1992-06-01_Minutes
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JUNE 1, 1992
At a meeting of the Common Council, held at the City Hall in the City of
Saint John, on Monday, the first day of June, AD. 1992, at 4:00 o'clock p.m.
present
Elsie E. Wayne, Mayor
Councillors Chase, Coughlan, Gould, Knibb, Landers, McAlary,
Rogers, Trites, A Vincent and M. Vincent
- and -
Messrs. J. Brown, City Manager; F. Rodgers, City Solicitor; D.
Wilson, Commissioner of Finance; C. Robichaud, Assistant City
Manager - Operations; J. C. MacKinnon, Commissioner of
Environment and Infrastructure Services; P. Groody,
Commissioner of Human Resources; S. Armstrong, Director of
Engineering; S. Bedford, Director of Community Planning; W. D.
Todd, Director of Housing and Property Management; B.
Morrison, Director of Parks; M. Jamer, Director of Works; J.
Johnson, Building Inspector; M. Hanlon, Purchasing Agent; B.
Malone, Planner; J. Mcintyre, Manager of Staffing and
Development; D. Sherwood, Chief of Police; R. McDevitt, Fire
Chief; Mrs. M. Munford, Common Clerk; and Ms. C. Joyce,
Assistant Common Clerk.
Reverend Esau Nedd of Crescent Valley Gospel Church offered the
opening prayer.
On motion of Councillor M. Vincent
Seconded by Councillor Coughlan
RESOLVED that minutes of the
meetings of Common Council, held on May 19 and May 25, 1992, be approved.
Councillor A Vincent asked the status of the former General Hospital
boiler house and chimney at 211 Waterloo Street, which was presented to Council for
consideration under the 1925 Building Act on April 27 and the subject of a report from
the City Manager on May 4, and expressed concern about a delay in this matter in that
the structures have been declared by the Building Inspector to be dangerous and
dilapidated. Mr. Rodgers made the observation that, further to the Building Inspector's
report to Council at which time there was a question about the extent of the
investigation in regard to the chimney and Council did not proceed with the
recommendation for demolition, it is his understanding that there have been meetings,
as well as new notices served for the matter to come back to Council and, in the
meantime until the matter is presented again to Council by the Building Inspector,
Council as a body does not have any responsibility legally.
Question being taken, the motion was carried with Councillor A Vincent
voting "nay".
On motion of Councillor Knibb
Seconded by Councillor Coughlan
RESOLVED that the letters from the
Saint John Board of Trade and the Rotary Club of Rothesay Kings, in support of the
Marco Polo project (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 Landers
Seconded by Councillor M. Vincent
RESOLVED that the 1991 census
statistics, and the correspondence regarding the Five-Star Community Awards (copies
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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.
The Mayor proclaimed June 1992 as Tourette Syndrome Awareness
Month in support of the Saint John Chapter of the Tourette Syndrome Foundation of
Canada's efforts to raise funds to support research into the pharmacology of this
condition which is thought to be a neurological disorder; June 1 to 7 as National Access
Awareness Week; June 6 to 14 as Tennis Week to promote tennis, in particular, and
physical fitness, in general; and June 1992 to be A L.S. (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis)
Awareness Month in support of the recently-established Saint John Chapter of the
AL.S. Society of New Brunswick, AL.S. being more commonly known as Lou Gehrig's
disease, which is a fatal neuromuscular disease.
(Councillor Rogers entered the meeting.)
The Mayor, having proclaimed the week of June 1 as Environment Week
in the City of Saint John, commented on the re-initiation by the Saint John Environment
Committee of its poster and essay contest for Grades 1 to 6 in School District Number
20, the poster contest being for Grades 1, 2 and 3 students to draw a picture of
someone performing an action which helps to preserve the environment, and the essay
contest being for students of Grades 4, 5 and 6 to write on environmental ways to save
the air, water and land or from the point of view of advice to the earth's inhabitants as a
visitor from another planet. The Mayor commended those involved in the contest, and
welcomed to the Council Chamber the contest winners, as well as Mr. Peter Ethridge
from the Irving Sussex Tree Planting Nursery, who presented to each of the winners a
black spruce seedling produced at the Irving tree nursery in Juniper, N.B., following
which the Mayor, Mr. MacKinnon and Mr. Ethbridge recognized the following children:-
Grade 1: 1 st place winner Andrew MacKenzie of Island View School, 2nd place winner
Mandy Leavitt (absent) of Island View School, and 3rd place winner Emily Cougle of St.
Patricks School; Grade 2: 1 st place winner Josh Steward of Glen Falls School, 2nd
place winner Jessica Murray of Island View School, and 3rd place winner Jennifer
Smith of Glen Falls School; Grade 3: 1 st place winner Christine Flynn of M. Gerald
Teed School, 2nd place winner Jeffrey Mott of Island View School, and 3rd place
winner Tara Morrell of Glen Falls School; Grade 4: 1 st place winner James Burns of St.
Patricks School, 2nd place winner Tamara Chase of Princess Elizabeth School, and
3rd place winner Sean Loughery of St. Patricks School; Grade 5: 1 st place winner Katie
Ferrar of Lakewood School, 2nd place winner Jennifer Bennett of Lakewood School,
and 3rd place winner David Cormier of Glen Falls School; and Grade 6: 1 st place
winner Mindy Reid, 2nd place winner Stephanie Elder, and third place winner Chris
Conwell, all of St. Patricks School.
Consideration was given to a letter from Mayor Wayne, which was tabled
on May 19, 1992 for consideration by the incoming Council, submitting a proposed
schedule of bi-weekly Council meetings for June, July and August, with the first
meeting in September to be held on Tuesday, September 8 at 4:00 o'clock p.m., and
meetings thereafter to revert to the normal schedule of alternate 7:00 o'clock and 4:00
o'clock p.m. meetings.
On motion of Councillor Coughlan
Seconded by Councillor Chase
RESOLVED that the above-submitted
schedule for bi-weekly Council meetings for June, July and August be adopted.
Councillor A Vincent expressed the opinion that, because of delays in
planning, such applications should be considered weekly by Council at 7:00 o'clock
p.m. meetings, and the Mayor noted that the agenda review committee will be
submitting recommendations to Council for consideration with respect to the Council
agenda format. Councillor Knibb noted that, while traditionally the practice of bi-weekly
meetings has been in place for the months of July and August, the proposed schedule
now includes the month of June, and suggested that this leaves a different message
from that given by the Mayor in her remarks at the May 25 Swearing-In Ceremony
which spoke about seven days a week of duty.
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Question being taken, the motion was carried with Councillors Knibb and
A Vincent voting "nay".
On motion of Councillor M. Vincent
Seconded by Councillor McAlary
RESOLVED that the letter from Mayor
Wayne submitting a letter from Mayor Judy Gordon of the Town of Lacombe, Alberta,
requesting a donation of one tree as a living tribute in memory of Roland B. Michener,
late Governor General of Canada, and Canada's 125 Birthday; and recommending that
the City donate one tree as requested -- be received and filed and the recommendation
adopted.
The type of tree to be purchased was questioned to which the Mayor
confirmed Deputy Mayor McAlary's suggestion that it be a spruce tree.
Question being taken, the motion was carried.
On motion of Councillor M. Vincent
Seconded by Councillor Coughlan
RESOLVED that the letter from Mayor
Wayne submitting a copy of photographs of a skateboard facility in Sept-Isles, Quebec,
one of which depicts the rules and regulations for those who use the facility at their own
risk; noting that sometime ago a group of young people in the City requested a
skateboard facility and that the report submitted to Council in this regard concerned the
legal responsibility of the City if a person was injured; and suggesting that the City
Manager and appropriate City staff be asked to look into the possibility of a skateboard
facility for the City -- be received and filed.
The Mayor advised that Mr. Robichaud has informed her that the City is
putting a skateboard ramp in the Charles Gorman Arena, and displayed a photograph
of the ramp, and suggested that the community centres should be made aware of the
skateboard ramp.
Question being taken, the motion was carried.
On motion of Councillor Knibb
Seconded by Councillor Coughlan
RESOLVED that the letter from Mayor
Wayne proposing that Council follow the system used during the term of the past
Council which rotated the members of the Nominating Committee on an annual basis
thereby giving an opportunity for all Council members to serve on the Committee during
their term of office, and that, in addition to the Mayor and Deputy Mayor, the following
appointments to the Nominating Committee be approved:- 1992 - Councillors Chase, A
Vincent and Gould; 1993 - Councillors Coughlan, Rogers and Knibb; and 1994 -
Councillors Trites, Landers and M. Vincent -- be received and filed and the
recommended appointments be adopted.
Question being taken, the motion was carried.
Read a letter from Mayor Wayne submitting a memorandum from
Frederick J. Martin, Executive Director of Cities of New Brunswick Association, Inc.,
regarding membership on the Board of Directors and Standing Committees; noting that
former Councillor Edis Flewwelling served on the Executive Committee, and his
membership on this Committee is very much appreciated; asking that Councillor Joseph
Coughlan replace Edis Flewwelling on the Association's Executive Committee; and
advising that she will submit a further letter with respect to Council membership on the
Association's Standing Committees.
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On motion of Councillor Gould
Seconded by Councillor Trites
RESOLVED that Councillor Coughlan be
appointed to the Executive Committee of Cities of New Brunswick Association, Inc.
Question being taken, the motion was carried.
Consideration was given to a letter from Mayor Wayne regarding Council
members' attendance at the forthcoming Annual Conference of FCM.
On motion of Councillor M. Vincent
Seconded by Councillor McAlary
RESOLVED that authority be granted for
payment of the per diem rate under Council's Salary By-Law to the Mayor and
Councillors Coughlan, Landers and Rogers, who are attending the Federation of
Canadian Municipalities Annual Conference in Montreal, Quebec, from June 5 to June
8, 1992.
The Mayor advised that the Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Council limits the
number of Council members attending FCM to one, as has the Edmundston Council,
and suggested that Common Council should decide on the number of Council
members to attend meetings.
Question being taken, the motion was carried.
Read a letter from Councillor Landers requesting that Council ask staff to
determine what rules and regulations, if any, are in effect for the Brookville quarry and
what monitoring is done of this operation, in that information she received indicates that
up to 170 trucks per day are in and out of this facility and some are exceeding the
speed limit, and are uncovered which allows the dust and debris to fall out in the
surrounding area; and asking what the City can do to protect the individual
homeowners from such a nuisance.
On motion of Councillor Landers
Seconded by Councillor Rogers
RESOLVED that the above letter from
Councillor Landers be referred to the City Manager and appropriate staff for a report to
Council.
Question being taken, the motion was carried.
Consideration was given to a letter from Councillor Landers asking
Council to request as soon as possible the following information for the residents of
Champlain Heights:- (1) from the Irving Refinery, a full report as to the ongoing
problems related to the fallout and obnoxious odours and other related matters, and
how long it will be before the residents of East Saint John will be free of such problems;
(2) from the Department of the Environment through the Minister, a full report in relation
to the monitoring of the Refinery and the air quality in the area; and (3) the cost to the
City for the crews to be brought in this past weekend for road and sidewalk cleaning as
a result of the incident at the Refinery.
The Mayor commented on her meeting with The Honourable Jane Barry,
Minister of the Environment, at the time of the fallout incident, and expressed the
understanding that the Irvings are to pay for the City's equipment and employees, with
no charge to the City whatsoever, and advised that the substance which came from the
break-down of the catalytic convertor has been sent out for testing for a report in this
regard, and that a full report can be obtained on the break-down within the Refinery.
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On motion of Councillor Landers
Seconded by Councillor Coughlan
RESOLVED that the above letter from
Councillor Landers be referred to the City Manager for a report to Council for
consideration and subsequent referral to the East Saint John residents.
Question being taken, the motion was carried.
On motion of Councillor Knibb
Seconded by Councillor M. Vincent
RESOLVED that the letters from the
Saint John Board of Trade and the Rotary Club of Rothesay Kings, in support of the
Marco Polo Project, be received and filed.
Question being taken, the motion was carried.
On motion of Councillor Knibb
Seconded by Councillor Landers
RESOLVED that the Statistics Canada
information on the final results from the 1991 Census of Population which were
officially released by Statistics Canada on April 28, be received and filed.
Question being taken, the motion was carried.
On motion of Councillor Knibb
Seconded by Councillor Landers
RESOLVED that the letter from the Five-
Star Community Award Selection Committee expressing appreciation, on behalf of the
Board of Directors of National Access Awareness Week and co-sponsors of the
Awards, the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, for the City's interest in the Awards
and in disability issues generally; and advising that the City can expect a call from staff
of this National Access Awareness Week project who may wish to clarify the data
contained in individual applications -- be received and filed.
Councillor Landers, a member of the Saint John Ability Advisory
Committee, noted that the Committee is applying for the Five-Star Community Award,
and advised that Committee members have made the observation that the City Hall
building is not easily accessible to disabled persons.
(Councillor Trites withdrew from the meeting.)
Question being taken, the motion was carried.
In response to the Mayor, Mr. Robichaud advised that garbage which
was scheduled for collection on this date will be collected on June 2 assuming that
employees are back to work.
(Councillor Trites re-entered the meeting.)
On motion of Councillor Knibb
Seconded by Councillor Gould
RESOLVED that as recommended by the
City Manager, authority be granted for payment of the following construction progress
certificate, namely:-
1. Contract 90-8, Lancaster
Wastewater Treatment Plant
apron Maritime Construction Ltd.
Original estimated value of contract
Total work done, Estimate Number 13 (Final)
$3,284,614.00
$3,913,835.80
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Retention
Payments previously approved
Sub-Total
G.ST Component
Sum recommended for payment, Progress
Estimate Number 13, dated May 26, 1992
Final holdback release of deficiency holdback.
Nil
3,898,835.80
15,000.00
1,050.00
$ 16,050.00
Question being taken, the motion was carried.
On motion of Councillor Rogers
Seconded by Councillor Knibb
RESOLVED that as recommended by the
City Manager, authority be granted for payment of the invoice of Saint John Hilton, in
the amount of $13,772.90, to cover services for the New Brunswick Turfgrass
Conference held in March 1992.
Question being taken, the motion was carried.
Consideration was given to a report from the City Manager regarding the
May 19 tender award for uniform clothing for the Fire Department, and the letter (which
is on the agenda of this meeting) from Fairville Department Store requesting permission
to withdraw its tender on the supply of 45 nylon jackets at a price of $78 each as an
error was made in pricing by the manufacturer's representative who quoted the
Company a price which was much lower than the actual price; advising that the next
lowest bid, meeting specifications, was submitted by Hoffman's Ltd., in the amount of
$82.50 each, and that, as it is staff's finding that the error in bidding by Fairville
Department Store was beyond its control, penalization is not recommended, and also
that the extra cost to award this section of the tender to Hoffman's Ltd. is $202.50; and
submitting a recommendation in this regard.
Consideration was also given to the above-mentioned letter from Fairville
Department Store requesting permission to withdraw its tender.
On motion of Councillor M. Vincent
Seconded by Councillor Coughlan
RESOLVED that as recommended by
the City Manager, the request of Fairville Department Store to withdraw its bid for 45
pea jackets be granted, and that the tender for the supply of 45 pea jackets be
awarded to Hoffman's Ltd., at a cost of $82.50 each.
Councillor Gould asked if it is the intent to return to Fairville Department
Store its bid deposit, to which Mr. Hanlon indicated in the affirmative in that staff is not
suggesting that the Company should be penalized for its error.
Question being taken, the motion was carried.
On motion of Councillor Knibb
Seconded by Councillor M. Vincent
RESOLVED that the letter from
Fairville Department Store requesting to withdraw its tender for #8 pea jackets for the
Fire Department -- be received and filed and its bid deposit be returned.
Question being taken, the motion was carried.
On motion of Councillor Knibb
Seconded by Councillor Rogers
RESOLVED that as recommended by the
City Manager, the tender of Stanchem/CIL, at a price of $97.24 per 68 kilogram cylinder
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and $408.24 per 907.2 kilogram cylinder, be accepted for supplying liquid chlorine on
an as-required basis for a period of one year, and that staff be authorized to spend
$63,180.80 plus taxes for this product.
Question being taken, the motion was carried.
On motion of Councillor Knibb
Seconded by Councillor Gould
RESOLVED that as recommended by the
City Manager, the tender of Apex Machine Works Ltd., in the amount of $23,679,
including taxes, be accepted to replace two wood sectional overhead doors at each of
the 175 Rothesay Avenue and Grandview Avenue Works Buildings.
Question being taken, the motion was carried.
On motion of Councillor Knibb
Seconded by Councillor A Vincent
RESOLVED that as recommended by
the City Manager, the tender of Hoffman's Ltd., in the amount of $73.95/pair, plus 7%
GST, be accepted for the supply of Kaufman #270-0465 safety work boots, on an as-
required basis for a period of one year, and that staff be authorized to spend up to
$29,580, plus tax, for this product.
Question being taken, the motion was carried.
Read a report from the City Manager recommending that the tender of
Regent Construction Ltd., in the amount of $37,500, including taxes, be accepted for
renovations to the #6 Fire Station, King Street West.
On motion of Councillor M. Vincent
Seconded by Councillor Knibb
RESOLVED that the second lowest tender,
being that of R. A Woods Construction Ltd., in the amount of $37,915, be accepted for
renovations to the #6 Fire Station, King Street West.
In response to Councillor Rogers, Mr. Todd advised that Phase I of the
above work was done in 1991 at a cost of about $35,000, and that there is minor work
still to be done on the heating system which is expected to be included in next year's
Capital Budget. Councillor Trites asked the policy with respect to awarding a tender to
the second lowest tenderer versus the lowest tenderer, to which the Mayor replied that,
while the City does not have a local preference policy, the policy is that staff
recommends the lowest tender meeting specifications which Council can change if it
wishes. Councillor Trites expressed support of the above motion on the basis that the
lowest and second lowest tenders are so close in price, and that R. A Woods
Construction Ltd. carried out Phase I of the renovations which is probably in line with a
uniform job from start to finish. Mr. Rodgers made the observation that the danger of
awarding a tender on the basis of local preference has been previously pointed out to
Council; however, if there are other reasons which are justifiable for awarding to other
than the lowest tender meeting specifications, then that is likely to stand the test.
Question being taken, the motion was carried with the Mayor voting
"nay".
On motion of Councillor Knibb
Seconded by Councillor Rogers
RESOLVED that as recommended by the
City Manager, a sum of money, certificate of deposit, letter of credit or guarantee in the
amount of $240,000, be accepted from R. W. Tomlinson Ltd. as security to ensure the
rehabilitation of the gravel pit at 170 Ashburn Road.
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Question being taken, the motion was carried with Councillor A Vincent
voting "nay".
With regard to Councillor A Vincent's comments about the amount of
the above security, Mr. Johnson advised that, with one exception, all of the several
companies which get permits pursuant to section 880 of the Zoning By-Law are treated
exactly the same, the one exception being a site that is completely different from the
others which is on Bayside Drive. The Mayor suggested that Councillor A Vincent
should put an item on the agenda of the next Council meeting in this regard, and noted
that Council is now ready to consider the next item of business, having taken the vote
on the Tomlinson security amount.
(Councillor Coughlan withdrew from the meeting.)
On motion of Councillor Rogers
Seconded by Councillor Chase
RESOLVED that as recommended by the
City Manager, a sum of money, certificate of deposit, letter of credit or guarantee in the
amount of $12,000, be accepted from Fundy Bay Holdings as security to ensure the
rehabilitation of the gravel pit at 460 Latimore Lake Road.
Question being taken, the motion was carried.
Consideration was given to a report from the City Manager advising that
Fred Buckley of 43 Brown Street has made application to enclose a porch on his
property and is unable to economically provide the compensating storage; and
submitting a recommendation in this regard further to Common Council resolution of
September 23, 1991 allowing payment in lieu of compensatory flood storage.
On motion of Councillor Trites
Seconded by Councillor Knibb
RESOLVED that as recommended by the
City Manager, whereas Mr. Fred Buckley of 43 Brown Street (NBGIC Number 299370)
has proposed to construct a new development for which the applicant cannot
economically provide compensating flood storage, the City of Saint John will accept
$9.26 in lieu of the compensating flood storage as provided for by Section 41.2.(6) of
the Community Planning Act:
AND FURTHER that the matter of a specific value being placed on the
compensating amount as discussed be referred to the City Solicitor for review.
(Councillor Coughlan re-entered the meeting.)
Councillor Rogers made the observation that it would probably cost the
City five times more than the above amount in staff time to process the payment, and
Councillor M. Vincent suggested that staff should review the matter to determine if
there could be a specific value included in the By-Law at which the By-Law would
become applicable thereby making it reasonable to process. Mr. Johnson advised that
the Legal Department reviewed this matter on the basis suggested and, according to
his recollection, the legislation was prepared in such a manner so that Council must
make the decision; and he proposed that Council could refer the matter to the City
Solicitor for review.
Question being taken, the motion was carried.
Read a report from the City Manager referring to Council's August 6,
1991 request for staff to examine the safety of the intersection of Marlborough Avenue
and Rothesay Avenue; advising that traffic counts done and accident records reviewed
indicate that, although there have been accidents in the area, only approximately one
quarter (two to three accidents per year) are of the type that might be eliminated with
traffic signals, and a traffic engineering analysis of the intersection has shown that the
warrant (or guideline) for the installation of traffic signals is almost met and any slight
increase in traffic on either or both streets would result in the warrant being met;
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suggesting that the installation of traffic signals would be appropriate this year and
curbing should be considered in order to properly define street edges and driveways
thus helping to ensure that the signalized intersection functions safely and efficiently, at
a cost of $30,000 and $60,000 respectively; and submitting a recommendation in this
regard.
On motion of Councillor Trites
Seconded by Councillor McAlary
RESOLVED that as recommended by
the City Manager, staff proceed with the installation of traffic signals at the Rothesay
Avenue/Marlborough Avenue intersection as part of the 1992 Capital Program, and that
the street work on Marlborough Avenue at an estimated cost of $60,000 be considered
for the 1993 Capital Program.
Councillor Trites asked if staff has considered both the regular type of
traffic light and the vehicle-activation type of light whereby the light on Rothesay
Avenue would turn red only on the approach of a vehicle from Marlborough Avenue; to
which Mr. Armstrong replied that, while consideration will be given to the latter type of
light, the traffic volume seems to indicate that there is enough of a problem to warrant,
in effect, a typical set of lights.
Question being taken, the motion was carried.
Read a report from the City Manager referring to the letter from Ellen
Brennan, considered by Council on April 13, suggesting that fees charged at the Golf
Course should be reduced for Saint John residents; commenting on the advantages of
the Rockwood Park Golf Course which lead, along with the knowledge that the Golf
Course is drawing users from other courses, to only one conclusion, that being that the
City is not losing very many citizens because of prices; also commenting on the matter
of operating cost recovery; and advising that any programs introduced at the Golf
Course or in any of the recreation venues must have as their primary objective the
attraction of new users, whether they be citizens or not, and consideration must also be
given to the costs related to the implementation and ongoing administration of any new
programs. The report expresses the opinion that a citizenship discount program will not
attract sufficient new users to offset the cost of running such a program; notes that, if
the City should decide to provide reduced fees to residents based on its subsidizing the
Course, it must be remembered that further subsidies would be needed to offset the
reduced fees; and submits a recommendation in this regard.
On motion of Councillor Knibb
Seconded by Councillor Coughlan
RESOLVED that as recommended by
the City Manager, the fees not be reduced for residents for usage of the Rockwood
Park Municipal Golf Course and that staff be directed to explore other avenues of
increasing or achieving self-sufficiency.
Question being taken, the motion was carried.
Consideration was given to a report from the City Manager referring to
Council's May 19 request for staff to provide a report regarding the collection of
garbage when the regular garbage pick-up day falls on a holiday, and about the
possibility of rotating garbage collection days; explaining staff's position that,
operationally, the preferred option is asking citizens to hold their garbage for one week
in the event of holidays; and submitting a collection schedule for 1992 which includes
some "next day" collection and some "hold for one week" collection, in an effort to
balance the concerns of the citizens with the operational realities. The report advises
that staff is not in favour of the procedure of rotating the garbage collection days to
produce a more equitable distribution of missed days as it would lead to too much
confusion for the affected citizens; and also advises that the additional cost to collect
garbage on the "next day" basis as opposed to a "hold for one week" basis is
approximately $4,000 for each holiday, although the operational concerns and not cost
are the major reason for staff's preference to not pick up on a "next day" basis in all
situations; and recommends that this report be received and filed.
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On motion of Councillor Knibb
Seconded by Councillor Coughlan
RESOLVED that the above report be
received and filed.
Question being taken, the motion was carried with Councillor A Vincent
voting "nay".
Read a report from the City Manager regarding the matter of water and
sewerage services in the Greenwood Subdivision, which has been an issue since last
September when the residents were informed by the operator of the private systems
that he intended to cease operations effective December 31, 1991 and the residents
appealed to Common Council for assistance; and outlining the position of the
Residents Committee, the developer and the Province with respect to the following
proposed solution as follows:- (1) the City would take over operation of the present
sewerage system and bill the residents under the provisions of the Water and
Sewerage By-Law for sewerage services only, the current rate being $130 per year,
and the City would also act as the administrator of the phasing out of the present
operation, including all surveys, necessary reports and obtaining various approvals; (2)
the homeowners would be responsible for drilling their own individual wells to secure
their own source of water supply, and grant any necessary easements to the City for
the sewerage system, and would be required to pay their outstanding accounts with the
developer; (3) the developer would turn over the sewerage system and the necessary
land containing the sewage treatment plant to the City free of charge, and also be
required to operate the existing water supply until all residents have drilled their own
wells, which must be done without undue delay; and (4) the Province would participate
by making a financial contribution through the City to the residents in the form of a
grant of $1,000 per household to help offset the cost to the residents and, through the
Minister of the Environment, release the developer from his obligation under the Clean
Environment Act at the appropriate time. The report concludes that staff has attempted
to develop a solution to the situation that would result in what was felt to be the best
long-term arrangement for all concerned parties, but has not been successful in
reaching agreement to the proposed solution in that the Residents Committee agreed
except for the fact that it requested staff to attempt to secure $2,000 per household
from the Province and now suggests that it wants the City to take over both services
and simply replace the developer, and the City has been advised that the Province is
not willing to participate; expresses the opinion that the City should avoid becoming
involved in the existing water supply system but could consider accepting the sewer
system and operating that under the terms of the By-Law; and submits a
recommendation in this regard.
On motion of Councillor Knibb
Seconded by Councillor McAlary
RESOLVED that as recommended by
the City Manager, the City offer to assume ownership of the existing sewer system in
Greenwood Subdivision from the developer, and that the Mayor and Common Clerk be
authorized to execute an agreement to effect the transfer of ownership, with the City to
be responsible for the preparation of any necessary documents; also that a copy of the
City Manager's report in this regard be forwarded to the Residents Committee of
Greenwood Subdivision for its information, and further that Mr. Stuart Jamieson,
M.L.A, be requested to pursue the water problem with the Minister of the Environment
through the Environmental Trust Fund.
The Mayor advised that M.L.A Stuart Jamieson is dealing with the water
situation with The Honourable Jane Barry, Minister of the Environment, for possible
funding through the Environmental Trust Fund to assist the residents of Greenwood
Subdivision. In response to Councillor A Vincent as to when Council can expect to
receive a detailed report on the cost of the above proposal, Mr. Robichaud replied that,
as soon as the City obtains all the details from the present owner relative to the
sewerage system, Council will be advised of the total cost, and that it is expected that
there will be upgrading to be done, as well as possible sewer replacement and work on
the treatment plant. Councillor M. Vincent expressed concern that, while Mr.
Robichaud has indicated that the above report makes the assumption that the City will
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take over the sewer system with the understanding that the water system is carried on
by the developer or the residents, the report does not state that, nor does the
recommendation reflect the assumption. The Mayor suggested that the motion should
request Mr. Stuart Jamieson to pursue the water problem with the Minister of the
Environment through the Environmental Trust Fund, and the mover and seconder of
the proposed motion agreed to add this to the motion.
Question being taken, the motion was carried.
Consideration was given to a letter from the Chief of Police submitting
correspondence from Douglas McQuinn of the Fund Raising Committee for Saint John
and Western District Crime Stoppers appealing to the City for a financial contribution;
providing information on this organization, and noting that the City in both 1990 and
1991 contributed $3,000 to it.
On motion of Councillor Knibb
Seconded by Councillor M. Vincent
RESOLVED that a grant of $3,000 be
approved for Saint John and Western District Crime Stoppers.
Question being taken, the motion was carried.
Read a report from the City Solicitor submitting a proposed amendment
to the City Market By-Law to provide for opening on Sunday, June 14, 1992, further to
a report from the City Manager to Council on May 4 requesting Council's support of the
New Brunswick Craft Association Artisans show and sale on June 14; suggesting that,
while the amendment would permit the City Market to be open, individual operators in
the Market should check with appropriate Provincial officials to determine whether or
not the Provincial Days of Rest Act exempts their particular operation; and concluding
that the Deputy Market Clerk has been informed of the Days of Rest Act and the
requirement of the individual operators to comply.
On motion of Councillor Knibb
Seconded by Councillor McAlary
RESOLVED that the by-law to amend
the City Market By-Law, with respect to a Sunday, June 14, 1992 opening, be read a
first time.
Question being taken, the motion was carried.
Read a first time the by-law to amend the City Market By-Law.
On motion of Councillor Gould
Seconded by Councillor Coughlan
RESOLVED that the by-law to amend
the City Market By-Law, with respect to a Sunday, June 14, 1992 opening, be read a
second time.
Question being taken, the motion was carried.
Read a second time the by-law to amend the City Market By-Law.
Read a letter from the Common Clerk advising that, following the
procedure for amendments to the Municipal Plan, the necessary advertising and public
presentation regarding the submitted application of David McEachern, for property at
701-705 Brunswick Drive, have been completed, and that the required waiting period
for objections expired on May 27, with no written objections having been received.
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JUNE 1, 1992
On motion of Councillor Rogers
Seconded by Councillor Knibb
RESOLVED that the application of David
McEachern for a Municipal Plan amendment and re-zoning of property at 701-705
Brunswick Drive 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 July 6, 1992.
Question being taken, the motion was carried.
Consideration was given to a letter from the Common Clerk referring to
Common Council resolutions of May 4, 1992 giving first reading to the by-law entitled,
"Saint John Smoking By-Law", and for the establishment of a date for presentations by
interested citizens or groups concerning the proposed by-law; suggesting that, due to
the number of inquiries received in this regard and the public hearings scheduled for
June 8 and June 22 meetings, Council may wish to establish another date for the
hearing of presentations on the by-law; and concluding that, once a date has been
established by Council, notice will be given through the City's Information
advertisement in the local newspaper.
The Mayor suggested that Council should hear presentations at a time or
times other than regular Council meeting dates. Councillor Coughlan proposed that the
presentations be scheduled for the fall of 1992; and Councillor A Vincent suggested
that a location other than the Council Chamber should be used for the hearings due to
its limited seating capacity.
On motion of Councillor Coughlan
Seconded by Councillor Landers
RESOLVED that presentations on the
proposed smoking by-law be scheduled for the fall of 1992 at times other than regular
Council meeting dates and in a location other than the Council Chamber.
Mr. Rodgers confirmed Councillor Trites' observation that, although first
reading has been given the proposed by-law, this does not preclude changes to the by-
law for second and third readings in the event that public presentations come forth with
options other than those proposed, although it might be necessary to go back to first
reading should the amendments become so extensive that an entirely new by-law is
proposed. Mr. Brown advised that he would make available for the newly-elected
Council members a copy of the report from the Environment Committee, which included
six options for consideration.
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 May 4, 1992, 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 Mr. N. Barfoot be appointed as the City's nominee to the board of
arbitration of the Local Union No. 771, I.AF.F. grievance concerning temporary
assignments.
June 1, 1992,
Saint John, N.B.
Respectfully submitted,
(sgd.) Elsie E. Wayne,
C h air man.
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COMMON COUNCIL
JUNE 1, 1992
On motion of Councillor Rogers
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.
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 May 19, 1992, when
there were present Mayor Wayne and Councillors Coughlan, Fitzpatrick, Flewwelling,
Gould, Knibb, Landers, Rogers, A Vincent and M. Vincent, and your Committee
submits the following recommendations, namely:-
1. That a grant of $2,500 be approved for Radio 98 Lite FM with respect to
its Canada 125 registered event, "Canada 125 Coast to Coast Birthday Party",
involving the broadcast of its morning show live from 13 different cities across Canada,
beginning June 15, 1992 in St. John's, Newfoundland.
2. That as recommended by the City Manager, Common Council extend
the timeframe for start-up of B.L.E.U. Non-Profit Housing Inc.'s project at Blue Rock Hill
(application 89-8) in order to qualify for Housing Through Infill Development funding to
December 31, 1992.
3. That as recommended by the City Manager, Jim Chamberlain of
RE/MAX Professionals (1989) Ltd. be advised that the City has no interest in the
acquisition of the property, owned by Irving Oil Ltd., on the corner of Champlain Drive
and Grandview Avenue.
4. That Paul Grannan be given permission to erect and operate a stage on
North Market Wharf for the period May 19, 1992 to September 13, 1992, and that a
letter of agreement be signed that includes the terms and conditions included in the
submitted draft agreement.
5. That as recommended by the City Manager, Cones Ice-Cream Ltd. be
permitted to locate a kiosk in the Market Slip area to sell ice cream and related
products, for the period June 1 to September 15, 1992, at a fee of $100 per month, or
part thereof.
6. That as recommended by the City Manager, the City re-enter and
repossess the premises on Pokiok Road rented to R & R Wrought Iron Ltd. for non-
payment of rent.
7. That Council authorize an expenditure of $2,800 for the performance of
a site condition study of the Women's Christian Temperance Union Monument by Mr.
Fred Pellerin of Designer Services & Consultants of Dieppe.
8. That as recommended by the City Manager, Phase 2 of the Municipal
Exchange Program, be undertaken, encompassing two members of City staff being
deployed to develop appropriate accounting and billing procedures for the Town of
Roseau, Dominica, as outlined by the City Manager.
June 1, 1992,
Saint John, N.B.
Respectfully submitted,
(sgd.) Elsie E. Wayne,
C h air man.
(Councillor Chase withdrew from the meeting due to a possible conflict of
interest. )
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COMMON COUNCIL
JUNE 1, 1992
On motion of Councillor Rogers
Seconded by Councillor Coughlan
RESOLVED that section 1 of the
above report be adopted.
Question being taken, the motion was carried with Councillors Gould and
M. Vincent voting "nay".
(Councillor Chase re-entered the meeting.)
(Councillor A Vincent withdrew from the Council meeting due to a
possible conflict of interest.)
On motion of Councillor Rogers
Seconded by Councillor Trites
RESOLVED that section 2 of the above
report be adopted.
The Mayor clarified that the above motion does not change the June 30,
1992 date given B.L.E.U. Non-Profit Housing Inc. as the deadline to finalize its
proposal; however, because approval of the H.I.D. grant extension to June 30 would
mean that the construction would have to commence by that date, the recommendation
indicates December 31, 1992; and Mr. Rodgers, in noting that there are three or four
issues which are not easy to resolve in this matter, confirmed that, as the Company
indicated that it would have something definite by June 30 and in order to see what is
done, he recommended the June 30, 1992 date because to take steps otherwise would
mean that June 30 would come and go before the issue could be resolved any other
way anyway.
Question being taken, the motion was carried.
(Councillor A Vincent re-entered the meeting.)
On motion of Councillor Knibb
Seconded by Councillor Coughlan
RESOLVED that section 3 of the
above report be adopted.
Question being taken, the motion was carried.
On motion of Councillor Coughlan
Seconded by Councillor M. Vincent
RESOLVED that section 4 of the
above report be adopted.
Mrs. Munford clarified that clause 16 of the proposed letter of
agreement, which was inadvertently omitted during photocopying of the submitted draft
agreement, provides for a letter of credit for $7,500 to ensure performance of the
agreement, including the payment for extra cleaning and security.
Question being taken, the motion was carried.
On motion of Councillor Knibb
Seconded by Councillor Rogers
RESOLVED that section 5 of the above
report be adopted.
Question being taken, the motion was carried.
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COMMON COUNCIL
JUNE 1, 1992
On motion of Councillor Knibb
Seconded by Councillor Coughlan
RESOLVED that section 6 of the
above report be adopted.
Question being taken, the motion was carried.
On motion of Councillor Rogers
Seconded by Councillor M. Vincent
RESOLVED that section 7 of the
above report be adopted.
Councillor Knibb expressed opposition to the proposed expenditure
because, while he is grateful for the historic heritage of the City, in his opinion, there is
no hope of the Monument being renovated and it is unattractive in any event. Deputy
Mayor McAlary asked if there will be further work done on the Monument after the site
condition study is done to which the Mayor replied that the City has a photograph and
pieces of the Monument and, after the number of pieces missing is determined, a
costing will be done with respect to proceeding further.
Question being taken, the motion was carried with Councillor Knibb
voting "nay".
On motion of Councillor Coughlan
Seconded by Councillor Rogers
RESOLVED that section 8 of the above
report be adopted.
Mr. Brown, in noting his and the Mayor's March 1992 visit to Roseau,
Dominica under the Municipal Exchange Program, advised that there is no cost to the
City for this Program other than professional staff time, and there is an opportunity
perhaps, subject to evaluation, of contributing a stand-alone computer and software
which may very well assist the people in developing a better system than what they
have.
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 Tuesday, May 26,
1992, when there were present Mayor Wayne and Councillors Chase, Gould, Knibb,
Landers, McAlary, Trites and A Vincent, and your Committee submits the following
recommendation, namely:-
1. That as recommended by the City Manager, (1) Council delete the
position of Assistant City Manager - Development from the establishment; (2) Council
delete the position of Director of Planning from the establishment; and (3) Council
appoint Mr. Stephen Bedford to the position of Commissioner of Development Services
(salary range $65,025 - $73,892).
June 1, 1992,
Saint John, N.B.
Respectfully submitted,
(sgd.) Elsie E. Wayne,
C h air man.
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COMMON COUNCIL
JUNE 1, 1992
Mrs. Munford advised that, with the concurrence of the City Manager, a
section is to be added to the above recommendation to add the position of
Commissioner of Development Services to the establishment prior to the appointment
to the position.
On motion of Councillor Rogers
Seconded by Councillor McAlary
RESOLVED that as recommended by
the City Manager, (1) Council delete the position of Assistant City Manager-
Development from the establishment; (2) Council delete the position of Director of
Planning from the establishment; (3) Council add to the establishment the position of
Commissioner of Development Services; and (4) Council appoint Mr. Stephen Bedford
to the position of Commissioner of Development Services (salary range $65,025 -
$73,892).
Mr. Brown explained that it was decided in developing the 1992 budget
that the City should not offer "quick-fix" solutions which only impacted the 1992 budget,
with one of the sections developed in the budget being a number of areas where the
administration together with Council was to review the possibility of doing business
differently, more effectively and more efficiently, such as the Rockwood Park Golf
Course breaking even over a certain period of time, and the organizational structure
and size, and that the above recommendation deals with the latter area; and also that
the above proposal would mean that the establishment of one new senior management
position would replace two senior management positions, representing a net reduction
of senior management by one position at approximately $60,000 a year for that
position. Mr. Brown also explained that, in essence, the recommendation envisages
going back to the system that was in place when he first was employed by the City, that
being a Commissioner of Community Planning and Development responsible for
Housing and Property Management, Building Inspection and Planning, with the
difference being that, while he had the benefit of a Deputy Commissioner of Planning
available to assist him when he held that function, it is now being recommended that
that position be deleted.
Question being taken, the motion was carried.
On motion of Councillor Rogers
Seconded by Councillor Knibb
RESOLVED that the 1991 Annual Report
of the Saint John Aquatic Centre Commission be received and filed.
Question being taken, the motion was carried.
On motion of Councillor Chase
Seconded by Councillor Coughlan
RESOLVED that the letter from
members of the Animal Rescue League advising that there has been some recent
difficulties in the conduct of the Board of Directors, in particular, the conducting of a
meeting in January, although some members were told there was no meeting, at which
the Board purported to change the by-laws, among which is a new provision that states,
"The position of Secretary, Treasurer and President shall be paid an honorarium of not
less than $500.00 per year", which is a complete change of policy for a voluntary
charitable organization, with no limit to the amount of the honorarium; and asking if
Council would direct action to review the matter and determine why the League should
have a by-law providing for a mandatory payment to three elected offices, and to
ensure that the City's money is not being used to pay the volunteer President and
others -- be referred to the City Manager for discussion with Animal Rescue League
members and a report to Council.
The motion first proposed was that an investigation be carried out by
staff with a report to Council as soon as possible; such motion subsequently changed
to that above, with the consent of the mover and seconder, following Mr. Rodgers'
observation that, while the Animal Rescue League is an organization to which Council
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COMMON COUNCIL
JUNE 1, 1992
gives a grant and it acts as the City's pound keeper, he is curious about the City's right
to get involved in an investigation into an organization, although Council certainly would
have every right to pursue the matter in a sense of dealing with any future grants to
determine from the membership what has been done with its concern; and his
suggestion that Council, at this stage, should suggest to the League membership that it
examine its by-laws, if it has any, to see what rights the membership has to look into its
own organization. The Mayor asked that the motion be to refer the matter to the City
Manager for discussion with members of the League and a report to Council, and Mr.
Rodgers clarified that the point he is dealing with is that he would not want to see an
inquiry conducted at this point on the City's initiative. Councillor Trites suggested that,
based on his understanding that this is the first time that this issue is being dealt with at
any point within the City, it would be much more efficient if a way could be found to
acknowledge correspondence of this nature and then refer it to City staff prior to
placing the matter on the agenda, in that Council presently is dealing with only one side
of the matter which has now become a public issue simply by having it on the agenda;
and also suggested that the committee established to review the agenda should
consider this matter on the basis of the appropriateness of having the City staff report
in Council's hands prior to dealing publicly with such matters. The Mayor noted that
there is a Council policy related to routine agenda items, and during discussion Mr.
Rodgers expressed the opinion that the above letter is a poor example to use for
application of the general policy for routine agenda items in that the League is an
organization, separate from the City, and the letter is referring to something occurring
within that organization that the League should look into, based on its own rules and
regulations; therefore, for that reason he does not see this letter as the type of letter in
which the City Manager is developing for his policy in which letters that are received are
handled by staff and later reported on to Council.
Question being taken, the motion was carried.
On motion of Councillor Knibb
Seconded by Councillor Coughlan
RESOLVED that the application of
048793 N.B. Ltd. doing business as Regency Taxi for a Zoning By-Law text
amendment with regard to 24 Taylor Avenue 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 July 20, 1992.
Question being taken, the motion was carried.
On motion of Councillor Rogers
Seconded by Councillor Knibb
RESOLVED that the letter from Saint John
Medical Clinic, Inc. advising that it would appear, after discussion with the City Planning
Department, that it does not require a Zoning change to commence the operation of a
pharmacy dispensary in its building at 299 Metcalf Street, and is therefore requesting to
withdraw its application for the change, which was considered by Council on May 19 --
be received and filed and the request to withdraw the application be granted.
Question being taken, the motion was carried.
On motion of Councillor Knibb
Seconded by Councillor McAlary
RESOLVED that the letter from the
Office of the City Clerk, Vancouver, British Columbia, advising of a resolution adopted
by Vancouver City Council on April 28, 1992, calling on the Federal Government to
make real and much more substantial reductions in its expenditures for military and
defense purposes -- be received and filed.
Question being taken, the motion was carried.
With regard to the letter from Mr. Eric L. Teed regarding New Brunswick
Day, the Mayor advised that City staff has been working closely with the Province of
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COMMON COUNCIL
JUNE 1, 1992
New Brunswick which is taking the lead on New Brunswick Day and that the activities
are being focused around The New Brunswick Museum.
On motion of Councillor Rogers
Seconded by Councillor McAlary
RESOLVED that the letter from Mr. Eric
L. Teed suggesting that the City initiate action to establish a citizens' committee to
determine in what manner and how best New Brunswick Day can be observed for the
greatest enjoyment of a resident at the least cost to the City taxpayer -- be received
and filed and the City carry on in the manner in which it has in previous years.
Question being taken, the motion was carried.
On motion of Councillor Gould
Seconded by Councillor Knibb
RESOLVED that this meeting be
adjourned.
Question being taken, the motion was carried.
Common Clerk