MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF COUNCIL HELD MONDAY,
APRIL 10, 2006 AT 7:00 PM IN THE CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS
PRESENT: Mayor McRae, Councillors McLeman, Mealey, Patterson, Solda and Whiteman.
REGRETS: Councillor Chopra.
A. APPROVAL OF AGENDA (including introduction of late items)
Patterson/McLeman
That the agenda be adopted as circulated with the addition of late items E.3. Save Our Valley Alliance and F.11 Vancouver Sun press release.
Carried
B. ADOPTION OF MINUTES
Mealey/Patterson
That the minutes of the Regular Council Meeting held March 27, 2006 be adopted as circulated.
Carried
C. DELEGATIONS
1. Bill Lee, owner of 4135 Hollywood Street
Council agreed to bring forward Item I.5 - Rodent Infested Home at 4135 Hollywood Street. Mayor McRae recognized the property owner Mr. Bill Lee. Mr. Lee spoke to Council regarding the proposal to declare the residence at 4135 Hollywood Street a nuisance and require remedial action. He stated that he was destitute and impoverished and he indicated that the City's Bylaw Enforcement Officer was to blame. He indicated that he has the ability to accomplish only 2.5 hours of work each day. Mayor McRae stated that the rodent infestation of the house is a problem and he asked Mr. Lee what his plans were to deal with the problem. Mr. Lee stated that as far as he knew there were no rats in his house but he was prepared to give the City the benefit of the doubt. He will try to clean the house and if rats are there he will acquire one or two cats. It is his intention to get the house back in order. In response to a question of Councillor Patterson, Mr. Lee stated he last resided at 4135 Hollywood Street during Christmas 2004. He has been in Vancouver since then. In response to a question of Councillor Solda, Mr. Lee indicated that he owned two other properties in the City. Councillor Mealey expressed appreciation for Mr. Lee attending the meeting. He stated that there is a problem with rats infesting this house and he is not convinced that Mr. Lee has a plan to deal with the problem. Mayor McRae stated that the Vancouver Island Health Authority has viewed the house and they are concerned with its state.
At the request of the Mayor, the City Clerk provided a synopsis of the proposed resolution.
Solda/Mealey
That the report from the Bylaw Enforcement Officer/Business Licence Inspector dated April 5, 2006 advising that the owner of the property legally described at Lot 14, District Lot 1, Alberni District, Plan 11734, PID 001-767-755 (4135 Hollywood Street) has not remedied the situation of rodent infestation at the residence as outlined in the City's letter dated March 23, 2006 and requesting that Council declare the residence a nuisance with notice to the owner giving him until midnight April 24, 2006 to remedy the situation or the work will be done by the Municipality or by its authorized agents, be received.
Carried
Solda/Mealey
That the Council of the City of Port Alberni pursuant to Division 12 of Part 3 of the Community Charter hereby resolves that:
the residence located at 4135 Hollywood Street, Port Alberni, British Columbia, legally described as Lot 14, District Lot 1, Alberni District, Plan 11734, PID 001-767-755 is hereby declared a nuisance; and
the owner of the building is hereby ordered to take the following remedial action by midnight on April 24, 2006:
Seal the home completely to prevent access to rodents, remove all nesting materials, thoroughly and professionally exterminate the rat population within the residence and completely sanitize the residence.
and be it further resolved that the City Clerk of the City of Port Alberni be and is hereby authorized in default of such remedial measures being undertaken by the owner, to carry out or have such work carried out and the expense charged to the owner. If unpaid on December 31 in the year in which the work is done, the expense shall be added to and form part of the taxes to be paid on the real property as taxes in arrears or be collected as a debt.
Carried
2. Wesley Guiboche, United Native Nations Local 560 - Alberni Valley
Wesley Guiboche, Executive Director of the United Native Nations Local 560 - Alberni Valley was in attendance and had the Mayor draw the winning ticket for the BladeRunners draw and thanked the community for their support.
3. Alberni Valley - Hockeyville 2006 Organizing Committee
The Alberni Valley Hockeyville 2006 Organizing Committee thanked Council for their support of the Hockeyville 2006 application and advised that our community was selected as one of 50 out of 435 applicants through the first round. The two minute community video was shown.
4. Community Arts Council of the Alberni Valley
Co-chairperson Sharon Hillman and representatives from the Volunteer Spirit Mosaic project gave a brief outline of their project and invited Council to the next Community Day on April 11. Three mosaics will be developed and then mounted at the Alberni Valley Multiplex, Alberni Valley Museum and North Island College.
5. Alexandra Pazitch
Mrs. Alexandra Pazitch discussed the proposed new Animal Control and Pound Bylaw and requested the Council adopt the bylaw as soon as possible.
Solda/Mealey
That the report from the City Clerk dated April 4, 2006 providing background and current status information on the proposed new Animal Control and Pound Bylaw, and letter from Mrs. Alexandra Pazitch regarding the bylaw, be received.
Carried
D. PROCLAMATIONS NIL
E. CORRESPONDENCE FOR ACTION
1. Canadian Association of Home and Property Inspectors (BC) (CAHPI BC)
Solda/McLeman
That the letter dated March 28, 2006 providing an update on recent developments in the effort to protect BC homebuyers and encouraging Council's renewed efforts to urge the BC government to listen to and act upon the requests of consumers, communities, Municipal Councils, Chambers of Commerce, and the Union of British Columbia Municipalities to introduce standards for the BC house and property inspection industry, be received.
Carried
2. Owners and Residents of 2700 Block of 6th Avenue
McLeman/Mealey
That the petition signed by owners and residents of the 2700 block of 6th Avenue (between Montrose and Melrose Streets) requesting that the gravel shoulders on both sides of the street be paved, be received and referred to the City Engineer for a report at the next regular meeting of Council.
Carried
3. Keith Wyton, Save Our Valley Alliance
McLeman/Mealey
That the email dated April 10, 2006 requesting use of the Echo Centre Dogwood Room on April 27, 2006 from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm, without charge, for its public meeting including a presentation by the Alberni Valley Enhancement Association on the work in the region and importance of riparian protection for fisheries value and an update on the Save Our Valley Alliance, be received and the request referred to the Grant-In-Aid Committee.
Carried
F. INFORMATIONAL CORRESPONDENCE
1. Community Arts Council of the Alberni Valley
Letter dated March 27, 2006 thanking the City for the 2006 grant-in-aid in the amount of $4,500.
2. Vancouver Island Health Authority
Letter dated March 24, 2006 responding to the Mayor's letter (attached) regarding the collaboration of Dr. Smecher, the SOS Committee and the City to establish a group practice Family Medicine Clinic in the community and advising that VIHA still intends to proceed with a multidisciplinary co-located primary health care clinic for Port Alberni.
3. Christine Bauer
Email dated March 24, 2006 commenting on the tendency of new businesses to relocate to Johnston Road and the art, antique and book stores on 3rd Avenue and Argyle Street and suggesting that if a further community mosaic project is planned that it honour victims of industrial logging accidents.
4. West Coast Environmental Law
Letter dated March 31, 2006 advising of the publications available online to municipalities entitled "Protecting the Working Landscape for Agriculture: A Smart Growth Direction for Municipalities in British Columbia" and "Smart Bylaws Guide".
5. City of Burnaby
Letter dated March 29, 2006 providing a copy of a resolution regarding a bylaw requiring the installation of E-comm wide area radio systems in renovated or newly constructed buildings.
6. British Columbia Recreation and Parks Association
Letter dated March 29, 2006 advising that May 10 is "Move for Health Day", for the purpose of promoting physical activity as a means to healthy living, and encouraging Council to support any events and activities in the community.
7. Rick Hansen Wheels in Motion
Email dated April 4, 2006 attaching information about the Rick Hansen Wheels in Motion event on Sunday, June 11, 2006 and advising they are looking for help to put together a Committee which can recruit participants and host an event in our community
8. Community Futures Development Corporation of Alberni-Clayoquot (CFDC of A-C)
News release dated April 4, 2006 announcing that CFDC of A-C has provided office space and funding to retain the services of a locations photographer and the Alberni Clayoquot Regional District has announced a $4,500 grant-in-aid to assist the Island North Film Commission with their annual operating costs.
9. The North Shore Family Court and Youth Justice Committee
Information regarding "Journey to Justice", the Annual Provincial Family Court and Youth Justice Committee Conference on April 28 and 29 in Vancouver.
10. Vancouver Island Health Authority
Copy of the new Vancouver Island Health Authority (VIHA) publication, a quarterly update from the CEO, providing information on VIHA updates, accomplishments and "up and coming" plans and projects.
11. Vancouver Sun
Friday, April 7, 2006 Vancouver Sun news release reporting that BC Forest Minister Rich Coleman commented at the annual Council of Forest Industries convention, that municipal taxes are affecting the ability of industries to compete globally and that Minister Coleman stated "There are communities in BC that have dined out on the industrial complex of taxes for too long….”
Mealey/Patterson
That the email dated March 24, 2006 from Christine Bauer commenting on the tendency of new businesses to relocate to Johnston Road and
suggesting a community mosaic project be referred to the Community Arts Council for information.
Carried
Solda/Mealey
That the letter dated March 29, 2006 from the City of Burnaby providing a resolution regarding a bylaw requiring the installation of E-Com wide area radio systems be referred to the Alberni Clayoquot Regional District emergency program.
Carried
Mealey/Patterson
That Council for the City of Port Alberni write to the Premier requesting a meeting as soon as possible regarding the forthcoming Competition Council Report of the Forest Industry.
Carried
Mealey/Patterson
That Informational Correspondence items numbered 1 through 11, be received.
Carried
G. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
1. Director of Parks and Recreation - Harbour View Site Improvements
Whiteman/Patterson
That the report from the Director of Parks and Recreation dated March 31, 2006 outlining the costs and feasibility of implementing a request from Mr. Gillis to remove trees on private property bordering the Harbour View Site and provide modest improvements including garbage bins and toilets, be received, and that the recommendation to place one garbage container close to the gravel parking lot at a cost of approximately $300 and that $1,200 be added to the operating budget to offset the cost of the new service, be approved.
Carried
H. BYLAWS
1. City Clerk - Verbal Report from the Public Hearing held at 6:00 pm regarding Bylaw No. 4622
Mealey/Patterson
That the verbal report of the Public Hearing held April 10, 2006 at 6:00 pm be received.
Carried
"Zoning Amendment No. 44 (4770 Elizabeth Street - C. Lessard) Bylaw No. 4622"
Mealey/Solda
That "Zoning Amendment No. 44 (4770 Elizabeth Street - C. Lessard) Bylaw No. 4622" be read a third time.
Carried
2. "5 Year Financial Plan 2006-2010, Bylaw No. 4629"
Solda/Mealey
That "5 Year Financial Plan 2006-2010, Bylaw No. 4629", be now introduced and read a first time.
Carried
McLeman/Mealey
That Council conduct a special meeting at 11:00 am, Wednesday April 12 in the Council Chambers to further review the budget.
Carried
3. "Council Remuneration and Expenses Bylaw, Bylaw No. 4628"
Solda/Mealey
That "Council Remuneration and Expense Bylaw, No. 4628" be now finally adopted, signed by the Mayor and Clerk, sealed with the corporate seal and numbered 4628.
Carried
4. "Portion of Regina Avenue South of Johnston Road Closure and Removal of Dedication Bylaw, No. 4624"
Mealey/Patterson
That "Portion of Regina Avenue South of Johnston Road Closure and Removal of Dedication Bylaw No. 4624", be now finally adopted, signed by the Mayor and Clerk, sealed with the corporate seal and numbered 4624.
Carried
5. "Zoning Amendment No. 40 (4710 Maitland Street – Courtney), Bylaw No. 4612"
Mealey/Patterson
That "Zoning Amendment No. 40 (4710 Maitland Street – Courtney), Bylaw No. 4612", be now finally adopted, signed by the Mayor and Clerk, sealed with the corporate seal and numbered 4612.
Carried
I. REPORTS
1. Accounts
Solda/Whiteman
That the certification of the Director of Finance dated April 10, 2006 be received and the cheques numbered 89729 to 89939 inclusive, in payment of accounts totalling $909,275.69 be approved.
Carried
2. Engineering and Public Works
McLeman/Solda
That the monthly report from the Engineering and Public Works Department providing information about departmental operations in March 2006, be received.
Carried
3. Planning
Mealey/Patterson
That the monthly report from the City Planner providing information about departmental operations in March 2006, be received.
Carried
4. City Clerk - Lease of Unit #16 Alberni Harbour Quay
Whiteman/Mealey
That Council for the City of Port Alberni agree to lease Unit #16 at the Alberni Harbour Quay to Cindi Wallace for a one year term at a 2006 rate of $268.57 per month which includes GST and property taxes, under the general terms and conditions of the lease agreement and the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to sign the agreement.
Carried
5. Bylaw Enforcement Officer/Business Licence Inspector - Rodent Infested Home at 4135 Hollywood Street
moved to Item C.1.
6. City Planner - Development Variance Permit No. 53 – 4200A 10th Avenue
Report dated March 31, 2006 from the City Planner for Council to consider the issuance of the second Development Variance Permit (No. 53) for 4200A 10th Avenue (to vary the side yard setback and the rear yard setback).
Mealey/Patterson
That the report from the City Planner dated March 31, 2006 regarding proposed Development Variance Permit No. 53, be received and Council proceed with consideration of the Development Variance Permit.
Carried
Mealey/Patterson
That Development Variance Permit No. 53 to vary the Bulk and Site Regulations as specified in Section 6.33.3 of Port Alberni Zoning Bylaw No. 4395 as follows:
Vary the Rear Yard setback on the south property line from 9m (29.5 ft) to 4.0 m (13.3 ft), a 5m variance; and
Vary the Side Yard setback on the east property line from 1.5 m (4.9 ft) to 0 m, a 1.5 m variance,
of the land legally described as Strata Lot B, District Lot 1, Alberni District, Strata Plan VIS5964 (4200A 10th Avenue), be authorized by resolution of the City Council on April 10, 2006.
Carried
7. City Planner - Development Variance Permit No. 58 – 3805 Redford Street
Report dated March 31, 2006 from the City Planner for Council to consider the issuance of a Development Variance Permit (No. 58) for 3805 Redford Street (to vary the rear yard setback).
Mealey/Solda
That the report from the City Planner dated March 31, 2006 regarding proposed Development Variance Permit No. 58, be received and Council proceed with consideration of the Development Variance Permit.
Carried
Mealey/Patterson
That Development Variance Permit No. 58 to vary the Bulk and Site Regulations as specified in Section 6.19.3 of Port Alberni Zoning Bylaw No. 4395 as follows:
Vary Section 6.19.3 of Zoning Bylaw #4395 Bulk and Site Regulations Rear Yard Setback from 6 metres to 4.6 meters,
of the land legally described as Parcel A (DD15328W) of Lot 20, District Lot 45, Alberni District, Plan 10370 (3805 Redford Street), be authorized by resolution of the City Council on April 10, 2006.
Carried
8. Director of Finance - Annual Transit Operating Agreement
McLeman/Solda
That the report from the Director of Finance dated March 24, 2006 be received and Council for the City of Port Alberni approve the 2006/07 Annual Operating Agreement for transit services in Port Alberni.
Carried
9. City Clerk - Animal Control and Pound Bylaw
moved to Item C.5.
10. Administrative Assistant - Conferences
Solda/Mealey
That the report from the Administrative Assistant dated April 4, 2006 providing information about the BC Recreation and Parks Association Symposium and the 15th Annual BIA (Business Improvement Areas) BC Conference, be received.
Carried
11. Mayor's Report
The Mayor reported on recent activities and matters of current interest.
Mealey/Patterson
That the Mayor's report be received.
Carried
12. Councillors' Reports
The Councillors reported on recent activities related to their various portfolios.
Mealey/Patterson
That the Councillors' reports be received.
Carried
J. QUESTION PERIOD
An opportunity for the public and the press to ask questions of the Mayor and Council.
K. OTHER COMPETENT BUSINESS
(Including Motions and Notice of Motions)
L. ADJOURNMENT
Mealey/Patterson
That the meeting adjourn at 9:10 pm.
Carried