CITY OF VANCOUVER

REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES

FEBRUARY 2, 1999

A Regular Meeting of the Council of the City of Vancouver was held on Tuesday, February 2, 1999, at 2:10 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 (Sick Leave)
CITY MANAGER'S OFFICE:	Judy Rogers, City Manager
CLERK TO THE COUNCIL:	Ulli S. Watkiss

*Denotes presence during part of the meeting.

PRAYER

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

"IN CAMERA" MEETING

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

ITEMS ARISING FROM “IN CAMERA” MEETING
OF JANUARY 26, 1999

· CPR Dunsmuir Tunnel

Council approved the release of Pacific Place Holdings Ltd.’s interest in a portion of the Dunsmuir Tunnel at no cost.

· Mountain View Cemetery - From 31st Avenue to 43rd Avenue

Between Prince Edward Street and Fraser Street

Council approved a program to address some housekeeping items with regard to cadastral boundary (property line) matters.

· Civic Agencies - Additional Appointments

Council appointed individuals to various civic agencies. Names of those appointed were included in the Council agenda.

ADOPTION OF MINUTES

1. Regular Council Meeting

(Planning & Environment)
January 14, 1999

MOVED by Cllr. Clarke,
SECONDED by Cllr. Puil,

THAT the foregoing Minutes be adopted.

- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

2. Special Council Meeting

(Public Hearing)
January 14, 1999

MOVED by Cllr. Don Lee,
SECONDED by Cllr. Herbert,

THAT the foregoing Minutes be adopted.

- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

ADOPTION OF MINUTES (CONT’D)

3. Regular Council Meeting

January 26, 1999

MOVED by Cllr. Herbert,
SECONDED by Cllr. Price,

THAT the foregoing Minutes be adopted.

- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

MOVED by Cllr. Kennedy,
SECONDED by Cllr. Bellamy,

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

- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

REPORT REFERENCE

1(a) Urban Safety Commission: Vancouver’s Coalition File: 3144

for Crime Prevention and Drug Treatment - RTS: 388
A Plan for 1999

Council had before it for consideration an Administrative Report dated January 26, 1999, in which the City Manager sought Council approval for 1999 funding support for the activities of Vancouver’s Coalition for Crime Prevention and Drug Treatment.

Judy Rogers presented information, with the use of visual aids, on the objectives of the Vancouver Coalition for Crime Prevention and Drug Treatment and explained its past activities and future goals. Ms. Rogers acknowledged that funding will provide for the support and facilitation of partner actions to improve crime prevention and drug treatment throughout the City and most urgently in the Downtown Eastside.

* * * *

At 2:45 p.m. the Mayor vacated the Chair and Deputy Mayor Kennedy
assumed the Chair. The Mayor returned to Chair the meeting at 3:15 p.m.

REPORT REFERENCE (CONT’D)

1(a) Urban Safety Commission: Vancouver’s Coalition

for Crime Prevention and Drug Treatment -
A Plan for 1999 (Cont’d)

MOVED by Cllr. Herbert,

THAT Council approve the Urban Safety Commission/Coalition request for funding of $130,000 to support Vancouver’s Coalition on Crime Prevention and Drug Treatment activities for 1999.

- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

(Councillor Bellamy absent for the vote)

(b) Preventative Measures to deal with Home Invasions File: 3701

Inspector Carolyn Daley, Constable Anne Drennan and Constable Peter Darcy, Vancouver Police Department, had been invited by Council to provide information on preventative measures to deal with home invasions, in view of the recent increase in such crimes in the City of Vancouver.

The police officers advised that through an education program and through media briefings, the public with seniors in particular, are being informed on ways to better protect themselves. In this way, it is hoped that opportunities for home invasions can be removed or reduced. Being familiar with one’s neighbours, participating in block watch programs, taking protection measures for both the exterior and interior of homes, and calling 911 when suspicious activity is observed, are all ways to reduce home invasions. In conclusion the police suggested the public call 717-2857 for a home security check or call a local community police office.

The Council extended its appreciation to the team for attending the meeting and providing this information.

ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS

1. 3637 West 17th Avenue - File: 2608

Development Application Number DE403554 RTS: 486
Owner of Development: Dunbar Heights Developments Inc.
January 19, 1999

Before Council for its consideration was an Administrative Report dated January 19, 1999 in which the Director of Community Planning on behalf of Land Use and Development, sought Council’s advice on a development application for 3637 West 17th Avenue.

Also before Council was a letter dated January 29, 1999 from Dunbar Heights Development Inc., the applicant, providing further information, and a letter dated January 31, 1999 from Sylvie Lefebvre requesting the opportunity to present her views to Council. Additional requests to speak had been received.

MOVED by Cllr. Clarke,

THAT consideration of the Administrative Report dated January 19, 1999 be referred to a future Planning & Environment Committee meeting at which time speakers will be heard.

- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

(Councillor Bellamy absent for the vote)

2. 1999 Advance Instalments: Cultural Operating Grants File: 2051

January 12, 1999 RTS: 408

MOVED by Cllr. Clarke,

THAT Council approve advance instalments for Cultural Operating grants in the amount of $415,960 to the 45 organizations listed in Table 1 attached to the Administrative Report dated January 12, 1999, source of funds to be the 1999 Cultural Grants Budget.

- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
AND BY THE REQUIRED
MAJORITY

ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS (CONT’D)

3. Contract Extension - Contract No. 57-98-01 File: 1805

Supply and Delivery of PVC Sewer Pipe and Fittings RTS: 405
December 8, 1998

MOVED by Cllr. Daniel Lee,

THAT Council approve the extension of the contract for the supply and delivery of PVC sewer pipe and fittings to Grinnell Supply Sales, for a 12-month period, at an annual estimated cost of $478,852, plus the 7% Goods and Services Tax (less any municipal rebate received) and the Provincial Sales Tax.

- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

4. Low-Income Housing in the Downtown Core, File: 3308

1998 Survey RTS: 434
January 20, 1999

MOVED by Cllr. Bellamy,

THAT the Administrative Report, dated January 20, 1999, be received for information.

- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

(Councillor Kennedy absent for the vote)

5. Conversion of Auxiliary to Regular Positions - File: 1363

Carnegie Centre and Gathering Place RTS: 464
January 10, 1999

MOVED by Cllr. Herbert,

A. THAT three RFT Kitchen Volunteer Leader positions, one RFT Security Attendant I position, one RFT Security Attendant II position, and one regular part time Security Attendant II position be created at the Carnegie Centre, subject to job evaluation by the General Manager of Human Resource Services, at an annualized salary and benefits cost of $186,900, to be offset by reducing the Carnegie Centre’s auxiliary staffing budget by the same amount.

Cont’d

ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS (CONT’D)

Conversion of Auxiliary to Regular Positions -
Carnegie Centre and Gathering Place
January 10, 1999 (Cont’d)

B. THAT one auxiliary Cook 1 position in The Gathering Place be converted to a regular full time Cook 1 position at an annualized salary and benefits cost of $34,600, to be offset by reducing the Gathering Place’s auxiliary staffing budget by the same amount.

- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

(Councillor Kennedy absent for the vote)

6. Approval of Strata Title Conversion - File: 5311

1641 Commercial Drive RTS: 479
January 22, 1999

MOVED by Cllr. Bellamy,

THAT the application to convert the previously-occupied buildings at 1641 Commercial Drive (Lot H, Block 63, D.L. 264A, Plan 20354) to strata title ownership be approved in principle, but that pursuant to Section 9(1) of the Condominium Act, the Certificate of Approval (Form 10) shall not be issued unless the following condition has been met within one year of the date of this approval:

Completion of all work required by the City Building Inspector, under the required trades permits, at no cost to the City, in order that the previously-occupied buildings substantially comply with all relevant City by-laws.

- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

(Councillor Kennedy absent for the vote)

ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS (CONT’D)

7. 1999 Zoning, Development, Subdivision File: 1755

and Miscellaneous Fees RTS: 489
January 12, 1999

MOVED by Cllr. Clarke,

THAT consideration of the Administrative Report dated January 12, 1999 be postponed so that it may be dealt with as part of the 1999 Operating Budget discussions.

- LOST

(Councillors Bellamy, Herbert, Don Lee, Puil, Sullivan and the Mayor opposed)

(Councillor Kennedy absent for the vote)

MOVED by Cllr. Don Lee,
A. THAT Council approve an across-the-board, 1.0% increase (as reflected in the attached fee schedules) in Zoning and Development (Bylaw 5585), Subdivision (Bylaw 5208) and Miscellaneous Fees (Bylaw 5664) to compensate for inflationary increases in the City’s costs, to be effective March, 1999.

B. THAT Council instruct the Director of Legal Services to prepare the necessary By-law amendments to implement the revised fee schedules.

- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

(Councillor Kennedy absent for the vote)

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. Price,
SECONDED by Cllr. Sullivan,

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

- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

BY-LAWS

1. Impounding By-law - New Charges

(Towing Service Contract)

MOVED by Cllr. Clarke,
SECONDED by Cllr. Price,

THAT the By-law be introduced and read a first time.

- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

(Councillor Kennedy absent for the vote)

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. Clarke,
SECONDED by Cllr. Price,

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

(Councillor Kennedy absent for the vote)

BY-LAWS (CONT’D)

2. Authorization to Enter into a Heritage

Revitalization Agreement with the Owners
of 679-699 East Georgia Street

MOVED by Cllr. Price,
SECONDED by Cllr. Clarke,

THAT the By-law be introduced and read a first time.

- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

(Councillor Kennedy absent for the vote)

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. 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

(Councillor Kennedy absent for the vote)

MOTIONS

A. Establishing Road, West Side Knight Street, File: 5807

North of 41st Avenue, adjacent to
5655 Knight Street

MOVED by Cllr. Clarke,
SECONDED by Cllr. Price,

THAT WHEREAS the registered owner will be conveying to the City of Vancouver for lane purposes land in the City of Vancouver, Province of British Columbia, more particularly known and described as follows:

City of Vancouver
All that portion of Lot 9, except the East 7 feet now road and part in Explanatory Plan 15212, Block 4, District Lot 711, Plan 1383, Group 1, New Westminster District, the same as shown heavy outlined on plan of survey completed on the 20th day of January, 1999, attested to by A. DiNozzi, B.C.L.S., and marginally numbered LD3577;

AND WHEREAS it is deemed expedient and in the public interest to accept and allocate the said lands for lane purposes;

BE IT RESOLVED that the above described lands, upon conveyance, are hereby accepted and allocated for lane purposes and declared to form and to constitute a portion of a lane.

- CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

(Councillor Kennedy absent for the vote)

ENQUIRIES AND OTHER MATTERS

1. Clean up of Back Lanes in the Downtown Eastside File: 8104

RTS: 526

Councillor Daniel Lee advised that a representative of the Chinatown Merchants Association had been in touch with him to complain about the state of back lanes in the Downtown Eastside. It was recognized the City now contracts out removal of garbage in the large containers in this area, and a recent inspection of the lanes showed many items such as old furniture, clothes, and mattresses have not been picked up for disposal. He acknowledged the City has committed to cleaning up the Downtown Eastside and requested the City Manager to follow up this complaint.

The Mayor so agreed.

2. New Laws Dealing with Street Youth and Prostitution File: 3504

RTS: 525

On behalf of Councillor Chiavario, Councillor Clarke referred to a new law recently introduced in Alberta known as Bill 1 Protection of Children involved in Prostitution Act, which allows the police to remove youths from the streets and hold them for up to three days. It was suggested that the Urban Safety Commission or another appropriate body be requested to research this new law to find out if it could be applied in B.C..

The Mayor agreed that a report back to Council was required.

3. White Paper on Gambling Expansion in B.C. File: 2633-2

RTS: 528

The Mayor and Councillor Clarke provided information on the Provincial discussion paper released this day by Minister Mike Farnworth with respect to gaming in B.C. The Mayor and Councillor Clarke explained the paper shows no regard for the wishes of the citizens of B.C. and for the Court judgements which have upheld the City’s argument that gaming is a land use issue which can be regulated by the City. The long term effect of allowing full-scale gaming will create another social cost to be borne by the municipalities, and ultimately taxpayers. Councillor Clarke suggested citizens of Vancouver contact their MLA’s to express their opinions.

It was pointed out the Province will receive comments on the White Paper until March 15, 1999, therefore it was agreed the discussion paper would be forwarded to staff for analysis and report back at an early date.

ENQUIRIES AND OTHER MATTERS (CONT’D)

4. False Creek Pedestrian Crossings File: 8200

RTS: 527

Councillor Price referred to initiatives for False Creek crossings related to pedestrians, and cyclists, noting there are many issues to be considered, and should be dealt with in an orderly way rather than on an ad hoc basis. He explained that the General Manager of Engineering Services is in agreement with bringing together all involved parties.

MOVED by Cllr. Price,

THAT the General Manager of Engineering Services report back with suggested Terms of Reference for a Task Force to deal with proposals for False Creek crossings for pedestrians and bicycles.

- CARRIED

(Councillor Puil opposed)

5. Smoking Bylaw File: 4105

Councillor Kennedy provided information on the recent decision by the B.C. Supreme Court which upheld the smoking provisions in the City’s Health Bylaw.

The Council adjourned at 5:30 p.m.

* * * * *

(c) 1998 City of Vancouver