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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-12-06 Workshop Agenda and ReportsCorporation of the District of Maple Ridge COUNCIL WORKSHOP A GENDA December 6, 2004 9:00a.m. Blaney Room, Floor, Municipal Hall The purpose of the Council Workshop is to review and discuss policies and other items of interest to Council. Although resolutions may be passed at this meeting, the intent is to make a consensus decision to send an item to Council for debate and vote or refer the item back to stafffor more information or clarification. REMINDERS Closed Council Following Workshop Committee of the Whole 1:00p.m. ADOPTION OF THEAGENDA MINUTES - November 29, 2004 PRESENTATIONS A T THE REQUEST OF COUNCIL UNFINISHED AND NEW BUSINESS 4.1 OCP Review - Transportation and Development Permits 4.2 Policy - Retentionof Legal Counsel Staff report dated December 1 2004 recommending that the Legal Counsel Policy be forwarded to Committee of the Whole. I Council Workshop December 6, 2004 Page 2 of 3 4.3 Update on Alternative Approval Process - Bylaw to Remain at 6 Councillors 4.4 GVRD Update 5. CORRESPONDENCE The following correspondence has been received and requires a response. Staff is seeking direction from Council on each item. Options that Council may consider include: Acknowledge receipt of correspondence and advise that no further action will be taken. Direct staff to prepare a report and recommendation regarding the subject matter. C) Forward the correspondence toa regular Council meeting for further discussion. Once direction is given the appropriate response will be sent. 6. BRIEFING ON OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST/QUESTIONS FROM COUNCIL 7. MA TTERS DEEMED EXPEDIENT 8. ADJOURNMENT Checked by: ________ Date: Council Workshop • December 6, 2004 Page 3 of 3 Rules for Holding a Closed Meeting A part of a council meeting may be closed to the public if the subject matter being considered relates to one or more of the following: personal information about an identifiable individual whoholds or is being considered for a position as an officer, employee or agent of the municipality or another position appointed by the municipality; personal information about an identifiable individual who is being considered for a municipal award or, honour, or who has offered to provide a gift to the municipality on condition of anonymity; labour relations or employee negotiations; the security of property of the municipality; the acquisition, disposition or expropriation of land or improvements, if the council considers that disclosure might reasonably be expected to harm the interests of the municipality; law enforcement, if the council considers that disclosure might reasonably be expected to harm the conduct of an investigation under or enforcement of an enactment; litigation or potential litigation affecting the municipality; an administrative tribunal hearing or potential administrative tribunal hearing affecting the municipality, other than a hearing to be conducted by the council or a delegate of council the receiving of advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege, including communications necessary for that purpose; information that is prohibited or information that if it were presented in a document would be prohibited from disclosure under section 21 of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act; negotiations and related discussions respecting the proposed provision of a municipal service that are at their preliminary stages and that, in the view of the council, could reasonably be expected to harm the interests of the municipality if they were held in public; (I) discussions with municipal officers and employees respecting municipal objectives,measures and progress reports for the purposes of preparing an annual report under section 98 [annual municipal report] a matter that, under another enactment, is such that the public may be excluded from the meeting; the consideration of whether a council meeting should be closed under a provision of this subsection of subsection (2) the consideration of whether the authority under section 91 (other persons attending closed meetings) should be exercised in relation to a council meeting. information relating to local government participation in provincial negOtiations with First Nations, where an agreement provides that the information is to be kept confidential. 572 CORPORATION OF THE DISTRICT OF MAPLE RIDGE TO: Her Worship Mayor Kathy Morse DATE: December 1, 2004 and Members of Council FILE NO: FROM: Chief Administrative Officer ATTN: Council Workshop SUBJECT: Retention of Legal Counsel Policy EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: Recommendation 5 of the KrolI Lindquist Avey Report on the Downtown Core stated "We recommend that where the opinions of external professionals such as legal counsel, accountants/auditors, or other consultants are sought, Mayor and Council should receive their reports in writing and where action is taken based on such opinions, ensure that the record clearly reflects the justification for the action." A policy has been prepared that meets the requirement of this recommendation. The policy also includes the process to be followed to obtain legal counsel. RECOMMENDATION(S): That the Retention of Legal Counsel Policy attached to the staff report dated December 1, 2004 be forwarded to Committee of the Whole. DISCUSSION: On February 25, 2003 Council passed a resolution that the Chief Administrative Officer be directed to implement recommendations 1 through 6 inclusive from the Kroll Lindquist Avey Report. Adoption of this policy will set in place a process to ensure that this recommendation is implemented. CONCLUSIONS: Council direction is sought on this policy. Once the policy is finalized it is recommended that it be included on a Committee of the Whole agenda. L21L //aJ - Prepared by: Ceri Mario, Confidential Secretary Appio edby PauiGiIl,BBA,CGA,FRM e1Corporate & Financial Services Conc/ sDocurnents\CLERK'S ence: J. L. (Jim) Rule Chief Administrative Officer 1cm E:\Cler DEPT. MEMOS\Report re Legal Counsel Policy 2004-12-01.dot 7. POLICY STATEMENT District of Maple Ridge Policy No: Title: Retention of Legal Counsel Supersedes: Authority: Effective Date: Approval: - Policy Statement: Authorized staff may, from time to time, engage outside legal counsel to provide advice or act for the District of Maple Ridge with respect to any responsibilities discharged in the name of District. Purpose: - To set out the authority and process for the retention of exterriaI:legl counsel. / Definitions: E:\Clerks DocurnentsMEMOS POLICY MISC\POLICY\Legal Counsel Policy.doc PROCEDURE (OPERATING REGULATION) District of Maple Ridge Policy Title: Retention of Legal Counsel Policy Number: Supersedes No. Authority: Effective Date: Approval: 1.0 POLICY STATEMENT (adopted): Authorized staff may, from time to time, engage outside legalcounsel to provide advice or act for the District of Maple Ridge with respect to any responsibilities dischrged in the name of District 2.0 KEY AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY Action to Take Responsibility 2.1 The Clerk's Department shall retain a list of approved!egaI Municipal Clerk counsel. 2.2 Staff members may, with the approvakof the Manager or Staff Director of their Department, seek legaladvice from outside legal counsel according to the list approved by Council and retained in theClerk's Department 2.3 Staff will provide the clerk's Department with' copy of all Staff opinions received from legal counsel whether provided in written or electronic format 2.4 If a verbal opinion is given legal counsel will provide written Legal Counsel confirmation of the opinion 2.5 -The Clerk s Department will review the opinion and forward Staff a copy tb Council if the opin ion isrequired for Council deliberation 3.0 DetaUed Actions Responsibility 3.1 A list of law firms will be approved by Council Council 3.2 When legal advise is required, staff will, with the approval of the Manager or Director of the Department, contact the Staff/Manager or Director appropriate law firm from the approved list. 3.3 Staff will ensure that a copy of the legal opinion is Staff provided to the Clerk's Department. 3.4 All invoices for legal services shall be submitted directly to Clerk's Department the Clerk's Department. The Clerk's Department will be responsible for verifying and processing invoices for payment. 'I DRAFT 3Dec04 MAPLE RIDGE The District of Maple Ridge faces a number of unique transportation challenges. It is bounded by waterways on the south and east, Pitt Meadows to the west, and mountains to the north. The Lougheed Highway connects the District to the rest of the Lower Mainland and serves as the primary route to, from, and throughthe community. The Albion Ferry connects Maple Ridge to communities south of the Fraser River until such time as the Golden Ears Bridge is constructed. Within the District, transportation efforts have been focused on improved roadway networks, bicycle and pedestrian facilities, and transit services. However, the automobile remains the dominant mode of transportation within the community, creating external and internal pressures on the transportation system. ISSUES Maple Ridge is one of the fastest growing municipalities in the Greater Vancouver area. The transportation challenges facing the District are compounded by the rapid population growth in recent years. The projected population growth for the future will intensify these challenges. Major transportation routes through Maple Ridge, such as the Lougheed Highway and the Haney Bypass, fall within the jurisdiction of the Provincial Government. Also, large sections of road such as Dewdney Trunk, 232nd Street, and Fern Crescent are in Translink's Major Road Network. Transportation has been identified as the most pressing issue facing the District in a recent survey of community attitudes. Residents would like to see much improved transit services throughout the community, improved road connections between Maple Ridge and adjoining communities, and a continued éxani55fn-sfre1 bil fáiliiànd ediañ systems. The primary challenge for the District will be to strategically invest, with the assistance of other agencies and levels of government, in infrastructure to accommodate increasing local and regional travel while maintaining balance among the various travel modes in the transportation system. Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 5434-1996 MAPLE RIDGE A number of significant transportation improvements have been implemented. Other improvements, such as Translink's Area Transit Plan and the Golden Ears Bridge, are planned to proceed.. The replacement of the Pitt River Bridge is also being planned as part of the Provincial Gateway Program. The District needs a variety of transportation options that provide good connections to both local and regional destinations. For local travel, the emphasis should be placed on development of pedestrian and cycling connections between key destinations, and more flexible transit services to accommodate local trips. For regional travel, strong connections to other municipalities to accommodate inter- municipal travel are necessary. OBJECTiVES To provide for safe, convenient, efficient and accessible movement of people, goods, and services throughout the District. To provide an integrated system of transportation which balances all modes of transportation. To develop a transportation network that provides increased regional connections for all modes of transportation. To develop a transportation network that supports travel by all modes of transportation and for people of all abilities. To provide transportation infrastructure and services in a manner that offers more travel choices to District residents and employers. To provide transportation infrastructure and services that support long-term municipal and regional land use and economic policies and actions. To provide transportation infrastructure and services that enhance quality of life in Maple Ridge and the quality of the natural environment in a cost-effective manner that make the best use of resources. To support urban design initiatives that are conducive to enhancing the attractiveness of walking, cycling, and transit for people of all physical abilities. 2 Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 5434-1996 MAPLE RIDGE I POLICIES Maple Ridge will encourage the development of a safe, integrated, multi-modal transportation system based on the long- term interests of the community, the economy, and the environment. Maple Ridge will, with the assistance and cooperation of other agencies and levels of government, develop transportation strategies to address east-west mobility across the District, network improvements to facilitate the Golden Ears Bridge crossing, and mobility within the Town Centre. Maple Ridge will place a priority on the following major inter- regional transportation links: • the Golden Ears Bridge crossing; • enhancement of inter-regional bus connections; • enhancement of commuter rail; • development of a continuous high occupancy vehicle and bus lane network to the west and east along Lougheed Highway. Maple Ridge will place an emphasis on increasing choice for non-automobile transportation modes Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 5434-1996 3 1 MAPLE RiDGE The Road Network Plan, as outlined in detail in the Maple Ridge Transportation Plan, identifies the District's long-term roadway network strategy and improvements, ranging from new roadway corridors to minor intersection improvements. ISSUES A key issue with the existing transportation network is the limited number of connections between Maple Ridge and the other areas of the Lower Mainland. Surrounding municipalities represent key origins and destinations for Maple Ridge. With projected population growth, employment expansion throughout the region, and the Golden Ears Bridge, traffic patterns can be expected to change as a result of the anticipated growth. Maple Ridge has a lack of continuous east-west roadways which concentrates travel demand onto Lougheed Highway and Dewdney Trunk Road and increases traffic congestion along these routes. As a consequence, motorists tend to short-cut through residential neighbourhoods. Existing discontinuities in the road network make travel by automobile more circuitous, make transit more difficult to provide, and discourage cycling and walking for even short trips. Emergency response is also challenging when fewer direct routes are available. Unchecked expansion of the road network in response to increased traffic volume is expensive and difficult in the long term for most communities. The issue is how to strategically develop a transportation network with adequate capacity that supports and encourages non-automobile travel modes, in conjunction with a coordinated land use strategy that promotes compact, long term sustainable development within the urban area The efficient movement of people, goods and services within Maple Ridge is important to the economic development of the community. 4 Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 5434-1996 I' MAPLE RIDGE It has been identified through both public input and agency discussion that road safety is an issue for residents of Maple Ridge. In the rural areas of Maple Ridge, equestrians often share road space with motorized traffic along District roadways. The safety of sharing road space and/or right-of-way with automobiles and trucks is a key concern for horseback riders. OBJECTiVES To support the development of regional connections between Maple Ridge and other municipalities to enhance regional mobility. To enhance the movement of people, goods, and services by providing an efficient roadway network and by identifying strategic opportunities for improving mobility within the District with new road connections. To lacilitate access to/from/within local commercial areas for people, goods, and services, while considering the impacts of truck traffic on local neighbourhoods. To place a priority on road safety in the planning, operation and maintenance of the road network for people, goods and vehicle movement. To support equestrian activities and ridership in the rural areas of Maple Ridge. POLICIES Maple Ridge will work with all levels of government and relevant agencies to advance the implementation of the new Golden Ears Bridge, and willrcomenLimprovem.ents.tc .. the local road network to minimize impacts of the crossing on Maple Ridge neighbourhoods. Maple Ridge will work with the Provincial Government and other municipalities to advance the replacement of the Pitt River Bridge. Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 5434-1996 5 p MAPLE RIDGE Maple Ridge will work cooperatively with all levels of government to ensure that major highway corridors and commuter routes, both within the District and connecting to adjacent municipalities, are developed or upgraded in accordance with the community's needs. Maple Ridge will build on the existing grid system to improve the east-west road network, to provide better connectivity in the local road network and to complete the major arterial network where appropriate. Maple Ridge will define and plan for transportation improvements that keep pace with development and whenever feasible will include accommodation of alternative modes of travel in decisions on transportation improvements. Maple Ridge will support initiatives that reduce traffic demand and automobile trips such as: • encouraging more compact development in the Town Centre and around village commercial centres and community commercial cores, • supporting the Town Centre as the central node of the community linked to outlying areas, • locating the industrial and commercial land base in appropriate areas, • encouraging telecommuting and home-based business, • emphasizing more employment opportunities adjacent to residential developments, or more housing adjacent to employment generating uses, • encouraging transit use, bicycle use, and pedestrian travel, • promoting community education programs. Maple Ridge will monitor the changes occurring in the transportation network as the system is improved. Maple Ridge will encourage the use of the Fraser River for transportation purposes such as: • the transshipment of industrial goods and raw materials, • for recreation, and • for tourism. Maple Ridge will make road safety a priority in the planning, operation and maintenance of the road network through programs and institutionalized approaches to transportation. Maple Ridge will explore and adopt methods of accommodating - - equestrians within the right-of-way of rural arterial and collector roadways. 6 Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 5434-1996 QNNW=14~ MAPLE RIDGE ISSUES An Area Transit Plan was completed for Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows in 2004. This plan provides for many short term and long term transit related improvements. Current bus service is relatively limited in Maple Ridge, with only one route providing a regional connection between Maple Ridge and Coquitlam Station. The West Coast Express currently provides a limited service to and from downtown Vancouver. A new West Coast Express station is planned for the Albion area. Service frequency, hours of service, routing, coverage and reliability are key transit issues that can limit the attractiveness of transit as a viable travel option. Present transit connections to destinations outside Maple Ridge are provided in a westerly direction only. There is demand and opportunities to expand regional connections to the south and to the east. A full-service transit exchange in downtown Maple Ridge is planned for 2005. OBJ ECTI YES To ensure that long-term transit services support growth and development in the community and offer a viable choice for local and regional travel. To identify opportunities that enhance the success of transit and the West Coast Express service to and from the District. 'POL1C1 -E-S -.-__ .-.---__ ,--.--- - Maple Ridge will develop land use strategies that support and encourage the use of transit, such as compact communities, mixed use developments, and higher density developments in appropriate areas. Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 5434-1996 7 MAPLE RIDGE Maple Ridge will support initiatives that reduce traffic demand and automobile trips such as: • encouraging transit friendly design in higher density nodes. • encouraging changes to local transit service to support commuter rail, • supporting and promoting design principles and guidelines that encourage transit-oriented developments. Maple Ridge supports priority treatments for inter-regional public transit movement, and improvements to local service and facilities. Maple Ridge will encourage the development of an efficient transit system to link historic community cores with each other and the town centre, and to link major employment areas with residential areas. The system will include linkages with other modes of transportation, convenient routing, and provision of appropriate facilities. Maple Ridge will consult and work in cooperation with the appropriate government authorities: • in planning for new urban areas to ensure provision of convenient routing and appropriate facilities. • to promote efficient transit services; • to support an increased range of bus services to meet the needs of Maple Ridge residents; to prioritize redevelopment of the Town Centre bus exchange Maple Ridge will assist in the advancement of a public transit depot in the town centre and explore the possibility of a coordinated approach with other transit service providers. Maple Ridge will promote the expansion of the West Coast Express service as part of an overall strategy to improve transit services within the municipality, including the provision of off- peak and reverse-peak train or bus services to and from downtown Vancouver. Maple Ridge will promote where appropriate the inclusion of design features in regional and provincial facilities that consider future light-rail or other similar transportation modes to Maple Ridge. Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 5434-1996 MAPLE RIDGE ISSUES Cyclists have identified the need for a more extensive network of appropriate and consistent on-street bicycle facilities in Maple Ridge with connections to adjacent municipalities. Road safety has been identified as an issue for cyclists in Maple Ridge. End-of-trip support measures such as parking, showers, and lockers are an important component of the cycling network but are generally limited. OBJECTIVES To support and promote cycling as an important component of the transportation network and as part of a multi-mo4al system. To establish a comprehensive network of routes and facilities throughout Maple Ridge with connections to adjacent municipalities. To place a priority on road safety in the planning, operation and maintenance of the road network for cycling in Maple Ridge. POLICIES Maple Ridge will integrate cycling into the broader transportation system. Maple Ridge will encourage and promote a network of cycling routes with connections to surrounding municipalities through the Bikeways Plan and the Maple Ridge Transportation Plan. Maple Ridge will continue to support the Bicycle Advisory Committee and the development of a bicycle network to improve cycling facilities. Maple Ridge will work with other municipalities to coordinate bicycle planning initiatives and to develop a consistent set of cycling standards for all designated bicycle routes. Maple Ridge will support and implement the bikeways standards and guidelines in the Bikeways Plan. Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 5434-1996 9 MAPLE RIDGE 1/ Maple Ridge will encourage the development of cycling infrastructure and support programs, such as 'end-of-trip' facilities for cyclists at key destinations and new developments. Maple Ridge will support initiatives that reduce traffic demand and automobile trips by ensuring adequate treatment of bicycles in the design of developments. Maple Ridge will encourage education and awareness campaigns to enhance cycling safety in the community. Maple Ridge will make road safety a priority in the planning, operation and maintenance of the road network for cycling in the District. 10 Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 5434-1996 (1% MAPLE RIDGE ISSUES The safety of walking along major roads and crossing major intersections is a primary issue for residents in Maple Ridge. Sidewalk facilities are not provided on some streets or are immediately adjacent to travel lanes with no buffer, creating uncomfortable walking conditions for pedestrians. The major east-west transportation routes and the CP railway line create barriers for north-south pedestrian travel. Trails are a very desirable feature of the community and contribute to the overall livability of Maple Ridge It has been identified through both public input and agency discussion that road safety is an issue for residents of Maple Ridge. Pedestrian facilities include all methods of personal mobility, and promote the principles of universal accessibility. OBJECTIVES To provide a safe, accessible and hospitable pedestrian environment in higher density areas and key pedestrian areas. To provide opportunities to overcome major barriers to pedestrian travel. To place a priority on road safety in the planning, operation and maintenance of the pedestrian network for people movement in Maple Ridge. To promote universal accessibility throughout the District. Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 5434-1996 11 Q LOM, I MAPLE RIDGE POLICIES Maple Ridge will promote the construction of sidewalks in higher density areas and key pedestrian ireas and will encourage the implementation of a safe and hospitable pedestrian environment throughout the District. Maple Ridge will encourage pedestrian routes that link local destinations and neighbourhoods. Maple Ridge will develop urban design standards and encourage pedestrian facilities for the Town Centre to promote the identity and importance of the area. Maple Ridge will, over time, work towards the provision of sidewalks on all major streets and will develop safe and convenient pedestrian crossings at key locations along major east-west transportation routes, including the CP railway line. Maple Ridge will continue to promote universal accessibility throughout the District. Maple Ridge will support the development of a major pedestrian trail network. Maple Ridge will support initiatives that reduce traffic demand and automobile trips by ensuring adequate treatment of pedestrians in the design of developments, Maple Ridge will make road safety a priority in the planning, operation and maintenance of sidewalks and the pedestrian network. 12 Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 5434-1996 MAPLE RIDGE OFFICIAL COMMUNITY PLAN REVIEW Development Permit Area Update What is a Development Permit Area (DPA)? • DPAs are identified in the OCP • development in these areas require a development permit (DP) before construction or subdivision can proceed • Applies to multi-family, intensive residential, and commercial buildings What is a Development Permit (DP)? •Is issued by Council • Sets out the conditions under which development can take place • Include form and character and environmental DP's I 1 Current Process • DPAs are designated on Schedules E, H and H2 in the OCP • There are 41 DPA's in the current OCP • Often require an OCP amendment to place property in a DPA prior to development • OCP amendment costs $775 • If pre-zoned there is no mechanism to place the property in a DPA Proposed Process • No OCP amendment required • Is based on current guidelines, but clarifies language • Text in OCP to identify that all commercial, intensive residential and multi-family developments are in a DPA • Simplifies Development Permit applications • Is arranged by development type, as opposed to area specific Exemptions to Development Permit Applications • No Development Permit Applications required for "minor" adjustments or developments. • Is consistent with DCC and Building Bylaws, and practices in other municipal jurisdictions. 2 Residential Exemptions • In all areas (except Environmentally Sensitive Areas): - Single family less than 30 upnha; - Interior renovations; - Minor external reno's (<$35,000); - Minor site improvements (< $25000); - New buildings/additions (< 100 m2); - ancillary buildings/additions in rear/interior yard. ' Commercial Exemptions (excluding I environmental) - replacement of an existing sign; - additions < 100 m2; - site works which are not visible from any road; - new commercial buildings <470 m 2, not visible from any road and >100 metres from residential property. I I Environmental Exemptions • interior renovations: • exterior renovations not impacting/ extending into a designated area; • maintenance activities not resulting in damage • new construction that will not result in damage; • District maintenance activities; I • subdivision development servicing that requires approval from Ministry of Environment, or the Department of Fishertes and Oceans. L 3 Two Types of Guidelines • Generic Guidelines - apply to all developments in the DP category - provide basic design standards • Specific Guidelines -in addition to Generic Guidelines -applicable to specific types of developments -applicable to specific areas Benefits of new process • OCP amendment not required • Simplified process • More clarity and certainty • Saves time for applicant and staff • Saves money for applicant - 4