Minutes for City Council March 11, 2003 Meeting

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City Council

Meeting Minutes1

March 11, 2003 / sv

CITY COUNCIL MINUTES

Tuesday, March 11, 2003

PRESENT:B. Smith; B. Anderson, J. Batty, A. Bolstad, T. Cavanagh, E. Gibbons,
R. Hayter, L. Langley, K. Leibovici, S. Mandel, J. Melnychuk, M. Phair,
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 B. Smith called the meeting to order at 9:30 a.m.

Councillor K. Leibovici was absent.

OPENING PRAYER

Mr. Firdosh Mehta, Zoroastrian Association of Alberta, led the assembly in prayer.

Councillor K. Leibovici entered the meeting.

A.2.ADOPTION OF AGENDA

MOVED M. Phair – J. Batty:

That the City Council agenda for the March 11, 2003, meeting be adopted with the following changes:

a)ADDITION:

E.1.i.Public Information Initiative – Alberta Electoral Boundaries.
IN PRIVATE.

b)DELETION:

H.1.a.Economic Development Edmonton Office Relocation.

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

CARRIED

FOR THE MOTION:B. Smith; B. Anderson, J. Batty, A. Bolstad,
T. Cavanagh, E. Gibbons, R. Hayter, L. Langley,
K. Leibovici, S. Mandel, J. Melnychuk, M. Phair,
D. Thiele.

A.3.ADOPTION OF MINUTES

MOVED M. Phair – L. Langley:

That the minutes of the February 25, 2003, City Council meeting be adopted.

CARRIED

FOR THE MOTION:B. Smith; B. Anderson, J. Batty, A. Bolstad,
T. Cavanagh, E. Gibbons, R. Hayter, L. Langley,
K. Leibovici, S. Mandel, J. Melnychuk, M. Phair,
D. Thiele.

B.1.URGENT MATTERS - PROTOCOL ITEMS

B.1.a.In Memory of Former City Councillor, Dr. Rupert Clare (B. Smith).

Mayor B. Smith, on behalf of City Council, extended condolences to the family of former City Councillor, Dr. Rupert Clare, who passed away recently at the age of 92. Dr. Clare served on Edmonton City Council from 1949 to 1955. He graduated from the University of Alberta, Faculty of Medicine in 1938 and served in World War II as a wing commander in the RCAF, Medical Branch. Dr. Clare was the Head of Radiology and the Medical Director of the Edmonton General Hospital, as well as the Past President of the Alberta Medical Association, Alberta Blue Cross, and the Committee of Ethics for both the Alberta and Canadian Medical Associations. He will be remembered for his love of Edmonton and his many contributions to the medical community.

B.1.b.Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal (B. Smith).

Mayor B. Smith, on behalf of City Council, congratulated Councillors
T. Cavanagh, R. Hayter and E. Gibbons for being presented with the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal. The medal is awarded to individuals who have helped to build the community, the province and the country.

Through their involvement in a variety of groups and organizations these Councillors have made tremendous contributions to the city and have helped to lay a strong foundation for the future.

B.1.c.Congratulations to the Ferby Team for Win at Halifax Brier
(T. Cavanagh).

Councillor T. Cavanagh, on behalf of City Council, congratulated the Ferby team for their recent victory at the 2003 National Curling Championships at the Halifax Brier.

This is the first time in Brier history that any team has had three consecutive victories, has won 13 straight games, and has had all four team members named All Stars of the Brier. Congratulations was extended to skip Randy Ferby, for being the first person to be on five Brier championship teams.

B.1.d.In Honour of Barb Tarbox (R. Hayter).

Councillor R. Hayter, on behalf of Council, welcomed Barb Tarbox. Ms. Tarbox was diagnosed with cancer at age 41, and has dedicated the rest of her life to educating teenagers about the dangers of smoking. She has found the strength to deliver her powerful message with great passion and emotion to more than 50,000 students across Alberta and Canada, and has been an inspiration to us all.

Counillor R. Hayter presented Barb Tarbox with a certificate of appreciation.

B.1.e.In Memory of Monica Hughes (M. Phair).

Councillor M. Phair, on behalf of City Council, extended condolences to the family of Monica Hughes, who recently passed away.

Ms. Hughes wrote over 35 internationally acknowledged books, mostly for young people. She received many awards, saw her works translated into 15 languages and recently received the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal. Ms. Hughes was a committed citizen and great Edmontonian who participated in a number of Edmonton organizations.

B.2.EXEMPTIONS AND VOTE ON ALL OTHER ITEMS

MOVED T. Cavanagh – M. Phair:

That items D.2.a., D.2.b., E.1.c., E.1.f., E.1.g., F.1.a., F.1.b., G.1.a., H.1.b. and in-private items E.1.h. and E.1.i., be exempted for debate; and

D.3.STATUS OF REPORTS

D.3.a.Transit Security (B. Smith).

That the revised due date of March 25, 2003, be approved. / Transportation & Streets
Due: Mar. 25, 2003

E.REPORTS RELATED TO EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MATTERS

E.1.a.2003 Tax Public Auction Resolution. 

1. That the date for the 2003 Tax Public Auction be Thursday, April 17, 2003, at 10 a.m., in the 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.

1. That the Terms and Conditions of Sale (Attachment 1 of the February 7, 2003, Planning and Development Department report) be 10 percent 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.1.b.May 13, 2003, City Council Meeting and September 9, 2003, City Council Meeting and May 12, 2003, Quasi-Judicial Standing Committee Meeting – Changes to Dates. 

1.That the City Council meeting scheduled for May 13, 2003, be rescheduled to May 12, 2003, at 9:30 a.m.
2.That the Quasi-Judicial Standing Committee meeting scheduled for May 12, 2003, be rescheduled to May 26, 2003, at 1:30 p.m.
3.That the City Council meeting scheduled for September 9, 2003, be rescheduled to September 8, 2003, at 9:30 a.m. / City Manager
All General Managers

E.1.d.January 5, 2003, Letter from J.W. Avis re: Property Tax Roll No. 7789415. 

That the request by J. W. Avis for cancellation of penalties in the amount of $205.90 for Property Tax Roll No. 7789415 be denied. / Planning & Dev.

E.1.e.Notice of intention to Designate the Richard Wallace Residence located at 10950-81 Street as a Municipal Historic Resource.

1.That the City Clerk be authorized to serve a Notice of Intention to Designate a Municipal Historic Resource (Attachment 1 of the February 3, 2002, Planning and Development Department report)) to the owner of the property occupied by the Richard Wallace Residence, located 10950-81 Street as a Municipal Historic Resource in accordance with Section 26 of the Historic Resources Act.
2.That the General Manager of the Planning and Development Department be hereby appointed to implement matters arising from the issuance of the Notice of Intention to Designate Richard Wallace Residence.
3.That funding of $15,000 for this project be provided from the Heritage Reserve Fund. / Planning & Dev.
City Manager
Corporate Svcs.

CARRIED

FOR THE MOTION:B. Smith; B. Anderson, J. Batty, A. Bolstad,
T. Cavanagh, E. Gibbons, R. Hayter, L. Langley,
K. Leibovici, S. Mandel, J. Melnychuk, M. Phair,
D. Thiele.

D.ADMINISTRATIVE INQUIRIES AND RESPONSES

D.1.ADMINISTRATIVE INQUIRIES

D.1.a.Alberta Disability Strategy (S. Mandel).

“On Thursday, March 6, 2003, Councillor J. Melnychuk and I attended a briefing by the Province on the report for the Alberta Disability Strategy prepared by the Premier’s Council on the Status of Persons with Disabilities. After the presentation the floor was open to comments. The primary issue was not the report’s contents, but that action was now needed rather than more words.
I would like the City’s Advisory Board on Services for Persons with Disabilities to review the report and to bring their recommendation(s) on the steps that they would like to have Mayor and Council take.
I would ask that this report be directed to the Community Services Committee.” / Advisory Board on Services for Persons with Disabilities
CS Committee
Due: May 5, 2003

D.1.b.Effective Ways of Handling Waste (S. Mandel).

“The issue of burning some forms of garbage rather than recycling was raised by some leading Swedish environmentalists. As we all know Edmonton is a leader in recycling. However, as leaders we should never close our eyes to new and possibly more effective ways of handling waste. I would ask Administration to review the current information on the pros and cons of burning waste as an option to recycling. I would like attention directed to the impact on our current composter, impact on air quality under such an approach and costs of such an approach.” / Asset Mgmt. & Public Works
Due: May 12, 2003

D.1.c.Zoning Designation of Normandeau Gardens (S. Mandel).

“The residents of Normandeau Gardens were absorbed into Edmonton, I believe as part of the annexation. As a result of a rezoning they became designated as rural industrial. Some residents have indicated that due to the rural industrial designation they have trouble selling, acquiring financing and doing any renovating. This given that they are a residential development is unreasonable. Could Administration provide the following:

1. Supply a brief history of this area?
2. What options are available for the community to change the designation and what would the administrative costs be?
3. What then is the process that they will have to follow in order to change their zoning?”

/ Planning & Dev.
Due: May 12, 2003

D.1.d.Naming of the City of Edmonton (M. Phair).

“Recently Economic Development Edmonton (EDE) has announced a program looking for a nickname for the city/or branding of the city. Currently many people think of Edmonton as the City of Champions.
1.Where did the naming of Edmonton as City of Champions come from? Was it sanctioned by the City?
2.City parks have put up signs with the City of Champions on them. Does EDE have the mandate to change those signs?
3.If a new name is found, does the City/City Council need to officially recognize it? Would the City’s Names Advisory Committee have any role?
4.Any other information that Administration might be able to provide on this topic would be useful.” / Corporate Svcs.
Exec. Committee
Due: Apr. 9, 2003

D.1.e.The City’s Slogan (R. Hayter).

“I am sure Members of Council remember those science fiction TV shows about extra-terrestrial life where the announcer would solemnly intone “we are not alone.”
During a recent trip to Los Angeles I discovered we are not alone when it comes to the city’s slogan. I was stunned.
As the photograph shows, the City of Inglewood also calls itself the City of Champions, and yesterday I had an e-mail from a citizen who said that Brockton, Massachusetts uses the same brand. I have heard that some other cities have also latched onto this slogan.
I would appreciate a report from Economic Development Edmonton indicating if there are more than these three cities, including Edmonton, which use City of Champions as its official logo.” / Corporate Svcs.
Exec. Committee
Due: Apr. 9, 2003

D.1.f.Branding the City of Edmonton (K. Leibovici).

“I have some questions regarding Economic Development Edmonton’s current initiative to re-brand Edmonton.
1.To what extent has our own Administration been involved in the planning of this program?
2.What commitment does the City have to adopting or supporting the end product arising from this branding initiative?
3.What will happen to the existing brand names and slogans the city currently uses, and how many brand names does the city have?

1. What is the funding source that is allocated for this initiative?”

I would appreciate a response back by the first Executive Committee meeting in April. / Corporate Svcs.
Exec. Committee
Due: Apr. 9, 2003

D.1.g.Sidewalk Snow Removal (K. Leibovici).

“Recently I have received complaints regarding the City’s enforcement of the bylaw regarding shoveling of sidewalks to bare pavement by residents.
My questions are:
1.Please supply a brief history of the current sidewalk snow removal bylaw and the rationale for the time provided to individuals to remove snow as well as the policy of going to bare pavement.
2.What occurs in Montreal, Toronto, Ottawa and Winnipeg re: sidewalks being shovelled? Is it the responsibility of the City or the homeowner?

1. What changes need to be made to our sidewalk snow removal policy to reflect that sidewalks should be level and sanded and that bare pavement may not be realistic to achieve, due to circumstances such as weather or location?
2. As many citizens have said that packed snow is visible on city roads and streets, is there a level of packed snow on sidewalks adjacent to homes that is currently the responsibility of homeowners to shovel that could be acceptable, i.e. 1-2 inches deep?
3. Please explain how the current process that is complaint driven can be fair to all citizens when individuals whose sidewalks are not shovelled but have no complaints registered do not receive tickets?
4. Is it the City’s policy to plow to bare pavement on sidewalks that the City is responsible for removing snow?
5. What would be the cost of the City plowing all sidewalks on an as required basis?
6. What leniency can be provided to those who have been issued tickets during times of extreme cold when it is difficult to shovel down to bare pavement?
7. Furthermore, as I have received complaints from schools and parents regarding windrows at schools, what change in policy would be required to remove windrows on both sides of the street at school drop off zones?

I am requesting that the information be provided at the same time as Councillor D. Thiele’s inquiry on snow route and parking bans and the report on Policy on Residential Street Snow Removal, at the April 22, 2003, Transportation and Public Works Committee meeting.” / Planning & Dev.
Transportation & Streets
TPW Committee
Due: Apr. 22, 2003

D.1.h.Edmonton’s Representation on the New Capital Health Board
(K. Leibovici).

“It was brought to my attention that the new Capital Health Board has been significantly altered and that Edmonton’s representation has been reduced from 12 members (or 80% of the Board) to 7 members (or 54% of the Board). Each of Edmonton’s board members will represent about 95,000 people while other Board Members represent about 45,000. As this reduction in representation from Edmonton can be seen as similar to Edmonton losing a seat in the provincial legislature, my questions are as follows:
1.Are there implications to the changes in Board membership to the Citizens of Edmonton?
2.If there are implications, what actions could Council take to indicate that this is a concern prior to implementation?

1. What will be the Mayor’s role on this new Board?
2. As the composition of the joint Capital Health Authority/Municipal Government Advisory Council will need to change, what recommendations does Administration have to ensure that Edmonton’s role is considered.

As the change will take place on April 1, 2003, I request that this be brought back to Council for information on March 25, 2003.” / City Manager
Due: Mar. 25, 2003

F.REPORTS RELATED TO COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MATTERS

F.1.b.West End Seniors (ESSO). 

MOVED M. Phair – D. Thiele:

That item F.1.b. be dealt with now.

carried

FOR THE MOTION:B. Smith; B. Anderson, J. Batty, A. Bolstad,
T. Cavanagh, E. Gibbons, R. Hayter, L. Langley,
K. Leibovici, S. Mandel, J. Melnychuk, M. Phair,
D. Thiele.

MOVED M. Phair – J. Melnychuk:

That the March 3, 2003, Community Services Department report be postponed to the March 25, 2003, City Council meeting, to be dealt with first on the agenda.

A. B. Maurer, City Manager; and J. Tustian, General Manager, Community Services Department, answered Council’s questions.

LOST

FOR THE MOTION:J. Batty, A. Bolstad, R. Hayter, L. Langley,
M. Phair.

OPPOSED:B. Smith; B. Anderson, T. Cavanagh, E. Gibbons,
K. Leibovici, S. Mandel, J. Melnychuk, D. Thiele.

MOVED T. Cavanagh – D. Thiele:

1. That approval be given for Capital Project 03-21-5523 Westend Seniors Activity Centre Facility Renovations in the amount of $250,000 to be funded from General Financing – Utility Dividend.
2. That City of Edmonton funds be advanced when Westend Seniors Activity Centre has necessary capital funding in place and has provided a detailed three year business plan, with independent project costings, that demonstrates, to the satisfaction of the General Manager of Community Services, its ability to operate the expanded facility.

A. B. Maurer, City Manager; J. Tustian, General Manager, and M. Kroening, Community Services Department; and R. Chomyc, Asset Management and Public Works Department, answered Council’s questions

AMENDMENT MOVED R. Hayter – M. Phair:

That in part 2 the words “and City Council” be added after the words “Community Services”.

B.1.URGENT MATTERS - PROTOCOL ITEMS

B.1.f.Welcome to the Students from St. Martha’s Elementary School
(B. Smith).

Mayor B. Smith, on behalf of City Council, welcomed the Grade 6 students from St. Martha’s Elementary School and their teacher Mr. Don Andrews.

F.REPORTS RELATED TO COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MATTERS

F.1.b.West End Seniors (ESSO). 

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

AMENDMENT, put:

That in part 2 the words “and City Council” be added after the words “Community Services.”

LOST

FOR THE MOTION:A. Bolstad, R. Hayter, M. Phair.

OPPOSED:B. Smith; B. Anderson, J. Batty, T. Cavanagh,
E. Gibbons, L. Langley, K. Leibovici, S. Mandel,
J. Melnychuk, D. Thiele.

MOTION ON ITEM F.1.b., put:

1.That approval be given for Capital Project 03-21-5523 Westend Seniors Activity Centre Facility Renovations in the amount of $250,000 to be funded from General Financing – Utility Dividend.
2.That City of Edmonton funds be advanced when Westend Seniors Activity Centre has necessary capital funding in place and has provided a detailed three year business plan, with independent project costings, that demonstrates, to the satisfaction of the General Manager of Community Services, its ability to operate the expanded facility. / Community Svcs.
Corporate Svcs.

CARRIED

FOR THE MOTION:B. Smith; B. Anderson, J. Batty, A. Bolstad,
T. Cavanagh, E. Gibbons, R. Hayter, L. Langley,
K. Leibovici, S. Mandel, J. Melnychuk, M. Phair,
D. Thiele.

D.2.REPORTS ON ADMINISTRATIVE INQUIRIES

D.2.a.Report of the Task Force on Prostitution (J. Melnychuk). 

MOVED A. Bolstad – S. Mandel:

That the February 21, 2003, Edmonton Police Commission report be referred to the March 17, 2003, Community Services Committee meeting. / Police Commission
CS Committee
Due: Mar. 17, 2003

CARRIED

FOR THE MOTION:B. Smith; B. Anderson, J. Batty, A. Bolstad,
E. Gibbons, R. Hayter, K. Leibovici, S. Mandel,
J. Melnychuk, M. Phair, D. Thiele.

OPPOSED:T. Cavanagh, L. Langley.

D.2.b.Edmonton’s Relationship with the North (S. Mandel). 

MOVED S. Mandel – E. Gibbons:

That the March 5, 2003, Office of the City Manager report be referred to the March 19, 2003, Executive Committee meeting. / City Manager
Exec. Committee
Due: Mar. 19, 2003

CARRIED