MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF COUNCIL HELD
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2005 AT 7:00 PM IN THE CITY HALL
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
PRESENT: Mayor McRae, Councillors Chopra, Mealey, Patterson, Price and Solda.
EXCUSED: Councillor Lord
A. APPROVAL OF AGENDA (including introduction of late items)
Mealey/Patterson
That the agenda be adopted as circulated.
Carried
B. ADOPTION OF MINUTES
Mealey/Patterson
That the minutes of the November 14, 2005 Regular Council Meeting be adopted as circulated.
Carried
C. DELEGATIONS
1. Gillian Trumper
Information was presented on the Crystal Meth Task Force that has been established noting that informational meetings will start in January and requesting that Council be involved.
2. Neil Malbon
A review of the 2005 McLean Mill Season was provided noting the success of the various events held at the Mill and that attendance overall was up 22%. Mr. Malbon also discussed plans and initiatives for the 2006 season.
D. PROCLAMATIONS
1. Festival of Choirs
Mealey/Patterson
That the e-mail dated November 23, 2005 requesting that the week of November 28 to December 2, 2005 be proclaimed as "Festival of Choirs Week" in Port Alberni in honour of their 25th anniversary, advising of the concert schedule and inviting City Councillors to join them at one of their evening shows, be received and the week be proclaimed as requested.
Carried
E. CORRESPONDENCE FOR ACTION
1. Greg Smyth, Director of Instruction, School District #70
Mealey/Patterson
That the Letter dated November 18, 2005 advising of the Ministry of Education's expanded mandate and inviting community members and educators to a meeting called "Building the Future for 2010 and Beyond" to be held 7:00 pm, Wednesday, November 30, 2005 at "The Learning Place" at Maquinna Elementary School, be received.
Carried
2. Western Keltic Mines/Northern Powerline Coalition
Price/Solda
That the letter dated November 14, 2005 advising that the northwestern area of BC is the only area of the Province not serviced by the BCTC electrical transmission grid, enclosing a briefing paper and brochure on the business case for the investment and seeking help to ensure that the proposed Powerline from Meziadin Junction to Dease Lake becomes a reality by speaking to our MLA, cabinet ministers or the Premier, be received and Council concur with the request to urge the Province that they are responsible to ensure adequate power is provided to all parts of the Province.
Carried
3. Association of Vancouver Island and Coastal Communities (AVICC)
Chopra/Mealey
That Council for the City of Port Alberni authorize the Mayor and Clerk to sign the Association of Vancouver Island and Coastal Communities' incorporation document on behalf of the City of Port Alberni.
Carried
4. Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM)
Chopra/Patterson
That Council for the City of Port Alberni authorize the attendance of Councillors Whiteman and McLeman at the "Seminar for Local Government Decision Makers (Newly Elected Officials)" in Nanaimo on January 25, 26 and 27, 2006.
Carried
F. INFORMATIONAL CORRESPONDENCE
1. Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District
Letter dated November 9, 2005 providing a summary report of the Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District's "Seniors in Communities Dialogue Session" held October 5, 2005, which was an opportunity to discuss services for seniors.
2. Minister of Labour and Citizens' Services
Letter dated November 15, 2005 enclosing a cheque in the amount of $76,176.82, in accordance with the British Columbia Buildings Corporation Act, comprising payment of the 2005 grants-in-lieu of taxes for properties owned by the British Columbia Buildings Corporation.
3. Thompson-Nicola Regional District
Copy of a letter dated November 10, 2005 to the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada requesting that the Federal Government make changes to the "repeat offenders" legislation.
4. BC Progress Board
Letter dated November 9, 2005 enclosing a copy of the BC Progress Board's report "Strategic Imperatives for British Columbia's Energy Future".
5. Ministry of Children and Family Development
Letter dated November 8, 2005 advising that November has been proclaimed as "Adoption Awareness Month" in British Columbia and enclosing a series of adoption posters for display.
6. Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM)
Member Notice dated November 15, 2005 advising that 30 communities have been selected to proceed to the final proposal stage for pilot projects under the Community Health Promotion Funds, which was created through a one-time $5 million grant from the provincial Ministry of Health.
7. BC Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games Secretariat
Fax dated November 15, 2005 advising that the Vancouver Olympic Organizing Committee is setting up a high profile, multi-media meeting place in the centre of Torino, Italy where the 2006 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games are being held, and inviting BC communities to send in stories and ideas to help showcase the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games at "British Columbia-Canada Place".
8. Provincial Emergency Program
Fax dated November 18, 2005 advising that BC's new tsunami notification system will undergo preliminary testing on November 30, 2005, as part of the Province's Tsunami Integrated Preparedness (TIP) project which was started earlier in the year.
9. Cosmetology Industry Association of British Columbia
Letter dated October 31, 2005 advising that the cosmetology industry will now be regulated under the Business Practices and Consumer Protection Authority meaning that all cosmetologists will have to obtain a Certificate of Qualification, and suggesting that all cosmetologists have this government licence before being issued a business licence.
10. Ministry of Advanced Education
Letter dated November 9, 2005 advising that the University of Victoria will transfer $266 to the City of Port Alberni under the grants-in-lieu of property taxes for public post-secondary institutions for 2005/06.
11. Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM)
Letter dated November 22, 2005 thanking the Mayor for responding to the Federation of Canadian Municipalities' Expressions of Interest for the Canadian/Sri Lanka Municipal Cooperation Program to contribute through FCM to the re-building and strengthening of local government capacities in Sri Lanka, and confirming that Ken Watson, City Manager, has been chosen to travel to Batticaola, Sri Lanka for the first technical mission.
12. Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM)
Fax dated November 17, 2005 concerning a possible early federal election and the effect on federal transfers for municipalities.
13. Leslie Walerius/Natalie Van Veigen
E-mail dated November 20, 2005 responding to the poor voter turn-out and offering suggestions for the next Municipal Election.
14. Leslie Walerius
E-mail dated November 23, 2005 advising that Doug Routley, MLA (Cowichan-Ladysmith) has invited interested constituents to participate in a national housing teleforum on November 29, 2005 from 9 to 11:30 am at his Duncan Constituency Office (273 Trunk Road) to address options and initiatives which offer opportunity for affordable housing needs for low-income and family home ownership.
Mealey/Patterson
That Informational Correspondence items numbered 1 through 14 be received and filed.
Carried
G. UNFINISHED BUSINESS NIL
H. BYLAWS
1. City Clerk - Verbal Report from the Public Hearing held at 6:00 pm regarding Bylaw No.(s) 4610, 4611 and 4612
Patterson/Chopra
That the verbal report of the Public Hearing held November 28, 2005 at 6:00 pm be received.
Carried
"Zoning Amendment No. 39 (4920 Beaver Creek Road - Melnick), Bylaw No. 4610"
Patterson/Price
That "Zoning Amendment No. 39 (4920 Beaver Creek Road - Melnick), Bylaw No. 4610" be read a third time.
Carried
Patterson/Chopra
That "Zoning Amendment No. 39 (4920 Beaver Creek Road - Melnick), Bylaw No. 4610" be finally adopted, signed by the Mayor and Clerk, sealed with the Corporate Seal and numbered 4610.
Carried
"Zoning Text Amendment No. T22 (4920 Beaver Creek Road - Melnick), Bylaw No. 4611"
Patterson/Solda
That "Zoning Text Amendment No. T22 (4920 Beaver Creek Road - Melnick), Bylaw No. 4611" be read a third time.
Carried
Patterson/Chopra
That "Zoning Text Amendment No. T22 (4920 Beaver Creek Road - Melnick), Bylaw No. 4611" be finally adopted, signed by the Mayor and Clerk, sealed with the Corporate Seal and numbered 4611.
Carried
"Zoning Amendment No. 40 (4710 Maitland Street - Courtney), Bylaw No. 4612
Price/Chopra
That "Zoning Amendment No. 40 (4710 Maitland Street - Courtney), Bylaw No. 4612" be read a third time.
Carried
2. City Planner - Conditions for Final Adoption
"Zoning Amendment No. 37 (3798 Meares Drive - Van Vliet), Bylaw No. 4605"
Price/Chopra
That the report dated November 23, 2005 from the City Planner advising that final adoption of "Zoning Amendment No. 37 (3798 Meares Drive - Van Vliet), Bylaw No. 4605" was subject to the receipt of a preliminary layout approval letter for the proposed subdivision, which has been issued, be received.
Carried
Price/Chopra
That "Zoning Amendment No. 37 (3798 Meares Drive - Van Vliet), Bylaw No. 4605" be finally adopted, signed by the Mayor and Clerk, sealed with the Corporate Seal and numbered 4605.
Carried
3. Director of Finance - "5 Year Financial Plan Bylaw 2005-2009, Amendment No. 2, Bylaw No. 4613"
Chopra/Mealey
That the report dated November 3, 2005 from the Director of Finance advising of an amendment to Schedule "A" of the "5 Year Financial Plan Bylaw, 2005-2009, Bylaw No. 4587" and including a copy of the proposed bylaw, be received.
Carried
Chopra/Mealey
That "5 Year Financial Plan Bylaw 2005-2009, Amendment No. 2, Bylaw No. 4613" be now introduced and read a first time.
Carried
Chopra/Mealey
That "5 Year Financial Plan Bylaw 2005-2009, Amendment No. 2, Bylaw No. 4613" be read a second time.
Carried
Chopra/Mealey
That "5 Year Financial Plan Bylaw 2005-2009, Amendment No. 2, Bylaw No. 4613" be read a third time.
Carried
Chopra/Mealey
That Council for the City of Port Alberni direct staff to post Notice of Bylaw No. 4613, indicating it will be considered for adoption at the Special Meeting of Council on Thursday, December 22, 2005.
Carried
I. REPORTS
1. Accounts
Chopra/Mealey
That the certification of the Director of Finance dated November 28, 2005 be received and the cheques numbered 87836 to 88085 inclusive, in payment of accounts totalling ($1,424,012.32) be approved.
Carried
2. RCMP
Solda/Mealey
That the monthly report from the OIC, Port Alberni providing information about departmental operations for the month of October and a Quarterly Crime Report for July to September, 2005, be received.
Carried
3. Parks and Recreation
Mealey/Patterson
That the monthly report from the Director of Parks and Recreation providing information about current departmental operations, be received.
Carried
4. Museum
Patterson/Mealey
That the monthly report from the Museum Director providing information about current departmental operations, be received.
Carried
5. Director of Finance – Audit Committee Minutes
Chopra/Price
That the minutes of the November 14, 2005 Audit Committee Meeting, the memo dated October 27, 2005 from the Director of Finance responding to questions arising from the October 11, 2005 Audit Committee Meeting and the October financial statements, be received.
Carried
6. Bylaw Enforcement Officer/Licence Inspector - Unsightly Premises 4135 Hollywood Street (Invite to Show Cause Hearing)
Chopra/Mealey
That the report dated November 23, 2005 providing information on the condition of the property known as 4135 Hollywood Street, Lot 11, Alberni District, Plan 197, PID 009-269-801 (Billy Lee) that is in contravention of the Property Maintenance Bylaw, No. 3915, and recommending that Council issue a clean-up order under the Property Maintenance Bylaw, No. 3915 for the subject property, be received.
Carried
The owner of the subject property, Mr. Billy Lee was not in attendance.
Chopra/Mealey
WHEREAS Council has enacted "Property Maintenance Bylaw No. 3915" and where a person fails to comply with a requirement of this Bylaw, the City may enter on the property at reasonable times and in a reasonable manner, and effect the removal, clearing or prevention as the case may be, at the expense of the person who has failed to comply.
AND WHEREAS the owner of 4135 Hollywood Street has failed to clear the property of brush and noxious weeds and grass all over six inches in height and remove from such property unsightly accumulations of filth, discarded materials and rubbish;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the owner of 4135 Hollywood Street be notified of the City's intention to enter on the property on January 9, 2006 to clear the property of brush and noxious weeds and grass over six inches in height, and remove from the property the unsightly accumulations of filth, discarded materials and rubbish.
Carried
7. Chief Election Officer - 2005 Local Municipal Election Results
Chopra/Patterson
That the November 23, 2005 report from the Chief Election Officer providing the Official Results of the November 19, 2005 City of Port Alberni Election, be received.
Carried
8. Director of Finance and the City Engineer Cemetery Fee Review
Price/Mealey
That the report dated November 1, 2005 from the Director of Finance and the City Engineer recommending the following for amending "Greenwood Cemetery Bylaw, No. 4516":
a) Create a two rate system for the cost of a grave space by identifying and defining "resident" and "non-resident" individuals in Section 2, Definitions:
"Resident" - any person who has resided or owned property within the City of Port Alberni (limits) for a period of 6 months immediately preceding the purchase of a Cemetery Licence to use a cemetery plot.
"Non-Resident" - any person who is not a Resident as defined above.
b) Amend Section 23(v.) to read as follows:
A City approved grave liner shall be used for each interment, except where cremated remains are interred according to the requirements of sub-section (iii.) and (iv.).
c) Amend Schedule "C" to "Greenwood Cemetery Bylaw, No. 4516" as per the attached draft in the report dated November 1, 2005 from the Director of Finance and the City Engineer.
be received and staff directed to prepare the necessary bylaw.
Carried
9. Mayor's Report
The Mayor reported on recent activities and matters of current interest.
Mealey/Chopra
That the Mayor's report be received.
Carried
10. Councillors' Reports
The Councillors reported on recent activities related to their various portfolios.
Mealey/Solda
That the Councillors' reports be received.
Carried
J. QUESTION PERIOD
The public and the press were provided the opportunity to ask questions of the Mayor and Council.
K. OTHER COMPETENT BUSINESS
L. ADJOURNMENT
Price/Chopra
That the meeting adjourn at 8:28pm.
Carried