______

City Council

Meeting Minutes1

January 15, 2002

CITY COUNCIL MINUTES

Tuesday, January 15, 2002

PRESENTB. Smith; B. Anderson, J. Batty, A. Bolstad, T. Cavanagh, E. Gibbons,
R. Hayter, K. Leibovici, S. Mandel, J. Melnychuk, M. Phair, D. Thiele.

ABSENT:L. Langley.

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.

Councillor L. Langley was absent.

OPENING PRAYER

Reverend Neil Gordon, St. Matthias Anglican Church, led the assembly in prayer.

A.2.ADOPTION OF AGENDA

MOVED M. Phair – T. Cavanagh:

That the City Council Agenda for the January 15, 2002 meeting be adopted with the addition of the following item:

F.1.c. – Shelters for the Needy.

AMENDMENT MOVED A. Bolstad – M. Phair:

  1. That item F.1.b. be made time specific for 10:00 a.m. and item M.1.a. be made time specific for 2:30 p.m.

carried

FOR THE AMENDMENT:B. Smith; B. Anderson, J. Batty, A. Bolstad,
E. Gibbons, R. Hayter, K. Leibovici, S. Mandel,
J. Melnychuk, M. Phair, D. Thiele.

OPPOSED:T. Cavanagh.

ABSENT:L. Langley.

MOTION, AS AMENDED, put:

1.That the City Council Agenda for the January 15, 2002 meeting be adopted with the addition of the following item:

F.1.c. – Shelters for the Needy.

2.That item F.1.b. be made time specific for 10:00 a.m. and item M.1.a. be made time specific for 2:30 p.m.

carried

FOR THE MOTION

AS AMENDED:B. Smith; B. Anderson, J. Batty, A. Bolstad,
T. Cavanagh, E. Gibbons, R. Hayter, K. Leibovici,
S. Mandel, J. Melnychuk, M. Phair, D. Thiele.

ABSENT:L. Langley.

A.3.ADOPTION OF MINUTES

MOVED M. Phair – J. Batty:

That the Minutes of the December 10/11/13/14/17/18/19, 2001 Special City Council meeting and the December 18, 2001 City Council meeting, be adopted.

carried

FOR THE MOTION:B. Smith; B. Anderson, J. Batty, A. Bolstad,
T. Cavanagh, E. Gibbons, R. Hayter, K. Leibovici,
S. Mandel, J. Melnychuk, M. Phair, D. Thiele.

ABSENT:L. Langley.

B.1.URGENT MATTERS - PROTOCOL ITEMS

B.1.a.West Edmonton Mall (K. Leibovici).

Councillor K. Leibovici stated that West Edmonton Mall was selected by Attractions Canada as one of the top eight attractions in Canada.Attractions Canada, a national information program, recently asked travel editors and editors-in-chief of newspapers from coast to coast for the best loved Canadian tourism sites and events. West Edmonton Mall was selected along with sites such as: Banff National Park, Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site, Canadian Museum of Civilization and Montreal International Jazz Festival. Such recognition in the tourism industry benefits not only West Edmonton Mall but the City of Edmonton and the Province of Alberta as well.

Councillor K. Leibovici, on behalf of Members of Council, congratulated West Edmonton Mall on this achievement.

B.1.b.The Management Innovation Award and The Environmental Excellence Award (B. Smith).

Mayor B. Smith, on behalf of Members of Council, recognized the Waste Management Branch of the Asset Management and Public Works Department for receiving two Awards last Fall – the first being The Management Innovation Award, presented by the American Public Works Association, for the City’s Integrated Waste Management System. The American Public Works Association is the largest and the oldest of its kind in the world and is dedicated to providing high quality public works and services. The Integrated Waste Management System was developed under the leadership of the City Manager, A.B. Maurer, who was the General Manager of the Department at the time. It is a great honour for the City to receive this Award.

The second Award is the The Environmental Excellence Award presented by the Association of Professional Engineers, Geologists and Geophysicists of Alberta, to the Edmonton Composting Facility for its role in providing innovative solutions to waste management. Both these Awards are impressive achievements and reflect the City’s leadership in waste management.

Mayor B. Smith presented the Awards to R. Neehall, Asset Management and Public Works Department, and once again congratulated W.D. Burn, General Manager, R. Neehall, Asset Management and Public Works Department, and everyone involved in bringing this recognition to our City.

B.2.EXEMPTIONS AND VOTE ON ALL OTHER ITEMS

MOVED T. Cavanagh – B. Anderson:

That items E.1.a., E.1.b., E.1.d., E.1.e., F.1.a., F.1.b., H.1a., and the in private item H.1.b., be exempted for debate; and

D.ADMINISTRATIVE INQUIRIES AND RESPONSES

D.2.REPORTS ON ADMINISTRATIVE INQUIRIES

D.2.a.EPCOR Dividends (J. Melnychuk).

That the January 3, 2002 Corporate Services Department report be received for information. / Corporate Svcs.

D.3.STATUS OF REPORTS

D.3.a.Equitable Relationship.

That the revised due date of March 5, 2002 be approved. / City Manager
Due: Mar. 5, 2002
  1. REPORTS RELATED TO EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MATTERS

E.1.c.November 15, 2001 Letter from Trans America Group re: Property Tax Roll Account 2718716, 10544 – 124 Street, Edmonton.

  1. That Council approve:
a)the cancellation of penalties in the amount of $112,108.37, for Property Tax Roll Account #2718716; and
b)the payment of the arrears balance ($128,084.00) in four equal annual instalments of $32,021.00 commencing immediately without further accrual of penalties.
  1. That reassessment for the years 1995 to 1999 be denied.
/ Corporate Svcs.

F.REPORTS RELATED TO COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MATTERS

F.1.c.Shelters for the Needy.

1.That the Administration prepare a letter for the Mayor to send to the Premier (potentially with an attached summary) outlining the homelessness issues and solutions for Edmonton.
2.That the Administration prepare a letter for the Mayor to send to the Honourable G. Mar, Minister of Alberta Health, and the Honourable C. Dunford, Minister of Alberta Human Resources and Employment, requesting funding to increase the shelter capacity for persons suffering from substance abuse. / Community Svcs.
Mayor

CARRIED

FOR THE MOTION: B. Smith; B. Anderson, J. Batty, A. Bolstad,
T. Cavanagh, E. Gibbons, R. Hayter, K. Leibovici,
S. Mandel, J. Melnychuk, M. Phair, D. Thiele.

ABSENT:L. Langley.

B.3.DECISION TO HEAR AND TIME SPECIFICS

MOVED M. Phair – D. Thiele:

That Council hear from W. Stevens, Chair, Free Will Players, with respect to Item F.1.b. – The Feasibility of Hosting and ITU Triathlon World Cup Event on July 14, 2002.

CARRIED

FOR THE MOTION: B. Smith; B. Anderson, J. Batty, A. Bolstad,
T. Cavanagh, E. Gibbons, R. Hayter, K. Leibovici,
S. Mandel, J. Melnychuk, M. Phair, D. Thiele.

ABSENT:L. Langley.

D.ADMINISTRATIVE INQUIRIES AND RESPONSES

D.1.ADMINISTRATIVE INQUIRIES

D.1.a.Bus Service to Rundle Park (M. Phair).

“I would like to know if there is regular bus service to or into Rundle Park? What is the last time bus service to the park was reviewed?
I would like this inquiry to return to the Transportation and Public Works Committee.” / Transportation & Streets
TPW Committee
Due: Mar. 12, 2002

D.1.b.Busways (K. Leibovici).

“As needs of Ward 1 residents with regards to High Speed Transit in an LRT system will not be met for many years, I would like the following information regarding busways:
  1. How does the concept of Busways fit within the Transportation Master Plan?
  2. In order to meet the needs of High Speed Transit could Busways be an option?
  3. What are the advantages and disadvantages to Busways?
  4. As other jurisdictions such as Ottawa-Carleton have utilized the system of “Busways” or “Transitways” what plans are in place to implement this system in Edmonton? Please specify short-term and long-term plans and include timelines for various sections of the City.
  5. Is it feasible to plan and construct the LRT as proposed and Busways to the West and North at the same time? What are the costs, possible federal/provincial funding and any other factors that Council should consider to ensure that the needs of all can be met in a timely fashion?
I would like this information to return to the Special Council meeting of March 18, 2002 on the LRT.” / Transportation & Streets
Due: Mar. 18, 2002
D.1.b. cont’d.
Transportation & Streets
Due: Mar. 18, 2002

D.1.c.Financing and Building the LRT Extension (R. Hayter).

“I would like a report from the Administration outlining the advantages and disadvantages of the City of Edmonton authorizing a private company to finance and build the LRT extension and then lease it back to operate. I would like this information to return to the Special Council meeting of March 18, 2002 on the LRT.” / Corporate Svcs.
Transportation & Streets
Due: Mar. 18, 2002

D.1.d.The Status of “Brownfields” in Edmonton (B. Smith).

“I would like the Administration to prepare a report on Edmonton’s brownfields, detailing the following:
  1. A list of all significant brownfield locations in Edmonton (i.e. lands that currently lie dormant as a result of environmental contamination or perceived contamination).
  2. A brief explanation of the type and degree of contamination at each site.
  3. A brief explanation of obstacles that would have to be addressed for development to occur.
  4. A status on provincial and municipal strategies that are being developed to encourage brownfield development in Edmonton, Alberta and Canada.”
/ Asset Mgmt. & Public Works
Due: Mar. 19, 2002

D.1.e.Protecting City Trees from Drought (B. Smith).

“I would like the Administration to prepare a report for City Council summarizing:
  1. The City of Edmonton’s investment in trees and shrubs (approximate replacement value) and total inventory (approximate number of trees and shrubs).
  2. A measure of the loss experienced in 2001.
  3. The methods used to water trees and minimize loss during times of drought.
  4. An assessment of whether City trees and shrubs were adequately watered and prepared going into this winter.
  5. Strategies planned for the coming Spring and Summer to minimize loss and damage should the drought continue.”
/ Community Svcs.
Due: Mar. 19, 2002

D.1.f.Public Lakes for Swimming and Water Sports (B. Smith).

“I would like the Administration to provide a report on the potential for public lakes in Edmonton that would permit swimming and water sports. Specifically, I would like the report to comment on:
  1. Municipalities in western Canada that operate lakes where public swimming and water sports are permitted.
  2. The level of use of these facilities by citizens.
  3. The cost of constructing and operating such facilities.
  4. Environmental and health issues associated with such facilities.
  5. The potential for such facilities in Edmonton.”
/ Community Svcs.
Due: Mar. 19, 2002

E.REPORTS RELATED TO EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MATTERS

E.1.a.Annual Performance Review – City Auditor. 

MOVED T. Cavanagh – M. Phair:

That the process outlined in the December 21, 2001 Office of the City Manager report to evaluate the City Auditor for 2001, and to approve the City Auditor’s Personal Contribution Plan for 2002, be adopted. / City Manager
City Auditor

D.H. Edey, City Clerk, answered Council’s questions.

CARRIED

FOR THE MOTION: B. Smith; J. Batty, A. Bolstad, T. Cavanagh,
E. Gibbons, R. Hayter, K. Leibovici, S. Mandel,
J. Melnychuk, M. Phair, D. Thiele.

ABSENT:B. Anderson, L. Langley.

E.1.b.Edmonton’s Position Regarding Draft Casino Terms & Conditions and Operating Guidelines. 

MOVED M. Phair – D. Thiele:

1.a)That the initial community consultation process for granting a casino licence is a provincial licensing process, and therefore, a provincial responsibility.

b)That the City Manager assign representatives to undertake discussions with the AGLC to revise the Casino Terms & Conditions and Operating Guidelines policy and process to seek Community Support after the AGLC has completed its review, investigation, and selection of a viable casino proposal, and has issued a decision of “conditional approval subject to appropriate zoning”.

c)That the AGLC should reinstate the requirement for a municipality’s expression of support for a casino prior to the finalization and issuance of a casino licence.

2.That City Council approve the City Manager’s Office forwarding a letter requesting this revision by the AGLC (Attachment 1 of the November 28, 2001 Planning and Development Department report).

3.That the Planning and Development Department bring forward amendments to Section 910 – Special Area Downtown of the Edmonton Zoning Bylaw, and the Downtown ARP, to remove the use “Casinos and Other Gaming Establishments” from the (EZ) Enterprise Zone, (CCA) Core Commercial Arts Zone, and (CMU) Commercial Mixed Use Zone.

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

Orders of the Day were called to deal with Item F.1.b.

(cont’d on page 13)

F.REPORTS RELATED TO COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MATTERS

F.1.b.The Feasibility of Hosting an ITU Triathlon World Cup Event on July 14, 2002. 

MOVED J. Batty – T. Cavanagh:

1.That the City of Edmonton support a local bid to stage the World Cup Triathlon for the years 2002, 2003 and 2004.

2.That the Community Services Department work with the Triathlon Committee to stage the event in Hawrelak Park.

3.That the City of Edmonton representation on the Triathlon Board of Directors be maintained.

4.That up to $110,000 be provided from the Council Contingency Fund as the City’s contribution to this event for 2002.

  1. That if approval of the Lake from the Federal Government is denied for triathlon purposes, the proposal will be brought back to City Council.

J. Tustian, General Manager, Community Services Department, made a presentation.

W. Stevens, Chair, Free Will Players, made a presentation, and answered Council’s questions.

AMENDMENT MOVED M. Phair – J. Melnychuk:

That a Part 6 be added as follows:

  1. That the Community Services Department establish meetings and negotiations with the ITU, Free Will Players and other interested parties, around the use of the Park for 2002, and hold further negotiations between the parties for 2003 and 2004.

W. Stevens answered Council’s questions.

J. Tustian, General Manager, and L. Brenneis, Community Services Department, answered Council’s questions.

Mayor B. Smith vacated the Chair and Deputy Mayor T. Cavanagh presided. Mayor B. Smith left the meeting.

B.1.URGENT MATTERS - PROTOCOL ITEMS

B.1.c.Welcome to the Students from St. Catherine School (T. Cavanagh).

Deputy Mayor T. Cavanagh welcomed the Grade 6 students from St. Catherine School, together with their teacher, Mrs. C. Verduci.

F.REPORTS RELATED TO COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MATTERS

F.1.b.The Feasibility of Hosting an ITU Triathlon World Cup Event on July 14, 2002. 

Mayor B. Smith re-entered the meeting. Deputy Mayor T. Cavanagh vacated the Chair and Mayor B. Smith presided.

A.B. Maurer, City Manager; J. Tustian, General Manager, and L. Brenneis, Community Services Department; and Mayor B. Smith answered Council’s questions.

AMENDMENT, put:

That a Part 6 be added as follows:

6.That the Community Services Department establish meetings and negotiations with the ITU, Free Will Players and other interested parties, around the use of the Park for 2002, and hold further negotiations between the parties for 2003 and 2004.

CARRIED

FOR THE AMENDMENT: B. Smith; B. Anderson, J. Batty, A. Bolstad,
T. Cavanagh, E. Gibbons, R. Hayter, K. Leibovici,
S. Mandel, J. Melnychuk, M. Phair, D. Thiele.

ABSENT:L. Langley.

MOTION ON ITEM F.1.b., AS AMENDED, put:

1.That the City of Edmonton support a local bid to stage the World Cup Triathlon for the years 2002, 2003 and 2004.
2.That the Community Services Department work with the Triathlon Committee to stage the event in Hawrelak Park.
3.That the City of Edmonton representation on the Triathlon Board of Directors be maintained.
4.That up to $110,000 be provided from the Council Contingency Fund as the City’s contribution to this event for 2002.
  1. That if approval of the Lake from the Federal Government is denied for triathlon purposes, the proposal will be brought back to City Council.
  2. That the Community Services Department establish meetings and negotiations with the ITU, Free Will Players and other interested parties, around the use of the Park for 2002, and hold further negotiations between the parties for 2003 and 2004.
/ Community Svcs.
Corporate Svcs.

CARRIED

FOR THE MOTION

AS AMENDED: B. Smith; B. Anderson, J. Batty, A. Bolstad,
T. Cavanagh, E. Gibbons, R. Hayter, K. Leibovici,
S. Mandel, J. Melnychuk, M. Phair, D. Thiele.

ABSENT:L. Langley.

E.REPORTS RELATED TO EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MATTERS

(cont’d from page 10)

E.1.b.Edmonton’s Position Regarding Draft Casino Terms & Conditions and Operating Guidelines. 

C. Raftis, Planning and Development Department, made a presentation.

L. Benowski, General Manager, and C. Raftis, Planning and Development Department, answered Council’s questions.

AMENDMENT MOVED A. Bolstad – R. Hayter:

That the words “for a municipality’s expression of” be replaced with the words “an expression of community”.

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

LOST

FOR THE AMENDMENT:A. Bolstad, R. Hayter, S. Mandel.

OPPOSED:B. Smith; B. Anderson, J. Batty, T. Cavanagh,

E. Gibbons, K. Leibovici, J. Melnychuk, M. Phair,
D. Thiele.

ABSENT:L. Langley.

MOTION ON ITEM E.1.b., put:

1. a)That the initial community consultation process for granting a casino licence is a provincial licensing process, and therefore, a provincial responsibility.

b)That the City Manager assign representatives to undertake discussions with the AGLC to revise the Casino Terms & Conditions and Operating Guidelines policy and process to seek Community Support after the AGLC has completed its review, investigation, and selection of a viable casino proposal, and has issued a decision of “conditional approval subject to appropriate zoning”.

c)That the AGLC should reinstate the requirement for a municipality’s expression of support for a casino prior to the finalization and issuance of a casino licence.

2.That City Council approve the City Manager’s Office forwarding a letter requesting this revision by the AGLC (Attachment 1 of the November 28, 2001 Planning and Development Department report).

3.That the Planning and Development Department bring forward amendments to Section 910 – Special Area Downtown of the Edmonton Zoning Bylaw, and the Downtown ARP, to remove the use “Casinos and Other Gaming Establishments” from the (EZ) Enterprise Zone, (CCA) Core Commercial Arts Zone, and (CMU) Commercial Mixed Use Zone.

L. Benowski, General Manager, and R. Caldwell, Planning and Development Department, answered Council’s questions.

Members of Council requested the motion be split for voting purposes.

MOTION ON ITEM E.1.b., Part 1a), put:

1. a)That the initial community consultation process for granting a casino licence is a provincial licensing process, and therefore, a provincial responsibility.

CARRIED

FOR THE MOTION: B. Smith; B. Anderson, J. Batty, A. Bolstad,
T. Cavanagh, E. Gibbons, R. Hayter, K. Leibovici,
S. Mandel, J. Melnychuk, M. Phair, D. Thiele.

ABSENT:L. Langley.

MOTION ON ITEM E.1.b., Part 1b), put:

1. b)That the City Manager assign representatives to undertake discussions with the AGLC to revise the Casino Terms & Conditions and Operating Guidelines policy and process to seek Community Support after the AGLC has completed its review, investigation, and selection of a viable casino proposal, and has issued a decision of “conditional approval subject to appropriate zoning”.