General Purposes Committee Meeting Minutes - March 18, 2002


 

 

 

General Purposes Committee

 

Date: Monday, March 18th, 2002
Place: Anderson Room
Richmond City Hall
Present: Mayor Malcolm D. Brodie, Chair
Councillor Lyn Greenhill
Councillor Evelina Halsey-Brandt
Councillor Rob Howard
Councillor Kiichi Kumagai
Councillor Bill McNulty
Councillor Harold Steves
Absent: Councillor Linda Barnes
Councillor Sue Halsey-Brandt
Call to Order: The Chair called the meeting to order at 4:04 p.m.

 

 

 

 MINUTES

 

 

 1. It was moved and seconded

 

 

 That the minutes of the meeting of the General Purposes Committee held on Monday, March 4th, 2002, and on Wednesday, March 6th, 2002, be adopted as circulated.

 

 

 

CARRIED

 

 

 

 URBAN DEVELOPMENT DIVISION

 

 

2. NOMINEE PROCESS FOR AIRPORT AUTHORITY
(Report: Mar. 5/02, File No.: 0153-02-02) (REDMS No. 654249)

 

 

 It was moved and seconded

 

 

 That the process for the selection of a City nominee to the Vancouver International Airport Authority (as described in the report dated March 5th, 2002, from the General Manager, Urban Development), be endorsed.

 

 

 The question on the motion was not called, as the Manager, Policy Planning, Terry Crowe, stated that advertising for potential nominees would be consistent with advertising for appointments to advisory bodies. Reference was made to the many years of service given by Mr. Mel Goodwin, and staff were directed to organize a reception to recognize Mr. Goodwin for his work on the Board of the Vancouver International Airport Authority.

 

 

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

 

 

 

 COMMUNITY SAFETY DIVISION

 

 

3. Status of Action Items Relating to the Proposed Importation of Contaminated Soils
(Report: Mar. 8/02, File No.: 6175-06) (REDMS No. 657093, 655363, 654952, 654977, 654712)

 

 

 The General Manager, Community Safety, Chuck Gale, reviewed the report with the Committee. He advised that the suggestion had been made that the site and facility operators, Stuart Somerville of Ecowaste and Greggory Campbell of Hazco Environmental Services, respond to the concerns expressed in letters sent to the City about the proposed importation of contaminated soil, because of their knowledge and expertise.

 

 

 During the discussion which ensued, the following information was provided:

 

 

  •  

 Mr. Somerville and Mr. Campbell had suggested that they respond to residents concerns because of the lack of expertise of City staff on this issue and the concern of City staff that because of this lack of knowledge, residents could be given the wrong information about the matter

 

 

  •  

 the proposed $5,000 cost of the proposed public information meeting was comprised of the rental of the hotel room, production of display materials, advertising of the event, and minimal staff overtime to attend the meeting.

 

 

 Mr. Stuart Somerville, of Ecowaste, and Mr. Greggory Campbell, of Hazco Environmental Services, then came forward and were introduced to the Committee.

 

 

 Mr. Somerville advised that the proposed importation of contaminated soils to Richmond was on indefinite hold at this time because of the concerns which had been raised. He stated that a decision would not be made on whether to proceed with the project until all questions had been answered. Mr. Somerville confirmed that there was no deadline in place and that there was time for the City to discuss the matter in detail.

 

 

 Mr. Campbell stated that his company would be evaluating the issues over the coming months before making a decision.

 

 

 Discussion then ensued among Committee members, the delegation and staff on:

 

 

  •  

 whether a public information meeting should be held

 

 

  •  

 the suggestion of Messrs. Somerville and Campbell that they respond to the concerns contained in correspondence sent to City Hall by Richmond residents about the proposed importation of contaminated soil

 

 

  •  

 whether there would be an individual, other than at the Provincial Government level, who would have the ability to respond to the questions of Richmond residents

 

 

  •  

 whether the Provincial Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection would have an expert on the subject of soil contamination at the proposed public information meeting

 

 

  •  

 whether the City's former soil regulation bylaw would have allowed the importation of the subject soil, if this bylaw had still been in effect today

 

 

  •  

 the regulations for the disposal of contaminated soil, the differences between Canadian and American standards, and the rationale for the cross-border shipment of contaminated materials

 

 

  •  

 the anticipated quality of the soil following treatment, and possible uses for that treated soil

 

 

  •  

 the possible impact to the City of banning cross-border shipments of all contaminated materials, in the event that Richmond had a material which could not be treated within its boundaries

 

 

  •  

 residential land use standards and the establishment of an operating protocol.

 

 

 During the discussion, the delegation commented briefly about their feelings in the event that the contract was cancelled by the Oregon company. Mr. Somerville added that he would be in attendance at the proposed public information meeting to answer questions on (i) how the contaminated soil would be treated, and (ii) the method chosen to treat the soil.

 

 

 Suggestions were made during the meeting that:

 

 

  •  

 the public information meeting and public forum be combined into a public information meeting, and that the City's Advisory Committee on the Environment be requested to chair the meeting

 

 

  •  

 the Provincial Ministry be provided with a copy of every letter received by the City on the issue of the importation of contaminated soil into the City

 

 

  •  

 consideration be given to amending the City's Official Community Plan to deal with the use of former contaminated soil in residential and industrial areas

 

 

  •  

 at the public information meeting, examples be provided on everyday contamination hazards, such as the amount of dioxin which would result from using one cup of bleach in the laundry.

 

 

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

 

 

 It was moved and seconded

 

 

 (1) That a public information session be held at City Hall, in accordance with Option "A" (as set out in Section 7 on page 4 of the report dated March 8, 2002 from the Manager, Emergency & Environmental Programs).

 

 

 (2) That letters be sent to the Minister of the Environment and the Minister of Water, Land and Air Protection, outlining issues pertaining to the importation of contaminated soils to Richmond, and the location of a special waste treatment facility in Richmond, and enclosing copies of the correspondence received from residents on this matter.

 

 

 

CARRIED

 

 

 

 FINANCE & CORPORATE SERVICES DIVISION

 

 

4. COUNCIL REMUNERATION AND EXPENSES FOR 2001
(Report: Mar. 6/02, File No.: 0105-08) (REDMS No. 654991)

 

 

 It was moved and seconded

 

 

 That the report (dated March 6th, 2002, from the General Manager, Finance & Corporate Services), regarding the 2001 Council Remuneration and Expenses, be received by Council for information.

 

 

 

CARRIED

 

 

 

 It was moved and seconded

 

 

 That the order of the Agenda be varied to deal with Item 6 at this time.

 

 

 

CARRIED

 

 

 

 PARKS, RECREATION & CULTURAL SERVICES DIVISION

 

 

6. funding for the disability resource centre
(Report: Mar. 13/02, File No.: 0100-20-RCDI1-01 ) (REDMS No. 660745)

 

 

 The General Manager, Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services, Cathy Carlile, accompanied by the Director, Recreation & Cultural Services, Kate Sparrow, were present to respond to any questions which the Committee might have. Discussion then took place on:

 

 

  •  

 the role which the City would play in the partnership with respect to the operation of the Disability Resource Centre

 

 

  •  

 the degree of influence, if any, which the City would have with respect to the operation of the Disability Resource Centre, if for example, the City decided that the Centre should relocate

 

 

  •  

 the appropriate model for a partnership agreement between the City and the Disability Resource Centre

 

 

  •  

 the proposed provision of $70,000 to the Disability Resource Centre and what this amount would cover with respect to costs

 

 

  •  

 the concern of staff that approval of the partnership project could create a precedent for other social service agencies in the community which did not receive grants in the future

 

 

  •  

 approval of the proposed partnership agreement by Council following its development by staff

 

 

  •  

 the development of the partnership agreement in a similar manner to the agreements created for the Gateway Theatre and other City facilities

 

 

  •  

 the intent of staff to maintain an arms length approach in the partnership with the Disability Resource Centre.

 

 

 Concern was expressed during the discussion about adding an expense to the proposed 2002 operating budget, when staff were endeavouring to find ways to reduce the budget to an acceptable tax draw. Comments were also made that the Disability Resource Centre should be integrated into the City's services; and that an amount be placed in the 2002 Operating Budget but not disbursed until such time as a way has been found to integrate the Centre into the City's operation, similar to the Gateway Theatre and Minoru Seniors Centre models.

 

 

 The comment was also made during the discussion that consideration should be given to funding only a portion of the fixed expenses of the Disability Resource Centre, and a financial plan prepared prior to committing the entire amount of $70,000.

 

 

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

 

 

 It was moved and seconded

 

 

 (1) That:

 

 

 

(a) a pilot partnership project be initiated with the Disability Resource Centre;

 

 

 

 (b) core funding be approved for two years to the Disability Resource Centre of $70,000 per annum (less the 2002 grant allocation of $17,000); and

 

 

 

 (c) the Recreation & Cultural Services budget be increased to cover additional City staff costs of $3,600;

 

 

 (2) That the development of an operating agreement and implementation plan, prior to funding, that outlines the terms and conditions of the funding be authorized, and that it include a clause stating that a comprehensive evaluation of the benefits of funding the program would be initiated prior to funding future years beyond 2004; and,

 

 

 (3) That the funding be included in the 2002 Annual Operating Budget and be funded out of the 2002 Casino Gaming Revenues.

 

 

 (4) That staff report to Council, through Committee, on the request for funding from the Therapeutic Equestrian Society.

 

 

 The question on the motion was not called, as the request was made that the recommendations be dealt with separately.

 

 

 The question on Part (1) of the motion was then called, and it was CARRIED with Cllrs. Greenhill and E. Halsey-Brandt opposed.

 

 

 The question on Part (2) of the motion was called, and it was CARRIED, with Cllr. Greenhill opposed.

 

 

 The question on Part (3) of the motion was called, and it was CARRIED with Cllrs. Greenhill and E. Halsey-Brandt opposed.

 

 

 The question on Part (4) of the motion was called, and it was CARRIED with Cllr. Greenhill and Steves opposed.

 

 

5. 2002 OPERATING BUDGET
(Report: March 14/02, File No.: 0970-01) (REDMS No. 661693, 667485)

 

 

 Mayor Brodie read aloud a statement regarding delegations.

 

 

 The General Manager, Finance & Corporate Services, Jim Bruce, explained that the report now being considered was to provide answers to the questions raised at the previous meeting of the General Purposes Committee.

 

 

 Discussion then ensued among Committee members and staff on:

 

 

  •  

 the additional level funding requests

 

 

  •  

 the fees charged for false alarms

 

 

  •  

 the fees charged for comfort letters

 

 

  •  

 the proposal to implement user fees for sports fields

 

 

  •  

 NSF cheques and whether the fees should be increased

 

 

  •  

 development application fees and whether the amounts being proposed by staff would generate $110,000 in potential revenue

 

 

  •  

 deletion of the Emergency Social Services Co-ordinator position from the additional level funding requests and the impact which this could have on the Emergency Services Program and the 2003 budget

 

 

  •  

 the purpose of the budget review process

 

 

  •  

 the use of 2002 casino revenue to reduce the 2002 operating budget

 

 

  •  

 the need to include funds in the budget to address the City's aging infrastructure.

 

 

 During the discussion, suggestions were made that staff should examine the feasibility of taking the excess funds from the Tram Study which was to now be completed in-house, and placing these funds in the 2002 operating budget; and to re-allocate funds from the McMath Art Fund to a fund to provide for the planting of perennials, such as daffodils, throughout the City, rather than annuals.

 

 

 As a result of the discussion, the following motions were introduced:

 

 

 It was moved and seconded

 

 

 That the following five additional level requests for funding be incorporated into the 2002 Operating Budget:

 

 

 (1) $57,000 for Turnout Gear;

 

 

 (2) $25,000 for an Occupational Health & Safety Officer;

 

 

 (3) $200,000 for Software Funding (Upgrade);

 

 

 (4) $142,100 for the E-Comm Levy (RMS Integration); and

 

 

 (5) $70,000 for an Emergency Social Services Coordinator.

 

 

 The question on the motion was not called, as the request was made that the recommendations be dealt with separately.

 

 

 The question on Part (1) of the motion was then called, and it was CARRIED.

 

 

 The question on Part (2) of the motion was called, and it was CARRIED, with Mayor Brodie opposed.

 

 

 The question on Part (3) of the motion was called, and it was CARRIED with Mayor Brodie and Cllr. McNulty opposed.

 

 

 The question on Part (4) of the motion was called, and it was CARRIED with Mayor Brodie and Cllr. McNulty opposed.

 

 

 The question on Part (5) of the motion was called, and it was DEFEATED with Mayor Brodie, and Cllrs. Howard, Kumagai, McNulty and Steves opposed.

 

 

 It was moved and seconded

 

 

 (1) That the NSF fees for returned cheques remain at $25;

 

 

 (2) That the Development Application fees be increased according to the staff recommendation being presented to the Planning Committee in April, 2002;

 

 

 (3) That the fee structure for false alarms be increased as follows:

 

 

 

(a) $100 for the first incident;

 

 

 

 (b) $100 for the second incident; and

 

 

 

 (c) $100 for the third incident.

 

 

 (4) That the fees for Comfort Letters be increased to $100 for the provision of residential information, and to $200 for the provision of commercial, industrial and other information.

 

 

 (5) That the fees for the provision of tax information be increased as follows:

 

 

 

(a) $35 for Counter Service;

 

 

 

 (b) $25 for Internet Service; and

 

 

 

 (c) $30 for Fax Service.

 

 

 The question on the motion was not called, as the request was made that the recommendations be dealt with separately.

 

 

 The question on Part (1) of the motion was then called, and it was CARRIED.

 

 

 The question on Part (2) of the motion was called, and it was CARRIED, with Mayor Brodie and Cllr. Howard opposed.

 

 

 The question on Part (3) of the motion was called, and it was CARRIED.

 

 

 The question on Part (4) of the motion was called, and it was CARRIED.

 

 

 The question on Part (5) of the motion was called, and it was CARRIED.

 

 

 It was moved and seconded

 

 

 That the following recommendation be referred to the Sports Council for review, with consideration being given to implementing fees for the use of the new all-weather field at Minoru Park,

 

 

 "That the charging for use of existing playing fields be implemented for 2002.".

 

 

 

CARRIED

 

 

 

 It was moved and seconded

 

 

 That:

 

 

 (1) the revenue generated as a result of the "G8 Summit" - $100,000, be included in the proposed 2002 Operating Budget; and

 

 

 (2) the vacant "Supervisor, Youth Services" position - $64,000, be excluded.

 

 

 

CARRIED

 

 

 

 It was moved and seconded

 

 

 That the "Quarter 1 Revenue" of 2002 Casino Revenue funds, estimated to be $318,000, be included in the proposed 2002 Operating Budget.

 

 

 

CARRIED

 

 

 

OPPOSED: Mayor Brodie
Cllr. E. Halsey-Brandt

 

 

 

 It was moved and seconded

 

 

 That the "Quarter 2 Revenue" of 2002 Casino Revenue funds, estimated to be $500,000, be included in the proposed 2002 Operating Budget.

 

 

 

CARRIED

 

 

 

OPPOSED: Mayor Brodie
Cllr. Greenhill
E. Halsey-Brandt

 

 

 

 It was moved and seconded

 

 

 That the amount of $200,000 be included in the proposed 2002 Operating Budget for "Special Projects", with the source of funding to be the 2002 Casino Revenue fund.

 

 

 

CARRIED

 

 

 

OPPOSED: Cllr. Greenhill
E. Halsey-Brandt

 

 

 

 It was moved and seconded

 

 

 That staff be directed to find an additional $500,000 in efficiencies for contribution to the Capital Reserve Fund.

 

 

 

CARRIED

 

 

 

OPPOSED: Cllr. Greenhill
E. Halsey-Brandt
Steves

 

 

 

 PARKS, RECREATION & CULTURAL SERVICES DIVISION

 

 

6. funding for the disability resource centre
(Report: Mar. 13/02, File No.: 0100-20-RCDI1-01 ) (REDMS No. 660745)

 

 

 Please see Page 4 of these minutes for action taken on this matter.

 

 

 

 ADJOURNMENT

 

 

 

 It was moved and seconded

 

 

 That the meeting adjourn (7:02 p.m.).

 

 

 

CARRIED

 

 

 

 Certified a true and correct copy of the Minutes of the meeting of the General Purposes Committee of the Council of the City of Richmond held on Monday, March 18th, 2002.
_________________________________ _________________________________
Mayor Malcolm D. Brodie
Chair		 Fran J. Ashton
Executive Assistant

 

 

07.16.04 14:39

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