Minutes of Regular Meeting - City Council

Council Chamber, 4th Floor, City Hall

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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 Greg Noseworthy
  • Councillor Tom Davis
  • Councillor Carl Ridgeley
Regrets:
  • Councillor Debbie Hanlon
  • Councillor Ophelia Ravencroft
Staff:
  • Derek Coffey, Acting City Manager
  • Tanya Haywood, Deputy City Manager of Community Services
  • Jason Sinyard, Deputy City Manager of Planning, Engineering & Regulatory 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
  • Jennifer Squires, Legislative Assistant
Others:

  • Edmundo Fausto, Manager, Sustainability

​​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-2024-11-26/508
    Moved ByCouncillor Davis
    Seconded ByCouncillor Bruce

    That the Agenda be adopted as presented.


    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)

4.
ADOPTION OF THE MINUTES

 

4.1
Adoption of Minutes - November 12, 2024

This item has attachments. 
1.Post-Meeting Minutes - RCM_Nov12_2024 - English.pdf
  • SJMC-R-2024-11-26/509
    Moved ByDeputy Mayor O'Leary
    Seconded ByCouncillor Noseworthy

    That the minutes of November 12, 2024, be adopted as presented.


    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)

5.
BUSINESS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES

 

6.
RATIFICATION OF THE COLLECTIVE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF ST. JOHN'S AND IAFF LOCAL 1075

This item has attachments. 
1.Ratification of the Collective Agreement between the City of St. John's and IAFF Local 1075.pdf
  • SJMC-R-2024-11-26/510
    Moved ByCouncillor Ellsworth
    Seconded ByCouncillor Ridgeley

    That Council ratify the Collective Agreement negotiated between the City of St. John’s and IAFF Local 1075.


    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)

7.
DEVELOPMENT APPLICATIONS

 

7.1
Re-establish the Building Line Setback and Side Yard Variance – 9 Anderson Avenue – DEV2400147

This item has attachments. 
1.Development Committe- Request to Re-Establish the Building Line amd Variance for Side Yard - 9 Anderson Avenue - DEV2400147.pdf
2.9 Anderson Avenue.pdf
3.Redacted Submission - DEV2400147 9 Anderson Avenue.pdf

Councillor Davis informed Council that there were ongoing issues concerning garbage and property maintenance with the property in question. He requested that Staff inspect the property to ensure there were no further violations.

  • SJMC-R-2024-11-26/511
    Moved ByCouncillor Ridgeley
    Seconded ByCouncillor Hickman

    That Council approve a Building Line Setback at 3.6 metres and a Variance of 10% for a Side Yard Setback of 5.4 metres at 9 Anderson Avenue to accommodate a Four-Plex on a Corner Lot.


    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)

7.2
Crown Land Referral – George’s Pond Road – CRW2400017

This item has attachments. 
1.Development Committee - Crown Land Referral - Georges Pond Road - CRW2400017.pdf
2.Location Map.pdf

Councillor Hickman voiced his support for the Crown Land License to Occupy land in the vicinity of George’s Pond Road. He noted that in rejecting the application, the City would be turning down the potential for an interesting project to occupy the space. If additional infrastructure is required to support development, it could be years before the tax base could expand into the area. Deputy Mayor O'Leary agreed with Councillor Hickman, noting that there was merit in the potential for a project in the area and that it would be a detriment to shut the application down at such an early stage.

Members of Council stated the importance of moving forward with development in the right way, ensuring that infrastructure was in place before making decisions. It was agreed that approval of the License to Occupy would be premature at this time. 

  • SJMC-R-2024-11-26/512
    Moved ByCouncillor Ridgeley
    Seconded ByCouncillor Davis

    That Council reject the Crown Land License to Occupy land in the area of George’s Pond Road as the proposal is premature at this time and is located in a Comprehensive Development Area (CDA) Zone.


    For (7)Mayor Breen, Councillor Burton, Councillor Ellsworth, Councillor Bruce, Councillor Ridgeley, Councillor Davis, and Councillor Noseworthy
    Against (2)Deputy Mayor O'Leary, and Councillor Hickman


    MOTION CARRIED (7 to 2)

7.3
Notices Published – 5-7 Little Street – DEV2300074

This item has attachments. 
1.Notices Published - 5-7 Little Street.pdf
2.5-7 LITTLE STREET - DEV2300074.pdf
3.LUR for Apartment Building at 5-7 Little Street (R2 Sept 19, 2024).pdf
4.Redacted Submissions - 5-7 Little Street.pdf

Councillor Ridgeley made a motion to defer the application for two weeks to provide Staff an opportunity to speak to the proponent on the request for parking relief. Councillor Burton asked for the rationale behind the deferral, as additional information on parking and traffic would be provided at the Development Application stage. Councillor Davis responded that parking was a concern in the area, and that he would like Staff to speak to the applicant on the parking variance. Councillor Ellsworth noted that he was in support of the project but had similar concerns surrounding parking relief.

  • SJMC-R-2024-11-26/513
    Moved ByCouncillor Ridgeley
    Seconded ByCouncillor Davis

    That Council defer the item to the Regular Meeting of December 10, 2024.


    For (8)Mayor Breen, Deputy Mayor O'Leary, Councillor Hickman, Councillor Ellsworth, Councillor Bruce, Councillor Ridgeley, Councillor Davis, and Councillor Noseworthy
    Against (1)Councillor Burton


    MOTION CARRIED (8 to 1)

8.
RATIFICATION OF EPOLLS

 

9.
COMMITTEE REPORTS

 

10.
DEVELOPMENT PERMITS LIST (FOR INFORMATION ONLY) 

 

11.
BUILDING PERMITS LIST (FOR INFORMATION ONLY)

 

12.
REQUISITIONS, PAYROLLS AND ACCOUNTS

 

12.1
Weekly Payment Vouchers for the Weeks Ending November 13 and November 20, 2024

This item has attachments. 
1.Council List Weeks Ending November 13 and November 20, 2024.pdf
  • SJMC-R-2024-11-26/514
    Moved ByDeputy Mayor O'Leary
    Seconded ByCouncillor Bruce

    That the weekly payment vouchers for the weeks ending November 13 and November 20, 2024, in the amount of $8,007,143.43 be approved as presented.


    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)

13.
TENDERS/RFPS

 

14.
NOTICES OF MOTION, RESOLUTIONS QUESTIONS AND PETITIONS

 

14.1
Petition from residents in the area of Claddagh Road concerning 725 Southlands Boulevard

This item has attachments. 
1.Petition - 725 Southlands Blvd_redacted.pdf

Councillor Ridgeley submitted a petition on behalf of residents near Claddagh Road in the Southlands Subdivision. The residents are opposed to all revisions that would change the Galway "Stage 1" Development Plan, specifically the inclusion of a five-storey personal care home on Claddagh Road. Councillor Ridgeley advised Council and the residents that he had spoken with the developer concerning the project, and an apartment building is intended for the site and not a personal care home. 

15.
NEW BUSINESS

 

15.1
Art Procurement Recommendations 2024

This item has attachments. 
1.DN - Art Procurement Recommendations 2024.pdf
2.Artworks Recommended for Purchase - Art Procurement 2024.pdf
3.Art Procurement Recommendations 2024.pdf
  • SJMC-R-2024-11-26/515
    Moved ByCouncillor Hickman
    Seconded ByCouncillor Burton

    That Council approve the 2024 Art Procurement Jury’s recommendations for purchase as attached.


    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)

15.2
265 LeMarchant Road – DEV220040 – Discretionary Use and Heritage Report

This item has attachments. 
1.265 Lemarchant Road - DEV2200040 - Discretionary Use and Heritage Report .pdf
2.265 LEMARCHANT ROAD - Location Map.pdf
3.INST-DT Zone Table.pdf
4.265 LeMarchant Road - Heritage Report - October 7, 2024 - FINAL.pdf
5.Redacted Submissions 265 Lemarchant Road.pdf

Councillor Ellsworth referenced an interview with the developer where it was stated that it took over a year for the City to get to the approval stage of the process. He asked Staff to clarify the timeline for the application. Staff responded that the building was designated by Council in late 2021. The terms of reference for a Heritage Report for the application were set in May of 2022. The final version of the Heritage Report, included in the Agenda for Council's consideration, was received in October 2024.

  • SJMC-R-2024-11-26/516
    Moved ByCouncillor Burton
    Seconded ByDeputy Mayor O'Leary

    That Council approve the discretionary-use application for a Heritage Use at 265 LeMarchant Road to allow 20 dwelling units and set the parking requirement at 20 parking spaces for a Heritage Use.

    Further, that Council adopt the attached Heritage Report for 265 LeMarchant Road dated October 7, 2024.


    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)

15.3
725 Southlands Boulevard (Galway) – Adoption – REZ2100009

This item has attachments. 
1.725 Southlands Boulevard (Galway) - Adoption - REZ2100009 (1).pdf
2.725 Southland Boulevard - Aerial.pdf
3.DR Amend No. 31, 2024 - 725 Southlands Boulevard - MAP and TEXT (amc).pdf
4.Public Meeting Report - 725 Southlands Boulevard.pdf
5.Redacted Submissions - Southlands Boulevard.pdf

Councillor Burton drew attention to information in the Decision Note concerning the requirement of an extension of Southlands Boulevard for future development applications. The Deputy City Manager of Planning, Engineering, and Regulatory Services advised that no new development applications would be approved until there was a plan in place for the completion of Southlands Boulevard. The proponents are working on a solution, but the condition will remain in place until the connection is made or there is a plan in place for the adequate completion of the Boulevard. It was clarified that Council would not be considering Development Approval at this time, but rather rezoning. Having the land rezoned will accelerate the Development Approval process for future development.

  • SJMC-R-2024-11-26/517
    Moved ByCouncillor Burton
    Seconded ByCouncillor Ridgeley

    That Council
    (1) adopt the attached Envision St. John’s Development Regulations Amendment Number 31, 2024, to amend the frontage requirements in the Planned Mixed Development 1 (PMD1) Zone, add Personal Care Home as a permitted use, change the parking requirements and replace Schedules A to D; and
    2) as per Section 4.9(3) of the Development Regulations, accept this staff report in lieu of a land use report (LUR).


    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)

15.4
St. John’s Climate Resilient Coastal Communities Partnership Project

This item has attachments. 
1.St. John's Climate Resilient Coastal Communities Partnership.pdf
2.NRCAN CRCC ProgramBrief_StJohns_R1.pdf
  • SJMC-R-2024-11-26/518
    Moved ByDeputy Mayor O'Leary
    Seconded ByCouncillor Ellsworth

    That Council approves the financial contribution to the Atlantic Infrastructure Management (AIM) Network’s St. John’s Climate Resilient Coastal Communities Project from the sustainability budget 2024 and 2025.


    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)

15.5
Shea Heights Community Centre Board – New Appointments

This item has attachments. 
1.Shea Heights Community Centre Board – New Appointments.pdf

Councillor Ellsworth declared a conflict of interest as he is a volunteer member of the Shea Heights Community Centre Board.

Councillor Noseworthy questioned how board member appointees were vetted. The Deputy City Manager of Community Services informed Council that the positions on the Board are dictated by the terms of reference. When a vacancy arises, the Board will reach out to the community for interested applicants. Applications are sent to and reviewed by the Board, who then make their recommendations to Council for appointment. Successful appointees are often known to the Board, and all discussions would take place at the Board level. The Board has both City Staff and Council representation.

  • SJMC-R-2024-11-26/519
    Moved ByCouncillor Ridgeley
    Seconded ByCouncillor Burton

    That Council approve the appointment of Theresa Minnett to the Shea Heights Community Centre Board to fill the “at large” category, and to approve the appointment of Gail O’Neill to fill the vacancy of “NL Housing tenant” category of the Board.


    For (8)Mayor Breen, Deputy Mayor O'Leary, Councillor Burton, Councillor Hickman, Councillor Bruce, Councillor Ridgeley, Councillor Davis, and Councillor Noseworthy
    Abstain (1)Councillor Ellsworth


    MOTION CARRIED (8 to 0)

16.
OTHER BUSINESS

 

17.
ACTION ITEMS RAISED BY COUNCIL

 

17.1
Housing Cooperatives

 

Deputy Mayor O'Leary asked that additional consideration be given to housing cooperatives when discussing affordable housing and density.

17.2
Major's Path Update

 

Councillor Bruce inquired how long roadwork on Major's Path would continue. The Deputy City Manager responded that there was no firm cutoff for base asphalt. Should there be no major delays the current project should clue up around the end of the month.

18.
ADJOURNMENT

 

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 4:07 p.m.

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