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1990-03-12_Minutes 82-263 COMMON COUNCIL MARCH 12, 1990 At a meeting of the Common Council, held at the City Hall in the City of Saint John, on Monday, the twelfth day of March, AD. 1990, at 7:00 o'clock p.m. present Elsie E. Wayne, Mayor Councillors Coughlan, Davis, Fitzpatrick, Flewwelling, Gould, Knibb, Landers and Rogers - and - Messrs. G. Taylor, City Manager; N. Barfoot, Deputy City Manager; J. Brown, Assistant City Manager - Development; F. Rodgers, City Solicitor; D. Wilson, Commissioner of Finance; J. C. MacKinnon, Commissioner of Environment and Infrastructure Services; P. Groody, Commissioner of Human Resources; S. Bedford, Director of Community Planning; S. Armstrong, Director of Engineering; R. McDevitt, Fire Chief; A Martin, Assistant Deputy Chief of Police; J. McNamee, Assistant Deputy Chief of Police; Mrs. M. Munford, Common Clerk; and Ms. C. Joyce, Assistant Common Clerk. Her Worship the Mayor offered the opening prayer. On motion of Councillor Coughlan Seconded by Councillor Knibb RESOLVED that minutes of the meeting of Common Council, held on March 5, 1990, be approved. Question being taken, the motion was carried. Her Worship the Mayor commented on activities scheduled for the St. Patrick's Week Celebration in the City of Saint John which officially opened on March 10; welcomed to the Council Chamber members of the 11th Courtenay Silver Falls United Church Boy Scout Troop to whom she briefly explained the Council meeting procedure to assist them in their efforts to earn their citizenship badges; and extended condolences to Councillor A Vincent on the death of his sister, Mrs. Ivan Hill of Kensington, Prince Edward Island. On motion of Councillor Flewwelling Seconded by Councillor Rogers RESOLVED that the Common Council of the City of Saint John extend condolences to Councillor Albert A Vincent, on the death of his sister, Mrs. Ivan Hill. Question being taken, the motion was carried. Her Worship the Mayor referred to a letter from the City Manager (copies of which were forwarded to Council members as an information item) submitting a letter from Mr. Nicholas Barfoot, Deputy City Manager, advising that he will be taking his retirement, under Section 4(1 )(aa) of the Pension Act as of May 6, 1990, upon the completion of 33 years with the City of Saint John; and expressed appreciation to Mr. Barfoot for his years of service to the City. On motion of Councillor Landers Seconded by Councillor Flewwelling RESOLVED that the letter from The Honourable Jane Barry, Minister of State for Childhood Services, regarding the economic development strategy; the invitation to the Mayor and Councillors to attend an official opening of the office of the Elizabeth Fry Society of Saint John; and a copy of a letter to the Federal Minister of Environment from the City of Moncton regarding protection of the environment (copies of which were forwarded to Council members as 82-264 COMMON COUNCIL MARCH 12, 1990 information items), be added to the agenda for consideration at this meeting. Question being taken, the motion was carried. The Common Clerk advised that the necessary advertising was completed with regard to (a) a proposed Municipal Plan amendment to redesignate on Schedule 2-A, the Future Land Use Plan of the Municipal Development Plan, a 1.6 acre parcel of land, being a portion of L.R.I.S. Number 403535, located at the intersection of Gault Road and Martinon By-Pass (Route #7), from High Density Residential to District Centre Commercial classification; and (b) re-zoning the same parcel of land from "RF" Rural to "B-2" General Business classification, to permit the development of seasonal retail sale of plant material and associated growing area, as requested by Hughes Surveys & Consultants Ltd., on behalf of Mr. Raj N. Popat, and that no written objections were received in this regard. No person was present with respect to the proposed amendments. Consideration was given to a letter from the Planning Advisory Committee submitting a copy of the Planning staff report considered at the Committee's March 6 meeting at which the applicant's agent was present and asked that the application be tabled until problems being encountered regarding the agreement of purchase and sale of the subject property are resolved and also stated that the applicant may revise his proposal in light of the staff report; and recommending that the above application be tabled. On motion of Councillor Knibb Seconded by Councillor Coughlan RESOLVED that as recommended by the Planning Advisory Committee, the application of Hughes Surveys & Consultants Ltd., on behalf of Mr. Raj N. Popat, for a Municipal Plan amendment and re-zoning of property at the intersection of Gault Road and Route 7 be laid on the table. Question being taken, the tabling motion was carried. The Common Clerk advised that the necessary advertising was completed with regard to the proposed re-zoning of a parcel of land being a portion of 1260 Manawagonish Road (L.R.I.S. Number 398669), containing approximately one acre with a frontage of 124 feet, from "R-1A" One-Family Residential to "RM-1" Three- Storey Multiple Residential classification, to permit development of townhouses, as requested by Manford M. Thompson Construction Company Limited, and that thirteen written objections were received in this regard. Consideration was also given to a letter from the Planning Advisory Committee submitting copies of Planning staff's reports of March 6 and January 23, 1990, the latter which provides greater analytical detail on the present application in that the current proposal to develop townhouses is virtually the same as finally proposed therein after the developer changed his original December 4, 1989 application to accommodate the retention of the historic farmhouse; noting that the farmhouse, which Council on February 19, 1990 designated as a preservation area, and the .2 acre lot on which it is located is not part of this application for re-zoning and will remain in the "R-1A" One-Family Residential zone; and recommending that (1) a parcel of land containing approximately one acre with a frontage of 124 feet, being a portion of 1260 Manawagonish Road, as illustrated on the submitted map, be re-zoned from "R-1A" One-Family Residential to "RM-1" Three-Storey Multiple Residential classification, subject to an agreement pursuant to Section 39 of the Community Planning Act which would require that the site be developed in accordance with the submitted building elevations and site plans which will contain the following elements and form part of this agreement:- (a) a maximum building height limit of one and a half stories; (b) a detailed landscaping plan to include locations and type of existing and proposed trees and shrubs; and (c) a site plan showing utility and service easements; (2) assent be given to a subdivision plan in accordance with the submitted tentative plan which will include municipal and public utility service easements; and (3) that the sum of $6,000 be accepted as money in lieu of land for public purposes. 82-265 COMMON COUNCIL MARCH 12, 1990 Mr. Eric L. Teed, Q.C., solicitor for Mrs. Edward Lahey of 5 Quinton Drive, appeared before Council and expressed the opinion that he does not have the right to speak in opposition but rather has the right to speak to the letters of objection in accordance with the provisions of the Community Planning Act and that, while such letters of objection presumably should be read, it appears that the practice of Council is not to read them; whereupon he read two of the above-mentioned letters of objection submitted by Mr. Elroy Campbell and Mrs. Maxine Clark and advised his intent to speak to all of the letters of objection received on behalf of his client who is opposed to the proposed re-zoning. Mr. Teed made the observation that Quinton Heights is a single- family residential area and the land in question was purchased knowing it was zoned accordingly, and suggested that there is no reason or justification why that area cannot still be single-family residential and be sold for single-family lots. Mr. Teed noted that, although the original proposal was to develop senior citizen homes on the subject property, the application before Council is merely to re-zone for townhouses with no criteria to indicate it is for senior citizens or any other particular group; and suggested that, in view of a proposal to construct what he assumes would be single-storey garden apartments on the Hillcrest Village property on Manawagonish Road which is in close proximity to the subject property, there is no necessity for the proposed re-zoning to take place to accommodate the particular need for senior citizen housing. Mr. Teed also suggested that, as there has been no attempt to market the land in question for single home development, such an attempt should be made so that, if there is no market, multiple housing could then be justified; and further suggested that, if Council should find some merit in the Planning Advisory Committee's recommendation, the proposed Section 39 agreement should be before Council at this time for consideration and further that the agreement should provide for a time limit so that the property would revert to its previous zoning if not developed or used in accordance with the proposal within a certain timeframe, thereby eliminating the possibility of re-zoning the property which could remain undeveloped and be resold for other development. Mr. Teed explained that, basically, his client's position is that there is no need for the proposed re-zoning and that, unless there is some reasonable justification, this single-family residential area should not be re-zoned for townhouses, and acknowledged non- conforming uses of property in the area which were present when the area was re- zoned for single-family residential use. Mr. Teed requested that the re-zoning not be considered or, if Council does consider re-zoning, that Council not deal with the matter until such time as there is a proper agreement before Council with protection for both the City and the residents in part as recommended by the Planning Advisory Committee but with more stipulations. Mr. Teed, in response to Councillor Coughlan's question as to how long the property was marketed prior to Mr. Thompson's purchase of it, expressed the understanding that the property was never put on the market on the basis that it would be subdivided into single units, but rather marketed as a block with one house. Mr. Manford Thompson, President of Manford M. Thompson Construction Company Limited, appeared in support of his application for re-zoning and commented on his previous application for re-zoning which was the subject of a public hearing on January 29, 1990, his subsequent proposal change and resubmission of an application for re-zoning on February 5, 1990 for twelve garden homes and preserving the old farmhouse on a separate lot in the existing single-family residential zoning. Mr. Thompson confirmed that his homes are designed for senior citizens and that it is his intention for them to be sold as seniors' housing, although he could not prohibit persons other than senior citizens from purchasing a home under the Constitution. Councillor Davis, a member of the Planning Advisory Committee, asked, while the proposed re-zoning is to three-storey multiple residential and the maximum building height recommended by the Planning Advisory Committee is one and a half stories, how a one and a half-storey development will be accomplished to which Mr. Thompson replied that the garden homes will be one storey with a high pitched roof for a height of 18 feet from the ground to the tip of the roof, and added that, as there is no zoning in the City for garden homes, in order to build these senior citizen homes on the subject property, it was necessary for him to apply for a three-family residential classification. Mr. Thompson, in response to Councillor Flewwelling, advised that the housing units will have full basements and are self-contained homes with the only difference from detached homes being that they are attached together and, replying to Councillor Fitzpatrick's observation that the application refers to townhouses while Mr. 82-266 COMMON COUNCIL MARCH 12, 1990 Thompson refers to garden homes, advised that row houses, townhouses, garden houses and attached houses are the same type of housing. Mr. Hodges Hamm of Remax Professionals Ltd., marketing agent for the applicant, appeared in support of the proposed re-zoning; confirmed that the marketing approach will be directed to senior citizens in view of Mr. Thompson's intention to sell the garden homes strictly to senior citizens; and commented on the need for this type of housing in the area and on the occupancy percentage by persons over 50 years of age in the Molson Avenue and Millidgeville garden home projects in which Mr. Thompson was involved. On motion of Councillor Knibb Seconded by Councillor Coughlan RESOLVED that the by-law to amend the Zoning By-Law of the City of Saint John, insofar as it concerns re-zoning a parcel of land containing approximately one acre with a frontage of 124 feet, being a portion of 1260 Manawagonish Road as illustrated on the submitted map, from "R-1A" One- Family Residential to "RM-1" Three-Storey Multiple Residential classification, subject to an agreement pursuant to Section 39 of the Community Planning Act as recommended by the Planning Advisory Committee, be read a first time. Question being taken, the motion was carried with Councillor Landers voting "nay". Read a first time the by-law to amend the Zoning By-Law of the City of Saint John. On motion of Councillor Knibb Seconded by Councillor Davis RESOLVED that the by-law to amend the Zoning By-Law of the City of Saint John, insofar as it concerns re-zoning a parcel of land containing approximately one acre with a frontage of 124 feet, being a portion of 1260 Manawagonish Road as illustrated on the submitted map, from "R-1A" One- Family Residential to "RM-1" Three-Storey Multiple Residential classification, subject to an agreement pursuant to Section 39 of the Community Planning Act as recommended by the Planning Advisory Committee, be read a second time. Question being taken, the motion was carried with Councillor Landers voting "nay". Read a second time the by-law to amend the Zoning By-Law of the City of Saint John. On motion of Councillor Knibb Seconded by Councillor Fitzpatrick RESOLVED that the correspondence regarding the above-proposed re-zoning be received and filed. Question being taken, the motion was carried. The Common Clerk advised that the necessary advertising was completed with regard to amending the conditions of re-zoning, as adopted on June 30, 1980 and amended on April 9, 1985, to permit the use of the property at 180 Simms Street by a business which is engaged in the wholesale and retail of industrial products, with an office and storage area to also be available in the building for rent or lease, to permit the existing premises to be used by Atlantic Valve & Fittings Ltd. and a tenant, as requested by Atlantic Valve & Fittings Ltd. (on behalf of a company to be incorporated), and that no written objections were received in this regard. No person was present with respect to the proposed amendment. Consideration was given to a letter from the Planning Advisory 82-267 COMMON COUNCIL MARCH 12, 1990 Committee advising that, having considered a Planning staff report at its March 6, 1990 meeting at which the applicant, his solicitor and the present building owner were present, the solicitor for the applicant indicated that he would like a number of additional changes to the conditions to accommodate potential tenants and future business activities of his own company; and that, after a break to formulate an acceptable compromise, the Committee was concerned that sufficient control was not being provided for the development of this site in this location; also advising that the item was tabled for two weeks by the Committee; and recommending that the public hearing be held but no decision be made until a recommendation is received from the Committee with respect to new conditions. On motion of Councillor Coughlan Seconded by Councillor Knibb RESOLVED that as recommended by the Planning Advisory Committee, the application of Atlantic Valve & Fittings Ltd. (on behalf of a company to be incorporated) for an amendment to the conditions of re-zoning of 180 Simms Street be laid on the table. Question being taken, the tabling motion was carried. On motion of Councillor Knibb Seconded by Councillor Landers RESOLVED that the report from the City Manager advising that discussions were held with Port and Department of Environment representatives regarding the recent off-loading of petroleum coke at the Lower Cove Terminal and subsequent complaints from business and citizens that an oily grime black dust was coating homes, businesses and City streets; also advising that, in approximately one week, the off-loading will be completed and hopefully the dust will be controlled; however, difficulties will again be encountered when the ship is reloaded for its final destination; commenting on information received following several on-site inspections and discussions with Port and Environment representatives, as well as on actions taken with the hope of controlling the dust; and recommending that the Port Corporation be made aware of the City's concerns about the movement of bulk commodities into or out of the Port, and that assurance be given that there will be greater attention to detail and the elimination of nuisances to the citizens of the area -- be received and filed and the recommendation adopted. Councillor Landers asked that, on the basis of her understanding that smoke from a ship in the Harbour created the dust, the Port Corporation be requested to address this problem; and Councillor Knibb asked why, once the coke has been unloaded, it is not transported out of the City to its destination by rail or truck rather than have the coke remain at the Port for reloading at a later date thereby experiencing the dust problem again. Councillor Fitzpatrick asked if the Port has given any guarantee that reloading the coke will not result in the same type of dust problem and also if there is a health danger from the coke dust, and requested that a further report be provided Council in this regard. Question being taken, the motion was carried. On motion of Councillor Knibb Seconded by Councillor Flewwelling RESOLVED that the report from the City Manager advising that the City of Saint John is able to proceed with fourteen positions under Challenge '90, the Federal subsidy program for student summer employment, as follows:- Research Assistant - Economic Development; two Research Assistants - Police Department; five Integration Leaders - Recreation Department; five Program Leaders - Recreation Department, and an Archivist/Historian - Water and Sewerage Department; also advising that, upon approval by Employment & Immigration Canada of the City's application for funding under Challenge '90, the City will provide the summer jobs described and Employment & Immigration will make a contribution to the City with respect to the related wages, mandatory employer costs and other costs, and the City certifies that the proposed jobs would not be created without the subsidy 82-268 COMMON COUNCIL MARCH 12, 1990 required; and recommending that Common Council authorize execution of the necessary application/agreements and that they be forwarded to Employment and Immigration Canada -- be received and filed and the recommendation adopted. Question being taken, the motion was carried. On motion of Councillor Rogers Seconded by Councillor Knibb RESOLVED that the report from the City Manager submitting a letter from The Power Commission of The City of Saint John concerning the February 5 request to Council of Mr. L. Murphy for the installation on Bridge Road of the same kind of lighting as there is on Reversing Falls Bridge; noting that the Commission agrees that it would be advantageous to change the existing mercury vapour street lighting units to high pressure sodium type, not only on Bridge Road but also on all of Simms corner, for a total of 24 units, and that the Street Lighting Committee has approved this change which is in accordance with the policy of implementing a phased change-over from mercury vapour to high-pressure sodium on main traffic streets -- be received and filed. Question being taken, the motion was carried. On motion of Councillor Flewwelling Seconded by Councillor Gould RESOLVED that the letter from The Honourable Jane Barry, Minister of State for Childhood Services, assuring Council of her continued interest and cooperation and offer of assistance to participate in any way of which she may be of service with regard to the recent announcement of the City's economic strategy -- be received and filed. Question being taken, the motion was carried. On motion of Councillor Rogers Seconded by Councillor Flewwelling RESOLVED that the letter from the Elizabeth Fry Society of Saint John inviting Council to attend an official opening of the Society office on the first level of the Regional Centre, 439 Prince Street West, and submitting a pamphlet describing the aims and purposes of the Society, which has established and conducts solely by volunteers, weekly programs for women from the Saint John Regional Correctional Centre -- be received and filed. Question being taken, the motion was carried. On motion of Councillor Knibb Seconded by Councillor Flewwelling RESOLVED that the copy of the letter to the Federal Minister of Environment from The City of Moncton submitting a resolution adopted by Moncton City Council regarding environmental protection be received and filed. The Mayor agreed, at Councillor Landers suggestion, to forward a letter of support for Moncton's motion. Question being taken, the motion was carried. Read a letter from the City Solicitor submitting for Council's consideration of third reading a proposed Traffic By-Law amendment concerning parking on Sussex and Cambridge Drives, which was given first and second readings on March 5. 82-269 COMMON COUNCIL MARCH 12, 1990 On motion of Councillor Knibb Seconded by Councillor Coughlan RESOLVED that the by-law entitled, "A By-Law To Amend A By-Law Respecting Traffic On Streets In The City Of Saint John Made Under The Authority Of The Motor Vehicle Act, 1973, And Amendments Thereto", with regard to parking on Sussex and Cambridge Drives, 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 Traffic On Streets In The City Of Saint John Made Under The Authority Of The Motor Vehicle Act, 1973, And Amendments Thereto", was read in its entirety. Question being taken, the motion was carried. Read a letter from the City Solicitor submitting for Council's consideration of third reading a proposed Traffic By-Law amendment concerning parking on Wright Street, which was given first and second readings on March 5. On motion of Councillor Knibb Seconded by Councillor Davis RESOLVED that the by-law entitled, "A By- Law To Amend A By-Law Respecting Traffic On Streets In The City Of Saint John Made Under The Authority Of The Motor Vehicle Act, 1973, And Amendments Thereto", with regard to parking on Wright 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 Traffic On Streets In The City Of Saint John Made Under The Authority Of The Motor Vehicle Act, 1973, And Amendments Thereto", was read in its entirety. Question being taken, the motion was carried. 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 March 5, 1990, when there were present Deputy Mayor Gould and Councillors Coughlan, Davis, Fitzpatrick, Flewwelling, Knibb, Landers, Rogers, A. Vincent and M. Vincent, and your Committee submits the following recommendations, namely:- 1. That as recommended by the City Manager, (1) the City of Saint John award the tender for group health and dental coverage to Confederation Life Insurance Company; (2) the Mayor and Common Clerk be authorized to execute group health and dental plan agreements with Confederation Life Insurance Company; and (3) enhancements identified to the group health and dental plans be approved, within the cost framework quoted. 2. That as recommended by the Grants Advisory Board, Council approve the following grants:- (i) Kidney Foundation of Canada National Annual Meeting, June 7-10 $ 750 (ii) Canadian Society of Respiratory Therapists Annual Education Forum, May 26-29 $ 900 (iii) TOPS $1 ,000 82-270 COMMON COUNCIL MARCH 12, 1990 Provincial Recognition Day, May 4-5 (iv) Canadian Association of Social Work Administrators National Conference, October 3-5 $ 500 (v) Canadian Education Society National Conference, September 26 $1 ,000 3. That in order to accommodate a move towards a new future envisioned for Rockwood Park as part of the Rockwood Park Master Plan and in view of the discussions of Parks Department staff with the Saint John Branch of the New Brunswick Fish & Game Association in an attempt to facilitate this group establishing its own facility, Council adopt the recommendation of the City Manager, that the Fish & Game Association be notified that the Mayor and Common Council will not be renewing the lease agreement with the New Brunswick Fish & Game Association, Saint John Branch, with regard to the Lily Lake Pavilion; and further that the Association be advised that it may be required to vacate the facility at any time following the expiration of the current license in April 1990 on 90 days notice from the Assistant City Manager - Operations; and further that the Association be advised that it will be billed after April 30, 1990 for heat, power and water usage as determined on a proportionate basis of the upper floor space of the building, and a monthly rental fee. 4. That as recommended by the City Manager, Council not accept the recommendation of the Saint John Port Development Commission to have its terms of reference amended to give it authority to approve expenditures in excess of $12,500 and that all amounts to be expended be done in accordance with the existing signing authority of the administration. March 12, 1990, Saint John, N.B. Respectfully submitted, (sgd.) Arthur L. Gould, C h air man. On motion of Councillor Knibb Seconded by Councillor Coughlan RESOLVED that section 1 of the above report be adopted. Question being taken, the motion was carried. On motion of Councillor Fitzpatrick Seconded by Councillor Coughlan RESOLVED that section 2 of the above report be adopted. Question being taken, the motion was carried. The Mayor asked that, as a letter has been received from the Fish & Game Association, section 3 of the above report be tabled and the City Manager submit a further report at the next meeting of Council. On motion of Councillor Flewwelling Seconded by Councillor Rogers RESOLVED that section 3 of the above report be laid on the table for a further report at the next meeting. Question being taken, the tabling motion was carried. On motion of Councillor Rogers Seconded by Councillor Fitzpatrick RESOLVED that section 4 of the above report be adopted. 82-271 COMMON COUNCIL MARCH 12, 1990 Question being taken, the motion was carried. The Mayor asked that, as the Planning Advisory Committee's letter concerning a subdivision plan of 330 McAllister Drive needs further clarification, this matter be tabled for one week. On motion of Councillor Rogers Seconded by Councillor Coughlan RESOLVED that the above-mentioned letter from the Planning Advisory Committee be laid on the table for one week. Question being taken, the tabling motion was carried. On motion of Councillor Coughlan Seconded by Councillor Fitzpatrick RESOLVED that the letter from the Saint John Central Business Development Corporation advising of its proposal to coordinate the installation of a bus shelter on King Square North beside the Bank of Nova Scotia building at an initial cost estimate of approximately $26,000; also advising its intent to approach the Bank of Nova Scotia and the Saint John Transit Commission to participate as partners in this project; requesting Council's input as to the selection, design and financing for this project through the City of Saint John's 1990 Capital Works Budget; and concluding that, upon being advised of Council's approval to consider this project, a meeting is proposed of all partners to discuss the project's details -- be referred to the City Manager. Question being taken, the motion was carried. On motion of Councillor Rogers Seconded by Councillor Knibb RESOLVED that the letter from Pastor and Mrs. James Sharpe requesting that the City give consideration to the construction of a sidewalk and curb along the north side of Woodward Avenue between Brentwood Estates and the corner of Woodward Avenue and Boar's Head Road -- be referred for capital budget consideration. Question being taken, the motion was carried. On motion of Councillor Rogers Seconded by Councillor Gould RESOLVED that the letter from Saint John Policemen's Protective Association, Local No. 61, C.U.P.E., submitting a copy of an item under the signature of B. F. Thompson, Deputy Chief - Operations concerning the establishment of a Tactical Unit; and requesting a private meeting with Council in order that Police services to the taxpayers are not allowed to be jeopardized with the criminal element taking full advantage -- be referred to the Saint John Board of Police Commissioners. Question being taken, the motion was carried. On motion of Councillor Rogers Seconded by Councillor Gould RESOLVED that the letter from The Recycled Teenagers Golden Age Club advising that it is having its fifth annual spring visit from the Bangor/Brewer Senior Club on May 2-4 and is having a reception and luncheon at Lily Lake Pavilion; and requesting that, as the $400 rental fee is a bit strong for the group as it is a non-profit organization, Council help with the project by a reduction in the fee -- be received and filed and a grant be approved to offset the rental fee. 82-272 COMMON COUNCIL MARCH 12, 1990 The Mayor commented on the above request from the point of view that Bangor, Maine and Saint John are Sister Cities and on the activities of the two Clubs between the two Cities. Councillor Fitzpatrick asked why the above request is not being processed through the regular channel and expressed the understanding that convention grants are based on a formula which would amount to a grant of less per person than is being considered above. The Mayor replied that Council can either refer the request to the grants committee or adopt a motion at this time to approve a $400 grant, and Councillor Rogers made the observation that Council at its last meeting approved a request of this nature. Question being taken, the motion was carried with Councillor Fitzpatrick voting "nay". On motion of Councillor Rogers Seconded by Councillor Knibb RESOLVED that the letter from Mr. John H. Frank advising that he wishes to address members of Council on the matter of parking in the South End, more particularly on King Street East; also advising that he lives, works and owns property in the South End of Saint John and, by necessity, is forced to park his vehicle on the street from approximately December to April as his driveway is inaccessible during this time and that, in the last 18 months, his vehicle has been towed twice, both in questionable circumstances and, in both cases, he was charged with abandoning his vehicle for over 24 hours; and suggesting that the problem requires a practical solution rather than the arbitrary enforcement of an inappropriate law -- be referred to the City Manager. Question being taken, the motion was carried. On motion of Councillor Knibb Seconded by Councillor Rogers RESOLVED that the application of Mr. Raymond Gagnon for the re-zoning of 358 Charlotte 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 April 23, 1990. Question being taken, the motion was carried. On motion of Councillor Gould Seconded by Councillor Rogers RESOLVED that the letter from Saint John Construction Association Inc. advising that the Association is prepared to participate on the Saint John Tomorrow Committee, as well as other sub-committees which are suggested in the Price Waterhouse Report on the Economic Development Strategy, and further that the Association, in participation with the Construction Association of New Brunswick, has a major educational program underway now and is prepared to work with all interested parties to improve the education shortcomings outlined in the Report -- be referred to the Nominating Committee for consideration when dealing with the Saint John Tomorrow Committee. Question being taken, the motion was carried. On motion of Councillor Knibb Seconded by Councillor Coughlan RESOLVED that the letter from Transport 2000 urging Council to send a facsimile or letter to the National Transportation Agency by March 13 requesting that the Agency hold public hearings before making any decision to deregulate VIA's routes and frequencies; and concluding that, as mayors and councils have much to contribute to a public debate on a future transportation policy, Transport 2000 would like to hear Council's suggestions -- be 82-273 COMMON COUNCIL MARCH 12, 1990 received and filed and Council support Transport 2000 in its approach to the National Transportation Agency. Question being taken, the motion was carried. (Councillor Coughlan withdrew from the meeting due to a possible conflict of interest.) On motion of Councillor Knibb Seconded by Councillor Rogers RESOLVED that the application of John Howard Residential Centre Inc. for an amendment to the Section 39 resolution affecting the property at 120 Carleton Street 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 April 23, 1990. Question being taken, the motion was carried. (Councillor Coughlan re-entered the meeting.) On motion of Councillor Gould Seconded by Councillor Landers RESOLVED that the letter from Mr. Eric L. Teed, Chairman of the Fort LaTour Development Authority, referring to the indication in the Goals for Saint John that one of the goals is focus on tourism and hospitality industry development; advising that the Authority is a statutory body established by a special Act of the Legislature and, although the City was given the privilege of making four appointments to the Authority, the City has not made appointments to the Authority for some time; and urging the City to give early consideration to the appointment of its four representatives -- be referred to the Nominating Committee. Councillor Rogers initially proposed a motion, which was not seconded, that the above letter be received and filed, and she expressed concern that, as there is a great number of committees proceeding in different directions, the Nominating Committee should hold the above request in abeyance until the Saint John Tomorrow Committee is established; and the Mayor asked that copies of the report on the development of Fort LaTour be made available to Council members. (Councillors Fitzpatrick and Landers withdrew from the meeting during the above discussion.) Question being taken, the motion was carried. On motion of Councillor Coughlan Seconded by Councillor Knibb RESOLVED that the letter from the West Side Preservation and Development Association advising that a motion was passed at a recent Association meeting that, in view of the fact that the City Manager indicated to the Association that there would be no direct input by members on City Hall management's deliberations regarding a new site to replace #7 Fire Hall, a letter be sent to the Mayor and Common Council asking that a councillor make a motion to strike a Council committee to look at the matter of sites for a new fire hall to replace #7 and to include on this committee representatives from the West Side Preservation and Development Association and the Manawagonish Ratepayers' Association; also advising that the two representatives appointed from the Association are Messrs. Gerry Maher and Ron Butler; and asking that serious consideration be given this request -- be received and filed and a meeting be convened with the Executive of the Association, City staff, Manawagonish Ratepayers' Association and Council to clarify concerns in this regard. Question being taken, the motion was carried. 82-274 COMMON COUNCIL MARCH 12, 1990 On motion of Councillor Knibb Seconded by Councillor Coughlan RESOLVED that this meeting be adjourned. Question being taken, the motion was carried. Common Clerk