City Council Minutes

February 4, 2009

Present:
S.Mandel; B.Anderson, J.Batty, T. Caterina, E.Gibbons, R.Hayter, B. Henderson, D. Iveson, K.Krushell, K.Leibovici, L.Sloan, A. Sohi, D.Thiele.
Also In Attendance:
A. B. Maurer, City Manager
A. Sinclair, City Clerk

A.CALL TO ORDER AND RELATED BUSINESS

A.1.Call to Order

Mayor S. Mandel called the meeting to order at 1:33 p.m.

Councillors K. Krushell and D. Thiele were absent.

Opening Prayer

Paul Bergen, Manager, Spiritual Care and Cultural Services,
University of Alberta Hospital/Stollery Children’s Hospital, led the assembly in prayer.

A.2.Adoption of Agenda

Moved J. Batty – K. Leibovici:

That the February 4, 2009, City Council meeting agenda be adopted with the following additions:

E.7.Large Site Rezoning Process – A Planning and Consultation Process for Rezoning Large Residential Infill Sites in Mature Neighbourhoods

E.8.Council/Committee Calendar Change

F.4.Bylaw 15155 – Edmonton Homeless Commission

P.5.Matter Update

P.6.Bylaw 15124 – Process Committee Bylaw

Carried

For the Motion: S.Mandel; B.Anderson, J.Batty, T.Caterina,
E.Gibbons, R.Hayter, B. Henderson, D. Iveson,
K. Leibovici, L. Sloan, A. Sohi.

Absent:K. Krushell, D. Thiele.

Councillor K. Krushell entered the meeting.

A.3.Adoption of Minutes

Moved K. Leibovici – L. Sloan:

That thefollowing City Council meeting minutes be adopted:

  • January 19, 2009, City Council Public Hearing
  • January 20/21, 2009, Special City Council
  • January 21, 2009, City Council

Carried

For the Motion: S.Mandel; B.Anderson, J.Batty, T.Caterina,
E.Gibbons, R.Hayter, B. Henderson, D. Iveson,
K. Krushell, K. Leibovici, L. Sloan, A. Sohi.

Absent:D. Thiele.

A.4.Protocol Items

Condolences – Former City Manager R. Picherack(S. Mandel)

Mayor S. Mandel requested that A. B. Maurer, City Manager, offer condolences on the passing of R. Picherack.

A. B. Maurer, City Manager, expressed condolences to the family of former City Manager Richard Picherack, who recently passed away. As City Manager from 1990 to 1996, Mr. Picherack led the City through a very challenging economic environment and logged many significant career achievements that have shaped the city to this day.

New Fire Chief – K. Block (S. Mandel)

Mayor S. Mandel requested that A. B. Maurer, City Manager, introduce the new Fire Chief.

A. B. Maurer, City Manager, was pleased to introduce Ken Block as the City’s new Fire Chief. Formerly Deputy Chief of Public Safety,
Mr. Block is a 29-year veteran of Edmonton’s Fire Rescue Service. His achievements include helping to improve building codes, both locally and nationally, and being instrumental in the province’s high-intensity residential fires recommendations released last fall.

Recreation of Historic Flight (R. Hayter)

This year is Canada’s Centennial of Flight, as well as the 100th anniversary of flight in Alberta and Edmonton. Councillor R. Hayter introduced Tom Hinderks, of the Alberta Aviation Museum, and
Art Breier, President of the Edmonton Aviation Heritage Society.

Recreating one of four significant historic flights, Mr. Hinderks flew from Winnipeg to Edmonton in an open cockpit biplane, battling the worst weather in 30 years. Along the way, he collected letters from the Mayors of Neepawa, Russell, Yorkton, Wynyard, Saskatoon, North Battleford, Lloydminster and Vegreville, which Mayor S. Mandel accepted on behalf of City Council. Mr. Breier then presented a print to City Council, entitled “Century on the Edge,” by local artist David Moore in recognition of this historic event.

Rio Terrace Elementary School (S. Mandel)

On behalf of City Council, Mayor S. Mandel welcomed students from Rio Terrace Elementary School in Ward 1 and their teacher,
Mrs. D. Moisan.

B.PROCEDURAL MATTERS

B.1.Items Selected for Debate and Vote on Remaining Items

City Council selected the following items for debate: E.2., E.5., P.3., P.4. and P.6.

Councillor D. Thiele entered the meeting.

Moved K. Leibovici - J. Batty:

D.STATUS OF REPORTS

D.1.Business Revitalization Zone Assessment – Tax Methodology

That the revised due date of February 11, 2009, Executive Committee, be approved. / Planning & Dev.
Exec. Committee
Due: Feb. 11/09

D.2.Response of the Assessment and Taxation Branch to the Stakeholder Questionnaire for the Community Organization Property Tax Exemption Regulation, A.R. 281/1998

That the revised due date of March 25, 2009, be approved. / Planning & Dev.
Due: Mar. 25/09

E.REPORTS

E.1.2008 Edmonton Arts Council - Community Investment Program Travel Grant Recommendations

That the recommendations as outlined in Attachment 1 of the January 6, 2009, Edmonton Arts Council report 2009EAC001 be approved. / Arts Council

E.3.Cigarette Litter - Progress Update

That the Mayor, on behalf of City Council, write a letter to the Province of Alberta requesting financial support from cigarette taxes to help with education and clean up as a result of cigarette litter. / Mayor
Community Svcs.

E.4.Public Safety Concerns - Panhandling

  1. Amendments to Public Places Bylaw 14614
That Administration return to Council with amendments to the Public Places Bylaw 14614, as per Attachment 1 of the January 2, 2009, Planning and Development report 2009PCS006.
  1. Panhandling – Targeted Education Plan
That Administration develop a targeted education plan to help control the problem of aggressive panhandling.
  1. Alternative Methods to Help Those Who Panhandle
That Administration provide a report to the April 6, 2009, Community Services Committee with options to help those who panhandle via alternative methods, for example but not limited to, Our Voice, Voucher Plans and Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design. / Planning & Dev.
Police Com.
Community Svcs.
Part 1
Due: Apr. 29/09
City Council
Part 2
Due: Apr. 20/09
CS Committee
Part 3
Due: Apr. 6/09
CS Committee

E.6.Development of the Film Industry

That the Mayor write a letter to the Premier:
a. Indicating that Council is in favour of diversifying the economy by supporting the film and television and new media industry.
b.Recommending that the Province consider all mechanisms possible to create an active television and film and new media industry in Alberta.
c.Highlighting the infrastructure that currently exists and what is required in Edmonton to promote and support the industry / Mayor
EEDC

E.7.Large Site Rezoning Process - A Planning and Consultation Process for Rezoning Large Residential Infill Sites in Mature Neighbourhoods

  1. That TheLarge Site Rezoning Process – A Planning and Consultation Process for Rezoning Large Residential Infill Sites in Mature Neighbourhoods, Attachment 1 of the November 19, 2008, Planning and Development Department report 2009PLU104, be approved.
  2. Zoning Bylaw Amendments – Planning and Consultation for Large Sites
That Administration bring forward amendments to the Zoning Bylaw regarding DC2 Provisions (inclusive of a revised fee schedule) to implement the new planning and consultation process for large sites, to a future public hearing.
  1. Review of Large Site Rezoning Process
That Administration conduct a review of The Large Site Rezoning Process – A Planning and Consultation Process for Rezoning Large Residential Infill Sites in Mature Neighbourhoods after two years, and report back to Executive Committee on the implementation progress. / Planning & Dev.
Part 2
Due: To Be
Determined
CCPH
Part 3
Due: To Be
Determined
Exec. Committee

E.8.Council/Committee Calendar Change - Recommendation to move and add meetings

That the following changes be made to the Council and Committee 2009 Calendar:
  1. April 14, 2009, Audit Committee meeting be moved to April 17, 2009, from 9:30 a.m. to noon in the River Valley Room.
  2. Add a Special City Council meeting on February 18, 2009, from 9 a.m. to noon in Council Chamber for the purpose of discussing regional issues.
  3. Add a Special City Council meeting on March 13, 2009, from 9 a.m. to noon in Council Chamber for the purpose of discussing regional issues.
/ Corporate Svcs.

P.PRIVATE

P.1.City of Edmonton Youth Council – Appointment Recommendations

  1. That the individuals named in Attachment 1 of the January 9, 2009, Corporate Services Department report 2009CACA04 be appointed to the City of Edmonton Youth Council for terms ending September 30, 2009.
  1. That Attachment 2 of the January 9, 2009, Corporate Services Department report 2009CACA04 remain private, pursuant to sections 17, 23 and 24 of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.
/ CorporateSvcs.
P.1. cont.

P.2.Appointment of Externally-Nominated Representative

  1. That the externally-nominated representative named in Attachment 1 of the December 23, 2008, Corporate Services Department report 2009CACA03, be re-appointed to the Animal Control Advisory Board for the 2009 term.
  1. That Attachment 2 of the December 23, 2008, Corporate Services Department report 2009CACA03 remain private, pursuant to sections 17, 23 and 24 of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.
/ Corporate Svcs.

P.5.Matter Update

  1. That Administration be authorized to proceed with the next steps as outlined in the January 2, 2009, Corporate Services Department report 2009COL001.
  1. That the January 2, 2009, Corporate Services Department report 2009COL001 remain private pursuant to sections 24, 25 and 27 of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.
/ Corporate Svcs.

Carried

For the Motion: S.Mandel; B.Anderson, J.Batty, T.Caterina,
E.Gibbons, R.Hayter, B. Henderson, D. Iveson,
K. Krushell, K. Leibovici, L. Sloan, A. Sohi,
D.Thiele.

B.2.Time Specifics and Decision to Hear

Moved J. Batty – D. Thiele:

That City Council hear from the following speakers:

  1. D. Austen
  2. C. Sojonky
  3. F. Sojonky
  4. C. Richmond, Sierra Club Canada, Edmonton

Lost

For the Motion: R.Hayter, D. Iveson, L. Sloan, D.Thiele.

Opposed:S. Mandel; B. Anderson, J. Batty, T. Caterina,
E. Gibbons, B. Henderson, K. Krushell, K. Leibovici,
A. Sohi.

B.3.Vote on Bylaws not Selected for Debate

F.FIRST, SECOND AND THIRD READING BYLAWS

F.1.Bylaw 15052 - 2009 Realty Supplementary Assessment Bylaw

F.2.Bylaw 15106 - Designation of the Margaret Marshall Residence as a Municipal Historic Resource

F.3.Bylaw 15077 - Designation of the Dean Residence as a Municipal Historic Resource

Moved B. Anderson – E. Gibbons:

That Bylaws 15052, 15106 and 15077 be read a first time.

Carried

For the Motion: S.Mandel; B.Anderson, J.Batty, T.Caterina,
E.Gibbons, R.Hayter, B. Henderson, D. Iveson,
K. Krushell, K. Leibovici, L. Sloan, A. Sohi,
D.Thiele.

Moved B. Anderson – E. Gibbons:

That Bylaws 15052, 15106 and 15077 be read a second time.

Carried

For the Motion: S.Mandel; B.Anderson, J.Batty, T.Caterina,
E.Gibbons, R.Hayter, B. Henderson, D. Iveson,
K. Krushell, K. Leibovici, L. Sloan, A. Sohi,
D.Thiele.

Moved B. Anderson – E. Gibbons:

That Bylaws 15052, 15106 and 15077 be considered for third reading.

Carried

For the Motion: S.Mandel; B.Anderson, J.Batty, T.Caterina,
E.Gibbons, R.Hayter, B. Henderson, D. Iveson,
K. Krushell, K. Leibovici, L. Sloan, A. Sohi,
D.Thiele.

Moved B. Anderson – E. Gibbons:

That Bylaws 15052, 15106 and 15077 be read a third time. / Distribution List

Carried

For the Motion: S.Mandel; B.Anderson, J.Batty, T.Caterina,
E.Gibbons, R.Hayter, B. Henderson, D. Iveson,
K. Krushell, K. Leibovici, L. Sloan, A. Sohi,
D.Thiele.

C.ADMINISTRATIVE INQUIRIES

C.1.Municipal Assessment Appeal Fees (S. Mandel)

Assessment values and those issues associated with assessment are always a challenge. In these challenging times, we need to be very diligent in ensuring our process is fair and transparent. I have received a letter from the Edmonton Apartment Association outlining concerns.
In order to help all of Council, can Administration provide the following information:
  1. A breakdown and total number of complaints from the following sectors: residential, multi-residential and commercial for 2008.
  2. How many of these went to a hearing?
  3. How many of these resulted in an assessment change?
  4. How many of the unsuccessful complaints were appealed to the Municipal Government Board?
  5. How many of the Municipal Government Board appeals resulted in an assessment change and how many are yet to be heard?
  6. How much revenue did the City take in from complaint fees in 2008?
  7. A breakdown of Assessment Review Board costs.
I would like the information to come back to Executive Committee. / Corporate Svcs.
Exec. Committee
Due: Apr. 8/09

E.REPORTS

E.2.Fort Edmonton Management Company – Approval of the Memorandum of Association and Articles of Association

Moved K. Krushell – K. Leibovici:

That the Memorandum of Association and Articles of Association for the Fort Edmonton Management Committee,as outlined in Attachment 1 and 2 of the January 20, 2009, Community Services Department report 2008CSR021rev, be approved. / Community Svcs.

Carried

For the Motion: S.Mandel; B.Anderson, J.Batty, T.Caterina,
E.Gibbons, R.Hayter, B. Henderson, D. Iveson,
K. Krushell, K. Leibovici, L. Sloan, A. Sohi,
D.Thiele.

E.5.Terwillegar Park - Concept Plan Study - December 2008

Moved B. Anderson – E. Gibbons:

Thatthe January 15, 2009, Asset Management and Public Works Department report 2009PW6185, Terwillegar Park - Concept Plan Study – December 2008, be approved.

L. Brenneis, Community Services Department, answered Council's questions.

Mayor S. Mandel vacated the Chair and Deputy Mayor E. Gibbons presided. Mayor S. Mandel left the meeting.

L. Brenneis, Community Services Department, answered Council's questions.

A.4.Protocol Items

Rio Terrace School (E. Gibbons)

On behalf of City Council, Deputy Mayor E. Gibbons welcomed students from Rio Terrace Elementary School in Ward 1 and their teacher,Ms. K. Shulko.

REPORTS

E.5.Terwillegar Park - Concept Plan Study - December 2008

L. Brenneis, Community Services Department, answered Council's questions.

Mayor S. Mandel re-entered the meeting. Deputy Mayor E. Gibbons vacated the Chair and Mayor S. Mandel presided.

L. Rosen, General Manager, L. Brenneis and L. McWeeny, Asset Management and Public Works Department; and R. Heaps, ISL Engineering, answered Council's questions.

Amendment moved L. Sloan – D. Thiele:

That the following be substituted for the Motion on the Floor:

That only the following concepts of the Terwillegar Park – Concept Plan Study – December 8, 2008, as presented in the January 15, 2009, Asset Management and Public Works Department report 2009PW6185, be approved:

  1. regional trail (item 1 from Final Concept Plan)
  2. paved parking lot (item 3 from Final Concept Plan)
  3. paved park entrance (item 4 from Final Concept Plan)
  4. remote toilet (item 9 from Final Concept Plan)
  5. universal access trail (item 12 from Final Concept Plan)

Lost

For the

Amendment: T. Caterina, B. Henderson, K. Krushell, L. Sloan,
D. Thiele

Opposed:S. Mandel; B. Anderson, J. Batty, E. Gibbons,
R. Hayter, D. Iveson, K. Leibovici, A. Sohi.

Amendment moved D. Iveson – K. Leibovici:

  1. That “in principle” be added following “be approved.”

Not Put

  1. That Administration bring back a report on:
  1. Which of the various elements of the Concept Plan might be eligible for funding via the River Valley Alliance and Building Canada Fund, respectively.

b. The need for the pond and its impact on phasing if it was omitted from the final build.

L. Rosen, General Manager, Asset Management and Public Works Department, answered Council's questions.

Members of Council requested that the amendment be split for voting purposes.

Part 2b of Amendment, put:

2. That Administration bring back a report on:

b. The need for the pond and its impact on phasing if it was omitted from the final build.

Lost

For the

Amendment: B. Anderson, J. Batty, R. Hayter, B. Henderson,
D. Iveson, K. Leibovici.

Opposed:S. Mandel; T. Caterina, E. Gibbons, K. Krushell,
L. Sloan, A. Sohi, D. Thiele.

Part 2a of Amendment, put:

2. That Administration bring back a report on:

a. Which of the various elements of the Concept Plan might be eligible for funding via the River Valley Alliance and Building Canada Fund, respectively.

Lost

For the

Amendment: J. Batty, D. Iveson, K. Leibovici, A. Sohi.

Opposed:S.Mandel; B.Anderson, T.Caterina,E.Gibbons, R.Hayter, B. Henderson, K. Krushell, L. Sloan,
D.Thiele.

Motion on item E.5., put:

Thatthe January 15, 2009, Asset Management and Public Works Department report 2009PW6185, Terwillegar Park - Concept Plan Study – December 2008, be approved. / AMPW

Carried

For the Motion: S.Mandel; B.Anderson, J.Batty, E.Gibbons, R.Hayter, D. Iveson,K. Leibovici,A. Sohi.

Opposed:T. Caterina, B. Henderson, K. Krushell, L. Sloan,
D. Thiele.

Terwillegar Park Bridges – Concepts and Costing

Moved L. Sloan – K. Leibovici:

ThatAdministration provide a report on the concepts and costing for two connecting river bridges in Terwillegar Park. / AMPW
TPW Committee
Due: Apr. 7/09

Carried

For the Motion: S.Mandel; B.Anderson, J.Batty, T.Caterina,
R.Hayter, B. Henderson, D. Iveson, K. Krushell,
K. Leibovici, L. Sloan, A. Sohi, D.Thiele.

Opposed:E. Gibbons.

F.FIRST, SECOND AND THIRD READING BYLAWS

F.4.Bylaw 15155 -Edmonton Homeless Commission

K. Fung, Corporate Services Department (Law); and J. Freeman, Planning and Development Department, answered Council's questions.

Moved K. Leibovici – A. Sohi:

That Bylaw 15155 be read a first time.

Carried

For the Motion: S.Mandel; B.Anderson, J.Batty, T.Caterina,
E.Gibbons, R.Hayter, B. Henderson, D. Iveson,
K. Krushell, K. Leibovici, L. Sloan, A. Sohi,
D.Thiele.

Moved K. Leibovici – A. Sohi:

That Bylaw 15155 be read a second time.

Carried

For the Motion: S.Mandel; B.Anderson, J.Batty, T.Caterina,
E.Gibbons, R.Hayter, B. Henderson, D. Iveson,
K. Krushell, K. Leibovici,A. Sohi, D.Thiele.

Absent:L. Sloan.

Moved K. Leibovici – A. Sohi:

That Bylaw 15155 be considered for third reading.

Carried

For the Motion: S.Mandel; B.Anderson, J.Batty, T.Caterina,
E.Gibbons, R.Hayter, B. Henderson, D. Iveson,
K. Krushell, K. Leibovici, A. Sohi, D.Thiele.

Absent:L. Sloan.

Moved K. Leibovici – A. Sohi:

That Bylaw 15155be read a third time. / Distribution List

Carried

For the Motion: S.Mandel; B.Anderson, J.Batty, T.Caterina,
E.Gibbons, R.Hayter, B. Henderson, D. Iveson,
K. Krushell, K. Leibovici, A. Sohi, D.Thiele.

Absent:L. Sloan.

Moved K. Leibovici – A. Sohi:

  1. That A Place to Call Home, Edmonton’s 10 Year Plan to End Homelessness, be endorsed.
  1. That the individuals named in Attachment 2 of the February 2, 2009, Office of the Mayor report 2009MO0001, be appointed to the Edmonton Homeless Commission for terms ending December 31, 2010.
  2. Edmonton Homeless Commission – Governance Model
That the Edmonton Homeless Commission provide a report to Council prior to July 31, 2010, with a long-term governance model for the Edmonton Homeless Commission. / Mayor
Part 3
Edmonton Homeless Commission
Due: June 2010

Carried

For the Motion: S.Mandel; B.Anderson, J.Batty, T.Caterina,
E.Gibbons, R.Hayter, B. Henderson, D. Iveson,
K. Krushell, K. Leibovici, A. Sohi, D.Thiele.

Absent:L. Sloan.

Moved B. Anderson – D. Iveson:

That Council meet in private to discuss the following items:

P.3.Regional Initiatives Update – Verbal Report

Pursuant to section 21 of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.

P.4.Fort Edmonton Management Company – Board of Directors

Pursuant to section 17 of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.

P.6.Bylaw 15124 – City Manager Recruitment ProcessCommittee Bylaw

Pursuant to section 24 of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.

Carried

For the Motion: S.Mandel; B.Anderson, J.Batty, T.Caterina,
E.Gibbons, R.Hayter, B. Henderson, D. Iveson,
K. Krushell, K. Leibovici, A. Sohi, D.Thiele.