COUNCIL IN COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

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COUNCIL IN COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

June 16, 2014 at 3:00 p.m.

Council Chamber, City Hall

MINUTES PRESENT:

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

ABSENT:

Councillor Jaimie McEvoy

STAFF:

Ms. Lisa Spitale - Chief Administrative Officer

Ms. Jan Gibson - Acting 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. Bev Grieve - Director of Development Services

Mr. Blair Fryer - Manager of Communications and Economic Development Ms. Ruby Campbell - Community Projects Coordinator

Mr. Mark Allison - Manager of Strategic Initiatives and Sustainability Ms. Erika Mashig - Parks and Open Space Planner

Ms. Lauren Blake - Committee Clerk

GUESTS:

Brian Patterson - Consulting Engineer, Urban Systems The meeting was called to order at 3:04 p.m.

ADDITIONS / DELETIONS TO THE AGENDA

1. MOTION to amend the Council in Committee of the Whole agenda.

MOVED and SECONDED THAT the agenda be amended by:

• Adding new item 20: Changes to Liquor Laws in 2015

CARRIED.

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The Consent Agenda - 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.

MOTION to remove items from the Consent Agenda.

MOVED and SECONDED

THAT items 11, 12, and 13 be removed from the consent agenda.

CARRIED.

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

MOTION to approve the recommendations for items remaining in the Consent Agenda.

THAT the remaining Consent Agenda items be approved.

CARRIED.

ADOPTION OF MINUTES

1. MOTION to approve the minutes of the Committee of the Whole meetings held:

a. May 5, 2014

THAT the May 5, 2014 Committee of the Whole Minutes be adopted.

CARRIED.

b. May 26, 2014

THAT the May 26, 2014 Committee of the Whole Minutes be amended by adding the following resolution to item 26 (under new business):

• 26. Whistle Cessation (On Table)

“MOVED and SECONDED

THAT staff ensure the proper pre-requisites and authorities are in place for the implementation of whistle cessation for all crossings in New Westminster.

CARRIED.

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

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AND that Mayor Wright be listed as absent from this meeting.

AND THAT the minutes be adopted as amended.

CARRIED.

PRESENTATIONS

2. Saint Mary’s Park Preferred Design Concept, Director of Parks, Culture and Recreation

a. Staff Report: Saint Mary’s Park Preferred Design Concept

Dean Gibson, Director of Parks, Culture and Recreation, summarized the report dated June 16, 2014. Erika Mashig, Parks and Open Space Planner, provided a PowerPoint presentation regarding the Saint Mary’s Park Preferred Design Concept.

In response to questions from Council, staff provided the following information:

• A formal agreement will be reached between the City and the School Board regarding usage of the park space.

• The playground and grass mound located on the school site will not be funded by the City.

• Below ground infrastructure for the site will be completed by the School District during the construction of the school.

• Approximately 20 garden plots for each side of the communal gardens have been incorporated in the designs.

• The communal gardens would be operated by community groups.

• The communal picnic tables would have a capacity of approximately 15 people and will be universally accessible.

Discussion ensued and Council noted the following comments:

• In the event that School District funding cannot complete the school site playground, it was suggested that the City consider providing funding for the playground located on the school site to complete the interfacing of the park.

• There should be signage indicating that the site is also a City park, to advise the public that they may utilize the park after school hours.

• Council questioned who will maintain the community gardens in the off- season.

• The necessity of a universally accessible communal picnic table should be communicated.

• It was suggested that additional picnic tables be incorporated into the design and that the nature play area be enlarged.

• Service clubs could assist with fundraising for park elements.

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Members of Council suggested utilizing a shredded rubber material instead of sand in the nature play area.

Councillor Puchmayr and Councillor Harper noted that they spoke with a playground manufacturer, who could directly supply the City with playground equipment, at the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) 2014 conference. Councillor Puchmayr advised that he will provide staff with the contact information for the playground manufacturer he spoke with at FCM.

THAT Council endorse Option ‘B’ as the preferred option for Saint Mary’s Park and direct staff to undertake the next steps as outline in this report.

DEFEATED.

THAT Council endorse amended Option ‘B’ as illustrated in the staff presentation to Council on June 16, 2014 as the preferred option for Saint Mary’s Park with additional picnic tables and direct staff to undertake the next steps as outline in this report.

CARRIED.

3. Master Transportation Plan, Director of Engineering Services a. Staff Report: Master Transportation Plan

Jerry Behl, Transportation Engineer, provided a PowerPoint presentation regarding the Master Transportation Plan (the Plan). (Attached).

In response to questions from Council, Mr. Behl and Brian Patterson, Consulting Engineer, Urban Designs, provided the following information:

• The Pattison Group has a contract with the City to provide bus shelters;

however, the City is not responsible for the placement of new bus shelters.

• Numerous factors inform the decision regarding the placement of bus shelters, such as the demand of the bus line and the demographic of the neighbourhood.

• A “great street” is classified as a collector street, and maintains the same function; however, a great street emphasizes walking, bicycling and transit facilities, and is an “end location” in itself.

• Maintaining current traffic levels in the city could be achieved through the correct land use designations.

• It was suggested that the Plan refer to the city as an enhanced walkable city, as it was noted that New Westminster is currently pedestrian friendly.

• It was noted that changes to bus routes have made transit maps used in the Plan outdated and incorrect.

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• Appreciation was expressed for the Plan providing alternative transportation methods for residents, and the Plan’s support of regional transit infrastructure.

• It was noted that lower transit fares could increase transit use.

Council requested information regarding the manner in which TransLink selects locations for new bus stops and shelters.

THAT Council approve the Draft Final Master Transportation Plan in principle, and direct staff to proceed with final public and stakeholder consultation.

AND THAT the results of the public consultation and stakeholder referral and the Final Master Transportation Plan be provided back to Council for final adoption.

CARRIED.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS 4. No Items

REPORTS FOR ACTION

5. 2014 Economic Forum, Blair Fryer, Manager of Communications and Economic Development and Ruby Campbell, Community Projects Coordinator (Oral Report)

Blair Fryer, Manager of Communications and Economic Development, and Ruby Campbell, Community Projects Coordinator, provided an update regarding the 2014 Economic Forum. The Forum, scheduled for October 2, 2014, will be emceed by Belle Puri and will include key note speeches from Colin Bosa, CEO of BOSA Properties Inc., and Dale Bosa, President of BlueSky Properties, as well as a panel discussion featuring Lisa Spitale, Andrew Ramlo, Executive Director of Urban Features, Darrell Jones, President of Overwaitea Food Group and Save-On-Foods, and Suki Sekhon, President and CEO of CRS Group of Companies. Mr. Fryer and Ms. Campbell reported the following additional information:

• This will be the second economic forum hosted by the City, in partnership with the Chamber of Commerce.

• The Forum was planned with the assistance of the Economic Development Advisory Committee, the Economic Forum Planning Committee, as well as various subcommittees.

• The Newsleader has provided generous in-kind services with respect to advertising.

• Individuals or businesses can sponsor a student attending a post-secondary institution in New Westminster to attend the Forum through the “Invest in the Future” program.

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• Students must submit an essay in order to be eligible to participate in the

“Invest in the Future” program.

• The forum will feature profiles of local successful business owners.

• The Anvil Centre will operate a booth at the Forum, highlighting the services the Anvil Centre can provide to the community.

• The forum will be live streamed.

Mr. Fryer and Ms. Campbell advised that sponsorship opportunities for the Forum are still available, and interested parties can contact the Economic Development Office.

Council commended Mr. Fryer and Ms. Campbell, as well as the Economic Development Advisory Committee, Economic Forum Planning Committee and subcommittees, for their work with respect to the Economic Forum.

THAT the oral presentation provided to Council on June 16, 2014 be received for information.

CARRIED.

6. TransLink Mayors’ Council Transportation Vision and Investment Plan, Chief Administrative Officer (On Table)

Mark Allison, Manager of Strategic Initiatives and Sustainability, provided an overview of the on-table report dated June 16, 2014, regarding the Mayors’ Council Transportation Vision and Investment Plan. Mr. Allison noted that the foundation of the bridge as proposed by the Mayors’ Council will be a tolled four lane bridge with the potential to carry six lanes, adding that future expansion must be agreed upon by all parties involved.

In response to questions from Council, Mr. Allison and Mayor Wright provided the following information:

• HandyDART is planning on increasing its services by 50% and would like to provide the same services throughout British Columbia.

• The Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure (MOTI) has requested a 90 day review period of the Plan for the public, and will determine the next steps in the process based on public feedback.

• Past increases in transit fares have led to a decreased use of transit.

• Approximately $500 million dollars of the total $7.5 billion dollar budget for the project will be collected from transit fares.

• The MOTI has suggested that there could be a new carbon tax created to contribute to the budget.

• To supplement the project’s budget, the Mayors’ Council has suggested a Quick Sales Tax, which would only affect the lower mainland region.

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Council commended the Mayors’ Council for their hard work to complete the Transportation Vision and Investment Plan. Council members expressed appreciation for the City’s Position Paper regarding the Patullo Bridge, noting that it was a positive experience presenting the Paper to local Councils.

• It was suggested that it would be effective to utilize the carbon tax for the replacement of the Patullo Bridge.

• It was suggested that implementing a toll for the new Patullo Bridge could resolve the issue of a “free alternative”.

• Concern was expressed regarding the increases outlined for transit fares, noting that higher transit fares could deter the public from utilizing public transportation.

Mayor Wright thanked Mr. Allison for his hard work and support with respect to the Transportation Vision and Investment Plan.

THAT Council receive the TransLink Mayor’s Council 30-Year Transportation Vision and 10-Year investment Plan for information and direct staff to implement the proposed walking, cycling and transit investments, a new tolled, 4-lane Pattullo Bridge and modifications to the regional truck route network that reduce the impact of goods movement on communities and shift the movement of non-local goods primarily to rail and provincial highways.

CARRIED.

CONSENT AGENDA

Director of Development Services

7. Queensborough Special Study Area Master Plan Process – Preliminary Report

THAT staff process this application as outlined in this report.

CARRIED.

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8. Development Variance Permit No. DVP00579 to Vary Sign Bylaw Requirements for 485 E. Columbia Street

THAT Council issue notice that it will consider a resolution to issue DVP00579 to vary Sign Bylaw requirements at 485 E. Columbia Street.

CARRIED.

9. Development Variance Permit 00539 for 218 Carnarvon Street – Preliminary Report

THAT Council issue notice that it will consider a resolution to issue Development Variance Permit No. 00539 to permit the development of a multiple unit residential building with a height of 52 feet, 8 inches and side yards above 40 feet of 13 feet on the west side and 8 feet on the east side.

CARRIED.

10. Development Variance Permit No. DVP00582 to vary Sign Bylaw Requirements at 777 Columbia Street

THAT Council issue notice that it will consider a resolution to issue DVP00582 to vary Sign Bylaw requirements at 777 Columbia Street to allow a realty sign with a sign area of 22.8 square metres (245 square feet).

CARRIED.

Director of Engineering Services

14. Update on the Construction of the Fourth Street Pedestrian Overpass

THAT the report dated June 16, 2014, be received for information.

CARRIED.

15. 2013 Annual Water Quality Monitoring Report

THAT the 2013 Annual Water Quality Monitoring Report dated June 16, 2014, be received for information.

CARRIED.

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Director of Finance and Information Technology 16. 2013 Statement of Financial Information

THAT Council receive and approve the attached 2013 Statement of Financial Information.

CARRIED.

Director of Legislative Services

17. Elections Procedures Bylaw Amendment

THAT Council refer “Local Government Elections Procedures Bylaw Amendment Bylaw No. 7694, 2014” to a Regular Meeting for three readings.

CARRIED.

18. Amendments to the 2014 Schedule of Regular Council Meetings

THAT the amendments to the 2014 Schedule of Regular Council Meetings, attached as Appendix A, be approved.

CARRIED.

ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA

11. Zoning and Building Amendment Bylaw to Implement Recommended Bylaw Revisions from the Secured Market Rental Housing Policy

Council questioned if single family homes containing multiple rental units would be applicable for the incentives, such as parking decreases, provided by the proposed bylaw.

Michael Watson, Planning Technician, advised that many applicants in single family homes with rental suites will not have access to the incentives outlined in the bylaw.

THAT Council consider Bylaw No. 7688, 2014 to amend Zoning Bylaw 6680, 2002 for first and second readings and forward the bylaw to Public Hearing.

THAT Council consider Bylaw No. 7695, 2014 to amend Building Bylaw 6897, 2003 for first, second and third readings.

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AND THAT Council endorse the revised Parking Cash in Lieu Policy to align with recommendations in the Secured Market Rental Housing Policy.

CARRIED.

12. Zoning Amendment Bylaw for Downtown Parking Standards Implementation

Council questioned how the City will enforce the proposed new parking space requirements as outlined in the report dated June 16, 2014.

Barry Waitt, Planner, advised that the first downtown parking study did not address the minimum amount of parking allowable for projects, and that developers will still be permitted to request decreased parking through the rezoning process.

THAT Council consider Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 7689, 2014 for first and second readings and forward the bylaw to a Public Hearing.

CARRIED.

13. Amendments to Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 7318, 2009

Council questioned if the fines outlined on page 17 of the report dated June 16, 2014 have been updated since 1991, noting that the fines are minimum and could be increased to reflect the seriousness of violating City bylaws.

Veronika Metchie, Acting Manager of Licensing and Integrated Services, advised that the bylaw was originally adopted in 1991; however, the fines outlined in the bylaw are contemporary.

THAT Council consider Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 7693, 2014 for Three Readings.

CARRIED.

CORRESPONDENCE 19. No Items

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NEW BUSINESS

20. Liquor Laws (On-Table)

Councillor Bill Harper reported that in response to changes to the British Columbia Liquor Laws, the City of Victoria is requesting subsidies for the extra police costs expected to be incurred due to the changes.

THAT staff investigate the new regulations relative to the Provincial liquor laws and report back to Council.

CARRIED.

ADJOURNMENT

ADJOURMENT

ON MOTION, the meeting was adjourned at 5:41 p.m.

Certified Correct,

WAYNE WRIGHT JAN GIBSON

MAYOR ACTING CORPORATE OFFICER