council in committee of the whole - City of New Westminster

(1)

COUNCIL IN

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

May 28, 2012 2:00 p.m.

Committee Room 2, City Hall

MINUTES

PRESENT:

Mayor Wayne Wright Councillor Jonathan Coté Councillor Bill Harper Councillor Jaimie McEvoy Councillor Betty McIntosh Councillor Chuck Puchmayr Councillor Lorrie Williams

STAFF:

Mr. Paul Daminato - City Administrator

Mr. Rick Page - Corporate Officer/Director of Legislative Services Mr. G. Dean Gibson - Director of Parks, Culture and Recreation

Mr. Gary Holowatiuk - Director of Finance & Information Technology Mr. Jim Lowrie - Director of Engineering Services

Ms. Lisa Spitale - Director of Development Services Ms. Jan Gibson - Assistant Corporate Officer Ms. Stephanie Lam - Committee Clerk

GUEST:

Ms. Tej Kainth - Tourism New Westminster

The Regular Council meeting was called to Order at 2:32 pm.

MOVED and SECONDED

THAT Council adjourn to a meeting as a Committee of the Whole with resumption of the regular meeting of Council immediately following the Committee of the Whole.

CARRIED.

All members of Council present voted in favour of the motion.

(2)

ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO AGENDA

THAT the agenda be amended as follows:

• Removing item 6;

• Adding Item 14 – Correspondence titled “Railway – Roadway Grade Crossings Regulations Consultation – City of Langley Input”;

CARRIED.

PRESENTATION

2:00 p.m.

1. Tourism New Westminster Five Year Business Plan To Pursue the 2% Hotel Tax – Tourism New Westminster, Tej Kainth, Marketing and Visitor’s Service Coordinator

A PowerPoint presentation regarding “Tourism New Westminster Five Year Business Plan to Pursue the 2% Hotel Tax” was provided and the following information conveyed:

• Tourism New Westminster embarked on a planning process through the Tourism BC Community Tourism Foundations program;

• The five year tourism plan was drafted in March 2007;

• The plan established a well-funded community destination management organization that adopts tactics that will be established within a five year span;

• The plan addresses the need for the 2% Municipal and Regional District Tax (MRDT);

• Spoke to surrounding municipalities, including Burnaby and Richmond, that have implemented the MRDT;

• Noted Delta and Coquitlam are the only municipalities adjacent to New Westminster that do not currently collect the MRDT;

• According to the Ministry of Finance, the City would collect an average of $100K if the tax is supported by the accommodation properties;

• MRDT is the only long-term option for sustainable funding;

• Spoke to the City’s tourism target goals with respect to visitor traffic, revenue, and overnight stays over the next five years;

• Noted potential sources of additional funding for tourism, including Commissions from bookings made at the Visitor Centre, Enhanced listings in the visitor guide, and Cooperative programs;

• Advised Tourism New Westminster has a new website at

• Advised that places of accommodation that offer three units or less are not subject to the MRDT.

(3)

Council recognized the commitment and progress made to New Westminster Tourism since the implementation of the plan in 2007.

With respect to the Official 2012-2013 New Westminster Visitors Guide, Council suggested further information regarding the heritage and history of the City be included in future publications. Council complimented the staff and Board of Directors on the Guide, noting the information was presented in a beautiful manner.

Discussion ensued with respect to tourism in New Westminster, and Council conveyed personal experiences with tourism in other Cities, noting that Seattle has visitor assistants travelling through the downtown area on bicycles. If the City wanted to implement something similar, it was suggested that volunteer opportunities for students from New Westminster Secondary School could be available to those that wish to donate time throughout the summer months.

Discussion continued with respect to future marketing of tourism in the City, suggesting that the skytrain stations located in the City be a targeted area as approximately 100K people pass through those areas daily. Ms. Kainth thanked Council for the suggestions and reported further investigation can be conducted with respect to implementing Council’s ideas for the summer.

Council thanked Ms. Kainth for the presentation and the members of the tourism board for attending the meeting and requested a copy of the recently approved strategic plan be forwarded to Council for information.

CONSENT AGENDA

Note: Council members may adopt in one motion all recommendations appearing on the Consent Agenda or, prior to the vote, request an item be removed from the Consent Agenda for debate or discussion, voting in opposition to a recommendation, or declaring a conflict of interest with an item.

MOVED AND SECONDED

THAT Items 4, 5, 9, and 12 be removed from the Consent Agenda.

CARRIED.

(4)

** MOVED and SECONDED and CARRIED, this Committee recommends THAT the following Consent Agenda item recommendations be approved:

Director of Development Services

2.

The report dated May 28, 2012 presenting a two-step community planning process that, if endorsed by Council, would result in an initial Integrated Community Sustainability Plan (ICSP) for the City and a comprehensive update of the Official Community Plan (OCP) that is consistent with the new ICSP’s directions.

THAT staff be directed to prepare a detailed process for the preparation of an Integrated Community Sustainability Plan that will provide a sustainability-based decision making framework for the City and directions for a comprehensive update of the Official Community Plan.

CARRIED.

3.

The report dated May 28, 2012 recommending first and second reading of Bylaw No.

7531, 2012, which amends the land use designation of 295 Francis Way (Parcel O Victoria Hill).

THAT Council give First Reading to OCP Land Use Designation Bylaw No. 7531, 2012 to amend the land use designation at 295 Francis Way from (P) Major Institutional to RM/RH Residential Medium and High Density;

THAT OCP Land Use Designation Bylaw Number 7531, 2012 be considered in conjunction with the City’s Financial Plan and Waste Management Plan; and

THAT Council give Second Reading to OCP Land Use Designation Bylaw No. 7531, 2012, to amend the land use designation at 295 Francis Way (P) Major Institutional (RM/RH) Residential Medium and High Density.

CARRIED.

(5)

6. 317 Princess Street

a) 317 Princess Street – Results of April 17, 2012 Advisory Planning Commission Meeting

This item was withdrawn.

b) Proposed Rezoning of 317 Princess Street This item was withdrawn.

7. 273/275 Sherbrooke Street

a)

THAT the recommendation from the Advisory Planning Commission, supporting the proposed amendments to the New Westminster Official Community Plan to change the existing OCP land use designation from Residential-Low Density (RL) to Major Institutional for the development of 273 and 275 Sherbrooke Street, be received.

CARRIED.

b)

The report dated May 28, 2012 informing on the results of the community consultation and to advise Council in their consideration of the proposed Official Community Plan amendment.

THAT Council give First Reading to Official Community Plan Amendment Bylaw No. 7534, 2012, to amend the land use designation at 273 Sherbrooke Street and 275 Sherbrooke Street from (RL) Residential-Low Density to (P) Major Institutional;

(6)

THAT Official Community Plan Amendment Bylaw No. 7534, 2012 be considered in conjunction with the City’s Financial Plan and Waste Management Plans;

THAT Council give Second Reading to Official Community Plan Amendment Bylaw No. 7534, 2012 to amend the land use designation at 273 Sherbrooke Street and 275 Sherbrooke Street from (RL) Residential-Low Density to (P) Major Institutional.

CARRIED.

Director of Engineering

8.

The report dated May 28, 2012 containing a copy of a local improvement petition to asphalt pave the existing gravel lane south of Sixth Avenue and west of Sharpe Street.

THAT Council approve paving the existing gravel lane south of Sixth Avenue and west of Sharpe Street and that the attached Local Improvement Bylaw No. 7533, be forwarded to Council for three readings.

CARRIED.

Director of Finance and Information Technology

10.

The report dated May 28, 2012 obtaining the authority to debt finance for the purpose to construct and maintain the City’s Civic Facilities, Roads, and Parks.

THAT the Civic Facilities, Road Maintenance and Park Development Loan Authorization Bylaw No. 7528, 2012 be forwarded to Council for three readings and;

THAT the Civic Facilities, Road Maintenance and Park Development Temporary Borrowing Bylaw No. 7530, 2012 be forwarded to Council for three readings; and

THAT assurances be provided through this resolution to the Ministry and the Municipal Finance Authority (MFA) that the City will not issue any further debt against the remaining balance on the Moody Park Outdoor Pool Loan Authorization Bylaw No.

7209, 2008.

CARRIED.

(7)

Director of Legislative Services

11.

The report dated May 28, 2012 requesting the terms of reference be amended to include a voting member from the Royal Canadian Legion.

THAT the “Wait for me Daddy” Memorial Task Force Terms of Reference be amended to include a voting member from the Royal Canadian Legion; and

THAT Calvin Donnelly be appointed as the Royal Canadian Legion representative until the unveiling date in 2014.

CARRIED.

REPORTS FOR ACTION Director of Legislative Services

13.

The report dated May 28, 2012 proposing a delegation be sent to the Relationship Cities in China. This delegation would enhance the relationship between New Westminster and China and also bring additional development opportunities to the City of New Westminster on a number of fronts.

Rick Page, Director of Legislative Services, reported the International Relations

Committee has met to discuss the agenda for the proposed business delegation. Mr. Page reported agreements are currently in place obligating the City to visit China every two to three years adding that the last New Westminster delegation was made in 2009.

The Committee has structured the trip to be conducted as a business delegation, noting there are currently businesses in China expressing interest in purchasing or leasing space in New Westminster. In addition to the business opportunities, the relationship cities have also suggested other opportunities for exchange, including sending sporting teams, teachers, and cultural groups to New Westminster.

THAT Council endorse the proposal from the International Relations Committee to send a proposed City Business Delegation to China in 2012 and as detailed in the Director of Legislative Services’ report dated May 28, 2012.

CARRIED.

Councillor Puchmayr voted in opposition.

(8)

Council reported that the Retired Teachers Association is working with the City of Yunfu. This partnership is a result from Yunfu’s recent request for New Westminster English teachers providing short term English classes to residents of Yunfu. In exchange for the volunteer’s willingness to donate time, Yunfu has offered to pay for travel expenses.

ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA 4. 295 Francis Way

a)

THAT the recommendation from the Advisory Planning Commission, which supports the rezoning of 295 Francis Way (Parcel O, Victoria Hill) to allow the proposed non-market and market rental housing, be received.

CARRIED.

b)

The report dated May 28, 2012 seeking consideration of a zoning amendment bylaw to establish a new comprehensive zoning district, Comprehensive Development Districts (295 Francis Way) (CD-26), and to rezone the property at 295 Francis Way in order to accommodate a multiple unit residential building, with market and non- market rental housing units.

Concern was expressed for the parking requirements listed in the proposal, noting that 18 visitor spots and no permitted street parking could create parking issues for the area. Council queried staff if they view the parking could be a potential issue with the development.

Staff informed Council that a consultant was retained to perform a study and reported any issues with parking will likely be a result of management of the spots, rather than supply. In reference to the study, it was brought to light that many regions appear to be overbilling for parking in rental buildings, noting the demands of parking vary from area to area.

Discussion ensued with respect to the potential Public Hearing for rezoning, noting it would be the best opportunity to obtain feedback from the neighbourhood on this issue.

(9)

Discussion continued regarding potential parking solutions for this area, suggesting further underground or surface parking be considered and noting additional visitor parking may be available in the evening hours.

In consideration of the developer, it was suggested this item be tabled to allow for additional investigation with respect to the parking situation, noting staff can work with the proponent to develop parking solutions and alternatives.

THAT the Director of Development Services’ report dated May 28, 2012 be tabled.

CARRIED.

Councillor Coté voted in opposition.

5.

The report dated May 28, 2012 outlining the principles for the Housing Agreement which will provide the legal framework for operating and maintaining the non-market rental housing and the market rental housing. The Housing Agreement is authorized through the adoption of a Housing Agreement Bylaw and is registered on title of the property.

THAT the Director of Development Services’ report dated May 28, 2012 be tabled.

CARRIED.

9.

The report dated May 28, 2012 informing of the outcome of the discussion between city staff and resident representatives. TransLink and Coast Mountain Bus Company to address the access visibility and loading area issues on Carnarvon Street.

Discussions ensued relative to the on street transit bus stops located at the New Westminster skytrain station located on Carnarvon Street.

Council questioned why the buses would use this location as a holding station, noting that there are major stations at the Edmonds and Braid locations. The following concerns regarding the New Westminster Location were noted:

• Vehicle congestion;

• Safety concerns resulting from buses blocking the sightlines for residential vehicles exiting the building onto Carnarvon;

• Pedestrian Safety;

• Lack of available on-street loading areas on the south side of Carnarvon Street;

• Special Services Access Issues; and

• Resident drop-off/pick-up issues (unable to do so due to parked buses).

(10)

Staff referred to the meeting held May 8, 2012 to address these concerns; in attendance at the meeting were resident, TransLink, Coast Mountain Bus Company, and City representatives. Staff expanded on the resolutions, noted on page 2 of the report, stemming from the May 8 meeting.

With respect to the reasoning behind the buses being parked on Carnarvon Street, Jim Lowrie, Director of Engineering Services, informed Council that the service schedules created by TransLink are complex and are developed based on the demand and needs of the operators. Mr. Lowrie suggested TransLink be invited to a future meeting to discuss the issues of bus stops at this location.

Council questioned staff if 8^th Street could be utilized to relieve some of the congestion on Carnarvon Street. Mr. Lowrie noted 8^th Street is too steep to allow the wheelchair ramps on regular size buses to operate properly, but noted there are stops for Community Shuttles.

THAT the Director of Engineering Services’ report dated May 28, 2012 be received for information.

CARRIED.

Council commented on the condition of the road located on the McInnes overpass, requesting staff investigate this issue. Staff informed this situation would be brought to the attention of the developer, who is responsible for maintaining the ramp.

Committee Minutes

12.

Bike Friendly Boat Shuttle (Connecting the Quay and Queensborough) – Tom Littlewood

Councillor Coté, Chair of ACTBiPed, reported the motion requests staff to speak to the correspondent for further information regarding details and assistance needed for the proposal.

Discussion ensued and Council made the following suggestions with respect to connecting the Quay and Queensborough:

• Contacting engineers, businesses, and the tourism community requesting creative ideas for infrastructure connecting these locations;

• Building a dock on both sides to shorten the crossing; and

• Installing a gondola crossing.

(11)

THAT Council direct Staff to explore the option as an interim solution before the official Queensborough Pedestrian Bridge crossing is completed; and

THAT staff explore different options available for that crossing.

CARRIED.

CORRESPONDENCE

14.

THAT the correspondence be received.

CARRIED.

Jim Lowrie, Director of Engineering reported the City of Langley has brought forward the proposed emergency resolutions noted in the letter, and are seeking Council support.

Council requested clarification with respect to the length of time trains are permitted to be “stationary”, noting at times trains are often stationed for approximately 10 minutes at a time. Mr. Lowrie referred to the letter and reported the current time limit a train may block a public crossing is 5 minutes, as noted in the Canadian Rail Operating Rules.

Section 38 or the proposed policy would increase this wait time to 10 minutes. The City of Langley expressed concern for this proposal, noting the additional wait times can result in congestion and risks to vehicle safety.

THAT Council endorse the City of Langley’s resolution to amend the proposed changes to the Railway-Roadway Grade Crossing Regulations being proposed by Transport Canada by sending a letter of support to the Federation of Canadian Municipalities;

AND THAT a copy of the letter be sent to the City of Langley and the Federal Government.

CARRIED.

(12)

UNFINISHED BUSINESS No items.

NEW BUSINESS No items.

ADJOURNMENT

ON MOTION, the meeting was adjourned at 4:33 pm.

Certified Correct,

WAYNE WRIGHT RICHARD PAGE

MAYOR CORPORATE OFFICER