City Council Minutes

May 13, 2009

Present:
S.Mandel; B.Anderson, J.Batty, T. Caterina, R.Hayter, B. Henderson,
D. Iveson, K.Krushell, K.Leibovici, L.Sloan, A. Sohi, D.Thiele.
Absent:
E. Gibbons.
Also In Attendance:
A. B. Maurer, City Manager
A. Sinclair, 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.

CouncillorE. Gibbons was absent.

Opening Prayer

Pastor Peter Stewart, Edmonton Worship Centre, led the assembly in prayer.

A.2.Adoption of Agenda

Moved J. Batty – R. Hayter:

That the May 13, 2009, City Council meeting agenda be adopted, with the following additions:

P.2.Collective Bargaining: City of Edmonton and I.B.E.W. Local 1007 Ratification

P.3.Collective Bargaining: City of Edmonton and C.U.P.E. Local 30 Ratification

P.4.Collective Bargaining: City of Edmonton and A.T.U. Local 569 Ratification

Carried

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

Absent:E. Gibbons.

A.3.Adoption of Minutes

Moved D. Thiele – R. Hayter:

That thefollowing meeting minutes be adopted:

  • April 27, 2009, City Council Public Hearing
  • April 28, 2009, City Council
  • April 29, 2009, City Council

Carried

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

Absent:E. Gibbons.

A.4.Protocol Items

2009 Mental Health WORK Award (D. Thiele)

On behalf of City Council, Councillor D. Thiele congratulated Linda Kadatz, Divisional Supervisor of Bus Operations, Edmonton Transit System, on her receipt of the 2009 WORK Award from the Canadian Mental Health Association – Edmonton Region.

This award acknowledges an individual or organization within the Edmonton region that provides model stress management and inspiration, and helps fellow employees find joy within the workplace and perform to their full potential. Because of Ms. Kadatz’s initiative, every Transit supervisor within the Edmonton Transit System is certified with Mental Health First Aid. She encourages her staff to attend half-hour get-away courses offered twice a month to help reduce employee stress.

Green Challenge Winner

On behalf of City Council, Councillor D. Iveson congratulated Ottewell Community League on winning the Green Challenge Award sponsored by the Edmonton Federation of Community Leagues. The Green Challenge encourages member community leagues to lessen their environmental footprint by making small but important changes to their community league buildings.

Councillor D. Iveson and Mayor S. Mandel presented Bob Hutchinson, president of Ottewell Community League, with a certificate in recognition of the League’s hard work and commitment to the environment.

Louis Riel Recreational Park Opening (B. Anderson)

Councillor B. Anderson was pleased to have represented the City of Edmonton at the official opening ceremony of Louis Riel Recreational Park in St. Albert. The park includes a new artificial turf field with stands and lights. Councillor Anderson suggested that the work done by City of Edmonton for an earlier proposal to change Clarke Stadium from grass to artificial turf might have motivated neighbouring jurisdictions to develop their own artificial turf facilities. Councillor Anderson believes that, in the near future, there may be some 15 artificial fields in Edmonton and the region.

Trans-Canada Yellowhead Highway Association Annual Conference (R. Hayter)

Councillor R. Hayter was pleased to note that Edmonton City Manager AlMaurer was one of the speakers at the Trans-Canada Yellowhead Highway Association’s 63rd Annual Conference held recently in Edmonton, with delegates from across Western Canada. Mr. Maurer, a former president of the association and a life member, gave an excellent presentation, stressing the importance of the highway as part of Port Alberta, the new gateway for cargo transportation combining air, rail and road.

At the annual conference, Councillor T. Caterina was elected as second vice-president and Councillor R. Hayter was re-appointed as chair of the Membership Committee. Mike Koziol, General Manager of Capital Construction for the City, will chair the Planning Committee, and Jack Wright, of the Canadian Western Bank, will handle Staff Relations.

Latin Dance Champions

On behalf of City Council, Mayor S. Mandel congratulated Elena Sinelnikova and Jim Deglau on winning the Canadian Latin Dance championship. The title adds to Edmonton’s reputation as a city that is home to many talented artists who play a key role in enhancing the quality of life that Edmontonians enjoy.

Ms. Sinelnikova and Mr. Deglau will compete at the World Championships in Belgium this fall, and then at the legendary Blackpool competition in England. In recognition of the significance of a Canadian title, Mayor S. Mandel presented the champions with official City of Edmonton congratulatory certificates.

B.PROCEDURAL MATTERS

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

City Council selected the following items for debate: E.2., E.3., E.6., P.1., P.2., P.3. and P.4.

Moved D. Thiele – J. Batty:

D.STATUS OF REPORTS

D.1.Life Cycle Costs Project 09-21-5800

That the revised due date of June 19, 2009, be approved. / Transportation
Due: June 19/09

E.REPORTS

E.1.Joint Use Agreement – Land

That a new Joint Use Agreement – Land with the Edmonton Public School Board, Edmonton Catholic School District and Conseil scolaire Centre-Nordbe approved, in accordance with the terms outlined in Attachment 1 of the April 7, 2009, Community Services Department report 2009CSS009, and that the Agreement be acceptable in form and content to the City Manager. / Community Svcs.
City Manager

E.4.Final Report on Winter Light Festival 2009

  1. That one time funding of $450,000 from 2009 Council Contingency - Council Initiatives, to fund the Winter Light Festival 2010, be approved.
  2. That Administration, in consultation with Edmonton Arts Council, prepare a base funding budget submission of $750,000 for continuation of a winter festival.
/ Arts Council
Finance & Treas.

E.5.Edmonton Arts Council – 2009 Community Investment Program Travel Grant Recommendations

That the recommendations, as outlined in Attachment 1 of the April 16, 2009, Edmonton Arts Council report 2009EAC005, be approved. / Arts Council

E.7.Tax Exemption Regulations - Seniors and Non-Profit Housing - (Tax Exemption for Non-Profit Housing)

That Mayor S. Mandel write to Premier E. Stelmach, Alberta Municipal Affairs and appropriate Ministries overseeing housing, requesting clarification of eligibility for property tax exemption with reference to seniors housing and non-profit housing. / Mayor
Planning & Dev.

J.ADMINISTRATIVE RESPONSES

J.1.Edmonton Regional Airport Authority – Agreement (T.Caterina)

That the April 24, 2009, Deputy City Manager’s Office report 2009DCM026 be received for information. / Deputy City Manager

Carried

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

Absent:E. Gibbons.

B.3.Vote on Bylaws not Selected for Debate

F.BYLAWS

F.2.Bylaw 15164 - To authorize the City of Edmonton to acquire and finance Asset Management and Public Works Project, Natural Areas Acquisition and Conservation

Moved B. Anderson – L. Sloan:

That Bylaw 15164 be read a first time. / Finance & Treas.

Carried

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

Absent:E. Gibbons.

E.REPORTS

E.3.South East Edmonton Seniors Association Expansion

Moved B. Henderson – J. Batty:

That item E.3. be dealt with now.

Carried

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

Absent:E. Gibbons.

Moved B. Henderson – J. Batty:

That the May 4, 2009, Community Services Committee report CR-06 be postponed to the May 27, 2009, City Council meeting. / Community Svcs.
Due: May 27/09

Carried

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

Absent:E. Gibbons.

C.ADMINISTRATIVE INQUIRIES

C.1.Infill and Greenfield Development Balance (D. Iveson/
B. Henderson)

Calgary City Council is also getting close to completing their Municipal Development Plan (MDP) and Transportation Master Plan (TMP) under a single integrated project called PlanIt Calgary.
  1. Given the many similarities between the cities, I would ask that Administration explain why Calgary is able to aspire to a more ambitious “balance” between infill and greenfield development in their plan.
  2. What policy instruments contemplated in the Calgary plans, which are not currently in our draft plans or could be strengthened if already in our plans, can Administration recommend that would enable us to amend our plans and shift our targets from 80 percent greenfield/20 percent infill toward more of an even balance?
Please return to Executive Committee, ideally prior to the Municipal Development Plan hearings scheduled for June 2009. / Planning & Dev.
Due: June 3/09
Exec. Committee

C.2.Downtown Skateboarding Restrictions (S. Mandel)

We must focus on our youth and their needs to keep them engaged and active. We do have some programs in place, but not nearly enough. There are signs in Churchill Square prohibiting skateboarding. If we prohibit skateboarding in our City-owned spaces, what are we planning to do to provide space for this harmless and healthy activity?
I would like Administration to provide a report as to what the City is planning to do to build and develop a skate park in the downtown core. I would like this report to come back to Community Services Committee. / Community Svcs.
Due: July 13/09
CS Committee

C.3.The Quarters (S. Mandel)

The Quarters area of the City is in need of redevelopment. We have already spent a considerable amount of money to encourage development in this area and yet there is still nothing happening. We need to be more creative in the development opportunities that we are offering.
I would like Administration to provide a report outlining what options are available to encourage development in this area. Some examples are:
  1. Joint ventures
  2. Tax incentives
  3. Per unit inducements
  4. Other suggestions
I would like the information to be brought back Executive Committee. / Planning & Dev.
Due: July 15/09
Exec. Committee

F.BYLAWS

F.1.Bylaw 15178 - Amendment to Zoning Bylaw 12800

Moved K. Leibovici – J. Batty:

That item F.1. be dealt with now.

Carried

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

Absent:E. Gibbons.

Moved D. Thiele – R. Hayter:

That Bylaw 15178 be read a first time.

T. Loat, Planning and Development Department, made a presentation. A. Sinclair, City Clerk, answered Council's questions.

Moved D. Iveson – K. Leibovici:

That the following Motion on the Floor and the March 16, 2009, Planning and Development Department report 2009PCP019 be referred to the June 3, 2009, Executive Committee meeting.
Moved D. Thiele – R. Hayter (Made at the May 13, 2009, City Council meeting):
That Bylaw 15178 be read a first time. / Planning & Dev.
Due: June 3/09
Exec. Committee

G. Klassen, General Manager, Planning and Development Department; and A. Sinclair, City Clerk, answered Council's questions.

Carried

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

Absent:E. Gibbons.

E.REPORTS

E.2.New RecreationCentres Name Sale Concept Approval – Additional Information

MovedK. Leibovici – B. Anderson (Made at the March 11, 2009, City Council meeting):

  1. That Administration seek facility naming sponsors for Southwest, Meadows, Clareview and North Central Multi-Purpose Recreation Centres, subject to the conditions outlined in the Facility Name Sale Policy (C477A).
  2. That names for City facilities in Southwest, Meadows, Clareview and North Central Multi-Purpose Recreation Centres include the word “Edmonton” or the name of the district where the facility is located.

With the unanimous consent of Members of Council, Councillor
K. Leibovici withdrew the Motion on the Floor.

Moved B. Henderson – R. Hayter:

That concept approval be given for Administration to seek sponsors for Southwest, Meadows, Clareview and North Central Multi-Purpose Recreation Centre facility elements only. / Community Svcs.

Carried

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

Opposed:D. Thiele.

Absent: E. Gibbons.

E.6.North LRT Staging and Materials Yard Lease

Moved J. Batty – D. Thiele:

That a lease between the City of Edmonton and WAM Development Group for a North LRT Staging and Materials Yard be approved on the terms and conditions as outlined in Attachment 1 of the April 28, 2009, Asset Management and Public Works Department report 2009PW0282. / AMPW

B. Smid and W. Mandryk, Capital Construction Department; L. Rosen, General Manager, and R. Daviss, Asset Management and Public Works Department; and A. B. Maurer, City Manager, answered Council's questions.

Carried

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

Opposed:T. Caterina.

Absent: E. Gibbons.

N.MOTIONS PENDING

N.1.Road Closure – Statutory Public Hearing (B. Henderson)

Councillor B. Henderson stated that at the next regular meeting of City Council, he will move:

  1. That Administration prepare a bylaw for a statutory public hearing prior to the end of 2009 for the road closure of 102A Avenue between 99 Street and 100 Street.
  2. That Administration prepare a bylaw for a statutory public hearing prior to the end of 2009 for the road closure of 99 Street between 102 and 102A Avenue.
  • Notice of Motion Given:April 15, 2009
  • Laid Over:April 29, 2009
  • Laid Over:May 13, 2009

N.2.Site Specific Consideration Recommendations (D. Iveson)

Moved D. Iveson – S. Mandel:

That Administration report to Executive Committee on possible criteria for evaluating exceptional circumstances, including but not limited to, no community objections, building site considerations related to sun shadow, extraordinary green building practices, extraordinary contributions to the public realm and proximity to premium transit for supporting granting building mass beyond what is contemplated in the draft infill guidelines. / Planning & Dev.
Due: July 15/09
Exec. Committee

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

Carried

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

Absent:E. Gibbons.

P.PRIVATE

Moved J. Batty – B. Anderson:

That Council meet in private to discuss the following items, pursuant to sections 24 and 25 of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.

P.1.Edmonton Awareness Update – Verbal

P.2.Collective Bargaining: City of Edmonton and I.B.E.W. Local 1007 Ratification

P.3.Collective Bargaining: City of Edmonton and C.U.P.E. Local 30 Ratification

P.4.Collective Bargaining: City of Edmonton and A.T.U. Local 569 Ratification

Carried

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

Absent:E. Gibbons.

Council met in private at 11:18 a.m.

Moved B. Anderson – K. Krushell:

That Council meet in public.

Carried

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

Absent:E. Gibbons.

Council met in public at 11:30 a.m.

Moved L. Sloan – D. Thiele:

P.2.Collective Bargaining: City of Edmonton and I.B.E.W. Local 1007 Ratification

  1. That the proposed settlement between the City of Edmonton and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Employees Local 1007 be ratified.
  2. That during the term of the Collective Agreement, those persons who have been authorized to bargain are authorized to enter into and execute ancillary agreements regarding clarification and interpretation of the collective agreement, and minor modifications to contractual provisions which do not have substantial financial impacts.
  3. That the May 13, 2009, Corporate Services Department report 2009COH008 remain private, as it pertains to collective bargaining, pursuant to section 24 of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.
/ Corporate Svcs.

P.3.Collective Bargaining: City of Edmonton and C.U.P.E. Local 30 Ratification

  1. That the proposed settlement between the City of Edmonton and the Canadian Union of Public Employees Local 30 be ratified.
  2. That during the term of the Collective Agreement, those persons who have been authorized to bargain are authorized to enter into and execute ancillary agreements regarding clarification and interpretation of the collective agreement, and minor modifications to contractual provisions which do not have substantial financial impacts.
  3. That the May 13, 2009, Corporate Services Department report 2009COH007 remain private, as it pertains to collective bargaining, pursuant to section 24 of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.
/ Corporate Svcs.
P.3. cont.

P.4.Collective Bargaining: City of Edmonton and A.T.U. Local 569 Ratification

  1. That the proposed settlement between the City of Edmonton and the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 569 be ratified.
  2. That during the term of the Collective Agreement, those persons who have been authorized to bargain are authorized to enter into and execute ancillary agreements regarding clarification and interpretation of the collective agreement and minor modifications to contractual provisions, which do not have substantial financial impacts.
  3. That the May 13, 2009 Corporate Services Department report 2009COH006 remain private, as it pertains to collective bargaining, pursuant to Section 24 of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.
/ Corporate Svcs.

Carried

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

Absent:E. Gibbons.

P.1.Edmonton Awareness Update – Verbal

Moved J. Batty – L. Sloan:

That the verbal report on item P.1. be received for information and remain private pursuant to sections 24 and 25 of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. / Deputy City Manager

Carried

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

Absent:E. Gibbons.

R.NOTICES OF MOTION

R.1.Support for Bill 203 (D. Iveson)

Councillor D. Iveson stated that at the next regular City Council meeting, he will move:

That the mayor write to all members of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta indicating Council’s support for Bill 203 “Local Authorities Election (Finance and Contribution Disclosure) Amendment Act, 2009 (Johnson),” and requesting that the legislature also enact changes that would enable the tax deductability of donations to municipal campaigns by private individuals.