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City Council

Meeting Minutes1

January 18, 2000

CITY COUNCIL MINUTES

Tuesday, January 18, 2000

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

ALSO IN ATTENDANCE:
B.E. Thom, Q.C., 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

Reverend Dan Van Alstine led the assembly in prayer.

A.2.ADOPTION OF AGENDA

MOVED M. Phair - R. Noce

  1. That the City Council Agenda for the January 18, 2000 meeting be adopted with the addition of the following:

J.1.a.Enoch Cree Nation.
In Private
E.1.l.Whitemud Road Recovery of Costs for Demolition & Removal.

  1. That the following items be dealt with together:

E.1.a.Annual Budget Process.
E.1.b.Public Consultation Process of the Annual Budget.
E.1.c.Planning and Budgeting Processes.

  1. That in private item E.1.l. be dealt with immediately following in private item G.1.f.

CARRIED

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

A.3.ADOPTION OF MINUTES

MOVED M. Phair - T. Cavanagh

That the Minutes of the December 7, 1999 Special City Council Meeting and the December 14, 1999 City Council Meeting be adopted.

CARRIED

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

B.1.URGENT MATTERS - PROTOCOL ITEMS

B.1.a.Lunch at the Bissell Centre (D. Thiele).

Councillor D. Thiele stated that he and Councillor B. Anderson had the pleasure of helping to serve lunch at the Bissell Centre. The staff from the TAPS Brewpub and Eatery organized the event and provided the food. Randy Uytterhagen, Nathan Mison, Dennis Davitts and Liz Gardner from the TAPS Brewpub and Eatery were commended for their efforts.

B.1.b.Edmonton Minor Hockey Tournament (D. Thiele).

Councillor D. Thiele stated that he and Councillor R. Noce had the pleasure of attending the Opening Ceremonies of the Edmonton Minor Hockey Tournament, the largest of its kind in North America and probably the world. He wished everyone well during the tournament - parents, coaches, players and especially the over 3000 volunteers who made this possible.

B.1.c.Royal Bank and the Canadian Association of Municipal Administrators Awards (B. Smith).

Mayor B. Smith, on behalf of City Council, introduced Bill Bannister, Regional Vice-President of the Royal Bank of Canada, who was in attendance to present the City with recognition from the Royal Bank and the Canadian Association of Municipal Administrators. Mr. Bannister made a presentation and presented the certificates to the Mayor.

Honourable Mention for the Willis Award for Innovation category was awarded to Dina Traynor, Human Resources and Miles Smith, Edmonton Firefighters Union for the City's Union-Management Working Relationship Agreement. This agreement believed to be the first of its kind in the Canadian public sector, is intended to improve and enhance labour relations at the City.

Congratulations were extended to the Presidents of the Unions, the City Management Association and Senior Management Team for their continued effort to make this agreement the way the City does business.

Honourable Mention in the Environment Category for the Dutch Elm Disease Prevention Project was awarded to the Forestry staff in the Community Services Department. Congratulations were extended to Barry Anderson, Lyall Brenneis, Chris Saunders, Terry Bereziuk and John Jong.

The representatives, who were in attendance, from the Elm Defence of Greater Edmonton were acknowledged for making the program a success.

Honourable Mention in the Education Category for the Physical Sewer Model was awarded to Kurt Sawatzky and Russell Barth, Asset Management and Public Works Department.

Mayor B. Smith thanked Mr. Bannister from the Royal Bank for bringing the Awards and Council warmly acknowledged all of the recipients.

B.2.EXEMPTIONS AND VOTE ON ALL OTHER ITEMS

MOVED M. Phair - J. Taylor

That items D.2.a., D.2.b., D.2.c., D.2.d., E.1.a., E.1.b., E.1.c. E.1.d., E.1.e., E.1.h., E.1.i., E.1.j., E.1.k., G.1.a., G.1.b., J.1.a., and in private items E.1.l. and G.1.f. be exempted for debate; and

D.ADMINISTRATIVE INQUIRIES AND RESPONSES

D.2.REPORTS ON ADMINISTRATIVE INQUIRIES

D.2.e.Process for Appointments to the City Investment Committee (B. Smith).

That the December 14, 1999 Corporate Services Department report be received for information. / Corporate Svcs.

D.3.STATUS OF REPORTS

D.3.a.Transportation Reinvestment Funds (Funding Brief).

That the revised due date of Feb. 15, 2000 be approved. / Transportation & Streets
Due: Feb. 15, 2000

D.3.b.Lodge of the Greater Edmonton Foundation (M. Phair).

That the revised due date of Feb. 15, 2000 be approved. / Community Services
Due: Feb. 15, 2000

D.3.c.Parking Permits (B. Smith).

That the revised due date of Feb. 1, 2000 be approved. / Transportation & Streets
Due: Feb. 1, 2000

E.REPORTS RELATED TO EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MATTERS

E.1.f.Notice of Intention to Designate the A. Macdonald Building Located at 10128 - 105 Avenue as a Municipal Historic Resource.

  1. That the City Clerk be authorized to serve a Notice of Intention to Designate an Historic Resource (Attachment 1 of the November 30, 1999 Planning and Development Department report) to the owner of the property occupied by the A. Macdonald Building in accordance with Section22 of the Historical Resources Act, R.S.A. 1980, c.H-8, as amended.
  1. That the General Manager of Planning and Development Department be appointed to implement matters arising from the issuance of the Notice of Intention to Designate the A. Macdonald Building.
/ Planning & Dev.
Corporate Svcs.

E.1.g.Notice of Intention to Designate the Thomas Scott Residence Located at 9938 – 85 Avenue as a Municipal Historic Resource.

  1. That the City Clerk be authorized to serve a Notice of Intention to Designate an Historic Resource (Attachment 1 of the December 9, 1999 Planning and Development Department report) to the owner of the property occupied by the Thomas Scott Residence in accordance with Section 22 of the Historical Resources Act, R.S.A. 1980, c.H-8, as amended.
  1. That the General Manager of Planning and Development Department be appointed to implement matters arising from the issuance of the Notice of Intention to Designate the Thomas Scott Residence.
/ Planning & Dev.
Corporate Svcs.

G.REPORTS RELATED TO UTILITIES AND PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE MATTERS

G.1.c.Master Facility Crossing Agreement with Northwestern Utilities Limited.

  1. That a Master Facility Crossing Agreement be approved with Northwestern Utilities Limited for use by the Asset Management and Public Works Department, Drainage Services.
  1. That the City Manager be granted the authority to amend the Master Facility Crossing Agreement by adding detailed drawings of various projects as additions to Schedule "B" of the Master Facility Crossing Agreement.
/ Asset Mgmt. & Public Works

G.1.d.Land Sale to Keith Frieser.

That the sale of land to Keith Frieser, located at 144 Avenue East of 50 Street, described as a portion of Lot 2, Block 6, Plan 9724257, for the price of $1,200,000.00, be approved. / Asset Mgmt. & Public Works

G.1.e.Anthony Henday Drive Extension.

  1. That the North/South Trade Highway Memorandum of Understanding (Attachment 1 of the December 14, 1999 Transportation and Streets Department report) be approved.
  1. That the Mayor sign, on behalf of the City, the Memorandum of Understanding for the North/South Trade Highway agreement, and that the Administration negotiate the details of the transfer of title agreement referred to in the Memorandum of Understanding.
/ Transportation & Streets
Mayor

H.OTHER REPORTS

H.1.a.Civic Agencies - Externally Nominated Appointments to the Edmonton Transit System Advisory Board.

  1. That Michael Johner be appointed to the Edmonton Transit System Advisory Board as the representative of the DATS Advisory Group for a term ending December 31, 2000.
  2. That Ernest C. Bastide be re-appointed to the Edmonton Transit System Advisory Board as the representative of the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 569 for a term ending December 31, 2000.
/ Civic Agencies

CARRIED

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

D.ADMINISTRATIVE INQUIRIES AND RESPONSES

D.1.ADMINISTRATIVE INQUIRIES

D.1.a."Budget 2000: New Era … New Plan" Report (W. Kinsella).

"In November, Randy Garvey and I travelled to Calgary to present to the Standing Committee on Finance on behalf of the City. The Standing Committee on Finance recently released its report entitled, "Budget 2000: New Era … New Plan."
The report contains several recommendations, particularly one regarding a new federal infrastructure program. I would like the Administration to review this report to identify this and other recommendations that affect the City and report to Council on further action that Council may take to promote and support these recommendations.
I would like this information for the second meeting in February." / Corporate Svcs.
Due: Feb. 15, 2000

D.1.b.Golden Homes (Greater Edmonton Foundation) (M. Phair).

"I recently received a letter from a group of residents of Golden Homes (80 Street and 95 Avenue) regarding the status and maintenance of their homes. As the property is managed by the Greater Edmonton Foundation and owned by the City. I would like the following information:
  1. What are the parameters and conditions of the current lease the City has with Golden Homes/Greater Edmonton Foundation (GEF)?
  2. Who has responsibility for day-to-day maintenance of the Homes?
  3. What is the long-term viability of the Homes and who determines the viability?
  4. What long-term plans does the City have for the property and GEF for managing the Homes?
I would like this information to come to the Executive Committee." / Community Svcs.
Exec. Committee
Due: March 15, 2000

D.1.c.Billboard Beds (M. Phair).

"I would like the following information regarding the billboard beds along the Whitemud Freeway.
  1. When does the current contract with the provider end?
  1. What conditions regarding size, design, and floral coverage must the provider adhere to? What evaluation has been carried out to ensure compliance?
  2. What process will the Department go through when the contract expires?
I would like this information to return to the Community Services Committee." / Community Svcs.
CS Committee
Due: March 13, 2000

D.1d.Service Sharing Arrangements with other Municipalities (A. Bolstad).

"This inquiry has to do with the City's plans to enter into service sharing arrangements with other municipalities in the Edmonton area.
I'm wondering if the Administration intends to develop a comprehensive strategy in this regard, or will it simply bring forward individual opportunities as they arise, as it recently did in the area of sewage collection and treatment.
Further, does the Administration see opportunities for providing services differently, given the manner in which some of the surrounding municipalities provide services to their citizens? For example, would we consider contracting out in areas like transit service or sewage treatment, similar to what is done elsewhere?
Finally, I'm wondering if the Administration will be looking for some direction from City Council prior to bringing forward suggestions or proposals relative to joint-service delivery opportunities." / City Manager
D.1.d. cont'd
City Manager
Due: March 21, 2000

D.2.REPORTS ON ADMINISTRATIVE INQUIRIES

D.2.a.Development of an Urban Growth Boundary (A. Bolstad).

MOVED A. Bolstad - M. Phair

That the December 10, 1999 Planning and Development Department report be referred to the February 9, 2000 Executive Committee meeting. / Planning & Dev.
Exec. Committee
Due: Feb. 9, 2000

CARRIED

FOR THE MOTION: B. Smith; B. Anderson, A. Bolstad, W. Kinsella,
L. Langley, B. Mason, M. Phair, J. Taylor,
D. Thiele.

OPPOSED:T. Cavanagh, L. Chahley, R. Noce, R. Rosenberger.

D.2.b.Partially Built Neighbourhoods (A. Bolstad).

MOVED A. Bolstad - M. Phair

That the December 15, 1999 Planning and Development Department report be referred to the February 9, 2000 Executive Committee meeting. / Planning & Dev.
Exec. Committee
Due: Feb. 9, 2000

CARRIED

FOR THE MOTION: B. Smith; B. Anderson, A. Bolstad, W. Kinsella,
B. Mason, M. Phair, J. Taylor, D. Thiele.

OPPOSED:T. Cavanagh, L. Chahley, L. Langley, R. Noce,
R. Rosenberger.

D.2.c.House in the Boyle Street Area (M. Phair).

MOVED M. Phair - W. Kinsella

That the December 1, 1999 Community Services Department report be referred to the Community Services Committee meeting. / Community Svcs.
CS Committee
Due: Jan. 24, 2000

CARRIED

FOR THE MOTION: B. Smith; B. Anderson, A. Bolstad, W. Kinsella,
B. Mason, R. Noce, M. Phair, J. Taylor,
D. Thiele.

OPPOSED:T. Cavanagh, L. Chahley, L. Langley, R. Rosenberger.

D.2.d.Income Replacement Fund (D. Thiele).

MOVED D. Thiele - R. Noce

That the December 9, 1999 Corporate Services Department report be referred to the February 9, 2000 Executive Committee meeting. / Corporate Svcs.
Exec. Committee
Due: Feb. 9, 2000

carried

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

OPPOSED:T. Cavanagh, L. Chahley, R. Rosenberger.

Mayor B. Smith vacated the Chair and Deputy Mayor R. Noce presided.

E.REPORTS RELATED TO EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MATTERS

E.1.a.Annual Budget Process.

E.1.b.Public Consultation Process of the Annual Budget.

E.1.c.Planning and Budgeting Processes.

MOVED B. Smith - R. Noce (made at the December 7, 1999 Special City Council meeting) (E.1.a.)

That the Administration submit a report to the Executive Committee in the first quarter of 2000 detailing how the annual budget process could be enhanced to assist City Council with its due-diligence responsibilities. As a minimum, the Administration should comment on the feasibility of a series of Special Meetings of City Council during the first half of each year to:

  1. Review and approve each departmental business plan (with the expectation that each business plan will require at least one full day of deliberation by City Council; and
  2. Establish specific budget guidelines for each of the individual departments/business units.

MOVED B. Anderson - L. Langley (made at the December 7, 1999 Special City Council meeting) (E.1.b.)

That the Administration be directed to bring back a report on ways to enhance the public consultation process and the distribution of information surrounding Edmonton's annual budget and planning process.

The report should identify items that can be implemented in time for the 2001 budget process and items that should be dealt with during the review of the public participation model (initiated in 2000 by the City Manager's Office).

The report should deal with, but not be limited to, the following items:

  1. The receipt of information from the public prior to Council's initial direction to Administration,
  2. The expansion in the number of stakeholders consulted by the Administration in developing the first budget proposal.
  3. The advertising of major issues and concerns that the Administration feels must be addressed by the upcoming budget.
  4. That following the presentation of the first draft (proposed) budget to Council, a Ward based presentation be made to Edmontonians.
  5. general information on issues affecting the budget;
  6. overhead presentation similar to the presentation Council receives;
  7. an opportunity for citizens to submit written questions;
  8. an opportunity for citizens to ask questions from the Floor; and
  9. the distribution of the budget in brief document.

(These presentations would be conducted by CFO staff).

  1. The full public hearing in front of Council prior to the budget debate taking place.
  2. That examination of Council's needs for specific kinds of information, in advance of the preparation of future budget documents.

MOVED R. Rosenberger - R. Noce (made at the December 7, 1999 Special City Council meeting) (E.1.c.)

That the Administration bring back a report addressing how we might change our planning and budgeting processes for the coming year so that public participation is improved by answering these questions:

  1. Can we separate, in time and process, Council's consideration of major policy issues from Council's consideration of Budget decisions?
  1. How can we assist the public to bring significant issues forward at the appropriate stage of our planning process?
  2. How can we compile the input from the public that arrives in our offices to determine city-wide support for various issues and/or positions that are presented for budget debates?

B.E. Thom, Q.C., City Manager, answered Council's questions.

MOVED B. Mason - T. Cavanagh

That the following Motions on the Floor be referred to the City Manager's Office to develop a consolidated recommendation to come back through the Executive Committee for final decision by City Council:
MOVED B. Smith - R. Noce (made at the December 7, 1999 Special City Council meeting)
That the Administration submit a report to the Executive Committee in the first quarter of 2000 detailing how the annual budget process could be enhanced to assist City Council with its due-diligence responsibilities. As a minimum, the Administration should comment on the feasibility of a series of Special Meetings of City Council during the first half of each year to:
  1. Review and approve each departmental business plan (with the expectation that each business plan will require at least one full day of deliberation by City Council; and
  2. Establish specific budget guidelines for each of the individual departments/business units.
MOVED B. Anderson - L. Langley (made at the December 7, 1999 Special City Council meeting)
That the Administration be directed to bring back a report on ways to enhance the public consultation process and the distribution of information surrounding Edmonton's annual budget and planning process.
The report should identify items that can be implemented in time for the 2001 budget process and items that should be dealt with during the review of the public participation model (initiated in 2000 by the City Manager's Office).
The report should deal with, but not be limited to, the following items:
  1. The receipt of information from the public prior to Council's initial direction to Administration,
  1. The expansion in the number of stakeholders consulted by the Administration in developing the first budget proposal.
  2. The advertising of major issues and concerns that the Administration feels must be addressed by the upcoming budget.
  3. That following the presentation of the first draft (proposed) budget to Council, a Ward based presentation be made to Edmontonians.
  4. General information on issues affecting the budget;
  5. Overhead presentation similar to the presentation Council receives;
  6. an opportunity for citizens to submit written questions;
  7. an opportunity for citizens to ask questions from the Floor; and
  8. the distribution of the budget in brief document.
(These presentations would be conducted by CFO staff).
  1. The full public hearing in front of Council prior to the budget debate taking place.
  2. That examination of Council's needs for specific kinds of information, in advance of the preparation of future budget documents.
MOVED R. Rosenberger - R. Noce (made at the December 7, 1999 Special City Council meeting)
That the Administration bring back a report addressing how we might change our planning and budgeting processes for the coming year, so that public participation is improved by answering these questions:
  1. Can we separate, in time and process, Council's consideration of major policy issues, from Council's consideration of Budget decisions?
  1. How can we assist the public to bring significant issues forward at the appropriate stage of our planning process?
  1. How can we compile the input from the public that arrives in our offices to determine city wide support for various issues and/or positions that are presented for budget debates?
/ City Manager
Exec. Committee
E.1.a/b/c cont'd
City Manager
Exec. Committee
Due: March 15, 2000
E.1.a./b./c. cont'd
City Manager
Exec. Committee
Due: March 15, 2000

carried