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1990-02-05_Minutes 82-198 COMMON COUNCIL FEBRUARY 5, 1990 At a meeting of the Common Council, held at the City Hall in the City of Saint John, on Monday, the fifth day of February, AD. 1990, at 4:00 o'clock p.m. present Elsie E. Wayne, Mayor Councillors Coughlan, Fitzpatrick, Flewwelling, Gould, Knibb, Landers, Rogers, A Vincent and M. Vincent - and - Messrs. G. Taylor, City Manager; N. Barfoot, Deputy City Manager; C. Robichaud, Assistant City Manager - Operations; J. Brown, Assistant City Manager - Development; F. Rodgers, City Solicitor; D. Wilson, Commissioner of Finance; P. Groody, Commissioner of Human Resources; S. Armstrong, Director of Engineering; W. D. Todd, Director of Housing and Property Management; D. O'Leary, Director of Economic Development; J. Johnson, Building Inspector; D. Crawford, Technical Services Engineer; M. Hanlon, Purchasing Agent; D. Sherwood, Chief of Police; R. Johnston, Deputy Fire Chief; C. Campbell, Manager of Policy Planning; P. Asimakos, Planner; Ms. Y. Huntington, Director of Tourism; Mrs. M. Munford, Common Clerk; and Ms. C. Joyce, Assistant Common Clerk. Her Worship the Mayor offered the opening prayer. On motion of Councillor Flewwelling Seconded by Councillor Coughlan RESOLVED that minutes of the meeting of Common Council, held on January 29, 1990, be approved. Question being taken, the motion was carried. Her Worship the Mayor extended a message of sympathy to the family of the late Mr. Bernard McRae, a former City employee, who passed away earlier this date. (Councillor Knibb entered the meeting.) On motion of Councillor Rogers Seconded by Councillor Coughlan RESOLVED that the Common Council of the City of Saint John extend condolences to the family of the late Mr. Bernard McRae. Question being taken, the motion was carried. Messrs. Robert LaBounty, Case Manager of the Saint John Regional Office of the Canadian National Institute For the Blind; and Bill Parken, Representative of the Canadian Council for the Blind, were present in the Council Chamber, and presented to Common Council a plaque of Section 15 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, in both braille and print, to be hung permanently in a public place, as well as an audio cassette of Section 15, and noted that this date coincides with White Cane Week of February 4 to 10, 1990. On motion of Councillor Gould Seconded by Councillor Flewwelling RESOLVED that a press release of a statement from The Honourable Gerald Merrithew, Saint John M.P. and Minister of Veterans Affairs (copies of which were forwarded to Council members as an information item), clarifying support for a civic centre project, be added to the agenda 82-199 COMMON COUNCIL FEBRUARY 5, 1990 for consideration at this meeting. Question being taken, the motion was carried. On motion of Councillor Rogers Seconded by Councillor M. Vincent RESOLVED that the City Manager's report concerning flooding at Titus Bake Shop, 15 Prince Edward Street, and a letter on behalf of the Saint John Dental Hygienists' Association responding to recent media reports on fluoridation (copies of which were forwarded to Council members as information items), be added to the agenda for consideration at this meeting. Question being taken, the motion was carried. On motion of Councillor Flewwelling Seconded by Councillor M. Vincent RESOLVED that the letter from Mayor Wayne submitting a letter from Mayor John A. Millson of The City of Windsor, Ontario, requesting Common Council's endorsement of the three submitted resolutions as adopted by the Windsor City Council on January 8 in a united and concerted effort to persuade the Federal Government to take immediate, remedial action to ensure the preservation of employment in a vital economy and to lower interest rates -- be referred to the City Manager for review and a report to Council. Question being taken, the motion was carried. The Mayor expressed the understanding that the City Manager wants to explain a procedure staff is considering with regard to the possible acquisition of properties on the City's West Side for a fire station, whereupon Mr. Taylor advised that, with regard to the proposal put forward for building a new fire station on the West Side, City staff will conduct a public presentation for West Side residents relative to allaying any concerns or misgivings they might have about the project so that the proposal presented and explained to Council can be explained and presented to the public with staff available to respond to questions in this regard, and that notification will be forwarded to West Side residents concerning the scheduling of this presentation. The Mayor expressed the understanding that five Federal Department of Supply and Services' employees in Saint John were told on February 2 that they have until February 9 to decide whether they want to remain in the Department's employ and move to Moncton, or otherwise they would probably have to look elsewhere for employment, and advised that it may be necessary to approach the Federal Government in Ottawa on this issue within the next few days, and that Council will be kept informed. On motion of Councillor A. Vincent Seconded by Councillor Knibb RESOLVED that as recommended by the City Manager, authority be granted for payment of the following construction progress certificates, namely:- 1. Contract 88-9, Chesley Drive Sewers Dean Construction Limited Original estimated value of contract Total work done, Estimate Number 3 Retention Payments previously approved Sum recommended for payment, Progress Estimate Number 3, dated January 30, 1990 Final holdback release $ 88,270.00 94,111.75 Nil 79,994.99 $ 14,116.76 2. Contract 89-2, Dever Road Area Sewers Que-Mar Construction (Maritimes) Ltd. Original estimated value of contract $278,704.00 82-200 COMMON COUNCIL FEBRUARY 5, 1990 Total work done, Estimate Number 3 Retention Payments previously approved Sum recommended for payment, Progress Estimate Number 3, dated January 30, 1990 Final holdback release 263,041.79 Nil 214,365.68 $ 48,676.11 Question being taken, the motion was carried. On motion of Councillor M. Vincent Seconded by Councillor Coughlan RESOLVED that the copy of a press release statement by The Honourable Gerald Merrithew, Saint John M.P. and Minister of Veterans Affairs, advising that, with regard to an article which appeared in The Evening Times-Globe newspaper on January 15, 1990, he was quoted accurately with the exception of the part concerning the civic centre; noting that he made the point that there is no existing Government program in place which would allow the Federal Government to assist in such a project at this time and consequently it would be difficult to find Federal funds, and his earlier comment was that similar projects in other Canadian municipalities, which were recently completed, have been built privately with no Federal funding, Saskatchewan Place being an example; and adding that he is supportive of this initiative especially if it would have a business development aspect attached to it and private sector participation and he will do what he can -- be received and filed and a copy be forwarded to the Regional Civic Centre Committee. Question being taken, the motion was carried. On motion of Councillor Knibb Seconded by Councillor Landers RESOLVED that the report from the City Manager advising that, further to the letter to Council on January 8 concerning flooding at Titus Bake Shop at 15 Prince Edward Street, the Works Department responded to the flooding situation adjacent to the Bake Shop on New Year's Eve, and a few days followed up by cutting ice in the general area around the Shop and that, while this did not relate to the problem experienced on New Year's Eve, it was felt that this precaution would improve drainage in the area; and also advising that, as an added precaution against flooding in this very susceptible area, Mrs. Titus has been given a bag of calcium which she can use on the catch basin adjacent to her property if the need arises and the Works Department has not yet responded -- be received and filed. Question being taken, the motion was carried. On motion of Councillor Flewwelling Seconded by Councillor Rogers RESOLVED that the letter from Mrs. Trudy McAvity, on behalf of the Saint John Dental Hygienists Association, advising that she spoke with John Osterman, Director of Community Health, West Montreal, on February 1, 1990 who states that "there is nothing published currently to substantiate the media claims of a study currently linking cancer to rats, being given extremely high doses of fluoride; suggesting that the submitted memorandum from Dr. Richard Adamson, National Cancer Institute, should allay any fears that fluoride is carcinogenic; also advising that there is extensive scientifically-based evidence proving there are no ill effects of fluoride at the optimal dose of one part per million; and further advising of cities, other than Saint John, which endorse fluoridation thereby continuing to demonstrate that the fluoridation of a municipal water supply is a safe and effective public health measure -- be received and filed. The Mayor referred to this week's edition of Newsweek magazine which includes an article entitled "Fluoride risk evidence of link to cancer", and advised that while the above-submitted information is dated 1987, the magazine is a 1990 edition; and also advised that the City Manager is having Mr. W. Butler, Director of Water and Sewerage Services, check into a CNN international broadcast about research which is 82-201 COMMON COUNCIL FEBRUARY 5, 1990 being done in the United States. Councillor Landers suggested that City staff should obtain the full statements and comments made by Dr. Fan in this regard during the past weekend. Question being taken, the motion was carried. On motion of Councillor Knibb Seconded by Councillor Coughlan RESOLVED that the report from the City Manager advising that none of the four companies which responded to the tender for the supply of five traffic controllers for installation at the intersections of (1) Bayside Drive and the Causeway, (2) Rothesay and Thorne Avenues, and (3) Westmorland Road, met the tender specifications with respect to the controller required, and that staff rejected all bids and sought a response from a manufacturer who produced a controller to meet the City's specifications, such company being Novax Industries Corporation of Etobicoke, Ontario which submitted a price of $5,390 per controller, an amount which is less than the lowest bid received from those who did not meet the specifications; and recommending that approval be granted for the purchase of five traffic controllers from Novax Industries Corporation at a cost of $5,390 each, plus Provincial sales tax -- be received and filed and the recommendation adopted. During discussion Mr. Robichaud advised that the Province has been approached about the possibility of installing a traffic controller in the area of the underpass on Old Rothesay Road; and Mr. Hanlon advised that the possibility of purchasing traffic controllers in conjunction with other municipalities has not been discussed but could be pursued, whereupon the Mayor suggested that this matter could be broached through the Cities of New Brunswick Association. Question being taken, the motion was carried. Consideration was given to a letter from the City Manager stating that the Minimum Property Standards Program is an important action identified in the Strategic Plan to improve the quality of housing within the City; and recommending that the Building & Technical Services Department provide a public teach-in on the Minimum Standards By-Law and the related activities of the Building & Technical Services Department. Mr. Johnson advised that, at the present time, the Minimum Property Standards Program is supervised by Mr. David Crawford, Technical Services Engineer, and consists of two parts, the first being an initial program to identify problem properties which has been going on for approximately one year and scheduled to continue for two more years with the intent being to make initial inspections of about 3,000 properties within the City of which approximately 1,000 properties have been inspected to date, and the second being a follow-up of the initial inspections in an attempt to resolve the problems identified in the initial stage. Mr. Johnson also advised that the Program has as its intent to try to improve the quality of neighbourhoods as well as the quality of multiple unit buildings, and presented slides depicting both the exterior and interior of properties which have had problems identified and on which action should be taken. Mr. Johnson explained that, while problems are being identified with respect to single-family residences with the intent being to report to Council upon completion of an accumulated list with recommendations on how to deal with same, multi-family units are of initial concern; and also explained the manner in which the Program is carried out. On motion of Councillor Knibb Seconded by Councillor Gould RESOLVED that as recommended by the City Manager, the tender for the printing of tourist literature be awarded as follows: - item 1 to Kwik Kopy Ltd. in the amount of $5,166.00; item 2 to Kwik Kopy Ltd. in the amount of $6,187.00; item 3 to Keystone Printing Ltd., in the amount of $28,125.00; and item 4 to McMillan Press Ltd. in the amount of $7,062.50, as indicated on the submitted summary of bids. 82-202 COMMON COUNCIL FEBRUARY 5, 1990 Question being taken, the motion was carried. Consideration was given to a report from the City Manager confirming that, with regard to the matter of radio licensing fees which was the subject of a letter from the Mayor at Council's last meeting, the Federal Government intends to remove effective April 1, 1990 the special status for municipalities for licensing their base stations and mobile radios, and establish a fee schedule which is consistent for all public and private users; advising that the impact of this change on the City's operation will be approximately $12,000 per year, and will affect operating budgets as follows:- (1) Municipal Operations - approximately $5,200; (2) Police Department - approximately $4,000; and (3) Fire Department - approximately $2,800; and recommending that authority be given to pay these additional charges. Consideration was also given to a letter from The City of Moncton requesting Common Council's support, as well as the support of the other cities in New Brunswick, of a resolution respecting fee structure - radio licenses adopted by the Moncton City Council on January 31, 1990, to protest the Federal Government's cessation of the municipalities' exemption from radio license fees, and that the resolution be forwarded to the FCM Resolutions Committee forthwith for inclusion on the 1990 FCM agenda. The Mayor referred to a communique from the Federation of Canadian Municipalities requesting that municipalities not pay radio license fees, and asked that this communique and the above correspondence be tabled so that staff can review FCM's request. On motion of Councillor Flewwelling Seconded by Councillor Coughlan RESOLVED that the above correspondence regarding radio license fees be laid on the table for one week so that staff can review FCM's request. Question being taken, the tabling motion was carried. Read a letter from the City Manager advising that, as the signing officers for Irving Oil Limited were unexpectedly not available on January 31 for the closing of the sale to the City of lands situate on York Street, the Associate Counsel for Irving Oil, Mr. Patrick Gillespie, requested a postponement until February 15, 1990; and recommending the adoption of the submitted resolution to amend Common Council resolution of December 18, 1989 accordingly. On motion of Councillor Knibb Seconded by Councillor Coughlan RESOLVED that Common Council resolution of December 18, 1989, authorizing the acquisition of lands situate on York Street known as L.R.I.S. Number 317578, be amended so that the transfer of title will take place on or before February 15, 1990. Question being taken, the motion was carried. On motion of Councillor Knibb Seconded by Councillor Coughlan RESOLVED that the report from the City Manager advising that, further to the presentation to Council on January 15 by Mr. Owen Boyle favouring the termination of The Bi-Capitol Project, the Board of Directors of The Bi-Capitol Project Inc. will be making a presentation directly to Council because most of the points raised by Mr. Boyle deal with matters within the purview of the Corporation over which the City has no input, authority or responsibility; clarifying matters broached by Mr. Boyle which relate to City responsibilities; and concluding that, in any event, Council has committed $1 million for the Project on the understanding that none of this amount would be forthcoming until the full package is completed for a 82-203 COMMON COUNCIL FEBRUARY 5, 1990 tender call and that the City continues to work towards this end -- be received and filed and a copy be forwarded to Mr. Boyle and the Bi-Capitol Board. Question being taken, the motion was carried. Consideration was given to a report from the City Solicitor expressing the opinion that, having examined the concerns expressed by Mr. Eric L. Teed, Q.C., at the January 29 public hearing of the application of Manford M. Thompson Construction Company Limited for the re-zoning of 1260 Manawagonish Road and all of the relevant correspondence, Council should not proceed with the re-zoning based on the procedure that has been followed in this case and that, to proceed, having regard to the fact that the proposal was initiated by the developer, serves no useful purpose to the developer if, at some future time, the re-zoning is held invalid; and explaining why, while in his opinion the change from 14 to 12 new townhouses is not significant enough to effect the validity of the proposed By-Law amendment, the confusion over contradictory policy positions regarding the existing building is enough to say that the advertising with its reasons did not provide the public with an accurate enough intention of Council to satisfy the Community Planning Act; and concluding that, if the developer wishes to proceed along the lines of his current intentions, he should make another application to Council for the re-zoning and the application should indicate the proposed use of the land. Consideration was also given to a letter from Mr. Manford M. Thompson of Manford M. Thompson Construction Company Limited cancelling his existing re- zoning application for 1260 Manawagonish Road (which was given first and second readings at the public hearing on January 29) as, in trying to accommodate the concerns of the Heritage Preservation Board in regard to the existing farmhouse, he is now faced with technical difficulties which cause considerable concern; explaining the modifications made in the new re-zoning application submitted, and requesting consideration of same. On motion of Councillor Knibb Seconded by Councillor Flewwelling RESOLVED that the above letter from the City Solicitor be received and filed: AND FURTHER that the original application of Manford M. Thompson Construction Company Ltd. for the re-zoning of 1260 Manawagonish Road be withdrawn, as requested by Mr. Thompson. The mover and seconder of the motion initially proposed that the City Solicitor's letter be received and filed and the above application of Manford M. Thompson Construction Company Limited be referred to the Planning Advisory Committee and the necessary advertising be authorized, and concurred to change same upon the suggestion that it would be in order to adopt separate motions, one as indicated above and the other dealing with the second application. Question being taken, the motion was carried. On motion of Councillor Knibb Seconded by Councillor Flewwelling RESOLVED that the application of Manford M. Thompson Construction Company Limited for the re-zoning of 1260 Manawagonish Road be referred to the Planning Advisory Committee for a report and recommendation and that the necessary advertising be authorized in this regard, with the public hearing to be held on March 12, 1990. Mr. Brown commented on the difference in the original application and the above-submitted application as explained in Mr. Thompson's letter. Question being taken, the motion was carried. 82-204 COMMON COUNCIL FEBRUARY 5, 1990 On motion of Councillor Knibb Seconded by Councillor Coughlan RESOLVED that the by-law entitled, "By-Law Number C.P. 100-194 A Law To Amend The Zoning By-Law Of The City Of Saint John", by adding the following to the list of permitted uses in Section 640(1)(a): " - auto body paint or repair shop", be read a third time and enacted and the Corporate Common Seal be affixed thereto. The by-law entitled, "By-Law Number C.P. 100-194 A Law To Amend The Zoning By-Law Of The City Of Saint John", was read in its entirety. Question being taken, the motion was carried. (Councillor A. Vincent withdrew from the meeting due to a possible conflict of interest.) On motion of Councillor Knibb Seconded by Councillor Flewwelling RESOLVED that the by-law entitled, "By-Law Number C.P. 100-195 A Law To Amend The Zoning By-Law Of The City Of Saint John", insofar as it concerns re-zoning two properties at 105 St. James Street West and 69 St. James Street West (L.R.I.S. Numbers 365650 and 367565), from "R- 2" One- and Two-Family Residential to "RM-2" High Rise Multiple Residential classification, be read a third time and enacted and the Corporate Common Seal be affixed thereto: AND FURTHER that, pursuant to Section 39 of the Community Planning Act, the above re-zoning be subject to the following conditions:- (1) the development of the site be limited to the 61-unit proposal; (2) require submission and approval by the Development Officer of detailed plans showing: (i) on-site storm drainage systems; (ii) underground wiring on the site; (iii) poured-in-place concrete curbs adjacent to all vehicular areas; and (iv) landscaping adjacent to the building and parking areas; (3) the issuance of a building permit or construction of the building be prohibited prior to approval of plans required in (2); and (4) require construction to begin by December 31, 1992. The by-law entitled, "By-Law Number C.P. 100-195 A Law To Amend The Zoning By-Law Of The City Of Saint John", was read in its entirety. Question being taken, the motion was carried. (Councillor A. Vincent re-entered the meeting.) On motion of Councillor Knibb Seconded by Councillor Flewwelling RESOLVED that the by-law entitled, "By-Law Number C.P. 100-196 A Law To Amend The Zoning By-law Of The City Of Saint John", by amending Section 310(2)(c)(ii) to read: "notwithstanding (i) above, a parking area, located at 328 to 350 Union Street may be used for purposes of providing parking for uses which are not located and permitted in the same zone.", be read a third time and enacted and the Corporate Common Seal be affixed thereto. The by-law entitled, "By-Law Number C.P. 100-196 A Law To Amend The Zoning By-Law Of The City Of Saint John", was read in its entirety. Question being taken, the motion was carried. (Councillor A. Vincent withdrew from the meeting due to a possible conflict of interest.) 82-205 COMMON COUNCIL FEBRUARY 5, 1990 On motion of Councillor Knibb Seconded by Councillor M. Vincent RESOLVED that the by-law entitled, "A By-Law To Amend A By-Law Respecting The Stopping Up And Closing Of Highways In The City Of Saint John", with respect to closing the following portion of highway:- BLUE ROCK STREET: All that certain lot, piece and parcel of land situate, lying and being in the City of Saint John, in the County of Saint John in the Province of New Brunswick, being the street known as Blue Rock Street, running in a northerly direction from Victoria Street between Minnette Street and St. James Street - be read a third time and enacted and the Corporate Common Seal be affixed thereto. The by-law entitled, "A By-Law To Amend A By-Law Respecting The Stopping Up And Closing Of Highways In The City Of Saint John", was read in its entirety. Question being taken, the motion was carried. (Councillor A. Vincent re-entered the meeting.) Read report of the Committee of the Whole (as follows) To the COMMON COUNCIL of the City of Saint John The Committee of the Whole reports Your Committee begs leave to report that it sat on January 22, 1990, when there were present Mayor Wayne and Councillors Coughlan, Davis, Fitzpatrick, Flewwelling, Gould, Knibb, Landers, Rogers, A. Vincent and M. Vincent, and your Committee submits the following recommendation, namely:- 1. That authority be granted for payment of an additional $5,000 to Price Waterhouse with regard to the economic development strategy, and to engage Price Waterhouse to make the public presentations of the strategy at a cost of $4,000. February 5, 1990, Saint John, N.B. Respectfully submitted, (sgd.) Elsie E. Wayne, C h air man. On motion of Councillor Knibb Seconded by Councillor Coughlan RESOLVED that the above report be received and filed and the recommendation therein be adopted. Question being taken, the motion was carried with Councillors Flewwelling, Gould, Landers and Rogers voting "nay". Read report of the Committee of the Whole (as follows) To the COMMON COUNCIL of the City of Saint John The Committee of the Whole reports Your Committee begs leave to report that it sat on January 29, 1990, when there were present Mayor Wayne and Councillors Coughlan, Davis, Fitzpatrick, 82-206 COMMON COUNCIL FEBRUARY 5, 1990 Flewwelling, Gould, Knibb, Landers, Rogers, A. Vincent and M. Vincent, and your Committee submits the following recommendations, namely:- 1. That as recommended by the City Manager, Mr. Mark Giberson be appointed as the City's nominee to the board of arbitration with respect to the Local No. 18, C.U.P.E., grievance 89-44 on behalf of Mr. Armond Drummond. 2. That as recommended by the City Manager, Mr. Gary Stairs be appointed the Plumbing Inspector in accordance with the By-Law Respecting the Plumbing Trade and Master Plumbers. February 5, 1990, Saint John, N. B. Respectfully submitted, (sgd.) Elsie E. Wayne, C h air man. On motion of Councillor Knibb Seconded by Councillor Rogers RESOLVED that section 1 of the above report be adopted. Question being taken, the motion was carried. On motion of Councillor A. Vincent Seconded by Councillor Rogers RESOLVED that section 2 of the above report be adopted. Question being taken, the motion was carried. On motion of Councillor Knibb Seconded by Councillor Flewwelling RESOLVED that the letter from The Honourable Peter Trites, Minister of Housing, referring to his request during a November 13, 1989 meeting at City Hall concerning the number of heavy trucks using Champlain Drive in Champlain Heights as a connector between Loch Lomond Road and Grandview Avenue, at which time the City Manager indicated that he would draw this matter to the attention of staff concerned; and re-iterating his request that, as things have not improved much, if any, since that time, this situation be addressed -- be referred to the Chief of Police. Councillor M. Vincent suggested that staff should examine the current truck routes to determine if any additions or deletions should be made thereto that may have occurred as a result of changes in traffic patterns in the City or changes in occupancy or types of buildings; and Mr. Taylor advised that, following the Minister's request, the practice of City trucks utilizing Champlain Heights was stopped immediately. Chief Sherwood advised that no charges have been laid nor have any heavy trucks been observed on the street in question, and further that the issue of enforcement on heavy vehicles in the City has been increased substantially during the last week and will continue to increase, and that the issue of assistance from Provincial commercial vehicle enforcement officers is being considered at the Deputy Minister of Transportation's level, with a decision expected within a week. Question being taken, the motion was carried. On motion of Councillor Flewwelling Seconded by Councillor Knibb RESOLVED that the letter from The Honourable Jane Barry, Minister of State for Childhood Services, advising that the Minister of Tourism, Recreation and Heritage has been asked to participate in a national organization headed by the Ottawa Capital Commission to plan special 82-207 COMMON COUNCIL FEBRUARY 5, 1990 celebrations for Canada's 125th birthday in 1992, and has asked her to convey to Common Council his wish to involve as many community organizations as possible as well as municipal governments in organizing activities, and hopes it will be possible to publish a special events brochure or calendar for 1992; and requesting Council's consideration to some special event the City may wish to organize to celebrate the 125th birthday as a nation and convey any plans to the Minister of Tourism, Recreation and Heritage -- be referred to the Nominating Committee. The Mayor suggested that a committee would be established to recommend to Council what activities should be considered for the above celebration. Question being taken, the motion was carried. On motion of Councillor M. Vincent Seconded by Councillor Knibb RESOLVED that the recently-supplied information on truck traffic routes for the City be referred to the City Manager for further study and assessment, with a report to Council within two months containing any changes, alterations, additions or deletions that may be deemed desirable taking into consideration the time changes and different factors that prevail now as to those which prevailed when the truck routes were established a number of years ago. Question being taken, the motion was carried. On motion of Councillor Knibb Seconded by Councillor Gould RESOLVED that the letter from Mr. Louis E. Murphy, M.L.A. Saint John Harbour, submitting a copy of a letter from the Director of the Traffic Engineering Branch of the Provincial Department of Transportation responding to his request for the same type of lighting on the Reversing Falls Bridge to be extended along Bridge Road from the Reversing Falls Bridge to Simms Corner, which indicates that the Province is not responsible for lighting on Provincially- designated highways such as Bridge Road; also submitting a copy of a newspaper article concerning a recent lumber spill on the Courtenay Bay Causeway near the intersection of Crown and Union Streets; and requesting that Bridge Road be brightened up by eliminating the white bulbs and installing the same kind of lighting as on the Reversing Falls Bridge -- be referred to the street lighting committee and The Power Commission of The City of Saint John, and Mr. Murphy be so informed. Mr. Taylor expressed the understanding, based on discussions with the Power Commission, that the Commission will be upgrading the above system in its 1990 program. Question being taken, the motion was carried. On motion of Councillor Coughlan Seconded by Councillor Flewwelling RESOLVED that the letter from the Saint John Central Business Development Corporation requesting that Mr. Stephen Bedford, Council's appointee to the Board of the Corporation, be re-appointed to the Board for another year -- be referred to the Nominating Committee. The Mayor advised that, based on discussion with the City Manager earlier this date, a Council member normally sat on the above Board, with a City staff member liaising with the Board, and asked that the matter be referred to the Nominating Committee; and, with regard to Councillor Rogers' observation that Council members sit on numerous committees and that Mr. Bedford has been extremely important to the Corporation through his expertise and that Council should continue placing staff members on such boards on behalf of Council, the Mayor suggested that the problem is that staff must be independent enough to address reports from the various committees and that the City Manager feels very strongly that City staff should only be in liaise positions as resource persons. Mr. Taylor expressed the opinion that 82-208 COMMON COUNCIL FEBRUARY 5, 1990 Mr. Bedford can still offer the Corporation the same type of expertise on a liaise basis, rather than as a member of the Board, the latter being a Council responsibility. During discussion, Mr. Taylor expressed the understanding that Mr. Bedford has been a member of the Corporation's Board since 1988 when former Councillor J. MacDougall stepped down, and the Mayor expressed the opinion that Council does not get the feedback in the same manner from a staff person as from Council members who sat on the Corporation's Board, and Councillor M. Vincent asked if there is a policy in place which indicates that staff is not to sit on committees directed by the City Manager and approved by Council, or if there is a policy which indicates that only Council members can sit on committees, and that this matter should be tabled and referred to Council in committee of the whole pending adoption of a policy at the next meeting. On motion of Councillor M. Vincent Seconded by Councillor Rogers RESOLVED that the above matter be laid on the table and Council establish a policy. Question being taken, the tabling motion was carried. On motion of Councillor Fitzpatrick Seconded by Councillor Coughlan RESOLVED that the letter from Saint John and Western District Crime Stoppers appealing to the City for a sizable contribution for 1990 and advising that one of its representatives will call on Common Council in a few days to answer any questions and to further outline its financial needs -- be referred to the grants committee. Mr. Rodgers advised that, while municipalities in the Province of New Brunswick have no authority to offer rewards directly with respect to the apprehension of criminals or the solving of crimes, the above request is for a grant and Council can proceed on the same basis as it would for other such requests. The Mayor asked the City Manager to submit to Council information pertaining to whether or not other municipalities contribute to Crime Stoppers. Question being taken, the motion was carried. On motion of Councillor Knibb Seconded by Councillor M. Vincent RESOLVED that the application of Mr. Paul Duncan of Sobey Leased Properties Limited for the re-zoning of property on Linton Road and Hatheway Crescent be referred to the Planning Advisory Committee for a report and recommendation and that the necessary advertising be authorized in this regard, with the public hearing to be held on March 26, 1990. Question being taken, the motion was carried. On motion of Councillor Knibb Seconded by Councillor Coughlan RESOLVED that the application of Atlantic Valve & Fittings Ltd. (on behalf of a company to be incorporated) for an amendment to the Section 39 resolutions of June 30, 1980 and April 9, 1985, with respect to property at 180 Simms Street West, be referred to the Planning Advisory Committee for a report and recommendation and that the necessary advertising be authorized in this regard, with the public hearing to be held on March 12, 1990. Question being taken, the motion was carried. On motion of Councillor Knibb 82-209 COMMON COUNCIL FEBRUARY 5, 1990 Seconded by Councillor M. Vincent RESOLVED that the application of Mahogany Heights Developments Inc. for the re-zoning of land in Phases 2 of Mahogany Heights be referred to the Planning Advisory Committee for a report and recommendation and that the necessary advertising be authorized in this regard, with the public hearing to be held on March 26, 1990. Question being taken, the motion was carried. Consideration was given to a letter from Mr. Michael O'Neill commending Councillor Fitzpatrick for his suggestion at Council's last meeting regarding the placement of a complex for sports and performing arts, and Councillor Davis for his support in this respect; and opposing the mere reference of Councillor Fitzpatrick's letter to the Bi-Capitol Board and the regional exhibition centre committee as it will probably be received and filed and no action will result from such a decision. On motion of Councillor Fitzpatrick Seconded by Councillor Rogers RESOLVED that a committee of Council be set up to immediately look into all ramifications of the proposal. Question being taken, the motion was carried with the Mayor and Councillor Flewwelling voting "nay". On motion of Councillor Knibb Seconded by Councillor Flewwelling RESOLVED that this meeting be adjourned. Question being taken, the motion was carried. Common Clerk