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, December 17, 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. Herbert

Councillor N. B. Jensen

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

 

In honour of Mayor Causton’s 20 years of service with the District of Oak Bay, first as a Councillor and then as Mayor for the past 11 years, Councillor Braithwaite, on behalf of Council, offered congratulations and thanked Mayor Causton for his dedication and hard work over the years.  Mayor Causton was presented with a gift, and he expressed his heartfelt appreciation for that and for the recognition from his colleagues.

 

The Honourable Ida Chong, Minister of Community Services and Minister Responsible for Seniors' and Women's Issues, was in attendance for the occasion and to offer congratulations to Mayor Causton on behalf of the Province of British Columbia, and to present him with a gift in honour of his 20 years on Oak Bay Municipal Council. 

 

Mayor Causton called the meeting to order at 8:50 p.m.

 

MAYOR’S REMARKS:

 

Mayor Causton welcomed everyone to the first meeting of Oak Bay’s 102nd Municipal Council.

 

Mayor Causton provided an overview of 2007, drawing attention to a few of the past year’s events that saw the labour agreements settled without work interruptions, and new fireworks regulations that contributed to the first quiet Halloween in some time. 

 

There are a number of things, said the Mayor, that have been introduced or have been improved upon over the past year which has included changes to the floor area ratio regulations, the prevention of oversized buildings on the Lansdowne Slope, the introduction of soft plastic recycling, a change in curbside recycling, and a planned upgrade to the Heritage Website to help raise the profile of both heritage and registered houses in the Community.

 

Mayor Causton noted that the joint policing contract with the District of Saanich has proven to been a successful partnership in its first full year.  

 

In 2007, the Capital Region Emergency Services Telecommunications Inc. (CREST) struggled to get the emergency services radio communications system improvements necessary, and Mayor Causton thanked Councillor Herbert for his role in helping to make it happen.

 

Estevan Village underwent improvements that have enhanced the area and the Mayor said he would like to see Estevan Village have some kind of entrance statement in the future.   

 

Oak Bay will anticipate seeing Oak Bay Beach Hotel start on its construction of the new building and Mayor Causton said he hoped to see some progress as to where the School Board is going with the Uplands School site.

 

The year saw the opening Shannon Oaks which has offered affordable housing alternatives to residents, the completion of the Monterey School renovations and changes, as well as the Oak Bay Lawn Bowling Club completed their building renovations at Carnarvon Park, he said. 

 

Mayor Causton said that in 2008 he is planning on joining the Regional Housing Trust Fund Commission to ensure Oak Bay’s position is clearly understood and that funding is linked to projects of interest to Oak Bay.

 

Mayor Causton said that some ideas he would like to see considered by Council in the New Year would be the possibility of a major covered bicycle lock-up area, the Fireman’s parking lot re-surfaced and re-lined, where people can leave their cars when they are working in the Village.  He would also like to see action taken on the subject of secondary suites and encouraging enhanced waterfront experiences for recreation use.  The Mayor noted that likely the biggest item on the agenda for 2008 will be sewers and the related infrastructure costs.

 

Mayor Causton thanked all those who serve the community on municipal committees appointed by Council, the many volunteers, organizations, service clubs, businesses and individuals who have contributed their time to make this a better community for all.  He also thanked the senior management and staff and expressed his appreciation for the customer service focus that this community offers to its residents. 

 

In closing, Mayor Causton expressed his appreciation to his colleagues who he said have allowed him the flexibility to undertake other projects on behalf of the Region and in some cases on behalf of the Province, and he wished Council, staff and the community a happy and healthy Holiday Season.

 

MINUTES OF MEETINGS:

 

Council – November 26, 2007

 

MOVED by Councillor Braithwaite

Seconded by Councillor Cassidy, That the minutes of the Council meeting held on Monday, November 26, 2007, be adopted.

 

CARRIED

 

Committee of the Whole December 10, 2007

 

MOVED by Councillor Braithwaite

Seconded by Councillor Cassidy, That the minutes of the Committee of the Whole meeting held on Monday, December 10, 2007, and the recommendations contained therein, be adopted.

 

St. Ann Street/Cranmore Road Intersection

 

Referring to the topic of the intersection at St. Ann Street and Cranmore Road, it was suggested by a member of Council that consideration be given to a round-about at this intersection in the forthcoming staff report.

 

It was noted that staff will continue on with installing oversize stop signs, improving road markings, and trimming the vegetation where required to improve sight lines at the intersection.

 

The question was then called.

 

CARRIED

 

There was consensus to amend the agenda to consider the Bylaws No. 4378, 4381, 4386 and 4390 at this point.

 

BYLAWS:

 

For Third Reading and Adoption

 

Bylaw No. 4378

 

MOVED by Councillor Herbert

Seconded by Councillor Cassidy, That Bylaw No. 4378, Heritage Revitalization Agreement Amendment Authorization Bylaw, 2007, be read a third time.

 

The Director of Building and Planning noted that the amendment to the Heritage Revitalization Agreement for 825 Foul Bay Road would increase the number of permitted suites from 5 to 6, reduce the required parking on site from 12 spaces to 8 spaces, and would require the dwelling to be sprinklered.  In response to questions, he clarified that the 12 required spaces were never delineated, and the proposed 8 spaces would reflect the parking that is already laid out on the site, with six spaces for the residents plus two guest spaces.

 

Mr. Beattie also noted that agreed upon work would require a permit which would provide the opportunity to monitor the progress and complete inspections as necessary.

 

The question was then called.

 

CARRIED

 

 

MOVED by Councillor Cassidy

Seconded by Councillor Herbert, That Bylaw No. 4378, Heritage Revitalization Agreement Amendment Authorization Bylaw, 2007, be adopted.

 

CARRIED

 

 

Bylaw No. 4381

 

MOVED by Councillor Jensen

Seconded by Councillor Braithwaite, That Bylaw No. 4381, Seventy-Fifth Zoning Bylaw Amendment Bylaw, 2007, be read a third time.

 

CARRIED

 

MOVED by Councillor Jensen

Seconded by Councillor Braithwaite, That Bylaw No. 4381, Seventy-Fifth Zoning Bylaw Amendment Bylaw, 2007, be adopted.

 

CARRIED

 

Bylaw No. 4386

 

MOVED by Councillor Braithwaite

Seconded by Councillor Jensen, That Bylaw No. 4386, Seventy-Sixth Zoning Bylaw Amendment Bylaw, 2007, be read a third time.

 

There was discussion regarding what the appropriate number of seats for the neighbourhood  deli use would be for the property located at 677 St. Patrick Street, and it was noted that the proposed Bylaw as currently written includes a 20 seat limit.

 

Responding to questions from Council, the Municipal Administrator indicated that, in his opinion, the number of seats permitted by the Bylaw could be changed post public hearing, as it is not a density issue or a change in the fundamental use of the property.

 

MOVED by Councillor Herbert

Seconded by Councillor Cassidy, That the question on the main motion be postponed until after disposing of the following motion: “That Bylaw No. 4386, as at second reading, be amended in Section 3 by striking out “20” in Paragraph (4) of the proposed new Subsection 9.8.3 of the Zoning Bylaw, and substituting “10”.

 

There was further discussion regarding the number of seats that should be permitted, and varying views and opinions were noted.  Some members of Council expressed the view that seating for 20 was supportable in that it would help work towards building community through meeting places, and that the location of the property promoted a reduction in the reliance of long automobile trips given that it is located in a residential area, contributing to reduced green house gas emissions.  Patrons, it was noted, have the ability to walk, bike, or make a short car trip to the business because of its location.  It was also acknowledged, however, that the traffic and parking concerns in the area do need to be addressed.

 

The opposing view in support of the reduced number of seats was expressed, with some members of Council noting that more patrons would add to the parking and traffic concerns that have been raised.  It was also suggested that ten seats could be approved at this time as an incremental change, and if it was desired in the future, consideration could be given to increasing the seating to 20.

 

Responding to questions regarding the BC Building Code regulations for washrooms, the Director of Building and Planning advised that above 10 seats triggers the requirement for a wheelchair accessible washroom.

 

The question was then called.

 

DEFEATED

(Mayor Causton and Councillors Braithwaite, Carson, and Jensen opposed)

 

MOVED by Councillor Carson

Seconded by Councillor Herbert, That the question on the main motion be postponed until after disposing of the following motion: “That Bylaw No. 4386, as at second reading, be amended in Section 3 by striking out “20” in Paragraph (4) of the proposed new Subsection 9.8.3 of the Zoning Bylaw, and substituting “15”.

 

The question was then called.

 

CARRIED

(Councillors Braithwaite, Cassidy and Jensen opposed)

 

The question on Third Reading of Bylaw No. 4386, as amended, was then called.

 

CARRIED

 

MOVED by Councillor Jensen

Seconded by Councillor Braithwaite, That Bylaw No. 4386, Seventy-Sixth Zoning Bylaw Amendment Bylaw, 2007, as amended, be adopted.

 

CARRIED

 

Bylaw No. 4390

 

MOVED by Councillor Herbert

Seconded by Councillor Cassidy, That Bylaw No. 4390, Seventy-Seventh Zoning Bylaw Amendment Bylaw, 2007, be read a third time.

 

CARRIED

 

MOVED by Councillor Herbert

Seconded by Councillor Cassidy, That Bylaw No. 4390, Seventy-Seventh Zoning Bylaw Amendment Bylaw, 2007, be adopted.

 

CARRIED

 

COMMUNICATIONS:

 

1.

2007-337

MUNICIPAL ADMINISTRATOR, December 4, 2007

Re 2008 Provisional Budget

 

The Municipal Administrator provided an overview of the provisional budget, which in effect, he said, is an amendment to the five-year Financial Plan.  Mr. Cochrane noted that while the Community Charter no longer requires that a provisional budget be adopted, it is a valuable tool for the municipal budgeting process. 

 

As the budget currently stands, said Mr. Cochrane, the municipal tax levy increase would be 3.7%, however, there is uncertainty with respect to some components of the budget that could affect the actual increase when the budget is considered in the spring.

 

MOVED by Councillor Braithwaite

Seconded by Councillor Cassidy, That correspondence item no. 2007-337 be received.

 

Referring to the new direction from the Province that the financial plan set out various objectives and policies of the Municipality, attention was drawn to the draft policy attached to the Municipal Administrator’s memorandum in this regard.  Mr. Cochrane confirmed that the draft policy would again be brought forward with the financial plan for consideration during budget deliberations.

 

The question was then called.

 

CARRIED

 

2.

2007-338

HABITAT ACQUISITION TRUST, November 27, 2007

Re Request for Grant

 

MOVED by Councillor Herbert

Seconded by Councillor Copley, That the grant request from the Habitat Acquisition Trust be referred to Estimates Committee.

 

CARRIED

 

3.

2007-339

AMYOTROPHIC LATERAL SCLEROSIS SOCIETY OF BC, [Undated]

Re Request to Hold Flower Day Tag Day – June 7, 2008

 

MOVED by Councillor Herbert

Seconded by Councillor Braithwaite, That approval be given to the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Society to hold a tag day on public sidewalks in Oak Bay on June 7, 2008.

 

CARRIED

 

 

 

 

4.

2007-340

PENINSULA RUNNERS ATHLETIC SOCIETY, November 26, 2007

Re Oak Bay Half Marathon – Request to Change Event Date

                       

MOVED by Councillor Herbert

Seconded by Councillor Braithwaite, That the request to change the event date of  the Oak Bay Half Marathon from May 18, 2008 to May 25, 2008, be approved, subject to all the same requirements noted in the original approval given on September 24, 2007.

 

CARRIED

5.

2007-341

DIRECTOR OF BUILDING AND PLANNING, December 4, 2007

Re Zoning Bylaw Amendment Application – 2055 Edgecliffe Place

 

The Municipal Administrator noted that an application to subdivide off a small portion of the property at 2055 Edgecliffe Place to be added to 2071 Stonehewer Place has been received.    He said that as the land proposed to be added to 2071 Stonehewer Place is zoned differently, it would have to be rezoned RS-5 to match the existing zoning of 2071 Stonehewer Place before he, as Approving Officer, would consider approving the lot line adjustment.  Mr. Cochrane explained that the small strip of land also contains services for the new Edgecliffe Place subdivision, access to which would have to be ensured through the registration of an easement.

 

MOVED by Councillor Herbert

Seconded by Councillor Carson, That staff be directed to draft a Zoning Bylaw amendment for consideration by Council following the posting of the required sign regarding the amendment on the property.

 

In response to questions, Mr. Cochrane noted that the “no vehicle access” restriction would continue to be in place on the strip of land once it is added to 2071 Stonehewer Place.

 

The question was then called.

 

CARRIED

 

6.

2007-342

DEPUTY TREASURER, December 12, 2007

Re 2008 Tender Award Recommendations

 

MOVED by Councillor Herbert

Seconded by Councillor Copley, That the 2008 tenders and contract extensions be awarded as follows:

 

PW01-2008 – Backhoe Rental Tender: 

Jaymar Contracting, based on low bid;

 

PW02-2008 – Gravel Supply Tender: 

Lehigh Northwest Materials, extension of contract;

 

PW03-2008 – Ready Mix Concrete:

Butler Brothers Supplies;

 

PW04-2008 – Tandem Truck Rental Tender: 

Lopeter Trucking Ltd., based on low bid;

 

PW05-2008 – Scrap Metal Roll-Off Tender: 

Budget Steel, extension of contract;

 

PW06-2008 – Excavator Rental Tender: 

C & F Equipment Rentals Ltd., based on low bid;

 

PW07-2008 – Hauling of Garbage and Recyclables and Supply of Roll Off Containers Tender: 

Bin Boy Services Inc., (three year) based on low bid;

 

PW08-2008 – Compost Tender:

Michells Farm Composting (three year) based on low bid.

 

as detailed in the memorandum from the Deputy Treasurer, dated December 12, 2007 (correspondence item no. 2007-342), be approved.

 

CARRIED

 

7.

2007-343

HERITAGE STEERING COMMITTEE, November 8, 2007

Re Minutes of the Meeting

 

MOVED by Councillor Jensen

Seconded by Councillor Copley, That the minutes of the Oak Bay Heritage Steering Committee meeting held on November 8, 2007 be received.

 

Attention was drawn to the section of the minutes requesting that the Heritage Steering Committee be involved in the consideration of any Heritage Revitalization Agreement applications.   In response, it was noted that while this is not a part of the Heritage Steering Committee’s mandate, it is certainly possible to keep the Committee apprised of any heritage revitalization applications that come forward for its information.

 

A member of Council remarked on the absence of any discussion on tax incentives as a way to encourage designation of heritage buildings, and restoration or renovation of older homes rather than homeowners demolishing and rebuilding homes, saying that he would like to see this come forward for further discussion.   

 

It was noted that while tax relief is one way of helping to preserve heritage buildings, another way would potentially be through permitting secondary suites.  Inasmuch as staff  will be bringing forward a report on secondary suites sometime in the new year, it was suggested that would be a good opportunity to discuss possible tax incentives as well.  

 

The question was then called.

 

CARRIED

 

 

8.

2007-344

OAK BAY VOLUNTEER SERVICES SOCIETY, December 13, 2007

Re Request for Grant

 

MOVED by Councillor Jensen

Seconded by Councillor Copley, That the grant request from the Oak Bay Volunteer Services Society be referred to Estimates Committee.

 

CARRIED

 

9.

2007-346

ZEBRA DESIGNS INC. December 17, 2007

Re Development Variance Permit – 2260 Dalhousie Street

 

MOVED by Councillor Cassidy

Seconded by Councillor Herbert, That correspondence item no. 2007-346 be received.

 

CARRIED

 

TABLED:

 

Authorization for Disposition of Property By Way of a Statutory Right of Way – Maquinna Road

 

MOVED by Councillor Herbert

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

 

“That authorization be given for the disposition of property legally described as That part of Section 46, Victoria District, shown as closed road on Plan VIP82344 by way of granting a Statutory Right of Way to BC Hydro and Power Authority and Telus Communications Inc. over the property in relation to the existing overhead lines, substantially in the form attached to the resolution printed for the purposes of the November 26, 2007 Council agenda.”

 

CARRIED

The question on the main motion was then called.

 

CARRIED

 

RESOLUTIONS:

 

Confirmation of Appointments

 

MOVED by Councillor Jensen

Seconded by Councillor Herbert, That the following appointments be confirmed:

 

Committee of the Whole

 

Finance, Regulatory, Community Service

  and Personnel Policy Section................................................... Councillor Braithwaite

Land Use Section............................................................................ Councillor Cassidy

Public Works Section...................................................................... Councillor Herbert

Recreation Section........................................................................... Councillor Carson

Emergency Planning and Fire Section............................................... Councillor Jensen

Traffic and Pedestrian Safety Section.............................................. Councillor Copley

Uplands Building Permits Subcommittee......... Councillor Cassidy, Councillor Herbert

                                                                                                   and Councillor Copley

 

Other Council Appointments

 

Acting Mayor for:

December and June.......................................................................... Councillor Jensen

                   January and July.......................................................... Councillor Cassidy

                   February and August.................................................... Councillor Herbert

                   March and September.................................................... Councillor Carson

                   April and October......................................................... Councillor Copley

                   May and November................................................ Councillor Braithwaite

Capital Regional District ..................... Mayor Causton (Alternate: Councillor Carson)

Capital Regional District Arts Committee......................................... Councillor Copley

Community Initiatives Committee............. Councillor Herbert (Chair),Mayor Causton,

                                                                                                        and Councillor Braithwaite

Climate Change Task Force.................................... Mayor Causton, Councillor Carson

and Councillor Jensen

Camosun College Liaison............................................................... Councillor Cassidy

CREST Corporation......................................................................... Councillor Herbert

Emergency Planning Liaison............................................................. Councillor Jensen

Greater Victoria Labour Relations Association..................................... Mayor Causton

                   ................................................................... (Alternate Councillor Herbert)

Greater Victoria Public Library Board.............................................. Councillor Copley

Oak Bay Child and Youth Committee....................................... Councillor Braithwaite

Oak Bay Heritage Steering Committee.................................................. Mayor Causton

Oak Bay Heritage Foundation.............................................................. Mayor Causton

Parcel Tax Roll Review Panel Mayor Causton, Councillor Carson and Councillor Cassidy

Oak Bay Merchants Liaison............................................................ Councillor Herbert

Oak Bay Parks and Recreation Commission Liaison........................ Councillor Carson

                   ............................................................. (Alternate Councillor Braithwaite)

2010 Olympics Liaison.................................................................... Councillor Carson

Oak Bay Police Board....................................................... Mayor Causton (ex officio)

Oak Bay Tourism Committee Liaison.............................................. Councillor Herbert

Provincial Capital Commission....................................................... Councillor Cassidy

Provincial Court—Family Court Committee.............................. Councillor Braithwaite

Receptions and Public Information............ Councillor Braithwaite and Mayor Causton

Regional Housing Trust Fund Commission Mayor Causton (Alternate: Councillor Copley)

Regional Water Supply Commission Councillor Jensen (Alternate: Councillor Copley)

Royal and McPherson Theatres Society........................................... Councillor Herbert

School District 61 Liaison................................................................. Councillor Jensen

University of Victoria Liaison.......................................................... Councillor Carson

 

 

 

 

 

Citizen Volunteer Appointments

 

Heritage Advisory Panel:

§      John Bodnar

§      Richard Collier

§      Don Reksten

§      Carl Peterson

§      Monica Walter

 

Heritage Foundation:

§      John Harker

§      Jane Neilsen

§      Don Reksten

§      Stephanie Sainas

§      Jean Sparks (Volunteer Archivist)

§      Bronwyn Taylor

§      Christopher Watts

 

Heritage Steering Committee:

§      John Harker