CITY COUNCIL MEETING
AGENDA

Monday, November 28, 2022 at 6:00 P.m. - 8:00 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.

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.

3.1

2023 Revenue Anticipation Borrowing Amendment Bylaw

To request Council give three readings to the 2023 Revenue Anticipation Borrowing Amendment bylaw which is required under Section 177 of the Community Charter to authorize temporary borrowing.

• Recommendation:

  THAT the attached Revenue Anticipation Borrowing Amendment Bylaw No. 8370, 2022 be given three readings.

3.2

Appointment of Chair to the Accessibility Advisory Committee

To seek Council approval for an appointment to a City Advisory Committee.

• Recommendation:

  THAT Council appoint Councillor Jaimie McEvoy as Chair to the Accessibility Advisory Committee for a term ending January 31, 2024.

3.3

Community Grant Program: 2022 Highlights and 2023 Program Adjustments

To inform Council about the 2022 grant program and seek Council’s approval to adjust the grant policy for 2023, to reduce the number of annual intakes from three (3) to two (2).

• Recommendation:

  THAT Council receive a summary of the 2022 Program Highlights for information; and,

  THAT Council approve staff’s recommended adjustments to the grant policy for 2023 to reduce the number of intakes to two from three as outlined in this report.

3.4

Construction Noise Bylaw Exemption Request: Front Street from Tenth Street to McBride Boulevard - Metro Vancouver Sewer Inspection

To request that Council grant an exemption from the Construction Noise Bylaw to Metro Vancouver for a sewer inspection on Front Street from Tenth Street to McBride Boulevard commencing November 29, 2022 to December 2, 2022.

• Recommendation:

  THAT Council grant an exemption to the Construction Noise Bylaw No. 6063, 1992 to Metro Vancouver to conduct a sewer inspection on Front Street from Tenth Street to McBride Boulevard commencing November 29, 2022 to December 2, 2022.

3.5

Proposed 2023 Schedule of Council Meetings

To request Council approval of the 2023 Schedule of Council Meetings.

• Recommendation:

  THAT Council approve the 2023 Schedule of Council Meetings as set out in Attachment 1 of this report.

3.6

Q3 2022 Capital and Operating Performance Report

An information report on the 2022 Quarter 3 (Q3) capital and operating budgets and to seek Council’s approval of the proposed 2022 Quarter 3 Capital Budget Adjustments & Revised 2022 Multi-Year Capital Budget: (1) Adjust for net budget increases of $0.8M; and (2) Approve the proposed revised 2022 Multi-Year Capital Budget of $191.9M and no change to the 2022-2026 Five Year Financial Plan Bylaw as the $0.8M will be accommodated by re-allocating funding within the current five year Capital Plan.

• Recommendation:

  THAT Council receive this report for information; and

  THAT Council approve the 2022 Quarter 3 capital budget adjustments as outlined in Table 1-1 of this report.

3.7

Proclamation: Orange Days: Unite to End Violence Against Women and Girls, November 25 - December 10, 2022

3.8

Minutes for Adoption

a.

September 26, 2022 City Council Meeting (9:00 a.m.)

b.

September 26, 2022 City Council Meeting (6:00 p.m.)

c.

October 3, 2022 City Council Meeting

d.

October 21, 2022 Special City Council Meeting

e.

November 7, 2022 Inaugural Council Meeting

4.

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

5.

BYLAWS

5.1

Bylaws for readings

a.

Revenue Anticipation Borrowing Amendment Bylaw No. 8370, 2022

To provide the authority to temporarily borrow as required up to $3 million in 2023.  This bylaw is on the agenda for THREE READINGS.

6.

MOTIONS FROM MEMBERS OF COUNCIL

6.1

Notice of Motion

The motions in this section will be introduced at this meeting. The motions will be placed on the December 12, 2022, Council agenda for discussion and decision.

a.

Halting the Phase-out of the Royal City Moniker

Submitted By: Councillor Fontaine and Councillor Minhas

WHEREAS there has been widespread concern from New Westminster citizens and business-owners regarding Council’s decision to phase-out the Royal City moniker; and

WHEREAS unlike any other city in Province of BC, the City of New Westminster has the unique distinction and opportunity to market itself as the "Royal City" and; 

WHEREAS many citizens and local business owners have openly stated they believe there was not adequate consultation with Indigenous people, residents and business owners prior to the previous Council's decision to phase-out the Royal City moniker; and

WHEREAS the City has limited resources and tax and utility rates have been going up over the last four years at a rate much higher than inflation; and

WHEREAS the final cost related to phasing out the Royal City moniker and rebranding has yet to be determined but is estimated to be significant; and

WHEREAS there is a shortage of staff at the city and our human resource capacity should be focused on the delivery of essential programs and services

BE IT RESOLVED THAT the City of New Westminster halt the phasing out of the 'Royal City' moniker in our branding; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT no future change to the branding shall be undertaken without due notice and proper consultation with our residents, businesses and Indigenous people.

b.

Elimination of Train Whistle Noise and Supporting Increased Liveability

Submitted By: Councillor Fontaine and Councillor Minhas

WHEREAS an important role for any city government is to ensure the liveability of its residents; and

WHEREAS citizens who live in high density living are helping to reduce the city’s carbon footprint and as such are helping to tackle climate change; and

WHEREAS train whistle noise has severely impacted the quality of life for residents in both Sapperton and Queensborough; and

WHEREAS the former Railway Community Advisory Panel was disbanded notwithstanding the fact it was credited with helping to advance the elimination of train whistle noise; and

WHEREAS a significant number of residents in the affected neighbourhoods indicated during the recent civic election they do not believe enough has been done to eliminate train whistle noise; and

WHEREAS the current Mayor and Council have the ability to strongly advocate to senior orders of government to assist with infrastructure costs and policy changes related to upgrading train crossings; and

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council re-establish the Railway Community Advisory Panel and that staff report back to Council on the updated terms of reference by no later than January 31, 2023.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City of New Westminster establishes a target of eliminating all unnecessary train whistles which are negatively impacting the quality of life for thousands of Sapperton and Queensborough residents by no later than 2026; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that City Council draft a letter to the Federal Minister of Transportation advising that we wish to accelerate negotiations with the Federal Government to get their support and assistance with whistle cessation in our neighbourhoods; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that staff be required to provide quarterly updates to City Council and the public regarding progress made to eliminate unnecessary train whistles; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that staff ensure the website containing critical information regarding whistle cessation is updated with the latest information; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that staff report back on the capital costs related to the infrastructure upgrade to the Sapperton and Queensborough train crossings and if we are eligible to apply for provincial or federal infrastructure funding to lower the tax burden on city ratepayers.

 

c.

Reducing Crime and Increasing Public Safety in New Westminster

Submitted By: Councillor Fontaine and Councillor Minhas

WHEREAS reports of increased crime and public disorder are of concern to New Westminster residents and business owners; and

WHEREAS City Council can play an important role in helping to reduce the level of crime on our streets; and

WHEREAS the previous City Council initially voted 4-3 to ask the NW Police Board to freeze its budget and modify its request for a $1.7M increase in funding in 2021; and

WHEREAS City Council eventually voted in favour of an increase in the NW Police Department 2021 budget by a vote of 5-2; and

WHEREAS the New West Police Department plays a critical role in reducing crime and improving public safety in our city; and

WHEREAS it is important for New Westminster to reduce crime and public disorder to support our commercial districts; and

WHEREAS the residents of New Westminster raised many concerns in the recent civic election that not enough attention was being focused on the issue of crime and safety in our city;

WHEREAS it is important to engage with our local citizens and residents and obtain their feedback in the development of new strategies to combat crime including random acts of violence; and

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT a new Crime Reduction and Public Safety Advisory Committee be created and that staff report back to Council on the terms of reference for the Task Force by no later than January 31, 2023.

d.

Creation of a New Finance and City Services Standing Committee

Submitted By: Councillor Fontaine and Councillor Minhas

 WHEREAS it is important that we increase the level of openness, transparency, and accountability regarding the City's finances; and

WHEREAS we are facing a major infrastructure deficit and increased spending pressures; and

WHEREAS several other Metro Vancouver cities have established committees to provide better oversight and accountability on city spending and services; and

WHEREAS the City of New Westminster has consistently increased property taxes and utility rates well above the rate of inflation over the last four years; and

WHEREAS increased population growth in the City of New Westminster has served to increase our overall revenue; and

WHEREAS the establishment of a new Finance and City Services Standing Committee would help increase the public's confidence that their tax dollars, user fees, fines and other payments to the City are being spent effectively;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council recommend to the Mayor he establish a new Finance and City Services Standing Committee and that staff report back to Council on the terms of reference by no later than January 31, 2023.

e.

Creation of a New Amateur Sport andRecreation Advisory Committee

WHEREAS New Westminster has a proud tradition of producing top athletes and successful amateur sport teams; and

WHEREAS the city has grown at a very rapid rate the last decade and our sports and recreation infrastructure has not been keeping pace; and

WHEREAS there are not enough swimming pools, ice rinks, pickle ball courts, artificial turf fields and other sports infrastructure to meet the growing demand in the City of New Westminster; and

WHEREAS it is important for any city to invest in sports and recreation infrastructure if they are going to make high density living more liveable; and

WHEREAS the opportunity exists for the City to work more closely with our amateur sport and recreation associations to determine their current and future needs; and

WHEREAS sports tourism can play an important role in helping to generate economic activity within our city; and

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT a new Amateur Sport and Recreation Advisory Committee be created and that staff report back to Council on the terms of reference by no later than January 31, 2023.

f.

Advocacy to the BC Government to Increase Housing and Wrap-Around Supports for People Living with Mental Illness

Submitted By: Councillor Fontaine and Councillor Minhas

WHEREAS it has been documented that there is a severe lack of provincial health supports in the Metro Vancouver region for individuals living with a mental illness; and

WHEREAS there is a connection between mental illness, substance use disorder and homelessness and this is evident on the streets of New Westminster and other Metro Vancouver cities; and

WHEREAS many of the people experiencing homelessness in the Metro Vancouver region, including New Westminster, are living with untreated mental illnesses due to a lack of access to care; and

WHEREAS the Province of British Columbia recently indicated it was able to allocate up to $1 billion toward the development of a new Royal BC museum, a plan they have since abandoned; and,

WHEREAS homelessness, a lack of mental health diagnosis and treatment, and deaths due to toxic drug supply are at a crisis stage; and,

WHEREAS the Province of BC closed Riverview Mental Health facility in Coquitlam but the equivalent financial supports were not transferred into community-based mental health care; and,

WHEREAS the City of New Westminster has limited jurisdiction and funding to support people living with mental illness who are unhoused; and,

WHEREAS it is important that Council advocate to Members of the Legislative Assembly for increased mental health and housing supports for people forced to live on our streets.

BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council request the Mayor write to Premier David Eby and request that funding be set aside and prioritized in the 2023 Provincial Budget to begin the planning, development and construction of large-scale, community-based, modern mental health residential care facilities in the Metro Vancouver area; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT staff create a motion with a similar intent that can be sent to the LMLGA and UBCM for consideration

g.

Supporting Better Governance, Decision-makingand Public Engagement at City Hall

Submitted By: Councillor Fontaine and Councillor Minhas

WHEREAS the City of New Westminster should do everything possible to seek input from the public regarding matters before Council; and

WHEREAS the current practice of releasing the Council agenda and supporting materials on the Friday before the Monday meeting does not allow for adequate public notice and feedback; and

WHEREAS it is best practice in good governance that as much time be provided to decision-makers to review materials and ask questions of staff prior to casting a vote; and

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the City Clerk make the agenda and supporting documents available to members of Council no less than five business days prior to the meeting;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT Council direct staff to bring forward changes to the Procedure Bylaw No. 6910, 2004 to reflect the new council package distribution 

7.

NEW BUSINESS 

7.1

ON TABLE Recruitment 2023: Appointment to the New Westminster Library Board

To release the Closed resolution appointing a member to the New Westminster Library Board.

• Recommendation:

  THAT Council receive the report titled, “Recruitment 2023: Appointment to the New Westminster Library Board” for information.

7.2

ON TABLE Release of Motion regarding School Capacity and Child Care options

8.

ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM MEMBERS OF COUNCIL

9.

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.