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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-09-08 Council Meeting Minutes.pdfMicrosoft Word - 2015-09-08 Council Minutes City of Maple Ridge COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES September 8, 2015 The Minutes of the City Council Meeting held on September 8, 2015 at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber of the City Hall, 11995 Haney Place, Maple Ridge, British Columbia for the purpose of transacting regular City business. PRESENT Elected Officials Appointed Staff Mayor N. Read K. Swift, Acting Chief Administrative Officer/General Councillor C. Bell Manager of Community Development, Parks and Councillor K. Duncan Parks and Recreation Services Councillor B. Masse P. Gill, General Manager Corporate and Financial Services Councillor G. Robson C. Carter, Acting General Manager of Public Works and Councillor T. Shymkiw Development Councillor C. Speirs D. Denton, Acting Corporate Officer A. Gaunt, Confidential Secretary Other staff as required R. Carmichael, Director of Engineering Operations H. Exner, Deputy Fire Chief Superintendent D. Fleugel, Ridge Meadows RCMP Note: These Minutes are also posted on the City’s Web Site at www.mapleridge.ca The meeting was filmed by Shaw Communications Inc. and live streamed and recorded by the City of Maple Ridge 100 CALL TO ORDER 200 INTRODUCTION OF ADDITIONAL AGENDA ITEMS 300 APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA The agenda was approved with the addition of Item 601 Council Minutes September 8, 2015 Page 2 of 19 400 ADOPTION AND RECEIPT OF MINUTES 401 Minutes of the Regular Council Meeting of July 28, 2015 R/2015-348 It was moved and seconded That the minutes of the Regular Council Meeting of July 28 28, 2015 be , adopted as circulated. CARRIED 402 Minutes of the Development Agreements Committee Meeting of July 29, 2015 and August 5, 12, 19 and 26, 2015 R/2015-349 It was moved and seconded That the minutes of the Development Agreements Committee Meeting of July 29, 2015 and August 5, 12, 19 and 26 26, 2015 be received. , CARRIED 500 PRESENTATIONS AT THE REQUEST OF COUNCIL 501 Needle Distribution Program -Fraser Health Authority • Dr. Marcus Lem, Medical Health Officer, Fraser Health Authority • Erin Gibson, Fraser Health Harm Reduction Coordinator Dr. Lem and Ms. Gibson gave a PowerPoint presentation providing information on the Fraser Health Authority’s Harm Reduction program including a definition for harm reduction, a review of the guiding principles of the program and highlights of the needle distribution program. 502 August 29, 2015 Wind Event Update Presentation by R. Carmichael, Director of Engineering Operations and H. Exner, Deputy Fire Chief The Director of Engineering Operations and the Deputy Fire Chief gave a PowerPoint presentation providing information on the wind storm on August 29, 2015 including damage done by the storm throughout the community and the response on the part of the Fire Department, Public Works and the RCMP. Council Minutes September 8, 2015 Page 3 of 19 600 DELEGATIONS 601 Blanket BC Society Presentation • Gregory Ould, Executive Director Mr. Ould gave a PowerPoint presentation providing information on the Blanket BC Society. He outlined the history of the society, the work being done currently and the successes of past years. He invited Mayor and Council to a “Decade of Warmth” celebration in New Westminster. 700 UNFINISHED BUSINESS – Nil 800 CORRESPONDENCE – Nil 900 BYLAWS Bylaws for Final Reading 901 2012 2012-047 047-RZ, 22577, 22569, 22557 Royal Crescent and 11771 226 Street Staff report dated September 8, 2015 recommending final reading 901.1 Maple Ri Ridge Zone Amending Bylaw No. 6967 dge 6967-2013 To permit a site specific text amendment for floor space ratio Final reading R/2015-350 It was moved and seconded That Bylaw No. 6967 6967-2013 be adopted. CARRIED 901.2 Maple Ridge Zone Amending Bylaw No. 6927 6927-2012 To rezone from RS-1 (One Family Urban Residential) to RM-2 (Medium Density Apartment Residential) to permit the future construction of a five storey, 48 unit apartment building Final reading R/2015-351 It was moved and seconded That Bylaw No. 6927 6927-2012 be adopted. CARRIED Council Minutes September 8, 2015 Page 4 of 19 902 2013 2013-113 113-RZ, 21530 Donovan Avenue Maple Ridge Zone Amending Bylaw No. 7050 7050-2013 Staff report dated September 8, 2015 recommending final reading To rezone from RS-1 (One Family Urban Residential) to RS-1b (One Family Urban [Medium Density] Residential) to permit subdivision into 2 single family residential lots Final reading R/2015-352 It was moved and seconded That Bylaw No. 7050 7050-2013 be adopted. CARRIED 903 2014 2014-016 016-RZ, 2 23908 and 23920 Dewdney Trunk Road 3908 Maple Ridge Zone Amending Bylaw No. 7083 7083-2014 Staff report dated September 8, 2015 recommending final reading To rezone from RS-1b (One Family Urban [Medium Density] Residential) and RS-3 (One Family Rural Residential) to R-2 (Urban Residential District) to permit subdivision into 12 single family residential lots Final reading R/2015-353 It was moved and seconded That Bylaw No. 7083 7083-2014 be adopted. CARRIED 904 2015 2015-158 158-RZ, 23980 Kanaka Way Maple Ridge Zone Amending Bylaw No. 7155 7155-2015 Staff report dated September 8, 2015 recommending final reading Site specific Zoning Bylaw text amendment to add a Child Care Centre (daycare) at 23980 Kanaka Way as a use to the C-1 Neighbourhood Commercial Zone Final reading R/2015-354 It was moved and seconded That Bylaw No. 7155 7155-2015 be adopted. CARRIED Council Minutes September 8, 2015 Page 5 of 19 COMMITTEE REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 1100 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE Minutes – August 31, 2015 R/2015-355 It was moved and seconded That the minutes of the Committee of the Whole Meeting of August 31 31, 201 2015 be received. CARRIED Public Works and Development Services 1101 2015 2015-160 160-RZ, Bylaw Amendment, Residential Building Height Staff report dated August 31, 2015 recommending that Maple Ridge Zone Amending Bylaw No. 7165-2015 to create a unified maximum building height of 11.0 m for principal dwellings in single family and in low rise multi-family zones be given first and second reading and forwarded to Public Hearing. R/2015-356 It was moved and seconded That Bylaw No. 7165 7165-2015 be given first and second reading and be forwarded to Public Hearing. CARRIED 1102 2014 2014-070 070-RZ, 10470 245B Street and 24589 104 Avenue, RS RS-2 to RS RS-1b Staff report dated August 31, 2015 recommending that Maple Ridge Zone Amending Bylaw No. 7157-2015 to rezone from RS-2 (One Family Suburban Residential) to RS-1b (One Family Urban [Medium Density] Residential) to permit a subdivision of approximately 16 lots be given first reading and that the applicant provide further information as described on Schedules A, B, and F of the Development Procedures Bylaw No. 5879-1999, along with the information required for a Subdivision application. R/2015-357 It was moved and seconded In respect of Section 879 of the Local Government Act, requirement for consultation during the development or amendment of an Official Community Plan, Council must consider whether consultation is required with specifically: Council Minutes September 8, 2015 Page 6 of 19 i. The Board of the Regional District in which the area covered by the plan is located, in the case of a Municipal Official Community Plan; ii. The Board of any Regional District that is adjacent to the area covered by the plan; iii. The Council of any munici municipality that is adjacent to the area covered by pality the plan; iv. First Nations; v. School District Boards, greater boards and improvements district boards; and vi. The Provincial and Federal Governments and their agencies. and in that regard it is recommended that no additional consultation be required in respect of this matter beyond the early posting of the proposed Official Community Plan amendments on the City’s website, together with an invitation to the public to comment, and; That Bylaw No. 7157 7157-2015 be given first reading; and That the applicant provide further information as described on Schedules A, B, and F of the Development Procedures Bylaw No. 5879 –1999, along with the information required for a Subdivision application. R/2015-358 It was moved and seconded That the motion for first reading of Maple Ridge Zone Amending Bylaw No. 7157 7157-2015 be deferred to a meeting following e a Council discussion on amenity contributions. MOTION TO DEFER CARRIED Councillor Robson, Councillor Speirs -OPPOSED Note: Mayor Read excused herself from discussion of Item 1103 at 8:50 p.m. as she lives in the vicinity of the property. Councillor Duncan acted as Chair. 1103 2013 2013-086 086-RZ, 23262 Silver Valley Road, 13738, 13702 and 13660 232 Street, RS RS-3 to RS RS-1, RS RS-1b, R R-1, R R-3, RST RST-SV, C C-5 and P P-1 Staff report dated August 31, 2015 recommending that Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Amending Bylaw No. 7160-2015 to revise land use designation boundaries and an equestrian trail location be given first and second reading and be forwarded to Public Hearing and that Maple Ridge Zone Amending Bylaw No. 7023-2013 to rezone from RS-3 (One Family Rural Residential) to RS-1 (One Family Urban Residential), RS-1b (One Family Urban [Medium Density] Residential), R-1 (Residential District), R-3 (Special Amenity Residential District), RST-SV (Street Townhouse – Silver Valley), C-5 (Village Centre Commercial) and P-1 (Park and School) be given second reading and be forwarded to Public Hearing. Council Minutes September 8, 2015 Page 7 of 19 R/2015-359 It was moved and seconded 1) That, in accordance with Section 879 of the Local Government Act, opportunity for early and on on-going consultation has been provided by way of posting Bylaw No. 7160 7160-2015 on the municipal website and requiring that the applicant host a Development Information Meeting (DIM), and Council considers it unnecessary to provide any further consultation opportunities, except by way of holding a Public Hearing on the bylaw; 2) That Bylaw No. 7160 7160-2015 be considered in conjunction with the Capital Expenditure Plan and Waste Management Plan; 3) That it be confirmed that Bylaw No. 7160 7160-2015 is consistent with the Capital Expenditure Plan and Waste Management Plan; 4) That Bylaw No. 7160 7160-2015 be given first and second readings and be forwarded to Publ Public Hearing; ic 5) That Bylaw No. 7023 7023-2013 be amended as identified in the staff report dated August 31, 2015, be given second reading, and be forwarded to Public Hearing; 6) That the following terms and conditions be met prior to final reading: i) Registrat Registration of a Rezoning Servicing Agreement as a Restrictive ion Covenant and receipt of the deposit of a security, as outlined in the Agreement; ii) Amendment to Official Community Plan Schedule “A”, Chapter 10.3, Part VI, A – Silver Valley, Figure 2 -Land Use Pla Plan, Figure 3A n, -Blaney Hamlet, and Figure 4 -Trails /Open Space, iii) Road dedication on 232 Street and Silver Valley Road as required; iv) Park dedication as required, including construction of multi multi-purpose trails; and removal of all debris and garbage from park land; v) Purchase of the land identified for future neighbourhood park by the City of Maple Ridge; vi) Consolidation of the subject pro properties; perties; vii) Registration of a Restrictive Covenant for the geotechnical report, which addresses the suitability of the subject properties for the proposed development and confirms that the slope failure area has been remediated; viii) Removal of existin existing buildings; g ix) Approval from the Ministry of Forest, Lands and Natural Resources for in in-stream works on the site; x) In addition to the site profile, a disclosure statement must be submitted by a Professional Engineer advising whether there is any eviden evidence of underground fuel storage tanks on the subject ce properties. If so, a Stage 1 Site Investigation Report is required to ensure that the subject property is not a contaminated site. Council Minutes September 8, 2015 Page 8 of 19 R/2015-360 It was moved and seconded That Application 2013 2013-086 086-RZ be deferred to allow staff to engage in a discussion with the applicant on additional rental accommodation and a permanent daycare use requirement. MOTION TO DEFER CARRIED Councillor Masse, Councillor Speirs -OPPOSED Note: Mayor Read returned to the meeting at 9:09 p.m. 1104 2014 2014-110 110-RZ, 11716 Burnett Street, RS RS-1 to R R-1 Staff report dated August 31, 2015 recommending that Maple Ridge Zone Amending Bylaw No. 7123-2014 to rezone from RS-1 (One Family Urban Residential) to R-1 (Residential District) to permit a subdivision of approximately three single family lots be given second reading and be forwarded to Public Hearing. R/2015-361 It was moved and seconded 1) That Bylaw No. 7123 7123-2014 be given second reading, and be forwarded to Public Hearing; 2) That the following terms and conditions be met prior to final reading: i) Registration of a Restrictive Covenant for the Stormwater Management Plan; ii) Removal of existing building/s (through demolition permit); iii) If the Director of Waste Management from the Ministry of Environment determines that a site investigation is required based on the submitted Site Profile, a rezoning, development, or development variance permit cannot be approved until a release is obtained for the subje subject property; ct iv) In addition to the site profile, a disclosure statement must be submitted by a Professional Engineer advising whether there is any evidence of underground fuel storage tanks on the subject property. If so, a Stage 1 Site Investigation Rep Report is required to ort ensure that the subject property is not a contaminated site. CARRIED 1105 2011 2011-082 082-DVP, 10150 and 10190 Jackson Road Staff report dated August 31, 2015 recommending that the Corporate Officer be authorized to sign and seal 2011-082-DVP to increase the maximum permitted R-1 zone building height and to reduce the R-1 zone rear yard setback for lots 29-39. Council Minutes September 8, 2015 Page 9 of 19 The Acting Corporate Officer advised that one piece of correspondence pertaining to the application was received. R/2015-362 It was moved and seconded That the Corporate Officer be authorized to sign and seal application 2011 2011-082 082-DVP respecting property located at 10150 and 10190 Jackson Road. CARRIED 1106 2012 2012-047 047-DVP, 2012 2012-047 047-DP, 22577, 22569 and 22557 Royal Crescent, 11771 226 Street Staff report dated August 31, 2015 recommending that the Corporate Officer be authorized to sign and seal 2012-047-DVP to reduce front yard setbacks, to reduce interior yard setbacks and to increase maximum height and that the Corporate Officer be authorized to sign and seal 2012-047-DP to permit construction of a 48 unit apartment building in the RM-2 (Medium Density Apartment Residential) zone. R/2015-363 It was moved and seconded 1) That the Corporate Officer be authorized to sign and seal 2012 2012-047 047-DVP respecting properties located at 22577, 22569, and 22557 Royal Crescent; and 11771 226 Street; and further, 2) That the Corporate Officer be authorized to sign and seal 2012 2012-047 047-DP respecting properties located at 22577, 22569, and 22557 Roy Royal al Crescent; and 11771 226 Street. CARRIED 1107 2015 2015-158 158-DVP DVP, 23980 Kanaka Way , Staff report dated August 31, 2015 recommending that the Corporate Officer be authorized to sign and seal 2015-158-DVP to reduce the parking requirement for the Child Care Centre and to reduce the parking requirement for commercial uses. R/2015-364 It was moved and seconded That the Corporate Officer be authorized to sign and seal 2015 2015-158 158-DVP respecting property located at 23980 Kanaka Way. CARRIED Council Minutes September 8, 2015 Page 10 of 19 Note: Councillor Shymkiw excused himself from discussion of Items 1108 and 1109 at 9:21 p.m. as he has a property in the area. 1108 2013 2013-082 082-DVP, 13260 236 Street Staff report dated August 31, 2015 recommending that the Corporate Officer be authorized to sign and seal 2013-082-DVP to increase maximum building height, to increase maximum retaining wall heights and to reduce minimum setbacks to the property line. R/2015-365 It was moved and seconded That the Corporate Officer be authorized to sign and seal 2013 2013-082 082-DVP respecting property located at 13260 236 Street. CARRIED 1109 2013 2013-082 082-DP, 13260 236 Street Staff report dated August 31, 2015 recommending that the Corporate Officer be authorized to sign and seal 2013-082-DP to permit development of a 61 unit townhouse project. R/2015-366 It was moved and seconded That the Corporate Officer be authorized to sign and seal 2013 2013-082 082-DP respecting property located at 13260 236 Street. CARRIED Note: Councillor Shymkiw returned to the meeting at 9:25 p.m. 1110 2015 2015-257 257-SD, 12016 York Street, Stata Conversion Staff report dated August 31, 2015 recommending that the issuance of a Certificate of Approval for strata conversion of residential townhouse buildings located at 12016 York Street be approved and that the Corporate Officer be authorized to sign the Certificate of Approval. R/2015-367 It was moved and seconded That the issuance of a Certificate of Approval for the strata conversion of the residential townhouse buildings located at 12016 York Street in accordance with Section 242 of the Strata Property Act be approved; and Council Minutes September 8, 2015 Page 11 of 19 That the Corporate Officer be authorized to sign the Certificate of Approval. CARRIED 1111 2011 2011-095 095-SD, 2% Money in Lieu of Parkland Dedication, 11219 243 Street Staff report dated August 31, 2015 recommending that the owner of the subject property pay an amount that is not less than $30,000.00 R/2015-368 It was moved and seconded That pursuant to Local Government Act, Section 941, regarding 2% Parkland Dedication or payment in lieu, be it resolved that the owner of land proposed f for subdivision at 11219 243 Street, under application or 2011 2011-095 095-SD, shall pay to the City of Maple Ridge an amount that is not less than $30,000.00. CARRIED 1112 2013 2013-103 103-SD, 5% Money in Lieu of Parkland Dedication, 12366 Laity Street Staff report dated August 31, 2015 recommending that the owner of the subject property pay an amount that is not less than $37,500.00. R/2015-369 It was moved and seconded That pursuant to Local Government Act, Section 941, regarding 5% Parkland Dedication or payment in lieu, be it resolved that the owner of land proposed for subdivision at 12366 Laity Street, under application 2013 2013-103 103-SD, shall pay to the City of Maple Ridge an amount that is not less than $37,500.00. CARRIED Financial and Corporate Services (including Fire and Police) 1131 Disbursements for the month ended July 31, 2015 Staff report dated August 31, 2015 recommending that the disbursements for the month ended July 31, 2015 be received for information. Council Minutes September 8, 2015 Page 12 of 19 R/2015-370 It was moved and seconded That the disbursements as listed below for the month ended July 31, 2015 be received for information information: General $32,722,315. Payroll $ 1,798,214. Purchase Card $ 99,001. $ 34,619,530. 4,619,530. CARRIED 1132 2015 Council Expenses Staff report dated August 31, 2015 providing updated Council expenses recorded to the end of July for 2015. For information only No motion required 1133 2016 2016-2020 Financial Planning Guidelines Staff report dated August 31, 2015 recommending that staff be directed to prepare the 2016-2020 Financial Plan, incorporating the Financial Plan Guidelines. The General Manager of Corporate and Financial Services provided a PowerPoint presentation outlining the purpose of the financial plan guidelines; R/2015-371 It was moved and seconded That staff be directed to prepare the 2016 2016-2020 Financial Plan incorporating the Financial Plan Guidelines as itemized in section d) of the August 31, 2015 staff report titled, “2016 – 2020 Financial Plan Guidelines”. CARRIED Council Minutes September 8, 2015 Page 13 of 19 1134 2016 Permissive Tax Exemptions Staff report dated August 31, 2015 recommending that Maple Ridge Tax Exemption Bylaw No. 7170-2015 be given first, second and third readings. R/2015-372 It was moved and seconded That Bylaw No. 7170 7170-2015 be given first, second and third readings. CARRIED Councillor Robson -OPPOSED 1135 Assurance Requirements – Downtown Parking Society Staff report dated August 31, 2015 recommending that the agreement with the Downtown Parking Society be amended to require a financial statement audit once every five years with assurance achieved in intervening years either through the work of City staff or through a review engagement, as recommended by the Audit & Finance Committee. R/2015-373 It was moved and seconded That the agreement with the Downtown Parking Society be amended to require a financial statement audit once every five years with assurance achieved in intervening years either through the work of City staff or through a review engagement, as required by the Audit & Finance Committee. CARRIED 1136 Partnering Agreements, Employment Land Investment Incentive Program and Town Centre Investment Incentive Program Staff report dated August 31, 2015 recommending that the Corporate Officer be authorized to execute Partnering Agreements with Meridian Acquisitions Ltd. under building permit number 15-107398 and Anmore Holdings Inc. under building permit number 15-111021. R/2015-374 It was moved and seconded That the Corporate Officer be authorized to execute Partnering Agreements to: 1. Meridian Acquisitions Ltd. under building permit number 15 15-107398 in the amount of $5,539.35; and, 2. Anmore Holdings Inc. under building permit number 15 15-111021 in the amount of $8,610.29. CARRIED Council Minutes September 8, 2015 Page 14 of 19 Community Development and Recreation Service – Nil Correspondence – Nil Other Committee Issues – Nil 1200 STAFF REPORTS – Nil 1300 RELEASE OF ITEMS FROM CLOSED COUNCIL From the August 12, 2015 Special Closed Council Meeting • 02.02 Homeless Shelter Update and Options From the August 14, 2015 Special Closed Council Meeting • 02.01 Lease of 22239 Lougheed Highway From the August 31, 2015 Closed Council Meeting • 04.04 City-Owned Town Centre Lands – Approval of Purchase and Sale Agreement For information only No motion required 1400 OTHER MATTERS DEEMED EXPEDIENT 1401 Rescheduling of the September 22, 2015 Council Meeting Discussion on rescheduling of the September 22, 2015 Council Meeting to September 29, 2015 R/2015-375 It was moved and seconded That the September 22, 2015 Council meeting be rescheduled to September 29, 2015. CARRIED 1500 NOTICES OF MOTION AND MATTERS FOR FUTURE MEETINGS – Nil Council Minutes September 8, 2015 Page 15 of 19 1600 QUESTIONS FROM THE PUBLIC Jen Watts Ms. Watts referred to an article in a local newspaper suggesting a community forum on the proposed temporary shelter and asked that if the public requested an open town hall meeting on the temporary shelter, whether such a request could be accommodated, when this would happen and what such a forum would look like. Mayor Read advised that the announcement of an official shelter provider is the jurisdiction of BC Housing and that the service provider will engage the surrounding neighbourhood to discuss issues related to the temporary shelter. Ms. Watts asked whether the forum will be open to all, with questions directed to the service provider. Mayor Read advised that this would be an opportunity for the public to ask questions. Danielle Rose Ms. Rose stated her questions were directed at the Fraser Health representatives. She expressed concern over the large amount of needles being found throughout the community and the amount of time it took to have a needle picked up once it was reported by using a phone number posted on the Resilience Initiative website. Ms. Rose feels there is not enough harm reduction in areas where children play. She asked if Fraser Health will balance the harm reduction with the health concerns of the community and families. Rhonda Murray Ms. Murray asked for clarification on whether or not a public forum was announced or held in regard to the establishment of low barrier housing in a building to be leased to the City prior to Council voting on the issue. She expressed concern with the change to the flavour of the community and asked whether Council had voted on the issue without public consultation. Ms. Murray asked for confirmation that a public forum will be held once a service provider is in place and questioned whether Council is aware that almost every business in the downtown area is opposed to this being put into their business district. She also asked that as BC Housing has a contract with Salvation Army whether they will have two contracts in Maple Ridge. Mayor Read provided an explanation on why a public forum was not held pertaining to the location of the temporary shelter. She explained that a public hearing is held when a property goes through a rezoning process, however, the property did not need to be rezoned as the existing zoning permitted this use in that space. Mayor Read provided clarification on the topic of the public forum. She advised on steps to be taken by the service provider to mitigate impact and to address any concerns, including those of surrounding businesses and residents in the neighbourhood. She responded to the concerns of downtown businesses and advised on the BC Housing contracts. Council Minutes September 8, 2015 Page 16 of 19 Melissa Crich Ms. Crich referenced a newspaper article pertaining to a public forum and a statement that there will be a forum at the end of six months about continuing the shelter or location. She requested clarification on that statement. She asked whether the community will be consulted in a forum or through a committee of peers should the use of the shelter continue and how the public would find out about such a process should it occur. Ms. Critch asked whether the public can expect consultation on anything coming forward once the temporary shelter closed. She expressed concern with the current temporary shelter not being required to go through a rezoning process and asked whether such a scenario could occur again. Ms. Crich referred to funding of $370,000 and asked if there is accountability for the spending of that funding which the public can view. Mayor Read provided clarification on the forum and advised on future plans of the Resilience Initiative and Council. She also advised on public consultation should there be need for a new supportive housing complex or a new shelter and outlined the process which will be followed should an application be required to go through rezoning in order to allow construction of a new building or conversion of an existing one. She advised that public consultation will be an expectation should the rezoning of a property or building be required, however, she stipulated that discussion needs to be held with BC Housing on any plans for the future. The Mayor advised on the approved funding envelope for $370,000. Note: Councillor Robson left the meeting at 9:53 p.m. Alison Ailles Ms. Ailles commented that needles are considered hazardous waste and questioned Fraser Health’s version of harm reduction. She advised that she has looked at the site of ‘who to call’ for needle pickup. She expressed concern over the length of time it took to have a needle picked up as per a previous speaker’s comments and asked what a reasonable response time for retrieval would be. She asked responses also be made available after hours and on weekends. The Acting Chief Administrative Officer advised on work to be done to provide more information on the time taken to retrieve needles and to streamline the process originally implemented in order to improve response time. Councillor Bell asked what School District No. 42 and the schools are doing to participate and where their accountability was. The Acting Chief Administrative Officer advised that the School District has information posted on its website pertaining to discarded needles. Councillor Bell requested that a report be provided detailing how the School District and the schools are contributing. Mayor Read advised that school principals do sweep school grounds. Council Minutes September 8, 2015 Page 17 of 19 Karen Leo Ms. Leo commented that she did not feel it is the School District’s responsibility to pick up dirty needles. She addressed her question to the RCMP representatives. She referred to well-known drug houses and asked what information or proof is required and what citizens can do to help the RCMP shut down and eliminate such houses from the community. Superintendent Fleugel addressed Ms. Leo’s questions and outlined what citizens can do to assist the RCMP in closing down drug houses and dealing with suspicious activity in a neighbourhood. Ricki Funk Ms. Funk addressed her question to the RCMP representative. She asked why persons continue to be allowed to live in or return to residences which have been busted by police, even if they are renters. Superintendent Fleugel advised that tenancy eviction, though recommended to a landlord by police, is not within police control. He also advised on the process which persons arrested for an offense go through in the court system. Ronald Roger Rogers Mr. Rogers expressed concern about a house across the street from his building and the amount of illegal activity going on in and around that house. He asked what type of evidence the RCMP needs from neighbours to have this house closed down and what the RCMP and the Bylaws Department can do. Superintendent Fleugel addressed the question. He advised that he will meet with the resident following the meeting to further address concerns and that an officer will follow up with the resident as well. Riekie Armstrong Ms. Armstrong expressed concern with the harm reduction program and asked why a needle which has been thrown away by a drug user is considered harmless to residents. She asked why a drug user cannot use a needle for a second time as it is considered harmful, yet is not considered harmful when on the ground. She suggested asking for a deposit for needles and providing a dollar for each needle returned. Ms. Armstrong spoke against the temporary shelter. Robin We Wehmet met Ms. Wehmet asked how residents can be assured there will not be another tent city once the temporary shelter is open. She commented that the shelter will only have 40 beds and that there are more than 40 people living in the existing camp. She asked what will be done with campers who are not willing to leave and whether smaller tents cities which are being established will be dispersed as well. She asked how this will be done. Mayor Read spoke to the shift in the dynamic of the camp on Cliff Avenue in the last month and expressed Council’s concern over flow of other persons replacing those Council Minutes September 8, 2015 Page 18 of 19 moving into housing. She advised that 30 persons from the camp have been moved into supportive housing and outlined what is being done to work through the issue of persons coming into the community to replace the core group of campers who have now been housed. She stated that persons who are not willing to leave to move into shelter provided will be dispersed by an injunction. She also advised on actions which will be and have been taken to deal with smaller tent cities. Ms. Wehmet requested clarification on the low barrier aspect of the new shelter. She asked why it will be classified as low barrier and how that will work. She wondered whether individuals accessing the shelter will carry on with street activities as they do currently. She expressed concern that things were not changing when compared to what is happening currently. Mayor Read provided clarification on why a low barrier format for a temporary shelter was chosen. Ricki Funk Ms. Funk asked why the public cannot get clarification from Mayor and Council as to which service provider will be running the temporary shelter, as this information has been posted over social media. The Mayor provided an explanation on why information pertaining to a service provider for the temporary shelter has not been provided by the City. She explained that it is the responsibility of BC Housing to announce a service provider once a final agreement is in place. Jen Watts Ms. Watts asked how much has been spent on emergency calls to Cliff Avenue and other well-known camps around the community on such things as the RCMP and ambulance. Mayor Read advised that currently there is no accurate picture on funds spent. Superintendent Fleugel outlined funding for the RCMP and budget allocations. He advised that an estimate on spending by the RCMP on Cliff Avenue can be provided. Debra Brook Brookes Ms. Brookes expressed concern that residents were not consulted on the low barrier housing due to rezoning not being a requirement. She asked whether residents will be able to vote or if some sort of referendum will be held should another shelter be put in place in Maple Ridge after six months. Ms. Brookes asked whehter Council can say no to the Provincial and Federal Governments should constituents say no. Mayor Read indicated that this will be a future discussion for Council. She outlined the process which will be looked at during that discussion. Council Minutes September 8, 2015 Page 19 of 19 Rhonda Murray Ms. Murray expressed that residents can appreciate problems with mental illness and drug addictions. She questioned whether this is a provincial responsibility rather than a municipal one. Her main concerns are that the temporary shelter was designated, and will be opened, without public consultation, the negative impacts on the downtown area of Maple Ridge and the movement of more persons onto Cliff Avenue to replace people who have been provided with housing. Ms. Murray also expressed concern that the open and transparent government mandate in terms of the location of the temporary shelter was not adhered to and that this type of facility will not be closed after six months. Mayor Read addressed the question of open and transparent government. She explained Council’s need to move quickly on the issue in order to find a location which fit BC Housing specifications. She acknowledged that this issue has been downloaded onto the City and advised on work being done to work with the Provincial and Federal Governments to resolve the issue. She advised that mitigation strategies will be in place to control impact on the neighbourhood and that these strategies will be followed up on by Council. Matthew Bosco Mr. Bosco addressed his question to the representatives of Fraser Health. He referred to a bucket he had presented to the representatives containing drug use material he found on school grounds. He expressed concern over used needles being compared to rusty nails by the Fraser Health representative. He asked for a plan to clean up needles. Dr. Lem, Fraser Health, addressed concerns expressed by the public and Council. Mayor Read expressed her concerns to Fraser Health about the large number of drug use related materials such as used needles being found in the community and the need to deal with the issue moving forward. 1700 ADJOURNMENT – 10:48 p.m. _______________________________ N. Read, Mayor Certified Correct __________________________________ _ D. Denton, Acting Corporate Officer