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

R09/5-1

1.

It was moved and seconded

That the minutes of the Regular Council Meeting held on Monday, February 23, 2009 be adopted as circulated.

CARRIED

AGENDA ADDITIONS & DELETIONS

R09/5-2

It was moved and seconded

That the Strategic Community Investment (SCI) Funds be added to the Council Agenda as Item 12A.

CARRIED

PRESENTATION

(1)

Paul Brar, Coordinator, Parks Programs, announced the winning designs for the City of Richmond’s 2009 Street Banner Program, and noted that this year’s theme “The Sustainable Future of Our City”, celebrated environmental, social, and economic sustainability throughout Richmond.  A total of 410 submissions were received, and the nine designs that had been selected would be installed in selected areas of Richmond’s downtown core and gateway later in March, 2009.

The winning artists and the titles of their banner art were: Hamid Ebrahimi – “ Dancing Heron” and “Sunflowers”; Joe Kuo – “Richmond’s Railroad”; Patrick Leung – “Murakami House”; Michell Diaz – “Lanterns”; Michaela Lynn – “Radishes”; John Bates – “Apples”; Brittani Faulkes – “Fishing Nets” and “Boat Prow”.

(2)

Brian Jackson, Director of Development, accompanied by Sara Badyal, Planner, indicated that the City received a total of 10 submissions in response to a call for nominations for the Richmond Urban Design Awards.  The following five projects were recognized as Lulu Award recipient projects:

i.

In the category of Residential (mid-rise), two projects were combined together in recognition of a neighbourhood design approach.  Dana Westermark; Developer, Tom Bell, Principal, GBL Architects Group Inc; Patrick Cotter, Principal Patrickk Cotter Architect Inc.; and Masa Ito, Principal, Ito and Associates, were presented an award by Mayor Brodie for their work on “McKinney Crossing and London Station”.

ii.

In the category of Residential (high-rise), Matthew Ng, Vice President of Development, Regent International; Duane Siegrist, Vice President, Integra Architecture; and Masa Ito, Principal, Ito and Associates, were presented an award by Mayor Brodie for their work on “Paloma 1”.

iii.

In the category of Industrial, Dr. Don Wright, President, BCIT; and Geraldine Rayner, Principal and Project Manager, Kasian, were presented an award by Mayor Brodie for their work on the “BCIT Aerospace Technology Campus”.

iv.

In the category of Public Buildings, Bob Cowan, Sr. VP Engineering, Vancouver International Airport Authority; and Kristalina Dinovksy-Kutev, Associate and Project Manager, Kasian, were presented an award by Mayor Brodie for their work on the “Vancouver International Airport Link Building”.

v.

In the category of Public Open Space, Doug Shearer, Park Planner, Major Projects, City or Richmond; and Chris Phillips, Principal, Philips Farevaag Smallberg were presented an award by Mayor Brodie for their work on “The Middle Arm Open Space Master Plan Concept for the Riverside Spirit Square Plaza”.

(3)

Janene Preston, Chair and Teresa Vozza, Co-Chair, Richmond Family and Youth Court Committee (RFYCC), presented the Committee’s Annual Report for 2008.  During her review, Ms. Preston highlighted that the RFYCC’s two major initiatives for 2008 were: (i) Preparing to host the Annual BC Family and Youth Court Conference in October 2009; and (ii) Observance and statistic-taking relating to Domestic Violence cases.

Ms. Vozza highlighted that inconsistencies in the way domestic violence cases were processed, including cases not being heard in the same court room, at the same time, or by the same judge, made it difficult to follow a specific file from beginning to end, and made the process challenging for the victims. 

In conclusion, Ms. Preston indicated that having Cynthia Chen as a Council Liaison in 2008 had been very helpful, and the Committee was looking forward to working with Councillor Evelina Halsey-Brandt in 2009.  

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

R09/5-3

2.

It was moved and seconded

That Council resolve into Committee of the Whole to hear delegations on agenda items (7:34 p.m.).

CARRIED

3.

Delegations from the floor on Agenda items:

Item No. 12  – Agricultural Land Reserve Non-Farm Use Application By Ocean Spray Of Canada Ltd. For Non-Farm Use At Lots 61 To 70 Section 4 Block 4 North Range 4 West Nwd Plan 1593 (5700 Dhillon Way)

Ralph May, Campbell Froh May & Rice LLP, noted the importance of the proposed new cranberry receiving and processing facility to the viability of agriculture in Richmond.  He then highlighted the following points:

§    

there was a significant number of young farmers in Richmond, and resolution of matters such as this would be important for the future;

§    

the existing receiving station was too small, resulting in limitations related to sorting berries for different uses such as sweetened dried cranberries (Craisins);

§    

the application would be for approved farm use within the Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR);

§    

all appropriate restrictions would be in place according to municipal zoning requirements; and

§    

treatment of wastewater through a biological process was not viable as fertilizer would need to be added.

In answer to questions, Mr. May provided the following advice:

§    

approximately 60 million pounds of cranberries were processed at the current site;

§    

Ocean Spray of Canada Ltd. (OSC) was a farmer cooperative, owned by approximately 700 farmers, of which 650 were cranberry farmers and the other 50 were grapefruit farmers;

§    

both the Agricultural Advisory Committee and the Economic Advisory Committee support the proposed plant;

§    

the new proposed plant would increase capacity by approximately 60%; and

§    

the proposed plant may result in additional truck traffic, however it would not have a great impact on the adjacent school, as traffic activity would take place west of the school.

Item No. 9 – Richmond Museum Feasibility Study

Jack Wong, Chair, Richmond Museum Society, joined by Joe Da Silva, Director, Richmond Museum Society, spoke in favour of the proposed destination museum, and stated that cultural places gave a community an identity, and were vital to the community.  He mentioned that it was important to include the younger generation and engage the private sector, and that an early response to the proposed museum indicated support from the community.  He also noted that although there were concerns related to the current financial reality, the museum could be a way for businesses in Richmond to leave a legacy. 

In answer to questions about fundraising, Mr. Da Silva indicated that the fundraising campaign would raise approximately $6 million, of which approximately $2.7 million would be from businesses, and the remainder from community and public support.  He also noted that the fundraising plan was comprised of six components, and that he was confident of its success.

Item No. 9 – Richmond Museum Feasibility Study

Peter Mitchell, 6271 Nanika Cresent, remarked that the “destination” museum proposal was an interesting concept.  He then provided background information related to other destination museums, and questioned how many visitors a museum proposing to tell the story of Richmond may attract.  Mr. Mitchell also spoke about other City identified priorities such as the library, the pool, the senior’s centre and the arena.  A copy of Mr. Mitchell’s submission is attached as Schedule 1, and forms part of these minutes. 

R09/5-4

4.

It was moved and seconded

That Committee rise and report (8:12 p.m.).

CARRIED

CONSENT AGENDA

R09/5-5

5.

It was moved and seconded

That Items 6 through 11 with the removal of Item No. 9 – Richmond Museum Feasibility Study, be adopted by general consent.

CARRIED

6.

COMMITTEE MINUTES

That the minutes of:

(1)

the Finance Committee meeting held on Monday, February 23, 2009;

(2)

the General Purposes Committee meeting held on Monday, March 2, 2009;

(3)

the Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services Committee meeting held on Tuesday, February 24, 2009;

(4)

the Planning Committee meeting held on Tuesday, March 3, 2009;

be received for information.

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

7.

2009 City Grant Program

(Report:  February 4, 2009, File No.:03-1085-01) (REDMS No. 2568060, 2490748, 2438700, 2568532, 2570489, 2570493, 2503269, 2568485)

That, as per the report from the General Manager, Planning and Development, dated February 25, 2009, the 2009 City Grants be allocated as follows (see Attachment 2):

(1)

The organizations in the Health, Social and Safety Services category be awarded the recommended grant amounts and cheques disbursed for a total of $436,850; and

(2)

The organizations in the Cultural and Community Events category be awarded the recommended grant amounts and cheques disbursed for a total of $72,650.

Provided that the Richmond City Centre Community Association receive funding in the amount of $1200 to run the Early Dismissal Program, and the Richmond Women’s Resource Centre Association receive $800 to print the “Hot Ink” publication.

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

8.

PROPOSAL TO ABANDON OFFICIAL COMMUNITY PLAN AND ZONING BYLAWS – APPLICATION BY ANDREW CHEUNG ARCHITECTS INC. FOR REZONING AT 3131, 3171, 3191, 3211, 3231, 3251, 3271, 3291, 3331, 3371, 3391 & 3411 SEXSMITH ROAD AND 3200, 3220, 3240, 3280, 3300 & 3320 NO. 3 ROAD FROM SINGLE-FAMILY HOUSING DISTRICT, SUBDIVISION AREA F (R1/F), 3360 NO. 3 ROAD FROM ROADSIDE STAND (CLASS C) DISTRICT (RSC), AND 8511 CAPSTAN WAY FROM AUTOMOBILE-ORIENTED COMMERCIAL DISTRICT (C6) AND GAS STATION DISTRICT (G1) TO SCHOOL AND PUBLIC USE (SPU), COMPREHENSIVE DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT (CD/181), AND COMPREHENSIVE DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT (CD/182)
Report:  December 17, 2008, File No.:  RZ 03-254977, 12-8060-20-7882, 12-8060-20-8117/7883/8113, SD07-375988) (REDMS No. 2545667, 2553471, 2579311)

Excerpt from the Minutes of the January 6, 2009, General Purposes Committee Meeting included.
 
Memorandum from Brian J. Jackson, Director of Development, dated February 26, 2009 also included.

(1)

That Official Community Plan Amendment Bylaw No. 7882, to:

(a)

redesignate 3200, 3220, 3240, 3280, 3300, 3320 & 3360 No. 3 Road, 3131, 3171, 3191, 3211, 3231, 3251, 3271, 3291, 3331, 3371, 3391 & 3411 Sexsmith Road, 8511 Capstan Way, and a portion of City Road Right-of-Way North of Capstan Way from “Mixed Use” to “High Density Mixed Use” in Attachment 1 (Generalized Land Use Map) to Schedule 1 of the Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7100, and to revise the map in section 3.1, Neighbourhoods & Sense of Community, Neighbourhoods in Richmond, City Centre, accordingly; and

(b)

redesignate 3200, 3220, 3240, 3280, 3300, 3320 & 3360 No. 3 Road, 3131, 3171, 3191, 3211, 3231, 3251, 3271, 3291, 3331, 3371, 3391 & 3411 Sexsmith Road, 8511 Capstan Way, and a portion of City Road Right-of-Way North of Capstan Way from “Detailed Land Use Study Required” to “Mixed Use – High Density” and “Park – Configuration and location to be determined” in the “Land Use Map” in Schedule 2.10 of Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7100 (City Centre Area Plan), together with associated amendments to the accompanying “Development Permit Guidelines”,

be abandoned;

(2)

That Bylaw No. 8117, for the rezoning of a portion of the subject site as indicated in Schedule A to the said bylaw from “Single-Family Housing District, Subdivision Area F (R1/F)”, “Roadside Stand (Class C) District (RSC)”, “Automobile-Oriented Commercial District (C6)”, and “Gas Station District (G1)” to “School and Public Use District (SPU)”, be abandoned;

(3)

That Bylaw No. 7883, to introduce a new “Comprehensive Development District (CD/181)” and for the rezoning of a portion of the subject site as indicated in Schedule A to the said bylaw from “Single-Family Housing District, Subdivision Area F (R1/F)”, “Roadside Stand (Class C) District (RSC)”, “Automobile-Oriented Commercial District (C6)”, and “Gas Station District (G1)” to “Comprehensive Development District (CD/181)”, be abandoned;

(4)

That Bylaw No. 8113, to introduce a new “Comprehensive Development District (CD/182)” and for the rezoning of a portion of the subject site as indicated in Schedule A to the said bylaw from “Single-Family Housing District, Subdivision Area F (R1/F)”, “Roadside Stand (Class C) District (RSC)”, “Automobile-Oriented Commercial District (C6)”, and “Gas Station District (G1)” to “Comprehensive Development District (CD/182)”, be abandoned;

(5)

That staff bring forward a bylaw to repeal Highway Closure and Removal of Highway Dedication Bylaw No. 8220, to close a lane right-of-way on the north side of Capstan Way between Sexsmith Road and Hazelbridge Way and portions of Sexsmith Road to allow for their consolidation with the subject site; and

(6)

That Subdivision Application SD 07-357988, to consolidate and subdivide 3200, 3220, 3240, 3280, 3300, 3320 & 3360 No. 3 Road, 3131, 3171, 3191, 3211, 3231, 3251, 3271, 3291, 3331, 3371, 3391 & 3411 Sexsmith Road, 8511 Capstan Way, and a portion of City Road Right-of-Way North of Capstan Way to create 8 lots (including one for use as park) and an extension of Hazelbridge Way, be closed.

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

9.

Richmond Museum Feasibility Study

(Report:  February 10, 2009, File No.:  11-7141-01/2009-Vol 01) (REDMS No. 2563791)

Please see page 10 of these minutes for action taken on this matter.

10.

Britannia Shipyard Historic Zone Exhibits

(Report:  February 11, 2009, File No.: 06-2025-20-003/Vol 01) (REDMS No. 2559087)

That the Britannia Heritage Shipyard Historic Zone Exhibit Design and Site Wayfinding Plan (Attachment 1 to the report dated February 11, 2009 from the Acting Director, Recreation & Cultural Services) be approved.

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

11.

APPLICATION BY BALBIR K. PUREWAL FOR REZONING AT 5151/5171 MERGANSER DRIVE FROM SINGLE-FAMILY HOUSING DISTRICT, SUBDIVISION AREA E (R1/E) TO SINGLE-FAMILY HOUSING DISTRICT, SUBDIVISION AREA C (R1/C)

(RZ 08-447003- Report:  February 12, 2009, File No.:  12-8060-20-8476) (REDMS No. 2573316, 2574933)

That Bylaw No. 8476, for the rezoning of 5151/5171 Merganser Drive from “Single-Family Housing District, Subdivision Area E (R1/E)” to “Single-Family Housing District, Subdivision Area C (R1/C)”, be introduced and given first reading.

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

CONSIDERATION OF MATTERS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA

PARKS, RECREATION AND CULTURAL SERVICES COMMITTEE –
Councillor Harold Steves, Chair

9.

Richmond Museum Feasibility Study

(Report:  February 10, 2009, File No.:  11-7141-01/2009-Vol 01) (REDMS No. 2563791)

R09/5-6

It was moved and seconded

Whereas Richmond City Council has approved the Richmond Museum as Priority # 8 on the Parks Recreation and Cultural Services Facilities Strategic Plan; and

Whereas the proposed schedule for development of the Richmond Museum is between 2015 – 2021 as outlined in the Parks Recreation and Cultural Services Facilities Strategic Plan;

That the priority and development of a Richmond Museum, as proposed in the Richmond Museum Feasibility Study, be advanced only if:

(1)

significant funds from other levels of government become available;

(2)

a successful fund development campaign occurs; and

(3)

a developer opportunity to the satisfaction of Richmond City Council occurs.

That:

(1)

the Draft Richmond Museum Feasibility Study (included as Attachment 1 in the report dated February 10, 2009, from the Acting Director, Recreation & Cultural Services) be endorsed;

(2)

the Funding Framework (as included in the report dated February 10 2009, from Acting Director, Recreation & Cultural Services), be endorsed;

(3)

funding for a Museum Development Plan be considered within the 2010 Capital Budget program;

(4)

a submission be included in the 5-year Capital Budget program for a new destination Richmond Museum, with the provision that external funding, as referred to in Part 2 of the motion, be required prior to consideration for approval;

(5)

an advocacy strategy be developed for federal and provincial capital and operational funding for a new destination museum;

(6)

staff support the Richmond Museum Society capital fundraising campaign for a new destination museum; and

(7)

upon Council endorsement, the Richmond Museum Feasibility Study report (dated February 10, 2009, from the Acting Director, Recreation & Cultural Services) be forwarded to the appropriate ministries of the federal and provincial governments for information.

The question on the motion was not called, as questions and concerns were raised about developing a museum during the current economic climate.  Discussion took place about other Council identified priorities and projects which the City may have a greater need for than a destination museum; the costs associated with operating a museum; potential locations; and timing in connection with opportunities that would be lost if the museum did not proceed at this time. 

As a result of the discussion, the following referral motion was introduced:

R09/5-7

It was moved and seconded

That the Richmond Museum Feasibility Study be referred back to staff for further clarification on the following points:

(1)

development opportunities;

(2)

operating costs, including comparables to similar size museums;

(3)

location possibilities, including private locations; and

(4)

the priority list from the PRCS Facilities Strategic Plan, and how other projects may be affected if the destination museum is approved.

CARRIED

PLANNING COMMITTEE –
Councillor Evelina Halsey-Brandt, Chair

12.

AGRICULTURAL LAND RESERVE NON-FARM USE APPLICATION BY OCEAN SPRAY OF CANADA LTD. FOR NON-FARM USE AT LOTS 61 TO 70 SECTION 4 BLOCK 4 NORTH RANGE 4 WEST NWD PLAN 1593 (5700 DHILLON WAY)

REQUESTED AMENDMENT TO THE FRASER SEWERAGE BOUNDARY AREA – LOTS 61 TO 70 SECTION 4 BLOCK 4 NORTH RANGE 4 WEST NWD PLAN 1593

(AG 08-407180 Report:  February 23, 2009, File No.: 08-4105-20-AMANDA# AG 08-407180)  (REDMS No. 2577888, 2570103)

R09/5-8

It was moved and seconded

That:

(1)

 authorization for Ocean Spray of Canada Ltd. to apply to the Agricultural Land Commission for a non-farm use for the purposes of developing a cranberry receiving and processing facility at Lots 61 to 70 Section 4 Block 4 North Range 4 West NWD Plan 1593 (5700 Dhillon Way) and utilize the existing opened road (Dhillon Way) and portions of the unopened road allowance located along the western property line of Lot 61 for access purposes be granted.

(2)

City staff be authorized to request the Administration Board of the Greater Vancouver Sewerage and Drainage District to amend the Fraser Sewerage Area Boundary to include Lots 61 to 70 Section 4 Block 4 North Range 4 West NWD Plan 1593.

CARRIED

OPPOSED: Cllr. Steves 

12A.

STRATEGIC COMMUNITY INVESTMENT (SCI) FUNDS

(Report:  March 5, 2009, File No.: ) (REDMS No. 2582676)

R09/5-9

It was moved and seconded

That the signing of the Strategic Community Investment Funds agreement be approved.

CARRIED

PUBLIC DELEGATIONS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS

R09/5-10

13.

It was moved and seconded

That Council resolve into Committee of the Whole to hear delegations on non-agenda items (9:49 p.m.).

CARRIED

(1)

Gordon E. Pushee, 7340 No. 4 Road, questioned the means by which City staff prioritized applications for exclusion from the Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR).  He expressed his belief that City staff had denied him of the opportunity to present his application to City Council and the Agricultural Land Commission (ALC).  Mr. Pushee provided the history associated with his application, and asked Council what would be required in order to get his application past staff and through to Council.  He also inquired if Council would give consideration to a block application for properties along No. 4 Road for exclusion from the ALR. 

In answer to Mr. Pushee’s comments, Joe Erceg, General Manager, Planning and Development advised Council that Mr. Pushee’s application was missing key supporting material, and therefore was considered incomplete and inadequate.  He also advised that Mr. Pushee had recently indicated to City staff that he had no intention of submitting further material.  Staff would, therefore, forward the application as-is to a future Planning Committee meeting.

(2)

Roland Hoegler, 6560 No. 4 Road, questioned why lot parcels that were less than two acres had been placed in the ALR.  He stated that the ALR had been created 37 years ago, and that No. 4 Road was an arbitrary boundary used at that time.  He also stated that any property under half an acre should not be designated as ALR land, and that the City misused the ALR designation.  He indicated that the City’s position with regard to No. 4 Road ALR property owners was discriminatory. 

In conclusion, Mr. Hoegler stated that there was no advantage for the public if the No. 4 Road properties stayed in the ALR, and that although he had no ideas and suggestions to resolve the issue, he would love to work with the City’s Planning staff to find solutions.  He also said that none of the current staff or Council were at the City 37 years ago when properties along No. 4 Road had been placed in the ALR, and that the solution now lies  with the current City Council.

R09/5-11

14.

It was moved and seconded

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

CARRIED

PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS

Mayor Brodie announced that Corisande Percival-Smith had been re-appointed to the Richmond Seniors Advisory Committee for a two-year term.

NEW BUSINESS

R09/5-12

It was moved and seconded

That a letter supporting the Richmond Family Youth Court Committee’s suggestion for dedicated court facilities and other measures mentioned in their 2008 Annual Report to improve the consistency for cases involving domestic violence be forwarded to the appropriate Minister, local MLA’s, and the Chief Judge of the Provincial Court of BC. 

CARRIED

BYLAWS FOR ADOPTION

R09/5-13

It was moved and seconded

That the following bylaws be adopted:

Zoning & Development Bylaw No. 5300, Amendment Bylaw No. 7888

(9480 Alberta Road;  the rear portions of 9580, 9620, 9640 and 9660 Alberta Road; 6631 and 6651 No. 4 Road; 9731, 9691 and 9651 Granville Avenue; and the rear portions of 9511 Granville Avenue and 9533 Granville Avenue (formerly 9531 Granville Avenue), RZ 04-272873)

Zoning & Development Bylaw No. 5300, Amendment Bylaw No. 8285

(4491/4511 Danforth Drive, RZ 07-368083)

CARRIED

R09/5-14

It was moved and seconded

That Zoning & Development Bylaw No. 5300, Amendment Bylaw No. 8251

(9940 & 9960 No. 4 Road, 10020 Albion Road, And A Portion Of Albion Road, RZ 06-348261) be adopted.

CARRIED

OPPOSED: Cllr. Steves 

ADJOURNMENT

R09/5-15

It was moved and seconded

That the meeting adjourn (10:18 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, March 9, 2009.

_________________________________

_________________________________

Mayor (Malcolm D. Brodie)

Corporate Officer (David Weber)