Time:

7:00 p.m.

Place:

Council Chambers
Richmond City Hall

Present:

Mayor Malcolm D. Brodie
Councillor Linda Barnes
Councillor Cynthia Chen
Councillor Derek Dang
Councillor Sue Halsey-Brandt
Councillor Rob Howard
Councillor Harold Steves

Director, City Clerk’s Office – David Weber

Absent:

Councillor Evelina Halsey-Brandt

Councillor Bill McNulty

Call to Order:

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

RES NO.

ITEM

MINUTES

R07/13-1

1.

It was moved and seconded

That the minutes of the Regular Council Meeting held on Monday, June 25th, 2007, be adopted as circulated, and that the GVRD “Board in Brief” dated May 25th, 2007, be received for information.

CARRIED

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

R07/13-2

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. 17 – Steveston Interurban (Tram) Location

Mr. Dave Fairweather, #328 – 12931 Railway Avenue, spoke about the history of the tram, and suggested that it was inappropriate to compromise the integrity of the Britannia Heritage Shipyard site by approving the relocation of the tram to this site.  He noted that the shipyard was designated as a shipyard and stressed that that designation must be respected.  Mr. Fairweather suggested that Council should reconsider the options which were available for the location of the tram at the south-west corner of Steveston Park, the location preferred by the public.  He added that the tram would be visible to the public, and that there were other options available which could be considered at a more reasonable cost.

Mr. Gordie Ball spoke about the service the tram had provided to Richmond during its use.  He voiced concern about the proposal to relocate the tram to the Britannia Heritage Shipyard, and stated that the tram should be located in Steveston Park.

Mr. Bob Butterworth, #412 – 12911 Railway Avenue, speaking as a former Co-Chair of the Britannia Heritage Shipyard Society, referred to two letters from the Society which indicated that the Board did not support the relocation of the tram to the shipyard.  He noted that the Society had spent a great deal of time and effort in developing the shipyard site, and stated that the Society was concerned that the tram building would block a major part of the view at the proposed location at the north-east corner of the site. 

Speaking as a concerned citizen, Mr. Butterworth talked about the relocation of many historic buildings to the Britannia Heritage Shipyard and the work undertaken by the Society to make the site a cohesive development.  He stated that it would not be appropriate to have the tram relocated to the shipyard and suggested that the tram should be remain in Steveston Park, at No. 1 Road and Moncton Street, which was the original location for the tram when it was in operation. 

Mr. Butterworth noted that the tracks were already in place; that it would be more appropriate to have the tram in its original location; that the City would save money; and that the structures required at Britannia would no longer be necessary.  He asked that Council take these comments into consideration when making a decision.

Mr. Gordon Kibble, 11171 Fourth Avenue, stated that the tram should be placed in its historically prominent area at No. 1 Road and Moncton Street, rather than at the Britannia Heritage Shipyard.  With reference to the preparation of detailed designs for the Tram Barn, he suggested that staff should contact the CPR to purchase a copy of their plans for the Indian Head Station, which was the former Steveston Station.  Mr. Kibble also spoke about the feasibility of extending the track line to allow the tram to travel east along the old railway line to London Farm.

Mr. Peter Mitchell, 6271 Nanika Crescent, talked about the need to consider a broader range of options with respect to the relocation of the tram prior to making a decision to consign the tram to a static future off its former route.  A copy of Mr. Mitchell’s submission is attached as Schedule A and forms part of these minutes.

Item No. 18 – River Road Properties

Mr. Balbir Jawanda, representing Quadra Coast Carriers Ltd. and the owner of property at 16780 River Road which was being used to park the company’s trucks and trailers.  He talked about the service provided by his company to local farmers to haul their produce to various Lower Mainland produce wholesalers.  He suggested that without the service provided by his company, these farmers would not survive.  Mr. Jawanda also talked about the difficulties faced by truck owners in finding places to park their vehicles.  A copy of his submission is attached as Schedule B and forms part of these minutes.

Ms. S. Bhinder, of Best Lumber & Supplies Ltd., and the owner of property at 16700 River Road, advised that she had recently applied for an application to rezone her property.  She then reviewed the history of her property, stating that permits had been obtained from the City which allowed the dumping of sand, dirt and gravel on the site to increase the height of the property. 

Mr. Mike Petrich, representing Berane Construction Ltd., and the owner of property at 16360 River Road, provided information on the history of this property, and on the results of meetings with City staff relating to his application for a temporary use permit.  A copy of Mr. Petrich’s correspondence is attached as Schedule C and forms part of these minutes.

Mr. A. J. Rossbergen, a resident of Westminster Highway, voiced his opinion about how the problems of the illegal dumping of fill material on farmland in the River Road area had occurred.  He noted that farmland was disappearing and suggested that there was more money in creating parking lots than in farming.  Mr. Rossbergen also talked about the lack of regulations and commented that the property owners, at their expense, should be forced to remove the fill material deposited on their properties and replace this material with topsoil.

Mr. David Cougle, of 19500 River Road, talked about the fill permits which had been issued in the area of No. 6 Road to No. 7 Road.  As well, he also commented on the vehicle weight of many of the trucks which travelled this area, and whether this weight had a negative impact on the roadway.  Mr. Cougle indicated that he had been parking his truck in the area for the past fifteen years without any problems until now. 

Mr. Harold Lougheed, of 19000 River Road, voiced concern about the use of River Road by overweight trucks.  He stated that River Road was not a road but part of the dyke which protected the island from flooding, and that this roadway had never designed to be a weight-bearing road.  He then voiced concern about the condition of the roadway, noting that the road was sloughing inwards towards the ditch, which could impact the newly constructed 12-inch diameter watermain.  He expressed concern that the dyke was moving and could eventually result in the loss of the watermain and the backside of the dyke, which could create a serious flooding risk to the island.  He further indicated that residents were concerned about the increase in water levels each year which they felt was the result of the lack of dredging in the river, accompanied by more severe and frequent winter storms.  Mr. Lougheed also stated that large truck traffic should not be allowed on this roadway as the roadway was underwidth. 

Mr. Lougheed also voiced concern for the safety of cyclists who used River Road as a commuter and recreational bicycle route, advising that truckers did not respect speed or vehicle weight limits.  He stated that the current truck situation had to be brought under control, and that bylaw infractions relating to the illegal parking of trucks and the illegal dumping of fill had to be addressed.

Mr. George Rigowski, a resident in the 16500 block of River Road, addressed Council regarding the non-compliance of the City’s zoning regulations and bylaw infractions which were occurring in this area.  He also talked about the illegal parking of trucks in the area and stated that if this illegal parking did not take place, the result would be minimal traffic on River Road.  He also talked about the 9 ton vehicle weight limit for River Road and noted that a majority of the trucks which drove along this road were 45 tons in weight, not 9 tons.

Mr. Rigowski also advised that the number of properties which were not in compliance had increased significantly over the past two years, and he provided information on a number of businesses which were operating illegally.  He also voiced concern about the amount of dangerous goods being stored in containers and trailers on the properties.  Mr. Rigowski also commented on the amount of revenue being lost to the City in the form of taxation because the properties were agriculturally zoned which had a lower tax rate; and business licence fees were not being collection from businesses operating on these properties.  He also expressed agreement to comments made by a previous speaker about the weight limit for River Road, the speed limit, road width, the concerns for the new watermain, and the condition of the roadway.  He concluded his statements by indicating that trust and confidence in the City had been eroded by the lack of action by the City.

Mr. Kulwant Virdi, the owner of a business at 2720 Smith Street, reviewed the history of his property with Council.  He also talked about meetings which he had had with City staff about a requirement for a road through the property, at which time he had asked for permission to park his vehicles at the rear of the property, and to operate his business from the front.  Mr. Mohinder Virdi talked about the difficulties in finding places to park large trucks, noting that there is not a designated truck parking area available.

Mr. Habib, 19440 River Road, talked about the difficulties faced by truck owners in finding places to park their vehicles and trailers.

R07/13-3

4.

It was moved and seconded

That Committee rise and report (8:07 p.m.).

CARRIED

CONSENT AGENDA

R07/13-4

5.

It was moved and seconded

That Items 6 through 15 be adopted by general consent.

CARRIED

6.

COMMITTEE MINUTES

That the minutes of:

(1)

the General Purposes Committee meeting held on Tuesday, July 3^rd, 2007;

(2)

the Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services Committee meeting held on Tuesday, June 26^th, 2007; and

(3)

the Planning Committee meeting held on Wednesday, July 4^th, 2007;

be received for information.

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

7.

8980 FOSTER ROAD, 7631 AND 7611 FRANCIS ROAD – DISCHARGE OF RIGHT OF WAY

(Report:  June 14/07, File No.:  06-2285-40-004/Vol 01) (REDMS No. 2132486)

That:

(1)

the discharging of the rights of way over 8980 Foster Road, 7631 and 7611 Francis Road (as set out in the report dated June 14^th, 2007, from the Manager, Real Estate Services), be approved; and

(2)

staff be authorized to take all necessary steps to complete the matter, including authorizing the Manager, Real Estate Services to execute all documentation to effect the transaction.

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

8.

7571 ALDERBRIDGE WAY – DISCHARGE OF RIGHTS OF WAY

(Report:  June 14/07, File No.:  06-2285-40-008/Vol 01) (REDMS No. 2131955)

That:

(1)

the discharging of the rights of way over 7571 Alderbridge Way (as set out in the report dated June 14^th, 2007, from the Manager, Real Estate Services), be approved; and

(2)

staff be authorized to take all necessary steps to complete the matter, including authorizing the Manager, Real Estate Services to execute all documentation to effect the transaction.

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

9.

8228 WESTMINSTER HIGHWAY (MERRY PARK) – DISCHARGE OF RIGHT OF WAY

(Report:  June 14/07, File No.:  06-2285-40-005/Vol 01) (REDMS No. 2046994)

That:

(1)

the discharging of the right of way over 8228 Westminster Highway (as set out in the report dated June 14^th, 2007, from the Manager, Real Estate Services), be approved; and

(2)

staff be authorized to take all necessary steps to complete the matter, including authorizing the Manager, Real Estate Services to execute all documentation to effect the transaction.

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

10.

7322 AND 7360 HEATHER STREET – DISCHARGE OF RIGHTS OF WAY

(Report:  June 14/07, File No.:  06-2285-40-009/Vol 01) (REDMS No. 2221066)

That:

(1)

the discharging of the rights of way over 7322 and 7360 Heather Street (as set out in the report dated June 14^th, 2007, from the Manager, Real Estate Services), be approved; and

(2)

staff be authorized to take all necessary steps to complete the matter, including authorizing the Manager, Real Estate Services to execute all documentation to effect the transaction.

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

11.

7080 NO. 3 ROAD, RIZE ALLIANCE – DISCHARGE OF COVENANT

(Report:  June 14/07, File No.:  06-2285-40-10/Vol 01) (REDMS No. 2242659)

That:

(1)

the discharging of the covenant over 7080 No. 3 Road (as set out in the report dated June 14^th, 2007, from the Manager, Real Estate Services), be approved; and

(2)

staff be authorized to take all necessary steps to complete the matter, including authorizing the Manager, Real Estate Services to execute all documentation to effect the transaction.

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

12.

SOCCER TOURNAMENT AT HUGH BOYD PARK

(Report:  July 3/07, File No.: 11-7400-01) (REDMS No. 2251883)

That letters of appreciation be sent to Jim Lammond, Chairperson, Richmond Sports Council, and Roger Barnes from the Richmond Soccer Alliance for hosting the recent soccer tournament in which Zambia played against Richmond.

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

13.

APPLICATION FOR REZONING - PARM DHINJAL

(RZ 07-366381 - Report:  June 11, 2007, File No.:  12-8060-20-8266) (REDMS No. 2242325, 1791415, 2243333)

That Bylaw No. 8266, for the rezoning of 10520 Williams Road from “Single-Family Housing District, Subdivision Area E (R1/E)” to “Single-Family Housing District (R1-0.6)”, be introduced and given first reading.

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

14.

APPLICATION FOR A STRATA-TITLE CONVERSION - JOHN HALL AND WEI CHANG

(SC 07-367841 - Report:  June 11, 2007, File No.:) (REDMS No. 2241245, 1467889)

That the application for a strata-title conversion by John Hall and Wei Chang for the property located at 8800/8820 Rosedene Court be approved on fulfilment of the following conditions:

(1)

Final inspection approval of Building Permit B7 07-377734 for past enclosure of the carport without a permit at 8800 Rosedene Court;

(2)

Registration of a flood indemnity covenant on title;

(3)

Payment of all City utility charges and property taxes up to and including the year 2007; and

(4)

Submission of appropriate plans and documents for execution by the Mayor and City Clerk within 180 days of the date of this resolution.

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

15.

RICHMOND HERITAGE COMMISSION 2006 ANNUAL REPORT AND 2007 WORK PLAN

(Report:  June 18, 2007, File No.:  01-0100-20-HCOM1-01 ) (REDMS No. 2243016, 2243018)

That the Richmond Heritage Commission 2007 Work Plan be approved.

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

PARKS, RECREATION AND CULTURAL SERVICES COMMITTEE –
Councillor Linda Barnes, Chair

16.

2008 Artificial Turf Site Selection and Community Consultation Process

(Report:  June 11, 2007, File No.:  06-2345-00/Vol 01; xr 2345-20-KGEO1; xr 2345-20-SARM1) (REDMS No. 2243215, 2251879)

R07/13-5

It was moved and seconded

(1)

That an artificial turf field at King George Park be approved for consideration in the 2008 Capital Budget;

(2)

That a Park Visioning and Master Plan process be initiated for South Arm Community Park and that the most appropriate configuration for an artificial turf at that site be determined as part of the Master Planning process;

(3)

That the South Arm Park Master Planning Process with a recommended final plan, including a potential location/configuration for a potential turf field at South Arm Community Park be completed and presented to Council by March 2008;

(4)

That the findings of a study on the condition of the infield of Minoru Park be reported back to Committee; and

(5)

That a public consultation process be carried out regarding replacement of the infield of the Minoru Oval with artificial turf to make it a competitive facility.

CARRIED

17.

Steveston Interurban (Tram) location

(Report:  June 15, 2007, File No.:  10-6510-05-01) (REDMS No. 2244637; 2234365)

R07/13-6

It was moved and seconded

(1)

That the Steveston Interurban (Tram) be permanently located in the Historic Zone of Britannia Heritage Shipyard site.

(2)

That the detailed designs of the Tram Barn be prepared using funds from the Tram project number 40886.

(3)

That the construction cost of the Tram Barn and relocation and restoration of the Tram at $1.3 million be included for consideration in 2008/09 capital budget requests.

The question on Resolution No. R07/13-6 was not called, as the following referral motion was introduced:

R07/13-7

It was moved and seconded

That the report (dated June 15^th, 2007, from the Director, Recreation & Cultural Services), regarding the Steveston Interurban (Tram) Location, be referred to staff to consider the location of the Tram in Steveston Park with a more extensive tram barn as outlined by Councillor Steves.

DEFEATED

OPPOSED:  Mayor Brodie

Cllr. Barnes

Chen

Dang

Howard

Steves

The question on Resolution No. R07/13-6 was not called, as a further referral motion was introduced:

R07/13-8

It was moved and seconded

That staff re-evaluate the criteria for the location of the Tram at Moncton Street and No. 1 Road within Steveston Park.

The question on Resolution No. R07/13-8 was not called, as staff were directed to also report on:

(a)

staffing implications;

(b)

the type of structure to be considered for the tram barn;

(c)

whether trees in the area of Moncton Street and No. 1 Road would have to be removed to accommodate the tram;

(d)

financial implications;

(e)

the feasibility of updating public input; and

(f)

the implications of having one less staff person at Britannia to accommodate the location of the tram at Steveston Park.

The question on Resolution No. R07/13-8 was then called, and it was DEFEATED with Mayor Brodie and Cllrs. Barnes, Dang and Steves opposed.

The question on Resolution No. R07/13-6 was called, and it was DEFEATED with Cllrs. Chen, Dang, Sue-Halsey-Brandt and Howard opposed.

PLANNING COMMITTEE –
Councillor Harold Steves, Chair

18.

RIVER ROAD PROPERTIES

(File No.:  12-8000-02) (REDMS No. 2247440, 2252722)

R07/13-9

It was moved and seconded

(1)

That the City of Richmond document any bylaw infractions in the River Road area and enforce the law.

(2)

That staff investigate the advantages and disadvantages of establishing a new “AG2” zone for an ‘agri-industrial service area’, as suggested by the Agricultural Land Commission in 1988.

CARRIED

19.

CITY CENTRE AREA PLAN (CCAP) UPDATE - PROJECTED COMMUNITY CHANGE

(Attachment 1) (Attachments 2 and 3)  (Attachments 4 and 5)
(Report:  June 19, 2007, File No.:  08-4045-20-10) (REDMS No. 2238599)

Andrew Ramlo, of Urban Futures, accompanied by the Manager, Policy Planning Terry Crowe, and Lorin Gaertner, Planner Analyst, gave a brief PowerPoint presentation to explain the projected community change in population growth to Council.

R07/13-10

It was moved and seconded

That, (as per the report, dated June 28^th, 2007, from the Manager, Policy Planning report, and entitled: City Centre Area Plan (CCAP) Update - Projected Community Change), City staff proceed:

(1)

with the public consultation process outlined in the report; and

(2)

to consult with the Richmond School Board.

CARRIED

20.

CITY CENTRE TRANSPORTATION PLAN UPDATE – CREATING A TRANSPORTATION VISION

(Report:  June 5, 2007, File No.:  10-6500-04, XR 08-4045-20-10) (REDMS No. 2112115)

(Cllr. Chen left the meeting – 9:27 p.m.)

The Director, Transportation Victor Wei reviewed, through a presentation, the proposed Transportation Vision for the City Centre.

(Cllr. Chen returned to the meeting – 9:29 p.m., during the above presentation.)

R07/13-11

It was moved and seconded

(1)

That the proposed Vision for the updated City Centre Transportation Plan (as described in the report dated June 5, 2007 from the Director, Transportation), be endorsed in principle, subject to further public consultation in co-ordination with the City Centre Area Plan update process.

(2)

That the proposed Vision for the updated City Centre Transportation Plan (as described in the report dated June 5, 2007 from the Director, Transportation), be forwarded to the Richmond School Board for information.

CARRIED

(Cllr. Howard left the meeting – 10:00 p.m.)

PUBLIC DELEGATIONS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS

R07/13-12

21.

It was moved and seconded

That Council resolve into Committee of the Whole to hear delegations on non-agenda items (10:00 p.m.).

CARRIED

Mr. Norman Wrigglesworth, 5540 No. 1 Road, voiced his concerns about low-hanging tree branches and overgrown shrubs located near his home which were blocking sidewalks, in the area of No. 1 Road and Westminster Highway.  He questioned why City crews cut the grass on the west side of No. 1 Road, but did not cut the grass or trim the trees on the east side.  He also questioned why he should have to trim the shrubbery in front of his property when these shrubs were growing on City property.

(File No.:  2335-09-02)

(Cllr. Howard returned to the meeting – 10:03 p.m., during the above delegation’s submission.)

R07/13-13

22.

It was moved and seconded

That Committee rise and report (10:06 p.m.).

CARRIED

BYLAWS FOR ADOPTION

R07/13-14

It was moved and seconded

That the following bylaws be adopted:

Zoning & Development Bylaw No. 5300, Amendment Bylaw No. 8015 (11191 Steveston Highway, RZ 05-304459)

Zoning & Development Bylaw No. 5300, Amendment Bylaw No. 8023 (10480, 10500/10506 Finlayson Drive and an Unconstructed Walkway adjacent to 2291 Davies Place, RZ 05-318997)

Zoning & Development Bylaw No. 5300, Amendment Bylaw No. 8210 (11200 Railway Avenue, RZ 06-350640)

CARRIED

ADJOURNMENT

R07/13-15

It was moved and seconded

That the meeting adjourn (10:08 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, July 9^th, 2007.

_________________________________

_________________________________

Mayor (Malcolm D. Brodie)

Corporate Officer (David Weber)