CITY OF VANCOUVER
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
A Regular Meeting of the Council of the City of Vancouver was held on
Thursday, October 19, 1995, at 10:40 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: Mayor Owen
Councillors Bellamy, Chiavario,
Clarke, Hemer, Ip,
Kwan, Price, Puil
and Sullivan
ABSENT: Councillor Kennedy (Leave of Absence)
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
October 19, 1995
Council considered the recommendations of the Committee, as
contained in the following clauses of the attached report:
Cl. 1: 1995 Partners in Organizational Development
Grant Allocation
Cl. 2: Citizens Advisory Group on Property Taxation
Cl. 3: Vancouver Opera Association - Proposal to Develop
Portion of Queen Elizabeth Theatre
Plaza and Parkade as Opera Production Centre
1995 Partners in Organizational
Development Grant Allocation
Clause 1
MOVED by Cllr. Puil,
THAT the recommendations of the Committee, as contained in Clause
1 this report, be approved.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY AND
BY THE REQUIRED MAJORITY
Citizens Advisory Group on
Property Taxation
Clause 2
MOVED by Cllr. Puil,
THAT the recommendations of the Committee, as contained in Clause
2 of this report and quoted below, be approved.
A. THAT Council approve the Terms of Reference, the Objectives
and the Work Plan for a Citizens Advisory Group on Property
Taxation as set out in the Administrative Report dated
August 8, 1995.
B. THAT Council approve the membership criteria and
participation proposal around the formation of a Citizens
Advisory Group on Property Taxation as set out in the
Administrative Report dated August 8, 1995, with the
addition of one residential representative; and
FURTHER THAT Council review the membership on an annual
basis to permit a one-third change in members.
C. THAT Council instruct staff to report back on the names of
the nominees for membership on the Citizens Advisory Group
pursuant to Recommendation 'B', and as advanced by the
respective community associa-tions, for consideration and
approval; and
FURTHER THAT the nominees be residents of the City of
Vancouver, and include representation by renters and
property owners.
- CARRIED
(Councillor Sullivan opposed to B)
Vancouver Opera Association -
Proposal to Develop Portion of
Queen Elizabeth Theatre Plaza and
Parkade as Opera Production Centre
Clause 3
MOVED by Cllr. Puil,
THAT the recommendations of the Committee, as contained in Clause
3 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.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
ADOPT REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
MOVED by Cllr. Puil,
SECONDED by Cllr. Clarke,
THAT the report of the Committee of the Whole be adopted.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
The Council adjourned at approximately 10:42 a.m.
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REPORT TO COUNCIL
STANDING COMMITTEE OF COUNCIL
ON CITY SERVICES AND BUDGETS
OCTOBER 19, 1995
A Regular Meeting of the Standing Committee of Council on City
Services and Budgets was held on Thursday, October 19, 1995, at 9:30
a.m., in Committee Room No. 1, Third Floor, City Hall.
PRESENT: Councillor Puil, Chair
Mayor Owen
Councillor Bellamy
Councillor Chiavario
Councillor Clarke
Councillor Hemer
Councillor Ip
Councillor Kwan (Clauses 2 & 3)
Councillor Price(Clauses 2 & 3)
Councillor Sullivan
ABSENT: Councillor Kennedy (Leave of Absence)
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
meetings of September 14 and 28, 1995, were adopted.
RECOMMENDATION
1. 1995 Partners in Organizational File: 2153-2
Development Grant Allocation
The Committee had before it an Administrative Report dated Octo-
ber 3, 1995 (on file), in which the Acting Director of Community
Services and Director, Office of Cultural Affairs, recommended
approval of the City's contribution to the Partners in Organizational
Development program for nine community service agencies and thirteen
cultural organizations. The United Way of Lower Mainland administers
the program and distributes the City's funds to Vancouver-based
organizations.
Ms. Wendy Au, Social Planner, and Mr. Lorenz von Ferse/n,
Cultural Planner, were present to answer questions.
The following motions by Councillor Bellamy were put and CARRIED.
The Committee, therefore,
RECOMMENDED
A. THAT Council approve a Partners in Organiza-tional
Development grant of $15,000 to the United Way of the
Lower Mainland for subsequent distribution to nine
community service organizations in the amounts listed
in Appendix IA of the Administrative Report dated
October 3, 1995; source of funds to be the 1995
Community Service Grants budget.
B. THAT Council approve a Partners in Organiza-tional
Development grant of $15,000 to the United Way of the
Lower Mainland for subsequent distribution to thirteen
cultural organizations in the amounts listed in
Appendix IIA of the Administrative Report dated October
3, 1995; source of funds to be the 1995 Cultural Grants
budget.
2. Citizens Advisory Group on File: 1551-2/3001
Property Taxation
The Committee had before it an Administrative Report dated August
8, 1995 (on file), in which the Director of Finance recommended
approval of a standing Citizens Advisory Group on Property Taxation.
The Director also sought approval of the Terms of Reference,
objectives, work plan, membership criteria and participation proposal
for the Advisory Group.
Also before the Committee was a letter dated October 18, 1995,
from Ms. Merrilee Robson, member of the Property Tax Advisory Panel
(on file), who expressed concerns residential interests were under-
represented on the panel and supported increased residential
participation on the Advisory Group. Ms. Robson also noted it is
sometimes difficult for residential representatives to attend frequent
daytime meetings or handle a heavy workload.
Mr. Ken Stoke, General Manager of Corporate Services, briefly
reviewed the report and responded to questions on the proposed
composition of the Advisory Group.
Professor Robert Clarke, member, Property Tax Advisory Panel
(brief on file), offered the following comments on the proposed
Advisory Group: he hoped some members will be able to provide
statistical evidence in support of recommendations they favour; it is
an advantage to the Group to continue to have as a member a university
faculty member who is an expert in areas the Group will be
considering; residential appointees should not be selected through a
random draw, but on the basis of making the Group more representative;
all members need not be residents of the City of Vancouver nor
property owners.
During discussion, the Committee supported the appointment of an
additional residential representative, particularly from a new growing
area such as the Downtown. Members also supported a requirement that
all members be residents of the city, either property owners or
renters. It was suggested the membership be changed by one-third
annually. The Committee agreed member organizations may send
observers/alternates to the meetings of the Advisory Group.
In response to a question, Mr. Stoke advised setting of meeting
times will be a democratic decision by the Advisory Group.
The following motions by Councillor Kwan were put and CARRIED.
The Committee, therefore,
RECOMMENDED
A. THAT Council approve the Terms of Reference, the
Objectives and the Work Plan for a Citizens Advisory
Group on Property Taxation as set out in the
Administrative Report dated August 8, 1995.
B. THAT Council approve the membership criteria and
participation proposal around the formation of a
Citizens Advisory Group on Property Taxa-tion as set
out in the Administrative Report dated August 8, 1995,
with the addition of one residential representative;
and
FURTHER THAT Council review the membership on an annual
basis to permit a one-third change in members.
C. THAT Council instruct staff to report back on the names
of the nominees for membership on the Citizens Advisory
Group pursuant to Recommenda-tion 'B', and as advanced
by the respective community associations, for
consideration and approval; and
FURTHER THAT the nominees be residents of the City of
Vancouver, and include representation by renters and
property owners.
(Councillor Sullivan opposed to B)
3. Vancouver Opera Association - File: 5303-2
Proposal to Develop Portion of
Queen Elizabeth Theatre Plaza and
Parkade as Opera Production Centre
The Committee had before it an Administrative Report dated August
31, 1995 (On file), in which the Director of Civic Theatres, in
consultation with the Director of Cultural Affairs, Manager of Real
Estate Services, Manager of Facilities Development and Deputy Director
of Finance, submitted a proposal from the Vancouver Opera Association
(VOA) to lease a portion of the Queen Elizabeth Theatre Plaza and to
construct on that site a building to house the VOA's operations, an
expanded restaurant and rental space for other arts organiza-tions.
Mr. Rae Ackerman, Director of Civic Theatres, was present to
answer questions.
Mr. Norman Young, Chair, Civic Theatres Board, advised the Board
is in favour of the proposal. The Vancouver Opera Association is an
excellent non-profit society. However, Mr. Young requested there be
no interference with the Queen Elizabeth Theatre parking during
construction, the restaurant continue to be controlled by Civic
Theatres, and any union concerns related to the new facilities be the
concern of Vancouver Opera Association.
Mr. David Gillanders, President, Board of Directors, Vancouver
Opera Association, referred to a previously circulated letter dated
September 7, 1995 from the VOA (on file). Mr. Gillanders noted the
VOA is happy with an unregistered lease for the site as proposed by
staff. The VOA requests a transfer of density rights of 100,000
square feet. The Association will be creating desirable public open
space with an improved urban design on the site. The VOA will replace
110 parking spaces; new parking will be constructed first, during a
non-peak period. The VOA would like to sublease the restaurant to pay
back the capital costs of rebuilding an expanded restaurant. The
Association will be happy to work out the use of the black box with
other organizations and resolve any union complications. Salon and
office space will be used by other organizations as well. There is
support for the proposal at all levels in the cultural community. The
VOA is prepared to enter into a lease with the City, similar to that
by the YWCA.
In response to a question, Mr. Ackerman stated it is the intent
of Civic Theatres to retain operating control of the Queen Elizabeth
Theatre restaurant.
Mr. Robert Hallam, General Director, Vancouver Opera Association,
urged support for the proposed new facility. It will enhance the
profile of the Opera Company. The facility will serve the needs of a
larger constituency than the VOA, provide needed office and rehearsal
space, and allow the VOA to continue outreach programs.
Mr. Ken Dobell, City Manager, noted the recommendations in the
Administrative Report set the general principles for staff
negotiations with the VOA on the proposal. Staff will bring back a
package for further consideration.
The following motions by Councillor Hemer were put and CARRIED.
The Committee, therefore,
RECOMMENDED
A. THAT Council withhold from development an area on and
under the Queen Elizabeth Theatre Plaza for a period of
two years to allow the Vancouver Opera Association to
further develop its plans for an Opera Production
Centre.
B. THAT Council approve in principle a non-registered
lease of a volumetric parcel containing the proposed
Opera Production Centre under the following major
terms:
1) Rent: $1.00 per year with no charge for property
taxes or amounts in lieu of taxes.
2) Term: 60 years.
3) The City has the right to terminate the lease for
redevelopment of the site upon one year's notice,
such right of termina-tion not to be exercised for
the first 30 years of the 60-year term.
4) Further terms and conditions to the satis-faction
of the Director of Legal Services, the Manager of
Real Estate and the Director of Civic Theatres.
C. THAT residual density on the site be retained by the
City.
D. THAT Council direct staff to report back out-lining the
terms of the lease as soon as the conditions outlined
in the Administrative Report dated August 31, 1995,
have been met to the satisfaction of the City Manager.
The meeting adjourned at approximately 10:40 a.m.
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