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 Bill McNulty
Councillor Harold Steves

Director, City Clerk’s Office – David Weber

Absent:

Councillor Evelina Halsey-Brandt

Call to Order:

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

RES NO.

ITEM

MINUTES

R08/9-1

1.

It was moved and seconded

That:

(1)

the minutes of the Regular Council Meeting held on Monday, Monday, April 28^th, 2008; and

(2)

the minutes of the Special Council Meeting held on Monday, May 5^th, 2008,

each be adopted as circulated and that the Metro Vancouver “Boards in Brief” dated February 29th, 2008, and March 28th, 2008 be received for information.

CARRIED

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

R08/9-2

2.

It was moved and seconded

That Council resolve into Committee of the Whole to hear delegations on agenda items (7:04 p.m.).

CARRIED

3.

Delegations from the floor on Agenda items:

Item No. 11 – Dogs in Parks Task Force

Jill Seymour, Financial Director Richmond Responsible Dog Owner’s Group (RRDOG), praised City staff and Council for efforts made to resolve dog issues, and spoke about the reasons why RRDOG would not be applying for a contract to conduct education programs, as suggested by City staff. She expressed concerns related to funding for RRDOG, in particular to RRDOG’s 2008 grant application submission to the City. A copy of Ms. Seymour’s submission is attached as Schedule 1, and forms part of these minutes.

In answer to questions, staff advised that a forthcoming report would address issues related to funding for RRDOG, and the report could be anticipated within the coming weeks.

Joan Dufor, spokesperson for the Disability Dog Initiative, spoke about several factors that could make it difficult for disabled and able bodied dog owners to be responsible dog owners. Her concerns included a lack of off-leash dog parks, and accessibility to those parks, as well as issues related to safety. A copy of Ms. Dufor’s submission is attached as Schedule 2, and forms part of these minutes.

Public Health Protection Bylaw No. 6989, Amendment Bylaw No. 8360

Dean Davison – spoke on behalf of Robustos’ Cigars and Coffee, and requested that adoption of Bylaw No. 8360 be tabled until the July 28^th, 2008  Council meeting, as it would provide Robustos’ time to explore options in response to Amendment Bylaw No. 8360. Mr. Davison noted that Robusto’s had not received any form of notification related to Bylaw No. 8360, and therefore had had only three days to prepare for this meeting. He expressed concern related to the adoption of Bylaw No. 8360 because it would prohibit Robustos’ customers from smoking outside of the shop, and their business heavily depended on customers being able to smoke on the patio.

Rodrigo Romo at 304 – 5500 Lynas Lane, expressed appreciation for Robustos’ clean and well maintained patio where he could sit and enjoy his cigar purchases. He noted that Robustos’ was recognized as a hub, and spoke about the friends he had made from Richmond and other cities as a patron of Robustos’. In conclusion, he remarked that the elimination of a smoking patio would impact the Robustos’ family business in a dramatic and negative manner.

Erin Hamil, resident of Richmond and long term customer of Robustos’ indicated that she moved to Richmond partly as a result of the long term friendships she had made on the Robustos’ patio. She advised that if the patio had not been present, she would not have moved to Richmond. In conclusion Ms. Hamil requested that Council grant the extension requested by Robustos’ to respond to the implications of Bylaw No. 8360.

Robert Angus, customer of Robustos’, spoke about the benefits resulting from social opportunities and valuable business contacts available at Robustos’. He noted that the café culture at Robustos’ did not exist anywhere else in the lower mainland, as other retailers sold cigars but customers could not smoke them on the premises.

Roger Mah – resident of Richmond and supporter of Robustos’ Cigars, remarked that he had a stressful professional life, and that having a cigar with friends on the smoking patio at Robustos’ was his preferred way to relax. He noted that Robustos’ was the only venue in Richmond where one could buy a cigar, coffee, or snack and enjoy them on the patio. Mr. Mah stated that he chooses to patronize Robustos’ because of their acceptance of cigar smoking, and expressed concern about how removal of the smoking patio would hurt the business.

Todd Bezzasso, Richmond resident and Robustos’ employee, advised that Robustos’ smoking patio offered great opportunities for networking.

Jack Menard, 10431 Steveston Hwy, shared his Robustos’ experience, and how socializing at Robustos’ had enabled him to meet many people. Mr. Menard requested that Council grant the extension requested by Robustos’ to respond to the implications of Bylaw No. 8360.

Massey Tanaka, Robustos’ employee, advised that he worked as a Cigar Specialist and salesperson, and that cigar smoking on the patio is the key pivotal point in Robustos’ business. In conclusion, Mr. Tanaka stated that many people enjoy cigars on the patio, and it would be a shame if those people could no longer do that.

Shannon Matsuyama, Manager Robustos’ Cigars and Coffee, expressed concerns associated with prohibiting smoking on the patio as it would result in a decrease in business.  She shared how Robustos’ had provided her with opportunities to sit down and enjoy the company of customers from all over the world, and stated that Robustos’ was a part of her life that she cherished.

Noah Felgar – 4260 Garry Street, Co-owner Robustos’ Cigars and Coffee, requested an extension of time to allow Robustos’ to properly reply to Bylaw No. 8360. He spoke about how Robustos’ had become a gathering place for a staggering variety of people from Richmond and other areas of greater Vancouver. Mr. Felger advised that local hotels had referred many customers, and Robustos’ had become a tourist business. He also advised that service was not offered on the patio, and that Robustos’ staff have ample opportunity to clean the patio after the patrons have left.

Tom Orange, Co-owner, Operator Robustos’ Cigars and Coffee, expressed disappointment as he had not received a notice or survey in connection to Amendment Bylaw No. 8360. He stated that Robustos’ had a unique business and cause, and that Robustos’ was relevant to the City’s survey. Mr. Orange advised that: (i) Robustos’ was 100% compliant with Provincial Legislation as applicable to smoking; (ii) 50% of the patio was non-smoking; (iii) cigars were not visible or accessible without staff assistance; (iv) Robustos’ did not sell cigarettes; (v) 75 – 80% of Robustos’ revenue was generated from cigar sales; and (vi) Robustos’ livelihood depended solely on the patio. In conclusion, Mr. Orange stated that Robustos’ was a “Destination Cigar Shop”, and wanted an opportunity to continue to survive.

Item No. 11 – Dogs in Parks Task Force

Ryan Lake, one of the founding Directors of RRDOG , spoke about the efforts put forth by RRDOG during the past three years towards creating a coalition for responsible dog ownership, and making communities safer, cleaner friendlier and greener. He requested that Council take into consideration the cooperative approach taken by RRDOG when addressing the Dogs In Parks Task Force matter.

R08/9-3

4.

It was moved and seconded

That Committee rise and report (8:30 p.m.)

CARRIED

CONSENT AGENDA

R08/9-4

5.

It was moved and seconded

That Items 6 through 13with the removal of Item No. 10 – Older Adults Service Plan – Active and Healthy Aging for those 55+, and Item No. 13, Britannia Shipyard Business Plan, 2008 – 2012 be adopted by general consent.

CARRIED

6.

COMMITTEE MINUTES

That the minutes of:

(1)

the General Purposes Committee meeting held on May 5^th, 2008;

(2)

the Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services Committee meeting held on April 29^th, 2008;

(3)

the Planning Committee meeting held on May 6^th, 2008; and

(4)

the Council/School Board Liaison Committee meeting held on April 29^th, 2008.

be received for information.

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

7.

UBCM Healthy Food and Beverage Sales Grant 2008

(Report:  April 14, 2008, File No.:  03-1087-01) (REDMS No. 2437609, 2401120)

That the application for the Union of BC Municipalities’ Healthy Food and Beverage Sales Grant Program (Phase 1) be approved for submission and, if successful, that the grant funding be used to improve healthy food and beverage choices for those who use and work at the City’s recreation facilities and local government buildings.

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

8.

Bell Mobility Inc. Telecommunications Proposal at Hugh Boyd Park, 9751 Pendleton Road

(Report:  April 8, 2008, File No.: 03-1000-14-131) (REDMS No. 2434882, 2030964)

That:

(1)

a license from the City to Bell Mobility Inc. to develop and use a portion of Hugh Boyd Park for the development of a cell tower and related infrastructure be approved as detailed in the staff reports dated November 14, 2006 and April 8, 2008 and other terms as deemed necessary by the City; and

(2)

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

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

9.

Paulik Gardens Neighbourhood Park Community Public Art Project, "Lulu, A Memory Garden"

(Report:  April 16, 2008, File No.:  11-7000-09-20-054/Vol 01) (REDMS No. 2437594)

That the final concept design, as prepared by Jacqueline Metz & Nancy Chew, be endorsed for the Community Public Art Project entitled “Lulu, a Memory Garden”, at Paulik Gardens Neighbourhood Park.

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

10.

Older Adults Service Plan – Active and Healthy Aging for Those 55+

(Report:  April 14, 2008, File No.:  11-7000-07/2008-Vol 01) (REDMS No. 2354887, 2347436, 2450315)

See page 8 of these minutes for action taken on this matter.

11.

Dogs in Parks Task Force

(Report:  April 17, 2008, File No.:  11-7200-20-DPAR1-01/2008-Vol 01) (REDMS No. 2433964, 1613203, 1518124)

That:

(1)

the Vision and strategic directions identified in the report, Dogs in Parks Task Force, dated April 17, 2008 from the Director of Parks and Public Works Operations be endorsed; and

(2)

a public consultation process regarding the recommendations of 2008 Dogs in Parks Task Force be undertaken throughout the fall of 2008 and report back to Committee in early 2009.

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

12.

Street Banner Sponsorship

(Report:  April 15, 2008, File No.:  11-7200-00/Vol 01) (REDMS No. 2438147, 113938, 2438253, 2450322, 2446080)

That:

(1)

Policy 7703 STREET BANNERS – SPONSORSHIP be rescinded; and

(2)

Policy 7707 STREET BANNERS – SPONSORSHIP as outlined in the report dated April 15, 2008 from the Director Parks and Public Works Operations be adopted with an amendment to the application process to provide Council with information on the Street Banner applications rather than seek Council approval of the applications.

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

13.

Britannia Shipyard Business Plan, 2008-2012

(Report:  April 7, 2008, File No.:  2025-20-003) (REDMS No. 2433209, 1399919, 2360704)

See page 8 of these minutes for action taken on this matter.

CONSIDERATION OF MATTERS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA

10.

Older Adults Service Plan – Active and Healthy Aging for Those 55+

(Report:  April 14, 2008, File No.:  11-7000-07/2008-Vol 01) (REDMS No. 2354887, 2347436, 2450315)

R08/9-5

It was moved and seconded

That the “Older Adults Service Plan – Active and Healthy Aging for Those 55+” (as amended through stakeholder consultation) be endorsed and be re-named to “Older Adults Service Plan  – Active and Healthy Living in Richmond”.

CARRIED

13.

Britannia Shipyard Business Plan, 2008-2012

(Report:  April 7, 2008, File No.:  2025-20-003) (REDMS No. 2433209, 1399919, 2360704)

R08/9-6

It was moved and seconded

That the Britannia Heritage Shipyard Business Plan Update (2008 – 2012) be endorsed as the guide to future development and operations at Britannia Heritage Shipyard Site.

CARRIED

R08/9-7

It was moved and seconded

That staff give further consideration to the uses for Murchison House 1 and 2, and the Stilt House 1 and 2, and return the analysis to the appropriate committee.

The question on Resolution No. R08/9-7, was not called, as a discussion took place about the appropriateness of designating the Murchison House and the Stilt House buildings for washroom facilities and a caretakers suite.

The question on Resolution No. R08/9-7, was then called, and it was CARRIED, with Cllr. Howard opposed.

COMMUNITY SAFETY COMMITTEE –
Councillor Cynthia Chen, Vice-Chair

14.

PAY PARKING AND DISABLED PARKING REVIEW

(Report:  March 28, 2008, File No.:  12-8060-20-8341/8342) (REDMS No. 2347485, 2440908, 2344789, 2345791, 2443590, 2446488, 2446492)

R08/9-8

It was moved and seconded

(1)

That Council increase the City’s pay parking meter rates by $0.50 per hour, for two years;

(2)

That Council increase the City’s parking permit rates as outlined in the report dated March 28, 2008 from the Manager, Community Bylaws;

(3)

That Council prohibit stopping in parking spaces designated for use by persons with disabilities;

(4)

That Traffic Bylaw No. 5870, Amendment Bylaw No. 8341 be introduced and given first, second and third reading; and

(5)

That Parking (Off-Street) Regulation Bylaw No. 7403, Amendment Bylaw No. 8342 be introduced and given first, second and third reading.

The question on Resolution No. R08/9-8 was not called, as a request was made that Part (1) be dealt with separately. The question on Part (1) of Resolution R08/9-8 was then called, and it was CARRIED with Cllrs. Barnes, McNulty and Steves opposed.

The question on Parts (2), (3), (4), and (5) of Resolution No. R08/9-8 was then called, and it was CARRIED with Cllrs. Barnes and Steves opposed.

R08/9-9

It was moved and seconded

That staff look at all rates related to parking permits, including a comparison between the downtown core, and extremities of Richmond.

CARRIED

BYLAWS FOR ADOPTION

R08/9-10

It was moved and seconded

That the following bylaws be adopted:

Zoning & Development Bylaw No. 5300, Amendment Bylaw No. 8211

(6211 Blundell Road, RZ 07-362664)

Zoning & Development Bylaw No. 5300, Amendment Bylaw No. 8295

(10180 Cambie Road, RZ 07-380226)

Vehicle For Hire Regulation Bylaw No. 6900, Amendment Bylaw No. 8335

Business Licence Bylaw No. 7360, Amendment Bylaw No. 8334

Business Licence Bylaw No. 7360, Amendment Bylaw No. 8365

Animal Control Bylaw No. 7932, Amendment Bylaw No. 8357

5 Year Financial Plan (2008 – 2012) Bylaw No. 8369

CARRIED

R08/9-11

It was moved and seconded

That the 2008 Annual Property Tax Rates Bylaw No. 8356 be adopted.

CARRIED

OPPOSED: Cllr. McNulty 

R08/9-12

It was moved and seconded

That the Public Health Protection Bylaw No. 6989, Amendment Bylaw No. 8360, and the Municipal Ticket Information Authorization Bylaw No. 7321, Amendment Bylaw No. 8361 each be adopted.

The question on Resolution No. R08/9-12 was not called, as a discussion took place about a referral on the feasibility of a destination cigar store and World War II veterans establishments receiving an exemption from Bylaw No. 8361. As a result, the following tabling motion was introduced: 

R08/9-13

It was moved and seconded

That Resolution No. R08/9-12 be tabled until after Council considers the referral.

CARRIED

R08/9-14

It was moved and seconded

That staff investigate the issue of a destination cigar store and World War II veterans establishments possibly receiving an exemption from Bylaw No. 8361.

CARRIED

OPPOSED: Cllr. S. Halsey-Brandt 

Resolution No. R08/9-12 was then lifted from the table.

The question on Resolution No. R08/9-12 was then called, and it was CARRIED.

ADJOURNMENT

R08/9-15

It was moved and seconded

That the meeting adjourn (9:56 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, May 12^th, 2008.

_________________________________

_________________________________

Mayor (Malcolm D. Brodie)

Corporate Officer (David Weber)