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, May 14, 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

Councillor N. B. Jensen

STAFF:

Municipal Administrator, W. E. Cochrane

Municipal Clerk, L. Hilton

Confidential Secretary, K. Green

Municipal Treasurer, P. A. Walker

Director of Engineering Services, D. Marshall

 

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

 

INTRODUCTION OF THE FIRE CHIEF:

 

Mayor Causton introduced Gerry Adam as Oak Bay’s new Fire Chief, drawing attention to his community support, dedication and his exemplary skills that have been and will continue to be appreciated by Council and the community.  Mayor Causton then presented Fire Chief Adam with his badge.

 

Fire Chief Adam expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to serve the community and complimented the Fire Department on its continued excellent service and dedication to the community as a whole.

 

MINUTES OF MEETINGS:

 

Council – April 23, 2007

 

MOVED by Councillor Herbert

Seconded by Councillor Copley, That the minutes of the Council meeting held on Monday, April 23, 2007, be adopted.

 

CARRIED

 

Special Council – May 7, 2007

 

MOVED by Councillor Herbert

Seconded by Councillor Cassidy, That the minutes of the meeting of Special Council meeting held on Monday May 7, 2007, be adopted.

 

CARRIED

 

 

Committee of the Whole May 7, 2007

 

MOVED by Councillor Jensen

Seconded by Councillor Herbert, That the minutes of the Committee of the Whole meeting held on Monday, May 7, 2007, and the recommendations contained therein, be adopted. 

 

A member of Council commented that the Friends of Bowker Creek Society mentioned its concern regarding clearing along Bowker Creek and she suggested that, where possible, interested parties be apprised of work being carried out by Municipal staff along the creek.

 

The question was then called.

 

CARRIED

 

COMMUNICATIONS:

 

1.

2007-148

KRIS DARTNELL, April 26, 2007

Re Request for Street Closure for Block Party on Yale Street – August 26, 2007

 

MOVED by Councillor Jensen

Seconded by Councillor Braithwaite, That permission be given for the closure of Yale Street between the north side of Theatre Lane and the north end of Yale Street on Sunday, August 26, 2007, from 4:00 o’clock p.m. to 9:00 o’clock p.m., for the purpose of a neighbourhood block party.

 

CARRIED

 

2.

2007-149

ANNA ROCHFORT, April 28, 2007

Re Request for Street Closure for Block Party on Byron Street – July 1, 2007

 

MOVED by Councillor Braithwaite

Seconded by Councillor Cassidy, That permission be given for the closure of Byron Street between Elgin Road and Foul Bay Road on Sunday, July 1, 2007, from 1 o’clock p.m. to 5 o’clock p.m., for the purpose of a neighbourhood block party.

 

CARRIED

 

3.

2007-150

2007-150-1

COOK ROBERTS LAWYERS, May 8, 2007

MUNICIPAL ADMINISTRATOR, May 9, 2007

Re Tree Height Dispute – 3045 Beach Drive and 3150 Tarn Place

 

The Municipal Administrator advised Council that he spoke earlier to the lawyer representing the owners of 3045 Beach Drive, regarding his memorandum attached to the agenda.

 

Referring to his memorandum, Mr. Cochrane provided a brief history of the development of the Screens and Fences Bylaw, noting that there were terms included in the Bylaw that were not actually used in the regulatory sections of the Bylaw because it was anticipated screenings for parking areas would be addressed in a forthcoming Bylaw relating to parking facilities.   The Parking Facilities Bylaw was adopted shortly after the Screens and Fences Bylaw, Mr. Cochrane explained, and the intent behind the inclusion of the landscape screening definitions in that bylaw was not to control the height of landscaping, but to facilitate a requirement for the planting of landscape screens to separate different types of uses, i.e. outdoor storage, commercial/industrial, or waste disposal for instance.

 

Responding to questions from Council, Mr. Cochrane said that in his opinion the current Screens and Fences Bylaw does not regulate the height of plantings, therefore there are no enforcement issues.  However, as pointed out by the letter from Cook Roberts Lawyers, Council would have the authority to regulate the height of hedges in the Uplands through an amendment to the Uplands Regulations Bylaw.  It was noted that Council does not exercise that authority at present, and that it would cause a tremendous enforcement challenge to regulate hedge height effectively.  

 

Following discussion, members of Council conveyed that there was no desire to enter into a regulatory or enforcement role regarding hedge height on private property.

 

MOVED by Councillor Herbert

Seconded by Councillor Braithwaite, That correspondence items no. 2007-150 and 2007-150-1 be received.

 

CARRIED

 

4.

2007-151

ASSOCIATION OF VANCOUVER ISLAND AND COASTAL COMMUNITIES, [Undated]

Re 2007 Membership Dues

 

MOVED by Councillor Herbert

Seconded by Councillor Braithwaite, That payment of the 2007 Association of Vancouver Island and Coastal Communities membership dues in the amount of $1,625.31 be approved.

 

CARRIED

 

5.

2007-152

2007-152-1

OAK BAY HERITAGE STEERING COMMITTEE, March 8, 2007

OAK BAY HERITAGE STEERING COMMITTEE, April 12, 2007

Re Minutes of Meeting

 

MOVED by Councillor Jensen

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

 

CARRIED

 

MOVED by Councillor Braithwaite

Seconded by Councillor Copley, That the minutes of the Oak Bay Heritage Steering Committee meeting held on April 12, 2007 be received.

 

CARRIED

 

 

MOVED by Councillor Jensen

Seconded by Councillor Herbert, That permission be given to erect a marker on the boulevard adjacent to 2176 Windsor Road signifying the original St Michael’s University School located at Roslyn Road and Windsor Road.

 

It was noted that the Police Department may be required to control traffic and/or close a portion of the road in relation to the unveiling ceremony to be held June 11, 2007.

 

The question was then called.

 

CARRIED

 

6.

2007-153

MUNICIPAL ADMINISTRATOR

Re Withholding of Permits in Conflict with Bylaw Under Preparation

 

The Municipal Administrator acknowledged that Council currently has a Bylaw under preparation regarding floor area ratio, which would limit the developable space for RS-4 and RS-5 zones below what is currently allowed in many cases. 

 

Mr. Cochrane explained that the Director of Building and Planning is preparing a report from the Floor Area Ratio Committee to bring forward to Committee of the Whole at its next meeting.  The report is meant to apprise Council of recommended changes to the Bylaw from the Floor Area Ratio Review Committee following its public meeting held April 24th.  Mr. Cochrane said that should the recommendations be accepted or the Bylaw be supported as it stands, it would be possible to bring the Zoning Bylaw amendment as at second reading to the next meeting of Council to amend it, if desired, and to possibly set a Public Hearing date of June 11th.  Adoption of the Bylaw, should it be supported by Council, could be considered at the Council meeting following the Public Hearing. 

 

During this timeline, he said, any pending developments that might conflict with the draft bylaw could be held for a period of 30 days from the date of application under Section 929 of the Local Government Act, although this provision has not before been used by the Municipality and has rarely been used by any other local governments, the reasons for which are explained in his memorandum.

 

In light of concerns raised recently regarding development on the Lansdowne slope and subsequent pending developments in that area, it has become evident, said Mr. Cochrane, that Council direction should be sought as to whether or not it wishes the Building Department to provide the opportunity to Council to exercise its permit withholding authority by bringing forward applications that would conflict with the Bylaw under preparation for Council’s consideration.  Mr. Cochrane went on to note that there are other permit applications, at varying stages, that are scattered through the Municipality that would conflict with the new limits set out in the proposed bylaw amendment as well.  

 

Mr. Cochrane noted that should Council direct that a permit be withheld, it must during the initial 30 day period consider the application, and may direct that the permit be withheld for a further 60 days.  However, Mr. Cochrane said that should the additional 60 day period be applied, it is not risk free, and the owner is entitled to compensation for damages or loss due to the permit being withheld.

 

 

Following further discussion, it was the consensus of Council that applications in conflict with the Bylaw under preparation should be reviewed by Council.

 

MOVED by Councillor Herbert

Seconded by Councillor Braithwaite, That staff be directed to bring forward for consideration by Council pursuant to Section 929 of the Local Government Act all permit applications which contemplate a development that would conflict with the floor area limits set out in draft Bylaw No. 4335.

 

CARRIED

 

RESOLUTIONS:

 

Development Variance Permit Application – 3045 Uplands Road

 

Councillor Cassidy advised that he would be unable to participate in the discussion of the Uplands building permit and development variance permit application at 3045 Uplands Road inasmuch as he has a business relationship with a member of the applicant’s family.  Councillor Cassidy left the meeting at 8:13 p.m. 

 

Councillor Carson indicated that he would be unable to participate in the discussion of the Uplands building permit and development variance permit application at 3045 Uplands Road due to a client of his being involved in a business transaction with the applicants.   Councillor Carson left the meeting at 8:13 p.m.

 

MOVED by Councillor Jensen

Seconded by Councillor Copley, That the Director of Building and Planning be authorized to issue a Development Variance Permit with respect to 3045 Uplands Road (Lot 2, Section 31, Victoria District, Plan 5615), varying the following provisions of Bylaw No. 3531, Zoning Bylaw, 1986, to permit renovations to the single family dwelling in accordance with the plans considered by Committee of the Whole on May 7, 2007 and Council on May 14, 2007:

 

Bylaw Section

Required

Requested

Variance

 

 

 

 

6.2.4(2)(c) & Schedule “C”

Minimum Interior Side Lot Line Setback

 

3.96 m

 

2.99 m

 

0.97 m

 

 

 

 

6.2.4(2)(e) & Schedule “C”

Minimum Total of Side Lot Line Setbacks

 

9.75 m

 

6.58 m

 

3.17 m  

 

MOVED by Councillor Jensen

Seconded by Councillor Copley, That the resolution in respect to the Development Variance Permit for 3045 Uplands Road be tabled to enable notice to be given in accordance with the Local Government Act.

 

CARRIED

 

Councillors Carson and Cassidy returned to the meeting at 8:14 p.m.

 

Development Variance Permit Application – 3355 Weald Road

 

MOVED by Councillor Herbert

Seconded by Councillor Braithwaite, That the Director of Building and Planning be authorized to issue a Development Variance Permit with respect to 3355 Weald Road (Lot 12, Block A, Section 31, Victoria District, Plan 3504), varying the following provision of Bylaw No. 3531, Zoning Bylaw, 1986, to permit renovations to the single family dwelling in accordance with the plans considered by Committee of the Whole on May 7, 2007:

 

Bylaw Section

Required

Requested

Variance

6.2.4.(7) A clear space of 3 m shall be provided between buildings and structures

3 metres

1.62 metres

1.38 metres        

 

MOVED by Councillor Herbert

Seconded by Councillor Braithwaite, That the resolution in respect to the Development Variance Permit for 3355 Weald Road be tabled to enable notice to be given in accordance with the Local Government Act.

 

CARRIED

 

Summertime Meeting Schedule

 

MOVED by Councillor Braithwaite

Seconded by Councillor Cassidy, That Council’s regular meeting schedule be suspended for the months of July and August 2007, and that the following schedule be substituted:

 

July 2007

Committee of the Whole                      July 16, 2007 @ 7:30 p.m.

Council                                                July 23, 2007 @ 7:30 p.m.

 

August 2007

Committee of the Whole                      August 13, 2007 @ 7:30 p.m.

Council                                                August 20, 2007 @ 7:30 p.m.

 

CARRIED

 

Destruction of Obsolete Municipal Records

 

MOVED by Councillor Jensen

Seconded by Councillor Braithwaite, That the Municipal Clerk be authorized to destroy the obsolete Municipal Records as listed on the sheets attached to the agenda and referenced as Documents Scheduled for Destruction – May 14, 2007.

 

CARRIED

 

 

 

 

 

BYLAWS:

 

For Adoption

 

Bylaw No. 4354

 

MOVED by Councillor Jensen

Seconded by Councillor Braithwaite, That Bylaw No. 4354, Administrative Procedures Bylaw Amendment Bylaw No. 2, 2007, be adopted.

 

CARRIED

 

Bylaw No. 4364

 

MOVED by Councillor Jensen

Seconded by Councillor Braithwaite, That Bylaw No. 4364, Sewer User Charge Bylaw Amendment Bylaw No. 2, 2007, be adopted.

 

CARRIED

(Councillor Cassidy and Councillor Herbert against the motion)

 

For First and Second Reading (and/or setting of a public hearing date):

 

Bylaw No. 4365

 

MOVED by Councillor Cassidy

Seconded by Councillor Copley, That Bylaw No. 4365, Seventy-First Zoning Bylaw Amendment Bylaw, 2007, be introduced and read a first time.

 

CARRIED

 

MOVED by Councillor Cassidy

Seconded by Councillor Copley, That Bylaw No. 4365, Seventy-First Zoning Bylaw Amendment Bylaw, 2007, be read a second time.

 

CARRIED

 

Bylaw No. 4366

 

MOVED by Councillor Jensen

Seconded by Councillor Braithwaite, That Bylaw No. 4366, Seventy-Second Zoning Bylaw Amendment Bylaw, 2007 be introduced and read a first time.

 

CARRIED

MOVED by Councillor Jensen

Seconded by Councillor Braithwaite, That Bylaw No. 4366, Seventy-Second Zoning Bylaw Amendment Bylaw, 2007, be read a second time.

 

CARRIED

 

Bylaw No. 4367

 

MOVED by Councillor Herbert

Seconded by Councillor Carson, That Bylaw No. 4367, Seventy-Third Zoning Bylaw Amendment Bylaw, 2007, be introduced and read a first time.

 

CARRIED

MOVED by Councillor Herbert

Seconded by Councillor Carson, That Bylaw No. 4367, Seventy-Third Zoning Bylaw Amendment Bylaw, 2007, be read a second time.

 

CARRIED

 

MOVED by Councillor Jensen

Seconded by Councillor Braithwaite, That a public hearing on Bylaws No. 4348, 4365, 4366, and 4367 be held in the Council Chambers, Oak Bay Municipal Hall, 2167 Oak Bay Avenue at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, June 11, 2007, and that notice be given in accordance with the Local Government Act.

 

CARRIED

 

For First, Second and Third Reading:

 

Bylaw No. 4369

 

MOVED by Councillor Copley

Seconded by Councillor Herbert, That Bylaw No. 4369, Animal Control Bylaw Amendment Bylaw, 2007, be introduced and read a first time.

 

CARRIED

 

MOVED by Councillor Copley

Seconded by Councillor Herbert, That Bylaw No. 4369, Animal Control Bylaw Amendment Bylaw, 2007, be read a second time.

 

CARRIED

 

MOVED by Councillor Copley

Seconded by Councillor Herbert, That Bylaw No. 4369, Animal Control Bylaw Amendment Bylaw, 2007, be read a third time.

 

CARRIED

 

Bylaw No. 4370

 

MOVED by Councillor Herbert

Seconded by Councillor Jensen, That Bylaw No. 4370, Ticket Information Utilization Bylaw Amendment Bylaw No. 3, 2007, be introduced and read a first time.

 

CARRIED

 

MOVED by Councillor Herbert

Seconded by Councillor Jensen, That Bylaw No. 4370, Ticket Information Utilization Bylaw Amendment Bylaw No. 3, 2007, be read a second time.

 

CARRIED

 

MOVED by Councillor Herbert

Seconded by Councillor Jensen, That Bylaw No. 4370, Ticket Information Utilization Bylaw Amendment Bylaw No. 3, 2007, be read a third time.

 

CARRIED

 

ADJOURNMENT:

 

MOVED by Councillor Cassidy

Seconded by Councillor Braithwaite, That the meeting of Council be adjourned

 

CARRIED

 

The meeting adjourned at 8:21 p.m.

 

 

Certified Correct:

 

 

 

_______________________________

Municipal Clerk

 

 

_______________________________

Mayor