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, October 11, 2005.

 

PRESENT:

Mayor C. M. Causton

Councillor A. R. Cassidy

Councillor J. D. Herbert

Councillor N. B. Jensen

Councillor C. Macey-Brown

STAFF:

Municipal Administrator, W. E. Cochrane

Municipal Clerk, L. Hilton

Director of Building and Planning, N. Beattie

Municipal Treasurer, P. A. Walker

 

Mayor Causton called the meeting to order at 7:35 p.m.

 

MINUTES OF MEETING:

 

Council – September 12, 2005

 

MOVED by Councillor Herbert

Seconded by Councillor Jensen, That the minutes of the meeting of Municipal Council held on Monday, September 12, 2005, be adopted.

CARRIED

 

Committee of the Whole – September 19, 2005

 

MOVED by Councillor Herbert

Seconded by Councillor Cassidy, That the minutes of the meeting of Committee of the Whole, and the recommendations contained therein, held on Monday, September 19, 2005, be adopted.

CARRIED

 

Special Council – September 19, 2005

 

MOVED by Councillor Herbert

Seconded by Councillor Cassidy, That the minutes of the Special meeting of Municipal Council held on Monday, September 12, 2005, be adopted.

 

Windsor Park Pavilion

 

Mayor Causton noted that since the September 19th Special Council meeting, the roof materials for the Windsor Park Pavilion have been changed and new colours have been proposed.  He noted that an open house with respect to the Windsor Park Pavilion would be held October 20, 2005 at 5:00 p.m., at the Windsor Park Pavilion.

 CARRIED

 

Committee of the Whole – October 3, 2005

 

MOVED by Councillor Herbert

Seconded by Councillor Cassidy, That the minutes of the meeting of Committee of the Whole, and the recommendations contained therein, held on Monday, October 3, 2005, be adopted.

CARRIED

There was consensus to vary the order of the agenda to consider the Bylaws that were the subject of the Public Hearing held at 7:30 p.m.

 

BYAWS:

 

MOVED by Councillor Herbert

Seconded by Councillor Cassidy, That Bylaw No. 4290, Oak Bay Official Community Plan Bylaw Amendment Bylaw No. 1, 2005, be read a third time.

CARRIED

 

MOVED by Councillor Herbert

Seconded by Councillor Cassidy, That Bylaw No. 4291, Sixty-Fifth Zoning Bylaw Amendment Bylaw, 2005, be read a third time.

CARRIED

 

COMMUNICATIONS:

 

1.

2005-263

2005-212

--

GREATER VICTORIA PUBLIC LIBRARY, September 22, 2005

GREATER VICTORIA PUBLIC LIBRARY, June 7, 2005

EXCERPT FROM MINUTES OF COUNCIL MEETING, July 25, 2005

Re Library Operating Agreement

 

Councillor Jensen noted that various Mayors in the region had met with respect to the proposed Library Operating Agreement, and had recommended a three year versus a five year term for the agreement. The GVPL Board, he said, has accepted that recommendation.

 

Members of Council noted that the proposed agreement retains the current rules for adopting the library budget, and it was pointed out that there may be other approval processes to be explored that would give more of a voice to the smaller municipal members. 

 

Councillor Jensen indicated that should Council wish, he would relay its concerns to the Public Library Board at its next meeting, and ask for the Board to consider other budget approval options.

 

MOVED by Councillor Macey-Brown

Seconded by Councillor Herbert, That Councillor Jensen request that the Greater Victoria Public Library Board explore other budget approval processes that would address Council’s concerns with the current approval process, and provide a response to Council in this regard.

CARRIED

 

2.

2005-264

KIWANIS CLUB OF OAK BAY, September 10, 2005

Re Request for Grant for Halloween Bonfire

 

MOVED by Councillor Cassidy

Seconded by Councillor Jensen, That Council approve a grant to the Kiwanis Club of Oak Bay in the amount of $500 to assist with the cost of the Hallowe’en bonfire.

 

CARRIED

3.

2005-265

VICTORIA REGIONAL TRANSIT COMMISSION, August 24, 2005

Re Request for Support of Victoria Regional Transit’s A Plan for Action

 

It was noted that the Victoria Regional Transit Commission is seeking support for the Commission’s plan for improved transit services throughout Greater Victoria.

 

Members of Council expressed support for the plan, noting the need for increased capacity on the University of Victoria and Camosun College routes.

 

MOVED by Councillor Jensen

Seconded by Councillor Herbert, That a letter in support of the Victoria Regional Transit Commission’s Plan for Action, and in particular support for increased capacity on the University of Victoria and Camosun College routes, be sent to the Honourable Ida Chong, MLA.

 

CARRIED

 

4.

2005-266

VICTORIA CONFEDERATION OF PARENT ADVISORY COUNCILS, September 27, 2005

Re Adult Crossing Guard Program

 

Marianne Pilon, Victoria Confederation of Parent Advisory Councils, provided an overview of her submission to Council with respect to a proposal to find a regional solution to the ongoing issues relating to adult crossing guards in the various municipalities, through the formation of a partnership between the Capital Regional District, municipalities and participating school districts to operate the Adult Crossing Guard Program.

 

Responding to questions from members of Council regarding the response received from the other municipalities and the CRD, Ms. Pilon indicated that so far, Victoria, Esquimalt and View Royal have indicated their support for the formation of a partnership and that Oak Bay Council is also being asked to indicate its support in principle for joining a partnership and providing a representative for discussions in this regard. Ms. Pilon further noted that the CRD would be approached the following evening regarding the proposal.

 

With respect to questions about the responsibilities of the various potential partners, Ms. Pilon indicated that a Committee would be established to address those issues once support has been received for the formation of a partnership.

 

It was noted that while a coordinated effort for addressing the administration of a crossing guard program was supportable, establishment of a CRD service might not be the best way to accomplish this.

 

MOVED by Councillor Macey-Brown

Seconded by Councillor Herbert, That support in principle be given for investigating the formation of a partnership to administer the Adult Crossing Guard Program.

 

Although support for further discussions regarding a potential partnership was expressed, the question arose as to whether Council’s role should be as a funding partner versus being involved in the actual administration of a crossing guard program.

The question was then called.

            CARRIED

 

5.

2005-267

OAK BAY COMMUNITY HERITAGE COMMISSION, September 20, 2005

Re Minutes of Meeting

 

MOVED by Councillor Herbert

Seconded by Councillor Jensen, That the minutes of the Community Heritage Commission meeting held September 8, 2005 be received.

 

            CARRIED

 

6.

2005-268

VICTORIA CHINESE SENIORS ASSOCIATION,  August 25, 2005

Re Request for Grant

 

Duke Chu, Victoria Chinese Seniors Association, provided an overview of the Association and its request for financial assistance and the provision of office space.

 

Responding to questions from Council, Mr. Chu indicated that the Association was a Victoria wide Association, although most of its members reside in Oak Bay.

 

MOVED by Councillor Herbert

Seconded by Councillor Macey-Brown, That this item be referred to Estimates Committee.

 

The applicants were requested to provide a statement of revenues and expenses for Council’s consideration prior to consideration of the request at Estimates Committee.

 

The question was then called.

 

            CARRIED

 

7.

2005-269

MUNICIPAL ADMINISTRATOR, September 14, 2005

Re Contracts with Volunteer Board and Commission Members

 

The Municipal Administrator noted that the draft policy amendment which relaxes the conflict of interest rules for members of volunteer boards and committees arose out of a suggestion to Council from the Chair of the Oak Bay Heritage Foundation.

 

The proposed conflict of interest changes, noted Mr. Cochrane, require staff to make a subjective judgment with respect to the presence or absence of a real or apprehended connection between a proposed contract and a volunteer’s role in that regard.  The staff decision, he said, would be subject to reconsideration by Council.

 

It was the view of Council that the changes put forward are appropriate for dealing with true conflict of interest cases, while making it easier to maintain volunteers.

 

There was agreement to include “partnership” in section 2 (e) of the proposed policy.

 

 

MOVED by Councillor Macey-Brown

Seconded by Councillor Herbert, That the resolution on contracting with volunteer board and committee members dated October 12, 1993, be rescinded, and that the following policy be adopted to govern contracts and business dealings with such persons:

 

1.         Except as specifically provided in this policy, The Corporation of the District of Oak Bay (the "District") shall not enter into any direct or indirect contractual relationship or business dealing with a person serving as a member of a volunteer board, commission, committee or society appointed by the Municipal Council and functioning under the auspices of the District.

 

2.         In this policy, a person shall be deemed to have or be pursuing an indirect contractual relationship or business dealing with the District if the contracting party is:

 

(a)        a spouse, a son or a daughter living with the person;

 

(b)        a corporation of which the person beneficially owns, directly or indirectly, more than 10% of the voting rights attached to all outstanding voting securities of the corporation;

 

(c)        a corporation of which an individual referred to in (a) beneficially owns, directly or indirectly, more than 10% of the voting rights attached to all outstanding voting securities of the corporation; or

 

(e)        a firm, proprietorship, partnership or joint venture in which the person, or an individual referred to in (a) is a partner or principal.

 

3.         Despite the general prohibition set out in Paragraph 1, the District may enter into a direct or indirect contractual relationship or business dealing with a person serving as a member of a volunteer board, commission, committee or society provided that in the assessment of the Municipal Administrator (or, in his absence, the Municipal Clerk) there is not, nor could there be reasonably apprehended, any connection between the award of the contract or other business dealing and the service of the person on the volunteer body, and in particular but without restricting generality, that:

 

(a)        the volunteer body had no involvement in developing the proposal for the contract or other business dealing;

 

(b)        no part of the work of the contract:

 

            (i)         falls directly or indirectly under the auspices;

            (ii)        overlaps with the mandate; or

            (iii)       is materially related to the work,

 

of the volunteer body or any committee or subcommittee thereof; and

 

(c)        no information or record not routinely available to the general public gained in the course of the person’s service on the volunteer body contributed to or would contribute to the ability of the person or individual referred to in Paragraph 2(a) to obtain the contract or other business dealing.

 

4.         By itself, paragraph 3(b) shall not be applied so as to preclude an individual referred to in Paragraph 2(a) from providing recreation program services in the instructional or officiating category on a contract basis, provided always that the person serving as a member of the volunteer body declares the indirect interest and refrains from participation in and attendance at any discussion, vote or other proceeding whatsoever affecting that interest.

 

5.         The District shall not enter into any direct or indirect contractual relationship or business dealing with a person who formerly served as a member of a volunteer board, commission, committee or society appointed by the Municipal Council and functioning under the auspices of the District where:

 

(a)        the person as a member of the volunteer body was involved in developing the proposal for the contract or other business dealing; or

 

(b)        information or records not routinely available to the general public gained in the course of the person’s service on the volunteer body contributed to the ability of the person or individual referred to in Paragraph 2(a) to obtain the contract or other business dealing,

 

6.         The restrictions set out in this policy applicable to a member or former member of a volunteer body appointed by the Municipal Council shall apply equally to a member or former member of a subcommittee of such body whether or not appointed by the Municipal Council.

 

7.         A person aggrieved by a decision of the Municipal Administrator or the Municipal Clerk under Paragraph 3 may apply to the Municipal Council for reconsideration by delivering a letter to the Municipal Clerk setting out the grounds of appeal not more than five (5) days following the date of notice of the decision.

            CARRIED

 

8.

2005-270

2005-270-1

SYLVIA GREEN ET AL, September 30, 2005

MUNICIPAL ADMINISTRATOR, October 5, 2005

Re Tax Exemption Application—Henderson Hall, 1632 Yale

 

Mayor Causton drew attention to the memorandum from the Municipal Administrator that laid out the process for granting a tax exemption, noting that should Council wish to pursue granting an exemption, the earliest it could take effect would be in 2007.

 

Responding to questions from Council, Mr. Cochrane noted that at present, other than St. Christopher’s Montessori School, Oak Bay Council has not granted any permissive tax exemptions except for church halls and the land surrounding them.  He noted, however, that the authority for granting tax exemptions is very broad.

 

A member of Council drew attention to the fact that there may be a number of other properties which could make a similar application for tax exemption, which should be taken into account in considering this request.

 

MOVED by Councillor Herbert

Seconded by Councillor Macey-Brown, That this item be received.

            CARRIED

 

9.

2205-271

GIRL GUIDES OF CANADA, September 20, 2005

Re Request to Sell Cookies on Oak Bay Avenue

 

MOVED by Councillor Macey-Brown

Seconded by Councillor Cassidy, That permission be given for the Girl Guides of Canada to sell cookies on Oak Bay Avenue on October 15, 2005 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

 

            CARRIED

 

10.

2005-272

MUNICIPAL TREASURER, October 7, 2005

Re Olympic/Paralympic Live Sites Grant Applications

 

Mayor Causton noted that at the recently held Union of British Columbia Municipalities convention, local governments were encouraged to submit their applications for funding under the Olympic/Paralympic Live Sites grants program.

 

The Mayor provided a brief overview of the four applications proposed to be submitted under the Lives Sites program as attached to the memorandum from the Municipal Treasurer.

 

The applications, it was noted, are not in any priority order.

 

Harnam Grewal, Oak Bay Lawn Bowling Club, responded to questions with respect to the application to expand and renovate the Club House, noting that the Club currently has $30,000 in reserves, and will raise the other $30,000 of the Club’s portion of the cost.  He further advised, in response to questions, that the interest on borrowing is not included in the costing information.

 

MOVED by Councillor Herbert

Seconded by Councillor Cassidy, That a letter be sent to the Provincial Government indicating Council’s approval in principle of the following grant applications under the Olympic/Paralympic Live Sites Program:

1.         Oak Bay Recreation Centre Visual/Audio Package

2.         Monterey Centre Visual/Audio Package

3.         Upgrade to Carnarvon Park

4.         Expansion and renovation of the Oak Bay Lawn Bowling Clubhouse

 

It was noted that municipal portion of the funding for the Lawn Bowling Club application was proposed to be spread over three years, and staff were requested to prepare the budget with the inclusion of 1/3 of the costs for the upcoming year.

 

CARRIED

 

 

 

 

 

 

NEW BUSINESS / REPORTS FROM OTHER COMMITTEES:

 

Floor Area Ratio Review Committee

 

Councillor Herbert queried the progress of the Floor Area Ratio Review Committee, specifically the issue of overbuilding on a lot, which was referred to the Committee for investigation in addition to the floor area ratio provisions of the Zoning Bylaw.

 

The Director of Building and Planning noted that the Committee continues to meet; however, the issue of the size of a building on a lot has not been specifically addressed.

 

It was pointed out by Mayor Causton that the Committee may not be in a position to adequately explore the issue and make recommendations in this regard.

 

TABLED:

 

Development Permit with Variances – 2067 Cadboro Bay Road

 

MOVED by Councillor Cassidy

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

 

That the Director of Building and Planning be authorized to issue a Development Permit in respect to Lot A, Section 28, Victoria District, Plan 28772 (2067 Cadboro Bay Road)  which will vary the regulations the following Bylaws, as amended, as described below:

 

Bylaw  and Section

Sign Bylaw

         Section 6.(2) —to permit a free standing sign to be erected and maintained on a parcel where the building on the site is located less than 7.6 m from the front  lot line.

 

Required/ Permitted

Re-quested

Variance

Parking Facilities Bylaw, 1986

         Schedule A, Section A3 —Minimum Number          of  Parking Spaces

55

37

18

Zoning Bylaw, 1986

         9.2.5(2)(b)(i) —Maximum Building Height

         9.2.5(2)(b)(ii) —Maximum Occupiable Height

 

7.32 m

4.60 m

 

9.14 m

5.15 m

 

1.82 m

0.55 m7

 

in accordance with the plans attached to the resolution considered by Council on September 12, 2005, and subject to the execution of a Collateral Agreement between Devon Properties Ltd. and the District of Oak Bay, to permit renovation and expansion of the building on the property.

 

CARRIED

 

 

 

MOVED by Councillor Cassidy

Seconded by Councillor Herbert, That the motion in respect to the Development Permit for 2067 Cadboro Bay Road be amended to add that issuance of the Development Permit is subject to payment of any costs for off-site servicing as required by the Municipal Engineer.

 

CARRIED

 

The question on the main motion, as amended, was then called.

 

CARRIED

 

Development Permit with Variances – 2180 Oak Bay Avenue

 

MOVED by Councillor Cassidy

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

 

That the Director of Building and Planning be authorized to issue a Development Permit in respect to Amended Lot 6, Section 69, Victoria District, Plan 859 (2180 Oak Bay) which will vary Section 11(4) (maximum letter dimension) of the Sign Bylaw, 1997, as amended, to permit a fascia sign with mounted aluminum letters 813 mm in dimension, in accordance with the plans considered by Committee of the Whole on September 19, 2005.

 

CARRIED

 

The question on the main motion was then called.

 

CARRIED

 

BYLAWS: (continued)

 

MOVED by Councillor Herbert

Seconded by Councillor Jensen, That Bylaw No. 4292, Animal Control Bylaw Amendment Bylaw, 2005, be finally adopted.

CARRIED

 

It was noted that the Library Operating Agreement Authorization Bylaw would be considered once Council’s concerns with respect to the library budget approval process had been further discussed at the Greater Victoria Public Library Board’s next regular meeting.

 

ADJOURNMENT:

 

MOVED by Councillor Jensen

Seconded by Councillor Cassidy, That the open portion of the meeting of Council be adjourned and that a closed session be convened to discuss:

 

1.                   personal information about an identifiable individual who is being considered 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, and

 

2.                   labour relations and employee negotiations.

CARRIED

 

The meeting adjourned at 9:12 p.m.

 

Certified Correct

 

 

 

 

Municipal Clerk

 

 

 

 

Mayor