November 24, 2014 - Minutes

Place:

Council Chambers
Richmond City Hall

Present:

Mayor Malcolm D. Brodie
Councillor Chak Au
Councillor Linda Barnes
Councillor Derek Dang
Councillor Evelina Halsey-Brandt
Councillor Ken Johnston
Councillor Bill McNulty
Councillor Linda McPhail
Councillor Harold Steves

Corporate Officer – David Weber

Call to Order:

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

RES NO.

ITEM

MINUTES

R14/19-1

1.

It was moved and seconded

That:

(1)

the minutes of the Regular Council meeting held on Monday, November 10, 2014, be adopted as circulated;

(2)

the minutes of the Special Council meeting held on Monday, November 17, 2014, be adopted as circulated; and

(3)

the minutes of the Regular Council meeting for Public Hearings held on Monday, November 17, 2014, be adopted as circulated.

CARRIED

PRESENTATION

With the aid of a PowerPoint presentation (copy on file, City Clerk’s Office) Brendan McEwen, Manager, Sustainability, presented on the Sustainability Progress Report, and highlighted the following information:

§   

the City’s Official Community Plan establishes a vision for a sustainable Richmond;

§   

the Sustainability Framework was adopted in 2010, and it focuses on 10 broad areas in the pursuit of a more sustainable community;

§   

the City is recognized as a leader on climate action, particularly with regard to district energy;

§   

the Alexandra District Energy Utility has received multiple awards for providing renewal thermal energy to buildings;

§   

the City met regional targets for recycling and waste diversion for single-family dwellings two years ahead of schedule;

§   

the City Centre Area Plan has been recognized by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities for sustainable planning;

§   

green building practice are being advanced in both private and public buildings;

§   

the City is committed to promoting local agriculture and food security, and to protecting the environment; and

§   

the City is pursuing a number of avenues with regard to enhancing social well-being; for instance, the City received the 2011 Child Care Award of Excellence by the provincial government and is leading on affordable housing initiatives.

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

R14/19-2

2.

It was moved and seconded

That Council resolve into Committee of the Whole to hear delegations on agenda items (7:05 p.m.).

CARRIED

3.

Delegations from the floor on Agenda items.

Item No. 10 – Agricultural Land Reserve Non-Farm Use Application by British Columbia Muslim Association at 12300 Blundell Road

Michael Wolfe, 9731 Odlin Road, was opposed to the use of lands in the Agricultural Land Reserve for non-farm use.

Item No. 13 – Sustainability Progress Report

Mr. Wolfe was of the opinion that development throughout the city is counteracting sustainability efforts as new residences increase the number of people and vehicles in the City.

Item No. 15 – Alexandra District Energy Utility Phase 3 Capital Project

Mr. Wolfe commented on the growth of the Alexandra neighbourhood and believed that the expansion of the Alexandra District Energy Utility (ADEU) was to meet the demands of commercial and residential customers, which is not a sustainable practice.  Also, he expressed concern with the removal of mature trees in order to facilitate the expansion of the ADEU, and spoke of the lack of park space in the neighbourhood.

Item No. 16 – Creosote Covered Rail Ties in Richmond

Mr. Wolfe referenced the Minutes of the Public Works and Transportation Committee meeting held on November 19, 2014, querying the list of environmental infractions and the need to communicate with Richmond Members of Parliament and the RCMP.  Also, Mr. Wolfe spoke of the Advisory Committee on the Environment.

Item No. 17 – Application by Oris Consulting Ltd./Citymark Properties for Rezoning at 5440 Moncton Street from Single Detached (RS1/E) to Single Detached (RS2/A)

Mr. Wolfe was of the opinion that the Steveston area was in need of affordable housing, and did not support the application’s contribution towards the City’s Tree Compensation Fund.

R14/19-3

4.

It was moved and seconded

That Committee rise and report (7:14 p.m.).

CARRIED

CONSENT AGENDA

R14/19-4

5.

It was moved and seconded

That Items No. 6 through No. 16, with the removal of Item No. 11, be adopted by general consent.

CARRIED

6.

COMMITTEE MINUTES

That the minutes of:

(1)

the Community Safety Committee meeting held on Wednesday, November 12, 2014;

(2)

the General Purposes Committee meeting held on Monday, November 17, 2014;

(3)

the Planning Committee meeting held on Tuesday, November 18, 2014; and

(4)

the Public Works & Transportation Committee meeting held on Wednesday, November 19, 2014;

be received for information.

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

7.

BC AMBULANCE SERVICE – DISPATCH PROTOCOL CHANGES
(File Ref. No. 01-0150-20-BCEM1, Xr: 09-5125-01) (REDMS No. 4364121)

(1)

That the Fire Chief continue to update Council on the impacts of the BC Ambulance Service (BCAS) dispatch protocol changes; and

(2)

That Council write a letter to the BC Emergency Health Services, requesting that no further changes to the BCAS Resource Allocation Plan be implemented without consultation and agreement with the City of Richmond. 

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

8.

0973581 BC Ltd., doing business as Legend's Pub, 9031 Blundell Road
(File Ref. No. 12-8275-30-055) (REDMS No. 4329493)

(1)

That the application from 0973581 BC Ltd., doing business as Legend’s Pub, for an amendment under Liquor Primary Licence No. 033298 to:

(a)

increase the hours of liquor service from Monday through Thursday 10:00 am. to 12:00 am and Friday through Sunday 10:00 a.m.to 1:00 a.m. to Monday through Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m.; and

(b)

increase the occupant load from 160 patrons to 200 patrons;

be supported only for an earlier service at 9 a.m. Monday to Sunday;

(2)

That a letter be sent to the Liquor Control and Licensing Branch advising that:

(a)

Council supports an earlier service time but does not support later service hours or an increase in their liquor license occupant load.

(b)

Council’s comments on the prescribed criteria (set out in Section 53 of the Liquor Control and Licensing Regulations) are as follows:

(i)

the potential for additional noise and traffic in the area was considered; and

(ii)

the impact on the community was assessed through a community consultation process;

(c)

as the operation of a licensed establishment may affect nearby residents the City gathered the view of the residents as follows:

(i)

property owners and businesses within a 50 metre radius of the subject property were contacted by letter detailing the application, providing instructions on how community comments or concerns could be submitted; and

(ii)

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 instructions on how community comments or concerns could be submitted; and

(d)

Council’s comments and recommendations respecting the views of the residents are as follows:

(i)

that based on the letters sent and the responses received from all public notifications, Council considers that an earlier opening would not have an impact on the community; and

(ii)

Council considered the comments received from residents in the area do not support later operating hours or to increase to the establishments’ occupant load.

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

9.

Business Regulation Bylaw 7538, Amendment Bylaw 9191
(File Ref. No. 12-8060-20-009191) (REDMS No. 4384681, 4390142, 4390838)

(1)

That Schedule A to Business Regulation Bylaw No. 7538 be amended to include the premises at Unit 170 -3411 No. 3 Road among the sites which permit an Amusement Centre to operate with more than 4 amusement machines; and

(2)

That Business Regulation Bylaw No. 7538, Amendment Bylaw No. 9191, which replaces Schedule A of Bylaw No. 7538 in its entirety with an updated Schedule A listing all addresses which permit an Amusement Centre to operate with more than 4 amusement machines, be introduced and given first, second and third readings.

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

10.

Agricultural Land Reserve Non-Farm Use Application by British Columbia Muslim Association at 12300 Blundell Road
(File Ref. No. 08-4105-20-2013636054, AG 13-636059) (REDMS No. 4367461, 222141)

That the application by the British Columbia Muslim Association for a non-farm use at 12300 Blundell Road to allow for the expansion of the existing mosque be endorsed and forwarded to the Agricultural Land Commission. 

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

11.

Application by Li Qin Chen for Rezoning at 10726 Hollybank Drive from Single Detached (RS1/E) to Single Detached (RS2/B)
(File Ref. No. 12-8060-009196; RZ 14-663343) (REDMS No. 4408486, 4408756, 280220)

Please see Page 8 for action on this matter.

12.

Application to Conduct Annual Santa Claus Parade with Revised Date and Routing
(File Ref. No. 11-7400-20-PARA1) (REDMS No. 4388840)

That the Rotary Club of Steveston be granted approval to conduct the annual Santa Claus Parade on December 24^th of each year using the route shown in Attachment 1 of the staff report titled Application to Conduct Annual Santa Claus Parade with Revised Date and Routing, dated October 17, 2014, from the Director, Transportation.

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

13.

Sustainability Progress Report
(File Ref. No. 10-6125-07-01)

(1)

That staff examine communication strategies to best relay the City’s widespread sustainability initiatives to the community and to Metro Vancouver municipalities and report back; and

(2)

That the staff report titled Sustainability Progress Report, dated October 15, 2014, from the Director, Engineering, be received for information and be forwarded to Council for its information.

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

14.

CONSTRUCTION PROGRAM UPDATES
(File Ref. No. 10-6340-01)

That construction program updates, including sustainable practice highlights, be made available to the public.

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

15.

Alexandra District Energy Utility Phase 3 Capital Project
(File Ref. No. 10-6600-10-02) (REDMS No. 4402488)

That $8.0 million from unspent utility capital projects, previously approved by Council, be utilized to fund design, construction and commissioning expenditures related to the expansion of Alexandra District Energy Utility Phase 3.

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

16.

CREOSOTE COVERED RAIL TIES IN rICHMOND
(File Ref. No. 10-6405-02)

That the disposition of creosote covered rail ties in Richmond be referred to staff and to the Advisory Committee on the Environment and report back.

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

CONSIDERATION OF MATTERS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA

11.

Application by Li Qin Chen for Rezoning at 10726 Hollybank Drive from Single Detached (RS1/E) to Single Detached (RS2/B)
(File Ref. No. 12-8060-009196; RZ 14-663343) (REDMS No. 4408486, 4408756, 280220)

R14/19-5

It was moved and seconded

That Richmond Zoning Bylaw 8500, Amendment Bylaw 9196, for the rezoning of 10726 Hollybank Drive from “Single Detached (RS1/E)” to “Single Detached (RS2/B)”, be introduced and given first reading.

The question on R14/19-5 was not called as discussion took place regarding the need for affordable housing in single-family dwellings.  It was noted that the City’s Affordable Housing Strategy provides developers the option to build market housing units or to contribute to the City’s Affordable Housing Reserve Fund in lieu of, and typically, only large developments provide tangible affordable housing units.

In reply to queries from the Chair, John Foster, Manager, Community Social Development provided an overview of provisions of the City’s Affordable Housing Strategy.  Also, Mr. Foster advised that the provisions of single-family dwelling contributions in the Affordable Housing Strategy review will be expedited.

Discussion ensued regarding the City’s current policy with regard to the provision of secondary suites in single-family homes as part of rezoning applications, and it was noted that developers may opt to either build market housing units or to contribute to the City’s Affordable Housing Reserve Fund.

In reply to a query from Council, Wayne Craig, Director of Development, advised that there are approximately 50 to 60 active single-family dwelling rezoning applications.

The question on R14/19-5 was then called and it was CARRIED with Cllrs. McNulty and Steves opposed.

NON-CONSENT AGENDA ITEM

PLANNING COMMITTEE

Councillor Bill McNulty, Chair

17.

Application by Oris Consulting Ltd./Citymark Properties for Rezoning at 5440 Moncton Street from Single Detached (RS1/E) to Single Detached (RS2/A)
(File Ref. No. 12-8060-009194; RZ 14-666142) (REDMS No. 4398541 v. 2, 4403858)

R14/19-6

It was moved and seconded

That Richmond Zoning Bylaw 8500, Amendment Bylaw 9194, for the rezoning of 5440 Moncton Street from “Single Detached (RS1/E)” to “Single Detached (RS2/A)”, be introduced and given first reading.

The question on R14/19-6 was not called as discussion took place regarding the need for affordable housing units throughout the city.

The question on R14/19-6 was then called and it was CARRIED with Councillors McNulty and Steves opposed.

PUBLIC DELEGATIONS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS

R14/19-7

18.

It was moved and seconded

That Council resolve into Committee of the Whole to hear delegations on non‑agenda items (7:52 p.m.).

CARRIED

David Beattie, accompanied by Allan Hunt, Lead Organizers of The HELLO Project, highlighted the following information regarding The HELLO Project:

§   

The HELLO Project aims to erode social isolation;

§   

several studies throughout the Lower Mainland have identified social isolation as a growing problem;

§   

many Lower Mainland residents face severe language barriers with English speakers, and thus often potential interactions are undermined;

§   

following a robust advertising campaign, The HELLO Project hopes to achieve its goal with a lapel button with a logo;

§   

persons wearing the lapel button will recognize the logo as an invitation to chat;

§   

such discussion can take place between anybody, anywhere, and anytime;

§   

nodes of public transportation such as Canada Line stations and coffee shops have been identified as ideal places for such verbal exchanges to occur; and

§   

it is anticipated that the lapel buttons will be distributed free of charge in large numbers at places where people gather, such as nodes of public transit, coffee shops, post-secondary institutions and so forth.

Mr. Beattie then invited the City to partner with The HELLO Project in any capacity that the City is prepared to.

R14/19-8

19.

It was moved and seconded

That Committee rise and report (8:03 p.m.).

CARRIED

PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS

Mayor Brodie made parting remarks to Councillor Barnes, noting that she was first elected to Richmond City Council in 1999.  Mayor Brodie noted that Councillor Barnes is a retired Richmond School Board employee having worked as a Classroom Assistant for students with special needs.

Councillor Linda Barnes thanked her supporters over the years, particularly those that took the time to make their views known. To all the City-affiliated organizations, she stated that she admired them and their work. Councillor Barnes expressed her gratitude to City Hall staff, commenting on their diplomatic skills with juggling various points of view, and spoke of the City’s Works Yard crew and their professionalism, noting that they are the “best.”

Councillor Barnes then bequeathed matters of significance to her to incumbent Council members:

§   

To Councillor McPhail – the continuing work on the Fraser River, noting that after all, Richmond is the Child of the Fraser;

§   

To Councillor Dang – the triple bottom line, balancing finance, the environment, and social and cultural issues;

§   

To Councillor Johnston – the Working Poor Fund and affordable housing initiatives;

§   

To Mayor Brodie – liaison with all levels of governments – local, provincial, federal, and First Nations, noting that there is one taxpayer and it is expected that we all work together to best utilize public funds;

§   

To Councillor Steves – the work on sustainability, highlighting that  Richmond’s accomplished a wide range of achievements, so now the rest of the world must be tackled;

§   

To Councillor McNulty – the work on the arts, noting that the arts have the ability to glue cultures, the economy, and passion; and

§   

To Councillor Au – the work on bridging cultures and countries is ongoing, noting that it is important to ensure that Richmond grows in the right direction; together, focussed joint efforts can build one great City where neighbours look out for one and other, keeping the community safe, and greeting one and other with the universal language of a smile.    

Councillor Barnes then remarked how wonderful it has been working alongside Councillor Halsey-Brandt, noting that perhaps their paths may cross in the future.

Councillor Barnes thanked Richmond City Council for a wonderful 15 years.

Mayor Brodie thanked Councillor Barnes for her time on Richmond City Council, noting that she will be missed.

Mayor Brodie then made parting remarks to Councillor Halsey-Brandt and spoke of her tenure on Richmond City Council, noting that she served her first two terms from 1990 to 1996.  Mayor Brodie noted that Councillor Halsey-Brandt returned to local politics after a five year break and she was re-elected in a by-election in 2001, and has been elected ever since.  When not at Richmond City Council, Councillor Halsey-Brandt worked at the Vancouver General Hospital until her recent retirement.

Councillor Halsey-Brandt thanked all the voters who have come out over the years giving her the honour and privilege to work on their behalf.  She thanked all the City Councillors and two Mayors that she served alongside, highlighting that the they were successful at pulling together various ideas and drawing together diverse Councils to come forward with goals and objectives, and able to carry them out.

Councillor Halsey-Brandt then thanked the professional staff at the City of Richmond, noting that they were able to take Council’s various ideas and come up with ways to accomplish them.

Councillor Halsey-Brandt expressed her gratitude to those that called her, emailed her, wrote to her, and stopped her while she was out and about to give her feedback on what she was doing well and what she was doing poorly; she noted that regardless of the feedback, the opinions expressed either changed her mind on an issue or made her contribute more to that issue.  Councillor Halsey-Brandt remarked that the feedback she received was invaluable as people took the time to share their thoughts with her, and she encouraged people to continue sharing their opinions with the next Council as it represents accountability in a democratic process. 

Councillor Halsey-Brandt stated that democracy is precious, noting that Richmond City Council practices it every day, and although Council’s decisions may not always be what people want, the decisions are made in an open public meeting, where Council members explain themselves.  She spoke of parts of the world where people die for the ability to voice their opinion, highlighting that in Canada people have the right to elect representatives, and do not have to fear repercussions if they express their opinion.  Councillor Halsey-Brandt stated that her parents immigrated to Canada to allow her to be free, and she hoped that she carried out democratic principles throughout her time on City Council.

Councillor Halsey-Brandt stated that she does not bestow individual matters on individual Council members, but instead on all members of Council as Council as a whole makes decisions.

Councillor Halsey-Brandt wished all members of Council and Councillor-elects the best of luck.

Mayor Brodie announced the following appointments:

Appointments to the Richmond Economic Advisory Committee

Two-year term

§   

Howard Harowitz

§   

Thomas Land

§   

Sheila Luft

§   

Amit Sandhu

§   

Danny Leung

§   

Sonia Saldanha

§   

Murray Wilks

Also, Parm Sandhu has been appointed as Chair for the year 2015.

Appointments to the Richmond Family and Youth Court Committee

One-year term

§   

Ebrahim Bawa

§   

Vin Chahal

§   

Shannon Faleiro

§   

Katherine Covell

§   

Jonathan Feng

§   

Robert Howe

§   

Neelu Kang

§   

Kevin Krygier

§   

Chi Lo

§   

Heather McDonald

§   

Jasvir Nagra

§   

Lorne Wise

§   

Michayla Wolfe

Appointments to the Sister City Advisory Committee

Two-year term

§   

Kevin Lainchbury

§   

Howard Smythe

§   

Glenn Kishi

§   

Tony Kwan

§   

Shaolin Rahman

§   

Iryna Vodchenko

§   

Eden Zhang

One-year term

§   

Ihsan Malik

Appointments to the YVR Aeronautical Noise Management Committee

Two-year term

§   

Margot Spronk

One-year term

§   

Gary Abrams

Appointments to the Richmond Agricultural Advisory Committee

Two-year term

§   

Todd May (nominated from the Richmond Farmers Institute)

§   

Scott May (nominated from the Richmond Farmers Institute)

§   

Stephen Easterbrook

Appointments to the YVR Environmental Advisory Committee

Two-year term

§   

Chelsea Nilausen

§   

Christopher Bakker (alternate)

Appointments to the Advisory Committee on the Environment

Two-year term

§   

Colin Dring

§   

Joanne Fisher

§   

Carolyn Prentice

§   

Chuanrui (Cliff) Wang

§   

Chelsea Nilausen

§   

Hajra Bawa

§   

Lorne Wise

Appointments to the Advisory Design Panel

Two-year term

§   

Grant Brumpton (BC Society of Landscape Architecture)

§   

Tom Parker (Richmond Centre for Disability)

§   

Steve Jedreicich (Urban Development Institute)

§   

Jane Vorbrodt (Architectural Institute of British Columbia)

Appointments to the Richmond Heritage Commission

Two-year term

§   

Gareth Evans

§   

Raymond Holme

§   

Britney Quail

§   

Leo Mol

§   

Sonia Nijjar

Appointments to the Richmond Parking Advisory Committee

Two-year term

§   

Geoff England

§   

Danny Leung

§   

Gary Watson

§   

Dajun Chen

Also, Mayor Brodie announced that at the November 24, 2014 Closed Council meeting Council approved that $2,500 be provided to the VAPOR Society to be used only toward their legal fees for their action against the jet fuel line under the Judicial Review Procedure Act challenging the issuance of an Environmental Assessment Certificate.  And further, that the provision of this one-time payment not be precedent setting.

BYLAW FOR ADOPTION

In accordance with Section 100 of the Community Charter, Councillors Derek Dang and Ken Johnston declared themselves to be in a conflict of interest as they each have interest in the subject property and left the meeting (8:20 p.m.).

R14/19-9

It was moved and seconded

That Richmond Zoning Bylaw No. 8500, Amendment Bylaw No. 9055 (5160 and 5180 Blundell Road, RZ 13-627627) be adopted.

CARRIED

Councillors Dang and Johnston returned to the meeting (8:21 p.m.).

DEVELOPMENT PERMIT PANEL

R14/19-10

20.

It was moved and seconded

(1)

That the minutes of the Development Permit Panel meeting held on Wednesday, November 12, 2014, and the Chair’s report for the Development Permit Panel meeting held on August 27, 2014  be received for information.

CARRIED

In accordance with Section 100 of the Community Charter, Councillors Derek Dang and Ken Johnston declared themselves to be in a conflict of interest as they each have interest in the subject property and left the meeting (8:22 p.m.) and left the meeting.

R14/19-11

It was moved and seconded

(2)

That the recommendation of the Panel to authorize the issuance of a Development Permit (DP 13-648221) for the property at 5180 Blundell Road be endorsed, and the Permit so issued.

CARRIED

Councillors Dang and Johnston returned to the meeting (8:23 p.m.).

ADJOURNMENT

R14/19-12

It was moved and seconded

That the meeting adjourn (8:24 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, November 24, 2014.

_________________________________

_________________________________

Mayor (Malcolm D. Brodie)

Corporate Officer (David Weber)