1

______

City Council

Meeting Minutes

June 20, 2000

CITY COUNCIL MINUTES

Tuesday, June 20, 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:
A.B. Maurer, Acting City Manager.

D.H. Edey, City Clerk.*
E.L. Britton, Office of the City Clerk.*

*Attended part of the meeting.

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

Mayor B. Smith stated that on May 16th, the CBC National Competition for amateur choirs was held in Edmonton's All Saints Anglican Cathedral at which time the Belle Canto Singers won in the Equal Voice Choirs category. Mayor B. Smith, on behalf of City Council, congratulated the Belle Canto Singers, and their Director, Heather Johnson.

The Belle Canto Singers led the assembly in a song of prayer.

A.2.ADOPTION OF AGENDA

MOVED M. Phair - R. Noce

That the City Council Agenda for the June 20, 2000 meeting be adopted with the addition of the following item:

H.1.d.Special Transportation and Public Works Committee Meeting - June 26th, 2000.

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 - R. Noce

That the Minutes of the May 24, 2000; May 30/31, 2000; May 31, 2000 and June 12, 2000 City Council Meetings 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.Communication Tool Kit for the City's Vision in 1999 (B. Smith).

Mayor B. Smith welcomed B. Bannister from the Royal Bank of Canada, who was in attendance to present The City of Edmonton with its 37th National and International Award in three years.

The Award is for a communication tool kit prepared by a Team from the Communications Branch that included: Patricia Dickson, Thelma Scammell, Val Stevens and Wayne Wood. This tool kit was used by managers and directors to roll out the City's Vision in 1999. The material submitted will become part of CAMA's Library and will be available to all CAMA members across Canada.

Mayor B. Smith accepted the award on behalf of the City of Edmonton and congratulated the Team for a significant achievement.

B.1.b.Annual Trans-Canada Yellowhead Highway Association Meeting
(R. Rosenberger).

Councillor R. Rosenberger stated that on May 26, 2000, she and A.B. Maurer, Acting City Manager, attended the annual Trans-Canada Yellowhead Highway Association meeting, on behalf of the City of Edmonton. The request by the District of Hope, B.C. to have the southern terminus of the Yellowhead extended along the Coquihalla Highway from Merritt to Hope was endorsed by the Yellowhead members and was forwarded to The Honourable Harry Lali, Minister of Transportation and Highways. On Friday, June 16th, the Minister announced the extension to Hope, B.C. The Trans-Canada Yellowhead Highway now extends from Winnipeg in the east to the Queen Charlotte Islands in Northern B.C. and Hope in Southern B.C. It is significant to have this Southern B.C. exposure for The City of Edmonton.

A letter of appreciation to the Honourable H. Lali is currently being prepared for the Mayor's signature.

B.1.c.75th Anniversary of the Y.W.C.A. Women of Distinction Awards
(M. Phair).

______

Councillor M. Phair stated that on June 15, 2000 he had the honour of attending the Y.W.C.A.'s Women of Distinction Awards presentation, at which time the Women of Distinction Award for the year 2000 was presented to Joyce Tustian in the Managerial and Professional Skills category.

Members of Council congratulated Ms. Tustian for her outstanding achievement.

B.1.d.Farewell (B. Mason).

______

Councillor B. Mason stated:

"This is going to be my last Council meeting and I would just like to say a few words if I could. It has been an honour for me to serve on City Council for the past ten and a half years. The experience has been very enriching for me and I really feel that it has broadened my outlook considerably. It has been very frustrating at times but ultimately all this is extremely rewarding and I feel quite proud to have participated on City Council for this time.

I have made many friends from the four Councils that I have served on and I am going to continue to cherish the links that I have with City Council. I think that the system we have is a very effective system and I really have come to appreciate the non partisanship that often exists on City Council. It is a really good way to get business done. I would also like to thank the Administration. I think our Administration is probably one of the finest Administrations that I have ever seen. I have had a little bit of a chance to observe Administrations at other levels of Government as well as in the private sector, and I think our shines in comparison. They have to operate in public, without a net, and all of their mistakes are readily evident. I do not think that any other Administration in the public or private sector works under those conditions or even could. So I really do want to express my appreciation for all the help that they have given me over the years, and remind Council that in order for the Administration to be effective they do need Councillors to keep them on their toes.

I would like to thank the Media. I have generally found the Media at City Hall to be quite fair generally and as long as you appreciate the difference between what you want them to say and what a real story is. I think it has always been a good relationship for me.

And last, Mr. Mayor, I would like to thank the people of Ward 3. As I said at my victory speech last week (and I appreciated your coming, Mr. Mayor), they are the finest people that I have ever met and it has been an honour to represent them.

As I go on to the Provincial Government I am going to make a pledge today that I will not forget the value of Municipal Government or the needs of Municipal Government; that it is in fact probably the most cost effective and efficient form of Government anywhere in the Country and we will try to get the Provincial Government to become a close second. Thank you Mr. Mayor."

Mayor B. Smith thanked Councillor B. Mason and Members of Council gave a standing ovation to Councillor B. Mason.

B.2.EXEMPTIONS AND VOTE ON ALL OTHER ITEMS

MOVED R. Noce - T. Cavanagh

That items D.2.a., D.2.b., E.1.b., E.1.c., E.1.e., E.1.f., E.1.g., E.1.h., E.1.i., E.1.j., E.1.l., F.1.b., H.1.a., J.1.a. and the in-private item H.1.b. be exempted for debate; and

D.2.REPORTS ON ADMINISTRATIVE INQUIRIES

D.2.c.Increase in Traffic Volumes on Meridian Street (R. Noce).

That the June 7, 2000 Transportation and Streets Department report be received for information. / Transportation & Streets

D.3.STATUS OF REPORTS

D.3.a.Reserving Parkland in Non-Residential Areas (A. Bolstad).

That the revised due date of July 4, 2000 be approved. / Planning and Dev.
Due: July 4, 2000

E.REPORTS RELATED TO EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MATTERS

E.1.a.Significant Issues – Communication Plan. 

That the May 10, 2000 Corporate Services Department report be received for information. / Corporate Svcs.

E.1.d.Appointment of New Board Members to Two Business Revitalization Zone Associations’ 2000 Boards of Directors. 

  1. That John Pumphrey be appointed as a Director to the 124th Street & Area Business Association for the term ending on December 31, 2000.
  1. That Kelly Holland, Arlene Kemble, Tracy Patience, Alex Szwydkiw, and Battista Vecchio be appointed to the Board of Directors for the Alberta Avenue Business Association for the term ending on December 31, 2000.
/ Planning & Dev.

E.1.k.Corporate Computer Plan. 

That the Strategic Plan for Information Technology, as contained in Attachment 1 of the May 17, 2000 Corporate Services Department report, be approved. / Corporate Svcs.

F.REPORTS RELATED TO COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MATTERS

F.1.a.Edmonton Art Gallery, “Keeping the Doors Open”, 2000 Community Investment Grant. 

That the second instalment of the Edmonton Art Gallery’s 2000 Community Investment Grant in the amount of $83,160 be approved. / Community Svcs.

G.REPORTS RELATED TO TRANSPORTATION AND PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE MATTERS

G.1.a.Acquisition of Land at 12310 – 184 Street from Leo Pernisch and Angus McDonald. 

That the acquisition of all that portion of the NE 17-53-25-W4 shown outlined on the plan attached hereto as Attachment 3, excepting thereout all mines and minerals, from Leo Pernisch and Angus McDonald (as Trustees for the members of a Syndicate formed by an Agreement in writing dated February 14, 1978, and in respect of which the said Leo Pernisch and Angus McDonald have executed a Declaration of Trust dated March 31, 1983) for the Offered Payment of $17,100 with final compensation to be determined pursuant to the provisions of Section 30 of the Expropriation Act be authorized. / Asset Mgmt. & Public Works

H.OTHER REPORTS

H.1.c.Citizen-at-Large Appointment Recommendation to the Subdivision and Development Appeal Board from Executive Committee.

That Mr. Lynn A. Patrick be appointed to the Subdivision and Development Appeal Board for the term ending December 31, 2000. / Corporate Svcs.

H.1.d.Special Transportation and Public Works Committee Meeting - June 26th, 2000.

______

That a Special Transportation and Public Works Committee meeting be scheduled for Monday, June 26th, 2000 from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the Councillors' Boardroom. / All General Managers

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.Status of Edmonton Garrison Report (R. Noce).

______

"In a report dated March 28, 2000, the Planning and Development Department advised City Council that a report relating to the status of Edmonton Garrison would be forwarded to City Council in June 2000. To date, Council has not received any report.
I would be obliged if the City Manager could provide a status report on this issue for the July 4, 2000 City Council meeting." / City Manager
Due: July 4, 2000

D.1.bAssessment of Properties (R. Noce).

______

"Over the past couple of weeks, I have received a number of telephone calls and letters from Ward 3 residents indicating their displeasure with the manner in which The City of Edmonton has assessed their properties. The telephone calls and letters have been wide ranging from increased market value assessments in communities that continue to face issues and challenges (e.g. Beverly, Alberta Avenue, Parkdale/Cromdale) to increased market value assessments which fly in the face of the Assessment Review Board decisions less than one or two years old.
I would be obliged if the City Manager could answer the following question for the July 4, 2000 City Council meeting:
  1. Would the Administration prepare an overview of how the City of Edmonton determines the assessed market value for a property?
  2. Are there other assessment methods The City of Edmonton could adopt to reduce perceived or actual errors in the assessed market value for properties?
  3. Would the Administration provide City Council with a breakdown of the complaints, together with the nature of the complaints, The City of Edmonton has received to date as a result of the 2000 Tax Notices."
/ Corporate Svcs.
Due: July 4, 2000
D.1.b. Cont'd
Corporate Svcs.
Due: July 4, 2000

D.1.c"Keeping the City Clean" (R. Rosenberger).

______

"It appears that with the amount of litter on our streets and sidewalks that the citizens of Edmonton need reminders of the importance of keeping our City clean, particularly in light of the large number of visitors that will come here in the near future. My questions are:
1.When was the last time the Police or Bylaw Departments issued littering citations?
2.Does the City provide adequate trash containers along bike paths, at bus stops, near fast food outlets and other strategic spots?
3.How often are the grassed areas of roadways, particularly major arterials such as the Yellowhead and Whitemud, cleaned of plastic bags and so on? By whom? Is it possible to make arrangements for people sentenced by the courts to community service hours to do this clean up? Could the City implement our version of the provincial programs of “Adopt A Highway” so that caring groups could participate in keeping our City clean of litter?
4.Has there been an increase of littering because so many people are forced to go outside to smoke? How can we encourage building owners or business owners to provide adequate receptacles for cigarette butts outside their doors?
I would like the responses to these questions to come to the Transportation and Public Works Committee as soon as possible in order to implement any initiatives this summer." / Transportation & Streets
Police Service
TPW Committee
Due: Aug. 22, 2000

D.1.d.Procedures for Emergency Planning (L. Chahley).

______

"My inquiry is related to the preparedness with respect to Emergency Planning and what procedures are presently in place in the event that an emergency of significant magnitude occurs.
I would like the Administration to respond to the following questions:
  1. What is the state of readiness of the Emergency Operations Centre?
  2. Who has been trained to actually run the Centre?
  3. Does the City have clerical staff in place for the Centre?
  4. Is the Centre technically up to current standards in relation to computer systems, phone systems, radio systems and the like?
  5. How is Calgary's Emergency Operations Centre set up, and what type of technical equipment do they have in place?
  6. What exercises in relation to this matter has the City undertaken in the last four years?
  7. When is the next exercise planned?
  8. Who has been trained for site operations?
  9. What is the status for future training?
  10. Who are the working partners within the various City Departments responsible for emergency preparedness planning?
  11. Does the City have a site management command post?
  12. What priority does Emergency Management have within the City Manager's Office?
  13. What budget is provided to reflect this priority?
I would like a response to this inquiry returned to City Council in due course." / Emergency Response
City Manager
Due: Aug. 29, 2000

D.1.e.Griesbach Lands (A. Bolstad).

______

"This inquiry has to do with the Griesbach lands in north Edmonton that are mostly sitting vacant.
Given that we have a tremendous investment in local infrastructure - everything from a transit terminal to fire hall, recreation centre and library - not to mention things like roads, water and sewer lines - I am wondering what we can do to encourage the Federal Government to get moving with the redevelopment of this land.
I would appreciate a report from the Administration which describes any efforts we might have undertaken recently in this regard along with one or more suggested courses of action." / Planning & Dev.
Due: Aug. 29, 2000

D.1.f.Equal Treatment Relating to Marital or Family Discord (A. Bolstad).

______

"This inquiry has to do with the equal treatment of men and women involved in marital or family discord and the work our Community Services Department is doing to ensure gender equality in programs and publications put out by the City or by City-funded agencies.
I would like a report outlining the steps the City has taken to review its operations and publications and those of City-funded agencies to ensure they are not discriminatory against men.
In particular, I would like to know if the City will be taking any steps relative to the operation of The Family Centre, which has been the subject of recent news reports in this regard.
Finally, I would like to know if there is anything more the City can do to encourage the development of programs and information to assist men, who have been victims of abuse from their marital partner or other members of their family." / Community Svcs.
Due: Aug. 29, 2000

E.REPORTS RELATED TO EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MATTERS

E.1.m.Ward 3 Bi-Election (M. Phair).

Councillor M. Phair requested the permission of Council to make a motion without the customary notice on the potential vacancy on City Council as a result of Brian Mason becoming a Member of the Legislative Assembly.

MOVED R. Noce - D. Thiele

That Councillor M. Phair be allowed to make a motion without notice.

CARRIED

FOR THE MOTION:B. Smith; B. Anderson, A. Bolstad, W. Kinsella,

L. Langley, R. Noce, M. Phair, J. Taylor,

D. Thiele.

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

ABSENT:B. Mason.

MOVED M. Phair - A. Bolstad

That if there becomes a vacancy on City Council as a result of Brian Mason becoming a Member of the Legislative Assembly, that a bi-election be held in Ward 3 to fill this vacancy and that the Administration bring forward a report at the Council meeting following the vacancy recommending a date for the bi-election.

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

Mayor B. Smith vacated the Chair and Deputy Mayor D. Thiele presided.

RECONSIDERED

FOR THE MOTION:B. Anderson, A. Bolstad, L. Langley, M. Phair.

OPPOSED:B. Smith; T. Cavanagh, L. Chahley, W. Kinsella,

R. Noce, R. Rosenberger, J. Taylor, D. Thiele.

ABSENT:B. Mason.

MOVED R. Noce - J. Taylor

That the following motion be reconsidered:

MOVED M. Phair - A. Bolstad

That if there becomes a vacancy on City Council as a result of Brian Mason becoming a Member of the Legislative Assembly, that a bi-election be held in Ward 3 to fill this vacancy and that the Administration bring forward a report at the Council meeting following the vacancy recommending a date for the bi-election.

carried

FOR THE MOTION:B. Smith; B. Anderson, A. Bolstad, T. Cavanagh,

L. Chahley, W. Kinsella, L. Langley, R. Noce,

M. Phair, R. Rosenberger, J. Taylor, D. Thiele.

ABSENT:B. Mason.

MOVED M. Phair - A. Bolstad

That if there becomes a vacancy on City Council as a result of Brian Mason becoming a Member of the Legislative Assembly, that a bi-election be held in Ward 3 to fill this vacancy and that the Administration bring forward a report at the Council meeting following the vacancy recommending a date for the bi-election.

LOST

FOR THE MOTION:A. Bolstad, L. Langley, M. Phair.

OPPOSED:B. Smith; B. Anderson, T. Cavanagh, L. Chahley,

W. Kinsella, R. Noce, R. Rosenberger, J. Taylor,

D. Thiele.

ABSENT:B. Mason.

MOVED R. Noce - M. Phair

That if there becomes a vacancy on City Council as a result of Brian Mason becoming a Member of the Legislative Assembly, that the Administration bring forward a report outlining the positions that would need to be filled as a result of the Ward 3 Councillor's position remaining vacant until the next General Municipal Election. / Corporate Svcs.
Due: Aug. 29, 2000

carried