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City Council

Meeting Minutes

January 30, 2001

CITY COUNCIL MINUTES

Tuesday, January 30, 2001

PRESENT: B. Smith; B. Anderson, A. Bolstad, T. Cavanagh, L. Chahley, W. Kinsella,
L. Langley, R. Noce, M. Phair, R. Rosenberger, J. Taylor, D. Thiele.

ALSO IN ATTENDANCE:
A.B. Maurer, City Manager.
D.H. Edey, City Clerk.

A. CALL TO ORDER AND RELATED BUSINESS

A.1. CALL TO ORDER

Mayor B. Smith called the meeting to order at 9:30 a.m.

OPENING PRAYER

Sister Mary Lou Cranston, Director, Catholic Bio-ethics Centre, led the assembly in prayer.

A.2. ADOPTION OF AGENDA

MOVED M. Phair – R. Noce

  1. That the City Council agenda for the January 30, 2001 meeting be adopted with the addition of the following items:

E.1.j. Office of the City Auditor First Quarter 2001 Report.

E.1.k. Towing Services Review.

G.1.c. In-Private - ATCO Gas North (ATCO) Gas Cost Recovery Rate Hearing and Sale of Viking Kinsella Production Assets Hearing.

  1. That the following in-private item be dealt with at 1:30 p.m.

G.1.c. In-Private - ATCO Gas North (ATCO) Gas Cost Recovery Rate Hearing and Sale of Viking Kinsella Production Assets Hearing.

CARRIED

FOR THE MOTION: B. Smith; B. Anderson, A. Bolstad, T. Cavanagh,
L. Chahley, W. Kinsella, L. Langley, R. Noce,
M. Phair, R. Rosenberger, J. Taylor, D. Thiele.

A.3. ADOPTION OF MINUTES

MOVED M. Phair – B. Anderson

That the Minutes of the January 9, 2001 Special City Council meeting, the January 16, 2001 City Council meeting and the January 22, 2001 Public Hearing Council meeting be adopted.

CARRIED

FOR THE MOTION: B. Smith; B. Anderson, A. Bolstad, T. Cavanagh,
L. Chahley, W. Kinsella, L. Langley, R. Noce,
M. Phair, R. Rosenberger, J. Taylor, D. Thiele.

B.2. EXEMPTIONS AND VOTE ON ALL OTHER ITEMS

MOVED T. Cavanagh – L. Langley

That items E.1.a., E.1.d., E.1.e., E.1.i., E.1.j., F.1.a. and in-private item G.1.c. be exempted for debate; and

E. REPORTS RELATED TO EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MATTERS

E.1.b. Intervenor Status in 2001 Equalized Assessment Appeal of the City of Calgary. Ø

That approval be given for the City of Edmonton to become an intervenor and make representations before the Municipal Government Board with respect to the 2001 equalized assessment appeal filed by the City of Calgary. / Planning & Dev.
E.1.b. cont’d.
Planning & Dev.

E.1.c. Implementation Plan for One Time Tax Reduction Program in 2001. Ø

1.  That the implementation plan and one time expenditure of $100,000 outlined in Attachment 1 (of the January 9, 2001 Planning and Development Department report) be approved for the 2001 One Time Tax Reduction Program.
2.  That the funding for the $100,000 one time expenditure be from the Financial Stabilization Reserve. / Planning & Dev.

E.1.f. Telecommunications Act Repeal. Ø

1.  That Attachment 1 (of the January 15, 2001 Office of the City Manager report) be approved as the position of the City of Edmonton with respect to repeal of Parts 2 to 5 of the Telecommunications Act.
2.  That the City Manager communicate the City’s position to Alberta Justice, Civil Law. / City Manager

E.1.g. 2002 Business Planning and Budget Process. Ø

1.  That the 2002 Business Planning and Budget Calendar (Attachment 1 of the January 17, 2001 Office of the City Manager report) be approved.
2.  That the November 13, 2001 Special Transportation and Public Works Committee meeting start time be changed to 1:30 p.m.
3.  That the City’s “Closing the Gap” strategy be included in the 2002 Business Planning and Budget Process. / City Manager
All G.M.’s
TPW Committee

E.1.h. Management and Employee Severance Settlements Greater than $100,000. Ø

1.  That the December 18, 2001 Corporate Services Department report be received for information.
2.  That approval be given for this report to be submitted annually, as opposed to quarterly. / Corporate Svcs.

E.1.k. Towing Services Review.

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1.  That City Council, through the Mayor, request the Edmonton Police Commission to do the following:
a.  Review the terms and conditions of the current
tender documents and contracts of towing services.
b.  Review the rotational call system for towing services.
c.  Address the concerns raised by Mike’s Towing.
2.  That the report be submitted to the July 17, 2001 City
Council meeting. / Mayor
Due: July 17, 2001

G. REPORTS RELATED TO TRANSPORTATION AND PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE MATTERS

G.1.a. Expropriation of Property at 14920 – 87 Avenue from McDonalds Restaurants of Canada Limited. Ø

That the Administration be authorized to take all steps required by the Expropriation Act in furtherance of the expropriation of an interest in fee simple together with all rights, titles, and interests of a portion of Plan 4337KS, Block 1, Lot A, containing 128.44 square metres, more or less, excepting thereout all mines and minerals and registered in the name of McDonalds Restaurants of Canada Limited under Certificate of Title Number 862 043 101 together with all rights, titles and interests in and to the aforesaid land of all persons, including the registered interest of Domo Gasoline Corporation Ltd. / Asset Mgmt. & Public Works

G.1.b. Settlement of Expropriation of a Strata Utility Right-of-Way Located North of Ellerslie Road at Approximately 99 Street.

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1.  That the settlement of expropriation of a sub-surface, strata utility right-of-way within a portion of the S ½ of the SW 28-52-24-W4, as shown on Certificate of Title 992 385 188, excepting thereout all mines and minerals, from 814726 Alberta Ltd. for the settlement price contained in Attachment 1 (of the December 12, 2000 Asset Management and Public Works Department report) be approved.
2.  That the December 12, 2000 Asset Management and Public Works Department report remain confidential (s. 24 Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act). / Asset Mgmt. & Public Works

CARRIED

FOR THE MOTION: B. Smith; B. Anderson, A. Bolstad, T. Cavanagh,
L. Chahley, W. Kinsella, L. Langley, R. Noce,
M. Phair, R. Rosenberger, J. Taylor, D. Thiele.

D. ADMINISTRATIVE INQUIRIES AND RESPONSES

D.1. ADMINISTRATIVE INQUIRIES

D.1.a. 211 Designation Program (B. Smith).

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“Recently, I was informed that a local steering committee (organized by The Support Network) was preparing our region for the “211 designation”. Once operational, the 211 telephone number will allow citizens to obtain information on a wide range of social services.
I would like the Administration to produce an information report for the Community Services Committee and City Council providing details on the 211 program including:
·  The role of the City of Edmonton as a member of the local steering committee;
·  The nature and success of this program in other regions; and
·  Timing of its implementation.” / Community Svcs.
CS Committee
Due: April 2, 2001

D.1.b. CASA Housing Services 1999 Assessment (M. Phair).

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“I have a letter, which I have attached to this inquiry, that I recently received from CASA Housing Services Inc. outlining the 1999 assessment and taxes paid.
I would like to know if the 1999 assessment was overstated and whether CASA is eligible for a refund for that year.
I would like this inquiry to return to the Executive Committee.” / Planning & Dev.
Exec. Committee
Due: April 4, 2001

D.1.c. Safety for Children in Poor Neighbourhoods (M. Phair).

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“Recently, Edmonton’s Quality of Life Commission issued a report regarding the fears children, who live in poor neighbourhoods, have about safety.
I would like the City’s comments on this report, especially regarding the recommendations that affect the City.
I would like this inquiry to return to the Community Services Committee.” / Community Svcs.
CS Committee
Due: April 2, 2001

D.1.d. Increase in Business Facility Licence Fee (R. Noce).

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“On Saturday, January 27, 2001, I spoke with the President of the Fort Road Bingo Association (“Association”) wherein she advised me that the Association’s business facility licence fee would increase from $125.00 per year to $25,000 to $30,000 for 2001. Reference was made in Alberta Regulation 281/98, s.8(2).
I would ask the City Assessor to respond to the following questions:
1.  Please provide an overview of the Association’s business facility licence fee/business taxes.
2.  Are other bingo halls facing the same issue?
I would ask the Administration to respond to the Executive Committee by February 28, 2001.” / Planning & Dev.
Exec. Committee
Due: Feb. 28, 2001

D.1.e. Greater Edmonton Foundation’s Offer to the City for the Belvedere Site (R. Noce).

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“In 1958, the Province of Alberta passed the Homes for the Aged Act (“Act”) that authorized municipalities to enter into agreements with the Government of Alberta for the purpose of providing senior citizens housing. The Act required municipalities to provide land for every lodge the Province of Alberta built.
On November 22, 1960, an agreement was entered into between the City of Edmonton and the Government of Alberta. As per the agreement, the Province of Alberta obtained the title of the Belvedere site from the City of Edmonton on March 29, 1962.
In 1961, the Greater Edmonton Foundation (“GEF”) was established to operate under the Act. The Province of Alberta transferred the title of the Belvedere site to the GEF on May 9, 1962.
I understand the GEF has asked the City of Edmonton as to whether or not it would be interested in acquiring the subject property.
I would ask the City Manager to respond to the following questions:
1.  What is the position of the City of Edmonton vis-à-vis the offer of the GEF?
2.  If the City of Edmonton does not acquire the subject property, what steps can the Planning and Development Department take to assist the Belvedere community prior to a sale to a third party (e.g. re-zoning the property to the satisfaction of the Belvedere community)?
I would ask the City Manager to respond to the Executive Committee by February 28, 2001.” / Asset Mgmt. & Public Works
Exec. Committee
Due: Feb. 28, 2001

D.1.f. Sale of Bus and LRT Tickets (D. Thiele).

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“My questions concern the sale of bus and LRT tickets.
1.  How long has Transit sold tickets for use on buses and the LRT?
2.  Where are these tickets currently sold? Has there been an increase in ticket use since they have become a discounted means of riding on public transit?
3.  Why do we not have ticket book dispensers at LRT stations and transit terminals?
4.  Does transit have any plans to incorporate new technology in the ticket sales system?
I would like this response to return to the Transportation and Public Works Committee.” / Transportation & Streets
TPW Committee
Due: April 3, 2001
D.1.f. cont’d.
Transportation & Streets
TPW Committee
Due: April 3, 2001

D.1.g. Sale of Provincial and Federal Lands (D. Thiele).

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“My questions concern when Provincial and Federal lands become available for sale within the City of Edmonton:
1.  Is this land made available to the City? If so, what is the process and how does it work?
2.  Who is on the notification list? Why? Who determines this list?
3.  Are Councillors on this list? If not, why not?
4.  At what stage do Realtors get involved and how are the Realtors determined?
5.  Do the rules differ for military land, railroad land, or other types of land?
I would like this response to return to the Transportation and Public Works Committee.” / Asset Mgmt. & Public Works
TPW Committee
Due: April 3, 2001

B.1. URGENT MATTERS - PROTOCOL ITEMS

B.1.a. Welcome to Grade 6 Students from Velma Baker School
(B. Smith).

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Mayor B. Smith, on behalf of Members of Council, welcomed two Grade 6 classes from the Velma Baker School and their teachers, Ms. K. Devereux and Ms. R. Robillard.

E. REPORTS RELATED TO EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MATTERS

E.1.a. City Manager’s Personal Contribution Plan – 2001. Ø

MOVED M. Phair – B. Anderson

That the City Manager’s Personal Contribution Plan for 2001 (Attachment 1 of the January 10, 2001 Office of the City Manager report) be approved. / City Manager

A.B. Maurer, City Manager, made a presentation and answered Council’s questions.

CARRIED

FOR THE MOTION: B. Smith; B. Anderson, A. Bolstad, T. Cavanagh,
L. Chahley, W. Kinsella, L. Langley, R. Noce,
M. Phair, R. Rosenberger, J. Taylor, D. Thiele.

E.1.d. Letter from Stantec Requesting Approval to Prepare a Neighbourhood Area Structure Plan for the Former CFB Griesbach Lands. Ø

MOVED A. Bolstad – W. Kinsella

That an Area Structure Plan be authorized for Section 29-53-24-4 (CFB Griesbach) located between 97 and 113 Streets and from 137 to 153 Avenues. / Planning & Dev.

R. Caldwell, Planning and Development Department, answered Council’s questions.

CARRIED

FOR THE MOTION: B. Smith; B. Anderson, A. Bolstad, T. Cavanagh,
L. Chahley, W. Kinsella, L. Langley, R. Noce,
M. Phair, R. Rosenberger, J. Taylor, D. Thiele.

E.1.e. Regional Health Authority Elections Status Update. Ø

MOVED M. Phair – B. Anderson

1.  That the Mayor contact the Province and urge the government to quickly develop a plan for the election of Regional Health Authority members.
2.  That the Province take steps to bring the provincial administration staff together with civic staff to begin putting the mechanism in place to run an efficient election. / Mayor
E.1.e. cont’d.
Mayor

Mayor B. Smith spoke to the item.

A.B. Maurer, City Manager, and D.H. Edey, City Clerk, answered Council’s questions.

CARRIED

FOR THE MOTION: B. Smith; B. Anderson, A. Bolstad, T. Cavanagh,
L. Chahley, W. Kinsella, L. Langley, R. Noce,
M. Phair, R. Rosenberger, J. Taylor, D. Thiele.

E.1.i. Rehabilitation of the McLeod Building – Request for Funds. Ø

MOVED M. Phair – D. Thiele

  1. That City Council commit to pay $548,000.00 to Five Oaks Inc., the owner of the McLeod Building, provided that Five Oaks Inc. enter into an agreement with the City, acceptable to the General Manager of the Planning and Development Department, accepting the said sum as full and final settlement of any claim by Five Oaks Inc., for compensation under the Historical Resources Act for the designation of the McLeod building as a Municipal Historic Resource.
  2. That the Heritage Reserve Fund be the source of funding for this project.
  3. That the funding to replenish the Heritage Reserve Fund be a priority item in the 2002 and 2003 Budgets.
  4. That City Council authorize the City Clerk to serve a Notice of Intention to Designate an Historic Resource (Attachment 1 of the January 9, 2001 Planning and Development Department report) on the owner of the property occupied by the McLeod Building in accordance with Section 22 of the Historical Resources Act, R.S.A. 1980, c.H-8, as amended.
  5. That the General Manager of Planning and Development be appointed to implement matters arising from the issuance of the Notice of Intention to Designate the McLeod Building.

L. Benowski, General Manager; R. Caldwell, Planning and Development Department; and A.B. Maurer, City Manager, answered Council’s questions.