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City Council

Meeting Minutes1 of 23

January 30, 2007, mj

CITY COUNCIL MINUTES

Tuesday, January 30, 2007

PRESENT:S. Mandel; B. Anderson, J. Batty, T. Cavanagh, E. Gibbons, R. Hayter,
K. Krushell, K. Leibovici, J. Melnychuk, M. Nickel, M. Phair, L. Sloan,
D. Thiele.

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 S.Mandel called the meeting to order at 9:31 a.m.

Councillor M. Nickel was absent.

OPENING PRAYER

The Very Reverend Dr. Jane Alexander, All Saints Anglican Cathedral, led the assembly in prayer.

Councillor M. Nickel entered the meeting.

A.2.ADOPTION OF AGENDA

MOVED M.Phair – J. Batty:

That the January 30, 2007, City Council meeting agenda be adopted with the following changes:

a.ADDITIONS: (Addenda require a Special Resolution)

E.1.i.Sustainable Development Practices

E.1.j.Land use Planning Measures for Affordable Housing

E.1.k. Proposed Settlement of Claim by the City of Edmonton Against Prairie Land Corporation – In Private

L.2.b.Bylaw 14434 – 2007 Business Tax, Business Tax Rate, Supplementary Business Tax and Supplementary Business Assessment Bylaw

b.REVISED RECOMMENDATION:

E.1.a.Rural Metro Strategic AccordCity of Edmonton and Northeast Alberta Information HUB Ltd.

That subject to the addition of a clause stating that no binding legal obligation be created, the Mayor sign, on behalf of the City, the proposal to enter a Strategic Accord agreement with the Northeast Alberta Information HUB Ltd.

CARRIED

FOR THE MOTION:S. Mandel; B. Anderson, J. Batty, T. Cavanagh,
E. Gibbons, R. Hayter, K. Krushell, K. Leibovici,
J. Melnychuk, M. Nickel, M. Phair, L. Sloan,
D. Thiele.

A.3.ADOPTION OF MINUTES

MOVED T.Cavanagh – D. Thiele:

That the following meeting minutes be adopted:

  • January 16, 2007, City Council
  • January 9, 2007, City Council Public Hearing

CARRIED

FOR THE MOTION:S. Mandel; B. Anderson, J. Batty, T. Cavanagh,
E. Gibbons, R. Hayter, K. Krushell, K. Leibovici,
J. Melnychuk, M. Nickel, M. Phair, L. Sloan,
D. Thiele.

A.4.URGENT MATTERS - PROTOCOL ITEMS

A.4.a.AlbertaSoccer Association Banquet (D. Thiele)

CouncillorD.Thiele recently attended the Alberta Soccer Association Banquet. As part of the FIFA 2007 Mens’ Under-20 World Cup Championships, there will be nine games and some double-headers in Edmonton over July and August. CouncillorD.Thiele encouraged business and community leaders to get involved in these events.

A.4.b.The Passing of LeroyChahley (S. Mandel)

Former Councillor and Chief of Police, LeroyChahley was also a loving husband, father and grandfather. After his retirement from the Police Service, with 35 years of service, he was elected Councillor for Ward 1 in 1992 and served three terms.

On behalf of City Council, and the citizens of Edmonton, Mayor S.Mandel extended deepest condolences to the Chahley family and presented the City of Edmonton flag to his daughter Leanne and grandson Daniel. Amoment of silence was observed in his memory.

A.4.c.The Passing of JohnPoole (S. Mandel)

This past week Edmonton lost a visionary humanitarian, a successful businessman and an extraordinary community leader. Mr.JohnPoole has left behind an amazing legacy, from building PCL Construction into a world-class powerhouse to quietly inveting in the arts, in education, in environmental protection, and many other areas. He will be remembered for setting the benchmark for generosity and community involvement.

On behalf of City Council, and the citizens of Edmonton, Mayor S.Mandel extended deepest condolences to the Poole family.

A.4.d.Edmonton Homebuilders (S.Mandel)

The Canadian Homebuilders Assocation, under the auspices of the Edmonton Region Homebuilder Charity Funds, recently created the following two exciting initiatives:

  • A $300,000 donation to the Edmonton Inner City Housing Society to provide housing for single individuals living in the inner city.
  • A $300,000 endowment fund to support scholarships for trades relating to homebuilding.

This organization committed to raising one million dollars over three years, to be administered by The Edmonton Community Foundation. Thanks to the hard work of the Association’s patrons Advisory Board and the generosity of Association members, the fund has already surpassed the half-million-dollar mark.

On behalf of City Council, Mayor S.Mandelrecognized the efforts of the following:

  • VinceLaBerge, President of the Emdonton Region, Canadian Homebuilders Assocation
  • BurkePerry, Founding Director
  • LarryAnderson, Founding Director
  • PeterJackson, Past President, Emdonton Region, Canadian Homebuilders Assocation
  • SharonCopithorne, Executive Officer, Emdonton Region, Canadian Homebuilders Assocation

and presented a certificate of thanks to those members of the Patrons Advisory Board present in Chamber.

A.4.e.Raising the Roof, Toque Tuesday (S. Mandel)

This year’s goal for theFebruary 6 Raising the Roof, Toque Tuesdaynational campaign is to sell 1,800 toques. The campaign raises awareness and funds to help the homeless. Mayor S.Mandel encouraged everyone to join him in making a minimum donation of $10 to purchase a toque.

On behalf of Council, Mayor S.Mandel, Councillors K. Leibovici and M.Phairpresented HarveyVoogd, Chairman of the Edmonton Housing Trust Fund, with the official proclamation of Raising the Roof, Toque Tuesday.

B.PROCEDURAL MATTERS

B.1.EXEMPTIONS AND VOTE ON ALL OTHER ITEMS

City Council exempted the following items for debate: D.3.d., E.1.h., G.1.a., G.1.b., and in-private items E.1.c., E.1.k., F.1.d., H.1.a. and H.1.b.

MOVED T.Cavanagh – M. Nickel:

D.3.STATUS OF REPORTS 

D.3.a.EUB Request re EPCOR for ACFA Financing

That the revised due date of February 13, 2007, be approved. / Corporate Svcs.
Due: Feb. 13, 2007

D.3.b.British Columbia/Alberta Trade Investment and Labour Mobility Agreement (J.Melnychuk)

That the revised due date of March 6, 2007, be approved. / City Manager
Due: Mar. 6, 2007

D.3.c.Protection of Environmentally Sensitive or Significant Natural Areas

That the revised due date of May 1, 2007, be approved. / Planning & Dev.
City Council Public Hearing
Due: May 1, 2007

E.REPORTS RELATED TO EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MATTERS

E.1.a.Rural Metro Strategic AccordCity of Edmonton and Northeast Alberta Information HUB Ltd. 

That subject to the addition of a clause stating that no binding legal obligation be created, the Mayor sign, on behalf of the City, the proposal to enter a Strategic Accord agreement with the Northeast Alberta Information HUB Ltd / Mayor

E.1.b.Changes to 2007 Service Packages and Cost Avoidance Target 

That the January 9, 2007, Corporate Business Planning Department report 2007CBP002 be received for information. / Planning & Dev.

E.1.d.Expropriation of 12806 – 63 Street, being One of the Eight Properties Located Southeast of Fort Road, North of 127 Avenue 

That Administration commence proceedings to expropriate the property legally described in Attachment 2 of the December 12, 2006, Corporate Services Department report 2007COL006 and take all steps required by the Expropriation Act in furtherance of this expropriation, either:
a.through the registration of a Certificate of Approval of expropriation; or
b.through a Section 30 Expropriation Agreement whereby the owner consents to the acquisition of the land. / Corporate Svcs.

E.1.e.Expropriation of Property from 110 Centre Ltd. 

That Administration commence proceedings to expropriate the properties legally described in Attachment 1 of the December 5, 2006, Corporate Services Department report 2007COL004, and take all steps required by the Expropriation Act in furtherance of the expropriations, either:
  1. through the registration of a Certificate of Approval of expropriation; or
  2. through a Section 30 Expropriation Agreement whereby the owner consents to the acquisition of the land.
/ Corporate Svcs.
E.1.e. cont.

E.1.f.Expropriation of Three Properties Located Southeast of Fort Road on 63 and 64 Streets 

That Administration commence proceedings to expropriate the properties legally described in Attachment 2 of the December 5, 2006, Corporate Services Department report 2007COL003, and take all steps required by the Expropriation Act in furtherance of the expropriations, either:
a.through the registration of Certificates of Approval of expropriation; and/or
b.through Section 30 Expropriation Agreements whereby an owner consents to the acquisition of the land. / Corporate Svcs.

E.1.g.Agreements for Admission Surcharges at Rexall Place 

1.That the City of Edmonton enter into the Admission Surcharge Agreement with Edmonton Investors Group Ltd. and Edmonton Northlands, as outlined in Attachment 1 of the December 19, 2006, Corporate Services Department report 2007COL005.
2.That the City of Edmonton enter into an Assignment of the Admission Surcharge Agreement with Edmonton Investors Group Ltd. and Edmonton Northlands, as outlined in Attachment 2 of the December 19, 2006, Corporate Services Department report 2007COL005. / Corporate Svcs.

E.1.i.Sustainable Development Practices

That a panel of experts be invited to present ideas on an integrated framework for sustainability (with the objective of pursuing cutting-edge ideas for implementing a social, economic and environmental framework for sustainability for Administration to follow), and that Senior Management Team, Branch Level Managers and Council be invited to attend. / City Manager
Planning & Dev.

E.1.j.Land Use Planning Measures for Affordable Housing 

1.That Administration prepare:
a.Amendments to Plan Edmonton to identify affordable housing and overall intensification as a priority, including a number of supportive strategies.
b.Amendments to the Edmonton Zoning Bylaw to broaden the opportunity for secondary suites in low density residential land use zones.
c.Options for policy direction to provide affordable housing in suburban and mature neighbourhoods, and in large-scale development projects.
d.Options for implementation measures to achieve affordable housing in suburban neighbourhoods, mature neighbourhoods and large-scale infill projects.
2.That Administration pursue the unaddressed measures identified in the December 7, 2006, Planning and Development Department report 2007PDP104.
3.That Administration and the Mayor approach the Province for amendments to the Municipal Government Act,notwithstanding the City's ability to mandate inclusionary zoning. / Planning & Dev.
Part 1.c and 1.d.
AMPW
Mayor

F.REPORTS RELATED TO COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MATTERS

F.1.a.2007 Cultural Capital of Canada

  1. That $667,000 be approved as the City of Edmonton’s contribution to the 2007 Cultural Capital of Canada Project. Source of Funds: 2007Financial Strategies Fund. Budget, Corporate Expenditures Program – Financial Strategies.
  2. That the Community Services Social, Recreation and Cultural Services Program be increased by $2,667,000 for the 2007 Cultural Capital of Canada Project. Source of Funds: $667,000 from part 1 of motion and $2,000,000 from the Government of Canada.
  3. That the City of Edmonton enter into a Contribution Agreement with the Government of Canada outlining the parameters of the federal funding.
  4. That the Administration be directed to enter an agreement with the Edmonton Arts Council, contracting it to deliver the Cultural Capital of Canada project on the City’s behalf, and that the agreement be acceptable in form and content for approval by the City Manager.
/ Community Svcs.
Corporate Svcs.
F.1.a. cont.
Community Svcs.
Corporate Svcs.
City Manager

F.1.b.Emergency Medical Services – Hospital Wait Times – Additional Information 

That the Mayor and Administration meet with the Minister of Health and Wellness to discuss hospital wait times issues, including costs and liabilities to the City of Edmonton. / Mayor
Community Svcs.

F.1.c.Art Gallery of Alberta 2007 “Keeping the Doors Open” Community Investment Grant 

  1. That, as per Policy C211F, payment of the first instalment of the Art Gallery of Alberta’s 2007 Community Investment Grant in the amount of $386,449 be approved.
  1. That, as per Policy C211F, the balance of the Art Gallery of Alberta’s 2007 Community Investment Grant be determined subsequent to the administrative review of the EdmontonArtGallery’s 2006 audited financial statements.
  2. That payment of an additional $35,650 to the Art Gallery of Alberta, allocated retroactively, under the 2006 “Keeping the Doors Open” Community Investment Grant program be approved. (Source of funds: 2006 Financial Strategies.)
  3. That an increase to the 2007 “Keeping The Doors Open” Community Investment Grant program be considered subsequent to Administration’s review of the Art Gallery of Alberta’s 2006 financial statements and presented in conjunction with the report for the second instalment in May 2007.
  4. That Administration, in collaboration with the Art Gallery of Alberta, review the base funding level for the “Keeping the Doors Open” Community Investment Grant program and provide a recommendation for 2008 funding to Community Services Committee in May 2007.
/ Community Svcs.
AGA
Corporate Svcs.
F.1.c. cont.
CS Committee
Due: May 14, 2007

CARRIED

FOR THE MOTION: S. Mandel; B. Anderson, J. Batty, T. Cavanagh,
E. Gibbons, R. Hayter, K. Krushell, K. Leibovici,
J. Melnychuk, M. Nickel, M. Phair, L. Sloan,
D. Thiele.

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

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

B.3.VOTE ON BYLAWS NOT EXEMPTED FOR DEBATE

L.BYLAWS

L.1.b.Bylaw 14490 - To Establish the 2007 Business Revitalization Zone Tax Bylaw and Tax Rate Bylaw 

MOVED B.Anderson – M. Nickel:

That Bylaw 14490 be read a first time.

CARRIED

FOR THE MOTION:B. Anderson, J. Batty, T. Cavanagh,
E. Gibbons, R. Hayter, K. Krushell, K. Leibovici,
J. Melnychuk, M. Nickel, M. Phair, L. Sloan,
D. Thiele.

ABSENT:S.Mandel.

MOVED B.Anderson – M. Nickel:

That Bylaw 14490 be read a second time.

CARRIED

FOR THE MOTION:B. Anderson, J. Batty, T. Cavanagh,
E. Gibbons, R. Hayter, K. Krushell, K. Leibovici,
J. Melnychuk, M. Nickel, M. Phair, L. Sloan,
D. Thiele.

ABSENT:S.Mandel.

MOVED B.Anderson – M. Nickel:

That Bylaw 14490 be considered for third reading.

CARRIED

FOR THE MOTION:B. Anderson, J. Batty, T. Cavanagh,
E. Gibbons, R. Hayter, K. Krushell, K. Leibovici,
J. Melnychuk, M. Nickel, M. Phair, L. Sloan,
D. Thiele.

ABSENT:S.Mandel.

MOVED B.Anderson – M. Nickel:

That Bylaw 14490 be read a third time. / Distribution List

CARRIED

FOR THE MOTION:B. Anderson, J. Batty, T. Cavanagh,
E. Gibbons, R. Hayter, K. Krushell, K. Leibovici,
J. Melnychuk, M. Nickel, M. Phair, L. Sloan,
D. Thiele.

ABSENT:S.Mandel.

L.2.b.Bylaw 14434 - 2007 Business Tax, Business Tax Rate, Supplementary Business Tax, and Supplementary Business Assessment Bylaw 

MOVED B.Anderson – M.Phair:

That Bylaw 14434 be amended by replacing Schedule B with revised Schedule B (with changes identified in Attachment 2 of the January 22, 2007, Planning and Development Department report 2007PDA001). / Planning & Dev.

CARRIED

FOR THE MOTION:B. Anderson, J. Batty, T. Cavanagh,E. Gibbons,
R. Hayter, K. Krushell, K. Leibovici,J. Melnychuk,
M. Phair, L. Sloan,D. Thiele.

OPPOSED:M. Nickel.

ABSENT:S.Mandel.

MOVED B.Anderson – L.Sloan:

That Bylaw 14434, as amended, be read a second time.

CARRIED

FOR THE MOTION:B. Anderson, J. Batty, T. Cavanagh,E. Gibbons,
R. Hayter, K. Krushell, K. Leibovici,J. Melnychuk,
M. Phair, L. Sloan,D. Thiele.

OPPOSED:M. Nickel.

ABSENT:S.Mandel.

MOVED B.Anderson – L.Sloan:

That Bylaw 14434, as amended, be read a third time. / Distribution List

CARRIED

FOR THE MOTION:B. Anderson, J. Batty, T. Cavanagh,E. Gibbons,
R. Hayter, K. Krushell, K. Leibovici,J. Melnychuk,
M. Phair, L. Sloan,D. Thiele.

OPPOSED:M. Nickel.

ABSENT:S.Mandel.

D.ADMINISTRATIVE INQUIRIES AND RESPONSES

D.1.ADMINISTRATIVE INQUIRIES

D.1.a.Snow Clearing of Parking Lots – Community Leagues and Senior Centres (L. Sloan/K. Leibovici)

“At a recent West End Presidents Council meeting, the question was raised as to whether the City of Edmonton could plow the parking lots of community leagues and senior centres when the snow plows are in the neighbourhood.
Can Administration provide the following:
  1. Is it feasible for the City to plow community league and senior centre parking lots?
  2. What, if any, extra cost would be incurred?
  3. What conditions could trigger the City to do this, i.e. when residential streets are plowed?
  4. In consultation with Edmonton Federation of Community Leagues and Seniors Coordinating Council, can Administration provide the average cost to community leagues and senior centres for plowing their parking lot?
  5. What City policies need to be amended to do this?
Please bring this information back at the same time as Mayor S.Mandel’s inquiry on snow removal.” / Transportation
TPW Committee
Due: Feb. 27, 2007

D.1.b.AnthonyHenday– Impacts of Increased Noise and Traffic
(K. Leibovici/L.Sloan)

“We have been receiving enquiries from constituents on the AnthonyHenday and the impacts the increased noise and traffic is having on their quality of life. The concerns are as follows:
  • Increased levels of noise and lack of noise barriers.
  • Congestion at intersections specifically Stony Plain Road, Lessard Road, Callingwood Road and CameronHeights.
  • Use of engine retarder brakes.
  • Need for a traffic light at 87 Avenue and 189 Street.
  • Need for sound walls at 87 Avenue between AnthonyHenday and 170 Street, and adjacent to Wedgewood and CameronHeightscommunities.
Can Administration provide the following:
a.The role of the province in providing overpasses at the above noted intersections and accompanying plans and timelines for the construction of these intersections.
b.Recommendations for actions the City can take to alleviate congestion on the AnthonyHenday or to encourage the provincial government to construct the overpasses.
c.Recommendations for actions we can take to enforce the prohibition of the use of engine retarder brakes, in consultation with the Edmonton Police Service.
d.How often traffic counts and noise levels are taken on the AnthonyHenday and what the increases have been since its opening in both traffic and noise.
e.Have there been traffic counts and noise levels taken on 87 Avenue between the AnthonyHenday and 170 Street? What have been the increases? Can Administration also provide the traffic counts for the intersection of 87 Avenue and 189 Street and indicate when a traffic light will be installed?” / Transportation
Due: Apr. 10, 2007

D.1.c.Sidewalk Clutter (M.Phair)

“In the last week, a new set of large red and grey “news boxes” have appeared throughout the downtown and other parts of the city (Media Classified).
  • How does the City regulate the number, size and location of such sidewalk boxes?
  • How does the City determine when the number of boxes is interfering with people walking on sidewalks and when the number becomes sidewalk clutter detracting from the sidewalk streetscape?
  • How do other major cities deal with this issue?
I would like the response to return to Transportation and Public Works Committee.” / Transportation
TPW Committee
Due: Apr. 3, 2007

A.4.URGENT MATTERS - PROTOCOL ITEMS

A.4.f.DunluceElementary School (E.Gibbons)

On behalf of City Council, Deputy Mayor E.Gibbons welcomed students from DunluceElementary School and their teacher Mrs.Huk.

D.3.STATUS OF REPORTS 

D.3.d.Proposed Rezoning within Central McDougall/Queen Mary Park Area Redevelopment Plan (ARP) (Residual DC2s)

P.Ohm, Planning and Development Department, answered Council's questions.

MOVED M.Phair – J.Melnychuk:

That the revised due date of November 27, 2007, be approved. / Planning & Dev.
Due: Nov. 27, 2007

CARRIED

FOR THE MOTION: B. Anderson, J. Batty, T. Cavanagh, E. Gibbons,
R. Hayter, K. Krushell, K. Leibovici, J. Melnychuk,
M. Nickel, M. Phair, L. Sloan, D. Thiele.

ABSENT: S.Mandel.

E.REPORTS RELATED TO EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MATTERS

E.1.h.Liquor Store Separation Distances Section 85 Amendment Inquiry 