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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPlng & Econ Dev - 1993-02-15PED\1993-02-15 PLANNING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MINUTES FEBRUARY 15, 1993 The Planning and Economic Development Committee met this date commencing at 3:10 p.m. under the Chairmanship of Alderman J. Ziegler with the following members present: Mayor D.V. Cardillo and Aldermen C. Weylie, M. Wagner, G. Lorentz, M. Yantzi, T. Galloway, G. Leadston, B. Stortz and C. Zehr. Alderman J. Smola entered the meeting shortly after its commencement. Officials Present: Mr. T. McKay, Mr. S. Klapman, Mr. T. McCabe, Mr. B. Stanley, Mr. J. Wallace, Ms. V. Gibaut, Mr. J. Witmer, Ms. C. Ladd, Mr. D. Mansell, Mr. G. Borovilos, Mr. J. Shivas, Mr. P. Wetherup, Mr. D. Snow and Mr. L.W. Neil. 1. MINUTES Moved by Alderman G.L. Leadston Seconded by Alderman B. Stortz That the Minutes of the Planning and Economic Development Committee regular meeting held on February 1, 1993, as mailed to the members, be accepted. Carried 2. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT "JANUARY" ACTIVITY REPORT. The Committee was in receipt of the January, 1993 Economic Development Department Activity Report dated February 10th. The report sets out activities that have been undertaken on a weekly basis for the month. Ms. V. Gibaut requested that the Committee consider the format of the report and offer suggestions as to how the information contained therein might be streamlined. No comments in that regard were forthcoming. In response to Alderman M. Yantzi, Ms. Gibaut advised that a current issue relating to Lang Tannery was being addressed. DRAFT REPORT OF THE REGIONAL C.A.O. RE PROPOSED PARTNERSHIP ROLE BE'I'VVEEN THE REGION AND THE AREA MUNICIPALITIES FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT. The Committee was in receipt of a report dated February 5, 1993 addressed to Mr. T. McKay from Mr. G.A. Thompson, Chief Administrative Officer, along with Mr. Thompson's report to Regional Council on the subject of a Proposed Partnership Role between the Region and the Area Municipalities for Economic Development. Mr. T. McKay advised the Committee that Regional Council had dealt with this report on February 11th and noted that it was the result of the report advanced to Regional Council by Mr. J. Beingessner on behalf of the Regional Chairman's Task Force on the Regional Economy. Mr. McKay pointed out that the working group was opposed to establishing any other body or authority at the Regional level with respect to Business and Economic Development. He noted that the justification for this position was that a very large part of Economic Development activities relate to servicing existing local businesses. Further, avoidance of duplication, confusion and additional expenditures would be achieved. Mr. McKay stated that no area municipalities had a qualified economist or statistician on staff to prepare and analyze information and he indicated that at the Regional level it would be advantageous to provide such services. He commented on the findings of Mr. Larry Smith who had observed that in dealings with the Federal Government it was their view that most municipalities generally compose the same type of information relative to economic development but that such information does not address the kind of quality data that investors are seeking. He noted that Mr. Smith is of the view that Waterloo Region could produce top quality information that was better than other municipalities. Also, there was a general feeling that the Region and the Regional Chairman should have a more comprehensive understanding of what activities were going on within the Region. PLANNING AND ECONOMIC - 34 - FEBRUARY 15, 1993 DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE DRAFT REPORT OF THE REGIONAL C.A.O. RE PROPOSED PARTNERSHIP ROLE BE'I'VVEEN THE REGION AND THE AREA MUNICIPALITIES FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT. (CONT'D) In response to Alderman M. Wagner who questioned how Kitchener issues would be addressed, Mr. T. McKay advised that the intent was to engage Mr. L. Smith to analyze the total information bases of all municipalities and report back. Kitchener would then use Mr. Smith's information to prepare the method that we wish Kitchener's information to be presented. Alderman C. Zehr clarified that Mr. L. Smith will provide input respecting production of material on a Regional profile. Alderman C. Zehr suggested that a mechanism be established to provide for critique on an annual basis of what the City was doing once its new community economic profile was in place. Moved by Alderman C. Zehr Seconded by Mayor D.V. Cardillo That the City of Kitchener endorses recommendation (1) contained in the draft report, "Proposed Partnership Role Between the Region and the Area Municipalities for Economic Development", prepared by G.A. Thompson, Chief Administrative Officer, Region of Waterloo, as outlined hereunder: The Region of Waterloo establishing in co-operation with the Area Municipalities, an Economic Development Steering Committee with membership and mandate as outlined in CA-93-003. Carried The Chairman advised that this recommendation would be considered by City Council at its meeting to be held on Monday, February 22, 1993. PD 12/93 - REQUEST FOR ENDORSEMENT OF MUNICIPAL MEDIATION PILOT PROJECT FOR APPEALS TO THE ONTARIO MUNICIPAL BOARD. The Committee was in receipt of Planning and Development Staff Report PD 12/93 dated February 3, 1993 dealing with an initiative to conduct a Mediation Pilot Project for appeals to the Ontario Municipal Board. It was noted in the report that in October, 1992, the City was approached by the Provincial Facilitator's Office to become involved in a pilot project intended to formally introduce mediation into the planning process at the onset of an appeal to the Ontario Municipal Board. Mr. T. McCabe advised that Council support for involvement in the project as well as a staff appointment as Municipal Mediation Co-ordinator for the City was being sought. Alderman T. Galloway questioned if current outstanding appeals could have an opportunity to be handled within the process on a retroactive basis. Ms. Ladd advised that a meeting was being held on February 26th with Provincial Officials and she would try to get an answer to this question. She then briefly explained the process that would involve mediation from the point of an appeal being lodged and the steps subsequently followed. The Committee questioned the role and authority of the mediator particularly in respect to the issue of impartiality. Ms. Ladd advised that one of the basic reasons for instituting this process was because appellants often were not fully aware of the facts and the mediator could undertake clarification that could result in either side altering their position that may result in settlement. She noted that it is not the position of the mediator to suggest the merits of a case. Alderman T. Galloway commented that the City undertakes a mediation of role in such matters and questioned if the process was not in place why the City could not contract for mediation services. Mr. Klapman stated that once an appeal has been lodged, the practice has been for the City to withdraw from further discussion and present its evidence at the Ontario Municipal Board Hearing. Ms. C. Ladd stated that she was not sure that land use conflicts were an appropriate subject to engage local mediation services. She pointed out that Provincial Mediators will have professional knowledge of the subject area relating to each specific case. PLANNING AND ECONOMIC - 35 - FEBRUARY 15, 1993 DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE PD 12/93 - REQUEST FOR ENDORSEMENT OF MUNICIPAL MEDIATION PILOT PROJECT FOR APPEALS TO THE ONTARIO MUNICIPAL BOARD. (CONT'D) Moved by Alderman B. Stortz Seconded by Alderman G.L. Leadston That City Council formally endorse participation in the Municipal Mediation Pilot Project commencing April 1, 1993. The City further agrees to appoint a Municipal Mediation Coordinator and provide facilities and services necessary to conduct mediation; and further, That Carla Ladd be appointed as Municipal Mediation Coordinator for the City of Kitchener. Carried The Chairman advised that this recommendation would be considered by City Council at its meeting to be held on Monday, February 22, 1993. PD 8~93 - 350 SHIRLEY AVENUE - ADDRESS CHANGE PROPOSAL - BRIDGEPORT NORTH WARD The Committee was in receipt of Planning and Development Staff Report PD 8/93 dated January 28, 1993, pertaining to a request for property address change. It was noted in the report that the City has received a request to change the address of the property designated with assessment roll number 6-16-079-50 from 350 Shirley Avenue to 360 Shirley Avenue. Two buildings were built on one property which has now been severed into two separate properties and the owner has requested that the Shantz Coach Lines building, which was the first building on the property, be renumbered to 360 Shirley Avenue. The new industrial mall would retain the address of 350 Shirley Avenue. Moved by Alderman B. Stortz Seconded by Alderman M. Wagner That Kitchener's City Council approve the property address change, for property assessment roll number 6-16-079-50, from 350 Shirley Ave. to 360 Shirley Ave., to be effective March 1, 1993, in the form shown in the Proposed By-law dated January 28, 1993 attached to Planning and Development Staff Report PD 8/93. Carried The Chairman advised that this recommendation would be considered by City Council at its meeting to be held on Monday, February 22, 1993. PD 2~93 - NEW LAND USE PLANS FOR THE LAURENTIAN WEST AREA - SOUTH WARD The Committee was in receipt of Planning and Development Staff Report PD 2/93 dated January 22, 1993 along with a letter dated January 27, 1993 from Mr. D. Corks and additional staff reports respecting the matters outlined in PD 2/93. It was pointed out that these documents show proposed new land uses for the Laurentian West Community and were being circulated for comment prior to being considered by Committee and Council. Once these plans are approved they will form the basis for land use decisions in the area bounded by the Expressway, Fischer- Hallman Road, Trussler Road and Bleams Road. Mr. B. Stanley advised that the reports were being circulated to all property owners and agencies for their comment by March 5th so as to consider any comments as part of the final reports respecting these matters which are now proposed to be dealt with at a public meeting of the Committee on April 19, 1993. PLANNING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE - 36 - FEBRUARY 15, 1993 6. PD 2~93 - NEW LAND USE PLANS FOR THE LAURENTIAN WEST AREA - SOUTH WARD (CONT'D) In response to Alderman T. Galloway, Mr. Stanley advised that all land owners within 120 metres of lands where a change is proposed, standard agency circulation and all persons who attended two previous public information meetings would be notified. Alderman T. Galloway suggested that staff consider circulating other groups that might have an interest in the area such as Environmental Groups. Alderman G. Lorentz disclosed a conflict of interest and abstained from all discussion as his parents own property within the circulation area. No other comments were forthcoming regarding these staff reports which will now be circulated. PD 9/93 - 1642 VICTORIA STREET NORTH - DEMOLITION CONTROL APPLICATION DC 92/10/RM - JAYNE GIMBEL AND KAREN NORTHEY - STANLEY PARK WARD The Committee was in receipt of Planning and Development Staff Report PD 9/93 dated February 2, 1993, concerning a Demolition Control Application with respect to the property known municipally as 1642 Victoria Street North. It was noted in the report that the application involves the demolition of a vacant single detached dwelling which is part of a larger property municipally addressed as 1604 Victoria Street North on which there is a large industrial building. Following Demolition, the owner wishes to grade the property. The Committee was advised that staff have no objection to the request as the subject property is surrounded on all sides by industrial uses and is untenable as a residential property and demolishing the building and grading the site will create industrial consistency in the area. Mr. Ross Gimbel, appeared as a delegation on behalf of the applicants and indicated their concurrence with the recommendation in the staff report. Moved by Alderman B. Stortz Seconded by Alderman G.L. Leadston That Demolition Control Application DC 92/10/RM (Jayne Gimbel & Karen Northey) requesting approval for the demolition of a single detached dwelling located at 1642 Victoria Street North, legally described as Part Lot 123, Registered Plan 753 be approved subject to the following: a) The owner prepares a Grading and Drainage Control Plan showing drainage details for the subject property, abutting properties and public rights-of-way so as to ensure compatible drainage. The Grading and Drainage Control Plan should also detail erosion and siltation control features. The owner agrees to implement all erosion and siltation control measures prior to the commencement of any site grading, to complete the site grading and drainage scheme in accordance with a plan approved by the City's Chief Building Official and to maintain the erosion and siltation control measures until the site has been fully developed as determined by the Director of Development. The owner must obtain approval of the Grading and Drainage Control Plan prior to the issuance of a demolition permit. b) Any redundant driveways are to be closed with new curb and gutter and boulevard landscaping, all to City of Kitchener standards, at the Owner's expense. The Owner is required to make satisfactory financial arrangements with the Department of Public Works for the removal of any redundant service connections. It is the opinion of this Committee that the approval of this application is proper planning for the City. Carried PLANNING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE - 37 - FEBRUARY 15, 1993 PD 9~93 - 1642 VICTORIA STREET NORTH - DEMOLITION CONTROL APPLICATION DC 92/10/RM - JAYNE GIMBEL AND KAREN NORTHEY - STANLEY PARKWARD (CONT'D) The Chairman advised that this recommendation would be considered by City Council at its meeting to be held on Monday, February 22, 1993. = PD 14/93 - REVISION TO COUNCIL'S PROCEDURES - SIDEWALK SNOW CLEARING BY-LAW The Committee was in receipt of Planning & Development Staff Report PD 14/93 proposing revisions to Council's Policy Number 1-620 respecting enforcement of ice and snow removal complaints. Mr. T. McCabe commented on the recommendations in the report and referred the Committee to the courtesy notice and formal warning notice to be given to property owners. Mr. McCabe pointed out that to date, staff have received three times as many requests for enforcement as compared to previous years. Alderman J. Smola entered the meeting at this point. Alderman B. Stortz commented that staff should keep a file of chronic offenders with past infractions and upon complaint, should go automatically to the second letter, that is the formal warning notice. Alderman Wagner questioned what the definition of the phrase "cleared satisfactorily" was as referred to in the formal warning notice. Ms. Linda LaRocque, By-law Enforcement Officer, advised that the criteria relied upon was the level of maintenance carried out by other property owners. Alderman G. Lorentz advised the Committee that there were several special situations in his ward wherein large elevation differences between properties were creating icing problems for lower lying properties resulting in the formation of anywhere from 3 inches to 5 inches of ice on sidewalks following periods of rapid thaw and quick freeze. He stated that essentially these properties were receiving heavy flows of water from abutting properties and that the owners of such properties viewed the situation as terribly unfair, given that most have shovelled snow from City sidewalks just like everyone else, but are impacted by drainage problems. He questioned if some special consideration could be given to these particular areas. Mr. T. McCabe advised that staff would require special direction to waive enforcement of the provisions of the by-law. Ms. LaRocque commented that what staff were looking for was an attempt to address the icing problems through sanding at the very least. Alderman Yantzi suggested that consideration be given to providing extra sand boxes in these areas. Mr. J. Wallace, City Solicitor, stated that clearly the obligation was on the homeowner to maintain the sidewalk and that it was in their own best interest to remove the ice and snow down to the bare sidewalk surface. Alderman G. Lorentz stated that he would like to see enforcement tempered with common sense given that an attempt was being made to sand and salt these flood prone sidewalks that he was referring to. Mr. T. McKay requested that individual Aldermen pass on areas where they felt there was a special problem to Public Works staff who could arrange for the installation of sand boxes. Also Alderman Lorentz referred to a special situation where a widow has been unable to find someone to look after her shovelling and questioned who could assist. Mr. T. McCabe advised that Planning staff have a list of persons who provide snow shovelling services and Alderman G. Leadston suggested that the Guidance Departments at Senior Public Schools could be contacted for assistance. The recommendation in the report was then considered. Moved by Alderman C. Zehr Seconded by Alderman B. Stortz That Council's Policy No. 1-620 - SNOW REMOVAL COMPLAINT, as approved by Council on January 27, 1986 and amended on September 25, 1989 and PLANNING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE - 38 - FEBRUARY 15, 1993 = PD 14/93 - REVISION TO COUNCIL'S PROCEDURES - SIDEWALK SNOW CLEARING BY-LAW (CONT'D) February 25, 1991, be rescinded and the following policy be substituted therefor: a) Complaints shall be recorded as received. b) Make initial inspection. If the inspection reveals that other sidewalks on either side of the same street within that block have not been cleared of all snow and ice, then the owners and/or occupants of all such properties shall receive notices advising them of their obligations and the necessity for appropriate action. c) In the case of a "first time this season" infraction on a developed property which appears to be occupied, leave a "courtesy notice" with the occupant or at the property. Attempt to make personal contact with the occupant and record the name of the person contacted. In the case of personal contact not being made with the owner and the sidewalk not being cleared after the second inspection; not less than three days after the courtesy letter is delivered, send a "formal warning notice" by certified/registered mail to the owner of the property. d) In the case of a "first time this season" infraction on an undeveloped property or one which appears to be vacant, immediately send a "formal warning notice" by certified/registered mail to the owner of the property. e) As part of the "formal warning notice" in either situation (c) or (d) above, the owner be informed that no further notice will be provided regarding additional infractions during that winter season, and that in the case of additional infractions, the waiting period shall be waived and City crews will immediately be requested to perform the work and the property owner billed accordingly. f) On or after the third day from the date of mailing the formal warning notice by certified/registered mail, make a second inspection. If the sidewalk has not been cleared, make arrangements to have it cleared by the City at the property owner's expense. It shall be understood that the costs for this work shall be based on a minimum charge of $75.00 for the first hour and actual labour and equipment costs for additional time required over and above the first hour. g) That the City's Enforcement Co-ordinator, be authorized to waive the fees for work by City crews based on special/unusual circumstances explained in writing by the owner. Carried The Chairman advised that this recommendation would be considered by City Council at its meeting to be held on Monday, February 22, 1993. PD 16/93 - 885 GLASGOW STREET/FISCHER-HALLMAN ROAD - NORTHPORT LANDING INC. - REQUEST FOR LIBERALIZATION OF INTERPRETATION OF OFFICIAL PLAN POLICIES - WEST WARD The Committee was in receipt of Planning & Development Staff Report PD 16/93 dated February 11, 1993 which is a joint report prepared by the Planning Division and the Economic Development Department on a request for interpretation of Official Plan policies respecting the parcel of land situated at 885 Glasgow Street at Fischer-Hallman Road. Mr. S. Klapman stated that while the site was probably not incompatible for the proposed use, what the Committee does will have an impact on other development proposals. He stated that staff, at the very least, were asking that a Zone Change application be required. He noted that as a department, they have interpreted the use as an office use, however the Committee, if it wishes to accede to the request, would have to interpret the proposal as a financial use with a requirement for Zone Change. PLANNING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE - 39 - FEBRUARY 15, 1993 PD 16/93 - 885 GLASGOW STREET/FISCHER-HALLMAN ROAD - NORTHPORT LANDING INC. - REQUEST FOR LIBERALIZATION OF INTERPRETATION OF OFFICIAL PLAN POLICIES - WEST WARD (CONT'D) Mr. B. Stanley advised that Planning staff do not recommend that direction be given to amend the I-1 and/or I-2 zones to permit free standing insurance establishments or other office uses. However, if the Committee was to accommodate the request, re-zoning to Convenience Commercial C-1 would be more appropriate. Mr. T. McCabe advised that his position was that the financial establishment use is a commercial use that provides for day-to-day use by clients and it was his view that an insurance company operation does not meet this criteria. Ms. V. Gibaut, Director of Economic Development, commented on the blurring and overlapping of services that is ongoing between the banking industry and the insurance industry. Mr. Tom Cahill appeared as a delegation on behalf of the Board of Directors of the Downtown Business Association to express the Association's strong opinion that what Council adopted with respect to Office Location Policy should be conformed to. He pointed out that there was adequate space in the downtown to legally accommodate the requested business use. He stated that he could not see any reason why the proposed establishment would not locate in the downtown if the requested site was refused. Mr. D. Travers appeared as a delegation on behalf of Northport Landing Inc. and pointed out to the Committee that Staff Report PD 16/93 indicates that the proposed use would not affect businesses in the downtown. He stated that the proposal had a number of positive aspects to it including: that it was more compatible than the previously approved medical clinic use, that it would develop a vacant site with an attractive building, that the condominium corporation abutting the property totally supports the proposal and that it cleans up an unattractive vacant site and provides a higher level of safety for pedestrians, as it completes the connection to existing sidewalks. He stated that the proposed use planned by his client could not experience the delay that would result from requirement for an Official Plan Amendment but that his client was willing to undertake a Zone Change application. Mr. Travers suggested to the Committee that they should not look at this application as an exception to planning criteria, but that it should consider its policies with respect to the proposal and consider innovative approaches to capitalize on a development opportunity. Alderman B. Stortz questioned what the principal use of the proposed establishment was and Mr. Travers advised that there were many uses as itemized in his letter dated February 11, 1993 attached to the Staff Report. No other delegations responded to the Chairman's invitation to address the Committee on this matter. Alderman B. Stortz stated that he was opposed to the request and that the Office Location Study did not support this type of development on such a site. Alderman M. Wagner indicated that he was opposed to the request as it was his view that financial services should be concentrated in the downtown and that policy exceptions should be discouraged. Alderman G. Leadston pointed out that to refuse the development proposal sends a clear message to the business community not to be innovative when it comes to potential new developments. In response to Mayor D.V. Cardillo, Mr. B. Stanley advised that the new Official Plan is taking a very different view of how the City would handle land use planning and under the proposed new plan, this type of development would be permissible. PLANNING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE - 40 - FEBRUARY 15, 1993 PD 16/93 - 885 GLASGOW STREET/FISCHER-HALLMAN ROAD - NORTHPORT LANDING INC. - REQUEST FOR LIBERALIZATION OF INTERPRETATION OF OFFICIAL PLAN POLICIES - WEST WARD (CONT'D) The recommendations in the Staff Report were then considered. Moved by Mayor D.V. Cardillo Seconded by Alderman G. Leadston That, City of Kitchener Council endorses the following as recommended by the Economic Development Department: That the proposed freestanding insurance establishment, to be developed on lands situate at 885 Glasgow Street at Fischer-Hallman Road, be defined as a financial establishment and that Northport Landing Inc. be advised to submit a Zone Change Application to have the subject site re-zoned from Neighbourhood Institutional (I-1) according to By-law 85-1 to Convenience Commercial (C-1) according to By-law 85-1. Carried The Chairman advised that this recommendation would be considered by City Council at its meeting to be held on Monday, February 22, 1993. 10. PD 15/93 -VISION PRINCIPLES FOR A NEW REGIONAL OFFICIAL PLAN The Committee was in receipt of Planning & Development Staff Report PD 15/93 dated February 11, 1993. The report deals with Kitchener's response to the Regional Municipality of Waterloo document "Vision Principles for a New Regional Plan", November, 1992. Ms. B. Newell briefly referred to the Vision documents that the Committee had considered earlier, the public participation process and consideration which resulted in the City submitting its "Vision K" to the Region for its consideration. She stated that following consideration by the Region, a new document has been produced in which City staff feel the essence of the previous Vision statements has been lost as a result of the Regional document containing only Vision Principles. She stated that in the new Vision Principles document, financial implications were not identified, there was no sense of growth areas and how growth would be accommodated. She briefly referred to Kitchener's staff report and noted that an addition should be made under the title "Specific Comments" so as to refer to page 10 of the Regional Vision Principles report and request revision of Principle W2. No delegations were registered respecting this matter. The Committee agreed with the revision requested by Ms. Newell and dealt with the recommendation contained in the report. Moved by Alderman M. Wagner Seconded by Mayor D.V. Cardillo That Planning & Development Staff Report PD 15/93, as revised February 15, 1993 to include an additional request under "Specific Comments", as follows: Page 10 Principle W2 should be changed to read "Wastewater treatment plants, communal servicing systems and where necessary individual septic systems will be used in the Cities and urban areas of the Townships". There are areas in the City of Kitchener that are and will continue to be on individual septic systems. Also communal systems may not be a viable option in some instances. be forwarded to the Regional Municipality of Waterloo as Kitchener's response to the document "Vision Principles for a New Regional Plan" (November, 1992). Carried PLANNING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE - 41 - FEBRUARY 15, 1993 10. PD 15/93 -VISION PRINCIPLES FOR A NEW REGIONAL OFFICIAL PLAN (CONT'D) The Chairman advised that this recommendation would be considered by City Council at its meeting to be held on Monday, February 22, 1993. 11. UPDATE ON OFFICIAL PLAN REVIEW WORK PROGRAM AND TIMETABLE Ms. B. Newell advised the Committee of the necessity to change several dates with respect to consideration of the Official Plan Review. A revised schedule of dates was distributed and is appended hereto and forms part of these minutes for information purposes. Moved by Alderman B. Stortz Seconded by Alderman M. Wagner That Planning & Development Staff Report PD 135/92 be amended to incorporate revised dates relating to the Official Plan Review Work Program and Timetable of Dates for review, circulation and consideration, as outlined in the revised schedule dated February 15, 1993. Carried The Chairman advised that this recommendation would be considered by City Council at its meeting to be held on Monday, February 22, 1993. 12. LOT GRADING CERTIFICATES Alderman T. Galloway advised that he wished to address a concern regarding lot grading and in particular the issue of lot grading certificates not being requested by lawyers and that it appears the system was not working. In this regard, he referred to the situation where a builder simply decided to save money by not complying. Mr. J. Witmer, Director of Building and Inspections, stated that Alderman Galloway was referring to a property experiencing a water problem where it was discovered that a grading certificate was not issued. Mr. J. Wallace, City Solicitor, commented that there was no intrinsic requirement for lot grading certificates. He stated that the City tries to have developers arrange for the necessary engineering to develop a grading plan but that it was not up to the City to ensure compliance to final plans. Mr. Witmer suggested that to draw attention to the issue, that a clause be added to the final inspection report that would indicate that the final inspection has been approved save and except that a grading certificate has not been issued. The Committee agreed to direct staff to undertake this revision to the final inspection report. 13. ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 5:20 p.m. L. W. Neil, AMCT Assistant City Clerk