MINUTES of a regular meeting of the MUNICIPAL COUNCIL of The Corporation of the District of Oak Bay, held in the Council Chambers, Oak Bay Municipal Hall, 2167 Oak Bay Avenue, Oak Bay, B.C., on Monday, April 23, 2007 at 7:30 p.m.

 

PRESENT:

Mayor C. M. Causton, Chairman

Councillor H. Braithwaite

Councillor S. F. B. Carson

Councillor A. R. Cassidy

Councillor P. Copley

Councillor J. D. Hebert

STAFF:

Municipal Administrator, W. E. Cochrane

Municipal Clerk, L. Hilton

Confidential Secretary, K. Green

Director of Building and Planning, N. Beattie

Municipal Treasurer, P. A. Walker

Director of Engineering Services, D. Marshall

 

Mayor Causton called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. 

 

PRESENTATION:      

 

Community Arts Council of Greater Victoria – Presentation of Awards

 

Paul Shrivener, Executive Director, Community Arts Council of Greater Victoria, was in attendance to introduce the groups who were to receive awards from the Community Arts Council. 

 

Thankfully accepting the award for the Oak Bay Community Artists Society were representatives Francis Chapman and Flo-Elle Watson.  Mr. Shrievener commended the Artists’ group for their efforts in organizing the Bowker Creek Brush-up.  It was noted that having the Brush-up tie in with the Classic Car Show should elevate the awareness of the Art Show and lend to its further success.

 

The second grant was presented to the Windsor Park Art Club and gratefully accepted by the Clubs’ representative Sharon Dailayde.  It was noted that the Art Club began meeting at Windsor Park Pavillion in the 1970’s and even now has an active founding member. 

 

Council thanked the two organizations being presented with the awards for their ongoing contributions to the community.

 

MINUTES OF MEETINGS:

 

Council – April 10, 2007

 

MOVED by Councillor Cassidy

Seconded by Councillor Herbert, That the minutes of the Council meeting held on Tuesday, April 10, 2007, be adopted.

 

CARRIED

 

 

Estimates Committee – April 11, 2007

 

MOVED by Councillor Herbert

Seconded by Councillor Cassidy, That the minutes of the meeting of Estimates Committee held on Wednesday, April 11, 2007, and the recommendations contained therein, be adopted.

 

CARRIED

 

Committee of the Whole April 16 , 2007

 

MOVED by Councillor Cassidy

Seconded by Councillor Copley, That the minutes of the Committee of the Whole meeting held on Monday, April 16, 2007, and the recommendations contained therein, be adopted. 

 

CARRIED

 

Estimates Committee – April 18, 2007

 

MOVED by Councillor Braithwaite

Seconded by Councillor Carson, That the minutes of the meeting of Estimates Committee held on Wednesday, April 18, 2007, and the recommendations contained therein, be adopted.

 

CARRIED

 

COMMUNICATIONS:

 

 

1.

2007-131

2007-123

2007-123-1

KATHLEEN AND GEORGE CAIRD, April 18, 2007

DIRECTOR OF ENGINEERING SERVICES, April 11, 2007

KATHLEEN AND GEORGE CAIRD, April 3, 2007

Re Boulevard Encroachment Application – 180 Prince Andrew Place

 

It was noted that the applicant was previously requested to provide a more detailed professional landscape plan which would include more horticultural detail with respect to the requested boulevard encroachment and further, to talk to his neighbours with respect to the proposed boulevard encroachment plans.

 

George Caird, 200 King George Terrace, was in attendance to answer questions from Council regarding the revised landscape plans saying he presented the drawings to his neighbours and that he was unaware of anyone being opposed to the proposed encroachment as laid out in correspondence item no. 2007-131.

 

MOVED by Councillor Carson

Seconded by Councillor Braithwaite, That approval be given for a boulevard encroachment adjacent to 180 Prince Andrew Place for the purpose of installing landscaping, as shown on the sketches attached to correspondence item no. 2007-131, subject to the plantings being maintained at a height not exceeding that of the existing rock wall, and subject to the owners entering into a boulevard encroachment agreement on terms set by the Municipality.

 

CARRIED

(Councillor Cassidy against the motion)

 

2.

2007-132

OAK BAY BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION, April 13, 2007

Re 2006 Financial Statements and 2007 Budget

 

Geoff Beattie, President, Oak Bay Business Improvement Association, explained that the Business Improvement Association (BIA) is planning to initiate a ‘green’ Christmas for the Oak Bay Avenue Village by introducing energy-efficient LED lights for its annual Christmas Festival light-up.  To assist with the initial cost to purchase the lights the BIA has requested a grant of $89,000 this year, and would be requesting $62,000 per year in the last two years of its five-year mandate rather than $71,000 and $72,000 for years four and five. 

 

MOVED by Councillor Herbert                     

Seconded by Councillor Copley, That Council approve the budget submitted by the Oak Bay Business Improvement Association for the 2007 calendar year as outlined in Item 2007-132, with the budget incorporating on the revenue side a grant from the Municipality in the amount of $89,000 to be recovered by means of a local service tax in that amount.

 

CARRIED

 

3.

2007-133

MUNICIPAL CLERK, April 10, 2007

Re Bylaw Enforcement – Recommendation to File Contravention Notice Against Title – 2511 Cranmore Road

 

The Director of Building and Planning explained that the finished basement at 2511 Cranmore Road did not have the required building and plumbing permits issued for the work undertaken,  and furthermore, the basement ceiling height does not meet the British Columbia Building Code requirements. 

 

Mr. Beattie said that the current owners are selling their home and have chosen not to remove the construction and therefore, it is recommended to Council that a Notice Against Title be placed against the title of the property, drawing attention to the contravention.  This action would ensure that potential purchasers of a property are made aware of outstanding violations with respect to the property.  

 

The Municipal Administrator advised that the owner of the property had been given notice that Council would consider this matter and that she would be afforded an opportunity to demonstrate to Council why such a notice should not be filed.  Mayor Causton asked if the owner of the property was in attendance and if so to come forward at that time.  The owner was not in attendance.

 

MOVED by Councillor Herbert

Seconded by Councillor Carson, That the Municipal Clerk be authorized to file a Bylaw Contravention Notice in the Victoria Land Title Office stating that a resolution has been adopted pursuant to Section 57 of the Community Charter by Oak Bay Municipal Council, relating to land legally described as Lot 1, Block 2, Section 61, Victoria District, Plan 1029A, and that further information respecting the resolution may be inspected at the Office of the Municipal Clerk at 2167 Oak Bay Avenue, Victoria, BC  V8R 1G2, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday, excluding holidays.

 

CARRIED

 

 

4.

2007-134

DIRECTOR OF BUILDING AND PLANNING, April , 2007

Re Application for Development Permit (With Variance) and Zoning Bylaw Amendment 1980 Bee Street

 

Daryl Jensen, Jensen Group Architects Inc., described plans for a new porte cochere, pedestrian canopy, project sign and flagpole that the Baptist Housing Society of BC is proposing to construct at the Marrion Gardens development site.  Mr. Jensen said the proposed additions are intended to architecturally unify the buildings as well as provide a covered walkway that would connect the buildings, which would be seen as improving the development aesthetically.   

 

The Municipal Administrator said that a development permit with a variance for building setbacks and an amendment to the Zoning Bylaw to increase site coverage and floor area ratio would be necessary to allow the proposed new construction, requiring a public hearing.

 

Responding to a question from Council regarding why the request for the enhancements are coming forward at this time, Mr. Jensen replied by saying the works were not included in the original plans due to financial constraints, and that there is now enough funding remaining to include the above mentioned work.  

 

It was the view of Council that the proposed plans would likely enhance the Marrion Gardens project, and there was agreement that the necessary Bylaw should be drafted for Council’s consideration.

 

MOVED by Councillor Herbert

Seconded by Councillor Braithwaite, That staff be directed to draft a Zoning Bylaw amendment with respect to the application from the Baptist Housing Society of BC, for formal consideration by Council.

CARRIED

 

NEW BUSINESS:

 

Climate Change Task Force

 

Mayor Causton suggested that the Terms of Reference for the Climate Change Task Force be changed to accommodate up to twelve committee members rather than the nine currently allowed.

 

MOVED by Councillor Herbert

Seconded by Councillor Braithwaite, That the Terms of Reference for the Climate Change Task Force be amended to permit up to twelve (12) members.

CARRIED

 

Oak Bay Child & Youth Committee – Speaker Series

 

Councillor Braithwaite explained that the Oak Bay Child &Youth Committee meets monthly and is comprised of various people working with youth in our community.  She drew attention to an upcoming speaker series for youth and adults that will begin with the author and professional speaker, Katy Hutchinson, to be held May 10th at an Oak Bay venue.  Further information will be featured in the Oak Bay News, advised Councillor Braithwaite.

 

TABLED:

 

Development Variance Permit – 831 Newport Avenue

 

MOVED by Councillor Cassidy

Seconded by Councillor Herbert, That the following motion be lifted from the table:

 

That the Director of Building and Planning be authorized to issue a Development Variance Permit with respect to 831 Newport Avenue (Lot 5, Block 1, Section 73, Victoria District, Plan 992), varying the following provision of Bylaw No. 3531, Zoning Bylaw, 1986, as amended:

 

Bylaw Section

Required

Requested

Variance

6.5.4.(2).(e) Setbacks – Minimum Total of Side Lot Lines

4.57 metres

3.05 metres

1.52 metres

 

to allow the construction of a new single family dwelling on the property, as shown on the plans appended to Committee of the Whole agenda item #2007-86, being a memorandum from the Director of Building and Planning dated March 5, 2007.

 

Sebastian Butler, DGBK Architects, was in attendance and presented updated renderings that provided further detail on the proposed fence style and location.

 

CARRIED

 

The question on the main motion was then called.

 

CARRIED

 

Development Variance Permit – 2157/2159 Cubbon Drive

 

MOVED by Councillor Cassidy

Seconded by Councillor Braithwaite, That the following motion be lifted from the table:

 

That the Director of Building and Planning be authorized to issue a development variance permit with respect the proposed bare land strata subdivision of 2157/2159 Cubbon Drive (Amended Lot 8 (DD 231956I), Section 69, Victoria District, Plan 8662 Except Part in Plan 13719), which would vary the requirements of Sections 3.6.1., 3.6.3., 6.5.4.(2)(c), 6.5.4.(11), 4.15.1, and Schedule A of Bylaw No. 3531, Zoning Bylaw, 1986, and Sections 6 and 8(1) of Bylaw No. 3578 Subdivision and Development Bylaw, 1987 :

 

·         to allow the proposed Lot A to have a frontage of 8.96 metres (15.25 metres required);

·         to allow the proposed Lot B to have a lot frontage of 8.96 metres (20.07 metres required);

·         to allow the existing residence on the proposed Lot B to have an interior side lot line setback of 0.95 metres for the main floor and second storey (1.52 metres required for main floor and 3.0 metres required for second storey) ;

·         to allow the proposed Lot A and Lot B to be created with a general shape different from the shape of the lots in the immediate area; and

·         to allow a paved surface to cover 92% of the front yard  of proposed Lot B (25% permitted),

 

substantially as shown on the sketch plan appended to Committee of the Whole agenda item #2007-87, being a memorandum from the Director of Building and Planning dated March 13, 2007, when and if the Approving Officer grants preliminary approval to the proposed subdivision, and upon the applicant satisfying all conditions of preliminary approval set out by the Approving Officer including but not limited to the payment of all required off-site servicing costs.

 

CARRIED

 

The Municipal Administrator advised that the request for the variances is in relation to a proposed subdivision of 2157/2159 Cubbon Drive, and if the variances are not granted by Council the subdivision cannot proceed.  He said that this step could be looked upon as removing a hurdle in the subdivision process.  Even if the variances are approved, he said, the application for subdivision is still subject to further review by him as the Approving Officer.

 

Annette Jolicoeur, 2161 Cubbon Drive, expressed her concern with respect to the proposed development and the strain it may put on the already problematic parking issues in the area. 

 

In response to concerns about whether or not there would be sufficient parking on both proposed lots, Mr. Cochrane noted that in his role as Approving Officer he would ensure the required parking is accommodated and would be looking for a minimum of 1.5 parking spaces per unit.

 

The question on the main motion was then called.

 

CARRIED

 

RESOLUTIONS:

 

Traffic Control Order No. 2007-03 - Parking Regulations on Cranmore Road

 

MOVED by Councillor Copley

Seconded by Councillor Braithwaite, That signs be erected on Cranmore Road as shown on the sketch attached hereto, to indicate that parking in the area so marked is restricted to two hours duration between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m., daily.

 

CARRIED

 

BYLAWS:

 

For First, Second and Third Reading

 

Bylaw No. 4354

 

MOVED by Councillor Herbert

Seconded by Councillor Braithwaite, That Bylaw No. 4354, Administrative Procedures Bylaw Amendment Bylaw No. 2, 2007, be introduced and read a first time.

 

CARRIED

 

MOVED by Councillor Herbert

Seconded by Councillor Braithwaite, That Bylaw No. 4354, Administrative Procedures Bylaw Amendment Bylaw No. 2, 2007, be read a second time.

CARRIED

 

MOVED by Councillor Herbert

Seconded by Councillor Braithwaite, That Bylaw No. 4354, Administrative Procedures Bylaw Amendment Bylaw No. 2, 2007, be read a third time.

CARRIED

 

Bylaw No. 4364

 

MOVED by Councillor Carson

Seconded by Councillor Copley, That Bylaw No. 4364, Sewer User Charge Bylaw Amendment Bylaw No. 2, 2007, be introduced and read a first time.

 

DEFEATED

(Councillors Braithwaite, Cassidy and Herbert against the motion)

 

The Municipal Administrator advised that the proposed change to the sewer charge is related to the regional sewer debt costs which this year for the first time are being partially covered by a sewer user charge through utility billing.  The decision was made by Council that 70% of the costs relating to any new debt incurred by the Capital Regional District (CRD) for Oak Bay sewer projects is to be paid through the user charge.  Mr. Cochrane said that an agreement had been signed with the CRD and we were advised of the new debt costs in 2007 and the sewer rate was set accordingly.  However, the Municipality received an invoice for additional debt for the North East Trunk sewer and East Coast Interceptor upgrades, which we were unaware of when the sewer rate was set, which in turn makes it necessary to increase the sewer user charge.

 

As time is a factor, and there is no alternative than to move forward with the sewer user charge Bylaw amendment, Mr. Cochrane said the Bylaw needs to be adopted as soon as possible in order to have the new charges appear on the utility bills.   

 

Recognizing that the Bylaw needs to be adopted, Councillor Braithwaite stepped forward to note she would change her vote in favour of the Bylaw.

 

Pursuant to the Community Charter, Mayor Causton required that the vote on the motion to give first reading to Bylaw No. 4364, Sewer User Charge Bylaw Amendment Bylaw No. 2, 2007 be reconsidered and voted on again.

 

The question was then called.

CARRIED

(Councillors Cassidy and Herbert against the motion)

 

MOVED by Councillor Carson

Seconded by Councillor Braithwaite, That Bylaw No. 4364, Sewer User Charge Bylaw Amendment Bylaw No. 2, 2007, be read a second time.

 

CARRIED

(Councillors Cassidy and Herbert against the motion)

 

MOVED by Councillor Carson

Seconded by Councillor Copley, That Bylaw No. 4364, Sewer User Charge Bylaw Amendment Bylaw No. 2, 2007, be read a third time.

 

Opposing points of view were reiterated by some members of Council with respect to whether a portion of sewer charges should continue to be collected through utility billing or whether all should be collected through taxation. 

 

It was noted that placing the sewer charges on the utility bill based on water consumption would not be fair to larger families who have higher consumption and would reward residents who may be away for extended periods of time, and therefore, reduce the amount paid towards the sewer costs. 

 

It was also noted that if the sewer costs were collected through property taxes, it would give qualifying homeowners an opportunity to defer the sewer costs included in the taxes through the Property Tax Deferment Program, perhaps making it more financially easy for seniors to continue living in their homes for a longer period of time.

 

Comments in support of the “user pay” system of recovering sewer costs through utility billing were also heard and it was noted that some properties are tax exempt, therefore not paying sewer charges on the tax bill, but contributing to the sewer costs through utility billing.

 

 

The question was then called.

 

CARRIED

(Councillors Cassidy and Herbert against the motion)

 

ADJOURNMENT:

 

MOVED by Councillor Braithwaite

Seconded by Councillor Cassidy, That the open portion of the meeting of Council be adjourned and that a closed session be convened to discuss personal information about an identifiable individual who holds or is being considered for a position as an officer, employee or agent of the Municipality or another position appointed by the Municipality.

 

CARRIED

 

The meeting adjourned at 8:34 p.m.

 

 

Certified Correct:

 

 

 

_______________________________

Municipal Clerk

 

 

_______________________________

Mayor