Decisions from June 22/99 Regular Council meeting

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CITY OF VANCOUVER

REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES

JUNE 22, 1999

A Regular Meeting of the Council of the City of Vancouver was held on Tuesday, June 22, 1999, at 2:00 p.m., in the Council Chamber, Third Floor, City Hall.

PRESENT: Mayor Philip Owen

Councillor Don Bellamy
Councillor Jennifer Clarke
Councillor Alan Herbert
Councillor Lynne Kennedy
Councillor Daniel Lee
Councillor Don Lee
Councillor Gordon Price
Councillor George Puil
Councillor Sam Sullivan

ABSENT: Councillor Nancy A. Chiavario (Civic Business)

CITY MANAGER'S
OFFICE: Judy Rogers, City Manager

CLERK TO THE
COUNCIL:

Ulli S. Watkiss, City Clerk

* denotes presence during part of the meeting.

PRAYER

The proceedings in the Council Chamber were opened with a prayer read by the City Clerk.

ITEMS ARISING FROM "IN CAMERA" MEETING OF JUNE 15, 1999

Building Board of Appeal Membership

Council approved the appointment of Arlene H. Henry, John Wallace, and Robert Nelson to the Building Board of Appeal for a period of three years.

Appointment of Interim Director of Finance

Council approved the appointment of Estelle Lo, General Manager of Corporate Services, as Director of Finance on an interim basis effective June 17, 1999 for the purpose of performing statutory and legal functions.

"IN CAMERA" MEETING

Council was advised there were matters to be considered "In Camera" later this day.

ADOPTION OF MINUTES

1. Regular Council Meeting

June 15, 1999

MOVED by Cllr. Bellamy,
SECONDED by Cllr. Clarke,

THAT the foregoing Minutes be adopted.

- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

MOVED by Cllr. Kennedy,
SECONDED by Cllr. Price,

THAT this Council resolve itself into Committee of the Whole, Mayor Owen in the Chair.

- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

REPORT REFERENCE

1. Vancouver International Airport Authority File:

Jane Fleming, Board Member, and Larry Berg, President and C.E.O., Vancouver Airport Authority, provided an update on the 1999 Summer Runway Repair Program; Noise Management Plan, and 1999-2010 Capital Program.

2. Untidy Premises File: 2701-1

Jacquie Forbes-Roberts, General Manager, Community Services, provided information to Council on the issue of untidy premises, as outlined in her memorandum dated June 21, 1999 which was circulated to Council.

MOVED by Cllr. Clarke,

THAT the report reference by Jacquie Forbes-Roberts on untidy premises be received for information.

- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

COMMUNICATIONS AND/OR PETITIONS

1. UBCM Resolutions File: 3252

MOVED by Cllr. Kennedy,

THAT the following resolutions be endorsed for submission to the Union of British Columbia municipalities:

(a) Enabling Legislation to Allow Incorporated

Municipalities to Create Blanket Speed Zones

WHEREAS the speed limit in cities and municipalities in BC, is "50 km/h unless otherwise posted";

AND WHEREAS no differentiation is made between arterial and local streets with respect to speed limit, (except for 30 km/h adjacent to schools and parks);

AND WHEREAS the severity and incidence of car crashes decreases significantly at lower speeds;

AND WHEREAS lower speeds can offer significant benefits to the livability and safety of neighbourhoods;

AND WHEREAS a reduced speed limit sends a positive message that driver behaviour needs to be respectful of neighbourhood life;

AND WHEREAS many bike routes rely on local streets and a lowering of speed would improve cyclist safety;

AND WHEREAS in May, 1997 Vancouver City Council endorsed a City-wide Transportation Plan, which included an action " to reduce speed limits on residentialstreets to 40 km/h";

AND WHEREAS many municipalities in other provinces and states have already implemented a blanket 40 km/h zone for residential areas:

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Minister of Transportation and Highways be asked to consider an amendment to the Motor Vehicle Act that would allow incorporated municipalities to institute blanket speed zones in residential areas.

(B) Application to CRTC

WHEREAS the CRTC deregulated the telecommunications industry starting in 1993;

AND WHEREAS in that process, the CRTC stated that there was wide support for the operating principle that fair and substantial competition is in the best interest of consumers;

AND WHEREAS the affect of deregulation on municipalities has been to consume scarce and valuable street right-of-way space and impose additional costs on municipalities;

AND WHEREAS some new telecommunications companies have voluntarily entered into agreements that minimize municipal impacts and provide a reasonable return on valuable street right-of-way;

AND WHEREAS most existing telecommunications companies have refused to negotiate similar reasonable agreements thus creating an unfair competitive situation:

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the UBCM support the City of Vancouver's application to the CRTC asking that the CRTC impose reasonable terms and conditions for telecommunications access to street right-of-way in a fashion that minimizes the impact to municipal taxpayers and provides a reasonable return on scarce right-of-way space.

- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS

1. Vancouver Maritime Museum - Extraordinary Funding Request

June 10, 1999 File: 2201/4002 / RTS: 781

MOVED by Cllr. Kennedy,

THAT Council approve a one-time extraordinary grant of $24,000 to the Vancouver Maritime Museum Society to offset lost revenues arising from a fire; source of funds to be Contingency Reserve.

- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
AND BY THE REQUIRED
MAJORITY

2. Sale of Residential Lots: 3428, 3438, 3468 and 3478 Slocan Street

June 10, 1999 File: 5102/RTS: 792

MOVED by Cllr. Herbert,

THAT Council accept the Offers to Purchase City-owned Lots G, H, I and J, Block F, Section 44, THSL, Plan LMP37952, from Sona Developments Ltd. under the terms and conditions contained in the City's "Offer to Purchase" tender form for the following amounts:

- Lot G (3428 Slocan) - $239,000

- Lot H (3438 Slocan) - $240,001
- Lot I (3468 Slocan) - $240,001
- Lot J (3478 Slocan) - $240,101

- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

3. Sale of Residential Lots: 3408 and 3418 Slocan Street

June 15, 1999 File: 5102/RTS: 802

MOVED by Cllr. Bellamy,

THAT Council accept the Offers to Purchase City-owned Lots E & F, Block F, Section 44, THSL, Plan LMP37952 from Jiwan Bir in the amounts of $240,150 for Lot E and $240,205 for Lot F, under the terms and conditions contained in the City's "Offer to Purchase" tender form.

- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

4. FCM Proposal - New Municipal Infrastructure Program

June 8, 1999 File: 3253/RTS: 773

MOVED by Cllr. Puil,

THAT the Mayor write the federal and provincial governments, informing them that Council approved the following resolution calling for a new municipal infrastructure program in the federal Millennium Budget:

WHEREAS the FCM-inspired $8.3 billion, six year Canada Infrastructure Works Program (CIWP) -- described by Prime Minister Jean Chretien at the FCM 1998 Annual Conference, as "... one of the proudest achievements of our government" --exceeded original projections, funding 17,000 projects that created assets of lasting value and generated more than 130,000 short term jobs, and set a new standard for intergovernmental cooperation in Canada;

WHEREAS the CIWP could not fully address Canada's long term infrastructure needs given the extent of the program revealed in various FCM studies completed between 1985 and 1996;

WHEREAS the City of Vancouver has benefitted from the CIWP but still has a number of outstanding infrastructure projects which it cannot finance out of municipal revenues alone;

WHEREAS the FCM is dedicated to improving the quality of life in all communities;

WHEREAS the Millennium Budget offers an opportunity for achieving an improved quality of life and ensuring sustainable communities;

WHEREAS the FCM National Board of Directors has endorsed a new long-term national infrastructure program with environmental benefits as a component of a sustainable communities strategy;

WHEREAS such investments will create jobs, reduce pollution, save taxpayers money resulting from reduced health and environmental damage, improve the efficiency of the economy and make Canada more competitive, productive and innovative; and

WHEREAS Canada is a leader in environmental technologies;

BE IT RESOLVED that the City of Vancouver endorses the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) call for a long-term national core municipal infrastructure program highlighting environmental benefits, in the federal Millennium Budget;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City of Vancouver will urge local members of Parliament to support FCM's Millennium Budget proposal and to communicate their support to the Minister of Finance;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City of Vancouver will urge the Prime Minister and the Minister of Finance and local members of the British Columbia Legislature to support FCM's Millennium Budget proposal; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City of Vancouver will communicate to local media and the public our support to the FCM's Millennium Budget proposal.

- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

5. Reorganization - Sanitation Services

June 7, 1999 File: 1375/RTS: 705

MOVED by Cllr. Sullivan,

A. THAT Council approve the creation of a Foreman II position at a cost of $68,900 in the Recycling Section of the Engineering Department with funding provided from the elimination of two Sub-Foremen positions in the Recycling Section of the Engineering Department.

B. THAT Council approve creation of an additional Weighmaster I position at the Vancouver South Transfer Station at an annual cost of $54,600 with funding of $15,300 provided from the Solid Waste Utility user fees and $39,300 from the VSTS user revenues.

C. THAT Council provide ongoing additional funding for 1.5 fte Laborer II to provide appropriate fall protection for Workers' Compensation Board compliance in the Vancouver South Transfer Station at a cost of $112,800, with funding of $31,600 provided from the Sold Waste Utility user fees and $81,200 from the VSTS user revenues.

- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

6. 2019 Trafalgar Street

June 10, 1999 File: 2609/RTS: 750

As a delegation request had been received, consideration of this item was referred to the July 8, 1999 meeting of the Standing Committee on City Services and Budgets.

7. Award of Proposal No. 40-98-01 - Request For Proposal

for the Supply, Service and Analysis of Fleet Tires
June 4, 1999 File: 1805/RTS: 783

MOVED by Cllr. Bellamy,

THAT Council accept the following proposals as, if and when required for a three-(3) year period from the date of purchase order, subject to contracts satisfactory to the Director of Legal Services:

Fountain Tire, for the supply of new tires, service calls and added value services at an estimated annual cost of $323,128 plus the 7% Goods and Services Tax (less any municipal rebate received), the Provincial Sales Tax, where applicable and the Provincial Environmental Levy, where applicable.

Kal Tire, for the retread and repair of fleet tires and added value services at anestimated annual cost of $172,731 plus the 7% Goods and Services Tax (less any municipal rebate received) and the Provincial Sales Tax, where applicable.

- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

8. Requests for Contingency Reserve Funding

June 15, 1999 File: 1601/RTS: 819

MOVED by Cllr. Kennedy,

THAT this report be received for information.

- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

MOVED by Cllr. Puil,

THAT staff provide a report back to the July 6, 1999 meeting of the Standing Committee on Transportation and Traffic outlining implications to future City budgets as a result of the additional staff positions being recommended in the requests for Contingency Reserve Funding.

- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

(a) Implementation of Kensington-Cedar Cottage

and Dunbar Community Visions
June 10, 1999 File: 5340/RTS: 1

Referred to the July 8, 1999 meeting of the Standing Committee on Planning and Environment for the hearing of delegations.

(b) CityPlan Community Visions Program: Continuation

Referred to the July 8, 1999 meeting of the Standing Committee on Planning and Environment for the hearing of delegations.

(c) RS-Rethink Program Proposal

June 10, 1999 File: 2151/RTS: 292

MOVED by Cllr. Puil,

THAT Council consider as a high priority for funding through the 2000 Contingency Reserve Fund, an 18 month RS-Rethink Program at a cost of $298,700; and that the Director of CityPlans resubmit this report for consideration when the 2000 Contingency Reserve Budget is being approved.

- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

(d) Downtown Transportation Plan

Referred to the July 6, 1999 meeting of the Standing Committee on Transportation and Traffic for the hearing of delegations.

(e) Transportation System Monitoring

June 9, 1999 File: 5560/RTS: 334

MOVED by Cllr. Puil,
A. THAT an improved transportation monitoring program as outlined in this report and summarized in Appendix C (including a full time Civil Engineer I position), be approved, with an annual expenditure of $148,000 starting in 2000 (in the operating budget, without offset).

B. THAT this program be funded in 1999 at a level of $114,500, including $56,500 as an adjusted expenditure for the remainder of the year, and a one time startup cost of $58,000 (in the operating budget, without offset).

C. That Engineering and Planning report back on a detailed program for monitoring neighbourhood transportation activity, in order to prioritize the allocation of local transportation planning resources and assist in conducting local area studies.

D. THAT staff report back in early 2000 on details and funding of a commercial/retail pedestrian study for consideration in the 2000 budget.

E. THAT the Greater Vancouver Transportation Authority (GVTA) be requested to undertake regional monitoring including major travel surveys, screen line counts, and studies regarding travel time, goods movement and transit, and other activities, as outlined in Appendix D of this report.

F. THAT ICBC be requested to expedite the provision of accident data.

- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

(f) Staffing Request - Human Resource Services

June 17, 1999 File: 1379/RTS: 818

MOVED by Cllr. Puil,

THAT Council authorize the conversion of two(2) temporary full-time Human Resource Advisor positions to regular full-time status.

- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

(g) Staffing Request to Initiate Reorganization of the

Information Technology Department
June 14, 1999 File: 1370/RTS: 817

MOVED by Cllr. Sullivan,

THAT Council approve the creation of 3 positions in the Information Technology Department, at an estimated annual cost:

� for 1999: $ 100,000 from the contingency reserve; and

� ongoing: $ 200,000 from the annual operating budget.

Establishment of positions is subject to final classification approval from the General Manager of Human Resources

- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

9. Recruitment: Director of Finance

June 18, 1999 File: 1372/RTS: 824

MOVED by Cllr. Puil,

THAT Council appoint Ray & Berndtson / Tanton Mitchell to undertake a national search to recruit the Director of Finance at an estimated cost of $48,000 (plus applicable taxes): source of funding to be Contingency Reserve.

- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

10. Appointment of By-law Process Servers

June 17, 1999 File: 113/RTS: 821

MOVED by Cllr. Bellamy,

THAT Council approve the appointment of Shelly Ann Moss and Cheryl Ann Beaton as By-law Process Servers to serve summonses for infractions of City By-laws, effective immediately.

- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

POLICY REPORTS

1. Zoning and Development Fee By-law Amendment

June 10, 1999 File: 1755/RTS: 712

MOVED by Cllr. Don Lee,

THAT Schedule 2 of the Zoning and Development Fee By-law be amended, generally as outlined in Appendix A to the Policy Report dated June 10, 1999, to add a new reduced application fee for rezoning large industrial sites to Comprehensive Development District (CD-1), when the proposed change involves limited variation from the existing industrial zoning.

- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

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. Kennedy,

THAT the report of the Committee of the Whole be adopted.

- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

BY-LAWS

1. Debenture - Street Works - $2.292 million      By-law #8037

MOVED by Cllr. Price,
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. Price,
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

2. Debenture - Lane Lighting - $46,000     By-law #8038

MOVED by Cllr. Price,
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. Price,
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

3. Housing Agreement - 5750 Oak Street (Lubavich Centre)    By-law #8039

MOVED by Cllr. Herbert,
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.

There being no amendments, it was

MOVED by Cllr. Herbert,
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

ENQUIRIES AND OTHER MATTERS

1. Noise Complaint

Councillor Kennedy referred to a letter of complaint she had received concerning a noisy outdoor concert that took place in the plaza of the main library. As a permit for this event had been issued by the City, she requested an information memo from staff on the permitting process in general for this type of event, including how often these events take place, and enforcement measures that can be taken with respect to noise complaints.

The Mayor so agreed.

2. New Provincial Liquor Licensing Regulations

Councillor Kennedy referred to a recent publication she had seen announcing amendments to the regulations concerning the sale of rice wine, as part of the liquor licensing review. The Councillor requested information from staff on how theseamendments can be adapted for the City's use.

The Mayor so agreed.

3. Yard Waste Collection Program

Councillor Clarke referred to a communication she had received concerning the yard waste collection program. The Councillor requested the General Manager, Engineering Services provide an information memo to Council outlining the reasons for using clear bags versus brown bags and on the collection method used for the program.

The Mayor so agreed.

4. Downtown Eastside

Councillor Price acknowledged a letter had been received from the Pink Pearl Restaurant expressing concerns over the proliferation of drug trafficking and prostitution activities in the Downtown Eastside community, particularly in the 1100 block East Hastings Street. The writer had suggested the City seek an amendment to its Charter to provide the power it requires to deal with these problems effectively.

The Councillor recognized the community is frustrated with the City's inability to address these problems and requested staff to undertake some special efforts to assist the businesses and residents of this area in coping with this situation. Staff was also requested to report back to Council on any positive steps that Council can take to alleviate the community's concerns.

The Council recessed at 4:10 p.m., and reconvened
"In Camera" in the Mayor's Office.

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