December 9, 2019 - Minutes

Place:

Council Chambers
Richmond City Hall

Present:

Mayor Malcolm D. Brodie
Councillor Chak Au
Councillor Carol Day
Councillor Kelly Greene
Councillor Alexa Loo
Councillor Bill McNulty
Councillor Linda McPhail
Councillor Harold Steves 
Councillor Michael Wolfe

Corporate Officer – Claudia Jesson

Call to Order:

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

RES NO.

ITEM

MINUTES

R19/20-1

1.

It was moved and seconded

That:

(1)

the minutes of the Regular Council meeting held on November 25, 2019, be adopted as circulated;

(2)

the minutes of the Special Council meetings held on November 25, 2019 and December 2, 2019 be adopted as circulated; and

(3)

the Metro Vancouver ‘Board in Brief’ dated November 29, 2019, be received for information.

CARRIED

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

R19/20-2

2.

It was moved and seconded

That Council resolve into Committee of the Whole to hear delegations on agenda items (7:01 p.m.).

CARRIED

3.

Delegations from the floor on Agenda items – None.

R19/20-3

4.

It was moved and seconded

That Committee rise and report (7:01 p.m.).

CARRIED

CONSENT AGENDA

R19/20-4

5.

It was moved and seconded

That Items No. 6 through No. 12 be adopted by general consent.

CARRIED

6.

COMMITTEE MINUTES

That the minutes of:

(1)

the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Committee meeting held on November 26, 2019;

(2)

the General Purposes Committee meeting held on December 2, 2019;

(3)

the Finance Committee meeting held on December 2, 2019;

(4)

the Planning Committee meeting held on December 3, 2019;

be received for information.

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

7.

Steveston Harbour Authority Archway Sign - Request for Funding 
(File Ref. No. 01-0140-20-SHAR1) (REDMS No. 6336689)

That funding of $50,000 from the Council Community Initiative Account to the Steveston Harbour Authority to support the Steveston Harbour Authority Archway Sign, and that the expenditure be included in the Consolidated 5 Year Financial Plan (2020-2024), as outlined in the staff report “Steveston Harbour Authority Archway Sign – Request for Funding” dated November 1, 2019 from the Director, Arts, Culture and Heritage Services.

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

8.

The Public Tree Management Strategy 2045: A Plan for Managing Richmond’s Public Urban Forest 
(File Ref. No. 10-6550-07) (REDMS No. 6335132, 6335129)

(1)

That the Public Tree Management Strategy 2045, as detailed in the staff report titled “The Public Tree Management Strategy 2045: A Plan for Managing Richmond’s Public Urban Forest,” dated October 31, 2019 from the Director, Parks Services, be endorsed; and

(2)

That the Council Policy for the Public Urban Forest, as detailed in the staff report titled “The Public Tree Management Strategy 2045: A Plan for Managing Richmond’s Public Urban Forest,” dated October 31, 2019 from the Director, Parks Services, be endorsed.

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

9.

Richmond Sister City Program 
(File Ref. No. 01-0100-30-20-SCIT1-01)

Whereas the Richmond Sister City program is for Cultural and Sport exchanges, to promote intercultural learning opportunities;

Whereas the City of Richmond has declared a Climate Emergency and is working to achieve carbon reduction in line with the IPCC targets to hold warming to 1.5C;

Whereas the City of Richmond is a climate leader in district energy and other areas;

Whereas there are international cities which are more advanced in achieving carbon reductions in active transportation and other areas;

Therefore be it resolved that the City of Richmond incorporated Climate Knowledge exchange into the program goals for the Richmond Sister City Program, to achieve mutually beneficial opportunities to further reduce carbon emissions and create additional opportunities for citizens to be part of the economic and social transition to a low-carbon society.

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

10.

Approval for Amusement Centres at 3430 - 4151 Hazelbridge Way and 180 - 4551 No 3 Road 
(File Ref. No. 12-8275-01; 12-8060-20-010103) (REDMS No. 6292421 v. 3; 6290706)

That Business Regulation Bylaw No. 7538, Amendment Bylaw No. 10103, which adds,

(1)

The address of 4151 Hazelbridge Way Unit 3430 among the sites that permit an Amusement Centre to operate; and

(2)

The address of 4551 No. 3 Road Unit 180 among the sites that permit an Amusement Centre to operate;

be given first, second and third readings.

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

11.

Homelessness Service Provision – Community Collaboration Tables 
(File Ref. No. 08-4057-11-01) (REDMS No. 6337335 v. 4; 6341084; 6341077)

(1)

That the Terms of Reference for the Richmond Community Homelessness Table as outlined in the report titled “Homelessness Service Provision – Community Collaboration Tables,” dated November 8, 2019 from the Director, Community Social Development, be endorsed; and

(2)

That the Terms of Reference for the Richmond Lived Experience Group be endorsed.

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

12.

Amendments to Richmond Heritage Commission Bylaw 7906 
(File Ref. No. 08-4200-01; 12-8060-20-010104) (REDMS No. 6323024; 6293733)

That Richmond Heritage Commission No. 7906, Amendment Bylaw 10104, be introduced and given first, second and third reading.

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

CONSIDERATION OF MATTERS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA

NON-CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS

FINANCE COMMITTEE 
Mayor Malcolm D. Brodie, Chair

13.

2020 OPERATING AND CAPITAL BUDGETS FOR RICHMOND PUBLIC LIBRARY 
(File Ref. No. 01-0155-04-01) (REDMS No. 6347983)

R19/20-5

It was moved and seconded

That the 2020 Richmond Public Library budget of $9,862,500 as presented in Attachment 1 from the Chief Librarian and the Secretary to the Board, be approved.

Discussion ensued with regard to the services provided by the Richmond Public Library and in reply to queries from Council, Susan Walters, Chief Librarian, noted that the Library recorded an increase in usage rates.

As a result of the discussion, Richmond Public Library staff were directed to provide a memorandum on library usage statistics, including usage by different age groups.

The question on the motion was then called and it was CARRIED.

14.

2020 Capital Budget 
(File Ref. No. 03-0985-01) (REDMS No. 6243131 v. 2; 6359136; 6356339)

Mayor Brodie summarized the proposed 2020 Capital Budget and referenced the following amendments to 2020 Capital Budget that were endorsed at the December 2, 2019 Finance Committee meeting:

§   

That funding for the design component of the potential extension of the cycling network at No. 2 Road (Steveston Highway to Williams Road), in the amount of $240,000, as presented in Appendix 9 of the 2020 Capital Budget, be included in the 2020 Capital Budget.

§   

That funding for the design component of the potential extension of the cycling network at Steveston Highway (No. 2 Road to Railway Avenue), in the amount of $163,000, as presented in Appendix 9 of the 2020 Capital Budget, be included in the 2020 Capital Budget.

§   

That funding for the design component of the potential extensions of the cycling network at Shell Road (Highway 99 to River Road), River Road (McCallan Road to No. 2 Road), and Gilbert Road (Granville Avenue to Elmbridge Way) in the amount of $947,000, as presented in Appendix 9 of the 2020 Capital Budget, be included in the 2020 Capital Budget.

R19/20-6

It was moved and seconded

(1)

That the 2020 Capital Budget as presented in Appendix 3 and Appendix 9, as endorsed at the December 2, 2019 Finance Committee meeting, totalling $157,001,559 be approved and staff be authorized to commence the 2020 Capital Projects; and

(2)

That the 2020 Capital Budget totalling $157,001,559 and the 2021-2024 Capital Projects be included in the Consolidated 5 Year Financial Plan (2020-2024).

The question on the motion was not called as Mayor Brodie spoke on the proposed funding for cycling lanes, noting that the design component typically takes one year to complete and as such, funding for the construction phase can be considered at a future date.

Discussion ensued with regard to funding allocated to the Industrial Use Reserve for land acquisitions and increasing funding for affordable housing. Staff noted that in addition to the funding allocated towards affordable housing, the reserve funding used for land acquisition may be used to acquire the potential sites to be used for future affordable housing projects.

Cllr. Loo left the meeting (7:37 p.m.) and returned (7:40 p.m.).

Discussion then ensued with regard to (i) transitioning the City’s fleet vehicles to electric models, (ii) reviewing costs on various cycling medians and barriers, (iii) encouraging development of affordable housing and market rental housing, (iv) improving the City’s recreation facilities, and (v) expanding the City’s cycling infrastructure.

The question on the motion was then called and it was CARRIED.

Discussion ensued with regard to the replacement of Hugh Boyd Field House, and as a result, the following referral motion was introduced:

R19/20-7

It was moved and seconded

That staff provide a status update on the replacement of the Hugh Boyd Field House, and report back.

CARRIED

Discussion then ensued with regard to remittance of the Province’s Speculation and Vacancy Tax, and as a result, the following motion was introduced:

R19/20-8

It was moved and seconded

That a letter to the Premier, Minister of Finance and Local Members of the Legislative Assembly be sent requesting the status of the sharing of the Speculation and Vacancy Tax with various cities and regions.

CARRIED

15.

2020 Proposed Operating Budget 
(File Ref. No. 03-0985-01) (REDMS No. 6243776 v. 9)

Mayor Brodie summarized the proposed 2020 Proposed Operating Budget and referenced the following amendments that were endorsed at the December 2, 2019 Finance Committee meeting:

§   

That funding for the Two Librarian Positions - Specializing in Youth, in the amount of $167,150, as presented in Attachment 11 in the 2020 Proposed Operating Budget, be added to the 2020 Proposed Operating Budget – Ongoing expenditures for Emerging Organizational Additional Levels.

§   

That funding for Environmental Management and Mitigation, in the amount of $178,776, as presented in Attachment 11 in the 2020 Proposed Operating Budget, be added to the 2020 Proposed Operating Budget – Ongoing expenditures for Emerging Organizational Additional Levels.

§   

That funding for the HUB Annual Cycling Education Program in Elementary Schools in Richmond, in the amount of $75,000, as presented in Attachment 11 in the 2020 Proposed Operating Budget, be added to the 2020 Proposed Operating Budget – Ongoing expenditures for Emerging Organizational Additional Levels.

R19/20-9

It was moved and seconded

That:

(1)

The 2020 Operating Budget as presented in Budget Option 3 be approved as outlined below:

(a)

A same level of service budget increase, after tax growth, of $3,875,707 with a tax increase of 1.69% less a corporate reset of 1.5% and non-discretionary external senior government increases of $300,000 with a tax increase of 0.13%, resulting in a combined increase of 0.32% be approved; and

(b)

Ongoing funding for expenditures previously approved by Council totaling $984,045 for the following items: Minoru Centre for Active Living operating budget impact phase-in (Year 7 of 7), and the operating budget impact from developer contributed assets, with a tax increase of 0.43% be approved; and

(c)

Ongoing funding for expenditures previously approved by Council totaling $527,500 for the operating budget phase-in impact of City Centre Community Centre North (Year 2 of 4), with a tax increase of 0.23% be approved; and

(d)

Ongoing funding for expenditures previously approved pursuant to Council’s Safe Community Priority program (Year 2 of 3) in the amount of $7,433,489 with a tax increase of 3.23% including:

(i)

Amounts which were funded by the rate stabilization account in the 2019 budget totaling $4,325,868, with a tax increase of 1.88%; and

(ii)

51 additional RCMP officers and 20 additional municipal employees to support the RCMP Detachment with a three-year phase-in plan (Year 2 of 3), totaling $1,591,821 with a tax increase of 0.69% be approved; and

(iii)

36 additional firefighters with a three-year phase-in plan (Year 2 of 3) in the amount of $1,515,800 with a tax increase of 0.66% be approved; and

(e)

Operating budget impact from the 2020 Capital Budget totaling $644,794 with a three-year phase-in plan for an annual amount of $214,931, resulting in a tax increase of 0.09% per year be approved; and

(f)

Two new positions, specifically a Regular Full-Time Affordable Housing Planner 1 and Regular Part-Time Child Care Program Planner 1 be approved with 0.00% tax increase as summarized in Attachment 9 and position complement control numbers be assigned; and

(g)

Ongoing expenditures for Emerging Organizational Additional Levels with an allowance of $876,762 resulting in a tax increase of 0.38% be approved (refer to the recommended items from staff in Attachment 10 and initiatives in Attachment 11 endorsed at the December 2, 2019 Finance Committee meeting); and

(h)

Transfer to reserves for infrastructure replacement needs as per Council’s Long Term Financial Management Strategy in the amount of $2,299,025 with a tax increase of 1.00% be approved; and

(i)

The Rate Stabilization Account be used to reduce the overall impact of additional operating costs for a total of $1,609,318 resulting in a tax decrease of 0.70% be approved; and

(2)

The 2020 Operating Budget, as approved in item 1 above (4.98%), be included in the Consolidated 5 Year Financial Plan (2020-2024).

The question on the motion was not called as discussion ensued with regard to (i) funds allocated to new firefighters and RCMP officers, (ii) budget savings as a result of structural staffing vacancies, and (iii) utilizing reserves to fund future infrastructure and facility projects.

In reply to queries related to the proposed Emerging Organizational Additional Levels, staff noted the following:

§   

The proposed Homelessness Coordinator position will coordinate with different City departments and external agencies to assist the City in efforts to respond to homelessness;

§   

The proposed Environmental Management and Mitigation initiative will respond to issues related to invasive species and reduce impacts of pests such as rabbits and chafer beetles; and

§   

The two librarian positions that specialize in youth would promote library programs in the community and provide outreach to vulnerable members in the community.

Discussion then ensued with regard to reducing or eliminating the 1% transfer to reserves for infrastructure replacement needs to reduce the overall tax burden to residents and introduce an operating budget reflective of the City’s expenses.

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

R19/20-10

It was moved and seconded

That the Transfer to reserves of 1% for infrastructure replacement needs as per Council’s Long Term Financial Management Strategy be reduced to 0.5%.

The question on the amendment motion was not called as discussion took place on the long-term strategy of transferring funds to the reserves in order to fund future infrastructure and facility projects without generating deficits and highly variable tax rates in the future. It was noted that the rate transfer to the reserve has been reduced in past budgets and that borrowing to fund future projects may not be suitable for the City.

In reply to queries from Council, staff noted that a report analyzing the Investment in Infrastructure Replacement Needs (1% Transfer to Reserves) is forthcoming in the first quarter of 2020.

The question on the amendment motion was then called and it was DEFEATED with Mayor Brodie, Cllrs. Greene, Loo, McNulty, McPhail, Steves and Wolfe opposed.

The question on the main motion was then called and it was CARRIED with Cllr. Au opposed.

16.

2020 One-Time Expenditures 
(File Ref. No. 03-0985-01) (REDMS No. 6243689 v. 3)

R19/20-11

It was moved and seconded

That the recommended one-time expenditures totaling $930,869 as outlined in Attachment 1 of the 2020 One-Time Expenditures staff report, be approved with funding from the Rate Stabilization Account and included in the Consolidated 5 Year Financial Plan (2020-2024), together with the amount of $1,040,000, as presented in Attachment 2 of the 2020 One-Time Expenditures staff report, on the condition that the Major Events funding will not be used until Council provides specific approval.

The question on the motion was not called as discussion ensued with regard to the submissions process for one-time expenditures.

Discussion then took place on funding for the 2020 Major Events and Mayor Brodie noted that the proposed allocation of $1,040,000 will be considered now as a placeholder in the Budget but will not be used until Council provides specific approval. He added that staff will be reporting back on the 2020 Major Events at the upcoming General Purposes Committee meeting on December 16, 2019. It was requested that staff provide additional information on the 2020 Major Events including a breakdown of the budgets for each proposed event as well as information related to contingency funds in event budgets. Staff advised that this information had been previously provided and would be redistributed.

The question on the motion was then called and it was CARRIED.

17.

2020 Council Community Initiatives One-Time Expenditures 
(File Ref. No. 03-0985-01) (REDMS No. 6243557 v. 7)

R19/20-12

It was moved and seconded

(1)

That the one-time expenditure request as outlined in Attachment 1 of the 2020 Council Community Initiatives One-Time Expenditures staff report, be received for information and be funded from the Council Community Initiatives Account and included in the Consolidated 5 Year Financial Plan (2020-2024); and

(2)

That funding for the Automated Materials Handling System and Redesigned Book Return Wall for the Brighouse Branch of the Richmond Public Library in the amount of $108,000, as presented in Attachment 3 of the 2020 One-Time Expenditures staff report, be added to the 2020 Council Community Initiatives One-Time Expenditures and included in the Consolidated 5 Year Financial Plan (2020-2024).

The question on the motion was not called as discussion ensued with regard to the proposed Automated Materials Handling System and Book Return Wall for the Brighouse branch of the Richmond Public Library. In reply to queries, Ms. Walters noted that the proposed handling system and return wall would generate staffing efficiencies, and as such, staff can be reallocated to assist library users.

Cllr. Wolfe left the meeting (9:15 p.m.) and returned (9:18 p.m.).

In reply to queries from Council, staff noted that staff will be reviewing options for a joint command vehicle for Richmond Fire-Rescue and the Richmond RCMP and will forward a report on the matter for consideration.

The question on the motion was then called and there was agreement to deal with Parts (1) and (2) separately.

The question on Part (1) of Resolution R19/20-12 was then called and it was CARRIED.

The question on Part (2) of Resolution R19/20-12 was then called and it was CARRIED with Cllrs. Day and Greene opposed.

FINANCE AND CORPORATE SERVICES DIVISION

18.

Consolidated 5 Year Financial Plan (2020-2024) Bylaw No. 10119 
(File Ref. No. 12-8060-01; 12-8060-20-010119) (REDMS No. 6245716 v. 2; 6360546)

R19/20-13

It was moved and seconded

(1)

That the Consolidated 5 Year Financial Plan (2020-2024) Bylaw No. 10119 be introduced and given first, second, and third readings; and

(2)

That staff undertake a process of public consultation as required in Section 166 of the Community Charter.

CARRIED

PUBLIC DELEGATIONS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS

R19/20-14

19.

It was moved and seconded

That Council resolve into Committee of the Whole to hear delegations on non‑agenda items (9:23 p.m.).

CARRIED

With the aid of a PowerPoint presentation (copy on-file City Clerk’s Office) Dave Frank and Julie Halfnights, representing the Richmond Community Foundation (RCF), reviewed their financial position and updated Council on their grants program, noting that the Foundation has provided grants to start-up organizations in the city and scholarships for students. Mr. Frank added that the Foundation partners with individuals and organizations to raise endowments to be used in the community.

Council commended the RCF for their work in the community.

R19/20-15

20.

It was moved and seconded

That Committee rise and report (9:32 p.m.).

CARRIED

PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS AND EVENTS

Cllr. Au left the meeting (9:32 p.m.) and returned (9:34 p.m.).

Mayor Brodie announced the following 2020 Advisory Committee appointments:

Richmond Public Library Board

Two-year term to expire on December 31, 2021

§   

Chaslynn Gillanders

§   

Robin Leung

§   

Lei (Caty) Liu

§   

Jordan Oye

Richmond Gateway Theatre Society Board

Two-year term to expire on December 31, 2021

§   

Barbara Cohen

§   

Debbie Musil

§   

Valerie Reynolds

Minoru Centre for Active Living Program Committee

Two-year term to expire on December 31, 2021

§   

Rosemary Nickerson

§   

Shirley Parker

§   

Bruce Raber

§   

Dennis Wong

Aquatic Services Board

Two-year term to expire on December 31, 2021

§   

Brigitte Fritz

§   

Deb McGrath

§   

Dawna McIver

§   

Terry Tinkley

Richmond Museum Society Board

Two-year term to expire on December 31, 2021

§   

Marge Damon

Economic Advisory Committee

Two-year term to expire on December 31, 2021

§   

Gilles Assier

§   

Keith Bailey

§   

Patrick Caffrey

§   

Dave Frank

§   

Deepak Gupta

§   

Peter (Hanchen) Li

§   

Yasmin Rahman

§   

Carol Yeh

Appointed as Chair for the year 2020

§   

Paul Tilbury

Board of Variance

Three-year term to expire on December 31, 2022

§   

Kenneth Chen

§   

Bob Friedland

Vancouver International Airport Aeronautical Noise Management Committee

Two-year term to expire on December 31, 2021

§   

Ivan (Yi Chen) Ma

Richmond Intercultural Advisory Committee

Two-year term to expire on December 31, 2021

§   

Yun-jou Chang

§   

Naresh Chopra

§   

Michaela Fengstad

§   

Nigel Pronger

§   

Ashok Rattan

§   

Kelly Sidhu

§   

Vinnie Yuen

§   

Ian Yeung

Richmond Community Services Advisory Committee

Two-year term to expire on December 31, 2021

§   

Rico Choi

Vancouver International Airport Environmental Advisory Committee

Two-year term to expire on December 31, 2021

§   

Cynthia Zhou

Richmond Advisory Committee on the Environment

Two-year term to expire on December 31, 2021

§   

Erzsi Institorisz

§   

Anthony Leung

§   

Sam McCulligh

§   

Nica Derakhshan Nia

§   

Anika Ng

§   

Imelda Nurwisah

§   

Carolyn Jimenez Schneider

§   

Angeline Singh

§   

Jia Jie (Vincent) Yi

§   

Cynthia Zhou

Richmond Food Security and Agricultural Advisory Committee

Two-year term to expire on December 31, 2021

§   

Queenie Hewitt

§   

Lynn Kemper

§   

Allen Rose

§   

Miles Smart

Richmond Heritage Commission

Two-year term to expire on December 31, 2021

§   

Todd Follett

§   

Victoria Grigorenko

§   

Jesus Hipolito

§   

Ron Hyde

§   

Rocky Lu

§   

Jack Olsen

BYLAWS FOR ADOPTION

R19/20-16

It was moved and seconded

That Richmond Zoning Bylaw No. 8500, Amendment Bylaw No. 9683 be adopted.

CARRIED
Opposed: Cllrs. Day 
Greene 
Wolfe

R19/20-17

It was moved and seconded

That Richmond Zoning Bylaw No. 8500, Amendment Bylaw No. 9872 be adopted.

CARRIED

R19/20-18

It was moved and seconded

That Richmond Zoning Bylaw No. 8500, Amendment Bylaw No. 10028 be adopted.

CARRIED
Opposed: Cllrs. Greene 
Wolfe

DEVELOPMENT PERMIT PANEL

R19/20-19

21.

It was moved and seconded

(1)

That the minutes and the Chair’s report for the Development Permit Panel meeting held on November 26, 2019, be received for information; and

(2)

That the recommendations of the Panel to authorize the issuance of:

(a)

a Development Permit (DP 18-797026) for the property at 12060 and 12080 1^st Avenue;

(b)

a Heritage Alteration Permit (HA 18-797029) for the property at 12060 and 12080 1^st Avenue; and

(c)

a Development Permit (DP 18-829241) for the property at 10451, 10471 and 10491 No. 2 Road;

be endorsed, and the Permits so issued.

The question on the motion was not called as concern was raised with regard to the proposed landscaping, building height and architectural design of the application at 12060 and 12080 1^st Avenue.

There was agreement to deal with Parts (1), (2)(c) and (2)(a) and (b) separately.

The question on Parts (1) and (2)(c) of Resolution R19/20-19was then called and it was CARRIED.

The question on Parts (2)(a) and (2)(b) of Resolution R19/20-19was then called and it was CARRIED with Cllrs. Day and Wolfe opposed.

ADJOURNMENT

R19/20-20

It was moved and seconded

That the meeting adjourn (9:42 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, December 9, 2019.

_________________________________

_________________________________

Mayor (Malcolm D. Brodie)

Corporate Officer (Claudia Jesson)