MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF COUNCIL HELD MONDAY,

FEBRUARY 13, 2006 AT 7:00 PM IN THE CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS         

PRESENT:     Mayor McRae, Councillors Chopra, McLeman, Mealey, Patterson, Solda and Whiteman.

 A.          APPROVAL OF AGENDA

 Solda/Patterson

That the agenda be adopted as circulated with the addition of late items: C.7. Maggie Paquet, E.8. UBCM, E.9. Swale Rock Café, F.9.1. Ministry of Environment and G.1. Grants in Aid Committee Chair.

Carried

 B.          ADOPTION OF MINUTES

                            Mealey/Solda

That the minutes of the Special Council Meeting held January 30, 2006 be adopted as circulated.

Carried

C.          DELEGATIONS

 1.           Alberni Valley - Hockeyville 2006 Organizing Committee

Committee member Tom McEvay made a presentation to Council regarding their proposal to submit an application to the nationwide competition sponsored by Kraft Foods and the CBC to have the Alberni Valley declared as Hockeyville 2006.

 Mealey/Patterson

That Council for the City of Port Alberni declare the Alberni Valley as Hockeyville 2006 in consideration of our community spirit, cooperation, volunteerism and passion for hockey.

Carried

 2.           Communities in Bloom

Jacob Colyn, Mary Sanh and Mike Carter representing Communities in Bloom made a presentation to Council outlining the plans for the 2006 competition.

 3.           Sgt Willy Laurie, Non Commissioned Officer in Charge of Labour Communications  

Sgt. Willy Laurie discussed his role with the RCMP. 

 4.           Alberni Valley NeighbourLink Society

Eric Nernberg made a presentation to Council regarding the purpose and roles of the Society.

 5.           Alberni Valley Community School Society

Sue Nye and Mary Beil made a presentation to Council regarding the purpose and roles of the Society indicating that their office is located at Alberni Elementary School.

 6.           Alexandra Pazitch

Alexandra Pazitch discussed the City's animal control bylaw.

 7.           Maggie Paquet

Maggie Paquet outlined the Province's Bear Aware program and the availability of funding.  She proposed that the City make application for $5,000 in funding. 

 Solda/Patterson

That Council for the City of Port Alberni apply for $5,000 in provincial funding for a Bear Aware program with the City contributing a modest amount of in kind support.

Carried

 D.          PROCLAMATIONS  

 1.           The Nature Trust of British Columbia

               Whiteman/Chopra

That the letter dated January 24, 2006 advising that the Nature Trust of BC is a leading non-profit land conservation organization dedicated to the conservation of ecologically significant habitat in BC and is celebrating its 35th anniversary be received and Council support the Nature Trust of BC by acknowledging their 35th year of incorporation.

Carried

E.          CORRESPONDENCE FOR ACTION

 1.           Alberni Valley Minor Hockey Association

               Whiteman/Chopra

That the letter received February 1, 2006 be received and the requested preferred Tag Day dates of November 17 and 18 be awarded to the Alberni Valley Minor Hockey Association.

Carried

2.           West Coast Highlanders Pipe Band

  Whiteman/Mealey

That the letter dated February 3, 2006 be received and the requested preferred Tag Day dates of October 20 and 21 be awarded to the West Coast Highlanders Pipe Band.

Carried

 3.           Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General

Solda/Mealey

That the letter dated February 3, 2006 inviting staff and Council to attend an Emergency Management Workshop, jointly sponsored by the Provincial Emergency Program of the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General and the Union of British Columbia Municipalities, be received.

Carried

4.           Regional District of Kootenay Boundary

 Chopra/Patterson

That the letter dated January 31, 2006 advising that its resolution regarding the potential use of mail balloting for non-resident property electors is being forwarded to the Province and requesting that the City consider a similar resolution, be received and Council concur with the request.

Carried

 5.           Evergreen Exhibitions

McLeman/Mealey

              That the letter from Evergreen Exhibitions Ltd. dated January 31, 2006 requesting permission to suspend a banner across 10th Avenue near Echo Centre from April 28 to May 8, 2006 to promote its annual Home and Leisure Show to be held at the Alberni Valley Multiplex, be received and the request approved subject to the standard conditions of liability insurance.

Carried

 6.           Vancouver Island Economic Developers Association

 Chopra/Mealey

That the letter dated July 5, 2005 describing the New Marine Frontier Project, a project to attract investment to the Vancouver Island Coastal Region for the shellfish aquaculture industry, and requesting a contribution of $5,000 from the City towards the project, be received and filed.

Carried

 7.           Association of Vancouver Island and Coastal Communities

Chopra/Mealey

That all of Council be authorized to attend the Association of Vancouver Island and Coastal Communities' Annual General Meeting and Convention to be held on April 7 to 9, 2006 in Oak Bay.

Carried

 8.           Union of BC Municipalities

Chopra/Mealey

That Council for the City of Port Alberni receive the Economic Development Options outline and that Councillor Whiteman be authorized to attend the March 30 and 31, 2006 Conference.

Carried

9.           Swale Rock Café

 McLeman/Whiteman

That Council for the City of Port Alberni approve the use of the City sidewalk along Argyle Street by the Swale Rock Café as outlined in their correspondence received February 10, 2006 subject to conditions outlined in the City Clerk's report.

Carried

 F.           INFORMATIONAL CORRESPONDENCE

 1.           Terasen Waterworks

Letter dated January 30, 2006 providing an update of the change in ownership from Kinder Morgan to a consortium consisting of CAI Capital Management Co. and BC Investment Management Corporation and that the ownership change will not affect the quality of service to customers.

 2.           Cowichan Green Community

Information regarding the Rural Air Quality Forum to be held in Duncan on February 23, 2006.

3.           CUPE BC

Letter dated January 25, 2006 providing information regarding privatization of water services and enclosing a recent Ipsos Reid public opinion survey which found three quarters of British Columbians are opposed to privatization and 88% agree that water is a basic public service that should remain in public hands.

 4.           Pitch-In British Columbia  

              Providing information on the 2006 "Operation Clean Sweep" campaign.

 5.           Vancouver Island Regional Library Board

Providing a copy of the February 2006 News Brief.

 6.           North Island College

Providing a copy of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the North Island College Board of Governors held November 23, 2005.

 7.           Society for Children and Youth of BC

Letter dated December 2005 providing a copy of the publication entitled "VocalPoint", which provides child and youth advocates with information and research.

 8.           The International Awards for Liveable Communities

Letter dated January 2006 inviting the City to enter the 2006 LivCom Award, a global initiative dedicated to the creation of liveable communities through the awareness, development and exchange of International Best Practice relating to the management of the local environment.

 9.           Ministry of Environment

Letter dated February 3, 2006 advising that Ministry staff will be contacting the City to determine the progress and offer assistance in developing the implementation of the Riparian Areas Regulation.

 10.         Association of Vancouver Island and Coastal Communities (AVICC)

Circular calling for nominations for the 2006 AVICC Executive and providing information on the process and procedures and a nomination form. 

 11.         Association of Vancouver Island and Coastal Communities (AVICC)

Circular dated February 6, 2006 advising that the deadline for AVICC resolutions is February 17, 2006.

 12.         Association of Vancouver Island and Coastal Communities (AVICC)

Circular describing the implementation of the Long Service Awards for the year 2006 for AVICC local government elected officials who have served on a Council or Board for a total of 25 years or more.

 Mealey/Patterson

That Informational Correspondence items numbered 1 through 12, be received and filed.

Carried

 G.          UNFINISHED BUSINESS  

 Whiteman/Patterson

That the report from the Chair of the Grants In Aid Committee dated February 13, 2006 regarding grant requests received at the Regular Meeting of Council on January 30, 2006 from United Native Nations Bladerunners, for rent relief for Gyro Youth Centre in the amount of $215.07, and EMS Weightlifting Club, for rent relief for Glenwood Centre in the amount of $272.85, and recommending that the 50% of the requested amounts be awarded as grants in aid; $105.74 to United Native Nations Bladerunners and $136.43 to EMS Weightlifting Club, be received and the recommendations approved.

Carried

 H.          BYLAWS                       NIL

 I.            REPORTS

 1.           Accounts

Chopra/Mealey

              That the certification of the Director of Finance dated February 13, 2006 be received and the cheques numbered 88858 to 89043 inclusive, in payment of accounts totalling $819,502.36, be approved.

Carried

2.           Engineering and Public Works          

McLeman/Chopra

That the report from the Engineering and Public Works Department providing information about departmental operations in January 2006, be received and filed.

Carried

3.           Planning

Mealey/Solda

That the report from the City Planner providing information about departmental operations in January 2006, be received and filed.

Carried

 4.           Fire Department

Chopra/Patterson

That the 2005 annual report from the Bylaw Enforcement Officer/Business Licence Inspector, be received and filed.

Carried

 6.           Alberni Valley Museum and Heritage Commission 

 Patterson/Mealey

That the minutes from the Alberni Valley Museum and Heritage Commission meeting held February 1, 2006, be received and filed.

Carried

7.           City Clerk -  January 30, 2006 Public Hearing Report 

 Mealey/Patterson

That the report of the Public Hearing held January 30, 2006, be received and filed.

Carried

 8.           City Planner - Development Variance Permit No. 55 – 3645 14th Avenue

 Mealey/Whiteman

That the report from the City Planner dated February 6, 2006 regarding proposed Development Variance Permit No. 55 for 3645 14th Avenue, be received and Council proceed with consideration of the Development Variance Permit.

Carried

 The applicant indicated that their realtor, Louise Mousseau, made inquiries with the City’s Building Inspector regarding their plans and the encroachment before their purchase of the property.  She indicated that they were assured by the City their plans were okay.  Ms. Mousseau submitted a letter explaining this inquiry which was read by the City Clerk and is attached to and forms part of these minutes.

 The applicant indicated that their plan is to improve the home and its appearance in the neighbourhood.

 The City Planner explained the house is 30’ wide and is located on a 33’ lot.  The recommendation of staff and Advisory Planning Commission is before Council.    The proposed setbacks accommodate expansion of the home in the rear yard.

 Mrs. Kalpin of 3653 – 14th Avenue stated she is opposed to the subject house being placed any closer to her property.  She submitted a letter dated February 13, 2006 which was read by the City Clerk and is attached to and forms part of these minutes.

 The applicant indicated that their plan is to improve the appearance of the home with new siding and landscaping and to provide gutters.  If not provided with the variance as applied for they will rent the house out and not complete the planned improvements.

 The City Planner advised Council that to accommodate the applicants request another notice would have to be distributed.  This is not recommended by staff or the Advisory Planning Commission.

 Mealey/Whiteman

That Development Variance Permit No. 55 to vary the Bulk and Site Regulations as specified in Section 6.2.3 of Port Alberni Zoning Bylaw No. 4395 as follows:

 Vary Section 6.2.3 of Zoning Bylaw No. 4395 - Bulk and Site Regulations - Side Yard Setbacks - Vary the Side Yard Setback from 1.5 meters to 0.8 meters (a variance of  0.7 meters), on the north side of the land legally described as Lot 8, Block 15, District Lot 46, Alberni District, Plan 1064A, be authorized by resolution of the City Council on February 13, 2006.

Carried

9.           City Planner - Development Variance Permit No. 56 – 3510 Gagne Road

 Mealey/Patterson

That the report from the City Planner dated February 7, 2006 regarding proposed Development Variance Permit No. 56 for 3510 Gagne Road, be received and Council proceed with consideration of the Development Variance Permit.

Carried

 The applicant explained that there was some confusion in the interpretation of the setback requirements.  As a result he will be making a second application to vary the setback for a proposed shop.  He requested that Council grant the variance as applied for at this time to allow him to proceed with the construction of the dwelling.

Mealey/Whiteman

That Development Variance Permit No. 56 to vary the Bulk and Site Regulations as specified in Section 6.2.3 of Port Alberni Zoning Bylaw No. 4395 as follows:

 Vary Section 6.6.3 of Zoning Bylaw No. 4395 - Bulk and Site Regulations - Side Yard Setbacks - Vary the Side Yard Setback from 3.0 meters to 2.4 meters a variance of  0.6 meters)on the north side of the land legally described as Lot F, Block 30, District Lot 139, Alberni District, Plan 1562, and

 Vary Section 6.6.4.1 of Zoning Bylaw No. 4395 - Conditions of Use Side Yard Setback on a corner lot  from 3.5 meters to 3.14 a variance of 0.36 meters on the south side of the land legally described as Lot F, Block 30, District Lot 139, Alberni District, Plan 1562,  

be authorized by resolution of the City Council on February 13, 2006.

Carried

 10.         City Planner - Amendment to Development Permit No. 05-01 Pacific Rim Centre Mall

Mealey/Chopra

That the report from the City Planner dated February 8, 2006 regarding the proposed amendment to Development Permit No. 05-01 for the Pacific Rim shopping centre on Johnston Road to accommodate the needs of some of the tenants, be tabled to the February 27, 2006 Regular Meeting of Council. 

Carried

 11.         City Clerk – SICC Report to Regular Meeting of Council

 Chopra/Mealey

That the report dated February 9, 2006 reporting the following items:

Council approved the sale of seven acres of City owned property on Roger Street to 609188 BC Ltd. (Parksville Heavy Equipment) for the purchase price of $375,333.

Council advised all proponents for the purchase of Harbour View site that the City will not proceed with the sale pending the completion of the joint City/Port Alberni Port Authority Waterfront Study.

Council approved the sale of 5391 Russell Street to Brian and Evelyn Bradbury for the purchase price of $61,000.

be endorsed by Council.

Carried

 12.         Alberni Valley Museum Director - Sale of 2005 Street Banners

 Patterson/Whiteman

That the report dated January 26, 2006 from the Alberni Valley Museum Director requesting Council's authorization to sell the 2005 street banners for $45. each and that the proceeds be directed towards the $15,500. cost of the 2006 banners, be received and Council concur with the request.

Carried

 13.         Mayor's Report

               The Mayor reported on recent activities and matters of current interest.

  Mealey/Patterson

That the Mayor's report be received.

Carried

 14.         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

K.          OTHER COMPETENT BUSINESS

              Solda/McLeman

              That Council for the City of Port Alberni write to the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia to request that the Bait Car be placed on display within the Alberni Valley during its promotional tour of Vancouver Island.

Carried

               McLeman/Whiteman

              That Council for the City of Port Alberni write to the local real estate companies to advise them of the services available from the City to assist with background information regarding regulations and conditions on property.

Carried

 L.           ADJOURNMENT

 Mealey/Patterson

That the meeting adjourn at 9:45 pm.

Carried