COUNCIL IN COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

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COUNCIL IN COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

April 30, 2012 3:00 p.m.

Committee Room 2, City Hall

MINUTES

PRESENT:

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

ABSENT:

Councillor Betty McIntosh

GUESTS:

Mr. Roger Hughes - Hughes Condon Architects (HCMA)

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

Ms. Colleen Ponzini - Acting Director of Finance & Information Technology Mr. Jim Lowrie - Director of Engineering Services

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

Mr. Terry Dunlop - Recording Clerk

The Regular Council meeting was called to order at 3:05 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 following items be added to the agenda:

• 1(b) - On-table report re Multi Use Civic Facility;

• 16 - Letter dated April 23, 2012 from the Royal City Farmer’s Market.

CARRIED.

PRESENTATION

1(a) - Mr. Roger Hughes, Hughes Condon

Architects (HCMA)

Mr. Roger Hughes, architect, provided an illustrated presentation of revised elevations of the new Multi Use Civic Facility, as viewed from various locations around the site. The architect also used a scale model of the structure to demonstrate the overall appearance of the building. Revisions included added signage and windows, more colour in the stone, certain brick elements, loading bay improvements and illuminated slots in the stonework enhancements. The illuminated indentations are designed to articulate the brick façade and will be visible from SkyTrain as it passes by the site.

Responding to questions from members of Council in the ensuing discussion, the architect noted that signage on the 8^th Street elevation, where there will be graphic displays and a marquee, is still be worked on by graphic designers. Adding any kind of graphic display to the north elevation would not be viable since it would be at a complete right angle to passing SkyTrain cars and therefore almost impossible to read, even at low speeds.

THAT Council receive the oral report and presentation on the Multi Use Civic Facility for information.

CARRIED.

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

1 (b)

On-table report dated April 30, 2012 from the MUCF Management Committee updating on the project, proposing an amendment to the 2012-2016 Five-Year Financial Plan and submitting a draft Loan Authorization Bylaw for consideration. The City Administrator

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Discussion:

In ensuing discussion, a member of Council expressed confidence in the Multi Use Civic Facility (MUCF) project as a whole, but could not support the potential risks involved in the use of City reserves to complete the office tower component. Other members

expressed their strong support for completing the office tower at the outset of the project rather than “capping” the structure for a later addition. Benefits cited included the stimulus that the office tower would add to the downtown revitalization effort,

particularly the addition of Class “A” office space and hundreds of new jobs in the city.

By committing to the office tower at this time, its completion would provide the catalyst to transform the downtown hub and stimulate employment in the area. It was also noted that the City would maximize its benefits with funding through the MFA at lower rates than a private developer could obtain. While still continuing its search for a new

development partner, the City could pursue immediate construction of the office tower in conjunction with the civic centre.

In further discussion, it was suggested that the project would serve as a model of good economic development. The City would need to evaluate the risks and pay extra attention to prudence and full oversight of the project but overall, it will achieve a good return on its investment. A member of Council observed there had been a fifty-year effort to revive Columbia Street; the MUCF and office tower represent an opportunity not only for downtown economic development but also the potential to generate significant new tax revenue.

THAT Council receive the report from the Director of Development Services for information.

CARRIED.

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

THAT Council direct staff to move forward with public processes required to amend the City’s Financial Plan and secure the financing for the project as soon as possible.

CARRIED.

THAT the Five Year Financial Plan (2012-2016) Amendment Bylaw No. 7522, 2012 be forwarded to the regular meeting of Council on May 14, 2012 for consideration.

CARRIED.

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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.

MOVED AND SECONDED

THAT Council remove items 3, 4 from the Consent Agenda and 10 from the Action Report.

CARRIED.

** 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 April 30, 2012 seeking approval of the strata title conversion of the building at 841 Royal Avenue.

THAT Council approve the proposed strata plans for 841 Royal Avenue and authorize the mayor and Corporate Officer to sign the strata plans upon completion of the requirements identified in the Director of Development Services’ report dated April 30, 2012.

CARRIED.

Director of Engineering

5.

The report dated April 30, 2012 providing an update on the 2012 Fraser River Freshet, and the City’s readiness in the event of a high water event.

THAT the Director of Engineering’s report dated April 30, 2012 be received for information.

CARRIED.

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Director of Legislative Services,

6.

The report dated April 30, 2012 complying with Section 92.2 of the Local Government Act.

THAT the Deputy Chief Election Officer’s report dated April 30, 2012 reporting on a candidate’s failure to file Campaign Disclosure Statements for the 2011 Local Government Election be received.

CARRIED.

Committee Recommendations

7.

a) Plaza 88 Corridor Concerns / Update

THAT Council direct staff to liaise with TransLink and Coast Mountain Bus Company to allow taxi accessibility for loading and unloading within the McNeeley Exchange.

CARRIED.

b) Try My Wheels Day

THAT Council direct staff, including Communications, to give consideration to a social media exercise or application to investigate a presentation of various forms of transportation challenges.

CARRIED.

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REPORTS FOR ACTION

Director of Finance and Information Technology

8.

The report dated April 30, 2012 establishing the tax rate for the imposition of the Parcel Tax levy on all designated properties within the boundaries of the BIA Primary and Secondary Areas.

THAT the following bylaws be given three readings by Council:

• “Downtown New Westminster Business Improvement Area (Primary Area) Parcel Tax Bylaw no. 7518, 2012”;

• “Downtown New Westminster Business Improvement Area (Secondary Area) Parcel Tax Bylaw No. 7519, 2012”.

CARRIED.

9.

The report dated April 30, 2012 seeking approval of the City’s 2012 Tax Rates Bylaw as presented in Attachment 1.

THAT the Tax Rates Bylaw No. 7520, 2012 be given three readings by Council.

CARRIED.

ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA & ACTION REPORT

3.

The report dated April 30, 2012 seeking consideration of an amendment to the Central Business Districts (Restricted) (C-4C) in order to clarify the allocation of density among the various areas affected by that zoning.

THAT Council table Zoning Amendment Bylaw Respecting Allocation of Density within the Central Business Districts (Restricted) pending resolution of outstanding covenant issues and report from staff.

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4.

The report dated April 30, 2012 providing proposed design guidelines for the new Downtown Elementary School being constructed by the School District at 200 Royal Avenue.

Ensuing discussion focused on implementation of guidelines and possible delay of school construction projects. Members of Council suggested referral of the guidelines to the joint [City/School District] subcommittee to address the details and to ensure that both parties are clear on the viability of all guidelines prior to going to tender. Council wished to emphasise its wish to make sure that the guidelines do not cause any delay in the projects.

** MOVED and SECONDED and CARRIED, this Committee recommends

THAT Council approve in principle the proposed design guidelines for the new Downtown Elementary School at 200 Royal Avenue; and further

THAT the guidelines be referred to the joint committee for discussion and review in order to expedite the design-build project.

Director of Parks, Culture and Recreation

10.

The report dated April 30, 2012 responding to direction to investigate the feasibility of accommodating Minor Sport Organization registration signs in City parks and/or on other City properties.

Discussion ensued regarding provision of flexibility for Council to amend the signage bylaw to permit signage and posters in certain areas for specifically approved events.

Members expressed particular concern that there were insufficient locations for signs to be posted in Queensborough. Staff acknowledged the concerns and suggested that Council implement Option #3 in the Director’s April 30 report, which provides for future review of guidelines and locations and allows for Council to approve updates or changes, as required.

THAT staff be directed to continue to work with the School District on implementation of the proposed Minor Sport Organization Registration Sign Program on a trial basis, as outlined in the Director of Parks, Culture and Recreation’s report dated April 30, 2012, as amended by inclusion of an appropriate site for the Queensborough area; and

THAT staff inform the sports organizations that the sites have been approved, pending

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CORRESPONDENCE

11.

Lifeforce Foundation seeks educational ecology programs for Queen’s Park and the City of New Westminster.

THAT the correspondence dated March 22, 2012 from P. Hamilton, Lifeforce Foundation, be received for information; and

THAT the correspondence be referred to the Park Master Plan Subcommittee for consideration and response.

CARRIED.

12.

The Downtown New Westminster Business Improvement Association (letter dated January 18, 2012) seeks in – kind services for the annual Royal City Show & Shine as listed in their letter.

THAT the correspondence dated January 12, 2012 from the Downtown New Westminster Business Improvement Association be received for information; and

THAT the correspondence be referred to staff for consideration and response.

CARRIED.

13.

McDonald and Company, Barristers and Solicitors seeks to notify the City of New Westminster that Royal City Taxi Ltd. has applied to the Passenger Transportation Board to increase the size of their fleet and that the Passenger Transportation Board seeks comments on the application.

THAT the correspondence dated March 29, 2012 from McDonald and Company be received for information; and

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14. Metro Vancouver

a)

THAT the correspondence dated April 4, 2012 from Metro Vancouver be received for information; and

CARRIED.

b)

THAT the correspondence dated April 4, 2012 from Metro Vancouver be received for information; and

CARRIED.

15.

Capital Regional District (CRD) seeks amendment to the Expert Panel appointed to review municipal property taxation of business and municipal revenue sources to include local government representation through UBCM or specific individual local governments.

THAT the correspondence dated April 3, 2012 from Capital Regional District be received for information; and

CARRIED.

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16. Royal City Farmer’s Market

The Royal City Framer’s Market seeks use of the 4^th Street parking lot in Tipperary Park for their farmer’s market every Thursday from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. from June 7^th to October 4^th, 2012 and seeks to have business license fees to be waived by the City.

THAT the correspondence dated April 23, 2012 Royal City Farmer’s Market be received for information; and

CARRIED.

17. River’s Reach Pub – Request for Entertainment during Hyack Parade

His Worship, Mayor Wayne Wright advised of pending correspondence from the River’s Reach Pub on 6^th Street to erect a small stage at the rear of their premises, to permit live entertainment until 5:00 pm during the afternoon of the annual Hyack Parade.

THAT Council approve the request from River’s Reach Pub to stage musical entertainment at the rear of their premises until 5:00 pm during the afternoon of the Hyack festival parade, subject to any concerns from New Westminster Police Service.

NEW BUSINESS

No new business items were presented.

ADJOURNMENT

ON MOTION, the meeting was adjourned at 4 12 pm.

Certified Correct,

WAYNE WRIGHT RICHARD PAGE

MAYOR CORPORATE OFFICER