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1995-03-20_Minutes 85-170 COMMON COUNCIL MARCH 20, 1995 At a meeting of the Common Council, held at the City Hall in the City of Saint John, on Monday, the twentieth day of March, AD. 1995, at 4:00 o'clock p.m. present Thomas J. Higgins, Mayor Councillors Chase, Coughlan, Gould, Knibb, McAlary, Rogers, Trites, A Vincent and M. Vincent - and - Messrs. 1. Totten, City Manager; F. Rodgers, City Solicitor; D. Wilson, Commissioner of Finance; C. Robichaud, Commissioner of Municipal Operations; J. C. MacKinnon, Commissioner of Environment and Infrastructure Services; P. Groody, Commissioner of Human Resources; S. Bedford, Commissioner of Development Services; W. Butler, Commissioner of Community Services; B. Morrison, Director of Parks; D. Logan, Purchasing Agent; W. Edwards, Building Inspector; J. Baird, Manager - Development Division, Planning; L. Graham, Manager of Data Processing; J. Mcintyre, Manager of Industrial Relations; P. Asimakos, Planner; D. Sherwood, Chief of Police; G. Tait, Fire Chief; Mrs. M. Munford, Common Clerk; and Ms. C. Joyce, Assistant Common Clerk. 1. MeetinQ Called To Order - OpeninQ Prayer Mayor Higgins called the meeting to order, and offered the opening prayer. 2. Approval of Minutes On motion of Deputy Mayor McAlary Seconded by Councillor Rogers RESOLVED that minutes of the meeting of Common Council, held on March 13, 1995, be approved. Councillor A Vincent, in noting Council's receipt at the last meeting of the City Manager's report on the issue of video gambling machine revenue and the Environmental Trust Fund, asked the status of the report on the legal aspect under the City Charter in this regard, as well as the status of the anticipated report on the Deans Hill property which was requested at the last meeting. Mr. Rodgers advised that, while he has not done a tremendous amount of research on the gambling machine revenue issue, he knows it well enough to say that the Charter does not give the City the authority to step into this field and collect revenue along the lines suggested by Councillor A Vincent and, while Council could approach and discuss with the Provincial Government some cost-sharing, from a unilateral independent point of view the City does not have that authority at this particular point in its history in the absence of further authority. The Mayor suggested that he would follow-up with the City Solicitor on Councillor A Vincent's reference to, prior to the change in the liquor laws for taverns and bars, the City's ability to overrule the New Brunswick Liquor Control Board and issue licenses. Mr. Totten advised that he would undertake to provide a report on the Deans Hill issue at the next meeting. Question being taken, the motion was carried. 3. Mayor's Remarks The Mayor commended the members of the Irish Canadian Cultural Association and the St. Patrick's Society for their efforts in the celebration of St. Patrick's Week in Saint John; extended a message of sympathy to the family of the late Mr. Albert (Ab) Hanley, a retired City employee, who passed away on March 18; and proclaimed March 20 to 26 as Elimination of Racial Discrimination Week in the City of Saint John. 85-171 COMMON COUNCIL MARCH 20, 1995 Councillor Coughlan, referring to a media release by the Region 2 Hospital Corporation (a copy of which was forwarded to Council members as an information item), commented on the "Just For Teens" program to be held at the Community Health Centre; and, referring to a letter from Saint John Policemen's Protective Association, Local 61 which is on the Committee of the Whole agenda of this date as item 28, noted that this letter asks to discuss a topic and indicates that the Local would have no problem in dealing with this matter in open session if Council so desires; and asked the status of the City Manager's report on the possibility of conducting grievances in open session of Council, further to his interim report in this regard. Mr. Totten made the observation that, as indicated in his report providing Council with a staff position regarding the hearing of grievances in open session of Council, there is concern about employees, in view of there being both a union grievance and a grievance which relates to a particular individual and situation, appearing before a public session to discuss issues with their employer; and advised that, before he could support hearing Local 61 in open session as offered, he would like to have more information in terms of the individuals involved and the background on the particular case; and also advised that, when the issue of public grievance hearings was raised previously, the civic unions responded to the City's request for input and, as it would not be a matter of picking and choosing which grievances would be heard in open session, it appears that the employer and the unions have concerns as to which would appear in open session. Councillor Gould referred to The Market Square Corporation's request to meet with Council in closed session on March 27 to discuss the final details of the contract between the City and Meridian Construction on Harbour Station, which is on the Committee of the Whole agenda of this date as item 26; and requested that, as the City made its final payment to the prime contractor in October 1993 and as this item might involve the City in a substantial way, The Market Square Corporation be asked to make its presentation in open session of Council, subject to the approval of the City Solicitor. Motion Re AQenda Item 26 On motion of Councillor Gould Seconded by Councillor A. Vincent RESOLVED that The Market Square Corporation be asked to make its above-mentioned presentation in open session of Council on March 27, subject to the approval of the City Solicitor. Councillor M. Vincent suggested that the committee established on January 30 to review the agenda format, of which he is chairman, should be given the opportunity to address the issue and report to Council in open session before diversifying too much at this point in time. Councillor Knibb expressed opposition to the above motion on the basis that the presentation is no doubt on a matter of some outstanding liability, which is an appropriate matter for Committee of the Whole prior to the public being informed if there is a further expenditure to be made to Meridian over the construction cost. Councillor Coughlan advised that the committee on the agenda format, of which he is a member, will want to review the issue of persons wanting the opportunity to address Council privately; and suggested that Council should respect the Corporation's request to meet with Council in closed session. Councillor Gould noted that his motion for The Market Square Corporation to make its presentation in open Council is subject to the approval of the City Solicitor; and indicated that, if there is anything to suggest that such presentation would involve the City legally or involve personalities, the City Solicitor would take whatever action is necessary. Mr. Rodgers advised that, if the above resolution passes as proposed, prior to the next meeting he would discuss the matter with the Corporation and, if from a legal standpoint, he believes that the matter should be in Legal Session, he would advise Council; however, if it is not a Legal Session matter, he is not the one to decide whether or not the matter should come out of Committee of the Whole. Deputy Mayor McAlary made the observation that, while part of the Corporation's presentation may be a legal issue, the other part is at Council's request for a presentation on the history of how the Corporation is made up. Question being taken, the motion was lost with the Mayor and Councillors Coughlan, Knibb, Rogers, Trites and M. Vincent voting "nay". 85-172 COMMON COUNCIL MARCH 20, 1995 Motion To Add Committee Of The Whole AQenda Item 25 On motion of Deputy Mayor McAlary Seconded by Councillor Gould RESOLVED that the letter from Solicitor General Jane Barry regarding the Western Beaches collector project, which is on the Committee of the Whole agenda of this date as item 25, be added to the agenda of this meeting for consideration as item 14A. Mr. Totten advised that, while he does not know the reason for the above letter being placed in Committee of the Whole, the issue has been before Council in both committee meetings and informal discussions with the local MLAs and has been of concern to some citizens, the local MLAs and Council; and suggested that the letter was probably placed for discussion in Committee of the Whole as there has been past discussion on the matter in that forum. Mayor Higgins expressed the opinion that, until the City acquires the property and easements necessary to complete the Western Beaches collector project, the matter should remain in Committee of the Whole. Question being taken, the motion was lost with the Mayor and Councillors Coughlan, Knibb, Rogers, Trites and M. Vincent voting "nay". 4. Brief To StandinQ Committee On Transport On motion of Councillor Knibb Seconded by Councillor M. Vincent RESOLVED that the letter from Deputy Mayor McAlary submitting a copy of the City's brief presented on March 16 to the Standing Committee on Transport with respect to marine issues -- be received and filed. Deputy Mayor McAlary, who presented the above brief on the City's behalf, commented on the two major issues which came out of the Standing Committee's hearing in Saint John, one being with regard to the drawback, obligation and restriction due to the Saint John Port Corporation's major outstanding debt to the Canada Ports Corporation, the other concerning the Port of Saint John's great amount of excess capacity for cargo handling, although the Federal and Provincial Governments, through grant programs and loans, are recommending $32 million be given for the Port of Belledune and, while the Standing Committee's mandate is to determine how the Government of Canada could reduce the number of ports in Canada, it is being indicated that another port is needed in New Brunswick. Question being taken, the motion was carried. 5. Bid For Repairs To Dozer On motion of Councillor Coughlan Seconded by Deputy Mayor McAlary RESOLVED that as recommended by the City Manager, the quote from Lounsbury Industrial Ltd., in the amount of $17,499.36 (plus taxes), be accepted for the supply of parts necessary to repair the landfill dozer. Question being taken, the motion was carried. 6. Tender For Sweeper Brooms On motion of Councillor Knibb Seconded by Councillor Coughlan 85-173 COMMON COUNCIL MARCH 20, 1995 RESOLVED that as recommended by the City Manager, the tender for the establishment of a supply agreement for sweeper brooms be awarded to the low tenderer in each case, as indicated in the submitted summary of bids. Question being taken, the motion was carried. 7. Gravel Pits And Quarries Consideration was given to a report from the City Manager referring to the May 12, 1994 public meeting held by Council to hear the views of those persons most affected by the pit and quarry development in the City in response to the Pits and Quarries Aggregate Resource Strategy; advising that the staff committee, which was struck to review the enforcement issues respecting truck traffic, concluded that the most important area where efforts should be made to improve the enforcement of existing by-laws and regulations is to allocate additional enforcement personnel to the task, and initial research indicates that jurisdictions elsewhere are effectively addressing enforcement with a civilian corps of enforcement officers; and also advising that, as increasing the fines for truck route violations is necessary if this violation is to be considered a deterrent, increasing fines in the Traffic By-Law is not possible without amending the Motor Vehicle Act; and submitting a recommendation in this regard. On motion of Councillor Knibb Seconded by Councillor Coughlan RESOLVED that as recommended by the City Manager, the Province be requested to amend the Motor Vehicle Act immediately, to allow the Provincial fine structure to apply to municipal by-laws enacted under the Act, and that the above report be received and filed. Mr. Bedford highlighted the above report, noting staff's intent to submit to Council later this month a report on the development of new Municipal Plan policies and a proposed Zoning By-Law amendment for a new zone for pits and quarries, as well as a report in September 1995 on the manner in which an enforcement unit could be developed and operated, including all costs involved, and also of the Police Force's intended actions with respect to monitoring and enforcing trucking violations and the truck route provisions of the Traffic By-Law; and during discussion Councillor Trites suggested that this matter might be appropriate for referral to the Cities of New Brunswick Association. (Councillor Chase entered the meeting during the above discussion.) Question being taken, the motion was carried. 8. Closure of Local CMHC Office Read a report from the City Manager commenting, further to Council's discussion at the last meeting about the closure of the local Canada Mortgage and Housing Office, on his meeting with Bernard Burns, Provincial Director of CMHC, in an effort to obtain additional information in this regard; advising that the closure relates to the local office which employs 4 people and only one employee will be relocated to Fredericton, with 2 to be moved into the Business Development Section of the Regional office located in Saint John and the inspector also to remain in Saint John; and recommending that this report be received and filed. On motion of Councillor Knibb Seconded by Deputy Mayor McAlary RESOLVED that the above report from the City Manager be received and filed. Question being taken, the motion was carried. 9. AQreement With Loyalist City CarriaQes On motion of Councillor Knibb 85-174 COMMON COUNCIL MARCH 20, 1995 Seconded by Councillor Trites RESOLVED that the report from the City Manager advising that Mr. Mark Hovey of Loyalist City Carriages has requested the following changes in his agreement with the City to operate a horse-drawn carriage in the Uptown Saint John area:- (1) he receive permission to operate two horse-drawn carriages for the term of the renewal; (2) the renewed agreement be for two years from April 1, 1995 to April 1, 1997; and (3) the evening hours of operation be changed from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. to 12:00 midnight; and recommending that the City Solicitor be directed to draw up a renewed contract with Loyalist City Carriages, including the requested changes, and the Mayor and Common Clerk be authorized to execute the agreement -- be received and filed and the recommendation adopted. Question being taken, the motion was carried. 10. Placement of Commemorative Monument Taylor Avenue Street RiQht-Of-Way Consideration was given to a report from the City Manager submitting a recommendation further to a request to Council on September 19, 1994 from the Royal Canadian Legion, Portland Branch No. 64, for permission to install a commemorative monument on a grass plot, adjacent to its property, on an unused portion of the Taylor Avenue street right-of-way. On motion of Councillor Knibb Seconded by Councillor M. Vincent RESOLVED that as recommended by the City Manager, (1) Common Council give to the Royal Canadian Legion, Portland Branch No. 64, a license to install and maintain a commemorative monument upon the Taylor Avenue street right-of-way, the approximate location as shown on the submitted sketch, subject to acquiring any appropriate permits; (2) the Royal Canadian Legion, Portland Branch No. 64, will save harmless and indemnify the City from all loss, damage or injury caused by the presence of this monument; (3) this license will terminate upon removal of the said monument or with thirty days notice by the City; (4) the Royal Canadian Legion, Portland Branch No. 64, will be responsible for removal of the monument on thirty days notice in the event the City chooses to perform work within this portion of right-of-way; (5) in the case of emergency, the City has the right to remove the monument without notice or liability to the City for any damage that may occur; and (6) the Mayor and Common Clerk be authorized to execute such license. Question being taken, the motion was carried. 11. Tender For Computers On motion of Councillor Knibb Seconded by Deputy Mayor McAlary RESOLVED that as recommended by the City Manager, the tender of Primax Data Products be accepted for the supply of personal computers and components for a period of six months from the date of award by Council, and further that staff be authorized, if warranted, after careful consideration, to extend the agreement for an additional six-month period. Question being taken, the motion was carried. 12. Les Jeux de l'Acadie Read a report from the City Manager advising that, as part of the successful application process to secure the 1996 Finals of the Acadian Games, the City undertook to provide (a) funding in the amount of $34,000, (b) the necessary facilities and related maintenance, and (c) space for an information kiosk in the City Centre, and that an organizing committee has now been formed and the submitted draft agreement with the parties involved, namely, La Societe des Jeux de L'Acadie, the City of Saint John and the Board of Directors of Centre Scolaire Communautaire Samuel-de-Champlain, is for Council's consideration; also advising that a combined community fund-raising dinner and signing ceremony scheduled for March 22 at the 85-175 COMMON COUNCIL MARCH 20, 1995 Centre has necessitated this item being brought to Council at this time; outlining the terms of the submitted agreement; and recommending its execution. On motion of Councillor Knibb Seconded by Councillor Rogers RESOLVED that as recommended by the City Manager, the Mayor and Common Clerk be authorized to execute the submitted agreement with La Societe des Jeux de l'Acadie Inc. and Le Counseil Communautaire Samuel-de-Champlain, Inc., with respect to the 17th Finals of les Jeux de l'Acadie in 1996. Councillor Knibb made the observation that the French translation of the submitted agreement needs clarification as it makes reference to Mary Munford being the administrator of the City of Saint John; and Mr. Totten, in response to Councillor Knibb, advised that the organizers are having discussion with UNBSJ with respect to the use of the Canada Games Stadium and with Harbour Station in terms of the opening ceremonies. Replying to Deputy Mayor McAlary's question as to whether or not the provision of necessary facilities and related maintenance and an information kiosk would represent an additional cost over the $34,000, Mr. Totten advised that, while it is an additional amount, it would not be the intent to add to the $34,000, and the City would assist in finding suitable accommodation for an information kiosk and, if unable to do so, would make space available in City Hall, and that, while the City would undertake to ensure that the facilities are in the very best of condition at the time of the Games, the committee has indicated that it is in the process of trying to seek funds to improve the facilities beyond where they are now, so the City does intend to reap some benefits directly as a municipality in improvements to facilities made available to the committee. Question being taken, the motion was carried. 13. Fundy SWAT Consideration was given to a report from the City Manager referring to Fundy SWAT's public presentations over the past several weeks, as well as a presentation to the Planning Advisory Committee, concerning the location of a sanitary landfill at either Crane Mountain or Paddy's Hill and the impression received that Fundy SWAT is not proceeding with the Max RF because the City of Saint John does not want to proceed with it; commenting on several components and the rough cost estimates to give Council an appreciation of the cost to proceed with a sanitary landfill and Max RF; and submitting a recommendation for Council's consideration. On motion of Councillor Knibb Seconded by Councillor Chase RESOLVED that as recommended by the City Manager, the Mayor write to the Environment Minister, Fundy SWAT, and the Planning Advisory Committee and inform them that the City continues to support the efforts of Fundy SWAT, and supports their pursuit of recycling/ reduction options as a part of the disposal option; however, the City of Saint John is concerned about the financial impact that the decisions will have on the City's tax rate and expects every option to be pursued to control the costs. Mr. MacKinnon made the observation that, as the issue before the public to date has been the recycling and/or Max RF concept, the purpose of the above report was to bring the financial aspect to Council's attention, although not to give Council the exact cost for any of the issues but more as to what it could be as it is a peculiarity to the City of Saint John that it has not been charging itself a tipping fee and, therefore, just the issue of going to a new site, one that is not controlled by the City, is going to have a substantial cost for the City which, considering the tipping fee, lost revenue at the landfill and the cost of the close-out of the old site, could be in the vicinity of eight cents on the tax rate providing that, somehow, the City does not cut other areas of the budget to find that eight cents elsewhere. Councillor M. Vincent asked if the above recommendation takes away from the City's authority to have final say respecting this operation on matters pertaining to finances or its right to veto, to which Mr. Totten 85-176 COMMON COUNCIL MARCH 20, 1995 replied in the negative and advised that the intent of the recommendation is to provide others who are reviewing the situation with information that the City has shared previously with Council, and it is not in any way trying to interfere with the public hearing process or have Council take a position and that, as the City of Saint John has always supported the efforts of Fundy SWAT, staff does not want the mere fact that it is just providing financial information to, in any way, indicate that the City is not supporting its efforts to find a suitable solution to disposing of waste, whether it is one site or another or any other option, but rather that the City still supports Fundy SWAT's efforts and is acknowledging and making public a concern with respect to finances. In response to Councillor M. Vincent, Mr. Rodgers, having noted that he considers that the use of City in the above resolution could be interchanged with the use of Council, cautioned Council of the importance, because of the pending public hearing in April with respect to a proposed re-zoning, of keeping an open mind and certainly not making any decision about what action Council might take with respect to the re-zoning until after the public hearing is completed. Mr. MacKinnon clarified that the intent of the above recommendation is that, as in fact the City has been involved with Fundy SWAT for a number of years, the City is not at this point in time trying to divorce itself from Fundy SWAT nor to position itself, and has nothing to do with any specific application or action, but, in general, to indicate that the City, as it has supported Fundy SWAT, would continue to support it, although it wants to indicate the cost associated with reduction and recycling; and advised that the intent was not to position the City at a later date with regard to Fundy SWAT becoming a commission or whether or not the City's vote would be weighted in some fashion, these being separate issues that would come before Council with regard to its nominee and/or position insofar as making a decision is concerned. The Mayor suggested that this matter could be tabled for one week should there be a need to change the recommendation. Deputy Mayor McAlary expressed concern about why Council would be taking the proposed action at this time in view of a letter forwarded by Council to Fundy SWAT some months ago indicating that it could not support Max RF because of the additional cost to the taxpayers to the City because of an anticipated capital cost of $9 to 10 million for the new facility, thus the City is already on record in this regard; and also because the whole issue is the subject of a forthcoming public hearing at which time Council will consider the Planning Advisory Committee's recommendation and the indication of continuing support to Fundy SWAT's efforts could be misunderstood to the effect that Council is supporting its recommendation; and advised that she would prefer that Council not send any letters until after the public hearing. Mr. Rodgers, referring to the indication that Council continues to support Fundy SWAT's efforts, made the observation that one of the efforts of Fundy SWAT is an attempt to get a re-zoning approved; and Mr. Totten re- iterated that staff was not in any way trying to interfere with the public hearing process; and suggested that, if Council is not comfortable with the above resolution, Council could table the matter for a week for staff to come back with appropriate wording that would allow Council to feel more comfortable with it. Councillor Gould, Council's representative on Fundy SWAT, made the observation that Council has already adopted Fundy SWAT's recommendation for the four-pronged approach of education, composting, sanitary landfill and maximum recycling; therefore, to suggest that Council no longer supports Fundy SWAT would be contradictory to this. Councillor Trites concurred that, as the only issue with which the Planning Advisory Committee is concerned is the re-zoning issue, Council would be ill advised to communicate its continuing support to Fundy SWAT's efforts; and suggested that, while he could support a tabling motion, Council could simply receive and file the above report as its purpose of it to publicly flag the high cost involved has been accomplished. Deputy Mayor McAlary proposed that the above report be received and filed, whereupon the Mayor, noting the motion on the floor, advised that he could accept only a tabling motion at this time. On motion of Councillor M. Vincent Seconded by Councillor Rogers RESOLVED that the above matter be laid on the table until after the public hearing. Question being taken, the tabling motion was carried. 14. AQreement On Rockwood Park Golf Course Consideration was given to a report from the City Manager submitting a 85-177 COMMON COUNCIL MARCH 20, 1995 proposed agreement with Mr. Gerry Connolly's company, Total Golf Management Inc., for the management of the Rockwood Park Golf Course and Aquatic Driving Range, further to Common Council resolution of February 13 directing the City Manager to negotiate a contract with Gerry Connolly; outlining the main components of this agreement, including the term, the protection of assets, the protection of season pass holders, reporting to the City, and the approval of rates; and submitting a recommendation in this regard. On motion of Councillor Knibb Seconded by Councillor Coughlan RESOLVED that Common Council agree to the terms of the submitted agreement with Total Golf Management Inc. for the management of the Rockwood Park Golf Course and Aquatic Driving Range, and authority be given to the Mayor and Common Clerk to execute the agreement on behalf of the City. Messrs. Totten and Wilson responded to Council queries with respect to the above agreement. Question being taken, the motion was carried with Councillors Gould, McAlary, A. Vincent and M. Vincent voting "nay". 15. Municipal Plan Amendment Part One - General 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 proposed amendment to Part One - General of the Municipal Development Plan have been completed, and the required waiting period for objections expired on March 15, with no written objections having been received in this regard. On motion of Councillor Knibb Seconded by Councillor Rogers RESOLVED that the proposed amendment to Part One - General of the Municipal Development Plan 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 June 5, 1995. Question being taken, the motion was carried. (Mayor Higgins withdrew from the meeting as he was not present for the March 13 public hearings for the proposed re-zoning of 268 Golden Grove Road and 40 Coburg Street, whereupon Deputy Mayor McAlary assumed the chair.) 16. Zoning By-Law Amendment To Re-Zone 268 Golden Grove Road On motion of Councillor Knibb Seconded by Councillor Chase RESOLVED that the by-law entitled, "By- Law Number C.P. 100-366 A Law To Amend The Zoning By-Law Of The City Of Saint John", insofar as it concerns re-zoning a parcel of land located at 268 Golden Grove Road (NBGIC Number 311886), from "RS-1" One- and Two-Family Suburban Residential to "IL-1" Neighbourhood Institutional classification, be read a third time and enacted and the Corporate Common Seal be affixed thereto: AND FURTHER that pursuant to Section 39 of the Community Planning Act, the said re-zoning be subject to a condition limiting the use of the property to a group care facility licensed by the Province as a special care home for a maximum of ten residents. The by-law entitled, "By-Law Number C.P. 100-366 A Law To Amend 85-178 COMMON COUNCIL MARCH 20, 1995 The Zoning By-Law Of The City Of Saint John", was read in its entirety. (Councillor A. Vincent withdrew from the meeting.) Question being taken, the motion was carried. 17. Zoning By-Law Amendment To Re-Zone 40 CoburQ Street On motion of Councillor Chase Seconded by Councillor Knibb RESOLVED that the by-law entitled, "By- Law Number C.P. 100-367 A Law To Amend The Zoning By-Law Of The City Of Saint John", insofar as it concerns re-zoning a parcel of land at 40 Coburg Street (NBGIC Number 15479), from "RM-1" Three-Storey Multiple Residential to "B-2" General Business classification, be read a third time and enacted and the Corporate Common Seal be affixed thereto. The by-law entitled, "By-Law Number C.P. 100-367 A Law To Amend The Zoning By-Law Of The City Of Saint John", was read in its entirety. (Councillor A. Vincent re-entered the meeting.) Question being taken, the motion was carried. 18. Saint John Fire Fighters' Association Februarv 13 Presentation To Council On motion of Councillor Knibb Seconded by Councillor Trites RESOLVED that the letter from the Saint John Fire Fighters' Association, Local Union No. 771, I.A.F.F., requesting that a copy of the evaluation of its joint presentation with the Saint John District Labour Council to Council on February 13 be forwarded to both the Labour Council and to Local 771 -- be referred to the City Manager. Question being taken, the motion was carried. 19. Hodges Hamm, Realty World 1995 Residential Property Taxes On motion of Councillor Knibb Seconded by Councillor Coughlan RESOLVED that the letter from Mr. Hodges Hamm of Realty World - Today's Realty, referring to comments at the last Council meeting with regard to City property taxes; and submitting a copy of information which he uses to support the trend that City tax assessments are increasing when, in fact, all information he and many other realtors have indicates the opposite -- be received and filed. (Councillor M. Vincent withdrew from the meeting.) Question being taken, the motion was carried. (Mayor Higgins re-entered the meeting and reassumed the chair.) 20. Fundy SWAT - Biomedical Waste Disposal On motion of Councillor Knibb Seconded by Councillor Coughlan RESOLVED that the letter from the 85-179 COMMON COUNCIL MARCH 20, 1995 Project Manager of Fundy SWAT advising that, when Fundy SWAT opens a new sanitary landfill in the Fundy Region, it will not accept biomedical waste, and medical and health care businesses, clinics, etc. in the municipality will be required to arrange for proper and safe disposal of the biomedical waste they produce; and submitting a brochure on Kyles Biomedical Disposal, a company that now offers biomedical waste management services in the Fundy Region -- be referred to the City Manager. Question being taken, the motion was carried. 21. Uptown Saint John Inc. Decentralized Police Protection On motion of Councillor Knibb Seconded by Councillor Coughlan RESOLVED that the letter from the President of Uptown Saint John Inc. endorsing Common Council's investigation of the former Princess Anne School as a possible site for decentralized policing in the South End, and commending Council's initiative to decentralize Police protection as a means of eventually implementing neighbourhood, storefront policing for the South End -- be received and filed and a copy be forwarded to the Saint John Board of Police Commissioners. Question being taken, the motion was carried. 22. Harvest Christian Fellowship Environmental Trust Fund Monies On motion of Councillor Knibb Seconded by Deputy Mayor McAlary RESOLVED that the letter from Reverend Tim Davidson, Pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship, regarding the City's interest in the use of more Provincial Environmental Trust Fund monies to help finance City projects; and urging Council to not finance large parts of Saint John's needs from the Province's winnings at gambling -- be received and filed. Question being taken, the motion was carried. 23. Charles Street Residents Lack Of City Services On motion of Councillor Coughlan Seconded by Councillor Knibb RESOLVED that the letter from the residents of Charles Street regarding lack of City services -- be referred to the City Manager. Question being taken, the motion was carried. Adiournment On motion of Councillor Knibb Seconded by Councillor Chase RESOLVED that this meeting be adjourned and Council meet in Committee of the Whole. Question being taken, the motion was carried with Councillor A. Vincent voting "nay". 85-180 COMMON COUNCIL MARCH 20, 1995 Common Clerk