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1996-04-22_Minutes 85-801 COMMON COUNCIL APRIL 22, 1996 At a meeting of the Common Council, held at the City Hall in the City of Saint John, on Monday, the twenty-second day of April, A.D. 1996, at 7:00 o'clock p.m. present Shirley McAlary, Mayor Councillors Arthurs, Ball, Brown, Chase, Fitzpatrick, Gould, Knibb, Trites and Waldschutz - and - Messrs. 1. Totten, City Manager; J. Nugent, Acting City Solicitor; D. Wilson, Commissioner of Finance; 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; J. Baird, Manager, Community Planning; W. Edwards, Building Inspector; G. Tait, Fire Chief; A. Bodechon, Assistant Deputy Chief of Police; Ms. C. Joyce, Assistant Common Clerk; and Mrs. L. Linton, Secretary. 1. MeetinQ Called To Order - OpeninQ Prayer Mayor McAlary called the meeting to order, and Reverend David Warren, Pastor of the Saint John Foursquare Gospel Church, offered the opening prayer. * Added Item The Mayor called for a motion to add to the agenda of this meeting item 26 which was considered in Committee of the Whole earlier this date. On motion of Councillor Knibb Seconded by Councillor Ball RESOLVED that item 26 concerning the appointment of an Acting City Solicitor be added to the agenda for consideration as item 1 A. Question being taken, the motion was carried. *1A. Appointment of ActinQ City Solicitor The Mayor noted the April 19 retirement of Mr. Frank Rodgers from the position of City Solicitor, and called for a motion to appoint Mr. John Nugent Acting City Solicitor. On motion of Councillor Knibb Seconded by Councillor Gould RESOLVED that Mr. John Nugent be appointed Acting City Solicitor. Question being taken, the motion was carried. 2. Approval of Minutes On motion of Councillor Knibb Seconded by Councillor Arthurs RESOLVED that minutes of the meeting of Common Council, held on April 15, 1996, be approved. Question being taken, the motion was carried. 85-802 COMMON COUNCIL APRIL 22, 1996 3(a) Section 39 Amendment To Conditions Of Re-ZoninQ 25-29 Golden Grove Road The Assistant Common Clerk advised that the necessary advertising was completed with regard to a proposed amendment to the Section 39 conditions imposed on the 1994 re-zoning of a parcel of land located at 25-29 Golden Grove Road (NBGIC Numbers 301598,307462 and 300988), to permit the development of a neighbourhood commercial plaza consisting of an approximately 40-foot by 150-foot building containing retail, service and office uses, as requested by Mr. Peter C. Bardsley, and no written objections were received in this regard, with 3{b) a letter having been received from the applicant requesting a postponement of the public hearing to allow more time to negotiate with City staff on the purchase of some adjoining City land. On motion of Councillor Knibb Seconded by Deputy Mayor Chase RESOLVED that public hearing scheduled for April 22, 1996 with regard to the application of Mr. Peter C. Bardsley for a proposed amendment to the Section 39 conditions imposed on the 1994 re-zoning of a parcel of land located at 25-29 Golden Grove Road (NBGIC Numbers 301598, 307462 and 300988), be cancelled. The initial motion proposed was to postpone the public hearing, whereupon the Mayor advised that the motion would be to cancel the public hearing as it would be necessary for the process for a public hearing to start over again upon submission of another application. Question being taken, the motion was carried. 4. Municipal Plan Amendment 42 Broad Street, 33 Broadview Avenue And 251 Sydney Street Public presentation was made of a proposed Municipal Plan amendment to redesignate on Schedule 2-A, the Future Land Use Plan, four parcels of land identified as 42 Broad Street (NBGIC Numbers 331 and 55036248), having an area of 6,000 square feet; 33 Broadview Avenue (NBGIC Number 307), having an area of 1,875 square feet; and 251 Sydney Street (NBGIC Number 299), having an area of 8,000 square feet, from Medium Density Residential to Light Industrial classification, to re-zone the subject properties to an "1-1" Light Industrial classification to permit future expansion to an existing development, as requested by Harris & Roome Supply Limited and the City of Saint John. 5. Municipal Plan Amendment 22. 26. 30. 32 Pokiok Road Public presentation was made of a proposed Municipal Plan amendment to redesignate on Schedule 2-A, the Future Land Use Plan, the properties at 22 Pokiok Road (NBGIC Number 40295),26 Pokiok Road (NBGIC Numbers 55074280,40303 and 55097810); 30 Pokiok Road (NBGIC Number 46672); and 32 Pokiok Road (NBGIC Number 46680), from Open Space to Low Density Residential classification, to recognize the existing use of the properties for residential purposes and to permit the re-zoning of the properties to an "R-2" One- and Two-Family Residential zone. 7. Mavor's Remarks The Mayor proclaimed April 28 as the Annual Day of Mourning in Saint John in commemoration of hundreds of Canadians killed and disabled each year in workplace accidents and disease, April 25 as Canada Book Day as a day to celebrate the joy of reading, and the week of April 24 to 28 as Kids Sense Week in support of the International Council of Shopping Centres' efforts to raise awareness of safety issues; and extended an invitation to all citizens to visit on April 28 with Prince Charles who will be attending the official opening of the New Brunswick Museum at Market Square and a civic ceremony at City Hall. Mayor McAlary commented on the Visiting Friends and Relatives Program; and, in response to a request from Deputy Mayor Chase earlier in 85-803 COMMON COUNCIL APRIL 22, 1996 the meeting for a matter regarding blasting in the Milford area to be considered under Mayor's Remarks, asked Mr. MacKinnon to update Council in this regard. Mr. MacKinnon advised that the Irving company has an excavation permit to excavate rock or material in the Milford area which will go to the Mill Cove area to reclaim the part of the river between the Irving Pulp and Paper Plant and the train bridge, and that all permits are in order and the complaints of the citizens have been addressed; and Mr. Edwards commented on the anticipated extent and duration of the blasting. Councillor Waldschutz noted the use of Loyalist Plaza by young people as a skateboarding area, and questioned the possibility of locating an alternate site for this activity, away from pedestrian traffic. Mayor McAlary made the observation that this matter has been addressed by Council previously and could be referred again to staff. 6. TIRU (New Brunswick) Inc. Proposal For Solid Waste ManaQement Further to Council's invitation of April 1 for TIRU to address Council on its proposal for solid waste management, Messrs. Armand Bannister of Tiru (New Brunswick) Inc., Gerry Clooney, Vice Chairman of Westmorland-Albert Solid Waste Corporation (WASWC), and Hollis Cole, President of ADI Limited, the consulting firm in this regard, were present in this regard. Mr. Bannister apprised Council of the partnership arrangement between TIRU and WASWC for the integrated waste management system in Southeastern New Brunswick, and Mr. Clooney advised that this public-private partnership in Moncton for the operation of its solid waste facility involves an integrated system including not only a landfill operation constructed by the WASWC itself but a recycling site for which the Corporation entered into an agreement with TIRU for its operation, construction, financing and design, and that WASWC, as the owner of the site, has the responsibility for maintaining the site and will continue to own it beyond the 20-year agreement with TIRU. Mr. Clooney also advised that WASWC exists with a mission of adhering to environmental protection, social acceptability and economic feasibility in all its considerations and has a responsibility to its stakeholders who are the people from the Westmorland-Albert communities, and those factors have to be considered when WASWC considers a request from another municipality or community with respect to transferring of waste. Mr. Bannister, through an overhead slide presentation, reviewed the process followed in Westmorland-Albert from 1988 which led to the siting and establishment of a sanitary landfill and a processing and recycling facility in 1995; and described, what he referred to as, the TIRU Solution as it pertains to an integrated waste management strategy for the Fundy area based somewhat on the Southeastern New Brunswick experience and adapted to the particular needs of the area, which would include a maximum recycling facility housing three main areas - a tipping floor where waste would be delivered, a central sortation system and a central composting plant, as well as a regional landfill. With respect to cost, Mr. Bannister advised that $15 million to $20 million would be required to build a central recycling and central composting facility of the sort needed in the Fundy Region based on an initial estimate of 115,000 tonnes of waste material and, as far as the landfill component, it would appear that a very minimum of $12 million to some $20 million would be required, for a total of between $27 million and $40 million; and, as he estimates 85,000 tonnes to as much as 90,000 for the Fundy Region based on a comparison with the urban population in Westmorland-Albert of 140,000 with the Fundy Region's approximate population of 130,000, the investment would decrease with a decrease in the tonnage; and suggested sources of funding to reduce the eventual cost, including possible infrastructure money and Provincial funds on the landfill component, explaining that this, as well as the amount of the private sector investment, would have a bearing on the amount of the tipping fee, although he would estimate a fee above the $40 per tonne in Westmorland-Albert and would hesitate to say that it could be brought below $60 per tonne. Mr. Bannister proposed that there is only one way to find out what the tipping fee would be and that being to open up a process for legitimate and reputable firms to put forth proposals to the Fundy Region Solid Waste Commission; and commented on the anticipated job creation and community investment should the Fundy Region proceed with facilities like 85-804 COMMON COUNCIL APRIL 22, 1996 the one TIRU suggested in its August 1995 letters to the Commission. Mr. Bannister referenced a pamphlet (copies of which were distributed to Council members at this meeting) which included much of the information he related during his presentation. Mayor McAlary, Chairman of the Fundy Region Solid Waste Commission, noted her privilege of having previously heard TIRU's presentation, as well as the Commission's mandate with respect to solid waste management, and expressed appreciation for the above presentation. Mr. Bannister, in response to Council queries, advised that ownership and operation of the facility would be negotiable and, from the time of negotiations and a firm undertaking is given, a facility of the type described above could be constructed in 15 to 20 months depending on the time of year agreement is reached and precisely what is to be built, and such a facility would be much advanced from even the one in Moncton because of the knowledge and learning that takes place; and also advised that, with the two-bag collection system described, the City could use its present collection vehicles on a one-pass collection. As to whether or not Westmorland-Albert would receive the Fundy Region's solid waste on a long-term basis, Mr. Bannister advised that neither TIRU nor WASWC has ever entertained the thought of long-term full waste receipt in the Moncton area, and correspondence to the Fundy Region Solid Waste Commission in August 1995 indicated that the $60 per tonne offer would include building a facility in the Region as described, assisting in the siting of a landfill if required and, in the interim, handling the waste including the transportation, but never was there any thought of handling the whole waste stream on a long-term basis. Concerning the average household cost based on this cost in Southeastern New Brunswick, Mr. Bannister estimated $38 per family per year for the residential component paid for in taxes and $30 per family per year as the average cost of the collection component, and advised that, as there are now some costs the Fundy Region may not be able to avoid, it may be that the Fundy Region can keep its cost below $100 per family per year, compared to the less than $80 cost per family per year in Southeastern New Brunswick. With regard to the capacity of the Westmorland- Albert facility, Mr. Bannister advised that its capacity is in the order of 14 million tonnes of waste which indicates that, if everything were buried and no diversion were to take place, the facility would be good for in excess of 125 years; however, with diversion, the facility is good for over 200 years. 8. Provincial HiQhways Consideration was given to a letter from Councillor Waldschutz advising that he attended a meeting of the Cities of New Brunswick Association's Transportation, Communications, Economic Development and Urban Sprawl Committee on April 18 at which a motion was proposed seeking the Committee's support for upgrading Route 108 between Plaster Rock to Renous for all-season truck traffic use, and, although the motion did not pass, neither has it gone away as there will be a poll by telephone conference call so that this motion could be presented at the Association's 1996 Spring Meeting in May; and asking that Council either approve his stand by, firstly, supporting full twinning (4 laning) of the roads between Saint John and St. Stephen, Fredericton and Moncton, and then lending support to upgrading the route from Jemseg to Coles Island and then down to Sussex, or to provide him with guidance in this regard. Councillor Knibb asked if a motion were in order in support of the position taken by Councillor Waldschutz; and discussion ensued during which time Councillor Trites noted that, while Council continues to work for major highway improvements in the southern part of the Province, it must also share highways improvements with other parts of the Province, and also that the intent of the representative from the City of Miramichi was simply to get support for the matter of upgrading Route 108 to be placed on the Association's agenda. The Mayor suggested that the motion could be to support placing the resolution with respect to Route 108 on the Association's agenda, and also to give support to the City of Saint John meeting with the Minister with regard to the highway from Coles Island to Sussex Corner to Salisbury. 85-805 COMMON COUNCIL APRIL 22, 1996 On motion of Councillor Trites Seconded by Councillor Fitzpatrick RESOLVED that the Common Council of the City of Saint John support placing the resolution for upgrading Route 108 between Plaster Rock to Renous for all-season truck traffic use on the agenda of the Cities of New Brunswick Association for consideration at its 1996 Spring Meeting. Question being taken, the motion was carried with Councillor Knibb voting "nay". 9. False Alarm Bv-Law On motion of Councillor Knibb Seconded by Councillor Trites RESOLVED that the report from the City Manager advising of the problem caused the Saint John Fire Department by false or needless fire alarms; and recommending that Common Council support the efforts of the Fire Chief to reduce the incidents of false alarms by giving its support to the submitted proposed Fire Alarm Systems By-Law and referring it to the Legal Department to be checked for legality and form -- be received and filed and the recommendation adopted. Question being taken, the motion was carried. 10. City-Owned Property - Fundv HeiQhts On motion of Councillor Knibb Seconded by Councillor Trites RESOLVED that the report from the City Manager responding to the letter considered by Council on April 15 from Mr. Donald W. Smith concerning two City-owned properties in Fundy Heights -- be received and filed and a copy be forwarded to Mr. Donald W. Smith for his information. Question being taken, the motion was carried. 11. Sale of Surplus Properties. Phase 1 Consideration was given to a report from the City Manager referring to the list of all City properties that Council received and filed on February 19; and submitting a recommendation that the list of properties as indicated be deemed surplus to the City's needs and offered for public sale. On motion of Councillor Knibb Seconded by Councillor Trites RESOLVED that as recommended by the City Manager, Common Council (1) deem the following properties surplus to the City's needs; and (2) authorize staff to advertise for the purpose of calling tenders for the sale of the subject properties:- 2 York Street (NBGIC Number 55071583); 4 York Street (NBGIC Number 317578); 50 Oakland Avenue (NBGIC Numbers 416198,55039481, 55039473, 55039465 and 55039457); 55 Oakland Avenue (NBGIC Number 430991); 79 Tisdale Street (NBGIC Numbers 55030910,55030902,55030894,55030886, 55030878 and 415760); 390 Russell Hill Road (NBGIC Number 414672); 315 Metcalf Street (NBGIC Number 55040224); 199 Cranston Avenue (NBGIC Number 31401); 27 Lockhart Street (NBGIC Number 24950); 26 Lockhart Street (NBGIC Number 24927); 477 Millidge Avenue (NBGIC Number 55115059); and 481 Millidge Avenue (NBGIC Number 55115042). 85-806 COMMON COUNCIL APRIL 22, 1996 Question being taken, the motion was carried. 12. Property At 4 DouQlas Avenue Read a report from the City Manager advising that officials of the Douglas Avenue Christian Church have approached the City requesting to purchase the property at 4 Douglas Avenue, such property having been acquired by the City in 1969 as part of the North End Urban Renewal Scheme to facilitate the widening of Main Street, and the balance of the subject property is currently used by the Church for parishioner parking; and submitting a recommendation in this regard. On motion of Councillor Knibb Seconded by Councillor Gould RESOLVED that as recommended by the City Manager, Common Council authorize the sale of 4 Douglas Avenue (NBGIC Number 55085757), also known as the remnant of Lot F-11-20-14 (Ward 11, Block 20, Lot 14), to the Douglas Avenue Christian Church for the sum of $5,000, as per the following terms and conditions:- (1) in consideration for not refunding the prepaid $100 annual fee for leasing the subject property, the City will pay the 1996 property taxes for the subject property; (2) the City be responsible for any surveyor appraisal fees deemed necessary to complete this transaction; (3) the City does not warranty as to the environmental conditions or development potential of the subject property; (4) if the buyer so chooses to engage the services of a lawyer, it will be at the expense of the buyer; (5) this sale does not explicitly or implicitly obligate the City to approve any future re-zoning or common alley/right-of-way or closings; and (6) any land required to protect existing municipal services be subdivided prior to the sale; and further that the Mayor and Common Clerk be authorized to execute all such documentation to be acceptable to the City Solicitor as to form and legality as is necessary to give effect to this recommendation. Question being taken, the motion was carried. 13. Subdivision Of McAllister Drive Property Read a report from the City Manager advising that, with the increased interest in developing in the McAllister Drive area, staff would like to take some steps to prepare the property along McAllister Drive and Lakewood Avenue West for disposal and development; and submitting a recommendation in this regard. On motion of Councillor Knibb Seconded by Councillor Waldschutz RESOLVED that as recommended by the City Manager, staff be authorized to subdivide a portion of McAllister Drive property, being NBGIC Numbers 426452,436683 and 55033757, for future street widening purposes, and the Mayor and Common Clerk be authorized to execute all such documentation deemed to be acceptable to the City Solicitor as to form and legality as is necessary to give effect to this recommendation. The request was made for the City Manager to submit a report updating Council on the plans with respect to McAllister Drive from Westmorland Road to Loch Lomond Road. Question being taken, the motion was carried. 14. Proposed One-Family Dwelling 324 Hunters Cove Road Consideration was given to a report from the City Manager advising that, although the submitted copy of a letter from Mr. William P. Jackson requesting a building permit for 324 Hunters Cove Road is addressed to the Planning Advisory 85-807 COMMON COUNCIL APRIL 22, 1996 Committee, it is Council which has the authority to deal with his request in that Section 40 of the Zoning By-Law provides that Council can make the final determination with respect to whether or not satisfactory arrangements have been made for the supply of necessary services for a proposed building; commenting on Mr. Jackson's proposal to build a dwelling on the basis that, while the applicant appears to have made adequate provision to supply the lot with water and sewage disposal facilities, the provision of an appropriate street is also necessary if other services are to be practically available, and the ability of emergency vehicles to respond would be questionable at most times, and possibly impassable during the winter months; and recommending that Common Council not approve the development of a one-family dwelling at 324 Hunters Cove Road with the present arrangements for street and other services. On motion of Councillor Waldschutz Seconded by Councillor Knibb RESOLVED that staff be instructed to investigate under what circumstances it would be possible to issue a building permit to Mr. William P. Jackson for the development of a one-family dwelling at 324 Hunters Cove Road. During discussion Councillor Brown asked whether or not there were persons living nearby the property in question and, if so, if the operation of a diesel generator would bother them, and questioned the possibility of the City being liable for putting services in, if Council approved the issuance of a building permit and the applicant decided to sell the property, as well as about the possibility of the building permit including covenants. Question being taken, the motion was carried with Deputy Mayor Chase and Councillor Brown voting "nay" 15. Workers' Compensation Act Three-Dav WaitinQ Period Consideration was given to a report from the City Manager proposing an initiative to encourage the Government of New Brunswick and the Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Commission to take steps to amend the Workers' Compensation Act by repealing the requirement for a three-day waiting period without pay for employees injured in the line of duty. On motion of Councillor Knibb Seconded by Councillor Fitzpatrick RESOLVED that a copy of the City Manager's report proposing an initiative to encourage the Government of New Brunswick and the Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Commission to take steps to amend the Workers' Compensation Act by repealing the requirement for a three-day waiting period without pay for employees injured in the line of duty -- be referred to The Honourable Roland J. (Roly) Macintyre, Minister of Advanced Education and Labour, and to Mr. Medard Collette, Chairperson of the Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Commission: AND FURTHER that Council adopt the following resolution, namely: WHEREAS the City of Saint John is the major municipal employer in the Province, one which delivers through its employees a wide variety of essential and emergency public services, many of which require employees to work under less than ideal conditions; AND WHEREAS the City of Saint John, as an employer, believes the legitimate interests of injured workers must be duly protected: BE IT RESOLVED that Common Council strongly urge the Minister of Advanced Education and Labour, and the Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Commission to take measures necessary for the repeal of section 38.2(2.2) of the Workers' Compensation Act. 85-808 COMMON COUNCIL APRIL 22, 1996 The Mayor advised her intent to determine at the Executive meeting of the Cities of New Brunswick Association whether or not there would be any support for putting the above resolution on the agenda for the Association's meeting in that there might be other municipalities with the same concern. Question being taken, the motion was carried. 16. HousinQ Incentive ProQram Consideration was given to a report from the City Manager referring to a commitment in the 1996 budget for staff to bring forth modifications, or indeed new programs, aimed at stimulating activity for the purpose of increasing the City's tax base, as well as to the formation of the Residential Tax Base Task Force to examine the variety of steps that can be taken to increase the residential tax base, and to the support expressed by a number of individuals and organizations for the City to introduce an incentive program; and summarizing the five major housing programs offered by the City over the past twenty years, and the key elements of a proposed incentive program which is recommended for Council's adoption. On motion of Councillor Knibb Seconded by Councillor Trites RESOLVED that as recommended by the City Manager, Council adopt the Housing Incentive Program as outlined in the City's Manager's report dated April 18, 1996, which will provide that: (a) the City will provide a grant equal to 8% of the increase in assessment for approved new housing developments; (b) applications will be made to the Manager of Community Planning for a report and recommendations to Common Council; (c) each application will be approved by Common Council prior to construction, with Council to be provided with a description of the development, location, estimates of total cost and anticipated grant; (d) the applicant will have six months to begin the housing development (servicing or building construction) and two years to complete any development; (e) housing developments must provide for the construction of new dwelling units which can include single-family homes, duplex units, townhouses, apartments as new buildings or as conversion of existing buildings; (f) building permits for units in approved housing developments will be reviewed by the Development Officer to ensure that the value of the units is equal to or greater than the approved estimate and the housing development is in conformity with existing development in the area; (g) mobile homes or mini homes are not eligible; (h) all housing developments must be connected to municipal water and sewage systems; (i) each application must include four or more new units but can have as few as two new units if circumstances warrant as approved by Council; U) when the development is substantially complete, the City will pay the applicant 5% of the estimated value of the grant; (k) the applicant may provide that $2,000 of the initial 5% grant be made directly to the purchaser of each unit; (I) the initial payment or payments, if the direct to purchaser option is chosen, will be made when the Building Inspector has certified the building is substantially complete; (m) the remaining 3% of the grant will be paid to the applicant after the development receives its first Provincial assessment, subject to any adjustment made necessary by the difference in the estimate and the assessment; (n) the grant will be reduced by any amount received through municipal servicing cost-sharing for the development; (0) the maximum grant for any approved development will not be more than $10,000 per unit; (p) there is no limit to the number of approved housing developments per applicant or applications per larger subdivision; and (q) Council reserves the right to reject any application which is not considered to be in the best interest of the City. Question being taken, the motion was carried. 17. Tender For Electronic Meters 18. Committee Of The Whole Report On motion of Councillor Knibb Seconded by Councillor Trites RESOLVED that items 17 and 18 be withdrawn from the agenda of this meeting. 85-809 COMMON COUNCIL APRIL 22, 1996 Question being taken, the motion was carried. 19. Penny Crossman - Re-Zoning Of 19-21 Garden Street On motion of Councillor Trites Seconded by Councillor Knibb RESOLVED that the application of Penny Crossman for the re-zoning of property at 19-21 Garden 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, June 3, 1996, at 7:00 o'clock p.m. Question being taken, the motion was carried. 20. Dexter Construction Company, Limited Re-ZoninQ Of Golden Grove Road Property On motion of Councillor Trites Seconded by Councillor Knibb RESOLVED that the application of Dexter Construction Company, Limited for the re-zoning of property on Golden Grove Road 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, June 3, 1996, at 7:00 o'clock p.m. Question being taken, the motion was carried. 21. Hughes Surveys & Consultants Ltd.1 Mark & Cynthia Kierstead - Re-Zoning Of Hillcrest Road Property On motion of Councillor Trites Seconded by Councillor Knibb RESOLVED that the application of Hughes Surveys & Consultants Ltd. for Mark and Cynthia Kierstead for the re-zoning of property on Hillcrest Road 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, June 3, 1996, at 7:00 o'clock p.m. Question being taken, the motion was carried. 22. Cities Of New Brunswick Association Deadline For Resolution Submission On motion of Councillor Knibb Seconded by Councillor Trites RESOLVED that the memorandum from the Cities of New Brunswick Association advising that the deadline for submitting resolutions to the Association's 1996 Spring Meeting in Fredericton is Friday, May 3 -- be referred to the City Manager, and the resolution respecting the Workers' Compensation Act adopted earlier in the meeting, as well as a resolution on the integration of GST with the Provincial tax be forwarded to the Association for consideration. On the matter of a harmonized tax, Mr. Wilson suggested that any type of support to maintain the rebate the municipalities receive would be helpful, and made the observation that there is still the issue of the promise given the municipalities that, 85-810 COMMON COUNCIL APRIL 22, 1996 under a new regime, they would not pay more than they did previously. Question being taken, the motion was carried. 23. City Of Saint John Retired Members Association Amendments To City Of Saint John Pension Act On motion of Councillor Trites Seconded by Councillor Knibb RESOLVED that the letter from the City of Saint John Retired Members Association referring to the City's intention to proceed with the City of Saint John Pension Act amendments recommended by the Pension Board; and advising that, based on the assurance given by the present Pension Trustees that the Association's concerns will be addressed when future amendments are made to the Legislature, the Association will not be opposing the present amendments -- be received and filed. Question being taken, the motion was carried. 24. The Saint John Free-Net Inc. Community Information Network On motion of Councillor Knibb Seconded by Councillor Trites RESOLVED that the letter from The Saint John Free-Net Inc. expressing appreciation for Council's approval on September 11, 1995 of a contribution towards its incorporation and start-up costs; advising of its activities since its incorporation, its main focus being to establish a Community Information Network; and requesting an opportunity to conduct a 20-minute presentation on the Saint John Free-Net on April 29 or some other convenient time -- be received and filed and permission be granted for a presentation at the April 29, 1996 Council meeting. Mayor McAlary noted that the meeting on April 29, 1996 is at 4 o'clock p.m. Question being taken, the motion was carried. 25. Ruth R. Koven Re Hatheway Trust Proposal For Labour Temple On motion of Councillor Knibb Seconded by Deputy Mayor Chase RESOLVED that the letter from Ruth R. Koven referring to a recent newspaper article indicating that the Hatheway Trust has conditionally agreed to build its labour temple near the Lily Lake entrance to Rockwood Park; urging Council, in view of the controversy which arose over the original proposal of a Dominion Park site and since Rockwood Park itself operates under the conditions of a trust, to keep the public fully informed of any dealings between the Hatheway Trust and the City of Saint John; and suggesting that public input into this proposal should be mandatory -- be referred to the City Manager for a report. Mr. Totten advised that staff is a long way from suggesting to Council that a particular site next to Rockwood Park might be an appropriate one for the proposed labour temple, and it was a case of the Hatheway Trust responding by a news release to a question as to the acceptability of a number of sites. Question being taken, the motion was carried. Adjournment adjourned. 85-811 COMMON COUNCIL APRIL 22, 1996 On motion of Councillor Trites Seconded by Councillor Knibb RESOLVED that this meeting be Question being taken, the motion was carried. Assistant Common Clerk