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2001-05-22_Minutes 88-486 COMMON COUNCIL MAY 22, 2001 At a meeting of the Common Council, held at the City Hall in the City of Saint John, on Tuesday, the twenty-second day of May, AD. 2001, at 7:00 o'clock p.m. present Shirley McAlary, Mayor Deputy Mayor Chase and Councillors Ball, Chase, Court, Desmond, Fitzpatrick, Titus, Vincent and White - and - Messrs. T. Totten, City Manager; J. Nugent, City Solicitor; P. Groody, Commissioner of Municipal Operations; W. Butler, Commissioner of Community Services; S. Galbraith, Director of Works; J. Baird, Manager of Community Planning; W. Edwards, Building Inspector; S. Lodhi, Manager of Real Estate and Facility Management; D. Logan, Purchasing Agent; 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. Bob Freill of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saint John offered the opening prayer. 2. Approval of Minutes On motion of Councillor Court Seconded by Councillor Desmond RESOLVED that minutes of the meeting of Common Council, held on May 7, 2001, be approved. Question being taken, the motion was carried. 3. Municipal Plan Amendment Lakewood Avenue West Public presentation was made of a proposed Municipal Plan amendment to redesignate on Schedule 2-A, the Future Land Use Plan, a parcel of land with an area of approximately 3 acres, located on the east side of Lakewood Avenue West, also identified as being a portion of NBGIC Number 315838, from Low Density Residential to Light Industrial classification, to permit re-zoning of the land from "RS-2" One and Two Family Suburban Residential to "1-1" Light Industrial classification, and subsequent development of an office/warehouse building with outdoor storage, as requested by George Freeze. 5. Mayor's Remarks Mayor McAlary, noting the green ribbons being worn by Council members at this meeting in recognition of May being Green Ribbon of Hope Month in support of Child Find and May 25 as National Missing Children's Day, advised that Rogers Communications, which televises the Common Council meetings, is a sponsor of Child Find. Mayor McAlary proclaimed May 27 to June 2 as Disability Awareness Week, and as Saint John YM- YWCA Red Triangle Week, and May 20 to 26, 2001 as VON Week on behalf of the Victorian Order of Nurses. * Added Items On motion of Councillor Desmond Seconded by Councillor White RESOLVED that a report from the City Manager (copies of which were distributed to Council members at this meeting), regarding the use of City Hall as a filming site, a Committee of the Whole recommendation of this date with regard to the Brigadoon Terrace Subdivision on 88-487 COMMON COUNCIL MAY 22, 2001 Kennebecasis Drive, and a Legal Session recommendation of this date, be added to the agenda of this meeting for consideration as items 5A, 5B and 5C, respectively. Question being taken, the motion was carried. *5A. Use Of City Hall As FilminQ Site Consideration was given to a report from the City Manager advising that the 8th floor of City Hall is one of the proposed filming sites for the motion picture titled "Irish Eyes Are Crying", which will be filmed in and around Saint John, the proposed filming dates being May 27 and 28 during which time on-site security will be provided by the film company and alternate work arrangements have been made for affected staff; and also that, prior to allowing staff of Irish Eyes Production Inc. on-site to set up for the scenes, a location agreement must be entered into; and recommending that Common Council authorize the entering into of the submitted Location Agreement, with changes set out in correspondence in the Contract of Insurance in this regard, dated May 22, 2001. The Mayor advised the last sentence of the recommendation after the word "correspondence" should be "to Irish Eyes Production Inc. from the City Solicitor and dated May 22,2001". On motion of Councillor Ball Seconded by Councillor White RESOLVED that as recommended by the City Manager, Common Council authorize the entering into of the submitted Location Agreement, with changes set out in correspondence to Irish Eyes Productions Inc. from the City Solicitor and dated May 22, 2001. Question being taken, the motion was carried. *5B. BriQadoon Terrace Subdivision. Kennebecasis Drive On motion of Councillor Desmond Seconded by Councillor Vincent RESOLVED that the City permit the proposed subdivision of land lying to the northwest of Kennebecasis Drive, identified by NBGIC Number 418111 to be connected to the municipal water system in order for that system to service not more than four lots within the proposed subdivision, upon the condition that each person other than the developer, Tower Contracting Inc., having an encumbrance upon the land of the proposed subdivision must first, either agree to have that interest made subject to the conditions imposed by the Planning Advisory Committee on September 6, 2000, postpone that interest to the latter conditions, or release that interest, and register the arrangement in the Saint John County Registry Office. Councillor Fitzpatrick advised that he would not support the recommendation in that Council was told by staff not to do so as the City could not service what it has and there is a bigger issue to solve in that area, and also his understanding is that the Fire Department cannot service the area as correctly as it should; and, in noting that there was no new information on this since the Planning Advisory Committee dealt with the matter, added that, while he was not anti- development, he was not for development at all costs. Question being taken, the motion was carried with Councillor Fitzpatrick voting "nay'. *5C. Duck Cove Recreation & Heritage Association And Heirs Of Henrv W. Jack - Duck Cove On motion of Councillor Desmond Seconded by Councillor Vincent RESOLVED that Common Council authorize (a) payment of $47,682.84 to the firm of Ashfield DeWitt LeBlanc in trust, 88-488 COMMON COUNCIL MAY 22, 2001 solicitors for the Henry W. Jack Estate, representing compensation, interest, costs and disbursements associated with the expropriation of Parcel "0" in Duck Cove shown on a December 19, 1995 plan of survey prepared to accompany a notice of expropriation; and (b) the execution of a grant of right-of-way by foot and non-motorized vehicles in favour of Duck Cove Recreation & Heritage Association, Inc. for access over the said parcel "0" provided the heirs of Henry W. Jack and Duck Cove Recreation & Heritage Association, Inc., each first executes a Release in favour of the City with respect to any matter arising out of or connected directly or indirectly with the expropriation of the said Parcel "0". Question being taken, the motion was carried. 4. Brian Perrault - Designation Of Sidewalk VendinQ Site On Canterbury Street Brian Perrault of 138 Charlotte Street, operator of BKP Vending, addressed Council on the possibility of the City designating a place on Canterbury Street for a sidewalk vending site; and advised that he previously operated a site there and would like it to be reopened, his vending operation being the only way of supporting his family. The Mayor noted that the Canterbury Street site was one of the sites removed by Council a few weeks ago from the sidewalk vendor auction. A motion was proposed by Councillor Court and seconded by Councillor Fitzpatrick, that the above matter be referred to the City Manager for a report, including whether or not there were any problems with the Canterbury Street site. Mr. Edwards, in response to questions, advised that, to his knowledge, it was not a particular site that was problematic but rather the congregation of individuals late at night when bars closed that was a problem and there was no one individual site that caused any more of a problem to the neighbourhood than the others, and concurred that there were mostly businesses in the area of the Canterbury Street site. On motion of Councillor Chase Seconded by Councillor Vincent RESOLVED that the site in question be removed from the policy recently adopted by Council. Deputy Mayor Chase advised that he would not support the motion in that Council should take the view that, having made a decision on that site presumably with the full knowledge of facts and the weight of information before it at the time, Council should follow through with that decision for at least a full season to see how it goes. The Mayor noted that, when Council made the decision on sidewalk vending sites a few weeks ago, it did so overlooking the fact that Uptown Saint John Inc. had not been asked for input, and suggested that Uptown Saint John should playa role in this issue. Councillor Chase asked what steps the vendor would have to take to procure the site in question, if approved, to which Mr. Edwards advised that, each year, sites not sold at auction would be sold for the minimum bid price of $600, and he would suggest that Mr. Perrault pay the minimum bid price. The Mayor noted the intent of the motion on the floor to designate a site on Canterbury Street as a sidewalk vending site, whereupon Councillor Titus noted that the initial motion on the floor was a referral motion to the City Manager, and the referral motion was subsequently withdrawn with the consent of the mover and seconder. Councillor Titus expressed the view that, if the site in question were opened up, it should be opened up to the public because there may be others interested in it and, rather than rush into a decision at this time, the appropriate way to deal with this matter would be to refer it. On motion of Councillor Titus Seconded by Deputy Mayor Chase RESOLVED that the above matter be referred to the City Manager for a report to Council. 88-489 COMMON COUNCIL MAY 22, 2001 Councillor Desmond advised his intent to vote against the referral motion, as it was his understanding that the Canterbury Street site was taken off the list because nobody wanted it. Mr. Edwards, in noting the five sites removed by Council from the auction, advised that, the previous year, those sites sold with the exception of the site Mr. Perrault is referencing and, later in the year because his site at King's Square was displaced, he was given the site in question because no one had bid on it a year ago; however, with the removal of all of the sites in the area, he would suggest that anyone of the sites would be quite valuable to a vendor today, whether it is the one spoken about by Mr. Perrault or any of the other four sites in the area. As to whether or not the site in question, if approved, would be put out for competitive bidding or sold on a first- come basis, Mr. Totten asked that, if it were to be auctioned, the motion should reflect that direction, otherwise, from staff's perspective, staff would not get involved in a public auction for one site and, as a result of the above presentation, staff would look to Mr. Perrault to sell him the site at the minimum amount. Question being taken, the referral motion was lost, a tie vote having been created with the Mayor and Councillors Ball, Chase, Desmond, and Vincent voting "nay". Councillor Chase, in response to the Mayor, clarified that the original motion was to remove the site in question from the policy recently adopted by Council, and the mover and seconder of the motion agreed that, if the motion were approved, it would be sold for $600, with no bid process. Question being taken, the original motion was lost, a tie vote having been created with Deputy Mayor Chase and Councillors Court, Fitzpatrick, Titus and White voting "nay". On motion of Councillor Chase Seconded by Councillor Vincent RESOLVED that the site in question be removed from the policy recently adopted by Council and offered by public auction. As to timing, Mr. Edwards suggested that the City should go for invited bids rather than a public auction and this would take two days. Question being taken, the motion was carried with Deputy Mayor Chase and Councillors Ball and Chase voting "nay". 6. Mavor's Travel To Toronto Re Saint John Airport Read a letter from Mayor McAlary advising of the necessity of her attending a meeting in Toronto the end of May 2001, involving at the most two days including travel time, with the President of Canada 3000 to discuss the possibility of a discount air carrier serving the Saint John Airport, and requesting Council's permission to travel should this meeting materialize. On motion of Councillor Titus Seconded by Councillor Vincent RESOLVED that approval be granted for the Mayor to travel to Toronto in May 2001 to meet with Canada 3000 with respect to the Saint John Airport. Question being taken, the motion was carried. 7. Collection Of "White" Goods - Clean-Up Week The Mayor advised that she was withdrawing her letter with regard to the pick-up of "white goods" not collected during Clean-up Week, as she understood this matter was being looked after. A motion was proposed by Councillor Vincent and seconded by Councillor Ball to withdraw the letter from the agenda, and the Mayor indicated that she was not going to have any discussion because she was withdrawing the item. 88-490 COMMON COUNCIL MAY 22, 2001 8. Municipal Election System Read a letter from Councillor Chase advising that he would like to discuss the matter of the present system of Saint John's municipal election, which has been a much-debated topic in the media and the community. Councillor Chase noted the issues of concern to people, particularly at election time, such as ward versus at-large, how to get youth involved in elections, the remuneration of Mayor and Council, accountability of those who are elected and frustration at polling stations on election day with people being turned away from voting, and asked for Council's support of a motion to establish a committee, commission or group of persons to consult with the public on such issues and report to Council with recommendations on whether or not there should be change. The Mayor suggested that, as this was the last meeting of the current Council, such a committee should be suggested to the new Council, and also that the issue, as it is quite involved, should be in writing to Council. On motion of Councillor Chase Seconded by Deputy Mayor Chase RESOLVED that Council establish a committee to investigate the above issues and report to Council. Councillor Court expressed the view that it was wrong for the above motion to be put on the table with no background; and Councillor Fitzpatrick advised that he would not support the motion because it was very vague in the way it was put forward. Councillor White concurred that Councillor Chase should present this matter a little more formally than what was now before Council, and Councillor Ball suggested that a more positive action would be a strategic action plan which would be more tangible than what was proposed, as well as more directional in planning for the future. Councillor Desmond advised that he could not support the motion without the idea being written more formally. In terms of the motion, Councillor Chase clarified that his request was for two or three Council members to discuss issues that emerged during election time, and put together a submission to the rest of Council on what a committee should study, and suggested that, to get this started, two Council members could sit down with him over the next couple of weeks. The Mayor suggested that, if the motion were to set up a committee, this should be referred to the Nominating Committee, and Councillor Chase suggested that, while his motion was to establish a committee to study the issues and report to Council, the ideas he presented above could be made more concrete in terms of what should be studied, thus the motion could be that an ad hoc committee put together a report on the issues it feels should be addressed by a larger committee. The Mayor called for the question on the motion to set up a committee to look into election issues, including the ward system, remuneration and whatever else. Question being taken, the motion was lost with the Mayor and Councillors Ball, Court, Desmond, Fitzpatrick, and White voting "nay'. 9. Tender For Fire Tanker On motion of Deputy Mayor Chase Seconded by Councillor Vincent RESOLVED that as recommended by the City Manager, the tender submitted by Metal Fab Ltd., in the amount of $201,623.72, plus tax, be accepted for the supply of one new water tanker truck. Question being taken, the motion was carried. 88-491 COMMON COUNCIL MAY 22, 2001 10. Tender For Visitor Guides On motion of Councillor White Seconded by Deputy Mayor Chase RESOLVED that as recommended by the City Manager, the tender submitted by Print Atlantic of Saint John, NB, at a total cost of $37,968 (plus tax), be accepted for the printing and supply of 100,000 visitor guides. Question being taken, the motion was carried. 11. Tender For Washroom Addition ReversinQ Falls Tourist Information Centre Read a report from the City Manager advising that four companies responded to the City's public tender call for the construction of an addition to the Reversing Falls Tourist Information Centre to accommodate the installation of two new public washrooms, and one vendor - Melrose Construction Ltd., failed to include the 15% sales tax in its bid price as required by the tender and contacted staff, in written form, requesting that its tender be removed from further consideration. On motion of Councillor White Seconded by Councillor Ball RESOLVED that as recommended by the City Manager, in regard to the tender for the construction of two new washrooms at the Reversing Falls Tourist Information Centre, (1) Melrose Construction Ltd. be allowed to withdraw its tender; and (2) the tender of W & S General Contractors Ltd., in the amount of $34,580, all taxes included, be accepted. Question being taken, the motion was carried. 12. Sidewalk Cafe Request. 18 Charlotte Street Read a report from the City Manager further to the request to Council on May 7,2001 of Smoothy's Restaurant and Pub for permission to establish an outdoor cafe directly in front of that establishment at 18 Charlotte Street; noting the Standards and Specifications for sidewalk cafes adopted at that Council meeting, and setting out a recommendation in this regard. On motion of Councillor Ball Seconded by Councillor White RESOLVED that as recommended by the City Manager, the request of Smoothy's Restaurant and Pub to establish an outdoor seating area in front of 18 Charlotte Street be approved in accordance with the Standards and Specifications approved by Council, and further that the establishment of such seating area extend to the area directly in front of the empty building at 16 Charlotte Street (formerly the Book Mart). Question being taken, the motion was carried. 13. Residential Infrastructure Assistance Applications #1 & #3 On motion of Councillor Ball Seconded by Councillor White RESOLVED that as recommended by the City Manager, Common Council approve Residential Infrastructure Assistance for #1 NJP Developments Inc. for development of 17 townhouses in the Saint Peters Court development, and #3 Paul Folkins for development of 11 one and two family units in the Folkins Estate Subdivision. Question being taken, the motion was carried. 88-492 COMMON COUNCIL MAY 22, 2001 14. Proposed Municipal Plan Amendment Re "PQ-2" Pits And Quarries 2 Zone Consideration was given to a report from the City Manager referring to the proposed Municipal Plan amendment to facilitate the development of a second pit and quarry zone for five remaining sites (which is also the subject of item 15 on the agenda of this meeting), a number of letters having been received in this regard raising concerns about pit and quarry development and making specific suggestions to address various issues; advising that, during the past couple of months, staff has met on three occasions with concerned residents to discuss issues respecting the newly adopted PQ zone, the proposed Municipal Plan amendment and the draft "PQ-2" Pits and Quarries - 2 zone, and ongoing discussions have started to focus on a plan to address the regulatory issues respecting pits and quarries which would require change at the Provincial level and further meetings have been scheduled to develop a process to deal with these issues, thus at this time staff is recommending that Council receive the letters of concern and pause to consider whether any changes should be made to the proposed Municipal Plan amendment or the draft "PQ-2" zone prior to initiating the required advertising for the public hearing, this being the most appropriate time to consider the details of the proposed amendment so that "significant change" in the advertised amendment can be avoided as much as possible. On motion of Councillor Fitzpatrick Seconded by Councillor Ball RESOLVED that as recommended by the City Manager, the public hearing date for the proposed Municipal Plan amendment to facilitate the development of a second pit and quarry zone for five remaining sites not be set until Council has the opportunity to discuss how the proposed amendment should respond to the issues raised. Question being taken, the motion was carried. 15. Municipal Plan Amendment - Policies RespectinQ Pits & Quarries & PQ-2 Zone On motion of Councillor Fitzpatrick Seconded by Councillor White RESOLVED the letter from the Common Clerk advising that, following the procedure for amendments to the Municipal Plan, the necessary advertising and public presentation have been completed with respect to the proposed submitted amendment to amend subsection 2.4.3, Policies Respecting Pits and Quarries, to provide for the creation of a "PQ-2" Pits and Quarries 2 zone; submitting letters received in this regard, and advising that Council, if it so wishes, may now authorize the necessary advertising for the proposed Municipal Plan and Zoning By- law amendments, schedule a public hearing for Monday, June 25, 2001, at 7:00 o'clock and request the views of the Planning Advisory Committee, be received and filed. Question being taken, the motion was carried. (Councillor Vincent withdrew from the meeting.) 16. 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, May 7, 2001, when there were present Mayor McAlary, Deputy Mayor Chase and Councillors Ball, Chase, Court, Desmond, Fitzpatrick, Trites, Vincent and White, and your Committee submits the following recommendation, namely: 88-493 COMMON COUNCIL MAY 22, 2001 1. That as recommended by the City Manager, Common Council authorize the publishing of a notice of its intention to consider passing a by-law to stop up and close 1,534 :t m2 portion of Sandy Point Road, as generally shown on the submitted plan; in the event the subject portion of street is stopped up and closed, the City of Saint John sell the 1,534 :t m2 portion of closed street to Property Management/Proman Ltd. for the price of $3,000 (plus HST, if necessary), and the Mayor and Common Clerk be authorized to execute all required documents. 2. That as recommended by the City Manager, the City of Saint John subdivide and option 2.76 :t acres of NBGIC Number 49908, located between Rivershore Drive and a 37-acre portion of NBGIC Number 55101570, as generally shown on the submitted plan, to 512531 N.B. Ltd.; the option be exercised on or before September 30, 2002, provided that prior to exercising the option 51231 N.B. Ltd. has constructed and vested a public street to a point just past Parcel A (as generally illustrated on the submitted plans) and 512531 N.B. Ltd. has vested to the City of Saint John the same Parcel A as a future street; the option fee be $5,000 + plus HST and shall be non-refundable except in the event the Province of New Brunswick does not approve the sale of a 37:t acre portion of NBGIC Number 55101570 to 512531 N.B. Ltd.; the price of the 2.76 acres be $10,000 (plus HST if applicable); the option fee be considered a deposit on the subject land and deducted from the sale price at closing; and during the term of the option 512531 N.B. Ltd. shall (a) have permission to enter upon the subject City land for the purpose of conducting surveys, assessments and the construction of a public street as generally shown on the submitted tentative subdivision plan, (b) co-name the City of Saint John in its liability insurance policy and proof of such be provided to the City, (c) indemnify and save harmless the City of Saint John from and against all manner of action, claim, demand, suits or loss of any nature whatsoever occurring out of or in respect to the consent granted herein to entering upon the subject property for the purpose of surveys, assessments and constructing a public street, (d) have the consent of the City to vest a public street over a portion of the subject 2.76 + acres provided the said street is constructed to City standards and the appropriate development agreement has been entered into; the granting of the option as contemplated herein does not explicitly or implicitly obligate Common Council to approve any zoning application(s) or Municipal Plan amendment(s) that may arise as a result of the proposed development plan; and further that the Mayor and Common Clerk be authorized to execute the option and deed (if applicable). Tuesday, May 22, 2001, Saint John, N.B. Respectfully submitted, (sgd.) Shirley McAlary, C h air man. 16.1. Street Closing And Sale Of Portion Of Sandy Point Road On motion of Councillor White Seconded by Deputy Mayor Chase RESOLVED that section 1 of the above report be adopted. Question being taken, the motion was carried. 16.2. Subdivision Of And Option To City Land AlonQ Rivershore Drive On motion of Councillor Fitzpatrick Seconded by Councillor Desmond RESOLVED that section 2 of the above report be adopted. Question being taken, the motion was carried. 88-494 COMMON COUNCIL MAY 22, 2001 17. Planning Advisory Committee Subdivision 660 KinQ William Road On motion of Councillor Fitzpatrick Seconded by Councillor White RESOLVED that as recommended by the Planning Advisory Committee, Common Council assent to the submitted tentative subdivision plan of 660 King William Road that would create Lot 01-01 with a future street having an approximate area of 1.5 hectares (3.7 acres). Question being taken, the motion was carried. 18. Planning Advisory Committee Subdivision 133 Westmount Drive On motion of Councillor White Seconded by Councillor Ball RESOLVED that as recommended by the Planning Advisory Committee, Common Council assent to the submitted photo-reduced tentative subdivision plan of 133 Westmount Drive and to any required public utility easements. (Councillor Vincent re-entered the meeting.) Question being taken, the motion was carried. 19. Saint John Board Of Trade - Residential Infrastructure Assistance ProQram On motion of Councillor Desmond Seconded by Councillor Ball RESOLVED that the letter from the Saint John Board of Trade advising how pleased it is that Council adopted the Residential Infrastructure Assistance Program at its May 7, 2001 meeting, the consultative approach in this regard considered by the Board to be a great example of it and the City of Saint John working together to promote growth in the City, be received and filed. Question being taken, the motion was carried. 20. Council Of Maritime Premiers - Council Resolution On East West HiQhway I Atlantic Corridor On motion of Councillor Fitzpatrick Seconded by Councillor Vincent RESOLVED that the letter from the Council of Maritime Premiers expressing appreciation on being kept informed on important transportation issues in the Region, having received a copy of Common Council resolution of April 2, 2001 regarding the East West Highway / Atlantic Corridor, be received and filed. Question being taken, the motion was carried. 21. Natalie Dutchak - Mispec Park On motion of Councillor Fitzpatrick Seconded by Councillor Vincent RESOLVED that the letter from Natalie Dutchak expressing the view that Mispec Park was very well kept when the Mispec volunteers were handling things, and asking that the City not let it go to ruin, be referred to the City Manager. Question being taken, the motion was carried. 88-495 COMMON COUNCIL MAY 22, 2001 22. Debmar Enterprises Ltd. - Re-Zoning Of Property At 1197 Red Head Road On motion of Councillor Fitzpatrick Seconded by Councillor White RESOLVED that the application of Debmar Enterprises Ltd. for the re-zoning of property located at 1197 Red Head Road 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, June 25, 2001, at 7:00 o'clock p.m. Question being taken, the motion was carried. 23. Percy E. Godsoe - Deer In MillidQeville Area On motion of Councillor Desmond Seconded by Councillor Fitzpatrick RESOLVED that the letter from Percy E. Godsoe advising of damage to properties in the Millidgeville area by deer, the deer population having grown to the extent that there was a sighting of twenty-one of them on Birch Grove Terrace near the apartments, and asking that action be taken in this regard to protect the properties, be referred to the City Manager to contact Natural Resources to find out how to proceed to eliminate this problem. The Mayor advised that, as indicated in the above letter, Mr. Godsoe wrote to her and the matter had already been referred to Natural Resources; and suggested that, as the City cannot do anything about this, the letter should be received and filed. Councillor Titus made the observation that this was a Provincial responsibility. Question being taken, the motion was carried with Councillor Titus voting "nay". 24. Fundy Computer Services Ltd. - Long-Term PlanninQ & Infrastructure Development StrateQV On motion of Councillor White Seconded by Councillor Fitzpatrick RESOLVED that the letter from Herb Duncan, President of Fundy Computer Services Ltd., advising that he has not been pleased with the rate of urban redevelopment in Saint John over the past number of years, his observations suggesting that the City is lagging many other Atlantic Canadian cities in this respect; and citing an excerpt from an article he wrote that recently appeared in The Telegraph Journal newspaper on the primary role of local government being the development and implementation of a long-term planning and infrastructure development strategy, be received and filed. Question being taken, the motion was carried. The Mayor, noting that this was the last Council meeting for the Council of 1998 to 2001, extended best wishes to Councillor Vincent and Deputy Mayor Chase on their future endeavours. Councillor Vincent and Deputy Mayor Chase spoke, in turn, on the experience of serving as members of Common Council, and the other Council members added their comments to those of Mayor McAlary about having had the opportunity of serving with them on Council and in best wishes for the future. Adjournment The meeting adjourned. Common Clerk