2002-05-27_Minutes
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MAY 27,2002
At a meeting of the Common Council, held at the City Hall in the City of
Saint John, on Monday, the twenty-seventh day of May, AD. 2002, at 7:00 o'clock p.m.
present
Shirley McAlary, Mayor
Deputy Mayor White and Councillors Ball, Chase, Court,
Desmond, Fitzgerald, Fitzpatrick, Teed, Titus and Trites
- and -
Messrs. 1. Totten, City Manager; B. Cullinan, Solicitor; A
Beckett, Commissioner of Finance and Commissioner of
Corporate Services; P. Woods, Deputy City Manager; P. Groody,
Commissioner of Municipal Operations; W. Butler, Commissioner
of Community Services; W. Edwards, Commissioner of Buildings
and Inspection Services; R. Pollock, Planner; C. Campbell,
Planner; 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 Desmond
Seconded by Deputy Mayor White
RESOLVED that the minutes of the
meeting of Common Council, held on Tuesday, May 21, 2002, be approved.
Question being taken, the motion was carried.
The Mayor asked for consideration at this time of agenda item 6.
6. Proclamation I Environment Awards Presentation
Mayor McAlary proclaimed June 2 to 8, 2002 as Environment Week in the
City of Saint John and welcomed to the meeting Terry Gray, Chairman of the City of
Saint John Environment Committee, who recognized the presence of Committee
members Maureen Fuller and Don Shaw, as well as Councillor Chase, and noted that
Environment Week was held the first week of June every year to coincide with World
Environment Day, which was proclaimed by the United Nations in 1972 and celebrated
on June 5, with Clean Air Day being June 6. Mr. Gray announced the winners of the
Annual Environment Awards in the individual and business categories, respectively, as
follows: Joan LeGassie, in recognition of her dedicated focus on keeping the City streets
free of debris, being an ardent supporter of composting and recycling and very active in
her own anti-littering campaign; and Sobeys Inc., in recognition of its dedication to
reducing, reusing, recycling and composting, with six stores in the Greater Saint John
area focusing on reducing their reliance on the Crane Mountain landfill and using their
composting facility to the maximum and for its environmental initiatives in reducing costs
and emissions related to its heating and ventilation program. Councillor Court
announced the winner of the group category, being the 24th Saint John Girl Guides, in
recognition of their effort in "The Yellow Fish Storm Drain Marketing Program", for
painting yellow fish symbols beside storm sewer drains as a reminder that unwanted
household products, such as paint, paint thinner, antifreeze and other common
chemicals, should not be dumped down these curbside drains and also for leaving
information at each home along their assigned route, and advised of his participation in
this project. Mayor McAlary presented the awards, congratulating the recipients, and
subsequently expressing appreciation to the members of the Environment Committee for
their work on behalf of the City of Saint John.
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3(a) Zoning By-law Amendment To
Re-Zone 231-233 Golden Grove Road
The Common Clerk advised that the necessary advertising was
completed with regard to the proposed re-zoning of a parcel of land located at 231-233
Golden Grove Road (NBGIC Number 311597), having an area of approximately 1,000
square metres, from "RS-2" One and Two Family Suburban Residential to "R-4" Four
Family Residential classification, to recognize the existing use of the building on the
property as a three-family dwelling, as requested by Wilson and Jeanette Dobbin, and
3{c) written objections were received in this regard from Beverley James and Allan
Mackinnon.
3{b)
Consideration was also given to a report from the Planning Advisory
Committee submitting a copy of Planning staff's report and two letters expressing
concerns with respect to the proposed re-zoning, considered at the Committee's May 22,
2002 meeting at which Wilson Dobbin, the applicant, expressed agreement with the staff
recommendation and indicated that the three-family dwelling has existed for many years
and it only came to light that it was not zoned properly when a prospective purchaser
obtained an appraisal report, and Allan MacKinnon expressed concerns about the lack
of a level rear yard for children to play and potential problems if the dwelling was not
owner-occupied, and that it might set a precedent for other properties in the area to be
re-zoned and lead to lower property values in the area; and recommending that
Common Council re-zone a parcel of land located at 231-233 Golden Grove Road (PID
Number 311597), having an area of approximately 1,000 square metres, from "RS-2"
One and Two Family Suburban Residential to "R-4" Four Family Residential
classification, subject to a resolution pursuant to Section 39 of the Community Planning
Act setting out the following conditions: (a) the use of the property is limited to a dwelling
containing a maximum of three dwelling units, and (b) the proponent must obtain a
building permit for the three-unit dwelling and must complete any work required to
conform to the National Building Code no later than November 30, 2002.
Allan MacKinnon of 243 Golden Grove Road spoke in opposition on the
basis that re-zoning of the property could set a precedent for this particular residential
area, as well as a concern about the building not being owner-occupied; and suggested
that, rather than re-zone the property to "R-4" with a Section 39 condition limiting its use
to a dwelling with a maximum of three dwelling units, the property could be left as "R-2"
with the same limitation.
Beverley James of 245 Golden Grove Road, appearing in opposition to
the proposed re-zoning, advised that her presence was to reinforce what Mr. MacKinnon
said, not having a problem with the existing property which is well kept and well
maintained; however, her concern was that the vacant lot beside her property was for
sale and would have the potential, if the subject property is re-zoned, for a three- or four-
apartment building to be put there.
Wilson Dobbin, owner of the subject property, addressed Council in
support of his application, and advised that the property has been three-family for
probably about forty years, having been so when he purchased it about twenty-seven
years ago as well as when the previous owner had it, and somehow it did not get re-
zoned, nor did it come up when he bought the property; however, when he put it up for
sale, the appraiser for the prospective purchaser noted that the property was not
properly zoned. Mr. Dobbin also advised that nothing would change for the property in
that it would not be a prudent investment to do anything other than continue it as a three-
family apartment building and, with regard to a precedent, expressed the understanding
that each property, to be re-zoned, had to stand on its own; and, in noting other
apartment buildings in the area, indicated that he wanted to get the property re-zoned so
that he could sell it.
Mr. Pollock, in response to Mr. MacKinnon's suggestion that the property
could remain "R-2" with a condition limiting the use to a three-dwelling unit, advised that
the difficulty with that was that the existing zoning did not permit a three-family dwelling
and, in order to recognize that, it would need to be placed in a zone that actually
permitted that use, and also that, if the property were not re-zoned, there would not be
an opportunity to impose Section 39 conditions.
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On motion of Councillor Trites
Seconded by Councillor Teed
RESOLVED that the by-law entitled, "By-law
Number C.P. 100-596 A Law To Amend The Zoning By-law Of The City Of Saint John",
insofar as it concerns re-zoning a parcel of land located at 231-233 Golden Grove Road
(PID Number 311597), having an area of approximately 1,000 square metres, from "RS-
2" One and Two Family Suburban Residential to "R-4" Four Family Residential
classification, pursuant to Section 39 of the Community Planning Act as recommended
by the Planning Advisory Committee, be read a first time.
Councillor Fitzpatrick asked if the property could be a non-conforming use
and remain three-family, and Mr. Pollock advised that, although staff investigated that in
order to avoid the need for re-zoning, it could not be conclusively determined or certified
to the owners that it is indeed non-conforming and, although the owners were in fact
able to indicate that it has been a three-family at least forty years which would take it
back to the early 1960s, the City's zoning records for that area go back to the 1940s and
at no time since then has anything more than a two-family zoning been permitted; and
added that, if it could be established that it was a non-conforming use, the re-zoning
would not be necessary, although a financial institution might not be satisfied with
anything less than a re-zoning. Councillor Fitzpatrick asked if the owners could be
required to take out the third unit because it was not zoned for that purpose, and Mr.
Cullinan advised that the court would have to establish that, in fact, it was a three-family
use at the time in that the court would recognize legal uses, and referenced Mr. Pollock's
indication that only a two-family use has been permitted back to the 1940s. Councillor
Fitzpatrick, noting that it might be possible to check building permits with respect to the
use, suggested that the matter could be tabled until this was determined. Councillor
Titus asked if the property was billed for water and sewerage services as a three-family
unit, to which Mr. Pollock replied in the affirmative. Councillor Trites suggested that
checking the Saint John Energy and Water and Sewerage Utility records to find out
when the services were separated might be means of going back even further and
asked, if first and second readings were given at this meeting, staff to look at that to see
whether it was back in the 1940s in which case non-conforming use could be brought in
prior to third reading.
Question being taken, the motion was carried.
Read a first time the by-law entitled, "By-law Number C.P. 100-596 A
Law To Amend The Zoning By-law Of The City Of Saint John".
On motion of Deputy Mayor White
Seconded by Councillor Ball
RESOLVED that the by-law entitled, "By-law
Number C.P. 100-596 A Law To Amend The Zoning By-law Of The City Of Saint John",
insofar as it concerns re-zoning a parcel of land located at 231-233 Golden Grove Road
(PID Number 311597), having an area of approximately 1,000 square metres, from "RS-
2" One and Two Family Suburban Residential to "R-4" Four Family Residential
classification, pursuant to Section 39 of the Community Planning Act as recommended
by the Planning Advisory Committee, be read a second time.
Question being taken, the motion was carried.
Read a second time the by-law entitled, "By-law Number C.P. 100-596 A
Law To Amend The Zoning By-law Of The City Of Saint John".
On motion of Deputy Mayor White
Seconded by Councillor Ball
RESOLVED that the correspondence
regarding the above-proposed amendment be received and filed.
Question being taken, the motion was carried.
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4. Preservation Areas By-law Amendment
To Remove Reference To BuildinQ Act 1925
The Common Clerk advised that the necessary advertising was
completed with regard to a proposed amendment to the Preservation Areas By-law to
repeal and substitute Section 17, to remove the reference to the "Saint John Building
Act, 1925" as the City presently uses "A By-law Respecting Dangerous Or Unsightly
Premises Within The City Of Saint John" to cause the demolition of dangerous buildings,
and no written objections were received in this regard.
On motion of Deputy Mayor White
Seconded by Councillor Ball
RESOLVED that the by-law entitled, "A Law
To Amend The Saint John Preservation Areas By-law", by repealing Section 17 and
substituting the following: 17. Nothing in this by-law shall be construed so as to affect the
demolition of any building that Common Council has found, under the by-law entitled 'A
By-law Respecting Dangerous Or Unsightly Premises Within The City Of Saint John', to
be dangerous", be read a first time.
Question being taken, the motion was carried.
Read a first time the by-law entitled, "A Law To Amend The Saint John
Preservation Areas By-law".
On motion of Councillor Desmond
Seconded by Councillor Fitzgerald
RESOLVED that the by-law entitled, "A
Law To Amend The Saint John Preservation Areas By-law", by repealing Section 17 and
substituting the following: 17. Nothing in this by-law shall be construed so as to affect the
demolition of any building that Common Council has found, under the by-law entitled 'A
By-law Respecting Dangerous Or Unsightly Premises Within The City Of Saint John', to
be dangerous", be read a second time.
Question being taken, the motion was carried.
Read a second time the by-law entitled, "A Law To Amend The Saint
John Preservation Areas By-law".
5. Municipal Plan Amendment
257 -259 carmarthen Street/79 Broad Street
Public presentation was made of a proposed Municipal Plan amendment
to redesignate on Schedule 2-C a parcel of land with an area of approximately 790
square meters, located at 257-259 Carmarthen Street/79 Broad Street (PID Numbers
703 and 711), from Medium Density Residential to Approved Commercial Development
classification, to permit re-zoning of the site from "RM-IF" Multiple Residentiallnfill to "B-
2" General Business classification, in order to permit a restaurant with a dining room
liquor licence under the Liquor Control Act, as requested by 059314 N.B. Ltd. (John
Hosford).
The Mayor asked that agenda item 18 be brought forward as there were a
number of people present in the Council Chamber in this regard.
On motion of Councillor Desmond
Seconded by Councillor Fitzpatrick
RESOLVED that agenda item 18 be
brought forward for consideration at this time.
Question being taken, the motion was carried.
18. Re-ZoninQ Of 475 Latimore Lake Road
Read a report from the City Manager referring to the April 15, 2002 public
hearing with respect to the application of Fundy Bay Sand and Gravel Inc. for the re-
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zoning of property at 475 Latimore Lake Road, Council having tabled the application and
directed City staff to facilitate discussions between representatives of the residents
opposed to the application and the applicant; and advising that a series of meetings and
discussions with the parties have taken place since the application was tabled and the
representatives of each of the parties made a concerted effort to resolve their
differences; however, a mutually satisfactory solution could not be identified.
On motion of Councillor Desmond
Seconded by Deputy Mayor White
RESOLVED that as recommended by
the City Manager, Common Council take from the table at the next scheduled meeting
the re-zoning application of Fundy Bay Sand and Gravel Inc. and proceed with the next
step(s) in the re-zoning process.
Councillor Fitzpatrick asked if a report would be forthcoming at the next
meeting in the above regard, and Mr. Totten advised that Mr. Woods, prior to meeting
with the residents and with the operator on four separate occasions over the past few
weeks, had the parties agree to a confidentiality agreement with regard to their
discussions, and the above report was to advise Council that staff was unable to find a
solution between the parties; and also advised that, while as part of the decision-making
process at the next meeting questions could probably be asked, at this time staff thought
it appropriate in respect to the residents and the operator in the event that something
might change between now and the next meeting; so, that was why Council did not have
a report and it would not necessarily be staff's intention to have anything other than what
Council has already been given in terms of planning issues; and added that this was
strictly to respect the confidence given to staff by the residents and the operator.
Councillor Trites expressed the view that, as Councillors had a letter from the Latimore
Lake and Area Residents Association summarizing its views of what took place at the
meetings, it would be appropriate for Council to have a report from Mr. Woods in terms
of his interpretation of it as well prior to the next meeting.
Question being taken, the motion was carried.
7. Mavors' Memorial Tree Grove
On motion of Councillor Fitzgerald
Seconded by Deputy Mayor White
RESOLVED that the letter from
Councillor Teed advising that the Mayors' Memorial Tree Grove (initially accepted as a
Bicentennial project in 1999) has been commenced with the planting of six trees on May
18, 2002, each sponsored by an organization or individual other than the Mayor for
whom the tree was planted; also advising that the Grove is in King's Square West and
there are presently 59 Mayors left to be recognized; and submitting a list of Mayors now
recognized and their sponsor, be received and filed.
Question being taken, the motion was carried.
8. Resolutions For Cities Of New Brunswick Association
Consideration was given to a letter from Councillor Teed advising that, as
there are many problems facing cities, he feels that the City of Saint John should show
leadership dealing with topics which can affect all municipalities and are of increasing
importance to urban government; and proposing that the submitted resolutions, if
acceptable in principle, be forwarded to the Cities of New Brunswick Association to be
dealt with at the forthcoming conference in June, such resolutions concerning (1) fees
for special service, (2) motorized wheelchairs, (3) public transportation costs, (4)
garbage rule observance by tenant, and (5) loss of revenue through charitable
exemption.
On motion of Councillor Desmond
Seconded by Councillor Fitzgerald
RESOLVED that the following
resolutions be forwarded to the Cities of New Brunswick Association for consideration:
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1. WHEREAS there is uncertainty as to the right of municipalities to charge
fees for services provided by municipal employees performing ancillary to their normal
employment;
AND WHEREAS such services as jaws of life, water rescue, and oil spill
cleanup could be the subject of special charges relieving municipalities of the
burdensome cost of such:
RESOLVED that the Province be requested to clarify the Municipalities
Act to enable municipalities to charge for ancillary services which may be performed by
municipal employees outside their normal type of employment.
2. WHEREAS there is an increasing number of motorized wheelchairs or
similar forms of conveyance for persons suffering certain physical disabilities;
AND WHEREAS there appears to be a lack of knowledge of any rules or
regulations respecting the use of such conveyance on streets, sidewalks and in the
interior of buildings and malls as to right-of-way or usage which can result in dangerous
situations for both the operator and pedestrians:
RESOLVED that the Government be requested to take action to
relate the appropriate use of such form of conveyance to pedestrians and other forms of
vehicular traffic.
3.
WHEREAS public transportation is of growing need in urban centres;
AND WHEREAS public transportation is environmentally helpful in
reducing the volume of greenhouse gasses caused by the proliferation of automobiles in
urban centres;
AND WHEREAS public transportation services are a burdensome
expense to municipalities;
AND WHEREAS the Provincial taxes on the fuel used by public
transportation are excessive:
RESOLVED that the Provincial Government be requested to take the
necessary action to rebate or reduce the tax imposed on the fuel used by municipal
public transportation vehicles.
4. WHEREAS modern residential garbage removal is based on encouraging
composting and recycling of refuse to the greatest extent possible;
AND WHEREAS landlord of smaller residential tenancy buildings
sometimes have difficulty in getting tenants to abide by a municipal garbage by-law
relating to separation and recycling of household garbage;
AND WHEREAS the Province has established provisions in the
Residential Tenancy Act regulating the relationship between landlords and tenants;
AND WHEREAS it could be useful to have provisions respecting tenants
adhering to garbage disposal as a provision in the Tenancy Regulations:
RESOLVED that the Province of New Brunswick be requested to add to
the provisions related to the Residential Tenancy Act a new provision respecting the
duty of a tenant to observe the requirements of any municipal garbage removal by-law
which a municipality may enact.
5. WHEREAS charities which are the owners of real estate are urging
municipal taxes be deleted or reduced with respect to their building;
AND WHEREAS such charities require the provision of basic municipal
services of police, fire and streets and benefit from such;
AND WHEREAS such deletion or reductions by the Province impose an
involuntary burden of providing services at the expense of other taxpayers;
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AND WHEREAS charities which rent premises but do not own property
are prejudiced in that the full tax burden on the property is paid through the rent in
contrast to those which own property but are relieved of municipal taxes in whole or in
part:
RESOLVED that the Provincial Government be urged to view with care
any proposals for deleting or reducing municipal taxes which may be imposed on
property owned by charitable institutions bearing in mind municipalities will suffer from
loss of tax revenue, a loss over which they have no say or control.
Question being taken, the motion was carried.
9. Previous Letter Re Proposal To Reduce Size Of Council
Read a letter from Councillor Titus advising that he would like to make a
motion to take from the table his letter to Council on January 7, 2002 proposing to
reduce the size of the next Council to reflect a more modern, efficient and cost-effective
civic government.
On motion of Councillor Titus
Seconded by Councillor Trites
RESOLVED that the above letter be taken
from the table.
Question being taken, the motion was carried.
Councillor Titus read the above-mentioned letter which suggested that, as
there have been significant changes in the City (social, economic, population, etc.) since
the enactment of the by-law relating to the election of Common Council, it is appropriate
at this time to review the number of councillors required to set policy and set the future
for the City, and also that the recent budget and direction to reduce would seem to apply
equally to the size/cost of Council operations, and advised his intent to propose a motion
to reduce the size of the next Council to reflect a more modern, efficient and cost-
effective civic government. Councillor Titus related information which, he advised, was
based on his research back to when this issue was discussed shortly after
amalgamation and recommended the size of the Council for the City at that time as
eight, with the objective being to establish a policy with respect to City matters and
ensure that the policy was conducted in an effective and efficient manner, the history of
the City having been that the larger the Council the greater the tendency to work with
Council committees and the greater use of Council committees the greater the danger of
Council dealing with administration and not with policy; and expressed the view that, as
the population has decreased since that time, the number of Councillors in relation to the
population should be looked at and the number decreased.
On motion of Councillor Titus
Seconded by Councillor Trites
RESOLVED that the above matter be
referred to the City Manager with the request that he or his designate prepare a position
paper after researching FCM documentation and so on for other cities of similar size.
Councillor Desmond expressed the view that reducing the size of Council
would not be a problem but rather that the problem was to get it divided up so that the
whole City would have proper representation, and that would mean going to a ward
system to get even representation throughout the City.
Question being taken, the motion was carried with Councillor Desmond
voting "nay".
10. Residencv Of City Emplovees
On motion of Councillor Titus
Seconded by Councillor Chase
RESOLVED that the letter from Councillor
Titus advising his intent, considering last year's budget deliberations and reference to
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the number of City employees not living in the City and considering this year's budget
deliberations and reference to growth (population and tax base), to direct staff to develop
a program (including incentives) to attract/encourage employees to move into the City,
be referred to the City Manager.
Councillor Fitzgerald advised that he agreed with the main thrust of
encouraging people who work for the City to live in the City but was not prepared to give
them a financial incentive to do that, and suggested that it should be a requirement of
employment that City employees live in the City. Councillor Ball expressed concern
about spending taxpayers' money to entice City employees to live in the City, and the
Mayor advised that she could not support an incentive for employees to move back into
the City. Following Councillor Titus' comments, having indicated that he would close the
debate as mover of the motion, the Mayor advised that she was closing the debate,
whereupon Councillor Fitzpatrick, on a point of order, advised that he did not know what
rules Council was following with respect to Councillor Titus' closing the debate. The
Mayor, in noting that she was fair to the Council members in letting them speak on every
item on which they wish to speak at every meeting and sometimes two or three or four or
five times, expressed the view that this was a simple issue for the amount of time taken
up for it, and suggested that there would have to be a meeting right away to see if some
of these issues could be agreed on.
Question being taken, the motion was lost with the Mayor, the Deputy
Mayor and Councillors Ball, Court, Fitzgerald and Trites voting "nay".
11. Lack Of Visible Clock In Council Chamber
Read a letter from Councillor Teed advising that it has come to his
attention that there is no visible clock in the Council Chamber and suggesting that a time
piece, which is visible to both Councillors and those seated in the Chamber, could be of
benefit to all and, as he recognized that the cost of such might mean a delay in it being
provided, a public appeal might produce one or more persons or organizations which
could result in an attractive and effective time piece in the Council Chamber.
On motion of Councillor Trites
Seconded by Councillor Fitzpatrick
RESOLVED that the above letter from
Councillor Teed be received and filed.
Question being taken, the motion was carried with Councillor Desmond
voting "nay".
12. FundinQ For ReQional Commissions
Consideration was given to a letter from Councillor Chase advising that,
as at present funding for regional commissions is based on tax base, he believes that
this puts Saint John in an inequitable position because Saint John has a large industrial
base and, particularly in the case of the Regional Facilities Commission which supports
facilities used by citizens (as opposed to large mills), the funding would be more
equitable if it were based on population or residential tax base; also advising that
preliminary analysis by staff suggests that the City's share of funding would decrease by
$100,000 if this means for calculating the formula were used; expressing the
understanding that the formula is legislated by the Provincial Government, therefore an
appeal would have to be made to the Province if Council were to pursue this and, as the
Province would likely look for regional support on this before implementing it, dialogue
with the surrounding communities would be necessary; and proposing that staff prepare
a report for Council's consideration, if Council is interested in examining this further.
On motion of Councillor Chase
Seconded by Councillor Titus
RESOLVED that the above matter be referred
to the Mayor's Task Force on New Ways of Doing Business.
Question being taken, the motion was carried.
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13. Representation On Fundv Trail Parkway Authoritv
Read a letter from Councillor Teed advising that the Fundy Trail Parkway
Authority is considering making changes to its structure by including directors appointed
by the City of Saint John and Moncton, and proposing that Council invite John Balcomb,
President of the Authority, to a meeting with Council in order to ascertain how a
representative from Saint John appointed by Council might be of value to the Parkway,
the City and the Province.
The Mayor advised that, while she did not bring this to Council, Mr.
Balcomb advised some time ago that the City would have a representative on the
Authority and, at the appropriate time, a letter would be sent to Council in this regard.
The inadvertent reference in the above letter to John, rather than Jim, Balcomb, was
noted.
(Councillor Fitzpatrick withdrew from the meeting.)
On motion of Councillor Trites
Seconded by Councillor Desmond
RESOLVED that the above letter from
Councillor Teed be received and filed.
Question being taken, the motion was carried.
14. Federal Green Municipal Fund
Consideration was given to a letter from Councillor Teed advising that, to
date, Federal funding has been provided for 152 municipal projects through the Federal
Green Municipal Fund respecting energy efficiency and protection of the environment,
and suggesting that, if Saint John did not already have a list of these projects, it could be
of assistance to obtain it; and proposing that the City Manager be requested to obtain
and report to Council what the 152 projects are and make any recommendation on how
funding from the Fund might be obtained for the benefit of the City.
The Mayor noted that the City had already received $20,000 in funding
from the Green Fund for an energy study, and Councillor Teed suggested that staff
should look through the list of municipal projects to see if there is anything else for which
the City might also apply.
On motion of Councillor Teed
Seconded by Councillor Titus
RESOLVED that the above matter be
referred to the City Manager.
Question being taken, the motion was carried.
15. Financial Position Of Saint John Police Force
Read a letter from Councillor Teed referring to the publicity on the
promotion of a number of the members of the Saint John Police Force in that it was
contrary to the recommendation of maintaining only five ranks and further would add an
extra cost of $120,000 to the Police Department operations, a cost which he would
suggest is absolutely unnecessary; suggesting that one may well have to consider if it
appears that the Board is unfortunately unable to control operations within the Police
Department and possibly it has served its usefulness and also that the City cannot
operate with threats from a Police Commission or some of its members that Council
must supply such monies as they feel appropriate, and that recent incidents would
indicate that inquiries from Council have not been properly or fully answered which again
raises questions as to what is wrong; and proposing that, in order for Council to be better
appraised of the financial position in this trying year, the Board of Police Commissioners
be requested to provide quarterly financial statements showing the current financial
position of the Police Force as compared with its budget, the first report to cover the
period January 1 - March 31, 2002.
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Councillor Teed proposed the motion as set out in the above letter,
whereupon the Mayor, a member of the Saint John Board of Police Commissioners,
noted the Board's submission to Council a few weeks ago of its financial statements.
Councillor Teed noted that the Board submitted its annual report for last year, and his
request was for a quarterly report.
On motion of Councillor Trites
Seconded by Councillor Desmond
RESOLVED that the above letter from
Councillor Teed be received and filed.
Councillor Court, a member of the Board of Police Commissioners,
advised his concern about the tone of the above letter.
(Councillor Fitzpatrick re-entered and Councillor Titus withdrew from the
meeting.)
On motion of Councillor Court
Seconded by Councillor Trites
RESOLVED that the above letter from
Councillor Teed be referred to the Saint John Board of Police Commissioners for a
response to Council at its June 10, 2002 meeting.
Question being taken, the referral motion was lost with the Mayor and
Councillors Ball, Chase, Desmond, Fitzgerald and Teed voting "nay".
16. Use Of Jaws Of Life Equipment And Fee For Use
Read a letter from Councillor Teed advising that he recently learned that
the Rothesay Regional Fire Department has a $250 extraction fee for use of the jaws of
life equipment in relation to automobile accidents, which demonstrates a policy of
endeavouring to charge the individual for extraordinary services, a policy which Council
is endeavouring to pursue in view of the forthcoming financial crunch; and proposing that
(1) the question of how many times the jaws of life has been used during the past 5
years by the Saint John Fire Department be referred to the Fire Chief for a report; (2) the
question of how a reasonable fee could be charged for this use be referred to the City
Manager for a report; and (3) the question of what would be required for Council to adopt
such a policy bearing in mind the equipment is technically outside fire prevention and in
view of outside the policy of adjacent municipalities be referred to the City Solicitor for a
report.
(Councillor Court withdrew from the meeting.)
On motion of Councillor Teed
Seconded by Councillor Fitzpatrick
RESOLVED that the above letter from
Councillor Teed be referred to the City Manager and the City Solicitor for a report.
Question being taken, the motion was carried with Councillor Trites voting
"nay".
17. Design And Construction Management
Sanitary Collector Sewer And Watermain
On motion of Councillor Desmond
Seconded by Councillor Fitzpatrick
RESOLVED that as recommended by
the City Manager, the proposal of ADI Limited be accepted for engineering services
(design and construction management) for the Taylor Avenue/MacLaren
Boulevard/Sandy Point Road area sanitary collector sewer and watermain.
Question being taken, the motion was carried.
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COMMON COUNCIL
MAY 27,2002
(Councillor Trites withdrew from the meeting as he was not present for
the May 21, 2002 public hearing for the proposed re-zoning of properties along Hillcrest
Road.)
19. Zoning By-law Amendment To Re-Zone
Properties AlonQ Hillcrest Road
On motion of Councillor Desmond
Seconded by Deputy Mayor White
RESOLVED that the by-law entitled, "By-
law Number C.P. 100-595 A Law To Amend The Zoning By-law Of The City Of Saint
John", insofar as it concerns re-zoning various parcels of land located along Hillcrest
Road, having a range of civic numbers between 234 to 1001 inclusive, from "RS-1M"
One and Two Family and Mobile Home Suburban Residential to "RS-1" One and Two
Family Suburban Residential classification, be read.
Question being taken, the motion was carried.
The by-law entitled, "By-law Number C.P. 100-595 A Law To Amend The
Zoning By-law Of The City Of Saint John", was read in its entirety.
On motion of Councillor Desmond
Seconded by Deputy Mayor White
RESOLVED that the by-law entitled, "By-
law Number C.P. 100-595 A Law To Amend The Zoning By-law Of The City Of Saint
John", insofar as it concerns re-zoning various parcels of land located along Hillcrest
Road, having a range of civic numbers between 234 to 1001 inclusive, from "RS-1M"
One and Two Family and Mobile Home Suburban Residential to "RS-1" One and Two
Family Suburban Residential classification, be read a third time and enacted and the
Common Corporate Seal be affixed thereto.
Question being taken, the motion was carried.
Read a third time the by-law entitled, "By-law Number C.P. 100-595 A
Law To Amend The Zoning By-law Of The City Of Saint John".
(Councillor Court re-entered the meeting.)
20. PlanninQ Advisorv Committee - 30 RidinQ Way
On motion of Deputy Mayor White
Seconded by Councillor Ball
RESOLVED that as recommended by the
Planning Advisory Committee, Common Council (1) assent to the submitted photo-
reduced tentative subdivision plan for any necessary municipal or public utility
easements over the property at 30 Riding Way, and (2) accept cash-in-lieu of Land for
Public Purposes for this subdivision.
Question being taken, the motion was carried.
21. Saint John Harbour Bridge Authority
Issue Of Pedestrian Walkwav On BridQe
On motion of Deputy Mayor White
Seconded by Councillor Fitzpatrick
RESOLVED that the letter from Jack
Keir, General Manager of the Saint John Harbour Bridge Authority, acknowledging the
Council resolution of May 6, 2002 with respect to the issue of a pedestrian walkway on
the Bridge; and advising that the issue was discussed at the Board's May 21,2002
meeting at which time he was requested to contact the engineering firm for further
discussion, and Council would be informed of the options after consultations with Fenco
Engineering, be received and filed.
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COMMON COUNCIL
MAY 27,2002
Question being taken, the motion was carried.
Adjournment
The Mayor noted that, as Council was now commencing its summer bi-
weekly schedule of meetings, the next regular meeting would be held on June 10, 2002,
and declared the meeting adjourned.
Common Clerk