MINUTES OF A COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING HELD ELECTRONICALLY ON TUESDAY, JULY 13, 2021
Minutes from the previous Committee of the Whole meeting covering various municipal matters including parking concerns and strategic updates.
TOWN OF VIEW ROYAL
MINUTES OF A COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING
HELD ELECTRONICALLY ON TUESDAY, JULY 13, 2021
UNDER THE AUSPICES OF THE EMERGENCY PROGRAM ACT MINISTERIAL ORDER NO. M192
PRESENT WERE: Mayor Screech Councillor Lemon Councillor Mattson Councillor Rogers
REGRETS: Councillor Kowalewich
PRESENT ALSO: K. Anema, Chief Administrative Officer S. Jones, Director of Corporate Administration D. Christenson, Director of Finance J. Rosenberg, Director of Engineering P. Hurst, Director of Protective Services Sgt. G. Pask, West Shore RCMP E. Bolster, Deputy Corporate Officer 1 member of the public attending electronically 0 members of the press
1. CALL TO ORDER – Mayor Screech called the meeting to order at 3:30 p.m.
The Mayor acknowledged that this meeting is being held on the traditional territory of the Songhees Nation and Esquimalt Nation.
2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
MOVED BY: Councillor Mattson SECONDED: Councillor Lemon
THAT the agenda be amended to include items 7(a) and 10(h-i) and defer item 9.1.3(a) to the September Committee of the Whole meeting;
AND THAT the agenda be approved as amended. CARRIED
3. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS, ADOPTION OF
a) Minutes of the Committee of the Whole meeting held June 8, 2021
MOVED BY: Councillor Mattson SECONDED: Councillor Lemon
THAT the minutes of the Committee of the Whole meeting held June 8, 2021 be adopted. CARRIED
4. PETITIONS & DELEGATIONS
a) R. Sansom, on behalf of B. Baker, owner, Re: Reinstate the Residential Component of C-7 Zone for 1720 Wilfert Road
Following up from a December 2020 discussion with the Committee, R. Sansom presented a development concept for the property located at 1720 Wilfert Road that included a mixed commercial/residential component and an area of road closure. Ms. Sansom stated that the property may have challenges with commercial uses due to its location and the property owner is interested in proceeding with a rezoning application to reintroduce residential uses.
The Committee stated that it was not interested in disposition of a portion of the municipal road right-of-way and is not supportive of the concept as presented. The topography of the site in relation to Millstream Creek was noted.
Ms. Sansom inquired as to the Committee’s vision for the property if the geotechnical aspects were confirmed. The Committee indicated that it would look at what options are available under the current zoning and encouraged Ms. Sansom to work with staff.
5. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PERIOD
a) J. Devonshire, View Royal Climate Coalition, spoke to the Committee regarding parking in the Thetis Lake area and ideas on how to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. She suggested that the Town ask the Capital Regional District to reinstate parking fees at Thetis Lake Regional Park to fund the installation of twenty bike lockers and four electric vehicle charging stations. As well, she requested that the CRD be asked to promote the #53 bus route, lobby for its increased frequency to the Park, and install a parking lot and trails into the Park from the City of Langford border.
Ms. Devonshire was encouraged to approach the Capital Regional District with these suggestions.
6. BUSINESS ITEMS
6.1 PROTECTIVE SERVICES & COMMUNITY SERVICES – Councillor Lemon, Chair
6.1.1 Chair's Report
6.1.2 Business Arising from Previous Minutes
6.1.3 New Business
a) Parking in the Thetis Lake Area – Councillor Kowalewich
The Committee and Director of Protective Services discussed potential solutions to the parking situation associated with Thetis Lake Regional Park including towing, ticketing, changing signage and altering enforcement times.
6.1.4 Reports
STAFF REPORTS
a) West Shore RCMP Update
- Letter dated June 11, 2021 from Supt. T. Preston, Officer in Charge, West Shore RCMP, Re: 2021-2022 West Shore RCMP Annual Performance Plan
Sgt. Pask discussed statistics, open files within View Royal, suggestions to the parking situation at Thetis Lake Regional Park, calls for service, and community and reconciliation initiatives.
The Committee and Sgt. Pask discussed calls for service and statistics at Victoria General Hospital, the Block Watch and Auxiliary Constable programs, and the possibility of future youth outreach programs.
MOVED BY: Mayor Screech SECONDED: Councillor Rogers
THAT the West Shore RCMP Verbal Update be received. CARRIED
b) Public Safety Report for May – June 2021
- Report dated July 8, 2021 from the Director of Protective Services
The Director of Protective Services reviewed the report for the Committee.
The Committee and staff discussed the viability of requiring rooftop sprinklers, dispatch services, the importance of making personal preparations for weather extremes such as the recent heat dome, and the possibility of establishing cooling centres in View Royal in the future.
MOVED BY: Councillor Rogers SECONDED: Mayor Screech
THAT the report dated July 8, 2021 from the Director of Protective Services titled “Public Safety Report for May – June 2021” be received for information. CARRIED
6.2 FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION – Mayor Screech, Chair
6.2.1 Chair’s Report
6.2.2 Business Arising from Previous Minutes
6.2.3 Reports
STAFF REPORTS
a) Procedure Bylaw No. 677, 2007, Upcoming Amendment for Electronic Meetings
- Report dated July 7, 2021 from the Director of Corporate Administration
The Director of Corporate Administration gave a review of the report to the Committee noting that the timeline for introducing the amendment bylaw to Council will be October 2021 as it is tied to Provincial legislation.
The Committee discussed in-person versus virtual Council attendance and determined that Council members should only be able to attend a maximum of three virtual meetings per year. It was also agreed that advisory committees would continue to meet electronically until the end of the year and then move to a fully in-person meeting format.
MOVED BY: Councillor Rogers SECONDED: Councillor Mattson
COW-25-21 THAT, in anticipation of Provincial government regulation that will amend the Community Charter and in support of a hybrid Council meeting model, the Committee recommend to Council that:
- The required amending bylaw to Procedure Bylaw No. 677, 2007 to facilitate electronic regular and committee meetings and public hearings be prepared, and
- The Advisory Committees continue to meet electronically on the Microsoft Teams Meeting platform until the end of 2021 when their meetings can once again be held fully in-person only on an alternating basis in Council Chambers. CARRIED
b) Budget Variance and Projects Update Report to June 30, 2021
- Report dated July 6, 2021 from the Director of Finance
The Director of Finance gave an overview of the report and presented the Budget Variance and Projects Update Dashboard to the Committee.
The Committee and Director discussed the time required to maintain the dashboard and the possibility of placing a brief instructional video on the Town’s website to aid the public in navigating this new information tool.
MOVED BY: Councillor Mattson SECONDED: Councillor Rogers
THAT the report dated July 6, 2021 from the Director of Finance titled “Budget Variance and Projects Update Report to June 30, 2021” be received for information. CARRIED
c) 2019-2022 Strategic Plan Update
- Report dated July 7, 2021 from the Executive Assistant moved to the evening session
d) Action List Update – 2nd Quarter
- Report dated July 7, 2021 from the Executive Assistant moved to the evening session
e) CAO Report
- Report dated July 8, 2021 from the Chief Administrative Officer moved to the evening session
7. CORRESPONDENCE
a) Email dated July 12, 2021 from C. Blanchard, Re: CAO Update moved to the evening session
8. CLOSED MEETING RESOLUTION
MOVED BY: Councillor Lemon SECONDED: Councillor Mattson
THAT the meeting now recess at 6:00 p.m.
EVENING BREAK
8.1 CALL TO RECONVENE – Mayor Screech called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
PRESENT WERE: Mayor Screech Councillor Lemon Councillor Mattson Councillor Rogers
REGRETS: Councillor Kowalewich
PRESENT ALSO: K. Anema, Chief Administrative Officer S. Jones, Director of Corporate Administration D. Christenson, Director of Finance J. Rosenberg, Director of Engineering J. Chow, Senior Planner J. Davison, Community Planner E. Bolster, Deputy Corporate Officer 3 members of the public attending electronically 0 members of the press
Continued from the Committee of the Whole afternoon session:
6.2 FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION – Mayor Screech, Chair
6.2.3 Reports
STAFF REPORTS
f) 2019-2022 Strategic Plan Update
- Report dated July 7, 2021 from the Executive Assistant
MOVED BY: Councillor Mattson SECONDED: Councillor Rogers
THAT the report dated July 7, 2021 from the Executive Assistant titled “2019-2022 Strategic Plan Update” be received for information. CARRIED
g) Action List Update – 2nd Quarter
- Report dated July 7, 2021 from the Executive Assistant
MOVED BY: Councillor Rogers SECONDED: Councillor Mattson
THAT the report dated July 7, 2021 from the Executive Assistant titled “Action List Update – 2nd Quarter” be received for information. CARRIED
h) CAO Update
- Report dated July 8, 2021 from the Chief Administrative Officer
The Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) gave an overview of the report to the Committee.
The Committee and CAO discussed the four-way stop at the Chilco Road/Six Mile Road intersection and potential recipient sites for the Capital Regional District’s application to Natural Resources Canada’s Zero Emissions Vehicle Incentive Program for Level 2 electric vehicle charging stations.
MOVED BY: Councillor Lemon SECONDED: Councillor Mattson
THAT the report dated July 8, 2021 from the Chief Administrative Officer titled “Chief Administrative Officer Update” be received for information. CARRIED
OTHER REPORTS
6.2.4 New Business
7. CORRESPONDENCE
a) Email dated July 12, 2021 from C. Blanchard, Re: CAO Report
MOVED BY: Councillor Rogers SECONDED: Councillor Lemon
THAT the email dated July 12, 2021 from C. Blanchard, Re: CAO Report be received. CARRIED
8.2 PETITIONS & DELEGATIONS
8.3 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PERIOD
a) C. Blanchard, 101-290 Island Highway, spoke to the Committee regarding the possibility of installing an electric vehicle charging station at Thetis Lake Regional Park and a rebate program for the installation of heat pumps and an oil/gas to heat pump conversion campaign.
b) J. Devonshire, View Royal Climate Coalition, spoke to the Committee noting the View Royal Climate Coalition hopes that the Town of View Royal Council will support the City of Courtenay’s “Help Cities Lead” resolution at the Union of BC Municipalities’ annual convention in September.
9. BUSINESS ITEMS
9.1 PARKS, RECREATION & ENVIRONMENT – Councillor Rogers, Chair
9.1.1 Chair's Report
9.1.2 Business Arising from Previous Minutes
9.1.3 Reports
STAFF REPORTS
a) Chilco Park Secure Off-Leash Dog Area deferred to September 2021 Committee of the Whole meeting
COMMITTEE REPORTS
OTHER REPORTS
9.1.4 New Business
a) Water Fountain in View Royal Park and Water Bags for Trees – Councillor Rogers
- Email dated July 4, 2021 from Councillor Rogers, Re: Water Fountain in View Royal Park and Water Bags for Trees
The Committee and staff discussed the location of the water fountain to be installed in View Royal Park and it was noted that it can be relocated or an additional fountain purchased in the future if required. With respect to the potential to increase the use of water bags for trees, the Director of Engineering noted that approximately $40,000 is spent watering trees each year and this can be increased if Council wishes during next year’s budget discussions.
MOVED BY: Mayor Screech SECONDED: Councillor Mattson
THAT the email dated July 4, 2021 from Councillor Rogers, Re: Water Fountain in View Royal Park and Water Bags for Trees be received. CARRIED
9.2 PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT – Councillor Mattson, Chair
9.2.1 Chair’s Report
9.2.2 Business Arising from Previous Minutes
9.2.3 Reports
STAFF REPORTS
a) Development Permit No. 2021/10 – 298 Island Highway
- Report dated July 8, 2021 from the Senior Planner
The Senior Planner gave a summary of the report to the Committee.
The Committee and staff discussed agreements required for the use of public property to ensure maintenance and liability are addressed, the size of the overhang on the residential floors at the southwest corner of the building, and pedestrian and vehicular traffic movements discussed at the time of rezoning.
T. Ankenman, architect, spoke to the Committee and confirmed that no part of the permanent, cantilevered wall structure will encroach onto public property. He described that the “visors” at the corner of the building provide relief to the verticality and are sunshades to reduce heat gain at an otherwise de-materialized corner.
The Committee and Mr. Ankenman discussed building accessibility, residential unit configuration vis a vis outdoor space, and screening and potential for noise from the roof-top deck. Diverse perspectives were expressed on the aesthetics of the overhang at the southwest corner.
MOVED BY: Mayor Screech SECONDED: Councillor Rogers
THAT the report dated July 8, 2021 from the Senior Planner titled “Development Permit No. 2021/10 – 298 Island Highway” be received for information. CARRIED
b) 2020 Climate Action Revenue Incentive Program and End of Program
- Report dated July 6, 2021 from the Senior Planner
MOVED BY: Mayor Screech SECONDED: Councillor Rogers
THAT the report dated July 6, 2021 from the Senior Planner titled “2020 Climate Action Revenue Incentive Program and End of Program” be received for information. CARRIED
c) Off-Street Parking Review
- Report dated July 7, 2021 from the Community Planner
The Community Planner gave summary of the report to the Committee.
The Committee and staff discussed the strategies presented – including parking associated with secondary suites, differential parking requirements throughout the municipality, and traffic demand management measures – with a view to narrowing direction for an autumn bylaw amendment. It was noted that parking is a limiting factor for the provision of housing.
MOVED BY: Mayor Screech SECONDED: Councillor Rogers
THAT the report dated July 7, 2021 from the Community Planner titled “Off-Street Parking Review” be received for information. CARRIED
COMMITTEE REPORTS
9.2.4 New Business
a) Incentive for Installation of Heat Pumps – Councillor Mattson
- Email dated July 8, 2021 from Councillor Mattson, Re: Incentive for Installation of Heat Pumps
MOVED BY: Councillor Rogers SECONDED: Councillor Lemon
COW-26-21 THAT the Committee recommend to Council that the 2021-2025 Financial Plan be amended to include $6,000 for a heat pump rebate incentive program. CARRIED
b) Oil/Gas to Heat Pumps Campaign – Councillor Lemon
- Email dated July 8, 2021 from Councillor Lemon, Re: Oil/Gas to Heat Pumps Campaign
MOVED BY: Mayor Screech SECONDED: Councillor Lemon
COW-27-21 THAT the Committee recommend to Council that the Town’s heat pump rebate incentive program delivery options and related promotional information approach be referred to staff. CARRIED
c) City of Courtenay – UBCM Resolution: Help Cities Lead – Councillor Mattson
- Email dated July 8, 2021 from Councillor Mattson, Re: City of Courtenay – UBCM Resolution: Help Cities Lead
MOVED BY: Mayor Screech SECONDED: Councillor Rogers
THAT the email dated July 8, 2021 from Councillor Mattson, Re: City of Courtenay – UBCM Resolution: Help Cities Lead be received. CARRIED