Time:

7:00 p.m.

Place:

Council Chambers

Richmond City Hall

Present:

Mayor Malcolm D. Brodie

Councillor Linda Barnes

Councillor Derek Dang

Councillor Evelina Halsey-Brandt

Councillor Greg Halsey-Brandt

Councillor Sue Halsey-Brandt

Councillor Ken Johnston

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

R09/4-1

1.

It was moved and seconded

That:

(1)

the minutes of the Regular Council Meeting held on Monday, February 9, 2009,

(2)

the minutes of the Special Council Meeting held on Wednesday, February 18, 2009; and

(3)

the minutes of the Regular Council Meeting for Public Hearings held on Monday, February 16, 2009,

each be adopted as circulated, and the Metro Vancouver “Board in Brief” dated January 30, 2009 be received for information.

CARRIED

AGENDA ADDITIONS & DELETIONS

R09/4-2

It was moved and seconded

That Item No. 15A– “2009 Operating Budget” (forwarded from the Finance Committee meeting of February 23, 2009) be added to the Council Agenda.

CARRIED

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

R09/4-3

2.

It was moved and seconded

That Council resolve into Committee of the Whole to hear delegations on agenda items (7:06 p.m.).

CARRIED

3.

Delegations from the floor on Agenda items:

Item No. 8 – Impact of Six-Storey Combustible Construction in Richmond

Dana Westermark – Oris Consulting, explained that the Provincial initiative to amend the BC Building Code did not introduce a change in the permitted height of 18 meters as this permitted height already exists.  The change was that by permitting wood-frame at this height, buildings could be built with up to six stories.  Mr. Westermark stated that buildings with six-storey wood-frame combustible construction were very safe and well designed, and then spoke about the viability of this type of construction.  He noted that the instances of deaths due to building fires had been steadily declining since the introduction of hard-wired smoke detectors and sprinklers.  In conclusion Mr. Westermark stated that this type of construction would provide opportunities to use locally grown and produced products, and would provide affordable new housing.

Item No. 9 – City of Richmond Comments: Proposed 2009 – 2013 YVR Noise Management Plan; Item No. 10 – Application for Rezoning at 7531 No. 4 Road; Item No. 13 – Corporate Use of Biodiesel and Other Alternative Fuels; and Item No. 8- Impact of Six-Storey Combustible Construction in Richmond

Michael Wolfe, 9731 Odlin Road, made reference to recent newspaper articles related to the proposed pipeline for underground jet fuel delivery, and explained how he believed the matter was connected to Agenda Item Nos. 9, 10, 13, and 8.

With regard to Item No 9, Mr. Wolfe stated that the anticipated increase in airline activity would result in increased airport noise, as well as an increase in jet fuel requirements.  He expressed his view that the City of Richmond’s comments related to the proposed YVR Noise Management Plan would not support the City’s overall goal to reduce airport noise, and therefore, the comments should not be submitted.

With respect to Item No. 10, Mr. Wolfe remarked that he felt this application for rezoning should not be approved, as the future owners may end up living on a pipeline.

Mr. Wolfe also spoke in opposition to the recommendation for Item No. 13, and suggested that the City explore alternatives such as decentralizing the works yards, or having smaller centres throughout to the City in an effort to reduce driving time.  He then questioned why a City that may house a pipeline in the future would use hybrids or propose to minimize its overall fleet size. 

Mr. Wolfe concluded by stating that as elected members, City Council should sit down and meet with MLA’s about issues rather than send letters to them as outlined in the recommendation for Item No. 8.

Item No. 15A – 2009 Operating Budget; Item No. 7 – Enhanced Smoking Regulations Potential Exemption For Cigar Retailers; and Item No. 8 – Impact of Six-Storey Combustible Construction In Richmond  

Peter Mitchell, 6271 Nanika Crescent, expressed his appreciation to the Finance Committee in adjusting the 2009 Operating Budget, and not reducing the budgets for youth workers.  He stated that the community centres were very good at keeping youth busy and diverted from undesirable activities.  Mr. Mitchell remarked that upon examining the dollar per square foot cost for community centres, consideration should be given to the fact that the City Centre Community Centre operates in a very small space, and often carries out many programs in adjacent schools, which results in higher cost per square foot.

Mr. Mitchell spoke in support of the recommendation related to Item No. 7, and briefly spoke about how smoke travels within buildings and affects others. 

With regard to Item 8, Mr. Mitchell indicated that he agreed with the previous delegation (Mr. Westermark), and advised that during his 15 years as a property manager, he had personally experienced many floods, but very few fires.  He spoke about the importance of building design, and stated that the City would have to budget for longer ladder trucks in the future.  In conclusion Mr. Mitchell suggested that landscaping plans for new buildings be reviewed in order to avoid fire accessibility problems.

Item No. Item No. 7 – Enhanced Smoking Regulations Potential Exemption For Cigar Retailer

Norman Wrigglesworth, expressed his support for placing health ahead of profits.

R09/4-4

4.

It was moved and seconded

That Committee rise and report (7:34 p.m.).

CARRIED

CONSENT AGENDA

R09/4-5

5.

It was moved and seconded

That Items 6 through 14 with the removal of Item No. 10, be adopted by general consent.

CARRIED

6.

COMMITTEE MINUTES

That the minutes of:

(1)

the Community Safety Committee meeting held on Tuesday, February 10, 2009;

(2)

the General Purposes Committee meeting held on Monday, February 16, 2009;

(3)

the Planning Committee meeting held on Tuesday, February 17, 2009 (distributed seperately); and

(4)

the Public Works & Transportation Committee meeting held on Wednesday, February 18, 2009 (distributed seperately),

be received for information.

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

7.

ENHANCED SMOKING REGULATIONS POTENTIAL EXEMPTION FOR CIGAR RETAILER

(Report:  January 26, 2009, File No.:  12-8060-20-8360, XR: 07-3000-02) (REDMS No. 2566420, 2566840)

That an exemption not be granted to the existing cigar retailer, from the provisions of:

(a)

Subdivision Six of the City’s Public Health Protection Bylaw No 6989; or

(b)

the Municipal Ticket Information Authorization Bylaw 7321:

§          

Schedule A, Section 9. Public Health Protection Bylaw No 6989; and

§          

Schedule B9, Subdivision 6 – Smoking Control & Regulation.

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

8.

IMPACT OF SIX-STOREY COMBUSTIBLE CONSTRUCGTION IN RICHMOND
(Report:  February 11, 2009, File No.:12-8360-03-02-01) (REDMS No. 2571249, 2574976)

(1)

That the “Impact of Six-storey Combustible Construction in Richmond” report (dated January 22, 2009) from the Acting Fire Chief be received for information;

(2)

That a letter be written to Richmond’s MLAs and the provincial Fire Commissioner regarding issues set out in the “Impact of Six-storey Combustible Construction in Richmond” report (dated January 22, 2009; and

(3)

That staff review the current effects and status of the legislation, and recommend further steps to be taken such as communication with UBCM and/or further civic requirements.

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

9.

CITY OF RICHMOND COMMENTS: PROPOSED 2009 – 2013 YVR NOISE MANAGEMENT PLAN

(Report:  February 9, 2009, File No.: 01-0153-04-01/2009-Vol 01) (REDMS No. 2570520, 2568137, 2577691)

Letter from Doug Louth, 4140 Dallyn Road (Schedule 1)

That:

(1)

the City’s comments on the proposed YVR 2009 – 2013 Noise Management Plan (Attachment 2 in the report dated February 9, 2009, from the General Manager, Planning and Development) be endorsed; and

(2)

the endorsed comments be sent to YVR, the YVR Noise Management Committee, the YVR Environmental Advisory Committee, the City’s Airport Noise Citizens Advisory Task Force, the City’s Advisory Committee on the Environment (ACE), the Mayors of Surrey, Delta and White Rock, the Metro Vancouver Board and municipalities, Richmond Provincial MLAs and Federal MPs, the Union of British Columbia Municipalities, the Federal Minister of Transport, NAV Canada, and Transport Canada.

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

10.

APPLICATION BY MATTHEW CHENG ARCHITECT INC. FOR REZONING AT 7531 NO. 4 ROAD FROM SINGLE-FAMILY HOUSING DISTRICT, SUBDIVISION AREA F (R1/F) TO COMPREHENSIVE DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT (CD/35)

(RZ 08-406182 - Report:  February 3, 2009, File No.:  12-8060-20-8462) (REDMS No. 2532076, 2443199, 2570254)

Please see Page 9 for action taken on this matter.

11.

AGRICULTURAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE 2008 ANNUAL REPORT AND 2009 WORK PROGRAM

(Report:  January 29, 2009, File No.: 01-0100-20-AADV1-01) (REDMS No. 2562380)

That the 2009 Agricultural Advisory Committee work program be approved.

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

12.

2009 CHILD CARE DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS - BOARD OF EDUCATION LIAISON

(Report:  January 26, 2009, File No.:  01-0100-20-CCDE1-01) (REDMS No. 2560143)

That Grace Tsang, and Chak Au as alternate, be appointed as the Board of Education Liaison to the Child Care Development Advisory Committee.

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

13.

CORPORATE USE OF BIODIESEL AND OTHER ALTERNATIVE FUELS

(Report:  February 11, 2009, File No.:  02-0780-00) (REDMS No. 2570276)

That the City’s Green Fleet Policy 2020 be amended to expand on existing triple bottom line practices specifically in relation to the use of biofuels as an alternative fuel by adding the following to ‘Item 1 – Acquisition’ as an additional bullet:

“Biofuels will be evaluated by taking into account their effect on agriculture, environmental impact, cost, source location and energy balance.  The highest blends available will be used subject to operational constraints.”

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

14.

12th ANNUAL TRAFFIC SAFETY AWARENESS WEEK – MARCH 2-6, 2009

(Report:  February 4, 2009, File No.:  10-6450-09-01/2009-Vol 01) (REDMS No. 2561297)

(1)

That Council endorse:

(a)

the 2009 Traffic Safety Awareness Week (March 2-6, 2009) activities initiated by the Richmond District Parents Association, with the participation of the Richmond School Board, HASTE (Hub for Action on School Transportation Emissions) and the BCAA Traffic Safety Foundation, as outlined in the report dated February 4, 2009 from the Director of Transporation;

(b)

staff involvement in the 2009 Traffic Safety Awareness Week activities as part of the City’s on-going traffic safety education initiatives; and

(2)

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

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

CONSIDERATION OF MATTERS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA

In accordance with the Section 100 of the Community Charter, Councillor Derek Dang declared himself to be in a potential conflict of interest as he has an interest in property that is the subject of Item No. 10, and left the meeting (8:29 p.m.).

10.

APPLICATION BY MATTHEW CHENG ARCHITECT INC. FOR REZONING AT 7531 NO. 4 ROAD FROM SINGLE-FAMILY HOUSING DISTRICT, SUBDIVISION AREA F (R1/F) TO COMPREHENSIVE DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT (CD/35)

(RZ 08-406182 - Report:  February 3, 2009, File No.:  12-8060-20-8462) (REDMS No. 2532076, 2443199, 2570254)

It was moved and seconded

That Bylaw No. 8462, for the rezoning of 7531 No. 4 Road from “Single-Family Housing District, Subdivision Area F (R1/F)” to “Comprehensive Development District (CD/35)”, be introduced and given first reading.

CARRIED

Councillor Derek Dang returned to the meeting at 8:30 p.m..

15.

ROKAPA MANAGEMENT LTD., DOING BUSINESS AS WELL PUB 6511 BUSWELL STREET RE-LOCATION OF LIQUOR PRIMARY LICENCE

(Report:  February 17, 2009, File No.: 12-8275-30-032) (REDMS No. 2549342, 2514674, 2571476, 2577703)

R09/4-6

It was moved and seconded

That based on a revised pub application with 25 seats and operating hours of 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., seven days a week, staff be directed to ask the Liquor Control and Licensing Branch for a 90 day extension to review a revised application, and to conduct further public consultation as if this were a new application.

CARRIED

OPPOSED: Cllrs. McNulty

Steves 

FINANCE COMMITTEE –
Mayor Malcolm Brodie, Chair

15A.

2009 OPERATING BUDGET

(Report:  February 18, 2009, File No.:  03-0970-01/2009-Vol 01) (REDMS No. 2569772, 2574544, 2566524)

R09/4-7

It was moved and seconded

(1)

That the attached report from the Manager of Budgets & Accounting on the 2009 Operating Budget referrals be received for information;

(2)

That the 2009 Operating Budget report dated January 22, 2009 with an average tax increase impact of 2.97% be approved as the basis for preparing the 5 Year Financial Plan (2009-2013), provided that:

(a)

That the proposed reductions for the Transfer of Artificial Turf revenue ($240,000) and Day Time Security ($50,000), as outlined in the 2009 Operating Budget report dated January 22, 2009 not be supported;

(b)

That the replacement of three currently vacant exempt positions be deferred indefinitely to achieve the equivalent amount of savings ($290,000), as originally contemplated by the two proposed reductions referred to in (a) above; and

(c)

That staff be directed to work with the community centres to consider the impacts of a reduction in the overall youth worker budget by $40,000 in 2010.

CARRIED

BYLAWS FOR ADOPTION

R09/4-8

It was moved and seconded

That the following bylaws be adopted:

Additional Hotel Room Tax Levy Bylaw No. 6817, Amendment Bylaw No. 8473

Additional Hotel Room Tax Imposition Bylaw No. 7810, Amendment Bylaw No. 8470

Additional Hotel Room Tax Imposition Bylaw No. 8471

CARRIED

ADJOURNMENT

R09/4-9

It was moved and seconded

That the meeting adjourn (9:06 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 23, 2009.

_________________________________

_________________________________

Mayor (Malcolm D. Brodie)

Corporate Officer (David Weber)