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 11, 2006.

 

 

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

 

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

 

MINUTES OF MEETING:

 

Council – August 21, 2006

 

MOVED by Councillor Jensen

Seconded by Councillor Herbert, That the minutes of the Council meeting held on Monday August 21, 2006, be adopted.

 

CARRIED

 

Committee of the Whole – September 5, 2006

 

Noting that a memorandum from staff with respect to correspondence item no. 2006-321 regarding the Uplands Building Permit and Development Variance Permit application for 2544 Nottingham Road appears later on the agenda, Mayor Causton suggested that the minutes be adopted with the exception of the recommendation related to that item.

 

MOVED by Councillor Cassidy

Seconded by Councillor Herbert, That the minutes of the Committee of the Whole meeting held on Tuesday, September 5, 2006, and the recommendations contained therein, with the exception of the recommendation regarding correspondence item no. 2006-321, be adopted.

CARRIED

 

PRESENTATION:

 

 

- -

CAPITAL REGIONAL DISTRICT

Re Pilot Organic Materials Collection Program

 

(Tom Watkins, Solid Waste Planner, and Vitto Cheli, Recycling and Waste Reduction Coordinator, Capital Regional District, Environmental Services, in attendance for this item.)

 

Mr. Watkins gave an overview of the proposed residential organic waste collection pilot program that has been developed to test the feasibility of curbside organic waste recycling (not including yard and garden waste) in Oak Bay with the goal of diverting organic waste from Hartland landfill and recycling the organic material as a viable product.  

 

Statistically, in 2005 the waste diversion rate was 33%; the goal for the Capital Regional District (CRD) is to increase this to 60% by 2012 and 85% by 2020, said Mr. Watkins.  Currently, organic waste sits at a total of 38% of the CRD waste stream and by diverting organic material the life of Hartland landfill would be extended.

 

Mr. Watkins said that, as part of the project, a wheeled composting curbside tote, three types of kitchen containers and biodegradable bags will be supplied by CRD to participating residents.  The containers will be collected bi-weekly along with the set scheduled refuse pickup and will be disposed of daily as is the regular household refuse.  The pilot project is expected to commence the beginning of October 2006.

 

Responding to questions from Council, Mr. Watkins advised that the CRD will consider educating the public by means of pamphlets, the CRD website, the composting hotline or possibly through door-to-door canvassing. 

 

Mayor Causton suggested that the CRD include educating Municipal staff as inevitably the public will call the Municipality for guidance regarding organic waste collection.

 

With respect to questions from Council regarding the use of in-sink disposal and backyard composting, Mr. Cochrane advised that the goal of the pilot project is to divert waste from Hartland landfill.  In this regard, he said, residents would be encouraged to continue with their other waste disposal practices, such as using in-sink disposal and composting, and use the pilot program as a means of diverting material from the garbage tote into the organic materials tote.

 

In response to a question from Council, the Municipal Administrator said that the new Municipal truck will be used for this project and that CRD has agreed to cover any costs as required including extra labour costs.  The pilot project will take place on four of the ten refuse pickup routes, he said. 

 

It was noted by Mr. Watkins that the agreement between the Municipality and the CRD stated that there would be no additional costs to the District of Oak Bay for hosting the proposed pilot project.

 

Mr. Watkins responded to further questions of Council regarding the proposed program, noting that the measure of the success of the program would be participation, satisfaction of the participants, the suitability of the equipment used and the amount of diversion of waste from the landfill.

 

Mr. Watkins then submitted a written submission regarding the pilot program.    

 

MOVED by Councillor Cassidy

Seconded by Councillor Herbert, That the Capital Regional District report on the organic waste collection pilot project be received.

 

CARRIED

 

COMMUNICATIONS:

 

1.

2006-317

ROYAL VICTORIA MARATHON, September 5, 2006

Re Request for Approval of Royal Victoria Marathon Route

Sunday, October 8, 2006

 

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

 

Responding to questions from Council, Ms. Noel indicated that the route is the same as last year and that notice would be given to all residences along the Marathon route.  It was indicated that the traffic plan incorporates additional marshals this year.  The police and marshals will ensure that the traffic will be able to get through in an emergency, she said.

 

Mr. Reid noted that the Exeter Road water station has been moved to accommodate a request from a resident. 

 

MOVED by Councillor Herbert

Seconded by Councillor Copley, That permission be granted for the closing and occupancy of streets in Oak Bay for the staging of the 2006 Royal Victoria Marathon on Sunday, October 8, 2006, on the same streets used for the Marathon in 2006 and detailed in correspondence item no. 2006-317, subject to:

 

a)         The event organizer executing a letter of undertaking setting out the terms and conditions under which the occupancy and road closures are permitted, and providing evidence of insurability in this regard;

b)         The event organizer adhering to a traffic management plan approved by the Oak Bay Police Department;

c)         Sufficient advance notice being given to all property owners along the proposed route; and

d)         The event organizer assuming all responsibility for any and all extraordinary costs incurred by the Municipality in connection with the event.

 

CARRIED

 

2.

2006-318

 

2006-318-1

2006-318-2

OAK BAY BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION,

September 7, 2006

AMAZING BALLOONS, August 29, 2006

OAK BAY BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION,

September 11, 2006

Re Request for Revised Road Closures – Tour de Rock Event

 

It was noted that following approval of a request for road closures and occupancy for the Business Improvement Association’s Tour de Rock event at the August 21, 2006 Council meeting, the Association is asking for a revision to its original road closure request to reflect the changes as indicated in correspondence item no. 2006-318-2.  In particular, the spin-a-thon is now proposed to be located on a flat bed trailer to be stationed in the parking lane adjacent to 2201 Oak Bay Avenue, which would convert to the stage for the remainder of the event following the end of the spin-a-thon.  Also, the bike race route is now proposed to encompass a portion of Oak Bay Avenue, Monterey Avenue, Brighton Avenue and Hampshire Road.

Referring to the letter received by Amazing  Balloons expressing concerns that the road closure last year had significant negative impacted on its business, it was the general consensus of Council that access to businesses should not be unreasonably denied, and staff was requested to ensure that the traffic plan reflects that.

 

Mayor Causton asked staff to inquire into the bus routes that may be affected by the Tour de Rock event.

 

MOVED by Councillor Jensen

Seconded by Councillor Herbert, That the revised request for road closures and occupancies in relation to the Oak Bay Business Improvement Association’s Tour de Rock fundraising event, as detailed in correspondence item no. 2006-318-2, be approved, subject to all the requirements noted in the original approval given on August 21, 2006.

 

The question was then called.

CARRIED

 

3.

2006-319

UNION OF BRITISH COLUMBIA MUNICIPALITIES, August 15, 2006

Re Request to Consider Funding for a Full Time Coordinator for the BC Municipal Safety Association

 

Mayor Causton noted that the Capital Regional District Finance Committee discussed this request and it was felt that there were many unanswered questions.  At that time, he said, it was noted that further discussion would be held at the Union of British Columbia Municipalities Convention.  In this regard, Mayor Causton suggested that a decision on the request be deferred until after discussions are held at the convention. 

 

MOVED by Councillor Jensen

Seconded by Councillor Braithwaite, That correspondence item no. 2006-319 be tabled for further consideration following the Union of British Columbia Municipalities Convention to be held October 24 to 27, 2006.

 

Responding to a question from a Council member, the Municipal Administrator said the District of Oak Bay is not a member of the Municipal Safety Association at this time.

 

The question was then called.

 

CARRIED

 

4.

2006-320

OAK BAY FIGURE SKATING CLUB, September 2, 2006

Re Request for Grant

 

Barbara Van der lee, President, of the Oak Bay Figure Skating Club, representing over 200 figure skaters of all ages, was in attendance to give an overview of the not-for-profit Oak Bay Figure Skating Club’s request for funding, saying the club relies heavily on volunteers and fundraising.

 

The Club, she said, will be hosting an ice show at the Oak Bay Recreation Centre on March 17, 2007.  The cost of ice time is considerable, said Ms. Van der lee, therefore, on behalf of the Club, she is requesting that Council provide a grant to cover the required event and practice ice time, which is valued at approximately $1,500.  The ice show is an opportunity to showcase Oak Bay, and its local talent and to encourage new skaters, she noted.

 

Beverly Romeo-Beehler, Fundraising, mentioned that the Club spends $50,000 to $70,000 per season for ice time at the Oak Bay Recreation Centre.  Ms. Romeo-Beehler noted the ice show is a wonderful opportunity to build credibility for the Skating Club.  In response to questions from Council, Ms. Romeo-Beehler noted that the Club’s request differs from other sports groups because of the significant amount of ice time paid for each year by the Club. 

 

In response to a member of Council, Ms. Romeo-Beehler said that the majority of the Club members are from Oak Bay.

 

The Municipal Treasurer, in response to questions from Council noted that the annual budget for “one time” grant requests is usually $1000 to cover all requests.  Ms. Walker noted that there are no ongoing grant programs for sport groups.

 

The Municipal Administrator indicated that the current policy of the Parks and Recreation Commission not to waive fees arose because Council felt it would be unfair to force the Parks and Recreation Commission to waive fees and to forgo revenues, therefore such requests as from the Oak Bay Figure Skating Club have been viewed as grant requests by Council.

  

Mr. Cochrane further advised that although the Parks and Recreation Commission did waive rental fees for the Oak Bay Figuring Skating Club earlier this year that was in relation to a Centennial event, and it was, at that time, considered a one-time waiver.

 

After further discussion, it was felt by members of Council that the request should be referred to the Parks and Recreation Commission prior to making a decision on the grant request.  Further information from the Parks and Recreation Department with respect to the purchase of facility rentals by other sports groups could also be obtained it was noted.

 

MOVED by Councillor Herbert

Seconded by Councillor Jensen, That correspondence item no. 2006-320 be referred to the Oak Bay Parks and Recreation Commission for its October meeting for consideration and a report back to Council.

 

Attention was drawn to the fact that the request was for an event to be held next year, for which the budgeting process has not yet begun.

 

The question was then called.

 

CARRIED

 

 

5.

2006-321

DIRECTOR OF BUILDING AND PLANNING, September 7, 2006

Re Uplands Building Permit / Development Variance Permit Application – 2544 Nottingham Road

 

MOVED by Councillor Herbert

Seconded by Councillor Jensen, That the applicant for 2544 Nottingham Road be requested to make a second Development Variance Permit application to request an increase in the height of the proposed building.

 

Attention was drawn to the memorandum from the Director of Building and Planning, which noted that the Committee of the Whole, on September 5, 2006, had recommended to Council that a new notification process not be undertaken with respect to the proposed roof height change to the plans associated with a previously approved Development Variance Permit for 2544 Nottingham Road.  It was further noted that a neighbour to the subject property had since indicated that he was not in favour of the height increase and would have objected to the contextual front lot line setback had the plans reflected the revised height when the notice was given.

 

The Director of Building and Planning noted that given the input received from the neighbour, it would be advisable to request that the owners re-apply for a development variance permit, which would lead to a new notification process should the application proceed.  Mr. Beattie also indicated that the plans showing the increased height have already been reviewed by the Advisory Design Panel and received a favourable recommendation.

 

The question was then called.

 

CARRIED

 

6.

2006-322

DIRECTOR OF BUILDING AND PLANNING, August 29, 2006

Re Uplands Building Permit / Development Variance Permit Application – 3045 Uplands Road

 

Councillor Cassidy advised that he would be unable to participate in the discussion of the development variance permit application for 3045 Uplands Road because he had a business relationship with a member of the applicant’s family. 

 

Councillor Carson indicated that he would be unable to participate in the discussion on this item due to a client of his being engaged in a business transaction with the applicants.

 

Councillor Cassidy and Councillor Carson left the meeting at 8:43 p.m.

 

The Director of Building and Planning indicated that the landscaping and proposed fencing for the project had been reviewed by the Advisory Design Panel, and that the Panel did not have any issues with respect to those aspects of the development, although the Panel indicated that the height of the fence should be set at 3.5 feet rather than the four foot height that was proposed by the applicant.

 

The observation was made that in the original proposal, the space above the garage had been intended for storage usage, with a lower roof.  The new plans, it was said, have a higher roof with the addition of skylights.

 

MOVED by Councillor Jensen

Seconded by Councillor Braithwaite, That correspondence item no. 2006-322 be received.

 

Irene Asfar, 3045 Uplands Road, reiterated that the Advisory Design Panel had no issues with the proposed landscaping or the erection of a 3.5 foot wrought iron fence.

 

The question was then called. 

 

CARRIED

 

MOVED by Councillor Jensen

Seconded by Councillor Braithwaite, That the order of the agenda be varied to consider the tabled resolution with respect to 3045 Uplands Road.

 

CARRIED

 

TABLED:

 

Development Variance Permit – 3045 Uplands Road

 

MOVED by Councillor Jensen

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

 

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, being the Zoning Bylaw, 1986, as amended, with respect to the setback of a principal building:

 

Bylaw Section

Required

Requested

Variance

6.2.4(2)(c) & Schedule “C”

Minimum Interior Side Lot Line Setback

3.96 metres

2.98 metres

0.98 metres

6.2.4(2)(e) & Schedule “C”

Minimum Total of Side Lot Line Setbacks

9.75 metres

6.58 metres

3.17 metres

 

to accommodate the renovation of a house and attached garage, as shown on the plans appended to Committee of he Whole agenda item #2006-209, being a memorandum from the Director of Building and Planning dated July 11, 2006.

 

The Municipal Administrator reminded Council that the issue before it was approval of the building design, and advised Council to put out of its mind the manner in which the request arose.  Council, he said, should look at the application as if it is the first set of plans received, and decide on whether the plans are appropriate or not.

 

There was discussion regarding the proposed variance and the view was expressed that the proposed design gives the east elevation excessive prominence, with a higher roof that the actual residence, which is contrary to what is acceptable in the area.

 

Ms. Asfar noted that the camellias planted on the east side of the property are only two feet shorter than the peak of the roof of the garage, noting that the vegetation will only continue to mature and that fact should be taken into account in reviewing the plans.  She also said that one must see the building in person to appreciate the design.

 

Responding to questions from Council, Mr. Beattie indicated that if the development variance permit was denied, the applicants would be required to conform to the previously approved plans by removing the part of the structure not built to those plans.

 

 

 

It was acknowledged that through the notification process neighbours have received the new plans, and no new submissions were received.

 

Further comments with respect to the higher roof line of the garage looking out of place were noted.

 

The question on the motion was then called.

 

            DEFEATED

(Councillor Braithwaite, Copley, Herbert and Jensen against the motion)

 

It was noted that unless the applicants were to build to the previously approved plans, a new application for a development variance permit would be required, and the stop work order would remain in effect.

 

Responding to a question from Mayor Causton to clarify the objection to the plans, members of Council indicated that the primary concern regarding the proposed design centred around the garage.

 

Councillor Cassidy and Councillor Carson returned to the meeting at 9:12 p.m.

 

 

7.

2006-324

VANCOUVER AQUARIUM, September 11, 2006

Re Request for Permission for Public Park/Beach Clean-Up

 

MOVED by Councillor Herbert

Seconded by Councillor Braithwaite, That permission be granted to the Vancouver Aquarium to conduct a litter cleanup in public parks and beaches, specifically Willows Beach, in the District of Oak Bay and to occupy a small portion of the Willows Beach Park parking lot to temporarily locate a large waste material container for the litter collection on September 21, 2006, subject to the execution of a letter of undertaking setting out the terms and conditions under which the occupancy is permitted, and providing evidence of insurability in this regard, and 2) assuming all responsibility for any and all extraordinary costs incurred by the Municipality in connection with the event.

 

CARRIED

 

NEW BUSINESS/REPORTS FROM OTHER COMMITTEES:

 

Oak Bay Centennial Committee

 

Councillor Herbert provided an update on the 2006 Centennial Committee’s on-going projects, noting that the Hockey Hall of Fame event will take place this fall November 18th and 19th.  The Committee was able to arrange having the Stanley Cup at this event, he said.  It was noted that the St. Mary the Virgin Church Celebration of Chamber Music Concert will be held October 15th and the Centre’tainment Showcase Concert at Monterey Centre is scheduled for September 29th and 30th.

 

 

 

 

RESOLUTIONS:

 

Development Variance Permit –  1547 Yale Street

 

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 Variance Permit with respect to 1547 Yale Street (Lot 50, Section 69, Victoria District, Plan 859), varying the following provisions of Bylaw No. 3531, being the Zoning Bylaw, 1986, as amended, with respect to the contextual setback of a principal building:

 

Bylaw Section

Required

Requested

Variance

6.5.4.(10)

Front Yard Lot Line Setback

Between 7.62 & 9.12 metres

12.5 metres

3.38 metres

 

to accommodate the construction of a new single-family dwelling, as shown on the plans appended to Committee of the Whole agenda item no. 2006-313, being a memorandum from the Director of Building and Planning dated August 29, 2006.

 

MOVED by Councillor Cassidy

Seconded by Councillor Jensen, That the resolution in respect to the Development Variance Permit for 1547 Yale Street be tabled to enable notice to be given in accordance with the Local Government Act.

 

CARRIED

 

ADJOURNMENT:

 

MOVED by Councillor Braithwaite

Seconded by Councillor Copley, That the open portion of the meeting of Council be adjourned and that a closed session be convened to discuss the disposition of land as Council considers that disclosure might reasonably be expected to harm the interests of the Municipality and litigation or potential litigation affecting the Municipality.

 

CARRIED

 

The meeting adjourned at 9:17 p.m.

 

Certified Correct

 

 

 

_______________________________

Municipal Clerk

 

 

_______________________________

Mayor