Planning & Environment Cttee Minutes

CITY OF VANCOUVER
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
STANDING COMMITTEE OF COUNCIL ON
PLANNING & ENVIRONMENT
NOVEMBER 20, 1997
A Regular Meeting of the Council of the City of Vancouver was held on Thursday, November 20, 1997, at 3:25 p.m., in Committee Room No. 1, Third Floor, City Hall, following the Standing Committee on Planning & Environment 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 George Puil
Councillor Sam Sullivan
CITY MANAGER'S
REPRESENTATIVE: Dave Rudberg, General Manager of
Engineering Services
CLERK TO THE
COUNCIL: Nancy Largent
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
MOVED by Cllr. Bellamy,
SECONDED by Cllr. Clarke,
THAT this Council resolve itself into Committee of the Whole, Mayor Owen in the Chair.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Report of Standing Committee on Planning & Environment
November 20, 1997
Council considered the recommendations of the Committee, as contained in the following clauses of the attached report:
Cl. 1: Warning to Prospective Purchasers of 3412 East 45th Avenue
Lot 3 of 1, Block A, District Lot 339 NW Qtr, Plan 4308
Cl. 2:Pacific Centre Parking Garage - Replacement and Upgrade of the Revenue Control Equipment
Cl. 3: Significant Rezoning Application
Cl. 4: Disposal of Surplus Computer Equipment
Clauses 1 and 3
MOVED by Cllr. Clarke,
THAT the recommendations of the Committee, as contained in Clauses 1 and 3 of this report, be approved.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
Pacific Centre Parking Garage - Replacement and Upgrade
of the Revenue Control Equipment (Clause 2)
MOVED by Cllr. Clarke,
THAT the recommendations of the Committee, as contained in Clause 2 of this report, be approved.
- CARRIED
(Councillor Chiavario opposed)
Disposal of Surplus Computer Equipment (Clause 4)
MOVED by Cllr. Clarke,
THAT the recommendation of the Committee, as contained in Clause 4 of this report, be approved.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY AND BY THE REQUIRED MAJORITY
COMMUNICATIONS AND/OR PETITIONS
1. Appointment of Liaison Councillor to the
Vancouver Heritage Conservation Foundation File: 5054
Council had before it a November 18, 1997 memorandum from the Mayor, recommending the appointment of Councillor Lynne Kennedy as liaison Councillor to the Vancouver Heritage Conservation Foundation.
MOVED by Cllr. Clarke,
THAT Councillor Lynne Kennedy be appointed liaison Councillor to the Vancouver Heritage Conservation Foundation.
- 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. Puil,
THAT the report of the Committee of the Whole be adopted.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
ENQUIRIES AND OTHER MATTERS
1. Rental Apartment Stock File: 4657
Councillor Price observed that much of Vancouver's rental apartment stock is aging, and may well be redeveloped in future years. It was felt Council should take a proactive stance and consider what issues may arise from potential redevelopment.
MOVED by Cllr. Price,
SECONDED by Cllr. Clarke,
THAT staff report back on the aggregate redevelopment potential of the City's existing rental apartment stock, and any public policy issues involved.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
2. Vancouver Public Library Restructuring File 4004
Councillor Don Lee, in his capacity as Council liaison to the Vancouver Public Library Board, reported on restructuring currently underway. Two senior employees are being terminated, and the Board requests that Council agree to allocate the resultant savings to library operations rather than treating it as general revenue.
Council indicated it would require a detailed staff report before such a request could be considered.
Councillor Don Lee indicated he would advise the Library Director and Board accordingly.
The Council adjourned at 3:40 p.m.
* * * * *
REPORT TO COUNCIL
STANDING COMMITTEE OF COUNCIL
ON PLANNING & ENVIRONMENT
NOVEMBER 20, 1997
A Regular Meeting of the Standing Committee of Council on Planning & Environment was held on Thursday, November 20, 1997, at 2:00 p.m. in Committee Room No. 1, Third Floor, City Hall.
PRESENT: Councillor Jennifer Clarke, 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
Councillor George Puil
Councillor Sam Sullivan
CITY MANAGER'S
REPRESENTATIVE: Dave Rudberg, General Manager of
Engineering Services
CLERK TO THE
COMMITTEE: Nancy Largent
ADOPTION OF MINUTES
The Minutes of the Standing Committee on Planning & Environment meeting of October 30, 1997, were adopted.
Vary Order of Agenda
The Committee agreed to vary the order of agenda to deal with Items 3 and 4 first.
RECOMMENDATION
3. Significant Rezoning Applications File: 2605
The Committee had before it a list of significant rezoning applications, prepared by the Planning Department (on file).
Tom Phipps, Planner, reviewed an application by Polygon Development to rezone 1316-1336 West 11th Avenue from RM-3 to CD-1, in order to increase floor space potential of this site sufficient to permit retention of the existing Rose Court as rental accommodation. Mr. Phipps also responded to queries regarding height and rate of change. The rate of change associated with this application is not significant, noting that the area has a high percentage of rental housing.
Committee members expressed concern that much of Vancouver's rental housing stock is approaching an age when replacement of the buildings becomes likely, and there is no certainty that the replacement buildings will also provide rental stock. Concern was also expressed that rezoning applications are being submitted while there are existing RM-3 sites available which have not been developed to their full potential. It was agreed Council should consider taking some proactive measures to develop tools to deal with potential impacts, and that this issue would be discussed further at the Council meeting immediately following this meeting (Enquiry 1 refers).
The following motion by Mayor Owen was put and carried. The Committee, therefore,
RECOMMENDED
THAT the Significant Rezoning Application report, prepared by the Planning Department, be received for information.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
4. Disposal of Surplus Computer Equipment File: 2001
The Committee had before it an Administrative Report dated October 31, 1997 (on file), in which the General Manager of Corporate Services and the Director of Finance recommended Council approve grants to the Vancouver School Board and eleven non-profit agencies, to enable them to acquire surplus personal computers and related software from the City. The recommended grants are reflected in the recommendation of this report.
The Administrative Report was deferred at the November 18, 1997 City Council meeting, in order to have a Social Planner respond to a question concerning the grants to not-for-profit agencies. At the time this grant program was initiated, Council expressed a desire that Community Centre Associations have the opportunity to participate in this grant program, but none were represented on the list of recommended recipients.
Sue Harvey, Cultural Planner, advised the Purchasing Division has made arrangements to transfer some computer systems directly to the custody of the Park Board for use by Community Centres. Transfer to Park Board custody does not require a grant; hence, it is not reflected in the list of grants before Council for approval.
The following motion by Councillor Chiavario was put and carried. The Committee, therefore,
RECOMMENDED
THAT Council approve an additional $10,000 grant to the Vancouver School Board and a $100 grant to each of the following not-for-profit Vancouver community agencies for their acquisition of surplus personal computers and related software from the City of Vancouver, at the net price of $100 per system:
Acoustic Connection Music & Cultural Society
BC Persons with Aids Society
Dance Arts Vancouver
EDAM
Firehall Arts Centre
Joe Ink Performance Society
Mid Main Community Health Centre
Mole Hill Living Heritage Society
St. James Community Centre
The Guatemalan Human Rights Commission
The Chinese Cultural Centre.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
1. Warning to Prospective Purchasers of 3412 East 45th Avenue
Lot 3 of 1, Block A, District Lot 339 NW Qtr, Plan 4308 File: 2701-1
The Committee had before it an Administrative Report dated October 15, 1997 (on file) in which the City Building Inspector and the General Manager of Community Services recommended that a 336D Notice be filed against the Certificate of Title to the property at 3412 East 45th Avenue in order to warn prospective purchasers there is a contravention of the Zoning and Development and Vancouver Building By-laws related to this building. The officials' recommendation is reflected in the recommendation of this report. A November 7, 1997 memorandum from the Acting City Building Inspector (on file) provided further information regarding the by-law contraventions.
Peter Sweeney, Manager, Building Inspection, reviewed the history of inspections of the building and described the infractions, including enclosure of the rear sundeck and installation of a hot tub carried out without permit, and an unauthorized suite in the basement. The property is for sale, and the recommended 336D Notice would warn prospective purchasers of the situation. Mr. Sweeney also explained that the owner can apply for the necessary permits for the addition and hot tub installation, and regarding the excess f.s.r. in the suite, can apply to the Board of Variance. The appeal may be successful if the owner can demonstrate that the property was purchased in its current condition. If the permits are obtained and the appeal allowed, the 336D Notice will be removed.
Madhukantaben Patel, representing the property owner, his wife, indicated the addition was there at the time he purchased the property. Further, it was sold to him represented as having a legal suite. There has been no opportunity to apply for permits or appeal to the Board of Variance yet, due to his wife's illness and the civic strike, but he intends to do so. However, Mr. Patel felt he should not be penalized for an addition built by a previous owner, and asked that Council not file a 336D notice.
The Committee felt Council is obliged to act upon such situations once they have been drawn to its attention, both to protect prospective purchasers and to address liability issues. It was noted there are avenues by which the notice can be removed.
The following motion by Councillor Don Lee was put and carried. The Committee, therefore,
cont'd
Warning to Prospective Purchasers of 3412 East 45th Avenue
Lot 3 of 1, Block A, District Lot 339 NW Qtr, Plan 4308 (cont'd)
RECOMMENDED
THAT the City Clerk be directed to file a 336D Notice against the Certificate of Title to the property at 3412 East 45th Avenue 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
2. Pacific Centre Parking Garage - Replacement and Upgrade
of the Revenue Control Equipment File: 5653
The Committee had before it an Administrative Report dated October 15, 1997, in which the General Manager of Engineering Services, in consultation with the General Manager of Corporate Services, requested Council approval to proceed with replacement and upgrade of the revenue control equipment at the Pacific Centre Parking Garage. The recommendations of the General Manager are reflected in the recommendations of this report. This item was previously scheduled for the October 15, 1997 Council meeting, but was withdrawn from the agenda and rescheduled for this meeting in response to a delegation request from CUPE Local 1004.
Brent MacGregor, Deputy City Engineer, reviewed the report and rationale for the recommendations. The existing equipment has reached the end of its useful life, and the change to a partially automated system (combined Pay-On-Exit and Pay-On-Foot systems) offers potential benefits, including increased service options for the public and a relatively short pay-back period due to the related reduction in staffing. A similar system is in use at Vancouver International Airport. In response to a query, Mr. MacGregor pointed out that, if approved, the Parking Corporation of Vancouver (VPC) will be responsible to tender, award and administer the contract, and to supervise the installation of the equipment.
Frank Lee, CUPE Local 1004 (brief filed), spoke on behalf of the parking attendants and urged Council not to approve the recommendations. Following is a summary of the Union's grounds for opposing the proposal:
·400·the proposed hybrid system is unproven in a high traffic density setting;·400
·400·the Pacific Centre Parkade is not comparable to the Airport Parkade in a number of respects;·400
cont'd
Pacific Centre Parking Garage - Replacement and Upgrade
of the Revenue Control Equipment (cont'd)
·400·traffic flow and capacity may decrease and deter patrons from use of the parkade;·400
·400·the system will be less, rather than more convenient for patrons with only six automated pay station locations;·400
·400·handling money at a pay station can constitute a security risk;·400
·400·cost savings from staffing cuts would be minimal compared to overall operational costs and revenues generated (other efficiencies were suggested);·400
·400·parking attendants provide a high level of service to patrons, increasing customer satisfaction, and help to ensure orderly traffic flow;·400
·400·there has been a 36% staff reduction over the past ten years, and the Union believes VPC promises of no lay-offs are empty;·400
·400·an alternative pay-on-exit system was recommended.·400
Brian Lees, Wayne Mercer and Dave Walker, VPC, responded to various points raised by the Union representative and responded to queries, summarized as follows:
·400·the VPC has generally good relations with its Union, and these representations have been made in isolation from other labour negotiations;·400
·400·there have been no lay-offs in the last six years; reductions in staffing have been achieved through attrition;·400
·400·any jobs lost at the Pacific Centre parkade will be absorbed by the Woodwards parkade or by new classifications of employment such as foot patrollers;·400
·400·various effective security measures already in place were described , and in addition, the equipment being considered would utilize closed-circuit television surveillance;·400
·400·locations of the pay-on-foot stations have not been determined, but will be in high-visibility areas (the possibility of placing some stations in the mall itself will be discussed with Cadillac Fairview);·400
·400·there are currently six exit lanes; the new system would entail three pairs of lanes, one each attended and automated, with the ability to move between the lanes;·400
·400·VPC has the necessary expertise to evaluate the tenders and oversee installation of the equipment.·400
It was suggested this proposal should not be approved, because technology is leading to long-term erosion of the job base. However, the majority noted the equipment must be replaced, that no jobs will be lost, and that the proposal provides added customer service options.
cont'd
Pacific Centre Parking Garage - Replacement and Upgrade
of the Revenue Control Equipment (cont'd)
The following motion by Councillor Kennedy was put and carried. The Committee, therefore,
RECOMMENDED
A.THAT Council approve the replacement and upgrade of the revenue control equipment at the Pacific Centre Parking Garage.
B.THAT Council accepts the Parking Corporation of Vancouver (VPC) estimate of $900,000 for the new equipment, with funding to be provided from the Parking Sites Reserve.
C.THAT the VPC be responsible for tendering, awarding, and administering the contract for the new equipment at Pacific Centre, as well as supervising the installation of the such equipment, and further that the City will issue payments of VPC invoices up to the budget amount; Staff shall report back on the performance and actual payback of the revenue control equipment after the first year of operation.
- CARRIED
(Councillor Chiavario opposed)
The Committee adjourned at 3:25 p.m.
* * * * *

Comments or questions? You can send us email.