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2023-06-22 Growth Committee Agenda Packet - Open Session Growth Committee Meeting Open Session June 6, 2023 MINUTES - OPEN SESSION GROWTH COMMITTEE MEETING JUNE 6, 2023 12:00 P.M. nd 2 FLOOR COMMON COUNCIL CHAMBER, CITY HALL Present: Mayor Donna Noade Reardon Deputy Mayor John MacKenzie Councillor Joanna Killen Councillor Brent Harris Councillor Gerry Lowe Also Present: Chief Administrative Officer B. McGovern Commissioner Growth and Community Services J. Hamilton Director, Growth and Community Planning D. Dobbelsteyn Administrative Officer R. Evans Administrative Assistant A. MacLean Administrative Assistant K. Tibbits 1. Meeting Called to Order Councillor Killen called the Growth Committee open session meeting to order. 2. Approval of Minutes 2.1 Minutes of April 11, 2023 Moved by Mayor Noade Reardon, seconded by Councillor Harris: RESOLVED that the minutes of April 11, 2023 be approved. MOTION CARRIED. 3. Approval of Agenda Moved by Councillor Harris, seconded by Mayor Noade Reardon: RESOLVED that the agenda of June 6, 2023 be approved. MOTION CARRIED. 4. Disclosures of Conflict of Interest 5. Consent Agenda 5.1 RESOLVED that the Summer Events 2023 Pre-Season report be received for information. 5.2 RESOLVED that as recommended in the submitted report entitled Review of the Provisions governing the Procedure and Operation of the Saint John Substandard Properties Appeal Committee, the Growth Committee recommends that Common Council approve the Growth Committee Meeting Open Session June 6, 2023 Provisions Governing the Procedure and Operation of the Saint John Substandard Properties Appeal Committee in the form attached to this report. 5.3 RESOLVED that the ABC Standard Reporting Template: Lord Beaverbrook Rink be received for information. Moved by Mayor Noade Reardon, seconded by Councillor Harris: RESOLVED that the recommendation set out in each consent agenda item respectively be adopted. MOTION CARRIED. 6. Presentations / Delegations 6.1 City Market Strategic Plan (Draft) (K. Hunt, FBM, and T. Mathisen, Quay North joined the meeting electronically) D. Dobbelsteyn stated that the draft strategic plan for the City Market will guide the vision of the City Market over the next 10 years. Referring to the submitted presentation, Mr. Hunt and Mr. Mathiesen, consultants for the City Market Strategic Plan, discussed engagement results from residents and stakeholders in developing the draft plan, seven Strategic directions of the Plan, the vision, mission and core values, and challenges and opportunities that were identified. Moved by Mayor Noade Reardon, seconded by Deputy Mayor MacKenzie: RESOLVED that the draft City Market Strategic Plan be received for information. MOTION CARRIED. (K. Hunt and T. Mathisen withdrew from the meeting) 6.2 ABC Year-End Review: Annual Presentations 6.2.1 Saint John Transit I. MacKinnon, Director Transit and Fleet, and K. Loughery, Operations Manager, reviewed the submitted presentation, discussed the 2022 annual report, and responded to questions. Moved by Councillor Harris, seconded by Mayor Noade Reardon: RESOLVED that the submitted presentation "Modernizing Transit Service Through Redesign: 2022 information. MOTION CARRIED. 6.2.2 Saint John Trade and Convention Centre K. Fergus, Director of Finance with the Trade and Convention Centre reviewed the submitted presentation, discussed the 2022 annual report, and responded to questions. Moved by Deputy Mayor MacKenzie, seconded by Councillor Harris: RESOLVED that the received for information. MOTION CARRIED. Growth Committee Meeting Open Session June 6, 2023 6.2.3 Canada Games Aquatic Centre A. McLellan, General Manager Canada Games Aquatic Centre and A. Shanks incoming Chair reviewed the submitted presentation, discussed the 2022 annual report, and responded to questions. Moved by Mayor Noade Reardon, seconded by Councillor Harris: RESOLVED t Annual Report MOTION CARRIED. 6.2.4 Saint John Free Public Library L. Corscadden, Librarian, reviewed the submitted presentation, discussed the 2022 annual report, and responded to questions. Moved by Mayor Noade Reardon, seconded by Deputy Mayor MacKenzie: information. MOTION CARRIED. Adjournment Moved by Mayor Noade Reardon, seconded by Councillor Harris: RESOLVED that the open session meeting of the Growth Committee be adjourned. MOTION CARRIED. The open session meeting of the Growth Committee held on June 6, 2023, was adjourned at 1:50 p.m. Dwh‘I /haaL99w9thw M&C No.N/A Report DateMay 30, 2023 Meeting DateJune 22, 2023 Service AreaGrowth and Community Services Chair KillenandMembers of Growth Committee SUBJECT:Ethnocultural Small Grant Program CLOSED SESSIONDISCUSSION REASON This matter is to be discussed in Open Session ofGrowth Committee OPEN SESSION RESOLUTION REQUIRED? Yes, resolution and full report to be added to open session AUTHORIZATION Chief Administrative Officer Primary AuthorCommissioner/Dept. Head Jennifer WaldschutzJacqueline HamiltonBrent McGovern RECOMMENDATION That Common Council approve the Ethnocultural Small Grant Program Policyas nd presented to the GrowthCommittee on June 22, 2023, and direct staff to implement the program. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The City of Saint John is committed to fostering a welcoming, inclusive, and opportunity-filled community. The 2022-2032 Succeed & Stay Immigration Strategy set a goal of increasing the attraction, settlement, and retention of new and existing immigrant populations, while enhancing the overall newcomer experience in the region. In order to become a destination of choice for newcomers in New Brunswick, and to achieve the targets set out in the strategy, the citymust continue to support and champion its local ethnocultural associations. The Ethnocultural Small Grant Program was established as a pilot program in 2022 to support new and existing ethnocultural groups with incorporation, growing their membership, and enhancing service delivery within the City of Saint John.The program sawsignificant uptakein 2022,with the successful distribution of13 grants.In alignment with the Immigration Strategy, it is recommended that the program transition from a pilot to a permanent offering. The budget envelope in 2023 for the Ethnocultural Small Grant Programis $20,000 and is already accounted for in the 2023 operating budget. PREVIOUS RESOLUTION /ƚƒƒƚƓ /ƚǒƓĭźƌ wĻƭƚƌǒƷźƚƓͲ hĭƷƚĬĻƩ ЊБͲ ЋЉЋЊ That Common Council approve the policy statement for the Ethnocultural Grant Pilot Program. STRATEGIC ALIGNMENT Dwh‘ Enable population and business growth by focusing on key infrastructure investments, strategic communications, service delivery, and partnerships to achieve growth initiatives. .9\[hbD Enhance the quality of life and social well-being in a safe place to live; offering recreation, arts,and cultural opportunitiesthat align with related plans. The Ethnocultural Small Grant Program Policy also aligns with the 2022-2032 Succeed and Stay Immigration Strategy. REPORT The Ethnocultural Small Grant Program is designed to assist new and existing ethnocultural groups in obtaining incorporation, and when incorporation has been successfully attained, to support select initiatives that will further strengthen member recruitment and newcomer retention. The program provides financial assistance in the form of small grants for the establishment of new ethnocultural groups, or further development of existing groups to increase service delivery. Well-established ethnocultural gro proposition when appealing to new immigrants, and equally, have proven to be monumental in settling those that already call Saint Johnhome. Having a diverse varietyof ethnocultural groups will providebroader supporttomeetthe varying needs of different demographics,while fostering aninclusivecommunity that encourages, promotes,and celebratesmulticulturalism. I . for leading the charge in Atlantic Canada. The Ethnocultural Small Grant Program will act to further improve quality of life, cultivate community pride, foster diversity and inclusion, grow and support the newcomer population, and reinforce a welcoming brand for Saint John. Given past success, the attraction and retention targets set out in the Immigration Strategy, and a growing need for added newcomer services, staff would like to suggest the program transitions from a pilot project to a permanent offering. SERVICE AND FINANCIAL OUTCOMES The cost for the Ethnocultural Grant Program in 2023 is$20,000as isaccounted for in the operating budget; it is recommended that this be a new and annual permanent grant program of the City of Saint John. Staff have also drafted the policy so there is no duplication with existing grant programs offered by the City such as the Community Grant program, or the Community Arts Funding Program. INPUT FROM OTHER SERVICE AREASANDSTAKEHOLDERS Staff engaged theFinance & Administrative Services in the creation of this Policy and .Staff also consulted with the Saint John Local Immigration Partnership, the newcomercommunity,and 48 existing Ethnocultural Groupsin Saint John. ATTACHMENTS Ethnocultural Small Grant Policy_2023FINAL Ethnocultural Small Grant Program PowerPoint 2023 Dwh‘I /haaL99w9thw Report DateJune 15, 2023 Meeting DateJune 22, 2023 Chair KillenandMembers of the Growth Committee SUBJECT: Beautification Grant Program OPEN OR CLOSED SESSION This matter is to be discussed in open session. AUTHORIZATION Primary AuthorCommissionerChief Administrative Officer Yeva MattsonJacqueline HamiltonJ. Brent McGovern RECOMMENDATION 1.That Common Council receive and file the Urban Beautification Program report. 2.That Common Council adopt the amended Urban Beautification Policyas nd presented to the Growth Committee on June 22, 2023. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Sincethe Beautification Grant program was implemented in 2016, ithas stimulated reinvestment in the Central Peninsulabyprovidingfinancial assistance toproperty ownerslooking to improvetheoverallaesthetic of their property. As a result ofCommon Councilcontinuously funding the program,the grant has been able to facilitate $551,636of investmentinto beautifying the Central Peninsula. Thisreinvestmenthas resulted in improvements in the overall priority. As the creation of a Neighbourhood Plan for the North End beginsandnew Community Enhancement efforts have commenced, it is recommended that the program be extendedto incorporate the Old North Endand Douglas Avenueas a new neighbourhood of focus.As part of the Old North End Pilot Program, incentives will remain available in the Central Peninsulafor a one-yeartransition periodduring 2023. After the transition period,the program will leave the Central Peninsula and fully transition into the North End. The Boundary Map for the BeautificationGrant Program will be updated to align with thefinal boundary established for the NorthEnd Neighbourhood Plan. This report describes the proposed next steps for the Beautification Grant Program. - 2 - PREVIOUS RESOLUTION In late 2014, Council directed staff to pursue the development of an incentive program that offered grants to increase reinvestment in the façades and front yards of properties, that would result in a more desirable streetscape. The pilot program occurred in the South End, Uptown, and Waterloo Village neighbourhoods of the City, which implemented aspects of the goals and objectives of the Municipal Plan and the Central Peninsula Secondary Plan. In 2019, Council adopted amendments to the Beautification Grant Policy which included eligibility of exterior painting for side yard façades where there is a gap in the urban fabric, a simplified scoring system for projects, and included the City Road area to greater align the eligibility boundary with the Central Peninsula Secondary Plan. the recommendations to move forward with the Community Enhancement Project, Council directed staff to amend the Beautification Grant Policy to migrate the Beautification Grant Program to the North End for 2023. STRATEGIC ALIGNMENT Common Council adopted a set of Priorities for 2021-2026. Under and Belong, priorities include promoting population growth and community vibrancy through beautification. REPORT CONTEXT The Central Peninsula was selected as the pilot area for the Beautification Grant Program. It was recognized that reinvestment in the façades of homes and small businesses, or the landscaping of front yards would quickly improve the appearance of properties, increasing the attractiveness of streets. This direction was anticipated through the adoption of the Municipal Plan, when Common Council directed the uptown area be given consideration for a package of incentives. Since the launch of the Central Peninsula neighbourhood planning process in 2016, the focus has remained , but as attention moves to neighbourhoods outside the City Centre, the transition of the Beautification Grant Program will support the undertaking of new neighbourhood planning efforts. The shift of the program to the Old North End and Douglas Avenue will help create a smooth transition of focus to a new area of the City, while providing a transition period that will enable Central Peninsula property owners to access the program before it fully shifts to the new geography. The proposal being presented represents a transition plan which will allow for an initial expansion into the North End while establishing a transition away from the Central Peninsula, which is scheduled to occur at the end of the 2023 calendar year. The new proposed boundaries for the program are the Old North End and - 3 - Douglas Avenue, with the intention that the Beautification Grant boundary will be updated to align with the final boundary established for the North End Neighbourhood Plan. BACKGROUND The Beautification Grant Program was adopted as policy on March 21, 2016 and continues to be in effect. The program primarily incentivized property owners living on the peninsula to improve the façades and landscaping of their front yards to create an enhanced public realm. A staff Committee met monthly to award grants based on design criteria of materials and appearance. An approved grant provided 35% of the cost of eligible work up to a maximum of $4,000, and up to $6,000 for a corner lot. This program component was financed entirely through an annual operating budget of $50,000. ANALYSIS The beautification program is intended primarily for homeowners and landlords to create positive change in their neighbourhoods by improvements to façades and the front yards of their properties. Overall, the program stimulated improvements to 41 properties, leveraging $551,636 in investment, which represented $95,781.59 in grant funding. Improvements were varied and included exterior painting, replacement of windows and doors, repairs to entryways, repointing of brick, and landscaping front yards. In conjunction with the extension of the program boundary to the Old North End and Douglas Avenue, staff are also proposing to expand the qualifying work and to update the scoring system to align with the goals outlined by the Community Enhancement Project. By expanding the qualifying work and updating the scoring system, the Beautification Grant will now prioritize funding for remediation of unsightly and dilapidated conditions. As identified by the Community Enhancement Project, financial benefits provided by incentives and grants can encourage owners to -laws. By prioritizing unsightly and dilapidated conditions, the grant will ensure Property By-law Compliance staff are equipped with additional tools to achieve voluntary compliance in their cases, leading to more positive outcomes for the community. The Beautification Grant Program continues to have merit and has proven to work well in the Central Peninsula. In 2023, Growth and Community Development staff will endeavor to seamlessly expand the program into the Old North End and Douglas Avenue while still allowing for applications from the Central Peninsula to create a smooth transition rather than an abrupt shift. With the high proportion of older homes on the Central Peninsula, the Old North End, and Douglas Avenue falling outside of the Heritage Conservation Areas and not having access to Heritage Grants, the Beautification Program is an important means to support aesthetic improvements to the existing housing stock. Any - 4 - properties inside a Heritage Conservation Area are exempt and have been removed from the boundaries of the Beautification Grant Program. The new boundary of the Old North End and Douglas Avenue was chosen for the transition period as it aligned with the Community Enhancement Project focus. The number of properties in these two neighbourhoods, especially the Old North End, that have Unsightly Premises cases, Dangerous & Vacant Buildings cases, and Minimum Property Standards cases is much higher than other communities in the North End making it a strong focus for Beautification efforts. The stock of housing in these neighbourhoods is also amongst the oldest housing stock in the North End of the City. The choice to initially focus on these two areas of the North End, will allow for a directed focus that will support the Community Enhancement Project and will allow for a more concentrated use of the limited budget for the Beautification program. As 2023 serves as a transition year for the program, the existing funding envelope will also be utilized in the Central Peninsula. This transition plan will allow for a soft introduction of the program into the North End while respecting the existing funding available. It is also critical to note that PlanSJ identified Douglas Avenue and Main Street as Character Corridors within the City. Character Corridors are noted for their strong social and cultural value and often connect broader portions of the re places identified for investment in quality streetscaping, the public realm and urban design. Incremental improvements to the existing building stock will help act as a catalyst for high quality investment into not only these areas, but into the surrounding neighbourhoods. By focusing on the neighbourhoods which are anchored by these two Character Corridors, it allows the Grant Program to be transitioned into the North End through alignment wi Plan, in advance of the establishment of the North End Neighbourhood Plan boundary. IMPROVEMENTS TO THE PROGRAM Amendments to the Beautification Policy have been attached to this report and comprise the following: 1. Including maintenance projects and having explanatory language around the term improvement 2. Allowing for certain forms of vinyl siding without point reduction, subject to Zoning By-law requirements. 3. Including flankage façades adjacent to a vacant lot as eligible work. 4. Including language that would remove certain ineligibility criteria provided the project has potential to catalyse other improvements beyond the subject site, as deemed by the Application Evaluation Committee. - 5 - 5. Permit up to 100% of the cost of eligible materials for work done by the applicant and not a contracting service, for any work done involving exterior painting and the installation of any landscaping details. CONCLUSION Since the creation of the Urban Beautification Grant Program, the City has developed new policies and programs focused on the enhancement of our community. At the Municipal level, the City undertook the creation of the Central Peninsula Secondary Plan, which was adopted in 2019, and is now preparing for the development of a Neighbourhood Plan for the North End. The principles of the Urban Beautification Grant Program focusing on reinvestment in the streetscape to enhance the public realm continues to remain a critical component in creating vibrant urban spaces. The program will continue to achieve those principles while adding a new focus on facilitating compliance with City By-laws. As we look at the future of the Grant Program, the expansion of it into the Old North End and Douglas Avenue will create new opportunities in an older, but significant part of the City much as it did the for the Central Peninsula. With the expansion and transition of the program, it will allow for the residents of the Central Peninsula to access the incentives for a final year while also giving staff a chance to assess the boundaries of the program moving forward. Continuing to encourage reinvestment in the streetscape and public realm will complement the development of the North End Neighbourhood Plan and will be a component of the revitalization of one of notable neighbourhoods. SERVICE AND FINANCIAL OUTCOMES The Beautification Grant Program is an existing grant stream administered by staff. The increase of the Beautification Grant allocation from $50,000 to $60,000 (within the existing grant envelope) will help support the transition of the program into the Old North End and Douglas Avenue. $30,000 will be dedicated solely for projects in the Old North End and Douglas Avenue, with the remaining funding being flexible for use in either the Central Peninsula or the Old North End. INPUT FROM OTHER SERVICE AREAS AND STAKEHOLDERS The Urban Beautification Policy update was done in conjunction with the Community Enhancement Project, to ensure that the grant program will support the work being done associated with community compliance to City By-laws. Consultation with Communications was undertaken to create an effective roll- out strategy. The intention is st updated policy, is to launch the new Grant Program effective July 1. The roll-out strategy will include website including updated information on the Grant Program and a Public Service Announcement, social media posts, and a poster to be placed in prominent community spaces within the Old North End. - 6 - Staff will work with our community stakeholders to help ensure the program is promoted within the community. In addition, an important part of the roll-out will be the creation of an informational handout that would be paired with the grant application for use by the bylaw enforcement team and other key city staff, which can be provided to tenants and landlords in the North End. ATTACHMENTS Attachment 1 Urban Beautification Policy UrbanBeautificationPolicy UrbanBeautificationPolicy PolicyCategory:Policy PolicyNo.:16-77.2ImplementationProcedureNo.: ApprovedorLastReviewedDate:June2023NextReviewDate:April2025 Area(s)thispolicyappliesto:FinancialincentivesOwnerService: supportingdevelopmentintheOld North EndGrowthandCommunityServices RelatedPolicy(ies): UrbanDevelopmentIncentivesPolicy RevisionHistory December2017 March2019 June2023 Date Created: SeniorLeadership CouncilApprovalDate:Contact: March 15, 2016Review Date:Commissionerof GrowthandCommunity Services Urban Beautification Policy UrbanBeautificationProgramOld North End Pilot Overview The purpose of the Urban Beautification Program Old North End Pilot is to provide incentives for people living in the Old North End to invest in the beautification of the façades of their homes and small businesses, or the landscaping of their front yards. Increased reinvestment in the facades and front yards of properties coordinated with community enhancement and enforcement will result in a more desirable streetscape. The Program prioritizes transformative projects which seek to restore original character elements or use high quality materials and well accepted design practice to revitalize facades. As part of the Old North End Pilot Program, incentives will remain available in the Central Peninsula for a transition period. A. Qualifying Criteria: i. The project is located within the boundaries outlined in Schedule 1 or Schedule 2; ii. Individual apartment-style condominium units will not be eligible for a grant; iii. All work proposed as part of an Urban Beautification Program application must be conducted on the first four storeys of the dwelling; iv. Where required, all work must have an approved building permit in order to receive funding. B. Eligible Work: The following work will be eligible for a grant: i. The front or flankage façade of a building; ii. Exterior painting, including any entranceways, siding, trim, moldings, porches, decks or other features of the exterior of the main building; iii. Siding repair, or the replacement of any siding with new siding material; iv. The repointing of existing brick on the exterior of the main building; v. The repair and/or replacement of any architectural elements of the building that are original to the design of the building, or are similar to the architectural style of the building; vi. The replacement or installing of any exterior windows or doors; vii. The replacement, renovation or installation of exterior front steps, handrails or walkways; viii. The installation of any landscaping details including, but not limited to, sod, shrubs, trees and plant beds; and ix. Notwithstanding section B(i), exterior painting to a side yard façade of a property may be eligible where: (i) the adjacent lot is a vacant or surface parking lot and has a frontage of at least 11 metres, or, (ii) the side yard is occupied by surface parking with a width of least 11 metres. x. Any additional work not identified below as ineligible work, which incorporates decorative elements and contributes to the beautification of the property. C. Ineligible Work: The following work conducted to the subject property will not be eligible for a grant: i. The renovation of any interior spaces; Page | 2 Urban Beautification Policy ii. Work that has been started prior to the submission of an application; iii.Thereplacementorrepairoftheroof, with the exception of a roof that forms a significant part of the front wall of the building and has significantly deteriorated (e.g. damaged mansard roof); iv. Any work done to a driveway or any other parking area; v. Any work done to a property located within a Heritage Conservation Area; vi. Any work that consists of regular maintenance over restoration and does not have a transformative effect that meets with the Goals of the Program as deemed by the Application Evaluation Committee; vii. Any work done to an existing or proposed detached garage; viii. Any exterior improvements done to backyards, or areas not visible from the street front; and, ix. Projects receiving any funding through the Urban Development Incentives Program are not eligible. D. Eligible Costs: The following costs associated with the project will be eligible towards evaluation of grant: i. Official quotes from a contractor service ii. Receipts from a licensed business a. Must include proper description of the item, costs, taxes, location of business, and date E. Program Guidelines i. Structure: a. An approved grant will provide 35% of the cost of the eligible work completed, including HST, to a i. maximum of $4,000; ii. Where a grant application is for both a front and flankage building façade, an approved grant will provide 35% of the cost of eligible work completed, including HST, to a maximum of $6,000. b. Beautification Grants will be awarded to the applicants with the highest scores, as determined by the Application Evaluation Committee, until the funds have been exhausted. i. Where a grant application is deducted points by the Application Evaluation Committee, the overall value of the grant shall be reduced from 35% of the cost of eligible work according to the following formula: ii. !!>! !! !!!!!46&!!)2!!*! !!! iii. Any work undertaken on the exterior of the building or property within the same year will be included as part of the application for the purposes of determining the project score. c. Any application that receives a score of zero or lower will not be eligible for a i. Beautification Grant. ii. Distribution of Funds: a. The distribution of funds for an approved project will occur after a final site inspection has been conducted and it has been determined by staff that the approved work has been completed. b. No project will receive more than the 35% of the submitted proposal. c. The applicant must submit all accompanying receipts necessary to provide Page | 3 Urban Beautification Policy th proof of eligible expenses prior to November 30. d. Where an applicant performs the required work for a Beautification Grant themselves, only the material costs will be eligible for reimbursement. e. Where work is performed by a company owned by the applicant, the City of Saint John may request formal documentation outlining both detailed material and labour costs for the project. iii. Undertaking painting and/or landscaping without a contractor/professional a. Notwithstanding subsection D(ii)(d), an applicant may be reimbursed for undertaking painting or landscaping work themselves, as described in subsections B(ii) and B(viii). b. The total reimbursement of material costs shall result in an adjustment to the reimbursement of total material costs from 35% up to 100%, but no more than the maximum grant amount ($4000 for interior lot, $6000 for corner lot). c. Receipts submitted for reimbursement must adhere to subsection D. a. Schedule: i. The effective date of the program is January 30, 2023. ii. The Application Evaluation Committee will meet three times during a year, if required, for the purpose of reviewing and approving applications. iii. The Application Evaluation Committee shall determine meeting dates, application deadlines, and any other necessary deadlines for the Program, subject to the approval of the Commissioner of Growth and Community Planning. iv. Conditionally approved grants shall be incomplete and the applicant will not be eligible for any funding if work has not commenced within one month of the approval date. e. All work approved by the Committee for a Beautification Grant must be completed by November 30 in the same year as the application. If the proposed work approved by the Committee for a Beautification Grant is not completed by November 30, the project will be deemed incomplete, and the applicant will not be eligible to receive any funding. Page | 4 Urban Beautification Policy v. b. Application Evaluation Committee: i. The role of the Application Evaluation Committee is to provide a technical evaluation of applications in the context of the Beautification Grant Score Card (Schedule 3). ii. The Application Evaluation Committee will consist of five technical staff members from one or more of the following City of Saint John Departments: Growth and Community Services, Finance and Administrative Services, and Communications. iii. The members of the Application Evaluation Committee will be determined by the Commissioner of Growth and Community Services. iv. The members of the Application Evaluation Committee may step down from their role on the Committee, or be replaced, subject to the approval of the Commissioner of Growth and Community Services. Page | 5 Schedule 1 Beautification Grant Program Boundaries Central Peninsula Page | 6 Schedule2BeautificationGrantProgramBoundaries Old North End Page | 7 8 which Page | and location maintain a adequate detailing building. in loose deteriorated; materials. original irregular pattern of installed and disruption of and/or storm do not removing anresidential a cladding which is style. on of significant and without windows door of maintaining pattern exposed brick; undertakes work that of intact, traditional buildings replacing broken or boarded up painting existing vinyl siding that is removal proportion, thereby is landscaping. fenestration irregular The PointsPoints guns or hand scrapers and applying of replacement using high quality Points and PointsPointsPoints an 53 32 14 there 10 Minus Proposes to use vinyl siding unlesswhereproposes to covercreatesinconsistent withalong the same street.Minus Paintingcladding and/ordeteriorated paint from woodred heatprimer prior new paint.Minus Installs Minus Removal of architecturallywithout Minus Replace with white vinyl windowswindows, unlesswindows;traditionalpatterns; The replacementfenestration,Minus Removal ofofofofof of NotNotNotNotNotNot scopescopescopescopescope scope PointsPointsPointsPointsPointsPoints 0 withinproject.0 withinproject.0 withinproject.0 withinproject.0 withinproject.0 withinproject. of that 25% items. an façade. Card one on faded. greater box of new trees; theof Low façade only maintaining of repair 25%not previously previous applicable. Score PointsPointPoint less PointsPoint 2 Paintingthaneligiblewaspeeling orInstallstheNot 1 Use of contextuallyappropriate vinyl whilefenestration,proportion, and style.1 Shrubs;perennialgardens;grass;planters. 2 Minoror 1 or Grant lot. lintels, façadefaçade, up. façade. in an pattern. Siding. while Cement; fiberglass vacant trim, thepattern using details. debris. compatible eligibleeligible on of items boarded wood, Shingle as window windows of an more OR fenestration unsightly as planters or Beautification such previous Siding; of architectural peeling or faded. box 3 broken such 25% and other similar features. the of of Wood perennial grass; detailremoval materials include: Fiber replace one clad wood windows. replaces to brackets Work; andnew previously trees; or only up Schedule accentuation was PointsPointsPointPointPointsPoints 4 AppropriateMasonry 4 Painting greater than 25% of anthat OR Painting greater than 25%with 2 Installsentryway that was previously 1 Installation or improvements toarchitecturalcornices,3 Maintains or restores fenestrationhigh quality materialsaluminium OR Proposesmaintaining or restoring 2 CleanDerelict vehicle removal.Shrubs; Repairsgardens; Wood style. details. Work; porch or building appropriate steps the entryway; installs Masonry removal. architectural of matches materials such as wood, contextually materials. Restoration must while maintaining or restoring Cement;vehicle deteriorated façade. Replaces existing). that a (if eligible façade that was previously of installs quality detailing to façade. quality design Derelict Siding windows accentuation more high door; planters. or Vinyl with debris. using box ropriate 25%handrails); adds vestibule, covered 25 architectural AND of Siding; perennial grass; appropriate aluminium clad wood windows. pattern out unsightly replaces is siding.ofnew original two of the following: restores original trees; Shingle or score PointsPointsPointsPointsPointsPoints 6 asbestosAppropriate materials include: FiberSiding;5 Painting greater than 25% of anpeeling or faded 3 includecontextually(including paintedcanopy with an app 35 Proposes to replace broken fenestrationfiberglass or 3 Removal AND Shrubs;gardens; RepairsRestoring entryway using high Restores Total GROWTH COMMITTEEREPORT Report DateJune 14, 2023 Meeting DateJune 22, 2023 Service AreaGrowth and Community Services Chair KillenandMembers of the Growth Committee SUBJECT: Community Enhancement Project Update & Resource Proposal OPEN OR CLOSED SESSION This matter is to be discussed in Growth Committee Open Session. AUTHORIZATION Primary AuthorCommissioner/Dept. HeadChief Administrative Officer BennPurintonJ Hamilton/ A PoffenrothJ. Brent McGovern d RECOMMENDATION It is recommended that the Growth Committee recommend that Common Council approve an expenditure of $215,000from the Community Services Reservefor resources associated with a 15-month Community Enhancement Pilotprogram as outlined in this report. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY At the direction of Common Council, the Community EnhancementProjectbegan in 2022andwas aholisticone-yearreview of Cityprograms with a focus on Property By-law Compliance.The project aimed to enhance the City's Property By- law Compliance programs by identifying opportunities and developing improvementstobetter executelong term strategic goals. This report provides anupdate on two initiatives from the project that were approved by Common Council, thenew Unsightly Repair Program andthe advocacy efforts regardingvacant buildings.Also includedisinformation on a $215,000 resource proposalfrom the Community Services Reserve. The funds would be usedtoincrease Property By-law Compliance resourcesthrough additional staffto capitalize on areas of opportunitiesidentified by the project. These opportunities includeenhancingMinimum Property Standards Program and increasingthe capacity ofthe Dangerous and Vacant Building Program,including efforts under the newUnsightly Repair Program. - 2 - PREVIOUS RESOLUTION It is recommended that the Growth Committee: 1. Receive and file the attached report and presentation on the Community Enhancement Project. 2. Recommend that Common Council aggressively pursue with the Province of New Brunswick the following improvements outlined by the Community Enhancement Project: a. The ability to implement a Vacant Building Tax and/or a Vacant Building Registry linked to the property tax system. b. An improved Tax Sale process that better addresses abandonment. 3. Endorse a 1-year pilot of an Unsightly Repair Program conditional on recommendation (2) being approved. 4. Direct staff to implement the enhanced programs and return to Growth Committee with any additional resource requirements. 5. Recommend that Common Council direct staff to amend the Beautification Grant Policy to migrate the Beautification Grant Program to the North End for 2023. STRATEGIC ALIGNMENT The Grow priority focuses on both population and economic growth with the goal -law Compliance Programs work to achieve that goal by facilitating investment into residential buildings. This not only has a direct impact on tax base growth, but it also allows for population growth by ensuring a supply of safe housing. The Belong priority focuses on enhancing quality of life, ensuring community safety and cultivating community pride by providing our citizens with safe, clean -law compliance programs directly address those needs by addressing hazardous building conditions, ensuring neighbourhood cleanliness and enforcing general community standards. REPORT Overview This report will provide updates on two Community Enhancement Project initiatives, the new Unsightly Repair Program and the Community Enhancement Advocacy efforts. Following those updates, the report will provide detailed information on a $215,000 resource proposal for a Community Enhancement Pilot. The pilot would allocate additional resources to -law - 3 - Compliance programs that positively impact citizen quality of life, address public safety concerns and foster vibrant neighborhoods. This aligns with Common Council's Grow and Belong priorities and achieves objectives outlined in the City's 10-year Strategic Plan and Affordable Housing Action Plan. These outcomes satisfy the evaluation criteria outlined in the Community Services Reserve Policy and therefore funding the pilot through the Community Services Reserve is recommended. Unsightly Repair Program The Unsightly Repair Program allows City staff to take enforcement measures against vacant buildings with unsightly dilapidated conditions such as peeling paint, broken windows and missing siding. When these conditions exist, a Notice to Comply may be issued, providing the owner with time to correct them. If the notice expires with no action from the owner, the City can take measures to repair the unsightly dilapidated conditions and bill the costs to the owner. This program was piloted at the start of 2023 after being developed under the Community Enhancement Project. The goal of the pilot is to see at minimum three unsightly vacant buildings repaired within the South and North End focus areas. In preparation to achieve that target, Notices to Comply for repair have been issued for three properties in the South and North ends of the City. Each Notice to Comply is set to expire in August, which will allow City repair to take place in late August or early September if approved by Common Council. The Unsightly Repair Program is on pace to successfully meet 2023 targets, seeing the completion of three repairs this year. Proactive measures are being taken to ensure its continued success in 2024 with higher targets and increased capacity. While there is additional progress to be made, the program has demonstrated potential to drive compliance in vacant building cases and is anticipated to be a key piece of the Dangerous and Vacant Building program moving forward. Community Enhancement Advocacy As part of the Community Enhancement Project, two areas of opportunity were identified that require change at the Provincial level. Those opportunities are: The ability to implement a Vacant Building Tax or Registry tied to tax; and An Accelerated Property Tax Sale Process In January 2023, Common Council approved undertaking provincial advocacy on those two items. Since that time, staff has undertaken various engagements at the provincial level and with other municipalities to progress these issues. Notable progress has been made in advocating for these two important changes and both items are in a promising state moving forward. Resource Proposal Community Enhancement Pilot - 4 - The Community Enhancement Project identified two opportunities to achieve better outcomes within the City Property By-law Compliance programs through increased resources on a pilot basis. Those opportunities include enhancing the Minimum Property Standards Program and dedicating additional capacity to the Dangerous and Vacant Building Program with a focus on Unsightly Repair. To enhance the Minimum Property Standards program, staff recommend using additional resources to transition from a complaint-based program to a proactive one that actively seeks out new cases in focus areas. Dedicating additional capacity to new Dangerous and Vacant Building Program initiatives will resolve more cases, primarily through repairs. Enhanced Minimum Property Standards The Minimum Property Standards Program enforces maintenance and safety standards on residential rental buildings in Saint John. These standards help to ensure the safety, health, and well-being of those who live in and use the properties. To enhance the Minimum Property Standards Program, staff recommend increasing resources within the program to transition from the current complaint-based approach to a proactive approach. This will allow the program to provide benefits to a significantly larger section of the population. The Minimum Property Standards program benefits the community by addressing tenant safety issues, thereby improving quality of life. This has become especially important in economic climate where tenants are faced with limited rental options due to low vacancy rates. The program also enforces property maintenance standards, maintaining the City older housing stock. This has positive effects on housing affordability as noted by the Action Plan. The Plan states that opportunity to help meet housing needs over time. The Minimum Property Standards Program provides the first opportunity for staff to intervene in deterioration. Doing so can prevent vacancy, abandonment and demolition which maintains the housing supply. Enhancing the program will allow a significant number of buildings to be impacted that currently go unaddressed under the complaint-based approach. To highlight this, focus areas in the South-Central Peninsula, the North End and the Lower West Side were analyzed. The analysis determined that of the 900 multi-unit buildings between 3 and 12 units in those areas, only 315 (35%) had been inspected by the Minimum Property Standards Program. There are about 585 buildings with 3 or more units that have not been inspected since 2010, if at all. A vast majority of these buildings are older stock built prior to 1970 and as a result require increased - 5 - maintenance.If increased resources were dedicated for an enhancedMinimum Property Standards Program, these 585 buildings would be the primary targets. Under the existing complaint-based approach, it could take 15-20 years to inspect and resolve cases on all 585 of these buildings. Transitioning to a proactive approach through additional resources would allow all 585 to be addressed within 6-7 years. This is still a significant length of time, but an improvement of over 100% compared to the pace staff is currently able to work at. Furthermore, increasing capacity within the program will drive voluntary compliance, as building owners will take notice of increased efforts regarding Minimum Standards issues. To summarize, the Minimum Property Standards Program works to ensure tenant safety and maintain existing housing stock. By accomplishing this, the program provides positive impacts on citizen quality of life and on housing affordability. Dedicating additional resources to the program to transition to a proactive approach will allow the program to achieve higher results. It is expected that the program could target up to 80 resolved cases per year after a successful pilot. This is an increase of approximately 80% from the current target of 45. By achieving this transition, the program will provide positive impacts on a significantly larger scale, capitalizing on its full potential. Dangerous and Vacant Building Program Initiatives Increasing capacity within the Dangerous and Vacant Building Program will allow for increased focus on new initiatives developed under the Community Enhancement Project, like the Unsightly Repair Program. If resources were added, 10 properties would be targeted for repair in 2024, up from the 2023 target of 3. Furthermore, additional capacity would be placed on other early intervention initiatives like the Developer Notification List, seeking out opportunities for redevelopments by new owners. As a result of these increased efforts, it is expected that 65 total resolved cases could be targeted after a successful pilot, up from the current target of 50. This would benefit the City as a whole, allowing for more growth, creating safe, livable neighbourhoods, and cultivating community pride. Resource Proposal Summary To achieve enhanced outcomes on a pilot basis, additional staff members are recommended. These staff members would be added for a 15-month term as part of a Community Enhancement Pilot. If the pilot is successful, a recommendation to sustain these resources long-term will be brought forward for consideration for the 2025 budget. The cost of the 15-month pilot is $215,000 which is proposed to Community Services Reserve. The cost to maintain the resources long term is estimated to be $170,000 per year. - 6 - This pilot would enhance the Minimum Property Standards Program and increase capacity within the Dangerous and Vacant Building Program. By transitioning the Minimum Property Standards Program to a proactive approach through additional resources, the City can achieve significant improvements in tenant safety, housing quality, and affordability. Additionally, increasing the capacity of the Dangerous and Vacant Building Program through these resources will result in more resolved cases, leading to safer and more vibrant neighborhoods. By investing in these community enhancement efforts, a lasting positive impact can be made on the well-being and pride of citizens. SERVICE AND FINANCIAL OUTCOMES The proposed Community Enhancement Pilot would require additional staff to . The pilot will also increase capacity within the Dangerous and Vacant Building Program. By increasing the level of service provided by these programs, the City will experience safer, more vibrant neighborhoods and will see positive implications with respect to housing affordability. The 15-month pilot would cost $215,000, which is proposed to be funded through Community Services Reserve. INPUT FROM OTHER SERVICE AREAS AND STAKEHOLDERS Communications has assisted in the ongoing Community Enhancement Advocacy efforts. ATTACHMENTS Presentation . f Click here to enter text. . . . Resource Proposal June 22, 2023 Community Enhancement Project Update &