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CITY OF VANCOUVER
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
STANDING COMMITTEE OF COUNCIL ON
PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENT
MAY 14, 1998 A Regular Meeting of the Council of the City of Vancouver was held on Thursday, May 14, 1998, at 3:07 p.m., in the Council Chamber, Third Floor, City Hall, following the Standing Committee on Planning and Environment meeting, to consider the recommendations of the Committee.
Councillor Gordon Price
Councillor George Puil (Civic Business)
CITY MANAGER'S OFFICE:Ken Dobell, City Manager
CLERK TO THE COUNCIL:Nancy Largent
ADOPTION OF MINUTES
1. Minutes of Special Council Meeting (Public Hearing) - April 28, 1998
MOVED by Cllr. Bellamy,
SECONDED by Cllr. Clarke,
THAT the foregoing minutes be adopted.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
MOVED by Cllr. Bellamy,
SECONDED by Cllr. Kennedy,
THAT this Council resolve itself into Committee of the Whole, Mayor Owen in the chair.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY CITY MANAGER’S ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
1. Contract Extension - Contract No. 39-96-05 File: 1805
Supply of Refuse Recycling Trucks
April 24, 1998
Council, on May 12, 1998, postponed consideration of the Administrative Report dated April 24, 1998, and referred it to this meeting. Subsequently, Council received a May 14, 1998 memorandum (on file) from the Assistant City Engineer, Electrical and Equipment Services, clarifying a recommendation that Council approve the purchase of sixteen recycling trucks. Of these, twelve would be replacements for existing residential service trucks; the remaining four would be additional trucks for apartment recycling.
Noting Council has decided that a portion of the apartment recycling service will be contracted to a private firm, it was
MOVED by Cllr. Clarke,
THAT Council approve the extension of the contract to Rollins Machinery Ltd. for twelve (12) replacement Mack MS-300P Chassis with LaBrie Top Select bodies, refuse recycling trucks at a total cost of $1,613,634.12, plus 7% Goods and Services Tax (less any municipal rebate received), the Provincial Sales Tax and the Provincial Environmental Levy.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY COMMUNICATIONS
1. Adoption of 1998 Rating By-laws and Taxation Resolutions
Council had before it a memo from the Director of Finance dated May 14, 1998 (on file), introducing the final approvals necessary for Council to give effect to the City's general purposes tax levy, the tax levies of the Greater Vancouver Regional District and the Greater Vancouver Regional Hospital District. The Director of Finance and City Manager recommended approval of A(1), B and C following, and submitted A(2) for consideration as an option to A(1):
A(1).THAT Council approve the 1998 Rating Bylaw for the City’s general purposes property taxes, involving a $350,000 shift in the burden of taxation from Class 5 to Class 6, submitted as By-law 2.
OR
A(2)THAT Council approve the alternative 1998 Rating Bylaw for the City’s general purposes property taxes which maintains the burden of taxes, submitted as By-law 1.
B.THAT Council approve the 1998 rating bylaws for the property tax requisitions of the Greater Vancouver Regional District and the Greater Vancouver Regional Hospital District as submitted this day.
C.THAT Council approve the resolutions attached as Appendices A through D, adopting adjusted tax rates for the Provincial Schools, the B.C. Assessment Authority, the Municipal Finance Authority and the Vancouver Regional Transit Commission (B.C. Transit Authority) levies, pursuant to the Vancouver Charter and the Averaging Bylaw No. 7855 adopted by Council on March 24, 1998.
* Italics denote correction
Ken Bayne, Comptroller of Budgets & Research, advised staff only just became aware that there will be an unusually large increase in tax rates for Class 5 (Light Industry) properties resulting from changes in market value. Noting that on May 14, 1998, Council decided to blend Class 5 and Class 6 (Business and Other) commencing in 1999, staff recommend that Council shift a portion of the tax burden from Class 5 to Class 6 which would retain the 1997 ratio. This would have a minor impact on Class 6 properties (2.7 cents per thousand dollars of assessed value). Mr. Bayne also drew to Council's attention a correction of two transposed figures in By-laws 1 and 2.
COMMUNICATIONS (Cont'd)
Adoption of 1998 Rating By-laws and Taxation Resolutions (cont'd)
Ken Dobell, City Manager, responded to queries regarding timing and notification in connection with this matter.
THAT A(1), B and C of the memorandum dated May 14, 1998 be approved.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
For resolutions A - D, referenced in the foregoing recommendation C, see Motions.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Report of Standing Committee
on Planning and Environment
May 14, 1998
Council considered the recommendations of the Committee, as contained in the following clauses of the attached report:
Cl.1: Warning to Prospective Purchasers - 733 and 737 East 20th Avenue
C1.2: West Georgia Street Tree and Sidewalk Design Guidelines
Cl.3. Recommendations for the City's Involvement in Millennium Activities
Clauses 1 - 3
MOVED by Cllr. Clarke,
THAT the recommendations of the Committee, as contained in Clauses 1 through 3, inclusive, of this report, be approved.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
RISE FROM COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
MOVED by Cllr. Bellamy,
THAT the Committee of the Whole rise and report.
ADOPT REPORT OF COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
MOVED by Cllr. Bellamy,
SECONDED by Cllr. Kennedy,
THAT the report of the Committee of the Whole be adopted.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
BY-LAWS
1. A By-law to levy rates on all taxable real property in the City to raise a sum which, added to the estimated revenue of the City from other sources, will be sufficient to pay all debts and obligations of the City falling due within the year 1998 and not otherwise provided for
This By-law was withdrawn.
2. A By-law to levy rates on all taxable real property in the City to raise a sum which, added to the estimated revenue of the City from other sources, will be sufficient to pay all debts and obligations of the City falling due within the year 1998 and not otherwise provided for
MOVED by Cllr. Bellamy,
SECONDED by Cllr. Clarke,
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.
BY-LAWS (CONT'D)
By-law 2. (cont'd)
There being no amendments, it was
MOVED by Cllr. Bellamy,
SECONDED by Cllr. Clarke,
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
3. A By-law to levy a rate on property to raise monies required to be paid to the
Greater Vancouver Regional Hospital District
MOVED by Cllr. Herbert,
SECONDED by Cllr. Sullivan,
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. Herbert,
SECONDED by Cllr. Sullivan,
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
BY-LAWS (CONT'D)
4. A By-law to levy a rate on property to raise monies required to be paid to the
Greater Vancouver Regional District
MOVED by Cllr. Bellamy,
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. Bellamy,
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. Resolution to amend 1998 Class 1 and Class 6 tax rates for School purposes to give effect to averaging of land assessments
MOVED by Cllr. Kennedy,
SECONDED by Cllr. Bellamy,
THAT WHEREAS pursuant to the School Act, the Surveyor of Taxes for the Province of British Columbia in each year levies a tax on the net taxable value of all land and improvements in the City of Vancouver;
AND WHEREAS on April 30, 1998, the Lieutenant-Governor in Council levied the following tax rates on Class 1 - Residential and Class 6 - business and other:
Class 1 - residential 2.7392
Class 6 - business and other9.9000
being dollars of tax for each one thousand dollars of taxable value, for the 1998 taxation year, which when applied to the net taxable value of all land and improvements in the respective Classes in the City of Vancouver would raise the following sums:
Class 1 - residential $ 147,920,237
Class 6 - business and other $ 131,891,937
AND WHEREAS on March 24, 1998, pursuant to provisions of the Vancouver Charter, Council approved an adjustment of the net taxable value of land in Class 1 -residential and Class 6 - business and other, within the City of Vancouver;
AND WHEREAS the net taxable value and the adjusted taxable value pursuant to the Council by-law of March 24, 1998, of land in the above-noted Classes subject to taxation under the School Act for the year 1998 are as follows:
Net Taxable Value Adjusted Taxable Value
Class 1 - residential $ 54,001,254,758 $ 54,466,400,862
Class 6 - business & other 13,322,417,900 13,152,699,312
AND WHEREAS Council is obliged to vary the rate set by the Lieutenant-Governor in Council in order to produce the same amount of revenue that would have been raised if the net taxable value of the specified land had not been adjusted;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT, in the case of Class 1 - residential, the rate of 2.71581 is hereby substituted for the rate of 2.73920; and in the case of Class 6 -business and other, the rate of 10.02775 is substituted for the rate of 9.9000 for taxation pursuant to the School Act within the City of Vancouver for the 1998 taxation year.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
B. Resolution to amend 1998 Class 1 and Class 6 tax rates for BC Assessment Authority purposes to give effect to averaging of land assessments
MOVED by Cllr. Kennedy,
SECONDED by Cllr. Bellamy,
THAT WHEREAS pursuant to the British Columbia Assessment Authority Act, the British Columbia Assessment Authority in each year levies a tax on the net taxable value of all land and improvements in the City of Vancouver (excluding property that is taxable for school purposes only by special act);
AND WHEREAS on March 5, 1998, the Authority, with the approval of the Lieutenant-Governor in Council, levied the following tax rates on Class 1 - residential and Class 6 - business and other:
Class 1 - residential 0.1202
Class 6 - business and other 0.3630
being dollars of tax for each one thousand dollars of taxable value, for the 1998 taxation year, which when applied to the net taxable value of all land and improvements in the
respective Classes in the City of Vancouver (excluding property taxable for school purposes only by special act) would raise the following sums:
Class 1 - residential $ 6,490,845
Class 6 - business and other $ 4,816,413
AND WHEREAS on March 24, 1998, pursuant to provisions of the Vancouver Charter, Council approved an adjustment of the net taxable value of land in Class 1 -residential and Class 6 - business and other, within the City of Vancouver;
AND WHEREAS the net taxable value and the adjusted taxable value pursuant to the Council by-law of March 24, 1998, of land in the above-noted Classes subject to taxation under the British Columbia Assessment Authority Act for the year 1998 are as follows:
Net Taxable Value Adjusted Taxable Value
Class 1 - residential $ 54,000,376,958 $ 54,465,523,062
Class 6 - business & other 13,268,354,600 13,098,636,012
AND WHEREAS Council is obliged to vary the rate set by the British Columbia Assessment Authority in order to produce the same amount of revenue that would have been raised if the net taxable value of the specified land had not been adjusted;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT, in the case of Class 1 - residential, the rate of 0.11917 is hereby substituted for the rate of 0.1202; and in the case of Class 6 -business and other, the rate of 0.36770 is substituted for the rate of 0.36300 for taxation pursuant to the British Columbia Assessment Authority within the City of Vancouver for the 1998 taxation year.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
C. Resolution to amend 1998 Class 1 and Class 6 tax rates for Municipal Finance Authority purposes to give effect to averaging of land assessments
MOVED by Cllr. Kennedy,
SECONDED by Cllr. Bellamy,
THAT WHEREAS pursuant to the Municipal Finance Authority Act, the British Columbia Assessment Authority in each year levies a tax on the net taxable value of all land and improvements in the City of Vancouver (excluding property that is taxable for school purposes only by special act);
AND WHEREAS on March 12, 1998, the Authority, with the Approval of the Lieutenant-Governor in Council, levied the following tax rates on Class 1 - residential and Class 6 - business and other:
Class 1 - residential 0.0003
Class 6 - business and other 0.0002
being dollars of tax for each one thousand dollars of taxable value, for the 1998 taxation year, which when applied to the net taxable value of all land and improvements in the respective Classes in the City of Vancouver (excluding property taxable for school purposes only by special act) would raise the following sums:
Class 1 - residential $ 16,200
Class 6 - business and other $ 2,654
AND WHEREAS on March 24, 1998, pursuant to provisions of the Vancouver Charter, Council approved an adjustment of the net taxable value of land in Class 1 -residential and Class 6 - business and other, within the City of Vancouver;
AND WHEREAS the net taxable value and the adjusted taxable value pursuant to the Council by-law of March 24, 1998, of land in the above-noted Classes subject to taxation under the Municipal Finance Authority Act for the year 1998 are as follows:
Net Taxable Value Adjusted Taxable Value
Class 1 - residential $ 54,000,376,958 $ 54,465,523,062
Class 6 - business & other 13,268,354,600 13,098,636,012
AND WHEREAS Council is obliged to vary the rate set by the Municipal Finance Authority in order to produce the same amount of revenue that would have been raised if the net taxable value of the specified land had not been adjusted;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT, in the case of Class 1 - residential, the rate of 0.00030 is hereby substituted for the rate of 0.00030; and in the case of Class 6 -business and other, the rate of 0.0002 is substituted for the rate of 0.0002 for taxation pursuant to the Municipal Finance Authority Act within the City of Vancouver for the 1998 taxation year.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
D. Resolution to amend 1998 Class 1 and Class 6 tax rates for Transit purposes to give effect to averaging of land assessments
MOVED by Cllr. Bellamy,
SECONDED by Cllr. Kennedy,
THAT WHEREAS pursuant to the British Columbia Transit Act, Section 12 (13), the Vancouver Regional Transit Commission, with the approval of the Lieutenant Governor-in-Council, in each year levies a tax on the net taxable value of all land and improvements in the City of Vancouver;
AND WHEREAS for the 1998 taxation year, the Commission has adopted a tax rate of 0.9627 on the specified land and improvements in Class 6 - business and other, being dollars of tax for each one thousand dollars of taxable value for the 1998 taxation year, which when applied to the net taxable value of the specified land and improvements in Class 6 - business and other, in the City of Vancouver would raise the sum of $12,773,445;
AND WHEREAS on March 24, 1998, pursuant to provisions of the Vancouver Charter, Council approved an adjustment of the net taxable value of land in Class 6 -business and other, within the City of Vancouver;
AND WHEREAS the net taxable value of the specified land and improvements in the City of Vancouver for the year 1998 is $13,268,354,600 and the adjusted taxable value pursuant to Council by-law of March 24, 1998 is $13,098,636,012;
AND WHEREAS Council is obliged to vary the rate set by the Vancouver Regional Transit Commission in order to produce the same amount of revenue that would have been raised if the net taxable value of the specified land had not been adjusted;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the rate of 0.97521 is hereby substituted for the rate of 0.96270 for taxation pursuant to the Vancouver Regional Transit Commission Regulation No. 03-1998 within the City of Vancouver for the 1998 taxation year.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
ENQUIRIES AND OTHER MATTERS
1. Idle Garbage Trucks
Councillor Don Lee indicated he had received a complaint from a citizen who recently observed that a number of garbage trucks were standing idle as early as 3:00 p.m. The Councillor enquired why this might have occurred.
Dave Rudberg, General Manager of Engineering Services, explained that garbage trucks must complete a set route each day, but have flexible hours in which to do so. Some crews prefer to skip breaks and finish their routes early.
The Council adjourned at 3:30 p.m.
* * * * *
REPORT TO COUNCIL
STANDING COMMITTEE OF COUNCIL
ON PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENT
MAY 14, 1998
A Regular Meeting of the Standing Committee of Council on Planning and Environment was held on Thursday, May 14, 1998, at 2:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber, Third Floor, City Hall.
PRESENT: |
Councillor Jennifer Clarke, Chair Councillor Sam Sullivan, Vice-Chair 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 (Clauses 1 and 2) |
ABSENT: |
Councillor George Puil (Civic Business) |
CITY MANAGER'S
OFFICE: |
Ken Dobell, City Manager |
CLERK TO THE
COMMITTEE:
Nancy Largent
ADOPTION OF MINUTES
The Minutes of the Standing Committee on Planning and Environment meetings of March 26 and April 23, 1998, were adopted.
RECOMMENDATION
1. Warning to Prospective Purchasers - File: 2701-1
733 and 737 East 20th Avenue
The Committee had before it an Administrative Report dated April 16, 1998 (on file), in which the City Building Inspector recommended that a 336D Notice be filed against the Certificate of Title of the property at 733 and 737 East 20th Avenue. There are apparent foundation failures of both buildings. The General Manager of Community Services recommended approval, as reflected in the recommendations of this report.
The Chair enquired whether any representative of the property owner wished to speak to the Committee, but there was no response.
The following motion by Mayor Owen was put and carried. The Committee, therefore,
RECOMMENDED
THAT the City Clerk be directed to file a 336D Notice against the Certificate of Title to the properties at 733 and 737 East 20th Avenue in order to warn prospective purchasers that there is a contravention of the Vancouver Building By-law related to the buildings on these sites.
2. West Georgia Street Tree and
Sidewalk Design Guidelines File: 5301
The Committee had before it a Policy Report dated March 31, 1998 (on file), in which the Director of Central Area Planning, in consultation with the General Managers of Engineering Services and Parks & Recreation, recommended a plan for street tree and sidewalk treatment on West Georgia Street including approval of proposed Street Tree and Sidewalk Design Guidelines for West Georgia Street (Appendix A of the Administrative Report). The General Managers of Community Services, Engineering Services and Parks & Recreation recommended approval, as reflected in the recommendations of this report.
Michael von Hausen, Planner, reviewed the report and rationale for the recommendations with reference to visual aids. Among items reviewed were:
·a plan to clarify tree replacement and the use of grass boulevards associated with new development, and the potential for associated new plantings;
·a strategy for sidewalk areas adjacent to those properties not likely to redevelop in the short term, including a survey of property owners regarding the potential for a Local Improvement project;
·proposed substitution of a more hardy Red Maple variety for those currently approved;
·the various circumstances under which existing street trees would be retained or replaced;
·street configuration, noting that the proposed plan does not conflict with potential configurations of Georgia Street; and
·the objective of promoting a more friendly pedestrian environment.
Mr. von Hausen responded to various questions regarding the foregoing, and confirmed the proposed guidelines do not include street furniture. Should Council wish to review street furniture for West Georgia Street, a consultant would be required at an approximate cost of $15-20,000. Mr. von Hausen also drew to the Committee's attention a correction in recommendation D of the Administrative report, substituting Cardero for Chilco Street.
Bob Ross, Streets Administration Engineer, responded to queries regarding location of grass boulevards and Local Improvement assessment notices.
Dave Rudberg, General Manager of Engineering Services, responded to questions regarding the history of redesign of the entrance to Stanley Park to relieve congestion, possible reconfiguration of Georgia Street related to the Lions Gate Bridge, and possible accommodation of an additional lane or median on Georgia Street.
The Chair of the Standing Committee on Transportation & Traffic requested Mr. Rudberg to provide a short update report on the Gilford Street closure, and also on the potential for narrowing Alberni Street to the standard residential width.
Paul Montpellier, Acting Horticultural Manager, answered questions concerning replacement tree species, and confirmed that cherry trees will be gradually phased out along Georgia Street. Mr. Montpellier also confirmed that it is Park Board policy not to replace healthy trees for aesthetic reasons.
The following motion by Councillor Kennedy was put and carried. The Committee, therefore,
RECOMMENDED
A.THAT the West Georgia Street Tree and Sidewalk Design Guidelines set out in Appendix A of the Policy Report dated March 31, 1998, be approved.
B.THAT existing street trees be given consideration for removal and replacement adjacent to redevelopment sites on West Georgia Street, in situations where they are in significant decline, few exist, or construction will significantly damage them, at the discretion of the Board of Parks & Recreation, in consultation with the City Engineer and the Director of Planning.
C.THAT the ‘October Glory’ Red Maple tree be substituted for the ‘Red Sunset’ and ‘Morgan’ Red Maple trees as the recommended replacement tree in sub-areas 1, 2 and 5 to improve continuity, hardiness and colour along West Georgia Street.
D.THAT grass boulevards adjacent to the curb be extended east for high density residential areas, between Cardero and Bute Streets, in accordance with Council’s policy and at the discretion of the City Engineer, in consultation with the Director of Planning and Board of Parks & Recreation.
E.THAT the General Manager of Engineering Services survey property owners to see if there is interest in initiating a Local Improvement project to complete the West Georgia Street public realm treatment in front of sites not likely to redevelop in the short term, and report back on the results.
3. Recommendations for the City’s Involvement
in Millennium Activities File: 4208
Councillor Clarke yielded the chairmanship to Councillor Sullivan during this item, in order to speak in her capacity as Chair of the Millennium Steering Committee.
The Committee had before it a Report from the Millennium Steering Committee dated April 28, 1998 (on file), in which the Millennium Steering Committee set out its conclusions and made recommendations on City involvement in millennium activities, endorsements, communication, and appointment of a follow-up Millennium Legacy Committee. The City Manager recommended approval, as reflected in recommendations A through E of this report.
Councillor Clarke reviewed the Millennium Steering Committee's composition, activities, and recommendations. Celebratory activities are already well-covered, and citizens would prefer to see the City undertake long-term legacy initiatives. The next steps which should be taken if Council chooses to continue in this direction were also reviewed, including recognition of cost-sharing possibilities. In response to a query, Councillor Clarke described initiatives of the Vancouver Foundation, including its Youth in Philanthropy project
The Standing Committee expressed satisfaction with the work and recommendations of the Millennium Steering Committee, and felt a vote of thanks was in order for a job well done.
The following motion by Cllr. Chiavario was put and carried. The Committee, therefore,
RECOMMENDED
A.THAT any City millennium activities focus on long-term legacy initiatives, using the criteria in Millennium Steering Committee report dated April 28, 1998.
B.THAT the City not initiate millennium celebratory activities.
C.THAT as a matter of policy the City not provide broad endorsement of third party millennium activities; but that the City may be open to specific partnership proposals consistent with City objectives.
D.THAT information be provided to the public on millennium initiatives which the City, Park Board and School Board may choose to undertake on the City’s website, and that the public be referred to the websites of other organizations undertaking millennium-oriented activity.
E.THAT Council approve analysis and review of legacy ideas, and appoint a Millennium Legacy Committee with appropriate skills and new terms ofreference, to report back with an action plan and budget in early fall.
F.THAT Council approve the vote of thanks to Councillor Jennifer Clarke, Chair, and Members of the Millennium Steering Committee.
The meeting adjourned at 3:07 p.m.
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