council in committee of the whole

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October 15, 2012 Committee of the Whole Minutes Page 1 Doc 331073

COUNCIL IN COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

October 15, 2012 3:00 p.m.

Council Chamber, 2^nd Floor, 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. Rick Page - Acting City Administrator

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 - Acting Corporate Officer/Director of Legislative Services Ms. Bev Grieve - Manager of Planning

Mr. Alvin Chok - Chief Information Officer

Mr. Mitchell Edgar - Manager of Economic Development Ms. Stephanie Lam - Committee Clerk

The Regular Council meeting was called to order at 1:00 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.

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ADDITIONS TO AGENDA

THAT the agenda be amended by adding:

New Item 22 – On Table Correspondence:

o City of Cranbrook, October 22, 2012, regarding Persons with Disabilities;

o M. Feaver, September 30, 2012, regarding Burnaby-New Westminster Network Proposal;

o K. Slater, October 1, 2012, regarding Canadian Energy Strategy;

o Greyhound Canada, October 10, 2012 regarding Route Changes.

New Item 23 – Motion to adopt the recommendation from the Community and Social Issues Committee held October 9, 2012 regarding Extreme Weather Response Program Shelter.

CARRIED.

PRESENTATION

City Administrator and Director of Finance and Information Technology

3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

1. Intelligent City Task Force Report – Mr. Mitchell Edgar, Manager, Economic Development, City of New Westminster

a) Presentation

Mitchell Edgar, Manager of Economic Development, introduced Kirk Moir and Mike Hrybyk, members of the Economic Development Committee, who provided a PowerPoint presentation regarding the Intelligent City Task Force Report. The presentation highlighted the following points:

Recognition of Task Force members and City staff;

The City’s existing infrastructure that contributes to becoming an “Intelligent City” (ex: Wireless initiative, etc.);

The Task Force’s mandate;

The Committees work within the City’s Strategic Plan;

The goals of a Livable City Strategy;

Employment Market Growth in the Greater Vancouver Area;

The definition of an “Intelligent City”, noting the focus of the Task Force has been primarily on “Intelligent Community” and associated development.

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Concluding the PowerPoint presentation, Mr. Moir highlighted the recommended the following next steps for the Economic Development Advisory Committee:

Confirm alignment with the City’s strategic plan;

Based on the City’s choice with respect to recommendation 1 , form a working group;

Collaborate with organizations pursuing similar strategies;

Work with the City’s Development Services and Engineering staff and other appropriate.

Mr. Hrybyk, Committee member and President and CEO of BC Net (the pioneer of Internet communications in BC and primary provider of high speed data communications facilities to over sixty-eight research and higher education institutions across the Province), spoke to the following points:

Current and Fiber optic technology – where technology is to date, and what it can be in the future;

Service providers and City infrastructures – how these services can, and will, reach residents;

Strategic investment – What the City can do in terms of planning, infrastructure, and cabling.

Council spoke to the evolution of technology, from gaming systems such as the Commodore 64 and Dial-up internet to current technologies. Council acknowledged the contribution technology has made in areas such as improving communication (ex:

Skype), and its influence on education in the school system.

Council thanked the presenters, noting the City is fortunate to have knowledgeable and experienced residents willing to assist the City in becoming a leader as an Intelligent City.

b) Report

THAT the recommendations in the Intelligent City Task Force Report dated September 17, 2012 be approved.

CARRIED.

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Director of Finance and Information Technology

4:30 p.m.

2. Shaw Wi-Fi Initiative – Shaw Communications

Alvin Chok, Chief Information Officer, introduced Jeff Bray, Manager of Government and Regulatory Affairs (BC), and Greg Scollon, Regional Manager, of Shaw Communications Inc. Mr. Bray and Mr. Scollon provided a PowerPoint presentation regarding updates on the partnership between the City and Shaw. The presentation highlighted the following points:

An overview of Shaw as a leading service provider in Canada;

The deployment of Shaw’s EXO WiFi network in the City – noting New Westminster as one of the first municipalities to approach Shaw with respect to this service;

The recent successful WiFi pilot project which allowed access in certain areas of the City;

Proposed additional City coverage – As a result of the pilot project, Shaw intends on expanding coverage areas;

Bridging the digital divide – noting services are being offered at a reduced rate to low income residents as well as providing a computer and Broadband connectivity at select locations throughout the City (ex: Cliff Block, Stevenson House, etc.);

Community Assets – expanding on how Shaw’s services continues to improve the lives of citizens, the sizeable investment in technology for the City, and the opportunities for future business development arising from Broadband connectivity.

Discussion ensued and Council provided suggestions for areas to be included in Shaw’s service. Mr. Scollon advised that Shaw is in the process of currently installing, one by one, additional hardware for this service on the lamp posts throughout the City.

Council queried the lifecycle of the infrastructure and if Shaw has taken into consideration the City’s growth in the future. Mr. Scollon advised that the outdoor equipment installed on the City’s poles is the size of a lunchbox and can be easily replaced when required. Further, with respect to newer developments arising in the City, Mr. Scollon advised that many of these buildings and infrastructures are being built with the access points, allowing citizens the option to join the network should they choose Shaw.

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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.

THAT items 3, 4, 12, 13, and 16 be removed from the consent agenda.

CARRIED.

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

CARRIED.

Director of Development Services

5. Proposed Amendment to the Pet Store Bylaw No. 7398, 2010 (Bylaw No. 7546, 2012)

THAT Pet Store Amendment Bylaw No. 7546, 2012 be referred to Regular Council for three readings.

CARRIED.

6. 835 Royal Avenue - Update on Proposed Heritage Revitalization Agreement

THAT the report dated October 15, 2012 from the Director of Development Services be received for information.

CARRIED.

7. Landscape Maintenance Agreement for Retail Phase of Plaza 88

THAT Council approve the Landscape Maintenance Agreeement for the retail phase of Plaza 88;

THAT the Mayor and Corporate Officer be authorized to sign the attached covenant which gives effect to the agreement on behalf of the City.

CARRIED.

8. School Community Connections Funding Application

THAT Council endorse the attached application for School Community Connections funding for the Kelvin Neighbourhood Hub Renovation Project.

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CARRIED.

9. Development Permit Application for 700 Sixth Street – Preliminary Report

THAT the report dated October 15, 2012 from the Director of Development Services be received for information.

CARRIED.

10. 421 Oak Street – Proposed Heritage Revitalization Agreement – Preliminary Report

THAT Council direct staff to proceed with negotiating a Heritage Revitalization Agreement with the applicants for 421 Oak Street.

CARRIED.

Director of Engineering

11. Resolutions for Road Closing and Land Disposition in the Road Closing and Land Sale Authorization Bylaw No. 7509, 2012

THAT the resolutions in the report dated October 15, 2012 from the Director of Engineering Services titled “Resolutions for Road Closing and Land Disposition in the Road Closing and Land Sale Authorization Bylaw No. 7509, 2012” be forwarded to Council for adoption.

CARRIED.

14. Disposition of City Owned Property at 635 and 641 Ewen Avenue

THAT Council approves and authorizes execution of an Offer to Purchase and Sale Agreement for the properties located at 635 Ewen Avenue for $315, 000 and 641 Ewen Avenue for $315, 000 in the form attached to the report dated October 15, 2012 from the Director of Engineering Services.

CARRIED.

Director of Finance and Information Technology 15. Property Sales Revenue Appropriation

THAT the proposed use of property sale revenues be supported;

AND THAT the report dated October 15, 2012 from the Director of Finance and Information Technology be received for information.

CARRIED.

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Committee Recommendations

17. Motion to receive and adopt the recommendations from the Remembrance Day Committee meeting held September 18, 2012:

3.10 Minister for Remembrance Day Ceremonies

THAT Council receive and adopt the recommendation from the Remembrance Day Committee meeting held September 18, 2012

THAT City Council appoint Reverend Graham Brownmiller of Queens Avenue United Church as the Minister for the City to fill the existing vacancy until the end of the year and give the Invocation and Closing prayers at the Remembrance Day ceremonies.

CARRIED.

REPORTS FOR ACTION

Director of Finance and Information Technology 18. Users Fees and Rates Review

This item was tabled to the October 22, 2012 Regular Working Session.

Director of Parks, Culture and Recreation

19. Sponsorship Opportunities for Multi-Use Civic Facility

This item was tabled to the October 22, 2012 Regular Working Session.

ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA

3. Design Guidelines for Neighbourly Infill – Work Plan and Consultation Process The report dated October 15, 2012 seeking endorsement of the Neighbourly Infill Design Guidelines: Small Lot Subdivision trial study work plan. Staff are also seeking direction regarding consideration of small lot rezoning and subdivision applications in mainland neighbourhoods prior to completion of the proposed design guidelines.

Bev Grieve, Manager of Planning, introduced the report regarding the work plan an consultation process for the proposed design guidelines for neighbourly infill.

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Discussion ensued and Council spoke to the following points:

Concerns regarding implementation of the design guidelines for small lot development, noting engagement in this type of policy could be incentive for developers to purchase big lots for sub-division without regard for the surroundings;

If this were to occur, the heritage inventory would be affected;

Council appreciates, and would like to maintain, the ability to assess these situations case by case;

Referring to the Master Transportation Plan, Council noted that in order for small lot infill to be beneficial, where it is located should reflect the thinking in the MTP such that infill is located where daily destinations are accessible by public transportation, walking, or cycling.

Community consultation – Council asked whether infill issues would be addressed as part of the OCP review process. Staff responded that other types of infill would be explored through the OCP review process.

Council commented on the neighbourhoods selected for the study area and questioned why Sapperton was excluded. Staff advised that these communities were feeling over- engaged as a result of the recent amendment proposals to the OCP and Zoning Bylaw.

With respect to heritage protection, Council noted much of the heritage stock in the City has yet to be identified. Once the City has a better idea of which lots actually fit the heritage criteria, it will be easier to determine and make decisions regarding sub-division.

Council suggested staff provide stronger language surrounding heritage requirements, and further investigate where these policies would work in terms of a trial neighbourhood for the study.

THAT the report dated October 15, 2012 from the Director of Development Services be tabled to a future Council meeting.

CARRIED.

4. Proposed Office Conversion Policy

The report dated October 15, 2012 summarizing the Downtown Office Conversion Policy paper, which provides background information and considerations related to the conversion of office space in the Downtown to residential uses, and to present a proposed office conversion policy for Council’s review and endorsement.

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Council suggested the proposed Office Conversion Policy be revised with the following suggestions:

That the six requirements for rezoning be rearranged so item six (regarding heritage) be the first requirement;

Noting residential units need to be market rental or any form of non-market housing;

That the length of vacancy of commercial property be addressed in the policy.

THAT staff amend the proposed office conversion policy to include Council’s

suggestions and provide the revised document at the future Council meeting for adoption.

CARRIED.

12. Street and Traffic Bylaw: Driveway Clearances

The report dated October 15, 2012 updating Council on the status of on-street parking for vehicles near driveways.

Council spoke to the large number of citations given in certain neighbourhoods – noting the quantity was surprising in relation to the size of the area. Council queried if markers were present to bring awareness to the parkers.

Council noted the purpose of having a curb is for traffic safety, adding that enforcement of such bylaws is to ensure the safety of the residents and not to generate City revenue.

Council requested has marks be painted on the curbs subject to high quantities of parking violations.

THAT staff paint hash marks on curbs in areas that have high numbers of parking violations.

CARRIED.

13. Proposed Updates to Animal Control Bylaw 7037, 2005

The report dated October 15, 2012 updating Council on the current imitative of reviewing the breed specific legislation and contemplated changes to the City’s Animal Control Bylaw with a view to enhance compliance and enforcement and responsible pet ownership in the City.

Council made reference to a forum that was held years ago to discuss certain issues regarding pets and the City. It was suggested a public forum be arranged to discuss various pet related issues.

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Council also requested further details and evidence regarding Breed Specific Legislation (BSL) as the information will assist Council in making an informed decision,

commenting that many municipalities have recently moved away from BSL.

THAT staff provide further statistics, details and evidence regarding Breed Specific Legislation;

AND THAT a public forum regarding the Animal Control Bylaw, and various pet related issues, be arranged.

CARRIED.

16. Motion to receive and adopt the recommendations from the Downtown Parking Commission meeting held September 12, 2012:

Council requested provide further information regarding the beautification of the parkade at a future Council meeting.

5.3 Beautification of the Front Street Parkade

THAT Council receive and adopt the recommendation from the Downtown Parking Commission meeting held September 12, 2012.

THAT Council direct staff to send a letter to the Army & Navy store and request that the walkway be either maintained to improve appearance, or removed.

CARRIED.

CORRESPONDENCE

20. Correspondence from the Access Transit Users’ Advisory Committee dated

October 1, 2012 seeks support for the installation of public toilets near rapid transit stations and major gathering places.

THAT the correspondence dated October 1, 2012 be received and referred to staff.

CARRIED.

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21. Correspondence from the Stephanie Cadieux, Minister of the Province of British Columbia Ministry of Children and Family Development dated October 1, 2012 proclaims October as Foster Family Month and thanks the City for recognizing and supporting foster families in our community.

THAT the correspondence dated October 1, 2012 be received.

CARRIED.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS No items.

NEW BUSINESS

22. On Table Correspondence:

THAT the following correspondence be received:

City of Cranbrook, October 2, 2012, regarding Persons with Disabilities Benefit;

M. Feaver, September 30, 2012, regarding Burnaby-New West route network proposal;

K. Slater, October 1, 2012, regarding Canadian Energy Strategy;

Greyhound, October 10, 2012 regarding Route Changes.

CARRIED.

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23. Motion to receive and adopt the recommendation from the Community and Social Issues Committee meeting held October 9, 2012 regarding Extreme Weather Response Program Shelter

THAT Council support the issuance of a Temporary Use Permit enabling the Lookout Emergency Aid Society to operate an Extreme Weather Response Program shelter at the Cliff Block at 28 Sixth Street.

CARRIED.

ADJOURNMENT

ON MOTION, the meeting was adjourned at 6:02 pm.

Certified Correct,

WAYNE WRIGHT JAN GIBSON

MAYOR ACTING CORPORATE OFFICER