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1994-01-24_Minutes 84-449 COMMON COUNCIL JANUARY 24,1994 At a meeting of the Common Council, held at the City Hall in the City of Saint John, on Monday, the twenty-fourth day of January, AD. 1994, at 4:00 o'clock p.m. present Shirley McAlary, Deputy Mayor Councillors Chase, Coughlan, Gould, Knibb, Landers, Rogers, Trites, A Vincent and M. Vincent - and - Messrs. 1. Totten, 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. Bedford, Commissioner of Development Services; P. Woods, Deputy Commissioner of Finance; S. Armstrong, Director of Engineering; W. Butler, Director of Water and Sewerage Services; S. Galbraith, Director of Supply and Services; K. Galbraith, Manager of Public Affairs; B. Belyea, Budget Officer; G. Tait, Fire Chief; R. Johnston, Deputy Fire Chief; J. Morrison, Deputy Fire Chief; D. Sherwood, Chief of Police; B. Thompson, Deputy Chief of Police; A Bodechon, Assistant Deputy Chief of Police; D. Wilton, Coordinator of Planning & Research, Police Department; Mrs. M. E. Gray, Administrative Assistant/Secretary to Mayor; Mrs. M. Munford, Common Clerk; and Ms. C. Joyce, Assistant Common Clerk. Reverend Roger Graham of Forest Hills United Baptist Church offered the opening prayer. 2. Approval of Minutes On motion of Councillor Coughlan Seconded by Councillor M. Vincent RESOLVED that minutes of the meeting of Common Council, held on January 17, 1994, be approved. Question being taken, the motion was carried. 3. Deputy Mayor's Remarks Deputy Mayor McAlary welcomed to the Council Chamber members of the Police Union Local 61 and the Fire Fighters' Union Local 771; and also welcomed to the meeting members the 8th Courtenay St. James Scout Troop who are working toward their citizenship badge. (Councillor A Vincent entered the meeting.) Councillor Landers commented on the media coverage on the City's budgets which are on the agenda of this meeting, particularly on Friday when she heard that CFBC Radio had a full copy of the budget as that indicates to her that there is something wrong with the system and either a staff person or a Council member has taken the budget out, although Council members did not receive the documents for this meeting until after 5:00 o'clock p.m. on Friday leaving her suspect of who might have released the document. Councillor Landers suggested that, if one radio station has any information, then all radio stations or media should be privy to the same; and proposed a motion, which was seconded by Councillor Coughlan, that a full investigation, whether it be internal or with a private individual unrelated to City staff, be held. During discussion on the proposed motion and on the matter of information being divulged from Committee of the Whole meetings of Council, or prior 84-450 COMMON COUNCIL JANUARY 24,1994 to Council's consideration at its regular public meetings, Councillor M. Vincent suggested that, if the proposed course of action is to be taken, the item should be placed on the agenda in the normal fashion and, if adopted, the intricacies and details of that course of action should be perhaps dealt with by the City Solicitor and Council in Legal Session in the best interests of the City on a matter this serious as it is not known how far this may go. * Added Item On motion of Councillor Coughlan Seconded by Councillor Landers RESOLVED that the matter of an investigation of information from Council meetings be added to the agenda for consideration at this meeting. Question being taken, the motion was carried. Deputy Mayor McAlary advised that the above matter would be added to the agenda as number 3A *3A. Investigation of Information From Council MeetinQs On motion of Councillor Landers Seconded by Councillor Coughlan RESOLVED that Council consider, with advice from the Legal Department, as to a full investigation of the divulgence of the City's 1994 Budget and the documents related to the Budget documents. Question being taken, the motion was carried. 4. Request For MessaQe In Shriners' 1994 Yearbook Read a letter from Deputy Mayor McAlary advising, for Council's consideration and approval, of the request of Mr. Ronald B. Urquhart, Sales Representative for the Shriners' Yearbook and Masonic Directory, for the City to place a message in the 1994 Yearbook, and that the cost remains the same as last year's message at $150. On motion of Councillor Trites Seconded by Councillor M. Vincent RESOLVED that the above matter be referred to the City Manager. Question being taken, the motion was carried. 5. General Fund - 1994 OperatinQ & Capital BudQets Consideration was given to a report from the City Manager submitting the 1994 Operating and Capital Budgets for the General Fund of the City of Saint John which, if adopted by Council, will set the 1994 tax rate at $1.58 per $100 of assessment, being the fifth consecutive year that Council has succeeded in maintaining a stable tax rate; and expressing the following views:- that the largest segment of the community expects the City to start the process of reviewing all of its service levels, reviewing the size of its work force, determining where it should be involved, and removing itself from those areas where it is inefficient or where it is competing with the private sector; that the City must cease the practice of acting as nothing more than a transmitter of taxpayers' dollars to organizations that ought to be seeking funds directly from the community; that, for 1994, reducing expenditures is the only acceptable alternative to increasing property taxes to raise the needed revenue; and that citizens are currently looking for evidence that the political and administrative leadership exists to take the necessary actions to control costs to all taxpayers, even if it requires that 84-451 COMMON COUNCIL JANUARY 24,1994 some citizens will not continue to receive the same level of service that they have traditionally received from the municipality. The report, in addressing the interests of the taxpayers, the citizens and residents, the business community and the City employees, highlights some of the more visible service level reductions contemplated within the budget in Municipal, Recreational, Development, Fire Protection, Police Protection, and other administrative and support services; explains why an increase in funds is contemplated in the budget for the Greater Saint John Economic Development Commission and Venue Saint John, and also the intent to maintain a presence in a number of tourist markets and to continue to actively pursue the motorcoach and convention markets in 1994; advises that the recommended budget allows Council to pay $800,000 towards the cost of construction and $215,000 towards operations of the Imperial Theatre, the former being in addition to $200,000 made two years ago; also advises that some funding reductions are being recommended in areas of interest to the arts/cultural community, for example, the City will not sponsor the Summer Sounds Program in 1994 and a number of organizations involved in cultural activities will experience a decrease in funding from the City, as indicated in the submitted schedule which sets out the levels of funding being recommended to all organizations; and further advises that City employees and citizens should be aware that no provision has been made for any across-the-board wage increases for the management, Police, Fire, inside or outside workforce, and the budget contemplates a reduction in the number of full-time permanent employees through normal attrition, as well as the implementation of a comprehensive Workforce Adjustment Program to be implemented immediately and be in force for a three-year period. In terms of the recommended 1994 Capital Budget of $7,689,000, which is $1,914,000 less than the amount which was reported last year as part of the City's five-year plan, the report advises that staff is committed to reviewing the spending targets proposed for the years 1995 to 1998 and reductions may be made in future years if difficult times prevail; and comments on the reduction in funding by $470,000 for roads, streets, sidewalks and curbs in that, should staff believe that this recommendation is not in the best interest of the community, staff will be back to Council; a provision of $460,000 to allow the City to continue to make major improvements to the streets in the Uptown core, which will permit Uptown Saint John Inc. to receive an equivalent amount of funding under the existing Co-Operation Agreement; the provision of funds to continue the close out of the Spruce Lake landfill, the provision of funds to acquire a new Pumper Rescue Unit, and the continuance of funding for previously-agreed upon Subdivision Cost-Sharing arrangements as well as for residential incentives. The report concludes that the recommendations which Council is being asked to support demonstrate that the City of Saint John remains committed to the principles of strong fiscal management in that it would simply not be acceptable to continue to increase municipal services and expenditures at a time when it is clear that future revenues to pay for these services are not likely to materialize, and that adoption of the recommendations would reaffirm Council's commitment to this principle, and furthermore that support for the complementary Workforce Adjustment Program shall place this municipality as the leader in adopting long-term solutions to deal with what staff considers as long-term financial realities, and illustrate that the citizens of this community have in place both the political and administrative leadership that is prepared to take necessary actions to deal with challenges that lie ahead; and recommends adoption of the submitted resolutions. Mr. Totten read the above report, and recommended that Council adopt the submitted resolutions, and Deputy Mayor McAlary asked that Councillor Coughlan, Chairman of the Finance Committee, propose a motion in this regard. On motion of Councillor Coughlan Seconded by Councillor Rogers RESOLVED that the amount of $88,275,718 be adopted as the estimate* required for the operation of the City of Saint John for 1994 as follows:- General Government Services Protective Services Transportation Services Environmental Health Services Development Services $6,482,117 30,592,184 20,544,811 1,663,634 8,789,335 84-452 COMMON COUNCIL JANUARY 24,1994 Recreational & Cultural Services Fiscal Services 8,104,614 12,099,023 $88.275,718: AND FURTHER that the amount of $7,217,624 be adopted as the estimate* for Non-Tax Revenue for the year 1994: AND FURTHER that the Federal Grant in lieu of taxes of $1,850,597 be incorporated in the 1994 budget: AND FURTHER that the Provincial Unconditional Grant of $26,774,196 be incorporated in the 1994 budget: AND FURTHER that the estimate* required to be raised by levy on real property assessment liable to taxation under the Assessment Act within the City for the year 1994, be adopted in the amount of $52,433,301: AND FURTHER that the rate at which the amounts comprising the above estimates* is to be levied, be fixed at $1.58 on each $100 valuation of all such real property liable to taxation under the Assessment Act within the Municipality of the City of Saint John: AND FURTHER that the Commissioner of Finance be given authority to disburse funds, the timing of which to be at his discretion, to organizations mentioned on Schedule 4: AND FURTHER that the amount of $7,689,000 be adopted as the estimate* of the Capital Programs to be undertaken by the City of Saint John for the year 1994: AND FURTHER that the amount of $41,550,000 be adopted as the estimate* of the Capital programs to be undertaken by the City of Saint John for the years 1995 to 1988 * a more detailed breakdown of the above estimates is attached and forms part of these minutes. Council members spoke in turn on the proposed 1994 Operating and Capital Budgets, and staff members were commended for their efforts in this regard. In response to a query as to whether or not, with the money allocated, the Fire and Police Departments can provide the citizens of Saint John with adequate protection for 1994, Chief Tait advised that there is one service that will no longer be provided, that being transport which has been provided for over 20 years with the Rescue Squad, but, with regard to fire protection, the Department will continue to provide a high quality of service; and he explained that, as part of the consideration he gave to the areas he would have to reduce in the Fire Department budget and have the least effect on fire protection, he chose the Rescue Squad for the reason that last year the Province accepted full responsibility for providing ambulance services for New Brunswick, including setting the standards and providing the funding, and, today, the Rescue Squad truck does not meet the standards and the fire fighters who work in that Squad are not trained to the level they should be, although the City is still continuing to transport with the intent to do so until the vehicle is replaced, although the City's calls have gone from 30 a month to about 2 or 3 calls a month since the Province put on an extra ambulance, and also that proper Rescue Unit will continue to offer rescue services and the fire fighters will be trained to the skill necessary to carry out their duties, with the only difference being that the City will not be providing transport as this will be provided by an ambulance; and Chief Sherwood advised that, while the issue of what constitutes an adequate police service is open to interpretation, with reductions in staff the Department will continue to provide all of the services that, at this point in time, are being provided today and, while there will be a reduction in some services, at this point in time he is not prepared to eliminate any specific programs. Councillor A Vincent, noting items in the above budget which he could not support, referenced a news release, which he advised was received by facsimile from the City's Member of Parliament earlier this date, to the effect that there will be additional funds available to 84-453 COMMON COUNCIL JANUARY 24,1994 the Province from the Federal Government; and suggested that the Budgets should be tabled for one week so that Council can meet with the local MLAs and the Premier to determine if the City can receive a portion of this funding. With regard to the timing of budgets being submitted to the Provincial Government, Mr. Totten made the observation that the deadline for submission of the budgets by municipalities to the Province is November 30 and that, certainly, there would be significant cost to the Province if the City postpones approving the Budgets; and he suggested that the other issue is, other than for the information before Council now, the question of whether or not there has been any other indication that the Province of New Brunswick is willing to provide this municipality any further funding for 1994 and that everything that he has seen and every meeting he has attended would indicate that the City of Saint John will not be receiving further funds, although the transfer payment arrangements may provide hope for the City in 1995 and 1996. Councillor A Vincent proposed a motion, which was not seconded, that the above matter be tabled for one week and Council request a meeting with the local MLAs, the Premier and the Minister of Finance based on information indicating that the Province has received additional funding. Question being taken, the motion was carried with Councillor A Vincent voting "nay". 6. Water and Sewerage Utility - 1994 OperatinQ and Capital BudQets Consideration was given to a report from the City Manager advising that the gross revenue of the Water & Sewerage Utility is projected to be $18,234,860 in 1994, an increase of $1,099,883, or 6.4% over 1993, this increase being due primarily to the anticipated sale of the Little River Water System which will permit the Utility to totally recover the accumulated deficit of $1,264,789 which existed as at December 31, 1992; explaining a number of changes to be made in the rate and discount structures which shall see flat rate customers, who pay on an annual basis, paying $294 in 1994 as opposed to $271 in 1993, and metered customers experiencing increases of approximately 5% for water and sewerage, such rates based on a Water & Sewer Rate Study performed by Coopers & Lybrand in late 1992; and also explaining the combined effect of changes in the rate and discount structure for flat rate customers who have never taken advantage of the early payment discounts, who regularly pay on a quarterly basis, and who prepay for the entire year, as well as on the metered customers. The report advises that budget reduction guidelines necessitated a comprehensive review of the level of service provided by the Utility in full consideration of the responsibility to provide an adequate and safe water supply, which resulted in an approximate reduction of $140,000 of operating expenditures in 1994 in a number of areas, none of which will be noticeable to the Utility customers; and submits a graph showing six years of comparative information with respect to fiscal charges. With regard to the 1994 Capital Budget of $6,750,000, which represents an increase of $2,250,000 over the previous year, the report advises that this increase is to provide for sewerage infrastructure improvements identified in the Harbour Wastewater Treatment Study to be cost shared under the recently-announced Federal Government Infrastructure Program, and that the Utility is prepared to expend additional amounts of $2,000,000 in subsequent years (1995 - 1998); and recommends adoption of the submitted resolutions. Mr. Totten noted that the changes in the Water and Sewerage Budgets are based on a very detailed study of the existing structure as performed by Coopers & Lybrand; and expressed the opinion that, while a number of changes are being recommended, the rate payers in the community are still going to be provided with this essential commodity at a most competitive price. Mr. Wilson highlighted the proposed 1994 Budgets of the Water and Sewerage Utility on the basis of what the citizens would be paying as flat rate customers who pay early once a year, who pay quarterly and take advantage of the discount, or who are not able to take advantage of discounts and perhaps pay annually but towards the end of the year. (Councillors Chase and M. Vincent withdrew from the meeting during the above comments.) 84-454 COMMON COUNCIL JANUARY 24,1994 On motion of Councillor Knibb Seconded by Councillor Trites RESOLVED that the estimate of expenses for the Water and Sewerage Utility for the year 1994 in the amount of $16,970,071 be approved, a more detailed breakdown of the said estimate is attached and forms a part of these minutes: AND FURTHER that the Capital Budget for the Water and Sewerage Utility for the year 1994 in the amount of $6,750,000 be approved: AND FURTHER that the spending plan for the years 1995 to 1998 totalling $26.6 million be adopted. Councillor Landers advised her intent to oppose the above budgets on the basis that there is more to the Coopers & Lybrand study than what is recommended in the budgets, and that she would not be supporting the Utility until everything has been settled with the large customers and the commercial customers in this area and they all pay their fair share; and also as the budgets are based on the anticipated sale of the Little River System. (Councillors Chase and M. Vincent re-entered the meeting during the above comments.) Question being taken, the motion was carried with Councillors Landers and A Vincent voting "nay". On motion of Councillor Knibb Seconded by Councillor Coughlan RESOLVED that the by-law entitled, "A By-Law To Amend A By-Law Respecting Water & Sewerage", be read a first time. Question being taken, the motion was carried with Councillor Landers voting "nay". Read a first time the by-law entitled, "A By-Law To Amend A By-Law Respecting Water & Sewerage". On motion of Councillor Knibb Seconded by Councillor Chase RESOLVED that the by-law entitled, "A By-Law To Amend A By-Law Respecting Water & Sewerage", be read a second time. Question being taken, the motion was carried with Councillor Landers voting "nay". Read a second time the by-law entitled, "A By-Law To Amend A By-Law Respecting Water & Sewerage". Councillor Knibb asked if an emergency should be declared to exist and Council give the above By-Law three readings at this meeting, to which Mr. Wilson replied that, if Council would see fit, it would be preferable as the budgets are late now and staff would like to proceed in getting the bills out. Councillor Knibb noted the requirement for a unanimous positive vote of Council in order to declare an emergency, and Mr. Rodgers confirmed Councillor M. Vincent's observation that Councillor Landers could vote in favour of declaring an emergency and still vote against the third reading of the By-Law. Upon Mr. Wilson's indication that there would be no harm done in waiting a week, Deputy Mayor McAlary advised that third reading would be considered at Council's next meeting. 84-455 COMMON COUNCIL JANUARY 24,1994 7. Workforce Adiustment StrateQY Read a report from the City Manager outlining an initiative to manage the reduction of the City's personnel complement over the next three years which, in conjunction with necessary restructuring of programs and departments, should assist the City in balancing the cost-service formula; explaining that the Workforce Adjustment Program is proposed as an alternative to the City being left with no option but to permanently layoff employees; and stating that the objective of the City's Workforce Adjustment Strategy is to manage the reduction of the personnel complement by 120 and overall personnel costs by at least $4,800,000, over the next three years. The report comments on the components of the proposed Workforce Adjustment Strategy, including cost control measures, hiring restrictions, normal attrition, an Early Retirement Program, a Voluntary Separation Program, abolition of office, mandatory retirement, layoff and related initiatives, as well as on the administrative considerations of support services, collective agreements, making the offer to employees, and protective services; and submits a recommendation in this regard. Mr. Totten, in commenting on the above matter, expressed the view that the proposed Workforce Adjustment Program is more than early retirement and hiring restrictions and is an attempt to recognize that the municipal workforce must be both fewer in numbers and more productive, and that what will happen, as a result of implementation of the Program, is that opportunities will be created for people to develop their skills and to contribute more to the municipality; and Mr. Groody highlighted the proposed Workforce Adjustment Strategy. On motion of Councillor Trites Seconded by Councillor Rogers RESOLVED that as recommended by the City Manager, Common Council (a) approve the proposed Workforce Adjustment Strategy; (b) approve the submitted Human Resources Policy #129(POL), "Workforce Adjustment - Early Retirement Program and Voluntary Separation Program"; and (c) authorize the Mayor and Common Clerk to execute all documents related to the retirement or separation of employees under the Early Retirement and Voluntary Separation Programs. Question being taken, the motion was carried. 8. 1994 Establishment Consideration was given to a report from the City Manager submitting the proposed 1994 Establishment of permanent positions, which reflects all permanent positions of the City except those of the Police Force which will be reported separately through the Board of Police Commissioners; advising that, consistent with the general direction of the City towards reduced expenditures, the proposed 1994 Establishment reflects the elimination of 22 permanent positions as indicated, and that a revised structure of the Establishment, for positions responsible to the City Manager, has also been proposed which is designed to increase flexibility, facilitate reassignment and generally support the Workforce Adjustment Strategy; also advising that the position of Manager, Civic Public Relations has been redesignated to Communications Officer which will result in a lower classification; and recommending adoption of the submitted resolution. On motion of Councillor Knibb Seconded by Councillor Coughlan RESOLVED that as recommended by the City Manager, the following resolution be adopted, namely:- "WHEREAS the City of Saint John requires an Establishment of a reduced number of positions: 84-456 COMMON COUNCIL JANUARY 24,1994 BE IT RESOLVED that the Establishment of permanent positions will be reduced from 756 to 734, and that reduction will occur automatically through attrition, meaning that the necessary reduction will take place as a result of any vacancy, including resignation, retirement, or death.". Question being taken, the motion was carried. 9. ProQress Payment Contract 93-10 On motion of Councillor Knibb Seconded by Councillor Rogers RESOLVED that as recommended by the City Manager, authority be granted for payment of the following construction progress certificate, namely:- 1. Contract 93-10 Water & Sewer Service Renewals QM Construction Ltd. Original estimated value of work Total work done, Estimate Number 3 Retention Payments previously approved Sub-Total G.ST Component Sum recommended for payment, Progress Estimate Number 3, dated January 14, 1994 Final holdback release. $99,290.00 94,635.26 Nil 83,447.13 11,188.13 731 .93 $11,188.13 (Councillor Chase withdrew from the meeting.) Question being taken, the motion was carried. 10. ZoninQ By-Law Amendment - 674 Michael Crescent On motion of Councillor Knibb Seconded by Councillor Trites RESOLVED that the by-law entitled, "By- Law Number C.P. 100-335 A Law To Amend The Zoning By-Law Of The City Of Saint John", insofar as it concerns re-zoning the property at 674 Michael Crescent (NBGIC Number 324384), from "R-2" One- and Two-Family Residential to "RM-1" Three-Storey Multiple Residential classification, be read a third time and enacted and the Corporate Common Seal be affixed thereto: AND FURTHER that the said re-zoning be subject to a condition pursuant to Section 39 of the Community Planning Act limiting the use of the property to a one-family dwelling and a nursing home for not more than six persons. The by-law entitled, "By-Law Number C.P. 100-335 A Law To Amend The Zoning By-Law Of The City Of Saint John", was read in its entirety. Question being taken, the motion was carried. (Councillor Chase re-entered the meeting.) 11. Sidewalk By-Law Amendment On motion of Councillor Knibb Seconded by Councillor Coughlan RESOLVED that the by-law entitled, "A By-Law To Amend A By-Law Respecting The Use Of Sidewalks Within The City Of 84-457 COMMON COUNCIL JANUARY 24,1994 Saint John", by adding Section 13(c): No person shall sell or offer for sale anything at the sidewalk located at Station Street, be read a third time and enacted and the Corporate Common Seal be affixed thereto. The by-law entitled, "A By-Law To Amend A By-Law Respecting The Use Of Sidewalks Within The City Of Saint John", was read in its entirety. Mr. Rodgers advised that, with regard to a query at the last meeting relevant to the Motor Vehicle Act, the only provision he could find in the Act was with respect to selling on the street and this was not dealing with the question with which the proposed amendment is dealing and the problem which it is trying to solve; and Mr. Totten advised that the above By-Law would apply to the sidewalk fronting on Harbour Station as well as the section of sidewalk from Sewell Street toward Garden Street on the other side of Station Street and that, if there is a section on Station Street where vendors would choose not to be on the sidewalk but yet go to the roadway, appropriate action would be taken and, if they are not on the roadway, then they would be on a private parking lot owned by Harbour Station and Harbour Station would then have the authority to proceed there. Question being taken, the motion was carried. 12. Committee of the Whole Report 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 reports that it sat on January 10, 1994, when there were present Deputy Mayor McAlary and Councillors Chase, Coughlan, Gould, Knibb, Landers, Trites and M. Vincent, and your Committee submits the following recommendations, namely:- 1. That as recommended by the Nominating Committee, Cliff Lawrence be appointed to the Board of Directors of Saint John Non-Profit Housing Inc. for a term of three years, effective January 1, 1994. January 24, 1994, Saint John, N.B. Respectfully submitted, (sgd.) Shirley McAlary, C h air man. 12(1). Appointment to Saint John Non-Profit HousinQ Inc. On motion of Councillor Knibb Seconded by Councillor Trites RESOLVED that the above report be received and filed and the recommendation therein be adopted. Question being taken, the motion was carried. 13. Committee of the Whole Report Read report of the Committee of the Whole (as follows) To the COMMON COUNCIL of the City of Saint John 84-458 COMMON COUNCIL JANUARY 24,1994 The Committee of the Whole reports Your Committee reports that it sat on January 17, 1994, when there were present Deputy Mayor McAlary and Councillors Chase, Coughlan, Gould, Knibb, Landers, Rogers, Trites, A Vincent and M. Vincent, and your Committee submits the following recommendation, namely:- 1. That as recommended by the City Manager, (1) land on Westgate Drive shown on the submitted plan, with an area of approximately 600 square metres, be sold to the owner of the adjoining property, 051833 N.B. Ltd., under the following terms: (1.1) the price to be $6.67 per square metre; (1.2) the land to be consolidated with the adjoining property, PID 469700; (1.3) the purchaser to be responsible for all costs required to complete the transfer; and (1.4) the sale to be dependent on the re- zoning of the property from "P" Park to the same classification as is applied to the adjoining land; (2) the applicant, 051833 N.B. Ltd., be authorized to apply for the necessary re-zoning; and (3) agreement to sell this property does not implicitly nor explicitly obligate the City to complete the transfer. January 24, 1994, Saint John, N.B. Respectfully submitted, (sgd.) Shirley McAlary, C h air man. 13(1). Sale Of Land On WestQate Drive On motion of Councillor Knibb Seconded by Councillor Coughlan RESOLVED that the above report be received and filed and the recommendation therein be adopted. Question being taken, the motion was carried. 14. Environment Committee - 1993 Annual Report On motion of Councillor Coughlan Seconded by Councillor Knibb RESOLVED that the 1993 Annual Report of the City of Saint John Environment Committee be received and filed with appreciation. Deputy Mayor McAlary noted the request to the former City Manager to review of the mandate of the Environment Committee, and advised that the terms of members on the Committee would be discussed by the Nominating Committee. Question being taken, the motion was carried. 15. Saint John Multicultural Association re FlaQPole On motion of Councillor Coughlan Seconded by Councillor Knibb RESOLVED that the letter from the Multicultural Association of Saint John expressing the understanding that the N.B. Branch of the United Nations Association in Canada has proposed that the City locate a flagpole for flag-raising ceremonies on the City Hall Plaza rather than in the middle of Market Square; and urging Council to take steps to erect a suitable flagpole in front of City Hall on the City Hall Plaza -- be received and filed. Mr. Totten, noting that the above is the second request in this regard, advised the intent for him and Mr. Robichaud to attempt to accommodate it within the Capital Budget. 84-459 COMMON COUNCIL JANUARY 24,1994 Question being taken, the motion was carried. 16. Saint John Toastmasters Club 1479 - Financial Support On motion of Councillor Coughlan Seconded by Councillor Knibb RESOLVED that the letter from Mr. Harry C. McClenaghan, Co-Chairperson of Region 7 Toastmasters Convention, advising that Saint John Toastmasters Club 1479 will be holding the Region 7 Toastmasters International Convention on June 17-19, 1994 at the Delta Brunswick, and would appreciate any financial support that the City may be able to provide -- be referred to the City Manager. Question being taken, the motion was carried. 17. VON (Saint John) Inc. - Lily Lake Pavilion Rental Fee On motion of Councillor Trites Seconded by Councillor M. Vincent RESOLVED that the letter from Victorian Order of Nurses (Saint John) Inc. requesting that the City waive the rental fee of the Lily Lake Pavilion to assist in its fund-raising event on January 28 -- be referred to the City Manager. Question being taken, the motion was carried. 18. Allan Kincade re PornoQraphy On motion of Councillor Knibb Seconded by Councillor Trites RESOLVED that the letter from Mr. Allan Kincade expressing the opinion that, while he does not know the philosophical foundation of the presentations to Council by the Anti-Pornography Coalition, the Coalition's rhetoric is misleading; and submitting copies of a collection of articles from various publications that may give Council a bit more insight into the dangers of accepting the Coalition's views without independent investigations -- be received and filed. Question being taken, the motion was carried with Councillor M. Vincent voting "nay". On motion of Councillor Knibb Seconded by Councillor Trites RESOLVED that this meeting be adjourned. Question being taken, the motion was carried. Common Clerk