City Council Minutes

September 11, 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 9:34 a.m.

Councillor L. Sloan was absent.

Opening Prayer

Len Gierach, Member of Eckankar Clergy, led the assembly in prayer.

A.2. Adoption of Agenda

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

Moved M. Phair – J. Melnychuk:

That the September 11, 2007, City Council meeting agenda be adopted with the following changes:

a. Additions: (Addenda require a Special Resolution)

E.16. Avenue Initiative Revitalization Strategy – Budget Implications

F.4. Bylaw 14742 – Rezoning from CNC and RA8 to DC2, located west of 82 Street NW on Jasper Avenue NW; Cromdale
Time Specific: 3:45 p.m. Statutory Public Hearing

H.1. Bylaw 14605 – Closure of a portion of Walkway in Plan 1452TR, Block 24, Lot 13W, located east of 4215-109 Street and 4136-108 Street; Rideau Park

P.6. Management Consulting Firm Appointment - Private

b. Item Title Change:

That item E.15. be changed to:

E.15. Brownfield Issue – Request for Meeting with Minister of Environment

c. Orders of the Day:

10:15 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Recess

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, D.Thiele.

Absent: L. Sloan.

A.3. Adoption of Minutes

Moved T. Cavanagh – J. Melnychuk:

That the following meeting minutes be adopted:

·  August 28, 2007, City Council

·  August 24, 2007, Special City Council Public Hearing

·  August 21, 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, D.Thiele.

Absent: L. Sloan.

A.4. Protocol Items

Constable Darryl Vandenberg (S. Mandel)

On behalf of City Council, Mayor S. Mandel offered condolences to the family and loved ones of Constable Darryl Vandenberg, who was killed in a fatal car crash while off duty on September 9.

Staff Announcement (S. Mandel)

Mayor S. Mandel asked A. B. Maurer, City Manager, to provide a staffing update.

A. B. Maurer, City Manager, introduced Gary Klassen as the new General Manager of Planning and Development Department.

Members of Council congratulated Gary on his appointment.

Ride Share Week (S. Mandel)

On behalf of City Council, Mayor S. Mandel proclaimed October 29 – November 2, 2007, Ride Share Week, and challenged Edmontonians to share a ride to work.

Celebrating Ride Share Week will raise awareness of the City of Edmonton’s carpooling program and the web site www.carpool.ca .

Mayor S. Mandel presented the proclamation to representatives from Stantec and NAIT, who have already adopted the program, and staff from Sustainable Transportation and the Office of the Environment.

Farewell to Councillor J. Melnychuk (S. Mandel)

Over the course of the past two Council terms, Janice Melnychuk has been involved in a number of Committees and Civic Agencies. Janice has also been responsible for the Edmonton Community Drug Strategy, the Neighbourhood Revitalization program and one of Council’s representatives on the Edmonton Police Commission.

A true blue Edmontonian, Janice grew up in the Beverly area and graduated from Eastglen High School and the University of Alberta. Prior to being elected Councillor for Ward 3, she served two terms as Public Trustee for Edmonton Public Schools.

On behalf of City Council and the people of Edmonton, Mayor
S. Mandel thanked Janice for all she has done to make Edmonton a better city.

Farewell to Councillor M. Phair (S. Mandel)

First elected a City Council in 1992, Michael Phair has devoted his valuable time and skills to all manner of special projects and initiatives. He has always placed a top priority on education, human rights and the arts.

The list of his accomplishments is a long one. Michael was one of the driving forces behind the Louise McKinney Park project and the Cornerstones Affordable Housing Initiative.

With two Masters Degrees under his belt and an impressive list of awards on his resume, Michael is widely recognized as a truly outstanding Edmontonian.

On behalf of City Council and the people of Edmonton, Mayor
S. Mandel thanked Michael for his many years of service dedicated to serving the citizens of Edmonton.

Farewell to Councillor T. Cavanagh (S. Mandel)

It’s hard to imagine City Hall without our Elder Statesmen, Councillor Terry Cavanagh. The 27 years spent in office is an outstanding testament to the faith that the citizens of Ward Six, and indeed all Edmontonians, have in Terry.

From Terry’s involvement in the Local Authorities Pension Plan and the Hong Kong-Canada Business Association, to the Edmonton Chinese Garden Project and the Canada-China Athletics and Sports Association, his wisdom and experience have proven invaluable to many agencies, boards and community groups.

Over the years he’s accumulated a vast wealth of experience and even played hockey alongside a young Gordie Howe. He can also say “vote for me” in 20 languages!

Terry and wife, June, were always gracious hosts for visiting delegations, particularly when Edmonton was twinned with the city of Hull. Two proud Edmontonians, they never hesitate to brag about this wonderful city we call home.

On behalf of City Council and the people of Edmonton, Mayor
S. Mandel thanked Terry for the many years he invested in the city.

Council recessed at 10:15 a.m.

Council reconvened at 11:30 a.m.

Councillors B. Anderson, T. Cavanagh and L. Sloan were absent.

B. PROCEDURAL MATTERS

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

City Council selected the following items for debate: E.1., E.9. E.13., E.15., P.1., P.2., P.3. and P.4.

Moved T. Cavanagh – M. Nickel:

E. REPORTS

E.2. Remaining 2007/08 Capital Municipal Sustainability Initiative Recommendations

That the remaining $19.56 million of the 2007/08 Capital Municipal Sustainability Initiative funding be allocated to:
·  $4.35 million for SW Eco Station, Material Recovery Centre and purchase of Garbage Trucks
·  $15.21 million for the Fort Edmonton Footbridge and Trails Project
as outlined in Attachments 2 and 3 of the July 25, 2007, Corporate Business Planning Department report 2007CBP038 / CBP

E.3. Appointment of two New Board Members - Old Strathcona Business Association 2007 Board of Directors

That the individuals named in Attachment 1 of the September 11, 2007, Planning and Development Department report 2007PDP145 be appointed as Directors of the Old Strathcona Business Association for the term ending December 31, 2008. / Planning & Dev.

E.4. Appointment of a New Board Member - Stony Plain Road and Area Business Association 2007 Board of Directors

That the individual named in Attachment 1 of the September 11, 2007, Planning and Development Department report 2007PDP146 be appointed as Director of the Stony Plain Road and Area Business Association for the term ending December31, 2008. / Planning & Dev.

E.5. Requests for Leaves of Absence by City Employees Under the Local Authorities Election Act

That Amarjeet S. Sohi, Charles (Chuck) McKenna, and David Loken, employees of the City of Edmonton, each be granted a leave of absence without pay for the period of September 17, 2007, to October 20, 2007, for the purpose of running as a candidate in the 2007 General Municipal Election. / City Manager

E.6. Expropriation of Lands for a Multi-Use Trail along 137 Avenue

That Administration commence expropriation proceedings and take all steps required by the Expropriation Act towards completing the expropriation of the properties individually described in Attachment 2 of the August 20, 2007, Asset Management and Public Works Department report 2007PW0562. / AMPW


E.7. Expropriation of Temporary Exclusive Rights-of-Way - Lands along 137 Avenue and 153 Avenue and 142 Street

That Administration commence expropriation proceedings and take all steps required by the Expropriation Act towards completing the expropriation of the temporary exclusive rights individually described in Attachment 2 of the August 20, 2007, Asset Management and Public Works Department report 2007PW4805. / AMPW

E.8. Expropriation of Lands - Along 137 Avenue and 153 Avenue and 142 Street

That Administration commence expropriation proceedings and take all steps required by the Expropriation Act towards completing the expropriation of the properties individually described in Attachment 2 of the August 20, 2007, Asset Management and Public Works Department report 2007PW0116. / AMPW

E.10. Anthony Henday – Impacts of Increased Noise and Traffic (Anthony Henday – Status and Timelines for Construction of Overpasses)

That the Mayor, on behalf of City Council, write to the Premier, Minister of Infrastructure and Edmonton MLAs on the status and timelines for construction of overpasses on the Anthony Henday at Stony Plain Road, Lessard, Callingwood and Cameron Heights, and a report be prepared for Transportation and Public Works Committee on their responses. / Mayor
Transportation
TPW Committee
Due: Nov. 6/07

E.11. Sale of Pilot Sites for the First-time Homebuyer Program: Canon Ridge and Greenview

That the sale of the two properties for the First-time Homebuyer Program, in Greenview and Canon Ridge, be approved in accordance with the price, terms and conditions outlined in the August 28, 2007, Asset Management and Public Works Department report 2007PW2920. / AMPW


E.12. 2008 Proposed Council and Committee Schedule

That the 2007-2008 Council and Committee Meeting Schedule, as outlined in Attachment 1 of the August 23, 2007, Office of the City Manager report 2007CMC045, be presented to Council at its October 23, 2007, Inaugural meeting. / City Manager
Due: Oct. 23/07

E.14. Rent Increases

1.  That the Mayor, on behalf of City Council, write a letter to the Premier, appropriate Ministers and Edmonton MLAs, requesting an immediate increase in government assistance for rent increases linked to CPI (Consumer Price Index), for recipients of AISH (Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped), Income Support clients (Alberta Works) and low-income seniors who qualify for the seniors benefits.
2.  That Administration provide information to the Standing Committee on Managing Growth Pressures of the Provincial Government on issues such as inclusionary housing and potential changes required to the Municipal Government Act. / Mayor
AMPW
City Manager

E.16. Avenue Initiative Revitalization Strategy – Budget Implications

That the Mayor, on behalf of City Council, write a letter to the Province of Alberta advocating the financial support of the Arts on the Avenue Initiative for both Operating and Capital. / Mayor
Community Svcs.

P. PRIVATE

P.5. Acquisition of Land and Working Easements 142 Street and 137 Avenue

1. That the acquisition of portions of the property described in Attachment 2 of the August 17, 2007, Asset Management and Public Works Department report 2007PW0492 be approved.
2. That the August 17, 2007, Asset Management and Public Works Department report 2007PW0492 remain private pursuant to section 25 of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. / AMPW

P.6. Management Consulting Firm Appointment

1.  That the management consulting firm, outlined in Attachment 1 of the September 10, 2007, City Manager and City Auditor Performance Evaluation Committee report, be appointed to evaluate the City Manager’s and City Auditor’s performances.
2.  That the September 10, 2007, City Manager and City Auditor Performance Evaluation Committee report remain private pursuant to sections 17, 23 and 24 of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. / City Manager & City Auditor Performance Evaluation Committee

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, D.Thiele.

Absent: L. Sloan.

Council recessed at 10:15 a.m.

Council reconvened at 11:30 a.m.

C. ADMINISTRATIVE INQUIRIES

C.1. Molson Brewery Building (M. Phair/D. Thiele)

The following information is requested of Administration
1.  Has Administration evaluated the Molson Brewery Building on Stony Plain Road and 104 Street as to its historical significance?
2.  Is Administration aware of future plans for the building?
3.  Are there good reasons for the City to be proactive in dealing with this building?
Please prepare a response for Executive Committee. / Planning & Dev.
Exec. Committee
Due: Nov. 7/07


G. SECOND AND THIRD READING BYLAWS

G.2. Bylaw 14659 - A Bylaw to authorize the City of Edmonton to construct, finance, and assess Concrete Curb Crossing Local Improvement

G.3. Bylaw 14670 - A Bylaw to authorize the City of Edmonton to construct, finance, and assess Asphalt Alley Paving, Existing Gravel Local Improvement

Moved B. Anderson – M. Nickel:

That Bylaws 14659 and 14670 be read a second time.

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, D. Thiele.

Absent: L. Sloan.

Moved B. Anderson – M. Nickel:

That Bylaws 14659 and 14670 be read a third time. / Distribution List

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

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, D. Thiele.

Absent: L. Sloan.

H. THIRD READING BYLAW

H.1. Bylaw 14605 - Closure of a portion of Walkway in Plan 1452TR, Block 24, Lot 13W, located east of 4215 – 109Street and 4136 – 108 Street; Rideau Park

Moved B. Anderson – M. Nickel:

That Bylaw 14605 be read a third time. / Distribution List

Carried

For the Motion: S.Mandel; B.Anderson, J.Batty, E.Gibbons, R.Hayter, K.Krushell, K.Leibovici, J.Melnychuk, M.Nickel.

Opposed: M. Phair.

Absent: T. Cavanagh, L. Sloan, D. Thiele.

G. SECOND AND THIRD READING BYLAWS

G.4. Bylaw 14658 - A Bylaw to authorize the City of Edmonton to construct, finance, and assess Asphalt Alley Paving, Existing Gravel Local Improvement

D. Piecowye, Corporate Services Department (Law); G. Luck, Transportation Department; and D. H. Edey, City Clerk, answered Council's questions.

Moved B. Anderson – M. Nickel:

That Bylaw 14658 be read a second time.

Lost

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

Absent: L. Sloan.

E. REPORTS

E.1. 2007 Winter-Spring Corporate Wins

Moved T. Cavanagh – M. Nickel:

That the August 15, 2007, Corporate Services Department report 2007COCO15 be received for information. / Corporate Svcs.

A. B. Maurer, City Manager, made a presentation and answered Council's questions.