Minutes of Regular Meeting - City Council

Council Chamber, 4th Floor, City Hall

-
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 Greg Noseworthy
  • Councillor Tom Davis
  • Councillor Carl Ridgeley
Regrets:
  • Councillor Debbie Hanlon
Staff:
  • Kevin Breen, City Manager
  • Derek Coffey, Deputy City Manager of Finance & Corporate Services
  • Tanya Haywood, Deputy City Manager of Community Services
  • Lynnann Winsor, Deputy City Manager of Public Works
  • 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.”

1.
CALL TO ORDER

 

2.
PROCLAMATIONS/PRESENTATIONS

 

3.
APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA

 

3.1
Adoption of Agenda

 
  • SJMC-R-2025-02-25/50
    Moved ByCouncillor Ravencroft
    Seconded ByDeputy 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
Minutes of February 11, 2025

This item has attachments. 
1.Post-Meeting Minutes - RCM_Feb11_2025 - English.pdf
  • SJMC-R-2025-02-25/51
    Moved ByCouncillor Ellsworth
    Seconded ByCouncillor Noseworthy

    That the minutes of February 11, 2025, 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.
BUSINESS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES

 

6.
DEVELOPMENT APPLICATIONS

 

6.1
Crown Land Grant – 870 Kenmount Road – CRW2500001

This item has attachments. 
1.Development Committee - Crown Land Grant - 870 Kenmount Road - CRW2500001.pdf
2.163577_zoning.pdf

The Chief Municipal Planner advised that the current Comprehensive Development Area 9 (CDA9) zoning is in place as servicing is not yet available. If servicing were to become available, then the city would prepare a plan for the area which would involve rezoning. An application could be considered after this process were to be completed

  • SJMC-R-2025-02-25/52
    Moved ByCouncillor Ridgeley
    Seconded ByCouncillor Ellsworth

    That Council reject the Crown Land Grant at 870 Kenmount Road for a Residential Use, as the property is zoned Comprehensive Development Area 9, where development is premature, and the parcel of land has no frontage on a public 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)

6.2
Notices Published – 603 Topsail Road - DEV2400130

This item has attachments. 
1.Notices Published - 603 Topsail Road.pdf
2.603 TOPSAIL ROAD.pdf
3.Combined Submissions_redacted.pdf

Due to the limited amount of parking available for the proposed childcare centre, concerns were raised regarding vehicles having to back out onto the four-lane highway.

It was advised that Traffic Engineering staff have reviewed the application in depth and that the proponent has agreed to make changes to the parking lot to allow enough room for vehicles to turn around.

Councillor Noseworthy urged the Provincial Government to implement speeding cameras to help alleviate traffic concerns

  • SJMC-R-2025-02-25/53
    Moved ByCouncillor Ridgeley
    Seconded ByDeputy Mayor O'Leary

    That Council approve the Discretionary Use at 603 Topsail Road for Child Care Center and relief parking for one (1) parking space.


    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)

6.3
Request for Parking Relief – 10 Whitty Place – DEV2500016

This item has attachments. 
1.Development Committee - Request for Parking Relief - 10 Whitty Place - DEV2500016.pdf
2.10WhittyPlace.pdf
  • SJMC-R-2025-02-25/54
    Moved ByCouncillor Ridgeley
    Seconded ByCouncillor Burton

    That Council approve parking relief for two (2) parking spaces at 10 Whitty Place to allow the proposed Four-Plex.


    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)

6.4
Notices Published – 11 Barrow’s Road - DEV2500002

This item has attachments. 
1.Notices Published -11 Barrow's Road.pdf
2.Combined Submissions_redacted(1).pdf

Councillor Ravencroft requested that the application be deferred as she would like more time to engage with residents in the area before making a decision.

  • SJMC-R-2025-02-25/55
    Moved ByCouncillor Ravencroft
    Seconded ByCouncillor Burton

    That the motion be deferred.


    For (6)Mayor Breen, Deputy Mayor O'Leary, Councillor Burton, Councillor Ravencroft, Councillor Davis, and Councillor Noseworthy
    Against (4)Councillor Hickman, Councillor Ellsworth, Councillor Bruce, and Councillor Ridgeley


    MOTION CARRIED (6 to 4)

7.
RATIFICATION OF EPOLLS

 

8.
COMMITTEE REPORTS

 

8.1
Committee of the Whole Report - February 18, 2025

This item has attachments. 
1.Committee of the Whole Report - February 18, 2024.pdf

1.
2024 Municipal By-Elections Report and Recommendations

This item has attachments. 
1.2024 Municipal By-Elections Report and Recommendations.pdf
2.Final Ward 3-4 By-Election Report - January 31.pdf
  • SJMC-R-2025-02-25/56
    Moved ByDeputy Mayor O'Leary
    Seconded ByCouncillor Bruce

    That Council accept the 2024 Municipal By-Election Report, allowing staff to begin work on the recommendations it contains, deferring mandatory registration until legislation allows for telephone/electronic voting. Council also approves the reduction of the number of Satellite Drop-off Centres per Ward, returning to pre-pandemic practice, with one SDOC location per Ward with consideration for 2 SDOC locations in Ward 5 for the upcoming 2025 Municipal General Election in October.


    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)

2.
Strategic Plan Report 2024 and Action Plan 2025

This item has attachments. 
1.Strategic Plan 2024 Report and Action Plan for 2025.pdf
2.Our City Our Future February 2025 Council Report.pdf
  • SJMC-R-2025-02-25/57
    Moved ByCouncillor Ellsworth
    Seconded ByCouncillor Davis

    That Council approve the 2025 action plan.


    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.
DEVELOPMENT PERMITS LIST (FOR INFORMATION ONLY) 

 

10.
BUILDING PERMITS LIST (FOR INFORMATION ONLY)

 

11.
REQUISITIONS, PAYROLLS AND ACCOUNTS

 

11.1
Weekly Payment Vouchers for Weeks Ending February 12 and February 19, 2025

This item has attachments. 
1.Council List Weeks Ending February 12 and February 19, 2025.pdf
  • SJMC-R-2025-02-25/58
    Moved ByCouncillor Ellsworth
    Seconded ByCouncillor Bruce

    That the weekly payment vouchers for the weeks ending February 12 and February 19, in the amount of 11,582,892.50, 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)

12.
TENDERS/RFPS

 

13.
NOTICES OF MOTION, RESOLUTIONS QUESTIONS AND PETITIONS

 

13.1
Notice of Motion - Response to US President Trump's Trade War

This item has attachments. 
1.notice of motion.pdf

The Deputy Mayor is putting forward a Notice of Motion.

The Deputy Mayor is putting forward a Notice of Motion.

The Deputy Mayor presented a Notice of Motion in response to the President of the United State’s trade war and requested that Council waive the two-week time frame to discuss.

Staff were asked to advise how the tariffs will affect the City's purchasing and if there are any penalties if current contracts affected by the tariffs are cancelled.

Mayor Breen advised that, as a municipality, our purchasing procedures fall under the Public Procurement Act, which is currently being reviewed by the Province. He also advised that the Communications Department is completing a review to find out which of the City's social media platforms are the most effective. Mayor Breen also raised concerns regarding the changes that might come to interprovincial trade barriers and how they may also impact the City.

  • SJMC-R-2025-02-25/59
    Moved ByDeputy Mayor O'Leary
    Seconded ByCouncillor Ravencroft

    In solidarity with Team Canada and its response to US President Trump’s Trade War, that St. John’s City council consider directing staff to report on options and implications including the following:

    - adjusting policies to avoid purchase of US goods and services

    - closing the City’s X/Twitter account and considering alternate social media platforms

    -continuing the city’s ongoing work of supporting local businesses to diversify and strengthen our economy.

    - request that the Mayor, on behalf of Council, write to the Prime Minister and the Premier to share these actions and positions.


    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)

14.
NEW BUSINESS

 

14.1
Expropriation – Easement at 301 Back Line

This item has attachments. 
1.Expropriation - Easement at 301 Back Line.pdf

Councillor Noseworthy requested staff confirm the meaning of reasonable legal fees. As the City Solicitor was unavailable, the City Manager advised that he would follow up with her to provide a response to the Councillor's inquiry.

  • SJMC-R-2025-02-25/60
    Moved ByCouncillor Ridgeley
    Seconded ByCouncillor Bruce

    That Council approve the expropriation of an easement over the portion of 301 Back Line, as shown on the attached plot plan.


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


    MOTION CARRIED (9 to 1)

14.2
Sale of City land adjacent to 315 Waterford Bridge Road

This item has attachments. 
1.Sale of City land adjacent to 315 Waterford Bridge Road.pdf
  • SJMC-R-2025-02-25/61
    Moved ByCouncillor Noseworthy
    Seconded ByCouncillor Ravencroft

    That Council approve the sale of City land adjacent to 315 Waterford Bridge Road, as outlined in blue on the attached diagram.


    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)

14.3
Travel Authorization for Councillor Tom Davis to attend the upcoming Urban Municipalities Committee Meeting

This item has attachments. 
1.Travel Authorization - Councillor Tom Davis - Urban Municipalities Committee Meeting.pdf
  • SJMC-R-2025-02-25/62
    Moved ByDeputy Mayor O'Leary
    Seconded ByCouncillor Hickman

    That Council approve of the travel costs to allow Councillor Davis to attend the UMC meeting in Marystown on March 28 and March 29, 2025.


    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)

14.4
2025 Civic Improvement Assessment Rates

This item has attachments. 
1.2025 Civic Improvement Assessment Rates.pdf

The Deputy City Manager of Finance and Corporate Services advised that Civic Improvement Assessment Rates are those billed to residents for their share of the project costs once a civic improvement project has reached completion.

  • SJMC-R-2025-02-25/63
    Moved ByCouncillor Ellsworth
    Seconded ByCouncillor Burton

    That Council approve the assessment rates for 2025.


    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)

14.5
CAMA Conference Travel Authorization – Mont-Tremblant, QC

This item has attachments. 
1.CAMA Conference Attendance Approval – Mont-Tremblant, QC.pdf
  • SJMC-R-2025-02-25/64
    Moved ByCouncillor Bruce
    Seconded ByCouncillor Burton


    That Council approve costs associated for the City Manager to attend the Canadian Association of Municipal Administrators (CAMA) Conference in Mont-Tremblant, QC, May 2025.


    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)

14.6
City of St. John’s Emergency Management Plan

This item has attachments. 
1.City of St. John's Emergency Plan 2024.pdf
2.City of St. Johns EMP 2024 Approved in Principl.pdf
  • SJMC-R-2025-02-25/65
    Moved ByCouncillor Ellsworth
    Seconded ByCouncillor Ravencroft

    That Council approve the City of St. John’s Emergency Management Plan - 2024


    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)

14.7
Seniors Advisory Committee – Committee Membership Approvals

This item has attachments. 
1.Seniors Advisory Committee Membership Approvals.pdf
  • SJMC-R-2025-02-25/66
    Moved ByCouncillor Bruce
    Seconded ByCouncillor Ridgeley

    That Council approve the following recommended candidates to fill the three vacancies on the Seniors Advisory Committee:

    Shelley Goulding
    Suzanne Brake
    Peggy Coady


    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.
OTHER BUSINESS

 

16.
ACTION ITEMS RAISED BY COUNCIL

 

17.
ADJOURNMENT

 

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 4:26 p.m.

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