City Council Minutes

March 12, 2008

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
D. H. Edey, City Clerk
S. Thompson, Office of the City Clerk

A.CALL TO ORDER AND RELATED BUSINESS

A.1.Call to Order

Mayor S. Mandel called the meeting to order at 9:32 a.m.

Councillors B. Henderson, K. Krushell and K. Leibovici were absent.

Opening Prayer

Rev. Eileen Conway, Rector, Holy Trinity Anglican Church,led the assembly in prayer.

Councillor K. Leibovici entered the meeting.

A.2.Adoption of Agenda

Moved J. Batty – T. Caterina:

That the March 12, 2008, City Council meeting agenda be adopted with the following changes:

  1. Additions: (Addenda require a Special Resolution)

E.11.Capital Funding for Noise Wall on the Whitemud/Quesnell Project – Noise Attenuation

P.4.Southwest Recreation Centre – Interim Verbal Report – Private (pursuant to sections 16 and 24 of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act)

  1. Replacement Pages:

E.1.2007-1010 Council Initiatives – Terms of References and Work Plans – Attachment 26

A.3.Adoption of Minutes – Replacement Page 8 of February 27/28, 2008, City Council Public Hearing minutes

E.8.Organizational Performance – December 31, 2007 – Attachment 3

  1. Suspension of Rules:

E.12. Capital Direction Setting

That section 54(1) of Procedures and Committees Bylaw 12300 be suspended for item E.12. to allow for a presentation, as well as questions and answers, without a Motion on the Floor.

Carried

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

Absent:B. Henderson, K. Krushell.

A.3.Adoption of Minutes

Moved R. Hayter – L. Sloan:

That thefollowing meeting minutes be adopted:

  • February 27/28, 2008, Special City Council Public Hearing
  • February 27, 2008, City Council
  • February 25, 2008, City Council Public Hearing
  • February 25, 2008, City Council

Carried

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

Absent:B. Henderson, K. Krushell.

A.4.Protocol Items

Youth Council – Heart 2 Art (D. Iveson)

Councillor D. Iveson introduced Justin Lui, Chair of the Youth Justice’s Homelessness and Poverty Committee. Justin thanked Council for its support of the Heart 2 Art contest. The contest will not only raise awareness of homelessness in Edmonton among youth but will also challenge their ability to creatively express their perspectives using art. The Youth Council plans to make presentations to as many schools as possible. A formal gala event is also planned for November 14, 2008, with proceeds going to Boyle Street Community Services.

Councillor D. Iveson distributed copies of the Heart 2 Art contest brochure to Members of Council and a copy was filed with the Office of the City Clerk.

Combative Sports Commission Annual Awards(R. Hayter)

Barney O’Connor, well-known former boxer, promoter and referee, established a trust fund in his will to honour boxers who demonstrated good character and community involvement.

At the recent 19th City of Edmonton Combative Sports Commission Annual Awards, Paul McKenzie, a 16-year-old grade 11 student at
M. E. LaZerte High School, was the latest recipient of the award.

On behalf of City Council, Councillor R. Hayter congratulated Paul. In his three years of boxing Paul has won three provincial titles, two Golden Gloves tournaments, finished second at the Canadian Nationals and third at the World Ringside Championships. He is currently the Youth Ambassador for the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

High School City Basketball Championships (B. Anderson)

On behalf of City Council, Councillor B. Anderson congratulated teams and coaches from the recent Metro and Public League High School City Basketball Championships.

Earth Hour (K. Leibovici)

The City of Edmonton is participating in Earth Hour, which calls on individuals and businesses around the world to turn off their lights for one hour on Saturday, March 29, 2008, between 8 p.m. and 9 p.m. Organized by the World Wildlife Fund for Nature, Earth Hour is a global climate change initiative.

On March 29, the City of Edmonton will turn off all non-essential City facility lighting for one hour at 8 p.m. at City Hall, Century Place, Chancery Hall and as many other City-owned facilities as possible.

On behalf of City Council, Councillor K. Leibovici encouraged citizens and businesses to join in this global event.

Welcome to Mayor Greg Krishke (S. Mandel)

On behalf of City Council, Mayor S. Mandel welcomed Greg Krishke, Mayor, City of Leduc.

World Heavy Oil Congress (S. Mandel)

Mayor S. Mandel commended Mr. Maurer and his staff for the efforts put into the World Heavy Oil Congress being held at the Shaw Conference Centre.

B.PROCEDURAL MATTERS

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

The following items were selected for debate: E.2., E.5., E.6., E.7., E.8., E.11., E.12., J.1. andP.4.

Moved D. Thiele – L. Sloan:

E.REPORTS

E.1.2007-2010 Council Initiatives – Terms of References and Work Plans

  1. That the Terms of References for Council initiatives involving new projects, as provided in Attachments 1- 8 of the February 21, 2008, Corporate Business Planning Department report 2008CBP011, be approved.
  2. That the Work Plans for Council initiatives involving established projects with new dimensions, as provided in Attachments 9-12 of the February 21, 2008, Corporate Business Planning Department report 2008CBP011, be approved.
  3. That the Work Plans for Council initiatives involving established projects, as provided in Attachments 13-30 of the February 21, 2008, Corporate Business Planning Department report 2008CBP011, be approved.
/ CBP

E.3.GO Community Centre – Project Update

  1. That the planned change in location for the GO Community Centre to the University of Alberta South Campus site be approved.
  1. That the level of municipal investment in the project continue at 25% of project costs (up to $9 million) pending the validation of community access provisions consistent with the previous site (source of funds considered through the 2009 Budget process).
  2. That the City of Edmonton enter into a funding agreement with the GO Community Centre satisfactory in form and content to the City Manager.
  3. That the February 14, 2008, Community Services Department report 2008CSR011 be received for information.
/ Community Svcs.
CBP
Corporate Svcs.
City Manager
E.3. cont.

E.4.2008 Tax Public Auction Resolution

1.That the date for the 2008 Tax Public Auction be Thursday, April 24, 2008, at 10 a.m., in Council Chamber, City Hall.
2.That the setting of the reserve bids be as follows:
for all properties, the reserve bids will be fair market value as determined by the City Assessor.
3.That the Terms and Conditions of Sale (Attachment 1 of the February11, 2008, Planning and Development Department report 2008PDA006) be 10% deposit with the balance to be paid to the City by the closing date for the sale, which is 30 days after the Public Auction / Planning & Dev.

E.9.Legislation Regarding Safe Use of Motorized Mobility Aids

  1. That Mayor S. Mandel, on behalf of City Council, send a letter to the Minister of Infrastructure and Transportation seeking an amendment to the Traffic Safety Act, to permit the use of Segways and similar vehicles within the Province of Alberta.
  2. That a copy of the letter be sent to Alberta Urban Municipalities Association, Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators, and the federal Minister of Transportation, Infrastructure and Communities.
/ Mayor
Transportation

E.10.January 28, 2008, City Council Public Hearing Minutes Correction

  1. That the motion to approve the January 28, 2008, City Council Public Hearing minutes be rescinded.
  1. That the revised January 28, 2008, City Council Public Hearing minutes be approved as per Attachment 1 of the February 28, 2008, Office of the City Manager report 2008CMC018.
/ City Manager

P.PRIVATE

P.1.Energy/Upgrader Proceedings and Hearings

1.That continued monitoring of and intervention in Energy/Upgrader proceedings and hearings convened by the Energy Resources Conservation Board and Alberta Environment for projects in Edmonton and the Edmonton region be approved.
2.That Administration report annually to Council on its activities arising out of part 1 of the motion or on a more frequent basis as required.
3.That the January 31, 2008, Corporate Services Department report 2008COL007 remain private pursuant to sections 21 and 25 of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. / Corporate Svcs.
Due: Mar. 2009

P.2.Civic Agency Recruitment #1 – Community Services Committee Recommendations toCouncil

That the re-appointments to the Edmonton Space and Science Foundation outlined in the revised Attachment 1 of the February 20, 2008, Office of the City Manager report 2008CACA13, be approved for the term
May 1, 2008, to April 30, 2009. / City Manager

P.3.Civic Agency Recruitment#1 – Transportation and Public Works Committee Recommendations to Council

That the appointments and re-appointments to various civic agencies outlined in the February 20, 2008, Office of the City Manager report 2008CACA14 be approved for the terms shown. / City Manager

Carried

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

Absent:B. Henderson, K. Krushell.

B.3.Vote on Bylaws not Selected for Debate

F.FIRST READING BYLAWS

F.2.Bylaw 14879 – To authorize the City of Edmonton to construct, finance, and assess Sidewalk Reconstruction Local Improvement in the Parkdale area

Moved B. Anderson – R. Hayter:

That Bylaw 14879 be read a first time. / Corporate Svcs.

Carried

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

Absent:B. Henderson, K. Krushell.

B.2.Time Specifics and Decision to Hear

Moved J. Batty – E. Gibbons:

That the following item be made time specific:

3:45 p.m.E.7.Fort Edmonton Park Governance,
Management and Operations

Carried

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

Absent:B. Henderson, K. Krushell.

C.ADMINISTRATIVE INQUIRIES

C.1.Respectful Workplace – City Council (L. Sloan)

I understand that Administration will be implementing a new Respectful Workplace Administrative Directive (and Hiring Administrative Directive) in conjunction with a recommendation that Council repeal the outdated Equal Opportunity Policy. I would like Administration to bring a report forward to Executive Committee,at the same time, indicating what options may be available to Council to encourage and support a respectful work environment for Council itself. / Corporate Svcs.
Exec. Committee
Due: Apr. 23/08

C.2.Space for Non-Profit Organizations (K. Leibovici/S. Mandel)

We are aware of many non-profit organizations such as Dogs with Wings, and the Canadian Paraplegic Association (Alberta) that are in need of space in order to continue their activities. Can Administration provide a report detailing:
  1. How many groups are actively looking for space and assess the space needs of these groups.
  2. The number of existing school buildings that could be converted for use by these groups as well as surplus school sites.
  3. Any City land/buildings that could be utilized.
  4. Feasibility of a centre, such as the Kahanoff Centre in Calgary.
  5. Recommend an approach to address the growing problem and the space deficiency for not-for-profit groups for administration, meeting and educational space.
The report should return to Community Services Committee. / Community Svcs.
AMPW
CS Committee
Due: May 5/08

C.3.Transportation Demand Management (D. Iveson)

Given that the recent Statistics Canada Journey to Worksurvey indicates that the Edmonton region is the most car-reliant major urban region in Canada, and given that Administration and Council share a vision of aggressively expanding the LRT network and improving bus service, and given that resources to expand the LRT network, bus service and road capacity are limited:
1.What is Administration’s definition of Transportation Demand Management (TDM)?
2.What TDM strategies could be considered to reduce reliance on the single-occupant private auto, while encouraging alternatives, including public transit, non-motorized modes, carpooling and parking management?
3.What TDM measures were considered at the time of the previous Transportation Master Plan (TMP), and what were the conclusions of the TDM work done at that time?
4.What TDM strategies have been considered or implemented since that time, including, but not limited to, strategies developed at the University of Alberta, and the recent carpool.ca initiative?
5.What policy tools are at the City’s disposal now, and in future, to pursue a more aggressive TDM strategy?
6.What transportation and land use policy tools could be brought forward for consideration as part of the TMP and Focus Edmonton discussions?
7.Are there any TDM strategies that are currently limited due to legislative barriers?
8.Are there any potential Federal or Provincial funding programs that the City could access to encourage the achievement of TDM goals?
The report should return to Transportation and Public Works Committee. / Transportation
TPW Committee
Due: May 6/08
C.3. cont.

E.REPORTS

E.2.Council Visioning Session on Planning Issues

R. G. Klassen, General Manager, Planning and Development Department, answered Council's questions.

Mayor S. Mandel vacated the Chair and Acting Mayor K. Leibovici presided. Mayor S. Mandel left the meeting.

Councillor B. Henderson entered the meeting.

Moved R. Hayter – J. Batty:

Thata visioning session be held in June 2008 for City Council to discuss planning issues including green design with an initial presentation on best practices for design and development. / City Manager
Due: June 2008

Carried

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

Absent: S. Mandel; K. Krushell, L. Sloan.

Mayor S. Mandel re-entered the meeting. Acting Mayor
K. Leibovici vacated the Chair and Mayor S. Mandel presided.

A.4.Protocol Items

Welcome to Grade 5/6 Students, Coronation Elementary School (S. Mandel)

On behalf of City Council, Mayor S. Mandel welcomed Grade 5/6 students from Coronation Elementary School and their teacher
Ms. Arlyn Beldon and parent volunteer Ms. Debra Sulz.

E.REPORTS

E.8.Organizational Performance – December 31, 2007

Moved E. Gibbons – T. Caterina:

  1. That $8.5 million be approved from the Financial Stabilization Reserve in 2008 to cover approved 2008 Budget Motions, 2007/2008 Council approved items and 2007 Council Contingency requests, as outlined in Attachment 3 of the March 12, 2008, Corporate Services/Corporate Business Planning Department report 2008COF014.
  2. That $1.9 million be approved from the Financial Stabilization Reserve to cover carry forward requests where commitments exist, as outlined in Attachment 3 of the March 12, 2008, Corporate Services/Corporate Business Planning Department report 2008COF014.
  3. That $7 million be approved from the Financial Stabilization Reserve to reduce 2008 taxes, as outlined in Attachment 3 of the March 12, 2008, Corporate Services/Corporate Business Planning Department report 2008COF014.
  4. That the remaining surplus, subject to finalization and audit, be allocated to the 2008 capital budget emerging issues.

R. Rosychuk and C. Engelking, Corporate Services Department, made presentations. A. B. Maurer, City Manager; and R. Rosychuk, Corporate Services Department, answered Council's questions.

Councillor K. Krushell entered the meeting.

C. Engelking, Corporate Services Department; A. B. Maurer, City Manager; R. Rosychuk, Corporate Services Department; and
W. D. Burn, General Manager, Asset Management and Public Works Department, answered Council's questions.

Moved R. Hayter – B. Anderson:

That any Member of Council who may wish to do so be allowed to speak for an additional five minutes.

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. Engelking and R. Rosychuk, Corporate Services Department;
A. B. Maurer, City Manager; L. Cochrane, General Manager, Community Services Department; R. Boutilier, General Manager Transportation Department; and W. D. Burn, General Manager, Asset Management and Public Works Department, answered Council's questions.

Amendment Moved B. Anderson – K. Leibovici:

That the following part 5 be added:

5. That Administration:

a. Conduct a review of current and future revenue from enterprise and utility operations and associated dividend policies.

b. Indicate in the report how the 2007 favourable variance of $41.9 million will be used.

and the report return to Council prior tothe 2009 Budget deliberations.

Carried

For the

Amendment: S.Mandel; B.Anderson, J.Batty, T.Caterina,
B. Henderson, D. Iveson, K. Krushell, K. Leibovici.

Opposed:E. Gibbons, R. Hayter, L. Sloan, A. Sohi,
D. Thiele.

A. B. Maurer, City Manager; and D. H. Edey, City Clerk, answered Council's questions.

Amendment Moved K. Krushell – L. Sloan:

That part 2 be amended by replacing “be approved fromthe Financial Stabilization Reserve to cover carry forward requests where commitments exist, as outlined in Attachment 3 of the March 12, 2008, Corporate Services/Corporate Business Planning Department report 2008COF014” with “be held in abeyance until such time as Administration provides a report to City Council through Executive Committee.”

Withdrawn

A. B. Maurer, City Manager, answered Council's questions.

(E.8. continued on page 12)

B.PROCEDURAL MATTERS

Moved K. Leibovici – R. Hayter:

That the following private item be added to the agenda:

P.5. Federal Transit Funding

Pursuant to section 21 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, L. Sloan, A. Sohi,
D.Thiele.

Orders of the Day were called.

Council recessed at 12:01 p.m.

Council reconvened at 1:33 p.m.

Councillors R. Hayter, D. Iveson and K. Leibovici were absent.

E.REPORTS

E.12.Capital Direction Setting – Verbal Report

A. B. Maurer, City Manager, made a presentation.

Councillors R. Hayter, D. Iveson and K. Leibovici entered the meeting.

J. Darrah and G. Kliparchuk, Corporate Services Department, made a presentation and answered Council's questions. A. B. Maurer, City Manager; K. Siu and D.Wiltse, Corporate Business Planning Department; and R. Rosychuk, Corporate Services Department, answered Council's questions.

Moved D. Iveson – E. Gibbons

That the verbal report be received for information. / City Manager

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.8.Organizational Performance – December 31, 2007

(continued from page 11)

With the unanimous consent of all Members of Council, Councillor
K. Krushell withdrew the following Amendment: