CITY OF VANCOUVER
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
July 8, 1997
A Regular Meeting of the Council of the City of Vancouver was held
on Tuesday, July 8, 1997, commencing at approximately 2:00 p.m. in the
Council Chamber, Third Floor, City Hall.
PRESENT: Mayor Philip Owen
Councillor Don Bellamy
Councillor Nancy A. Chiavario
Councillor Alan Herbert
Councillor Lynne Kennedy
Councillor Daniel Lee
Councillor Don Lee
Councillor Gordon Price
Councillor George Puil
Councillor Sam Sullivan
ABSENT: Councillor Jennifer Clarke (Sick Leave)
CITY MANAGER'S
OFFICE: Dave Rudberg, General Manager of Engineering
Services
CLERK TO THE
COUNCIL: Maria Kinsella
PRAYER
The proceedings in the Council Chamber were opened with a prayer
read by the City Clerk.
IN CAMERA MEETING
Council was advised there were property matters to be considered In
Camera later this day.
ADOPTION OF MINUTES
1. Minutes of Regular Council Meeting
(Transportation and Traffic)
June 17, 1997
MOVED by Cllr. Price,
SECONDED by Cllr. Bellamy,
THAT the foregoing minutes be adopted.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
2. Minutes of Special Council Meeting
(Public Hearing)
June 18, 1997
MOVED by Cllr. Puil,
SECONDED by Cllr. Bellamy,
THAT the foregoing minutes be adopted.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
3. Minutes of Regular Council Meeting
(City Services and Budgets)
June 19, 1997
MOVED by Cllr. Puil,
SECONDED by Cllr. Bellamy,
THAT the foregoing minutes be adopted.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
4. Minutes of Special Council Meeting
(Court of Revision)
June 17, 1997
MOVED by Cllr. Bellamy,
SECONDED by Cllr. Puil,
THAT the foregoing minutes be adopted.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
5. Minutes of Regular Council Meeting
June 24, 1997
MOVED by Cllr. Don Lee,
SECONDED by Cllr. Bellamy,
THAT the foregoing minutes be adopted.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
6. Minutes of Regular Council Meeting
(Planning and Environment)
June 19, 1997
MOVED by Cllr. Sullivan,
SECONDED by Cllr. Puil,
THAT the foregoing minutes be adopted.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
7. Minutes of Special Council Meeting
(Public Hearing - Part Report)
May 29/June 3, 1997
MOVED by Cllr. Puil,
SECONDED by Cllr. Bellamy,
THAT the foregoing minutes be approved.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
MOVED by Cllr. Bellamy,
SECONDED by Cllr. Puil,
THAT this Council resolve itself into Committee of the Whole, Mayor
Owen in the Chair.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
REPORT REFERENCE
1. Emergency Operations and Communications Centre/
Area Wide Radio - Status Report
July 2, 1997 File: 3603
In an Administrative Report dated July 2, 1997, the Project
Coordinator and Project Manager EOCC/Area Wide Radio Project, on behalf
of the Chief Constable, and General Managers of Fire and Rescue
Services, Engineering Services and Parks and Recreation Services updated
Council on the development of the E-Comm Building, the Area Wide Radio
System and the new governance organization.
Ken Dobell, City Manager, introduced representatives present from
the RCMP, Attorney General s Department, City of Vancouver and BC
Ambulance, noting this is a project which has relied on the
participation of all partners to ensure success. The Emergency
Communications Project for Southwest British Columbia (E-Comm) has
arisen as a result of overlapping needs of the RCMP, Attorney General
and the City of Vancouver. Mr. Dobell also advised Council of a
commitment to the project by BC Ambulance and other municipalities.
Inspector Larry Smith explained that E-Comm was intended to address
the following problems:
No coordination between public safety agencies;
Inefficient duplication of facilities and services;
No interagency communication;
Inadequate technology;
Municipalities that cannot communicate with each other.
The Stanley Cup riot exposed many of these problems. This coupled
with the earthquake sensitive nature of the area has further heightened
the need to address these issues.
Inspector Smith provided detail on the following achievements of
E-Comm to date:
Development of a concept for an area wide radio system;
An E-Comm building plan;
A governance model.
Superintendent Peter Martin, RCMP, provided detail on the E-Comm
building which will achieve coordinated 911 response, call taking and
dispatch. The following organizations will be located in this building:
Vancouver Emergency Operations Centre;
Regional Emergency Coordination Centre;
Provincial Emergency Program offices;
Port Recovery Centre;
Alarm monitoring.
Council was advised that no one has gone to this degree of
partnering before, and this is reflected in the quality of the project.
Mr. Dobell reviewed taxation issues arising from this model and
advised that work has been done to ensure that PST and GST taxation
results in neutrality for members of the organization. To date the
project costs are within mandate and reductions in dispatch costs are
likely with further analysis.
Mr. Dobell concluded the project achieves the following:
Provides a major public safety enhancement;
Resolves spectrum limitations and operational concerns;
Deals with a major infrastructure replacement issue that
represents a significant liability at present;
Is cheaper than the alternative of each agency working on its
own.
MOVED by Cllr. Chiavario,
THAT this report be received for information.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
1. Transit Service to Fraser Lands,
Riverside and Champlain Heights South File: 5551
At a Special Meeting on June 24, 1997, the Standing Committee of
Council on Transportation and Traffic heard speakers on the above
matter, and resolved:
THAT decision on this matter be referred to the Regular Council
meeting of July 8, 1997, to allow Council members the opportunity
to examine, first hand, route possibilities, destinations, hill
grades, size of population and people involved.
The following materials were before Council:
(a) Administrative Report dated June 10, 1997;
(b) Report to Council - Minutes of the Special Meeting of the
Standing Committee of Council on Transportation and Traffic
dated June 24, 1997.
Also before Council was a letter dated July 2, 1997 from Bill
Lambert, Director, Customer Support, BC Transit, which advised their
proposed route (Recommendation A in the Administrative Report)
represents the most direct, efficient and cost-effective service to the
Fraser Lands area. Option B is not recommended as it does not fit
within the profile of service that the Vancouver Regional Transit
Commission would approve. BC Transit would therefore not be prepared to
recommend this option to the Commission.
Members of Council asked that BC Transit officials provide
additional information on several route options, including the
Fraserview residents' proposed modified Option B, in which buses would
be required to double back on a portion of the route along Muirfield
Drive.
Mr. Lambert responded to questions from members of Council
concerning alternative routes and advised they would lead to the
requirement for additional buses at substantial increased cost over what
is being recommended. One of the options proposed would cost an
additional $800,000.
Some members of Council asked Mr. Lambert if BC Transit could avoid
placing bus stops on the two-block area of Fraserview, and also if BC
Transit would ensure the trees on the route remain untouched. Mr.
Lambert indicated BC Transit would honour both requests.
MOVED by Cllr. Bellamy,
THAT the recommendations in the Administrative Report be received
for information and that no action be taken at this time;
FURTHER THAT staff be requested to report back on the solution
proposed by Councillor Herbert for a bus loop.
- LOST
(Councillors Herbert, Kennedy, Daniel Lee, Don Lee, Price, Puil,
Sullivan and Mayor Owen opposed)
MOVED by Cllr. Puil,
A. THAT Council approve the extension of the #29 Elliott route to
Champlain Mall via Fraserview Drive to Victoria Drive, Marine
Drive and through Champlain Heights as shown in Appendix B of
the Administrative Report dated June 10, 1997.
B. THAT staff report back on new bus stops, shelters, litter
containers, necessary to implement the route.
- CARRIED
(Councillor Bellamy opposed)
(Councillor Chiavario was absent for the votes on the foregoing matter)
COMMUNICATIONS AND/OR PETITIONS
1. Domestic Animal Committee
July 3, 1997 File: 3148
In a communication dated July 3, 1997, Mayor Owen advised that
Councillor Sullivan has found that he is unable to participate as Chair
of the Domestic Animal Committee, and recommended Councillor Chiavario
be appointed Chair in his stead.
MOVED by Cllr. Bellamy,
THAT Councillor Chiavario be appointed Chair of the Domestic Animal
Committee.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
Councillor Chiavario advised Council and the public the Park Board
will be having a meeting at Robson Square on July 10, 1997 to seek
public input on the issue of dogs in public parks, and will be making a
decision on this matter at its meeting on July 21.
CITY MANAGER S ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
1. Theatre Rental Rates -
September 1, 1997 to August 31, 1998.
May 28, 1997 File: 4251 MOVED by Cllr. Kennedy,
THAT Council approve the Schedule of Rental Rates for Civic
Theatres, detailed in Appendix A of the Administrative Report dated May
28, 1997, effective September 1, 1997.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
2. Capital Grant for Frog Hollow
Neighbourhood House Expansion
June 13, 1997 File: 2065
In an Administrative Report dated June 13, 1997, the Director of
Community Services, Social Planning recommended approval of a Capital
Grant as the City's contribution towards a 2000 square foot addition to
the Frog Hollow Neighbourhood House for a family place and seniors
programs room. The following recommendation was before Council:
THAT City Council approve a Capital Grant of $214,000 (Two Hundred
and Fourteen Thousand dollars) to help fund the expansion of the
City-owned Frog Hollow Neighbourhood House facility - interim
source of funds is Revenue Surplus, in advance of approval of the
1998 capital budget. This grant is CONDITIONAL on the remainder of
the funding ($475,000 total cost) being secured.
The General Manager of Community Services submitted the foregoing
for Council's consideration.
MOVED by Cllr. Bellamy,
THAT the recommendation of the Director of Community Services,
Social Planning be approved.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY AND
BY THE REQUIRED MAJORITY
3. Reconstruction of Fourth Avenue from Blanca Street
to Drummond Avenue
June 16, 1997 File: 5768
MOVED by Cllr. Bellamy,
THAT the existing strip pavement on 4th Avenue from Blanca Street
to Drummond Drive be reconstructed at the existing width of 10 metres at
an estimated cost of $190,000, with funding to be provided from Streets
Basic Capital Unappropriated Account No. 12/31/9801/999 ($160,000), and
Streets Basic Capital Account No. 12/31/0301/999 ($30,000).
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
4. Parking Charges - City-Owned Off-Street Lots
June 18, 1997 File: 5652
In an Administrative Report dated June 18, 1997, the General
Manager of Engineering Services requested Council approval to increase
the parking charges levied to users not paying the required parking fees
and for other parking infractions in City-owned off-street parking
facilities. The following recommendation was before Council:
THAT the Parking Corporation of Vancouver (VPC) be authorized to
increase the parking charge levied to users not paying the required
parking fee and for other parking infractions in City-owned,
off-street parking facilities to a flat rate charge of $15.
The General Managers of Engineering and Corporate Services
recommended approval of the foregoing. The City Manager submitted a
$25.00 charge as an alternative, to be phased in over a year.
MOVED by Cllr. Kennedy,
THAT the Parking Corporation of Vancouver(VPC) be authorized to
increase the parking charge levied to users not paying the required
parking fee and for other parking infractions in City-owned, off-street
parking facilities to a flat rate charge of $15 in 1997, and that staff
report back in January, 1998 on the results of this new fee.
- carried
MOVED by Cllr. Puil (in amendment),
THAT the foregoing motion be amended by deleting the figure of $15
and replacing it with the figure $10.
- LOST
(Councillors Chiavario, Herbert, Kennedy, Daniel Lee, Don Lee,
Price, Sullivan and the Mayor opposed)
The amendment having lost, Councillor Kennedy's motion was put and
carried with Councillor Puil opposed.
(Councillor Bellamy was absent for the votes on the foregoing matter)
5. Emergency Operations and Communications Centre /
Wide Area Radio Project - Award of Building Contract
July 2, 1997 Files: 3603/1805
MOVED by Cllr. Sullivan,
THAT the contract for the EOCC building be awarded to Swagger
Construction Ltd. at a contract price of $10,200,000 plus GST; source of
funding to be the City's authorized funding, Provincial Emergency
Program, Regional Emergency Coordination Centre, Wide Area Radio
participants, BC Ambulance Service, the RCMP, and 9-1-1 funding sources,
and with interim financing for the non-City share from the Property
Endowment Fund.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
(Councillors Bellamy and Don Lee absent for the vote)
6. Warning to Prospective Purchasers of
7380 Sherbrooke Street
Lot 34, Block 25, DL 200, Plan 2591
June 13, 1997 File: 2701
MOVED by Cllr. Puil,
THAT the City Clerk be directed to file a 336D Notice against the
Certificate of Title to the property at 7380 Sherbrooke Street in order
to warn prospective purchasers that there is a contravention of the
Zoning and Development and Vancouver Building By-laws related to this
building.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
(Councillors Bellamy and Don Lee absent for the vote)
A member of Council requested information on the amount of the fine
levied to the property owner for this illegal construction and
questioned whether the minimum fine was a sufficient deterrent in this
instance. The General Manager of Engineering Services agreed to provide
information regarding the fines levied to this property owner.
7. Co-Operative Purchasing of Gasoline and Diesel Fuels
June 24, 1997 File: 1805
MOVED by Cllr. Kennedy,
THAT this report be received for information.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
(Councillor Bellamy absent for the vote)
8. 932 Granville Street - The Roxy Cabaret Ltd. and
Siesta Hotel Housing Agreement
June 24, 1997 File: 2614-4
MOVED by Cllr. Kennedy,
A. THAT the Housing Agreement summarized in this report be
approved in principle, subject to finalization to the
satisfaction of the Director of Legal Services and the Manager
of the Housing Centre, provided that this resolution does not
create any legal rights or obligations and none arise until
the agreement as authorized by by-law is signed.
B. THAT the Director of Legal Services be instructed to bring
forward a by-law to enter into the Housing Agreement.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
CITY MANAGER S POLICY REPORTS
1. Better City Government Initiative - Implementation of
the "Transition" Phase of an Organizational
Change Initiative at VF&RS
July 8, 1997 Files: 1002/1377
MOVED by Cllr. Puil,
A. THAT Council endorse the Fire and Rescue Services
organizational review of the senior management structure as
outlined in the Sommers Consulting Inc. Report (Executive
Summary attached as Appendix A to the Policy Report dated July
8, 1997 ) as a guide to the evolution of the Department.
B. THAT Council authorize the initiation of a process to fill the
General Manager/Fire Chief position, subject to final Council
approval; source of funds to be the Fire and Rescue Services
Operating Budget.
C. THAT Council approve an expenditure of $45,000 to conduct a
search for a new Fire Chief; source of funding to be the
Contingency Reserve Fund.
D. THAT Council authorize filling the six new Assistant General
Manager/Deputy Chief positions; source of funding to be the
Fire and Rescue Services Operating Budget.
E. THAT Council authorize the creation and filling of a new
exempt position of Administrative Secretary to the General
Manager/Fire Chief with funding from existing positions.
F. THAT Council approve an expenditure of $20,000 to support the
1997 staff development program; source of funding to be the
Contingency Reserve Fund.
G. THAT the General Manager/Fire Chief report back to Council
with an implementation plan for a Change Management initiative
based upon the recommendations of the Sommers Report.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
2. Legislative Review of the Freedom of Information and
Protection of Privacy Act
June 26, 1997 File: 1174
MOVED by Cllr. Kennedy,
THAT Council direct staff to prepare a detailed submission to UBCM
outlining the City's experience under the Act and proposing changes to
the Act as recommended in this report.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
OTHER REPORTS
I. Report to Council
Vancouver Liquor Licensing Commission
June 25, 1997
The Council considered this report which contains three clauses
identified as follows:
Cl. 1: Commodore Cabaret, 870 Granville Street
Cl. 2: Privatizing Liquor: The Case for Privatization of Liquor
in B.C. - A Fraser Institute Conference
Cl. 3: Correspondence from the Attorney General
Commodore Cabaret, 870 Granville Street
(Clause 1)
MOVED by Cllr. Kennedy,
THAT the presentation by Paul Vickers regarding plans for the
Commodore Cabaret at 870 Granville Street, be received for information;
FURTHER THAT staff from the Legal Services and Permits & Licenses
Departments meet with Morguard (who represents the building owners) to
discuss the City sending them a letter indicating the City does not
support the theme/concept as proposed and outlined by the applicant as
it does not represent the spirit and history of the Commodore. The
letter would list the City's specific concerns, particularly, policing
issues and the reluctance of the applicant to withdraw the planned
reduced price drink and burlesque nights.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
(Councillor Sullivan absent for the vote)
Privatizing Liquor: The Case for Privatization of
Liquor in B.C. - A Fraser Institute Conference
(Clause 2)
MOVED by Cllr. Kennedy,
THAT the presentation by the Chair and Councillor Herbert regarding
the Fraser Institute's Conference on privatizing liquor in British
Columbia, be received for information.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
(Councillors Puil and Sullivan absent for the vote)
Correspondence from the Attorney General
(Clause 3)
MOVED by Cllr. Kennedy,
THAT the correspondence dated June 19, 1997 from the Attorney
General regarding recommendations concerning the Province's liquor
licensing polices, be received for information.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
(Councillors Puil and Sullivan absent for the vote)
RISE FROM COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
MOVED by Cllr. Bellamy,
THAT the Committee of the Whole rise and report.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
ADOPT REPORT OF COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
MOVED by Cllr. Bellamy,
SECONDED by Cllr. Puil,
THAT the report of the Committee of the Whole be adopted.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
BY-LAWS
1. A By-law to amend By-law No. 7246, being a By-law
which amended the Zoning and Development By-law
by rezoning an Area to CD-1
(750 Burrard [Density Transfer for 1001 Hornby])
MOVED by Cllr. Kennedy,
SECONDED by Cllr. Bellamy,
THAT the By-law be introduced and read a first time.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
The By-law was read a first time and the Presiding Officer declared
the By-law open for discussion and amendment.
There being no amendments, it was
MOVED by Cllr. Kennedy,
SECONDED by Cllr. Bellamy,
THAT the By-law be given second and third readings and the Mayor and City Clerk be authorized to sign and seal the By-law.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
COUNCILLORS PRICE AND PUIL EXCUSED FROM VOTING ON BY-LAW 1
2. A By-law to amend By-law No. 7684, being a
By-law which amended the Zoning and
Development By-law by rezoning an Area to CD-1
(2750 Granville Street [Density Transfer])
MOVED by Cllr. Kennedy,
SECONDED by Cllr. Bellamy,
THAT the By-law be introduced and read a first time.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
The By-law was read a first time and the Presiding Officer declared
the By-law open for discussion and amendment.
There being no amendments, it was
MOVED by Cllr. Kennedy,
SECONDED by Cllr. Bellamy,
THAT the By-law be given second and third readings and the Mayor
and City Clerk be authorized to sign and seal the By-law.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
COUNCILLORS PRICE AND PUIL EXCUSED FROM VOTING ON BY-LAW 2
3. A By-law to amend By-law No. 3575, being the
Zoning and Development By-law
(Repeal of HA-4 District Schedule [Yaletown Docks])
MOVED by Cllr. Chiavario,
SECONDED by Cllr. Kennedy,
THAT the By-law be introduced and read a first time.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
The By-law was read a first time and the Presiding Officer declared
the By-law open for discussion and amendment.
There being no amendments, it was
MOVED by Cllr. Chiavario,
SECONDED by Cllr. Kennedy,
THAT the By-law be given second and third readings and the Mayor
and City Clerk be authorized to sign and seal the By-law.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
4. A By-law to amend By-law No. 5208, being the
Subdivision By-law (Revision to RS-1/RS-1S/
RS-3/RS-3A/RS-5/RS-6 Subarea Classifications
Re: 8400-8500 Adera Street)
MOVED by Cllr. Chiavario,
SECONDED by Cllr. Kennedy,
THAT the By-law be introduced and read a first time.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
The By-law was read a first time and the Presiding Officer declared
the By-law open for discussion and amendment.
There being no amendments, it was
MOVED by Cllr. Chiavario,
SECONDED by Cllr. Kennedy,
THAT the By-law be given second and third readings and the Mayor
and City Clerk be authorized to sign and seal the By-law.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
MOTIONS
A. Conveyance, Acceptance and Allocation of Land
for Lane Purposes (The East 2 feet of Lot 42,
Block 13, District Lot 352, Plan 1515) File: 5807
MOVED by Cllr. Kennedy,
SECONDED by Cllr. Herbert,
THAT WHEREAS the registered owner will be conveying to the City of
Vancouver for lane purposes land in the City of Vancouver, Province of
British Columbia, more particularly known and described as follows:
City of Vancouver
Parcel Identifier: 014-585-928
The East 2 feet of
Lot 42
Block 13
District Lot 352
Plan 1515
AND WHEREAS it is deemed expedient and in the public interest to
accept and allocate the said lands for lane purposes;
BE IT RESOLVED that the above described lands, upon conveyance, are
hereby accepted and allocated for lane purposes and declared to form and
to constitute a portion of a lane.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
B. Conveyance, Acceptance and Allocation of Land
for Lane Purposes (The North 5 feet of Lot 8, Block 2,
South East ¨ of Section 48, THSL, Plan 1692) File: 5807
MOVED by Cllr. Kennedy,
SECONDED by Cllr. Herbert,
THAT WHEREAS the registered owner will be conveying to the City of
Vancouver for lane purposes land in the City of Vancouver, Province of
British Columbia, more particularly known and described as follows:
City of Vancouver
Parcel Identifier: 014-416-832
The North 5 feet of
Lot 8
Block 2
South East ¨ of Section 48
Town of Hastings Suburban Lands
Plan 1692
AND WHEREAS it is deemed expedient and in the public interest to
accept and allocate the said lands for lane purposes;
BE IT RESOLVED that the above described lands, upon conveyance, are
hereby accepted and allocated for lane purposes and declared to form and
to constitute a portion of a lane.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
ENQUIRIES AND OTHER MATTERS
1. GVRD Alternate File: 3204
MOVED by Cllr. Daniel Lee,
SECONDED by Cllr. Bellamy,
THAT Councillor Clarke replace Councillor Bellamy as the Mayor's
alternate to the GVRD.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
2. Cell Phones in the Council Chamber File: 1252
Councillor Chiavario requested that the City Clerk investigate the
possibility of installing signs outside the Council Chamber stating that
all cell phones and pagers are to be turned off in the Chamber.
The Mayor so directed.
3. Panhandling Complaints File: 2631
Councillor Bellamy advised he has received complaints about
panhandling in the 1100-1200 block Robson Street, and requested this
information be passed along to the Police Department with a view to
increased enforcement.
The Mayor directed this matter be referred to the Chief Constable
for appropriate action.
4. Taxihost Program File: 2801
Councillor Bellamy advised of an individual who had indicated
confusion regarding the requirements of the Taxihost Program, and
requested this person's name be forwarded to the City Manager for
appropriate action.
Following discussion it was agreed this name would be forwarded to
Councillor Chiavario for appropriate action, due to her involvement with
the Taxihost Program.
5. Arrival of Summer
Councillor Price referred to a resolution of the Seattle City
Council expressing fervent hope that Mother Nature will bless the
Pacific Northwest with summerlike weather.
* * * *
Council recessed at 4:40 p.m. for an "In Camera" meeting in the Mayor's
Office.