January 25, 2016 - Minutes

Place:

Council Chambers
Richmond City Hall

Present:

Mayor Malcolm D. Brodie
Councillor Chak Au
Councillor Derek Dang
Councillor Carol Day
Councillor Ken Johnston
Councillor Alexa Loo
Councillor Bill McNulty
Councillor Linda McPhail
Councillor Harold Steves

Acting Corporate Officer – Michelle Jansson

Call to Order:

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

RES NO.

ITEM

MINUTES

R16/2-1

1.

It was moved and seconded

That:

(1)

the minutes of the Regular Council meeting held on January 11, 2016, be adopted as circulated; and

(2)

the minutes of the Regular Council meeting for Public Hearings held on January 18, 2016, be adopted as circulated.

CARRIED

PRESENTATIONS

(1)

With the aid of a PowerPoint presentation, Susan Ness, Chair, Gateway Theatre Board of Director, Jovanni Sy, Artistic Director, and Camilla Tibbs, Executive Director, Gateway Theatre, presented the Gateway Theatre Annual Report 2014/2015.

Discussion ensued in which Ms. Tibbs provided the following information:

§   

staff are reviewing the marketing and pricing strategy to address the budget deficit;

§   

in order to receive additional funding, the theatre endeavours to strike a balance between popular and innovative programming;

§   

that staff are examining options that would increase the financial contribution of the Academy programming to the Theatre’s revenue;

§   

ongoing activities at the Theatre limit rental opportunities for the main stage; and

§   

to promote the Theatre, past attendees are emailed information regarding upcoming events.

Mr. Sy commented that the upcoming musical production “Closer than Ever” opens on Friday, February 5, 2016 and is a series of songs and humorous, heartfelt stories dealing with middle age.

(2)

Jerry Chong, Director, Finance, accompanied by Ted Townsend, Senior Manager, Corporate Communications, advised that the City of Richmond Annual Report was the recipient of two awards from the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada.  He noted that the awards are in recognition of the City’s commitment to ensure that its financial results are transparent and easily accessible by the general public.  Mr. Chong and Mr. Townsend presented Mayor Brodie with the Canadian Award for Financial Reporting for the thirteenth consecutive year and the Award for Outstanding Achievement in Popular Annual Financial Reporting for the sixth consecutive year.

(3)

Suzanne Bycraft, Manager, Fleet and Environmental Programs, presented the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) Gold Quill Award of Excellence in Government Communication for the City’s Green Card Program to Mayor Brodie.  Ms. Bycraft commented that Gold Quill Award winners have been recognized for outstanding work in serving their organizations with innovative thinking, creative solutions and demonstrable results that are a testament to the best that the profession has to offer worldwide.  She further commented that the City of Richmond has now been honoured with an IABC Bronze Quill Award of Excellence (provincial level), an IABC Silver Leaf Award of Excellence (national level) and an IABC Gold Quill Award of Excellence (international level) in recognition of the exceptional success of its Green Cart communication campaign to support the launch of the new program for residents in single-family homes and some townhomes.

In reply to queries from Council, Ms. Bycraft advised that (i) delivery of the carts would commence on February 1, 2016 over an eight-week rollout period, (ii) information on the delivery schedule would be advertised in the local media, and (iii) a collection calendar for the applicable zone, five complimentary garbage tags, a collection guide, and recycling information would be delivered with the cart.  She further advised that residents can request a change in cart size; however delivery of the new cart would not take place until the middle of April 2016.

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

R16/2-2

2.

It was moved and seconded

That Council resolve into Committee of the Whole to hear delegations on agenda items (7:32 p.m.).

CARRIED

3.

Delegations from the floor on Agenda items.

Item No. 20 – George Massey Tunnel Replacement – City Comments on Project; and

Item No. 21 – Revised FCM Resolution – Federal Port Operations on Agricultural Land

Jim Wright, 8300 Osgoode Road, Garden City Conservation Area Society, spoke in favour of the resolutions on the floor and commented on the need for the Province to complete the tunnel improvements, particularly the exterior stabilization to prevent liquefaction.  He further commented on the loss of agricultural land and the lack of information related to costs for a twin tunnel and was of the view that an independent study was needed to determine the most viable option.

Item No. 20 – George Massey Tunnel Replacement – City Comments on Project

Mahmood Awan, 10271 Freshwater Drive, was in favour of the proposed resolution and expressed the view that more concrete information related to the Province’s criteria for the proposed new bridge and plans for addressing the Oak Street Bridge bottleneck was needed prior to providing public input on the proposed project.

Item No. 20 – George Massey Tunnel Replacement – City Comments on Project

Alex Nixon, 7591 Moffat Road, on behalf of the Richmond Poverty Response Committee’s Transportation Task Force, expressed concern with the proposed George Massey Tunnel Replacement project and read from a written submission (attached to and forming part of these Minutes as Schedule 1).

Item No. 20 – George Massey Tunnel Replacement – City Comments on Project

Ericka Conic-Workman, Richmond Resident, supported Council’s request that the period for public input be extended and urged residents to express their views on the GeorgeMasseyTunnelRealHearings.org website.

Item No. 20 – George Massey Tunnel Replacement – City Comments on Project

Ismail Patel, Richmond Resident, spoke in favour of the resolution and was of the opinion that had information on the proposed replacement been provided to the City and residents the issues regarding the project may have been resolved.

Item No. 20 – George Massey Tunnel Replacement – City Comments on Project

John ter Borg, 5860 Sandpiper Court, spoke in support of the resolution and expressed concern information regarding (i) the development of agricultural land, (ii) the need for a West Richmond Agricultural Water Supply Plan, (iii) the environmental effect experienced by the dredging of the Fraser River, and (iv) the future industrialization along the Fraser River.

Item No. 20 – George Massey Tunnel Replacement – City Comments on Project

Peter Vanderbilt, Delta Resident, was in favour of the City’s action with the Province and Port Metro Vancouver and expressed concern for the loss of farmland in Delta and the potential for increased traffic in the area due to the proposed ten lane bridge.

Item No. 20 – George Massey Tunnel Replacement – City Comments on Project; and

Item No. 21 – Revised FCM Resolution – Federal Port Operations on Agricultural Land

Kim Hendricks, Richmond Resident, expressed support for Council’s position and raised concern regarding (i) the effects on the marsh habitat due to the dredging of the Fraser River, (ii) the risks associated with the potential Liquid Natural Gas (LNG) terminal on the river, and (iii) the ongoing loss of agricultural land along the river.  Ms. Hendricks advised that a coalition in opposition to the proposed replacement project is being formed and that she has arranged a meeting with the project’s agrologist to discuss the proposed net gain in farmland.

R16/2-3

4.

It was moved and seconded

That Committee rise and report (8:20 p.m.).

CARRIED

CONSENT AGENDA

R16/2-4

5.

It was moved and seconded

That Items No. 6 through No. 19 be adopted by general consent.

CARRIED

Councillor Steves left the meeting (8:25 p.m.) and returned (8:28 p.m.).

Councillor Day left the meeting (8:26 p.m.) and returned (8:30 p.m.).

Councillor Au left the meeting (8:31 p.m.) and returned (8:33 p.m.).

6.

COMMITTEE MINUTES

That the minutes of:

(1)

the Community Safety Committee meeting held on January 12, 2016;

(2)

the General Purposes Committee meeting held on January 18, 2016;

(3)

the Planning Committee meeting held on January 19, 2016;

(4)

the Public Works and Transportation Committee meeting held on January 20, 2016;

be received for information.

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

7.

Richmond Sport Hosting Program Amendments
(File Ref. No. 03-1085-01; 08-4150-03-01; 11-7000-10-02) (REDMS No. 4769715 v. 8; 2821429; 4812774; 4897733; 4897734; 4897735)

(1)

That the proposed amended Council Policy 3710 – Sport Hosting Incentive Grant, included as Attachment 1 to the staff report titled “Richmond Sport Hosting Program Amendments” from the General Manager, Finance and Corporate Services, dated November 12, 2015, be approved; and

(2)

That the updated Richmond Sport Hosting Strategy 2016-2020, included as Attachment 3 to the staff report titled “Richmond Sport Hosting Program Amendments,” from the General Manager, Finance and Corporate Services, dated November 12, 2015, be endorsed.

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

8.

Donation Bin Regulation Bylaw No. 9502
(File Ref. No. 01-0370-01; 12-8060-20-009502/9513/9514) (REDMS No. 4873049 v. 4; 4772125; 4867084; 4867312)

That each of the following bylaws be introduced and given first, second and third readings:

(1)

Donation Bin Regulation Bylaw No. 9502;

(2)

Consolidated Fees Bylaw No. 8636, Amendment Bylaw No. 9513; and

(3)

Notice of Bylaw Violation Dispute Adjudication Bylaw No. 8122, Amendment Bylaw No. 9514;

with an effective date of July 1, 2016.

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

9.

Housing Agreement Bylaw No. 9297 to Permit the City of Richmond to Secure Affordable Housing Units located at 5580 No. 3 Road (Kebet Holdings Ltd.)
(File Ref. No. 08-4057-01; 12-8060-20-009297) (REDMS No. 4810573 v. 8; 4841611; 4841609; 4745880 v. 3)

That Housing Agreement (5580 No. 3 Road) Bylaw No. 9297 be introduced and given first, second and third readings to permit the City to enter into a Housing Agreement substantially in the form attached hereto, in accordance with the requirements of section 905 of the Local Government Act, to secure the Affordable Housing Units required by the Development Permit Application DP 14-660885.

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

10.

Richmond Response: Metro Vancouver Regional Affordable Housing Strategy Update
(File Ref. No. 08-4057-05; 01-0157-30-RAHS1) (REDMS No. 4839104 v. 10; 4897743)

(1)

That the staff report titled “Richmond Response: Metro Vancouver Regional Affordable Housing Strategy Update” dated January 4, 2016, from the General Manager, Community Services, be received for information; and

(2)

That City Council forward the following recommendations to Metro Vancouver with respect to the Regional Affordable Housing Strategy update:

(a)

Metro Vancouver continue to advocate to both the federal and provincial government to increase their role, presence and funding of existing and new affordable housing initiatives;

(b)

Metro Vancouver request both the provincial and federal governments to assist in annually collecting and distributing reliable data regarding Metro Vancouver regional and individual municipal housing demand and supply;

(c)

Metro Vancouver amend the threshold of affordability for homeownership to 32% of a household’s gross family income in order to consistently apply the benchmark of homeownership affordability that the housing industry does;

(d)

the City of Richmond supports Metro Vancouver’s initiatives to have member municipalities create policies that encourage the supply of rental housing including new purpose built rental housing;

(e)

that Metro Vancouver Regional Planning Advisory Committee be directed to create a policy to encourage all affected parties (e.g., senior governments, Metro Vancouver Housing Commission, municipalities, private owners and developers) to support the renewal of expiring non- profit and cooperative housing agreements, the proposed policy be circulated for endorsement by all Metro Vancouver member municipalities and once the policy is endorsed, Metro Vancouver request all parties to follow it including the federal and provincial governments;

(f)

that Metro Vancouver Housing Commission (MVHC) be directed to create a tenancy management policy package by May 1, 2016 outlining MVHC’s services and fees for the management of affordable housing units which are secured through inclusionary housing policies and distribute it to developers/owners so that they can consider the option having the MVHC manage or assist in managing such affordable housing units; and

(g)

to best protect those who may be at risk of homelessness, Metro Vancouver request the provincial government to review and increase, the shelter component of income assistance on an annual basis to reflect the high cost of living in the region.    

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

11.

RCSAC 2015 Annual Report and 2016 Work Program
(File Ref. No. 01-0100-30-RCSA1-01) (REDMS No. 4841482; 4846821; 4873676)

That the Richmond Community Services Advisory Committee’s 2016 Work Program be approved.

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

12.

Application by GBL Architects Inc. for a Zoning Text Amendment to the “High Rise Office Commercial (ZC33) - (City Centre)” Zone for the Property at 8477 Bridgeport Road
(File Ref. No. 12-8060-20-009507; ZT 15-708370) (REDMS No. 4791846 v. 2; 4821650)

That Richmond Zoning Bylaw 8500, Amendment Bylaw 9507, for a Zoning Text Amendment to the “High Rise Office Commercial (ZC33) - (City Centre)” zone to allow vehicle sale/rental as a permitted secondary use on the property at 8477 Bridgeport Road, be introduced and given first reading.

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

13.

Application by Chi Kuen Yeung and Cardison Chun Kik Yeung for Rezoning at 7400/7420 Schaefer Avenue from “Two-Unit Dwellings (RD1)” to “Single Detached (RS2/K)”
(File Ref. No. 12-8060-20-009511; RZ 15-692244) (REDMS No. 4846602; 4846609)

That Richmond Zoning Bylaw 8500, Amendment Bylaw 9511, for the rezoning of 7400/7420 Schaefer Avenue from “Two-Unit Dwellings (RD1)” to “Single Detached (RS2/K)”, be introduced and given first reading.

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

14.

additional proposed requests to the minister of agriculture: agricultural land reserve (alr) wineries
(File Ref. No. 08-4430-03-08; 01-0150-20-AFIS1; 08-4430-03-07) (REDMS No. 4887137; 4887135; 4814700; 4768773)

That the letter to the BC Minister of Agriculture regarding Additional City of Richmond Requests: Wineries in the Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR), dated January 14, 2016, from the Manager, Policy Planning be endorsed

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

15.

Richmond Active Transportation Committee – Proposed 2016 Initiatives
(File Ref. No. 01-0100-20-RCYC1) (REDMS No. 4817866)

(1)

That the proposed 2016 initiatives of the Richmond Active Transportation Committee, as outlined in the staff report titled “Richmond Active Transportation Committee - Proposed 2016 Initiatives” dated December 18, 2015 from the Director, Transportation, be endorsed; and

(2)

That a copy of the above report be forwarded to the Richmond Council-School Board Liaison Committee for information.

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

16.

Traffic Safety Advisory Committee – Proposed 2016 Initiatives
(File Ref. No. 01-0100-30-TSAD1-01) (REDMS No. 4816624)

(1)

That the proposed 2016 initiatives for the Traffic Safety Advisory Committee, as outlined in the staff report titled “Traffic Safety Advisory Committee - Proposed 2016 Initiatives,” dated December 21, 2015, from the Director, Transportation, be endorsed; and

(2)

That a copy of the above report be forwarded to the Richmond Council-School Board Liaison Committee for information.

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

17.

Richmond’s Invasive Species Action Plan
(File Ref. No. 10-6160-07-01) (REDMS No. 4759687 v. 2; 4897745)

That the Invasive Species Action Plan, as described in the staff report titled “Richmond’s Invasive Species Action Plan,” dated December 7, 2015 from the Director, Engineering, be adopted. 

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

18.

Works and Services Cost Recovery Bylaw Amendment
(File Ref. No. 12-8060-20-009512; 10-6060-01) (REDMS No. 4677246 v. 4; 4847795)

That Works and Services Cost Recovery Bylaw No. 8752, Amendment Bylaw No. 9512 be given first, second, and third readings.

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

19.

Local Area Services – North Side Donald Road from and including 6991 Donald Road to and including 7480 Grandy Road and South Side Donald Road from Gilbert Road to and including 6760 Donald Road - Bylaw No. 9277
(File Ref. No. 12-8060-20-009277; 10-6190-01) (REDMS No. 4726637; 4711054)

(1)

That the Local Area Services Program for roadway development to widen pavement, install curb, gutter, sidewalk, street lights and boulevard trees (where ditch has previously been eliminated on Donald Road), be adopted in accordance with Section 211 and 212 of the Community Charter; and

(2)

That Bylaw No. 9277, which authorizes local area services construction at Donald Road, be introduced and given first, second and third readings.

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

CONSIDERATION OF MATTERS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA

NON-CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS

GENERAL PURPOSES COMMITTEE

Mayor Malcolm D. Brodie, Chair

20.

George Massey Tunnel Replacement – City Comments on Project Definition Report
(File Ref. No. 01-0150-20-THIG1; 10-6350-05-08) (REDMS No. 4863110 v. 5)

Mayor Brodie advised that Part (4) of the General Purposes Committee recommendation was opposed by Councillors Johnston and Loo at Committee.

R16/2-5

It was moved and seconded

(1)

That the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (MoTI) be advised that while the City supports in principal the objectives of the George Massey Tunnel Replacement Project to ease traffic congestion at the existing tunnel area, improve transit and cycling connections and replace aging highway infrastructure to enhance public safety, as described in their Project Definition Report, the following issues must be addressed by MoTI prior to advancing the project for further design and the procurement process:

(a)

provision of further details to demonstrate how the overall project will:

(i)

have a net zero or positive impact to agricultural land; and

(ii)

maintain, protect and enhance the City’s riparian management areas and environmentally sensitive areas through a net gain approach;

(b)

determination of how the toll rate will be implemented so that it would be fair, equitable and part of a region-wide mobility pricing policy consistent with the Mayors’ Council vision for regional transportation investments in Metro Vancouver;

(c)

immediate commencement of discussions by MoTI with the Cities of Vancouver and Richmond to jointly establish a contingency plan to address any potential increased traffic queuing on Highway 99 at the approach to the Oak Street Bridge;

(d)

collaboration with the City to identify appropriate infrastructure improvements to minimize any negative impacts from the widened bridge crossing and associated interchanges on the local road network including Steveston Highway, Westminster Highway, No. 5 Road, Van Horne Way, and Rice Mill Road and confirmation as to the role of Port Metro Vancouver in this project including expectations in relation to potential dredging of the Fraser River following construction of the new structure;

(e)

encouragement of project proponents by MoTI to achieve a creative and innovative iconic design of the new bridge that recognizes its significance of being the largest bridge to be built in British Columbia;

(f)

facilitate excellence in supporting sustainable transportation options through:

(i)

partnership with TransLink to ensure that the transit stops within the Steveston Highway and Highway 17A interchanges are operational on opening day;

(ii)

provision of a multi-use path for pedestrians and cyclists on each side of the new bridge of sufficient width to safely accommodate all users in order to:

i.

improve safety by minimizing the crossing of Highway 99 on- and off-ramps at Steveston Highway that are planned as free flow;

ii.

minimize circuitousness and maximize convenience; and

iii.

better address existing and future demand;

(iii)

inclusion of pedestrian and cycling facilities as part of the new Steveston Highway and Westminster Highway interchanges and on both sides of the Blundell Road overpass;

(iv)

provision of improved pedestrian and cycling facilities on Shell Road as part of the widened Shell Road overpass;

(2)

That the BC Environmental Assessment Office, the Federal Minister of Transport, and the Minister of the Environment be requested to extend the deadline for comments on the draft Application Information Requirements from February 10, 2016 to March 15, 2016 to provide the City with sufficient time to provide meaningful input;

(3)

That the matter be referred to Metro Vancouver for comments on the compatibility of the new bridge with the Regional Growth Strategy;

(4)

That overall Richmond City Council prefers a new or improved tunnel rather than a new bridge;

(5)

That a letter be sent to the City of Vancouver request that they involve the City of Richmond in the discussions regarding the Oak Street Bridge and 70^th Avenue and Oak Street situations following the completion of construction;

(6)

That a letter be sent to Agricultural Land Commission seeking information on the potential encroachment on the farm land; and

(7)

That a copy of the resolution be sent to the Prime Minister, Premier, City of Vancouver, local MPs and local MLAs.

The question on Resolution No. R16/2-5 was not called as discussion ensued regarding (i) the Provincial Government providing further detail on the net gain of farm land and the criteria for evaluating the proposed new bridge, (ii) the proposed project being a Port project to allow for increased transportation of LNG, coal, jet fuel and other products on the river, (iii) the options explored by the province and comments made in articles titled “Affairs Minister taking a look at Fraser Valley transit plan” and “White Rock-Vancouver rail loop to get study” (attached to and forming part of these Minutes as Schedule 2), (iv) the City being included in discussions between the province and the City of Vancouver related to the traffic queues at the Oak Street Bridge, (v) funding for the proposed bridge, (vi) obtaining information from the Agricultural Land Commission related to any potential encroachment on the agricultural lands, (vii) a broader circulation of the resolution, (viii) the possibility of conducting an independent study on the tunnel replacement options and associated costs, and (ix) the province providing clarification related to the dredging of the Fraser River.

Discussion continued regarding Part (4) of Resolution No. R16/2-5 and the merits of the proposed new bridge as a viable option to address traffic congestion, emergency response concerns, and environmental issues.  It was suggested that the City seek further information regarding the cost estimates associated with the various options considered by the Province.

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

R16/2-6

It was moved and seconded

That Part (4) be referred back to staff for further information.

The question on Resolution No. R16/2-6 was not called as discussion ensued regarding opposition to and support for the proposed new bridge.

The question on Resolution No. R16/2-6 was then called and it was DEFEATED with Mayor Brodie and Cllrs. Dang, Day, Loo, McNulty, McPhail and Steves opposed.

There was agreement to separate the motion for voting purposes.

The question on Parts (1), (2), (3), (5), (6) and (7) of Resolution No. 16/2-5 was then called and it was CARRIED.

The question on Part (4) of Resolution No. 16/2-5 was then called and it was CARRIED with Cllrs. Au, Johnston and Loo opposed.

21.

Revised FCM Resolution - Federal Port Operations on Agricultural Land
(File Ref. No. 01-0140-20-PMVA1; 01-0060-20-FCMU1-01) (REDMS No. 4896864)

R16/2-7

It was moved and seconded

That the Revised FCM Resolution - Federal Port Operations on Agricultural Land, as proposed in the January 22, 2015 staff report from the Director of Intergovernmental Relations and Protocol Unit, be submitted to the Federation of Canadian Municipalities for their endorsement (Attachment 3).

The question on Resolution No. R16/2-7 was not called as background information was provided regarding the proposed resolution which called for federal port authorities to sell land within Agricultural Land Reserves (ALR) and to prohibit expansion of Port operations onto ALR lands receiving unanimous support at the Lower Mainland Local Government Association and the Union of British Columbia Municipalities meeting, however, a revised resolution was needed to meet FCM criteria.

The question on Resolution No. R16/2-7 was then called and it was CARRIED.

BYLAWS FOR ADOPTION

R16/2-8

It was moved and seconded

That the following bylaws be adopted:

Richmond Zoning Bylaw No. 8500, Amendment Bylaw No. 8929
(8200, 8220, 8280 and 8300 No. 1 Road, RZ 11-596490)

Richmond Zoning Bylaw No. 8500, Amendment Bylaw No. 9049
(Portion of 7671 Bridge Street, RZ 13-631303)

Richmond Zoning Bylaw No. 8500, Amendment Bylaw No. 9503
(2760 Sweden Way, ZT 15-710920)

CARRIED

DEVELOPMENT PERMIT PANEL

R16/2-9

22.

It was moved and seconded

(1)

That the minutes of the Development Permit Panel meeting held on December 16, 2015, and January 13, 2016, and the Chair’s report for the Development Permit Panel meeting held on September 16, 2015, be received for information; and

(2)

That the recommendations of the Panel to authorize the issuance of a Development Permit (DP 12-624819) for the property at 8200, 8220, 8280 and 8300 No. 1 Road be endorsed, and the Permits so issued.

CARRIED

ADJOURNMENT

R16/2-10

It was moved and seconded

That the meeting adjourn (10:03 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 January 25, 2016.

_________________________________

_________________________________

Mayor (Malcolm D. Brodie)

Acting Corporate Officer
(Michelle Jansson)