MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF COUNCIL HELD
MONDAY, JUNE 26, 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)
Solda/Mealey
That the agenda be adopted as circulated with the addition of items E.7 - North Island College and E.8 - Sunbird Ventures Inc.
Carried
B. ADOPTION OF MINUTES
Mealey/Patterson
That the minutes of the June 12, 2006 Regular Council Meeting and the
June 15, 2006 Special Council Meeting be adopted as circulated.
Carried
C. DELEGATIONS
1. Tin Pants Theatre Troupe
Neil Malbon introduced the Tin Pants Theatre Troupe for this year. They provided Council with a brief performance.
2. Ron Paulson & Tom McEvay – Hockeyville Committee
Ron Paulson and Tom McEvay discussed the Hockeyville experience and expressed appreciation for the community's support
3. Bernadette Wyton - Air Quality Council
Bernadette Wyton presented a report to Council which was produced in conjunction with the "You Burn It, You Breathe It" brochure and deals with the larger picture of garbage management in our region.
4. Echo Sunshine Club
Hugh Grist and members from the Echo Sunshine Club were in attendance to discuss the proposed credit for facility activities and rentals which the club would use to hire an Administrative Assistant.
Whiteman/Solda
That the report dated June 20, 2006 from the Director of Parks and
Recreation be received and that Council table the proposal until the next
regular meeting of Council to provide an opportunity for consultation with
CUPE.
Carried
D. PROCLAMATIONS
1. Alberni #100 - Order of the Eastern Star
Solda/Mealey
That the letter dated June 12, 2006 requesting the week of February 4 to 10, 2005 be declared as "Eastern Star Week" in Port Alberni be received and the week proclaimed as requested.
Carried
E. CORRESPONDENCE FOR ACTION
1. Royal Canadian Legion
McLeman/Mealey
That the letter dated June 7, 2006 noting that some of the headstones in the Field of Honour have begun to sink and need to be re-set and the (verbal) report from the Director of Parks and Recreation be received.
Carried
2. Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM)
Chopra/Patterson
That the memorandum dated June 8, 2006 requesting support for the establishment of the Local Government Leadership Academy (LGLA) be received and Council provide a one time contribution of $500 and a letter of support for the program.
Carried
3. Town of Ladysmith
Whiteman/Solda
That the letter dated June 5, 2006 challenging all other Vancouver Island municipal Councils to a "Shave-Off' in support of the 2006 Tour de Rock, be received.
Carried
4. Valley Street Rods Car Club
McLeman/Chopra
That the letter dated June 14, 2006 requesting use of the Harbour Quay for the Annual Thunder in the Valley Show and Shine event on August 11, 2006 and closure to regular traffic to the Harbour Quay from 2:00 pm until 9:00 pm to accommodate the event, be received and Council concur with the request subject to notification of emergency services, consultation with all affected businesses to minimize potential conflict and traffic concerns and provision of standard liability insurance.
Carried
5. Greyhound Canada Transportation Corp.
Solda/Mealey
That the letter dated June 14, 2006 advising that Greyhound Canada Corp. and Tofino Bus Services Inc. has filed an application with the BC Passenger Services for a reduction in minimum frequency that affects bus services to Port Alberni and inviting Council to provide any comments to the BC Passenger Transportation, be received and Council request representatives of Greyhound Canada Corp. and Tofino Bus Services Inc. attend a regular meeting of Council to address concerns of reduced service levels for the City of Port Alberni.
Carried
6. Permissive Tax Exemption – Grant in Aid Requests
Alberni Christian Fellowship
Chopra/Whiteman
That the letter from Alberni Christian Fellowship dated May 31, 2006 requesting a grant-in-aid equivalent to taxes owing for the ground surrounding their Church at the former Mount Klitsa School on Tebo Avenue and a report from the City Clerk be received and that Council concur with the recommendation to deny the request for a grant in aid for the 2006 taxes and that the Alberni Christian Fellowship be encouraged to apply for a permissive tax exemption for 2007.
Carried
Alberni Valley Ministries (Salvation Army)
Chopra/Whiteman
That the letter from Alberni Valley Ministries dated June 21, 2006 requesting a grant-in-aid equivalent to taxes owing for the property they occupy at 4841 Redford Street and report from the Administrative Assistant be received and that Council concur with the recommendation to deny the request for a grant in aid for the 2006 taxes and that Alberni Valley Ministries be encouraged to apply for a permissive tax exemption for 2007.
Carried
7. Tom Weegar - North Island College
Whiteman/Patterson
That the letter dated June 23, 2006 from Mr. Tom Weegar proposing a
Halloween event on City property at the Alberni Harbour Quay during the
week of October 24 to 31, 2006, be received and Council endorse the
event.
Carried
8. Mike Steves - Sunbird Ventures Inc.
McLeman/Solda
That the letter dated June 23, 2006 from Mike Steves of Sunbird Ventures
Inc. requesting an increase in the monthly recycling service fee by $3,300
be received and referred to staff to secure more information regarding the
need for the funds, alternative service and ways to improve recycling
service.
Carried
F. INFORMATIONAL CORRESPONDENCE
1. City of Williams Lake
A letter dated June 7, 2006 replying to a letter from the City of Port Alberni encouraging an initiative to help small rural communities maintain quality recreation facilities.
2. Ministry of Environment
E-mail dated June 12, 2006 from the Wildlife Conflicts Prevention Coordinator advising that the City of Port Alberni's application for "Bear Smart" funding has been approved.
3. Bread of Life
Letter dated June 8, 2006 enclosing a copy of their 2006 Annual Report and the Accountant's Review Statement.
4. Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM)
Letter dated June 7, 2006 advising that on September 29, 1905 the Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM) was formed and enclosing a book entitled "UBCM: The First Century".
5. Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM)
The Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM) providing a Notice
dated June, 2006 calling for nominations for the UBCM executive.
5.1 Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM)
Fax dated June 21, 2006 announcing the signing of the Canada-BC Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund, and attaching an information bulletin advising that details on how BC communities can apply for funding are expected to be made available later this summer.
6. Vancouver Island Aboriginal Transition Team
Letter dated May 30, 2006 advising that Debra Foxcroft, Past Chair of the Vancouver Island Aboriginal Transition Team has accepted a position as an Assistant Deputy Minister for the Ministry of Children and Family Development and informing that her job will be to help implement both their vision and the Premier's commitment to Aboriginal community based control for services for children and families.
7. Town of Smithers
Fax dated June 16, 2006 congratulating the Port Alberni "Bulldogs" Hockey Team on being selected one of the top "Top 10 Communities" in the "Kraft Hockeyville 2006" contest.
8. Vancouver Island Regional Library Board
A fax dated June 19, 2006 providing a News Brief which outlines the decisions and updates from their last meeting.
9. Municipal Finance Authority of British Columbia (MFA)
Letter dated June 16, 2006 advising that they will be forwarding the City’s share of the MFA Interim Financing Program dividend to the Director of Finance.
10. Municipal Finance Authority of British Columbia (MFA)
Letter dated June 16, 2006 advising that they will be forwarding the City’s share of the MFA Leasing Program dividend to the Director of Finance.
11. Make Children First Network
Letter dated June 16, 2006 thanking the Mayor and Council for writing letters to the federal and provincial governments in support of pursuing an effective child care system.
12. City of North Vancouver
Letter dated June 14, 2006 providing copy of a resolution adopted by their Council that calls on the Province of British Columbia to establish an Industrial Land Reserve.
Mealey/Patterson
That Informational Correspondence items numbered 1 through 12 be received and filed.
Carried
G. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
1. Director of Parks and Recreation - Medical Clinic Lease - Government Agent's Building
Whiteman/Mealey
That the report from the Director of Parks and Recreation dated June 20, 2006 be received and Council approve the two year lease with the Vancouver Island Health Authority for the provision of a temporary medical clinic at the Government Agent's building for the Alberni Valley as submitted.
Carried
2. City Engineer – Energy Aware Award 2006
McLeman/Chopra
That the report from the City Engineer dated June 21, 2006 be received and the City make application for the Energy Aware Award 2006 with respect to the China Creek Micro Hydro Project with the Hupacasath First Nation’s permission.
Carried
H. BYLAWS
1. Director of Parks & Recreation – Fees & Charges Bylaw, No. 4635
Whiteman/McLeman
That "Recreation Facilities Fees and Charges Bylaw, No. 4635, 2006" be now finally adopted, signed by the Mayor and Clerk, sealed with the corporate seal and numbered 4635.
Carried
2. Director of Parks & Recreation – Parks & Recreation Capital Reserve Bylaw, Amendment No. 1, Bylaw No. 4636
Whiteman/Patterson
That "Parks & Recreation Capital Reserve Bylaw, Amendment No. 1, Bylaw 4636" be now finally adopted, signed by the Mayor and Clerk, sealed with the corporate seal and numbered 4636.
Carried
3. Director of Parks & Recreation – Parkland Acquisition Reserve Fund Establishment Bylaw, No. 4637
Whiteman/Solda
That "Parkland Acquisition Reserve Fund Establishment Bylaw, No. 4637" be now finally adopted, signed by the Mayor and Clerk, sealed with the corporate seal and numbered 4637.
Carried
4. Animal Control and Pound Bylaw, No. 4593
Solda/Mealey
That the report from the City Clerk dated June 15, 2006 providing clarification on comments referred to the City's solicitor and attaching a policy to be considered if the bylaw proceeds to adopted, be received.
Carried
Solda/McLeman
That "Animal Control and Pound Bylaw, No. 4593" which was introduced and read a first time on June 13, 2005, be rescinded.
Carried
Solda/Mealey
That the amended "Animal Control and Pound Bylaw, No. 4593" be now introduced and read a first time.
Carried
Solda/McLeman
That the amended "Animal Control and Pound Bylaw, No. 4593" be read a second time.
Carried
Solda/Mealey
That the amended "Animal Control and Pound Bylaw, No. 4593" be read a third time.
Carried
5. City Clerk - Verbal Report from the Public Hearing held at 6:00 pm regarding Bylaw No. 4634
Mealey/Patterson
That the verbal report of the Public Hearing held June 26, 2006 at 6:00 pm be received.
Carried
Zoning Amendment No. 49 (3945 Johnston Road - Aimi Holdings) Bylaw No. 4634"
Mealey/Chopra
That "Zoning Amendment No. 49 (3945 Johnston Road - Aimi Holdings) Bylaw No. 4634" be read a third time.
Carried
6. Administrative Assistant - June 15, 2006 Public Hearing Report
Mealey/Patterson
That the report of the Public Hearing held June 15, 2006 be received and filed.
Carried
“Official Community Plan Amendment No. 35 (5700 Pierce Road, 5558 and 5578 Beaver Creek Road – Venier), Bylaw No. 4616”
Mealey/Solda
That “Official Community Plan Amendment No. 35 (5700 Pierce Road, 5558 and 5578 Beaver Creek Road – Venier), Bylaw No. 4616” be read a third time.
Carried
"Zoning Amendment No. 42 (5700 Pierce Road and 5578 Beaver Creek Road – Venier) Bylaw No. 4617"
Mealey/Patterson
That "Zoning Amendment No. 42 (5700 Pierce Road and 5578 Beaver Creek Road – Venier) Bylaw No. 4617" be read a third time.
Carried
"Zoning Text Amendment No. T23 (Mobile Home Side Yard Setback – Venier) Bylaw No. 4618"
Mealey/Whiteman
That "Zoning Text Amendment No. T23 (Mobile Home Side Yard Setback – Venier) Bylaw No. 4618" be read a third time.
Carried
Councillor Chopra indicated that he had a conflict of interest regarding item H.7 as he is related to the applicant. He excused himself at 8:21 pm.
7. City Planner - Advisory Planning Commission
Mealey/Patterson
That the report of the Advisory Planning Commission Meeting held on June 15, 2006 be received.
Carried
Development Application – Proposed Official Community Plan and Zoning Bylaw Amendment – 3690 Roger Street (J. McManus dba McManus Development Planning)
Mealey/Solda
That Council deny the application to amend the Official Community Plan from Residential to Commercial and the Zoning amendment from DC – Dormitory and Commercial District to C4 – Highway Commercial District for 3690 Roger Street.
Carried
Councillor Chopra returned to the meeting at 8:28 pm.
I. REPORTS
1. Accounts
Chopra/Mealey
That the certification of the Director of Finance dated June 26, 2006 be received and the cheques numbered 90788 to 91031 inclusive, in payment of accounts totalling $1,164,258.79 be approved.
Carried
2. RCMP
Solda/Patterson
That the monthly report from the OIC, Port Alberni providing information about current departmental operations, be received.
Carried
3. Parks and Recreation
Whiteman/Patterson
That the monthly report from the Director of Parks and Recreation providing information about current events, be received.
Carried
4. Alberni Valley Museum
Patterson/Mealey
That the monthly report from the Director of the Alberni Valley Museum providing information about current events, be received.
Carried
5. Alberni Valley Museum and Heritage Commission
Patterson/Mealey
That the minutes from the Alberni Valley Museum and Heritage Commission meeting of June 7, 2006, be received.
Carried
6. Director of Finance – Audit Committee Minutes
Chopra/Mealey
That the minutes of the June 12, 2006 Audit Committee Meeting and the May financial statements, be received.
Carried
7. Administrative Assistant - Water in the City Conference
Solda/Mealey
That Councillor McLeman be authorized to attend the "Water in the City" Conference to be held in Victoria, September 17 to 20, 2006 at a cost of $495 + GST and all applicable expenses.
Carried
8. Director of Finance - Class 4 Major Industry Taxation - 2006
Chopra/Solda
That the report from the Director of Finance dated June 20, 2006 responding to a call from Catalyst Paper Mill regarding Major Industry Taxation and providing an analysis of the Major Industry tax bills comparing 2006 to 2005, be received.
Carried
9. City Clerk - Liquor Licence Application - Coasters Brew Pub
Chopra/Whiteman
That Council for the City of Port Alberni endorse the City Clerk’s report of June 14, 2006 regarding the Coasters Brew Pub Liquor-Primary License application for 5425 Argyle Street and direct staff to solicit public input with the notice as circulated.
Carried
10. City Clerk - Proposed Sale of City Lane - 12th Avenue
Mealey/Chopra
That Council authorize the sale of that portion of lane adjacent to the north boundary of Lot 8, District Lot 1, Alberni District, Plan 5292 to Mr. Bud Porter, for the price of $6,877 plus survey costs and property transfer fees.
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
The public and the press were provided the opportunity to ask questions of the Mayor and Council. There were none.
K. OTHER COMPETENT BUSINESS
McLeman/Patterson
That members of the West Island Woodlands Accreditation Group be
invited to Council as a delegation to describe their purpose.
Carried
L. ADJOURNMENT
Mealey/Patterson
That the meeting adjourn at 9:28 pm.
Carried