2003-05-12_Minutes--Procès-verbal
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At a meeting of the Common Council, held at the City Hall in The City of Saint
John, on Monday, the twelfth day of May A.D. 2003, at 7:10 o'clock p.m.
present
Shirley McAlary, Mayor
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. Groody, Commissioner of Municipal
Operations; J. Baird, Commissioner of Planning and
Development; W. Edwards, Commissioner of Buildings and
Inspection Services; B. Keenan, Engineering Manager-
Municipal Engineering; D. Harvey, Operations Manager-
Environmental Protection; R. Simonds, Deputy Fire Chief; C.
Cogswell, Chief of Police; and P. Woods, Common Clerk and
Deputy City Manager; and Ms. C. Mosher, Assistant Common
Clerk.
Etaient presentes a une reunion du conseil municipal qui a eu lieu a I'hotel
de ville de The City of Saint John, Ie lundi 12 mai 2003 a 19 h 10, les personnes
suivantes :
Shirley McAlary, maire;
les conseillers Ball, Chase, Court, Desmond, Fitzgerald,
Fitzpatrick, Teed, Titus et Trites;
et
MM. 1. Totten, directeur general; J. Nugent, avocat municipal;
A. Beckett, commissaire aux finances et commissaire aux
services administratifs; P. Groody, commissaire aux operations
municipales; J. Baird, commissaire a I'urbanisme et au
developpement; W. Edwards, commissaire a la construction et
aux services d'inspection; B. Keenan, directeur des services
d'ingenierie - genie municipal; D. Harvey, directeur des
operations - protection de I'environnement; R. Simonds, chef
adjoint des pompiers; C. Cogswell, chef de police; P. Woods,
secretaire municipal et directeur general adjoint; ainsi que
Mme C. Mosher, secretaire municipale adjointe.
1. MeetinQ Called To Order - Praver
Mayor McAlary called the meeting to order and offered the opening
prayer.
The Mayor recognized Rev. Phillip Williston and Ms. Frances Morrisey,
and advised that Rev. Williston would like to make a presentation.
On motion of Councillor Desmond
Seconded by Councillor Court
RESOLVED that Phillip Williston be invited to
address Council at this time.
Question being taken, the motion was carried.
Rev. Williston, a member of the local branch of the United Empire
Loyalists Association, advised of the events scheduled for May 18, 2003 to
commemorate the landing of the Loyalists in Saint John in 1783, and the Mayor
accepted with appreciation a tricorn hat which he presented to her on behalf of the
Association.
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1. Ouverture de la seance - priere
La seance est ouverte par Ie maire McAlary qui recite la priere
d'ouverture.
Le maire souligne la presence du reverend Phillip Williston et de
Mme Frances Morrisey, indiquant que Ie reverend Williston aimerait faire une
presentation.
Proposition du conseiller Desmond
Appuyee par Ie conseiller Court
QUE Phillip Williston so it invite a s'adresser
au conseil immediatement.
A I'issue du vote, la proposition est adoptee.
Le reverend Williston, membre de la section regionale de la United
Empire Loyalists Association, parle des evenements qui se derouleront Ie 18 mai 2003
pour commemorer I'arrivee des loyalistes a Saint John en 1783, et Ie maire accepte
avec plaisir Ie tricorne offert par I'association.
2. Approval of Minutes
On motion of Councillor Desmond
Seconded by Councillor Trites
RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting
of Common Council, held on May 5, 2003, be approved.
Question being taken, the motion was carried.
2. Approbation du proces-verbal de la derniere reunion
Proposition du conseiller Desmond
Appuyee par Ie conseiller Trites
QUE Ie proces-verbal de la reunion du
conseil municipal du 5 mai 2003 soit adopte.
A I'issue du vote, la proposition est adoptee.
3. Approval of AQenda
On motion of Councillor Desmond
Seconded by Councillor Court
RESOLVED that the agenda of this meeting
be approved with an announcement to be made by the Mayor on funding commitments.
Question being taken, the motion was carried.
3. Adoption de I'ordre du jour
Proposition du conseiller Desmond
Appuyee par Ie conseiller Court
QUE I'ordre du jour de cette reunion soit
adopte en plus de I'annonce devant etre faite par Ie maire relativement aux
engagements financiers.
A I'issue du vote, la proposition est adoptee.
4. Proclamations
Mayor McAlary proclaimed May 11 to 17 as National Immunization Week
May 12 to 18 as National Nursing Week, and May 18 to 24 as Public Works Week in The
City of Saint John and, in the latter regard, recognized, in particular, employees of The
City of Saint John who provide service to the public.
The Mayor advised of the Province's commitment for 2003 of $2.7 million
of the $9.5 million committed in 2002 for work on Rothesay Avenue, Loch Lomond Road,
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Ocean Westway and Fairville Boulevard, with the first project to be undertaken involving
work on Rothesay Avenue and Loch Lomond Road. The Mayor also advised to the
City's receipt of the Province's commitment, in writing, for funding of $400,000 within the
next two to three years for the development project for the Sandy Point Road/
Kennebecasis Bay area of Millidgeville presented to Council on April 14, 2003, and
expressed the understanding that UNBSJ has also committed to this project.
4. Proclamations
Le maire McAlary declare que la semaine du 11 au 17 mai est la
Semaine nationale de la vaccination, que la semaine du 12 au 18 mai est la Semaine
nationale des soins infirmiers et que la semaine du 18 au 24 mai est la Semaine des
travaux publics dans The City of Saint John, profitant de I'occasion pour souligner Ie
travail accompli par les employes de The City of Saint John qui assurent Ie service au
public.
Le maire indique que la province s'est engagee a verser 2,7 millions de
dollars en 2003 sur les 9,5 millions promis en 2002 pour I'execution de travaux sur
I'avenue Rothesay, Ie chemin Loch Lomond, la voie Ocean ouest et Ie boulevard
Fairville, ajoutant que les premiers travaux seront effectues sur I'avenue Rothesay et Ie
chemin Loch Lomond. Le maire signale egalement que la Ville a reyu Ie document
faisant etat de I'engagement pris par la province relativement au versement de
400 000 $ au cours des deux ou trois prochaines annees pour la realisation du projet
d'amenagement du secteur du chemin Sandy Point et de la baie Kennebecasis a
Millidgeville presente au conseille 14 avril 2003, ajoutant que UNBSJ semble avoir
donne son accord en vue de participer a ce projet.
5. Municipal Plan Amendment - 998-1000 Rothesav Road
Public presentation was made of a proposed Municipal Plan amendment
to redesignate on Schedule 2-A a parcel of land with an area of approximately 9000
square metres (2.2 acres), located at 998-1000 Rothesay Road, from Low Density
Residential to Service Corridor classification, to permit re-zoning of the land from "RS-2"
One and Two Family Suburban Residential to "B-2" General Business classification and
the continuing operation of a recreational vehicle sales establishment, as requested by
Aberdeen Motors Ltd.
5. Modification du plan municipal - 998-1000. chemin Rothesav
Presentation publique du projet de modification du plan municipal visant a
modifier la designation dans I'annexe 2-A d'une parcelle de terrain d'environ
9000 metres carres (2,2 acres), situee au 998-1000, chemin Rothesay, en vue de la
faire passer de zone residentielle de faible densite a zone de corridor de service, afin de
permettre Ie rezonage du terrain et de Ie faire passer de zone residentielle de banlieue -
habitations unifamiliales et bifamiliales << RS-2 >> a zone commerciale generale << B-2 >>
pour que I'exploitation d'un commerce de vente de vehicules de plaisance puisse se
poursuivre, a la demande d'Aberdeen Motors Ltd.
6. Municipalities Act - Amendments
Read a letter from the City Manager advising that staff would be
presenting an overview of the new provisions of the Municipalities Act at this meeting
with particular emphasis on the changes that would impact the legislative functions of
Council; and submitting a copy of Bill 63 An Act to Amend the Municipalities Act.
Mr. Woods, through a computer-aided presentation (copies of which were
distributed to the Council members at this meeting, along with sample Council agendas),
reviewed the amendments to the Municipalities Act, focusing particularly on legislative
changes that dictate the role of the Mayor and Councillors, affect the way business is
conducted at the Council table and have a potential financial impact on the City. During
his presentation Mr. Woods noted the City Solicitor's report to Council at this meeting on
the Dangerous or Unsightly Premises By-law, and addressed the format of Council
agendas on the basis that Council could continue with the option of having staff initiate
the placement of confidential items on the agenda as was done in the case of the
agenda for this meeting, or proceed with the option of having all items listed on the
agenda with Council, in approving the agenda, to decide at the beginning of the meeting
what, if any, of them were appropriate for confidential discussion from which the public
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would be excluded. Mr. Woods suggested that Council should be practical and
consistent on the time and location of meetings, both regular and committee, with notice
given of such meetings, and also that the convenience of the public was important in
terms of moving from a public forum to one excluding the public; and noted that the
Province would be holding regional sessions for municipal officials on the recent
changes to the Municipalities Act.
During discussion Mr. Woods referred to sample agendas to illustrate the
manner in which Council could conduct business to comply with the new legislative
requirements, and Mr. Nugent spoke to the premise that every meeting of Council and
every meeting of a committee of Council must be open, with discussion excluding the
public to take place only in exceptional circumstances that would entitle Councilor a
committee of Council to make the positive decision that there was something to discuss
in a forum excluding the public that fell within the categories provided for in the
legislation. Mr. Nugent made the observation that it was important at this meeting for
Council, as a matter of policy, to give direction to the Common Clerk on the preparation
of agendas henceforth, noting the possibility of (1) continuing in the manner in which the
agenda was presented for this meeting where items which appeared to fit neatly within
one of the categories which permits discussion in the absence of the public were listed
as Committee of the Whole items, requiring Council to convene publicly as a committee,
debate or discuss whether or not the item was appropriate for private discussion from
which the public would be excluded, and subsequently make a motion and, if it passed,
ask the public to leave the meeting so that Council could discuss it, or (2) place every
item on the agenda, possibly with some reference to the possibility of one fitting into one
of the categories listed as a legitimate item for private discussion, with Council to then
make a decision in open session on how to deal with it.
Councillor Court proposed a motion, which was seconded by Councillor
Desmond, that Council accept the procedure followed for the agenda of this meeting.
The timing of Council meetings was considered, a concern having been
expressed that, as happened on this date with the current agenda format, future
meetings using the same format would mean that the public would be excluded shortly
after convening the meeting, with no way of determining for how long, and it was noted
that Council could deal with confidential items at the end of a meeting or list them as
Committee of the Whole items on the agenda at the beginning of the next meeting at
which time Council would convene publicly and immediately debate a motion to exclude
the public from the discussion of them. The issue of confidentiality was broached in that,
if the agenda items were listed in such a way that Council would determine at the
beginning of the meeting what, if any, items fit within the legislated categories for
discussion excluding the public, the media would already have received the items, and
Mr. Woods noted the Council policy that provided, among other things, for agenda
packages for regular meetings to be made available to media representatives no earlier
than one hour prior to the commencement of the meeting. It was suggested that Council
should put confidence in the Common Clerk and staff to prepare Council agendas, and
Mr. Woods made the observation that Council, in approving the agenda, could decide to
debate publicly any items listed as confidential matters.
(Councillor Desmond withdrew from the meeting during the above
discussion.)
Following discussion the Mayor asked that the matter be left with the
Common Clerk to set the agenda and no question was taken on the motion.
6. Modifications a la Loi sur les municipalites
Lecture d'une lettre du directeur general indiquant qu'un aperyu des
nouvelles dispositions de la Loi sur les municipalites sera presente au cours de cette
reunion, notamment en ce qui a trait aux modifications touchant les fonctions legislatives
du conseil, et presentant une copie du projet de loi 63 intitule Loi modifiant la Loi sur les
municipalites.
Au moyen d'une presentation assistee par ordinateur (dont des copies ont
ete distribuees aux membres du conseil au cours de cette reunion en meme temps que
des specimens d'ordre du jour), M. Woods presente les modifications apportees a la Loi
sur les municipalites en insistant sur les modifications legislatives qui auront une
incidence sur Ie role du maire et des conseillers, la conduite des debats au conseil et
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eventuellement sur les finances de la Ville. Au cours de sa presentation, M. Woods parle
du rapport de I'avocat municipal sur I'arrete relatif aux batiments inesthetiques ou
dangereux, presente au conseil au cours de cette reunion, ainsi que du format de I'ordre
du jour des reunions du conseil, indiquant que Ie conseil pourrait continuer a demander
au personnel d'inscrire les points confidentiels a I'ordre du jour, comme c'est Ie cas pour
I'ordre du jour de cette reunion, ou demander que tous les points soient inscrits a I'ordre
du jour en vue de leur approbation par Ie conseil, qui determinerait au debut de la
reunion les points devant faire I'objet d'une discussion confidentielle a huis clos, s'il y a
lieu. M. Woods suggere que Ie conseil fasse preuve de sens pratique et de constance
relativement a I'heure et a I'emplacement des reunions ordinaires et en comite plenier,
en transmettant des avis relatifs a la tenue de ces reunions, et souligne la necessite de
tenir compte des aspects pratiques en vue du passage d'une seance publique a une
seance a huis clos. II ajoute que la province organisera des seances regionales sur les
modifications apportees a la Loi sur les municipalites a I'intention des representants
municipaux.
Au cours de la discussion, M. Woods parle des specimens d'ordre du jour
pour illustrer la fayon dont Ie conseil pourrait mener ses travaux afin de se conformer
aux exigences de la nouvelle loi. M. Nugent pose comme hypothese que toutes les
reunions du conseil et des comites du conseil doivent etre publiques, des discussions a
huis clos n'ayant lieu que dans des circonstances exceptionnelles qui ameneraient Ie
conseil ou un comite du conseil, en fonction des categories etablies par la loi, a decider
qu'il est necessaire de discuter a huis clos de certaines questions. M. Nugent ajoute qu'il
est important, aux fins administratives, que Ie conseil donne au secretaire municipal, au
cours de cette reunion, des directives relativement a I'etablissement de I'ordre du jour,
soulignant qu'il est possible 1) de continuer a etablir I'ordre du jour de la meme fayon
que pour cette reunion, les points qui semblent appartenir a I'une des categories
permettant de tenir des discussions a huis clos etant inscrits a I'ordre du jour des
reunions en comite plenier, Ie conseil devant se reunir publiquement en comite pour
debattre de la necessite de discuter a huis clos d'une question et presenter par la suite
une proposition qui, si elle est acceptee, vise a demander au public de quitter la reunion
afin de permettre au conseil de discuter du point en question; ou 2) d'inscrire tous les
points a I'ordre du jour, en indiquant qu'il est possible que I'un d'eux corresponde a I'une
des categories justifiant la tenue de discussions privees, Ie conseil devant prendre une
decision en reunion publique quant a la fayon de traiter cette question.
Le conseiller Court presente une proposition, appuyee par Ie conseiller
Desmond, pour que Ie conseil continue d'adopter la procedure suivie pour
I'etablissement de I'ordre du jour de cette reunion.
La question de I'organisation des reunions du conseil est abordee apres
qu'on eut souligne que, si Ie format utilise pour I'etablissement de I'ordre du jour de cette
reunion etait adopte dans I'avenir pour les autres reunions, Ie public devrait se retirer
peu apres Ie debut de la seance, pendant une periode qu'il est impossible de
determiner. On a egalement fait observer que Ie conseil pourrait discuter des points
confidentiels a I'issue de la seance ou les inscrire a I'ordre du jour de la prochaine
reunion en comite plenier, au cours de laquelle Ie conseil pourrait tenir une seance
publique afin de debattre immediatement d'une proposition visant a permettre la
discussion a huis clos de ces questions. Le probleme de la confidentialite est egalement
souleve puisque, si les points a I'ordre du jour etaient presentes de maniere que Ie
conseil puisse determiner, des Ie debut de la seance, les questions qui correspondent
aux categories etablies par la loi pour la tenue de discussions a huis clos, les medias
auraient deja pris connaissance de ces points. M. Woods rappelle la politique du conseil
prevoyant, entre autres, que les trousses relatives a I'ordre du jour des reunions
ordinaires ne doivent pas etre remises aux representants des medias plus d'une heure
avant Ie debut de la seance. II est suggere que Ie conseil fasse confiance au secretaire
municipal et au personnel pour I'etablissement de I'ordre du jour des reunions du
conseil. M. Woods ajoute qu'au moment d'adopter I'ordre du jour, Ie conseil pourrait
decider de debattre publiquement des points consideres comme confidentiels.
(Le conseiller Desmond quitte la reunion au cours de la discussion.)
A la suite de la discussion, Ie maire demande que la question de
I'etablissement de I'ordre du jour soit reg lee par Ie secretaire municipal et aucun vote
n'est tenu relativement a cette proposition.
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7. Eastern Wastewater Svstem - Evaluation Of Treatment Options
Consideration was given to a report from the City Manager submitting an
engineering report entitled, "Eastern Wastewater System - Evaluation of Wastewater
Treatment Options", and advising that CBCL Limited recommend the design and
construction of a conventional activated sludge treatment plant capable of treating an
average design flow of 35,000 m3 per day at a cost of approximately $50,000,000.
(Councillor Desmond re-entered the meeting.)
Mr. Groody acknowledged staff members Brian Keenan and Dan Harvey,
and introduced CBCL Limited consultants John Flewelling, Mike Delay, Tim McCluskey
and Wayne Doucette; and Mr. Flewelling, through a computer-aided presentation,
highlighted the major issues regarding the eastern wastewater system and the review
undertaken in finalizing the evaluation of the various treatment options; and apprised
Council of the manner in which the options were evaluated, illustrating footprints of the
existing Hazen Creek treatment plant, a proposed aerated lagoon, and the
recommended conventional activated sludge treatment plant.
On motion of Councillor Desmond
Seconded by Councillor Fitzgerald
RESOLVED that as recommended by
the City Manager, the above engineering report be referred to the City Manager for
review and consideration in conjunction with presentation of an updated Utility Servicing
Strategy - Wastewater to be presented for consideration of Council by June 30,2003.
Question being taken, the motion was carried.
7. Reseau d'assainissement de l'Est - evaluation des options de traitement
Examen d'un rapport du directeur general presentant Ie rapport technique
intitule << Reseau d'assainissement de l'Est - Evaluation des options de traitement >> et
indiquant que CBCL Limited recommande la conception et la construction d'une station
traditionnelle de traitement par boues activees capable de traiter un debit moyen prevu
de 35 000 m3 par jour au cout de 50 000 000 $ environ.
(Le conseiller Desmond se joint de nouveau a la reunion.)
M. Groody souligne la presence Brian Keenan et Dan Harvey, membres
du personnel, et presente les consultants de CBCL Limited, John Flewelling, Mike
Delay, Tim McCluskey et Wayne Doucette. Au moyen d'une presentation assistee par
ordinateur, M. Flewelling aborde les principales questions relatives au reseau
d'assainissement de l'Est et a I'examen entrepris pour mener a bien I'evaluation des
differentes options de traitement. II informe Ie conseil de la methode adoptee pour
I'evaluation des options, presentant Ie trace de I'emplacement de la station de traitement
existante de Hazen Creek, de I'etang aere projete et de la station traditionnelle de
traitement par boues activees recommandee.
Proposition du conseiller Desmond
Appuyee par Ie conseiller Fitzgerald
Comme Ie recommande Ie directeur
general, QUE Ie rapport technique soit soumis au directeur general aux fins d'examen et
en vue de la presentation d'une strategie d'entretien des services publics (eaux usees) a
jour a I'intention du conseil d'ici Ie 30 juin 2003.
A I'issue du vote, la proposition est adoptee.
8. Capital FinancinQ
Consideration was given to a letter from the City Manager submitting, as
the first step in the permanent financing of certain capital projects, a Notice of Motion,
and advising that, at this stage, it is not necessary to set limits with respect to coupon
rate or terms for which bonds are to be issued, as these will be established at a later
date and will be related to the market conditions at the time.
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Her Worship the Mayor gave the following Notice of Motion: "I do hereby
give notice that I will, at a meeting of the Common Council held after the expiration of
thirty days from this day, move or cause to be moved the following resolution, namely:
RESOLVED that occasion having arisen in the public interest for the following public
civic works and needed civic improvements, that is to say:
Purpose of Issue
GENERAL FUND
General Government
Protective Services
Transportation Services
Environmental Health
Environmental Development
Recreation and Culture
$ 1,030,000
$ 370,000
$ 6,675,000
$ 430,000
$ 2,525,000
$ 310,000
$11,340,000
WATER AND SEWERAGE UTILITY
Water System
Sewer System
$ 4,075,000
$ 2,465,000
Public Transit
$ 6,540,000
$ 435,000
$ 332,000
$18,647,000
Saint John Non-Profit Housing Inc.
TOTAL
THEREFORE RESOLVED that debenture be issued under provisions of the Acts of
Assembly 52, Victoria, Chapter 27, Section 29 and amendments thereto, to the amount
of $18,647,000."
On motion of Councillor Fitzgerald
Seconded by Councillor Desmond
RESOLVED that the above report from
the City Manager be received and filed.
Question being taken, the motion was carried.
8. Financement d'immobilisations
Lecture d'une lettre du directeur general presentant un avis de requete,
constituant la premiere etape du financement permanent de certains projets
d'immobilisations, et indiquant qu'a ce stade il n'est pas necessaire de fixer les limites
relatives au taux d'interet nominal et aux echeances des obligations, puisque celles-ci
seront etablies a une date ulterieure selon les conditions du marche.
Le maire donne lecture de I'avis de requete suivant : << La presente vise a
informer qu'au cours d'une reunion du conseil municipal tenue apres I'expiration du delai
de trente jours a compter d'aujourd'hui, je presenterai ou ferai presenter la resolution
suivante, a savoir :
Compte tenu de la necessite, dans I'interet public, de proceder a I'execution de travaux
publics et d'apporter certaines ameliorations municipales, relativement aux elements
enumeres ci-dessous :
Objet de I'emission
FONDS D'ADMINISTRA TION
Administration generale
Services de protection
Services de transport
Salubrite de I'environnement
6 675 000 $
1 030 000 $
370000 $
430 000 $
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2 525 000 $
310000 $
Mise en valeur de I'environnement
Services de loisirs et culturels
11 340 000 $
RESEAU D'AQUEDUC ET D'EGOUTS
Reseau d'aqueduc
Reseau d'egouts
4 075 000 $
2 465 000 $
6 540 000 $
Saint John Non-Profit Housing Inc.
435 000 $
332 000 $
18647000 $
Transport en commun
TOTAL
IL EST RESOLU que des obligations soient emises conformement aux dispositions de la
Loi 52 de l'Assemblee, Victoria, chapitre 27, article 29, ainsi que les modifications
afferentes, pour la somme de 18647000 $. >>
Proposition du conseiller Fitzgerald
Appuyee par Ie conseiller Desmond
QUE Ie rapport susmentionne du
directeur general soit accepte et classe.
A I'issue du vote, la proposition est adoptee.
9. DanQerous Or UnsiQhtlv Premises Bv-Iaw
Consideration was given to a report from the City Solicitor submitting a
proposed new Dangerous or Unsightly By-law which would operate to repeal the existing
By-law and provide that the new sections (Section 190.01 to 190.07) of the
Municipalities Act apply throughout the City; advising that the latter sections provide the
municipality with a lien for demolition or clean-up costs that it may incur and the lien
attaches to the real property and has priority over all other claims except real property
tax levies and liens arising from unpaid water and sewerage charges, an arrangement
that certainly improves the City's recovery prospects; and expressing the belief that the
hearing which Council holds respecting an allegedly dangerous or unsightly property will
remain essentially changed.
On motion of Councillor Trites
Seconded by Councillor Ball
RESOLVED that the by-law entitled, "A By-law
Respecting Dangerous or Unsightly Premise In The City Of Saint John", be read a first
time.
Mr. Edwards advised that, while the Province did not take all of The City
of Saint John's suggestions into consideration in its recent amendments to the
Municipalities Act, it did take a number of them into consideration, including the
expansion of definitions of items that could be considered as dangerous or unsightly and
providing a procedure to allow a municipality to take an action on a much quicker basis
and a lien for demolition or clean-up costs.
Question being taken, the motion was carried.
Read a first time the by-law entitled, "A By-law Respecting Dangerous or
Unsightly Premise In The City Of Saint John".
On motion of Councillor Desmond
Seconded by Councillor Fitzpatrick
RESOLVED that the by-law entitled, "A
By-law Respecting Dangerous or Unsightly Premise In The City Of Saint John", be read
a second time.
Mr. Nugent noted that the lien provision should improve dramatically the
City's prospects of recovering costs; and advised that, while the current legislation was
clear in allowing Council to appoint someone to serve notice on an owner/occupier that
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his property is unsightly or a hazard to the public as a result of structural unsoundness,
the authority to enter upon property to either eliminate the unsightliness or demolish the
property rests only with Council and cannot be delegated to an appointed official, and he
would suggest that a hearing be held each time that Council is prepared to entertain
action to correct such a situation by either removing the unsightliness or demolishing a
property.
Question being taken, the motion was carried.
Read a second time the by-law entitled, "A By-law Respecting Dangerous
or Unsightly Premise In The City Of Saint John".
9. Arrete sur les batiments inesthetiQues ou danQereux
Examen d'un rapport de I'avocat municipal presentant un nouveau projet
d'arrete sur les batiments inesthetiques ou dangereux visant a abroger I'arrete en
vigueur et stipulant que les nouveaux paragraphes (paragraphes 190(1) a 190(7)) de la
Loi sur les municipalites s'appliquent partout dans la ville. Le rapport indique que les
paragraphes precites accordent un droit de retention a la municipalite relativement au
recouvrement des couts de demolition ou de nettoyage qu'elle pourrait engager, que ce
droit est lie aux biens immobiliers et qu'il a priorite sur toute autre reclamation, sauf sur
Ie prelevement des impots fonciers et les privileges fiscaux relatifs aux redevances
impayees pour I'eau et les egouts, ce qui contribue certainement a ameliorer les
possibilites de la Ville sur Ie plan de la recuperation des couts. Le rapport exprime
egalement I'avis que les audiences que tient Ie conseil relativement aux batiments
censes etre dangereux ou inesthetiques ne seront pas modifiees sensiblement.
Proposition du conseiller Trites
Appuyee par Ie conseiller Ball
QUE I'arrete intitule <<Arrete sur les
batiments inesthetiques ou dangereux dans The City of Saint John >> fasse I'objet d'une
premiere lecture.
M. Edwards indique que, bien que la province n'ait pas tenu compte de
to utes les suggestions presentees par The City of Saint John dans Ie cadre des recentes
modifications apportees a la Loi sur les municipalites, elle en a examine un certain
nombre, notamment celles qui consistent a elargir la definition de ce qui pourrait etre
considere comme dangereux ou inesthetique et a prevoir une procedure afin de
permettre aux municipalites d'agir beaucoup plus rapidement et d'acquerir un droit de
retention pour Ie recouvrement des couts de demolition et de nettoyage.
A I'issue du vote, la proposition est adoptee.
Premiere lecture de I'arrete intitule << Arrete sur les batiments
inesthetiques ou dangereux dans The City of Saint John >>.
Proposition du conseiller Desmond
Appuyee par Ie conseiller Fitzpatrick
QUE I'arrete intitule <<Arrete sur les
batiments inesthetiques ou dangereux dans The City of Saint John >> fasse I'objet d'une
deuxieme lecture.
M. Nugent indique que la disposition relative au droit de retention devrait
permettre d'ameliorer les possibilites de la Ville en matiere de recuperation des couts. II
affirme que, meme si la loi actuelle est claire en ce qui concerne la nomination par Ie
conseil d'une personne chargee de signifier un avis au proprietaire ou a I'occupant d'un
batiment considere comme inesthetique ou dangereux pour Ie public en raison d'un vice
de structure, Ie pouvoir d'acceder a la propriete pour supprimer Ie caractere inesthetique
du batiment ou Ie demolir ne repose que sur Ie conseil et ne peut etre delegue a un
representant nom me, et il suggere qu'une audience so it tenue chaque fois que Ie conseil
s'engage a prendre des mesures pour corriger une situation semblable en eliminant Ie
caractere inesthetique d'un batiment ou en Ie demolissant.
A I'issue du vote, la proposition est adoptee.
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Deuxieme lecture de I'arrete intitule << Arrete sur les batiments
inesthetiques ou dangereux dans The City of Saint John >>.
20. Joan LeGassie - Condition Of BuildinQ At 127 Charlotte Street
On motion of Councillor Desmond
Seconded by Councillor Court
RESOLVED that the letter from Joan
LeGassie advising her dissatisfaction with Council's April 7, 2003 decision as to the
condition of the deterioration of 127 Charlotte Street, and requesting the City to contact
the owner and encourage him to remove the building if repairs cannot be done, be
referred to the City Manager for appropriate action.
(Councillor Court withdrew from the meeting.)
Question being taken, the motion was carried.
20. Joan LeGassie - etat de I'immeuble du 127. rue Charlotte
Proposition du conseiller Desmond
Appuyee par Ie conseiller Court
QUE la lettre de Joan LeGassie indiquant
son mecontentement en rapport avec la decision du conseil du 7 avril 2003 au sujet de
la deterioration de I'immeuble du 127, rue Charlotte et reclamant que la Ville
communique avec Ie proprietaire pour I'inciter a demolir I'immeuble si des reparations ne
peuvent y etre apportees soit transmise au directeur general pour que soient prises des
mesures appropriees.
(Le conseiller Court quitte la reunion.)
A I'issue du vote, la proposition est adoptee.
10. Planning Advisory Committee - Assent
To Public Street - 301 Paddv's Hill Drive
On motion of Councillor Trites
Seconded by Councillor Fitzgerald
RESOLVED that as recommended by
the Planning Advisory Committee, Common Council assent to the submitted tentative
subdivision plan that would vest the proposed Future Street situated between Paddy's
Hill Drive (public) and proposed Parcel "B", provided this Future Street is increased to a
right-of-way width of 25 metres (82 feet).
Question being taken, the motion was carried.
1 O. Comite consultatif d'urbanisme - approbation d'une rue publique - 301,
promenade Paddv's Hill
Proposition du conseiller Trites
Appuyee par Ie conseiller Fitzgerald
Conformement a la recommandation
du comite consultatif d'urbanisme, QUE Ie conseil municipal accepte Ie plan de
lotissement provisoire qui permettra d'inclure Ie projet de rue future situee entre la
promenade Paddy's Hill (voie publique) et la parcelle << B >> proposee, a condition que
I'emprise de la rue future soit elargie pour atteindre 25 metres (82 pieds).
A I'issue du vote, la proposition est adoptee.
11. Saint John Aquatic Centre Commission - Capital Funding
For Improvements To Canada Games Aquatic Centre
Consideration was given to a letter from the Saint John Aquatic Centre
Commission further to its previous request for funding for capital improvements to the
Canada Games Aquatic Centre on which the City Manager reported to Council on
April 7, 2003; advising that, while it would like to thank The City of Saint John for the
steps taken thus far with the Greater Saint John Regional Facilities Commission with
respect to upgrading the Centre's HV AC systems, it is understood that there is a holdup
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in securing funding for the project; and requesting, as the overall effect of delaying
upgrading of these systems will be evident in the bottom line of the Centre's operating
budget, Common Council to approve commencement of the necessary upgrading as
soon as possible.
On motion of Councillor Desmond
Seconded by Councillor Ball
RESOLVED that the above matter be laid on
the table until such time as Council hears from Greater Saint John Regional Facilities
Commission.
Question being taken, the tabling motion was carried.
(Councillor Court re-entered the meeting.)
11. Commission du centre aquatique de Saint John - demande de financement
des immobilisations en vue d'apporter des ameliorations au centre aquatique des
Jeux du Canada
Examen d'une lettre de la Commission du centre aquatique de Saint John
faisant suite a la demande presentee anterieurement en vue d'obtenir du financement
pour apporter des ameliorations au centre aquatique des Jeux du Canada, demande
pour laquelle Ie directeur general a presente un rapport au conseille 7 avril 2003.
indiquant que, bien que la Commission souhaiterait remercier The City of Saint John
pour les demarches entreprises jusqu'a maintenant aupres de la Commission regionale
des installations du Grand Saint John en ce qui concerne la modernisation des
systemes de CVC du centre, il est entendu qu'on retarde I'octroi du financement au
projet; et demandant que, etant donne que I'effet global du retard au niveau de la
modernisation des systemes se manifestera de fayon evidente sur les benefices nets du
budget de fonctionnement du centre, Ie conseil municipal approuve Ie debut des travaux
de modernisation necessaires des que possible.
Proposition du conseiller Desmond
Appuyee par Ie conseiller Ball
QUE la question susmentionnee soit
reportee jusqu'a ce que Ie conseil entende la Commission regionale des installations du
Grand Saint John.
A I'issue du vote, la proposition visant a reporter I'examen de cette
question est acceptee.
(Le conseiller Court se joint de nouveau a la reunion.)
12. Saint John Arts Centre Committee - Request To Make Presentation
On motion of Councillor Ball
Seconded by Councillor Trites
RESOLVED that the Saint John Arts Centre
Committee be invited to make a presentation to Council on the future of the Centre, as
requested.
The Mayor noted that the Common Clerk would schedule the
presentation.
Question being taken, the motion was carried.
12. Comite du Saint John Arts Centre - demande de presentation
Proposition du conseiller Ball
Appuyee par Ie conseiller Trites
QUE Ie comite du Saint John Arts Centre
so it invite a faire une presentation au conseil sur I'avenir du centre a la demande de ce
dernier.
Le maire indique que Ie secretaire municipal fixera la date de la
presentation.
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A I'issue du vote, la proposition est adoptee.
13. Saint John Board Of Police Commissioners
2002 BudQet - Year-End Financial Results (Unaudited)
On motion of Councillor Trites
Seconded by Councillor Desmond
RESOLVED that the letter from the Saint
John Board of Police Commissioners submitting the Saint John Police Force's unaudited
2002 Operating Budget results for the year ended December 31, 2002, be received and
filed.
Question being taken, the motion was carried.
13. Bureau des commissaires de la police de Saint John - bilan financier de fin
d'annee (non verifie) dans Ie cadre du budQet de fonctionnement pour 2002
Proposition du conseiller Trites
Appuyee par Ie conseiller Desmond
QUE la lettre du bureau des
commissaires de la police de Saint John accompagnant Ie bilan financier de fin d'annee
non verifie dans Ie cadre du budget de fonctionnement pour 2002 du service de police
de Saint John pour I'annee se terminant Ie 31 decembre 2002 so it acceptee et classee.
A I'issue du vote, la proposition est adoptee.
14. Re-NaminQ Of Forest Hills Complex
Consideration was given to a letter from Councillor Fitzgerald proposing
that, as for fifty years Harry Stephenson who passed away on April 28, 2003 was an
integral part of the Saint John sporting community and due to his long association with
the sport of baseball, the Forest Hills Complex be renamed "The Harry Stephenson
Memorial Athletic Complex".
On motion of Councillor Fitzgerald
Seconded by Councillor Court
RESOLVED that the field now known as
Forest Hills #3 be renamed "The Harry Stephenson Memorial Field", and appropriate
signage be installed in preparation for an official unveiling.
Question being taken, the motion was carried.
14. ChanQement de nom du complexe Forest Hills
Examen d'une lettre du conseiller Fitzgerald proposant que, etant donne
que pendant cinquante ans, Harry Stephenson, decede Ie 28 avril 2003, a fait partie de
la communaute sportive de Saint John et en raison de sa longue association au
baseball, Ie complexe Forest Hills so it renomme << The Harry Stephenson Memorial
Athletic Complex >>.
Proposition du conseiller Fitzgerald
Appuyee par Ie conseiller Court
QUE Ie terrain actuellement connu sous Ie
nom de Forest Hills nO 3 soit renomme << The Harry Stephenson Memorial Athletic
Field >> et que des affiches appropriees soient installees a I'occasion de la tenue d'une
presentation officielle.
A I'issue du vote, la proposition est adoptee.
15. Duties Of Chief Administrative Officer
Read a letter from Councillor Teed expressing the view that, with the
change in Section 74(1) of the Municipalities Act which indicates that the council of a
municipality may appoint a chief administrative officer for the municipality, there is no
longer authority to appoint a city manager as such which raises the question of the
status of The City of Saint John's City Manager; and questioning the City's Common
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MAY 12, 2003/LE 12 MAl 2003
Clerk in his capacity as Deputy City Manager in that the latter position may no longer
exist and he possibly should be appointed Deputy Chief Administrative Officer.
On motion of Councillor Teed
Seconded by Councillor Fitzpatrick
RESOLVED that the matter of whether
the position of City Manager still exists be referred to the City Solicitor for his views on
what position the City Manager now has.
Question being taken, the motion was carried with the majority of the
Council members present voting "yea".
Councillor Teed proposed a motion, which was not seconded, that a
review committee of not less than three Councilors be appointed to review and
recommend any changes in the duties of the Chief Administrative Officer if the
committee feels such is desirable.
15. Fonctions du directeur municipal
Lecture d'une lettre du conseiller Teed affirmant que, compte tenu de la
modification apportee au paragraphe 74(1) de la Loi sur les municipalites autorisant Ie
conseil d'une municipalite a nom mer un directeur municipal pour la municipalite, il n'est
plus possible de nom mer un directeur general en tant que tel, ce qui souleve la question
du statut du directeur general de The City of Saint John; et remettant en question la
possibilite que Ie secretaire municipal assume les fonctions de directeur general adjoint,
etant donne que ce poste n'existe plus et qu'il devrait etre nomme directeur general
adjoint.
Proposition du conseiller Teed
Appuyee par Ie conseiller Fitzpatrick
QUE la question de savoir si Ie poste
de directeur general existe encore soit soumise a I'avocat municipal pour qu'il donne son
avis sur Ie poste qu'occupe actuellement Ie directeur general.
A I'issue du vote, la proposition est adoptee, la majorite des conseillers
presents ayant vote pour.
Le conseiller Teed presente une proposition, qui n'est pas appuyee, afin
qu'un comite d'examen compose d'au moins trois conseillers so it forme pour examiner
les fonctions du directeur general et recommander les changements qu'il estime
souhaitables.
16. Representation On Board Of Governors Of UNB
Consideration was given to a letter from Councillor Teed referring to the
Atlantic Health Sciences Corporation's receipt of a national award for technology as
bringing to the fore the close relationship between the University of New Brunswick Saint
John Campus and the Regional Hospital; and also referring to the matter of City
representation on the Board of Governors of UNB in that no positive action has yet been
taken to have a change in the legislation so that Council could appoint an alternative
representative on the Board of Governors to attend when the Mayor is unable to do so.
On motion of Councillor Teed
Seconded by Councillor Desmond
RESOLVED that the above matter be an
item for discussion at the next meeting of the Saint John MLA Caucus with members of
City Council.
Mayor McAlary, noting her membership as Mayor on the Board of
Governors, questioned the interest of any Council member, if she were unable to attend
a meeting of the Board, attending in her stead, possibly a day-long meeting, as an ex
officio member without a vote. Councillor Titus, on a point of order, expressed the view
that the Mayor's question was not related to the motion on the floor, whereupon the
Mayor called for the question on the motion.
Question being taken, the motion was carried with the Mayor voting "nay".
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16. Nomination au conseil des Qouverneurs de UNB
Examen d'une lettre du conseiller Teed informant que la Corporation des
sciences de la sante de l'Atlantique s'est vu decerner un prix national dans Ie domaine
de la technologie, mettant en avant-plan les relations etroites entre l'Universite du
Nouveau-Brunswick, campus de Saint John et I'hopital regional. La lettre aborde
egalement la question de la representation de la Ville au sein du conseil des
gouverneurs de UNB, car rien de concret n'a ete entrepris jusqu'a maintenant afin de
modifier la loi de maniere a permettre au conseil de nom mer un representant pour sieger
a la place du maire au conseil des gouverneurs lorsque Ie maire n'est pas en mesure de
Ie faire.
Proposition du conseiller Teed
Appuyee par Ie conseiller Desmond
QUE la question susmentionnee soit
inscrite a I'ordre du jour de la prochaine reunion du groupe parlementaire de la region de
Saint John avec les membres du conseil municipal.
Parlant de son statut de membre du conseil des gouverneurs, Ie maire
McAlary doute qu'un membre du conseil soit interesse a prendre part, en tant que
membre d'office sans droit de vote, a une reunion qui pourrait durer toute une journee, si
jamais elle n'etait pas en mesure d'y assister. Le conseiller Titus souleve une objection,
affirmant que I'intervention du maire n'est pas liee a la proposition a I'etude, apres quoi
Ie maire demande que la proposition soit mise aux voix.
A I'issue du vote, la proposition est acceptee, Ie maire ayant vote contre.
17. Catch Basins
Consideration was given to a letter from Councillor Teed advising his
concern about the use of catch basins presently in vogue in the City, namely a flat grid,
referencing, in particular, a flat grid catch basin on the south side of Church Street.
On motion of Councillor Teed
Seconded by Councillor Fitzpatrick
RESOLVED that the question of water
discharge onto Church Street be referred to the City Manager to investigate how this
takes place and report to Council.
Question being taken, the motion was carried.
On motion of Councillor Teed
Seconded by Councillor Chase
RESOLVED that the City adopt a policy of
using concave catch basins (with a dip) notwithstanding a recommendation by some to
use a flat grid because the current concave catch basin works at all times in the City and
the flat grid does not.
Councillor Desmond noted Council's receipt of an explanation on this
matter in response to a previous referral by Council.
Question being taken, the motion was lost with the Mayor and Councillors
Ball, Court, Desmond, Fitzgerald, Fitzpatrick, Titus and Trites voting "nay".
17. Puisards
Examen d'une lettre du conseiller Teed faisant etat de son inquietude au
sujet de I'utilisation de puisards a grille plane, en vogue actuellement, plus
particulierement du cote sud de la rue Church.
Proposition du conseiller Teed
Appuyee par Ie conseiller Fitzpatrick
QUE la question de I'evacuation de
I'eau sur la rue Church so it soumise au directeur general pour qu'il fasse enquete sur la
situation et fasse rapport au conseil.
A I'issue du vote, la proposition est adoptee.
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Proposition du conseiller Teed
Appuyee par Ie conseiller Chase
QUE la Ville adopte une politique
relativement a I'utilisation de puisards concaves (dotes d'un bassin), malgre les
recommandations favorisant I'utilisation d'une grille plane, car les puisards concaves
actuellement installes sont plus fiables que les puisards a grille plane.
Le conseiller Desmond indique que Ie conseil a obtenu une explication a
ce sujet a la suite d'un renvoi precedent par Ie conseil.
A I'issue du vote, la proposition est rejetee, Ie maire ainsi que les
conseillers Ball, Court, Desmond, Fitzgerald, Fitzpatrick, Titus et Trites ayant vote
contre.
18. Snow Removal
Councillor Teed proposed a motion, which was not seconded, that the
question of the feasibility of promotion of a form of electric or other heater for ice or snow
control be referred to City staff for a report on its feasibility and how it could be
encouraged.
18. OeneiQement
Le conseiller Teed presente une proposition, qui n'est pas appuyee,
voulant que la question de I'utilisation d'un appareil de chauffage electrique ou d'un autre
type pour faire fondre la glace ou la neige soit soumise au personnel municipal en vue
de la presentation d'un rapport examinant la possibilite d'utiliser des appareils de ce
genre et les moyens d'en faire la promotion.
19. Fuel Tax Rebate For Public Transit
Consideration was given to a letter from Councillor Titus submitting a
copy of a letter to the Premier and a response from the Minister of Finance regarding the
City's request for a Provincial fuel tax rebate in support of public transit services, this
initiative having received broad-based and active support from the Cities of Moncton,
Fredericton and Dieppe, the Town of Riverview, Enterprise Saint John, The Greater
Moncton Chamber of Commerce, Saint John Transit, the Saint John Board of Trade,
Codiac Transit, the Cities of New Brunswick Association, as well as labour
representatives and church organizations; and advising that he will be following up
directly with the Minister to reiterate the importance of this initiative to the municipalities,
the environment and, in particular, the employees, students, seniors and those living in
poverty who must regularly rely on the public transit service.
On motion of Councillor Titus
Seconded by Councillor Trites
RESOLVED that the correspondence from
Councillor Titus on the initiative for a fuel tax rebate for public transit be received and
filed and a copy be forwarded to the participating partners in this initiative.
Question being taken, the motion was carried.
19. Remboursement de la taxe sur Ie carburant pour les transports en commun
Examen d'une lettre du conseiller Titus a laquelle est jointe une copie de
la lettre adressee au premier ministre de la province ainsi que la reponse du ministre
des Finances au sujet de la demande presentee par la Ville en vue d'obtenir un
remboursement de la taxe sur Ie carburant pour alleger Ie fardeau des services de
transport en commun, cette initiative ayant reyu I'appui general et soutenu des vi lies de
Moncton, de Dieppe, de Riverview et de Fredericton, d'Enterprise Saint John, de la
Chambre de Commerce du Grand Moncton, de Saint John Transit, de la chambre de
commerce de Saint John, de Codiac Transit, de l'Association des cites du Nouveau-
Brunswick, de meme que de representants de syndicats et d'organismes religieux. Dans
sa lettre, Ie conseiller indique qu'il s'adressera directement au ministre pour faire valoir
de nouveau I'importance de cette initiative pour les municipalites, I'environnement et, en
particulier, les employes, les etudiants, les personnes 8geeS et les personnes a faibles
moyens qui utilisent regulierement Ie reseau de transport en commun.
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Proposition du conseiller Titus
Appuyee par Ie conseiller Trites
QUE la lettre du conseiller Titus
concernant Ie remboursement de la taxe pour les transports en commun soit acceptee et
classee et qu'une copie so it envoyee aux parties concernees par cette initiative.
A I'issue du vote, la proposition est adoptee.
21. F. Wayne Jones - Post Snow Removal Clean-Up
On motion of Councillor Desmond
Seconded by Councillor Fitzpatrick
RESOLVED that the letter from F.
Wayne Jones suggesting that post-snow removal cleanup next to Fort LaTour, where
enough snow has melted to dispose the garbage that was concealed within it, should be
dealt with now as tourism season is already underway, be referred to the City Manager.
Question being taken, the motion was carried.
21. F. Wayne Jones - nettoyaQe a la suite du deneiQement
Proposition du conseiller Desmond
Appuyee par Ie conseiller Fitzpatrick
QUE la lettre de F. Wayne Jones
suggerant que Ie nettoyage pres de Fort LaTour soit entrepris etant donne que la neige
qui recouvrait les ordures a fondu en grande partie et que la saison touristique a deja
debute soit soumise au directeur general.
A I'issue du vote, la proposition est adoptee.
Adiournment
The Mayor noted the intent to commence the Tuesday, May 20, 2003
Council meeting at 5:00 o'clock p.m. in the Council Chamber, and declared the meeting
adjourned.
Cloture de la reunion
Avant de lever la seance, Ie maire indique que la reunion du conseil
municipal du mardi 20 mai 2003 aura lieu dans la salle de conseil a 17 h.
Common Clerk/secretaire municipal