario was put and CARRIED.
The Committee, therefore,
RECOMMENDED
THAT Vancouver Fire & Rescue Services implement a new
selection process.
(Mayor Owen not present for the vote)
2. 1996 Funding Ceiling for Civic Grants File: 2001-3
The Committee had before it an Administrative Report dated
January 19, 1996 (on file), in which the Director of Finance, Manager
of Community Services - Social Planning and Director of Cultural
Affairs advised of the 1996 funding ceilings for each of the Civic
Grant categories: Community Services, Cultural, Daycare, and "Other".
An inflationary increase of 2% over the 1995 budget level is
recommended.
Mr. Ken Bayne, Comptroller of Budgets & Research, was present to
answer questions.
The following motion by Councillor Hemer was put and CARRIED.
The Committee, therefore,
RECOMMENDED
THAT the Administrative Report dated January 19, 1996, be
received for information.
3. 1996 Community Services Grants Budget File: 2154-1
The Committee had before it an Administrative Report dated
January 18, 1996 (on file), in which the Manager of Community Services
- Social Planning recommended approval of a 1996 Community Services
Grants program budget ceiling of $2,826,000.
Mr. Rick Gates, Social Planner, was present to answer questions.
The following motion by Councillor Hemer was put and CARRIED.
The Committee, therefore,
RECOMMENDED
THAT a 1996 Community Services Grants budget of
$2,826,000 be approved.
4. 1996 Cultural Grants Budget Ceiling File: 2051
The Committee had before it an Administrative Report dated
January 16, 1996 (on file), in which the Director of Cultural Affairs
recommended approval of a 1996 Cultural Grants program budget of
$3,059,690.
Mr. Burke Taylor, Director of Cultural Affairs, and Ms. Alice
Niwinski, Cultural Planner, were present to answer questions.
The following motion by Councillor Bellamy was put and CARRIED.
The Committee, therefore,
RECOMMENDED
THAT a 1996 Cultural Grants budget of $3,059,690, as
outlined in the summary Table I of the Administra-tive
Report dated January 16, 1996, be approved.
5. 1996 Advance Cultural Grant Instalments File: 2054-1
The Committee had before it an Administrative Report dated
January 16, 1996 (on file), in which the Director of Cultural Affairs
recommended advance cultural grant instalments be based on 40%, rather
than 50% of each applicant's operating grant in the previous year.
The Director also recommended 1996 grant instalments totalling
$495,600 to 61 eligible organizations.
Mr. Burke Taylor, Director of Cultural Affairs, and Ms. Alice
Niwinski, Cultural Planner, were present to answer questions.
The following motion by Councillor Bellamy was put and CARRIED.
The Committee, therefore,
RECOMMENDED
A. THAT a change in the basis for calculating advance
cultural grant instalments from 50% of applicants'
previous year's grant to 40% be approved.
B. THAT advance cultural grant instalments totalling
$495,600 to the 61 organizations listed in Appendix A
of the Administration Report dated January 16, 1996, be
approved; source of funds to be the 1996 Cultural
Grants Budget.
6. 1996 Childcare Grants: Funding Level File: 2401-3
The Committee had before it an Administrative Report, dated
January 18, 1996 (on file), in which the Director of Social Planning,
recommended approval of a 1996 Childcare Grants Program budget ceiling
of $659,300 to meet the priorities for the seven Childcare Grant
categories outlined in the report.
Ms. Penny Coates, Childcare Coordinator, was present to answer
questions.
The following motion by Councillor Chiavario was put and CARRIED.
The Committee, therefore,
RECOMMENDED
THAT a 1996 Childcare Grants Program budget of $659,300 to
meet the grant category priorities outlined in the
Administrative Report dated January 18, 1996, be approved.
7. 1996 Funding Ceiling - 'Other' Grants File: 2204
The Committee had before it an Administrative Report dated
January 19, 1996 (on file), in which the Director of Finance
recommended approval of the 1996 funding ceiling of $1,126,500 for
'Other' Grants.
Mr. Ken Bayne, Comptroller of Budgets & Research, responded to
questions on the separate categories of the 'Other' Grants funding.
The following motion by Councillor Sullivan was put and CARRIED.
The Committee, therefore,
RECOMMENDED
THAT the 1996 funding ceiling for 'Other' Grants be
set as follows:
Annual Recurring and Miscellaneous $ 604,800
Sister City Societies 15,000
Collingwood Village 191,700
Vancouver Art Stabilization Program 100,000
Vancouver Economic Commission 200,000
Barrier-to-Bridges Grants 15,000
$1,126,500
(Councillor Kwan opposed to the setting of a funding
ceiling for the Vancouver Economic Commission)
The meeting adjourned at approximately 10:45 a.m.
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