Time:

7:00 p.m.

Place:

Council Chambers
Richmond City Hall

Present:

Mayor Malcolm D. Brodie
Councillor Linda Barnes
Councillor Cynthia Chen
Councillor Evelina Halsey-Brandt
Councillor Sue Halsey-Brandt
Councillor Rob Howard
Councillor Bill McNulty
Councillor Harold Steves

Director, City Clerk’s Office – David Weber

Absent:

Councillor Derek Dang

Call to Order:

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

RES NO.

ITEM

MINUTES

R07/4-1

1.

It was moved and seconded

That:

(1)

the minutes of the Regular Council Meeting held on Monday, February 12^th, 2007; and

(2)

minutesof the Regular Council Meeting for Public Hearings held on Monday, February 19th, 2007,

each be adopted as circulated, and that the GVRD “Board in Brief” dated January 26^th, 2007, be received for information.

CARRIED

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

R07/4-2

2.

It was moved and seconded

That Council resolve into Committee of the Whole to hear delegations on agenda items (7:01 p.m.).

CARRIED

3.

Delegations from the floor on Agenda items –

Item No. 23 – 2007 Additional Levels

Mr. Wolfe Strecko, 23180 Willett Avenue, a member of the Board of Directors of the Hamilton Community Association, accompanied by Ms. Linda Henriksen, 5811 Oliver Drive, read aloud a letter regarding the need for a library branch in Hamilton, as well as a fulltime Facilities Coordinator and a Community Police presence.  A copy of Mr. Strecko’s letter is attached as Schedule A and forms part of these minutes.

Mr. Strecko then provided information on a letter campaign undertaken by Ms. Henriksen regarding the need for a library in the Hamilton area, and Ms. Henriksen then submitted 51 form letters signed by area residents in support of a library.  (The letter from Ms. Henriksen, along with a sample of the 51 letters is attached as Schedule B and forms part of these minutes.)

Item No. 20 – Russ Baker Way-Arthur Laing Bridge Corridor – Traffic Management Initiatives

Mr. Neil Smith, 3780 Pacemore Avenue, spoke about the traffic congestion on the Russ Baker Way-Arthur Laing Corridor and the population’s dependence on motor vehicles.  He urged Council to consider other HOV options before making a decision on the traffic management initiatives now being proposed.

Mr. Peter Mitchell, 6271 Nanika Crescent, spoke in support of the proposed recommendations, but suggested that consideration should be given to the addition of a southbound HOV lane at Cessna Drive and Russ Baker Way.  He then referred to a study to be undertaken by TransLink in six months’ time to determine future bus routes following the opening of the Canada Line, and he suggested that these initiatives should be considered in conjunction with the possible future routes.

Item No. 18 - Traffic Safety Awareness Week – March 5-9, 2007; and Item No. 8 - – Richmond Extreme Weather Response Plan

Mr. Michael Wolfe, 9731 Odlin Road, with regard to Item 18, referred to statements made in the staff report about the importance of parents and other motorists observing traffic regulations, particularly at, and around, school sites.  He then provided information on a situation at the Tomsett Elementary School, stating that the safety of students and parents was being endangered by the many large trucks speeding through the school zone at all times of the day to access and egress the topsoil business located further along Odlin Road.

With reference to Item No. 8, Mr. Wolfe voiced concern that the Extreme Weather Response Plan was only in effect from November to March 31^st of the following year.  He also expressed his disagreement to statements made in the report about the number of shelter beds which would be available in the event of extreme cold weather.  Mr. Wolfe then talked about the potential for flooding to occur at times other than during the period of the Extreme Weather Response Plan.

R07/4-3

4.

It was moved and seconded

That Committee rise and report (7:26 p.m.).

CARRIED

CONSENT AGENDA

R07/4-4

5.

It was moved and seconded

That Items 6 through 22 be adopted by general consent.

CARRIED

6.

COMMITTEE MINUTES

That the minutes of:

(1)

the Community Safety Committee meeting held on Tuesday, February 13^th, 2007;

(2)

the Finance Committee meeting held on Thursday, February 15^th, 2007;

(3)

the General Purposes Committee meeting held on Monday, February 19^th, 2007;

(4)

the Planning Committee meeting held on Tuesday, February 20^th, 2007; and

(5)

the Public Works & Transportation Committee meeting held on Wednesday, February 21^st, 2007,

be received for information.

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

7.

2007 UBCM EMERGENCY PLANNING GRANT

(Report:  Jan. 25/07, File No.:  03-1087-11-01) (REDMS No. 2071683)

(1)

That the application to the provincial government, via the Union of British Columbia Municipalities, for funding under the 2007 Emergency Planning program, be approved.

(2)

That a letter be sent to the Union of British Columbia Municipalities conveying Council’s approval of the funding application.

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

8.

RICHMOND EXTREME WEATHER RESPONSE PLAN

(Report:  Jan. 23/07, File No.:  08-4057-11-02) (REDMS No. 2070734, 2047557)

That the revised Extreme Weather Response Plan (attached to the report dated January 23^rd, 2007, from the Manager, Emergency Programs), be adopted.

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

9.

BYLAW DISPUTE ADJUDICATION SYSTEM – AMENDMENTS TO RELATED BYLAW NOS. 5870 AND 7403

(Report:  Jan. 23/07, File No.:  12-8060-20-8195/8196) (REDMS No. 2070713, 2074716, 2074751, 2070205, 2069921)

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

(1)

Traffic Bylaw No. 5870, Amendment Bylaw No. 8195; and

(2)

Parking (Off-Street) Regulation Bylaw No. 7403, Amendment Bylaw No. 8196.

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

10.

Appointment of bylaw enforcement officer

(Report: January 25, 2007 , File No.: 01-0172-03) (REDMS No. 2071875, 2071869)

That Brett Mortensen be appointed a Bylaw Enforcement Officer in accordance with Section 36 of the Police Act, and that such appointment be confirmed that it is for the term of his employment as Tree Preservation Official with the City.

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

11.

TANGIBLE CAPITAL ASSETS

(Report:  Jan. 29/07, File No.:  03-0900-01; xr: 03-0970-01-2006) (REDMS No. 2024250)

That, to implement Public Sector Accounting Board (PSAB) requirements regarding tangible capital assets (as outlined in the report dated January 29^th, 2007, from the Director, Finance) that one-time funding of $400,000 be considered for funding from any arising 2006 surplus.

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

12.

RIVER ROAD RELOCATION – BRIDGE CROSSING HOLLYBRIDGE WAY CANAL

(Report:  Jan. 25/07, File No.:  10-6340-20-P.05208/Vol 01) (REDMS No. 2071721, 2070882)

That the design concept by internationally recognized public artist, Buster Simpson, for the Skate Blades on the bridge crossing Hollybridge Way Canal be approved.

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

13.

APPLICATION FOR REZONING - CHARAN SETHI

(RZ 06-333355 - Report:  January 18, 2007, File No.:  12-8060-20-8190) (REDMS No. 2065169, 2068230)

That Bylaw No. 8190 to:

(1)

Revise the zoning requirements in “Comprehensive Development District (CD/44)” to improve feasibility for the development of an accessible secondary suites in a one-family dwelling; and

(2)

rezone 10491 and 10511 Williams Road from “Single-Family Housing District, Subdivision Area E (R1/E)” to “Comprehensive Development District (CD/44)”,

be introduced and given first reading.

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

14.

APPLICATIONS FOR REZONING

(A)

PARMJIT S. RANDHAWA

(RZ 06-352822 - Report:  January 30, 2007, File No.:  12-8060-20-8197) (REDMS No. 2073455, 2013902, 2073536)

(B)

DANSON CONSTRUCTION CO. LTD.

(RZ 05-312975 - Report:  February 5, 2007, File No.:  12-8060-20-8198) (REDMS No. 2071323, 2073885)

That the following bylaws each be introduced and given first reading:

(1)

Bylaw No. 8197, for the rezoning of 11480 Williams Road from “Single-Family Housing District, Subdivision Area E (R1/E)” to “Single-Family Housing District (R1-0.6)”; and

(2)

Bylaw No. 8198, for the rezoning of 7471 No. 4 Road from “Single-Family Housing District, Subdivision Area F (R1/F)” to “Townhouse District (R2 - 0.7)”.

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

15.

RICHMOND COMMUNITY SERVICES ADVISORY COMMITTEE REVISED CHARTER

(Report:  December 18, 2006, File No.: 0100-20-RCSA1-01 ) (REDMS No. 2053993, 1799731, 1965059, 2052579, 2054851)

That (as per the report dated December 18, 2006, from the Manager, Policy Planning, and entitled “Richmond Community Services Advisory Committee Revised Charter”) the revised Charter (Attachment 4) of the Richmond Community Services Advisory Committee be endorsed.

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

16.

AGRICULTURAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE 2006 ANNUAL REPORT AND 2007 WORK PROGRAM

(Report:  February 2, 2007, File No.:  10-0100-20-AADV1) (REDMS No. 2074306)

That the 2007 Work Program of the Agricultural Advisory Committee be approved.

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

17.

DRINKING WATER MANAGEMENT PLAN

(Report:  Feb. 2/07, File No.:  10-6060-02-01/2007-Vol 01) (REDMS No. 2075754)

That:

(1)

The Greater Vancouver Water District's (GVWD) Drinking Water Management Plan for the GVRD and Member Municipalities be received for information; and

(2)

The regional Drinking Water Management Plan (as detailed in the report dated February 2^nd, 2007, from the Director, Engineering), be adopted.

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

18.

TRAFFIC SAFETY AWARENESS WEEK – MARCH 5-9, 2007

(Report:  Feb. 2/07, File No.:  10-6450-09-01/2007-Vol 01; xr: 7400-01) (REDMS No. 2067374)

(1)

That the following recommendations be endorsed:

(a)

the 2007 Traffic Safety Awareness Week (March 5-9, 2007) activities initiated by the Richmond District Parents Association, sponsored by ICBC, the Autoplan Broker Road Safety Program and the Richmond School Board with the participation of the Way to Go! School Program, CARS BC and Better Environmentally Sound Transportation, (as outlined in the report dated February 2, 2007, from the Director, Transportation); and

(b)

staff involvement in the 2007 Traffic Safety Awareness Week activities as part of the City’s on-going traffic safety education strategy.

(2)

That the report be referred to the Council/School Board Liaison Committee for information.

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

19.

BLUNDELL ROAD AND STEVESTON HIGHWAY INTERCHANGES – FINDINGS OF STUDY

(Report:  Jan. 23/07, File No.:  10-6350-07-07/2007-Vol 01) (REDMS No. 2071809)

(1)

That the further planning and design of the Blundell Road Interchange and Steveston Highway Interchange improvements be deferred and incorporated into a future comprehensive improvement strategy for the Highway 99 Corridor, including the George Massey Tunnel.

(2)

That, until the Highway 99 corridor improvement strategy is developed, staff work with the Ministry of Transportation, TransLink, and the Fraser River Port Authority to examine implementing a partial interchange at Highway 91 and Nelson Road as an interim solution to enhance goods movements and road access to the Richmond southeast industrial area.

(3)

That a letter be sent from the City to the provincial Minister of Transportation and the Chief Executive Officer of the Greater Vancouver Transportation Authority to commend the efforts of their staff in working with the City to complete the study, and to request their continued partnership in:

(a)

examining the interim term implementation of the partial Nelson Road Interchange at Highway 91 within the next five years; and

(b)

developing a longer term improvement strategy for the Highway 99 corridor through Richmond including the George Massey Tunnel and a new Blundell Road interchange.

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

20.

RUSS BAKER WAY-ARTHUR LAING BRIDGE CORRIDOR – TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT INITIATIVES

(Report:  Feb. 7/07, File No.:  10-6350-01/2007-Vol 01) (REDMS No. 2062816)

(1)

That the following four traffic management initiatives for the Russ Baker Way-Arthur Laing Bridge corridor be assessed further by staff in working with Vancouver International Airport Authority, TransLink, and the City of Vancouver:

(a)

Stationing of a tow truck (point duty) at the south end of the Arthur Laing Bridge during the weekday morning peak period;

(b)

Installation of a video traffic monitoring camera in the vicinity of the Russ Baker Way/Cessna Drive intersection;

(c)

Southern extension of the northbound high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lane on Russ Baker Way to the north end of No. 2 Road Bridge; and

(d)

Submission of Russ Baker Way for the inclusion in TransLink’s Major Road Network.

(2)

That staff report on the outcome of the above assessment and if applicable, an implementation strategy of the proposed traffic management initiatives for Council’s approval.

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

21.

ItemS Arising from the Closed Council Meeting of FEBRUARY 12^TH, 2007 relating to appointments to the RICHMOND ATHLETIC COMMISSION; THE ADVISORY DESIGN PANEL; AND THE AGRICULTURAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE

That the following resolutions be received for information:

(1)

That Gord Racette, Rick Henderson, John Singh and Harry Opal be appointed to the Richmond Athletic Commission for a period of one year to expire on December 31, 2007;

(2)

That Councillor Harold Steves be appointed as Council representative to the Richmond Athletic Commission for 2007; and

(3)

That Mr. Thomas Leung (Professional Engineer) be appointed to the Richmond Advisory Design Panel for a two-year term to expire on December 31, 2008;

(4)

That Dave Johnston be appointed to the Richmond Agricultural Advisory Committee, as the farming representative from the general agricultural community, for a two-year term to expire on December 31, 2008.

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

22.

Item Arising from the Closed Council Meeting of November 14, 2006 Relating to the City’s Nomination to the North Fraser Port Authority

That the following resolution be received for information:

That the nomination of Mr. David Takahashi for appointment to the Board of the North Fraser Port Authority for a three-year term commencing December 1, 2006 be supported, and that the Port Authority be so advised.

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

FINANCE COMMITTEE –
Councillor Rob Howard, Chair

23.

ADDITIONAL RECOMMENDATION – 2007 base operating budget

(Memo:  Feb. 23/07, File No.:  03-0970-01) (REDMS No. 2084318)

2007 ADDITIONAL LEVELS

(Report:  Jan. 16/07, File No.:   03-0970-01; sr: 05-1810-01) (REDMS No. 2030323, 2082765)

R07/4-5

It was moved and seconded

That:

(1)

The 2007 Operating Base Budget, requiring a tax increase of 1.65%, be approved as the basis for preparing the 5 Year Financial Plan (2007-2011).

(2)

$1 Million be transferred to the City’s reserve accounts rather than $1,216,920;

(3)

The following Additional Level Requests as ranked by Committee, be approved:

(a)

RCMP – 10 officers (with 6 officers funded from ‘gap funding’ and 4 funded from  casino revenue;);

(b)

RCMP – 1 Auxiliary Constable (gap funded); 2 Officers (Enterprise Fund);

(c)

RFR Deputy Chief, Office Manager and Administrative Assistant;

(d)

One Additional IHIT Team (Richmond’s portion);

(e)

Deferred Maintenance (Facilities);

(f)

Mosquito Control in Parks Basin;

(g)

Asphalt Capping; and

(h)

Solicitor; and

(4)

The following additional level requests be approved:

(a)

No. 27 – Hamilton Weekly Library Delivery Service;

(b)

No. 19 – Community Facility Coordinator – Hamilton;

(c)

No. 24 – East Richmond Community Station;

(d)

No. 10 – Sidewalk Maintenance;

(e)

No. 13 – Crime Analyst;

(f)

No. 16 – PRCS Volunteer Strategy Coordinator;

(g)

No. 33 – Special event insurance, Community Associations;

(h)

No. 12 – Human Resources Duty to Accommodate;

(i)

No. 17 – Community Policing Programs, and

(j)

No. 32 – Back Lanes Pruning,

which would result in a property tax increase of 3.65%.

The question on Resolution No. R07/4-5 was not called, as Cllr. E. Halsey-Brandt asked that Part (2) be dealt with separately.  However, the Chair ruled the request to be out of order because he was not prepared to call the question on Part (2) separately.  Cllr. E. Halsey-Brandt then challenged the ruling of the Chair.

Mayor Brodie then put the question, “Shall the Chair be sustained?”, to the rest of Council.  The question was called, and it was CARRIED.  The challenge of the Chair was defeated and the Chair’s ruling sustained with Cllrs. E. Halsey-Brandt and S. Halsey-Brandt opposed to sustaining the Chair.

The question on Resolution No. R07/4-5 was then called, and it was CARRIED with Cllr. E. Halsey-Brandt opposed.

GENERAL PURPOSES COMMITTEE –
Mayor Malcolm D. Brodie, Chair

24.

2007 CITY GRANTS PROGRAM

(Report:  Feb. 14/07, File No.:   03-1085-01) (REDMS No. 2078587, 160199, 2068317, 2083100, 2010258) 

R07/4-6

It was moved and seconded

(1)

That, (as per Attachment 2 to the report dated February 14th, 2007, from the Manager of Policy Planning), the 2007 City Grants be allocated as follows:

(a)

The organizations in the Health, Social and Safety Services category be awarded the recommended grant amounts and cheques disbursed for a total of $414,750.

(b)

The organizations in the Cultural and Community Events category be awarded the recommended grant amounts and cheques disbursed for a total of $69,500.

for a total expenditure of $484,250; and

(2)

That grants be allocated to the following organizations:

(a)

the Multicultural Helping House Society, in the amount of $10,000;

(b)

the Visually Impaired People’s Club, in the amount of $1,500; and

(c)

the Richmond Responsible Dog Owner’s Group, in the amount of $1,000.

(3)

That the balance remaining of $3,250 be left intact in the Grants Budget.

The question on Resolution No. R07/4-6 was not called, as the request was made that the recommendations be dealt with separately.

The question on Part (1) of Resolution No. R07/4-6 was called, and it was CARRIED.

The question on Parts (2)(a) and (2)(b) of Resolution No. R07/4-6 was called, and it was CARRIED.

The question on Part (2)(c) of Resolution No. R07/4-6 was called, and it was CARRIED with Cllrs. E. Halsey-Brandt and Howard opposed.

The question on Part (3) of Resolution No. R07/4-6 was called, and it was CARRIED.

PUBLIC DELEGATIONS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS

R07/4-7

25.

It was moved and seconded

That Council resolve into Committee of the Whole to hear delegations on non-agenda items (9:17 p.m.).

CARRIED

Norman Wrigglesworth, 5540 No. 1 Road, sought the support for the donation of funds to create a trust fund to provide an incentive to youth between the ages of six and nineteen not to smoke, drink alcohol or gamble.  (File No.:  3000-02)

A brief discussion ensued, during which staff were requested to provide assistance to Mr. Wrigglesworth to enable him to contact School District staff and the Richmond Health Department regarding his proposal.

R07/4-8

26.

It was moved and seconded

That Committee rise and report (9:26 p.m.).

CARRIED

BYLAWS FOR ADOPTION

R07/4-9

It was moved and seconded

That the following bylaws be adopted:

Zoning & Development Bylaw No. 5300, Amendment Bylaw No. 8131 (10260 Williams Road, RZ 06-330156), and

Zoning & Development Bylaw No. 5300, Amendment Bylaw No. 8134 (10280 Williams Road, RZ 06-340380).

CARRIED

OPPOSED:  Cllrs. E. Halsey-Brandt

S. Halsey-Brandt

Steves

R07/4-10

It was moved and seconded

That Development Cost Charges Bylaw No. 8024, Amendment Bylaw No. 8049 be adopted.

CARRIED

OPPOSED:  Cllr. Steves 

ADJOURNMENT

R07/4-11

It was moved and seconded

That the meeting adjourn (9:30 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 Monday, February 26^th, 2007.

_________________________________

_________________________________

Mayor (Malcolm D. Brodie)

Corporate Officer (David Weber)