COUNCIL IN COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

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COUNCIL IN COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

October 7, 2013 at 3:00 p.m.

Council Chamber, 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:

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

Chief Tim Armstrong - Fire Services

Ms. Bev Grieve - Acting Director of Development Services Ms. Stephanie Lam - Committee Clerk

The meeting was called to order at 3:38 pm.

ADDITIONS / DELETIONS TO THE AGENDA

There were no additions/deletions to the agenda.

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.

MOVED and SECONDED

THAT that items 6, 7, 9, 12, 13, 16 and 17 be removed from the consent agenda.

CARRIED.

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

THAT the remaining consent agenda items be approved.

CARRIED.

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October 7, 2013 Committee of the Whole Minutes - Draft Page 2

ADOPTION OF MINUTES

1. Motion to receive and adopt the minutes of Council in Committee of the Whole held September 9, 2013.

THAT the September 9, 2013 Committee of the Whole minutes be adopted.

CARRIED.

PRESENTATIONS

2. No Items

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

Procedural Note: Following item 1, Council considered item 4.

REPORTS FOR ACTION

4. Observed Effects of Port Mann Bridge Tolling on Pattullo Bridge and New Westminster Streets, Director of Engineering

Jim Lowrie, Director of Engineering, summarized details noted in the report dated October 7, 2013 regarding the observed effects of the Port Mann Bridge Tolling on the Pattullo Bridge, and New Westminster streets.

Discussion ensued, and the following points were noted:

• Truck traffic has increased by 63% between February 2013 and August 2013, noting that the volume continues to increase daily;

• It was noted that New Westminster cannot be the toll-free bypass over the Fraser River;

• Tolls for utilizing the Port Mann Bridge are scheduled to rise on December 1, 2013. It was noted that the number of vehicles will likely rise following this increase as a result of commuters diverting the tolls;

• It was suggested that banning truck movement on the Pattullo Bridge would impose the use of the Port Mann or Alex Fraser Bridge, noting that the newer bridges are better suited to withstand the increased number of vehicles;

• It was noted that the Port Mann Bridge Tolls should be reduced for frequent truck users;

• Concerns were expressed regarding intersection safety at the corner of

Stewardson Way and Royal Avenue as a result of the increased traffic and traffic jams;

• Residents located along Royal Avenue have expressed concerns regarding the

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truck traffic, noting that the vibration of the heavy vehicles have resulted in seismic vibrations along the streets. It was noted that residents fear that structural damage to homes could be occurring as a result of the vibrations;

• There are no High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes in New Westminster, and the City’s roads and routes cannot tolerate such a lane;

• The volume of traffic travelling the South Fraser Perimetre Road (SFPR) is increasing rapidly, and providing a direct connection from the SFPR to the Port Mann Bridge would assist with the flow of traffic;

• It was noted that the Opposition Critic expressed interest in meeting with the City to discuss traffic issues;

• Council requested that the Minister of Transportation be invited to discuss traffic issues in New Westminster;

• It was suggested that Translink investigate options for tolling the existing Pattullo Bridge to fund the upgrade or replacement of the infrastructure.

THAT Council formally requests the Province (Ministry of Transportation &

Infrastructure) to immediately lower the tolling structure for heavy trucks on the Port Mann Bridge to discourage the use of Pattullo Bridge as a “free alternative”;

THAT if the Pattullo Bridge continues to experience increased traffic volumes due to the diversionary effects of Port Mann Bridge tolling, TransLink be requested to ban heavy trucks on Pattullo Bridge;

THAT TransLink be requested to approve an extension of the current heavy truck prohibition on Royal Ave. to 24 hours (other than for local deliveries);

THAT TransLink be requested to establish regional tolling as a travel demand management measure for the Metro Vancouver area as an immediate priority.

THAT the City communicate to Translink and the Provincial Government that without the South Fraser Perimeter Road connection, that the impacts to the City of New Westminster may not be alleviated

THAT any crossing of the Fraser River, be done in a manner that moves the traffic from the South Fraser Perimeter Road to the North East Sector.

THAT a direct connection be established from the South Fraser Perimeter Road to the Port Mann Bridge.

THAT the Minister of Transportation and the Opposition Critic be invited to meet with the City of New Westminster.

THAT TransLink explore implementing a toll on the current Pattullo Bridge to fund the infrastructure (upgrade or replacement).

THAT staff develop strategies for the City to effectively pursue its traffic mitigation goals with the Province and TransLink.

CARRIED.

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3. Columbia Street Swag Lighting Design Options, Acting Director of Development Services, Director of Engineering, and General Manager, Electrical Operations

a) Report Tabled July 8 and September 23, 2013

b) Columbia Street Swag Lighting – Additional Information (September 23, 2013)

c) Columbia Street Swag Lighting – Additional Information On Potential Cost Sharing (October 7, 2013)

Jackie Teed, Senior Planner, reported that the City met with the Downtown Business Improvement Association to discuss possible partnership or collaboration in the Swag Lighting program and advised that while the BIA supports the swag lighting project to proceed as proposed, they cannot contribute funds to the project at this time.

Council discussed the pros and cons of design and cost with respect to each lighting option noted in the staff reports.

THAT Council select Option A2: Exact Replica (225 bulbs) as described in the September 23, 2013 report titled “Columbia Street Swag Lighting – Additional Information” and direct staff to proceed with fabrication and installation of the first fixture for Council’s in-situ sign off.

DEFEATED.

THAT Council receive the staff reports dated July 8, 2013, September 23, 2013, and October 7, 2013;

THAT Council select Option D: Accessorized Design as described in the September 23, 2013 report titled “Columbia Street Swag Lighting – Additional Information” and direct staff to proceed with fabrication and installation of four fixtures for Council’s in-situ sign off.

CARRIED.

Councillor Coté and Councillor Puchmayr voted in opposition.

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CONSENT AGENDA

Director of Development Services

5. Stefanos Restaurant, 315 Columbia Street / Request for Temporary Change to Hours of Operation

THAT staff notify the Liquor Control and Licensing Branch that the City has no objections to the temporary change to hours of liquor service on November 10, 2013 requested by Stefanos Restaurant.

CARRIED.

8. Proposed Development Permit DPS00028 at 455 Brunette Avenue to Allow Conversion of Existing Industrial Building to Mini Storage Warehouse

THAT Council issue Development Permit DPS00028 for 455 Brunette Avenue.

CARRIED.

Director of Engineering and Director of Development Services

10. Management of Waste and Recyclable Materials from Demolition Work

THAT staff be directed to prepare a bylaw for the management of waste and recyclable materials from demolition work based on the model bylaw provided by Metro Vancouver for further consideration by Council.

CARRIED.

Director of Engineering

11. Waterworks Regulation Bylaw, No. 7631, 2013

THAT "Waterworks Regulation Bylaw No. 7631, 2013" be forwarded to Council for three readings.

CARRIED.

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Director of Finance and Information Technology

14. Investment Report for the year to date period ended August 31, 2013

THAT Council receive for information the report dated October 7, 2013 regarding the status of the City’s investment portfolio.

CARRIED.

15. Report on Purchases Greater than $100K

THAT the report dated October 7, 2013 be received for information.

CARRIED.

ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA

13. User Fees and Rates Review

Council questioned if parking rates varied in each area of the City. It was noted that areas which are not part of Downtown, or outside of Sixth Street, are considered “low-demand”

areas of parking.

Council expressed concerns regarding the impacts of increased parking rates. It was noted that individuals employed or visiting the business districts, such as the Brewery District, who require long-term parking, and other local businesses may feel financial pressure as a result of the proposed increases.

It was noted that the Downtown Parking Strategy revealed that on-street parking costs less than off-street parking, providing further incentive for individuals to park on the street. As a result, the Parking Strategy suggested increasing the rates of street parking in order to encourage vehicles to utilize the off-street parking (eg: parkades).

THAT Council approves in principal the proposed changes in fees and rates and,

THAT Council direct staff to prepare the necessary changes to the related bylaws.

CARRIED.

Councillor McIntosh and Councillor McEvoy voted in opposition.

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6. 218 Fourth Street – Modification of Heritage Covenant to Change the Design of the House and Request for a Public Hearing

Julie Schueck, Heritage Planner, introduced the report dated October 7, 2013, and provided the following information in response to Council’s questions:

• The modification to the subject property was completed prior to the Heritage Revitalization Agreement;

• The purpose of the HRA was to encourage the owner to retain the heritage of the property by permitting increased density. If the modification is not approved, the owner would be required to remove the work completed without permit in order to comply with the original covenant.

Council expressed concern for the work conducted without permits; however, expressed support for the Public Hearing process in order to obtain further information and

feedback from the community.

THAT Council direct staff to forward the modification of the Section 219 Covenant for 218 Fourth Street, dated September 10, 2007, to a Public Hearing.

CARRIED.

Councillor Harper and Councillor McIntosh voted in opposition.

7. Proposed Development Variance Permit 567 for 626 Second Street to Exempt a Secondary Suite from the Requirement to Provide a Second Bylaw Compliant Parking Space – Notice to Consider Issuance

Council requested clarification regarding details with respect to Development Variance Permit No. 567 regarding 626 Second Street. Staff provided the following information in response to questions of Council:

• The applicant would like to have a secondary suite; however, cannot accommodate a second parking space unless it is placed in the backyard;

• In order to permit the secondary suite, the owners require a second parking spot available.

THAT Council issue notice that it will consider a resolution to issue Development Variance Permit 567 to permit the creation of a secondary suite at 626 Second Street without providing a second bylaw compliant off-street parking space.

CARRIED.

Councillor Harper voted in opposition.

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9. Proposed Zoning Bylaw Text Amendment for the Production of Marihuana – Bylaw No. 7632, 2013

Discussion ensued and Council noted the following comments with respect to the proposed Zoning Bylaw Text Amendment for the production of marihuana:

• The College of Pharmacists will not engage in this area of business;

• The Federal Government has passed legislation that supports the growth and sale of marihuana under strict regulations;

• Many users of the product report that marihuana is used to assist medical conditions;

• Residents could feel that their homes are devalued if the growth of the product is permitted within close proximity.

Staff provided the following comments in response to Council’s concerns and questions:

• The product will be sold in a dried format, and will be shipped to individuals;

• Possession of marihuana in some formats is illegal unless the user has the license to hold the product.

MOVED and SECONDED THAT

1. THAT Council direct staff to prepare a zoning amendment bylaw that would limit the growing of marihuana to the P-8 Public Works, Entertainment and Utility District [Section 929 (2)].

2. THAT Council direct staff to forward the potential zoning bylaw text amendment regarding the production of marihuana to the Advisory Planning Commission for comment.

DEFEATED.

Councillor McIntosh voted in favour.

Council questioned how other local municipalities are addressing the matter and requested staff investigate and report back. It was noted that the existing licensing will become illegal when the Federal Government’s regulations come into effect.

THAT Council direct staff to monitor the situation after the new MMPR comes into effect and that no bylaw changes be made at this time;

AND THAT staff provide a report addressing the comments and concerns of Council.

CARRIED.

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New Westminster Fire and Rescue Services

17. Transportation of Dangerous Goods

Tim Armstrong, Fire Chief, advised that the report dated October 7, 2013 outlines products that are moving through New Westminster on a daily basis.

Referring to the recent tragedy at Lac Megantic, Council spoke to the importance of implementing an emergency plan that addresses dangerous spills or incidents that could occur in the City.

Councillor Puchmayr, Chair of the Emergency Advisory Committee and Co-Chair of the Railway Community Advisory Panel, advised that New Westminster is unique in all four operating railway companies travel through the City.

THAT Council approves a recommendation to broaden the scope of service delivery by New Westminster Fire and Rescue Services to include increased response capability to hazardous material spills or releases within the City of New Westminster.

THAT the Department put forward a budget submission for 2014, which explores cost- sharing options with the railway companies, as noted in the attached report titled

“Quayside Drive – Transportation of Dangerous Goods”.

AND THAT Council instruct the Fire Chief and Head of the Emergency Operations Centre to meet with Railway Companies to discuss funding streams.

CARRIED.

Committee Recommendations

18. Committee Recommendation from Seniors Advisory Committee

Councillor Harper, Chair of the Seniors Advisory Committee, reported the following with respect to the recommendation:

• A presentation was received by Annette Oakes, President of the Century House Association, regarding dementia and Alzheimer’s disease;

• Those with dementia will often isolate themselves as a result of discrimination.

THAT the City of New Westminster provide communications support in raising awareness about the increasing incidence of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.

THAT the City of New Westminster consider a dementia friendly component as part of its ongoing planning for an age and ability friendly community.

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THAT the City of New Westminster lobby the Provincial Government and Federal Government for a comprehensive, fully-funded Dementia Plan, which would include policies and programs that support early diagnosis and intervention; enhanced support for family caregivers; and tools for health care professionals to provide the best care possible.

CARRIED.

12. Exempt Properties – Review of Questionnaire Results

Members of Council spoke to the need to provide tax relief for organizations like those noted in the report dated October 7, 2013.

THAT Taxation Exemption and Exempt Properties Bylaw No. 7627, 2013, attached to the report dated October 7, 2013 as Attachment A, be forwarded to Council for three readings.

CARRIED.

Councillor McIntosh and McEvoy voted in opposition.

Director of Parks, Culture and Recreation

16. Community Festival Organizers Consultation Follow-up (On Table)

Due to time restraints, this item was deferred to the Regular Meeting of Council.

CORRESPONDENCE

19. Correspondence for Information

Motion to receive the following correspondence:

THAT the following correspondence dated September 17, 2013 from R. and A.

Prendergast be received for information.

a) Robert and Alison Prendergast, dated September 17, 2013, regarding redevelopment of Front Street and the redirection of truck traffic

CARRIED.

NEW BUSINESS

No items.

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ADJOURNMENT

ON MOTION, the meeting was adjourned at 5:46pm.

Certified Correct,

WAYNE WRIGHT JAN GIBSON

MAYOR ACTING CORPORATE OFFICER