December 11, 2023 - Minutes

Place:

Council Chambers
Richmond City Hall

Present:

Mayor Malcolm D. Brodie
Councillor Chak Au
Councillor Carol Day
Councillor Laura Gillanders
Councillor Kash Heed
Councillor Andy Hobbs
Councillor Alexa Loo
Councillor Bill McNulty
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

R23/21-1

1.

It was moved and seconded

That:

(1)

the minutes of the Regular Council meeting held on November 27, 2023, be adopted as circulated; and

(2)

the Metro Vancouver ‘Board in Brief’ dated November 24, 2023, be received for information.

CARRIED

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

R23/21-2

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.

R23/21-3

4.

It was moved and seconded

That Committee rise and report (7:02 p.m.).

CARRIED

CONSENT AGENDA

R23/21-4

5.

It was moved and seconded

That Items No. 6 through No. 13 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 28, 2023;

(2)

the Finance Committee meeting held on December 4, 2023;

(3)

the Finance Committee meeting held on December 4, 2023; and

(4)

the Planning Committee meeting held on December 5, 2023;

be received for information.

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

7.

OPPORTUNITY FOR JAPANESE CANADIAN BOAT BUILDER DISPLAY AT BRITANNIA SHIPYARDS

(File Ref. No. 11-7141-01) (REDMS No. 7441423, 7490675)

(1)

That staff be authorized to submit an application to the Japanese Canadian Legacies Fund for up to $400,000 for the creation of a Japanese Canadian Boat Builders Display at Britannia Shipyards as described in the report titled “Opportunity for Japanese Canadian Boat Builder Display at Britannia Shipyards”, dated October 25, 2023, from the Director, Arts, Culture and Heritage Services;

(2)

That should the funding application be successful, the Chief Administrative Officer and the General Manager, Community Services be authorized to execute the agreement on behalf of the City of Richmond with the Japanese Canadian Legacies Fund;

(3)

That should the funding application be successful, the Consolidated Five-Year Financial Plan (2023-2027) be amended accordingly; and

(4)

That should the funding application be successful, the Chief Administrative Officer and General Manager, Community Services be authorized to negotiate the terms of the Sakamoto donation, including the Crystal S vessel; and

(5)

That staff report back to Committee with an update in May 2024.

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

8.

SPORTS FACILITY NEEDS ASSESSMENT – COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION AND SOCIETY ENGAGEMENT UPDATE
(File Ref. No. 11-7000-10-02) (REDMS No. 7405278, 7437364, 7437735, 7431510, 7468057)

(1)

That the prioritized sport facility and infrastructure list be received and endorsed in principle for consideration in future corporate facility or park plans as outlined in the staff report titled “Richmond Sports Facility Needs Assessment – Community Association and Society Engagement Update”, dated October 20, 2023, from the Director, Recreation and Sport Services;

(2)

That, should opportunities arise, the priority list can be changed; and

(3)

That staff continue to outreach and find opportunities to engage people and groups in emerging sports.

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

9.

BOWLING GREEN COMMUNITY ACTIVITY CENTRE TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR PUBLIC ART PROJECT

(File Ref. No. 11-7000-09-20-283) (REDMS No. 7418679, 7366578)

That the Terms of Reference for the Bowling Green Community Activity Centre public artwork, as presented in the report titled “Bowling Green Community Activity Centre Terms of Reference for Public Art Project”, from the Director, Arts, Culture and Heritage Services, dated November 1, 2023, be endorsed.

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

10.

PUBLIC NOTICE BYLAW NO. 10520

(File Ref. No. 12-8060-20-010520) (REDMS No. 7465322, 7470151)

(1)

That Council resolve that it has considered the principles prescribed by Public Notice Regulation B.C. Reg. 52/2022 in accordance with subsection 94.2(6)(a) of the Community Charter, SBC 2003, Chapter 26, as amended; and,

(2)

That the Public Notice Bylaw No. 10520, a bylaw to provide for alternative means of publishing a statutory notice, be introduced and given first, second and third readings.

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

11.

NALOXONE KITS IN CIVIC BUILDINGS
(File Ref. No. 02-0650-01; 11-7200-01) (REDMS No. 7489239, 7490682)

(1)

That Naloxone Kits are made available for the public to access at all Richmond civic buildings including the Richmond Olympic Oval; and,

(2)

That procedures for access are developed along the lines of access to Automated External Defibrillators.

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

12.

2024 OPERATING AND CAPITAL BUDGETS FOR RICHMOND PUBLIC LIBRARY
(File Ref. No. 03-0970-25-2024-01) (REDMS No. 7434262)

That the 2024 proposed Richmond Public Library budget with a municipal contribution of $11,285,400 as presented in Attachment 1 from the Chief Librarian and the Secretary of the Board, be approved.

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

13.

2024 PROPOSED OPERATING BUDGET
(File Ref. No. 03-0970-25-2024-01) (REDMS No. 7374856, 7490668)

(1)

The 2024 Proposed Operating Budget as presented in Budget Option 2 for a total of 5.62% be approved as outlined below:

(a)

A same level of service budget increase of $8,900,427 after tax growth with a tax increase of 3.10% be approved; and

(b)

Emerging organizational additional levels in the amount of $1,501,828 as presented in Attachments 8, 9 and 10 of the staff report titled 2024 Proposed Operating Budget with a tax increase of 0.52% be approved; and

(c)

Transfer to reserves for Investment in Community Facilities as per Council’s Long Term Financial Management Strategy in the amount of $2,870,523 with a tax increase of 1.00% be approved; and

(d)

Senior level government and other government agency increase of $3,491,599 with a tax increase of 1.22% be approved; and

(e)

Use of reserves for program expenditures for Affordable Housing, Child Care and Public Art programs of $1,581,197 as presented in Attachment 7 be approved; and

(f)

Operating budget impacts totalling $971,855 with a tax increase of 0.34% be approved; and

(g)

The Rate Stabilization Account be used to reduce the overall impact of additional operating costs for a total of $1,612,500 resulting in a tax decrease of 0.56% be approved; and

(2)

The 2024 Operating Budget as approved be included in the Consolidated 5 Year Financial Plan (2024-2028).

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

CONSIDERATION OF MATTERS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA

FINANCE COMMITTEE

Mayor Malcolm D. Brodie, Chair

14.

2024 PROPOSED CAPITAL BUDGET
(File Ref. No. 03-0970-25-2024-01) (REDMS No. 7375551, 7490665, 7498414)

R23/21-5

It was moved and seconded

(1)

That the 2024 Proposed Capital Budget as presented in Appendix 3 totaling $208,564,335 be approved; and

(2)

That the 2024 Proposed Capital Budget as approved be included in the Consolidated 5 Year Financial Plan (2024-2028).

The question on the motion was not called as the following amendment motion was introduced:

R23/21-6

It was moved and seconded

That the motion be amended to add:

That the Brighouse Park Baseball Diamond Infield Upgrade facility, at a cost of $520,000, be added to the Capital budget with funding coming from the Council Community Initiatives Account.

The question on the amendment motion was not called as discussion ensued with respect to the funding source and suggested improvements to the Brighouse Park baseball field.

In response to queries from Committee, staff noted that (i) the Council Community Initiatives Account has a current balance of $1.3 million, can be used for various projects at Council’s discretion, and gets topped up annually, (ii) if approved, the Brighouse Park Baseball Diamond upgrade can be incorporated into the Parks Services schedule without affecting other projects or priorities, (iii) the new artificial turf infield would join seamlessly with the adjacent sand-based natural turf field, both equipped with drainage, and the life expectancy of most artificial turf surfaces is approximately 12-15 years, and (iv) the field is primarily used for baseball and could also be utilized by softball, slo-pitch, and other sport field user groups.

The question on the amendment motion was then called and it was CARRIED with Cllr. Wolfe opposed.

Discussion ensued regarding the need for park facilities improvements in East Richmond, including the rugby change room facilities at King George Park.

In response to queries from Council, staff advised that the City funding for the Annual Infrastructure Replacements and Building Improvements program is approximately $3.4 million, and the Facility Services and Project Development Department has the budget to maintain and operate the rugby change room facilities.

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

R23/21-7

It was moved and seconded

That the Rugby Change Room Facilities project at King George Park, with an estimated cost of $700,000, be approved, with the funding source coming from the existing Capital Budget.

The question on the amendment motion was not called as discussion ensued with respect to (i) the difference between upgrading and replacing facilities, (ii) the use and current condition of the rugby change room facilities, and (iii) the like-for-like modular replacement facility of the rugby change rooms being included on the Sports Facility and Infrastructure Prioritized List for future review.

Further discussion ensued regarding the condition of the existing change room facility and how it could be adopted for multi-purpose use, and as a result there was agreement from the mover, the seconder and all members present to withdraw the amendment motion, and the amendment motion was WITHDRAWN.

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

It was moved and seconded

That staff investigate the possibility of a fully upgraded East Richmond change room facility at King George Park, including budget, the current and future status of the existing facility, and use by various sport user groups, and report back.

CARRIED
Opposed: Cllr. Wolfe

In response to queries from Council, staff advised that there is the potential for 12 of the 23 replacement vehicles and equipment to be zero emission and the cost of an electric frontline fire vehicle is approximately twice the cost of the proposed 2024 replacement frontline truck.

The question on the main motion as amended, which reads as follows:

(1)

That the 2024 Proposed Capital Budget as presented in Appendix 3 and as amended to include the Brighouse Park Baseball Diamond Infield Upgrade, at a cost of $520,000 funded from the Council Community Initiatives Account, totalling $209,084,335 be approved; and

(2)

That the 2024 Proposed Capital Budget as approved be included in the Consolidated 5 Year Financial Plan (2024-2028).

was then called, and it was CARRIED.

NON-CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS

FINANCE COMMITTEE

Mayor Malcolm D. Brodie, Chair

15.

2024 ONE-TIME EXPENDITURES

(File Ref. No. 03-0970-01) (REDMS No. 7402021, 7490671)

R23/21-8

It was moved and seconded

That the one-time expenditures totaling $2,977,311 as outlined in Attachment 1 of the 2024 One-Time Expenditures staff report, be approved with funding from the Rate Stabilization Account and included in the Consolidated 5 Year Financial Plan (2024-2028).

The question on the motion was not called as discussion ensued regarding the Public Safety Mobile Command and Communication Centre Vehicle and the use of zero emission vehicles.

In response to queries from Council, staff noted that the Public Safety Mobile Command and Communication Centre Vehicle will be built to specifications.

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

PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS

Mayor Brodie announced that:

The following persons were elected as directors of the Richmond Olympic Oval for a term effective January 1, 2024, ending immediately prior to the 2025 annual general meeting of the Richmond Olympic Oval Corporation:

·          

Traci Corr;

·          

Bob Jackson;

·          

Kush Panatch;

·          

Bob Ransford; and

·          

Serj Sangara.

The following were appointed to the Aquatic Advisory Board for a two-year term to expire on December 31, 2025:

Andrea Golba;

Jeremy Hopwood;

Deb McGrath; and

Rosemary Nickerson.

The following were appointed to the Minoru Centre for Active Living Program Committee for a two-year term to expire on December 31, 2025:

Rosemary Nickerson;

Bruce Stygall;

Bernard Seo; and

Becky Wong.

The following were appointed to the Economic Advisory Committee for a two-year term to expire on December 31, 2025:

Keith Bailey;

Patrick Caffrey;

Dave Frank;

Kenneth Ip;

Guillermo Francisco;

Myriame Gabay;

Theresa Rawle;

Vu Hoang Long Tran; and

Shaena Furlong

Paul Tilbury – appointed as Chair

Arvind Sharma has been appointed to the YVR Aeronautical Noise Management Committee for a two-year term to expire on December 31, 2025.

The following were appointed to the Richmond Seniors Advisory Committee for a two-year term to expire on December 31, 2025:

Ihsan Malik;

Queenie Choo;

Carol Dickson;

Arnold Abramson;

Zarina Chan;

Monique Davidson; and

Tom Tang.

Richard Marion has been appointed to the Richmond Accessibility Advisory Committee for a two-year term to expire on December 31, 2025.

The following were appointed to the Food Security and Agricultural Advisory Committee for a two-year term to expire on December 31, 2025:

Allen Rose;

Lynn Kemper;

Vida Rose; and

Phil Carriere.

The following were appointed to the Richmond Heritage Commission for a two-year term to expire on December 31, 2025:

Todd Follett;

Ron Hyde;

Rod Kawamoto; and

Jim Carter-Huffman.

BYLAWS FOR ADOPTION

R23/21-9

It was moved and seconded

That the following bylaws be adopted:

Richmond Zoning Bylaw 8500, Amendment Bylaw No. 10294 (13340 Smallwood Place, ZT 21-930124); and

Richmond Zoning Bylaw No. 8500, Amendment Bylaw No. 10448 (15140 Westminster Highway, ZT 23-009334).

CARRIED

DEVELOPMENT PERMIT PANEL

R23/21-10

16.

It was moved and seconded

(1)

That the minutes of the Development Permit Panel meeting held on November 29, 2023, and the Chair’s reports for the Development Permit Panel meetings held on December 14, 2022, and November 29, 2023 be received for information; and

(2)

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

(a)

changes to the design of the Development Permit (DP 20-890821) issued for the properties located at 5500, 5502, 5506 and 5508 Williams Road (formerly 5500 Williams Road); and

(b)

changes to the design of the Development Permit (DP 18-829236) issued for the properties located at 7580 No. 1 Road (formerly 7464, 7480, 7500, 7520, 7540, 7560/7580 and 7600 No. 1 Road);

be endorsed and the changes be deemed in General Compliance with the Permits.

CARRIED

PUBLIC DELEGATIONS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS

R23/21-11

17.

It was moved and seconded

That Council resolve into Committee of the Whole to hear delegations on non‑agenda items (7:49 p.m.).

CARRIED

(1)

Igor Bjelac, Charity Director, Immigrant Link Centre Society (ILCS), referenced their submission (Copy on File, City Clerk’s Office) on food support for low income individuals and refugees and increasing food security through zero food waste.

In response to queries from Council, the delegation advised that (i) ILCS is based out of Coquitlam and their program serves the Lower Mainland and North Shore, and (ii) ILCS has received community grants and government funding and continue to apply for grants.

(2)

Deirdre Whalen, President, Richmond Poverty Reduction Coalition, Linda Rosas, Shaelyn Jerome and CJ Ellison, supporters, presented on the LEMR housing program, referencing their submission (Copy on File, City Clerk’s Office).

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

It was moved and seconded

That the Richmond Poverty Reduction Coalition presentation be referred to staff to further analyse and report back on the LEMR housing program.

CARRIED

Discussion ensued regarding the concept of a central waitlist for LEMR units, and a forthcoming report in response to a previous referral to review the notion of a waitlist and other elements of the LEMR program.

(3)

Jennifer West, Executive Director, Richmond Division of Family Practice, and Dr. Angela Shen, family physician in Richmond, spoke to the family doctor shortage, referencing their presentation (Copy on File, City Clerk’s Office).

In response to queries from Council, the delegation advised that (i) it is estimated that approximately 44,000 people in Richmond do not have a family doctor, (ii) Richmond is in competition with neighbouring communities for family doctors, and (iii) east Richmond is less represented and has difficulty attracting general practitioners.

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

It was moved and seconded

That the Richmond Division of Family Practice presentation be referred to staff to examine and report back on the implications.

CARRIED

In response to queries from Council, staff advised that there are many different types of medical facilities in terms of zoning descriptions depending on the services offered.

R23/21-12

18.

It was moved and seconded

That Committee rise and report (8:38 p.m.).

CARRIED

ADJOURNMENT

R23/21-13

It was moved and seconded

That the meeting adjourn (8:39 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 11, 2023.

_________________________________

_________________________________

Mayor (Malcolm D. Brodie)

Corporate Officer (Claudia Jesson)