Council Meeting Minutes - March 12, 2001

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 Ken Johnston
Councillor Bill McNulty
Councillor Harold Steves

City Clerk - J. Richard McKenna

Absent:

Councillor Kiichi Kumagai

Call to Order:

Mayor Halsey-Brandt called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.

It was moved and seconded

That the minutes of the Regular Council Meeting held on Monday, February 26^th, 2001 be adopted as circulated.

CARRIED

It was moved and seconded

That Council resolve into Committee of the Whole to hear delegations on all agenda items except Item No. 8 (7:01 p.m.).

CARRIED

Delegations from the floor on Agenda items - None.

It was moved and seconded

That Committee rise and report (7:03 p.m.).

CARRIED

It was moved and seconded

That the order of the Council Agenda be varied to deal with Item No. 8 at the end of the agenda.

CARRIED

It was moved and seconded

That the minutes of the Planning Committee meeting held on Tuesday, March 6^th and on Wednesday, March 7^th, 2001, be received for information.

CARRIED

APPLICATION FOR A MANUFACTURER'S LIQUOR (WINERY) - RICHMOND FOR LE SAUCIER INC.
(Report: Feb. 16/01, File No.: 8275-05) (REDMS No. 288086)

R01/5-6

It was moved and seconded

That the application of Le Saucier Inc. for a Manufacturer's Liquor (Winery) Licence be supported, and that the Liquor Control and Licencing Branch be advised:

of this recommendation; and

that the RCMP does not object to this application.

CARRIED

APPLICATION FOR DESIGNATED FOOD OPTIONAL (DFO) AREAS AT:
MILESTONE'S, #200 - 5951 NO 3 ROAD,
THE BOATHOUSE, 8331 RIVER ROAD, AND
THE ZONE BOWLING CENTRE, 14200 ENTERTAINMENT BOULEVARD.
(Report: Feb. 16/01, File No.: 8275-05) (REDMS No. 288653)

R01/5-7

It was moved and seconded

That the applications of Milestones, The Boathouse, and The Zone Bowling Centre for Designated Food Optional (DFO) areas be supported, and that the Liquor Control and Licencing Branch be advised:

of this recommendation; and

that the RCMP does not object to the applications.

CARRIED

GROUP HOME (RESIDENTIAL CARE HOME & FACILITIES) MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORK
(Report: Feb. 27/01, File No.: 8060-20-7206) (REDMS No. 269153, 295996, 304049)

Please see Page 7 of these minutes for action taken on this matter.

It was moved and seconded

That the minutes of the Public Works & Transportation Committee meeting held on Wednesday, March 7^th, 2001, be received for information.

CARRIED

11000 BLOCK GRANVILLE AVENUE - NORTH SIDE DITCH INFILL
(Report: Feb. 22/01, File No.: 6340-20-P.00306) (REDMS No. 292461, 304040)

R01/5-9

It was moved and seconded

That the ditch infill project for the north side of the 11000 block of Granville Avenue be included for consideration as a candidate for funding in the year 2001 within the proposed 5 year Capital Plan.

CARRIED

CO-ORDINATED ENFORCEMENT AND TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES TO DISCOURAGE STREET RACING AND DRAG RACING
(Report: Feb. 22/01, File No.: 6450-01) (REDMS No. 164061)

R01/5-10

It was moved and seconded

That staff work with the RCMP through the newly established Lower Mainland Task Force on Street Racing to develop strategies and techniques to discourage street racing.

That the use of various traffic calming measures, (as described in the report dated February 22^nd, 2001 from the Manager - Transportation), be endorsed as one of the engineering strategies to deter organized illegal drag racing at locations known for the activity.

That the immediate implementation of the recommended traffic calming measures, (as outlined in the report dated February 22^nd, 2001 from the Manager - Transportation), be endorsed at the following locations to address existing illegal drag racing occurrences:

Hammersmith Way (Riverside Industrial Park), south of Hammersmith Gate, at an estimated cost of $6,500; and

Graybar Road (Fraserwood Industrial Park) at an estimated cost of $6,500.

That the source of funding for the proposed traffic calming measures presented in Recommendation 3 be the 2000 Minor Capital Works Program for Traffic Improvements.

That staff continue to monitor the impact of the proposed traffic calming measures on general traffic conditions and their effectiveness in discouraging illegal drag racing in the two industrial areas.

That staff report to Council on the effectiveness of the proposed traffic calming measures, and on the strategies developed as a result of Recommendation 1 to discourage illegal street racing in the City.

CARRIED

TRAFFIC CALMING MONITORING - FOLLOW-UP REPORT - SAUNDERS ROAD AND THE 23000 BLOCK DYKE ROAD
(Report: Feb. 20/01, File No.: 6450-01) (REDMS No. 291164)

R01/5-11

It was moved and seconded

That staff continue to monitor the impact on traffic conditions of the traffic calming and pedestrian safety measures implemented on Dyke Road (23000 Block) and Saunders Road (Bakerview Drive to No. 4 Road) respectively, and report to Council if further action is necessary.

CARRIED

PROTOCOL FOR GREATER VANCOUVER REGIONAL DISTRICT CAPITAL PROJECTS
(Report: March 1/01, File No.: 0970-05) (REDMS No. 299671)

R01/5-12

It was moved and seconded

That the Protocol for the Greater Vancouver Regional District Capital Projects be endorsed (Attachment "A" to the report dated March 1, 2001 from the Chief Administrative Officer).

CARRIED

STANDING COMMITTEE ADDITIONS AND CHANGES
(Report: Mar. 8/01, File No.: 0107-01) (REDMS No. 304066)

Mayor Halsey-Brandt announced the creation of the following:

COMMUNITY SAFETY COMMITTEE

(Police Services, Fire/Rescue, Emergency and Environmental Programs and Community Bylaws)

Councillor Bill McNulty, Chair
Councillor Ken Johnston, Vice Chair
Councillor Derek Dang
Councillor Kiichi Kumagai
Councillor Malcolm Brodie
Councillor Linda Barnes

The Mayor also announced that the Community Services Committee would be renamed the "Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Committee".

R01/5-13

It was moved and seconded

That the Chair of the Community Safety Committee be designated as Councils appointee to the Citizens Advisory Committee on Policing.

CARRIED

It was moved and seconded

That the minutes and the Chairs report for the meeting held on February 28^th, 2001, be received for information.

That the recommendations of the Panel to authorize the issuance of:

a Development Permit (DP 00-175807) for the property at 6140 Blundell Road; and

a Development Variance Permit (DV 00-183658) for the property at 8231 Ackroyd Road

be endorsed, and the Permits so issued.

CARRIED

It was moved and seconded

That Councillor Harold Steves be appointed to replace Mayor Halsey-Brandt as the Council representative to the Lower Mainland Treaty Advisory Committee, effective until the Regular Open Council Meeting on Monday, December 10^th, 2001.

CARRIED

It was moved and seconded

That the following resolution submitted by the District of Sparwood regarding joint and several liability for municipalities, for presentation to the UBCM at its fall convention, be supported:

"WHEREAS joint and several liability can have a devastating financial impact on municipalities;

AND WHEREAS municipalities have no way of mitigating their chances of a joint and several liability occurrence happening;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Union of BC Municipalities and the Municipal Insurance Association appeal to the Provincial Government to amend Section 4(3)(a) of the Negligence Act to exclude municipalities from Joint and Several Liability."

CARRIED

It was moved and seconded

That Zoning & Development Bylaw No. 5300, Amendment Bylaw No. 7092 (9371 Blundell Road, RZ 99-167465), be adopted.

CARRIED

The Mayor announced that Council would now deal with Item No. 8.

GROUP HOME (RESIDENTIAL CARE HOME & FACILITIES) MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORK
(Report: Feb. 27/01, File No.: 8060-20-7206) (REDMS No. 269153, 295996, 304049)

It was moved and seconded

That Council resolve into Committee of the Whole to hear delegations on this matter (7:08 p.m.).

CARRIED

The Manager, Policy Planning, Mr. Terry Crowe, provided information to Council on (i) the various group home categories, (ii) the requirements of each category, and (iii) the group homes currently permitted in Richmond.

Mr. Jason Lee, 7700 Sunnyholme Crescent, spoke in support of the need for a zoning amendment bylaw to regulate group homes. He submitted copies of petitions signed by area residents who supported the proposed amendment to the Zoning & Development Bylaw.

Margaret Chen, 7300 Bates Road, supported a public hearing process to determine the type of group home being proposed for a particular neighbourhood. She also spoke in favour of having four representatives on the proposed task force chosen at random from the civic voters list. Ms. Chen also submitted a number of petitions signed by residents who supported a public hearing process for group homes.

Ms. Fang-Ting Lee, #7 - 8120 General Currie Road, voiced concern about the lack of consultation regarding the establishment of a group home in any neighbourhood, and she expressed support for the holding of a public hearing on any proposed group home.

Mrs. Chang, of 8500 General Currie Road, expressed concern about the safety of children and the security of local neighbourhoods if group homes were permitted within these areas.

Zavier Cheng, #16 - 11888 Mellis Drive, supported requiring a zoning process for group homes.

Sherman Lee, of 8791 Wagner Drive, said that residents were concerned about the lack of information about group homes being established in Richmond neighbourhoods. He also questioned why other Lower Mainland municipalities had bylaws to regulate new group homes while Richmond did not.

Mr. Lee urged Council to approve a zoning bylaw amendment for the 7 to 10 size group homes, and asked for a moratorium on the establishment of any further group homes. He then submitted a number of petitions signed by individuals supporting the proposed zoning bylaw amendment.

Bon Bon Su, 6631 Blundell Road, supported the proposed zoning bylaw amendment to control the establishment of group homes.

Steven Tang, of 7731 Acheson Road, advised that he and his neighbours supported the proposed zoning amendment bylaw to control the establishment of group homes.

Tiffany Hsiao, of 9551 Capella Drive, spoke about her safety while walking through neighbourhoods which had group homes. She spoke in support of the proposed zoning amendment bylaw to control these facilities.

Steven Hsiao, of 9551 Capella Drive, also expressed concern for his safety when he played outside if a group home was to be located in his neighbourhood.

Heather Melidones, 12891 Jack Bell Drive, supported the proposed task force, and asked that a moratorium be put in place on the establishment of any further group homes, including those for drug and alcohol addicts, until the task force has had the opportunity to complete its work. Ms. Melidones spoke about the need for communication between the City and residents on this issue.

Frank Chang, 4235 Lancelot Drive, spoke about the lack of information on the group home issue, and he noted that other Lower Mainland municipalities, including Burnaby and Surrey, required amendments to their zoning bylaws to allow group homes in specific areas. He also expressed support for the proposed task force, and asked that a moratorium be put in place to prevent any further group homes being established until the task force had completed its work.

Jennifer Larsen, of 8600 Foster Road, expressed support for the proposed task force, and spoke about the "not in my backyard" attitude of many Richmond residents, and the impact which this attitude could have on those most affected, namely the individuals who needed group homes to be successfully reintegrated into the community.

Joanna Tang, 7740 Sunnydene Road, stated that while she supported group homes, monitoring of their proposed locations and the participation of residents as to whether a group home should be permitted, was essential. She expressed concern that group homes were permitted in residential neighbourhoods without the prior consultation of area residents, and asked that group homes be controlled through the Zoning & Development Bylaw.

Ju-Kwn Tang, 7740 Sunnydene Road, stated that he was opposed to group homes, however, he suggested that these facilities be controlled through a zoning amendment bylaw which he felt would ensure the safety of residents. Mr. Tang urged Council to allow the public to be part of the consultation process, and to support the zoning amendment bylaw with a public hearing process.

Dawning Tang, #205 - 3800 Chatham Street, expressed concern about the proposal to amend the Zoning & Development Bylaw to permit group home facilities, including drug and alcohol rehabilitation facilities, in residential areas. He voiced concern for the security and safety of area residents, and children in particular, which he felt would be jeopardized by the location of these group homes in residential neighbourhoods.

Simon Chan, 12671 Crancross, expressed concern about the location of group homes in residential areas. He suggested that the decision should not be made by a small group of individuals, but by a vote of all residents, and that the decision of the majority should prevail. Mr. Chan further suggested that the residents of group homes should be placed in foster homes as a way of avoiding conflicts with area residents.

Helen Davidson, Co-Chair of the Richmond Community Services Advisory Council, provided information on the mandate of the RCSAC, and expressed support for the formation of the proposed task force. She also recommended that a representative of the Richmond Health Services be appointed to the task force, and questioned whether there would be a representative of Council and senior staff on the task force.

Satya Lal, 10431 Odlin Road, expressed concern that the value of his property had decreased as a result of the establishment of the Turning Point group home next door to his dwelling. He also voiced concern about the lack of communication with area residents prior to this facility being located in his neighbourhood. Mr. Lal also spoke against the proposal to establish a task force and questioned why such a committee was required as it would only be a waste of taxpayers money.

Mr. John Wong, 3858 McKay Drive, representing the Oaks Residents Association, expressed support for the recommendations being proposed. He urged Council to impose a moratorium on the establishment of any further group homes in Richmond to allow the proposed task force to complete its work. Mr. Wong also made suggestions on the composition of the task force membership. He also submitted 500 petition letters.

Sherry Lin, 8791 Wagner Drive, expressed strong support for the proposed zoning amendment bylaw to regulate the location of group homes.

Alice Wong, 6259 Jade Court, indicated that she was not opposed to group homes. She expressed concern that the proposed task force did not appear to deal with how group home facilities would be regulated.

It was moved and seconded

That the Council meeting proceed beyond 11:00 p.m. (10:59 p.m.)

CARRIED

Ms. Wong continued with her submission, during which she urged Council to find a way to deal with this issue in a fair manner.

Sonya Kraemer, 7600 Lancing Court, spoke in support of the proposed recommendation and in opposition to the idea that public hearings be held with area residents on the establishment of group homes in specific neighbourhoods. She spoke about the need for specialized housing for the mentally disabled in Richmond, as well as for recovering drug and alcohol addicts. In conclusion, Ms. Kraemer asked that representatives with experience in dealing with drug and alcohol rehabilitation and mental illness be included in the membership of the proposed task force.

Douglas Day, #34 - 3555 Westminster Highway, spoke in support of the establishment of group homes in residential neighbourhoods, and about the need for all residents to be more tolerant of the needs of the less fortunate.

Annie McKitrick, #28 - 11291 7^th Avenue, strongly supported the recommendation that public hearings be held with area residents on the establishment of group homes in their neighbourhoods, and the formation of a task force to develop recommendations for the 7 to 10 size group homes.

Ron Climenhaga, Chief Operating Officer, Richmond Health Services, expressed support for the recommendation that representatives of the Richmond Health Services Agency and the Richmond Community Health Committee be included in the membership of the proposed task force. He also provided information on the length of time required to complete the licencing process to establish a group home in Richmond.

Mr. Everett MacKenzie, Chair, of the Richmond Community Health Committee, provided information on the workings of the Committee. He spoke about the perception that residents of group homes put nearby residents at risk, and the impact that a decision to keep these homes out of Richmond would have on the vulnerable members of society who could not protect themselves. Mr. MacKenzie also expressed concern about the severe restrictions proposed for the placement of group homes in the community.

Mr. Brian Wardley, of 3091 Pleasant Street, spoke about the fear expressed by residents regarding the location of group homes within their neighbourhoods. He noted that such facilities had existed throughout Richmond for a number of years without any problems being created by the residents of these group homes. Mr. Wardley expressed support for the proposed task force, and in particular, the mandate to educate the community.

Mr. John Yeung, 10920 Hogarth Drive, spoke about the fears of immigrants in accepting group homes into their neighbourhoods and expressed the hope that all concerned could work together to create a united society.

Stella Wong spoke about the differences among the variety of cultures in Richmond and stated that these differences should be respected. She stated that group homes were supported and that all that was being asked was that a bylaw be introduced which would provide the opportunity for area residents to voice their concerns about the establishment of a group home in a particular neighbourhood.

Stella Tsi, of 7040 Williams Road, spoke about the need for communication, the implementation of a bylaw to control the location of group homes in Richmond, and the need for more information on group homes and their residents.

It was moved and seconded

That Committee rise and report (12:40 a.m.).

CARRIED

R01/5-21

It was moved and seconded

That a Task Force be appointed to formulate a policy for Group Homes with 7 to 10 residents:

comprising the following:

Three members nominated by the Association of Richmond Homeowners;

Two members nominated by the Richmond Community Services Advisory Council,

One member nominated by the Vancouver-Richmond Health Board; and;

Four members chosen at random from the civic voters list and who are willing to serve.

with a mandate to:

inquire into the negative and/or positive impact of existing group homes on the community;

educate and inform the community about the role and operation of the various types of group homes;

recommend a model for citizen/community input into the location and operation of group homes; and

recommend a City process for the consideration of new group homes in Richmond; and

with the authority to:

retain consultants;

hold public information meetings;

advertise/communicate; and

request staff resources/support (including RCMP and media).

with the following procedures:

Quorum to be five members.

Voting to be by a majority of those in attendance at a meeting.

That the Task Force report to Council by September 30^th, 2001.

That $50,000 to be allocated from the Casino Fund to provide operating funds for the Task Force.

That the following recommendations be forwarded to the Task Force:

That Bylaw 7206, to amend Zoning and Development Bylaw 5300 by deleting existing group home references and requirements, and by substituting requirements to manage "residential care homes and facilities", and "health care facilities", be introduced and given first reading.

That the Vancouver/Richmond Health Board be:

advised of these changes once approved, and

requested, along with operators and funders, to communicate regularly with neighbours when locating and managing residential care homes and facilities.

That the existing Group Homes Policy 4001 be rescinded.

The question on Resolution No. R01/5-21 was not called, as the following amendment was introduced:

It was moved and seconded

That Part (1)(a) of Resolution No. R01/5-21 be amended by

deleting the figure "two" and substituting the figure three in subsection (ii); and

adding the following as subsection (iv), "One member nominated by the Richmond Community Health Committee."

DEFEATED

OPPOSED: Mayor Halsey-Brandt
Cllr. Barnes
Brodie
Greenhill
Johnston

The question on Resolution No. R01/5-21 was then called, and it was CARRIED.

It was moved and seconded

That the meeting adjourn (1:00 a.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 Monday, March 12^th, 2001.

_________________________________

_________________________________

Mayor Greg Halsey-Brandt

City Clerk (J. Richard McKenna)