Council

Council

info@hamiltoncatch.org

April 26, 2006 Report – Part 1 of 3
7:00 pm (actual start at 7:00 pm)
Location: Hamilton City Hall, Council Chambers
(In Camera - no in camera session)
(adjourned @ 7:54 pm)

Members of Council :

Mayor Larry DiIANNI (present) in 7:00 pm
Ward # 1 Brian M cHATTIE (present) in 6:55 pm
Ward # 2 Bob BRATINA (present) in 6:57 pm
Ward # 3 Bernie MORELLI (present) in 6:54 pm
Ward # 4 Sam MERULLA (absent)
Ward # 5 Chad COLLINS (present) in 6:58 pm
Ward # 6 Tom JACKSON (present) in 6:57 pm
Ward # 7 Bill KELLY (present) in 6:50 pm
Ward # 8 Terry WHITEHEAD (present) in 6:54 pm
Ward # 9 Phil BRUCKLER (present) in 6:50 pm
Ward #10 Maria PEARSON (present) in 6:52 pm
Ward #11 David L. MITCHELL (present) in 7:02 pm
Ward #12 Murray FERGUSON (absent - illness)
Ward #13 Art SAMSON (present) in 6:53 pm
Ward #14 Dave BRADEN (present) in 7:50 pm
Ward #15 Margaret McCARTHY (absent)

Members of Staff

David Adames - Executive Director - Tourism Hamilton
Peter Barkwell - City Solicitor
Anna Bradford - Manager of Culture
Kevin Christenson - City Clerk
Lee Ann Coveyduck - General Manager, Planning and Development
Neil Everson - Executive Director, Economic Development
Catherine Graham - General Manager, Human Resources
Salter Hayden - Deputy Clerk, Manager - Licensing and Election Services
Mario Joannette - Executive Assistant to the Mayor
Mike Kirkopoulos - Communications & Media Relations - Office of the Mayor
Tim McCabe - Director of Development and Real Estate
Glen Peace - City Manager
Joe-Anne Priel - General Manager, Public Health and Community Services
Alexandra Rawlings - Co-ordinator, Planning & Economic Development Committee, City Clerk's Office
Joe Rinaldo - General Manager, Finance and Corporate Services
Scott Stewart - General Manager, Public Works

Members of the Media present :

Cable 14
Doug Cameron - K-Lite FM
Andrew Dreschel - Hamilton Spectator
Ken Mann - CHML
Nicole MacIntyre - Hamilton Spectator
Kevin Werner - Brabant Newspapers

COUNCIL AGENDA

Call to Order:

Mayor DiIanni : "Good evening Members of Council, ladies and gentlemen. I'd like to call this meeting of City Council to order and ask that you remain standing for the National Anthem."

National Anthem

Prayer

Mayor DiIanni : "Thank you, very much. Please be seated. Members of Council, ladies and gentlemen, I'd like to welcome Reverend Dave Adams of Grindstone [Valley Bible] Church (http://www.myhamilton.ca/myhamilton/CommunitiesAndOrganizations/Inform/) in Waterdown to this evening's meeting."

"Reverend Adams has been the Senior Pastor at Grindstone Church for the last five years. Dave and his wife, Jennifer, and their four sons, live in Waterdown. And, in two weeks, they will be celebrating their 25 th wedding anniversary - that's the official celebration of the wedding. Although, they've already celebrated. And, the Reverend was telling me that he and his wife travelled to Kenya for the celebration. And, I'm sure that was an exciting time for both of them."

" Grindstone Church has been part of the Waterdown community for just over seven years. The Church is very active in the community, serving in many different capacities. Welcome Reverend Adams. And, would you please lead us in prayer."

The Reverend Dave Adams : "I invite you to pray along with me."

"Heavenly Father, thank You so much for these men and women. Thank You, God, for the service that they provide to our community. And, God, I pray that You would just continue to help them; give them strength and wisdom in their deliberations and in their decision making that we have entrusted to them."

"Lord, thank You that You care about the things that are on their agenda. And, I pray that tonight, God, the things that they discuss, and the ways in which they conduct themselves would honour You and would serve the people of this community."

"Thank You for the Mayor and his leadership, God. And, we pray Your Blessing on him. And, thanks for all who serve us and who serve You in this capacity, in Christ's Name. Amen." (the Mayor and Reverend Adams exchange thank yous off microphone)

1. Approval of Agenda
(Kelly / Collins - CARRIED as Amended)

Mayor DiIanni : "Mr. Clerk, are there any changes to the agenda, please?"

Kevin Christenson - City Clerk : "Yes, thank you, Mr. Mayor. We have four added Motions to tonight's agenda, the first being ." (City Clerk reads added Motions as noted below)

3 - (Distributed) Reports

6.1 Public Works, Infrastructure and Environment Committee Report 06-007, April 24, 2006

6.5 Social Services Committee Report 06-005, April 25, 2006

6.6 Community Services Committee Report 06-004, April 25, 2006

4 - ADDED (and distributed) Motions

7.1 (Added) Motion by Councillor McHattie respecting establishment of a City of Hamilton Pedestrian Committee

7.2 (Added) Motion by Councillor McHattie respecting appointment to the Provincial Gas Tax Transit Master Plan Steering Committee

7.3 (Added) Motion by Councillor Braden respecting an invitation to the Greater Toronto Airport Authority

7.4 (Added) Motion by Councillor Bratina respecting Veterans Place at Gore Park

Mayor DiIanni : "Thank you, very much. Members of Council, then, may I have a verbal Motion to approve the agenda as amended. Councillor Kelly; Seconded by Councillor Collins. All in favour?" (hear councillors say carried) "That's carried."

2. Declaration of Interest

Mayor DiIanni : "Are there any declarations of interest? Seeing none - "

3. Ceremonial Activities

Mayor DiIanni : " - we'll move to Ceremonial Activities."

3.1 W.J. Robertson Medallion Award

Mayor DiIanni : "And, the first one, is a presentation of the W.J. Robertson Medallion Award. And, for his presentation, I'd like to ask Paul Takala, Manager of Electronic Services, to join me at the podium." (See also Ancaster News, Friday, May 5, 2006, "Ancaster Librarian Tops in Ontario " - http://www.ancasternews.com/an/news/news_575390.html )

"And, as Paul is making his way forward, I'm pleased to announce that Paul is the 2006 recipient of the W.J. Robertson Medallion for Librarian of the Year. The annual award is presented by the Ontario Library Boards Association ( http://www.accessola.com/olba/awards.html ) to a public librarian who - and I quote - ' has demonstrated outstanding leadership in the advancement of public library service in Ontario .' - end of quote."

"During the last year, Paul was instrumental in the development of the 'MyHamilton.ca' portal. He was responsible for the community components, as well as elements of the portal's federated search engine."

"Congratulations, Paul, on this significant professional achievement. And, congratulations on receiving the medallion award." (hear applause from Council and gallery; Mayor presents medallion to Mr. Tecalla (sp?) and pictures are taken; and the recipient thanks the Mayor off microphone)

"Obviously, Paul is a doer, not a talker." (hear giggles from Council and gallery) "Wait a minute - " (more giggles from Council, Mayor and gallery)

3.2 Canadian Urban Institute's 2006 Local Hero in Urban Leadership Award

(Mary POCIUS)

Mayor DiIanni : "The next presentation, is the Canadian Urban Institute's 2006 Local Hero and Urban Leadership Award ( http://www.canurb.com/awards/ ) And, for the next presentation, I'd like to invite Mary Pocius to join me at the podium."

"And, as Mary is coming down, it is my pleasure to announce this evening that Mary Pocius is the recipient of the 2006 Local Hero Award, as recognized by the Canadian Urban Institute. This award is given to individuals who had a profound and lasting impact on the quality of life in their neighbourhood."

"It is only fitting, that Mary be recognized for her outstanding work, and her care and compassion which has contributed to the quality of life and prosperity of the community. Congratulations, Mary, for all the work you do. And, I know that this is just part of the great contribution that you make to our City. But, it's great to see you recognized." (hear applause from Council and gallery)

Mary Pocius : "Good evening. Thank you, Mr. Mayor and Members of Council. Our instructions from the Canadian Urban Institute are very precise: a maximum of 30 seconds to speak - that's five lines of type, or 75 words. So, if I may, I would like to may my 'thank yous' to this community in front of this community."

"Thank you to the Hamilton Society of Architects for inviting me to be a part of the organizing committee for the Hamilton Downtown Ideas Charette (http://collections.ic.gc.ca/hamilton_tour/history.html ) which took place exactly 10 years ago, in 1996. Out of that happening, its comprehensive report, which was presented to Hamilton 's Committee of the Whole of the day, it pointed to the real possibility of a rejuvenated and thriving heart of our city. And, my heart sang."

"Personal thanks to Ken Kooy (sp?) and Rick Lintack, architects of Hamilton who were part of that original Charette, and the two since."

"And, with thanks to the Hamilton Burlington Society of Architects (http://www.architecturehamilton.com/socMission.html ) for my nomination to the Canadian Urban Institute Urban Leadership awards. It's rather humbling."

"Thanks to subsequent Councils, and the creative staff of the City of Hamilton who continue to take my phone calls."

"To the Boards of Management and members of International Village (http://www.hamiltoninternationalvillage.ca/ ), who, in my mind, are the real heroes of this community. And, what a difference 10 years have made."

"My Mother, who continues to cheer her daughter on; my children - Jay, Tim and Vickie - who have become active in their communities; and my husband, Lou, who graciously admits to being 'Mr. Mary Pocius.' (hear giggles from Council and gallery)

"A Jane Jacobs quote in today's Globe and Mail - and I have to say I've lost my hero - says it all: ' Never, never underestimate the power of high hearts when they are combined with principled unyielding will."

"I was born and raised in Hamilton . And, I am proud to say, I live and I work Downtown. Thank you very much." (hear applause from Council and gallery)

Mayor DiIanni : "And of course, joining Mary tonight, is Mr. Mary Pocius." (hear giggles from Council and gallery) and her son and Mother, as well. So, it's great to see all of you here."

"The - and there's going to be a big windig in - shindig, rather - in Toronto -" (hear Mary Pocius say off microphone: 'I get to take my presents to the Royal York') "Indeed."

3.3 Festival and Events Award

(Awarded to: Re-enactment of the Battle of Stoney Creek - Susan RAMSAY, Battlefield House Guard)

Mayor DiIanni : "The next presentation is the Festival and Events Award. And, each year, Festival and Events Ontario [FEO] (http://www.festivalsandeventsontario.ca/ ) recognizes - now, I've got two scripts, here, Mr. Clerk - " (City Clerk points out appropriate document from which to read) "So, each year, the Festival and Events Ontario recognizes and celebrates the many top notch festivals and events our Province currently enjoys through the annual Top 50 Ontario Festivals program."

"And, the Top 50 Festivals program, acknowledges excellence in the Province's Festivals and Community Events industry. And, the 'Top 50' designation carries the highest visibility of all the FEOs awards program."

"It is my pleasure to announce that the Festival and Events Ontario has awarded the Re-enactment of the Battle of Stoney Creek, as one of the Top 50 events in Ontario for 2006."

"And, I'll ask Susan Ramsay, who's the Curator at Battlefield, to come forward and accept this award." (hear drum core of the Battlefield House Guard - about a dozen gentlemen in full battle dress holding muskets with bayonettes - drumming in Ms. Ramsay)

"And, as Susan comes down, let me just tell you that Susan Ramsay has been associated with this National Historical Site for over 20 years in the capacity as a volunteer, part-time staff person, and the full-time Curator since 1989. She amplifies the definition of a leader and a story-teller. And, her dedication and passion shows through here work efforts. She fulfills the expectations of each visitor, by listening to her audiences. And, develops programs and special events that both educate and entertain."

"She excels in presenting Hamilton 's history. Her contribution to the re-enactment of the Battle of Stoney Creek and other events greatly contributes to tourism by attracting local, international, and demographically diverse audiences. Congratulations, Susan." (hear applause from Council and gallery; and hear more drumming from the Battlefield House Guard)

"Thank you very much. And of course, joining us this evening, as well, is the Battlefield House Guard in full regalia and loaded muskets, I'm told. So, be very, very careful all of us." (hear giggles from Council and gallery; followed by more applause; followed by more drumming by the Battlefield House Guard.)

3.4 Tourism Hamilton Awards

(Awarded to: Re-enactment of the Battle of Stoney Creek - Susan RAMSAY and Jay BODROG)

Mayor DiIanni : "The next presentation is the Tourism Hamilton Awards. (http://www.myhamilton.ca/myhamilton/TourismAndVistorInfo/ ) And, actually, I was to ask Susan to stay here at the podium. So, Susan, I'm sorry. And, also invite Jay Bodrog, who is one of our historical interpreters, to join us, as well."

"Tourism Hamilton and the local tourism industry saluted the sector's brightest starts at the 8 th annual Tourism Hamilton Awards Gala, held on April 6 th." [2006] (http://www.myhamilton.ca/myhamilton/hottopics/tourism+awards+nominees.htm)

"The gala recognized the outstanding contributions of corporations, organizations and individuals in building a healthy and vibrant tourism history."

"And, I read a little bit of a bio[graphy] on Susan. And, in terms of Jay, you will know that Jay joined the staff at Whitehern Historic House and Gardens (http://www.hamilton.ca/museums) in 2001. Since that time, he's distinguished himself as one of the friendliest and funniest" (hear a few giggles from Council) " - I can attest to that - staff members in recent memory. Not only do visitor surveys compliment him highly, teachers and group leaders rave about him. Program evaluation forms consistently praise his level of service. Jay is passionate about Hamilton 's heritage. And, this enthusiasm culminates into his exceptional ability to interpret the facility, the lifestyle and the history for visitors of all ages. He is truly an asset to this attraction, the City of Hamilton , and to Tourism Hamilton."

"So, congratulations, again, to you Susan and Jay, as well." (hear applause from Council and gallery; and hear a cheer from Battlefield House Guards; followed by Mayor making the Presentation."

(Battlefield House Museum and Park)

"The other award, the third award, is for the Tourism Business of the Year Award, which was awarded to Battlefield House Museum and Park."

"Battlefield House Museum and Park is a leader in presenting and cooperating in community events from guided daily tours, educational programs, to their Twilight Tales lantern tours, and Apple Festival drawing a record number of visitors in 2005 from local Hamiltonians, to guests from all across Canada, the U.S. and, indeed, around the world."

"The Museum has adopted an aggressive strategy to promote themselves through the media and the [World Wide]Web to package unique cultural and heritage experiences. So, Congratulations to you, again. And, thank you for all you do." (hear applause from Council and gallery)

(Anna BRADFORD)

"And, the next award is actually a surprise award - that is, a surprise to the person that I'm about to name. And, it's my pleasure. And, I hope she's here. It's my pleasure to announce - she is - that Anna Bradford has been inducted into the Festival and Events Ontario Hall of Fame. I'd like to ask Anna to join me at the podium for this presentation. Please, Anna." (hear applause from Council and gallery)

(Anna proceeds to the podium and says something off microphone to the Mayor)

" - I know, don't get mad at people." (hear giggles from Council and gallery) "It's my pleasure to announce that Anna Bradford has been inducted into the Festival of Events Ontario Hall of Fame. And, inducted into the Festival of Events Ontario Gallery of Distinction for her contributions to the Festivals and Events Industry in Ontario ."

"She was involved with the Association's Growth and Development in the '90s. And, during her involvement as a Board of Director Member, then Vice-President, and then President, the Association experienced a tremendous growth from 70 members to 300 plus members, with its annual conference growing at the same time to become one of the premier tourism industry-based professional and business development conferences in Ontario ."

"Throughout Anna's involvement with the Association, Anna had a significant role in the development of Festivals and Events in Hamilton . She incubated several events during her time with Economic Development and Tourism and Convention Services section. One of these events continues today - and that is, the Hamilton International Tattoo Event."

"Anna also provided significant Festival and Event development assistance to many Hamilton organizations and groups from idea generation, to building and marketing their events so that they could maximize business opportunities. An example of this is the International Village Mustard Festival Downtown-based events that, of course, Mary [Pocius] knows all about."

"So Anna, congratulations on your induction. It's an honour well-deserved. And, sorry that it took you by surprise." (hear giggles from Council and gallery followed by applause)

"Excellent. And, those are the Ceremonial Activities for this evening."

3.5 Recognition of Municipal Clerk's Week

Mayor DiIanni : "

4. Minutes of the meeting of City Council held on:

4.1 April 12, 2006
(Morelli / Mitchell - CARRIED)

Mayor DiIanni : "Members of Council, now may I have a verbal Motion to approve the minutes of the City Council meeting held on April 12, 2006. Moved by Councillor Morelli; Seconded by Councillor Mitchell. All in favour?" (hear councillors say carried)

5. Communications
(Morelli / McHattie - CARRIED)

Mayor DiIanni : "In Communications, Members of Council, we have items 5.1 to 5.8. Councillor Morelli, may I have a Motion on these items."

Morelli : "Moved by myself and Seconded by Councillor McHattie that Council Communications 5.1 to 5.8 be approved as follows, and you have that."

Mayor DiIanni : "All in favour?" (hear councillors say carried) "Uh, before we vote, Councillor Whitehead on one of the items."

COMMENT ON - 5.1

5.1 Petition received from residents of the Gourley Neighbourhood requesting upgrading for sidewalks, curbs and closed ditches
Recommendation: Be received and referred to the General Manager of Public Works for a report to the Public Works, Infrastructure and Environment Committee
(CARRIED)

Whitehead : "Ya, in fact, 5.1 refers to a petition that was presented by the residents of Gourley Park neighbourhood. It's a neighbourhood that is being under the - I guess, we're at the latter stage of complete development."

"And, there's two streets in this development that are still rural ." (could not understand Councillor Whitehead's next couple of words) "And, as you can imagine, everything around it curbs, ditches, si - er, no ditches - sidewalks, storm water. And, you have Chester and Chesley who are still without sidewalks."

"There is a school - James McDonald School - in that neighbourhood. The residents are fed up. And, are looking for some action from the City in responding to the issues of safety in respect to the sidewalks and the urbanization of their roads. Thank you."

5.2 Correspondence from Kathy Drewitt, Executive Director, Downtown Hamilton BIA respecting ways to facilitate traffic flow
Recommendation: Be received and referred to the General Manager of Public Works for a report to the Public Works, Infrastructure and Environment Committee
(CARRIED)

5.3 Correspondence from A. Opalick, Office of the Prime Minister acknowledging receipt of the City's resolution respecting social housing subsidy costs.
Recommendation: Be received
(CARRIED)

5.4 Correspondence from The Honourable John Gerretsen, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing respecting Affordable Housing Program - Housing Allowance/Rent Supplement - $3,000,000 for 250 units
Recommendation: Be received
(CARRIED)

5.5 Correspondence from Randy Marsh, Canadian Pacific Railway addressing position of CPR with respect to number of derailments in the Country further to an article published by a Toronto newspaper.
Recommendation: Be received
(CARRIED)

5.6 Correspondence from Fabio Saccon, Area Traffic Manager, Ministry of Transportation respecting traffic signal installation and turning lanes at the intersections of Highway6/Chippewa road and Highway 6/Haldimand Road
Recommendation: Be received
(CARRIED)

5.7 Correspondence from Ed Cooper, Chairman, 2006 Government Relations Committee, Realtors Association of Hamilton-Burlington respecting the sign by-law
Recommendation: Be received and referred to the General Manager of Planning and Economic Development for consideration during the review of the sign by-law
(CARRIED)

5.8 Correspondence from Ed Cooper, Chairman, 2006 Government Relations Committee, Realtors Association of Hamilton-Burlington respecting alleviation of duplicate street names throughout the amalgamated city
Recommendation: Be received and referred to the General Manager of Planning and Economic Development for a report to the Planning and Economic Development Committee
(CARRIED)

Mayor DiIanni : "Okay, all in favour, then, of the Motion, as presented?" (hear councillors say carried) "That's carried."

6. Committee Reports

Mayor DiIanni : "Councillor Morelli, may I have a Motion to move into Committee of the Whole for consideration of the [Committee] reports, please."

Morelli : "Moved by myself and Seconded by Councillor McHattie that Council move into Committee of the Whole for consideration of the Committee reports."

Mayor DiIanni : "Thank you. All in favour?" (hear councillors say carried) "That's carried."

6.1 Public Works, Infrastructure and Environment Committee report 06-007, April 24, 2006 (to be distributed)
(Mitchell / Pearson - CARRIED)

Mayor DiIanni : "And, the first report for this evening is the Public Works Infrastructure and Environment Committee, which presents its 7 th report and recommends Item #1" (hear councillors say carried) "#2 . #5" (hear councillors say carried; and hear a glass clink) "#6" (hear councillors say carried) " - #5, Councillor Morelli."

COMMENT ON - Item #5

5. Gage Park Redevelopment (PW06048) (Ward 3) Public Works Infrastructure and Environment Committee Outstanding Business Item . (Item 5.5)
(a) That Report PW06048 entitled Gage Park Redevelopment be received for information.
(b) That Item Z be removed from the Public Works, Infrastructure and Environment Committee Outstanding Business List.

Morelli : "Mr. Chairman, I just wanted to bring to the attention of - generally - Council and the public - first of all, my gratitude. It recognizes - #5 - involves the beginning of the restoration of Gage Park , which is our national park, as we consider it."

"And, you'll see that at the - it's the beginning of a process which was begun in 2004. And, certainly the first $100,000 is going to see the rehabilitation of the rose garden, as well as the replanting and restorations of the perennials; as well as, the rod iron fence - which has looked disastrous - along Main Street , will be totally restored and pathway repairs are also to occur."

"As well as this wonderful project, is the fact that we are now moving forward is - even this Saturday, we've been working on the Master Plan for Gage Park . And, I think it's important that the public realize and appreciate the fact that we are moving forward with the redevelopment of that Park. And, certainly, the restoration of it back to its great state."

"And, certainly, looking forward to such things as - possibly even having such things - as the Band concerts on Sunday night, as well as doing something special throughout the Christmas Season going into the new year."

"So, I wanted to take this opportunity - it's just, I just don't consider that a Ward park. But, I take custody of it for the Ward and on behalf of the Ward. And, certainly, to this Committee, my gratitude for the work that we're doing there. Thank you."

Mayor DiIanni : "Excellent. All in favour of 5, then?" (hear councillors say carried) "It's carried." "6" (hear councillors say carried) "7 . "9" (hear councillors say carried) "10 - sorry, 9. That's it. Fooled you." (hear giggles from Council and gallery)

"Councillor Mitchell, may " (hear a glass clink) "I have a Motion on the report - Councillor Bratina."

Bratina : "Just before the Motion, Mr. Mayor. Through you to either Joe or Scott. In October, tenders were called for a Kenora Community Recycling Centre on the SWARU [Solid Waste Reduction Unit] site."

"Can you, through you, Mr. Chair, inform me as to whether that tendering process has been completed and a tender awarded for that recycling centre?"

Scott Stewart - General Manager, Public Works : "Through you, Mr. Mayor. The tender is compl - well, has been completed. It was extended, I think, until May 1 st ."

"I can't remember the name of the company that's got the award. We've gone through the regular process. And, low bidder has come out on top. And, I can get you the name of the company, tomorrow. I just don't have it with me tonight."

Bratina : "So - through you, Mr. Mayor - so, the Kenora Community Recycling Centre will be located on the SWARU site - is that correct?"

Scott Stewart - General Manager, Public Works : "Through you, Mr. Mayor, that's correct."

Bratina : "Thank you."

Mayor DiIanni : "Councillor Mitchell, please."

Mitchell : "Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Moved by myself; Seconded by Councillor Pearson that the 7 th report of the Public Works, Infrastructure and Environment Committee be adopted and the Information Section received."

Mayor DiIanni : "All in favour?" (hear councillors say carried) "That's carried."

See Part #2
Starting with Committee Reports Item 6.2 - "Planning and Economic Development Committee," Report 06-006, April 18, 2006