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1996-02-12_Minutes 85-690 COMMON COUNCIL FEBRUARY 12, 1996 At a meeting of the Common Council, held at the City Hall in the City of Saint John, on Monday, the twelfth day of February, A.D. 1996, at 7:00 o'clock p.m. present Shirley McAlary, Mayor Councillors Arthurs, Ball, Brown, Chase, Fitzpatrick, Gould, Knibb, Trites, Vincent and Waldschutz - and - Messrs. D. Wilson, Acting City Manager; F. Rodgers, City Solicitor; C. Robichaud, Commissioner of Municipal Operations; J. C. MacKinnon, Commissioner of Environment and Development Services; P. Groody, Commissioner of Human Resources; W. Butler, Commissioner of Community Services; W. Edwards, Building Inspector; J. Baird, Manager, Community Planning; S. Lodhi, Manager of Real Estate and Facility Management; G. Fillmore, Assistant Deputy Chief of Police; Mrs. M. Munford, Common Clerk; and Ms. C. Joyce, Assistant Common Clerk. 1. MeetinQ Called To Order - OpeninQ Prayer Mayor McAlary called the meeting to order, and Reverend Dr. Mark G. McKim of the Germain Street United Baptist Church offered the opening prayer. 2. Approval of Minutes On motion of Councillor Knibb Seconded by Councillor Vincent RESOLVED that minutes of the meeting of Common Council, held on February 5, 1996, be approved. Question being taken, the motion was carried. 3(a) Municipal Plan Amendment (b) Re-ZoninQ 70-80 BridQe Street The Common Clerk advised that the necessary advertising was completed with regard to (a) a proposed Municipal Plan amendment to redesignate on Schedule 2-A, the Future Land Use Plan, a parcel of land located at 70-80 Bridge Street (NBGIC Numbers 373845 and 373852), having a frontage of approximately 75 feet on the east side of Bridge Street and a depth of approximately 130 feet, from Medium Density Residential to Light Industrial classification; and (b) the proposed re- zoning of the same parcel of land from "RM-1" Three-Storey Multiple Residential to "1-1" Light Industrial classification, to permit the development of a warehouse building, as requested by Service Associates Ltd., and no written objections were received in this regard. 3{c) Consideration was given to a report from the Planning Advisory Committee submitting a copy of the Planning Department's report considered at the Committee's February 6 meeting at which the applicant attended in support of the proposal and the staff recommendation except that he would prefer that the use of the property not be limited by a Section 39 resolution to his warehouse proposal only as he would like to have the flexibility to change the use without having to apply for a Section 39 amendment, and Mr. Doug Hickman also spoke in support of the proposal; and recommending that Common Council (1) redesignate on Schedule 2-A of the Municipal Development Plan, from Medium Density Residential to Light Industrial classification, a parcel of land located at 70-80 Bridge Street (NBGIC Numbers 373845 and 373852), having a frontage of approximately 75 feet on the east side of Bridge Street and a depth of approximately 130 feet; and (2) re-zone the same parcel of land from "RM-1" 85-691 COMMON COUNCIL FEBRUARY 12, 1996 Three- Storey Multiple Residential to "1-1" Light Industrial classification, subject to a resolution pursuant to Section 39 of the Community Planning Act, limiting the use of the property to a warehouse building. On motion of Councillor Knibb Seconded by Councillor Gould RESOLVED that the by-law entitled, "A Law To Amend The Municipal Plan By-Law", by redesignating on Schedule 2-A, the Future Land Use Plan, a parcel of land located at 70-80 Bridge Street (NBGIC Numbers 373845 and 373852), having a frontage of approximately 75 feet on the east side of Bridge Street and a depth of approximately 130 feet, from Medium Density Residential to Light Industrial classification, be read a first time. Question being taken, the motion was carried. Read a first time the by-law entitled, "A Law To Amend The Municipal Plan By-Law". On motion of Councillor Knibb Seconded by Councillor Trites RESOLVED that the by-law entitled, "A Law To Amend The Municipal Plan By-Law", by redesignating on Schedule 2-A, the Future Land Use Plan, a parcel of land located at 70-80 Bridge Street (NBGIC Numbers 373845 and 373852), having a frontage of approximately 75 feet on the east side of Bridge Street and a depth of approximately 130 feet, from Medium Density Residential to Light Industrial classification, be read a second time. Question being taken, the motion was carried. Read a second time the by-law entitled, "A Law To Amend The Municipal Plan By-Law". On motion of Councillor Knibb Seconded by Councillor Vincent RESOLVED that the by-law to amend the Zoning By-Law of the City of Saint John, insofar as it concerns re-zoning a parcel of land located at 70-80 Bridge Street (NBGIC Numbers 373845 and 373852), having a frontage of approximately 75 feet on the east side of Bridge Street and a depth of approximately 130 feet, from "RM-1" Three-Storey Multiple Residential to "1-1" Light Industrial classification, pursuant to Section 39 of the Community Planning Act as recommended by the Planning Advisory Committee, be read a first time. Question being taken, the motion was carried. Read a first time the by-law to amend the Zoning By-Law of the City of Saint John. On motion of Councillor Knibb Seconded by Councillor Trites RESOLVED that the by-law to amend the Zoning By-Law of the City of Saint John, insofar as it concerns re-zoning a parcel of land located at 70-80 Bridge Street (NBGIC Numbers 373845 and 373852), having a frontage of approximately 75 feet on the east side of Bridge Street and a depth of approximately 130 feet, from "RM-1" Three-Storey Multiple Residential to "1-1" Light Industrial classification, pursuant to Section 39 of the Community Planning Act as recommended by the Planning Advisory Committee, be read a second time. Question being taken, the motion was carried. 85-692 COMMON COUNCIL FEBRUARY 12, 1996 Read a second time the by-law to amend the Zoning By-Law of the City of Saint John. On motion of Councillor Knibb Seconded by Councillor Vincent RESOLVED that the correspondence regarding the above-proposed amendments be received and filed. Question being taken, the motion was carried. 4(a) Zoning By-Law Text Amendment "AE" Adult Entertainment Zone The Common Clerk advised that the necessary advertising was completed with regard to a proposed Zoning By-Law text amendment to add an "AE" Adult Entertainment zone, to regulate the location of adult entertainment uses within the City of Saint John by establishing a specific zone category for such uses, with no specific properties proposed to be re-zoned to this new zone category at this time, and 4{c) a letter in opposition was received from Allan Kincade; as well as 4{d) a petition from a number of residents, and letters and briefs regarding the proposed text amendment from the Saint John Regional Council of Home & Schools, Dorothy Delaney, the Downtown Ministers' Association, Monica E. Mooney, the Greater Saint John Ministerial Association, Clark, Drummie & Company on behalf of the Trinity Royal Merchants, and Michael Moore (copies of the latter were distributed to Council members at the meeting). 4{b) Consideration was also given to a report from the Planning Advisory Committee submitting a copy of the Planning Department's report and other correspondence considered at the Committee's February 6 meeting at which a large number of persons was in attendance in support of the amendment and the Anti- Pornography Coalition indicated it would recommend further changes to the proposed amendment, and no persons addressed the Committee in opposition to the proposal; and recommending that Common Council amend the City of Saint John Zoning By-Law by:- 1. adding to Section 20 the following definitions: "massage parlour" means an establishment where, for any form of consideration, massage is administered to the human body for sexual pleasure; and which is characterized by an emphasis on sexual activities; "adult entertainment facility" means any premises or part thereof in which is provided services of which a principal feature of characteristic is the nudity or partial nudity of any person; "adult bookstore or video rental" includes any establishment or place for the purpose of retail trade or rental where 20% or more of the value of the total stock in trade in any such establishment or place is comprised of videos, books, magazines; or other periodicals relating to or portrayed as relating to, sexual activities; 2. adding the following to Section 30(1): "Adult Entertainment AE"; 3. adding "AE" to Section 30(5), immediately following "B-3"; 4. adding Section 560 immediately following Section 550, as follows: 560 ADULT ENTERTAINMENT (AE) (1) Uses Any land, building or structure may be used for the purposes of, and for no other purpose than, (a) the following uses: adult entertainment facility; business office; hotel; massage parlour; restaurant; adult bookstore or video rental; beverage room, club or lounge; take-out restaurant; an accessory building, structure or use, incidental to a use, building or structure permitted in this Section; (2) Zone Standards (a) minimum lot area...370 square metres; (b) minimum lot width...nil; (c) minimum side yard...nil; (e) minimum rear yard - interior lot... 7.5 metres, corner 10t...4.5 metres; (f) minimum height...2 storeys; (g) maximum height...125 metres; and 5. amending Section 840 by adding a new sub-section (1) which reads: (1) In an "AE" zone the following signs are permitted: - one facia sign per property with a maximum area of 4.5 sq ft; the facia sign may advertise the name of the use only; the facia sign 85-693 COMMON COUNCIL FEBRUARY 12, 1996 may not be flashing or illuminated intermittently. Mr. Norman Bosse appeared in support of the proposed amendment on behalf of the Trinity Royal Merchants, Uptown Saint John Inc., the Downtown Ministers' Association, The Saint John Anti-Poverty Coalition, the Greater Saint John Ministerial Association, and the South Central Citizens Council; and, referring to a letter from these groups addressed to the Mayor and Members of Common Council, dated February 12, 1996 (copies of which were included in the above-mentioned report from the Planning Advisory Committee), read the letter at this time. Mr. Bosse advised the intent for representatives of these groups to address Council at this public hearing and introduced each group in turn. Mr. Charles Swanton, President of Uptown Saint John Inc. read Uptown Saint John Inc.'s letter in support of the proposed amendment, as presented to the Planning Advisory Committee (copies of which were included in the above-mentioned report from the Committee) which explains the reasons for opposing an exotic dance club locating in an historic property area and the Uptown area. Rev. Dr. Mark G. McKim, President of the Downtown Minister's Association, spoke in support of the proposed amendment, representing churches and groups from the Anglican, Baptist, Lutheran, Presbyterian, Salvation Army, United, and Roman Catholic traditions; highlighted the Association's above-mentioned brief to Council in this regard which expresses support for the idea of a by-law creating an "AE" category or classification, although not recommending the establishment of a specific geographical zone for such businesses. Rev. McKim expressed the belief that it is not enough to have such a classification in place and the requirement for public hearings in that there is a need for specific restrictions on where such businesses can locate; and asked Council to adopt the limitations suggested in the Association's brief as part of the "AE" classification. Rev. David E. Nicholson appeared in support of the proposed amendment on behalf of the Greater Saint John Ministerial Association; and read the previously-submitted brief outlining the Association's concern about the far-reaching, harmful effects the proposed type of business would have on the population of the City, spiritually, emotionally, physically and intellectually. Mmes. Heather DeBouver and Sherry Golding addressed Council, in turn, on behalf of The Saint John Anti-Pornography Coalition, in support of the proposed amendment. Ms. DeBouver advised the Coalition's intent to research this issue and lobby Council to ensure that the citizens of Saint John are protected by an effective by-law that would withstand a court challenge and also that, while the Coalition believes that a prohibitive by-law would be much more effective in protecting citizens from the harmful effects of the adult entertainment industry, the Coalition has been concerned about this serious issue since March 1994 when it asked Council for a by-law to regulate and control pornography and to disallow strip shows. Ms. DeBouver and Ms. Golding cited quotes and statistics to indicate that the adult entertainment industry is linked to organized crime, violence, destroys the fabric of communities and profits from the exploitation and abuse of women and children; and commented on the action being taken by other municipalities in response to growing public concerns about the adult entertainment industry, as referenced in the Coalition's brief to the Planning Advisory Committee (copies of which were submitted with the above-mentioned report from the Committee). Mmes. DeBouver and Golding distributed to Council members at this time copies of the Coalition's presentation to Council and a pamphlet in this regard. Mr. Bosse noted that, although Mr. Dominick Eden of the South Central Citizens Council was not present to address Council, he did make a presentation in favour of the proposed amendment to the Planning Advisory Committee; and, in speaking in support of the proposed amendment on behalf of the Trinity Royal Merchants, highlighted the above-mentioned letter from Clark, Drummie & Company on behalf of the Trinity Royal Merchants with respect to Council's authority to enact the type of by-law proposed and the Trinity Royal Merchants' quiet enjoyment of their property rights. Mr. Dan MacDonald of Rothesay, representing Commercial Properties Ltd., owners of the properties located at 2 King Street and 60,66 and 72 Prince William 85-694 COMMON COUNCIL FEBRUARY 12, 1996 Street, appeared in support of the proposed amendment on behalf of the tenants of these properties which are located in the Trinity Royal heritage area; expressed concern that businesses at these locations might suffer and future business opportunities would be lost; and expressed support for any by-law changes that would prevent or restrict the location of adult entertainment facilities in the City of Saint John. Mr. Innis McCready introduced himself as a resident of the Greater Saint John Region who has worked in the City for over 35 years; and, appearing in support of the proposed amendment, asked what benefit and value would be brought to the City and the Greater Saint John Region by the activity and entertainment this type of zoning would allow. On motion of Councillor Knibb Seconded by Councillor Vincent RESOLVED that the by-law to amend the Zoning By-Law of the City of Saint John, to establish an "AE" Adult Entertainment zone, be read a first time. Question being taken, the motion was carried. Read a first time the by-law to amend the Zoning By-Law of the City of Saint John. On motion of Councillor Knibb Seconded by Councillor Trites RESOLVED that the by-law to amend the Zoning By-Law of the City of Saint John, to establish an "AE" Adult Entertainment zone, be read a second time. Question being taken, the motion was carried. Read a second time the by-law to amend the Zoning By-Law of the City of Saint John. On motion of Councillor Knibb Seconded by Councillor Vincent RESOLVED that the correspondence regarding the above-proposed amendment be received and filed. Question being taken, the motion was carried. 6. Mavor's Remarks Mayor McAlary proclaimed February 19 to 25 as Heritage Week, and February 19 as Heritage Day; February 11 to 19 as Harmony Awareness Week in promotion of barbershop harmony; February 15 as National Flag of Canada Day, in the City of Saint John, and noted her previous proclamation of February 14 as Milk Day in the City. The Mayor advised of the establishment of the Denise Ross Fire Fund at the Bank of Montreal to assist Denise Ross who lost all of her possessions in a fire on Germain Street on February 2. Councillor Waldschutz congratulated the members of the Saint John String Quartet who won first prize in their category at the East Coast Music Awards. 7. Fundy Region Solid Waste Commission Response To January 29 Council Resolution Consideration was given to a letter to the Mayor from Mr. David N. Stevens, Project Manager of the Fundy Region Solid Waste Commission, advising that, with regard to Common Council resolution of January 29, 1996 requesting the Commission to conduct a teach-in for the benefit of Council and citizens, the Commission, at a general meeting on February 6, made a motion that, if the Fundy Region Solid Waste Commission hosts a teach-in (for the City of Saint John) on why it 85-695 COMMON COUNCIL FEBRUARY 12, 1996 decided not to call for proposals for the landfill and MaxRF, all participating Fundy Region Mayors and Councils, and Local Service District Committees will also be invited to attend. On motion of Councillor Knibb Seconded by Councillor Vincent RESOLVED that Common Council accept the invitation of the Fundy Region Solid Waste Commission to host a teach-in on why it decided not to call for proposals for the landfill and MaxRF, and to invite all participating Fundy Region Mayors and Councils and Local Service District Committees, and further request that this teach-in be open to the public and the media. Question being taken, the motion was carried. 8. Alternative For Loyalist Festival On motion of Councillor Ball Seconded by Councillor Gould RESOLVED that the letter from Councillor Ball submitting, for Council's consideration, an outline prepared by Mr. Ronald Pearce for an alternative for the Loyalist Festival -- be referred to the City Manager to disseminate to interested groups in the City. Question being taken, the motion was carried. 9. Revised Contract With Animal Rescue LeaQue Consideration was given to a report from the City Manager advising that, subsequent to Common Council resolution of January 15, 1996 approving a contract between the City and the Animal Rescue League for the provision of animal control services, the Board of the Animal Rescue League, while having previously approved the wording of the contract, once more reviewed its contents and, upon reflection, felt that some additional changes were necessary; outlining the proposed changes; and recommending approval of the contract as submitted. On motion of Councillor Knibb Seconded by Councillor Vincent RESOLVED that as recommended by the Acting City Manager, Common Council approve the revised contract with the Animal Rescue League, as submitted, for the provision of animal control services to the City of Saint John. Question being taken, the motion was carried. 10. Committee Of The Whole Report Read the 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 February 5, 1996, when there were present Mayor McAlary and Councillors Arthurs, Ball, Brown, Chase, Fitzpatrick, Gould, Knibb, Trites and Vincent, and your Committee submits the following recommendations, namely:- 85-696 COMMON COUNCIL FEBRUARY 12, 1996 1. That as recommended by the Nominating Committee, Stephen D. MacMackin be appointed to the Greater Saint John Economic Development Commission (Enterprise Saint John) for a term of three years, replacing Paul Allingham, who has resigned from the Commission. 2 That G. E. (Ed) Graham, Edward Bates and Donald Royal be appointed to the Power Commission for a term of three years, effective February 15, 1996. 3. That as recommended by the Nominating Committee, Joe Mott be appointed to the Recreation and Parks Advisory Board for a term of three years. 4. That as recommended by the Nominating Committee, the following appointments be made to the Preservation Review Board: Donna Reardon for a term to expire December 31, 1996; Janet Edwards and Phillip Huggard for a term to expire December 31, 1997; and Harold E. Wright and Rita Arbow for a term to expire December 31, 1998 (Donald Gillis, Darroch White and Stephen Alexander having resigned from the Board, and Council having increased the membership from seven to nine members). 5. That as recommended by the Acting City Manager, Common Council, in consideration of the sum of one dollar plus all expenses associated with this transaction, grant an easement to the Estate of Leonard L. Doucette for that portion of the dwelling located at 382 Eldersley Avenue encroached upon the City-owned property identified in the Saint John County Registry Office in book 231 on page 120 as document number 126398, subject to the following terms, conditions, covenants and provisions:- (1) this easement will cover an area of approximately 17m2 as shown on Kierstead, Quigley and Roberts Ltd. Survey Plan dated December 4, 1995 (submitted); (2) this easement will exist until such time as the encroachment is destroyed or removed or otherwise ceases to encroach thereon, whereupon this easement and all rights incidental thereto shall terminate; (3) the City of Saint John will not be held liable for any damages caused to the dwelling as a result of the existing or future adjacent municipal services, or the performance of work thereupon; (4) it is the responsibility of the Estate of Leonard L. Doucette, or successors in title, to secure the encroached dwelling, foundation or contents within or around the dwelling, in the event work is performed on the adjacent municipal services or in the event new municipal services are installed near the encroached dwelling; (5) the Estate of Leonard Doucette, or successors in title, are granted permission to enter upon the adjacent City property, from time to time, to perform maintenance, repairs or visual inspections on that portion of the dwelling which encroaches on the City property; (6) the Estate of Leonard Doucette, or successors in title, agree to hold the City of Saint John harmless for any liability or liable action which may occur, now or in the future, on any portion of the subject property, the area of the encroachment, or property of the Estate of Leonard Doucette, or successors in title, due to the granting of this easement; and (7) the Mayor and Common Clerk be authorized to execute such documentation as to be acceptable to the City Solicitor as to form and legality as is necessary to give effect to this recommendation. 6. That as recommended by the City Manager, (1) Common Council approve and authorize Uptown Saint John Inc. to manage the Upper Floor Grant Program for the year 1996; (2) the current Upper Floor Grant Committee be dissolved and all members be thanked; (3) a new committee be formed by Uptown Saint John Inc. and comprised of appointments made by Uptown Saint John Inc. and two City staff appointed by the City Manager; (4) the new committee be given the authority to process applications and make recommendations to Council for the approval of applications and the amount for each project; (5) the incentive grant for anyone project may not exceed $5,000 or 80% of the actual cost (whichever is less), and this grant will be paid to the applicant(s) upon satisfactory completion of a study to identify market potential, project design, planning and economic feasibility within 6 months of approval; and (6) an amount of $5,000 be placed at the disposal of the new committee, through Uptown Saint John Inc., to carry out the incentive grant promotion, through brochures, newspapers, radio, television ads and other related expenses. February 12, 1996, Saint John, N.B. Respectfully submitted, (sgd.) Shirley McAlary, C h air man. 85-697 COMMON COUNCIL FEBRUARY 12, 1996 10.1. Greater Saint John Economic Development Commission (Enterprise Saint John) On motion of Councillor Knibb Seconded by Deputy Mayor Chase RESOLVED that section 1 of the above report be adopted. Question being taken, the motion was carried. 10.2. Power Commission On motion of Councillor Knibb Seconded by Councillor Fitzpatrick RESOLVED that section 2 of the above report be adopted. Question being taken, the motion was carried with Deputy Mayor Chase and Councillors Ball, Vincent and Waldschutz voting "nay". 10.3. Recreation & Parks Advisorv Board On motion of Councillor Knibb Seconded by Councillor Vincent RESOLVED that section 3 of the above report be adopted. Question being taken, the motion was carried. 10.4. Preservation Review Board On motion of Councillor Knibb Seconded by Councillor Waldschutz RESOLVED that section 4 of the above report be adopted. (Councillor Trites withdrew from the meeting.) Question being taken, the motion was carried. 10.5. 382 Eldersley Avenue On motion of Councillor Knibb Seconded by Councillor Vincent RESOLVED that section 5 of the above report be adopted. Question being taken, the motion was carried. 10.6. Upper Floor Grant ProQram On motion of Councillor Knibb Seconded by Councillor Brown RESOLVED that section 6 of the above report be adopted. 85-698 COMMON COUNCIL FEBRUARY 12, 1996 Question being taken, the motion was carried. 11. Harbour Station - 1996 Capital BudQet On motion of Councillor Knibb Seconded by Councillor Vincent RESOLVED that the letter Mr. Howard Crosley, General Manager of Harbour Station, requesting Council's approval of the Harbour Station 1996 Capital Budget for projects up to $100,000 aggregate to be financed entirely from the Capital Replacement and Repair Fund, such Fund being accumulations of ticket service charges; and advising that the proposed Capital Budget Projects are as per the submitted list and will be completed to the extent that the fund allows -- be received and filed and Council authorize Harbour Station to expend the money as requested on its Capital Projects. Question being taken, the motion was carried. 12. Planning Advisory Committee Street & Municipal Services Easement VestinQ - 132-136 Station Street On motion of Councillor Knibb Seconded by Councillor Fitzpatrick RESOLVED that as recommended by the Planning Advisory Committee, Common Council assent to the submitted photo- reduced subdivision plan with regard to 132-136 Station Street that would: (a) vest a 17 -square metre (180-square foot) parcel of land into the Station Street public right-of- way; and (b) vest a 78-square metre (840 square-foot) municipal services easement. Question being taken, the motion was carried. 13. Elsie E. Wayne, M.P. GST Reform On motion of Councillor Knibb Seconded by Deputy Mayor Chase RESOLVED that the letter from Mrs. Elsie E. Wayne, M.P. Saint John, advising that she will do all she can to ensure that GST reform does not result in a greater tax burden for municipal governments; and submitting a copy of her letter to Revenue Minister The Honourable Jane Stewart and Finance Minister The Honourable Paul Martin -- be received and filed with appreciation. (Councillor Trites re-entered the meeting.) Question being taken, the motion was carried. 14. Julia McCluskey 74 Prince William Street On motion of Councillor Knibb Seconded by Councillor Ball RESOLVED that the letter from Mrs. Julia McCluskey expressing concern about the location in the Uptown area of Chez Cherie at 74 Prince William Street -- be received and filed. Question being taken, the motion was carried. 85-699 COMMON COUNCIL FEBRUARY 12, 1996 15. Wheelabrator Clean Water Systems Canada Inc. In Sanitary LandfilllWaste Diversion Proiect On motion of Councillor Knibb Seconded by Deputy Mayor Chase RESOLVED that the letter from Mr. Wallace MacKinnon, Project Vice President of Wheelabrator Clean Water Systems Canada Inc., requesting to make a presentation to Council on the Wheelabrator/IPS Project Team's involvement with the Fundy Region Solid Waste Commission and its sanitary landfill/waste diversion project -- be received and filed. Councillor Knibb, prior to proposing the above motion, asked the Mayor for advice on whether or not Council should wait until after the anticipated teach-in by the Commission to hear from Wheelabrator; and the Mayor, Chairman of the Fundy Region Solid Waste Commission, suggested that Council should wait also until the Commission has Cabinet's approval in that the IPS Team would not begin negotiations until the Commission has Cabinet's decision, and also that the above letter could be received and filed. Question being taken, the motion was carried. 16(a) George Robertson Work ProQram For Unemployed On motion of Councillor Knibb Seconded by Councillor Ball RESOLVED that the letter from Mr. George Robertson proposing that the City of Saint John, in view the number of people who are currently unemployed, consider utilizing the vacant Red Rose Tea building to house a facility to put people to useful productive work -- be referred to the City Manager. Question being taken, the motion was carried. 16{b) GeorQe Robertson - Traffic Paint On motion of Councillor Vincent Seconded by Deputy Mayor Chase RESOLVED that the letter from Mr. George Robertson suggesting that crosswalks and lane arrows, etcetera, should be painted with yellow, rather than white -- be referred to the City Manager. Question being taken, the motion was carried. 17. Sandra Lendorf - Re-Zoning 172 Wentworth Street On motion of Councillor Knibb Seconded by Councillor Ball RESOLVED that the application of Ms. Sandra Lendorf for the re-zoning of 172 Wentworth Street be referred to the Planning Advisory Committee for a report and recommendation and the necessary advertising be authorized in this regard, with the public hearing to be held on Monday, March 25, 1996, at 7:00 o'clock p.m. Question being taken, the motion was carried. 85-700 COMMON COUNCIL FEBRUARY 12, 1996 18. Christine Morgan - Donation Forum For YounQ Canadians On motion of Deputy Mayor Chase Seconded by Councillor Knibb RESOLVED that the letter from Ms. Christine Morgan requesting a donation towards her participation in the Forum For Young Canadians -- be received and filed with the suggestion that Ms. Morgan contact the Council members on an individual basis. Deputy Mayor Chase's initial motion was to refer the above request to the City Manager for a recommendation, and the Mayor suggested that Council could receive and file the above letter and suggest that Ms. Morgan contact the Council members on an individual basis. Question being taken, the motion was carried. The Mayor noted Council's completion of the agenda items with the exception of item 5 scheduled for 9:00 o'clock p.m., such hour not having yet arrived. On motion of Councillor Trites Seconded by Councillor Knibb RESOLVED that this meeting recess until 9:00 o'clock p.m. on this date, or earlier should representatives of the Fundy Region Development Commission be available, for the Commission's scheduled presentation. Question being taken, the motion was carried. Following the above-mentioned recess, the Council meeting reconvened at 8:25 o'clock p.m. when there were present Mayor McAlary and Councillors Ball, Brown, Fitzpatrick, Gould, Knibb, Trites, Vincent and Waldschutz. 5. Fundy Region Development Commission 1994/1995 Annual Report Messrs. E. Neil McKelvey, Chairman, and James Balcomb, General Manager, of Fundy Region Development Commission Inc., were present at the meeting to present the Commission's 1994/1995 Annual Report. Mr. McKelvey apprised Council of the manner in which the Fundy Region Development Commission carries out its mandate to foster economic development in the Counties of Charlotte, Saint John and Kings; and highlighted the previously- submitted 1994/1995 Annual Report, noting the number of businesses assisted by the Commission in getting start-up financing and through the provision of counselling sessions. Mr. McKelvey described the relationship between the Commission and Enterprise Saint John as very good, and also how the two groups work together, Enterprise Saint John being basically a seek-and-find organization while the Commission's job is to help small and medium businesses and persons who want to start or expand a business; advised that, since the Commission's last report to Council, it now has four new members - Fairvale, Gondola Point, Westfield and Sussex Corner, bringing the number up to twelve municipalities; and, having commented on the Commission's revenue and the City's contribution to the extent that it is currently $35,000 while at one time it was based on one dollar per head of population, urged Council to see if it could increase the City's contribution to one dollar per head, or by $35,000 to $37,000, otherwise the Commission would have to cut back on the services of its economic development officers which would result in an inability to serve as many people as being currently served. Mr. Balcomb addressed Council with respect to the activity at the Business Resource Centre which houses the Commission, Enterprise Saint John, the 85-701 COMMON COUNCIL FEBRUARY 12, 1996 Board of Trade, the National Research Council, Uptown Saint John Inc., ACOA, and Economic Development and Tourism, on the basis of his opinion that the Centre has the best lay-out, location and working relationship among the partners of any of the other cities in any of the other locations thus far throughout the Province, and the Commission's take-up of entrepreneurship being the largest among the twelve commissions in the Province, because it is the largest with nearly 25% of the Province's population; and commented on the Commission's development of a five-year Strategic Plan, which is due to start in December 1996. Messrs. Balcomb and McKelvey responded to Council queries with regard to the number of ACOA grants in Saint John County compared to the other two counties represented by the Commission, the Student Venture Program, the Commission's revenue from its members, the extent of enquiries and applications with respect to eco-tourism activities, and the concept of bringing the Fundy area together politically through the establishment of a regional council. (Councillor Arthurs and Deputy Mayor Chase re-entered the meeting during the above discussion.) On motion of Councillor Knibb Seconded by Councillor Ball RESOLVED that the presentation by Messrs. E. Neil McKelvey, Chairman, and James Balcomb, General Manager of the Fundy Region Development Commission, of the Commission's 1994/1995 Annual Report -- be received and filed with appreciation. Question being taken, the motion was carried. Adiournment The meeting was adjourned. Common Clerk