Minutes of Regular Meeting - City Council

Council Chamber, 4th Floor, City Hall

Tuesday, December 10, 2024 at 3:00 P.m. - 4:30 P.m.

4th Floor City Hall

Present:

• Mayor Danny Breen
• Deputy Mayor Sheilagh O'Leary
• Councillor Maggie Burton
• Councillor Ron Ellsworth
• Councillor Sandy Hickman
• Councillor Jill Bruce
• Councillor Ophelia Ravencroft
• Councillor Tom Davis
• Councillor Carl Ridgeley
• Councillor Greg Noseworthy

Regrets:

• Councillor Debbie Hanlon

Staff:

• Derek Coffey, Deputy City Manager of Finance & Administration
• Tanya Haywood, Deputy City Manager of Community Services
• Jason Sinyard, Deputy City Manager of Planning, Engineering & Regulatory Services
• Cheryl Mullett, City Solicitor
• Ken O'Brien, Chief Municipal Planner
• Theresa Walsh, City Clerk
• Jackie O'Brien, Manager of Corporate Communications
• Stacey Corbett, Legislative Assistant

​​Land Acknowledgement

The following statement was read into the record:

“We respectfully acknowledge the Province of Newfoundland & Labrador, of which the City of St. John’s is the capital City, as the ancestral homelands of the Beothuk. Today, these lands are home to a diverse population of indigenous and other peoples. We would also like to acknowledge with respect the diverse histories and cultures of the Mi’kmaq, Innu, Inuit, and Southern Inuit of this Province.”

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1.

CALL TO ORDER

2.

PROCLAMATIONS/PRESENTATIONS

2.1

2024 COSJ Scholarship Presentation

3.

APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA

3.1

Adoption of Agenda

• SJMC-R-2024-12-10/520
  Moved By Councillor Ravencroft
  Seconded By Deputy Mayor O'Leary

  That the Agenda be adopted as presented.

  
  

  For (10)

  Mayor Breen, Deputy Mayor O'Leary, Councillor Burton, Councillor Hickman, Councillor Ellsworth, Councillor Ravencroft, Councillor Bruce, Councillor Ridgeley, Councillor Davis, and Councillor Noseworthy

  
  
  
  MOTION CARRIED (10 to 0)

4.

ADOPTION OF THE MINUTES

4.1

Adoption of Minutes - November 26, 2024

• SJMC-R-2024-12-10/521
  Moved By Councillor Bruce
  Seconded By Councillor Ridgeley

  That the minutes of November 26, 2024, be adopted as presented.

  
  

  For (10)

  Mayor Breen, Deputy Mayor O'Leary, Councillor Burton, Councillor Hickman, Councillor Ellsworth, Councillor Ravencroft, Councillor Bruce, Councillor Ridgeley, Councillor Davis, and Councillor Noseworthy

  
  
  
  MOTION CARRIED (10 to 0)

5.

BUDGET 2025 PRESENTATION

Councillor Ellsworth presented the 2025 budget, which received strong support from the rest of Council.

Councillor Ravencroft raised concerns about the tax framework, advocating for changes to charge wealthier individuals more and reduce the taxes of those who are struggling. However, she noted that any changes must occur and either a provincial or federal level, as the City does not have the authority to make these changes.

Mayor Breen advised that there was a need for a new funding model to address the new-age demands on municipalities and to alleviate the financial burden on taxpayers.

• SJMC-R-2024-12-10/522
  Moved By Councillor Ellsworth
  Seconded By Councillor Davis

  That Council adopt the 2025 Budget in the balanced position of $349,151,881.00, as presented, along with the following resolutions:

  • 2025 Accommodation Tax Resolution
  • 2025 Downtown Business Improvement Area Levy Resolution
  • 2025 Interest Rate Resolution
  • 2025 Property Tax Rate Resolution - Commercial Properties
  • 2025 Property Tax Rate Resolution - Residential Properties
  • 2025 25% Property Reduction for Senior Citizens Resolution
  • 2025 Business Tax Rate on Utilities Resolution
  • 2025 Water by Meter Resolution
  • 2025 Water Tax Resolution
  
  

  For (10)

  Mayor Breen, Deputy Mayor O'Leary, Councillor Burton, Councillor Hickman, Councillor Ellsworth, Councillor Ravencroft, Councillor Bruce, Councillor Ridgeley, Councillor Davis, and Councillor Noseworthy

  
  
  
  MOTION CARRIED (10 to 0)

6.

BUSINESS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES

7.

DEVELOPMENT APPLICATIONS

7.1

Notices Published – 5&7 Little Street – DEV2300074

• SJMC-R-2024-12-10/523
  Moved By Councillor Ridgeley
  Seconded By Councillor Davis

  That Council defer accepting the revised Land Use Report (LUR), approval-in-principle, and parking relief for a proposed Apartment Building at 5&7 Little Street.

  
  

  For (10)

  Mayor Breen, Deputy Mayor O'Leary, Councillor Burton, Councillor Hickman, Councillor Ellsworth, Councillor Ravencroft, Councillor Bruce, Councillor Ridgeley, Councillor Davis, and Councillor Noseworthy

  
  
  
  MOTION CARRIED (10 to 0)

7.2

Approval in Principle for Child Care Centre – 47 Claddagh Road –DEV2400160

Discussion took place and it was agreed that this would be a great location for the proposed Child Care Centre. However, the application cannot proceed further at this time, as it is contingent on the completion of the Southlands Boulevard connection. 

• SJMC-R-2024-12-10/524
  Moved By Councillor Ridgeley
  Seconded By Deputy Mayor O'Leary

  That Council grant Approval in Principle for the proposed Child Care Centre Use at 47 Claddagh Road, which is subject to the following conditions prior to Final Approval:
  1. Meet all requirements of the St. John’s Municipal Plan and Development Regulations;
  2. Meet all requirements of the Development Design Manual;
  3. The PMD-1 Zone requirements are to be demonstrated on a detailed site plan;
  4. Detailed site and servicing plans submitted and approved;
  5. Complete a Traffic Impact Study;
  6. Parking requirements are to be met or a request for parking relief provided to be considered
  by Council; and
  7. Until such time as the Southland Boulevard connection moves ahead, no development application can be accepted for this site.

  
  

  For (10)

  Mayor Breen, Deputy Mayor O'Leary, Councillor Burton, Councillor Hickman, Councillor Ellsworth, Councillor Ravencroft, Councillor Bruce, Councillor Ridgeley, Councillor Davis, and Councillor Noseworthy

  
  
  
  MOTION CARRIED (10 to 0)

7.3

Crown Land Lease Referral - Fowler’s Road - CRW2400019

• SJMC-R-2024-12-10/525
  Moved By Councillor Ridgeley
  Seconded By Councillor Ellsworth

  That Council approve the Crown Land Lease off Fowler’s Road for an Agriculture Use, which will be subject to a Development Application should the lease be issued. There shall be no development within any wetland, floodplain, or associated buffer.

  
  

  For (10)

  Mayor Breen, Deputy Mayor O'Leary, Councillor Burton, Councillor Hickman, Councillor Ellsworth, Councillor Ravencroft, Councillor Bruce, Councillor Ridgeley, Councillor Davis, and Councillor Noseworthy

  
  
  
  MOTION CARRIED (10 to 0)

7.4

Notices Published – 187 Water Street – DEV2400152

Councillor Davis declared a conflict of interest and abstained from voting.

• SJMC-R-2024-12-10/526
  Moved By Councillor Ridgeley
  Seconded By Councillor Ravencroft

  That Council approve the Discretionary Use application at 187 Water Street for a Place of Amusement.

  
  

  For (9)	Mayor Breen, Deputy Mayor O'Leary, Councillor Burton, Councillor Hickman, Councillor Ellsworth, Councillor Ravencroft, Councillor Bruce, Councillor Ridgeley, and Councillor Noseworthy
  Abstain (1)	Councillor Davis

  
  
  
  MOTION CARRIED (9 to 0)

7.5

Variance on Accessory Building Height – 23 Chafe’s Lane – INT2400096

• SJMC-R-2024-12-10/527
  Moved By Councillor Ridgeley
  Seconded By Councillor Bruce

  That Council approve a Variance of 10% at 23 Chafe’s Lane to accommodate an Accessory Building with a height of 5.5 meters.

  
  

  For (10)

  Mayor Breen, Deputy Mayor O'Leary, Councillor Burton, Councillor Hickman, Councillor Ellsworth, Councillor Ravencroft, Councillor Bruce, Councillor Ridgeley, Councillor Davis, and Councillor Noseworthy

  
  
  
  MOTION CARRIED (10 to 0)

8.

RATIFICATION OF EPOLLS

9.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

9.1

Committee of the Whole Report - September 24, 2024

Residual Item

1.

18 Mount Cashel Road – REZ2400021

• SJMC-R-2024-12-10/528
  Moved By Councillor Burton
  Seconded By Deputy Mayor O'Leary

  That Council consider rezoning 18 Mount Cashel Road from the Residential 2 Cluster (R2C) Zone to the Apartment 1 (A1) Zone and approve the attached draft terms of reference for a Land Use Report (LUR).
  
  Further, upon receiving a satisfactory Land Use Report, that Council refer the application to a public meeting chaired by an independent facilitator.
  

  
  

  For (9)	Mayor Breen, Deputy Mayor O'Leary, Councillor Burton, Councillor Hickman, Councillor Ellsworth, Councillor Bruce, Councillor Ridgeley, Councillor Davis, and Councillor Noseworthy
  Abstain (1)	Councillor Ravencroft

  
  
  
  MOTION CARRIED (9 to 0)

9.2

Committee of the Whole Report - December 3, 2024

1.

Employment Equity Policy Approval

• SJMC-R-2024-12-10/529
  Moved By Councillor Ellsworth
  Seconded By Councillor Davis

  That Council approve the revised Employment Equity policy

  
  

  For (9)

  Mayor Breen, Deputy Mayor O'Leary, Councillor Burton, Councillor Hickman, Councillor Ellsworth, Councillor Bruce, Councillor Ridgeley, Councillor Davis, and Councillor Noseworthy

  
  
  
  MOTION CARRIED (9 to 0)

2.

Attendance Management and Support Policy approval

• SJMC-R-2024-12-10/530
  Moved By Councillor Ellsworth
  Seconded By Councillor Bruce

  That Council approve the Attendance Management and Support Policy

  
  

  For (10)

  Mayor Breen, Deputy Mayor O'Leary, Councillor Burton, Councillor Hickman, Councillor Ellsworth, Councillor Ravencroft, Councillor Bruce, Councillor Ridgeley, Councillor Davis, and Councillor Noseworthy

  
  
  
  MOTION CARRIED (10 to 0)

3.

Seniors Advisory Committee – Member Replacement

• SJMC-R-2024-12-10/531
  Moved By Councillor Bruce
  Seconded By Deputy Mayor O'Leary

  That Council approve the nomination of Maureen McCarthy as NLPSPA representative on the Seniors Advisory Committee.

  
  

  For (10)

  Mayor Breen, Deputy Mayor O'Leary, Councillor Burton, Councillor Hickman, Councillor Ellsworth, Councillor Ravencroft, Councillor Bruce, Councillor Ridgeley, Councillor Davis, and Councillor Noseworthy

  
  
  
  MOTION CARRIED (10 to 0)

4.

746 Blackmarsh Road – MPA2400011

• SJMC-R-2024-12-10/532
  Moved By Councillor Burton
  Seconded By Councillor Noseworthy

  That Council consider rezoning 746 Blackmarsh Road from the Rural Residential (RR) Zone to the Apartment 1 (A1) Zone for a proposed Cluster Development. This will also require a Municipal Plan amendment. Further, upon receiving a satisfactory Land Use Report (LUR), that the application be advertised for public input and feedback.

  
  

  For (10)

  Mayor Breen, Deputy Mayor O'Leary, Councillor Burton, Councillor Hickman, Councillor Ellsworth, Councillor Ravencroft, Councillor Bruce, Councillor Ridgeley, Councillor Davis, and Councillor Noseworthy

  
  
  
  MOTION CARRIED (10 to 0)

5.

Sustainable and Active Mobility Advisory Committee – Member Recommendation

• SJMC-R-2024-12-10/533
  Moved By Councillor Burton
  Seconded By Councillor Bruce

  That Council approve the recommended candidate, Trevor Smith, to represent individuals who cycle on the Sustainable and Active Mobility Advisory Committee.

  
  

  For (10)

  Mayor Breen, Deputy Mayor O'Leary, Councillor Burton, Councillor Hickman, Councillor Ellsworth, Councillor Ravencroft, Councillor Bruce, Councillor Ridgeley, Councillor Davis, and Councillor Noseworthy

  
  
  
  MOTION CARRIED (10 to 0)

9.3

Audit & Accountability Standing Committee Report - November 27, 2024

1.

SJRFD Mechanical Division Internal Audit

• SJMC-R-2024-12-10/534
  Moved By Councillor Davis
  Seconded By Councillor Ridgeley

  That Council approve the SJRFD Mechanical Division audit report and the associated action plans put forth by management.

  
  
  
  MOTION CARRIED (10 to 0)

10.

DEVELOPMENT PERMITS LIST (FOR INFORMATION ONLY) 

10.1

Development Permits List November 21 - December 4, 2024

11.

BUILDING PERMITS LIST (FOR INFORMATION ONLY)

11.1

Building Permits List

12.

REQUISITIONS, PAYROLLS AND ACCOUNTS

12.1

Weekly Payment Vouchers for the Weeks Ending November 27 and December 4, 2024

• SJMC-R-2024-12-10/535
  Moved By Councillor Ellsworth
  Seconded By Deputy Mayor O'Leary

  That the weekly payment vouchers for the weeks ending November 27 and December 4, 2024, be approved as presented.

  
  

  For (10)

  Mayor Breen, Deputy Mayor O'Leary, Councillor Burton, Councillor Hickman, Councillor Ellsworth, Councillor Ravencroft, Councillor Bruce, Councillor Ridgeley, Councillor Davis, and Councillor Noseworthy

  
  
  
  MOTION CARRIED (10 to 0)

13.

TENDERS/RFPS

13.1

Contract Awards November 6, 2024 – December 6, 2024

14.

NOTICES OF MOTION, RESOLUTIONS QUESTIONS AND PETITIONS

15.

NEW BUSINESS

15.1

Naming of Lions Club Chalet and Softball Field Driveway

• SJMC-R-2024-12-10/536
  Moved By Councillor Davis
  Seconded By Councillor Hickman

  That Council approve naming the driveway leading to the St. John’s Lions Club Chalet and Softball Field “Lions Club Way.”

  
  

  For (10)

  Mayor Breen, Deputy Mayor O'Leary, Councillor Burton, Councillor Hickman, Councillor Ellsworth, Councillor Ravencroft, Councillor Bruce, Councillor Ridgeley, Councillor Davis, and Councillor Noseworthy

  
  
  
  MOTION CARRIED (10 to 0)

15.2

Residential Energy Efficiency Coach and Financing Program

• SJMC-R-2024-12-10/537
  Moved By Deputy Mayor O'Leary
  Seconded By Councillor Davis

  That Council approve the implementation of the St. John’s Residential Energy Efficiency Coach and Financing Program, and its in-kind contribution of up to $60,000 over the implementation and administration of the loan loss reserve, which would include support communication, awareness, and program review and feedback.

  
  

  For (10)

  Mayor Breen, Deputy Mayor O'Leary, Councillor Burton, Councillor Hickman, Councillor Ellsworth, Councillor Ravencroft, Councillor Bruce, Councillor Ridgeley, Councillor Davis, and Councillor Noseworthy

  
  
  
  MOTION CARRIED (10 to 0)

15.3

54 Circular Road – SGN2400125

Councillor Hickman asked staff if traffic engineers reviewed the sign as signs can be a distraction to drivers.

The Deptuy City Manager of Planning, Engineering and Regulatory Services advised that this particular sign is not of concern.

• SJMC-R-2024-12-10/538
  Moved By Councillor Burton
  Seconded By Councillor Ravencroft

  That Council approve the Wall Sign at 54 Circular Road, which exceeds the maximum size of 3 square metres.

  
  

  For (10)

  Mayor Breen, Deputy Mayor O'Leary, Councillor Burton, Councillor Hickman, Councillor Ellsworth, Councillor Ravencroft, Councillor Bruce, Councillor Ridgeley, Councillor Davis, and Councillor Noseworthy

  
  
  
  MOTION CARRIED (10 to 0)

15.4

26 Alexander Street – REZ2400002 - Adoption

Council expressed strong support for the proposed development.

It was advised that Connections for Seniors indicated that they are interested in purchasing a property behind 26 Alexander Street. It was determined that a parking lot would not fit as the property is to narrow.

Councillor Ellsworth requested that staff investigate implementing residential parking permits to reduce parking concerns in the area.

Councillor Ravencroft requested staff investigate to see if a crosswalk that crosses Water Street at Patrick or Alexander Street could be installed.

 

 

councillor ravencroft - cross walk

• SJMC-R-2024-12-10/539
  Moved By Councillor Burton
  Seconded By Councillor Ravencroft

  That Council:
  1. Adopt the Envision St. John’s Development Regulations Amendment 47, 2024, regarding an Apartment Building at 26 Alexander Street;
  2. As per Section 4.9.3 of the Development Regulations, accept this staff report in lieu of a land use report (LUR);
  3. As per Section 8.12.5 of the Development Regulations, accept this staff report in lieu of a parking report; and
  4. Approve parking relief of 50 parking spaces.

  
  

  For (10)

  Mayor Breen, Deputy Mayor O'Leary, Councillor Burton, Councillor Hickman, Councillor Ellsworth, Councillor Ravencroft, Councillor Bruce, Councillor Ridgeley, Councillor Davis, and Councillor Noseworthy

  
  
  
  MOTION CARRIED (10 to 0)

16.

OTHER BUSINESS

16.1

SERC – New Year’s Eve Events 2024

• SJMC-R-2024-12-10/540
  Moved By Councillor Bruce
  Seconded By Councillor Ravencroft

  That Council approve the road closures associated with the City of St. John’s New Year’s Eve Fireworks, and road closure and noise by-law extension associated with the George Street Association New Year’s Eve Event.

  
  

  For (10)

  Mayor Breen, Deputy Mayor O'Leary, Councillor Burton, Councillor Hickman, Councillor Ellsworth, Councillor Ravencroft, Councillor Bruce, Councillor Ridgeley, Councillor Davis, and Councillor Noseworthy

  
  
  
  MOTION CARRIED (10 to 0)

17.

ACTION ITEMS RAISED BY COUNCIL

18.

ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 4:53 p.m.