FINANCE & CORPORATE SERVICES DIVISION

1.

2003 CAPITAL PLAN (DRAFT)
(File No.: 0985-01  Redms.:  922310, 916620)

The General Manager, Finance and Corporate Services, Jim Bruce, and the Manager, Development Applications, Joe Erceg, Chair of the Capital Team, were present.  Mr. Erceg gave a brief summary of the 2003 Capital Plan following which he, Mr. Bruce, and applicable stakeholders, responded to questions from Committee.

As a result of the discussion additional information was requested on the following items: -

For report to the January 20^th, 2003, General Purposes Committee meeting:

i)

Nelson Road Widening widening of the road to four lanes, and the closure of No. 8 Road to trucks only;

ii)

Blundell Road, No. 4 Rd. to No. 5 Rd. Road Base, Expansion Date, Watermain and Drainage when is the proposed expansion to four lanes planned to occur, and the cost of such expansion;

iii)

Physical Plant Sustaining Capital provide additional information on what should be budgeted for to attain appropriate level;

iv)

Special Sports Statutory Reserve Fund clarification of the amount resolved by Council to be contributed to the Fund on a yearly basis;

v)

Waterfront Improvement Projects Plan provide information on specific projects;

vi)

Vehicle Reserve Purchases options for purchase/lease of a Hydro Excavator and when the purchase/lease was anticipated to take place;

vii)

Britannia Heritage Shipyard; -

a)

a review of the estimate provided by Westmar Consultants.  Councillor Steves requested that a copy of the consultants report on the piles be provided; and,

b)

the portion of the project that could be accomplished in house;

viii)

Phoenix Gilnet Loft provide various options for, and the cost of securing the building and replacing one pile;

ix)

Fire Vehicle Replacement Loan the impact on the Vehicle Acquisition Program and the implications of delaying funding;

x)

King George Park Caretakers suite Second Storey.

For report to the January 28^th, 2003, Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Committee meeting:

i)

Britannia Heritage Shipyard Murchison House and the Britannia Master Plan, including operating costs for the Net Loft;

ii)

Richmond Nature Park - washroom;

iii)

Public Art Program;

a)

a review of the Bob McMath Memorial Artwork;

b)

clarification of the Public Art Statutory Reserve Fund including the $250,000 holding account and the identification of City and donated fund portions; and,

c)

recommendations for expenditure of the funds.

The Chair called a brief recess from 5:03 to 5:10 p.m.

2.

2003 OPERATING BUDGET (dRAFT)
(File No.: 0985-01)

The General Manager, Finance and Corporate Services, Jim Bruce, and the Director of Finance, Andrew Nazareth, were present.  Mr. Nazareth gave a PowerPoint presentation of the 2003 Operating Budget, and then he, Mr. Bruce, and various stakeholders, responded to questions from Committee.

As a result of the discussion the following additional information was requested to be provided to January 20^th, 2003 meeting of the General Purposes Committee: -

i)

the positions that might not be replaced after ERIP is complete;

ii)

the SPCA subsidy and the SPCA service level;

iii)

a priority list of TAG recommendations, with descriptions for each additional level item listed on page 7 of the Draft Operating Budget;

iv)

the latest report on the revenue/expenses of pay parking including whether the pay parking could be terminated.

A brief discussion then ensued on the merits of a one-time tax increase, user fees, and provision of a tax increase in dollar value as opposed to a percentage.

Councillor Kumagai left the meeting 6:45 p.m.

ADJOURNMENT

It was moved and seconded

That the meeting adjourn (6:46 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, December 23, 2002.

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Mayor Malcolm D. Brodie
Chair

D. J. MacLennan
Administrative Assistant