Minutes for City Council March 6, 2001 Meeting

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City Council

Index to Meeting Minutes

March 6, 2001

CITY COUNCIL MINUTES

Tuesday, March 6, 2001

PRESENTB. 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:
R. Millican, Acting City Manager.
D.H. Edey, City Clerk.

*Participated via telephone.

A.CALL TO ORDER AND RELATED BUSINESS

A.1.CALL TO ORDER

Deputy Mayor L. Langley called the meeting to order at 9:30 a.m.

Mayor B. Smith entered the meeting via telephone.

Councillor W. Kinsella was absent.

OPENING PRAYER

Master Lin Ho and Students, Chin Yin Buddhist Society of Edmonton, led the assembly in prayer.

A.2.ADOPTION OF AGENDA

MOVED M. Phair – R. Noce

That the City Council Agenda for the March 6, 2001 meeting be adopted.

CARRIED

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

ABSENT:W. Kinsella.

A.3.ADOPTION OF MINUTES

MOVED R. Noce – M. Phair

That the Minutes of the January 11/February 8, 2001, the January 17/February 21/22, 2001, the February 6/15, 2001 City Council Public Hearing meetings, the February 13, 2001 City Council meeting and the February 15, 2001 Special City Council meeting be adopted.

CARRIED

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

ABSENT:W. Kinsella.

Councillor W. Kinsella entered the meeting.

B.1.URGENT MATTERS - PROTOCOL ITEMS

B.1.a.Tribute to Edmonton Artist, Alice E. Tyler (T. Cavanagh).

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Councillor T. Cavanagh introduced Bill Deacon, Alice Tyler’s husband, June Cavanagh, Jean Mucha, Laura Fried and Betty Loree, who worked hard over the last three years to establish Alice Tyler’s works of art in the Alberta Legislature.

Councillor T. Cavanagh stated that Edmonton artist, Alice E. Tyler died on February 5, 2001. She is best known for her creation of the famous five of the persons case, (Emily Murphy, Henrietta Muir Edwards, Louise McKinney, Nellie McClung and Dr. Irene Parlby). These works of art have hung in the Alberta Legislature, the Edmonton Law Courts Building, the Edmonton City Public Library as well as elsewhere in Canada and abroad. In 1995, Alice Tyler was the recipient of the Governor General’s Award in commemoration of the Person’s case.

Members of Council recognized the people in attendance.

B.1.b.Congratulations to the Edmonton Public Schools 2001 Championship Basketball Teams and Their Coaches (B. Anderson).

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Councillor B. Anderson, on behalf of Members of City Council, congratulated the Junior Women – Harry Ainlay Titans, who defeated Jasper Place 68-56; the Junior Men – J. Percy Page Panthers, who defeated Harry Ainlay 73-59, their 2nd consecutive championship; the Senior Women – Harry Ainlay Titans, who defeated Jasper Place 66-59, their 10th consecutive championship; and Senior Men – Ross Sheppard Thunderbirds, who defeated Strathcona 88-75, their 2nd consecutive championship.

B.1.c.Congratulations to the Metro High School League 2001 Championship Basketball Teams and Their Coaches (B. Anderson).

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Councillor B. Anderson, on behalf of Members of City Council, congratulated the Junior Women – St. Francis Xavier, who defeated Archbishop Jordan 73-62; the Junior Men – Bev Facey, who defeated Salisbury 63-38; the Senior Women – Beaumont, who defeated Leduc 83-81; and Senior Men – Paul Kane, who defeated Salisbury 82-75.

Members of Council warmly acknowledged the teams and their coaches.

B.1.d. Recognition of the Paramedics and Emergency Medical Technicians Who Saved the Life of Baby Erika, the Miracle Baby (L. Langley).

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Deputy Mayor L. Langley stated that he had the privilege of introducing a group of the City of Edmonton’s most outstanding employees. Thanks to the concerted efforts of this team of professionals, Erika Nordby, Edmonton’s miracle baby, will live to see many more Canadian winters.

The City of Edmonton’s emergency response professionals face life and death situations every day but, Baby Erika stands out…because the team of paramedics and emergency response technicians played a key role in pulling Erika back from death, who, with the entire hospital medical team, are most deserving of the City’s highest praise.

On behalf of City Council and the people of Edmonton, the paramedics and emergency medical technicians were recognized. Deputy Mayor
L. Langley and Councillor M. Phair presented Tammy Hills, Emergency Medical Technician, Jason Visscher, Emergency Medical Technician, Justin Mazzolin, Paramedic and Krista Rempel, Paramedic with the official City of Edmonton Congratulations Certificates. Darlene Bouwsema accepted the Certificate on behalf of Superintendent Brian Feist, who was not in attendance.

Members of Council warmly acknowledged the Emergency Response Team, who were pivotal in saving the life of little Baby Erika.

Deputy Mayor L. Langley recognized R. Littlechild, Union President;
S. Rapanos, Chief, Emergency Medical Services; and J. Tustian, Acting General Manager, Emergency Response Department, who were in attendance.

B.2.EXEMPTIONS AND VOTE ON ALL OTHER ITEMS

MOVED R. Noce – T. Cavanagh

That items E.1.a., E.1.b., F.1.a., F.1.c. and G.1.a. be exempted for debate; and

E.REPORTS RELATED TO EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MATTERS

E.1.c.Letter Dated January 9, 2001 to Council re: Tax Assessment from Sharon Maclise on behalf of Joanne and Athan Gogoulis.

That the request for a reduction and rebate of property taxes for the years of 1989 through 1995 be denied. / Planning & Dev.

E.1.d.Regional Health Authority Elections – Additional Information. 

That the Mayor send a letter to the Premier and the Minister of Health and Wellness requesting that, when drafting the legislation relative to Regional Health Authority Elections, the Province:

ensure that the principle of “representation by population” is upheld; and/or
require that wards be used for the election of health authority members.

/ Mayor
City Manager

F.REPORTS RELATED TO COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MATTERS

F.1.b.Edmonton Art Gallery “Keeping the Doors Open” 2001 Community Investment Grant. 

That the first instalment of the Edmonton Art Gallery’s 2001 Community Investment Grant in the amount of $332,640.00 be approved.

That the balance of the Edmonton Art Gallery’s 2001 Community Investment Grant be determined subsequent to the administrative review of the Edmonton Art Gallery’s 2000 audited financial statement.

/ Community Svcs.

F.1.d.Funding Request to Host the Edmonton St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

That up to $6,000.00 be allocated to the St. Patrick’s Day Association to cover the costs for a parade. (Source of Funds: Council Contingency.) / Corporate Svcs.

G.REPORTS RELATED TO THE TRANSPORTATION AND PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE

G.1.b.Appointments to the Edmonton Transit System Advisory Board.

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That Marcel Sale and Karen Swietzer be appointed to the Edmonton Transit System Advisory Board for the term ending December 31, 2001. / City Manager
Transit Sys. Adv. Brd.

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.REPORTS RELATED TO EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MATTERS

E.1.e.The City of Edmonton Investment Policy.

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That Councillor R. Noce be allowed to introduce a Motion Without Notice on City Council assuming jurisdiction of The City of Edmonton Investment Policy.

MOVED T. Cavanagh – B. Smith

That Councillor R. Noce be allowed to introduce a Motion Without Notice.

CARRIED

FOR THE MOTION: B. Smith; B. Anderson, T. Cavanagh,
L. Chahley, W. Kinsella, L. Langley,
R. Noce, R. Rosenberger, J. Taylor.

OPPOSED:A. Bolstad, M. Phair, D. Thiele.

MOVED R. Noce – B. Smith

That City Council assume jurisdiction of The City of Edmonton Investment Policy, which Executive Committee is currently dealing with, and that this item be placed on the March 20, 2001 City Council agenda. / Corporate Svcs.
Due: March 20, 2001

CARRIED

FOR THE MOTION: B. Smith; B. Anderson, T. Cavanagh,
L. Chahley, W. Kinsella, L. Langley,
R. Noce, R. Rosenberger, J. Taylor.

OPPOSED:A. Bolstad, M. Phair, D. Thiele.

Mayor B. Smith left the meeting.

D.ADMINISTRATIVE INQUIRIES AND RESPONSES

D.1.ADMINISTRATIVE INQUIRIES

D.1.a.House at Blackmud Creek (M. Phair).

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“Recently, there was a news story about the Papadoupoulus house at Blackmud Creek.
I would like the following information:

Was this property recently before Council for a tax forgiveness?
What was the outcome and ruling of the courts regarding the City and this property?
Has construction on this property recently taken place on public lands? How has this happened and why? What steps has (can) the City take in this regard?

I would like the response to return to the appropriate committee.” / Planning & Dev.
D.1.a. cont’d.
Planning & Dev.
Exec. Committee
Due: May 2, 2001

D.1.b.Master Plan for the Muttart Conservatory (A. Bolstad).

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“According to a report Council received last spring, the Administration was in the midst of preparing a new master plan for the Muttart Conservatory. This plan, which was to include a vision and mission statement, a building assessment, a market analysis and a list of future developments was scheduled for presentation to Council late last fall.
I would appreciate a report from the Administration, which identifies the reason for the delay, the current status of the plan and the date upon which Council can expect to receive the final product.” / Community Svcs.
Due: May 8, 2001

E.REPORTS RELATED TO EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MATTERS

E.1.a.High Natural Gas Prices. 

MOVED A. Bolstad – M. Phair (Made at the February 13, 2001 City Council meeting)

That City Council, through the Mayor’s Office, do the following:

1.Appeal to the Province for immediate relief from the high cost of natural gas.

2.Ask the Province to enter into discussions surrounding a long-term plan to deal with natural gas costs for the City of Edmonton.

MOVED M. Phair – T. Cavanagh

That the Motion on the Floor be postponed until the June 26, 2001 City Council meeting and that the Administration report back to City Council when the Alberta Energy and Utilities Board have completed hearings on natural gas.

W.D. Burn, General Manager, Asset Management and Public Works Department; M. Sherk, Corporate Services Department (Law); and B. Follett, Asset Management and Public Works Department, answered Council's questions.

B.1.URGENT MATTERS - PROTOCOL ITEMS

B.1.e.Welcome to the Grade 6 Students from Good Shepherd School
(L. Langley).

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Deputy Mayor L. Langley welcomed the Grade 6 students from Good Shepherd School and their teacher, Mrs. I. Baer.

E.REPORTS RELATED TO EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MATTERS

E.1.a.High Natural Gas Prices. 

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B. Follett, Asset Management and Public Works Department, answered Council's questions.

MOTION ON ITEM E.1.a. put:

That the following motion be postponed until the June 26, 2001 City Council meeting and that the Administration report back to City Council when the Alberta Energy and Utilities Board have completed hearings on natural gas:
MOVED A. Bolstad – M. Phair (Made at the February 13, 2001 City Council meeting)
That City Council, through the Mayor’s Office, do the following:
1.Appeal to the Province for immediate relief from the high cost of natural gas.
2.Ask the Province to enter into discussions surrounding a long-term plan to deal with natural gas costs for the City of Edmonton. / Corporate Svcs.
Asset Mgmt. & Public Works
Due: June 26, 2001

CARRIED

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

ABSENT: B. Smith; R. Rosenberger.

E.1.b.2001 Operating Budget – Provincial Electricity Rebate and Deferral Rate Rider. 

MOVED T. Cavanagh – D. Thiele

That 2001 Provincial Electricity Rebate savings be placed in the Financial Stabilization Reserve for use to offset 2002-2004 electricity Deferral Rate Rider liabilities and, if necessary, to cover a portion of the unbudgeted 2001 natural gas price increases. / Corporate Svcs.
Asset Mgmt. & Public Works

R. Rosychuk, Corporate Services Department; W.D. Burn, General Manager, and B. Follett, Asset Management and Public Works Department, answered Council’s questions.

CARRIED

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

ABSENT: B. Smith.

F.REPORTS RELATED TO COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MATTERS

F.1.a.Strategic Review of the Greater Edmonton Foundation. 

MOVED M. Phair – B. Anderson

That the recommendations of the Implementation Plan (Attachment 1 of the February 7, 2001 Community Services Department report) of the Strategic Review of the Greater EdmontonFoundation (GEF), that were accepted by both the GEF and the City Administration, be approved.

That the nine amended recommendations of the Implementation Plan (Attachment 2) that were “Accepted as amended” by both the GEF and the City Administration be approved.

That Recommendation 1.2.11(4) dealing with consolidation of financial statements of the GEF (Attachment 3) not be approved.
That the Community Services Department prepare financial targets in consultation with the GEF, outlining the amount to be requisitioned by the GEF from the City for the next three years, and such report to be submitted to Council for its June 26, 2001 meeting.
That Recommendation 1.2.5(1) include the City of Edmonton in the negotiations and that the proposed pilot project come back to Community Services Committee for approval prior to implementation of this project.
That the Administration review the City of Edmonton’s Housing portfolio, policies and directions including GEF and bring back potential governance structures that might include GEF.
That consideration of the following recommendation be postponed until the governance report comes forward:

D. Freeman, Community Services Department; K. Fearnley, Executive Director, Greater Edmonton Foundation; and R. Millican, Acting City Manager, answered Council’s questions.

AMENDMENT MOVED L. Chahley – J. Taylor

That a part 8 be added as follows:

8.That Recommendations 1.2.2(1) and 1.2.3.(1) relative to any change
in the mandate of the Greater Edmonton Foundation negotiated with
the Province be subject to the Province or the Capital Health
Authority assuming responsibility for all associated costs and that
a report be brought back to City Council for approval.

D. Freeman, Community Services Department, answered Council’s questions.

B.1.URGENT MATTERS - PROTOCOL ITEMS

B.1.f.Welcome to the Grade 6 Students from Good Shepherd School
(L. Langley).

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Deputy Mayor L. Langley welcomed the Grade 6 students from Good Shepherd School and their teacher, Mr. R. Madunicky.

F.REPORTS RELATED TO COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MATTERS

F.1.a.Strategic Review of the Greater Edmonton Foundation. 

D. Freeman and K. Barnhart, Community Services Department, answered Council’s questions.

MOTION ON THE AMENDMENT put:

That a part 8 be added as follows:

That Recommendations 1.2.2(1) and 1.2.3.(1) relative to any change in the mandate of the Greater Edmonton Foundation negotiated withthe Province be subject to the Province or the Capital Health Authority assuming responsibility for all associated costs and that a report be brought back to City Council for approval.

CARRIED

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

ABSENT: B. Smith.

AMENDMENT MOVED R. Noce - R. Rosenberger

That the following be added to part 2 of the motion:

"with the following amendment to 1.2.9(2): delete "in support of $267,036 spent" and replace with the word "for".

CARRIED

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

ABSENT: B. Smith.

MOTION ON ITEM F.1.a. AS AMENDED put:

That the recommendations of the Implementation Plan (Attachment 1 of the February 7, 2001 Community Services Department report) of the Strategic Review of the Greater EdmontonFoundation (GEF), that were accepted by both the GEF and the City Administration, be approved.
That the nine amended recommendations of the Implementation Plan (Attachment 2) that were “Accepted as amended” by both the GEF and the City Administration be approved "with the following amendment to 1.2.9(2): delete "in support of $267,036 spent" and replace with the word "for".

That Recommendation 1.2.11(4) dealing with consolidation of financial statements of the GEF (Attachment 3) not be approved.
That the Community Services Department prepare financial targets in consultation with the GEF, outlining the amount to be requisitioned by the GEF from the City for the next three years, and such report to be submitted to Council for its June 26, 2001 meeting.
That Recommendation 1.2.5(1) include the City of Edmonton in the negotiations and that the proposed pilot project come back to Community Services Committee for approval prior to implementation of this project.
That the Administration review the City of Edmonton’s Housing portfolio, policies and directions including GEF and bring back potential governance structures that might include GEF.
That consideration of the following recommendation be postponed until the governance report comes forward:

That the Office of the City Clerk be directed to review Recommendations 1.2.1(1), 1.2.4(3), 1.2.4(4) and 1.2.4(6) that are marked with the words “Council’s Decision” under the City Administration and the GEF’s positions and to bring forward a report outlining the options for Council’s consideration and the potential impacts of those options (Attachment 4).
8.That Recommendations 1.2.2(1) and 1.2.3.(1) relative to any change in the mandate of the Greater Edmonton Foundation negotiated with the Province be subject to the Province or the Capital Health Authority assuming responsibility for all associated costs and that a report be brought back to City Council for approval. / Community Svcs.
Due:June 26, 2001
F.1.a. cont’d.
Community Svcs.
Due: TBD

CARRIED

FOR THE MOTION

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

ABSENT: B. Smith.

MOVED R. Noce – W. Kinsella

That the Administration prepare a report on what steps the Greater Edmonton Foundation, together with the City of Edmonton, can take to consult, communicate and work with the affected community or communities when closing a lodge or facility. / Community Svcs.
Due: May 8, 2001

CARRIED

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