City Services & Budgets Committee Minutes

CITY OF VANCOUVER
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
CITY SERVICES AND BUDGETS
DECEMBER 11, 1997
A Regular Meeting of the Council of the City of Vancouver was held on Thursday, December 11, 1997 at 1:05 p.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: Councillor Gordon Price, Deputy Mayor
Councillor Don Bellamy
Councillor Nancy A. Chiavario
Councillor Jennifer Clarke
Councillor Alan Herbert (Items 2 to 5)
Councillor Lynne Kennedy
Councillor Daniel Lee
Councillor Don Lee
Councillor Sam Sullivan
ABSENT: Mayor Philip Owen (Civic Business)
Councillor Alan Herbert (Item 1 - Conflict of Interest)
Councillor George Puil (Leave of Absence)

CITY MANAGER'S
OFFICE: Judy Rogers, Deputy City Manager
CLERK TO THE
COUNCIL: Tarja Tuominen
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
MOVED by Cllr. Chiavario,
SECONDED by Cllr. Bellamy,
THAT this Council resolve itself into Committee of the Whole, Deputy Mayor Price in the chair.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Report of Standing Committee on City Services and Budgets
December 11, 1997
Council considered the recommendations of the Committee, as contained in the following clauses of the attached report:
Cl.1:Memorandum of Understanding and Funding for the Trial
of the Public/Private Partnership for Telecommunication
Services - Rogers Communications Inc.
Cl.2: Grandview-Woodlands Neighbourhood
Cl.3:Childcare Emergency Program Stabilization Grant for
Frog Hollow Neighbourhood House
Cl.4: CD-1 Rezoning: 976 West 54th Avenue
Cl.5: Update on Opsal Steel Building - 97 East Second Avenue
Memorandum of Understanding and Funding for the Trial
of the Public/Private Partnership for Telecommunication
Services - Rogers Communications Inc.
(Clause 1)
MOVED by Cllr. Chiavario,
THAT the recommendation of the Committee, as contained in Clause 1 of this report, be approved.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
Grandview-Woodlands Neighbourhood
(Clause 2)
This item was referred to a Standing Committee on City Services and Budgets meeting early in the New Year.
Childcare Emergency Program Stabilization Grant for
Frog Hollow Neighbourhood House
(Clause 3)
MOVED by Cllr. Chiavario,
THAT the recommendation of the Committee, as contained in Clause 3 of this report, be approved.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY AND BY THE REQUIRED MAJORITY
Clauses 4 and 5
MOVED by Cllr. Chiavario,
THAT the recommendations of the Committee, as contained in Clauses 4 and 5 of this report, be approved.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

RISE FROM COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
MOVED by Cllr. Herbert,
THAT the Committee of the Whole rise and report.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
ADOPT REPORT OF COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
MOVED by Cllr. Chiavario,
SECONDED by Cllr. Bellamy,
THAT the report of the Committee of the Whole be adopted.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
The Council adjourned at 1:10 p.m.
* * * * *
REPORT TO COUNCIL
STANDING COMMITTEE OF COUNCIL
ON CITY SERVICES AND BUDGETS
DECEMBER 11, 1997
A Regular Meeting of the Standing Committee of Council on City Services and Budgets was held on Thursday, December 11, 1997 at 9:30 a.m., in Committee Room No. 1, Third Floor, City Hall.

PRESENT: Councillor Nancy A. Chiavario, Vice-Chair
Councillor Don Bellamy
Councillor Jennifer Clarke
Councillor Alan Herbert (Items 2 to 5)
Councillor Lynne Kennedy (Items 4 to5)
Councillor Daniel Lee
Councillor Don Lee
Councillor Gordon Price
Councillor Sam Sullivan
ABSENT: Mayor Philip Owen (Civic Business)
Councillor Lynne Kennedy (Civic Business-Items 1 to 3)
Councillor George Puil (Leave of Absence)

CITY MANAGER'S
OFFICE: Judy Rogers, Deputy City Manager
CLERK TO THE
COMMITTEE: Tarja Tuominen
ADOPTION OF MINUTES
The Minutes of the Standing Committee on City Services and Budgets meeting of November 20, 1997, were adopted as circulated.
* * * * *
CONFLICT OF INTEREST
Councillor Herbert declared he was in conflict of interest because he holds shares in Rogers Communications Inc. Therefore, Councillor Herbert left the proceedings at this point and did not return until after the conclusion of the following item.
*****
RECOMMENDATION
1. Memorandum of Understanding and Funding for the Trial File: 1191
of the Public/Private Partnership for Telecommunications
Services - Rogers Communications Inc.
The Committee had before it an Administrative Report, dated December 5, 1997 (on file) in which the General Managers of Corporate and Engineering Services, and the Chief Information Officer provided an update on the City's progress in forming a public/private partnership agreement with Rogers Communications Inc. The General Managers and Chief Information Officer also sought approval for a Memorandum of Understanding to test a business relationship with Rogers by conducting selected pilot projects and for funding the pilot projects.
In the report, the City Manager commented he believes the projects described are important steps toward improved communications and offer unique opportunities to the City. The City Manager recommended approval of the recommendations.
Dave Rudberg, General Manager of Engineering Services, introduced Larry Meek, Chief Information Officer, who with Susan Clift, Broadband Communications Engineer, and Scott Macrae, Director of Communications, described the proposed pilot projects and responded to questions. Each of the proposed projects are of interest in their own right and provide an opportunity for the City to get closer access to Rogers' technology. By proposing several projects and bundling a number of services, the City is able to get preferred pricing. In return, Rogers receives marketing value for providing the services to the City. A number of the projects have the potential for yielding significant cost savings to the City. The Community TV Programming project is set to go January 26 at 8:30 a.m.
cont'd
Clause No. 1 (cont'd)
During discussion, concerns were expressed about a lack of policy for the Councillor's personal websites.
The following motion by Councillor Clarke was put and carried. The Committee, therefore,
RECOMMENDED

A.THAT the City, in cooperation with the Vancouver School Board, continue to work towards a Partnership Agreement with Rogers Communications Inc. by participating in joint projects to develop a working relationship and draft a Partnership Agreement for communications technologies and programs in our mutual interest.
B.THAT the Memorandum of Understanding for the development phase of the Partnership, attached to the Administrative Report, dated December 5, 1997, be approved.
C.THAT the Projects specified by the Memorandum of Understanding be funded at $282,200 from the 1997 Strategic Initiatives Fund ($212,200) and Contingency Reserve ($70,000), and that the ongoing costs be funded from the 1998 budget ($12,500).
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
(Councillor Herbert not present for the vote)

The following motion by Councillor Price was put and carried. The Committee therefore,
RECOMMENDED
D. THAT staff report back on a policy for Councillors' personal websites.

- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
(Councillor Herbert not present for the vote)
2. Grandview-Woodlands Neighbourhood File: 8008
At the request of the delegation, this item has been referred to a Standing Committee on City Services and Budgets meeting early in the New Year.
The Vice-chair requested a representative of the Grandview-Woodlands Area Council be invited to attend.
*****
Councillor Herbert returned at this point in the proceedings.
*****
3. Childcare Emergency Program Stabilization Grant for File: 2402
Frog Hollow Neighbourhood House
The Committee had before it an Administrative Report dated November 26, 1997 (on file) in which the Director of Community Services Division, Social Planning recommended approval of a one-time Childcare Emergency Program Stabilization grant of $15,000 to Frog Hollow Neighbourhood House. The Province's suspension of Wage Supplement Initiative funding has created a deficit in the childcare programs at Frog Hollow.
The General Manager of Community Services submitted the grant request for consideration, noting the shortfall in funding of the Wage Supplement Initiative is the responsibility of the province. In addition, the facility requiring the wage support is a provincial facility.
cont'd
Clause No. 3 (cont'd)
Penny Coates, Childcare Coordinator, advised the report before the Committee provides complete information on the situation with Frog Hollow Neighbourhood House. Ms. Coates reported the provincial Childcare Branch has been systematically dismantled to one person. Frog Hollow is still struggling to deal with the lack of Wage Supplement Initiative (WSI) funding, as are a number of other operators. New facilities such as Roundhouse, Concord Pacific and Marathon will also not be applicable for the grant, unless they applied for a facility and equipment grant through the Province. The Province has known for years these new childcare facilities will be opening soon. Staff and childcare operators are working with the Ministry trying to resolve the issue. Childcare operators in other municipalities will find themselves in a similar situation. Any help from the Committee in sending a strong statement to the Ministry and the local M.L.A. will be very much appreciated.
Gary Dobbins, Executive Director, Frog Hollow Neighbourhood House, advised he is spearheading a lobby to the Province to reinstate the WIS funds. The suspension of funds creates a two-tiered system of childcare.

The following motion by Councillor Clarke was put and carried. The Committee, therefore,
RECOMMENDED
A.THAT Council approve a one time $15,000 Childcare Emergency Stabilization grant to Frog Hollow Neighbourhood House. Source of funds: 1997 Childcare Grants Program, 1997 Operating Budget.
B.THAT the Mayor write to the Minister for Children and Families, the Minister of Health, and the Premier, outlining Council's concerns about the suspension of the Wage Supplement Initiative funding and its impact on childcare programs in the City of Vancouver;
FURTHER THAT a copy be sent to the Minister of Finance and the Union of B.C. Municipalities.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
4. CD-1 Rezoning: 976 West 54th Avenue File: 5304-1
The Committee had before it a Policy Report dated December 2, 1997 (on file) in which the Director of Central Area Planning, on behalf of the Director of Land Use and Development, recommended the referral of an application by Besharat Friars, Architects, to rezone 976 West 54th Avenue from RS-1 to CD-1 to permit 31 dwelling units in two multiple dwellings to a Public Hearing. The Director recommended approval of the application at a reduced density of 1.09 FSR with 6 fully accessible grade level units.
The Director also submitted for consideration two options for referral at a higher density of 1.15 FSR. The first option, as proposed by the Director, would provide the 6 fully accessible units, with a further FSR bonus of a cash contribution of $155,150 . The second option, proposed by the applicant, would permit the 1.15 FSR with the 6 fully accessible units, but no cash payment.
Tom Phipps, Planner, reviewed the report and advised staff support the partial FSR bonus of 1.09, with the tree retention and the 6 fully accessible units. Staff are also able to support the increase to 1.15 FSR with the addition of the cash payment. Mr. Phipps noted Council approved the Oakridge/Langara Policy Statement on July 25, 1995. The Policy Statement discusses density allocations and a host of community amenity contributions. Regarding the accessible units, the applicant could be asked to provide a more explicit listing of what those improvements will be at the Public Hearing; the listing will be reviewed in detail at the Development Permit Stage. In response to questions on the difference between "accessible" and "adaptable", Mr. Phipps advised "accessible" has a number of requirements such as specific widths of corridors and specific grades. A more concrete policy on what constitutes "adaptable" is still being drafted.
Jacquie Forbes-Roberts, Director of Community Planning, advised staff would be able to provide a definition of "adaptable" and "accessible", and Bruce Maitland, Manager, Real Estate Services, responded he could provide some values for the two features.
cont'd
Clause No. 4 (cont'd)
Helen Besharat, applicant, sought support for the proposal to provide the six accessible units with no cash payment, in return for 1.15 FSR. The 1.15 FSR would not be much higher than 1.09 FSR. The Urban Design Panel has supported the application as put forward with the higher FSR. The entire building and underground parking had to be redesigned when the applicant was advised four major trees were to be retained and when the six disabled units were proposed. The fully accessible units will meet the requirements of people with wheelchairs.
Bob Ransford, representing the applicant, explained when the Oakridge-Langara policy was adopted, it was thought the community amenity contributions applied only to larger scale projects. The applicant bought the site based on redevelopment at 1.15 FSR. In response to questions on making the entire building "adaptable", Mr. Ransford advised the plans are so far advanced in design, the applicant could not provide "adaptable" features for the rest of the building. It has already been a 15-month process to redesign the project to accommodate the retention of trees. Prior to the Public Hearing, the applicant could provide for review to staff a written description of the design plans of the universally accessible features proposed for the six units. Mr. Ransford also advised the actual cost to build accessible units is $15 to $17 per square foot.
Mr. Phipps advised the requirement for protection of trees was clearly stated in the Oakridge-Langara Policies. The arborist report is to be submitted with the application.
Mr. Maitland advised the quantity surveyor reported the cost to build accessible units at $13 per square foot. Moreover, the quantity surveyor tries to err on the high side.
Members of the Committee noted there had been extensive discussion of the Oakridge-Langara Policies with the development community. The Policy provides clarity on zoning and Public Benefit Strategy. It was also suggested staff provide an update on the accessible/adaptable dwelling project.
The following motion by Councillor Price was put and carried. The Committee, therefore,
cont'd
Clause No. 4 (cont'd)
RECOMMENDED
A.THAT the application by Besharat Friars, Architects, to rezone 976 West 54th Avenue (Lot E, Block 16A, D.L. 526, LMP22638) from RS-1 to CD-1 to permit 31 dwelling units in two multiple dwellings at a density of 1.15 FSR, be referred to a Public Hearing, together with:
(i)plans received July 31, 1997;
(ii)draft CD-1 By-law provisions, generally as contained in Appendix A; and

(iii)the recommendation of the Director of Central Area Planning on behalf of Land Use and Development to approve at a density of 1.15 FSR with a Public Benefit to include requirements of 6 fully accessible/adaptable grade level units and a bonus density payment of $155,150, and subject to conditions contained in Appendix B.
FURTHER THAT the Director of Legal Services be instructed to prepare the necessary CD-1 By-law for consideration at Public Hearing.
B.THAT, subject to approval of the rezoning at a Public Hearing, the Subdivision By-law be amended as set out in Appendix C; and
FURTHER THAT the Director of Legal Services be instructed to bring forward the amendment to the Subdivision By-law at the time of enactment of the zoning by-law.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
5. Update on Opsal Steel Building - 97 East Second Avenue File: 4657
The Committee had before it an Administrative Report, dated December 1, 1997 (on file) in which the Director of Community Planning, on behalf of the Land Use and Development Division, in consultation with the Manager of Real Estate Services, presented an update on how staff propose to respond to a request from the owner of the Opsal Steel building to have it "de-listed" from the Vancouver Heritage Register. A financial analysis, completed as required by Council policy for "A" listed buildings, determined there are no viable heritage preservation options for the Opsal Building. The Director of Community Planning is prepared to issue a letter to the owner stating the requirement of Council policy for "A" listed buildings has been met and the owner can proceed to sell the site unencumbered by the heritage resource.
Jacquie Forbes-Roberts, Director of Community Planning; Bruce Maitland, Manager of Real Estate Services; and Gerry McGeough, Heritage Planner, were present to answer questions. There have been three formal proposals to adapt the building but none have proceeded. Staff volunteered to do an economic analysis in-house, with the assistance of an outside quantity surveyor, and have concluded it is not economically feasible to renovate the buildings under current market conditions. Staff are prepared to issue a letter to the owner stating he has met Council's policy and the building may be demolished if required to do so in order to redevelop the site.
Lynne Bryson, Chair, Heritage Advisory Commission, suggested it would be an opportunity for Council to consider investing in the area by holding on to the building until the community process is complete. There may be a use for the building in the future.
Ray Spaxman, Spaxman Consulting Group, and the owner, Thomas A. Dunn, advised the building is crumbling and Mr. Dunn is not able to relocate his business until he is able to sell the current site. As a result, Mr. Dunn is unable to be competitive in his business. Potential buyers are not interested because the building is on the "A" Registry.
Ms. Forbes-Roberts advised future development of the area may take several years and it is not possible to say where the building will fit in the future. The owner cannot wait an additional two or more years.
cont'd
Clause No. 5 (cont'd)
Mr. Maitland advised redevelopment of the building, with current market conditions and the cost of redevelopment, would result in a major loss of as much as $2.7 million.
The following motion by Councillor Clarke was put and carried. The Committee, therefore,
RECOMMENDED
A.THAT the Administrative Report, dated December 1, 1997, be received for information.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
The following motion by Councillor Kennedy was put and carried. The Committee, therefore,
RECOMMENDED
B.THAT staff work with the owner of the Opsal Steel Building to retrieve appropriate archival material.
- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
The Council adjourned at 1:05 p.m.
* * * * *

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