Date:
Time: 10:00 a.m., Reconvene 6:00 p.m.
Location: Council Chamber, 3rd Floor City Hall, 1841 Argyle Street, Halifax
Minutes: November 9, 2021 Halifax Regional Council Minutes (PDF)
Agenda
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. SPECIAL COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS & ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – October 19 and 26, 2021
4. APPROVAL OF THE ORDER OF BUSINESS AND APPROVAL OF ADDITIONS AND DELETIONS
5. CONSENT AGENDA*
Motion:
That Halifax Regional Council approve recommendations in the following items: 15.1.1, 15.1.5, 15.2.1, 15.2.2, 15.3.1, 15.3.2 and 15.4.1
6. BUSINESS ARISING OUT OF THE MINUTES
7. CALL FOR DECLARATION OF CONFLICT OF INTERESTS
8. MOTIONS OF RECONSIDERATION – NONE
9. MOTIONS OF RESCISSION – NONE
10. CONSIDERATION OF DEFERRED BUSINESS – NONE
11. NOTICES OF TABLED MATTERS – NONE
12. PUBLIC HEARINGS – 6:00 p.m.
12.1 Proposed Administrative Order 2021-003-OP, Respecting Amendments to Municipal Design Guidelines - Municipal Design Guidelines (Red Book) Update
- Report [Large 15 Mb PDF]
- Presentation [PDF]
Motion:
That Halifax Regional Council:
1. Adopt the proposed amendments to the Regional Subdivision By-law, including repealing and replacing the Municipal Design Guidelines, as set out in Attachment B of the staff report dated June 16, 2021; and
2. Adopt Administrative Order 2021-003-OP, Respecting Municipal Design Guidelines as set out in Attachment C of the staff report dated June 16, 2021.
13. CORRESPONDENCE, PETITIONS & DELEGATIONS
13.1 Correspondence
13.2 Petitions
13.3 Presentations
14. INFORMATION ITEMS BROUGHT FORWARD - NONE
15. REPORTS
15.1 CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER
15.1.1 Increase to Contract, PO#2070861114 Concrete, Demolition and Tile Work for Centennial Pool Repairs* [PDF]
Motion:
That Halifax Regional Council approve an increase to PO#2070861114 for Coastal Restoration Ltd. In the amount on $100,475 (HST fully refunded) from Project Account CB200001 – Multi-District Facilities Upgrade as outlined in the Financial Implications section of the staff report dated October 10, 2021.
15.1.2 Proposed Amendments to Administrative Order 2016-001-GOV, Respecting the Advisory Committee on the Western Common – Membership [PDF]
Motion:
That Halifax Regional Council adopt the amendments to Administrative Order 2016-001-GOV, Respecting the Advisory Committee on the Western Common as set out in Attachment 1 of the staff report dated October 26, 2021.
15.1.3 Otter Lake Contract Amendment (Front End Processor / Waste Stabilization Facility) [PDF]
Motion:
That Halifax Regional Council direct the Chief Administrative Officer to execute the Supplementary Agreement set out in Attachment A of the staff report dated November 1, 2021 to extend certain contract timelines in the Operating Agreement with Mirror Nova Scotia Limited.
15.1.4 Case 23836 – Amendments to the Regional Municipal Planning Strategy to Establish Commercial Development Districts [PDF]
Motion:
That Halifax Regional Council give First Reading to consider the proposed amendments to the Regional Municipal Planning Strategy as set out in Attachment A of the staff report dated September 20, 2021, to enable a Commercial Development District to be established for all areas serviced by wastewater facilities and a water system, and schedule a public hearing.
15.1.5 Regional Parks for Winter Maintenance – Supplementary Report* [PDF]
Motion:
That Halifax Regional Council direct the Chief Administrative Officer to:
1. Add Dartmouth Common (East/West pathways) to winter pathway list for winter clearing.
2. Not add McIntosh Run Regional Park to winter pathway list for winter clearing; and,
3. Reclassify parks that were designated incorrectly as per Table 2 - Parks with New Designations and Winter Maintenance Status of the staff report dated October 20, 2021.
15.1.6 Proposed Amendments to Administrative Order 2014-020-GOV, Respecting Marketing Levy Special Event Reserve Grants and Administrative Order One, the Procedure of the Council Administrative Order – Election of Chair [PDF]
Motion:
That Halifax Regional Council adopt amendments to:
1. Administrative Order 2014-020-GOV, Respecting Marketing Levy Special Event Reserve Grants, as set out in Attachment 2 of the staff report dated October 13, 2021; and
2. Administrative Order One, The Procedures of the Council Administrative Order, Schedule 2, Audit and Finance Standing Committee Terms of Reference, as set out in Attachment 4 of the staff report dated October 13, 2021.
15.1.7 Options for Increased Municipal Support and Partnerships for Provincial Housing Program Delivery [PDF]
Motion:
That Halifax Regional Council:
1. Support a comprehensive update of the HRM housing needs assessment to be undertaken every 5 years, as further outlined in the staff report dated November 1, 2021.
2. Direct the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) to develop an Affordable Housing Strategy that will include:
a. a review of the effectiveness of existing programs; and
b. an implementation framework to broaden municipal support for affordable housing including identifying specific actions, monitoring tools and additional resources or amendments to the HRM Charter if required.
3. Direct the Chief Administrative Officer to prepare a report exploring municipal housing organization models, as further outlined in the staff report dated November 1, 2021, including an overview of financial implications, legal authorities, best practices and the scope for implementation.
4. Direct the Chief Administrative Officer to enter into discussions with the Deputy Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing regarding actions outlined in the Ministerial Mandate Letter dated September 14, 2021.
15.1.8 Case 23856 – Regional Municipal Planning Strategy and Land Use By-law Amendments for Property Along Highway 207, West Chezzetcook [PDF]
Motion:
That Halifax Regional Council give First Reading to consider the proposed amendments to the Regional Municipal Planning Strategy (RMPS) and Land Use By-law (LUB) for Planning Districts 8 and 9, as set out in Attachments A and B of the staff report dated October 25, 2021, to allow the development of a shared housing use and multiple unit residential building that exceeds current density requirements for PID 40302507 along Highway 207 in West Chezzetcook, and schedule a public hearing.
15.1.9 Emergency Accommodation Funding Request [PDF]
Motion:
That Halifax Regional Council direct that the Chief Administrative Officer be authorized to spend up to $3.2 million from Fiscal Services to purchase, install and maintain modular units at two sites and to address suitable temporary housing to address needs of unhoused residents. Regular updates to Regional Council will occur monthly until the end of the fiscal year and then quarterly at minimum.
15.2 AUDIT AND FINANCE STANDING COMMITTEE
15.2.1 Award - NRFP (Non-Binding Request for Proposal) 21-164 - Halifax Commons Aquatic Project* [PDF]
Motion:
That Halifax Regional Council:
1. Approve an unbudgeted withdrawal in the amount of $1,538,135 (net HST included), from the General Contingency Reserve, Q421; and
2. Increase 2021/22 Capital Project Number CB210020 – Halifax Common Pool Reconstruction by $1,538,135 (net HST Included); and
3. Award NRFP 21-164 – Halifax Commons Aquatic Project, to the highest scoring proponent meeting specifications, Marco Construction Limited, at a cost of $18,134,293 (net HST included) with funding from Project Account No. CB210020 – Halifax Common Pool Reconstruction and Project Account No. CB190008 – Energy Efficiency Initiatives, as outlined in the Financial section of the October 1, 2021 staff report.
15.2.2 Fire Station and Volunteer Firefighter Paging System Upgrades* [PDF]
Motion:
That Halifax Regional Council:
1. Approve an unbudgeted withdrawal in the amount of $559,374 from the Fleet Vehicle and Equipment Reserve, Q531 in the current fiscal year;
2. Approve a budget increase of $559,374 to capital project BT31 HRFE Power and Backhaul Upgrades;
3. Award Alternative Procurement # 21-1168 for the HRFE Pager System upgrade to Bell Mobility Radio for $559,374 (net HST included) plus operating costs, with the option to extend beyond the initial five (5) year term subject to operational requirements as outlined in the Financial Implications section of the September 1, 2021 staff report subject to terms and conditions that are acceptable to the Municipality.
15.3 EXECUTIVE STANDING COMMITTEE
15.3.1 Research Nova Scotia Partnership* [PDF]
Motion:
That Halifax Regional Council request a staff report identifying opportunities and funding sources for establishing a research partnership with Research Nova Scotia to develop a coordinated research approach to address municipal challenges.
15.3.2 2022 Halifax Regional Council Meeting Schedule* [PDF]
Motion:
That Halifax Regional Council approve the proposed 2022 Regional Council meeting schedule as outlined in the staff report dated July 21, 2021 (Attachment A).
15.4 HERITAGE ADVISORY COMMITTEE
15.4.1 Case H00510 - Request to Include 5663 Cornwallis Street, Halifax in the Registry of Heritage Property for the Halifax Regional Municipality* [Large 18 Mb PDF]
Motion:
That Halifax Regional Council set a date for a heritage hearing to consider the inclusion of 5663 Cornwallis Street, Halifax in the Registry of Heritage Property for the Halifax Regional Municipality as shown on Map 1 of the September 24, 2021 staff report, as a municipal heritage property under the Heritage Property Act.
15.5 MEMBERS OF COUNCIL
15.5.1 Councillor Blackburn – Sandy Lake [PDF]
Motion:
That Halifax Regional Council:
1. Suspend the Rules of Procedure under section 17 of Administrative Order One, the Procedures of the Council Administrative Order; and
2. Direct the Chief Administrative Officer to direct staff to retain an independent consultant to assist with expediting the preparation of a staff report and recommendation for the purpose of identifying an optimal conceptual boundary for an expanded Sandy Lake Regional Park based on environmental information about the area considering:
a. The natural vegetation buffers required to protect the water quality and reduce downstream flooding of Sandy Lake, Sackville River, associated tributaries and wetlands.
b. The size of park needed to protect the multi-aged and old growth Acadian Forest in the area and documenting the habitats at Sandy Lake for their potential to support species at risk.
c. The locations of wildlife corridors that should be established to protect wildlife both within the park and movement through the area between the Chebucto Peninsula and mainland Nova Scotia.
d. Identification of a secondary, western trailhead.
15.5.2 Councillor Blackburn – Cobequid Cultural Centre for the Arts [PDF]
Motion:
That Halifax Regional Council request a report and recommendation on providing a Letter of Intent to the Cobequid Cultural Society indicating HRM plans to sell the Society a parcel of lands off Margeson Drive for the construction of a Community Arts Centre.
15.5.3 Councillor Deagle Gammon - Review of Noise By-law N-200 [PDF]
Motion:
That Halifax Regional Council request a staff report on conducting a review of the Noise By-law N-200 to determine a measurable decibel level that is acceptable within a community.
16. MOTIONS - NONE
17. IN CAMERA (IN PRIVATE)
Council may rise and go into a private In Camera session, in accordance with Section 19 of the Halifax Regional Municipality Charter, for the purpose of dealing with the following:
17.1 In Camera (In Private) Minutes – September 28, 2021
Motion:
That the In Camera (In Private) minutes of September 28, 2021 be approved as circulated.
17.2 PROPERTY MATTER - Private and Confidential Report
A matter pertaining to providing instruction and direction to officers and employees of the Municipality pertaining to the acquisition / sale of land.
Motion:
That Halifax Regional Council:
1. Adopt the recommendations as outlined in the private and confidential report dated November 9, 2021; and
2. Direct that the private and confidential report dated November 9, 2021 be maintained private and confidential.
17.3 LABOUR RELATIONS - Private and Confidential Report
A matter pertaining to reports, advice and recommendations, instruction or direction to officers and employees of the Municipality concerning labour relations and employee negotiations arising out of the contract or contract negotiations with one of the Municipalities unions.
Motion:
That Halifax Regional Council:
1. Adopt the recommendations as outlined in the private and confidential staff report dated July 9, 2021; and
2. Direct that the private and confidential staff report dated July 9, 2021 be maintained private and confidential.
17.4 INTERGOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS - Private and Confidential Report
A matter pertaining to any subject, the discussion of which could, violate the confidentiality of information obtained from another body of government, or a public body.
Motion:
1. Adopt the recommendations as outlined in the private and confidential report dated November 9, 2021; and
2. Direct that the private and confidential report dated November 9, 2021 be maintained private and confidential.
Private and Confidential Information Items
1. Private and Confidential In Camera (In Private) Information Report - re: Personnel Matter
18. ADDED ITEMS
Additions:
17. IN CAMERA (IN PRIVATE)
Council may rise and go into a private In Camera session, in accordance with Section 19 of the Halifax Regional Municipality Charter, for the purpose of dealing with the following:
17.5 INTERGOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS - Private and Confidential Report
A matter pertaining to any subject, the discussion of which could, violate the confidentiality of information obtained from another body of government, or a public body.
Motion:
That Halifax Regional Council:
1. Adopt the recommendations as outlined in the private and confidential staff report dated November 5, 2021; and
2. Direct that the private and confidential staff report dated November 5, 2021 be maintained private and confidential.
19. NOTICES OF MOTION
20. ADJOURNMENT
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INFORMATION ITEMS
November 9, 2021