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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001-04-30 Adopted Committee of the Whole Minutes.pdfCorporation of the District of Maple Ridge COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING MINUTES April30,2001 12:30p.m. Council Chamber PRESENT Elected Officials Mayor A. Hogarth Councillor C. Gordon Councillor J. Harris Councillor F. Isaac Councillor L. King Councillor K. Morse Councillor C. Speirs Appointed Staff R. Robertson, Chief Administrative Officer T. Fryer, Municipal Clerk M. Murray, General Manager of Community Development, Parks and Recreational Services P. Gill, General Manager Corporate and Financial Services F. Quinn, General Manager Public Works and Development Services K. Grout, Acting Director of Planning C. Marlo, Confidential Secretary Other Staff as Required M. Rossi, Planner I. DELEGATIONS/STAFF PRESENTATIONS 1.1. TransLink, Presentation on Albion Ferry Expansion Project, Sheri Plewes, Vice President, Contracts and Acquisitions Ms. Plewes provided an update on the Albion Ferry expansion program. The intent of the program is to improve vessel capacity and performance as an interim measure to meet the increasing demand for a river crossing. The incremental capital costs of the $7.9 million budget will be paid for by a proposed $1.00 fare. TransLink estimates that if ridership meets their targets those costs will be covered in 4-5 years. She reviewed transit plans for Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows, Ft. Langley and Langley and described other potential capital works. Ms. Plewes indicated that when the bridge is completed, TransLink would look at all options to get the best value for the vessels. The vessels may be sold or salvaged. It is also possible that a local operator may come forward to continue the service. Those decisions would rest with the Board of Directors of TransLink. Committee of the Whole Minutes April 30, 2001 Page 2 of 12 RECOMMENDATION That Council strongly support the expansion of the Albion Ferry as proposed by TransLink to provide interim improvement of ferry service, in support of the Regional Transportation Plan, until the new Fraser River bridge is completed. Councillor Morse OPPOSED 1.2 Fire Department Update Howard Exner, Assistant Chief, Training, advised that the interview process with the Captains has been completed and all positions filled. Interviews for fire fighter positions have also concluded and all positions are expected to be filled. He reviewed the activities of the Department in terms of training and public education since January 1, 2001. He also spoke of the success of the Youth Fire Fighter Academy. He indicated that 100 fewer burning permits than last year have been issued. The record management system is in the final stages of customization and it is set to go live, with dispatch service incorporated, by May 1, 2001. ACTION REQUIRED The Fire Department is to circulate to Council statistics on the total number of burning permits issued. 1.3 Parks & Leisure Services Update Kelly Swift, Recreation Coordinator -East, reviewed the highlights of a report circulated to Council. She noted that renovations to the Leisure Centre are having an effect on participation in programs. The attendance in registered programs has increased but drop-in programs have dropped slightly. She spoke of the success of events such as Thomas Haney Days. She displayed a T-shirt that is part of a volunteer recognition program. Parks & Leisure Services is working with a number of community partners to create a community impact profile. Projects that have been completed include the TransCanada Trail, Kanaka Creek Bridge, and Phase II of Albion Fields lighting. Committee of the Whole Minutes April 30, 2001 Page 3 of 12 1.4 Civitas Urban Design and Planning, Silver Valley Neighbourhood Planning Study The Planner announced that the format of the presentation would be to have 5 representatives of the stakeholder groups provide their thoughts on the plan and then the Consultants, Civitas Urban Design and Planning would provide further details. Dr. Shiraz Mawani-Silver Valley Neighbourhood Association Dr. Mawani stated that the process allowed the participants to go back and look at the cornerstones of the Official Community Plan (OCP) and carry out the intent of the plan. There are three separate objectives in development -environmental, social and economic. This plan offers opportunities and alternatives to meet those objectives. The OCP called for significant public input and this was an opportunity for the community to do that. He felt Silver Valley had been chosen for this study, as there is a significant amount of land available offering an opportunity that we do not normally have to see a project developed from the ground up. The OCP offered the ability to increase economic opportunities. This plan opens up opportunities for tourism and economic spin-off. He noted that when it comes to development, the Association does not love development less, they love the significant qualities of their neighbourhood more. Brian Clark, Ministry of Environment Mr. Clark indicated that the process was great but four days was not enough time. He is happy with the plan and felt that the stakeholders all had ample opportunity to participate. The Ministry is in full support of the plan as it was created. The trick will be to implement the plan. It is a long-term plan that can be adapted for a reduction or relaxation of the terms. It will mean that environmental ministries will not have to be contacted for every detail. Mr. Clark indicated that the process has to start with a storm water management plan. He noted that this is a long-term plan that requires long-term commitment. When something is changed in the plan it will mean that something somewhere else has to change as well. Mike Potter, Chamber of Commerce Mr. Potter felt it was a privilege to be part of the process. He looked at the process from the point of view of a business perspective. Although most of the process dealt with residential concerns there is a business component as well. The process was valuable but he has concerns about how the developers and the community perceived the concept. He is not sure how the developers can be convinced to buy into the program. In a perfect world this program would be the envy of the Lower Mainland but he does not believe there is the will to do this. He asked how you convince a property owner that a piece of land must be used for parkland. If parkland has to be donated, it has to be paid for, and it will be reflected in the price of the lots. There are difficult decisions to be made. This project is worth doing but it has some serious ramifications. Committee of the Whole Minutes April 30, 2001 Page 4 of 12 Joel Lycan, Development Community-Silver Valley Mr. Lycan offered his own observations of the plan. Mr. Lycan has serious reservations about the process and the outcome. He had hoped to see a clearer direction offered in the final report. Over the past 20 years the area has been the subject of many studies at the expense of tremendous tax dollars. He reviewed comments from several of those studies and asked if any of these previous studies were used to create this new and innovative vision. He felt the Civitas studies are based on engineering standards that would have to be changed to meet the requirements. The plan is based on cornerstones that have catchy "buzz words" but do not address economic realities and feasibility. This study was restricted to a relatively small area with only 2% of the population and 2% of land. This is not an isolated community, other areas will be impacted by these decisions. People are entitled to participate in a public process, however, he felt the workshop groups did not represent a good cross-section. He felt the stakeholder groups were special interest groups and environmental groups only. Mr. Lycan stated that if you pre-select the participants you pre-select the outcome. Harold Kalke, U.D.I. Representative Mr. Kalke felt the dynamics of the workshops were well organized, with a good cross-section of participants. There was a good, vibrant interchange of ideas through smooth and productive exercises. The evening public sessions were outstanding and produced an excellent public process for the evolution of the Silver Valley Study. The outcome of the study matters to current residents, the developers, all Maple Ridge citizens and all citizens in the Lower Mainland. Decisions made should be valid for 200 years as not much is going to change in terms of basic needs in the way we inhabit the world. Mr. Kalke encouraged Council to think of Silver Valley as a series of micro-neighbourhoods rather than as a macro-community. There is a need to create examples for others to follow of a win-win situation to create a branded community crafted to fit in an urban context. This plan goes a long way towards that. There are major challenges here but this is a fantastic opportunity to do it right. This plan goes a long way toward that goal. Joe Hruda, Civitas Urban Desien and Plannine Joe Hruda spoke of the process followed to create the plan and pointed out how this plan differs from plans of the past. From the point of view of Civitas this has been a collaborative process that has exceeded their expectations. He reviewed in detail the outcomes of the process listed in the report. Gree Chamberlin, Civitas Urban Desien and Plannine Greg Chamberlin explained that the program was created based on a set of criteria established at the workshops. The plan has been developed in support of the workshops and evening programs and provides for an implementation process. Civitas is confident that the plans are achievable and desirable. The primary objective was to focus on achieving a vision. The key benefit is the integration Committee of the Whole Minutes April 30, 2001 Page 5 of 12 and balance of social, economic and environmental issues. This vision represents a local, site-specific approach to a naturally evolving community. It contributes to livability and affordability. He reviewed the initiatives contained in the report and the challenges that will be presented in terms of financial viability. He felt that the local developers are willing to develop the plan if it is viable. The scope of the first stage did not cover this and this needs to be done in the next stage. The needs of the development community will not be fully understood until then. He reviewed the benefits of proceeding with this vision and the reasons for doing so. Implementing the vision will not be easy but it is worthwhile. There are many issues to be covered before the first application could be considered and it is imperative that next steps be started immediately. 2. PUBLIC WORKS AND DEVELOPMENT SERVICES Note: The following items have been numbered to correspond with the Council Agenda: 902 KZ/23/96, 13819-232 Street, One Year Extension Staff report dated April 20, 2001 recommending that the application be granted a one-year extension and that parkland dedication be made. The Acting Director of Planning explained that the number of units proposed for this development has been reduced as the plans have been refined. She described the ALR buffering proposal and illustrated on a map the area that will be dedicated for parkland. The Chief Administrative Officer noted that the application is nearing completion and the final plans are expected to come back to Council in 4-6 weeks. RECOMMENDATION That pursuant to Maple Ridge Development Procedures By-law No. 5879- 1999 a one year extension be granted for rezoning application KZ/23/96; and further That pursuant to Council's policy regarding 5% parkland dedication or payment of money in lieu, be it resolved that the owner of land the subject of KZ/23/96 (13819-232 Street) shall dedicate land for parkland dedication for the Anderson Creek habitat protection area and Conservation land for the extension of Blaney Bog (that portion of the subject site in the Agricultural Land Reserve). Councillor Speirs Opposed Committee of the Whole Minutes April 30, 2001 Page 6 of 12 903 RZ/83/99, 12271, 12273 & 12275 224 Street, One Year Extension Staff report dated April 10, 2001 recommending that the application be granted a one-year extension. RECOMMENDATION That pursuant to Maple Ridge Development Procedures By-law No. 5879- 1999 a one year extension be granted for rezoning application RZ/83/99. 904 Tommy's Bar and Grill -Extension of Operating Hours Staff report dated March 12, 2001 recommending that the application of the Haney Hotel for an extension of operating hours not be supported. Councillor Gordon excused herself as she works in this industry. RECOMMENDATION That the application by the Haney Hotel for an extension to the operating hours of Tommy's Bar and Grill till 2:00 a.m. on Monday mornings not be supported. Councillor Gordon returned to the meeting. 905 DP/17/00 and Road Exchange-23900 Block 116 Avenue Staff report dated April 18, 2001 recommending that: 905.1 DP/17/00 be approved for a permit to do works m support of a residential development within 50 m of Horseshoe Creek. The Acting Director of Planning illustrated on a map the park dedication boundary, the clearing and grading area, and other work areas. She indicated that there should be no riparian issues. Work is proposed to start in the next month pending approval of the permit. It was pointed out that the map forming Schedule "A" incorrectly labels 238A Street as 138A. Staff was asked to confirm if the portion of the road being closed can be included in the exchange. Committee of the Whole Minutes April 30, 2001 Page 7 of 12 RECOMMENDATION That the Municipal Clerk be authorized to sign and seal DP/17/00 respecting property located in the 23900 Block of 116 A venue. 905.2 Maple Ridge Road Exchange By-law No. 5966-2001 to exchange a portion of 238 Street be given three readings. RECOMMENDATION That Maple Ridge Road Exchange By-law No. 5966-2001 be read a first and second time and that the rules of order be waived and Maple Ridge Road Exchange By-law No. 5966-2001 be read a third time; and further That the Municipal Clerk be instructed to advertise the Road Exchange By- law. ACTION REQUIRED Staff is to confirm if the portion of the road being closed can be included in the exchange and have the surveyor correctly identify 238A Street on Schedule "A". 906 DP/51/00 -11358 236 Street Staff report dated April 19, 2001 recommending that the subject application for a permit to do works in support of a residential development within 50 m of Horseshoe Creek be approved. RECOMMENDATION That the Municipal Clerk be authorized to sign and seal DP/51/00 respecting property located at 11358 236 Street. Committee of the Whole Minutes April 30, 2001 Page 8 of 12 907 DP/31/01-27660 Dewdney Trunk Road Staff report dated April 19, 2001 recommending the subject application for a permit to construct a Children's Institutional Building within 50 metres of Whonnock Lake Tributaries be approved. RECOMMENDATION That the Municipal Clerk be authorized to sign and seal DP/31/00 respecting property located at 27660 Dewdney Trunk Road. 908 RZ/50/00 -10683 & 10705 240th Street -Addendum Report Staff report dated April 23, 2001 recommending that the application not be forwarded to Public Hearing until the street connection issue has been resolved. John Duguid, the developer's representative, offered additional information for consideration. He described the site and noted that under the current plan of the municipality the entire hillside would be removed. Under the developer's proposal the area that will be visually protected will be substantially increased and the intention is to bring the road through on a flatter grade with a more sensitive approach. He compared this proposal with other developments and felt that there was no consistency with what his client is being asked to do. He urged Council to visit the site before making a final decision. The developer's intention is to protect the hillside. He indicated that if a road is deemed to be important there should be some DCC forgiveness. RECOMMENDATION That application RZ/50/00 respecting property located at 10683 & 10705 240th Street not be forwarded to Public Hearing until the street connection issue has been resolved to reflect the street patterns shown on the Cottonwood Guide Plan. Councillor Morse OPPOSED 909 SD/51/00 -Development Cost Charge Reduction and Payback -Creekside Street and 114A Avenue Staff report dated April 23, 2001 recommending that Development Cost Charges be reduced by $82,671, that the developer be compensated an additional amount ) Committee of the Whole Minutes April 30, 2001 Page 9 of 12 of $11,904 and that Maple Ridge Development Cost Charge Reserve Fund Expenditure By-law No. 6963-2001 be given three readings. RECOMMENDATION 910 That with respect to Subdivision 51/00 be it resolved that in view of the necessity for constructing road, water and drainage works at Creekside Street and 114A Avenue, the road, water and drainage components of the Development Cost Charges payable by the subdivider be reduced by $82,671.00 reflecting the By-law costs applicable to the works; and That, upon completion of the subdivision servicing, the developer be compensated for the drainage component of the Development Cost Charges in an additional amount of $11,904.00 from the Drainage Account of the Development Cost Charge Reserve Fund and that payment be made following adoption of Maple Ridge Development Cost Charge Reserve Fund Expenditure By-law No. 5963-2001; and further That Maple Ridge Development Cost Charge Reserve Fund Expenditure By- law No. 5963-2001 be read a first and second time and that the rules of order be waived and Maple Ridge Development Cost Charge Reserve Fund Expenditure By-law No. 5963-2001 be read a third time. SD/01/01 -12062 Laity Street, 5% Money in Lieu of Parkland Dedication Staff report dated April 23, 2001 recommending that the owner of the land pay an amount not less than $13,000.00 in lieu of parkland dedication. RECOMMENDATION That pursuant to Council's policy regarding 5% parkland dedication or payment of money in lieu, be it resolved that the owner of land the subject of SD/01/01 (12062 Laity Street) shall pay to the District of Maple Ridge an amount that is not less than $13,000.00. 911 Haney Hawgs, Use of Municipal Streets, Show and Shine Staff report dated April 24, 2001 recommending the authorization of the use of Municipal Streets on May 25 for the annual Haney Hawgs Show and Shine event. Committee of the Whole Minutes April 30, 2001 Page 10 of 12 RECOMMENDATION That Haney Hawgs Inc. (the organizer) be authorized to use Municipal Streets on Saturday, May 26, 2001 for their annual Haney Hawgs Show and Shine Event, provided the conditions outlined in Schedule 'A' attached to the report dated April 24, 2001 are met. 912 Mayfair Place Commercial Development Staff report dated April 26, 2001 recommending that comments on the development proposal be forwarded to Pitt Meadows. The Chief Administrative Officer advised that this issue is coming to Council as a statutory requirement. It is a change to the Official Community Plan of Pitt Meadows so it requires comments from a series of organizations including Maple Ridge. The proposal is to redesignate the land from residential to commercial to allow for a 500,000-sq. ft. commercial development. The information was received late last week and the District has only 15 days left to reply. He reviewed the preliminary comments of staff. Franz Prokop, the developer's representative, noted that there is a 35 metre protection corridor planned for the proposed bridge. The bridge would have to be elevated and the Pitt Meadows Council is concerned that no one would like to live under a bridge. As a result the proposal was changed to all commercial. Mr. Prokop indicated that the Developer would be prepared to attend a meeting to provide further information on the proposal. On question, the Chief Administrative Officer advised that revenue sharing may be a consideration for the two communities as most of the services will come from Maple Ridge but all of the benefits will go to Pitt Meadows. There are some issues where Maple Ridge can only offer advise but there are issues where Maple Ridge can affect the outcome, access being an example. RECOMMENDATION That the staff report entitled "Mayfair Commercial Development Proposal - Lougheed Highway -Pitt Meadows" dated April 26, 2001 be received for information; and That staff be directed to forward the comments contained in the staff report dated April 26, 2001 to the District of Pitt Meadows; and further ) Committee of the Whole Minutes April 30, 2001 Page 11 of 12 That staff be directed to forward other comments to the District of Pitt Meadows as further information is received on the Mayfair Commercial Development Proposal. Councillor Isaac OPPOSED ACTION REQUIRED 3. 931 Staff is to investigate the participation of the District of Maple Ridge in the Public Hearing to present Council's concerns on behalf of all Maple Ridge citizens. Staff is to add to the comments that Katzie Slough should be protected and enhanced. FINANCIAL AND CORPORATE SERVICES (i11cludi11g Fire and Police) Current Status of Community Forest Program Staff report dated March 27, 2001 recommending that staff be directed to write a letter to the Alouette River Management Society advising that due to the lack of timber resources the awarding of additional tenures is unlikely. RECOMMENDATION That a letter be written to the Alouette River Management Society stating that the awarding of additional tenures under the current Community Forest Program is unlikely in our area due to the lack of available timber resources, but should a change in that status occur, Council would be interested in revisiting the issue. 4. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND RECREATION SERVICES 951 Core Project Construction Update Staff report dated April 24, 2001 providing an update on the anticipated completion schedule of the downtown core construction. Committee of the Whole Minutes April 30, 2001 Page 12 of 12 RECOMMENDATION That the staff report entitled "Core Project Construction Update" dated April 24, 2001 be received for information. 5. CORRESPONDENCE -Nil 6. OTHER BUSINESS Councillor Harris announced that starting at the next Committee of the Whole meeting the public would be invited to participate in a Community Forum. This will give the public the opportunity to address Council on any issues that are of concern to them with the exception of Public Hearing by-laws that have not yet reached conclusion. 7. ADJOURNMENT -4:25 p.m.