October 26, 2009 - Minutes


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City of Richmond Meeting Minutes

Regular Council Meeting

 

October 26, 2009

 


 

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

 

R09/18-1

1.

It was moved and seconded

 

 

That:

 

 

(1)

the minutes of the Regular Council Meeting held on Tuesday, October 13, 2009,

 

 

 

(2)

the minutes of the Regular Council Meeting for Public Hearings held on Monday, October 19, 2009,

 

 

 

each be adopted as circulated.

 

 

CARRIED

 

 

 

 

GENERAL PURPOSES COMMITTEE –
Mayor Malcolm D. Brodie, Chair

 

 

2.

RICHMOND OLYMPIC OVAL CORPORATION BOARD INTERIM REVIEW
(File Ref. No.:  01-0103-01/2009-Vol 01) (REDMS No. 2739377, 2434968, 2484512, 2741845)

R09/18-2

 

It was moved and seconded

 

 

(1)

That the report dated October 21, 2009 from the Chief Administrative Officer entitled ‘Richmond Olympic Oval Corporation Board Interim Review’ be received for information; and

 

 

(2)

That Council continue to support the Interim Board and corporate governance model as it is presently constituted in relation to the governance, management and operation of the Richmond Olympic Oval on the understanding that a final evaluation report and recommendations will be conducted by the end of June 2010 to coincide with completion of the Oval Conversion Project and establishment of the Community Legacy model Oval; and

 

 

(3)

That staff be directed to:

 

 

 

(a)

consider better and more timely reporting methods as envisioned in section 7.3 of the Oval Operating Agreement and otherwise; and

 

 

 

(b)

bring the Olympic Oval Conversion Plan to Council for approval by the end of 2009.

 

 

CARRIED

 

 

 

CONSENT RESOLUTIONS IN RESPECT TO THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF 0827805 B.C. LTD. (DBA “RICHMOND OLYMPIC OVAL CORPORATION”)

 

 

3.

CONSENT RESOLUTIONS IN RESPECT TO THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF 0827805 B.C. LTD. (DBA “RICHMOND OLYMPIC OVAL CORPORATION”)

(File Ref. No.:) (REDMS No. 2743169, 2743153)

R09/18-3

 

It was moved and seconded

 

 

RESOLVED THAT:

 

 

(1)

the financial statements of the Company for the period from March 1, 2007 to December 31, 2008,together with the auditor’s report on such financial statements, which financial statements were approved by the Company’s board of directors on May 5, 2009 and presented to the shareholder at an open meeting of Richmond City Council on June 8, 2009 are hereby received and production and publication is hereby waived;

 

 

(2)

KPMG LLP be appointed as auditors of the Company until the next annual reference date of the Company or until a successor is appointed, at a remuneration to be fixed by the directors;

 

 

(3)

KPMG LLP be paid a fee for services rendered as auditors of the Company for the 2009 fiscal year as set out in the Auditors’ Fees for 2008 and Proposed Fees for 2009 Report, or such other amount as the directors of the Company approve;and

 

 

(4)

October 26, 2009 be and is hereby selected as the annual reference date for the Company for its current annual reference period.

 

 

CARRIED

 

 

 

PRESENTATIONS

 

 

 

With the aid of a PowerPoint presentation, Kim Howell, Deputy Chief – Administration, Richmond Fire-Rescue (RFR), spoke of Richmond Fire-Rescue’s humanitarian projects.  She highlighted that 17 firefighters travelled to El Salvador, built two homes, and donated toys and sports equipment to an orphanage.

 

 

Ms. Howell advised that RFR’s humanitarian work was recognized with three prestigious awards: (i) a Community Service Award; (ii) six Ambassador for Peace Awards; and (iii) a Diploma of Recognition.

 

 

Ms. Howell concluded by mentioning that RFR is preparing for a project in Sri Lanka in 2011.

 

 

 

 

Holger Burke, Development Coordinator, spoke of the proposed new Richmond Zoning Bylaw 8500 and using a PowerPoint presentation noted that:

 

 

§         

it addresses issues related to (i) Bed and Breakfasts, (ii) commercial vehicle parking in residential and agricultural areas; (iii) illegal secondary suites in accessory buildings in the Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR); (iv) telecommunication antenna and wind turbines; and (v) religious assembly zoned lands; and

 

 

§         

it does not (i) rezone existing properties; (ii) change the size houses in ALR areas; and (iii) amend Single-Family Lot Size policies.

 

 

Mr. Burke then mentioned that the proposed new bylaw also aims to implement new policy initiatives, such as Affordable Housing, adopted by Council.

 

 

 

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

 

R09/18-4

4.

It was moved and seconded

 

 

That Council resolve into Committee of the Whole to hear delegations on agenda items (7:38 p.m.).

 

 

CARRIED

 

 

5.

Delegations from the floor on Agenda items

 

 

Item No. 22 – District Energy Utilities

 

 

Bob Laurie, Richmond resident and member of the Economic Advisory Committee, advised that he was speaking in various capacities and was in favour of the proposed staff recommendations regarding District Energy Utilities (DEU). 

 

 

Mr. Laurie supported DEU for several reasons, and was of the opinion that (i) liquid and solid waste should not be considered liabilities, but instead assets; (ii) these assets should continue to be owned by the public in perpetuity; (iii) these assets are a potential source of revenue for municipalities; (iv) specification and design should be flexible in order to incorporate Integrated Resource Recovery technologies; (v) the public’s interest must be acknowledged and recognized in the Public Private Partnership process; (vi) there should be revenue sharing with the private sector and ownership of both liquid and solid waste and the utility loop itself; (vii) the kit must be maintained with appropriate replacement of parts to ensure when it reverts to the public it is well kept; and (viii) the private sector should be engaged in the proposed project in order for it to be well completed.

 

 

Item No. 21 – Richmond Multi-Family Water Meter Program Work Group

 

 

Robert Ingves, resident at a townhouse complex at No. 3 Road and Williams Road, questioned part 2 of the proposed staff recommendation in relation to the amount allocated per water meter installation.  He also asked whether equivalent funding would be available for individual meters vs. master meters for townhouse developments.  Mr. Ingves then stated that master metering is not the best method to utilize when individual metering is possible as the goal is to conserve water.  He concluded by stating that master meters would have a single water charge per unit regardless of the number of people living in that unit, which provides no incentive to save water.

 

 

Item No. 11 – Business Licence Bylaw 7360, Amendment Bylaw 8551

 

 

Peter Mitchell, 6271 Nanika Crescent, was in favour of increasing the maximum number of vehicles for hire as the applicant does not have many Class N licences and these licences can better service Class N passengers.

 

 

Item No. 14 – Ticket Allocation for 2010 Olympic Games

 

 

Mr. Mitchell was concerned with the cost of allocating tickets to persons suffering from financial hardship.  He was of the opinion that the funds could be better utilized to benefit more people.

 

 

Item No. 16 – Proposed New Richmond Zoning Bylaw 8500

 

 

Mr. Mitchell thanked staff for their effort and noted that the proposed new bylaw addresses many outstanding zoning issues.

 

 

Item No. 21 – Richmond Multi-Family Water Meter Program Work Group

 

 

Mr. Mitchell believed that individual metering is more likely to encourage water conservation.  He was pleased to see the provision for low flush toilets and believed that larger strata complexes should be looked at first.

 

 

Item No. 22 – District Energy Utilities

 

 

Mr. Mitchell was pleased to see District Energy Utilities would be studied.

 

R09/18-5

6.

It was moved and seconded

 

 

That Committee rise and report (7:58 p.m.).

 

 

CARRIED

 

 

 

CONSENT AGENDA

 

R09/18-6

7.

It was moved and seconded

 

 

That Items 8 through 23, with the removal of Item 21 “Richmond Multi-Family Water Meter Program Work Group”, be adopted by general consent.

 

 

CARRIED

 

 

8.

COMMITTEE MINUTES

 

 

 

That the minutes of:

 

 

(1)

the General Purposes Committee meeting held on Monday, October 19, 2009;

 

 

(2)

the Planning Committee meeting held on Tuesday, October 20, 2009;

 

 

(3)

the Public Works & Transportation Committee meeting held on Wednesday, October 21, 2009;

 

 

be received for information.

 

 

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

 

 

9.

SUPPLEMENTAL REPORT RED PALMS MALAYSIAN PONDOK INC. UNITS 130 & 140 8291 WESTMINSTER HIGHWAY FOOD PRIMARY LIQUOR LICENCE AMENDMENT

(File Ref. No.:  12-8275-06/2009-Vol 01) (REDMS No. 2732774)

 

10.

RED PALMS MALAYSIAN PONDOK INC. UNITS 130 & 140 8291 WESTMINSTER HIGHWAY FOOD PRIMARY LIQUOR LICENCE AMENDMENT

(File Ref. No.: 12-8275-06/2009-Vol 01) (REDMS No. 2723858)

 

 

That the supplemental report referring to a report dated September 17, 2009 submitted to General Purposes Committee in reference to the application by Red Palms Malaysian Pondock Inc. to extend the hours of liquor service, be received for information; and

 

 

That the application by Red Palms Malaysian Pondock Inc., to extend the hours of liquor service from 9:00 a.m. to Midnight, Monday to Sunday to 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. Monday to Sunday, not be supported and that a letter be sent to the Liquor Control and Licensing Branch advising that:

 

 

(1)

Council does not recommend the application based on the community responses received that the extension of hours of liquor service would have a negative impact on the community;

 

 

(2)

Council’s comments on the prescribed considerations are as follows:

 

 

 

(a)

There is a potential for additional noise and traffic in the area if the application is approved;

 

 

 

(b)

There is a potential that the application could pose a negative impact on the community, based on the comments received from residents living in the area;

 

 

 

(c)

That the proposed location is in close proximity to residential districts that may be impacted by the application;

 

 

 

(d)

That there is a public park within a 500 metre radius of the proposed location that could be impacted by the application;

 

 

 

(e)

That the 2008 population figure of 42,600 for the City Centre area with a projected growth to 90,000 by 2031 was considered;

 

 

(3)

Council comments on the views of residents and businesses are as follows:

 

 

 

(a)

As per City Policy, residents, property owners and businesses within a 100 metre radius of the subject property were contacted by letter detailing the application and were provided with instruction on how comments or concerns could be submitted;

 

 

 

(b)

In addition, signage was posted at the subject property and three public notices were published in a local newspaper.  This signage and notice provided information on the application and instruction on how community comments or concerns could be submitted;

 

 

 

(c)

That sixty-nine responses were received from residents who live within the 100 metre consultation area and one response was received from the general community.  All responses expressed concerns about the application; and

 

 

 

(d)

Based on the responses received, Council does not support the application.

 

 

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

 

 

11.

BUSINESS LICENCE BYLAW 7360, AMENDMENT BYLAW 8551

(File Ref. No.: 12-8060-20-8551) (REDMS No. 2733813, 2736372)

 

 

That Bylaw 8551, which amends Business Licence Bylaw 7360 by increasing the maximum number of vehicles for hire permitted to be operated as Class A Taxicabs to be 95 and Class N Taxicabs to be 36, be introduced and given first, second and third readings.

 

 

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

 

 

12.

Social Financial Hardship Assistance Fund

(File Ref. No.: 03-1075-17) (REDMS No. 2732117)

 

 

That $500,000 be allocated to the City’s Social Financial Hardship Assistance Fund for a period not to exceed 3 years with a maximum annual allocation of $250,000 in 2010, $150,000 in 2011 and the remaining $100,000 in 2012 and that interest not be charged upon timely repayment of an amount owing by an organization.

 

 

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

 

 

13.

Additional Art Works for City of Richmond Public Art Program Participation in the Vancouver International Sculpture Biennale, 2009-2011

(File Ref. No.:  11-7000-09-20-099/Vol 01) (REDMS No. 2732062)

 

 

That an allocation of $50,000 from the 2009 Public Art Project for the site preparation, lighting, insurance, installation and de-installation of two additional artworks as part of the Vancouver International Sculpture Biennale in Richmond, Water #10, Vertical by artist Jun Ren (China) at Cambie Plaza on the Middle Arm Waterfront Greenway and Wave Sphere by Yvonne Domenge (Mexico) at Garry Point Park, as outlined in the staff report dated  October 8, 2009, from the Director, Arts and Cultural Services, be endorsed.

 

 

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

 

 

14.

Ticket Allocation for 2010 Olympic Games

(File Ref. No.: 11-7400-30-TICK1) (REDMS No. 2704939, 2673996)

 

 

That:

 

 

(1)

staff be directed to administer the allocation of tickets based on the Ticket Allocation Program as follows: Support for Community Service Organizations, Persons Suffering Financial Hardship, O Zone Celebrations, and Hosting and Protocol as identified in the report dated September 16, 2009 from the Director, Legacy and Integration, Richmond Olympic Business Office;

 

 

(2)

the Director Legacy and Integration be authorized to enter into contracts to extend the school based 2010 Games Tickets program to 10 independent schools for a total value of up to $19,060 for all school allocations;

 

 

(3)

the Director Legacy and Integration be authorized to enter into contracts to sell 2010 Games tickets for a value of up to $ 5,990 with Richmond Community groups for the purposes of volunteer recognition, fund raising, or membership development; and

 

 

(4)

where possible and practical any tickets not being utilized for the designated purposes be sold in keeping with the other categories and purposes described in this ticket allocation program.

 

 

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

 

 

15.

APPLICATION BY PENTA HOMES LTD. FOR REZONING AT 6451 PRINCESS LANE FROM COMPREHENSIVE DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT (CD/12) AND LIGHT INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT (I2) TO COMPREHENSIVE DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT (CD/115)

(File Ref. No.:  12-8060-20-8545, RZ 08-431606) (REDMS No. 2727687, 2729309)

 

 

That Bylaw No. 8545, to amend “Comprehensive Development District (CD/115)” and to rezone 6451 Princess Lane from “Light Industrial District (I2)” and “Comprehensive Development District (CD/12)” to “Comprehensive Development District (CD/115)” as amended, be introduced and given first reading.

 

 

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

 

 

16.

PROPOSED NEW RICHMOND ZONING BYLAW 8500

(File Ref. No.:  12-8060-20-8500) (REDMS No. 2603451, 2703771)
To view the Proposed New Richmond Zoning Bylaw, click here.

 

 

That Richmond Zoning Bylaw 8500 be introduced and given first reading.

 

 

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

 

 

17.

AFFORDABLE HOUSING AGREEMENT - PROPOSAL TO REMOVE THE OPTION TO PURCHASE CLAUSE

(File Ref. No.:  06-2270-13-01) (REDMS No. 2724324)

 

 

That removal of the Option to Purchase clause in the City’s Housing Agreement used to secure affordable housing units, as outlined in the staff report dated September 18, 2009 from the General Manager, Community Services, be approved as general direction for Housing Agreements and that Council receive for information BC Housing’s comments on Richmond’s affordable rents.

 

 

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

 

 

18.

PROVINCE OF B.C. “SENIORS IN BRITISH COLUMBIA: A HEALTHY LIVING FRAMEWORK”

(File Ref. No.:  07-3400-01) (REDMS No. 2696606, 2720570, 2061636, 2641541)

 

 

That a letter be sent to the Premier, with copies to the appropriate Minister and Richmond MLAs, requesting that the Provincial Government better address certain seniors’ issues, as proposed by the Richmond Seniors’ Advisory Committee, regarding the B.C. Ministry of Healthy Living and Sport’s “Seniors in British Columbia: A Healthy Living Framework” (September 2008).

 

 

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

 

 

19.

ABANDONMENT OF UNADOPTED ZONING AMENDMENT BYLAWS

(File Ref. No.:  12-8060-20-8322/7844/7743/7721/7601/7498/7367/7293/7185/7041) (REDMS No. 2729542, 2684463)

 

 

That Richmond Zoning and Development Bylaw 5300, Amendment Bylaw Nos. 8322, 7844, 7743, 7721, 7601, 7498, 7367, 7293, 7185, and 7041 be abandoned.

 

 

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

 

 

20.

INTEGRATED RESOURCE RECOVERY

(File Ref. No.:  10-6400-09-01 Xr: 10-6125-07-02) (REDMS No. 2732094)

 

 

That Council request that Metro Vancouver commence the Integrated Resource Recovery initiative in 2010.

 

 

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

 

 

22.

DISTRICT ENERGY UTILITIES

(File Ref. No.: 10-6600-01) (REDMS No. 2732670)

 

 

That:

 

 

(1)

staff be directed to issue requests for expressions of interest to provide implementation and operational support of District Energy Utilities in partnership with the City, Developers, and other agencies on the basis of the following guiding principles:

 

 

 

(a)

the District Energy Utility should be wholly owned by the City;

 

 

 

(b)

District Energy Utility costs to end users should be equal to or less than conventional energy costs for the same level of service over the same annual period; and

 

 

(2)

the intent to provide City funding to cost share the development of District Energy Utilities be endorsed for the purposes of seeking grant funding.

 

 

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

 

 

23.

CITY-WIDE STREET FURNITURE PROGRAM PROPOSAL EVALUATION – RECOMMENDED ALTERNATIVE STRATEGY(File Ref. No.:  03-1000-20-3394/2009-Vol 01) (REDMS No. 2637819)

 

 

That:

 

 

(1)

the proposed new short-term contract with Pattison Outdoor Advertising, with the major terms as outlined in the staff report dated September 20, 2009 from the Director, Transportation, be endorsed;

 

 

(2)

the General Manager, Planning & Development Department, be authorized to execute the above contract; and

 

 

(3)

staff be directed to bring forth a bylaw to regulate the placement and maintenance of individual paid and unpaid newspaper boxes.

 

 

(4)

staff investigate

 

 

 

(a)

the cost to the City for adding more street furniture;

 

 

 

(b)

the feasibility and cost of introducing three-part recycling bins;

 

 

 

(c)

the regulation of newspaper distributors.

 

 

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

 

***************************

 

 

 

CONSIDERATION OF MATTERS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA

 

 

 

PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE –

Councillor Linda Barnes, Chair

 

 

21.

RICHMOND MULTI-FAMILY WATER METER PROGRAM WORK GROUP

(File Ref. No.:  10-6650-02) (REDMS No. 2734469, 2720140)

R09/18-7

 

It was moved and seconded

 

 

That:

 

 

(1)

staff bring forward a toilet rebate program that provides a $50 credit per toilet with a maximum of $100 (or two toilets) per household for replacing a 13 litre per flush toilet with a 6 litre (or lower) per flush toilet, and that the program is funded from the water utility to a maximum of $100,000 per year; and

 

 

(2)

the existing voluntary metering program be continued for single-family homes and that the funding available to multi-family properties for voluntary metering be formally increased in the Waterworks and Water Rates Bylaw to the greater of $60,000 per strata or $500 per unit, and that $2 million funding is made available for multi-family metering annually;

 

 

(3)

subject to the 2010 budget process,  staff

 

 

 

(a)

develop an information brochure specifically on multi-family water metering;

 

 

 

(b)

develop program specific communication and education strategies in support of recommendations 1 and 2; and

 

 

 

(c)

implement a presentation and information team that would be available to present in person to strata councils or other interested citizen groups.

 

 

The question on Resolution R09/18-7 was not called as the following amendment motion was introduced:

R09/18-8

 

It was moved and seconded

 

 

That the following be added as Part (4):

 

 

(4)

and that staff develop in time for the 2010 utility bills:

 

 

 

(a)

a single occupant discount programme for single occupants living in multi-family units;

 

 

 

(b)

that the single occupants be required to attend City Hall in person before the March 31st deadline for payment of utility bills to apply for the current year;

 

 

 

(c)

once March 31st date has passed in a given year no further applications for a singles discount will be entertained for that calendar year;

 

 

 

(d)

that the discount be 20% off the townhouse or apartment rate for water and sewer.

 

 

DEFEATED

Opposed: Mayor Brodie

Cllrs: Barnes

Dang

E. Halsey-Brandt

S. Halsey-Brandt

Johnston

Steves

 

 

The question on the Resolution R09/18-7 was then called and it was CARRIED.

 

 

 

GENERAL PURPOSES COMMITTEE –
Mayor Malcolm D. Brodie, Chair

 

 

24.

BUSINESS LICENCE BYLAW NO. 7360 AMENDMENT BYLAW 8543

(File Ref. No.: 12-8060-20-8543) (REDMS No. 2724557, 2724604, 2704103)

R09/18-9

 

It was moved and seconded

 

 

That Business Licence Bylaw No. 7360, Amendment Bylaw 8543, to create revised fee schedules, be introduced and given first, second and third readings.

 

 

The question on Resolution R09/18-9 was then called and it was DEFEATED with Councillors Dang, E. Halsey-Brandt, G. Halsey-Brandt, Johnston, and McNulty opposed.

 

 

 

 

In accordance with 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 this buildilng and left the meeting (9:26 p.m.).

 

 

25.

BUSINESS REGULATION BYLAW 7538, AMENDMENT BYLAW 8546

(File Ref. No.:  12-8020-20-8546) (REDMS No. 2730719, 2730795)

R09/18-10

 

It was moved and seconded

 

 

That Bylaw 8546, which amends Schedule A of the Business Regulation Bylaw 7538, to include 4351 No. 3 Rd – Unit 110 among the sites which permit an amusement centre to operate with more than 4 amusement machines, be introduced and given first, second and third readings.

 

 

CARRIED

 

 

 

Councillor Dang returned to the meeting (9:27 p.m.).

 

 

 

NEW BUSINESS

 

 

 

Councillor Linda Barnes served a Notice of Motion to reconsider the defeated motion from October 13, 2009 relating to the feasibility of adding Friendship City signage to the Richmond Gateway signs. 

 

 

Mayor Brodie advised that this matter would be on the Monday, November 9, 2009 Council Agenda.

 

 

 

BYLAWS FOR ADOPTION

 

R09/18-11

 

It was moved and seconded

 

 

That Zoning & Development Bylaw No. 5300, Amendment Bylaw No. 8378

(3491/3511 Lockhart Road, RZ 07-384769), be adopted.

 

 

CARRIED

 

 

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

R09/18-12

 

It was moved and seconded

 

 

That the meeting adjourn (9:35 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, October 26, 2009.

_________________________________

_________________________________

Mayor (Malcolm D. Brodie)

Corporate Officer (David Weber)