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 Evelina Halsey-Brandt
Councillor Sue Halsey-Brandt
Councillor Rob Howard
Councillor Bill McNulty
Councillor Harold Steves

Director, City Clerk’s Office – David Weber

Call to Order:

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

RES NO.

ITEM

MINUTES

R08/4-1

1.

It was moved and seconded

That:

(1)

the minutes of the Regular Council Meeting held on Monday, February 11^th, 2008 ;and

(2)

the minutes of the Regular Council Meeting for Public Hearings held on Monday, February 18, 2008.

each be adopted as circulated.

CARRIED

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

Joe Erceg, General Manager, Planning and Development, accompanied by Cecilia Achiam, Senior Coordinator, Major Projects & Development Applications, clarified that the recommendation under consideration at this meeting was whether the ALR exclusion application would be forwarded to a Public Hearing.

Mr. Erceg advised that:

§   

the City of Richmond did not have legal entitlement to the Lands, and under this agreement, the City could own 50%, but only if the Lands were removed from the ALR;

§   

should the agreement be terminated, the Musqueam have stated their intention to proceed with legal action to protect their interests in the land;

§   

Council has approved the following uses for the City’s portion of the Garden City Lands: (i) Community Wellness and Enabling Healthy Lifestyles, (ii) Urban Agriculture, and (iii) Showcasing Environmental Sustainability;

§   

the Purchase and Sales Agreement (PSA) specifies that a restrictive covenant would be registered to ensure that the City’s portion of the Lands would be for the stated public uses; and

§   

results from three Open Houses held in Richmond, and one held at the Musqueam Indian Band Office, would be available prior to the March 11^th, 2008 Public Hearing.

Mr. Erceg made reference to a memo, dated February 22^nd, 2008, which included several attachments that addressed concerns expressed at the General Purposes Committee meeting held on Monday, February 18^th, 2008. In answer to a question, Mr. Erceg confirmed that the information in the memo could be released to the public. A copy of the memo and its attachments are attached as Schedule 1, and form part of these minutes.

Representing Musqueam Indian Band, Nolan Charles, Musqueam Councillor, accompanied by Jim Reynolds, General Legal Counsel for the Musqueam, advised that the Chief, and other members of the Musqueam Council were regretfully unable to attend the meeting, due to a gathering of substantial cultural significance taking place at their longhouse. Mr. Charles advised that he was representing the Chief and Council in expressing their strong support for a partnership with the City of Richmond and the Canada Lands Company (CLC).

He provided a brief history associated with the Musqueam and their interest in the Garden City Lands, and spoke about provisions for adequate community services for residents of Richmond and the Musqueam. He also spoke about how the Garden City Lands would make a significant contribution to the Musqueam community such as children’s support and education; employment and training; recreational facilities; band facilities; Musqueam Language Programs; and Musqueam Cultural Interpretation Programs.

Mr. Charles remarked that the Musqueam intended to proceed in good faith and to honour all aspects of the agreement, and commented on the realities, impact, and risk to Richmond in the event the application failed or was delayed. If necessary, the Musqueam would seek legal remedies to secure their interest in the Lands, which he felt was counterproductive, and not the preferred course of action.

Mr. Reynolds remarked that the agreement was a historic agreement, and if successful, would avoid expensive litigation. He also remarked that if the agreement failed, there could be serious implications for all British Columbians.

Questions were raised, and various statements were made about the possibility of the Garden City Lands ever becoming Crown land again. It was noted that the CLC was the registered owner of the Lands, and that it that was highly unlikely that the Lands would ever revert back to the Federal Government. However, the fate of the Garden City Lands if the agreement was to fail could not be confirmed.

During the ensuing discussion, and in response to questions, the following was noted:

§   

it would be premature to allocate particular parts of the land for particular uses such as affordable housing. If the exclusion proceeded, then a full planning and consultation process would take place, including a master plan, which could take up to two years. Also, the affordable housing strategy and other rezoning requirements would be applicable to the Lands;

§   

the basis of the agreement was that: (i) the Garden City Lands would be transferred to the CLC and the City in order to facilitate the placement of a Trade and Exhibition Centre (T & E); (ii) the Lands would be used to satisfy the community needs of the Musqueam, and (iii) a substantial portion of the Lands would be used for community amenities and interests by the City of Richmond; and

§   

the Musqueam Community Needs Assessment is a public document, and is accessible online at the City’s website.

Mr. Charles advised that he could not answer any questions related to the possibility of the Lands being farmed by the Musqueam without consulting the rest of the Musqueam Council, and that he could only address questions related to the agreement.

Representing the Canada Lands Company, Randy Fasan accompanied by Doug Kester advised that the writer of the Agricultural Viability and Suitability Assessment report was unable to attend the meeting, but would be attending the March 11^th, 2008 Public Hearing. Mr. Fasan then provided brief histories associated with the drafting of the Garden City Lands agreement between the Canada Lands Company, City of Richmond and Musqueam, as well as previous Canadian land claim settlements involving the Musqueam.

Ned Pottinger, of Pottinger Gaherty Environmental Consultants Ltd., spoke about the current state of the Garden City Lands and the benefits associated with the proposed project. He stated that it would be possible to use the Lands for agriculture, however, with the current state of the soil, the Lands were not prime lands for farming purposes. Upon extensive remedial work related to drainage and irrigation; and provisions to counteract the low PH balance, the site’s capabilities could include pastures, cranberries, vegetables and blueberries. He further stated that plants requiring deep rooting would not be recommended, and due to surrounding roads, noise, odour, and overall location, the site would not be suitable for commercial agriculture.

With the aid of various illustrations, Joost Bakker, Hotson Bakker Bonafice Haden Architects, provided highlights related to the urban design review and planning context of the site. Mr. Bakker spoke about Richmond’s proactive planning to share the inevitable growth of Metro Vancouver; the Garden City Lands site’s capability to accommodate 10,000 – 12,000 people; the site’s strategic location, being close to transit; and the unique opportunity presented by the site to showcase urban development.

In answer to a question about food grown in smaller farms having substantially higher nutritional value, advice was provided that the quality of farm food would depend on the practices used by the farmers, and would not necessarily be related to the size of the farm.

A discussion took place about provisions related to road and land dedications for pedestrian paths and the Trade and Exhibition Centre. Advice was provided that dedications for major roads would be shared by the City and CLC/Musqueam, and minor roads would be provided by CLC/Musqueam.

Anthony Knight, Lang Michener LLP, advised that he had been acting on behalf of the City during the negotiations of the PSA. In answer to questions, Mr. Knight advised that in his opinion, the agreement was beneficial to the City, and that if the purchase conditions are not met as outlined in the agreement, and the lands were not removed from the ALR, the City of Richmond would not have any legal rights pertaining to the Garden City Lands. The City could attempt to re-negotiate with the CLC and Musqueam.

During the ensuing discussion, and in response to questions, the following was noted:

§   

if the agreement was unsuccessful, it was possible that the Lands could become reserve lands, in which case the Musqueam would approach the City for provisions of services to the Lands, however, municipal bylaws would not have any applicability or jurisdiction in terms of development;

§   

at this point in time, options for making amendments to the agreement would not be available to the City;

§   

the MOU and PSA do not contain mechanisms for dispute settlement;

§   

if the City endorsed removal of the Lands from the ALR, and the Agricultural Land Commission (ALC) didn’t approve the removal, the agreement would still be deemed as not having met the requirements, and would become void; and

§   

reserve status is usually granted for lands that are adjacent to a reserve.

R08/4-2

2.

It was moved and seconded

That Council resolve into Committee of the Whole to hear delegations on agenda items (8:22 p.m.).

CARRIED

3.

Delegations from the floor on Agenda items –

Item No. 20 – The Garden City Lands – Agricultural Land Reserve Exclusion Application

Jim Wright, 8300 Osgoode Drive, urged members of Council to delay the March 11^th, 2008, Public Hearing by at least three weeks, suggesting that the additional time would allow the City to obtain the best available legal advice about how to best proceed with the Garden City Lands issue.

Pat Young, 2080 Stirling Avenue, expressed concern about the changes that have occurred in the City, stating that the human foot print was a problem. Mr. Young questioned whether Richmond needed another 40,000 people, and stated that the Garden City Lands were Canadian, Richmond, and Native Lands. He felt that the citizens of Richmond were relying on information from the media, and requested members of Council to slow the process down.

Keith Tsukishima, 1930 Eureka Ave, Port Coquitlam, Chair, Richmond Economic Advisory Committee, spoke in favour of endorsing the block application and holding a Public Hearing. He stated that the Garden City Lands were a tremendous resource for the City of Richmond, its citizens, and the Musqueum, and that the Lands would create an enormous economic benefit for many generations to follow. Mr. Tsukishima concluded by requesting that the Richmond Economic Advisory Committee be given the opportunity to review the Garden City Lands report.

Bruce Rozenhart, 11171 Barkentine Place, past Co-Chair of the Advisory Committee on the Environment, and the Economic Advisory Committee, spoke in support of the proposal, viewing it as a unique opportunity for Richmond to acquire a significant piece of land that was previously not available. He expressed consolation over the notion that the City would have control over the development of the Lands, and spoke about Richmond’s potential partnership with the Musqueam nation. In conclusion, Mr. Rozenhart encouraged Council to proceed with the Public Hearing, as well as seek input from the Economic Advisory Committee.

De Whalen, 13631 Blundell Road, spoke in opposition to the proposal,  presenting numerous questions related to the rationale for removing the Garden City Lands from the ALR. She requested Council to consider Richmond’s needs, and encouraged others to write to Council, as well as attend the Public Hearing on March 11^th, 2008. A copy of Ms. Whalen’s submission is attached at Schedule 2 and forms part of these minutes.

Gordon Kibble, 11171 4^th Avenue, encouraged Council not to rush into a decision, stating that the Lands are too important to the citizens of Richmond. He also indicated that the Advisory Committee on the Environment could use additional time to review the issue and provide a thorough opinion.

Item No. 12 – Housing Agreement Amendment: Income Thresholds and Item No. 20 – The Garden City Lands – Agricultural Land Reserve Exclusion Application

David Reay, #25 – 4340 Steveston Hwy, indicated that he wished to comment on two matters.

With regard to Item No. 12, he spoke in support of increasing the maximum income thresholds, feeling it was necessary in order for the Housing Agreements to work. He spoke about the concern of longevity of tenure with tenants having to move if their income slightly exceeded the thresholds, particularly the previous bachelor suite threshold of $20,000. Mr. Reay expressed concern about the high housing costs in Richmond, and made reference to, for example, a Vice Principal of a school, who lived outside of Richmond due to the expensive housing costs. In conclusion, Mr. Reay provided information related to Dolphin Court housing agreements, and believing that rental housing would be lost, requested that the issue be dealt with as quickly as possible.

With reference to item No. 20, Mr. Reay felt that the agricultural reports had not addressed the issue of food sustainability. He remarked that urban farming was a different type of agriculture with its own economics and system for managing the land. He felt that the application to the ALC was similar to the previous application which had been rejected, and that it was a waste of Richmond’s money.

Panterlis Karaplis, 6260 Skaha Crescent, felt that threats had been put in place in case Richmond did not favour the application. He remarked that the only concrete proposal for the Lands was the Trade and Exhibition Centre, however a land dedication of 15% for the Centre bothered him. Mr. Karaplis hoped that Council would carefully consider the Garden City Lands issue.

In answer to questions, staff advised that (i) the Garden City Lands were transferred from the Federal Government on the basis that a Trade and Exhibition Centre would be put in place; (ii) the lands must be removed from the ALR prior to development; and (iii) Tourism Richmond was developing a business plan for the Trade and Exhibition Centre, however, their work in this regard would be on hold until after the ALR issue had been resolved.

Chris Browne, 10551 ST. Edward Dr, Vice President, Board of Directors, Tourism Richmond, spoke in support of Council endorsing the exclusion from the ALR, feeling that the proposed Trade and Exhibition Centre would assist in increasing tourism. He then spoke about the proposal and its unique opportunities related to taxes, economic development, and employment.

Shane McMillan, 7160 Shafer Avenue, spoke in opposition to the proposal, feeling that (i) the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) would be bad for Richmond; (ii) the MOU contradicted “smart growth” and the City mislead the public by stating that the proposed development of the Garden City Lands would follow the “smart growth” principles; (iii) the City’s stated purposes could be accommodated if the Lands remained in the ALR; and (iv) the ALR designation is in conformity with “smart growth”, thus the Lands should remain in the ALR.

In conclusion, Mr. McMillan stated that removing the Garden City Lands from the ALR would compromise the future of Richmond, and requested that Council take into consideration all three pillars of sustainability: (i) social sustainability; (ii) economic sustainability; and (iii) environmental sustainability.

Reference was made to correspondence received from Smart Growth BC, requesting that any reference to the term “smart growth” be removed from the Garden City Lands materials because the principles of the agreement were not in conformity with Smart Growth principles

In answer to questions, staff advised that: (i) since the correspondence from Smart Growth BC had been received very recently, staff had not had an opportunity to address it; (ii) any references made to the term “smart growth” in the City Centre Area Plan or in the definitions provided in the open house surveys were not related to any particular Smart Growth BC principle; and (iii) “smart growth” principles are fairly generic.

Staff was requested to contact Smart Growth BC and address the issue, as well as be mindful of the implications of the term “smart growth” as the general public may not have a clear understanding of what it truly means.

Information was provided that the City had received notification from the Treasury Board of Canada, indicating that the Garden City Lands would not revert back to the Federal Government if the agreement does not proceed.

With regard to concerns associated with the notification received by the City from the Treasury Board of Canada, Mr. McMillan encouraged the citizens of Richmond to contact their local federal government representative.

Grant McMillan, 7160 Shafer Ave, spoke in opposition to the proposal, expressing the view that bigger isn’t necessarily better, and that people often move to smaller cities seeking city services without the negative aspects associated with a larger city. Mr. McMillan expressed concern about the availability of agricultural land for food production, and believed that land should remain in the ALR. He spoke about the legacy of Stanley Park, and stated that this Council had an opportunity to leave behind a legacy by preserving the Garden City Lands. Mr. McMillan suggested using other land which currently houses decrepit housing for densification of Richmond.

A discussion took place, and the following was noted:

§   

the public needs to be made aware of all material related to the Garden City Lands;

§   

the costs of turning the Garden City Lands into viable farming land would be much higher in comparison to other land in Richmond;

At this point, Councillor Linda Barnes left the meeting (9:27 p.m.).

§   

a Trade and Exhibition Center was a requirement of the Treasury Board of Canada, but would be built by Tourism Richmond;

At this point, Councillor Linda Barnes re-entered the meeting (9:31 p.m.).

§   

the City Centre’s current population is approximately 45,000, and the growth projection is 120,000 people;

§   

there was no mechanism other than the current agreement to have the Garden City Lands transferred to the City.

In answer to a question, staff advised that in the past, discussions related to the transfer of the Garden City Lands had taken place with federal ministers, senior staff at the deputy minister level, the Prime Minister’s Office, and with the Prime Minister.

Carol Day, 11631 Seahearst Road, spoke in opposition to the proposal, sharing her belief that it was a waste of time, and that the ALC would not approve the exclusion of the Lands from the ALR. Ms. Day referred to the Official Community Plan, and indicated that the Garden City Lands were zoned for public open use, not density. She voiced concerns about the amount of land that has been removed from the ALR and not been replaced. Ms. Day believed that the MOU would “die” and, once it did, the CLC would be forced to draft a new MOU that would respect the ALR zoning. In conclusion, Ms. Day advised that she would be funding a trip for herself to meet with the Minister of Agriculture in Ottawa to ask for assistance to keep the Garden City Lands in the ALR.

Craig Jones, #8 –13160 Princess Street, spoke on behalf of the Board of Directors of the Richmond Chamber of Commerce in expressing support of removing the Lands from the ALR and proceeding with a Public Hearing.

Item No. 20 – The Garden City Lands – Agricultural Land Reserve Exclusion Application

Michael Wolfe, 9731 Odlin Road, spoke in opposition to the Garden City Lands proposal, and suggested that replacing the term “environmental sustainability” with the phrase “long term well being”, may provide people with a better understanding. He emphasized the importance of preservation for future generations and responsibility. Mr. Wolfe made reference to a biodiversity study which had identified species native to the Garden City Lands, including several plant species, some of which were edible, and 23 animal species, including the barn owl and blue heron. In conclusion, Mr. Wolfe offered a tour of the Garden City Lands to City Council and the citizens of Richmond, and requested that the March 11^th, 2008 Public Hearing be delayed so that anyone interested could have an opportunity to tour the Lands.

Item No. 11 – Application by Iredale Group Architecture for rezoning at Cooney, Anderson and Eckersley Roads; Item No. 12 – Housing Agreement Amendment: Income Thresholds; and Item No. 20 – The Garden City Lands – Agricultural Land Reserve Exclusion Application

Peter Mitchell, 6271 Nanika Crescent, indicated that he wished to comment on three matters.

With regard to Item No. 12, Mr. Mitchell stated that when he was the manager of 600 affordable subsidized housing units, a social worker had been provided for the tenants, and the goal was to help residents to improve themselves, increase their income and employment, move out, and become productive members of society. He felt that when someone’s income does increase, they should move out and create affordable housing space for others.

With reference to Item No. 11, Mr. Mitchell indicated that: (i) the City should the advise the school district about the development even though the report stated that there were no requirements for the City to advise the school district; (ii) the trees for removal should be replaced with both coniferous and deciduous trees; (iii) the number of different housing styles were a good balance for Richmond; and (iv) design of residential recreational centres should take into consideration provisions for daycare and recycling for items such as cooking oils. He also spoke about the public accessibility to the roof podium; the absence of a green roof; and traffic problems in the area.

With regard to Item No. 20, Mr. Mitchell stated that this was not the time to make a decision about whether to proceed with the Garden City Lands. He spoke in favour of proceeding with a Public Hearing, and offering the citizens an opportunity to speak on the issue.

Arzeena Hamir, 8480 Dayton Court, spoke in opposition to the proposed Garden City Lands agreement, and asked Council not to proceed to a Public Hearing. Ms. Hamir believed that the application was weak, as it stated that the Lands were un-farmable, but listed farming as a potential use on the City’s portion of the Lands. She expressed her opinion that the Agricultural Endowment Fund was not a solution, rather it was a bribe. Ms. Hamir stated that almost all soil in Richmond required liming in order to grow food, and that in her opinion, the Garden City Lands were a prime location for urban agriculture.

R08/4-3

4.

It was moved and seconded

That Committee rise and report (10:02 p.m.).

CARRIED

CONSENT AGENDA

R08/4-4

5.

It was moved and seconded

That Items 6 through 19 be adopted by general consent.

CARRIED

6.

COMMITTEE MINUTES

That the minutes of:

(1)

the Community Safety Committee meeting held on Tuesday, February 12^th, 2008;

(2)

the General Purposes Committee meeting held on Monday, February 18^th, 2008;

(3)

the Planning Committee meeting held on Tuesday, February 19^th 2008; and

(4)

the Public Works & Transportation Committee meeting held on Wednesday, February 20^th, 2008.

be received for information.

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

7.

Appointment of Bylaw Enforcement OfficerS - JAMES ROBERT ANDERSON AND JACIKE RANDOLPH NISHIKAWA

 (Report:  Jan. 17/08, File No.:  01-0172-03) (REDMS No. 2330373, 2324391, 2324394)

That James Robert Anderson, and Jackie Randolph Nishikawa be appointed as Bylaw Enforcement Officers, in accordance with Section 36 of the Police Act, and that such appointments be for the term of their employment as Bylaw Enforcement Officers with the City of Richmond.

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

8.

FINES FOR GRAFFITI AND UNSIGHTLY PREMISES – AMENDMENT TO MUNICIPAL TICKET INFORMATION aUTHORIZATION bYLAW nO. 7321

(Report:  Jan. 25/08, File No.:  12-8060-20-8320) (REDMS No. 2224460)

That Municipal Ticket Information Authorization Bylaw No. 7321, Amendment Bylaw No. 8320 be introduced and given first, second and third readings.

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

9.

Richmond Centre Mall Defibrillator Program

(Report:  February 13, 2008, File No.:  ) (REDMS No. 2345428)

(1)

That a letter be written to the Richmond Centre Mall, on behalf of the City, commending the mall for starting the Richmond Centre Mall Defibrillator Program; and

(2)

That a letter be sent to other Richmond malls: (i) advising them of the Richmond Centre Mall Defibrillator Program, and of the City’s endorsement of such a life saving program in its places of congregation, (ii) encouraging participation in the Defibrillator  Program for their mall, and (iii) providing the Fire Department’s contact information for those interested in participating in the program.

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

10.

APPLICATION BY SOHAN S. MANN FOR REZONING AT 7611 BRIDGE STREET FROM SINGLE-FAMILY HOUSING DISTRICT, SUBDIVISION AREA F (R1/F) TO COMPREHENSIVE DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT (CD/139)

(RZ 06-345524 - Report:  January 31, 2008, File No.:  12-8060-20-8304) (REDMS No. 2242403, 2291250)

That Bylaw No. 8304, for the rezoning of 7611 Bridge Street from "Single-Family Housing District, Subdivision Area  F (R1/F)" to "Comprehensive Development District (CD/139)", be introduced and given first reading.

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

11.

APPLICATION BY IREDALE GROUP ARCHITECTURE FOR REZONING AT 6760, 6780, 6800, 6820 COONEY ROAD, 8371, 8411 ANDERSON ROAD AND6771, 6811, 6831 ECKERSLEY ROAD FROM SINGLE-FAMILY HOUSING DISTRICT, SUBDIVISION AREA E (R1/E) TO COMPREHENSIVE DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT (CD/195)

(RZ 06-322803 - Report:  January 7, 2008, File No.:  12-8060-20-8327/8316) (REDMS No. 2257193, 2283745, 2324150)

(1)

That Bylaw No. 8327, to amend the Richmond Zoning and Development Bylaw 5300 Division 100 and 200 to include terms and provisions in accordance with the Richmond Affordable Housing Strategy, be introduced and given first reading; and

(2)

That Bylaw No. 8316, to create “Comprehensive Development District (CD/195)” and for the rezoning of 6760, 6780, 6800, 6820 Cooney Road, 8371, 8411 Anderson Road, and 6771, 6811, 6831 Eckersley Road from “Single-Family Housing District, Subdivision Area E (R1/E)” to “Comprehensive Development District (CD/195)”, be introduced and given first reading.

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

12.

HOUSING AGREEMENT AMENDMENT: INCOME THRESHOLDS

(Report:  January 29, 2008, File No.:  06-2270-13) (REDMS No. 2335683)

That clause Part I (o) of the template Housing Agreement for the Affordable Housing Strategy be removed and replaced with the following:

Part I (o):

Original Rent

(i)

$500.00 a month for a bachelor suite (e.g., for eligible tenant having an annual income of  $23,000 or less);

(ii)

$625.00 a month for a one bedroom suite (e.g., for eligible tenant having an annual income of $28,000 or less);

(iii)

$750.00 a month for a two bedroom suite (e.g., for eligible tenant having an annual income of $33,000 or less);

(iv)

$943.00 a month for a three bedroom suite (e.g., for eligible tenant having an annual income of $37,700 or less)

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

13.

Building Height Restrictions

(Report: February 20, 2008, File No.: 12-8360-01, XR 01-0025-01) (REDMS No. 2346139)

That a letter be prepared to Peter Dhillon, the City’s representative on the Vancouver International Airport Board (YVR), for the Mayor’s signature, with a copy to Larry Berg, CEO of YVR, to:

(1)

request a status report on the suggestion that building height restrictions in the southern section of the City Centre be increased; and

(2)

suggest that a meeting, attended by City representatives, Peter Dhillon and Larry Berg, take place before the YVR Board responds to the City’s letter.

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

14.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS – CONSULTING SERVICES TO PREPARE AND EVALUATE PRIVATE SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES IN PROVISION OF PUBLIC BUS SHELTERS AND STREET FURNITURE ON CITY STREETS

(Report:  January 15, 2008, File No.:  10-6360-03-03) (REDMS No. 2301094)

(1)

That staff be directed to retain a consultant, to a maximum cost of $75,000, to assist in the preparation and evaluation of a Request for Proposals for private sponsorship in the provision of citywide bus shelters and street furniture.

(2)

That the source of funding for the above consulting work be the Corporate Enterprise Fund with the amount to be repaid to the Fund from the revenue to be generated within the first five years of the sponsorship program beginning July 1, 2009 at an annual interest rate of 5%.

(3)

That staff report back on the outcome and recommendation of the above Request for Proposals by Winter 2008.

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

15.

TRAFFIC SAFETY AWARENESS WEEK – MARCH 3-7, 2008

(Report:  February 5, 2008, File No.:  10-6450-09-01) (REDMS No. 2332605)

(1)

That:

(a)

the 2008 Traffic Safety Awareness Week (March 3-7, 2008) activities initiated by the Richmond District Parents Association, sponsored by ICBC Road Safety, the Autoplan Broker Road Safety Program and the Richmond School Board with the participation of the Way to Go! School Program and the BCAA Traffic Safety Foundation, as outlined in the attached report be endorsed; and

(b)

staff involvement in the 2008 Traffic Safety Awareness Week activities as part of the City’s on-going traffic safety education initiatives be endorsed.

(2)

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

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

16.

METRO VANCOUVER PORT CITIES COMMITTEE AND VANCOUVER FRASER PORT AUTHORITY – SUPPORT OF ENGAGEMENT FRAMEWORK

(Report:  February 6, 2008, File No.:  01-0140-20-VFPO1) (REDMS No. 2338016)

(1)

That the Engagement Framework proposed jointly by the Metro Vancouver Port Cities Committee and Vancouver Fraser Port Authority to form the basis for a future regional Charter between Metro Vancouver port cities and the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, as outlined in the attached report, be endorsed.

(2)

That the Chair of the Metro Vancouver Board be advised of the above resolution.

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

17.

STATUS UPDATE ON ADDITIONAL TRANSLINK FUNDING FOR NO. 3 ROAD RESTORATION

(Report:  January 14, 2008, File No.:  10-6525-01) (REDMS No. 2327537)

That the General Manager of Engineering and Public Works or his delegate be authorized to execute any agreement necessary to accept the following:

(a)

$4.4M funding increase in the TransLink contribution for a total of $8.4M under the MRN Minor Capital program;

(b)

$132,353 of cycling infrastructure funding from TransLink under the BICCS Program as related to the section of No. 3 Road outside of the MRN;

(c)

$235,286 of cycling infrastructure funding under the MRN Minor Capital program.

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

18.

ILLEGAL DUMPING ON COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES

(Report:  January 21, 2008, File No.:  10-6405-12-01) (REDMS No. 2285803)

(1)

That staff prepare information concerning guidelines for proper management of commercial garbage/recycling wastes.

(2)

That this information be made available to commercial developers at the development permit stage as well as made available on the City’s website.

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

19.

LOCAL AREA SERVICES PROGRAM BYLAW AND PROCESSES

(Report:  January 23, 2008, File No.:  10-6190-00, xr 12-8060-20-8318) (REDMS No. 2281294, 2307890, 223384, 2296836)

(1)

That Local Improvement Project Charges Bylaw No. 7189 Repeal Bylaw No. 8318 (Attachment 1) be introduced and given first, second and third readings.

(2)

That the Local Area Services Program Process Policy (Attachment 2) be adopted.

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

CONSIDERATION OF MATTERS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA

GENERAL PURPOSES COMMITTEE –
Mayor Malcolm D. Brodie, Chair

20.

The Garden City Lands – Agricultural Land Reserve Exclusion Application

Staff Report
ALR Block Exclusion Application - Binder 1
ALR Block Exclusion Application - Binder 2
(Report:  February 15,2008, File No.:  4105-20-2007387179) (REDMS No. 2343964, 2343687)

R08/4-5

It was moved and seconded

That

(1)

The following recommendation be forwarded to Public Hearing:

That Council endorse the “Block Application” (Attachment 1) to exclude the properties known as the “Garden City Lands” bounded by Garden City Road, Alderbridge Way, No. 4 Road and Westminster Highway from the Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR) on behalf of the Musqueam Indian Band (Musqueam), the City of Richmond and the Canada Lands Company (CLC), collectively known as “the partners”; and

(2)

This report be referred to Richmond Agricultural Advisory Committee, the Advisory Committee on the Environment, and the Richmond Economic Advisory Committee for their comments and input to Council prior to the Public Hearing; and

(3)

The “Block Application” be forwarded to a Public Hearing on March 11, 2008, at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Richmond City Hall.

The question on the motion was not called, as Councillor Harold Steves gave a brief presentation about Richmond’s parkland requirements. A copy of Councillor Steves’ submission is attached at Schedule 3, and forms part of these minutes.

The question on the motion was then called, and it was CARRIED with Councillors Barnes, S. Halsey Brandt, and Steves opposed.

PUBLIC DELEGATIONS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS

R08/4-6

21.

It was moved and seconded

That Council resolve into Committee of the Whole to hear delegations on non-agenda items (10:44 p.m.).

CARRIED

Michael Lanier, a community Social Services worker in Ladner briefly spoke about a few of the many social and community services available to assist the community in dealing with issues such as child care; physical and emotional abuse; homelessness; job loss and training.

A brief discussion ensued about the funding cut backs and the impact on social services. Mr. Lanier advised that for each dollar not spent on social services, seven dollars would be spent on restoration or justice programs in the future.

Mr. Lanier then requested members of Council to give consideration to how many community services have touched their own lives, and thanked Council for the proclamation that stated March would be community services month.

(File No. 01-0185-04)

R08/4-7

22.

It was moved and seconded

That Committee rise and report (10:53 p.m.).

CARRIED

BYLAWS FOR ADOPTION

R08/4-8

It was moved and seconded

That the following bylaw be adopted:

Zoning & Development Bylaw No. 5300, Amendment Bylaw No. 8128

(10020 No. 4 Road, RZ 06-328429)

CARRIED

OPPOSED: Cllrs. S. Halsey-Brandt

ADJOURNMENT

R08/4-9

It was moved and seconded

That the meeting adjourn (10:57 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 25^th, 2008.

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Mayor (Malcolm D. Brodie)

Corporate Officer (David Weber)