Minutes for Community Services Committee August 21, 2000 Meeting

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Community Services Committee

Meeting Minutes

August 21, 2000

COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES

Monday, August 21, 2000

MEMBERS: / PRESENT:
R. Noce, Chair / R. Noce
D. Thiele, Vice-Chair / D. Thiele
T. Cavanagh / T. Cavanagh
L. Chahley / L. Chahley
B. Smith

ALSO IN ATTENDANCE:

Councillor A. Bolstad*
Councillor M. Phair*
Councillor R. Rosenberger*
A.B. Maurer, Acting City Manager
E.L. Britton, Office of the City Clerk.

*Attended part of the meeting.

A.1.CALL TO ORDER

Councillor R. Noce called the meeting to order at 9:30 a.m.

Councillors A. Bolstad and M. Phair were in attendance.

A.2.ADOPTION OF AGENDA

MOVED T. Cavanagh:

That the Community Services Committee Agenda for the August 21, 2000 meeting be adopted with the deletion of the following items:

D.4.a.Appeal Notice – Bob Cinciruk, of 11915-69 Street, Edmonton, Alberta – Untidy and Unsightly Property.

D.4.c.Appeal Notice – Allan E. Gillrie, of 1B, 2220-Calgary Trail South, Edmonton, Alberta – Untidy and Unsightly Property.

D.4.h.Appeal Notice – Amelia Leung – 12034 – 90 Street, Edmonton, Alberta T5B 3Z1 – Order to Remedy a Contravention of the Nuisance Bylaw 10406.

CARRIED

FOR THE MOTION:T. Cavanagh, L. Chahley, R. Noce, B. Smith, D. Thiele.

A.3.ADOPTION OF MINUTES

MOVED T. Cavanagh:

That the Minutes of the July 10, 2000 Community Services Committee Meeting be adopted.

CARRIED

FOR THE MOTION:T. Cavanagh, L. Chahley, R. Noce, B. Smith, D. Thiele.

B.2.EXEMPTIONS AND VOTE ON ALL OTHER ITEMS

MOVED T. Cavanagh:

That items D.2.a., D.2.b., F.1.a. C, F.1.b. C, F.2.a. and F.4.b. C be exempted for debate; and

D.3.STATUS OF REPORTS

D.3.a.Protection of Parkland – Encroachment Removal Enforcement.

That the revised due date of September 5, 2000 be approved. / Community Svcs.
Due: Sept. 5, 2000

F.REPORTS RELATED TO COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MATTERS

F.1.COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT

F.1.c.Operating Agreement for the Pavilion at the Jackie Parker Recreation Area. 

That approval to be given to enter into an Agreement with the Mill Woods Cultural and Recreational Facility Association (MCARFA) for the operation of the Pavilion located at the Jackie Parker Recreation Area for a term of five years with a five year renewal.
That the Agreement be acceptable in form to Corporate Services (Law Branch) and in content to the General Manager of Community Services.

/ Community Svcs.
Corporate Svcs.

F.3.EDMONTON POLICE SERVICE

F.3.a.Renewal of Maintenance Contract for the Public Safety Radio System.

That Purchase Order # D8727731C (for maintenance of user equipment of the Public Safety Radio System), be extended for the fourth year of the five-year agreement, by an amount of approximately $311,000 (including GST). The revised total value of the Purchase Order (to the end of the fourth year) will be approximately $1,225,000 (including GST). / Police Service

F.4.OTHER REPORTS

F.4.a.C2000 Community Services Advisory Board: 2000 Community Investment Hosting Grant Recommendations. 

That the Community Services Committee recommend to City Council:

That 2000 City of Edmonton Community Investment Hosting Grants in the amount of $19,500.00 be awarded to 15 organizations (as outlined in Attachment 2 of the July 28, 2000 Community Services Advisory Board report).

F.4.c.CBylaw 12393 - The Animal Control Advisory Board Bylaw. 

That the Community Services Committee recommend to City Council:

That Bylaw 12393 be given the appropriate readings.

F.4.d.CEdmonton Arts Council - 2000 Arts Travel Community Investment Grant Recommendations. 
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That the Community Services Committee recommend to City Council:

That the Arts Travel Community Investment Grants Recommendations (as outlined in Attachment 1 of the July 28, 2000 Edmonton Arts Council report) be approved.

F.4.e.CEdmonton Arts Council - 2000 Community Investment Program Project Grant Recommendations. 
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That the Community Services Committee recommend to City Council:

That the Community Investment Program Project Grant recommendations (as outlined in Attachment 1 of the August 3, 2000 Edmonton Arts Council report) be approved.

CARRIED

FOR THE MOTION:T. Cavanagh, L. Chahley, R. Noce, B. Smith, D. Thiele.

D.2.REPORTS ON ADMINISTRATIVE INQUIRIES

D.2.a.Equal Treatment Relating to Marital or Family Discord (A. Bolstad).

MOVED D. Thiele:

That item D.2.a. be made debatable to allow action motions to be made in response to the content of the report.

(Sec. 46(c), B.L. 12300)

CARRIED

FOR THE MOTION:T. Cavanagh, L. Chahley, R. Noce, B. Smith, D. Thiele.

B.3.DECISION TO HEAR AND TIME SPECIFICS

MOVED D. Thiele:

That the Community Services Committee hear from Professor F. Christensen on item D.2.a.

CARRIED

FOR THE MOTION:T. Cavanagh, L. Chahley, R. Noce, B. Smith, D. Thiele.

D.2.REPORTS ON ADMINISTRATIVE INQUIRIES

D.2.a.Equal Treatment Relating to Marital or Family Discord (A. Bolstad).

MOVED R. Noce:

That the July 14, 2000 Community Services Department report be postponed to the October 23, 2000 Community Services Committee meeting. / Community Svcs.
Due: Oct. 23, 2000

CARRIED

FOR THE MOTION:T. Cavanagh, L. Chahley, R. Noce, B. Smith, D. Thiele.

D.ADMINISTRATIVE INQUIRIES AND RESPONSES

D.1.ADMINISTRATIVE INQUIRIES

D.1.a.Misuse of Client Information at the Kinsmen Centre (M. Phair).

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“In July, there was a news story about the misuse of information of a client of the Kinsmen Centre by a City employee.
I would like the following information:

How was this employee able to access the information?
What training/guidelines does the City provide/have in place that relates to access and use of personal information?
What measures have been taken to ensure that such incidents will not happen in the future?
What has happened to the City employee?”

/ Community Svcs.
Due: Oct. 23, 2000
D.1.a. cont’d.
Community Svcs.
Due: Oct. 23, 2000

D.1.b.Edmonton 2001 “Festival of the World’s” (M. Phair).

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“Recently I received a letter regarding the 2001 World Track and Field Championships outlining the proposed Arts, Culture and Entertainment program. Indications in the letter suggest that there will be daily evening concerts for 20 – 30,000 people on the Kinsmen Centre grounds. I would like to know the following:

Were other sites like the Louise McKinney Park considered for the concerts?
What impact will the concerts have on regular Kinsmen Centre programs and participants?
How will parking and transit be handled for this number of people?
Has any study been done on potential noise impact to surrounding communities?
How would the costs of set up, stages, washroom facilities, etc. be covered?
Have agreements between the City and the World’s already been signed for Kinsmen?

I would like this response to return to the Community Services Committee within four to six weeks, if possible.” / Community Svcs.
Due: Oct. 2, 2000

D.1.c.Discount Rates Relating to Cat Licences (R. Rosenberger).

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“It is my understanding that seniors receiving the Guaranteed Income Supplement are entitled to a discount for their dog licenses, paying $5 instead of $20. Can and will this criterion be applied to cat owners who are now required to license their animals, so that a proportionally discounted rate could be offered to seniors who receive the G.I. Supplement?
I received a call from a constituent who contacted the Licensing Branch saying “Can I ask you a question?” The reply was “You can ask me any question you like as long as it is not about cats”. Is the Licensing Department still swamped with inquiries about this Bylaw? How many calls has the Licensing Branch dealt with since June 2000?
Does a Cattery License allow a cat breeder to have a home-based business and how would the Cat Bylaw apply to this group?
I would like this information to come back to the next meeting of the Community Services Committee.” / Police Service
Due: Sept. 5, 2000
D.1.c. cont’d.
Police Service
Due: Sept. 5, 2000

D.1.d.Status Report on Funding for Social Housing and Homeless Issues
(R. Noce).

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“In the 2000 City of Edmonton Budget, City Council agreed to fund social housing and homeless issues by an additional $1.3 million.
During the 2000 City of Edmonton Budget debate, the Community Services Department (“Department”) promised City Council that the $1.3 million would not be expended without the prior approval of City Council. To date, City Council has not received any information with respect to the expenditure of $1.3 million.
Therefore, I would ask the Department to provide a status update for the September 5, 2000 Community Services Committee meeting.” / Community Svcs.
Due: Sept. 5, 2000

D.1.e.Derelict Homes and Untidy Properties (R. Noce).

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“Derelict homes and untidy properties continue to be a problem in a number of communities. In fact, I believe that the City of Edmonton expends a lot of time and money dealing with issues, such as derelict homes and untidy properties, without being compensated accordingly.
I would be obliged if Edmonton Police Service (Bylaw) would answer the following questions:

Please provide the Community Services Committee with an overview of all City of Edmonton bylaws and provincial legislation available to the City of Edmonton in order to address derelict homes and untidy properties. In the overview, please highlight the fines that are available under the bylaws and/or provincial legislation.
Does the City of Edmonton have any jurisdiction to impose on-going penalties to property owners of derelict homes and untidy properties?
Are there minimum property standards which all property owners must adhere to in the City of Edmonton? If the answer is “yes”, are the minimum property standards being enforced by the City of Edmonton?

I would ask the Department to respond to my inquiry for the September 5, 2000 Community Services Committee meeting.” / Planning & Dev.
Community Svcs.
Police Service
Due: Sept. 5, 2000
D.1.e. cont’d.
Planning & Dev.
Community Svcs.
Police Service
Due: Sept. 5, 2000

D.1.f.Status Report on Bylaw 12222, The Cat Licensing Bylaw (R. Noce).

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“I would be obliged if Edmonton Police Service (Bylaw) would prepare a status report for the September 5, 2000 Community Services Committee meeting with respect to Bylaw 12222 (Cat Licensing Bylaw). In particular, I would ask Edmonton Police Service (Bylaw) to answer the following questions:

How many cat licenses have been issued to date?
Does Edmonton Police Service (Bylaw) have an estimate as to how many cats remain unlicensed?
What problems did Edmonton Police Service (Bylaw) encounter in the months of July and August which necessitated Edmonton Police Service (Bylaw) to extend the enforcement date of August 1, 2000? Have the problems been rectified?

On the application for a license, Edmonton Police Service (Bylaw) asks for the date of birth of the owner of the cat. Why?”

/ Police Service
Due: Sept. 5, 2000
D.1.f. cont’d.
Police Service
Due: Sept. 5, 2000

D.4.STATUTORY HEARINGS AND APPEALS

Councillor R. Noce explained the Appeal process.

D.4.b.Appeal Notice – Ted Tessier of # 4A, 2220 – Calgary Trail South, Edmonton Alberta – Untidy and Unsightly Property.

S. Thompson, Office of the City Clerk, read the Appeal on the property described as # 4A, 2220 Calgary Trail South, Edmonton Alberta.

G. and V. Tessier, representing T. Tessier, made a presentation and answered the Committee's questions.

D. Aitken, Edmonton Police Service (Bylaw), made a presentation.

G. and V. Tessier made a further presentation.

MOVED T. Cavanagh:

That the Direction be upheld. / Police Service

CARRIED

FOR THE MOTION:T. Cavanagh, L. Chahley, R. Noce, B. Smith, D. Thiele.

DECISION OF THE COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE ON THE APPEAL BY MR. TED TESSIERON THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT # 4A, 2220 – CALGARY TRAIL SOUTH, EDMONTON ALBERTA.

Councillor R. Noce stated the following:

In dealing with this Appeal, the Community Services Committee heard from
Mr. and Mrs. Tessier and Mr. David Aitken of Edmonton Police Service (Bylaw). Based on what the Committee has heard, it is the Committee’s decision to uphold the Direction Order of Edmonton Police Service (Bylaw). The Committee makes its decision because the property is unsightly and neighbours should not be subjected to these conditions. Further, Mr. and Mrs. Tessier have not provided any evidence to suggest that the Direction is unfair, unreasonable, unjust or contrary to the intent of the Bylaw.

Mr. and Mrs. Tessier confirmed with the Office of the City Clerk the address for service to receive the Committee's written decision.

D.4.d.Appeal Hearing of the Order Issued Pursuant to Section 546 of the Municipal Government Act for the Property Described as 9339-106A Avenue NW, Edmonton, Alberta. 

C. Thorsen and E. Balchen made presentations and answered the Committee's questions.

D. Freeman, Community Services Department, made a presentation and answered the Committee's questions.

B. Alloway, Corporate Services Department (Law), answered the Committee's questions.

C. Thorsen and E. Balchen made a further presentation and answered the Committee’s questions.

MOVED B. Smith:

That the Order issued on July 27, 2000, pursuant to Section 546 of the Municipal Government Act, be upheld, that the date of compliance be extended to September 15, 2000 and that the City of Edmonton initiate action to demolish the two structures at 9339-106A Avenue and to clear and level the site. All incurred costs to be added to the tax roll of the property. / Community Svcs.

CARRIED

FOR THE MOTION:T. Cavanagh, L. Chahley, R. Noce, B. Smith, D. Thiele.

DECISION OF THE COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE ON THE APPEAL BY MR. CARL THORSENON PROPERTY DESCRIBED AS 9339-106A AVENUE NW, EDMONTON, ALBERTA.

Councillor R. Noce stated the following:

In dealing with this Appeal, the Community Services Committee heard from
Mr. Dennis Freeman and Mr. Barry Alloway from the City Administration. In addition, we heard from Mr. Edward Balchen, a civil engineer, together with Mr. Carl Thorsen, who is the beneficial owner of the property. Based on what the Committee has heard, it is the Committee’s decision to uphold the Order issued on July 27, 2000 pursuant to Section 546 of the Municipal Government Act in that the City of Edmonton initiate action to demolish the two structures at 9339 – 106A Avenue and to clear and level the site. All incurred costs to be added to the Tax Roll of the property. The Order will require completion of the action by September 15, 2000.

The Committee makes its decision because the evidence is clear - the property is unsightly and neighbours in and around the subject property should not be subjected to these conditions. As well, the evidence points to a number of safety issues. The building has deteriorated due to its non-repair. As well, the subject property is in an unsightly condition which is detrimental to the surrounding area. The evidence is also clear that the costs to repair the structure would far exceed the market value. There have been over fifteen years of complaints about the property. The required improvements have not been completed. In fact, Mr. Thorsen nor his engineer this morning presented any evidence to suggest that the repairs would, in fact, be done on a timely basis. Mr. Thorsen has simply made representations to the Committee indicating that it would be done. Nine years have passed since Mr. Thorsen has had possession of the property and nothing has been done. As a result, the Committee will not rely on Mr. Thorsen’s representations.

Mr. C. Thorsen confirmed with the Office of the City Clerk the address for service to receive the Committee's written decision.

MOVED L. Chahley:

That the Community Services Committee recess until 11:15 a.m.

CARRIED

FOR THE MOTION:T. Cavanagh, L. Chahley, R. Noce, B. Smith, D. Thiele.

The Committee recessed at 11:07 a.m.

The Committee reconvened at 11:15 a.m.

Councillors L. Chahley and D. Thiele were absent.

D.2.REPORTS ON ADMINISTRATIVE INQUIRIES

D.2.b.Discontinuance of Dispatching Ambulances from Fire Stations #8 and #10 (A. Bolstad).

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F.1.COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT

F.1.a.CNaming of New Facility at Clarke Stadium (Commemorative Feature).

F.1.b.COut-of-School Care Standards Review.

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F.2.EMERGENCY RESPONSE DEPARTMENT

F.2.a.Service Expectations/Selection Criteria for Fire and Ambulance Employees.

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F.4.OTHER REPORTS

F.4.b.CSafer Cities Initiatives Advisory Committee Term Report: July 1999 -June 2000.

MOVED R. Noce:

That items D.2.b., F.1.a. C, F.1.b. C, F.2.a. and F.4.b. C be postponed to be dealt with at the continuation of the Community Services Committee meeting on August 31, 2000 at 10:30 a.m. in the Council Chamber. / Due: Aug. 31, 2000

CARRIED

FOR THE MOTION: T. Cavanagh, R. Noce, B. Smith.

ABSENT: L. Chahley, D. Thiele.

Councillors L. Chahley and D. Thiele entered the meeting.

D.4.STATUTORY HEARINGS AND APPEALS

Councillor R. Noce explained the Appeal process.

D.4.e.Appeal Notice – Leonard F. Beecroft, of 9419-176 Street, Edmonton Alberta – Untidy and Unsightly Property.

L.F. Beecroft made a presentation and answered the Committee's questions.

D. Aitken, Edmonton Police Service (Bylaw), made a presentation and answered the Committee's questions.

L.F. Beecroft made a further presentation.

MOVED T. Cavanagh:

That the Direction be upheld. / Police Service

CARRIED

FOR THE MOTION: T. Cavanagh, L. Chahley, R. Noce, B. Smith, D. Thiele.

DECISION OF THE COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE ON THE APPEAL BY MR. LEONARD F. BEECROFT ON PROPERTY DESCRIBED AS 9419-176 STREET, EDMONTON, ALBERTA.

Councillor R. Noce stated the following:

In dealing with this Appeal, the Community Services Committee heard from Mr. David Aitken, Edmonton Police Service (Bylaw) and Mr. Beecroft, the owner of the property. Based on what the Committee has heard, it is the decision of the Committee to uphold the direction of Edmonton Police Service (Bylaw). The Committee makes its decision because the property is unsightly and the neighbourhood and citizens should not be subjected to these conditions. In fact, Mr. Beecroft agreed with the untidy state of the property and has indicated to the Committee that he will take steps to clean the property within the thirty days.

Mr. L. Beecroft confirmed with the Office of the City Clerk the address for service to receive the Committee's written decision.

D.4.f.Appeal Notice - Amelia Kit H. Leung - 3511-11 Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta – Order to Remedy a Contravention of the Nuisance Bylaw 10406. 

A. and M. Leung made a presentation and answered the Committee's questions.

D. Aitken, Edmonton Police Service (Bylaw), made a presentation.

M. Leung made a further presentation.

MOVED D. Thiele:

That the Order, dated July 12, 2000, be confirmed. / D.4.f.
Police Service

CARRIED

FOR THE MOTION: T. Cavanagh, L. Chahley, R. Noce, B. Smith, D. Thiele.

DECISION OF THE COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE ON THE APPEAL BY AMELIA KIT H. LEUNGON PROPERTY DESCRIBED AS 3511-11 AVENUE, EDMONTON, ALBERTA.

Councillor R. Noce stated the following:

In dealing with this Appeal, the Community Services Committee heard from Mr. David Aitken of Edmonton Police Service (Bylaw) and Ms. Amelia and Monica Leung with respect to the property at 3511 – 11 Avenue. Based on what the Committee has heard, it is the Committee’s decision to uphold the Order, dated July 12, 2000. Based on what the Committee has heard, the Committee makes its decision because the evidence is clear in that the property is unsightly and neighbours in and around the neighbourhood should not be subjected to these conditions. Both Ms. Amelia Leung and Monica Leung indicated to the Committee that they required additional time to clean the property and they presented no evidence to suggest the property was in a tidy condition. Therefore, the Order will be upheld.