MINUTES of a regular meeting of COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE 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 17, 2007 at 7:30 p.m.

 

PRESENT:

Councillor S. F. B. Carson , Acting Mayor

Councillor H. Braithwaite

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

 

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

 

FINANCE SECTION: (Chairman – Councillor Braithwaite)

 

1.

2007-240

MUNICIPAL TREASURER, September 1, 2007

Re Monthly Financial Report

 

MOVED by Councillor Jensen

Seconded by Councillor Copley, That the monthly financial reports for August 2007 be received.

CARRIED

 

RECREATION SECTION: (Chairman – Councillor Carson)

 

2.

2007-241

OAK BAY PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION, September 12, 2007

Re Report of Monthly Meeting

 

(Lorna Curtis, Manager, Recreation Program Services, and Stephen D. Gorman, Chairman, Oak Bay Parks and Recreation Commission, in attendance for this item.)

 

MOVED by Councillor Jensen

Seconded by Councillor Braithwaite, That the minutes of the meeting of the Oak Bay Parks and Recreation Commission held on Wednesday, September 12, 2007, and the recommendations contained therein, with the exception of the recommendations pertaining           to the proposed Fireman’s Park renovation, the municipal Linden tree at 2170 Beaverbrook Place, and the request for funding to improve the Monterey Centre parking lot, be adopted.

 

CARRIED

 

Proposed Fireman’s Park Renovation

 

As an overview, it was noted that Oak Bay Baseball and Softball Association (OBBSA) has expressed interest in applying to host the 2008 British Columbia Little League Provincial Championship Tournament at Fireman’s Park.   In order for the Association to be considered to host the tournament, it would be necessary to have approval in place to upgrade the lower field. 

 

The estimated cost for improvements to the lower field is $70,000, $38,000 of which Oak Bay Parks and Recreation Commission is recommending be made available from the estimated balance of the field improvement fund at the end of 2007, with the balance of the amount to come from the 2008 budget.  

 

Stephen Gorman, Chairman, Oak Bay Parks and Recreation Commission, said the OBBSA has  some of its own funding in place that has been earmarked for the necessary infrastructure improvements to the dugouts and spectator stands required on top of the field improvements, with plans to fundraise to cover the remainder of those costs. 

 

In response to a member of the Committee asking if another location, such as Carnarvon Park, would be appropriate for the tournament, Mr. Gorman noted that Fireman’s Park is the Association’s home field and that the size of Carnarvon Park field is not suitable for the age of the participants.  

 

In response to concerns voiced by the Committee that enrolment numbers are dwindling,  Justin Longo, President, Oak Bay Baseball and Softball Association, said 180 players registered for baseball and 100 players signed up for softball last season.  He also answered questions regarding the selection process for awarding the hosting of a tournament to an association and explained why the proposed upgrades were necessary in that regard.

 

Responding to questions, the Municipal Administrator confirmed that Council cannot approve funding from next years’ budget, however, staff could be directed to put the necessary funding into the 2008 provisional budget for consideration by Council.

 

It was suggested that should approval eventually be given for the proposed 2008 funds, early spending approval could be sought early in the new year.

 

MOVED by Councillor Jensen

Seconded by Councillor Cassidy, That the recommendation from the Parks and Recreation Commission for approval to spend $38,000 from the field improvement fund for field improvements to Fireman’s Park be adopted, and further, that an additional $30,000 be included in the provisional budget for remainder of the required upgrades in 2008.

            CARRIED

 

Municipal Linden Tree – 2170 Beaverbrook Place

 

Mr. Gorman noted that staff has administered various treatments to the Linden tree at 2170 Beaverbrook Place that are described in more detail in the Municipal Arborist’s memorandum included in the agenda package.  It has been determined that the tree has no evidence of damage, and although it is considered a nuisance by some, there is not sufficient reason from the Parks and Recreation Commission perspective to remove the tree.  As suggested by staff, said Mr. Gorman, removing the Linden tree would potentially set an undesirable precedent given the number of other Linden trees in the Municipality.

 

Responding to a question regarding the number of complaints the Parks Department may receive over the course of a year regarding trees that secrete honeydew like the Linden trees, Mr. Gorman noted that approximately three to four complaints are heard per year.   

 

It was the consensus of the Committee to adopt the recommendation of Oak Bay Parks and Recreation Commission to not remove the Linden tree adjacent to 2170 Beaverbrook Place.

 

Responding to a question, the Municipal Administrator confirmed that Mr. and Mrs. Hooper had been advised that there would be an opportunity at the meeting to address the Committee of the Whole on the issue.  It was noted, however, that they were not in attendance for this item.

 

MOVED by Councillor Jensen

Seconded by Councillor Braithwaite, That the recommendation of the Parks and Recreation Commission regarding the municipal Linden tree adjacent to 2170 Beaverbrook Place be adopted.

CARRIED

 

Improvements to Monterey Centre Parking Lot – Funding Request

 

MOVED by Councillor Herbert

Seconded by Councillor Copley, That the recommendation of the Parks and Recreation Commission regarding the proposed improvements to the Monterey Centre parking lot be adopted.

CARRIED

 

PUBLIC WORKS SECTION: (Chairman – Councillor Herbert)

 

3.

2007-242

2007-242-1

 

DIRECTOR OF ENGINEERING SERVICES, September 13, 2007

GUNTER HEINRICH, [Undated]

Re Boulevard Encroachment Application –  1953 Monteith Street

 

MOVED by Councillor Jensen

Seconded by Councillor Herbert, That it be recommended to Council that approval be given for a boulevard encroachment at 1953 Monteith Street for the purpose of installing landscaping, an underground irrigation system, and walkway, subject to the rhododendrons being placed at a distance of no more than 2 metres (6.5 feet) from the property line, subject to permits being obtained for the irrigation system and walkway, and subject to the owners entering into a boulevard encroachment agreement on terms set by the Municipality.

 

CARRIED

 

4.

2007-243

 

DIRECTOR OF ENGINEERING SERVICES, September 13, 2007

Re “No-Corrode” Sewer Laterals Policy

 

Support was expressed by a member of the Committee to leave the “no-corrode” sewer lateral replacement policy in place, which sees the Municipality pay for such replacements where the no-corrode pipes have failed.

 

Responding to questions from the Committee, the Director of Engineering Services explained the reasoning behind the proposed change to the “no-corrode” sewer laterals policy.  He noted that no-corrode pipes were installed over 50 years ago, and that now the Municipality uses PVC pipe for sewer laterals.  The PVC laterals, said Mr. Marshall, are guaranteed by the Municipality on a pro-rated basis for 30 years.  The no-corrode pipes already exceed the maximum “guarantee” of new lateral materials by at least 20 years, and the cost of the replacement of no-corrode pipes results in a disproportionate cost to the Municipality, he said.  

 

MOVED by Councillor Jensen, That the “no-corrode” sewer laterals policy be revised to discontinue free replacement of pipe made of that material.

 

The motion failed due to the lack of a seconder.

 

MOVED by Councillor Carson

Seconded by Councillor Braithwaite, That correspondence item no. 2007-243 be received.

 

Mr. Marshall answered further questions from the Committee with respect to the quality of various materials used for sewer laterals.

 

The question was then called.

CARRIED

(Councillor Jensen against the motion)

 

LAND USE SECTION: (Chairman – Councillor Cassidy)

 

5.

2007-244

DIRECTOR OF BUILDING AND PLANNING, September 11, 2007

Re Uplands Building Permit / Development Variance Permit Application –  2808 Dunlevy Street

 

MOVED by Councillor Herbert

Seconded by Councillor Copley, That it be recommended to Council that the proposed plans to construct an accessory building in the rear yard at 2808 Dunlevy Street be approved as to siting and architectural design subject to the issuance of a development variance permit to reduce the minimum interior side lot line setback as described in correspondence item no. 2007-244, being a memorandum from the Director of Building and Planning dated September 11, 2007, and further that a resolution to authorize the noted variance be brought forward for Council’s consideration.

 

CARRIED

 

6.

2007-245

DIRECTOR OF BUILDING AND PLANNING, September 11, 2007

Re Uplands Building Permit Application –  3480 Ripon Road

 

The Director of Building and Planning noted that the Advisory Design Panel reviewed the detailed plans for the new dwelling, however, the landscape plan was not yet fully developed as various options are still under consideration to accommodate a protected Garry Oak tree on the site.  In this regard, it was noted that the driveway location will need to be changed, however, driveway location approval was not part of the Uplands building permit application approval process in any event.

 

MOVED by Councillor Herbert

Seconded by Councillor Braithwaite, That it be recommended to Council that the proposed plans to construct a residential dwelling at 3480 Ripon Road be approved as to siting and architectural design.

 

A member of the Committee was pleased to note the homeowners have applied to participate in the Canada Green Building Council LEED for Home Case Study Program.

 

The question was then called.

 

CARRIED

 

7.

2007-246

DIRECTOR OF BUILDING AND PLANNING, September 11, 2007

Re Uplands Building Permit Application –  3250 Weald Road

 

MOVED by Councillor Herbert

Seconded by Councillor Braithwaite, That it be recommended to Council that the proposed plans to extend the existing dormer at 3250 Weald Road be approved as to siting and architectural design.

 

CARRIED

 

8.

2007-247

DIRECTOR OF BUILDING AND PLANNING, September 11, 2007

Re Uplands Building Permit Application –  3475 Ripon Road

(Royal Victoria Yacht Club)

 

Councillor Herbert declared a conflict inasmuch as he is a member of the Saanich Peninsula Yacht Club with reciprocal privileges with the Royal Victoria Yacht Club, indicating that he would be unable to participate in discussion or vote on the matter.  Councillor Herbert left the meeting at 8:25 p.m.

 

MOVED by Councillor Braithwaite

Seconded by Councillor Jensen, That it be recommended to Council that the proposed plans to construct an Environmental Paint and Oily Water Separator shed on the Royal Victoria Yacht Club property at 3475 Ripon Road be approved as to siting and architectural design.

 

CARRIED

 

Councillor Herbert returned to the meeting at 8:26 p.m.

 

9.

2007-248

DIRECTOR OF BUILDING AND PLANNING, September 11, 2007

Re Development Variance Permit Application –  2032 Esplanade

 

Responding the questions from the Committee, the Director of Building and Planning advised that the applicants wish to demolish the existing house and construct a new house in almost exactly the same location, which would require a number of variances as laid out in his memorandum.  The current house, he noted, is also non-conforming with respect to maximum heights and the projection of the steps into the front lot line setback. 

 

MOVED by Councillor Carson

Seconded by Councillor Copley, That a resolution authorizing the issuance of a development variance permit for 2032 Esplanade be prepared and brought forward to Council for formal consideration.

 

A member of the Committee inquired whether or not the owners had considered deconstructing or moving the old house versus demolishing it. 

 

Gord Jones and Lindsey Keibel-Jones, 2032 Esplanade, explained that Nickel Bros., a house moving company, had told them that the house could not be moved from its location.  Ms. Keibel-Jones indicated that they have contacted a company that recycles salvaged items and as many materials as possible will be recycled.

 

The question was then called.

CARRIED

 

10.

2007-249

DIRECTOR OF BUILDING AND PLANNING, September 11, 2007

Re Development Permit Application –  2067 Cadboro Bay Road

(Coast Capital Building)

 

Councillor Braithwaite declared a conflict inasmuch as she is employed by Coast Capital Savings, the main tenant at 2067 Cadboro Bay Road, indicating that she would be unable to participate in discussion or vote on the matter.  Councillor Braithwaite left the meeting at 8:31 p.m.

 

Tom Moore, Moore Paterson Architects, provided a brief overview of the proposed plans to seismically upgrade the building, replace the deteriorating exterior cladding material with a more aesthetically pleasing panelized metal, and to update the tenant signage. 

 

MOVED by Councillor Carson

Seconded by Councillor Herbert, That a resolution authorizing the issuance of a development permit with respect to 2067 Cadboro Bay Road be prepared and brought forward to Council for formal consideration.

 

CARRIED

 

Councillor Braithwaite returned to the meeting at 8:39 p.m.

 

11.

2007-250

MUNICIPAL ADMINISTRATOR, September 12, 2007

Re Urban Agriculture – Draft Zoning Bylaw Amendment

 

The Municipal Administrator drew attention to his report which provides information on the approach taken to drafting the Zoning Bylaw amendment that would allow small-scale urban agriculture as a secondary use on residential properties, in response to the directive from Council that arose from an application for the change from the owners of City Harvest. 

 

Responding to a question regarding the possible inclusion of a signage prohibition in relation to the use, Mr. Cochrane explained that although the Sign Bylaw would already prohibit the erection or maintenance of signage of that nature, the prohibition could be reiterated in the Bylaw as well, should that be the wish of the Committee.   

 

Martin Scaia and Paula Sobie, owners of City Harvest, 2246 Bowker Avenue, were asked to comment on the proposed Bylaw, and noted that they were generally pleased with the content but surprised that the maximum area of land within the parcel permitted to be used for agriculture is limited to a maximum of 95 square metres (1023 square feet) or 10% of the area of the parcel, whichever is less.  Ms. Sobie indicated that natural factors of individual properties can affect plot locations and with the limited garden size, the space suggested may not leave as much room as would be needed for planting both produce and pollen-enticing flowers used to enhance product growth.

 

It was suggested by Mr. Scaia that the maximum area of land permitted to be cultivated on one property be increased to 325 square metres (3,500 square feet).

 

It was the majority view of the Committee that since such a use has not been permitted for the last 50 years, it would be supportable to start with the smaller area limit, which could always be evaluated and increased in the future through a bylaw amendment.  Additionally, it was suggested that perhaps it might be possible to vary the maximum area, although staff was not in a position to confirm whether this was possible or not without further investigation. 

 

MOVED by Councillor Braithwaite

Seconded by Councillor Herbert, That the draft Zoning Bylaw amendment be brought forward to Council for formal consideration, with the addition of a prohibition on signage in relation to the urban agriculture use.

 

The discussion turned to the one property in Oak Bay that has farm status, and the potential for more properties to receive this classification should the Bylaw be adopted.  Mr. Cochrane explained that as there is only one property in that class currently, the tax rate has always been set to recover the amount of taxes that were collected from neighbouring properties.  Should there be multiple properties that qualify for farm status, however, it would be difficult to come up with one overall, fair, tax rate for individual properties with a farm classification.

 

MOVED by Councillor Jensen

Seconded by Councillor Copley, That the motion be amended to direct that the draft Bylaw be amended to increase the maximum area of land permitted to be used for small scale urban agriculture to 190 square metres (2045 square feet) or 20% of the area of the parcel, whichever is less.

 

DEFEATED

(Councillor Braithwaite, Carson, Cassidy and Herbert against the motion)

 

Responding to questions from the Committee, Mr. Cochrane advised that even educational signage in relation to City Harvest’s business and its benefits would not be permitted.  With respect to owners being able to plant additional areas of land for their own use besides that allowed in relation to the small scale agriculture use, Mr. Cochrane confirmed that this would be permitted as long as there was no sale or exchange of money with respect to that land.

 

The question on the main motion was then called.

 

CARRIED

 

12.

2007-251

DIRECTOR OF BUILDING AND PLANNING, September 10, 2007

Re Land Use Application Procedure and Fee Assessment Bylaw

 

The Director of Building and Planning provided an overview of his report with respect to looking at a possible amendment to the Land Use Application Procedure and Fee Assessment Bylaw that would reduce the amount of security that is required in relation to development projects.

 

Currently, noted Mr. Beattie, Oak Bay requires a deposit of 2.5% of the value of the development, which can result in substantial deposits being required for large projects, over and above any off-site servicing costs.  This is significantly different to the security required in the other core municipalities, which in Saanich and Esquimalt equates to 125% of the value of the landscape works for a development.  The City of Victoria, he said, requires no security.

 

Responding to questions from the Committee, Mr. Beattie said that besides the method of tying the deposit to the cost of the landscaping, a sliding scale method could also be used that would decrease the amount of security taken as the value of the development goes up, much like Oak Bay’s building permit fee schedule. 

 

Mr. Cochrane, responding to questions, agreed that Oak Bay’s current approach probably brings in more security that is realistically needed to cover the uses of the deposit permitted under Provincial legislation.

 

There was further discussion on the options for addressing the security deposit required, and it was the view of the Committee that a sliding scale method may be the most desirable.

 

MOVED by Councillor Herbert

Seconded by Councillor Braithwaite, That staff be directed to bring forward a report regarding proposed amendments to the Land Use Application Procedure and Fee Assessment Bylaw No. 4213 that would introduce a sliding scale method to determine the required security on development.

 

In response to questions regarding whether or not the Bylaw could allow for Council discretion in setting the security deposit regarding amount for larger projects, Mr. Cochrane indicated that this would be possible, however, a sliding scale method would likely result in fair deposits for large scale projects, and individual decisions by Council in this regard may not be necessary under that scheme.

 

The question was then called.

 

CARRIED

 

ADJOURNMENT:

 

MOVED by Councillor Carson

Seconded by Councillor Braithwaite, That the meeting of Committee of the Whole be adjourned.

 

CARRIED

 

The meeting adjourned at 9:20 p.m.

 

Certified Correct:

 

 

 

 

Municipal Clerk

 

 

 

 

Chairman, Finance Section

 

 

 

Chairman, Recreation Section

 

 

 

 

Chairman, Public Works Section

 

 

 

Chairman, Land Use Section