3. The Corporate Reports were considered and dealt with as follows: Property Tax Repayment Plan by Monthly Deduction ( )

Transcription

1 Monday, March 29, 1993 Committee Room Municipal Hall th Avenue Surrey, B.C. Time: 2:55 p.m. Present: Mayor Bose, Councillor Hunt, Councillor Ralston, Councillor Villeneuve, Councillor Schrenk and Councillor Higginbotham. Councillor Watkins, Councillor Robinson and Councillor Fomich entered the meeting as indicated in the minutes. Also Present: Municipal Manager, Municipal Clerk and W. Hyndman - Administrative Assistant. A. CORPORATE REPORTS 3. The Corporate Reports were considered and dealt with as follows: Item No. C23 Property Tax Repayment Plan by Monthly Deduction ( ) The General Manager of Finance submitted a report concerning a pre-authorized prepayment plan, by monthly deduction, of property taxes. The General Manager of Finance was recommending: 1. That Council authorize the implementation of a pre-authorized prepayment plan by automatic monthly deduction from taxpayers' bank accounts; 2. That the list of conditions outlined in Appendix D of the February 9, 1993, report be a requirement for participation in the plan; and 3. That the appropriate resources be added to the Tax Department Budget. The Acting Manager of Taxation discussed the report, which provided Council with information on various options to citizens for prepaying property taxes. He went on to discuss the benefits both to the taxpayer and the Municipality of the Tax Pre-payment Plan, which involves monthly deductions from the taxpayers' bank account. noted that this will be particularly useful for those citizens whose financial institution does not withhold payments for property tax. Moved by Councillor Hunt

2 Seconded by Councillor Schrenk 1. That Council authorize the implementation of a pre-authorized prepayment plan by automatic monthly deduction from taxpayers' bank accounts; 2. That the list of conditions outlined in Appendix D of the February 9, 1993, report be a requirement for participation in the plan; and 3. That the appropriate resources be added to the Tax Department Budget. Councillor Fomich entered the meeting at 3:05 p.m. Item No. C24 Property Taxes & Assessments - Surrey Golf Courses ( ) The General Manager of Finance submitted a report concerning property taxes and assessments for Surrey Golf Courses. The General Manager of Finance was recommending that the Class 8 properties, including golf clubs, remain at our present lowest tax rate equal to the residential tax rate, which maintains the principle of taxation according to assessed value. (See Page 3 for alternative.) Mayor Bose left the meeting at 3:07 p.m. and Councillor Hunt assumed the Chair. Moved by Councillor Fomich Seconded by Councillor Higginbotham That the Class 8 properties, including golf clubs, remain at our present lowest tax rate equal to the residential tax rate, which maintains the principle of taxation according to assessed value. LATE ITEM Item No. C26 GVRD - Distribution of Pamphlet on Long-Range Plan ( ) The General Manager of Finance submitted a report on the pamphlet prepared by the GVRD outlining the impact of its Long-Range Plan on municipal taxes over the next eight years. The General Manager of Finance was recommending that Council request that the GVRD, on its own initiative, distribute the pamphlet summarizing the impact of its Long-Range Plan. Mayor Bose returned to the meeting at 3:18 p.m.; however, Councillor Hunt remained in the Chair.

3 Councillor Schrenk referenced a report prepared by the Acting Manager of Taxation and requested that it be forwarded to the GVRD. Moved by Councillor Fomich Seconded by Councillor Villeneuve That Council request that the GVRD, on its own initiative, distribute the pamphlet summarizing the impact of its Long-Range Plan. Moved by Councillor Schrenk Seconded by Councillor Villeneuve That a copy of the staff report, dated March 25, 1993, be forwarded to the GVRD for consideration. A. CORPORATE REPORTS 1. The following resolution arising from Corporate Report C16 - Recycling Program was tabled from the Council-in-Committee meeting of March 1993; and was not dealt with at the Council-in-Committee meeting of March 22, 1993: "That Surrey Council call on the Provincial Government to change existing legislation to provide municipalities with the authority to apply a tax against multi-family residences for blue box collection." Moved by Councillor Fomich Seconded by Councillor Villeneuve That Surrey Council call on the Provincial Government to change existing legislation to provide municipalities with the authority to apply a tax against multi-family residences for blue box collection. 2. The following Corporate Reports were not dealt with at the Council-in-Committee meeting of March 22, 1993: Item No. C18 Areas Urban Design Plans for High Street, B.C. Transit Interchange, and the Surrounding ( / / ) The General Manager of Planning & Development submitted a report concerning urban design plans for High Street, B.C. Transit Interchange, and the surrounding areas. The General Manager of Planning & Development was recommending that Council:

4 1. Approve the proposed urban design concept plans for High Street from 102 to 104 Avenues, the bus interchange and its surrounding areas as indicated on attached Plans 1, 2, & 3; 2. Authorize staff to submit the plans for the bus interchange to B.C. Transit for implementation; 3. Authorize the Public Works Department to proceed with the detailed working drawings for High Street based on Concept Plan 2; 4. Authorize the Parks and Recreation Department to finalize the design of the North Surrey Recreation Centre entrance and parking lot areas based on Concept Plans 1, 2 and 3; 5. Authorize staff to bring forward a report on the implementation of the concept and process for the Surrey City Centre plaque development (attached Plan 4); and 6. Instruct the General Manager, Finance to bring forward, for Council consideration, options for funding, implementation and phasing of the works identified in this report. Mr. Tan and Mr. Chow of the Planning & Development Department presented the concept plan to upgrade the bus interchange in the emerging City Centre. It is proposed that the upgrading of the transit exchange and road improvements be completed to coincide with the opening of SkyTrain early in During discussion Councillors Villeneuve and Schrenk suggested that an alternative roofing material be selected for the bus shelters, the present choice is metal roofing. also suggested that consideration be given to an alternative name for the street which is presently referred to as High Street. Councillor Watkins entered the meeting at 3:58 p.m. Councillor Higginbotham commented on the configuration of the intersections at 102 Avenue and 104 Avenue and requested improvements be considered. She went on to suggest that pedestrian curbs be designed with mobility carts and baby carriages in mind. Members of Council also noted that there has been a rapid increase in the amount of business signs, which make it difficult to read any one sign. They suggested that a limit be imposed on the number of business signs displayed in order to avoid a cluttered look. Councillor Fomich expressed concern with the northeast corner of 102 Avenue and 135 Street and how the road design would impact this property. Moved by Mayor Bose That Council: Seconded by Councillor Schrenk 1. Approve the proposed urban design concept plans for High Street from 102 to 104 Avenues, the bus interchange and its surrounding areas as indicated on Plans 1, 2, & 3 attached to the February 16,

5 1993, report from the General Manager of Planning & Development; 2. Authorize staff to submit the plans for the bus interchange to B.C. Transit for implementation; 3. Authorize the Public Works Department to proceed with the detailed working drawings for High Street based on Concept Plan 2; 4. Authorize staff to bring forward a report on the implementation of the concept and process for the Surrey City Centre plaque development (attached Plan 4); 5. Instruct the General Manager, Finance to bring forward, for Council consideration, options for funding, implementation and phasing of the works identified in this report; and 6. Concerns raised by members of Council be addressed. Moved by Mayor Bose Seconded by Councillor Villeneuve That Council authorize the Parks and Recreation Department to finalize the design of the North Surrey Recreation Centre entrance and parking lot areas based on Concept Plans 1, 2 and 3. with Councillor Hunt against. Item No. CR1 Municipal Grant Policies and Procedures ( ) The General Manager, Finance submitted a report concerning Municipal Grant Policies & Procedures. The General Manager, Finance was recommending that: 1. Council replace the existing Policy for Municipal Grants (Appendix A) with the Recommended Policy for Municipal Grants (Appendix B). 2. That Council adopt the Recommended Guidelines for Setting Grant Priorities for Eligible Applicants (Appendix C). 3. That Council adopt the Recommended Procedure for Processing Grant Requests (Appendix D). 4. That Council adopt the Recommended Procedure for Grant Appeals, the Recommended Procedure for Late Grant Applications, and the Recommended Procedure for Setting the Global Grants Budget (Appendix E). 5. That Council adopt the Community Grant Application Form (Appendix F). 6. That $10,000 be allocated from existing 1993 budget contingencies for additional part-time clerical

6 assistance for researching grant applications and for monitoring the use of grant funds. Mr. Peter Vaughan, Assistant Deputy Treasurer, was present and discussed the recommended procedures for processing grants. It is intended that a three-member committee with representatives from Legislative Services, Finance Department and Parks & Recreation will review the grant applications for completeness and eligibility, then make recommendations to the Finance Committee. All grant applications are to be received by November 30; however, an emergency clause is available but will only be considered if the Grants Committee has not already met to deal with the applications. Councillor Higginbotham noted that many of the requests are for social grants and suggested that someone from the Planning & Development Department also be on the reviewing Committee. Councillor Robinson entered the meeting at 4:25 p.m. Councillor Villeneuve also requested that a representative from Social Planning be on the committee and felt that the community should be advised of the small amount of money that is available for grants. Moved by Councillor Villeneuve That: Seconded by Councillor Schrenk 1. Council replace the existing Policy for Municipal Grants (Appendix A) with the Recommended Policy for Municipal Grants (Appendix B). 2. That Council adopt the Recommended Guidelines for Setting Grant Priorities for Eligible Applicants (Appendix C). 3. That Council adopt the Recommended Procedure for Processing Grant Requests (Appendix D). 4. That Council adopt the Recommended Procedure for Grant Appeals, the Recommended Procedure for Late Grant Applications, and the Recommended Procedure for Setting the Global Grants Budget (Appendix E). 5. That Council adopt the Community Grant Application Form (Appendix F). 6. That $10,000 be allocated from existing 1993 budget contingencies for additional part-time clerical assistance for researching grant applications and for monitoring the use of grant funds. Before the motion was put: Moved by Mayor Bose Seconded by Councillor Schrenk That the following text be added to Recommendation 1: "subject to further amendments to include those exceptions with respect to business licenses and taxes."

7 Before the motion was put: Moved by Councillor Villeneuve Seconded by Councillor Robinson That a member of the Social Planning Committee be appointed to the Adjudicating Committee. The above motion was WITHDRAWN by the Mover and Seconder. Before the motion was put: Moved by Councillor Villeneuve Seconded by Councillor Higginbotham That a staff representative of the Social Planning Committee be appointed to the Adjudicating Committee. with Councillors Schrenk, Hunt and Fomich against. The main motion, as amended, was then put and: Item No. C20 Religious Facilities Location Study ( ) The General Manager of Planning & Development submitted a report concerning Religious Facilities Location Policy. The General Manager of Planning & Development was recommending that: 1. A by-law be introduced to amend Policy #61 of the Official Community Plan to state the revised intent and rationale for Religious Facilities Location Policy, and to specify the recommended location guidelines for regional and neighbourhood facilities as indicated in Appendix I of the attached detailed report. 2. That the Assembly Hall Zone (PA) be amended to create separate zoning categories for neighbourhood and regional facilities as described in Appendix II of the attached detailed report and that the new and amended zones be incorporated in the Zoning By-law redrafting process. 3. That a by-law be introduced to amend the parking requirement for public assembly uses in the Zoning By-law as outlined in Appendix III of the attached detailed report. 4. That an information bulletin be prepared to inform the public and religious organizations of changes in Surrey's policies and development controls.

8 Mayor Bose commented that efforts should be made to encourage religious facilities to locate in town centres. Moved by Councillor Villeneuve That: Seconded by Councillor Higginbotham 1. A by-law be introduced to amend Policy #61 of the Official Community Plan to state the revised intent and rationale for Religious Facilities Location Policy, and to specify the recommended location guidelines for regional and neighbourhood facilities as indicated in Appendix I of the attached detailed report. 2. That the Assembly Hall Zone (PA) be amended to create separate zoning categories for neighbourhood and regional facilities as described in Appendix II of the attached detailed report and that the new and amended zones be incorporated in the Zoning By-law redrafting process. 3. That a by-law be introduced to amend the parking requirement for public assembly uses in the Zoning By-law as outlined in Appendix III of the attached detailed report. 4. That an information bulletin be prepared to inform the public and religious organizations of changes in Surrey's policies and development controls. Item No. C21 Bear Creek Connector/Nordel Way Extension Study ( ) The Acting General Manager of Public Works submitted a report concerning the Bear Creek Connector/Nordel Way Extension Study. The Acting General Manager of Public Works was recommending that: 1. The function of the Bear Creek Connector be acknowledged in the regional context. 2. That the Bear Creek Connector be confirmed for analysis within the joint MOTH/GVRD Transport 2021 Project. 3. That based on currently available information, we concur with the consultant's recommendation that route options 'D' or 'E' be chosen for more detailed analysis in the subsequent study phase, preliminary design, and that the study should proceed to Phase That public input be sought prior to the final selection of the route. Mr. Wright briefly discussed the report and pointed out that the proposed Bear Creek Connector will be

9 a Regional route and should be funded by the Provincial Government, although a commitment for funding has not been given. Discussion ensued with respect to the proposed routes of the Bear Creek Connector and the impact on surrounding lands. Moved by Mayor Bose That: Seconded by Councillor Robinson 1. The function of the Bear Creek Connector be acknowledged in the regional context. 2. That the Bear Creek Connector be confirmed for analysis within the joint MOTH/GVRD Transport 2021 Project. 3. That based on currently available information, we concur with the consultant's recommendation that route options 'D' or 'E' be chosen for more detailed analysis in the subsequent study phase, preliminary design, and that the study should proceed to Phase That public input be sought prior to the final selection of the route. with Councillors Schrenk, Higginbotham, and Fomich against. Item No. C22 Advertising on Municipal Property ( ) The General Manager of Planning & Development submitted a report concerning advertising on Municipal property. The General Manager of Planning & Development was recommending that Council adopt the Policy on Use of Public Property for Advertising, as attached to this report. During discussion, concern was expressed with respect to the maintenance of bus stop benches and bus shelters which display advertisements. Council members questioned the current policy of Parks and Recreation Commission which permits advertising on the exterior of Municipal buildings under the care and control of the Commission. Moved by Councillor Ralston Seconded by Councillor Robinson That Council adopt the Policy on Use of Public Property for Advertising, as attached to the March 10, 1993 report of the General Manager of Planning & Development.

10 Moved by Councillor Robinson Seconded by Councillor Watkins That Appendix I, Item 7 be referred to the Parks & Recreation Commission to review their current Advertising Policy. Item No. C19 Guildford Town Centre Study Public Information Meeting - December 17, 1992 ( ) The General Manager of Planning & Development submitted a report concerning the Guildford Town Centre Study Public Information Meeting of December 17, The General Manager of Planning & Development was recommending that the report be received for information. This item was dealt with at the Regular Council meeting of March 22, Item No. C25 Proposed Biosphere Reserve - Boundary Bay Conservation Committee File: / / The General Manager of Planning & Development submitted a report on the proposed Biosphere Reserve of the Boundary Bay Conservation Committee. The General Manager of Planning & Development was recommending: 1. That the concept of establishing a Biosphere Reserve for the Boundary Bay ecosystem be endorsed in principle pending the resolution of issues raised in this report related to Reserve boundary, Committee structure, lead agency, funding and participation. 2. That the Clerk be authorized to forward copies of this report to the Corporation of Delta and Boundary Bay Conservation Committee. This item was not dealt with. B. ITEMS REFERRED BY COUNCIL 1. The following By-law was referred from the Regular Council meeting of March 15, 1993; and was not dealt with at the Council-in-Committee meeting of March 22, 1993: "Surrey Zoning By-law, 1979, No. 5942, Amendment By-law, 1993, No "

11 P.J. Lovick - Architect RS to C-T(2) Avenue - to permit the construction of a three-storey motel and restaurant. Approved by Council: March 2, 1993 This item was not dealt with. 2. Item No. R84 Recreation Vehicle Parking ( ) C. DELEGATIONS The General Manager of Planning & Development submitted a report concerning the Surrey Zoning By-law dealing with recreational vehicle parking. This item was tabled at the Regular Council meeting of March 22, 1993 and referred to Council-in- Committee for further discussion. This item was not dealt with. 1. John van Gerven - Bloemland Flower Growers ( & ) Mr. John van Gerven appeared before Council to make a presentation regarding the family business sign located at the intersection of Fraser Highway and 188 Street. Mr. van Gerven advised that the sign is approximately 4' x 5'. The sign is erected on a friend's property and attracts business from passing traffic that he would otherwise lose due to the location of his business. He stated that he is prepared to change the sign to conform with Council policy, but emphasized that he depended upon the sign being posted in its present location to attract business. 2. Semiahmoo Arts Centre Complex ( ) A delegation appeared before Council to make a presentation on the status of the Theatre Arts Centre project. At present the existing Playhouse seats 194; however, the new theatre will seat 350 people. They advised that ground breaking is expected within four to six months, with a basic theatre being completed and operational within one year. Interim funding will be borrowed, but it is intended to complete the building in phases as funds are raised. The delegation advised of their fund-raising efforts and pointed out that the Players Club are confident of raising $600,000 during the anticipated one-year construction period.

12 D. DELEGATION REQUESTS E. COUNCIL MEMBERS' REPORTS Councillor Schrenk left the meeting at 5:56 p.m. F. OTHER COMPETENT BUSINESS 1. Hunting Committee Councillor Watkins advised that he will discuss the findings of the Hunting Committee at the Regular Council meeting on April 5, Gas Station Sites Councillor Robinson stated that a report on the status of sites zoned for Gas Stations had been requested approximately three years ago. He was interested to know if the report could be provided for Council. Moved by Councillor Robinson G. ADJOURNMENT Seconded by Councillor Villeneuve That a report be provided to Council on the status of all zoned Gas Station sites in the Municipality which are presently not being utilized for such a facility. Moved by Councillor Robinson Seconded by Councillor Higginbotham That the Council-in-Committee meeting do now adjourn. The Council-in-Committee meeting adjourned at 6:00 p.m. CLKMIN 2970