2008-01-21_Supplemental Agenda Packet--Dossier de l'ordre du jour supplémentaireCity of Saint John
Common Council Meeting
Monday, January 21, 2008
Supplemental Agenda
Re: 2.1 Change in January 7, 2008 Minutes, Item 5.5
11.7 Services to Newcomers to Our Community (Councillor Chang)
Re: 9.3 Letters Opposing Proposed Municipal and Zoning By-
law Amendments -243 Prince William and 230 Water
Streets
Re 13.6 Public Consultation Process Timeline and Feedback Form
13.0 City of Saint John Pension Plan -Pension Fund Performance 2007
13.7 Committee of the Whole Report -Investigation into Unauthorized
Disclosure of Confidential Information
City of Saint John
Stance du Conseil communal
Le lundi 21 janvier 2008
Ordre du jour supplementaire
Objet : 2.1 Modification au proces-verbal du 7 janvier 2008, point 5.5
11.8 Services aux nouveaux arrivants qui s'etablissent dans notre ville
(conseiller Chang)
Objet : 9.3 Lettres d'opposition au projet de modification du plan municipal et
de 1'arrete de zonage relatif au 243, rue Prince William et au 230, rue Water
Objet :13.6 Processus de consultation publique - Calendrier et
formulaire de renseignements
14.0 Rapport relatif au regime de retraite de The City of Saint John -
Rendement de la caisse de retraite
13.7 Rapport du comite plenier - Enquete sur la divulgation de
renseignements confidentiels
\ 93-4
COMMON COUNCIL / CONSEIL COMMUNAL
JANUARY 7, 2008 / LE 7 JANVIER 2008
,~' 13.0 Rapport du Comite Plenier Relativement aux Nominations pour Sieger aux
Comites
Proposition du conseiller Ferguson
Appuyee par le conseiller White
RESOLU que le conseil procede aux nominations suivantes
Nicholas Barfoot and Suzanne Ball soient nommes pour sieger au conseil de la
bibliotheque publique de Saint John pour une duree de trois ans se terminant le 22
Octobre, 2010.
Lionel Bordage and Donna Reardon soient nommes pour sieger au conseil de la
Commission des transports de Saint John pour une duree de trois ans se terminant le 22
Octobre, 2010.
Amanda Masters soil nommee pour sieger au conseil de la Commission de police de
The City of Saint John Saint John pour une duree de trois ans se terminant le 22
Octobre, 2010.
Peter Asimakos and Brian Cunningham soient nommes pour sieger au conseil de la
Corporation d'amenagement de Saint John pour une duree de trois ans se terminant le
22 Octobre, 2010.
2. la modification du proces-verbal du 22 octobre 2007, comme I'indique la lisle
presentee au conseil dans la lettre du greffier communal adjoint datee du 7 janvier 2008.
A Tissue du vote, la proposition est adoptee.
3. Adoption of Agenda
On motion of Deputy Mayor Hooton
Seconded by Councillor White
RESOLVED that the agenda of this meeting be
approved with the addition of 11.3, Clarification of Newspaper Article (Mayor
McFarlane).
Question being taken, the motion was carried.
3. Adoption de I'ordre du jour
Proposition de la mairesse suppleante Hooton
Appuyee par le conseiller White
RESOLU que I'ordre du jour de la presente reunion
soil adopts, moyennant I'ajout du point 11.3 intitule Explication au sujet d'un article de
journal (maire McFarlane).
A Tissue du vote, la proposition est adoptee.
4. Disclosures of Conflict of Interest
4. Divulgations de conflits d'interets
5. Consent Agenda
5.1 That the letter received from Jennifer Pierce regarding a request for a flashing
green light on Rothesay Avenue be referred to the Police Commission.
5.2 That the letter from P. Tippett regarding Public Private Partnerships for Water
and Sewage be received for information.
5.3 That the letter from Housing Alternatives Inc. regarding land north of Union Street
be referred to the City Manager.
5.4 That the letter from River Road Community Alliance, Inc. requesting to present to
Council be referred to the Common Clerk to schedule.
5.5 That as recommended by the City Manager, the City of Saint John acquire the
fee simple interest in PID Numbers 37549 and 37820 from Congregation Shaarei-Zedek,
Limited under the terms and conditions contained in the Agreement of Purc}~hase & Sale
attached to M & C 2008 -XYX. Cry / / _ - X/ Z .+ ,~ .- U °Z ~.
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January 8, 2008
His Worship Mayor McFarlane and
Members of Common Council
Your Worship and Fellow Councillors:
SUBJECT: SERVICES TO NEWCOMERS TO OUR COMMUNITY
As Common Council is aware, I have held the Immigration Portfolio since its inception.
From my perspective, I have seen tremendous changes in the attitudes of citizens of Saint
John towards newcomers to our community, irrespective of whether they have come from
northern New Brunswick, other parts of Canada or from foreign lands. At the same time,
I have experienced some frustration as the community has yet to be able to establish the
necessary infrastructure to service these newcomers to our community.
Recently, through the efforts of Councillors White, Chase and His Worship, we as a
community have been provided with an opportunity to partner with other levels of
government in an effort to determine, once and for all, if we can create this necessary
infrastructure.
In saying this, I would not want my comments to be construed by any organization or
individual providing such services, as being any form of criticism. I know what these
organizations do, I know the committed volunteers that work in this field. The reality is
that while I might know, the community at large does not, and therefore it is unlikely that
a new comer to our community would be properly directed.
Through the efforts of members of this Council, an opportunity currently exists to partner
with the Population Growth Secretariat and possibly the Departments of Education and
Training, Heritage and Energy to explore the current situation, to identify gaps and needs,
and to review best practices across this country. While I would not want to pre judge the
findings of this analysis, it has been suggested that what the outcome might very well be
is the creation of a modern welcome center providing both direct services and referrals to
newcomers to our community. This center, it is hoped, would be largely funded by other
levels of government as well as perhaps the private sector who are in dire need of
attracting new workers.
The request of the City of Saint John is relatively straight forward, namely;
Report to Council
Subect: Services to Newcomers to Our Community
Page 2
1. To show leadership at the political level
2. To make a financial contribution of $5000 to this initiative with the clear
understanding that this represents seed money and will only be advanced if other
partners provide the additional funding (the City Manager was aware of this
initiative and provision in the 2008 Budget.)
3. To set the above noted $5000.00 aside to augment funds from other partners and
to pay any third party service providers for services performed as authorized by
the Project Team.
4. To actively participate in a Project Team to oversee the creation of the Terms of
Reference for the initial study (or gap analys) which is hoped to be concluded
within 90 days
Obviously, there still is much work to be done. Funding commitment needs to be
confirmed, a project team created, Terms of Reference established, and resource chosen
to undertake the analysis. Only when this has occurred can the City of Saint John make
real and significant progress. My request is that Common Council take a lead role.
RECOMMENDATION:
That Common Council agree to the four requests as outlined in this letter and instruct the
City Manager and/or appropriate staff to work with elected officials and to
representatives of the Population Growth Secretariat to move this file forward.
Sincerely,
COUNCILLOR CHANG
~/
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WOLF TRIEBSCH
38 ERNEST STREET. ST. ANDREWS 6Y THE SEA , NB - ESB 2Et T +gp6 529 4624 F +506 529 4626 - wotri anb svmpatico ca
ST. ANDREWS .JANUARY 17- 2()08
TO THE OFFICE OF
THE COMMON CLERK
Mr. Patrtck Woods
City Hall
15 Market Square
Saint John, NB
Re.: Proposed Zoning By-Law Amendments - 243 Prince William Street and 230 Water Street
PID No. 00006676
Dear Sir,
In reference to the proposed Zoning By-Law Amendments for the above PID parcel I would like to
express certain reservations in regards to the type of Zoning proposed.
Apart from the fact, that the City of Saint John is giving away the most prominent piece of land
for a token price ,the proposed Zoning change does not in any way reflect the perspective and
effort provided for in the Waterfront Development Plan.
The proposed Rezoning from T - to iD is elementary. However, to limit its density to an RM - 1 with ^
three story height limit, does not correspond or reflect , by any means, professional planning
practices and guidelines under the $ 600 K + Waterfront Development Plan.
Furthermore, the proposed development demonstrates the typical copy-cat ARCHITECTURE
("Russian GULAG" } we find at Mac Allister Drive as far as 'HOUSING ". It is pathetic, since my
twelve years in NB 1 am yet to see something innovative or creative.
This type of development will have no contributing factor to the unique Cruise Ship Scenery or
Waterfront Potential. All it represents is mediocre quick-fix infill.
The little bit of "WATERFRONT "Saint John could enjoy ,should allow more of a Signature
Development ,which requires additional height and density - at least -given Urban Planning and
Urban Mass considerations to adhere to the existing building heights along Prince William and
Water Street -respectively.
In addition, adopting the Waterfront Master Plan , as well as justifying its expense, all VIEW
CORRIDORS towards the water (and Port) should be preserved and given special canskieration
for pedeshian access to Water Sfreet.
If the GIUDELINES and RECOMMENDATIONS of the Proposed Waterfront Master Plan are ignored
because of special interests ,the entire exercise of Saint John's Waterfront Development Plan is a
farce and at taxpa rs expense !It's only legacy is destined to be the "Harbor Trail " ! (~)
Sincerely,
Wolf Tri sc ~ /~ ~
3 ~~~~~~
. ~.
~' SAINT JOHN
WATERFRONT
DEVELOPMENT
,:;~~m.~onl~
One Market Square, Suite 301
Saint John, New Brunswick E2L 4Z6
Tel: 506.674.4278 /fax: 506.649.6068
Email: info@sjwaterfront.com
Website: www.sjwaterfron[.com
January 15, 2008
Mr. Jim Baird
Commissioner of Planning & Development
City Hall
15 Market Square
Saint John
~IAAI 15 ~G~33
~~ ~~
Re: 230 Water Street and 243 Prince William Street
It has been brought to our attention recently that an application has been
submitted for a Municipal Plan Amendment, Rezoning and Subdivision for the
parcel located at 230 Water Street and 243 Prince William Street as prepared by
Ellerdale Investments Ltd. Although it is understood that the application for
rezoning will not deal specifically with the details of the development proposal we
wish to provide the following comments to the proposed application.
Over the last several years, a renewed interest on behalf of many developers
and investors has been expressed in our Uptown and Waterfront areas. We are
very pleased with investments made on behalf of the many financial contributors
to the Waterfront Projects throughout the area and also of the confidence
currently being demonstrated by the private sector. More specifically, we are
also very pleased with the present intentions for developing the subject parcel
under consideration for rezoning at 230 Water Street.
Although we are writing to express our support for the current application and
rezoning of the subject property from Transportation and Medium Density
Residential to "ID" Integrated Development we do wish to convey our expectation
that City Staff and Members of the Planning Advisory Committee carefully
consider the public view corridor from Queen Street to the Harbour during the
final details of the development proposal.
We understand under the current application, consideration will be given for
approval of the rezoning only with a subsequent development proposal and detail
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ENTERPRISE
Saint John ~ p'RT UPTOWN
d Board of Trade S~^,T TOHN ~, 1 S e n t ; o n e "`
SAINT JOHN -----__ ~~c,,~f
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to follow. As outlined in the Saint John Inner Harbour Land Use Plan, this
development parcel will have the potential to intersect and cross this public view
corridor and it is our hopes to stress the importance of carefully evaluating the
future design details against this public view corridor.
We trust this important aspect will be considered during your review and offer our
support for this development and future design review.
Sincerely,
Ross Jefferson
General Manager
Saint John Waterfront Development
January 21, 2008
Your Worship and Councillors
On November, 29, 2008, I attended a public meeting, an Urban Developed Forum, hosted
by Fusion Saint John where John Rocca raised several questions related to future
development in the southern peninsula. His talk, I think, was intended to galvanize the
public to action, to become active in managing the growth, to develop design guidelines,
to engage the public, and to warn us all that our quality of life may disappear. He said,
and I quote, "Your role is not to sit idly by. You should get involved to get the type of
downtown you want." How can one get involved? There are no mechanisms in place for
public involvement in how uptown Saint John should develop. There is a design
guideline committee working in the Planning Department-no public engagement of which
I am aware. There was a land use plan and neighbourhood development plan of the
southern peninsula with public input designed in the 1990's which was never enacted by
Common Council. Two large city blocks are being destroyed with no public input, so one
is forced to use what avenues exist to re-act to development proposals in this city.
Rezoning only requires that property owners within 300 feet are notified and that an ad
be placed in the newspaper. This certainly limits the number of informed people. Few
people receive the newspaper and it can be difficult to be free of other commitments to
attend Planning Advisory Committee meetings. It is really difficult to have your voice
heard in this city.
This public hearing on this proposed municipal plan amendment and rezoning of 230
Water Street/243 Prince William Street is an opportunity to have some input and I
welcome this.
In the description of the proposal, it is stated that many of the concepts are consistent
with the vision set forth in the Saint John Harbour Land Use Plan and Implementation
Strategy report. These concepts are not described in any detail. I would like to know what
they are and which concepts are not consistent with the vision.
Uptown Saint John submitted a letter supporting the development but also emphasized
that "new development built on the peninsula must be sensitive to the positive attributes
of the existing context." They have stated that the many unique and positive attributes of
the peninsula have been recognized in the recent planning efforts of the Peninsula Plan,
Inner Harbour Master Plan and Vision 2015. I would like to know how this development
adheres to these plans. How specifically is its design sensitive to the existing context?
In the staff report, page 213 of the Council kit, it is stated that "the developer indicates
that, should the rezoning be approved, there will continue to be meetings with various
focus groups (including neighbouring property owners) to further refine the final design
and appearance of the development." Who are these focus groups?
Throughout the staff report under the heading of Visual Appearance and Design
Consideration I see nonspecific detail and words such as , "these points will need to be
considered", "provisions should include", "it should be noted", "will need to be
adjusted," "it is unclear what materials will be used," "further details and clarification are
required". Even though it has been stated that the proponent will further refine the design
of the building, I feel more specific design criteria need to be written as part of the
approval of the rezoning. I note that the proposal has been reviewed by Planning and
Development's heritage development branch because of its proximity to the Trinity
Royal Preservation area. I respectfully request that council ask that heritage planner, Jim
Bezanson be asked to review the design considerations and visual appearance and that
his suggestions be incorporated into the Section 39 conditions.
Because this development borders on the holdings of the Waterfront Partnership, I
respectfully request that conditions of the Saint John Inner Harbour Land Use Plan be
implemented also as a part of the Section 39 conditions.
The proponent has stated that a series of meetings have been held with surrounding
property owners. The main concern was obstruction of the view. The building height and
design were changed to address the concerns. Other issues that were addressed included
the appearance of the building facade and the location of the building on the property. My
concerns deal with the visual impact of the development when viewed from the land and
also when viewed from a ship entering the harbour; with the considerable loss of distant
panoramic views; with public access to the harbour; with how this development will
impact the neighbourhood and how well it blends with the older buildings.
Creating ahigh-quality project that will be a good example of the best that can be built
will be a great example for further development on the waterfront and on the southern
peninsula.
Respectfully submitted,
.,
Joan earce, 352 Pelton Road, Saint John, New Brunswick
Joan Pearce
Served on the first Heritage Board that developed Trinity Royal
Served on the Planning Advisory Commission
Served on Saint John Energy Board,
Taught and lived for many years in Saint John's South End.
Has received two heritage awards from the City of Saint John
~' ~` ~ ,
On November 19, 2007 Council requested that a public consultation process be
prepared for the development of the new Police Complex.
The City has also adopted a number of Sustainability Principles, one of which
states;
"Engage the entire community of Saint John in the planning and implementation
of sustainability solutions."
The opportunity now before the City is to create a development centered around
a new Police Headquarters and the planned construction of a new Justice facility
to optimize development potential and create a source of pride for the citizens of
Saint John. To achieve the best results possible the public will need to be fully
engaged.
It is important to note that this- engagement will continue throughout the
development process, and will wrap-up once the development is completed, and
the final brick is laid.
Recommended Engagement Process:
• A Project Website will be developed. This will continue to be used as
the project develops. It will also provide an opportunity for people to
sign-up and get email updates (Listen).
• A Newsletter will provide hardcopy information to those who do not
have access to computers. Mail in comments will also be sought
(Inclusive).
• Open houses will be scheduled so that initial designs and options can be
presented (inform). Citizens will have opportunities to offer feedback and
potential for the development.
• Stakeholder Meetings will be arranged with specific groups that are
directly affected (inclusive and commitment).
• One or more Workshops or Charettes will be organized based on the
feedback received in the initial sessions. (Responsive and Collaboration).
This type of session may also be employed in the latter stages of the
project as more details become clear for other aspects of the project.
Task Timeline Res onsibili
Updated development Friday, Jan. 25 Mike Start, Toss
designs Solutions
Set-up Stakeholder Ongoing Jim Baird
Meetings
Key audiences;
1) SJ Arts Centre
2) Arts Council
3) Neighbouring
businesses
5) Heritage
8) ES]/USJ
9) Common Council/Staff In meetings: Mike Start,
AI Bodechon
Open Houses January 30t 7:00 pm MT&L, Jim B, Mike S, AI
and February 2~d B
Delta Trinity Room 10:OOam
(potential to add more -Short introductory by -MT&L to book room
depending on interest) Mike S.
-Draft Mechanisms for
-Breakout "areas" for feedback
questions and feedback
-Prepare rolling
-Display boards with PowerPoint presentation
conceptuals with images -including
images of similar
People available to developments in other
respond to inquiries: cities
AI B -Opportunities re
new Police Station
Jim B -the potential
look of the development
- planning matters
Mike S - the future
vision of the
development
Provide a "feedback
station"
Pens, survey, note
paper, question forms -
with a display board
asking for feedback.
Provide a handouts or
briefing deck to
participants as they
leave.
Workshops or Charettes Beginning -mid M. Start -Based on
February (date TBD) participant survey
Based on feedback
collected, create
facilitated sessions for
30-40 participants to
engage in a dialogue
about the development's
potential - i.e. what is
the potential for the
surrounding lands?
What's your vision for
the neighbourhood?
Key audiences:
Development
community
Stakeholders
Report to Common End of February Jim B., Mike S.
Council
Media Relations Ongoing MT&L, City spokespeople
Prior to initial
consultative session,
create media information
session to provide all
information that will be
made public. Engage
media continually
throughout the process.
Tools
Vehicles Timeline Res onsibili
Project Web site January 28t Scott Underwood
-Updates on project
-Sign-up for updates
-Public forum?
-Media u dates
Power Point for Open January 28t MT&L -images from
Houses and Stakeholder City and Mike S.
meetin s
Display boards January 28t Mike S. to provide
updated designs, MT&L
to draft copy -with
in ut from Jim B. PNB
Feedback questionnaire January 25th MT&L to create
discussion guide
Update a-mails and printed February City to provide content,
newsletter MT&L to draft and lay
out
Based on new information,
provide update regularly to
stakeholders
e-mail opt in/opt out
PSA's, Media Releases, and January/February MT&L/City spokespeople
ongoing media relations
ff ~ / i
North of Union Development -Feedback form
1. What questions do you have about development in the area north of Union
Street?
2. What opportunities do you see for the development of the area north of Union
Street?
3. When you consider an area like this, what are the most important
considerations? (What are the things that you value most?)
4. What suggestions do you have for the development of the area north of Union
Street?
6. What is the best way to reach you? (Provide details)
The Ciry of Saint John
3~~
January 21, 2008
Common Council of
The City of Saint John
Your Worship and Councillors:
Re: Pension Fund Performance 2007
It has come to the Board's attention that Common Council has requested the
Commissioner of Finance to report upon the 2007 performance of the Pension
Fund. Such a request is one properly made to the Board of Trustees. As you
know the Board, pursuant to the City of Saint John Pension Act is solely
responsible for the administration of that Act under which a pension fund is to
be established and the money of the fund invested in accordance with the
Pension Benefits Act.
The Board reports annually to Council pursuant to the provisions of the
Pension Act that the Board shall:
" ... on or before the last day of February in each year, make
available to the Council and to the members of the plan a report
of all proceedings of the Pension Board during the preceding
calendar year, together with a statement showing the condition
of the Pension Fund. " (Section 3(2))
The timing of the Board's receipt of the Auditor's report results in the Board's
report to Council usually being delivered subsequent to the month of February.
The Board fully appreciates Council's interest in the performance of the
Pension Fund in light both of the reports in the popular press relating to the
performance of Canadian pension funds in 2007 and the recent profile of
financial markets generally. Consequently, the Board would propose that if
... / 2
~r
SAINT JOHN
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P.O. Box 1971 Saint john, NB Canada E2L 4L1 www.saintjohn.ca I C.P. 1971 Saint John, N.-B. Canada E2L 4L1
Common Council
January 21, 2008
Page 2
Re: Pension Fund Performance
Council wishes, it will arrange for its investment consultant to appear at a
mutually convenient Council meeting and deliver a presentation respecting the
Pension Fund's performance and the ongoing considerations regarding the
design of its investment portfolio.
If Council wishes to receive such a presentation, I would ask to be advised as
the Board's Secretary so that appropriate scheduling can be arranged.
Respectfully Submitted,
trick Woods
Secretary Board of Trustees
City of Saint John Pension Plan
Committee of the Whole
January 18, 2008
Re: Breach of Confidentiality
City Solicitor
Page 2
RESOLVED that Common Council hereby directs the City
Solicitor to request, on its behalf, that the Saint John Police
Force conduct or arrange for the conducting of an investigation
into the unauthorized disclosure of confidential information
presented at a closed Legal Session of Common Council held
on December 13, 2007;
AND FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED that should such an
investigation be undertaken: (a) the Common Clerk is hereby
directed to make available to the Police Personnel assigned to
such an investigation and upon their request, the records of any
Closed Session meeting of Common Council at which the
information in question or its unauthorized disclosure was
discussed, including the minutes thereof; and (b) the City
Solicitor is hereby authorized and directed to provide to the
investigating Policing Authority, upon its request, a Letter of
Complaint or equivalent correspondence with respect to the said
unauthorized disclosure of confidential information.
Respectfully Submitted,
i/
:~ , L c.,; L~ ~;Z~c.
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John L. Nugent
City Solicitor