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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999-05-03 Adopted Committee of the Whole Minutes.pdf) May 3, 1999 2:00 p.m. Council Chamber PRESENT: Elected Officials· Mayor C. Durksen Councillor T. Baker Councillor J. Clements Councillor C. Gordon Councillor L. King Councillor B. Levens Councillor K. Stewart Corporation of the District of Maple Ridge COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING MINUTES Appointed Staff R. W. Robertson, Chief Administrative Officer R. A. Wells, General Manager of Financial and Corporate Services J. R. McBride, Municipal Clerk J. Rudolph, General Manager of Public Works and Development M. W. Murray, General Manager of Community Development, Parks and Recreation Services T. Fryer, Director of Current Planning S. Karasz, Confidential Secretary Other Staff as Required P. Gill, Director of Corporate Planning and Protective Services J. Bastaja, Director of Long Range Planning M. Davies, Director of Parks and Facilities K. Swift, Recreation Co-ordinator -East The meeting was chaired by Acting Mayor Candace Gordon. l. DELEGATIONS 1.1 Parks and Leisure Services Department -Update Kelly Swift, Recreation Co-ordinator, presented the Park and Leisure Services Division's statistical reports for the first quarter of 1999. She went over the program statistics and highlighted some of the accomplishments and projects in progress. Councillor Levens advised that several months ago there was information in the newspaper regarding a higher usage of fitness facilities by males in another Municipality to the west. She questioned if this is the case in Maple Ridge. The Recreation Co- Committee of the Whole Minutes May 3, 1999 Page 2 ordinator advised that the Department is starting to track statistics by gender to establish a bench.mark, noting that at the present time there are more female participants than male. The General Manager of Community Development, Parks and Recreation Services advised that topic has also been identified in the Parks and Leisure Services Master Plan review and the data being gathered can be used in that initiative also. Councillor Stewart referred to work that is being done on the Haney Wharf and questioned if there are plans to put a roof on that structure. The Director of Parks and Recreation responded that there are no plans to do so as there are some problems now at that facility and it should be kept open to observe what is happening. 1.2 Simon Fraser Health -Audiology Services for Maple Ridge Children Ms. Judy Dumont, Manager, Simon Fraser Health Region, was in attendance to provide an update on the above noted matter. She advised that since her last presentation to Council in November of 1998, at which time they were looking for space, she is pleased to report that an audiology booth has now been installed at Westgate Centre. She will be inviting Council to the opening which is tentatively scheduled for June 22, 1999. The booth will serve Maple Ridge and Mission and a full time audiologist has been hired. They still need equipment totalling $150,000. They have received verbal commitments from various groups in that regard. She asked that if anyone knows of potential contributors to let her know. Acting Mayor Gordon received the concurrence of the Committee to move Item 3.1 forward on the Agenda to allow attending Police members to return to duty. FINANCIAL AND CORPORATE SERVICES ITEM 3.1 3 .1 Red Light Intersection Cameras Reference was made to the staff report dated April 16, 1999 recommending that the District enter into an agreement with the Integrated Camera Unit for the above noted project subject to the conditions specified in the report. Constable Marc Alexander of the Ridge Meadows R.C.M.P. Traffic Section was in attendance. He confirmed that there is no cost to the District for the cameras. He explained that the program will benefit the District in terms of providing greater safety to the motoring public. There will also be a positive benefit with respect to emergency resources such as ambulance and police services. He further explained that test sites are currently in place in Surrey and Delta and it is anticipated that the program will commence in Maple Ridge this summer. ') I Committee of the Whole Minutes May 3, 1999 Page 3 Councillor Stewart asked for further clarification on when the camera is activated. Constable Alexander confirmed that the camera is not activated unless the motorist actually enters the intersection on a red light. The camera does not register if someone enters on an amber light. Councillor Stewart stated that he is critical of how photo radar operates and does not want to see the same type of operation used with the red light intersection camera program. Constable Alexander further explained that this procedure actually tracks the history of the offence while photo radar captures one moment in time. Two photos are taken with this process -one before the driver enters the intersection and another while the driver is in the intersection to show that the driver has completed the offence of running the red light. Councillor Stewart questioned if the Municipalities will get any of the revenue from this program. Constable Alexander responded that if Council wants to write to the Province requesting revenue that they do so as a separate issue. Councillor Clements noted that there are pilot projects operating elsewhere. He questioned if they are designed to be a deterrent and how effective they have been in that regard. Constable Alexander advised that he does not have that information with him, however, his experience with manned enforcement has shown that by keeping the enforcement up at intersections that have been identified as a problem, the accident statistics go down dramatically. He feels that this type of safety program will generate the same results. Councillor Clements questioned if the program ceases at a particular intersection if the statistics go down. Constable Alexander advised that there may be other locations that come to light where the program would be effective. It is an ongoing project and they do not have to stay with the original intersections for the life of the program. The Committee agreed to the following actions being taken: RECOMMENDATION That the District of Maple Ridge enter into an agreement with the Integrated Traffic Camera Unit and approve the installation of intersection safety cameras on the understanding that: 1. No costs will be incurred by the District of Maple Ridge; 2. Site selection and camera positioning will be through consultation · with the Ridge-Meadows R.C.M.P. and the Maple Ridge Engineering Department; Committee of the Whole Minutes May 3, 1999 Page4 3. The following intersections in Maple Ridge are being proposed by the Integrated Traffic Camera Unit: i. Highway No. 7 and Dewdney Trunk Road ii. Highway No. 7 and 207 Street iii. Highway No. 7 and 203 Street iv. Highway No. 7 and Laity Street v. Highway No. 7 and 224 Street. 2. PUBLIC WORKS AND DEVELOPMENT SERVICES 2.1 1999 Asphalt Paving Program Reference was made to the staff report dated April 20, 1999 and the Committee agreed to the following recommendation contained therein: RECOMMENDATION That a contract in the amount of $306,547.60 be awarded to Jack Cewe Ltd. for the 1999 Annual Asphalt Paving Program. 2.2 Heart & Stroke Foundation -BIG BIKE Fundraising Event -Request to Use Municipal Streets -May 19, 1999 Reference was made to the staff report dated April 7, 1999 and the Committee agreed to the following recommendation contained therein: RECOMMENDATION That the Heart and Stroke Foundation of B.C. & Yukon (the organizer) be authorized to use Municipal streets on Wednesday, May 19, 1999 for their BIG BIKE fundraising event. 2.3 DVP/14/98-10884, 10862 and 10936-240 Street Reference was made to the staff report dated April 19, 1999 in support of the following recommendation with respect to the subject application to vary several servicing requirements as detailed in the report. The Committee concurred with the recommendation. ) J Committee of the Whole Minutes May 3, 1999 Page 5 RECOMMENDATION That the Municipal Clerk be authorized to notify qualifying property owners that approval of DVP/14/98 respecting property located at 10884, 10862 and 10936 -240 Street will be considered by Council at the May 25, 1999 meeting. 2.4 D VP/22/99 -Northeast Corner of 133 Avenue and 23 6 Street Reference was made to the staff report dated April 20, 1999 in support of the following recommendation with respect to the subject application to postpone the construction of a portion of 236 Street until future urban development occurs. The Committee concurred with the recommendation. RECOMMENDATION That the Municipal Clerk be authorized to notify qualifying property owners that approval of DVP/22/99 respecting property located on the northeast corner of 133 Avenue and 236 Street will be considered by Council at the May 25, 1999 meeting. 2.5 RZ/18197 -Northeast Corner of 227 Street and 117 Avenue -Request for One Year Extension -RS-1 to RM-3 Reference was made to the staff report dated April 14, 1999 and the Committee concurred with the following recommendation: RECOMMENDATION That pursuant to Maple Ridge Development Procedures By-law No. 5632-1997, a one year extension be granted to Rezoning Application RZ/18/97 (northeast corner of 227 Street and 117 Avenue) to permit the construction of an apartment building. 2.6 RZ/1/99-28511-104Avenue-A-2 toA-1 Reference was made to the staff report dated April 14, 1999 recommending that the subject application to permit subdivision into two lots 2.0 hectares each be forwarded to Public Hearing subject to the conditions specified in the report. Committee of the Whole Minutes May 3, 1999 Page 6 The Director of Current Planning displayed an overhead map of the site and explained that the property is in the rural area and the proposal is to split it into two equal parcels. The property is affected by two creek systems. Councillor Stewart noted that if the property is split, there will be limited potential for farming. Councillor Baker asked that it be clarified if the creek is really a creek or if it is a ditch, noting that the requirements would be different in each case. The Director of Current Planning explained that the status of the creek will be discussed at the subdivision stage in consultation with the Ministry of the Environment. Councillor King noted that the property is not served with Municipal water or sewer. She asked that it be ensured that those services are properly provided so that the Municipality is not called upon later to remedy them. The Director of Current Planning advised that prior to final consideration of the by-law, the District will ask for a preliminary response on the sewer disposal system, which will involve consultation with the Ministry of Health. There will be consultation with a professional engineer on the water requirements. Those two servicing items are normally dealt with at the subdivision stage. He further clarified for Acting Mayor Gordon that if the applicants were unable to fulfill the necessary requirements for the servicing, the subdivision would not be approved. The Committee agreed to the following recommendation: RECOMMENDATION That application RZ/1/99 (for property located at 28511 -104 Avenue) to rezone property described in the staff report dated April 14, 1999 from A-2 (Upland Agricultural) to A-1 (Small Holding Agricultural) be forwarded to Public Hearing, noting that the conditions to be met prior to Public Hearing and prior to final consideration of the Zone Amending By-law are detailed in that report and that the accompanying Official Community Plan Amending By-law be forwarded to the same Public Hearing. 2.7 RZ/12/99-11535 and 11555 -240 Street-RS-2 to CD-1-92 Reference was made to the staff report dated April 20, 1999 recommending that the subject application to permit subdivision into approximately 30 residential lots be forwarded to Public Hearing subject to the conditions specified in the report. Committee of the Whole Minutes May 3, 1999 Page 7 Councillor King questioned if the hillside policies will apply to this application, what is the name of the watercourse and where the closest commercial centre within walking distance will be located. She is concerned that large parcels are being developed with no commercial components and people will have to drive everywhere to pick up every day items. The Director of Current Planning displayed an overhead map, noting that the property is an extension of the development to the south which is currently under construction. The developable portion of the site is flat and the westerly portion drops into Horseshoe Creek and will be dedicated as Park. The park dedication lines up with the park dedication for the property to the south. He noted that the closest shopping facility at this time is at Dewdney Trunk Road and 240 Street and there is a proposed commercial area at 112 A venue and 240 Street. He also displayed the proposed subdivision plan and identified the internal road connection, lane and cul-de-sac. The Mayor advised that he likes the idea of the extension of the lane extending north to 116 Avenue and then east to 240 Street, noting that resolution of the construction of 116 A venue is a condition that must be met prior to first reading. He asked that staff continue to update Council on that issue. RECOMMENDATION That application RZ/12/99 (for property located at 11535 and 11555 -240 Street) to rezone property described in the staff report dated April 20,1999 from RS-2 (One Family Suburban Residential) to CD-1-92 (Comprehensive Development) be forwarded to Public Hearing, noting that the conditions to be met prior to Public Hearing and prior to final consideration of the Zone Amending By-law are detailed in that report and that the accompanying Official Community Plan Amending By- law be forwarded to the same Public Hearing. 2.8 RZ/23/97-11619-236 Street and 11688 and 11760 Cottonwood Drive-RS-3 to RM-1 Mr. Wayne Bissky, the architect, was in attendance for this item. Reference was made to the staff report dated April 20, 1999 recommending that the subject application to permit approximately 95 townhouse units be forwarded to Public Hearing subject to the conditions specified in the report. The Director of Current Planning displayed an overhead map of the site and identified the portion that can be developed and the balance of the site that is in a ravine. He noted that 116 A venue has been identified as a required connection through the Cottonwood area. It Committee of the Whole Minutes May 3, 1999 Page 8 is a very expensive connection. The resolution of the construction and dedication of 116 A venue is a requirement that must .be met prior to the Public Hearing. Mr. Bissky displayed a preliminary site plan that the applicants are still working on. They are fairly close to completion and are meeting shortly with their civil consultant who has been working on the project for quite some time. He advised that there are a number of complex issues related to this application which involves four separate pieces of property. The applicants have had extensive consultation with the Ministry of Environment regarding the required 15 metre setback from the top of bank and what impact it will have on their development proposal. They are working on the servicing and right-way issues related to 116 Avenue. He identified the lands to be dedicated as Park. He advised that the design of the units has been revised; they are more ground oriented and the density continues to go down. Councillor King questioned what provisions are being made for a trail network and questioned how far the residents of the subdivision would have to drive to go to a store. The Director of Current Planning advised that a trail network has been identified for the Cottonwood area. Staff is still in the process of doing an analysis with respect to the feasibility of more local commercial sites. Staff will look at further commercial areas prior to adoption of the proposal. Councillor Baker noted that the issue under consideration with respect to this application is land use and the application complies to the Official Community Plan. He questioned why commercial use considerations are being discussed in the context of this application. Councillor King responded that it is her understanding that Committee of the Whole is a forum to discuss all matter pertaining to the impact of development on the community. The Committee agreed to the following recommendation: RECOMMENDATION That application RZ/23/97 (for properties located at 11619 -236 Street and 11688 and 11760 Cottonwood Drive) to rezone property described in the staff report dated April 20, 1999 from RS-3 (One Family Rural Residential) to RM-1 (Townhouse Residential) be forwarded to Public Hearing, noting that the conditions to be met prior to Public Hearing and prior to final consideration of the Zone Amending By- law are detailed in that report and that the accompanying Official Community Plan Amending By-law be forwarded to the same Public Hearing. 2.9 Planning Grant Requests for 1999 '-- Committee of the Whole Minutes May 3, 1999 Page 9 The Long Range Planner reviewed his report dated April 22, 1999 in support of the following recommendation contained therein, noting that the projects are ones that are supported by the Province: RECOMMENDATION That the Planning Grant and Neighbourhood Enhancement Program grant request for the following projects and amounts be supported: 1. Downtown Design Guidebook 2. Environmental Education 3. Farm By-law and DPA 4. Industrial Lands Strategy 5. Employment Monitoring 6. Watercourse Classification Additional Agenda Items 2.10 Equipment Replacement -Sewer Flushing Truck $ 8,250 (NEP) $ 7,500 (PG) $ 7,500 (PG) $ 7,500 (PG) $ 6,000 (PG) $30,000 (PG) The Municipal Clerk circulated a report dated April 20, 1999 in support of the following recommendation. Councillor Baker noted that the sewer truck operates with only a very small flashing light and that no cones are placed behind the truck. He questioned if there could be a better signaling system put in place for safety reasons. ACTION REQUIRED -that the General Manager of Public Works and Development Services look into the concerns raised by Councillor Baker. The Committee agreed to the following recommendation: RECOMMENDATION That Vimar Equipment Ltd. of Burnaby be awarded the contract to supply one only 1999 Sterling Model L 7501 chassis and one only 1999 Ramjet P8015 sewer flusher in the total amount of $154,718.52, without trade-in. 2.11 Bridge Crossing The Municipal Clerk circulated copies of an information report from the General Manager of Public Works and Development Services dated April 26, 1999 on the status ) and implications of a bridge crossing over the Fraser River. The report outlines a number Committee of the Whole Minutes May 3, 1999 Page 10 of strategic issues in relation to a future bridge crossing connecting Maple Ridge with Langley. The General Manager of Public Works and Development Services went over the Terms of Reference for the Fraser River Crossing Planning and Evaluation Study which was prepared by the Ministry of Transportation and Highways to determine the best location for a crossing of the Fraser River. The Terms of Reference are attached to his report. He noted that the results of the study are expected in mid June. The consultant has been directed to evaluate three "high level" crossings in the following corridors -Bamston; 200 Street; and Cottonwood. In addition, the study is to review the feasibility of a low level crossing generally considered to be in the Albion-240 Street area. He highlighted additional comments he feels are relevant to this initiative which are detailed in his report. He noted that a new bridge would serve regional as well as Municipal interests. In the Maple Ridge context, it would provide greater accessibility and contribute to employment opportunities. A new bridge would also provide greater accessibility to regional town centres on both sides of the Fraser River. He added that the issue of timing should also be considered; it is obvious that there is justification now for a bridge. Councillor Stewart noted that the ferry system is not functioning well; it is getting old and there are more and more occasions when one ferry is out of service. In addition to the replacement costs of the ferries, other considerations are loss of business and loss of time for people waiting for the ferries. He feels that people would be willing to pay a dollar or two to save an hour or so a day. • The Committee agreed to the following recommendation: RECOMMENDATION That the report entitled Bridge Crossing dated April 26, 1999 be received for information. 3. FINANCIAL AND CORPORATE SERVICES (including Fire and Police) 3 .1 Red Light Intersection Cameras Note -this item was discussed at the beginning of these Minutes. 3.2 Inclusion of Property at 23657 -132 Avenue into Sewer Area -By-law No. 5802-1999 Reference was made to the staff report dated April 16, 1999 in support of the following recommendation contained therein. _) Committee of the Whole Minutes May 3, 1999 Page 11 The Committee concurred with the following recommendation: RECOMMENDATION That the report dated April 16, 1999 be received, noting that it is reported therein that the petition to include property located at 23657 -132 Avenue into Sewer Area "A" is sufficient and valid; and further That Maple Ridge Sewer Area "A" Sewerage Works Construction and Loan Authorization Amending By-law No. 5802-1999 be read a first and second time and that rules of order be waived and Maple Ridge Sewer Area "A" Sewerage Works Construction and Loan Authorization Amending By-law No. 5802-1999 be read a third time. 3.3 Local Improvement Petition -Sanitary Sewer-12105, 12065 and 12092 -203 Street- By-law No. 5803-1999 Reference was made to the staff report dated -April 21, 1999 recommending that the subject by-law be granted three readings. The Committee agreed to the following recommendation: RECOMMENDATION That Maple Ridge 203 Street (12105, 12065 and 12092) Sanitary Sewer Local Improvement Construction By-law No. 5803-1999 be read a first and second time and that rules of order be waived and Maple Ridge 203 Street (12105, 12065 and 12092) Sanitary Sewer Local Improvement Construction By-law No. 5803-1999 be read a third time. 4. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND RECREATION SERVICES 4.1 Parks and Leisure Services Minutes (Open Meeting) -March, 1999 RECOMMENDATION That the Minutes of the March, 1999 open meeting of the Parks and Leisure Services Commission be received for information. 5. OTHERISSUES Nil Committee of the Whole Minutes May 3, 1999 Page 12 6. ADJOURNMENT 3:J0p.m.