TOWN HALL Saturday, May 7,2016

Transcription

1 GoQuitlam City of Coqultlam MINUTES - TOWN HALL MEETING TOWN HALL Saturday, May 7,2016 A Town Hall Meeting convened on at 10:05 a.m. in the Council Chambers of-city Hall, 3000 Guildford Way, Coquitlam, BC, with the following persons present: Council Members Present: Mayor Richard Stewart Councillor Brent Asmundson Councillor Craig Hodge Councillor Dennis Marsden Councillor Mae Reid Councillor Teri Towner Councillor Chris Wilson Councillor Bonita Zarrillo Regrets: Councillor Terry O'Neill Staff Present: Peter Steblin, City Manager John DuMont, Deputy City Manager Wade Pierlot, Fire Chief Raul Allueva, General Manager Parks, Recreation & Culture Services Jozsef Dioszeghy, General Manager Engineering & Public Works Jim Mclntyre, General Manager Planning & Development Julie Drotar, Administration and Community Programs Officer - RCMP Graham Stuart, Manager Corporate Planning Garry Jackson, Revenue Services Manager Colleen Smith, Communications Coordinator 2 Jeffrey Kwon, Network Security Analyst Jay Gilbert, City Clerk ADVERTISiNG OF TOWN HALL MEETING The Town Hall Meeting was advertised in thetri-city News on April 27, 29, 2016 and May 4, OPENING REMARKS Mayor Stewart welcomed community m.ernbers and introduced members of Council and City staff present.

2 Page 2 The Mayor advised that the Town Hall Meeting has an online component through which digitally submitted questions will be accepted from the public. He outlined the Town Hall Meeting process and advised that a record of the meeting would be distributed to all members of Council, and made available to the public, when the minutes are submitted to Council for approval. He further advised that an archive copy of the webcast would be available online the following day. The Mayor highlighted the importance of community input and explained the procedure for offering comments during the meeting, including a five-minute time limit for each speaker. He advised that the Town Hall Meeting was an opportunity for Council to hear public commentary, with the understanding that responses could be provided by Council or staff during the meeting or, if necessary, at a later date. PRESENTATIONS TO COUNCIL Speakers A resident of Coquitlam, appeared before Council and enquired as to how any concerns noted at this meeting will be addressed. He continued by stating that he is frustrated by the traffic lights located on Lougheed Highway, noting a desire to see more a sequential "green wave" of lights, opining that the current layout contributes to a high volume of pollution by idling cars. He stated that, at times the lights are red even when there is no opposing traffic and concluded by stating that as Coquitlam is a "green-city", he believes that pollution created in this manner should be addressed. The General Manager Engineering and Public Works addressed the resident's question, advising that traffic lights in Coquitlam are connected to a main traffic control centre via fibre optic, where staff are able to monitor the signal operation. He noted that after work hours the signals may also be monitored remotely and adjusted accordingly relative to the volume of traffic. He highlighted that there is no certain way to provide for a "green wave" for all vehicles and invited the resident to get in touch with him to identify specific intersections of concern. Discussion ensued relative to the following: Carbon taxes and the impact of pollution from idling cars Traffic priorities in certain high-flow areas The ability of "green wave" lights to function better on one-way streets Ms. Danae Peaker, 649 Chapman Avenue, Coquitlam, BC, President, Burquitlam Community Association, appeared before Council and enquired as to the future development of the Burquitlam Plaza. She detailed the current condition of the building in comparison to the File#; /000/ Doc #: V1

3 Page 3 demands of the area, stating that it is inadequate in nature. Ms. Peaker further stated that she had previously viewed a planning document which showcased a new design of the building and enquired as to any future plans for redeveloping the building. Mayor Stewart provided information relative to the proposed redevelopment of the Burquitlam Plaza, noting that any planning designs for the building are conceptual in nature and that it is up to the developer for completion and/or construction. The General Manager Planning and Development addressed the resident's enquiries, advising of future plans within the Burquitlam-Lougheed Neighbourhood Plan and the subject area. He also noted that he hopes that redevelopment of the subject building will progress soon. Discussion ensued relative to the challenges associated with relocating long-time businesses within the subject area. On-line Questions/Comments (Note; All on-line submissions are presented as submitted) Wendy Sambrook - via Some of my suggestions for our beautiful city of Coquitlam. Litter is a huge bug of mine! The garbage cans are few Sifar between. And the ones at bus stops are so TINY! Have you seen the size of Slurpees cups! And there are no containers for those awful cigarette butts. If you think people are not going to smoke, because there are no butt disposals, dream on! I have however, seen certainly in strip mall where I live, Lansdowne/Cuildford a slight improvement & believe the store managers should have some responsibility as to clean up their area of litter. I was recently walking in the woods behind Scott Creek School and there were hundreds of beer cans & garbage. I think the schools should organize a day for students to pick up litter. The woods should be a safe place for everyone. The General Manager Engineering and Public Works addressed the resident's question and advised of the current number of bus-stops and litter bins located around the City. He noted the costs for maintaining these bins annually and further highlighted the challenges associated with ensuring the cleanliness in certain areas such as strip malls. He concluded by noting that staff can follow up with the Scott Creek School on this topic. On the subject of community cleanliness. Mayor Stewart provided details of the "Adopt-a-Street" program at the City, noting that residents may aid in ensuring the cleanliness of the City via this program.

4 Page 4 Discussion ensued relative to the following: Clean-ups coordinated around the City and the possibility of subsidizing clean-ups Initiatives by other local municipalities in relation to cigarette butt clean-ups City regulations pertaining to smoking in certain areas In response to a question from a member of Council, the City Manager commented that he is aware of an initiative advocated by the Mayor of North Vancouver, aiming for the reduction of littered cigarette butts. He stated that he anticipates that this initiative may be presented to the Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM) in the near future. On the subject of subsidized clean-ups, the General Manger Engineering and Public Works advised that they may be possible, however, he is not aware of any currently implemented policies in this regard. He further noted the success of public education and awareness as methods for reducing litter. He concluded by providing information regarding the City's regulations related to littering and stated that he would be pleased to approach manufacturers to discuss this topic further. In response to a question from a member of Council, the General Manager Parks, Recreation and Culture Services commented regarding the inclusion of disposal features specific to cigarette butts, noting that cigarette disposal was not explicitly part of a recent Departmental review relative to waste given the City's no-smoking policy in City Parks. He advised that staff can further examine this issue and its prevalence, and perhaps allow for a feature for residents to dispose of their cigarettes prior to entering - via Twitter When will the city rescind its position that methadone maintenance programs are "unsavoury businesses"? Will the Mayor & Council publicly state their support & encourage a mobile needle exchange program 4 city? Mayor Stewart clarified that the mobile needle distribution program in the City is coordinated by the Eraser Health Authority. Discussion ensued relative to the clustering/concentration of these types of businesses within the City. Speakers Mr. Neal Nicholson, 1189 Eastwood Street, Coquitlam, BC, Director, Coquitlam Heritage Society, appeared before Council and spoke to the need of a heritage centre within Coquitlam. He noted concerns regarding the heritage preservation on the Riverview lands and concluded by noting his desire for a heritage centre to be developed in the near future. File#: /000/ Doc#: 22568l8.vl

5 Page 5 Discussion ensued relative to the following:, The Heritage Symposium event hosted by the Coquitlam Heritage Society The contribution of the City's Archives Program and the Parks, Recreation and Culture Master Plan to heritage preservation Ms. Sandra Marsden, 3420 Highland Drive, Coquitlam, BC, Glen Pine 50+ Society, appeared before Council to encourage residents to utilize the local senior centres and noted the various activities provided at these facilities. Ms. Marsden concluded by highlighting two facilities. Dogwood Pavilion and Glen Pine Pavilion, and their availability for residents' use. On-line Questions/Comments (Note: All on-line submissions are presented as - via Twitter Can you make Falcon Drive between Guildford and Port Moody a 30 km/h zone and make U-turns impossible for safety of students? J The General Manager Engineering and Public Works advised that Falcon Drive is categorized as a collector road and is built in accordance to this designation. He further detailed that, for technical reasons, it is unlikely that the current speed limit of 50km would be reduced to 30km and highlighted that currently, the street indicates a solid yellow line down the centre which signifies that U-turns are illegal. In response to a question from Council regarding the speed limits of nearby collector roads, the General Manager Engineering and Public Works provided further information on the speed limits of neighboring road ways and'the criteria by which speed limits are determined. Discussion ensued relative to the following: The desire to send a letter to SD 43 highlighting statistics relative to illegal U-turns at school pick-up areas The observation that it was parents performing U-turns at school sites The City's review of the walkability to elementary schools and middle schools across the - via Twitter How many units of new social housing and affordable rentals are being zoned for along the new evergreen line? In response to the question, the General Manager Planning and Development advised of the recently adopted Housing Affordability Strategy (HAS), noting that a key part of the strategy is to encourage the development of rental housing. He advised that, although there is not a zoning designation specific to social housing or affordable rentals, the Zoning Bylaw and HAS provides

6 Page 6 inducements for the creation of rental housing. He further commented that staff are monitoring the number of new rental units, both being created and those in the pipeline, and hope to get this feedback to Council in the near future. Discussion ensued regarding the involvement of external organizations (i.e. BC Housing, nonprofit organizations) in relation to the development of below market rental units. In response to a question from a member of Council, the General Manager Planning and Development stated that staff do their best to coordinate with developers and connect them to BC Housing. On the subject of a more proactive approach and incentives provided, he noted that the Zoning Bylaw has a provision which encourages the addition of density on a site for affordable housing, at the discretion of Council. On the subject of affordable housing development. Mayor Stewart noted his role as Chair of the Regional PlanningCommitteefor Metro Vancouver and provided information regarding the longterm supply of non-market rental housing, owned by Metro Vancouver, in relation to potential redevelopment and external partnerships. Wendy Sambrook, via - I have heard lately that swimming pools are being closed down! This must not happen! What will our youth do? More pools, especially outdoor are a must! Our changing climate means these pools can open as early as March! And stay open thro' October. They just need to be heated a little in Oct. I especially, would like to introduce water volleyball, our seniors would love it! There's a perfect place right by Glen Pine, I think it's spirit square? A useless piece of space at the moment. Now there is more parking, it would be ideal. We need to change our water in the pools to Bromide/Bromine & cut down the amount of chlorine! There are so many people now with skin problems and asthma, lots of people cannot go near the indoor pools! We do not want any more high-rises in Coquitlam. 3 floors maximum. And a ban on monster homes 8i foreign real estate ownership. There is a lot of concern of "ghost neighbourhoods" & no children playing & no community participation. The General Manager Parks, Recreation and Culture Services noted that he believed the reference made to closing swimming pools was in relation to the closure of Rochester Pool which occurred a number of years ago due to a structural failure and a historical lack of use. He reported that the City is not closing swimming pools, has just completed an Aquatic Strategy and is looking at opportunities in the longer term.

7 Page? The General Manager Parks, Recreation and Culture Services reported that health regulations dictate the type of disinfection used in City pools. He committed to following up with the pool facility managers to determine whether there have been concerns or complaints from pool users regarding the current process for chlorination or disinfection. In response to a question raised by a member of Council, the General Manager Parks, Recreation and Culture Services advised that outdoor water-amenities are generally open by the May long weekend and closed after Labour Day. He noted that staff will look at the challenges associated with extending the outdoor pool season in the fall. In response to the comment regarding the use of bromine, the Mayor reported that there are a number of reasons why bromine is not preferred, including possible health effects, that it breaks down quickly when exposed to ultra violet light, and that pools are specifically built for certain types of disinfection. He noted that the City follows the advice of experts on the subject and that the City's pools have greatly improved over time. In response to the comment regarding foreign ownership of real estate, the Mayor noted that this is regulated by senior levels of government and that local governments do not have the authority to apply restrictions. ' Discussion ensued relative to the following: Extending the outdoor pool season when the weather permits The $20 Child and Youth Summer Recreation Pass. The General Manager Planning and Development noted that there have been highrises in Coquitlam for decades, that they are a means by which the City meets its obligations under the Livable Region Strategic Plan, that they meet the needs of many types of households, and that they bring the population into areas that create the vitality necessary to support businesses and other activities. On the subject of monster homes, the General Manager Planning and Development reported that the City had completed its Large Homes Review and noted that it was a lengthy process with a lot of consultation that resulted in some refinements to the Zoning Bylaw. On the subject of "ghost neighbourhoods" the General Manager Planning and Development anticipated that up-to-date neighbourhood-specific data would be available following completion of the 2016 Census of Population. He further commented on the evolution of neighbourhood populations, noting that many families with children live in multi-family and high-density ' housing forms. He also noted that the City provides many opportunities for people to be involved in their community. File#:Ol-0S5C-lO/OOO/2Ol6-l Doc#: V1

8 Page 8 The Mayor commented on the Metro Vancouver Regional Planning Committee's work to plan for a livable region which includes the protection of industrial and agricultural land and planning for an additional million people over the next 25 years. A member of Council raised a point relative to multiculturalism, children playing outdoors and encouraged people to welcome newcomers to the community. Katherine@kdfredette, via Twitter - Is anything going to be done about the pot holes and overall bad condition of Laurentian? A member of Council highlighted the pedestrian safety improvements made by Engineering and Public Works to Laurentian Avenue through the installation of a traffic signal and new sidewalk. She noted that there is a significant increase in the number of pedestrians on the street and the area has become more pedestrian-friendly and lively as a result. The Mayor commented on the safety improvements made to the intersection of Laurentian Avenue and Austin Avenue. The General Manager Engineering and Public Works reported on the Road Resurfacing Schedule and noted that once a road has been scheduled for resurfacing, patching is not done unless there is a traffic safety hazard. He confirmed that a four block section, 225 metres in length, of Laurentian Avenue between Austin Avenue and King Albert is scheduled for pavement rehabilitation in The Mayor invited Katherine@kdfredette to send in the block address of Laurentian Avenue to help direct Engineering and Public Works staff to the section of concern. The General Manager Parks, Recreation and Culture Services clarified that all of the City's spray parks will open on the May long weekend and that the three outdoor pools will open on early via Twitter Most of Cog's rental stock will be redeveloped over the next decade. What is your plan to replace lost rental? The Mayor commented on the need to build greater density on sites in proximity to rapid transit stations, and the challenge that most of Coquitlam's lower cost rental will be affected by this redevelopment and needs to be replaced. The General Manager Planning and Development reported that the Housing Affordability Strategy had considered pursuing additional rental housing to replace that which would be lost

9 Page 9 Minutes - Town Hail Meeting due to development in rapid transit areas. He noted that there are incentives in place for encouraging developers to build rental housing, the market is now at a point where rental housing is a desirable and viable housing form, developers are interested in including a rental housing component in their projects, and that it is expected that there will be a renewal of the City's rental stock going forward. Speakers Mr. Roland Verrier, 738 Farrow Street, Coquitlam, BC, Director, Burquitlam Community Association appeared before Council and noted concerns relative to the need for a single point of contact that the public may call with concerns related to the Evergreen Line construction and other construction in the City. He also noted concern regarding traffic speed on Como Lake Avenue, potholes on Farrow Street, and pedestrian safety due to the fact that there is not a sidewalk on Farrow Street. The General Manager Engineering and Public Works reported that the best way to contact the City is by calling the Engineering Department Customer Service line at which is staffed 24 hours/day 7 days/week. He noted that during the day, the call would be routed to the appropriate department and depending on the nature of the issue, a service order could be created and staff would respond. The General Manager Planning and Development commented on the social impacts of construction and noted that the City is looking at creating a staff position to deal with calls from the public and coordinate with staff in the Engineering, Planning, and Bylaws departments to provide a response to calls. A member of Council highlighted a number of initiatives undertaken by the City, such as the Good Neighbour Policy, the information which goes out with every building permit, the requirement that a sign be posted at projects providing a contact number that people may call with concerns, and the existence of various bylaws, in order to minimize the impact of construction. Ms. Sandra Marsden, 3420 Highland Drive, Coquitlam, BC, appeared again before Council and enquired about which staff person to contact regarding the Bear Aware program or to deal with wildlife following the retirement of Drake Stephens. The General Manager Engineering and Public Works commented on the valuable role that Drake Stephens played at the City and in the community. He reported that staff were in the final stages of hiring a replacement for Mr. Stephens. He noted that members of the public are encouraged to call the Engineering Customer Service number at to report any concerns related to wildlife. File#: /000/ Doc#: 22568l8.vl

10 Page 10 On-line Questions/Comments (Note; AH on-line submissions are presented as submitted) Howard McAskill, via Where are the "conflict of interest" rules for the members of the city council codified? My understanding is that the approval process for the transformation of the school property adjacent to the intersection ofcomo Lake Avenue and Poirier Street to residential use was accomplished through the enabling participation of three members of the city council whose wives were at the time employees of the school district, i.e. the applicant, and as such would seemingly be obvious beneficiaries of a positive outcome. An explanation would be appreciated. The Mayor noted that the City has met all of the Conflict of Interest requirements set out in the Local Government Act and stated that the City and members of Council are not in a conflict of interest. He further reported that in order to build new schools, the province has required the School District to provide revenue from the sale of some of the vacant and unused school properties in south Coquitlam to help fund the development of new schools. The Mayor also described the practice whereby members of Council who are in a potential or perceived pecuniary conflict of interest remove themselves from the meeting during discussion and voting on those issues where conflict via Twitter Any plans for a crosswalk across Guildford for users of the Coquitlam Crunch? The Mayor noted that the Coquitlam Crunch trail officially crosses Guildford at the intersection of Falcon, but that many people cross mid-block. He also advised that the City has received many requests for a mid-block crossing but that it is not possible due to the fact that there is a curve in the road at that location. The General Manager Engineering and Public Works reported that the Engineering Department and the Parks Department have dealt jointly with requests for a crosswalk at that location. He noted that the City has taken steps to make improvements to that location to improve pedestrian safety, including a review of parking and physical separation of the roadway. However, Guildford curves at that location and due to poor driver sightlines and visibility concerns, the Engineering Department does not recommend a marked pedestrian crossing mid-block on Guildford. Speakers Mr. Roland Verrier, 738 Farrow Street, Coquitlam, BC, Director, Burquitlam Community Association, appeared again before Council and raised a question regarding the sale of schools and park grounds, particularly at Como Lake and Poirier, and the development of new schools on Burke Mountain.

11 Page 11 Mayor Stewart clarified that the provincial government sold land on Burke Mountain to a developer, that the school sites were reserved, and that the sale of the School District's property on Como Lake and Poirier was to raise funds for capital construction costs for the development of schools on Burke Mountain. Mr. Verrier asked a further question relative to the closure of schools with low student population. Mayor Stewart reported that existing schools are expected to remain open, that Coronation Park was closed a number of years ago and the School Board has tentatively sold the parcel of land, and that money from that sale will go into the construction of new schools where they are needed. The Mayor further noted that in the case of the School Board properties at Coronation Park and Como Lake, the City first considered whether it needed additional park land in those areas, and opted not to purchase them. On-line Questions/Comments (Note: All on-line submissions are presented as submitted) Heather via Twitter needs attention. Can City 30km/h limit to PoMo border & no uturn at Tercel The General Manager Engineering and Public Works reported that Falcon has a yellow line painted in the centre of the road, the speed limit along the frontage of Eagle Ridge Elementary is 30 km/h, and that the City is not aware of technical reasons why the speed limit beyond the school zone should be restricted to 30 km/h. He further advised that it is a collector road and is designed for 50 km/h speed, and the speed limit will stay at 50km/h. He concluded by providing information regarding the permissibility of U-turns at non-signalized intersections, highlighting that streets which have a solid yellow line down the centre indicate that U-turns are illegal. CONCLUSION Mayor Stewart provided summary comments and thanked community members for their attendance and input on the various issues raised at the Town Hall meeting. File #: /000/ Doc #: 22568l8.vl

12 Page 12 Minutes - Town Hail Meeting ADJOURNMENT The Chair declared the Town Hall Meeting adjourned at 12:01 p.m. I hereby certify that I have recorded the Minutes of the Town Hall Meeting held on May 7, 2016 as instructed, subject to amendment and adoption. ManisfTTDin Legislative Services Clerk Julj^^^jnter Committee Clerk