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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000-04-17 Adopted Committee of the Whole Minutes.pdfApril 17,2000 12:30 p.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 Corporation of the District of Maple Ridge COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING MINUTES Appointed Staff R. W. Robertson, Chief Administrative Officer T. Wingrove, Municipal Clerk M. W. Murray, General Manager of Community Development, Parks and Recreation Services F. Quinn, Municipal Engineer, Acting General Manager of Public Works and Development Services T. Fryer, Director of Current Planning S. Karasz, Confidential Secretary Other Staff as Required C. Carter, District Planner D. Pollock, Director of Engineering -Projects K. Grout, Manager of Environmental Affairs Chair: Acting Mayor Jon Harris Acting Mayor Harris called the meeting to order and explained that it is the practice of Council to have the Acting Mayor chair Committee of the Whole meetings. 1. DELEGATIONS/STAFF PRESENTATIONS Nil 1.1 Draft 03 Sewage Regulations and Support Documentation -Ministry of Health Mr. John Rowse, Provincial land Use Consultant of the Ministry of Health, was in attendance to provide an overview of the above noted new Provincial sewage regulations. Reference was also made to a letter from Mr. Rowse asking for Council's comments by April 30, 2000. Mr. Rowse displayed overheads in support of the following information: There are three types of sewage disposal systems -(1) standard septic tank; (2) package treatment (aerobic) and (3) "innovative'' technology. Mr. Rowse advised that he will supply the District with all the paperwork on Draft 03. The procedure involves the draft going the Ministry of Health policy development guidelines, as well as a technical review committee and local government committee. Committee of the Whole Minutes April 17, 2000 Page 2 He noted that the document discusses a local by-law and for that reason he is talking to local governments. As they go forward with the new technology, the regulations become more stringent to ensure that those systems continue to operate properly. In Draft 03 there are discussion for Type 2 and Type 3 systems with respect to local by-law involvement. Without local by-law involvement, Health officers will not be able to allow installation those systems as there is no mechanism in place to deal with the operation and maintenance. He noted that the advantages of the by-law involvement to local government is that it gives them back control with respect property zoning, planning and subdivision. Local governments will also have increased control over environmental protection and sustainable development. They will be able to reduce lots sizes and allow for increased densities. Mr. Rowse advised that the Municipal Act will support the new sewage regulations. The Health Act will have the power to designate responsibility. There will be infrastructure dollars and grants available to take this different approach to secondary treatment. The power is in the Health Act to delegate power to local governments if they want it. It is an optional buy-in by local government; it is not an enforced buy-in. He reiterated that an advantage to local government is that the new regulations will allow Municipalities to move forward with planning and open up areas for higher densities where they cannot do that now. This could be done without the high costs of a "big pipe" sewer. The Mayor noted that the Draft 03 regulations do not appear to be much different than those that exist now as the District presently has the ability under the Municipal Act to permit Types 2 and 3 systems as long as it accepts the responsibility. It appears to him that it is just a tidying up of the maintenance which is the biggest outstanding issue. If the District adopted a by-law and there was a failure of the system, it would not be a Ministry of Health responsibility as it is now, but it would be up to the District to enforce any upgrading and take care of any failures. Mr. Rowse explained that the Ministry is asking the local governments to use their ability to place the costs on a tax roll if they were not able to gain compliance from the property owner. The Mayor advised that he needs more information on the involvement of the Ministry of Health and the level of responsibility that they would retain. Mr. Rowse advised that information is contained in the paper work he will provide to the Municipal Council. Councillor Morse stated that she is all for innovation but has concerns about the amount of liability that would be placed on the District. Mr. Rowse stated that he cannot answer the liability question 100%. Because the Health authorities will still be issuing the permits, they will retain a certain amount of liability. He added that it would be a really good idea for the District's solicitors to look at that issue. Committee of the Whole Minutes April 17, 2000 Page 3 Councillor Speirs indicated that he does not feel that it would be appropriate to use the innovative systems to open up outlying areas to development. He questioned what kind of mitigating techniques the systems have now with respect breakdowns due to floods, weather conditions, etc. Mr. Rowse responded that most of the owners of the systems would tum to the parent company to deal with failures. He emphasized that the systems are maintenance dependent and should be looked at every six months to one year to prevent any breakdowns from occurring. Also, it depends a little on the use; the breakdowns rotate around use. He clarified that the Draft 03 Regulations do not deal with maintenance regulations. Councillor King noted that that it would up to the District to put in the maintenance regulations and enforce them and she believes that the District does not want to do that. She questioned if the local Health Unit has reviewed the Draft 03 regulations based on the local soil conditions. She would like to have a report from them as well as Municipal staff. The Committee agreed to the following recommendation: RECOMMENDATION That the presentation from the Ministry of Health regarding their Draft 03 Sewage Regulations be referred to the Simon Fraser Health Region and Municipal staff for their comments. 902 Silver Valley Master Drainage Plan Review The Manager of Environmental Affairs was in attendance for this item. Reference was made to the staff report dated April 5, 2000 recommending that staff proceed with Phase II of the Silver Valley Master Drainage Review. The Mayor noted that the report indicates that the District and the consultant will involve the development community in discussions of the feasibility and cost implications of the draft design standards. He questioned if the stewardship groups would be consulted as well. The Manager of Environmental Affairs responded that while she has placed a strong focus on the development commwiity, the draft design standards could also be taken to the stewardship groups as well. The Mayor noted that one of the problems that has been experienced by the District is getting the senior levels of government to come to the table with their own regulations that they are trying to impose on the Municipalities. Staff has done considerable work on the storm water management plan, however, no response has been forthcoming from the senior government agencies. He finds that rather frustrating and there has be to be some way to get those agencies to the table, particularly if the District is going to continue to spend money on their own programs. Committee of the Whole Minutes April 17, 2000 Page4 Councillor Morse agreed, noting that she is concerned that the District will spend considerable time and money on the plan and that when the senior levels of government do decide to respond, they will bring in a different set of regulations and staff will have to do the work all over again. The Manager of Environmental Affairs responded that staff has wrestled with that question, however, they feel that do nothing will not be helpful to the District and they would be no further ahead. She feels that the District needs to move ahead and establish its own performance and design criteria regardless of the response from the other government agencies. With respect to Silver Valley, from a due diligence perspective, she feels that the District has to take the next step. On question, the Chief Administrative Officer advised that the required funding for the neighbourhood plan for Silver Valley is in the Budget but Council still has to approve the Terms of Reference which have not yet been completed. Councillors King and Speirs expressed agreement with proceeding with the plan. Acting Mayor Harris stated that is still somewhat unclear as to how it relates to the neighbourhood plan for Silver Valley and that the bill is starting to add up to re-study the Silver Valley area. The Committee agreed to the following recommendation: RECOMMENDATION That the report entitled Silver Valley Master Drainage Plan Review dated April 5, 2000 be received, and further that staff be directed to proceed with Phase II of the Silver Valley Master Drainage Plan Review. 903 RZ/48/96 -12125 -203 Street-RS-lb to RT-1 Reference was made to the staff report dated April 6, 2000 recommending that the subject application to permit the construction of a duplex be granted a one year extension. The Committee agreed to the following recommendation: RECOMMENDATION That pursuant to Maple Ridge Development Procedures By-law No. 5879-1999, a one year extension be granted for Rezoning Application RZ/48/96 (12125 -203 Street). 904 RZ/18/97-Northeast Corner of227 Street and 117 Avenue-RS-2 to RM-3 Reference was made to the staff report dated April 3, 2000 recommending that the subject application to permit an apartment building be granted a one year extension. Committee of the Whole Minutes April 17, 2000 Page 5 The Mayor questioned if any further consideration has been given to extending 227 Street through to the Lougheed Highway. The Chief Administrative Officer advised that there have been discussions with two or three property owners that would be impacted by the extension of 227 Street and also with the Ministry of Environment regarding a culvert crossing, however, there is no action being taken at this time. The Director of Current Planning clarified that further road development is not tied to the subject application and that there would have to be another initiative outside the application if Council wished to move forward with extending 227 Street. The Committee agreed to the following recommendation: RECOMMENDATION That pursuant to Maple Ridge Development Procedures By-law No. 5879-1999, a one year extension be granted for Rezoning Application RZ/18/97 (Northeast corner of 227 Street and 117 Avenue), 905 RZ/22/98-12169-228 Street-RS-1 to RM-1 Reference was made to the staff report dated April 6, 2000 recommending that the subject application to permit four self-contained detached residential units be granted a one year extension. The Mayor suggested that the Director of Current Planning provide more details of the project as it is an innovative design. The Director of Current Planning advised that he would be pleased to do so when the application comes before Council for final reading consideration. The Committee agreed to the following recommendation: RECOMMENDATION That pursuant to Maple Ridge Development Procedures By-law No. 5879-1999, a one year extension be granted for Rezoning Applicatioo RZ/22/98 (12169 -228 Street). 906 OCP/11/00-14140, 14160, 14170, 14180, 14250, 14310 and 14320 -256 Street -By- law No. 5895-2000-to designate as a Temporary Industrial Use Permit Reference was made to the staff report dated April 3, 2000 recommending that the subject by-law be read a first time (to amend the Official Community Plan to designate the above noted properties as an area where a Temporary Industrial Use Permit (TTIJP) for extraction, storage and processing of gravel maybe allowed). Committee of the Whole Minutes April 17, 2000 Page 6 The agent for the applicants, .Mr. Slade Dyer, advised that he was in attendance to answer questions from the Municipal Council. Councillor King questioned who will be responsible for the TIUP. The Director of Current Planning advised that the applicant and registered owner of the property is Maple Ridge Business and Industry Park Limited and the TIUP will be issued to that company. Councillor Morse questioned if the site could be sold to several operators and subsequently divided into more gravel pits and if the 5 truck per hour limit could be exceeded. She questioned how this will be policed. Mr. Dyer responded that they could not do that without going back to Council for approval of a new permit. The amount of gravel to be removed will remain the same as is currently permitted which is 75,000 cubic metres per year. The Mayor referred to comments made at the public information meeting of March 29th that "there was a profit a prendre placed on the title of the land that the property would not be used for a commercial use until there was an alternate route". He asked if that document is available for Council to look at as he would like this point clarified one way or the other. ACTION REQUIRED -The Municipal Engineer advised that he will provide Council with copies of the document in question. The Mayor asked for further details of the dust abatement measures. The Director of Current Planning advised that an environment assessment will be required, noting that the TIUP has not been before Council yet. The Chief Administrative Officer advised that Council's questions will be addressed in the permit agreement. With respect to monitoring the materials coming out of the site, there are some specifics that can be resolved but they have not yet been put to paper. They will be brought up again at the Public Hearing and, on balance, he believes that they can be readily addressed. The Committee agreed to the following recommendation: RECOMMENDATION That Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Amending By-law No. 5895-2000 be read a first time. 907 SD/68/99-12742 -228 Street-5% Parkland Dedication Policy Reference was made to the staff report dated March 31, 2000 and the Committee agreed to the following recommendation contained therein: RECOMMENDATION That pursuant to Council's policy regarding 5% Parkland Dedication or Payment of Money in Lieu hereof, be it resolved that the owner of land the subject of Committee of the Whole Minutes April 17, 2000 Page 7 SD/68/99 (12742 -228 Street) shall pay to the District of Maple Ridge an amount that is not less than $30,000.00. 908 Service Commercial Report-Development Permit Area XXXVII C. Carter, District Planner, was in attendance for this item. Reference was made to the staff report dated April 6, 2000 providing an overview of the existing policies and regulations for service commercial and service stations uses in the District, and identifying actions that could be taken to mediate the impacts of service commercial development on abutting residential properties. Several Councillors commended the District Planner for her excellent report. Councillor King questioned when the guidelines would be adopted and become applicable. She questioned if any regulations will be added with respect to the hours of operation and how the businesses that exist will be affected by the guidelines. She also questioned if there is any opportunity to change the existing businesses, e.g. would the District be able to impose the new regulations on them if the were to apply for a building permit to make any changes to the existing business. The District Planner advised that the Director of Permits and Licences is preparing a report on the hours of operation. She noted that issue was followed up with the Municipal solicitor. He has advised that the District can regulate the hours of operation but the same type of businesses have to all be treated the same, although there is the ability to regulate differently based on whether the facility is staffed for not staffed. The Director of Current Planning noted that in one case the owner/operator volunteered to have a restrictive covenant placed on his business to restrict the hours of operation. Councillor Speirs asked if the District has a by-law regulating the placement of gasoline pumps in the ground. The District Planner advised that the only regulation the District has is that they must be 4.5 metres back from the property line. Councillor Morse noted that the installation of a hedge provides a good visual buffer but is not effective as a sound barrier. The District Planner agreed that it is not very effective in terms of noise attenuation, however, the noise concern is addressed in a different way in the by-law. The Mayor stated that one area he would like to see addressed in more detail is the form and character of the development in terms of how it relates to the rest of the neighbourhood as opposed to just discussing each applications on its own merits Guidelines in that regard would be helpful to the Advisory Design Panel as it would provide them with a reference point for their discussions. RECOMMENDATIONS 1. That Official Community Plan Amending By-law No. 5878-1999 be read a first time and that it proceed to Public Hearing. Committee ofthe Whole Minutes April 17, 2000 Page 8 2. That Maple Ridge Zone Amending By-law No. 5877-1999 be read a first time and that it proceed to Public Hearing; and 3. That the Licences, Permits and By-laws Department prepare a report identifying options regarding the regulation of hours of operation with respect to service commercial uses. 909 Building Department Statistics March, 2000 Reference was made to the staff report dated April 3, 2000 and the Committee agreed to the following recommendation contained therein: RECOMMENDATION That the Inspection Services Department Building Statistics of the month of March, 2000 be received for information 910 Potential Albion Urban Area Extension(Thornhill) Reference was made to the staff report dated September 1, 2000 and the direction given to staff at the September 20, 199 Committee of the Whole Meeting to bring a report back to Council within 90 days giving details of the servicing implications, etc. related to an extension. The Chief Administrative Officer advised that the reason the report is before Council is that staff has not been able to complete the report within the 90 day time frame. It is related to the application on Bosonworth Avenue and the unfinished work is creating consternation to that applicant. It is staffs intention to continue to work on the report unless instructed otherwise by the Municipal Council. He asked if Council wished to pursue a recommendation to continue with the work but dropping the 90 day time limit. Councillors King and Speirs indicated that they are not in favour of staff continuing to work on the report as they feel that extending the Albion urban area is premature. The Mayor spoke in support of staff continuing to work on the report. It is his understanding that the applicant of the Bosonworth property paid for some of this work to be done as directed by the previous Council and it would not be fair to put it off. He also feels that the work should be done in preparation for the Official Community Plan review for further discussion at that time. Councillor Gordon indicated that she does not have a problem with doing the preparatory work prior to the OCP review but she would not be in favour 9f making a decision on extending the Albion urban boundary prior to the OCP review. The Committee, \\-1th the exception of Councillor King, agreed to the following recommendation: RECOMMENDATION Committee ofthe Whole Minutes April 17, 2000 Page 9 That staff be directed to bring back a report on the servicing implications, etc. related to the potential extension of the Albion Urban Area as detailed in the staff report entitled Potential Albion Urban Area Extension dated September 1, 1999. 911 Lions Journey for Sight Walk-May 7, 2000 Reference was made to the staff report dated March 29, 2000 recommending that the subject request to use Municipal streets be approved. The Committee agreed to the following recommendation: RECOMMENDATION That the Maple Ridge Lions Club be authorized to use Municipal Streets for the Lions Journey for the Lions Journey for Sight Walk on Sunday, May 7, 2000 provided the conditions outlined in Schedule '~A" attached to the staff report dated March 29, 2000 a.-e met. 912 Clean Up of Property at 22357 St Anne Avenue Reference was made to the staff report dated March 31, 2000 recommending that the District engage a contractor to clean up the subject property. The Committee agreed to the following rec·ommendation: RECOMMENDATION That with respect to property located at 22537 St. Anne Avenue, and earlier unsuccessful attempts to effect clean-up, be it resolved that the District be authorized to engage a contractor or the District of Maple Ridge Public Works Department for the purpose of cleaning up the garbage and miscellaneous items on the property; and further that the cost of the clean-up shall be invoiced to the registered owner(s) of the subject property and in the event that the registered owner(s) fails to pay the costs on or before December 31, 2000, said costs will be added to and form part of the taxes payable on the property. 3. FINANCIAL AND CORPORATE SERVICES (including Fire and Police) 931 Economic Advisory Commission Appointments Reference was made to the staff report dated April 11, 2000 and the Committee agreed to the following recommendation contained therein: RECOMMENDATION That the resignation of Mr. Andre Choquette from the Economic Advisory Committee be accepted; and further Committee of the Whole Minutes April 17, 2000 Page 10 that the following appointment to the Economic Advisory Commission for a two year term expiring December 31, 2000 be approved: Finance Sector Mrs. Akeela Davis 4. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND RECREATION SERVICES Nil 5. OTHER ISSUES Nil 6. CORRESPONDENCE 981 British Columbia Trucking Association -Comments on Proposed Trans/ink Strategic Plan Reference was made to the letter from the above noted Association dated March 20, 2000 providing comments for Council's information. The Committee agreed to the following recommendation: RECOMMENDATION That the letter from the British Columbia Trucking Association providing comments on th·e proposed Translink Strategic Plan be received for information. 982 Emergency Preparedness Week/Emergency Drill Reference was made to the letter from the Attorney General (undated) received March 31, 2000 asking all levels of government to hold an emergency drill during Emergency Preparedness Week. The Mayor asked if the District plans to take any action in this matter. The General Manager of Community Development, Parks and Recreation Services noted that the District already carries out various emergency drills of its own. Events such as this are usually co-ordinated with the Fire Department. The Committee agreed to the following recommendation: RECOMMENDATION That the letter from the Attorney General received March 31, 2000 regarding Emergency Preparedness Week be received for information. 983 Auxiliary Police Update #1000-03 Reference was made to the memorandum from the Auxiliary/Reserve Peace Officers' Association (ARPOA) Media Liaison dated March 29, 2000. The Committee agreed to the following recommendation: Committee of the Whole Minutes April 17, 2000 Page 11 RECOMMENDATION That the memorandum from the Auxiliary Reserve Peace Officers' Association dated March 29, 2000 be received for information. 7. ADJOURNMENT 1 :555 p.m. Committee