MINUTES of the Regular Meeting of City Council held on Monday, July 7, 2008 at 1:40 P.M.

Transcription

1 281 MINUTES of the Regular Meeting of City Council held on Monday, at 1:40 P.M. PRESENT: ALDERMEN: OTHERS: Mayor R.D. Tarleck J.H. Carlson R. Dodic B.A. Lacey R.K. Parker M.A. Simmons K.E. Tratch S.G. Ward T.H. Wickersham City Clerk D. Nemeth Legislative Coordinator B. Burke City Manager G. Sherwin A/City Treasurer C. Wight Director of Community Services K. Hopkins Director of Infrastructure Services D. Hawkins CALL TO ORDER ANNOUNCEMENTS: DELEGATIONS: 1. Gary Weikum, Community Planning Manager, re Innovative Urban Development 2. Doug Hawkins, Director of Infrastructure Services, re Land Development System Evaluation and Rebuild (Project LaSER) 3. Bruce Thurston, Vice-Chair of the Community and Social Development Committee and Catherine Schissel, CAT Research re Progress Towards a Brighter Future : A Review of Community Accomplishments, New & Persistent Social Issues & the Way forward for the City of Lethbridge 4. Lyndsey Robinson, Health Promotion Specialist, Chinook Health, re Healthy Weight Initiative

2 282 BYLAWS: FOR FIRST READING: BYLAW 5531 Amendment to the Land Use Bylaw 4100 change from Urban Reserve (U-R), High Density Residential (R- 150), Highway Commercial (C-H) and Public Building (P-B) to Direct Control (DC) (Portion of Section W4) (West Lethbridge Community Core) BYLAW 5532 Amendment to the Land Use Bylaw 4100 change from Urban Reserve (UR) to Low Density Residential (R-L) (Portion of Section W4) (West Lethbridge Phase II) FOR SECOND AND THIRD READING: BYLAW 5529 Regulate Graffiti and Activities in relation to Graffiti OFFICIAL BUSINESS: Sale of Property in Sherring Business & Industrial Park to GEA Rainey Corporation (5 acres of property at 3675 Giffen Road North, Lot 4, Block 2, Plan ) Amend Sales Contract SunRidge Commercial Site (6 SunRidge Boulevard West - Lot 3, Block 3, Plan ) REPORTS (Consent Items) Follow-Up Action List INCAMERA REPORTS: Land Matters COMMUNICATIONS: Gary Weikum, Community Planning Manager, re Innovative Urban Development Doug Hawkins, Director of Infrastructure Services, re Land Development System Evaluation and Rebuild (Project LaSER)

3 283 COMMUNICATIONS: (continued) Diane Randell, Manager, Community and Social Development, re Progress Towards a Brighter Future : A Review of Community Accomplishments, New & Persistent Social Issues & the Way forward for the City of Lethbridge Duane Ens, Regulatory Services Manager, re Calgary Cat Bylaw Experience Kevin Jensen, Parks Operations Manager, re Purchase of Three Sidewalk Sanders for use in the Sidewalk Snow Removal Program Kevin Jensen, Parks Operations Manager, re Purchase of Portable Stump Grinding Machine Kevin Viergutz, Transportation Operations Manager, re Purchase of pre-wetting Equipment for Sanders and Upgrade the Controls in Eight Dump Trucks Kevin Viergutz, Transportation Operations Manager, re Purchase of a Skid Steer Loader, Trailer and Asphalt Planer Kevin Viergutz, Transportation Operations Manager, re Purchase of a metre wide Asphalt Paver Garth Sherwin, City Manager, re Invitation to Tender: C-08-16; Lethbridge Regional Landfill - Waste Drop-Off Facility Lyndsey Robinson, Health Promotion Specialist, Chinook Health, re Healthy Weight Initiative CALL TO ORDER S.G. WARD: THAT the minutes of the Regular Meeting held Monday, June 23, 2008 be approved and the Mayor and the City Clerk be authorized to sign the same. S.G. WARD: THAT the communications as presented by the City Clerk be laid on the table for further consideration.

4 284 ANNOUNCEMENTS Mayor Tarleck welcomed Garth Sherwin to his first meeting as City Manager. Garth Sherwin announced effective today, Mr. Corey Wight has been appointed as the Acting Director of Corporate Services/City Treasurer. A formal recruitment/selection process for this position will be undertaken this fall. DELEGATIONS: Gary Weikum, Community Planning Manager, re Innovative Urban Development s 630-A Gary Weikum, Community Planning Manager, advised that in February 2008, City Council directed staff to prepare a methodology to support alternative forms of development. He reported that over the last several decades, Lethbridge has generally supported a standardized suburban model of growth and development which has served a large segment of the population quite well. However, alternative forms of development will support a diverse range of lifestyles and choice of housing. The majority of planning decisions are made by the municipality while the majority of development decisions are made by the private sector. Innovation requires a facilitative municipality and a motivated private sector working in partnership. Mr. Weikum reported that they have identified two major areas of focus to support alternative or innovative development: Rules and regulations respecting development on private property, such as the Land Use Bylaw, would require amendment to allow for greater flexibility Engineering standards and practices associated with public roadways and underground utilities, all of which are located in public rights-of-way (infrastructure corridors) would require review He advised that the emphasis for both areas of focus should be directed towards a review of the underlying community values that have resulted in the current pattern of design. He reported on current practice and results as well as innovative alternatives and the challenges and barriers to innovation. Mr. Weikum provided information on the public realm design values identifying the high and low priorities. He reported that the evaluation criteria for the Public realm should include decisions based upon balance of Design values: Safety Liability

5 285 DELEGATIONS: (continued) 630-A Capital Costs Maintenance Costs Community Character Opportunity for choice and diversity Support of the Private Realm Environmental impact Mr. Weikum advised that the Public Realm evaluation proposal is to have a seminar with City Council to prioritize design values with regards to innovation in order to provide guidelines for staff. In the meantime, under the Direct Control district, staff could be proactive and deal with innovation as part of the normal approval process on an ad hoc basis with an attitude that innovation is a deviation from the norm. A question period followed with respect to: Direct Control district being equal to an Innovative District in West Lethbridge Process to be followed to use existing Direct Control for Innovative District Discussions with developers and their interest in doing something different Timing for discussion with developers and method for involving the private sector Understanding of what the community wants Process of revising the Municipal Development Plan and assessing community values Criteria design values and the differences between public and private The following resolution was presented: S.G. WARD: BE IT RESOLVED THAT in response to City Council s resolution of February 4, 2008, the Administration be directed to: 1) prepare a new land use district for the Land Use Bylaw to accommodate innovative development, and 2) prepare a Council seminar for the Fall of 2008 to engage City Council in ranking evaluation factors and community values for the design of infrastructure corridors AND FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED THAT Mr. Weikum be thanked for his presentation.

6 286 DELEGATIONS: (continued) 630-A Deputy Mayor Dodic assumed the Chair PRIOR TO A VOTE BEING CALLED ON THE FOREGOING RESOLUTION, THE FOLLOWING AMENDMENT WAS PRESENTED: R.D. TARLECK: BE IT RESOLVED THAT the following be added to the resolution: 3) develop a process for Development Community participation Mayor Tarleck assumed the Chair THE ORIGINAL RESOLUTION, AS AMENDED WAS PRESENTED Community Services, Infrastructure Services, Development Services, Real Estate & Land Development Doug Hawkins, Director of Infrastructure Services, re Land Development System Evaluation and Rebuild (Project LaSER) 590-A 630-A Doug Hawkins, Director of Infrastructure Services, advised that his presentation was to brief City Council on a continuous improvement initiative that the Administration has begun with respect to land development in our community. He advised that Gary Weikum and Byron Buzunis had brought this initiative forward recognizing that some of our current processes and systems are outdated. Mr. Hawkins reported that Lethbridge is experiencing a high rate of growth and at the same time there has been significant change in the organization and people involved in the planning and land development process. In addition, a number of incremental changes have been made in the process that attempt to address changes as they occur. The incremental changes to the system have resulted in some undesired consequences, where the process now drives the result rather than supporting the desired vision. This has generated frustration among land developers, consultants and City Administration.

7 287 DELEGATIONS: (continued) 590-A 630-A Mr. Hawkins advised that the City has a Land Development Systems which is the overall process that results in raw land being planned and developed into service lots. It begins with our Municipal Development plan, however the land developers and City staff become engaged with the preparation of Area Structure Plans, then Outline Plans followed by Subdivision Plans and construction drawings. At each of these stages the plans become increasingly more detailed and the level of effort and engagement becomes even more complex and varied. The result is construction and transfer of new infrastructure to the City. Mr. Hawkins identified the issues and results that are now causing concern. Beginning with the end in mind, Administration met to review the purpose of the Land Development System. The System should help us continue to build a great city, one that meets our community s vision and aspirations both now and well into the future and also support the Land Development Industry as they create solutions that meet the community s vision. Mr. Hawkins highlighted the characteristics of a successful Land Development System and the project objectives. He outlined the process for review of the Land Development System and reported that this project (LaSER) would align the system with the desired outcomes; re-organizing the structure and matching the appropriate roles and decisions with the right stakeholder and by synchronizing the expectations of the various stakeholders: A question period followed with respect to: Examples of where process drives results in the existing system Necessity for an outside consultant and funding available Plan assisting to help people complete segments of the project without having to start over again Timelines and ultimate end date Identification of external stakeholders, participation thus far and thoughts about the project The following resolution was presented: S.G. WARD: BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Administration be directed to commence the Land Development System Evaluation and Rebuild Project (Project LaSER) in order to conduct an evaluation and rebuild of the City s systems for reviewing and approving new land developments AND FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED THAT a budget of $70,000 to complete the project be funded from Land Development inspection fees

8 288 DELEGATIONS: (continued) 590-A 630-A AND FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED THAT Mr. Hawkins be thanked for his presentation. Infrastructure Services, Community Services, City Treasurer, Development Services, Real Estate & Land Management Bruce Thurston, Vice-Chair of the Community and Social Development Committee and Catherine Schissel, CAT Research re Progress Towards a Brighter Future : A Review of Community Accomplishments, New & Persistent Social Issues & the Way forward for the City of Lethbridge 555-E Bruce Thurston, Vice-Chair, Community and Social Development Committee, advised on the role of the Community and Social Development Committee and introduced Catherine Schissel, CAT Research. Catherin Schissel, CAT Research, advised that phase one of the project was completed in 2005 and that phase two, an assessment of the progress made since 2005 has now been concluded and the results are the basis of her presentation and is required for the revision of the current Social Policy. Ms. Schissel highlighted the achievements and outcomes in the following categories since 2005: Engage and support youth Ensure affordable housing and supports for families with children Build supports within the Aboriginal community Ensure older adults have the supports required to stay active and engaged in the community Increase access to services for people living with disabilities Understand the needs of new Canadians and address gaps in services Overall, the City has done a very good job in improving the situation and the outcomes have been positive but there are still areas for improvement. Ms. Schissel identified new and persistent social issues that were identified during consultation with citizens and key stakeholders. The

9 289 DELEGATIONS: (continued) 555-E four key areas for action identified were: Housing Transportation Childcare Supports for Inclusion A question period followed with respect to: Age group included in Older Adults Purpose of the report Issues currently being addressed by Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) Any other priority groups, besides those identified, being included in the review Civic workforce reflecting the community Pro-active recruitment program identifying and reducing barriers to hiring visible minorities, disabled and older adults Observation of when the municipality steps forward to assume responsibility, other groups and levels of government step back Support for the 211 communication system Possibility of additional funding besides FCSS funding Housing First Model and outreach team funding and length of commitment for funding Presenting Social Policy recommendations on July 21 st Requirement for additional funding coming back to City Council for approval The following resolution was presented: J.H. CARLSON: BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Report Progress Towards a Brighter Future : by Catherine Schissel and Melissa Innes, be received as information and filed AND FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED THAT the recommendations and priorities outlined in the Report, Progress Towards a Brighter Future, be used by the Community & Social Development Committee of City Council for the revision of the Social Policy AND FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED THAT the revised Social Policy be presented to City Council for approval on July 21, 2008 AND FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED THAT Mr. Thurston and Ms. Schissel be thanked for their presentation. Community Services, Community & Social Development Committee

10 290 DELEGATIONS: (continued) Lyndsey Robinson, Health Promotion Specialist, Chinook Health, re Healthy Weight Initiative 625-D Lyndsey Robinson, Health Promotion Specialist, advised that she and Jill Lambden are members of the Healthy Weights Team, Population Health Department Chinook Health. She reported that obesity has replaced tobacco as the number one cause of preventable death in Canada. Jill Lambden, Health Promotion Specialist, provided information on the obesity trends among Canadian and U.S. adults from 1985 to 2004 and advised that the statistics for Canadian adults are: Canada 48% overweight or obese Alberta 50% overweight or obese Chinook Health 49% overweight or obese Between 1995 and 2001, obesity numbers increased in most provinces with the largest growth in Alberta. Among the provinces, obesity rates are highest in Saskatchewan, Alberta and Atlantic Canada. Ms. Lambden provided statistics on Canadian children: Over the past 25 years, 12 to 17 year olds: o 2 times overweight rate o 3 times obesity rate Chinook Health Region o 28.4% of 12 to 14 year olds are overweight or obese Ms. Lambden reported that the reasons that people are getting so fat is because of the availability of unhealthy foods and absence of a healthy physical environment. Ms. Robinson reported that the economic impact of obesity in Canada is $4 billion per year and it is getting worse. The solution is to create a supportive environment through family, school, local communities and all levels of government. She outlined possible municipal initiatives and how the City can create a healthy supportive environment in Lethbridge. Ms. Lambden advised that the Healthy Weights initiative can assist through education, consultations, advocacy and policy making support. A question period followed with respect to: Increase in youth weights being as a result of computer games and TV rather than the absence of green spaces Overweight and obesity definitions Chinook Health being a partner with the Municipal Development Plan

11 291 DELEGATIONS: (continued) 625-D Current generation of parents being the first generation to outlive their children Contact and involvement with School Boards Support for the City on building trails and a footbridge from the west-side Alcohol consumption being part of the obesity problem and the availability of information on the affects of alcohol on weight Education rather than legislation being the solution as legislation is difficult to enforce Healthy choices beginning at home. The following resolution was presented: R.K. PARKER: BE IT RESOLVED THAT the letter from Lyndsey Robinson, Health Promotion Specialist, Chinook Health, requesting an opportunity to present the Healthy Weights Initiative which is a provincial campaign promoting healthy weights in children and youth, be received as information and filed AND FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED THAT Ms. Robinson and Ms. Lambden be thanked for their presentation.. Alderman Dodic assumed the Chair PRIOR TO A VOTE BEING CALLED ON THE ABOVE RESOLUTION, THE FOLLOWING AMENDMENT WAS PRESENTED BY MAYOR TARLECK AND ACCEPTED BY ALDERMAN PARKER: AND FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED THAT Ms. Robinson be advised that the City of Lethbridge wishes to support the Healthy Weights Initiative. Mayor Tarleck assumed the Chair THE ORIGINAL RESOLUTION AS AMENDED WAS PRESENTED City Clerk

12 292 COMMUNICATIONS: Duane Ens, Regulatory Services Manager, re Calgary Cat Bylaw Experience 655-A B.A. LACEY: BE IT RESOLVED THAT the report on the City of Calgary Cat Bylaw experience be received as information and filed. Community Services, Regulatory Services Kevin Jensen, Parks Operations Manager, re Purchase of Three Sidewalk Sanders for use in the Sidewalk Snow Removal Program 700 M.A. SIMMONS: BE IT RESOLVED THAT the request from the Administration to purchase three Sidewalk Sanders at an estimated purchase price of $18,000 for the three units be approved AND FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED THAT this one-time cost be funded from the Snow Removal Reserve. City Treasurer, Purchasing Manager, Community Services, Infrastructure Services Kevin Jensen, Parks Operations Manager, re Purchase of Portable Stump Grinding Machine 700 R.K. PARKER: BE IT RESOLVED THAT the request from the Administration to purchase a portable Stump Grinding Machine, an addition to the Parks Operations Urban Forestry Program, at an estimated purchase price of $6,000 be approved AND FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED THAT this one-time cost be funded from 2007 budget carry-over and 2008 operating budget. City Treasurer, Purchasing Manager, Community Services, Infrastructure Services

13 293 COMMUNICATIONS: (continued) Kevin Viergutz, Transportation Operations Manager, re Purchase of pre-wetting Equipment for Sanders and Upgrade the Controls in Eight Dump Trucks 700 K.E. TRATCH: BE IT RESOLVED THAT the request from the Administration to purchase pre-wetting equipment for the City s sanders and to upgrade the controls in eight Dump Trucks at an estimated cost of $75,000 be approved AND FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED THAT funding come from the 2008 Transportation Snow and Ice Control Operating Budget. City Treasurer, Purchasing Manager, Infrastructure Services Kevin Viergutz, Transportation Operations Manager, re Purchase of a Skid Steer Loader, Trailer and Asphalt Planer 700 R. DODIC: BE IT RESOLVED THAT the request from the Administration to purchase a Skid Steer Loader, Trailer and Asphalt Planer attachment, an addition to the Public Operations road maintenance fleet at an estimated cost of $52,700, be approved AND FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED THAT funding come from the 2008 Pathways and Major Road Repairs Operating Budget. City Treasurer, Purchasing Manager, Infrastructure Services Kevin Viergutz, Transportation Operations Manager, re Purchase of a metre wide Asphalt Paver T.H. WICKERSHAM: 700 BE IT RESOLVED THAT the request from the Administration to purchase a metre (5 9 ) wide Asphalt Paver, an addition to the Public Operations road maintenance fleet, at an estimated cost of $77,000 be approved

14 294 COMMUNICATIONS: (continued) 700 AND FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED THAT funding come from the 2008 Pathways, Major Road Repairs Operating Budget and Watermain Renewals Capital Budget. City Treasurer, Purchasing Manager, Infrastructure Services Garth Sherwin, City Manager, re Invitation to Tender: C-08-16; Lethbridge Regional Landfill - Waste Drop-Off Facility 700 T.H. WICKERSHAM: BE IT RESOLVED THAT the recommendation of the Administration to award the Invitation to Tender, C-08-16; Lethbridge Regional Landfill Waste Drop-Off Facility to the low bidder, Wesbridge Construction Ltd. of Lethbridge, AB, at an estimated cost of $930,930 less GST refunds, for a net cost to the City of Lethbridge of $886,600 be approved. City Treasurer, Purchasing Manager, Infrastructure Services, City Solicitor BYLAWS: FOR FIRST READING: BYLAW R.K. PARKER: RESOLVED THAT a Bylaw entitled Bylaw Amendment to the Land Use Bylaw 4100 change from Urban Reserve (U-R), High Density Residential (R-150), Highway Commercial (C-H) and Public Building (P-B) to Direct Control (DC) (Portion of Section W4) (West Lethbridge Community Core) be read a first time. Public Hearing August 5, 2008 BYLAWS: (continued)

15 295 BYLAW R.K. PARKER: RESOLVED THAT a Bylaw entitled Bylaw 5532 Amendment to the Land Use Bylaw 4100 change from Urban Reserve (UR) to Low Density Residential (R-L) (Portion of Section W4) (West Lethbridge Phase II) be introduced and read a first time. Public Hearing August 5, 2008 FOR SECOND AND THIRD READING: BYLAW 5529 R. DODIC: 530 BE IT RESOLVED THAT prior to second reading, the following amendments be made to Bylaw 5529, Regulate Graffiti and activities in relation to Graffiti: Section 3 (1) Addition or attempt to apply Section 3 (2) Addition - If the owner or occupier, as the case may be, fails to comply with this provision, the City, at their sole discretion and without further notice, may take such steps as they deem necessary to remove, paint over or otherwise permanently block from public view the graffiti. Section 3 (3) Delete Section 3 (4) Delete - or (2) Section 4 (4) Amendment up to Ten Thousand ($10,000.00) dollars instead of not less than Section 4 (5) Delete Section 4 (6) - Delete Schedule A Delete Specified Penalties for Subsection 3(2) and 3(3)

16 296 BYLAWS: (continued) 530 T.H. WICKERSHAM: BE IT RESOLVED THAT prior to second reading of Bylaw 5529, Regulate Graffiti and Activities in Relation to Graffiti, as amended, be tabled until September 2, 2008, for review of the amendments, by Administration. City Solicitor, Infrastructure Services, Community Services OFFICIAL BUSINESS: Sale of Property in Sherring Business Park to GEA Rainey Corporation (3675 Giffen Road North) 640-B S.G. WARD: BE IT RESOLVED THAT the offer to purchase five acres of property at 3675 Giffen Road North, Lot 4, Block 2, Plan for a price of $675,000 ($135,000/ac) be accepted AND FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED THAT the option to purchase an additional five acres in the northerly portion of the parcel for $675,000 ($135,000/ac) also be accepted AND FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED THAT the option to purchase expire on July 18, 2011 (three years). City Treasurer, City Solicitor, Real Estate & Land Development Amend Sales Contract - SunRidge Commercial Site (Lot 3, Block 3, Plan ) 6 SunRidge Boulevard West 640-B R. DODIC: BE IT RESOLVED THAT the request to amend and extend the offer to purchase, 6 SunRidge Boulevard West, (Lot 3, Block 3, Plan ) from Howler Developments Ltd. be approved Purchase Price (6.669 ac): $2,178, Additional land (1.825 ac): 596, Total Purchase Price: 2,774, Deposits (non-refundable): (50,000.00) Cash to Close $2,724,968.00

17 297 BYLAWS: (continued) 530 AND FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED THAT the closing date for area A (5.31 ac, east portion of Lot 3, Block 3, Plan ) be March 31, 2009 and the closing date for area B (3.18 ac., west portion of Lot 3, Block 3, Plan ) be March 31, 2011 or sooner AND FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED THAT the deposit be applied to area B. City Treasurer, City Solicitor, Real Estate & Land Development REPORTS: Follow-Up Action List S.G. WARD: BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Follow-Up Action List be filed. City Manager B.A. LACEY: THAT we do now adjourn until Monday, July 21, 2008 at 1:30 p.m Mayor City Clerk