1999-09-20_Minutes
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SEPTEMBER 20, 1999
At a meeting of the Common Council, held at the City Hall in the City of
Saint John, on Monday, the twentieth day of September, AD., 1999, at 7:00 o'clock p.m.
present
Shirley McAlary, Mayor
Deputy Mayor Chase and Councillors Ball, Chase, Court,
Desmond, Fitzpatrick, Titus, Trites, Vincent and White
- and -
Messrs. 1. Totten, City Manager; J. Nugent, City Solicitor; A
Beckett, Commissioner of Finance and Commissioner of
Corporate Services; J. C. MacKinnon, Commissioner of
Environment and Development Services; P. Groody,
Commissioner of Municipal Operations; W. Butler, Commissioner
of Community Services; S. Galbraith, Director of Works; J. Baird,
Manager of Community Planning; S. Lodhi, Manager of Real
Estate and Property Management; P. Hanlon, Manager of Water
and Sewerage Services; D. Logan, Purchasing Agent; E. Giffin,
Senior Project Engineer; B. Keenan, Manager, Water and
Wastewater; C. Vriezen, Superintendent of Water Treatment and
Pumping; D. Price, Project Engineer; Ms. H. Young, Design
Engineer; G. Tait, Fire Chief; C. Cogswell, Chief of Police; Mrs.
M. Munford, Common Clerk; and Ms. C. Mosher, Assistant
Common Clerk.
1. MeetinQ Called To Order - Prayer
Mayor McAlary called the meeting to order, and Rev. Wally Corey of St.
Mary's and St. Bartholomew's Anglican Church offered the opening prayer.
2. Approval of Minutes
On motion of Councillor White
Seconded by Councillor Desmond
RESOLVED that minutes of the meeting
of Common Council, held on September 13, 1999, be approved.
Question being taken, the motion was carried.
3. Presentation Of Water StrateQY
Read a report from the City Manager submitting copies of the Water
Strategy and the Water Strategy Executive Summary for presentation at this meeting;
and recommending that Common Council refer the Water Strategy report to the City
Manager and staff for appropriate review and follow up.
(Councillor Ball entered the meeting.)
Mr. Groody made the observation that the central recommendation of the
Water Strategy was the transition to the full treatment of all potable water, which would
require the separation of potable and industrial water supplies and the reconfiguration of
large sections of the transmission and distribution system, and that the report, among
other things, speaks to the protection of watersheds, pressure problems, reservoir
storage capacity, metering, and potential service extensions. Mr. Hanlon, Chairman of
the Technical Steering Committee, spoke in terms of Health and Welfare Canada's
changes in the Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality since 1979, while the
City of Saint John's way of making its water safe to drink had been unchanged since the
1930s, as well as on the City's efforts, for over a decade, in working around the issue of
full treatment for the City's water system, and also on the major undertaking that would
be required to prepare the City's water systems for water treatment and to implement
such treatment.
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Ken Hannah of Godfrey Associates Ltd., William Gates of W.H. Gates
Utility Consultants Ltd., Richard Stephenson of Porter Dillon Limited, and William
Hargrave of Hargrave & Burdick Environmental Inc., were in attendance at the meeting
representing the consultant team for the Water Strategy Project and, with a
computerized presentation, highlighted the Water Strategy report which was structured
as follows: Part I - Background to Study; Part II - Existing Facilities; Part III - Rationale
and Methodology for Future System Design; Part IV - Alternative Servicing Scenarios;
and Part V - Summary of Conclusions and Recommendations. During the presentation,
Council was apprised of two issues of concern encountered by the consultant group
during the review of the existing water system, one being high per capita potable water
consumption, the other being low tank storage, neither having a major effect on the
existing system but would become more important when water treatment was required;
and issues of lost or unaccounted-for water were addressed, with suggestions made on
metering and meter testing, utility rates and billing, discounts rates, and water shut-off
for non-payment of bills. The six alternative servicing scenarios, as detailed in the
Strategy, were analyzed, four of which were required by the Terms of Reference, with
Option 5 added by the consultant team, and Option 2B requested by the Steering
Committee, with Option 1 proposing to treat both potable and heavy industrial water with
a treatment plant at both the east and west sources; Option 2A proposing two treatment
plants, maintaining the separation of the east and west systems but treating only potable
water; Option 2B being identical to Option 2A except that the eastern industrial raw
water transmission main was not created thus requiring all industrial water to be sourced
from the West - the Spruce Lake System; Option 3 proposing one treatment plant on
Spruce Lake to supply potable water for both sides of the City while raw water would be
delivered for an industrial supply from the Loch Lomond System; Option 4 being the
reverse of Option 3 with a treatment plant on Loch Lomond Supply for potable water and
all industrial water supplied by Spruce Lake; and Option 5 being a modification of Option
4 with an eastern industrial raw water transmission main introduced to permit industrial
water to be drawn from either the east or west sources, therefore maintaining the current
flexibility to transfer the industrial water demand from either source, with the two
preferred servicing alternatives being Options 4 and 5, with Option 4 considered the
preferred Option at an estimated capital cost of $63,043,000, and (1) providing all
treated water from a newly constructed water treatment plant located near Latimer Lake;
(2) minimizing the capital cost of new infrastructure required at $63 M; (3) reducing the
annual and long-term operating cost to an acceptable level; (4) improving potable water
service throughout the system; (5) providing the required storage system; (6) separating
the potable and major industrial systems; (7) able to be modified into Option 5, 2A or 2B
if the demand required or external funding sources offset the capital cost differential; and
(8) stabilizing operating pressures and minimizing isolated pressure zones. In terms of
implementation, Council was advised that, as many years of work would be required
before construction of a plant could begin at the lakehead, work should begin
immediately with the collection of raw water data which is essential for the treatment
plant design process, a major leak detection program which can potentially have a
significant impact on construction costs, construction of additional storage capacity to at
least NBDOE draft guideline levels, reconfiguration of the industrial water transmission
system which is necessary prior to recommended modifications to the potable system,
and reconfiguration of the potable transmission system, each of these items being
required before a plant could be brought on line. Council was also advised of the
inclusion in the Water Strategy Project of several specific tasks relating to the water
system beyond the analysis of the servicing alternatives, including the development of
an extensive computer model of the water system involving over 2500 individual pipes
and representing over 240 miles of watermain, automatic valves, pumps and reservoirs,
with the model software and data files to be delivered to staff to be used as a tool in the
design of capital infrastructure and operating solutions on the water system; and the
completion of a two-component survey of water system stakeholders, the stand-alone
analysis of the findings of a telephone survey which provided insight into residential
customers' perception of the Utility having been delivered, and the summary results of
data from interviews with and questionnaires to several major non-residential
stakeholders to solicit their input on the water system performance and their future
requirements, being included in the Water Strategy report. With regard to the analysis of
12 unserviced areas for extensions to the water system, which was a major component
of the work completed under the Water Strategy Project, reference was made to a list of
these areas with cost estimates, each area having required computer modeling, a
residential unit count, infrastructure sizing, costing and mapping, with over $20 million in
capital costs estimated to be required to extend the water system to all of the areas
listed. Reference was also made to several associated reports completed by the
consultant team under the Water Strategy Project, including a treatability study on raw
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water quality, a draft water meter specification, a review of the water utility rates, a
feasibility review on metering, an inspection of Spruce Lake dam, a preliminary
environmental screening matrix, and a water source evaluation.
Members of the delegation responded to questions in the above regard
during which time the Mayor, noting the intent for this portion of the meeting to continue
until 6:30 o'clock p.m. at which time Council would recess and reconvene at 7:00 o'clock
p.m. for the public hearing, asked the consultants if, as there were further questions from
the Council members, they could return later in the meeting, and it was indicated that
they could be available at 9:00 o'clock p.m.
Following a recess at 6:30 o'clock, the Common Council meeting
reconvened at 7:00 o'clock p.m.
9. Re United Way CampaiQn
Consideration was given to a letter from Councillor Titus requesting that
Council grant the United Way five minutes to make a brief presentation regarding the
contributions of municipal employees.
Rick Kauffmann, Chairman of the 1999 United Way Campaign, and
Susan Greer, the City's Communication Officer and Municipal United Way Campaign
Chair, were present at the meeting, and Mr. Kauffmann thanked the Mayor for her
comments at the Campaign's official launching on September 17, and expressed
appreciation to the City and its employees who, for many years, have been one of the
strongest sectors of support to the United Way. Mr. Kauffmann and Ms. Greer
presented United Way mugs to the Mayor and Councillors as a token of appreciation.
* Added Items
On motion of Councillor Vincent
Seconded by Councillor Desmond
RESOLVED that a report from the
Council Committee on Shipbuilding, and a report from the City Manager recommending
an amendment to the City Market By-law (copies of which were distributed to Council
members at this meeting), be added to the agenda of this meeting for consideration as
items 7 A and 7B, respectively.
Question being taken, the motion was carried.
4(a) Section 39 Amendment
Re-ZoninQ 189 Waterloo Street
The Common Clerk advised that the necessary advertising was
completed with regard to amending the Section 39 conditions imposed on the
September 29, 1986 re-zoning of property located at 189 Waterloo Street (NBGIC
Numbers 14514, 55048334, 16139, 16121, 16113, 16105, 14530, 14522 and 13326), to
permit the development of an office building with an area of approximately 45,000
square feet of space, in the first phase, as requested by Matrix Properties Inc., and no
written objections were received in this regard.
4(b) Planning Advisory Committee Re
Above & Re Subdivision Plan Vesting
Proposed RealiQnment Of Hospital Street
Consideration was given to a report from the Planning Advisory
Committee submitting a copy of Planning staff's report considered by the Committee at
its September 15 meeting at which Gerry Webster, on behalf of the applicant, expressed
agreement with the staff recommendation, except for the prohibition of the use of metal
cladding in condition (b) and indicated that, if this restriction were included, it would add
substantially to the cost of construction, and that he was willing to work with staff to
ensure that the building projects a high-quality image; advising of the Committee's
decision to adopt the staff recommendation with an amendment removing the reference
to metal cladding in condition (b); and setting out a recommendation in this regard, as
well as a recommendation for assent to a subdivision plan with respect to the proposed
realignment of Hospital Street.
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Gerry Webster appeared in support of the amendment, representing
Matrix Properties Inc., noted that the purpose of the application was for the first phase of
the property development, and offered to respond to questions in this regard. Mr.
Webster also noted the change made by the Planning Advisory Committee to Planning
staff's recommendation.
The Mayor suggested that a tabling motion might be in order.
On motion of Councillor Fitzpatrick
Seconded by Councillor Trites
RESOLVED that the above matter be laid on
the table until consideration of item 18 on the agenda of this meeting.
Question being taken, the tabling motion was carried.
7. Mavor's Remarks
Mayor McAlary advised that the City of Saint John was recognized as the
first place winner of the Communities in Bloom Class of Excellence Award; and thanked
the people involved in ACAP's beach sweep on September 17. Councillor Chase, the
City's representative on the Fundy Region Solid Waste Commission, advised of
locations in the City where depot stations had been established for recyclable items,
specifically tin cans, #2 plastic containers, cardboard and paper.
*7A. Council Committee On ShipbuildinQ
On motion of Councillor Vincent
Seconded by Councillor White
RESOLVED that the letter from the Council
Committee on Shipbuilding asking that Common Council support its efforts to write to the
Cities of New Brunswick Association seeking a letter endorsing the Committee's efforts
in support of the Canadian shipbuilding industry, and also seeking representation from
the Association for any meetings that might be arranged in Ottawa to assist in this
endeavour, be received and filed and Council support the Committee as requested.
Question being taken, the motion was carried.
*7B. City Market Bv-Iaw Amendment
On motion of Councillor Vincent
Seconded by Councillor Trites
RESOLVED that the report from the City
Manager advising that many of the City Market tenants have agreed to open on
Thanksgiving, October 11, Sunday, October 17, and Sunday, October 31 for cruise ship
visits to the City; and recommending that first and second readings be given to the
proposed amendment to the City Market By-law, be received and filed and the
recommendation adopted:
AND FURTHER that the by-law to amend the City Market By-law, with
regard to opening on October 11, October 17 and October 31, 1999, be read a first time.
Question being taken, the motion was carried.
Read a first time the by-law to amend the City Market By-law.
On motion of Councillor White
Seconded by Councillor Trites
RESOLVED that the by-law to amend the
City Market By-law, with regard to opening on October 11, October 17 and October 31,
1999, be read a second time.
Question being taken, the motion was carried.
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Read a second time the by-law to amend the City Market By-law.
8. Re Goals & Priorities
Read a letter from Councillor White advising that he would like to discuss
the necessity and importance of Council discussing and finalizing immediate and long-
range goals and priorities for the City of Saint John.
Councillor White noted the presentations of the Water Strategy and the
Waterfront Strategic Plan on the agenda of this meeting as well as Council's previous
receipt of strategies for wastewater, economic development, and parks and open space,
as well as a tourism marketing plan; and expressed the view that it was time for Council
to set its goals and priorities. Councillor White also noted the Mayor's request, during
the beginning of this Council's term, for each of the Council members to submit to her
their particular three goals or priorities for discussion; and suggested that, as it was likely
there would be a Committee of the Whole meeting on September 27, this could be one
of the items for discussion.
On motion of Councillor Court
Seconded by Councillor Titus
RESOLVED that the issue of long-range
goals and priorities be placed for discussion on the September 27, 1999 Committee of
the Whole agenda.
The Mayor concurred that, as goals and priorities were last discussed at
the March 20, 1999 Committee of the Whole meeting at the Union Club, it would be
timely to continue this discussion. Councillor Court proposed that Council, on
September 27, could set aside time to begin the process of setting goals and priorities
so that plans could be made for the budget for next year, at which time it might be
necessary to set a further meeting in this regard.
Question being taken, the motion was carried.
10. Tender For Front Plows
And WinQ Assemblies
On motion of Councillor Court
Seconded by Councillor Desmond
RESOLVED that as recommended by
the City Manager, the tender of Craig Manufacturing Ltd. of Hartland, N.B., in the
amount of $71,970, plus 15% HST, be accepted for the supply of three new hydraulic
power angle front plows and wing assemblies.
Question being taken, the motion was carried.
11. Tender For Wheeled Hvdraulic Excavator
On motion of Councillor Court
Seconded by Councillor Vincent
RESOLVED that as recommended by
the City Manager, the tender of Quadco Equipment Inc. of Moncton, N.B., in the amount
of $175,000, plus HST, be accepted for the supply of one new wheeled hydraulic
excavator.
Question being taken, the motion was carried.
12. Tender For 14' Combination Dump/Sanders
On motion of Councillor Desmond
Seconded by Councillor Court
RESOLVED that as recommended by the
City Manager, the tender of BWS Manufacturing of Centreville, N.B., in the amount of
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SEPTEMBER 20, 1999
$65,550, plus 15% HST, be accepted for the supply of three 14' combination
dump/sanders.
Question being taken, the motion was carried.
13. Tender For Plow Blades And EdQes
On motion of Councillor White
Seconded by Councillor Fitzpatrick
RESOLVED that as recommended by
the City Manager, the tender for the supply of replacement plow blades and edges, for a
period of one year from the date of award by Council, be awarded to the lowest tenderer
to meet the specifications of the tender in each case, as indicated in the submitted
summary of bids.
Question being taken, the motion was carried.
14. Tender For Contract 99-22
On motion of Councillor Titus
Seconded by Councillor Trites
RESOLVED that as recommended by the
City Manager, Contract 99-22, Milford Road-Seacliff Drive water and sewer construction,
be awarded to the low tenderer, Galbraith Construction Ltd., at the tendered price of
$424,915, as calculated based upon estimated quantities, and the Mayor and Common
Clerk be authorized to execute the necessary contract documents.
Question being taken, the motion was carried.
15. Traffic By-law Amendment
Traffic Flow On Leinster Street
On motion of Councillor Fitzpatrick
Seconded by Councillor Court
RESOLVED that the report from the City
Manager advising that, further to Council's referral at its last meeting of the question of
the feasibility of amending the Traffic By-law changing the direction of the one-way traffic
flow on Leinster Street from Carmarthen to Sydney Streets, it is staff's recommendation
to change the Traffic By-law to allow for the flow of traffic to be in a west-east direction
as opposed to an east-west direction; also advising that the Parking Commission
supports this proposal in principle, and suggests that residents in the area be consulted;
and recommending that first and second readings be given to the Traffic By-law
amendment and it be referred to the Legal Department for appropriate action, be
received and filed and the recommendation adopted:
AND FURTHER that the by-law entitled, "A By-law To Amend A By-law
Respecting Traffic On Streets In The City Of Saint John Made Under The Authority Of
The Motor Vehicle Act, 1973, And Amendments Thereto", with regard to traffic flow on
Leinster Street, be read a first time.
Question being taken, the motion was carried.
Read a first time the by-law entitled, "A By-law To Amend A By-law
Respecting Traffic On Streets In The City Of Saint John Made Under The Authority Of
The Motor Vehicle Act, 1973, And Amendments Thereto".
On motion of Councillor Desmond
Seconded by Councillor Ball
RESOLVED that the by-law entitled, "A By-law
To Amend A By-law Respecting Traffic On Streets In The City Of Saint John Made
Under The Authority Of The Motor Vehicle Act, 1973, And Amendments Thereto", with
regard to traffic flow on Leinster Street, be read a second time.
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Question being taken, the motion was carried.
Read a second time the by-law entitled, "A By-law To Amend A By-law
Respecting Traffic On Streets In The City Of Saint John Made Under The Authority Of
The Motor Vehicle Act, 1973, And Amendments Thereto".
16. Traffic By-law Amendment
ParkinQ On Main Street North
On motion of Councillor Desmond
Seconded by Councillor Trites
RESOLVED that the report from the City
Manager advising that, further to the request to Council on September 7, 1999 from the
Food Bank and the Veterinary Clinic for half-hour parking on Main Street North, staff
foresees no problem with a parking restriction at this location and recommends
amending the Traffic By-law to allow half-hour parking between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.,
Monday to Friday; and recommending that first and second readings be given to the
Traffic By-law amendment and it be referred to the Legal Department for appropriate
action, be received and filed and the recommendation adopted:
AND FURTHER that the by-law entitled, "A By-law To Amend A By-law
Respecting Traffic On Streets In The City Of Saint John Made Under The Authority Of
The Motor Vehicle Act, 1973, And Amendments Thereto", with regard to parking on Main
Street North, be read a first time.
Question being taken, the motion was carried.
Read a first time the by-law entitled, "A By-law To Amend A By-law
Respecting Traffic On Streets In The City Of Saint John Made Under The Authority Of
The Motor Vehicle Act, 1973, And Amendments Thereto".
On motion of Councillor Trites
Seconded by Councillor Desmond
RESOLVED that the by-law entitled, "A
By-law To Amend A By-law Respecting Traffic On Streets In The City Of Saint John
Made Under The Authority Of The Motor Vehicle Act, 1973, And Amendments Thereto",
with regard to parking on Main Street North, be read a second time.
Question being taken, the motion was carried.
Read a second time the by-law entitled, "A By-law To Amend A By-law
Respecting Traffic On Streets In The City Of Saint John Made Under The Authority Of
The Motor Vehicle Act, 1973, And Amendments Thereto".
Question being taken, the motion was carried.
17. Collective AQreement With Local 771
On motion of Councillor Trites
Seconded by Councillor Vincent
RESOLVED that as recommended by the
City Manager, subject to approval by the City Solicitor as to legality and form, Common
Council authorize the Mayor and Common Clerk to execute the submitted collective
agreement, dated September 1, 1999, between the City of Saint John and the Saint
John Fire Fighters' Association, Local Union No. 771, IAFF.
Question being taken, the motion was carried.
18. Old General Hospital Site
Consideration was given to a report from the City Manager referring to
Council resolutions of May 25, 1999, June 28, 1999 and August 9, 1999 regarding the
Old General Hospital property, and advising that on the September 15, 1999 closing
date of the sale of this property to Matrix Management Inc., staff received a request from
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Gerry Webster of Matrix Management Inc. for a further extension to on or before
September 30, 1999 as indicated in the submitted letter; noting that, on the previous
request for an extension, the Legal Department had advised that an extension to the
existing agreement should have been made to Common Council at the meeting
preceding the expiry of the agreement in that, because the request reached Council after
the agreement had expired, there was no agreement to extend; and, as Council resolved
to sell the property to Matrix Management Inc. for $650,000 (plus HST) on or before
September 15, 1999 and Matrix Management did not close on that date nor did it come
to Council on the meeting preceding the deadline to request an extension, staff cannot
continue to support extensions to the expiry date; and setting out a recommendation in
this regard.
On motion of Councillor Fitzpatrick
Seconded by Councillor Court
RESOLVED that as recommended by the
City Manager, in consideration of the fact that the closing date has expired in the Council
resolution of August 9, 1999 authorizing the sale of the Old General Hospital property,
the City not authorize a sale of the property to Matrix Management Inc. with a closing
date of September 30, 1999 but rather, should Matrix Management Inc. make another
offer to purchase the subject property, the offer will be presented to Common Council for
its consideration.
Mr. Totten noted Matrix Management Inc.'s application under item 4 on
the agenda of this meeting in that, although the developer did not have title to the land at
this time, Council could, having held the public hearing on this date, defer making a
decision until a later date; and, as to the status of the non-refundable deposit of $45,000,
Mr. Totten confirmed that the total amount had been received by the City, and Mr.
Beckett added that the final cheque had been received on September 15. In response
to Councillor Fitzpatrick's expression of surprise to see this item on the open session
agenda as it would fall into the category of land which should be first discussed in closed
session, Mr. Totten explained that, upon receipt of Mr. Webster's letter requesting a
further extension and recognizing that he was pursuing the Province of New Brunswick
in a development proposal and that Council was not having a Committee of the Whole
meeting on this date, he chose to place the item in open session, knowing full well that
Council, if it felt more comfortable placing it somewhere else, could do so at the
beginning of the meeting but, in fairness to Mr. Webster, he had to place the item on the
Council agenda of this date.
On motion of Councillor Trites
Seconded by Councillor Titus
RESOLVED that the above matter be
referred for discussion in Committee of the Whole on September 27, 1999.
Question being taken, the referral motion was carried.
19. Amendment To August 23, 1999 Council
Resolution Re Sale Of Land On Cheslev Drive
On motion of Councillor Desmond
Seconded by Councillor Titus
RESOLVED that the report from the City
Manager recommending an amendment to Council resolution of August 23, 1999,
respecting the sale of a 23,580 square foot :t portion of NBGIC Number 55093983 and
all of NBGIC Number 55092670 on Chesley Drive to 059525 N.B. Ltd., be referred for
discussion in Committee of the Whole.
Question being taken, the referral motion was carried.
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20. Assent To Subdivision Plan
Re Municipal Services Easement
78 Belleview Avenue, Spar Cove
Road And Pokiok Road Property
Consideration was given to a report from the City Manager referring to
property, as shown on the submitted plan, bound by Belleview Avenue, Spar Cove Road
and Pokiok Road for which the landowner, Four Star Leasing Limited, has submitted a
subdivision plan that would create a new residential lot (Lot 99-1) on Spar Cove Road
and enlarge two existing parcels of land in order to create Lots 99-2 and 99-3, and also
consolidate an existing property situated near 3 Pokiok Road and vest a municipal
services easement between proposed Lot 99-3 and the Richard Williams' property at 8
Spar Cove Road; and recommending approval of a subdivision plan in this regard.
On motion of Deputy Mayor Chase
Seconded by Councillor White
RESOLVED that as recommended by the
City Manager, Common Council assent to the submitted photo-reduced subdivision plan
illustrating a 10-metre (33-foot) wide municipal services easement between proposed
Lot 99-3 and the Richard Williams' property at 8 Spar Cove Road.
(Councillor White withdrew from the meeting.)
Question being taken, the motion was carried.
(Councillor White re-entered the meeting.)
21. Five-year Program For
Provincially-DesiQnated HiQhways
Read a report from the City Manager responding to Council's September
7, 1999 referral of the Provincial Department of Transportation's request for the City's
submission of its 5-year Capital Improvement Program for Provincially-designated
highways.
On motion of Councillor Trites
Seconded by Councillor Ball
RESOLVED that as recommended by the City
Manager, the submitted Provincially-designated Highways 5-year Capital Improvement
Program for the years 2000-2004 be adopted and presented to the Minister of
Transportation and her senior staff by a Committee of Council and senior staff.
Councillor Trites proposed an amendment to the above motion, which
was seconded by Councillor Titus, to present, rather than submit, the 5-year Capital
Improvement to the Minister of Transportation; and the Mayor called for the question on
the amended motion.
Question being taken, the motion was carried.
5. Saint John Development Corporation
Re Waterfront StrateQic Plan
Read a letter from the Saint John Development asking for the opportunity
to make a brief presentation at this meeting on the Waterfront Strategic Plan for Saint
John, copies of which were previously distributed to the Mayor and Councillors.
William Grant, Chairman of the Saint John Development Corporation,
highlighted the Saint John Waterfront Strategic Plan, prepared by Malone Given Parsons
Ltd. in association with Verburg & Associates, Hotson Bakker Architects and Hough
Woodland Naylor Dance Ltd., having recognized the involvement of the Steering
Committee members and reviewed the process followed, as well as the objectives of the
Stragegy as follows: (1) to enhance the economic strength of the City and the Province
by ensuring efficient Port operations; (2) to enhance the opportunity for public enjoyment
of the waterfront; (3) to preserve and to tell the rich history of the Saint John waterfront
to citizens, fellow New Brunswickers and to visitors, and (4) to create the conditions that
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ensure future growth and employment on the waterfront and to create a continuing
source of civic pride and progress. Mr. Grant summarized the recommendations in the
Strategic Plan, along with the implementation phasing over the short term of 2000-2005,
the medium term of 2006-2010 and the long term of 2011 + starting west and moving
east through the Port; and responded to questions in this regard.
On motion of Councillor Ball
Seconded by Councillor Vincent
RESOLVED that Common Council give
endorsement to the Saint John Development Corporation to spearhead the development
and implementation of the Waterfront Strategic Plan.
Question being taken, the motion was carried.
6. Brian D. Roy Re Proposed Amendment
To Buffer Zone Condition Of Sale Of
Property In Champlain HeiQhts Area
Brian D. Roy of Creighton Avenue appeared before Council concerning
Irving Oil Limited's request for an amendment to the buffer zone condition on the sale of
property in the Champlain Heights area, as outlined in his previously-submitted letter in
this regard; and explained that, while his original concerns were with respect to the long-
term use of the subject property and the legality of it, he was very supportive of Irving
Oil's temporary usage of the property in question, after extensive discussions with
representatives of Irving Oil who reassured him that their intentions were everything that
they had stated and they had no intention of jeopardizing the long-term use of this
property, as well as extensive discussions with the City Manager that he was not
approaching Council for a permanent amendment to the restriction on the land but that it
would be just a temporary amendment to allow Irving to use this property for about a
year and perhaps a little longer, if necessary. Mr. Roy advised that he felt his concerns
had been addressed by his previous discussions, and he was supportive of the
proposed usage of the land in question.
In response to a question about a reference in Mr. Roy's letter to
procedures in City Hall not being citizen-friendly, Mr. Roy clarified that this related to the
lack of citizens' understanding of the manner in which the City worked.
On motion of Councillor Trites
Seconded by Councillor Ball
RESOLVED that the letter from Brian D. Roy
regarding a proposed amendment to the buffer zone condition of the sale of property in
the Champlain Heights area be received and filed.
Question being taken, the motion was carried.
22. Amendment To Deed Restriction Re
Use Of 132 Champlain Heights & 732
Grandview Avenue For Temporary StoraQe
Consideration was given to a report from the City Manager regarding the
condition upon the City's sale to Irving Oil Limited of a number of properties on the
western side of Champlain Drive, as authorized by Council on September 14, 1998, that
they were to be used as a "buffer area" between the Refinery and the Champlain
Heights neighbourhood in that, recently, Irving Oil has found it needs to utilize this area
as a storage area for a temporary basis during the upgrade project at the Refinery;
advising that, if this proposal were to proceed, two separate approvals would be
required, one being the Planning Advisory Committee's approval of this use for a
temporary period, the other being Common Council's approval of modifying the deed
restrictions placed on the use of the property; setting out the approval of the proposal
given by the Planning Advisory Committee, with eleven separate conditions; and, with
regard to the deed restriction, setting out a recommendation supportive of the request for
an amendment to its restrictions while attempting to maintain the original desire for a
buffer when the upgrade is completed.
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SEPTEMBER 20, 1999
Councillor Trites, on the process in that there had been the one request to
appear by Mr. Roy, asked if there was to be a formal hearing of any kind or if Council
was concurrent that it would deal with the matter as a Council. The Mayor, noting that
the Planning Advisory Committee held a public hearing in this regard, advised that there
would be no public hearing before Council, Council having no jurisdiction or authority to
review or amend the conditions imposed by the Committee; and Mr. Roy, under the
Council Procedure By-law, had the privilege of making a presentation as he had
forwarded a written request to do so. Councillor Vincent asked if the City Solicitor was
satisfied that Council would be acting within its vested authority via the existing method
documented by the City Manager in dealing with the conveyance and deed of a previous
Council as it related to this parcel of property. Mr. Nugent advised that he did not think
there was any doubt that Council could in some fashion, if so chosen, relieve Irving Oil of
some of, or all or to some extent in terms of time, the restriction that Council placed upon
the land it conveyed to Irving; however, as staff had yet to give some thought to the
documentation that would be required to effect the City Manager's recommendation if
Council adopted it, he would suggest that the motion include authorization for the Mayor
and Common Clerk to execute whatever documentation was necessary to give effect to
that recommendation.
On motion of Councillor Desmond
Seconded by Councillor White
RESOLVED that as recommended by the
City Manager, Common Council amend the deed restriction with regard to the sale to
Irving Oil Limited of land in the Champlain Heights area to read "The lands and premises
described in Schedule 'A' hereto annexed shall not be used for industrial/commercial
purposes but shall only be used as a wooded buffer area except that it may be used as a
temporary storage compound during the 1999-2000 calendar year", and that the Mayor
and Common Clerk be authorized to execute whatever documentation is necessary to
give effect to this recommendation.
Councillor Trites, noting that the Planning Advisory Committee at its
meeting last week allowed for a storage compound for one year, asked for clarification
on the date when that would take effect, to which Mr. Baird replied that, on these sorts of
approvals, the one-year period would be calculated from the date the building permit
was issued to undertake the uses. Councillor Trites, noting the reference to two
calendar years in the above motion, suggested that the motion should be amended to
include the specific dates of that one year period, maybe to one year from the date the
building permit is issued; and advised that he would not support the motion on the floor
in that he had a problem with the process which started with the Irvings' water line
project in the subject area and the fact that, when the City sold the property in question,
the restriction on its use came in the Irvings' offer to purchase, and he did not consider it
fair to ask the residents of Champlain Heights to accept the change for the next year.
Councillor Trites referenced the City's so-called lagoon site adjacent to the asphalt plant
on Old Black River Road as an alternative, and expressed concern that, on the door-to-
door survey referenced in Irving Oil Limited's letter submitted with the above report from
the City Manager, Council had heard nothing back from the initial meeting with an Irving
representative where the request for the survey was made until it received notification
that Irving had applied for a temporary use permit and was coming to Council with the
request before Council at this time. Councillor Titus, in concurring with Councillor Trites'
comments in terms of process, suggested that the Company, if it had approached
residents in the area in a different fashion perhaps by giving something in return to them
for the inconvenience, may have won more of the residents over to its side; and advised
that, by virtue of not winning more over to the Company's side, he would not support it.
Councillor Fitzpatrick spoke about the process, and suggested that the matter should be
tabled for one week as he planned to tour the Refinery tomorrow and would like to see
what was involved. Councillor Chase suggested that, as the issue of alternative sites
was important to him in making a decision in this regard and because of the magnitude
of the project in question and the concerns of the residents, Council should have an
opportunity to ask questions of Irving representatives who were present at this meeting;
and asked the process if Council were desirous of hearing representatives of Irving Oil
Limited speak or of asking them questions. Upon the Mayor's indication that a motion
could be made to this effect, Councillor Trites, on a point of order, advised that the
reason he asked for clarification on the process before discussion began and, while he
did not have a problem with tabling the matter for a week to see if there were some way
to make some accommodations or set up a process to hear from everybody concerned,
he would have a problem with such a motion at this time because it involved process in
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COMMON COUNCIL
SEPTEMBER 20, 1999
fairness and he did not think that would address that. The Mayor addressed the point of
order on the basis that Council was following the process correctly at this time in terms
of the City Manager's recommendation to Council and, having known that at least one
person wanted to make a presentation to Council in this regard and having asked the
City Solicitor about other persons in the Council Chamber who might want to make a
presentation, she was assured that she would follow normal procedure that, if Council
wished to hear from anybody else at this meeting, it would have to be done by a two-
thirds majority vote, in the affirmative, on a motion of Council to do so. The Mayor made
the observation that, whether Council dealt with the matter at this meeting or at the
meeting two weeks from now, it would be in the same format, with no public hearing.
On motion of Councillor Chase
Seconded by Councillor White
RESOLVED that Council hear from
representatives of the Irving Oil Company.
The Mayor noted the need for a two-thirds majority vote of Council in the
affirmative on the above motion. Councillor Fitzpatrick suggested that, as other persons
who wished to speak in the above regard might not be present at this meeting, an
opportunity should also be given to them to do so. Councillor Court suggested that, if
Council were to allow somebody from the Irving Group to come forward, it would not be
fair to others who may either support or oppose what they want to do; and, if it were the
intent to go in the direction of having a public hearing, which it seemed that Council was
doing, the matter should be tabled until the next meeting. Councillor Vincent concurred
that Council should not allow somebody from the Irving Interests to be heard at this
meeting without granting the same opportunity to the residents' side; and suggested that
this matter should have been dealt with behind closed doors as it deals with land, and
Council should have had the opportunity to hear from Mr. Olsen on the results of the
neighbourhood visits in this regard. Mr. Totten commented in terms of the lagoon site
not being workable for the Irvings' plans for the Refinery expansion, and the above
recommendation in that he waited until the public hearing on the temporary use of the
subject site was held by the Planning Advisory Committee prior to submitting his report
to Council, knowing that Council would ask, because it was clearly a direction given to
Mr. Olsen, to have a report back from Mr. Olsen with respect to the efforts he had made
with the residents. Mr. Totten also commented in terms of time deadlines significant to
the Company in moving forward, having made its request and having gone through the
Planning Advisory Committee and, not realizing that Council was scheduling a meeting
for next week, the item was before Council at this meeting; and, in terms of the
commitment made to Mr. Roy, read the recommendation, including the wording
suggested by the City Solicitor. The Mayor called for the question on the motion to hear
from Irving representatives.
Question being taken, the motion was lost with Deputy Mayor Chase and
Councillors Ball, Court, Desmond, Fitzpatrick, Titus, Trites, Vincent and White voting
"nay".
The Mayor, referring to the original motion above, suggested that the
reference to the 1999-2000 calendar year should be changed to from the date the permit
is issued for one year and indicated her intent, if no tabling motion was made, to call for
the question on that motion.
On motion of Councillor Fitzpatrick
Seconded by Councillor Court
RESOLVED that the above matter be laid on
the table for two weeks.
Question being taken, the tabling motion was carried with the Mayor and
Councillors Ball and Chase voting "nay".
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SEPTEMBER 20, 1999
28. Letters Objecting To Temporary Use
Of Property Behind Champlain Drive
Related To IrvinQ Refinerv Expansion
On motion of Councillor Trites
Seconded by Councillor Titus
RESOLVED that the letters objecting to the
temporary use of property behind Champlain Drive for a storage area related to the
Irving Oil Refinery expansion, be received and filed.
Question being taken, the motion was carried.
3. Re Water StrateQY
Questions to the consultant group continued with respect to the Water
Strategy report and, as to the cost of the water study, Mr. Groody advised that the cost
was in the order of a quarter of a million dollars.
(Councillor Trites withdrew from the meeting.)
On motion of Councillor Desmond
Seconded by Councillor Titus
RESOLVED that the Water Strategy report
be referred to the City Manager for review and follow up.
Question being taken, the motion was carried.
23. Re LPP Funding For Boys &
Girls Club Renovation Proiect
On motion of Councillor Fitzpatrick
Seconded by Councillor Vincent
RESOLVED that the report from the City
Solicitor referring to the presentation at the September 13, 1999 Council meeting
regarding the Rotary Club's undertaking of a renovation project at The Boys & Girls Club
of Saint John; and, in addressing the inquiry at that meeting of whether the requested
contribution could be made from the City's so-called Land for Public Purposes Fund,
expresses the view that the project does not qualify for LPP funding and, if Council
wished to satisfy the Rotary Club's request for a monetary contribution, a source other
than the LPP Fund must be identified, be received and filed.
(Councillor Trites re-entered the meeting.)
In response to Councillor Titus, Mr. Nugent advised that, in his view,
changes to the Community Planning Act would be required in order to accommodate
requests of the above nature, for which the City could make application to the Province
for changes.
(Councillor Vincent withdrew from the meeting.)
Question being taken, the motion was carried.
(Councillor Vincent re-entered the meeting.)
24. Agreement With NB Power For
Back-up Fire Protection At
Point Lepreau GeneratinQ Station
Consideration was given to a report from the City Solicitor referring to the
submitted draft text of an agreement with NB Power for back-up fire protection at the
Point Lepreau Nuclear Generating Station presented to Council on January 11, 1999,
and advising of his concern with the document arising from two deficiencies, firstly, the
absence of any recognition that so-called Y2K problems might prevent the City fulfilling
the terms of the agreement and, secondly, the absence of a recognition that the first
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COMMON COUNCIL
SEPTEMBER 20, 1999
responsibility of the City's Fire Department is to provide fire protection within the City;
and also advising that, following extended discussion between the Legal Department
and the authorized representative of NB Power, NB Power has now indicated that it is
agreeable to having the language, as stated herein, added to the proposed agreement
which, in his opinion, would adequately address the deficiencies noted; thus, it was now
in order, if Council so wished, to adopt the resolution as stated.
On motion of Councillor Desmond
Seconded by Councillor Trites
RESOLVED that the Mayor and Common
Clerk are hereby authorized to execute the agreement between the City of Saint John
and New Brunswick Power Corporation respecting the City's providing back-up fire
protection services at the Point Lepreau Nuclear Generating Station for the initial period
of January 1, 1999 to December 31, 2002, a copy of which agreement accompanied the
correspondence dated September 17, 1999 addressed to Common Council by the City
Solicitor.
Question being taken, the motion was carried.
25. 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 Monday, September 20, 1999,
when there were present Mayor McAlary and Councillors Ball, Chase, Court, Desmond,
Fitzpatrick, Titus, Trites and White, and your Committee submits the following
recommendations, namely:
1. That as recommended by the City Manager, Common Council authorize
the sale of Lot 79-2, Bayside Drive (NBGIC Number 449363) to the New Brunswick
Power Corporation, for the purchase price of $25,000 (plus HST, if applicable); the
closing date be on or before December 31, 1999; and the Mayor and Common Clerk be
authorized to execute the deed.
2. That as recommended by the City Manager, Common Council accept the
offer of settlement from Blue Cross Atlantic, in the amount of $127,379.08, dated
September 1, 1999, and addressed to the Deputy City Manager J. Patrick Woods.
September 20, 1999,
Saint John, N.B.
Respectfully submitted,
(sgd.) Shirley McAlary,
C h air man.
25.1. Sale Of Lot 79-1. Bayside Drive
On motion of Councillor Ball
Seconded by Councillor Trites
RESOLVED that section 1 of the above
report be adopted.
Question being taken, the motion was carried.
25.2. Blue Cross Atlantic - Claim
For OutstandinQ Premiums
On motion of Councillor Trites
Seconded by Councillor Titus
RESOLVED that section 2 of the above
report be adopted.
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COMMON COUNCIL
SEPTEMBER 20, 1999
Question being taken, the motion was carried with Councillor Vincent
voting "nay".
26. Planning Advisory Committee Re
Subdivision 1250 Fairville Boulevard
On motion of Councillor Trites
Seconded by Councillor White
RESOLVED that as recommended by the
Planning Advisory Committee, Common Council (1) assent to the submitted photo-
reduced tentative subdivision plan of Starwest Subdivision at 1250 Fairville Boulevard,
illustrating a new public street (Starwest Place), and to any required municipal services
and public utility easements; and (2) authorize the preparation and execution of a
City/developer subdivision agreement to ensure provision of the required work and
facilities, including detailed site and drainage plans for the approval of the Chief City
Engineer.
Question being taken, the motion was carried.
27. Saint John Board of Police Commissioners
Problems In Service New Brunswick Area
On motion of Councillor Trites
Seconded by Councillor Fitzpatrick
RESOLVED that the letter from the
Saint John Board of Police Commissioners submitting, further to the July 12, 1999
Council meeting, the staff report regarding actions to be taken to minimize problems
caused by the high volume of high school students in the area of Service New
Brunswick, be received and filed.
Question being taken, the motion was carried.
29. Saint John Board Of Trade Nominee
To Board Of Enterprise Saint John
On motion of Councillor Trites
Seconded by Councillor Fitzpatrick
RESOLVED that the letter from the
Saint John Board of Trade recommending, as the term of one of its nominees to the
Board of Directors of Greater Saint John Economic Development Commission Inc.
(Enterprise Saint John) expired on March 31, 1999, the appointment of Stephen
MacMackin to the Board of Directors of Enterprise Saint John for a three-year term
commencing April 1 , 1999, be referred to the Nominating Committee.
Question being taken, the motion was carried.
30. Public Works And Government Services
Canada - Heritage Designation For
HMCS Brunswicker. Sydney Street
On motion of Councillor Fitzpatrick
Seconded by Councillor Titus
RESOLVED that the letter from the Real
Estate Advisory Services of Public Works and Government Services Canada advising
that the property formerly known as HMCS Brunswicker on Sydney Street, which
includes the former military ordnance store building built in the period of 1841 to 1842
and a parcel of land of approximately 2466 square metres, is surplus to Federal
requirements; and requesting that the building be designated under the City's
Preservation Areas By-law, being architecturally and culturally significant and the only
structure in the Lower Cove - Barrack Green area which has survived from the period of
British military occupation, be referred to the City Manager and the Preservation Review
Board for a report to Council.
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COMMON COUNCIL
SEPTEMBER 20, 1999
Question being taken, the motion was carried.
31. ADI Limited - Amendment
To Section 39 Conditions Of
Re-ZoninQ Of 560 Main Street
On motion of Councillor Desmond
Seconded by Councillor Ball
RESOLVED that the application of ADI
Limited for an amendment to the Section 39 conditions of re-zoning of property located
at 560 Main Street 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 Monday, November 1, 1999, at 7:00 o'clock p.m.
Question being taken, the motion was carried.
Adjournment
The Mayor noted that the next regular meeting of Common Council would
be held on October 4, 1999 at 7:00 o'clock p.m., and declared the meeting adjourned.
Common Clerk