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 Tuesday, November 14, 2006.

 

 

PRESENT:

Mayor C. M. Causton, Chairman

Councillor H. Braithwaite

Councillor S. F. B. Carson

Councillor A. R. Cassidy

Councillor P. Copley

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. 

 

 

MINUTES OF MEETING:

 

Council – October 30, 2006

 

MOVED by Councillor Cassidy

Seconded by Councillor Braithwaite, That the minutes of the Council meeting held on Monday October 30, 2006, be adopted.

 

Mayor Causton advised that the Capital Regional District has deferred making a decision on funding proposed projects, such as cycling lanes in Oak Bay, which have been submitted for consideration in relation to the CRD’s Travel Choices Plan which receives funding from the Gas Tax Program.  The Board, said Mayor Causton, will further the review the requests in December and decide whether or not more of the funding should be directed towards public transportation instead.

 

The question was then called.

 

CARRIED

 

 

Committee of the Whole – November 6, 2006

 

MOVED by Councillor Cassidy

Seconded by Councillor Copley, That the minutes of the Committee of the Whole meeting held on Monday, November 6, 2006, and the recommendations contained therein, be adopted.

 

CARRIED

 

 

 

COMMUNICATIONS:

 

1.

2006-374

 

MANAGER OF RECREATION PROGRAMS SERVICES, November 10, 2006

Re Resolution for Regional Active Communities Initiative

 

(Lorna Curtis, Manager of Recreation Program Services in attendance for this item)

 

Ms. Curtis gave an overview of the Greater Victoria Active Communities Committee, comprised of various local governments and agencies, that is in the process of launching a regional initiative with programs designed to motivate individuals toward a healthier and more active lifestyle.  Rather than each jurisdiction embarking on its own programs and to avoid duplication, the communities and organizations of the committee, with Oak Bay as the lead local government, have been working on two regional initiatives: ‘Greater Victoria Eats Well and Gets Moving’ and ‘Highway to Health’ , a web-based activity tracker, as described in Ms. Curtis’ memorandum. 

 

The Greater Victoria Active Communities Committee has received notification from the Union of British Columbia Municipalities that its initiative has been approved in principle, and that the final proposal requires a resolution from the Council of the lead local government (Oak Bay) indicating its support and commitment to the initiative, said Ms. Curtis. 

 

MOVED by Councillor Braithwaite

Seconded by Councillor Cassidy, That, as the lead local government for the Greater Victoria Active Communities Committee project proposal under the Province of British Columbia’s Active Communities Initiative, Oak Bay Municipal Council is committed to supporting and participating in the Greater Victoria Eats Well and Gets Moving and Highway to Health Initiative.

 

CARRIED

 

2.

2006-375

2006-375-1

2006-375-2

BRYAN AND SHARON GATES, October 18, 2006

MUNICIPAL CLERK, November 7, 2006

MUNICIPAL ARBORIST, October 23, 2006

Re Tree Protection Bylaw – Application for Reconsideration of Permit Refusal    3085 Uplands Road

 

Bryan Gates, 3085 Uplands Road, speaking to his letter requesting Council reconsideration of the Municipal Arborist’s refusal to issue a tree removal permit, said that although he appreciates the professional decision of the Municipal Arborist denying removal of the Cedrus deodora tree, he is concerned that the tree leans towards his house and feels it is unsafe.  Mr. Gates indicated that, as a professional Biologist, he is in support of the Tree Protection Bylaw and that in the 33 years at this address he has planted a total of 57 trees. 

 

In response to a question from a member of Council, Mr. Gates said he did not seek an independent Arborist’s assessment of the tree.  He went on to note that the Cedrus deodora in not a native tree to the area, and it is known to be a ‘dirty’ tree that sheds year around, however, it is his fear that the tree is unsafe which motivated his request to Council.  Mr. Gates further noted that although it is not a requirement, he would be willing to plant a Garry Oak tree or two on his property at a location further away from the house.

 

There was discussion regarding the application and it was the view of Council that the tree did lean significantly and could be a safety hazard.

 

MOVED by Councillor Cassidy

Seconded by Councillor, Carson, That a permit for the removal of the protected Cedrus deodora tree, located on private property adjacent to the house at 3085 Uplands Road, be authorized in order to eliminate a hazard caused by the tree which is severely leaning and in danger of falling, as permitted under Section 6(1) of the Tree Protection Bylaw.

 

CARRIED

 

 

3.

2006-376

JIM KIRK, November 6, 2006

Re Frequency of Oak Bay Avenue and Hampshire Road Closures

 

Attention was drawn to Mr. Kirk’s letter which notes an increasing number of Oak Bay Avenue and Hampshire Road closures and the effect they have on the merchants and residents in the Village. In particular, Mr. Kirk’s letter raised concerns with respect to insufficient notification of upcoming events, temporary no parking signs being erected too far in advance of events, and the appearance that some of the events do not necessarily attract more people to the Avenue, but  discourage access to businesses.

 

There was discussion regarding Mr. Kirk’s concerns, and members of Council agreed that many aspects of the street closures that are associated with special events could be streamlined.  It was further suggested that as many of the noted closures are for Oak Bay Business Improvement Association (BIA) events, it may be useful for the BIA to discuss Mr. Kirk’s concerns directly with him.  In this regard it was felt that Councillor Herbert, as Council liaison to the BIA, could bring Mr. Kirk’s letter to the BIA’s attention.

 

The Municipal Administrator noted that staff, along with the BIA, have been aware of some of the issues surrounding the events and steps are being taken to ensure that improvements to address the signage issues are put into action for the upcoming December festivities.   

 

MOVED by Councillor Braithwaite

Seconded by Councillor Copley, That correspondence item no. 2006-376 be received.

 

CARRIED

 

 

4.

2006-377

 

OAK BAY BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION, November 8, 2006

Re Request for Approval of Plans for Oak Bay Christmas Festival

 

Members of Council reviewed the Oak Bay Business Improvement Association’s proposed activities planned for the Sixth Annual Oak Bay Christmas Festival as outlined in correspondence item no. 2006-377.

 

Heather Leary,  on behalf of Oak Bay Business Improvement Association, was in attendance to answer questions regarding the various events.   The introduction of a fire show this year was noted and Ms. Leary advised that appropriate safety precautions will be taken.  She further noted that a fire management plan would be forwarded to the Fire Chief for approval, as is required by the Municipality.

 

 

MOVED by Councillor Cassidy

Seconded by Councillor Braithwaite, That the closure of Oak Bay Avenue and Hampshire Road, the occupancy of the closed roads and the front lawn of the Municipal Hall and the various events planned, including the sales of goods and services pursuant to the requirements of the Streets and Traffic Bylaw, in relation to the Oak Bay Business Improvement Association Christmas Festival, as laid out in correspondence item no. 2006-377, be approved subject to the Oak Bay Business Improvement Association:

 

1)         indemnifying the Municipality against any liability arising from the staging of the events and providing evidence of adequate insurance to cover this indemnification;

 

3)         obtaining approval  of a traffic management plan by the Chief Constable for the District of Oak Bay that safely accommodates diverted vehicular and pedestrian traffic;

 

3)         assuming all responsibility for any and all extraordinary costs incurred by the Municipality in connection with the event; and

 

4)         with respect to the request for approval of a Fire Show, obtaining approval from the Fire Chief for the District of Oak Bay of a  plan for the management, containment, size and location of the fire that ensures the safety of persons and property.

 

In response to a question from a member of Council, Ms. Leary said the uncertain date (December 8th or 15th) for the ‘Snow in Oak Bay’ is tentatively scheduled as the Oak Bay Business Improvement Association is awaiting confirmation of sponsorship.

 

The question was then called.

 

CARRIED

 

MOVED by Councillor Cassidy

Seconded by Councillor Braithwaite, That approval be given for the payment of staff overtime costs for the Business Improvement Association’s Christmas light up event on November 26, 2006.

 

CARRIED

 

5.

2006-378

2006-351

2006-351-1

 

DIRECTOR OF ENGINEERING SERVICES, November 10, 2006

VICTORIA GOLF CLUB, September 28, 2006

DIRECTOR OF ENGINEERING SERVICES, [Undated]

Re Request to Remove Parking Bay and Relocate Sidewalk on a Portion of Beach Drive

 

Mayor Causton indicated a conflict, noting that he could not participate in the discussion of the letter from the Victoria Golf Club because he is a member of the Club.  He left the meeting at 8:20 p.m.

 

Acting Mayor Braithwaite assumed the Chair.

 

 

 

It was noted that at its October 10, 2006 meeting, Council requested that the Engineering staff prepare an estimate for the removal of the parking bay along hole number three of the Victoria Golf Club, reinstatement of the boulevard, relocation of the sidewalk to the west side of Beach Drive and installation of the associated crosswalks.

 

The Director of Engineering Services advised that the reason for the Club’s proposed changes in the vicinity of that hole is to minimize the risk to pedestrians and cars along that section of Beach Drive from errant golf balls. 

 

A member of Council drew attention to the proposed crosswalks along Beach Drive, saying that the necessity of crossing the street, in order to access a sidewalk on the west side of Beach Drive, may pose a risk to pedestrians.   

 

It was pointed out that the responsibility for addressing the issues outlined by the Club lies with the Club as property owner.  However, it was noted the Engineering Department was requested to prepare the estimates for the proposal work, and that these estimates should be forwarded to the Victoria Golf Club for its consideration.

 

MOVED by Councillor Carson

Seconded by Councillor Cassidy, That the Engineering Department cost estimates for possible changes to the parking bay and sidewalks along a portion of Beach Drive be forwarded to the Victoria Golf Club for its consideration.

 

CARRIED

 

It was noted that any changes to the portion of Beach Drive as discussed would need Council approval.

 

Mayor Causton returned to the meeting at 8:28 p.m., and assumed the Chair.

 

 

6.

2006-379

ROBERT MEEHAN, October 27, 2006

Re Animal Control Bylaw

 

Attention was drawn to the letter from Robert Meehan requesting that Oak Bay’s Bylaws be changed to make having a cat at large a ticketable offence.

 

It was noted that the new three year contract with Victoria Animal Control Services Ltd. (VACS) commences January 1, 2007.  It was suggested that staff invite Mr. Ian Fraser of VACS to attend the next Committee of the Whole meeting to address questions with respect to Mr. Meehan’s letter regarding cats at large.

 

MOVED by Councillor Cassidy

Seconded by Councillor Copley, That correspondence item no. 2006-379 be deferred to the next meeting of Committee of the Whole.

 

CARRIED

 

 

 

 

7.

2006-380

CRYSTAL METH VICTORIA SOCIETY, October 23, 2006

Re Resolution for Federation of Canadian Municipalities

 

It was noted that at the Council meeting of October 30, 2006, staff had been requested to place the Crystal Meth Victoria Society’s previously distributed proposed resolution to the Federation of Canadian Municipalities urging federal assistance in combating the crystal meth crisis, on an agenda for formal consideration by Council. 

 

In reviewing the resolution, it was felt that some sections did not necessarily reflect Oak Bay’s issues regarding crystal meth and that Council was not familiar enough with all the information contained in the proposed resolution to adopt it as written.  Therefore, it was suggested that as the Mayor is familiar with the crystal meth issues experienced in the region, he send a letter to the Federation of Canadian Municipalities indicating Oak Bay’s support of the FCM urging the federal government to act upon the crystal meth issue with a national program and policy.

 

MOVED by Councillor Braithwaite

Seconded by Councillor Cassidy, That a letter be sent to the Federation of Canadian Municipalities to indicate the District of Oak Bay’s support of Crystal Meth Victoria Society’s proposed strategy to address the crystal meth crisis in Greater Victoria.

 

CARRIED

 

 

8.

2006-381

2006-381-1

2006-381-2

2006-381-3

2006-381-4

2006-381-5

2006-381-6

2006-381-7

BRUCE FILAN, November 1, 2006

SEAN KANE, November 1, 2006

MARGO FARR, November 2, 2006

STAN OLSEN, November 5, 2006

JOAN PEGGS, November 7, 2006

SIBYLLE ARTZ, November 7, 2006

NICK REDDING, November 7, 2006

FIRE CHIEF, October 2, 2006

Re Regulation of Fireworks in Oak Bay

 

Mayor Causton noted that he has requested that a Police Department report regarding the use of fireworks in Oak Bay be brought forward for discussion at the Oak Bay Police Board meeting to be held November 21, 2006.  He suggested that Council defer its discussion relating to the regulation of fireworks in Oak Bay until after the Police Board has had the opportunity to review the department’s report.

 

Attention was drawn to several undesirable incidents involving the use of fireworks on public property over the years, and support for consideration of banning fireworks in Oak Bay was noted by some members of Council.   As the Municipality cannot control the sale of fireworks in neighbouring communities, it was suggested by Mayor Causton that consideration be given to a regional response to the issues surrounding fireworks, and furthermore, that the Provincial Fire Commissioner be requested to assist in addressing the issue on a provincial level.

 

There was consensus to defer making a decision with respect to fireworks regulations until after the Police Board has considered the report expected from the Police Department. 

 

It was expressed by a number of members of Council that special events, where controlled use of fireworks has been a part of a community celebration, should be permitted and that further discussion in that regard is required.

 

MOVED by Councillor Cassidy

Seconded by Councillor Braithwaite, That the issue of regulation of fireworks in Oak Bay be referred to the Police Board for a recommendation to Council.   

 

Members of Council reiterated the importance of having this item dealt with and it was agreed to put it back on the agenda within the next three months. 

 

The question was then called.

 

CARRIED

 

 

9.

2006-382

 

GREATER VICTORIA PUBLIC LIBRARY, October 31, 2006

Re 2007 Provisional Operating Budget

 

As the municipal representative for the Greater Victoria Public Library Board, Councillor Copley said that following the 2007 budget presentation to be held November 21, 2006, she would be pleased to answer any questions from Council with respect to the GVPL provisional budget.

 

MOVED by Councillor Copley

Seconded by Councillor Braithwaite, That the Greater Victoria Public Library provisional operating budget for 2007 be received.

 

CARRIED

 

 

10.

2006-383

2006-383-1

MARK STUART, October 24, 2006

LUCIE STUART, October 24, 2006

Re Proposed Purchase of Part of Maquinna Road Right of Way

 

MOVED by Councillor Braithwaite

Seconded by Councillor Cassidy, That correspondence item no. 2006-383 and 2006-383-1 be received.   

 

CARRIED

 

 

11.

2006-384

LYNN AND PETER HALL, November 14, 2006

Re Floor Area Regulations

 

MOVED by Councillor Carson

Seconded by Councillor Braithwaite, That correspondence item no. 2006-384 be received.

 

CARRIED

 

 

 

NEW BUSINESS/REPORTS FROM OTHER COMMITTEES:

 

Remembrance Day Ceremony

 

Councillor Cassidy noted how good it was to see the youth participating in the November 11th Ceremony.  He also thanked the News Group and Times Colonist for the particularly well done articles pertaining to Remembrance Day this year.

 

Mayor Causton said the well attended Remembrance Day service was nicely conducted and that the addition of the new sound system, the chairs, and the portable toilets were very well received.  He also commended Stewart Monumental on an excellent job in restoring the cenotaph.

 

RESOLUTIONS:

 

Development Variance Permit – 975 Beach Drive

 

MOVED by Councillor Carson

Seconded by Councillor Cassidy, That the Director of Building and Planning be authorized to issue a Development Variance Permit in respect to Lot 7, Section 73, Victoria District, Plan 3310 (975 Beach Drive) that will vary section 4.15.1 of the Zoning Bylaw, 1986, as amended, to permit the siting of a paved surface which will cover 46.7% of the front yard, in accordance with the plans considered by Committee of the Whole on November 6, 2006.

 

MOVED by Councillor Carson

Seconded by Councillor Cassidy, That the resolution in respect to the Development Variance Permit for 975 Beach Drive be tabled to enable notice to be given in accordance with the Local Government Act.

CARRIED

 

 

BYLAWS:

 

For First, Second and Third Reading

 

Bylaw No. 4333

 

MOVED by Councillor Braithwaite

Seconded by Councillor Copley, That, Bylaw No. 4333, Public Sewer Bylaw Amendment Bylaw, 2006, be introduced and read a first time.

CARRIED

 

MOVED by Councillor Braithwaite

Seconded by Councillor Cassidy, That, Bylaw No. 4333, Public Sewer Bylaw Amendment Bylaw, 2006, be read a second time.

 

Responding to questions regarding how many properties in the test areas in south Oak Bay, where the inflow and infiltration project is being undertaken, would be affected by Bylaw No. 4333, which would eliminate the exception to the rule that permits some residential storm laterals to connect to the sewer, the Director of Engineering Services noted that he would guess around six properties.  Further information with respect to the number of properties affected would be available once dye testing has been completed, he said.

Concerns were raised by some members of Council with respect to the costs that owners would have to pay to remedy stormwater-to-sanitary sewer cross connections and the time frame within which the required work would have to be completed, as laid out in the Bylaw.  It was suggested that consideration should be given to subsidizing the costs to homeowners by waiving the connection fee of $2,400.

 

It was pointed out that the Bylaw applies to the whole Municipality, and not just the test area in south Oak Bay, which should be kept in mind in terms of budget implications if consideration was given to waiving any part of the fees. 

 

Responding to questions, the Municipal Administrator advised that should second reading be given, possible changes to the bylaw that would incorporate a waiver for the new connection fee as well as increase the time frame for owners to remedy the cross connection could be brought forward for consideration at the next meeting of Council, and the bylaw could be amended as at second reading.  

 

The question was then called.

 

CARRIED

 

There was consensus that possible changes to the bylaw as noted previously should be brought forward by staff at the next meeting of Council for consideration.

 

Bylaw No. 4334

 

MOVED by Councillor Carson

Seconded by Councillor Braithwaite, That Bylaw No. 4334, Maquinna Road Stopping Up, Closing and Removing of Highway Dedication Bylaw, 2006, be introduced and read a first time.

 

CARRIED

 

MOVED by Councillor Carson

Seconded by Councillor Braithwaite, That Bylaw No. 4334, Maquinna Road Stopping Up, Closing and Removing of Highway Dedication Bylaw, 2006, be read a second time.

 

CARRIED

 

MOVED by Councillor Carson

Seconded by Councillor Braithwaite, That Bylaw No. 4334, Maquinna Road Stopping Up, Closing and Removing of Highway Dedication Bylaw, 2006, be read a third time.

 

CARRIED

 

For First and Second Reading and Setting of Public Hearing Date

 

 

MOVED by Councillor Cassidy

Seconded by Councillor Carson, That Bylaw No. 4335, Seventieth Zoning Bylaw Amendment Bylaw, 2006, be introduced and read a first time.

 

CARRIED

 

MOVED by Councillor Cassidy

Seconded by Councillor Copley, That Bylaw No. 4335, Seventieth Zoning Bylaw Amendment Bylaw, 2006, be read a second time.

CARRIED

 

MOVED by Councillor Cassidy

Seconded by Councillor Copley, That a public hearing on Bylaw No. 4335 be held at the Oak Bay Municipal Hall, on December 11, 2006 at 7:30 p.m. and that notice be given in accordance with the Local Government Act.

 

CARRIED

 

ADJOURNMENT:

 

MOVED by Councillor Braithwaite

Seconded by Councillor Copley, That the meeting of Council be adjourned.

 

CARRIED

 

The meeting adjourned at 9:20 p.m.

 

 

Certified Correct:

 

 

 

_______________________________

Municipal Clerk

 

 

_______________________________

Mayor