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City Council
Meeting Minutes1
September 11/12, 2001
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
Tuesday, September 11, 2001
Wednesday, September 12, 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:
R. Garvey, Acting 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.
Councillor W. Kinsella was absent.
B.1.URGENT MATTERS - PROTOCOL ITEMS
B.1.a.Tragedy in the United States (B. Smith).
Mayor B. Smith made the following statement:
“We are all shocked and saddened by the events unfolding in New York City and Washington this morning. Hundreds, maybe thousands of innocent citizens at work in the World Trade Towers, and government buildings in Washington have lost their lives. This is a tragedy of epic proportions, one that we hope is never again repeated. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the affected families across the United States.
While the temptation to react to this incident must be great for the leaders of the United States, I hope they carefully consider what their response might be. To escalate this violence with a retaliatory act will send the world down a path that none of us want to travel.
The City of Edmonton has taken its own precautions as a result of this morning’s incident. Our own fire stations have activated a security plan to guarantee the safety and security of our emergency workers and the availability of our emergency equipment.
Just a few moments ago, I spoke to Police Chief Wasylyshyn to discuss our ability to respond to any incident and our ability to assist other cities in North America that might need our help. The Chief has been in contact with the
K Division of the RCMP to evaluate the potential for any threats on Canadian soil.
The Edmonton International Airport is ready and standing by to receive any aircraft diverted from the United States.
I would ask every Edmontonian to say a silent prayer for the victims of this terrible tragedy.
OPENING PRAYER
Larry Kliewer, City Chaplain, led the assembly in prayer.
A.2.ADOPTION OF AGENDA
MOVED M. Phair – J. Taylor:
That the City Council Agenda for the September 11, 2001 meeting be adopted with the following additions:
E.1.i.Request to Name Two (2) Roads Located in Terwillegar Towne Neighbourhood.
F.1.i.Natural Areas Acquisition and Conservation – Additional Report on Land Trusts.
H.1.a.Federal Task Force on Urban Issues – Questionnaire Response.
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 T. Cavanagh – J. Taylor:
That the Minutes of the August 21, 2001 City Council Public Hearing meeting and the August 28, 2001 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.
B.1.URGENT MATTERS - PROTOCOL ITEMS
B.1.b.Letter of Commendation from the County of Strathcona for Hosting the 2001 IAAF World Championships in Athletics (B. Smith).
Mayor B. Smith read a letter of commendation from Mayor Vern Hartwell, Strathcona County, congratulating the City of Edmonton for having the vision and the foresight in its bid for the 2001 IAAF World Championships in Athletics and the exemplary organization of the most successful international event that has brought not only the City of Edmonton, but the entire Region, the Province and Canada to the forefront of the world community.
B.1.c.Congratulations to the City Employees for Contributing to the Success of the 2001 IAAF World Championships in Athletics
(B. Smith).
Mayor B. Smith, on behalf of City Council, accredited the success of the 2001 IAAF World Championships in Athletics to top rate facilities, commitment from City Council and other levels of government, an enthusiastic local organizing committee, terrific volunteers, and the hard work by thousands of City Employees. Mayor Smith also thanked everyone in the Edmonton Capital Region for supporting the Championships.
B.1.d.Thank you to Councillors’ Executive Assistants (B. Smith).
On behalf of City Council, Mayor B. Smith congratulated and thanked the Councillors’ Executive Assistants for all their hard work and dedication over the last three years in their indispensable efforts towards the success of City Council and to the running of the City of Edmonton.
Members of Council extended heartfelt appreciation to all their Executive Assistants.
B.2.EXEMPTIONS AND VOTE ON ALL OTHER ITEMS
MOVED R. Noce – D. Thiele:
That items D.2.a., D.2.b., E.1.a., F.1.c., F.1.f., G.1.a., G.1.b., G.1.d., H.1.a., and the in private item H.1.b., be exempted for debate; and
E.REPORTS RELATED TO EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MATTERS
E.1.b.June 30, 2001 Projected Year-End Operating Results.
That the August 14, 2001 Corporate Services Department report be received for information. / Corporate Svcs.E.1.c.Letter Dated July 25, 2001 from Leo Hradoway Re: Tax Roll Account No. 7539604 .
That the request for a rebate of a portion of the 1997 and 1998 taxes be denied. / Planning & Dev.E.1.d.Notice of Intention to Designate the Canadian Consolidated Rubber Company Building located at 10249 - 104 Street as a Municipal Historic Resource.
1.That the City Clerk be authorized to serve a Notice of Intention to Designate a Municipal Historic Resource (Attachment 1 of the July 3, 2001 Planning and Development Department report) to the owner of the property occupied by the Canadian Consolidated Rubber Company Building, located at 10249 - 104 Street in accordance with Section 22 of the Historical Resources Act.2.That the General Manager of the Planning and Development Department be hereby appointed to implement matters arising from the issuance of the Notice of Intention to Designate the Canadian Consolidated Rubber Company Building.
3.That funding of $199,000 for this project be provided from the Heritage Reserve Fund over a 3-year period commencing in 2002. / City Manager
Planning & Dev.
Corporate Svcs.
E.1.e.Notice of Intention to Designate the Birks Building located at 10113 - 104 Street as a Municipal Historic Resource.
1.That the City Clerk be authorized to serve a Notice of Intention to Designate a Municipal Historic Resource (Attachment 1 of the June 27, 2001 Planning and Development Department report) to the owner of the property occupied by Birks Building, located at 10113-104 Street in accordance with Section 22 of the Historical Resources Act.2.That the General Manager of Planning and Development Department be hereby appointed to implement matters arising from the issuance of the Notice of Intention to Designate the Birks Building.
3.That funding of $300,000 for this project be provided from the Heritage Reserve Fund and paid over a 3-year period commencing in 2002. / City Manager
Planning & Dev.
Corporate Svcs.
E.1.f.Notice of Intention to Designate the H. V. Shaw Building located at 10229 - 105 Street as a Municipal Historic Resource.
1.That the City Clerk be authorized to serve a Notice of Intention to Designate a Municipal Historic Resource (Attachment 1 of the June 27, 2001 Planning and Development Department report) to the owner of the property occupied by H. V. Shaw Building, located at 10229 - 105 Street in accordance with Section 22 of the Historical Resources Act.2.That the General Manager of Planning and Development Department be hereby appointed to implement matters arising from the issuance of the Notice of Intention to Designate H.V.Shaw Building.
3.That funding of $158,500 for this project be provided from the Heritage Reserve Fund over a 3-year period commencing in 2002. / City Manager
Planning & Dev.
Corporate Svcs.
E.1.g.Request to Establish a Business Revitalization Zone (“BRZ”) within the area of 34 Avenue from 91 Street to 103 Street.
That the August 14, 2001 Planning and Development Department report be received for information. / Planning & Dev.E.1.h.Strategy on Funding Sources for the Heritage Reserve Fund.
1.That the annual base funding for the Heritage Reserve Fund be increased by $416,000 starting in 2001.2.That the Planning and Development Operating Budget Revenues for development and building permits be increased by $416,000.
3.That payment to designated historic resources will, in the future, be spread over three (3) years.
4.That Mayor Smith write a letter to the Minister of Community Development for matching funds for the City of Edmonton’s Historic Resource Management Program to protect Edmonton’s historic resources.
5.That Mayor Smith write a letter to the Minister of Canadian Heritage requesting additional funds or tax incentives for the City of Edmonton’s Historic Resource Management Program to protect Edmonton’s historic resources. / Planning & Dev.
Corporate Svcs.
Mayor B. Smith
E.1.i.Request to Name Two (2) Roads Located in Terwillegar Towne Neighbourhood.
That two (2) roads located in the Terwillegar Towne Neighbourhood be named “Turner Link” and “Turner Wynd” (Attachment 1 of the September 7, 2001 Planning and Development Department report). / Planning & Dev.F.REPORTS RELATED TO COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MATTERS
F.1.a.Edmonton Arts Council – 2001 Community Investment Program Project Grant Recommendations.
That the Community Investment Program Project Grant recommendations as outlined in Attachment 1 of the August 22, 2001 Edmonton Arts Council report, be approved. / Edmonton Arts CouncilF.1.b.Edmonton Arts Council – 2001 Arts Travel Community Investment Program Grant Recommendations.
That the Arts Travel Community Investment Grant recommendations as outlined in Attachment 1 of the August 22, 2001 Edmonton Arts Council report, be approved. / Edmonton Arts CouncilF.1.d.Natural Areas Acquisition and Conservation.
1.That the recommendations from the “Conserving Edmonton’s Natural Areas” report be approved as follows:a)The Administration implement recommendations numbered 2, 3, 7, 8, 12, 19 and 24 (Attachment 1 of the June 19, 2001 Community Services Department report).
b)The Administration implement with modifications recommendations numbered 1, 4, 6, 10, 13 and 23 (Attachment 2 of the June 19, 2001 Community Services Department report).
c)The Administration support the Community in its implementation of recommendations 11, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 21, and 22 (Attachment 3 of the June 19, 2001 Community Services Department report).
d)The Administration not implement recommendations 5 and 9 (Attachment 4 of the June 19, 2001 Community Services Department report).
2.That the City’s roles and responsibilities for Natural Areas Conservation as identified in Attachment 5 (of the June 19, 2001 Community Services Department report), be approved.
3.That the “Elements of a Natural Areas Conservation Strategy” be approved (Attachment 6 of the June 19, 2001 Community Services Department report). / Community Svcs.
F.1.d. cont’d.
Community Svcs.
F.1.e.Development of a Third Indoor Soccer Centre.
1.That the Needs Assessment – Indoor Soccer A New Facility for 2002 (Attachment 1 of the August 7, 2001 Community Services Department report) and the Program Statement – New Four-Field Soccer Centre Southeast Edmonton (Attachment 2 of the August 7, 2001 Community Services Department report) be received for information.2.That the site for the third indoor soccer facility be in Southeast Edmonton, specifically the Roper Industrial Area (Attachment 5 of the August 7, 2001 Community Services Department report).
3.That the Administration be directed to negotiate an agreement with the Edmonton Soccer Association to construct and operate the indoor soccer facility.
4.That the Financial Strategy (Attachment 3 of the August 7, 2001 Community Services Department report) be approved as the basis for negotiation of the agreement with the Edmonton Soccer Association.
5.That the final agreement be brought back to City Council for approval. / Community Svcs.
Due: To Be Determined
F.1.g.Safety for Children in Poor Neighbourhoods (Ma’Mowe Capital Region – Additional Funding).
That any representations to the Province for additional funding for Ma’Mowe Capital Region Child and Family Services Authority be delayed until completion of the current financial status review. / Community Svcs.F.1.h.Taxi Driver Training.
That the August 13, 2001 Planning and Development Department report be received for information. / Planning & Dev.F.1.i.Natural Areas Acquisition and Conservation – Additional Report on Land Trusts.
That the September 5, 2001 Community Services Department report be received for information. / Community Svcs.G.REPORTS RELATED TO TRANSPORTATION AND PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE MATTERS
G.1.c.Materials Recovery Facility Retrofit.
1.That an expenditure of $250,000 be approved for the City’s contribution towards a project to retrofit the Materials Recovery Facility to improve plant throughput and marketing of recyclables.2.That approval be given to extend the existing contract with Canadian Waste Services by 5 years resulting in an end date of March 31, 2014.
3.That the agreement be acceptable in form to the City Solicitor and in content to the General Manager, Asset Management and Public Works Department. / Asset Mgmt. & Public Works
Corporate Svcs.
H.OTHER REPORTS
H.1.c.Civic Agencies – Animal Control Advisory Board Externally-Nominated Appointment.
That Dr. Mary Machum be appointed to the Animal Control Advisory Board for the term ending December 31, 2002. / Community Svcs.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.
D.ADMINISTRATIVE INQUIRIES AND RESPONSES
D.1.ADMINISTRATIVE INQUIRIES
D.1.a.Two Positions on the Police Commission for Council Members
(M. Phair).
- What process would need to be followed?
- What bylaws/policies would need to be changed?”
Due: Nov. 6, 2001
D.1.b.Report on the Traffic Accident on Yellowhead (M. Phair).
“I would like the following information regarding the tragic traffic accident on the Yellowhead that claimed the life of the eight year old child.- Is the City aware when there will be a response to the report that was sent to the Province?
- Will the Province’s report be public?”
Due: Nov. 6, 2001
D.1.c.Vacant Position on the Landlord and Tenant Advisory Board
(M. Phair).
I would like to know the status of that vacant position, and when it will be filled.” / Community Svcs.
Due: Nov. 6, 2001
D.1.d.Downtown Housing Investment Program (M. Phair).
“The current Downtown Housing Investment program will soon have reached its maximum of 1,000 new housing units in the downtown.- What is the Department and Downtown Plan implementation Committee’s assessment of the success of this investment?
- Is an extension/new program being contemplated? If so, would it have some additional new objectives?”
Due: Nov. 6, 2001
D.1.e.Overtaxation of Non-Residential Property Owners (M. Phair).
“In the attached article from the Commerce News from the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce, the first paragraph reads, “The City of Edmonton overtaxed non-residential property owners to the tune of $4 million in 2000 and are now working with Edmonton Chamber of Commerce on finding a way to return the money, Commerce News has learned”.- Is the information in this quote correct? Is any of this $4 million from the residential tax base?
- How is the City working with the Chamber on ‘returning’ this money? Is this not a decision for City Council to make?”
Due: Nov. 6, 2001
D.1.f.Air Monitoring in Northwest Edmonton (A. Bolstad).
“This inquiry has to do with the Province’s recent move to temporarily increase the amount of air monitoring in northwest Edmonton.I would like a report from the Administration, which incorporates the following:
a)A summary of the Provincial test results when they become available;
b)A comparison of the air quality in northwest Edmonton to that found in other parts of the City; and,
c)Any steps the City might take to encourage the Province to continue this program and to fine or restrict the operations of companies or organizations that are emitting pollutants that exceed Provincial standards.” / Asset Mgmt. & Public Works
Due: Nov. 6, 2001
D.1.g.Alberta Hotel (D. Thiele).
“Some years ago the Alberta Hotel was dismantled to make way for construction of the federal government building at Jasper Avenue and 97 Street.Questions to the Administration:
- Where is the building currently located and what is the condition of the structure?
- Are there any plans to have this building resurrected? If not, why not?
- With two centennials approaching in Edmonton and Alberta, is this building being considered for incorporation in any of the centennial projects?”
Due: Nov. 6, 2001
D.1.h.Gravelled and Oiled Roads in Ward 5 (L. Langley).
“Our office has been getting complaints about the condition of the gravelled and oiled roads in Ward 5.While the Department has addressed each one as the complaints are received, there seems to be no end to the concerns of those who drive these roads regularly.
I would ask the Transportation and Streets Department to respond to the following questions:
- What methods of maintenance are used on these roads?
- Is there a routine maintenance program in place or is maintenance done on an ‘as needed’ basis?
- Would it be practical to conduct an assessment of these roads with a view to upgrading them? If the roadways were improved, it might well cost much less to maintain them?
- What is the annual cost of maintaining these roads and what is your best estimate of the cost of upgrading them?
Due: Nov. 6, 2001
D.2.REPORTS ON ADMINISTRATIVE INQUIRIES
D.2.a.Acknowledging Edmonton’s Volunteers for the Summer of 2001
(A. Bolstad).
MOVED A. Bolstad – D. Thiele:
That Item D.2.a. be made debatable to allow action motions to be made in response to the content of the report.
carried
(Sec. 45(c), B.L. 12300)
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.
MOVED A. Bolstad – M. Phair:
That the City Administration develop a program as outlined in Option 2 (Attachment 2 of the August 21, 2001 Corporate Services Department/Community Services Department report), in order to recognize the Volunteers for the Summer of 2001 – Source of funds, in the amount of $45,000.00, be from Council Contingency.
D. Thomson, Corporate Services Department; and Councillor A. Bolstad, answered Council’s questions.
AMENDMENT MOVED L. Chahley – J. Taylor:
That the words “Option 2” be replaced with the words “Option 3” and that $45,000.00” be replaced with “”$60,000.00 - $80,000.00”.
Mayor B. Smith vacated the Chair and Deputy Mayor D. Thiele presided.
MOVED B. Smith – T. Cavanagh:
That the following motion and amendment on the floor be referred to the Executive Committee to determine if the City should hold a Volunteer Recognition event on a one time basis or on a permanent on going basis: