2005-05-25_Minutes--Procès-verbal
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MAY 25, 2005/Le 25 mai 2005
COMMON COUNCIL MEETING - THE CITY OF SAINT JOHN
CITY HALL - MAY 25, 2005 - 4:30 p.m.
The meeting of Common Council of May 24,2005, having adjourned at 12:15 a.m. on
May 25, reconvened on the 8th floor of City Hall at 4:30 p.m. May 25,2005
present
Norman McFarlane, Mayor
Deputy Mayor Hooton and Councillors Chang, Court, Farren,
Ferguson, McGuire, Tait, and Titus
- and -
1. Totten, City Manager; J. Nugent, City Solicitor; A. Beckett,
Commissioner of Finance and Corporate Services; P. Groody,
Commissioner of Municipal Operations; W. Edwards,
Commissioner of Buildings and Inspection Services; R. Simonds,
Fire Chief; A. Bodechon, Chief of Police; P. Woods, Common
Clerk and Deputy City Manager; and E. Gormley, Assistant
Common Clerk
REUNION DU CONSEIL COMMUNAL DE THE CITY OF SAINT JOHN
TENUE A L'HOTEL DE VILLE, LE 25 MAl 2005 A 16 H 30
La reunion du conseil communal tenue Ie 24 mai 2005, ayant ete levee a 24 h 15 Ie
25 mai, est convoquee de nouveau au 8e etage de l'hotel de ville a 16 h 30 Ie
25 mai 2005.
Sont presents:
Norman McFarlane, maire
Ie maire suppleant Hooton et les conseillers Chang, Court,
Farren, Ferguson, McGuire, Tait, et Titus
et
1. Totten, directeur general; J. Nugent, avocat municipal;
A. Beckett, commissaire aux finances et aux services
administratifs; P. Groody, commissaire aux operations
municipales; W. Edwards, commissaire aux services d'inspection
et des batiments; R. Simonds, chef du service d'incendie; A.
Bodechon, chef de police; P. Woods, greffier communal et
directeur general adjoint; ainsi que E. Gormley, greffiere
communale adjointe.
1.1 Meeting Called To Order
Mayor McFarlane called the meeting to order.
1.1 Ouverture de la reunion
La seance est ouverte par Ie maire McFarlane.
5.1 Confidence in Staff to Provide Expert and Professional Advice
On motion of Councillor Tait
Seconded by Councillor Court
RESOLVED that Common Council acknowledge
the Disclosure of Interest filed by each of the City Manager, the Commissioner of
Finance, the Deputy City Manager/Common Clerk and the City Solicitor relating to their
membership on the Pension Board and further requests such advice as each might
provide with respect to the administration of The City of Saint John Pension Act.
AND FURTHERMORE, that Council show its support to staff with a vote of confidence
and ensure staff that Council is most appreciative of the professional and expert advice
that is requested and received. Furthermore, that Council has the utmost respect and
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confidence that staff has in the past, and will in the future, provide impartial unbiased
and honest opinions that are well within their profession and expertise on all matters
including Pension.
The City Solicitor asked that if Councillors have any questions to pose to him on this
issue, they pose them now as it was his intention to withdraw from the meeting while this
item is discussed lest there be any perception that his presence might influence
Council's decision with respect to this matter.
The Mayor offered that he felt legal representation should be present during the meeting.
Councillor Titus advised that if the City Solicitor withdraws he will ask for an adjournment
to reconvene in legal session.
Councillor Tait expressed his opinion that the difficulty caused by the questioning of
staff's integrity must be cleared up in order to proceed to deal with the pension issues.
Councillor Farren commented on how he felt Council should proceed with respect to
staff's conflict of interest, and outside legal advice, to which the Mayor stated that he
thought his comments were more related to item number 5.3 on the agenda.
(The City Solicitor withdrew from the meeting during Councillor Farren's
comments, with Mr. Cullinan, Solicitor joining the meeting shortly thereafter.)
Councillor Ferguson raised a point of order stating that Councillors are permitted to
discuss related issues on an item to which the Common Clerk clarified that discussion
has to relate to the matter at hand. The Mayor ruled that the contents of Councillor
Farren's remarks could be heard later.
Referring to a May 25, 2005 newspaper article, Councillor Ferguson stated that
Councillor Tait clearly does not understand independent third party advice and its legal
importance and that it is causing undue hardship on the taxpayers' of Saint John. He
offered that getting third party advice is a legal requirement and not about questioning
anybody's honesty.
Councillor Titus commented on the declaration of interest filed by staff members who are
members of the pension plan noting that notwithstanding that conflict they still have
professional obligations, and can still give advice unless they advise that it is beyond
their expertise.
Councillor Tait read from a transcript of Councillor Ferguson's remarks from the April 11 ,
2005 Council meeting as follows, stating that these remarks cause to question the
integrity of staff:
"... The same individuals who could guide us in respect to our obligations and
responsibility of Council are the same individuals who decided to walk away from the
legal opinion of Mr. Ronald Pink, one of the most respected lawyers in Atlantic Canada.
This is related to a medical doctor who breached his fiduciary duty to the Pension Plan
and I have a copy of the March 2nd Telegraph article, page A3 and I can circulate it if
anybody wants to read it. The Pension Board decided it was not worth pursuing, yet
Mr. Pink's statement clearly indicates money was recoverable for the Pension Plan. I
strongly suggest that money would have been reimbursed to the Pension Plan from the
medical doctors' insurance policy, however senior staff in their governance role in the
Pension Plan chose to walk away from the money, again, it's in this document... ."
Councillor Tait stated that the intent of his proposed motion is to have staff involved in
discussions so they can have a comfort level in advising Council on pension matters.
Question being taken, the motion was carried.
(The Mayor withdrew from the meeting at which time the Deputy Mayor
assumed the Chair.)
(Mr. Cullinan withdrew from the meeting and the City Solicitor re-entered
the meeting.)
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5.1 Confiance accordee aux employes relativement a I'expertise et au
professionnalisme de leurs conseils
Proposition du conseiller Tait
Appuyee par Ie conseiller Court
RESOLU que, comme Ie recommande Ie directeur
general, Ie conseil communal reconnaisse la divulgation des interets deposee
individuellement par Ie directeur general, Ie commissaire aux finances, Ie directeur
general adjoint/greffier communal et l'avocat municipal, vu qu'ils siegent a la commission
du regime de retraite et, de plus, que soient transmis au conseil tout autre
renseignement supplementaire que puissent fournir chaque personne susmentionnee
relativement a l'administration de la Loi sur fe regime de retraite de fa ville de Saint John.
ET DE PLUS, que Ie conseil manifeste son appui des employes au moyen d'un vote de
confiance afin de prouver aces derniers qu'il apprecie l'expertise et Ie professionnalisme
deployes pour repondre a ses exigences. De plus, que Ie conseil accorde
respectueusement l'expression de sa confiance sans bornes aux employes qui ont dans
Ie passe fourni des opinions honnetes, impartiales et objectives, telles qu'elles relevent
de leur profession et expertise en toute matiere, y compris Ie regime de retraite, et qu'il
est confiant qu'ils poursuivront de la meme maniere a l'avenir.
L'avocat municipal demande que les conseillers qui desirent lui poser des questions sur
la matiere Ie fassent maintenant puisqu'il a l'intention de se retirer de la reunion pendant
que ce point est delibere afin de dissiper toute perception voulant que sa presence
influence les decisions prises par Ie conseil relativement a cette affaire.
Le maire affirme qu'a son sens une representation juridique est necessaire au cours de
la reunion.
Le conseiller Titus indique que si l'avocat municipal se retire, il proposera la cloture de la
presente reunion afin de la reconvoquer en seance juridique.
Le conseiller Tait exprime son opinion, a savoir que les difficultes sou levees par la
remise en question de l'integrite des employes doivent etre reglees afin de proceder aux
discussions relatives au regime de retraite.
Le conseiller Farren avance ses opinions sur la maniere dont Ie conseil doit proceder
relativement au conflit d'interets presentes par les employes et aux conseils juridiques
externes et Ie maire indique qu'il juge que ses commentaires vi sent plutot Ie point nO 5.3
a l'ordre du jour.
(L'avocat municipal se retire de la reunion pendant que Ie conseiller
Farren formule ses commentaires et Me Cullinan se presente a la reunion peu de temps
apres. )
Le conseiller Ferguson souleve une objection, a savoir les conseillers sont permis de
discuter de questions simplement Iiees a un point sur lequelle greffier communal a
precise que telles discussions ne doivent se porter que sur la matiere en question. Le
maire ordonne que Ie sujet sur lequel portent les remarques formulees par Ie conseiller
Farren serait traite plus tard.
Se reportant a un article de journal publie Ie 25 mai 2005, Ie conseiller Ferguson indique
qu'il est evident que Ie conseiller Tait ne comprend pas la portee d'un avis juridique
independant sollicite d'une tierce partie et de son importance du point de vue juridique et
que cette situation cree des inquietudes excessives pour les contribuables de Saint
John. II affirme que Ie recours a un avis sollicite d'une tierce partie n'est qu'une exigence
juridique et qu'il ne s'agit pas de remettre en question l'integrite d'une personne.
Le conseiller Titus mentionne la declaration de conflit d'interets deposee par les
employes qui sont membres du regime de retraite et indique que nonobstant ledit conflit,
ils sont investis de responsabilites professionnelles et peuvent done continuer a offrir
des conseils sauf dans Ie cas ou ils aviseraient que la question est au-dela de leur
champ de competence.
Le conseiller Tait fait la lecture de la transcription des remarques formulees par Ie
conseiller Ferguson lors de la reunion du conseille 11 avril 2005 et indique qu'elles
mettent en doute l'integrite des employes.
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<< ...les personnes autorisees a aviser Ie conseil relativement a ses obligations et
responsabilites ont neglige de respecter l'avis juridique presente par Me Ronald Pink, un
des avocats les plus respectes au Canada atlantique. Cette question visait un medecin
qui avait viole ses devoirs fiduciaires envers Ie regime de retraite et, je possede une
copie de l'article paru dans Ie journal Telegraph Ie 2 mars a la page A3, que je pourrais
faire circuler si quelqu'un s'y interesse. La commission du regime de retraite a juge qu'en
l'occurrence il n'etait pas viable de poursuivre, cependant les declarations de M. Pink
indiquent clairement que certains fonds etaient recuperables aux fins du regime de
retraite. Selon mon opinion, un montant d'argent aurait pu etre rem bourse au fonds de
retraite a meme la police d'assurance souscrite par Ie medecin, cependant, les cadres
en assumant leur role de gouvernance du fonds de retraite, ont choisi de renoncer a cet
argent et, de plus, ceci est inclus dans Ie present document... >>
Le conseiller Tait indique que l'intention de la motion proposee vise a integrer les
employes aux discussions afin qu'une ambiance confortable puisse exister pour
conseiller les employes relativement aux questions Iiees au regime de retraite.
A l'issue du vote, la proposition est adoptee.
(Le maire quitte la reunion et Ie maire suppleant Hooton assume la
presidence.)
(Me Cullinan quitte la reunion et l'avocat municipal s'y joint de nouveau.)
5.2 Conflict of Interest
On motion of Councillor Tait
Seconded by Councillor Court
RESOLVED that Council request the City Solicitor
to examine the situation that exists with Councillor Tait, the concerns being outlined in
the submitted letter by Councillor Tait, and identify if and where any conflict currently
exists now and in the future. Furthermore, if it is determined that a conflict exists the City
Solicitor provide advice as to when Councillor Tait should exclude himself from
participating in debate and decisions of Council as it relates to Pension issues.
Councillor Titus asked if the City Solicitor was able to advise individual members of
Council with respect to conflict to which the City Solicitor responded that in this case it is
advice to Council, and not to an individual member.
Councillor Titus proposed an amendment to the motion, which was accepted by the
mover and seconder, to include the Mayor, and Councillor Titus to the motion.
Councillor Chang commented that he cannot support the motion stating that Council
cannot afford to lose the assistance of the three members of Council who serve on The
City of Saint John Pension Board.
Question being taken on the amendment, the motion was carried with
Councillor Chang voting nay.
On motion of Councillor Tait
Seconded by Councillor Court
RESOLVED that Council request the City Solicitor
to examine the situation that exists with the Mayor, and Councillors Tait and Titus, the
concerns being outlined in the submitted letter by Councillor Tait, and identify if and
where any conflict currently exists now and in the future. Furthermore, if it is determined
that a conflict exists, that the City Solicitor advise when the Mayors and Councillors Tait
and Titus should exclude themselves from participating in debate and decisions of
Council as it relates to Pension issues.
Question being taken on the motion as amended, and stated above, the
motion was carried.
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5.2 Conflit d'interets
Proposition du conseiller Tait
Appuyee par Ie conseiller Court
RESOLU que Ie conseil demande a l'avocat
municipal d'etudier Ie cas du conseiller Tait, les inquietudes sou levees dans la lettre
presentee par ce dernier et de determiner tout conflit existant a l'heure actuelle ou
previsible. De plus, s'il est determine qu'il existe un conflit, que l'avocat municipal avise
Ie conseil des sujets en vertu desquels Ie conseiller Tait devrait s'abstenir de participer
aux deliberations du conseil et aux decisions prises par ce dernier relativement aux
questions Iiees au regime de retraite.
Le conseiller Titus demande a l'avocat municipal s'il a Ie droit de conseiller les membres
du conseil individuellement relativement a un conflit d'interets et ce dernier repond que
dans Ie cas present il s'agit d'avis a l'intention du conseil et non a un membre en
particulier.
Le conseiller Titus propose une modification a la proposition, acceptee par l'auteur et
l'appuyeur visant a inclure Ie maire et Ie conseiller Titus a la proposition.
Le conseiller Chang affirme qu'il ne peut appuyer la proposition puisque Ie conseil ne
peut se permettre de fonctionner sans l'assistance des trois membres du conseil qui
siegent au conseil d'administration du regime de retraite de The City of Saint John.
A l'issue du vote relatif a la modification, la proposition est acceptee. Le
conseiller Chang vote contre.
Proposition du conseiller Tait
Appuyee par Ie conseiller Court
RESOLU que Ie conseil demande a l'avocat
municipal d'etudier la situation qui se presente relativement au maire et aux conseillers
Tait et Titus, aux inquietudes sou levees dans la lettre presentee par Ie conseiller Tait et
de determiner tout conflit existant a l'heure actuelle ou previsible. De plus, s'il est
determine qu'il existe un conflit, que l'avocat municipal avise Ie conseil des sujets en
vertu desquels Ie conseiller Tait devrait s'abstenir de participer aux deliberations du
conseil et aux decisions prises par ce dernier relativement aux questions Iiees au regime
de retraite.
A l'issue du vote, la proposition telle que modifiee et citee ci-dessus, est
adoptee.
5.3 Engagement of Third Party Expert Regarding City's Pension Plan
On motion of Councillor Ferguson
Seconded by Councillor Farren
RESOLVED that Common Council approve the
engagement of a third party expert to assist Common Council, as plan sponsor, with
understanding and meeting its obligations and responsibilities to The City of Saint John
Pension Plan, and Councillors Ferguson and Farren provide a suggested firm or firms
with the above suggested duties previously mentioned for Council's consideration as
soon as possible.
Councillor Court raised a point of order stating that there was no seconder before a
Council member began to speak on the motion. Councillor Ferguson read his proposed
motion again at which time Councillor Farren seconded the motion.
Councillor Ferguson read from his submitted letter listing the types of independent
advice, such as an expert lawyer, an expert actuary, and independent, third party
coordinating expert he believes is necessary to advise Council.
Councillor Titus offered that he did not understand the nature of this motion saying that
the obligation for the Pension fund clearly lies with Council, and if expert advice is
required then that advice should not come through Council members, but from City Staff.
Councillor Tait questioned whether as sponsors, outside legal counsel, money
managers, and actuaries should be hired to ensure that the advice they have had on the
pension issue is valid, and proposed that Council follow the recommendation offered by
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the City Solicitor in his report submitted at the May 24, 2005 Committee of the Whole
meeting.
The Deputy Mayor and Councillor McGuire stated that they are comfortable with the
Council members serving on the Pension Board and with their advice and service.
Councillor Court asked for the City Solicitor's advice on this motion to which Mr. Nugent
responded that he had submitted his advice in the form of a report and he believes that
Council has all the information it requires to make an informed decision on this motion.
(The Mayor re-entered the meeting and resumed as Chair.)
Councillor Farren commented on the unfunded liability and expressed his opinion that
this motion is an appropriate one given his advice from an outside lawyer, and offered
his and Councillor Ferguson's assistance to the City Solicitor in choosing a legal firm
from which to obtain third party independent advice.
Councillor Tait raised a point of order saying that Councillor Farren's remarks are a
repetition to which Councillor Farren stated that he agreed with Councillor Tait, and
continued to comment saying that some Councillors are trying to get other Councillors to
side with their position.
Councillor Titus raised a point of order stating that he has not tried to persuade anyone
to any particular position, with Councillors Tait, McGuire and Court stating that they too
had not attempted to persuade anyone. The Mayor accepted the point of order, and
gave the floor to the Deputy Mayor.
The Deputy Mayor advised that she cannot accept this particular motion, saying that at
all times staff treats Council with the utmost respect and that she feels that respect
should be returned.
The Mayor advised that he supports the first part of the motion which is consistent with
the City Solicitor's advice.
Question being taken, the motion was defeated, with the Mayor, the
Deputy Mayor and Councillors Chang, Court, McGuire, Tait, and Titus voting nay.
On motion of Councillor Tait
Seconded by Councillor Court
RESOLVED that Common Council instruct the City
Solicitor, as outlined in the May 24, 2005 Committee of the Whole Report - Outside
Counsel, dated May 20,2005 under 10.2(4)(f), to engage a lawyer with pertinent
expertise to provide Council with a written opinion identifying:
I. whether Council has any obligation with respect to the administration of The
City of Saint John Pension Act, and if so, the nature and extent of such
obligation;
II. the standard to which Council would be held in meeting such obligation;
III. the means or process by which Council could assure fulfillment of any such
obligation, recognizing the current circumstances of the Pension Fund;
as well as providing whatever additional advice outside counsel believes would assist
Council's understanding of any role it might have with respect to the administration of
The City of Saint John Pension Act.
Councillor Court stated that the only question that he needs answered is if Council has
an obligation to have third party advice in addition to the advice the Pension Board
receives according to the legislation.
Question being taken, the motion was carried.
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5.3 Nomination d'un expert-conseil tiers relativement au regime de retraite de
la municipalite
Proposition du conseiller Ferguson
Appuyee par Ie conseiller Farren
RESOLU que Ie conseil communal approuve la
nomination d'un expert-conseil tiers afin de l'assister, en tant que parrain du regime,
dans Ie but d'analyser les responsabilites et obligations du regime de retraite de The City
of Saint John et de s'assurer de leur conformite et que les conseillers Ferguson et
Farren presentent une liste d'experts en la matiere aux fins d'etude par Ie conseil des
que possible.
Le conseiller Court souleve une objection, a savoir qu'aucun appuyeur s'est prononce
avant qu'un conseiller entame une discussion sur la proposition. Le conseiller Ferguson
fait de nouveau la lecture de la proposition, appuyee par Ie conseiller Farren.
Le conseiller Ferguson cite sa lettre presentee anterieurement et mentionne divers
praticiens competents, tels que l'expert juridique, l'actuaire-expert, Ie conseiller
independant et Ie tiers expert en coordination, dont il juge necessaire de retenir les
services afin d'aviser Ie conseil.
Le conseiller Titus avoue qu'il ne comprend pas la nature de la presente proposition vu
que Ie conseil est investi de l'obligation de gerer Ie fonds de retraite et si un avis d'expert
est exige, il ne releve pas de la competence des membres de retenir les services d'un tel
expert mais plutot de celie des employes municipaux.
Le conseiller Tait demande si en tant que parrain, les services d'un expert juridique, d'un
gestionnaire des finances ou d'un actuaire devraient etre retenus pour s'assurer que les
conseils reyus anterieurement relatifs au regime de retraite sont valides et propose que
Ie conseil respecte les recommandations formulees par l'avocat municipal dans son
rapport presente a la reunion du comite plenier tenue Ie 24 mai 2005.
Le maire suppleant Hooton et Ie conseiller McGuire indiquent qu'ils accordent leur
confiance aux membres du conseil communal qui siegent au conseil d'administration du
regime de retraite de The City of Saint John ainsi qu'a leurs avis et aux services qu'ils
fournissent.
Le conseiller Court demande l'avis de l'avocat municipal relativement a la presente
proposition et Me Nugent repond qu'il a deja presente ses opinions sous forme d'un
rapport et qu'il est d'avis que Ie conseil dispose de toute l'information necessaire afin de
prendre une decision eclairee sur la proposition.
(Le maire joint de nouveau la reunion et assume la presidence.)
Le conseiller Farren s'exprime relativement au passif non capitalise et indique qu'a son
avis la presente proposition est adequate a la lumiere des conseils qu'il a reyus d'un
avocat externe et offre son aide a l'avocat municipal, accompagne du conseiller
Ferguson, pour choisir un cabinet juridique afin d'obtenir un avis independant sollicite
d'une tierce partie.
Le conseiller Tait souleve une objection, a savoir les remarques formulees par Ie
conseiller Farren reiterent les commentaires du conseiller Farren, s'exprimant d'accord
avec Ie conseiller Tait et, de plus, il mentionne que certains conseillers tentent de
convaincre d'autres conseillers a epouser leurs opinions.
Le conseiller Titus souleve une objection, a savoir qu'il n'a jamais tente de convaincre
qui que ce so it d'adopter aucune position et les conseillers Tait, McGuire et Court
affirment egalement qu'ils n'ont jamais tente de persuader aucune personne. Le maire
accepte l'objection et accorde la parole au maire suppleant.
Le maire suppleant indique qu'elle ne peut adopter cette proposition en particulier
puisque les employes sont toujours respectueux envers Ie conseil et elle juge que Ie
respect leur est du en revanche.
Le maire atteste qu'il appuie Ie premier volet de la proposition puisqu'elle est conforme a
l'avis exprime par l'avocat municipal.
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A l'issue du vote, la proposition est rejetee. Le maire, Ie maire
suppleant Hooton et les conseillers Chang, Court, McGuire, Tait et Titus votent contre.
Proposition du conseiller Tait
Appuyee par Ie conseiller Court
RESOLU que Ie conseil communal autorise l'avocat
municipal, tel que l'indique Ie rapport du comite plenier en date du 25 mai 2005 relatif
aux services d'un conseiller juridique externe, alinea 10.24)f) en date du 20 mai 2005, de
retenir les services d'un conseiller juridique qui possede l'expertise necessaire pour
transmettre au conseil une opinion juridique ecrite relativement aux questions
suivantes :
Le conseil a-t-il une obligation d'administration en vertu de la Loi sur fe
regime de retraite de fa ville de Saint John et, Ie cas echeant, quelle est la
nature et la portee de telle obligation?
ii A quelle norme do it adherer Ie conseil relativement au respect de telle
obligation?
iii Quels moyens ou processus Ie conseil pourrait-il entamer afin d'honorer une
telle obligation, a la lumiere de l'etat actuel du fonds de retraite?
ainsi que de fournir tout avis supplementaire que Ie conseiller juridique externe juge
necessaire afin d'aider Ie conseil a com prendre Ie role qu'il doit assumer relativement a
l'administration de la Loi sur fe regime de retraite de fa ville de Saint John.
Le conseiller Court indique qu'une seule question exige une reponse, a savoir Ie conseil
a-t-il une obligation legale de recourir a un tiers pour obtenir un avis juridique en plus
des conseils qu'il reyoit du conseil d'administration du regime de retraite?
A l'issue du vote, la proposition est adoptee.
5.4 Port/Bay Ferries
On motion of Councillor Tait
Seconded by Deputy Mayor Hooton
RESOLVED that as recommended by Councillor
Titus, Council authorize him to contact the Port/Bay Ferries to investigate and discuss
the pros and cons of a ferry terminal to be located on or near Long Wharf.
Question being taken, the motion was carried.
5.4 Le port et les traversiers Bay Ferries
Proposition du conseiller Tait
Appuyee par Ie maire suppleant Hooton
RESOLU que Ie conseil autorise Ie conseiller Titus,
a la suite de sa propre recommandation, a communiquer avec les responsables de
l'Administration portuaire de Saint John et de l'entreprise Bay Ferries afin d'etudier et de
discuter de la possibilite d'installer un terminal pour traversiers situe a Long Wharf ou
tout pres.
A l'issue du vote, la proposition est adoptee.
6.1 Proactively Managing the City Market
(Deputy Mayor Hooton declared a conflict of interest and withdrew from the
meeting.)
Referring to his submitted report, the City Manager recommended that the City enter into
a 5 year contract with Drummond Enterprises as outlined in the report. He advised that
previously the City was paying approximately $70,000. in salaries and that this
agreement would be approximately $88,600. per year plus HS1.
On motion of Councillor McGuire
Seconded by Councillor Court
RESOLVED that as recommended by the City
Manager, Common Council adopts a policy for the operation of the City Market:
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1. The City of Saint John shall;
a) Continue to own and operate the City Market;
b) Continue to be responsible for all ongoing operating expenses associated
with the Market including but not limited to heat, lighting, pest control, taxes, repairs and
maintenance;
c) Continue to provide for a minimum of 24 months, at least two permanent
fulltime members of CUPE Local 18 to undertake normal cleaning and maintenance
responsibilities;
d) Provide additional personnel, on a casual basis as requested by the
Manager with the purposes of ensuring the City Market is cleaned to the expectation of
the Market Administrator;
e) Review the Market By-law in consultation with the Market Manager;
consider any changes that in the opinion of the Manager will ensure the future vitality of
the Market; and respond to the needs of the tenants and or to ensure the Market
continues to be the primary tourism attraction/retail engine for the uptown Saint John
area. Until such time as the By-law review is completed, Common Council shall appoint
Mr. David Drummond of Drummond Developments as Deputy Market Clerk for purposes
of the By-law.
2. The Market Manager (as designated by Council from time to time) be
authorized to:
a) Be primarily responsible to implement Common Council's Vision for the
Saint John City Market as adopted in March 2004;
b) Oversee the daily operations of the City Market;
c) Resolve tenant issues including but not limited to hours of operation,
merchandise uses, enforcement of leases/licenses and City Market Rules and
Regulations;
d) Negotiate all leases/licenses for stalls/benches at the City Market;
e) Obtain Council approval for any lease/license term of more than one year;
f) Implement the bench merchandising program;
g) Present to the City Manager an annual Capital Budget for the facility for
the eventual consideration of Common Council;
h) Act as Chair of the Market Promotions Committee as well as implement
and oversee Market promotions or on site events;
i) Report quarterly to the Tenants and City Manager the following:
Sales tracking
Traffic flow
Promo recaps /operations analysis
Market place overview
Annual Report to Common Council, not later than March 31st of
each year;
j) Provide the City monthly sales analysis (Commissioner of Planning and
Development) and support for rental collection and accounting functions.
k) Provide effective communication with tenants and public, acting as a
liaison between tenants and the City. Provide media point of contact. Hold semi annual
operations /general tenant meeting with all tenants.
I) Provide to the City Manager within the first 24 months of the contract,
recommendations with respect to the tower portion of the facility that would assist the
Market in more fully realizing its vision.
3. The City of Saint John enters into a five (5) year agreement (mutual right to terminate
at 24 months) with Drummond Developments under the terms and conditions as
contained in the submitted draft terms of the "City Market Management Agreement";
4. And further that the Mayor and Common Clerk be authorized to execute the
Agreement.
(Councillors Titus and Chang withdrew during the discussion on the above item.)
Councillor Tait expressed his concern with proceeding on the question for this item with
only 6 Council members present.
91-532
COMMON COUNCIUREUNION DU CONS ElL COMMUNAL
MAY 25, 2005/Le 25 mai 2005
On motion of Councillor McGuire
Seconded by Councillor Court
RESOLVED that item 6.1, Proactively Managing
the City Market, be tabled until the next open meeting of Council.
Question being taken, the motion was carried.
(Councillor Ferguson withdrew from the meeting, and the Deputy Mayor re-
entered.)
6.1 Gestion proactive du marche municipal
(Le maire suppleant Hooton annonce qu'il est possible qu'elle soit en conflit
d'interets relativement ace sujet et quitte la reunion.)
Se reportant au rapport qu'il a presente, Ie directeur general recommande que la ville
conclue un contrat d'une duree de cinq ans avec Drummond Enterprises, tel que
souligne dans ledit rapport. II affirme que la ville versait anterieurement une somme de
70 000 $ en salaires et que Ie present contrat serait conclu au montant de 88 600 $ par
annee, TVH en sus.
Proposition du conseiller McGuire
Appuyee par Ie conseiller Court
RESOLU que, comme Ie recommande Ie directeur
general, Ie conseil communal adopte la politique suivante visant l'exploitation du marche
municipal:
1. RESOLU que The City of Saint John
a) continue d'exploiter Ie marche municipal en tant que proprietaire;
b) assume toujours la responsabilite des depenses d'exploitation en cours
Iiees au marche, y compris mais sans limiter Ie chauffage, l'electricite, la lutte contre les
ravageurs, les impots, les reparations et l'entretien;
c) continue a embaucher pour une periode minimale de 24 mois, au moins
deux membres permanents a temps plein de la section locale 18 du SCFP afin
d'effectuer les travaux reguliers de nettoyage et d'entretien;
d) retienne les services d'employes supplementaires occasionnels, a la
demande du gestionnaire afin de s'assurer que Ie marche municipal reponde aux
exigences etablies par l'administrateur du marche en matiere de proprete;
e) etudie l'arrete concernant Ie marche municipal avec Ie gestionnaire du
marche; evalue toute modification qui, selon l'opinion du gestionnaire, assurera la vitalite
future du marche; reponde aux besoins des locataires et s'assure que Ie marche soit
toujours l'attraction touristique principale et la force motrice de la vente au detail dans Ie
centre-ville de Saint John, et que Ie conseil communal nomme M. David Drummond, de
l'entreprise Drummond Developments, en tant que greffier-adjoint du marche, aux fins
dudit arrete jusqu'au moment ou l'etude dudit arrete so it terminee.
2. Le gestionnaire du marche (comme Ie designe Ie conseil de temps a autre) est
investi d'autorite comme suit:
a) il est principalement responsable de la mise en 03uvre de la vision
adoptee en mars 2004 par Ie conseil communal relativement au marche de Saint John;
b) il surveille de pres les operations quotidiennes du marche municipal;
c) il resout les problemes des locataires, y compris mais sans limiter les
questions Iiees aux heures d'ouverture, a l'utilisation des marchandises, a l'execution
des baux et des permis et aux regles et reglements du marche municipal;
d) il negocie tous les baux et les permis relatifs aux kiosques et aux banes
situes au marche municipal;
e) il doit obtenir l'approbation du conseil relativement a tout bail ou permis
d'une duree superieure a un an;
f) il met en 03uvre Ie programme de commerce lie aux banes;
g) il presente au directeur general un budget d'immobilisations relatif a
l'emplacement en prevision d'une etude prevue par Ie conseil communal;
h) il assume la presidence du comite de promotion du marche ainsi que la
mise en 03uvre et la surveillance des activites de promotion du marche ou les
evenements tenus sur les lieux;
91-533
COMMON COUNCIUREUNION DU CONS ElL COMMUNAL
MAY 25, 2005/Le 25 mai 2005
i) il produit un rapport trimestriel aux fins des locataires et du directeur
general sur les sujets suivants :
Ie suivi des ventes;
Ie flux de la circulation;
la recapitulation de la promotion et l'analyse de l'exploitation;
l'aperyu du marche;
Ie rapport annuel transmis au conseil communal au plus tard Ie
31 mars de chaque annee;
j) il effectue une analyse mensuelle et la transmet a la municipalite
(commissaire des services de l'urbanisme et du developpement) et apporte un appui aux
fins de la collecte des loyers et aux fonctions de comptabilite;
k) il assure la communication efficace avec les locataires et Ie public et la
liaison entre les locataires et la municipalite; il agit en tant que personne-ressource pour
les medias et il prevoit une reunion semestrielle de tous les locataires relativement a
l'exploitation et aux questions relatives aux locataires en general;
I) il formule des recommandations aupres du directeur general, dans les
24 premiers mois du terme du contrat, relativement a la tour de l'emplacement afin
d'aider Ie marche a realiser sa vision plus amplement.
3. RESOLU que The City of Saint John conclue un contrat d'une duree de cinq (5) ans
(avec droit de reconduction pour une periode totale de 24 mois) avec l'entreprise
Drummond Developments, sous reserve des modalites et conditions prevues en vertu
des dispositions du projet de convention de gestion du marche municipal presente.
4. QUE Ie maire et Ie greffier communal soient autorises a signer ladite convention.
(Les conseillers Titus et Chang quittent la reunion au cours des deliberations de
la question susmentionnee.)
Le conseiller Tait exprime ses inquietudes visant a poursuivre les discussions sur la
question lorsque seulement six conseillers sont presents.
Proposition du conseiller McGuire
Appuyee par Ie conseiller Court
RESOLU que Ie point nO 6.1, Gestion proactive du
marche municipal, so it reporte a la prochaine seance publique du conseil.
A l'issue du vote, la proposition est adoptee.
(Le conseiller Ferguson quitte la reunion et Ie maire suppleant s'y joint a
nouveau.)
8.1 Council Meeting Changed from June 6 to June 7
On motion of Councillor Tait
Seconded by Councillor McGuire
RESOLVED that as the Federation of Canadian
Municipalities Conference conflicts with the June 6, 2005 regular meeting of Council, the
Council meeting be re-scheduled to Tuesday, June 7, 2005.
Question being taken, the motion was carried.
8.1 Changement de la date de la reunion du conseil du 6 juin au 7 juin
Proposition du conseiller Tait
Appuyee par Ie conseiller McGuire
RESOLU que la reunion du conseil so it reportee a
mardi Ie 7 juin 2005 puisque Ie congres annuel de la Federation canadienne des
municipalites coIncide avec la seance ordinaire du conseil prevue Ie 6 juin 2005.
A l'issue du vote, la proposition est adoptee.
91-534
COMMON COUNCIUREUNION DU CONS ElL COMMUNAL
MAY 25, 2005/Le 25 mai 2005
6.4 Contract 2005-14 - Fairville Boulevard (Route 100)
Municipal Designated Highways Grant Program
On motion of Councillor Court
Seconded by Deputy Mayor Hooton
RESOLVED that as recommended by the City
Manager, Contract 2005-14, Fairville Boulevard (Route 100) - Civic Number 1155 to
Manawagonish Road - Street Reconstruction, Municipal Designated Highways Grant
Program, be awarded to the low tenderer, Galbraith Construction Ltd., at its tendered
price of $1 ,389,844.10 as calculated based upon estimated quantities, and further that
the Mayor and Common Clerk be authorized to execute the necessary contract
documents.
Question being taken, the motion was carried.
(Councillor Titus re-entered the meeting.)
6.4 Contrat nO 2005-14 relatif au boulevard Fairville (route 100) visant Ie
programme de subventions pour la refection des routes municipales
designees
Proposition du conseiller Court
Appuyee par Ie maire suppleant Hooton
RESOLU que, comme Ie recommande Ie directeur
general, Ie contrat nO 2005-14, relatif aux travaux de reconstruction prevus sur boulevard
Fairville (route 100), au 1155, chemin Manawagonish, dans Ie cadre du programme de
subventions pour la refection des routes municipales designees, so it accorde au
soumissionnaire moins-disant, Galbraith Construction Ltd., au prix offert de
1 389 844,10 $, etabli a partir de quantites estimatives, et que Ie maire et Ie greffier
communal soient autorises a signer la documentation contractuelle exigee.
A I'issue du vote, la proposition est adoptee.
(Le conseiller Titus se joint de nouveau a la reunion.)
6.2 Proposal to Operate Mispec Beach
On motion of Councillor Court
Seconded by Councillor Farren
RESOLVED that as recommended by the City
Manager, Common Council accept the proposal submitted by the Mispec Park
Association for the operation of Mispec Park for the 2005 year and a grant in the amount
of $24,138. be provided to the Mispec Park Association as outlined in the submitted
report and the City Solicitor be directed to prepare the appropriate documents and the
Mayor and Common Clerk be authorized to sign the documents.
Question being taken, the motion was carried.
6.2 Proposition visant I'exploitation de la plage Mispec
Proposition du conseiller Court
Appuyee par Ie conseiller Farren
RESOLUE que, comme Ie recommande Ie
directeur general, Ie conseil communal accepte la proposition presentee par I'association
du parc Mispec relative a I'exploitation du parc pendant I'annee 2005 et qu'une
subvention au montant de 24 138 $ so it octroyee a I'association du parc Mispec, telle
que precisee dans Ie rapport produit et, que I'avocat municipal so it autorise a rediger la
documentation exigee et que Ie maire et Ie greffier communal soient autorises a signer
ladite documentation.
A I'issue du vote, la proposition est adoptee.
On motion of Councillor Tait
Seconded by Deputy Mayor Hooton
RESOLVED that the remaining items on the
agenda be referred to the June 7, 2005 meeting of Council.
91-535
COMMON COUNCIUREUNION DU CONS ElL COMMUNAL
MAY 25, 2005/Le 25 mai 2005
Question being taken, the motion was carried.
Proposition du conseiller Tait
Appuyee par Ie maire suppleant Hooton
RESOLU que les points non traites a I'ordre du jour
soient reportes a la seance du conseil prevue Ie 7 juin 2005.
A I'issue du vote, la proposition est adoptee.
Adiournment
The Mayor declared the meeting adjourned at 6:35 p.m.
Cloture de la reunion
Le maire declare que la seance est levee a 18 h 35.
Common Clerk/greffier communal