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, September 12, 2005.

 

PRESENT:

Mayor C. M. Causton

Councillor S. F. B. Carson

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 Engineer, S. G. Pitt

Municipal Treasurer, P. A. Walker

 

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

 

MINUTES OF MEETING:

 

Council – July 25, 2005

 

MOVED by Councillor Jensen

Seconded by Councillor Cassidy, That the minutes of the meeting of Municipal Council held on Monday, July 25, 2005, be adopted.

 

Filming on Island Road

 

Mayor Causton drew attention to the request with respect to filming on Island Road, noting that an agreement had been made with respect to the filming at 599 Island Road that did not involve a road closure.

 

Library Operating Agreement

 

The Mayor noted that some area Mayors have met with respect to the proposed Library Operating Agreement and the consensus that was reached was to propose to reduce the five year agreement to a three year agreement.   It is expected that the agreement will be placed before Council in October for further consideration.

 

 

The question was then called.

CARRIED

 

Committee of the Whole – September 6, 2005

 

MOVED by Councillor Jensen

Seconded by Councillor Herbert, That the minutes of the meeting of Committee of the Whole, and the recommendations contained therein, held on Monday, September 6, 2005, be adopted.

CARRIED

 

 

 

 

COMMUNICATIONS:

 

1.

2005-239

 

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2005-213

MUNICIPAL TREASURER, August 9, 2005

Re Tax Cheques Returned by Banks

EXCERPT FROM MINUTES OF MEETING OF MUNICIPAL COUNCIL, July 25, 2005

MRS. EVELYN DOWMAN, July 8, 2005

Re Request for Waiver of 10% Penalty for Late Payment of Taxes

 

MOVED by Councillor Carson

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

 

That, pursuant to Section 315.3 of the Local Government Act, an application be made to the Minister of Community Services for the authority to waive the 10% tax penalty for late payment of 2005 property taxes for 3065 Beach Drive.

 

CARRIED

 

There was discussion with respect to whether or not the request for a waiver of the penalty for late payment of property taxes was supportable in the case at hand, and varying views and opinions were noted. 

 

There was agreement that the situation at hand was a difficult one, and Council expressed its sympathies to the applicants for the circumstances that led to the penalty being applied for late payment.  

 

It was pointed out by some members of Council that, for compassionate reasons, an application should be made to the Minister of Community Services for authority to waive the penalty.  Other members of Council felt that applying to the Minister for permission to waive the taxes in this case would in turn broaden the grounds for making such a request to a level that would make it difficult to judge future cases.

 

The question on the main motion was then called. 

 

DEFEATED

(Mayor Causton, Councillors Macey-Brown and Herbert

against the motion)

 

2.

2005-240

--

 

2005-219

2005-219-1

MUNICIPAL ENGINEER, July 18, 2005

EXCERPT FROM MINUTES OF MEETING OF MUNICIPAL COUNCIL, July 25, 2005

ANN AND IAN MACMILLAN, July 8, 2005

MUNICIPAL ADMINISTRATOR, July 8, 2005

Re Maquinna Road Right of Way—Possible Land Sale

 

It was noted that at the previous meeting of Council, staff had been requested to provide information on whether or not the potential sale of the portion of the Maquinna Road right of way would prevent future access to the property on the opposite side of the right of way (25 Maquinna Street).

 

The Municipal Engineer noted that should the requested portion be sold to the applicants, sufficient public land would remain to provide access to the other properties across the right of way in the future.  This would, he said, be a costly project given the amount of rock that would exist in the remaining portion of the right of way.

 

Responding to questions from Council, the Municipal Administrator noted that while the Municipality cannot be compelled to open a closed road allowance at its expense, an option for access to a property must remain available.  

 

It was pointed out that the area proposed to be sold contains utility poles, and the interests of utility companies would have to be protected should the land be sold. 

 

A member of Council acknowledged that the MacMillans have indicated their willingness to consider entering into a covenant to restrict building in the closed road right of way.

 

MOVED by Councillor Herbert

Seconded by Councillor Cassidy, That staff be authorized to commission a survey and market value appraisal of the portion of Maquinna Street right of way proposed to be purchased by the owners of 24 Maquinna Street, with all costs to be covered in advance by the prospective purchaser, and subject to their agreement to the registration of a covenant to restrict further building on the augmented lot to that which is currently permitted, should Council wish to proceed with the sale.

 

It was further clarified that the covenant Council is seeking would restrict building on the portion of land proposed to be purchased and restrict the permitted floor area ratio to that which exists now, prior to the addition of the land proposed to be purchased.

 

The question was then called.

 

CARRIED

 

3.

2005-241

--

 

2005-220

2005-220-1

MUNICIPAL CLERK, August 25, 2005

EXCERPT FROM MINUTES OF MEETING OF MUNICIPAL COUNCIL, July 25, 2005

MUNICIPAL ENGINEER, July 21, 2005

KEITH HILLS AND GEORGINA MACDONALD, July 20, 2005

Re Proposed Purchase of Portion of Lane Right of Way—1644 Monterey Avenue

 

There was discussion regarding the proposed purchase of a portion of the unused lane right of way adjacent to 1644 Monterey Avenue and whether or not the five other property owners abutting the inaccessible public lane should be canvassed to determine any interest in pursuing the potential purchase of portions of the lane.

 

MOVED by Councillor Herbert

Seconded by Councillor Macey-Brown, That the owners of 1625, 1631 and 1639 Hampshire Road and 1632 and 1638 Monterey Avenue be contacted regarding their potential interest in purchasing a portion of the lane right of way abutting their properties.

 

Responding to questions from Council, the Municipal Administrator noted that while there is no statutory requirement for the lane right of way to remain, where owners have purchased their property with a public lane adjacent to it, it would not be advisable to sell the lane without their consent.

 

With respect to questions regarding the need for a covenant to restrict building should portions of the lane right of way be sold, Mr. Cochrane noted that when the owners of the properties to the north of 1644 Monterey purchased a portion of the lane previously, no such restrictions were imposed.

 

The question was then called. 

 

CARRIED

 

4.

2005-242

ROYAL VICTORIA MARATHON, August 23, 2005

Re Request for Approval of Royal Victoria Marathon Route (Sunday, October 9, 2005)

 

(Cathy Noel, General Manager and Bob Reid, Technical Director, Royal Victoria Marathon Society, in attendance for this item.)

 

Cathy Noel advised that the marathon route was changed in 2004 with good success, and that no further changes were planned for 2005.

 

MOVED by Councillor Jensen

Seconded by Councillor Cassidy, That permission be granted for the closing of streets in Oak Bay for the staging of the 2005 Royal Victoria Marathon on Sunday, October 9, 2005, on the same streets used for the Marathon in 2004, subject to:

 

1.         the event organizers indemnifying the Municipality from any liability in connection with the staging of the event,

2.         approval of a traffic management and marshalling plan by the Oak Bay Police Department,

3.         sufficient advance notice being given to all property owners along the proposed route.

 

Responding to questions from Council, Ms. Noel indicated that the traffic marshals and the police will ensure the traffic is able to get through in an emergency.  She further confirmed that notice would be given to all residences along the Marathon route, as in past years.

 

Bob Reid expressed his appreciation for the support of Oak Bay’s businesses for the Marathon.  He also pointed out that the picture on the 2005 Marathon sweatshirt is of Oak Bay Avenue.

 

The question was then called. 

 

CARRIED

 

5.

2005-243

OAK BAY HALF MARATHON AND EKIDEN RELAY, August 30, 2005

Re Request for Approval of Marathon and Relay Route (Sunday, May 28, 2006)

 

(Marty Pearce, Race Director, Oak Bay Half Marathon and Relay, in attendance for this item).

 

Marty Pearce provided Municipal Council with a plaque of appreciation for its support of the first annual Oak Bay Half Marathon and Relay in May 2005.

 

Mr. Pearce indicated that the first race was very successful, and various recommendations from staff and police have been incorporated into next year’s race plan to improve the event further.

 

The 2006 race, said Mr. Pearce, is anticipated to serve as the National Half Marathon Championships for Athletics Canada, as well as a Centennial event for the Municipality.

 

Regarding the charity that will benefit from the race in 2006, Mr. Pearce indicated that the Help Fill a Dream Foundation has been chosen for this purpose.

 

MOVED by Councillor Jensen

Seconded by Councillor Macey-Brown, That permission be granted for the closing of streets in Oak Bay for the staging of the 2006 Oak Bay Half Marathon and Relay on Sunday, May 28, 2006, on the same streets used for the Half Marathon and Relay in 2005, subject to:

 

1.         the event organizers indemnifying the Municipality from any liability in connection with the staging of the event,

2.         approval of a traffic management and marshalling plan by the Oak Bay Police Department,

3.         sufficient advance notice being given to all property owners along the proposed route.

 

CARRIED

 

6.

2005-244

OAK BAY HERITAGE FOUNDATION, August 25, 2005

Re Conflict of Interest Rules for Volunteers

 

Attention was drawn to the existing Council policy with respect to the eligibility of volunteer committee members to bid on municipal contracts, and the request from the Heritage Foundation to make changes to that policy to make it less strict.

 

Responding to questions from Council, the Municipal Administrator noted that the policy for volunteers is separate from that for employees.  He further advised that, should Council wish to relax the policy, staff can supply suggestions in this regard.

 

MOVED by Councillor Carson

Seconded by Councillor Herbert, That staff be directed to prepare a report and provide recommendations to Council with respect to relaxing the policy on entering into contracts with volunteer board and committee members.

 

There was discussion regarding options put forward by the Heritage Foundation with respect to relaxing the current policy, and the Administrator pointed out that a policy would need to contain a prohibition on entering into contracts where there is a direct relation between the contract and the volunteer position.

 

Patricia Wilson, Oak Bay Heritage Foundation, noted that while the Foundation has put forward some suggestions for changes to the policy, they are not exhaustive and encouraged Council to consider other options as well.

 

There was agreement that the policy should be reviewed.

 

The question was then called.

 

CARRIED

 

7.

2005-245

SCOUTS CANADA – GREATER VICTORIA AREA, August 10, 2005

Re Request for Permission to Hold Scouts Canada Apple Day on Municipal Streets (October 1, 2005)

 

MOVED by Councillor Herbert

Seconded by Councillor Cassidy, That permission be granted for the Greater Victoria branch of Scouts Canada to hold a Scouts Apple Day fund raising event on public streets in Oak Bay from 9 o’clock a.m. to 3 o’clock p.m. on October 1, 2005.

 

CARRIED

 

8.

2005-246

OAK BAY VOLUNTEER SERVICES SOCIETY, September 6, 2005

Re Request for Permission to Hold Tag Days (September 13 and 15, 2005)

 

MOVED by Councillor Herbert

Seconded by Councillor Cassidy, That permission be given to the Oak Bay Volunteer Services Society to hold tag days in public places in Oak Bay on September 13 and 15, 2005.

 

CARRIED

 

9.

2005-247

DEPUTY TREASURER, August 24, 2005

Re Office Supplies Tender Award Recommendation

 

MOVED by Councillor Macey-Brown

Seconded by Councillor Herbert, That Grand & Toy be awarded the Office Supplies Tender (OBMH01-2005) to December 31, 2007, with the right to extend for one additional year, as recommended by the Deputy Treasurer.

 

Councillor Cassidy indicated that he would be unable to participate in the discussion or vote on the matter inasmuch as the proponent is a client of his business.  Councillor Cassidy left the meeting at 8:22 p.m.

 

The Municipal Treasurer responded to questions from Council with respect to the ratings scale used in evaluating the tenders.

 

The question was then called.

CARRIED

Councillor Cassidy returned to the meeting at 8:23 p.m.

 

10.

2005-248

2005-248-1

2005-248-2

PETER D. SKELTON, (undated)

COLIN CHADWICK, (undated)

CHARLINE AND MARK HOOPER, September 8, 2005

Re 2179 Beaverbrooke Place – Development Variance Permit Application

 

MOVED by Councillor Herbert,

Seconded by Councillor Macey-Brown, That correspondence items 2005-248, 2005-248-1 and 2005-248-2 be received. 

 

CARRIED

 

11.

2005-249

OAK BAY BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION, September 9, 2005

Re Amendment to Request for Street Closures for Tour de Rock Event

 

 

(Geoff Beatty, President, Oak Bay Business Improvement Association, in attendance for this item).

 

MOVED by Councillor Herbert

Seconded by Councillor Macey-Brown, That the requested route changes to the Bicycle Race for the Tour de Rock event to be held September 17, 2005 and the request for the Canadian Cancer Society to sell Tour de Rock merchandise at that time with all proceeds being donated to cancer research, as laid out in the letter from the Association, be approved.

 

CARRIED

 

NEW BUSINESS:

 

Regional Transit Commission – Plan for Action

 

Noting that the Chair of the Victoria Regional Transit Commission encourages support of the above noted Plan for Action, Councillor Jensen indicated that he wished to see the Plan placed on the next regular Council agenda for consideration.

 

TABLED:

 

Development Variance Permit – 2179 Beaverbrooke Place (Paved Surface in Front Yard)

 

MOVED by Councillor Cassidy

Seconded by Councillor Herbert, That the resolution with respect to a development variance permit for 2179 Beaverbrooke Place be lifted from the table.

CARRIED

 

There was consensus that the variance application was supportable in that the requested variance to increase the allowed paved surface would not result in an increased parking area.

 

The question was then called. 

 

CARRIED

 

MOTIONS / RESOLUTIONS:

 

Development Permit with Variances – 2067 Cadboro Bay Road

                                                   

MOVED by Councillor Cassidy

Seconded by Councillor Herbert, 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 m”

 

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.

 

MOVED by Councillor Cassidy

Seconded by Councillor Herbert, That the resolution in respect to the Development Permit with variances for 2067 Cadboro Bay Road be tabled to enable notice to be given in accordance with the Local Government Act.

 

CARRIED

 

Cancellation of Council Meeting of September 26, 2005

 

MOVED by Councillor Jensen

Seconded by Councillor Macey-Brown, That the regular meeting of Council scheduled for September 26, 2005 be cancelled, and that a Special meeting of Council be scheduled for September 19, 2005, should it be required.

 

CARRIED

BYLAWS:

 

For Final Adoption

 

MOVED by Councillor Herbert

Seconded by Councillor Macey-Brown, That Bylaw No. 4275, Guide Hall Licence Authorization Bylaw, 2005, be finally adopted.

CARRIED

 

 

For Introduction, First and Second Readings and setting of public hearing date

 

 

Councillor Carson indicated he would be unable to participate in discussion or vote on the matter inasmuch as his law firm represents the applicants and he is a member of the Uplands Golf Club.  He left the meeting at 8:38 p.m.

 

MOVED by Councillor Herbert

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

 

CARRIED

 

MOVED by Councillor Herbert

Seconded by Councillor Cassidy, That Bylaw No. 4290, Oak Bay Official Community Plan Bylaw Amendment Bylaw No. 1, 2005, having been examined in conjunction with the Five Year Financial Plan, be read a second time.

 

CARRIED

 

MOVED by Councillor Cassidy

Seconded by Councillor Herbert, That Bylaw No. 4291, Sixty-Fifth Zoning Bylaw Amendment Bylaw, 2005, be introduced and read a first time.

 

CARRIED

 

MOVED by Councillor Cassidy

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

 

CARRIED

 

MOVED by Councillor Cassidy

Seconded by Councillor Herbert, That a public hearing on Bylaws No. 4290 and 4291 be held at the Oak Bay Municipal Hall on October 11, 2005 at 7:30 p.m., and that notice be given in accordance with the Local Government Act.

 

CARRIED

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For Introduction and First, Second and Third Readings

 

MOVED by Councillor Herbert

Seconded by Councillor Jensen, That Bylaw No. 4292, Animal Control Bylaw Amendment Bylaw, 2005, be introduced and read a first time.

 

CARRIED

 

MOVED by Councillor Herbert

Seconded by Councillor Jensen, That Bylaw No. 4292, Animal Control Bylaw Amendment Bylaw, 2005, be read a second time.

 

CARRIED

 

MOVED by Councillor Herbert

Seconded by Councillor Jensen, That Bylaw No. 4292, Animal Control Bylaw Amendment Bylaw, 2005, be read a third time.

 

CARRIED

 

Councillor Carson returned to the meeting at 8:40 p.m.

 

 

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 for a municipal award or honour; and

2.                   labour relations and employee negotiations.

 

CARRIED

 

The meeting adjourned at 8:40 p.m.

 

Certified Correct

 

 

 

 

Municipal Clerk

 

 

 

 

Mayor