Brian Johnston, Partner, Professional Environmental Recreation Consultants Ltd.

Transcription

1 Minutes of the COUNCIL IN COMMITTEE MEETING of Pitt Meadows City Council held on Tuesday, August 26, 2014 at 3:00 p.m. in the Meadows Room of the Pitt Meadows City Hall, Harris Road, Pitt Meadows, British Columbia. PRESENT: Elected Officials: Staff GUEST: Mayor D.A. Walters Councillor B. Bell, Chair Councillor J. Elkerton Councillor T. Miyashita Councillor D. Murray Councillor G. O Connell K. Grout, Chief Administrative Officer C. Harding, Manager of Financial Services C. Day, Director of Operations and Development Services L. Graham, Acting CEO, Economic Development Corporation K. Kenney, Manager of Legislative Services K. Swift, General Manager, Community Development, Parks and Recreation Services D. Boag, Director of Parks and Facilities D. Cramb, Senior Recreation Manager, Pitt Meadows Area J. Zazubek, Development Services Technician L. Kelly, Deputy Clerk Brian Johnston, Partner, Professional Environmental Recreation Consultants Ltd. The meeting was called to order at 3:00 p.m. A. ADOPTION OF AGENDA MOVED by Councillor Murray, SECONDED by Councillor Elkerton, THAT the Agenda for the August 26, 2014 Council in Committee Meeting be amended by moving Item D.2 Temporary Commercial Use Permit Application Ford Road Detour and Ford Road to precede Item D.1 Final Report on Joint Leisure Services Review, and adding Items E.1 Airport Way Project Update, E.2 Profiles of Excellence Publication, and E.3 Centennial Garden Project Update; AND THAT the Agenda be adopted as amended

2 2 B. ADOPTION OF MINUTES 1. Minutes of the July 22, 2014 Council in Committee Meeting. MOVED by Councillor Miyashita, SECONDED by Councillor Murray, THAT the Minutes of the Council in Committee Meeting held on July 22, 2014, be adopted. C. DELEGATIONS AND PRESENTATIONS 1. Final Report on Parks & Leisure Joint Services Agreement Review. Ms. Kelly Swift, General Manager, Community Development, Parks and Recreation Services, advised that Mr. Johnston presented the conclusions and recommendations from the completed report to the Maple Ridge Council on August 25, The Maple Ridge Council requested a joint meeting with the Pitt Meadows Council to discuss the report recommendations prior to consideration of endorsement of the recommendations from the report. Ms. Swift advised that a joint workshop has been scheduled at the October 9, 2014 Parks & Leisure Services Commission meeting. Mr. Brian Johnston, Partner, Professional Environmental Recreation Consultants Ltd., reviewed the conclusions and recommendations from the final report dated July 31, 2014, which is included as Attachment 1 and forms part of these Minutes. Ms. Swift advised that she concurred with the recommendations as presented. 2. Neighbours of Hank s Trucking and Bulldozing. Ms. Julie Paciejewski, a Pitt Meadows resident who lives adjacent to the proposed temporary commercial use permit site, owned by Hank s Trucking and Bulldozing, provided the following comments: Mr. Bitter has been conducting a commercial operation on farmland for 20 years, and should not have been allowed to continue his business after 2011, the Agricultural Land Commission (ALC) s decision at that time was that he return the land to the original state and remove the equipment and the blacktop; however, Mr. Bitter continues to operate without a permit from the City or the approval of the ALC; Mr. Bitter has never paid commercial property taxes;

3 3 she has complained to the ALC regarding particulate matter in the air, her house is covered with dirt, not dust, there are cracks in the walls and foundation of her house from the truck traffic; Mr. Bitter has cooperated to a certain extent, including paving a portion of the road and installing a stop sign; there is truck traffic 7 days a week, up to 11 pm; Mr. Bitter installed a gate for security; however, it squeaks as it is opened and closed; a similar application from another farm in the Pitt Polder was denied by the ALC; Mr. Bitter appealed the 2011 decision by the ALC and received verbal approval to continue his operation for another 10 years, even though an appeal should only be allowed up to one year after a decision has been reached; Ms. Paciejewski will be sending a letter to the ALC, requesting that they check Mr. Bitter s operation under ALC s compliance and enforcement, and requesting that Council delay the process until she can appeal to the ALC, as she feels the ALC has contradicted its own policy. Mr. Ron Blakely, a resident in the area, advised that he was subject to the same disturbance as Ms. Paciejewski expressed. He requested that Pitt Meadows not issue a temporary use permit; however, if Council issues a permit, he requested the conditions listed in their letter dated August 8, 2014 be included as part of the permit. D. REPORTS 1. Temporary Commercial Use Permit Application Ford Road Detour & Ford Road. ( ) Mr. Cory Day, Director of Operations and Development Services, provided a presentation regarding an application for a Temporary Commercial Use Permit for a soil screening and mixing operation on land located in the Agricultural Land Reserve. Mr. Day reviewed the Agricultural Land Commission (ALC) conditions for approval of the use, as well as the City s restrictions regarding approval of the permit. The PowerPoint is included as Attachment 2 and forms part of these Minutes. Points from the discussion include:

4 4 what the penalties are for a noise infraction; the Noise Control Bylaw and the highway use permit would allow regulation and enforcement of any truck traffic or operations occurring at night. MOVED by Councillor O Connell, SECONDED by Councillor Miyashita, THAT the Committee recommends THAT Council receive into the record the report from the Director of Operations and Development Services dated August 19, it was mentioned that the ALC may not have the same regard for farmland south of Lougheed Highway as the farmland north of Lougheed Highway; whether the soil/peat mixing could be done on the Onni site; BC Assessment Authority establishes the assessment of the property based on the use of the land and, as covered in the staff report, would be notified by staff of the land use change if the permit is granted; the ALC did not put any conditions on the noise or dust for the site; there may be an impact on Onni if the permit is denied. MOVED by Mayor Walters, SECONDED by Councillor Elkerton, THAT Council defer consideration of the issuance of the Temporary Use Permit No until clarification is received from the Agricultural Land Commission regarding the rationale for their decision to approve the nonfarm use application for the two parcels located at Ford Road Detour, and to receive feedback from the Agricultural Advisory Committee on the Agricultural Land Commission s decision. MOVED by Councillor O Connell, SECONDED by Councillor Miyashita, THAT the Committee recommends THAT Council direct staff to issue a stop work order at Ford Road Detour and Ford Road. 2. Final Report on Joint Leisure Services Review. MOVED by Councillor Elkerton, SECONDED by Councillor Murray, THAT Council defer consideration of endorsement of the recommendations in the Joint Parks and Leisure Services Model Review report dated July 31, 2014, until after the joint workshop with the Maple Ridge Council is held on October 9,

5 5 3. Bylaw Amendments to Permit the Keeping of Urban Backyard Hens. ( ) Ms. Janet Zazubek, Development Services Technician, provided a presentation regarding a one-year pilot program, and the related public information package, to permit residents to keep urban backyard hens. The PowerPoint is included as Attachment 3 and forms part of these Minutes. A question was raised as to how staff will address existing hen owners. Staff advised that those residents who already have backyard hens will be asked to complete the backyard hen registration form. A concern was expressed regarding recourse for residents whose chicks end up being roosters. MOVED by Councillor Miyashita, SECONDED by Councillor Murray, THAT the Committee recommends THAT Council: A. Grant First and Second Readings to Pitt Meadows Zoning Bylaw Amendment No. 2662, 2014; AND B. Grant First, Second and Third Readings to Pitt Meadows Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw Amendment No. 2663, 2014; AND C. Schedule a Public Hearing for the September 16, 2014 Regular Meeting of Council; AND D. After the one-year pilot program, staff report back to Council with the results of the program. 4. Water Metering Report. ( /14) Ms. Cheryl Harding, Manager of Financial Services, provided the rationale for installation of water meters for properties in the agricultural zone versus not having water meters in the urban residential area, and provided a rate comparison. MOVED by Councillor O Connell, SECONDED by Mayor Walters, THAT the Committee recommends THAT Council: A. Receive into the record the report from the Director of Finance & Facilities dated August 1,

6 6 Staff were asked how many 2-acre parcels were in the agricultural zone. Staff advised they would report back. 5. DCC Update Process. ( /14) Mr. Cory Day, Director of Operations and Development Services, advised that staff was requesting authorization to select a qualified consultant to review the Development Cost Charge Imposition Bylaw No. 2382, 2009 and Parkland Development Cost Charge Bylaw No. 1574, 1996, in order to ensure the city is collecting adequate funds to maintain positive balances in the existing reserves, and to adequately address the future needs of the city for the anticipated growth. MOVED by Mayor Walters, SECONDED by Councillor Miyashita, THAT the Committee recommends THAT Council: A. Direct staff to retain a consultant to undertake proposed changes to DCC Bylaw No, 2382, 2009 and Park Land Development Cost Charge Bylaw No. 1574, 1996 to update the existing projects and developer cost fees. E. NEW BUSINESS 1. Airport Way Park Project Update. Councillor Bell advised that Council had directed staff to provide regular updates on this project, but to date has not received an update. Therefore, Councillor Bell added this item to the Agenda to receive an update from staff. Mr. David Boag, Director of Parks and Facilities, advised that the detailed work for the Airport Way park project was completed; the project has been tendered, and the contract awarded. The park design is as it was presented to council; however, two lookout decks have been removed from the scope of the contract in order to provide a contingency and could be reintroduced at the end of the project, budget permitting. The culvert work for the parkland will be completed through the Engineering Department. Mr. Boag confirmed that the project is not over budget at this time. Discussion ensued regarding concerns with respect to the channel, potential for mosquitoes and the costs for the project

7 7 2. Profiles of Excellence Publication. Councillor Bell advised that he added this item to the Agenda as Council was unaware of the Profiles of Excellence publication until recently and requested clarification on the approval process for this publication. Ms. Grout advised that she approved the production of the publication and that, unfortunately, she was on vacation when the publication was released in July and apologized for Council not being notified. Ms. Grout advised that the publication was jointly funded by the Pitt Meadows Economic Development Corporation ($800), the Communications Department ($600), and HR staff for oversight ($400). 3. Centennial Garden Project Update. Councillor Bell advised that this item was added to the Agenda to receive an update from staff on this project. Mr. David Boag, Director of Parks and Facilities, advised that a second open house was held with approximately 73 to 75 responses received to a questionnaire and the steering committee is currently reviewing the information. Mr. Boag advised that there is little support for the set stones; as well, there are mixed feelings on whether it is the correct location to mark the centennial. F. COMMITTEE ROUND TABLE / COUNCIL LIAISON REPORTS (Councillor O Connell) felt the Profiles of Excellent is an exceptional tool for economic development. (Councillor O Connell) questioned the status of a property on Ford Road where development appears to be taking place, and whether new roads are being built in the area. Ms. Grout advised that it is a lot line readjustment on the parcels at Ford Road. A subdivision application has been received for the lot line adjustment, and there has been discussions regarding road right of way and servicing upgrades which are covered under the subdivision servicing bylaw. Ms. Grout further advised that the approving officer has the authority to approve lot lines adjustments in the Agricultural Land Reserve, provided the parcels do not become smaller. (Councillor Elkerton) advised that tickets ($20) are still available for the Youth Diversion fundraiser on September 20 th ; for further information contact Ranjit Kingra; also, Councillor Elkerton asked that the details be included on the City s website

8 8 (Councillor Murray) has received concerns from residents regarding noise from cars on McMyn late at night. Mayor Walters advised that complaints are forwarded to the RCMP who respond. (Councillor Murray) a resident advised that he had received a ticket for a watering infraction; questioned whether the area was being targeted. (Councillor Murray) was surprised to learn that the janitorial contract had been completed during the summer break. (Councillor Bell) thanked Ms. Grout for compiling the comments from Council and the Agricultural Advisory Committee regarding potential amendments to the Agricultural Land Commission Act, and forwarding them to the Ministry of Agriculture by the deadline of August 22, Ms. Grout reported that there was very low attendance at the consultation session held in August; Derek Corrigan, Chair, and Harold Steves, Vice Chair, Metro Vancouver Agriculture Committee, as well as two Metro Vancouver staff attended. Two issues were discussed: (1) the timing for the consultation was unacceptable, the deadline of August 22 for input was unacceptable; and (2) although some of the proposed amendments can be appreciated, it was agreed that the ALC doesn t have the ability to enforce everything now, and local governments do not want it to fall back on them. G. QUESTION PERIOD Mike Stark, Pitt Meadows, speaking as a volunteer on the steering committee for the Airport Way/Bonson Park, provided the following comments: he is disappointed with the process; he was promised the drawings for the project which were completed on June 3rd, but only recently received them; he has found that the project has been tendered and the contract has been let with construction to begin in two weeks; he is concerned about the water feature and provided statistics regarding habitat in the Katzie Slough. He requested that the process is stopped until there is more information available. Hank Bitter, Pitt Meadows, stated that it would be financially devastating to him if a stop work order was put on his operation; has employed 12 workers for 35 years; asked that Council not move forward with anything until he returns from his vacation in three weeks. Mr. Bitter further advised that all the issues raised by the residents can be addressed, but no one had approached him; noted that when Ms. Paciejewski approached him regarding the dust issue, he paved 200 ft at a cost of $4000. He is amenable to paying commercial property taxes, but again, no one has approached him regarding it; he has followed the process with the ALC,

9 9 but has no control over the length of time it has taken the ALC to make a decision. He further advised his operation does not take the rocks and roots in the peat; he supplies peat moss to the mushroom industry which must be completely clean, no dust. The dust from the Onni site could contain bacteria; he cannot have any dust contamination; the peat he provides to the mushroom industry must be pure and clean. Bill Wilde, Pitt Meadows, commented: what are the results of the installation of a speed sign on Ford Road? A resident commented that the highest speed recorded was 132 km. is the dust from CPR being controlled? Staff advised that the contract was changed to increase the number of days sweeping occurs. a flat water rate equalizes the use for everyone, does not support metering. Ron Blakely, Pitt Meadows, stated that Mr. Bitter has shown a lack of concern for his neighbours. Terry Becker, President, Chamber of Commerce, stated that the cost of a lease is not only for the lease space itself, but also for the other spaces, such as hallways, etc. Ms. Becker would be happy to participate in the discussions. Johanne Rensmaag, Pitt Meadows, asked that the neighbours be included in any discussions with Mr. Bitter. Keith Nightingale, Pitt Meadows, as a volunteer on the Airport Way/Bonson Park steering committee is concerned about the proposed pond since another pond in the area failed. Lina Zaeez, Watershed Watch, expressed concern about the proposal; the blind channel is not good for habitat, there are invasive plants and fish in it; there are cheaper options; felt it should be revisited. Mike Stark, Pitt Meadows, commented: why wasn t he given the drawings for the Airport Way/Bonson Park when they were available as he had requested? Mr. Boag advised that he was not aware Mr. Stark hadn t received the drawings and made them available as soon as he learned

10 10 what is the budget for the park? Mr. Boag will provide the total cost to build the park, including the cost to build a culvert under Airport Way. Mayor Walters asked the Chief Administrative Officer to have staff provide an update at the September 9, 2014 Council in Committee meeting on the Airport Way/Bonson Park project. Thelma Joyner, Pitt Meadows, a member of the volunteer committee, was concerned that Council is not aware of what is happening in the community. Ken Joyner, Pitt Meadows, stated with respect to the Airport Way/Bonson Park, that staff s information regarding drainage of the property is misleading; does not support the waterway being brought into the area as as it will breed mosquitoes, soil is of high quality and should not be displaced. H. ADJOURNMENT MOVED by Councillor Elkerton, SECONDED by Councillor Murray, THAT this meeting now be adjourned at 5:40 p.m. Chair