CITY COUNCIL MEETING
AGENDA

Monday, May 08, 2023 at 6:00 P.m. - 9:00 P.m.

Meeting held electronically and open to public attendance

Council Chamber, City Hall

We recognize and respect that New Westminster is on the unceded and unsurrendered land of the Halkomelem speaking peoples. We acknowledge that colonialism has made invisible their histories and connections to the land. As a City, we are learning and building relationships with the people whose lands we are on.

 

LIVE WEBCAST: Please note City Council Meetings, Public Hearings, Council Workshops and some Special City Council Meetings are streamed online and are accessible through the City’s website at http://www.newwestcity.ca/council  

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1.

CALL TO ORDER AND LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The Mayor will open the meeting and provide a land acknowledgement.

2.

CHANGES TO THE AGENDA

Urgent/time sensitive matters only

3.

REPORTS AND PRESENTATIONS FOR COUNCIL DISCUSSION  AND ACTION

3.1

Presentation of 2022-2026 Council Strategic Plan

a.

ON TABLE 2023-2026 Council Strategic Priorities Plan Presentation

b.

Report (Circulated Separately)

The purpose of this report is to present the 2023-2026 New Westminster City Council Strategic Priorities Plan for adoption.

• Recommendation:

  THAT Council adopt the 2023-2026 Council Strategic Priorities Plan.

c.

ON TABLE Full Strategic Plan document

3.2

Anvil Centre Operations (information report from April 24, 2023)

The purpose of this report is to provide City Council with Anvil Centre Operations information related to questions regarding Anvil Centre.

• Recommendation:

  THAT Council accept this memo as information regarding the operations of Anvil Centre.

3.3

Demographic Profile of Be Heard New West Registered Users (information report from April 24, 2023)

To inform Council about the overall demographic profile of registered users of the City’s Be Heard New West online engagement platform as of February 2023, as it compares with the overall demographic profile of New Westminster from the 2021 Census.

• Recommendation:

  That Council receive this report for information.

4.

CONSENT AGENDA

If Council decides, all the recommendations in the reports on the Consent Agenda can be approved in one motion, without discussion. If Council wishes to discuss a report, that report is removed from the Consent Agenda. A report may be removed in order to discuss it, because someone wants to vote against the report’s recommendation, or because someone has a conflict of interest with the report. Any reports not removed from the Consent Agenda are passed without discussion.

• Recommendation:

  THAT Council adopt the recommendations for items # on consent.

4.1

Anvil Centre Operating Overview (Circulated Separately)

To provide City Council with the 2023 Approved Operating Budget projections for Anvil Centre. In recent meetings, Council has asked for clarification regarding the revenue and cost figures for Anvil Centre. This report is written in response.

• Recommendation:

  THAT Council receive this report for information.

4.2

Application for Strata Conversion of the existing building at 716 Columbia Street.

The purpose of this report is to seek Council’s approval of the strata title conversion of the existing building at 716 Columbia Street.

• Recommendation:

  THAT Council approve the proposed strata conversion of the existing commercial building into 8 strata units (7 residential and 1 commercial) and authorize the City Clerk to endorse the strata plans on behalf of the City of New Westminster.

4.3

Appointment of Corporate Officer (Circulated Separately)

The purpose of this report is to provide for the efficient operation of the Legislative Services Department and the City by designating Peter DeJong as the Acting Corporate Officer.

• Recommendation:

  THAT Council designate Peter DeJong as the Corporate Officer during the one year re-assignment of the Corporate Officer.

  THAT Council designate Jacque Killawee as City Clerk for the purpose of signing Land Title documents during this period.

4.4

Approach for Budget 2024 Engagement & Budget Timelines

This report presents a recommended approach for community engagement on the City’s 2024 Budget, planned within a budget and engagement best practice timeline.

• Recommendation:

  THAT Council endorse the Engagement Objectives outlined in this report, and

  THAT Council endorse the 2024 Budget Timelines and associated 2024 Budget Engagement Approach as outlined in this report, including online engagement on Be Heard and targeted workshops with underrepresented groups.

4.5

Daycare Lease Agreement at 490 Furness Street

To provide Council with information on the proposed Lease Agreement with the Kolumbia Inn Daycare Society (KIDS) for the exclusive use of the civic facility and grounds at 490 Furness Street.

• Recommendation:

  That Council authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute the attached Lease Agreement between the City and the Kolumbia Inn Daycare Society (KIDS).

4.6

Early Steps Daycare – Playground License Agreement at 601 Queens Avenue

The purpose of this report is to provide Council with information on the proposed License Agreement with the Early Steps Daycare (Daycare) for the use of the City boulevard at the frontage of 601 Queens Avenue, and to obtain Council’s approval for the Mayor and City Clerk to execute the Agreement on behalf of the City, and to seek Council approval to enter into a License Agreement with the Daycare as explained in this report.

• Recommendation:

  That Council authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute the attached License Agreement between the City and the Early Steps Daycare.

4.7

Expanding the Inter-municipal TNS (Ride-Hailing) Business Licence to include Hope, Kent and Mission

To expand the inter-municipal business licence (IMBL) for ride-hailing companies to include the District of Hope, District of Kent and City of Mission.

• Recommendation:
  1. THAT Council give Three Readings to Inter-Municipal TNS Business Licence Scheme Bylaw No. 8391, 2023;
     
  2. THAT Council forward Inter-Municipal TNS Business Licence Scheme Bylaw No. 8391, 2023 to an Opportunity to be Heard at the Regular Meeting of Council on May 29, 2023; and
     
  3. THAT Council give Three Readings to Inter-Municipal TNS Business Licence Agreement Bylaw No. 8393, 2023.

4.8

Rezoning Application for Conversion to Supportive Housing: 422 Sixth Street - Preliminary Application (Circulated Separately)

To provide preliminary information on a Rezoning Application to permit Supportive Housing on the second and third storeys of the existing building at 422 Sixth Street; to outline the application review process for endorsement; and to direct staff to work with the applicant towards preparation of the suitable rezoning bylaw.

• Recommendation:

  THAT Council direct staff to work with the applicant to prepare a rezoning bylaw for the subject property suitable for consideration of First, Second and Third Readings.

  THAT Council direct staff to proceed with processing the proposed rezoning of the subject property as outlined in the “Application Review Process” section of this report.

  THAT Council endorse in principle that no Public Hearing be held for this application in accordance with the Local Government Act.

4.9

Proclamation - Day of Mourning for Workers Killed and Injured on the Job, April 28, 2023

4.10

Proclamation - Shawn Bayes Day, May 12, 2023

4.11

Proclamation - Falun Dafa Day, May 13, 2023

4.12

Proclamation - International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia, May 17, 2023

4.13

Proclamation - Hyack International Parade and Festival, May 27, 2023

4.14

Proclamation - Emergency Preparedness Week, May 7-13, 2023

4.15

Proclamation - National Public Works Week, May 21-27

4.16

Proclamation - Child and Youth in Care Week, May 29-June 4, 2023

5.

OPPORTUNITY FOR THE PUBLIC TO SPEAK TO COUNCIL – 7:00 PM

6.

SPECIAL ORDER OF THE DAY - 8:00 PM

6.1

Break (15 minutes)

7.

BYLAWS

7.1

Bylaws for readings

a.

Inter-municipal TNS Business License Agreement Bylaw No. 8393, 2023

A bylaw to enter into an agreement among participating municipalities regarding an Inter-municipal Transportation Network Services (i.e. Ride-Hailing) Business Licence program. This bylaw is on the agenda for THREE READINGS.

b.

Inter-municipal TNS Business License Scheme Bylaw No. 8391, 2023

A bylaw outlining an Inter-municipal Transportation Network Services (i.e. Ride-Hailing)  Business Licence program. This bylaw is on the agenda for THREE READINGS.

7.2

Bylaws for adoption

a.

Tax Rates Bylaw No. 8395 2023

To set the tax rates for 2023.  This bylaw is on the agenda for ADOPTION.

8.

MOTIONS FROM MEMBERS OF COUNCIL

8.1

Motions for Discussion and Decision

a.

Inviting the Community to Celebrate and Say Goodbye to the Pattullo Bridge

Submitted by Councillor Fontaine

Whereas the Pattullo Bridge is an iconic part of the City of New Westminster’s history; and

Whereas the historic Pattullo Bridge will be decommissioned and replaced by a wider, more modern bridge which will be operational in 2024; and

Whereas the public should be provided with a unique opportunity to experience the Pattullo Bridge without truck and vehicle traffic

BE IT RESOLVED that the Mayor write a letter on behalf of Council to the BC Ministry of Transportation to determine the feasibility of opening the Pattullo Bridge to pedestrian, cycle and other non-vehicular modes of transportation for a period of three days (Friday, Saturday, Sunday) subsequent to the opening of the new bridge; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Council enter into discussions with the Ministry of Transportation to facilitate a community-based celebration of the existing Pattullo Bridge by way of an ‘on bridge’ day-long street festival during the three day public access period

b.

Updating and determining the effectiveness of the City's Tree Protection and Regulation Bylaw

Submitted by Councillor Minhas

Whereas the City of New Westminster introduced a Tree Protection and Regulation Bylaw in 2016; and

Whereas the overall tree canopy within the City of New Westminster has continued to decline since the introduction of the Tree Protection and Regulation bylaw; and

Whereas it is important to regularly review bylaws for their effectiveness

Whereas there is increasing evidence that trees and other greenspaces offer significant health and well-being benefits, including reduced deaths from cardiovascular disease and improved mental health outcomes.

BE IT RESOLVED that staff be directed to report back to Council regarding the costs, potential sources of funding and operational impacts pertaining to the City conducting an independent and arms-length review and public consultation regarding the effectiveness of our Tree Protection and Regulation Bylaw

8.2

Notices of Motion

a.

2024 Police Budget

Submitted by Councillor Nakagawa

Whereas The New Westminster Police constitutes the the largest percentage of the municipal budget by department, and is traditionally submitted by the Police Board to City Council for approval; and 

Whereas under provincial regulation, City Council does not have the ability to modify this portion of the City Budget; 

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT New Westminster City Council writes to the Police Board requesting to engage in collaborative dialogue about the 2024 Police Budget on an ongoing basis beginning in spring 2023.

b.

Establishing a new Planning Policies, Procedures and Processes Working Group

Submitted by Councillor Fontaine

Whereas it is important for the City to regularly review the effectiveness of and efficiency of our planning processes and procedures; and

Whereas one of the goals of the City is to construct more affordable, accessible and diverse housing types that will help to address our housing crisis; and

Whereas there has been concern expressed within our community that some of the processes, procedures and policies related to the development of new housing are outdated and in need of reform;

BE IT RESOLVED that Council establish a Planning Policies, Procedures and Processes Working Group; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that once established and members of the Working Group are appointed, it be provided with up to 120 days to prepare a report to Council which includes recommendations regarding possible revisions, updates or the elimination of any unnecessary, outdated, costly or ineffective planning by-laws, policies, procedures and processes;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Council appoint two city councillors to co-chair the Working Group and that they develop the terms of reference, and prepare a budget (if required) for approval by Council; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED the co-chairs will recommend to Council the overall composition of the Working Group; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that all efforts should be made by the Working Group to utilize external resources as a means of limiting staff time required to support this initiative; and

BE IF FURTHER RESOLVED the representatives of the Working Group will represent the diversity of our community and that the consultation they undertake will be done so in an equitable manner

c.

Supporting the victims of random and violent crimes in New Westminster

Submitted by Councillor Minhas

Whereas the streets of New Westminster have been the scene of an increasing number of violent crime incidents including shootings in broad daylight and stabbings; and

Whereas an increasing number of residents, business owners and tourists are concerned about their safety; and

Whereas the City of New Westminster should play an important role in helping to ensure that residents, business owners and tourists remains safe

BE IT RESOLVED that the Mayor, on behalf of Council, write to the Federal Minister of Justice, the Premier of British Columbia and the BC’s Solicitor General requesting that every effort be made to reform our ‘catch and release’ justice system which is facilitating repeat and prolific offenders being allowed to roam New Westminster’s streets; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Council endorse a request made in February 2023 by the Business Improvement Areas of BC to establish a new provincially funded program which supports initiatives aimed at curtailing the impacts of vandalism and property crime; and

BE IT RESOLVED that Council request an urgent meeting with the New Westminster Police Board to develop a joint strategy and determine what additional initiatives can be immediately implemented to ensure our streets remain safe from further violent crime.

d.

Implementing initiatives to reduce catalytic converter thefts in New Westminster

Submitted by Councillor Fontaine

Whereas the theft and resale of stolen catalytic converters is considered an issue within the City of New Westminster; and

Whereas the Insurance Corporation of B.C. (ICBC) says converter theft claims have climbed from 89 in 2017 to 1,953 last year, totalling more than $4 million in claim costs for 2021; and

Whereas the theft of catalytic converters is costly and impactful to the victims of this crime

BE IT RESOLVED that staff work with ICBC and the New Westminster Police Department to determine the feasibility of replicating Surrey’s “Etch It, We Catch It” campaign in our city; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that staff report back regarding the feasibility of implementing a by-law that would place a temporary ban on the resale of catalytic converters and impose serious fines to those individuals and/or businesses who knowingly sell stolen catalytic converters in our city.

9.

NEW BUSINESS 

9.1

ON TABLE Potential Changes to City Advisory Committees Structure

This report outlines potential changes to the City of New Westminster’s advisory committees structure, as part of Council’s strategic planning process, and the suggested next step to seek feedback from existing committee members on the proposed Advisory Assembly model.

• Recommendation:

  That Council endorse staff continuing to explore the Advisory Assembly model as a proposed pilot project as part of the City’s advisory committees structure, and

  That Council endorse staff engaging with current advisory committee members to get their feedback and input on the proposed Advisory Assembly model.

10.

ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM MEMBERS OF COUNCIL

11.

END OF THE MEETING

 

 

*Some personal information is collected and archived by the City of New Westminster under Section 26(g)(ii) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and for the purpose of the City’s ongoing commitment to open and transparent government. If you have any questions about the collection of personal information please contact Legislative Services, 511 Royal Avenue, New Westminster, V3L 1H9, 604-527-4523.

12.

INFORMATION REPORTS - May 8, 2023

12.1

2023 Spring Freshet and Snow Pack Level – April 1st update

To provide Council with background information and details on the snowpack conditions as of April 1st, 2023 in the Fraser River Basin and related preparation efforts for the annual freshet for 2023.

• Recommendation:

  That Council receive this report for information.