MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF COUNCIL HELD
TUESDAY, MAY 23, 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 (including introduction of late items)
Mealey/Patterson
That the agenda be adopted as amended to include; C-4 delegation Keith Wyton, E-3 email from Robin Nadig, E-4 letter from Port Alberni Port Authority and I.15a letter from Richard Berg.
Carried
B. ADOPTION OF MINUTES
Mealey/Patterson
That the minutes of May 8, 2006 Regular Council meeting be adopted as circulated.
Carried
C. DELEGATIONS
1. Bob Phillips Jr.
Bob Phillips Jr. received recognition from City Council on his receipt of ALS Canada's Exceptional Public Awareness Award and provided information on this year’s “On a Roll” campaign which starts on June 10th.
2. Robert Gunn and Marta Williamson - Friends of the Library
Robert Gunn and Marta Williamson representing Friends of the Library discussed building of the new library.
Council requested that Report I.15 and late item I.15a be brought forward for discussion.
I.15a Director of Parks and Recreation – Proposed Library Tenders
Patterson/Chopra
That the letter from Richard Berg dated May 19, 2006 wishing to wholeheartedly support the original plan of building a new library facility in front of Echo Centre and using a common reception area for the adjacent facilities noting that a new library would help restore the balance between sports and art, education, and culture, and requesting that Council proceed with the original project, be received.
Carried
I.15. Director of Parks and Recreation - Proposed Library Tenders
Patterson/Mealey
That the report from the Director of Parks and Recreation dated May 18, 2006 be received.
Carried
Patterson/Mealey
That the development of the new library, as currently designed and tendered, be cancelled due to the increased costs and the need to borrow approximately $1 million dollars for the project.
For the Motion: Mayor McRae, Councillors Chopra,
McLeman, Patterson and Mealey
Against the Motion: Councillors Whiteman and Solda
Carried
Patterson/Mealey
That the City proceed with design plans to renovate the existing Library in preparation for a possible September tender period.
For the Motion: Mayor McRae, Councillors Chopra,
McLeman, Patterson and Mealey
Against the Motion: Councillors Whiteman and Solda
Carried
Patterson/Chopra
That Council meet with School District 70 officials in September to determine the status of a proposed new High School at that time.
Carried
3. Scott Kenny, Carol Hamilton, Donna Brett and Ashley Swain
The committee provided information on this year's Rick Hansen Wheels in Motion event on June 11. In Councillor Whiteman’s absence, Councillor Patterson will liaise with the committee.
4. Keith Wyton – Save our Valley Alliance (SOVA)
Provided an update on SOVA’s recent activities and requested Council’s continued support.
McLeman/Chopra
That Council continue to support protection of water and protection of jobs in our community.
Carried
McLeman/Chopra
That Council write letters of thanks to the speakers at last week’s rally at the legislature.
Carried
D. PROCLAMATIONS
1. Ministry of Community Services and Minister Responsible for Seniors' and Women's Issues
Solda/Patterson
That the letter be received and the week of June 4th to 11th proclaimed “Senior’s Week” in Port Alberni as requested.
Carried
E. CORRESPONDENCE FOR ACTION
1. Lucky Printers and Stationers Ltd.
Mealey/Chopra
That the letter dated May 8, 2006 from President, Fred Luecke, expressing concerns about a rumor he has heard of a Staples store opening in the Alberni Mall, be received and Mr. Luecke advised of the limitations of zoning and that Council has no control over specific businesses that may be established.
Carried
2. Richard Pearce
Chopra/Whiteman
That Council for the City of Port Alberni agree to the assignment of lease for a portion of Block B, District Lot 232, Alberni District (old Plywood site) from Richard Pearce dba Pearce Log Recoveries to Tony Winters.
Carried
3. Robin Nadig – Kiwanis Cycles Kms for Diabetes
Solda/Chopra
That the email dated May 19, 2006 regarding the 3rd Annual Kiwanis Cycles Kms for Diabetes tour arriving in Port Alberni on Friday, June 2 and requesting use of City streets from the McDonalds Restaurant on Johnston Road to EJ Dunn School on Argyle Street via Gertrude Street and 3rd Avenue to Argyle Street, be received and Council endorse the request.
Carried
4. Port Alberni Port Authority – Dredging Operation at Clutesi Marina
McLeman/Solda
That the letter from Port Alberni Port Authority dated May 16th advising that they plan to conduct a dredging operation at Clutesi Haven Marina, June 5th and 6th which will result in the closure of Kitsuksis Bridge between the hours of 5:00 pm and 2:00 am on those dates and requesting permission to borrow barricades and detour signs from the City, be received and Council concur with the request.
Carried
F. INFORMATIONAL CORRESPONDENCE
1. Ministry of Finance
Letter dated May 2, 2006 acknowledging receipt of the City's letter regarding the BC Competition Council Preliminary Recommendation and Industrial Property Taxation, and advising that Ministry staff will respond.
2. Valerie Roddick, MLA, Delta South
Letter advising of the government's development of a Provincial Agriculture Plan to establish a long term vision for agriculture, which will sustain and facilitate the growth and diversification of the agriculture sector, enclosing a copy of Terms of Reference, and inviting municipalities to share ideas and information with the Committee.
3. Provincial Health Services Authority
Letter dated April 28, 2006 providing a copy of its publication "Health Research: Seeking Solutions" which provides information about medical research taking place in BC.
4. Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM)
Circular dated May 8, 2008 advising that funding is available to local government and First Nations for Regional Community to Community Forums.
5. Ministry of Community Services and Minister Responsible for Seniors' and Women's Issues
Letter dated May 9, 2006 advising that the total value of the Small Community Protection (SCP) grant program will double over the next four years, and that the City of Port Alberni's first installment of $92,645 will be distributed by the end of June.
6. Bill 30, Miscellaneous Statutes Amendment Act, changes to the Utilities
Commission Act - proposed amendment to exempt certain public utilities from having to conform to local government bylaws.
Union of British Columbia Municipalities
Memorandum dated May 3, 2006 advising of a member consultation session on Bill 30 in Vancouver on Thursday May 25, 2006.
Official Opposition Environment Critic and Official Opposition Municipal Affairs
Email dated May 4, 2006 advising the Official Opposition has opposed Bill 30.
Sunshine Coast Regional District
Copy of a letter to the Premier opposing Bill 30.
CUPE BC
Letter dated May 5, 2006 urging municipalities to oppose Bill 30.
Leslie Walerius
Copy of an email to Premier Campbell opposing Bill 30.
7. RCMP Port Alberni Detachment
Thanking the City for the sponsorship of the Port Alberni DARE car.
8. City of Nanaimo
Letter dated May 16, 2006 providing support for Port Alberni's Hockeyville 2006 application.
Mealey/Patterson
That Informational Correspondence items numbered 1 through 8, be received and filed.
Carried
G. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
1. City Engineer - 2006 Equipment Purchases
McLeman/Patterson
That the report dated May 5, 2006 be received and the following purchases approved:
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Carried
H. BYLAWS
1. City Clerk - Verbal Report from the Public Hearing held at 6:00 pm regarding Bylaw No. 4631
Mealey/Patterson
That the verbal report of the Public Hearing held May 23, 2006 at 6:00 pm be received.
Carried
"Zoning Amendment No. 48 (3911 – 11th Avenue – Fraser & Shannon), Bylaw No. 4631"
Mealey/Whiteman
That "Zoning Amendment No. 48 (3911 – 11th Avenue – Fraser & Shannon), Bylaw No. 4631", be read a third time.
Carried
2. "Building Bylaw No. 4577, 2005"
Solda/Mealey
That "Building Bylaw No. 4577, 2005" be now finally adopted, signed by the Mayor and Clerk, sealed with the corporate seal and numbered 4577.
Carried
3. "Animal Control and Pound Bylaw, No. 4593"
Solda/Whiteman
That the report from the City Clerk dated May 18, 2006, letter received May 5, 2006 from the BC SPCA Port Alberni Branch and letter dated April 25, 2006 from David McCormick, be received and that staff be directed to consult with the City's solicitor regarding all changes proposed by the SPCA.
Carried
I. REPORTS
1. Accounts
Chopra/Whiteman
That the certification of the Director of Finance dated May 23, 2006 be received and the cheques numbered 90344 to 90547 inclusive, in payment of accounts totalling $1,188,357.66 be approved.
Carried
2. RCMP
Solda/Mealey
That the monthly report from the OIC, Port Alberni providing information about current departmental operations, be received.
Carried
3. Parks and Recreation
Whiteman/Solda
That the monthly report from the Director of Parks and Recreation providing information about departmental operations in April 2006, be received.
Carried
4. Engineering and Public Works
McLeman/Solda
That the monthly report from the Engineer providing information about departmental operations in April 2006, be received.
Carried
5. Fire Department
The report covering April and May will be provided at the June 12 Council meeting.
6. Alberni Valley Museum
Patterson/Whiteman
That the monthly report from the Director of the Alberni Valley Museum providing information about current events, be received.
Carried
7. Director of Finance – Audit Committee Minutes
Chopra/Mealey
That the minutes of the May 8, 2006 Audit Committee Meeting, the report from the Administrative Assistant dated May 11, 2006 and the report from the Museum Director dated May 9, 2006 responding to questions from the May 8 Audit Committee Meeting, and the April financial statements, be received.
Carried
8. City Planner - Building Strata Conversion Application Cygnet Apartments at 3883 10th Avenue
Mealey/Patterson
That the report from the City Planner dated May 15, 2006 be received and that Council approve the Strata Plan application for 3883 10th Avenue subject to receiving an Irrevocable Letter of Credit in the amount of $1,210,000 to ensure completion of the required renovations.
Carried
9. Director of Parks and Recreation - Parks and Recreation Capital Reserve Bylaw
Whiteman/Solda
That the report from the Director of Parks and Recreation dated May 15, 2006, be received and that the recommendations to:
Increase the revenue contribution from 5% to 10%;
Revenues from the sale of Parkland as identified in the Parks and Other Public Spaces Bylaw, No. 3611, be directed into a separate reserve for parks development and improvements;
Revenue from Parkland lease agreements be deposited into the reserve,
be approved.
Carried
10. City Planner - Set date of Public Hearing for Sunrise Estates Mobile Home Park Proposed Expansion
Mealey/Patterson
That the report from the City Planner dated May 17, 2006 be received and the following Bylaws be advanced to Public Hearing on Thursday, June 15, 2006 at 7:00 pm in the Dogwood Room at Echo Centre:
Official Community Plan Amendment No. 35 (5700 Pierce Road, 5558 and 5578 Beaver Creek Road - Venier) Bylaw No. 4616;
Zoning Amendment No. 42 (5700 Pierce Road, 5558 and 5578 Beaver Creek Road - Venier) Bylaw No. 4617;
Zoning Text Amendment No. T23 (Mobile Home Side Yard Setback - Venier) Bylaw No. 4618; and
Development Variance Permit No. 54.
Carried
11. Director of Parks and Recreation - Multiplex Steel Tender
Whiteman/Patterson
That the report from the Director of Parks and Recreation dated May 15, 2006, recommending that the contract for supply and installation of structural steel for the improvements to the upper lounge at the Multiplex be awarded to Alberni Engineering at the bid price of $84,956 plus PST of $5,942.92, total of $90,902.92, be received and the recommendation approved.
Carried
12. City Engineer - Request for Water Connection Outside City Limits
McLeman/Solda
That the report dated May 17, 2006 regarding a request from Lyle Price and Alvin Irg for water services from the China Creek supply main for a proposed land subdivision near Cox Lake, outside City limits, recommending that Council approve the request under the same terms and conditions as a similar request approved by Council in 1999, be received and approved.
Carried
13. City Planner - Development Variance Permit No. 59 – 3555 Johnston Road
Mealey/Chopra
That the report from the City Planner dated May 16, 2006 regarding proposed Development Variance Permit No. 59, be received and Council proceed with consideration of the Development Variance Permit.
Carried
Gillian Shearwater agreed with a comment previously made by Councillor Chopra that allowing this variance says the City is open for business, however, she questioned how the variance would be interpreted by those businesses who have obeyed the Bylaws all these years.
Chopra/Whiteman
That Development Variance Permit No. 59 to vary Section 6.5.4(b)(2) of Port Alberni Sign Bylaw No. 4287 as follows:
to vary the Freestanding Sign Maximum Background Area from 12 m2 (129 ft2) to 14.86 m2 (160 ft2)
on land legally described as Lot 1, District Lot 14, Alberni District, Plan VIP76152 (3555 Johnston Road), be authorized by resolution of the City Council on May 23, 2006.
Recorded Vote:
For the Motion: Mayor McRae, Councillors Chopra,
McLeman, Patterson and Whiteman
Against the Motion: Councillors Mealey and Solda
Carried
14. City Clerk - SICC Report from May 15 Meeting
Whiteman/Solda
That the SICC report from the May 15 meeting regarding Council’s approval of the establishment of an in-house Economic Development Service and the hiring of an Economic Development Officer, be received.
Carried
15. Director of Parks and Recreation – Proposed Library Tenders
This item was moved to C-2 Delegation.
Mealey/Whiteman
That Council agree to extend the meeting beyond 10:00 pm.
Carried
16. Mayor's Report
The Mayor reported on recent activities and matters of current interest.
Mealey/Patterson
That the Mayor’s report be received.
Carried
17. Councillors' Reports
The Councillors reported on recent activities related to their various portfolios.
Mealey/McLeman
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.
Jen Fisher-Bradley, 2667 - 4th Avenue commented on the recently distributed “Rural Link” noting that it contains excellent information on BC Stories.
The Mayor responded to a question regarding the status of the Community Forest and Ms. Fisher-Bradley was also advised that a staff person is a member of the Canadian Economic Development Network.
K. OTHER COMPETENT BUSINESS
Motions:
Chopra/Mealey
That a letter be provided to the Province of British Columbia requesting that they immediately set Bill 30 aside and return to working with UBCM to complete the commitments of the MOU on Independent Power projects as quickly as possible.
Carried
L. ADJOURNMENT
Mealey/Patterson
That the meeting adjourn at 10:25 pm.
Carried
________________________________ ______________________________
Mayor Clerk
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