Council Meeting Minutes - October 10, 2000

Time:

7:00 p. m.

Place:

Council Chambers

Richmond City Hall

Present:

Mayor Greg Halsey-Brandt
Councillor Linda Barnes
Councillor Malcolm Brodie
Councillor Derek Dang
Councillor Lyn Greenhill
Councillor Kiichi Kumagai
Councillor Ken Johnston
Councillor Bill McNulty
Councillor Harold Steves

City Clerk - J. Richard McKenna

Call to Order:

Mayor Halsey-Brandt called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m.

It was moved and seconded

That the minutes of the Regular Council Meeting held on Monday, September 25^th, 2000 be adopted as circulated.

CARRIED

It was moved and seconded

That Municipal Ticket Information Authorization Bylaw No. 7139, Amendment Bylaw No. 7149, be added to the Council Agenda as an additional item.

CARRIED

It was moved and seconded

That Council resolve into Committee of the Whole to hear delegations on agenda items (7:02 p.m.).

CARRIED

Delegations from the floor on Agenda items -.

Item No. 20 - Funding Equity - Vancouver/Richmond Health Region

Dr. A. Jakubowski, representing the doctors at the Richmond Hospital, provided information and responded to questions from the Mayor and Councillors on the inequitable allocation of medical equipment funding to the Hospital by the Vancouver/Richmond Health Board.

Item No. 21 - Exemption from Public Health Regulations - Veterans Organizations

Mr. Bill Costain, President of Branch 5 of the Royal Canadian Legion, 7831 Westminster Highway, provided information on the results of the poll of its members regarding the opening of a designated smoking room in the facilities at 7831 Westminster Highway. Mr. Bob Jones, Manager of Branch No. 5, also provided information on the status of the various categories of members at the Branch and on the percentage of those members who actually participated in the poll. The delegation then responded to questions on this issue.

Ms. Kay Thibault, President, Army, Navy and Airforce Veterans in Canada, Steveston Branch No. 284, accompanied by Mr. Chuck McDonald, 2^nd Vice President, provided information on the results of the poll taken regarding the establishment of a designated smoking room. The delegation also responded to questions on whether the Branch would seek permission to allow alcoholic beverages to be consumed in that room.

Item No. 17 - Traffic Calming Measures

Mr. Derril Gudlaugson, of 8351 Fairfax Place, expressed concern about the provision of information to area residents on the installation of the traffic calming measures on Seafair Drive. He spoke about (i) the perception that the construction of a townhouse development on Francis Road, south of Seafair Drive, would result in an increase in traffic on Seafair Drive; (ii) whether the developer should be required to pay for the installation of these traffic calming measures; (iii) the proposal to install traffic circles at intersections along Seafair Drive, and whether 3 such circles were actually necessary. Mr. Gudlaugson expressed his opposition to the construction of 3 traffic circles, and suggested that if traffic circles were installed, an additional circle was not required at Fairfax Crescent south. He urged Council to refer the matter to staff to review the situation further.

Mr. Ross Clouston, President, Talisman Homes Ltd., reported on the rationale for constructing the proposed traffic calming measures on Seafair Drive. He also spoke on the construction of the median on Francis Road at Seafair Drive, to reduce the impact of increased traffic in the area as a result of his townhouse development on the former Seafair Ice Rink property.

Ms. Denise North, of 8320 Fairfax Place, provided information on inaccuracies in the October 4^th, 2000 minutes of the Public Works & Transportation Committee on this matter. She expressed opposition to the proposed traffic circles, and in particular to the proposed traffic circle at Fairfax Place. Ms. North also asked that Council give the same consideration to the petition which she had submitted, which was signed by Fairfax area residents who did not support these traffic calming measures. Ms. North also expressed concern about the inaccurate results given for the traffic survey undertaken by City staff.

Ms. Joanna Simpson, of 8951 Fairdell Place, expressed her opposition to the installation of traffic circles of Seafair Drive, and in particular to the traffic circle at Fairdell Place. She suggested that a four-way stop would be safer and more economical than the proposed traffic calming measures.

Ms. Janet Williscroft, of 8480 Fairfax Crescent, suggested that 2 and not 3 traffic circles would be more appropriate, and that a traffic circle at Fairfax Crescent would be a safer location than the one proposed. She concluded that some form of action had to be taken to address motorists speeding along Seafair Drive.

Mr. Ezio Tomei, of 8340 Fairfax Place, questioned whether the proposed traffic circles would help to reduce traffic speed along Seafair Drive. He suggested that the only intersection which required traffic calming was at Seafair Drive and Fairbrook Crescent. Mr. Tomei then read aloud a letter from Mr. & Mrs. Peter Nimi, of 8391 Fairfax Place, who indicated they were opposed to any proposal which would impede the smooth flow of traffic through Seafair Drive. A copy of this letter is on file in the City Clerks Office.

Mr. Raymond Mew, of 8231 Seafair Drive, advised that he represented a majority of the residents on Seafair Drive, and spoke in support of the proposed traffic calming measures on Seafair Drive, which he felt would not only force motorists speeding along Seafair Drive to slow down, but would also reduce the number of motor vehicle accidents occurring on that street.

Mr. Jim Ellis, of 8500 Seafair Drive, supported the proposed traffic calming measures. He stated that traffic in the area was travelling faster than before, and had increased in volume over the past few years, and suggested that these measures would help to alleviate these problems.

Ms. Veronica Farley, a resident of the Seafair area, voiced support for the proposed traffic calming measures because of increased traffic and speeding motorists on Seafair Drive. She urged Council to support the recommendation to install 3 traffic circles on Seafair Drive.

Mr. Bruce McDonald, of 8531 Seafair Drive, advised that he supported any kind of traffic calming measures proposed for Seafair Drive, and expressed concern for the safety of children, animals and adults walking on the street and not the sidewalk. Mr. McDonald said that the people who did not live on Seafair Drive were as aware of the problems as the Seafair Drive residents themselves. He urged Council to support the recommendation being considered this evening.

It was moved and seconded

That Committee rise and report (9:02 p.m.).

CARRIED

APPOINTMENTS TO THE GATEWAY THEATRE SOCIETY BOARD AND THE GATEWAY THEATRE ENDOWMENT COMMITTEE

R00/18-5

It was moved and seconded

That the City policy requiring vacancy advertising be waived, and that:

Ms. Myra Statham and Mr. Gordon Dalglish be re-appointed to the Gateway Theatre Society Board for two year terms to expire December 31st, 2002; and

Mr. Garth Edwards be re-appointed to the Gateway Theatre Endowment Committee for a one year term to expire December 31st, 2001.

CARRIED

It was moved and seconded

That the minutes of the Finance Select Committee meeting held on Thursday, September 21^st, 2000, be received for information.

CARRIED

It was moved and seconded

That the minutes of the General Purposes Committee meeting held on Monday, October 2^nd, 2000, be received for information.

CARRIED

(Report: Sept. 21/00, File No.: 8060-20-7164/7165/7166) (REDMS No. 167128, 194515, 187176, 188034)

R00/18-8

It was moved and seconded

That the following bylaws each be introduced and given first, second and third readings:

Bylaw No. 7164 which amends Animal, Bird & Beekeeping Regulation Bylaw No. 7137;

Bylaw No. 7165 which amends Dog Licensing Bylaw No. 7138; and

Bylaw No. 7166 which amends Municipal Ticket Information Authorization Bylaw No. 7139.

CARRIED

(Report: Sept. 26/00, File No.: 5350-01)

R00/18-9

It was moved and seconded

That an increase in the Richmond Detachment of the RCMP by ten regular members and one Tactical Analyst in 2001, be approved in principle.

That, the following additional capital items, at a total cost of $240,500, be approved in principle:

4 additional vehicles (2 general duty, 1 traffic and 1 drug section) @ $ 30,000

$120,000

@ $4,000 each

64,000

20 stand-alone computers @ $2,500 each

50,000

1 stand-alone computer (tactical analyst position) @ $5,000 each

5,000

3 printers (training room) @ $500 each

1,500

$240,500

CARRIED

(Report: Sept. 25/00, File No.: 0340-20-CSER1) (REDMS No. 187772, 188510)

R00/18-10

It was moved and seconded

That the Britannia Business Plan be referred to the Britannia Heritage Shipyard Society for comment;

That the Plan be referred to staff for review and preparation of a report to the General Purposes Committee, which would include an analysis of the recommendations, comments from the Society, and recommendations on any outstanding issues that have been put on hold pending the completion of the business plan; and

That the members of Council-appointed Britannia Business Plan Steering Committee be thanked for their work, and that the Committee be formally disbanded.

CARRIED

(Report: Sept. 26/ 00, File No.: 2280-20-015) (REDMS No. 192324)

R00/18-11

It was moved and seconded

That as an interim measure, the RCMP take occupancy of the space within the Public Safety Building presently occupied by Courts and Crown services upon their relocation to the Interim City Hall in the fall of 2001.

That staff complete the facility lifecycle, seismic and needs assessments, required to develop recommendations for a facility replacement schedule including financing strategies for all the Community Safety Buildings for presentation to General Purposes Committee by April 30, 2001.

That up to $250,000 approved in the 2000 Capital Budget to cover renovation costs to the Public Safety Building and Interim City Hall be reallocated to fund consultants to prepare a master plan including detailed facilities programs, conceptual designs and siting options and costs associated with the overall upgrading, replacement and funding requirements of Community Safety Buildings.

That the City request written confirmation from the Commanding Officer, E-Division, that the actions to be implemented by the City in order to resolve the issues identified in the letter of notice dated August 4, 1999, are acceptable.

CARRIED

It was moved and seconded

That the minutes of the Planning Committee meeting held on Tuesday, October 3^rd, 2000, be received for information.

CARRIED

APPLICATION FOR REZONING - JOHN J. VOLRICH, ON BEHALF OF PRITAM SINGH BASI
(RZ 00-173715 - Report: July 4/00, File No.: RZ 00-173715) (REDMS No. 163100)

R00/18-13

It was moved and seconded

That the application for the rezoning of 11140 Westminster Highway from "Agricultural District (AG1)" to "Single-Family Housing District, Subdivision Area F (R1/F)", BE DENIED.

CARRIED

APPLICATION FOR REZONING - TOMIZO YAMAMOTO ARCHITECT INC.
(RZ 00-175356 - Report: September 14/00, File No.: 8060-20-7163) (REDMS No. 187255, 187131)

R00/18-14

It was moved and seconded

That Bylaw No. 7163, for the rezoning of 7600 and 7620 St. Albans Road from "Single-Family Housing District, Subdivision Area E (R1/E)" to "Townhouse and Apartment District (R3)", be introduced and given first reading.

CARRIED

APPLICATION FOR REZONING - JOHN LACKNER
(RZ 00-177323 - Report: September 18/00, File No.: 8060-20-7170) (REDMS No. 182517, 188976)

R00/18-15

It was moved and seconded

That Bylaw No. 7170, for the rezoning of 9046 Railway Avenue from "Single-Family Housing District, Subdivision Area E (R1/E)" to "Single-Family Housing District, Subdivision Area B (R1/B)", be introduced and given first reading.

Prior to the question being called, staff were requested to report to the Public Hearing on the status of the rear lane to ensure that the 2 proposed properties would not be accessible from Railway Avenue.

The question on Resolution No. R00/18-15 was then called, and it was CARRIED.

It was moved and seconded

That the minutes of the Public Works & Transportation Committee meeting held on Wednesday, October 4^th, 2000, be received for information.

Prior to the question being called, Councillor Johnston referred to the inaccuracies contained in the minutes and indicated that on the advice of the City Clerk, the minutes would be amended at the time of adoption at the next Public Works & Transportation Committee meeting.

The question on Resolution No. R00/18-16 was then called, and it was CARRIED.

(Report: Aug. 25/00, File No.: 6450-01) (REDMS No. 164679)

R00/18-17

It was moved and seconded

That the proposed traffic calming measures on Seafair Drive at Fairbrook Crescent, Fairfax Place, and Fairfax Crescent (south), (as described in the report dated August 25^th, 2000, from the Manager of Transportation), be implemented prior to the start of construction of the housing development by Richmond Estates Limited at 3100 Francis Road (DP 98-138455), at the cost of the developer.

That staff monitor the traffic conditions on Seafair Drive for one year upon completion of the proposed traffic calming measures and report to Council on the effectiveness of the implemented devices.

R00/18-18

The question on the motion was not called, as the following referral motion was introduced:

R00/18-19

It was moved and seconded

That the report (dated August 25^th, 2000, from the Manager, Transportation), regarding Seafair Drive - Traffic Calming Measures, be referred to the Public Works & Transportation Committee for further discussion with reference to the following comments:

consider the feasibility of installing the north and south Seafair Drive traffic circles, and monitoring of the situation for one year prior to installing the centre traffic circle, if it proved to be necessary;

consider the relocation of the proposed Fairfax Crescent/Fairfax Crescent traffic circle to Seafair Drive and Fairway Road, if the determination was made that three traffic circles were required;

the need to ensure that safety issues are addressed; and

the need to provide an exit for the residents of Fairfax Crescent which was not impeded by a traffic circle.

Staff were also requested to provide at the Committee meeting, (a) large scale drawings of the actual turning radius required to make left hand turns from Seafair Drive to Fairfax Crescent, Fairfax Place and Fairbrook Crescent; and (b) information on the proposed configuration of the Seafair Drive/Francis Road intersection and in particular, how (i) southbound Seafair Drive traffic would access Francis Road eastbound, and (ii) westbound Francis Road traffic would access the proposed townhouse development n the south side of Francis Road at Seafair Drive.

The question on Resolution No. R00/18-19 was then called, and it was CARRIED.

SCHOOL ZONE TRAFFIC SAFETY ENHANCEMENT INITIATIVES
(Report: Aug. 31/00, File No.: 6450-09) (REDMS No. 180818)

R00/18-20

It was moved and seconded

That the following initiatives be endorsed as part of the City's continuing effort of enhancing school zone traffic safety through the application of various engineering, enforcement, and educational measures:

That staff continue to work with other road safety and enforcement agencies, educational institutions and other stakeholders to pursue innovative means of enhancing school zone traffic safety.

That the second edition of the "Traffic Safety Around Schools and Playgrounds" brochure (attached to the report dated August 31^st, 2000, from the Manager, Transportation) be endorsed as a traffic safety educational tool; that the brochure be shared with other municipal jurisdictions upon request to broaden the school zone traffic safety enhancement efforts; and that the financial contributions and support of the ICBC RoadSense Team in the production of the brochure be officially acknowledged by Council.

That staff pursue a funding partnership with ICBC in upgrading the existing inventory of blue pentagon school zone signs to the new standard of high visibility (neon yellow-green) advance school zone signs.

That the City continue to work with the "Way to Go" Program to encourage travel to school by alternative modes of transportation and reduce the number of vehicle trips to schools.

That the co-ordinated efforts and support of ICBC, the Richmond School District, the Richmond District Parents Association, the "Way to Go!" Program, the RCMP, Richmond Bylaw Enforcement, and Richmond Fire and Rescue, and in particular the financial contribution of ICBC towards implementing various local traffic safety initiatives be formally acknowledged by Council.

CARRIED

TRANSLINK 2000 PROGRAM PLAN DECEMBER SERVICE CHANGES - INTRODUCTION OF BUS SERVICE ON GARDEN CITY ROAD (GRANVILLE AVENUE TO COOK ROAD)
(Report: Sept. 21/00, File No.: 6480-01) (REDMS No. 185976)

R00/18-21

It was moved and seconded

That the use of Garden City Road (Granville Avenue to Cook Road) for new bus service as part of the TransLink 2000 Program Plan Service Changes commencing on December 11, 2000, be endorsed.

CARRIED

FUNDING EQUITY - VANCOUVER/RICHMOND HEALTH REGION
(Report: Oct. 5/00, File No.: 0105-01) (REDMS No. 195560)

R00/18-22

It was moved and seconded

That the Mayor write a letter to the Chair of the Vancouver/Richmond Health Board, requesting a response to the following:

Why Richmond Hospital received only $325,000 from the recently announced Ministry of Health funding of $18.5 million for specific capital equipment for the Vancouver/Richmond Health Board.

Why were items MO1 and MO4 (as per the list attached to the report dated October 5^th, 2000 from the Mayor) selected as the appropriate equipment for Richmond, when they are No. 3 and No. 4 on the "Urgent" list, and not even included on the "Mission Critical" list.

Why the percentage split of the operational budget between Richmond Health Services and Vancouver had not been allocated on an equitable basis.

That a copy of the letter be sent to the Minister of Health, the three Richmond MLAs, the three Richmond appointees to the Vancouver/Richmond Health Board, the Premier of British Columbia and the Leader of the Opposition Party.

CARRIED

R00/18-23

It was moved and seconded

That the proposal to initiate a public relations program to secure an equitable level of medical equipment funding for the Richmond Hospital, be reviewed by staff for the preparation of a report to Council, on the understanding that such report would be subject to the outcome of meetings between the Mayor and members of Council, and the Minister of Health and Ministry staff.

CARRIED

EXEMPTION FROM PUBLIC HEALTH REGULATIONS - VETERANS ORGANIZATIONS
(Report: Oct. 4/00, File No.: 8060-20-7176) (REDMS No. 194881, 183115, 192829)

A motion to move the introduction of Public Health Regulation Bylaw No. 6989, Amendment Bylaw No. 7176 was not seconded. Therefore Bylaw No. 7176 was not proceeded with.

2001 PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTION BYLAW
(Report: Oct. 1/00, File No.: 8060-20-7175) (REDMS No. 193954, 189104)

R00/18-24

It was moved and seconded

That Property Tax Exemption Bylaw No. 7175 be introduced and given first, second and third readings.

CARRIED

R00/18-25

23.

It was moved and seconded

That Council resolve into Committee of the Whole to hear delegations on non-agenda items (10:04 p.m.).

CARRIED

Mr. Orval Chapman, representing Richmond Amnesty International, reported on the Amnesty International Campaign Against Torture, and requested the proclamation of the period October 15^th to 22^nd as "Amnesty International Week" in Richmond.

R00/18-26

It was moved and seconded

That the period October 15^th to 22^nd, 2000 be declared as "Amnesty International Week" in Richmond.

CARRIED

Mr. Norman Wrigglesworth, of 5540 No. 1 Road, spoke on a number of issues, including the lack of appropriate smoking regulation signage in the City Hall elevators; firemen washing private vehicles while on duty, and whether it would be feasible for these firemen to wash police vehicles; the cost of allowing senior City employees to attend funerals, and leaving exterior lights on during the day.

R00/18-27

24.

It was moved and seconded

That Committee rise and report (10:10 p.m.).

CARRIED

R00/18-28

It was moved and seconded

That Council ratify the action of the Committee of the Whole in directing that the period October 15^th to 22^nd, 2000 be declared as "Amnesty International Week" in Richmond.

CARRIED

It was moved and seconded

That the following bylaws be adopted:

Board of Variance Establishment and Procedure Bylaw No. 7150

Municipal Ticket Information Authorization Bylaw No. 7139, Amendment Bylaw No. 7149.

CARRIED

It was moved and seconded

That the meeting adjourn (10:25 p.m.).

CARRIED

Certified a true and correct copy of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Council of the City of Richmond held on Tuesday, October 10^th, 2000.

_________________________________

_________________________________

Mayor Greg Halsey-Brandt

City Clerk (J. Richard McKenna)