CITY OF VANCOUVER
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
STANDING COMMITTEE OF COUNCIL ON
CITY SERVICES AND BUDGETS
MARCH 13, 1997
A Regular Meeting of the Council of the City of Vancouver was held
on Thursday, March 13, 1997, at 12:12 p.m., in Council Chambers, Third
Floor, City Hall, following the Standing Committee on City Services and
Budgets meeting, to consider the recommendations of the Committee.
PRESENT: Mayor Philip Owen
Councillor Don Bellamy
Councillor Nancy A. Chiavario
Councillor Jennifer Clarke
Councillor Alan Herbert
Councillor Lynne Kennedy
Councillor Daniel Lee
Councillor Don Lee
Councillor Gordon Price
Councillor Sam Sullivan
ABSENT: Councillor George Puil
CITY MANAGER'S
OFFICE: Judy Rogers, Deputy City Manager
CLERK TO THE
COUNCIL: Tarja Tuominen
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
MOVED by Cllr. Chiavario,
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 Standing Committee on City Services and Budgets
March 13, 1997
Council considered the recommendations of the Committee, as
contained in the following clauses of the attached report:
Cl.1: Heather Civic Marina 1997 Moorage Rates and Other Fees
Cl.2: Approval of 1997 Special Events
Cl.3: 1997 Funding Ceiling for Civic Grants
Cl.4: 1997 Community Services Grants Budget
Cl.5: 1997 Cultural Grants Budget Ceiling
Cl.6: 1997 Childcare Grants: Funding Level
Cl.7: 1997 Funding Ceiling - "Other" Grants
Clauses 1 to 7
MOVED by Cllr. Bellamy,
THAT the recommendations of the Committee, as contained in Clauses
1 to 7 of this report, be approved.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
RISE FROM COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
MOVED by Cllr. Chiavario,
THAT the Committee of the Whole rise and report.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
ADOPT REPORT OF COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
MOVED by Cllr. Chiavario,
SECONDED BY Cllr. Bellamy,
THAT the report of the Committee of the Whole be adopted.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
The Council adjourned at 12:15 p.m.
* * * * *
REPORT TO COUNCIL
STANDING COMMITTEE OF COUNCIL
ON CITY SERVICES AND BUDGETS
MARCH 13, 1997
A Regular Meeting of the Standing Committee of Council on City
Services and Budgets was held on Thursday, March 13, 1997, at 9:30 a.m.,
in Council Chambers, Third Floor, City Hall.
PRESENT: Councillor George Puil, Chair (Items 1 to 3)
Mayor Philip Owen
Councillor Don Bellamy
Councillor Nancy A. Chiavario (Items 2 to 7)
Councillor Jennifer Clarke
Councillor Alan Herbert
Councillor Lynne Kennedy
Councillor Daniel Lee
Councillor Don Lee
Councillor Gordon Price
Councillor Sam Sullivan
CITY MANAGER'S
OFFICE: Judy Rogers, Deputy City Manager
CLERK TO THE
COMMITTEE: Tarja Tuominen
ADOPTION OF MINUTES
The Minutes of the Standing Committee on City Services and Budgets
meetings of February 6 and 20, 1997 , were adopted.
RECOMMENDATION
1. Heather Civic Marina 1997 Moorage Rates and Other Fees File: 1755-1
The Committee had before it an Administrative Report dated February
11, 1997 (on file) in which the Director of Finance recommended the 1997
moorage rates and other fees at Heather Civic Marina be increased by
10.2%, and the parking and facility surcharge fees for live-aboards be
increased by 12.4%, all to be effective April 1, 1997. The Director
also recommended the rate differential between members and non-members
for boat lift elevator fees be eliminated and the rates be increased to
better reflect rates of the private operator at the False Creek Yacht
Club.
The General Manager of Corporate Services recommended approval,
noting the increase in rates follows Council's instruction to raise fees
on City-run facilities to market levels in situations where market
comparisons exist. The General Manager further noted supply, demand and
location are the main factors that contribute to marina pricing in the
False Creek Basin.
Ken Stoke, General Manager of Corporate Services, briefly reviewed
the report. It has been the past practice of the City to set the
Heather Civic Marina rates below the rates of the other marinas.
However, staff has been asked to look at bringing the City's fees and
charges up to market levels. The marina rates recommended in the report
reflect its location in the Inner Harbour: the marina is sheltered, and
is adjacent to the downtown core. In response to questions on a decline
in services at the Marina, Mr. Stoke advised new laundry machines have
been installed, two dedicated parking stalls have been placed in front
of the marina and washrooms have been renovated. The electrical will be
upgraded in 1998. The boat lift capacity will be upgraded.
The following spoke in opposition to the proposed increase in
rates:
William Sturgess (petition filed)
John Morgan
Keith Simpson
Stuart Hicks
Bryan Pollock
Katrina Archer
Peter Hunter
Frank Pott
Carey Lee
Ken Petry
Dr. Michael Swangard
Margaret Stevens
Jim McMaster
Katherine Robinson
A.G. Lowenthal
Tilman Vonderlinde
Neil Cockburn
Ian Rabinovitch
Denis Cressey
Elizabeth Reilly
John Golca
Alex O'Neill
Geoffrey Imce
Guylain Roy
The foregoing speakers opposed the increase in rates on one or more
of the following grounds:
With the proposed increase in rates to Heather Civic Marina, there
will be a large difference in rates between Heather and Burrard
Civic Marinas, and the services are not that different between the
two marinas;
Heather Civic Marina will be leading market rates not reflecting
the rates;
Facilities and services at Heather Marina have been deteriorating:
security is no longer available 24 hours a day; temporary parking
for loading/unloading is almost impossible to find; sea water is
cut off during winter; underpowered power boxes; shortage of marine
space; no workshop or meeting room facilities; decks are not
cleared off during snowfall; the pilings are old and move in the
breeze; boat lift does not always work; most boats have no water
from November to April;
Comparison with other False Creek marinas not valid; Heather Marina
does not have the same services and facilities as the private
marinas: e.g. running water;
Heather Civic Marina already shows a profit of $371,000 for 1996;
There should be more of a consultative process between the City and
Marina tenants in the decision making process of setting of rates
and it should start earlier in the year;
Boaters are not wealthy people but come from all tax brackets; boat
owners make sacrifices in order to have boats and be on the water;
Boaters generate lower demand on City services; therefore the
proposed increase is not justified;
An increase in rates should not be more than that charged by
Burrard Civic Marina,
and should be connected to the Consumer Price Index; rates should
be tied to Burrard Marina's as they are comparable marinas and cater to
the same tenants;
The City should be looking at increasing the ability of tourists to
visit city by having temporary moorage available; the City has the
opportunity to direct where the boating and yachting industry goes;
could provide additional income to the City;
One of the City's roles should be to provide affordable moorage for
people who live in the area;
The City keeps moorage rates artificially hight by limiting moorage
space;
Seniors should get decreased rates.
Joe Vaz, Income Operations Manager, Parks & Recreation, and Brian
Ferguson, Supervisor, Heather Civic Marina, responded to questions on
the service levels at the Marina. The water is always shut off in the
winter but left running all year in the live-aboard area. Newer boats
need more power. Mr. Ferguson confirmed he has received complaints
about the electrical problems for the past three years.
During discussion, the Committee expressed concern about the level
of service at Heather Civic Marina. Some members also questioned
whether the City should continue to operate the Marina, and whether a
private operator would bring the Marina up to a better standard.
The following motion by the Mayor was put and carried. The
Committee, therefore,
RECOMMENDED
A. THAT the 1997 moorage rates and other fees at Heather
Civic Marina, and the parking and facility surcharge fees
for live-aboards be increased by 4.5%, to be effective
April 1, 1997.
B. THAT the proposed rate changes be posted at the Heather Civic
Marina.
C. THAT staff provide a report back on:
(a) the service, repair and maintenance improvements required
at Heather Civic Marina; and
(b) whether the City or the private sector should operate the
Marina.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
2. Approval of 1997 Special Events File: 4201-1
The Committee had before it an Administrative Report dated February
25, 1997 (on file) in which the General Manager of Engineering Services
sought approval of the anticipated special events to be held in 1997.
In addition, the General Manager identified issues and sought direction
on two specific events, the Vancouver Outdoor Art Exhibit and the
Keefer Street Chinatown Night Market. The General Manager noted the
Symphony of Fire, Fireworks competition was previously approved by
Council.
Sheri Plewes, Projects and Community Liaison Engineer, reviewed the
report and responded to questions.
Raymond Greenwood, Chair, Vancouver Fireworks Society, thanked the
Special Events staff for their help, and referred to the issues of Bill
C-71 and panhandlers.
Charles Lee, Vancouver Chinatown Merchants Association, spoke in
support of paying the full fee for the Public Street Market license,
same as the previous year, instead of 10% of the vendors rental fees.
The percentage fee would make the cost of the market prohibitive. Mr.
Lee circulated a chart describing the projected financial breakdown for
the Chinatown Night Market under the two suggested proposals: purchasing
a license or paying 10% of the vendor rental fees to the City (on file).
The following motion by Councillor Don Lee was put and carried.
The Committee, therefore,
RECOMMENDED
A. THAT the Special Events listed in Appendix A of the
Administrative Report dated February 25, 1997 be approved,
subject to staff working out acceptable arrangements with the
event organizers.
B. THAT the Vancouver Outdoor Art Exhibit scheduled for June 20,
21, 22 1997 be approved and that the artists that participate
in the exhibit be allowed to sell their art.
C. THAT Council instruct staff to withhold enforcement of the
CD-1 By-law No. 541 regarding vending on private property for
the three days of the Vancouver Outdoor Art Exhibit event.
D. THAT the Keefer Street Chinatown Night Market, operating
Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings from May to September, be
extended to include the east sidewalk of 500 Main Street and
the roadway of 200 E. Pender Street, as shown in Appendix F of
the Administrative Report, dated February 25, 1997.
E. THAT Council instruct staff to provide a license agreement for
the Keefer Street Chinatown Night Market satisfactory to the
Director of Legal Services, the General Manager of Engineering
Services and the Vancouver Chinatown Merchants Association and
that the full fee be charged for the Public Street Market
license of $225.00 per night.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
3. 1997 Funding Ceilings for Civic Grants File: 2001-1
The Committee had before it an Administrative Report dated February
20, 1997 (on file) in which the Directors of Finance, Community Services
- Social Planning, and Cultural Affairs provided an overview of
accompanying reports dealing with funding limits for the community
services, cultural, childcare and 'other' grant categories.
John Dickenson, Managing Director, Pacific Space Center, expressed
concern with the recommended reduction in the Center's operating grant.
The Center has no control over the costs of operating the facility and
needs to look at creative ways to reduce the costs, such as a reduction
in janitorial services, saving energy.
James Delgado, Executive Director, Vancouver Maritime Museum,
advised the Museum will be looking at concrete suggestions to raise
funds and asked for guidance and support in finding entrepreneurial
sources to fund the suggestions. The Museum has lost all revenues for
the operation of the St. Roch.
Alf Bogusky, Director, Vancouver Art Gallery, advised the Gallery
has received a reduction in federal funding, and provincial funding has
been flat. A reduction of $61,000 in the City s grant represents
salaries and is a significant amount. However, in the last four years,
the Gallery has doubled its attendance and plans are in place to take it
higher. Mr. Bogusky hoped the Vancouver Art Gallery and the City will
continue to work together.
In response to questions on the funding of Science World, Burke
Taylor, Director of the Office of Cultural Affairs, advised his staff
had no opportunity to do a review of Science World. He will be
reporting back on the specific grant to the facility once the grant
ceilings have been set.
The following motion by Councillor Clarke was put and carried. The
Committee, therefore,
RECOMMENDED
A. THAT the Administrative Report dated February 20, 1997 on
the 1997 Funding Ceiling for Civic Grants be received for
information.
B. THAT staff review Science World's operation, financial
situation and civic grant and report back.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
* * * * *
The Chair left the meeting at this point in the proceedings and
Councillor Chiavario, Deputy Chair, assumed the chair.
* * * * *
4. 1997 Community Services Grants Budget File: 2152-1
The Committee had before it an Administrative Report dated February
21, 1997 (on file) in which the Director of Community Services - Social
Planning recommended approval of a 1997 Community Services Grants budget
ceiling of $2,854,000. The General Manager of Community Services
recommended approval.
The following motion by the Mayor was put and carried. The
Committee, therefore,
RECOMMENDED
THAT Council approve a 1997 Community Services Grants budget
of $2,854,000 as outlined in the Administrative Report dated
February 21, 1997.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
5. 1997 Cultural Grants Budget Ceiling File: 2052-1
The Committee had before it an Administrative Report dated February
26, 1997 (on file) in which the Director of Cultural Affairs recommended
approval of a 1997 Cultural Grants budget of $2,958,980, to cover
Operating, Project, and Incentive grants, as well as Grants Equal to
Rent. The General Manager of Community Services recommended approval.
The following motion by the Mayor was put and carried. The
Committee, therefore,
RECOMMENDED
THAT Council approve a 1997 Cultural Grants budget of
$2,958,980 as outlined in summary Table II of the
Administrative Report dated February 26, 1997.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
6. 1997 Childcare Grants: Funding Level File: 2401-1
The Committee had before it an Administrative Report, dated
February 25, 1997 (on file) in which the Director of Community Services,
Social Planning recommended approval of a 1997 Childcare Grants Program
budget of $665,895 to meet the seven grant categories within the
Childcare Grants program. The General Manager of Community Services
recommended approval.
Penny Coates, Childcare Coordinator, and Jeff Brooks, Director of
Community Services, Social Planning, responded to questions on a
Vancouver School Board proposal to recover the cost of the use of
schools by day care centres. Currently staff is working with the
Ministry for Children and Families and the Ministry of Education to
resolve the issue. Cost recovery of the use of schools will have
implications far beyond childcare, and will affect all community use of
schools.
.
The following motion by Councillor Clarke was put and carried. The
Committee, therefore,
RECOMMENDED
A. THAT Council approve a 1997 Child care Grants Program budget
of $665,895 to meet the grant category priorities outlined in
the Administrative Report dated February 25, 1997.
B. THAT Council request the Vancouver School Board to delay its
decision on recovering the cost of the community use of
schools to provide an opportunity for the City's Social
Planning Department and the Board of Parks & Recreation to
review the impacts of the proposed policy and report back to
Council on the results of their review.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
7. 1997 Funding Ceiling - 'Other' Grants File: 2001-1
The Committee had before it an Administrative Report dated February
20, 1997 (on file) in which the Director of Finance recommended the 1997
funding ceiling for 'Other' Grants be set at $530,000. The General
Manager of Corporate Services recommended approval.
The following motion by the Mayor was put and carried. The
Committee, therefore,
RECOMMENDED
THAT the 1997 funding ceiling for 'Other' Grants be set as
follows:
Annual Recurring and Miscellaneous $250,000
Vancouver Art Stabilisation Program 100,000
Barrier - to - Bridges 15,000
Sister City Societies 15,000
Community Safety Offices 150,000
$530,000
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
The meeting adjourned at 12:12 p.m.
* * * * *