2002-11-25_Minutes
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COMMON COUNCIL
NOVEMBER 25, 2002
At a meeting of the Common Council, held at the City Hall in the City of
Saint John, on Monday, the twenty-fifth day of November, A.D. 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; J. Nugent, City 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; J. Baird, Commissioner of Planning and
Development; W. Edwards, Commissioner of Buildings and
Inspection Services; G. Yeomans, Comptroller; P. Hanlon,
Manager of Water and Sewerage Services; 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. Gordon O'Coin of
Calvary Temple offered the opening prayer.
2. Approval Of Minutes
On motion of Councillor Desmond
Seconded by Councillor Ball
RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting
of Common Council, held on November 18, 2002, be approved.
Question being taken, the motion was carried.
3. Approval of AQenda
On motion of Councillor Desmond
Seconded by Deputy Mayor White
RESOLVED that the agenda of this
meeting be approved
Question being taken, the motion was carried.
4. Proclamations
Presentation Of Awards - 2002 Santa Claus Parade
The Mayor recognized Anne Merzetti, Chair of the Annual Santa Claus
Parade Committee, who expressed appreciation to those involved in the 50th Annual
Santa Claus Parade held on November 16, 2002, particularly the Committee members,
Saint John Transit, the Loyalist City Amateur Radio Club, the Saint John Police
Department, the Saint John Radio Club, the Saint John Fire Police, Saint John Energy
and the Parade Judges, and announced the 2002 Parade entry winners to whom the
Mayor presented awards in the various categories as follows: Honourable Mention -
Local 771 International Association of Firefighters, Canada Post (not present), Courtney
District Scouts - Saint John Region, Kids N Cops, Boston Naval Cadets (not present),
Lafarge Construction Materials, and Cendant; Best Twirlers - Fundy Twirlers & Starettes;
Best CheerleadinQ Squad - St. Rose Middle School Cheerleaders; Best Individual Entry -
Posse Trail Riders (not present), Best MarchinQ Band - #639 F. P. MacLaren RCAC
Band, Best HiQh School Entry - Simonds High School, Best Industrial Entry - J.D. Irving
Equipment, Best Commercial Entry - Saint John Energy, Best Use of LiQhts - Saint John
Energy, Chairman's Choice - Saint John Police Department, Best Association Entry -
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Kings Valley Wesleyan Church, and Best Parade Entry - Kings Valley Wesleyan Church.
The Mayor thanked those involved in the 2002 Parade, and a round of applause was
given in recognition of Anne Merzetti in her last year as Parade Chairman.
Mayor McAlary proclaimed November 24 to December 1, 2002 as
Canadian HIV/AIDS Awareness Week, and November 25,2002 to be International Day
for the Elimination of Violence Against Women in the City of Saint John; and noted the
invitations and gift packages distributed to the Council members at this meeting on
behalf of Uptown Saint John Inc. for the Sunday, December 1, 2002 Festive Christmas
Open House event in Uptown Saint John.
Councillor Trites acknowledged the City of Dieppe, New Brunswick, as
the newest City in the Province of New Brunswick, and welcomed Dieppe to the Cities of
New Brunswick Association.
On motion of Councillor Trites
Seconded by Councillor Teed
RESOLVED that a letter of congratulations
be forwarded to the City of Dieppe, New Brunswick.
Question being taken, the motion was carried.
7. OrQanizational Renewal StrateQV
Consideration was given to a report from the City Manager advising that.
further to Council's approval of the Organizational Renewal Strategy Early Retirement
Program and Voluntary Separation Program on October 21, 2002 and the October 30,
2002 deadline for applications, a series of meetings has been held by all department
heads as a group, as well as with other managerial staff within departments, to answer
the following question: "Would approval of this application unduly affect ordinary
operations and services?", with each and every application considered in relation to this
question and, in the end in Phase I, 41 applications (22 management employees and 21
inside workers) are being recommended for approval based on management's review
and, while services will not be "unduly affected", there will be very significant
consequences such as those listed herein, although the loss of these individuals, who
have in total over 1,100 years of service, in many ways is not measurable and a
significant portion of the City's "corporate memory" is leaving the organization. The
report also advises that, consistent with the Policy approved by Council on October 21,
2002 under Phase II, management has identified five positions which are no longer
required and therefore can be abolished, with certain of the functions carried out by the
incumbents to be reassigned to other positions and, and upon abolishment of the
positions, each of the incumbents will be provided with an appropriate amount of Career
Transition Funding; further advises that the financial consequences of approvals under
Phases I and II are as follows: immediate upfront costs - $3,700,000, annual savings -
$2,100,000 in 2003, $2,365,000 in 2004, $2,436,000 in 2005 and $2,500,000 in 2006,
with the City investing $3.7 million immediately to save $9,401,000 over a four-year
period, for a net savings of $5,701,000, and indicates that, in analyzing these figures,
Council should be aware that they are based on the following: (1) neither the Common
Clerk nor the Assistant Common Clerk positions are being eliminated and hence no cost
savings has been identified and, given the interest in the Program expressed by the two
incumbents, Council ought to take this opportunity to consider the requirements of the
Official Languages Act, in addition to an expanded role for the Clerk's Office, and (2)
vacancies in the senior ranks of the Fire Department will be filled and eventually the
Establishment of firefighters will be reduced by five. The report comments in terms of
ramifications of such programs on employee morale and the size of the non-union I
management team which by the end of 2003, after the current transition period, will be in
the vicinity of 68, compared to a total complement of 112 managerial and non-union
professional and secretarial positions on February 8, 1993; states the City Manager's
professional opinion that the size of the managerial professional and non-union
complement has now reached its minimum level given the scope of existing services;
and sets out a three-part recommendation.
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On motion of Councillor Titus
Seconded by Councillor Trites
RESOLVED that as recommended by the
City Manager, (1) Common Council approve the listing of 41 applications shown on
Appendix A and Appendix B, under the Organizational Renewal Strategy, Early
Retirement Voluntary Separation Policy approved by Council on October 21, 2002 on
the basis that the approval of the applications will not unduly effect ordinary operations
and services; (2) the positions of District Superintendent East, District Superintendent
West, Land Surveyor, and Administrative Assistant - Mayor's Office, be abolished as of
November 25, 2002, and the incumbents occupying these positions be provided Career
Transition Funding equal to 18 times the monthly salary for the positions on the date of
abolition, and further that the position of Manager of Public Affairs be abolished as of
January 10, 2003, and the incumbent be provided the benefits under the Organizational
Renewal Strategy, Early Retirement adopted by Council on October 21,2002; and (3)
Common Council approve the changes to the City's Establishment of permanent
employees as listed on Appendix D and that such changes shall become effective on the
date upon which the current incumbent vacates the position as determined by the City
Manager, but in no case shall be later than June 30, 2003.
Mr. Totten reviewed the above report and during ensuing discussion
Councillors Court and Fitzpatrick spoke on the budget process of which the
Organizational Renewal Program was only one step and they wanted to see the whole
budget package.
Question being taken, the motion was carried with Councillors Court and
Fitzpatrick voting "nay".
8. Implementation Of Official LanQuaQes Act
Read a report from the City Manager advising what will be required of the
City of Saint John, along with fourteen other municipalities in the Province, in
implementing the updated Official Languages Act introduced in June 2002, the evolution
to bilingual communication and service delivery being more significant than simply
fulfilling the City's statutory obligations, e.g. translating documents, in that it will mean
formally extending access to information and certain services to members of both
linguistic communities in the City, directly support the City's economic development
efforts, helping to promote the competitiveness of the City as a place in which to live and
work and do business, and protecting and enhancing the City's leadership role in
Canada's only officially bilingual Province. The report submits information on the cost
associated with the initial investment and ongoing expenditures in offering
communications and services in both languages, the up-front transition costs being
projected at $614,250 and the annual recurring costs estimated at $312,700; and
comments on the operational impacts in terms of translation, interpretation, by-laws,
service and training.
On motion of Councillor Desmond
Seconded by Councillor Fitzgerald
RESOLVED that as recommended by
the City Manager, Common Council petition the Province to fully fund all incremental
costs incurred by the City of Saint John for implementation of the Official Languages Act,
and further that a copy be forwarded to the Minister of Environment and Local
Government.
The Mayor advised that, at a meeting of the Mayors with the Premier on
Friday, the Premier indicated that possibly there would be more funding for 2003 as
negotiations have not been finalized with the Federal Government and the Mayors
stressed the urgency of knowing this prior to completion of budget deliberations; and at
the Mayor's request the mover and seconder of the motion agreed to add that a copy be
forwarded to the Minister of Environment and Local Government.
Question being taken, the motion was carried.
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9. Purchase Of Property - Smythe Street
Read a report from the City Manager advising that the City of Saint John,
in conjunction with Irving Oil Ltd., continues to negotiate the satisfactory resolution of all
outstanding land matters, the parcel of land concerned in this report being Lot F-6-10-12,
commonly referred to as the Smythe Street Parcel, which for all intents and purposes
was expropriated in or around 1975, likely as part of the Viaduct Project, and forms part
of Smythe Street, access to Long Wharf and adjacent parking; and recommending
acquisition of the subject property.
On motion of Councillor Trites
Seconded by Councillor Fitzpatrick
RESOLVED that as recommended by
the City Manager, the City of Saint John purchase the fee simple interest in Lot F-6-1 0-
12, Smythe Street, from The Maritime Trust Company, or its successor in title, for
$54,000 (plus HST if applicable) on or before December 31,2002.
Question being taken, the motion was carried.
10. Grant Of Licence For Operation Of Jet Boat Tours
Read a report from the City Manager referring to the operation by Hargo
Jet Boat Tours Inc. (Marc Gosselin and Janice Harris) of what is known as the Reversing
Falls Jet Boat Tours from the Fallsview Park area and advising that, although the owners
of Hargo Jet Boat Tours Inc. agreed to the basic terms of the license granted by Council
on March 4, 2002 for the operation, they had concerns with the wording in the licence
agreement and the document was not signed, although an arrangement satisfactory to
City staff and Hargo Jet Boat Tours Inc. has been negotiated; and recommending the
granting of a licence for a term of five years.
On motion of Deputy Mayor White
Seconded by Councillor Fitzgerald
RESOLVED that as recommended by
the City Manager, the City of Saint John ("the Licensor") grant a licence to Hargo Jet
Boat Tours Inc. I Excursions Nautiques Hargo Inc. ("the Licensee") for a term of five
years commencing May 1,2002 to operate a boat tour business on portions of PID
Numbers 428664 and 378505 as generally shown on the submitted plan, on the
following terms and conditions: (1) the Licensee shall pay to the Licensor during the term
of this Licence an annual fee of ($600) Six Hundred Dollars plus HST, and the $600 plus
HST shall be tendered to the Licensor not later than the 1st day of May 2002 and of each
subsequent year of the term thereafter; (2) the Licensee shall reimburse the Licensor for
that portion of any real property taxes levied against PID Numbers 428664 and 378505
attributable wholly or in part to its use and occupation of PID Numbers 428664 and
378505 within 30 days of receiving such notice from the Licensor and, with the consent
of Licensor, it may at its own means and expense appeal the real property taxes and the
Licensor will not unreasonably withhold such consent provided the Licensee has paid in
full its portion of all outstanding real property taxes as levied; (3) the Licensee shall not
have any claim against the Licensor for loss or damage of any nature, kind or description
whatsoever arising from the exercise or purported exercise of the Licence herein
granted, unless such loss or damage is due to the negligence of the Licensor or its
employees, servants or agents; (4)(a) the Licensee shall, at its sole cost, obtain and
keep in force during the term of this Licence, comprehensive general liability insurance
for bodily injury and property damage in the joint names of the Licensor and the
Licensee, which coverage shall have an inclusive limit of not less than Two Million
Dollars ($2,000,000); (4)(b) the Licensee shall provide a Certificate of Insurance to the
Licensor at the time of the execution of this Licence evidencing the insurance coverage
described in (a) herein and providing that the coverage shall not be altered or cancelled
without the insurers giving 30 days notice in writing to the Licensor prior to any such
alteration or cancellation; (4)(c) in the event the Licensor received notice from the insurer
that it intends to cancel or alter the said insurance coverage, the Licensor may arrange
for the continuation of such coverage described in (a) hereof and add the cost of such
coverage to the fee required to be paid by the Licensee pursuant to Clause 1 hereof; (5)
notwithstanding Clause 4 hereof, the Licensee shall hereby indemnify and save
harmless the Licensor from all damages, claims, demands, actions, suits or other
proceedings by whomsoever made, brought or prosecuted in any manner and whether
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in respect of property owned by others or in respect of damage sustained by others
based upon or arising out of or in connection with this License or anything done or
purported to be done in any manner hereunder; (6) the Licensee shall 14 days after the
termination of this License, at its own expense, remove from the lands any and all
property constructed, erected, made, brought or placed upon the said lands by the
Licensee and shall restore the lands to as good condition as prevailed immediately prior
to the commencement of the term hereof and, in the event of the failure of the Licensee
to do so with reasonable expedition, the Licensor shall be become the sole owner of any
property constructed, erected, made, brought or placed upon the said lands by the
Licensee and the Licensee shall not by reason of any action taken or things required
under this paragraph be entitled to any compensation, reimbursement to indemnity
whatsoever; (7) notwithstanding the expiration or the termination of this License for any
cause, the obligations of the Licensee set forth in Clause (6) of this Licence shall survive
any such expiration or termination and shall remain in force until discharged;(8) the
Licensee shall pay promptly all charges, taxes, rates and assessments of whatsoever
description which during the term of this Licence shall be chargeable upon or become
payable in respect to the operation of the Licensee or its occupation of the lands; (9) the
Licensee shall at all time and at its own expense, keep the lands free from all garbage
and debris related to the operation of the boat tour and food stand facility; (10) the
Licensee shall at all times during the term hereof maintain the lands in a condition
compatible with the natural state of Fallsview Park; (11) the Licensee shall in the interest
of safety, maintain all buildings or storage containers on the lands at all times secure
from unauthorized use and occupation; (12) the Licensee shall at all times not obstruct
or permit the obstruction of walkways in any manner; (13) in the event any landscaping
on adjacent Licensor-owned property is disturbed during the construction or erection of
the said tour boat facilities, the Licensee shall at its own cost immediately restore the
said landscaping to the condition in which it existed prior to such disturbance; (14) the
Licensee shall construct, erect and maintain every structure upon the said lands in
accordance with the plan submitted to the Commissioner of Planning and Development,
and the location and design of buildings, structures, signs, stairs and all improvements
the Licensee wishes to make shall be subject to the approval by the Commissioner of
Planning and Development; (15) the Licensor hereby grants to the Licensee, its
servants, agents, employees and contractors permission and licence to erect, use and
maintain poles, guys, anchors and lines for telephone and electrical power transmission
in and over the lands of the Licensor; (16) the Licensor hereby grants to the Licensee, its
servants, agents, employees and contractors permission and Licence to enter into and
upon the lands identified on the submitted plan for the purpose of gaining access to and
egress from the lands and further it grants permission and licence to the Licensee, its
servants, agents, employees, contractors and invitees in common with all other persons
lawfully using the Fallsview Park Area to use the Parking Lot and access road in
connection with the exercise of this Licence; (17) the Licensor hereby grants to the
Licensee the rights to sell souvenirs related to the boat tour, snack foods and non-
alcoholic beverages within the licensed area; (18) the Licensor may permit other uses
within Fallsview Park save and except uses which offer boat tours of the Reversing Falls
Rapids; (19) if the Licence fee hereby reserved or any part thereof or any other sums or
charges payable hereunder or any part thereof shall be in arrears for 30 days whether or
not the same shall have been in any manner demanded or in the event of a breach or
non-performance by the Licensee of any of the other terms or conditions in this Licence
contained which on the part of the Licensee ought to be observed or performed, then
and in every such case it shall be lawful for the Licensor by notice in writing to terminate
this Licence and no acceptance of any Licence fees subsequent to any breach or non-
performance or any condoning, excusing or overlooking by the Licensor on previous
occasions of breaches or non-performance similar to that for which this Licence shall be
terminated shall be taken as a waiver of these conditions or any way defeat or affect the
rights of the Licensor hereunder; (20) there shall be no assignment of this Licence or any
rights granted herein; (21) the Licensee is permitted to expand its building and
operations within the area of the licence provided that (a) no building or site
improvement work commences until a site development plan including architectural
renderings of the proposed building and site expansion are presented to and approved
by the Commissioner of Planning and Development, (b) the proposed building and site
expansion together with the existing building(s) comply with all Municipal by-laws, rules
and regulations, and (c) the proposed building and site expansion do not adversely
effect the future extension of Harbour Passage Trail on and along Fallsview Park; and
(22) the Mayor and Common Clerk be authorized to sign the licence agreement.
Question being taken, the motion was carried.
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11. MillidQeville Community Centre Cost Analvsis
On motion of Councillor Desmond
Seconded by Councillor Ball
RESOLVED that the report from the City
Manager advising, in response to Council's October 21, 2002 request for information on
the revenue generated by the Canada Games Aquatic Centre in operating recreational
programs at the Millidgeville Community Centre, that the Aquatic Centre anticipates
revenue for 2003 of $103,000 with expenses of $71,000 leaving a net balance of
$31,300, and the 2002 budget for the Millidgeville Community Centre was $119,287
consisting of $85,116 in programming costs and $34,171 in building operating costs and
its 2003 operating budget will be approximately $36,000 to reflect the building operating
cost; and also advising why the City would enter into an arrangement whereby the
Aquatic Centre would net $31,300 while the City paid $36,000 in building operating
costs, be received and filed.
Councillor Fitzpatrick spoke to his concern that taxpayers of the City were
paying for the Aquatic Centre's operation at the Millidgeville Community Centre in that
the Aquatic Centre was not paying any portion of the $36,000 cost to operate the
Community Centre; and Councillor Fitzgerald questioned the cost to the City to staff the
Community Centre, having formerly been an employee in the City's Recreation Division.
Question being taken, the motion was carried with Councillors Fitzgerald
and Fitzpatrick voting "nay".
12. Street ClosinQ Bv-Iaw Amendment - Aberdeen Court
Read a report from the City Manager advising that Corporation 1906 Inc.
(David Lunney) has requested the City to stop up, close and convey the undeveloped
Aberdeen Court so as to reconfigure lots he owns in the area and sell them to adjoining
land owners, which would result in several existing lots expanding in size, as well as a
net lot created from a portion of the stopped up and closed street fronting on Lucas
Street, and Mr. Lunney has agreed to reimburse the City the advertising costs in this
process and the legal fees, as well as pay for any plan of survey and Schedule A
description required, estimated to be approximately $2,500.
On motion of Councillor Ball
Seconded by Deputy Mayor White
RESOLVED that as recommended by
the City Manager, Common Council authorize the publishing of a notice of its intention to
consider the passing of a by-law to stop up and close Aberdeen Court, as shown on the
submitted plan; and, in the event the passing of a by-law is successful, the City of Saint
John shall convey the former Aberdeen Court to Corporation 1906 Inc. for $2,500 plus
HST, and the Mayor and Common Clerk be authorized to execute all necessary
documents or plans to finalize this transaction.
Councillor Teed asked if it were the intent for the property to be conveyed
to Mr. Lunney for nothing other than the expenses associated with the above, and Mr.
Baird indicated in the affirmative, this being the original developer who owned the
adjacent lot and, in fact, who vested that portion of street to the City for nothing, and the
City would be giving it back to him.
Question being taken, the motion was carried with Councillor Teed voting
"nay".
13. Harbour Station Commission
2002 Information Update - 2003 BudQet
On motion of Deputy Mayor White
Seconded by Councillor Fitzgerald
RESOLVED that the letter from Council's
representatives on the Harbour Station Commission providing an information update on
the 2002 operational budget and some fiscal highlights; and submitting a copy of the
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Commission's 2003 Operating Budget as well as a copy of a CD Rom produced in-
house that highlights the conversions of nine events in eleven days, be received and
filed.
Question being taken, the motion was carried.
14. Seniors' Advisory Committee - (a) Condition Of
Sidewalk AlonQ North Market Street; (b) Pilot Bus Tours
Consideration was given to letters from the Seniors' Advisory Committee
(a) advising that it has been brought to its attention that the sidewalk along North Market
Street from Charlotte Street is very slanted and very dangerous for seniors to enter the
side entrance to the Seniors' Centre in the City Market, and recommending that Council
take action in this regard to ensure the safety of seniors; and (b) advising of "pilot" bus
services put together with Frank McCarey of Saint John Transit, and submitting
information on the price of a transcard and where a monthly pass can be purchased.
14{a)
On motion of Councillor Teed
Seconded by Deputy Mayor White
RESOLVED that the letter from the
Seniors' Advisory Committee regarding the sidewalk along North Market Street from
Charlotte Street be referred to the City Manager.
Question being taken, the motion was carried.
14{b)
On motion of Councillor Desmond
Seconded by Councillor Ball
RESOLVED that the letter from the Seniors'
Advisory Committee regarding pilot bus services be received and filed.
Question being taken, the motion was carried.
The Mayor suggested that, as the presentations under agenda items 4
and 5 were expected to take some time and there were people present at the meeting
with respect to other items on the agenda, Council might want to table agenda items 15
to 25 until the next meeting.
15 To 25
On motion of Councillor Fitzpatrick
Seconded by Councillor Ball
RESOLVED that agenda items 15 to 25,
inclusive, be laid on the table until the next meeting.
Question being taken, the tabling motion was carried.
5. Saint John Horticultural Association - Business
Plan For Revitalization of Lilv Lake Pavilion
Consideration was given to a letter from Wallace P. MacMurray,
President of the Saint John Horticultural Association, submitting the Association's Project
Development Brief on the Lily Lake Pavilion Revitalization Project; and advising the
intent to file the latest Business Plan which will reflect some changes that will make the
whole Project more acceptable to perspective major interests with which the Association
has had talks, and can be used as a reference guide on a detailed study basis.
Wallace MacMurray, President of the Saint John Horticultural Association,
noted the presence at the meeting of William Farren, President of the Saint John District
Labour Council and a member of the Hatheway Trust, and Association Board members
Robert Capson and Patrick Watt, as well as the Association's Project Development Brief,
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and commented on the significant support for the Project, a firm commitment of
$475,000 having been received to date and a total of $900,000 guaranteeing that the
Project would go ahead; and advised that it would be the intent to do the Project without
incurring any debt as the Project would be completely paid for, otherwise it would not go
forward. Mr. MacMurray advised that the City's cooperation at this time, not funding,
was being requested by not demolishing the Lily Lake Pavilion and by participating in the
protection of the building from further deterioration (i.e. heat and closing of leaks and
exterior openings). Mr. Farren filed with the Common Clerk the Strategic Business Plan
for the Lily Lake Revitalization Project which, he advised, has been reviewed by financial
people who think that more revenue could be brought in than that indicated, and a
number of people were willing to finance the Project, the Hatheway Trust being
committed to well over a quarter of a million dollars to the Project.
With respect to timing, Mr. MacMurray advised that he would hope to
know by the middle of 2003 whether or not the Project would proceed.
On motion of Councillor Desmond
Seconded by Councillor Court
RESOLVED that the Strategic Business
Plan for the Lily Lake Pavilion Revitalization Project be referred to the City Manager for a
report to Council.
The initial motion was to grant the request for an extension of time to July
1, 2003 and refer the Strategic Business Plan to the City Manager, and Mr. MacMurray
advised the intent to report to Council as to the progress if something significant were to
happen between now and then. Mr. Totten asked that, before a vote was taken on a
resolution to approve the request until July 1, he would like the opportunity to have City
staff, particularly the Building Inspector, meet with the Hatheway Trust on its figure of $1
million to refurbish the Pavilion before Council agreed to walk away from the issue for six
or seven months as there were issues with the Pavilion with respect to liability in just
leaving it as is, thus he would have more comfort in coming back to Council with a
recommendation after the Building Inspector looked at the figure. The mover and
seconder of the initial motion agreed to change it to that above.
Question being taken, the motion was carried.
6. Water And SeweraQe Business Plan Review - Final Report
Consideration was given to the Water and Sewerage Business Plan
Review and Revenue/Expenditure Analysis (copies of which were forwarded to the
Council members as an information item for the November 18, 2002 Council meeting).
Project Director Hershel Guttman of R. B. Anderson Associates Limited;
Project Manager John Gallant of Touchie Engineering; and Technical Specialist R. M.
Loudon of R. M. Loudon Ltd., were present at the meeting and, through a computer-
aided presentation, addressed Council in the above regard. Mr. Guttman noted the
September 9, 2002 presentation to Council on Parts A through E of the Study and the
intent at this meeting to deal mainly with Part F in what would essentially finalize
presentation of the report, the intent being to summarize the recommendations and the
responses to the public survey, talk about capital plans and the proposed block rate
structure, show some typical customer rate impacts and briefly show a projection of what
the rates might be to 2015. Mr. Guttman commented on the rate setting process and
reviewed the principles and capital works improvement programs on which the
recommendations were based, the recommendations for the Business Plan Review
being (1) the implementation by 2006 of a universal metering program; (2) the initiation
by the City of a strategic plan for development which would include an implementation
plan linked to the Utility; (3) continuing to move all customers to By-law rates; (4) a
reduction in the current 5-block rate structure to 4 blocks in 2003 and 3 blocks in 2004;
(5) a phase-down of both the fire protection charge and the storm sewer charge from
current levels to calculated values over a 4-year period; (6) establishment of a capital
reserve fund and a development reserve fund for each of water and wastewater; (7) to
set up a large customer water user group constituted to discuss water issues for the
benefit of both the customers and the Utility; (8) the development of a strategy to deal
with the expected public interest to result from the changes to the water and sewerage
rates; (9) a review of the costs to provide the services covered under miscellaneous
charges to ensure cost recovery; (10) to continue to install system bulk water metering
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so that a better understanding of area water supply characteristics is available and in
particular to ensure that the malfunctioning Spruce Lake #2 meter is brought back into
service as soon as possible so that total supply information is reliable; (11) for all costs
for water and wastewater facilities to meet local needs to be paid by those benefiting;
and (12) if 100% of service extension costs were recovered from development in the
future, the current $250,000 City contribution to developers be redirected to a
development reserve fund to assist in supporting the construction by the Utility of other
growth-related works for strategic extensions to the City's infrastructure to accommodate
growth. Mr. Gallant apprised Council of the public survey carried out after the
September 9, 2002 presentation to Council, as well as the financial model and business
plan set up for the Utility for upgrading, replacement and growth, the latter based on the
report - A Strategic Direction For Water & Wastewater In Saint John for the period 2000 -
2014 which was presented to Council by City staff in 2000; and Mr. Loudon spoke to the
issue of user rates in terms of the principles and objectives on which rates should be
based, and the three categories of customers in the City - metered, flat-rate and special
agreements; and reviewed the recommended rates involving a phase-in of volumetric
rates from 2002 to 2005 with the rates reduced to 4 blocks in 2003 and to 3 blocks in
2004, and gave examples of the impact on customers of various sizes, including the flat
rate customer going from the current rate of $428 to $735 in 2005 and, in terms of the
recommended rate increases, recommended the development of a strategy to deal with
the expected public interest to result from the changes to the water and sewerage rates.
(Councillor Titus withdrew from the meeting during the above
presentation. )
Discussion ensued during which time members of the delegation and Mr.
Groody responded to questions in the above regard.
(Councillor Trites withdrew from the meeting during the above
discussion.)
On motion of Deputy Mayor White
Seconded by Councillor Ball
RESOLVED that the presentation on the City
of Saint John Water and Sewerage Business Plan Review be referred to the City
Manager.
Question being taken, the motion was carried.
Adiournment
The Mayor declared the meeting adjourned.
Common Clerk