Time:

7:00 p.m.

Place:

Council Chambers
Richmond City Hall

Present:

Mayor Malcolm D. Brodie
Councillor Linda Barnes
Councillor Lyn Greenhill
Councillor Evelina Halsey-Brandt
Councillor Sue Halsey-Brandt
Councillor Rob Howard
Councillor Kiichi Kumagai
Councillor Bill McNulty
Councillor Harold Steves

Acting City Clerk David Weber

Call to Order:

Mayor Malcolm Brodie called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.

RES NO.

ITEM

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

S02/4-01

1.

It was moved and seconded

That Council resolve into Committee of the Whole to hear delegations on agenda items (7:05 p.m.).

CARRIED

2.

Delegations from the floor on Agenda items .

Mr. Vic Poleschuk, of the BC Lottery Corporation, provided a brief background and overview of the Corporation responsible for overseeing gaming in the Province.  Mr. Poleschuk said the role of the Corporation at this point was to provide balanced information that would assist Council in making its decision.  A copy of the information provided is on file in the City Clerks Office.

Ms. Donna Klingspohn, of the Problem Gambling Program of the Ministry of Health Planning, provided an overview of the provincial program, which operates with a $4 million annual budget, and the services available in the City.

Mr. Howard Blank, of the Great Canadian Casino and Co., spoke about the economic spinoffs generated by the location of the Casino in the City.  Mr. Blank read several letters written by law enforcement officials that indicated that no direct rise in criminal activity could be attributed to a casino being located in the vicinity.  Mr. Blank said that in regard to problem gaming the casino did attempt to identify and assist those individuals who demonstrated a problem.

Mr. H. Vlasveld, #1105, 6631 Minoru Blvd., spoke against slot machines and gambling in general.

Mr. C. Campbell, 2771 Cultus Court, the volunteer Chair of the Board of Directors of Problem Gaming in BC, addressed the social and economic harm that resulted from problem gambling and said that the Foundation was not opposed to gambling as it was considered an acceptable form of adult entertainment.

Ms. S. Tregebov, #503-7100 Gilbert Road, urged Council to allow slot machines in the City.  Ms. Tregebov felt that alcohol was a greater cost to society.

Ms. A. Bloomfield, 10931 Rosecroft Crescent, questioned why the issue has emerged for another vote.  Ms. Bloomfield spoke against the increase of gambling in the community.

Mr. N. Johnson, 609-5860 Dover Crescent, was in favour of a full service casino in the City. 

Mr. J. Luk, 136-7293 Moffatt Road, was not in favour of expanded gaming and thought other opportunities for creating revenue should be sought.

Mr. N. Wrigglesworth, 5540 No. 1 Road, said that he was against gambling for ethical reasons.  Mr. Wriggleworth made reference to the 1997 referendum on the issue and the 85% majority who were against gambling.

Mr. O. Chapman, #226, 8880 Jones Road, said that gambling proceeds should not be used for government revenues.  Mr. Chapman expressed concern that increased gaming would lessen charitable donations to developing countries.

Ms. Frances Clark, 8160 Railway Avenue, said that the real issue was whether the City would have a full service casino or not.  If yes, the casino should be City approved with a City benefit and City control.  Ms. Clark said that it would be essential that gambling revenue be used for social and emergency services, including an emergency preparedness program. 

Mr. L. Hilford, 7866 Vivian Drive, Vancouver, a professional gaming consultant heavily involved in charitable gaming, spoke in support of expanded gaming in the City.

Mr. K. Cavanaugh, #201-7575 140^th St., Surrey, said that he was a pathological compulsive gambler.  As the Executive Director of Problem Gambling Services BC, Mr. Cavanaugh said that he was neither for nor against gambling, but rather, was an advocate for responsible gambling.  The need for the creation of awareness of the dangers of excessive or pathological gambling, and the provision of education and programs, was noted.

Ms. B. Angus, #1205 6631 Minoru Blvd., said that gambling is a form of entertainment and that gaming money should stay in the City.

Ms. J. Amunson, 3260 Springford Avenue, spoke in opposition to the expansion of gaming in the City.

Mr. H. McIlvean, 3051 Springfield Drive, provided a case history of a problem gambler from Alberta.

Ms. Candy Lo, 7200 Winchelsea Crescent, said that she was opposed to slot machines due to their highly addictive nature.  Citing the cost each new addict would incur to the City, Ms. Lo said that other ways should be sought to increase revenue.

Mr. R. Duff, a shift manager for the Great Canadian Casino, said that he is asked on a daily basis why slot machines are not available at the Casino.  Mr. Duff submitted a petition, which is on file in the City Clerks Office, from 445 casino patrons, requesting a full service casino with slot machines. 

Mr. D. Wightman, 2949 Albion Drive, Coquitlam, spoke about the business spinoffs a large company would provide to the area.

Mr. R. Knill, 1010 Chilco Street, Vancouver, architect, said that casinos locations could be used as a planning tool to help renovate more unfortunate neighbourhoods.  In addition, it was Mr. Knills opinion that opportunity exists in the City for a casino location that would greatly benefit the community.

Mr. B. Chu, 7829 Oak Street, spoke about the costs versus the benefits of expanded gambling.  Mr. Chu said that the first priority of Council should be the protection of its citizens from harm and that it should not rationalize and increase social ills. 

S02/4-02

3.

It was moved and seconded

That the meeting adjourn (11:00 p.m.) and reconvene at 7:00 p.m., on Wednesday, May 29, 2002, in the Council Chambers, Richmond City Hall.

CARRIED

The Special Council Meeting reconvened at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 29, 2002, with the Mayor and all members present.

Mr. B. Liira, 5426 Eastman Drive, spoke about his involvement on the parole board hearing of an individual whose problems originated from his gambling.  Mr. Liira respectfully requested a different approach than what was before Council, including a referendum.

Ms. J. Chu, 5840 Linscott Road, spoke against the expansion of gaming in the City.

Mr. B. Chilton, 9660 Herbert Road, proposed that the expansion of gambling should be put to a vote at the upcoming civic election.

Ms. J. Braun, 5571 Stefanko Place, expressed her concerns related to the expansion of gambling and requested that citizens be allowed to decide at the  election to be held in the fall.

Ms. L. Seto, 104 East 59^th St., Vancouver, spoke against the expansion of gambling based on the negative economic implications. 

Mr. P. Koo, 3680 Kilby Court, spoke in opposition to the expansion of gaming in the City.

Mr. R. Burke, 6631 Minoru Blvd., spoke against the expansion of gaming in the City.  Mr. Burke submitted a report by the National Council of Welfare, titled Gambling in Canada, which is attached as Schedule 1.

Pastor Peter Biggs, 4711 Blair Drive, was not in favour of the expansion of gambling in the City and did not feel that gaming revenue should be used to support him.

Ms. S. Reid, 10177 125A Street, Surrey, spoke in opposition to the expansion of gaming in the City.

Mr. John Wong, 3858 McKay Drive, read a written submission which is attached as Schedule 2 and forms a part of these minutes.  Mr. Wong also submitted a number of articles/studies on the issue of gambling, copies of which are on file in the City Clerks Office.

Mr. Gavin Gee, 9160 Dayton Avenue, provided the example of how gambling has affected his life and expressed the opinion that expanded gambling will ruin lives.  It was Mr. Gees preference to pay more taxes rather than have other families share his experience.

Ms. I. Minty, 1920 West 57^th Avenue, Vancouver, spoke against the expansion of gambling.  Ms. Minty was in favour of a referendum being held on the issue.  A submission made by Ms. Minty is on file in the City Clerks Office.

Mr. D. Boram, 8811 Heather Street, citing statistics on the affects of gambling, spoke in opposition to the expansion of gaming in the City.

Mr. D. Green, 1011 Douglas Crescent, spoke against the expansion of gaming in the City.

Mr. R. Green, 1020 Hudson Avenue, gave his personal history of gambling and the moral degradation that ensued.  Mr. Green said that it was not right to derive public funds from the proceeds of gambling.

Mr. A. Thomas, 4930 1^st Avenue, Tsawwassen, a court recognized gaming expert and President of the Great Canadian Casinos, acknowledged that problem gaming and problem gamblers did exist, but thought that it was addiction itself that needed to be addressed.  Mr. Thomas said that the choice of discretionary spending should be respected.  Mr. Thomas expressed his concern about the personal attacks made on Mr. Duff the previous evening.

Mr. George Horner, 8640 Spires Road, said that he was saddened that the matter was being revisited and considered and he suggested other options that are available to the City as a means of increasing revenue.

Mr. C.S. Chew, 10310 Hollybank, was not in favour of gaming expansion in the City.

Ms. B. Mortimer, 4800 Trimaran Drive, said that she hoped that Council was not rushing through this issue.  It was Ms. Mortimers belief that a Canadian study was needed and that social services issues, as they are being downloaded by the Province, needed to be addressed. 

Mr. M. Zhuang, 4631 Larkspar Avenue, citing his experience of helping families in Venezuela affected by gambling, was not in favour of the expansion of gambling in the City.

Ms. E. McIlveen, #3 3051 Springfield Drive, spoke against the expansion of gaming in the City.  Ms. McIlveen presented each member of Council with a copy of the book Time Echoes Softly by Michael Duncan, as a reminder of what Richmond has been.  A copy of the book is on file in the City Clerks Office.

Ms. L. Bell, 10431 Mortfield Road, said that inadequate room and seating were provided by the City for the meeting, and that this was disrespectful and not encouraging of those who came out to participate.  Ms. Bell said that slots in Richmond would not make the City a better place to live.

Mr. F. Ursel, 3091 Saltspring Court, said that he had looked at the mission statement of the City and compared it to how the City was operating.  Mr. Ursel said that he was opposed to expanded gambling in the City.  In addition, Mr. Ursel said that the real issue was how to raise revenue in the City.   

Mr. B. Ransford, 5071 Steveston Highway, said that of the interesting debates that have been heard by Council, the issue of Group Homes and the expansion of gaming were the most important.  The creation of a well balanced tax base, and not a quick fix, was what was required of Council.  Mr. Ransford said the community should not be built with revenue from casinos.

Ms. A. McKittrick, expressed concern about the suggestion that funds for social service issues could be realized by the expansion of gaming.  Ms. McKittrick said that other ways should be found to meet existing needs of the community. 

Mr. P. Mitchell, a Richmond resident, said that he did not think that 300 slots would make much of a difference to the problems already existing in the City due to the close proximity of the casino in New Westminster.  If the slots were located in Richmond, the City could collect money to address those problems and also maintain some control.

Mr. G. Robertson, 9411 Francis Road, noted the totals of correspondence received in support of and in opposition to gaming.  Mr. Robertson said that he had previously attended meetings in 1997 and was surprised at the difficulties before Council today.  Mr. Robertson also expressed concern that the effects of gaming were not included in high school curriculums. 

Mr. Jim Clarkson, Citation Drive, said that he had taken exception to the suggestion that school raffle tickets and bingo were in the same class as casino gambling.

S02/4-03

4.

It was moved and seconded

That Committee rise and report (10:35 p.m.).

CARRIED

5.

GAMING IN RICHMOND
(Report:  May 8/02, File No.:  4040-04) (REDMS No. 710769, 680602, 501240, 703502, 602352, 703535, 566374, 113735, 113736, 709597, 709598)

S02/4-04

It was moved and seconded

That Council adopt the following Full Service Gaming Policy (as identified in the report dated May 8^th, 2002, from the Manager, Policy Planning)

1.     Richmond supports:

(1)   One Full Service community gaming casino in Richmond which contains:

-         a maximum of 30 gaming tables,

-         up to 6 poker tables; and

-         up to 300 slot machines.

AND

(2)   One Limited Service community casino which contains:

            -    a maximum of 30 gaming tables, and

            -    3 poker tables; and

            -    no slot machines

2.     Gaming Review Procedures

That the following gaming review procedures be adopted:

(1)           In Richmond

a)             Prior to a change in gaming policy type or procedure, Council will seek public input regarding any changes.

b)             Council will specify the type of consultation at the time.

c)             The following factors will be considered

-         social

-         economic/financial

-         land use

-         transportation

-         servicing

-         environmental

-         other, as necessary.

(2)           Referrals From Adjacent Municipalities

When Richmond receives a request for comments regarding casino proposals in adjacent municipalities, Council:

a)             may seek public input and specify the type of consultation at the time.

b)             will consider the following factors when commenting.

-         social

-         economic/financial

-         land use

-         transportation

-         servicing

-         environmental

-         other, as necessary

3.     Zoning

Casino proposals will be considered on a site specific basis and may be managed by CD zoning.

4.     Monitoring

The Province be requested to continue to provide and pay for an ongoing gaming impact monitoring program in Richmond to ensure that the Province and City have adequate information to manage gaming over time.

5.     Problem Gaming Prevention and Treatment:

The Province be requested to continue to maintain, improve and pay for programs to prevent and treat problem gaming.

6.     Crime Prevention and Enforcement:

The Province be requested to continue to maintain, improve and pay for gaming crime prevention and enforcement programs.

S02/4-05

It was moved and seconded

That the Council Meeting proceed beyond 11:00 p.m. (10:56 p.m.).

CARRIED

The question on Resolution S02/4-04 was not called as the following referral motion was introduced:

S02/4-06

It was moved and seconded

That the issue of expanded gaming in Richmond be referred to staff in order to allow staff to work with Council to conduct a community poll to determine whether the community as a whole is in favour of expanded gaming.

DEFEATED
OPPOSED:  Cllr. Barnes
Greenhill
E. Halsey-Brandt
 Howard
Kumagai
McNulty
Steves

The question on Resolution S02/4-04 was not called as the following amendment was introduced:

S02/4-07

It was moved and seconded

That Section 1, Sub-section (2) be deleted from the proposed Full Service Gaming Policy.

CARRIED

The question on Resolution S02/4-04 as amended by Resolution S02/4-07 was then called and it was CARRIED with Mayor Brodie and Cllrs. S. Halsey-Brandt and McNulty OPPOSED.

S02/4-08

It was moved and seconded

That the following resolutions be rescinded:

( a)

Part (2) of Resolution No. CW96/4-29 (adopted on February 26^th, 1996), That as a matter of policy, casino proposals be considered on a site specific basis using the Comprehensive Development District (CD) zoning process to evaluate each application on its own merits;

( b)

Resolution No. R96/21-35 (adopted on November 25th, 1996), That the BC Gaming Commission be advised that the City will consider additional casino applications on a site-by-site basis;

( c)

Resolution No. R97/3-6 (adopted on February 10th, 1997), That Council go on record as being totally against any Las Vegas style casino gambling or video lottery terminals within the City;

( d)

Resolution No. SP97/6-3 (adopted on November 12th, 1997), That the amended Process for Reviewing Proposed New Gaming Facilities (attached to the report dated October 27th, 1997, from the Manager, Land Use), be adopted, and that the previous Process, adopted by Council on September 22nd, 1997 (Res. No. R97/17-27), be rescinded; and

( e)

Resolution No. SP97/6-4 (adopted on November 12th, 1997), That the proponents who have requested letters of City support for proposed gaming facilities be advised that the City of Richmond is not prepared to consider any new gaming facilities within its jurisdiction, and that the Provincial Lotteries Advisory Committee also be advised of this decision.

CARRIED

S02/4-09

It was moved and seconded

  That the BC Lottery Corporation be advised of Councils selected gaming policy by May 31^st, 2002;

CARRIED

S02/4-10

It was moved and seconded

That Council hold a referendum in conjunction with the General Local and School Election on November 16^th, 2002 to obtain the opinion of the residents of Richmond on the issue of expanded gaming.

DEFEATED
OPPOSED:  Cllr. Barnes
Greenhill
Howard
Kumagai
McNulty
Steves

COUNCILLOR KIICHI KUMAGAI

6.

PROPOSAL FOR FULL SERVICE CASINO
(Memo:  Apr. 8/02, File No.:  4040-04) (REDMS No. 681529)  (Referred from the May 13^th, 2002 Regular Council Meeting)

S02/4-11

It was moved and seconded

That the report, dated April 8, 2002 from Councillor Kumagai, be received for information.

CARRIED

ADJOURNMENT

S02/4-12

It was moved and seconded

That the meeting adjourn (May 30, 2002, 12:24 a.m.).

CARRIED

Certified a true and correct copy of the Minutes of the Special Meeting of the Council of the City of Richmond held on Tuesday, May 28^th  and Wednesday, May 29^th , 2002.

_________________________________

_________________________________

Mayor (Malcolm D. Brodie)

Acting City Clerk (David Weber)