MINUTES

1.

It was moved and seconded

That the minutes of the meeting of the General Purposes Committee held on Monday, January 20^th, 2003, be adopted with an amendment to Page 6 to delete the word pier from the resolution regarding the West Bent Walkway (Phoenix Gillnet Loft), and to substitute the word project.

CARRIED

FINANCE & CORPORATE SERVICES DIVISION

2.

DEVELOPMENT COST CHARGES IMPOSITION BYLAW NO. 7480
(Report:  Jan. 30/03, File No.:  8060-20-7480) (REDMS No. 954401, 950317)

During the brief discussion which ensued, the Manager, Special Projects, Finance & Corporate Services, Graham Willis, confirmed that any development applications filed prior to April 1^st, 2003 would qualify for the Development Cost Charges rates which were now in effect.

It was moved and seconded

That Development Cost Charges Imposition Bylaw No. 7480 be introduced and given first, second and third readings.

CARRIED

OPPOSED:  Cllr. Barnes
McNulty
Steves

3.

2003 CITY GRANT PROGRAM
(Report:  Jan. 27/03, File No.:  1085-01) (REDMS No. 951260, 464798, 947156, 947284, 948192, 943371, 947628, 947777, 947797, 948190, 948200, 948202, 950154, 948206, 948231, 948234, 909089, 908577, 909399, 908669, 950287, 908679, 908695, 908739, 908770, 908701, 908743, 909395, 908762, 908764, 908813, 908828, 908944, 909022, 909093, 922285, 909096, 909103, 908725)

The Manager, Customer Services, Anne Stevens, advised that the proposed total grants distribution had been increased by $2,500 over the amount recommended at the previous Committee meeting, and she then reviewed the recommended adjustments with the Committee. 

Discussion then ensued among Committee members and staff on:

the rationale for decreasing the amount of the grant to the Hamilton Community Association from $700 to $500

the rationale for reducing the amount of the grant to the Richmond Society for Community Living

the rationale for recommending grants to two of the three organizations which had submitted applications after the deadline

(Cllr. Evelina Halsey-Brandt entered the meeting at 4:07 p.m., during the above discussion.)

the rationale for recommending an increase in the amount of the grant to the Richmond Chinese Mental Health Group from $2,000 to $5,000

the denial of a grant to the Richmond Poverty Response Committee (Richmond Community Services Advisory Council), and whether there would be any format which would allow that committee to apply for funding through the City
 

the rationale for recommending a grant to the Richmond Marine Rescue Society, and whether the grant process was the appropriate venue for this organization to seek funds

the rationale for only reducing the amount of the grant to Big Sisters rather than denying the grant as a penalty for submitting a late application

whether a grant should be awarded to Caring About Kids.

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

It was moved and seconded

That:

(1)

Social Planning staff (RCSAC staff liaison) to work with RCSAC to:

provide an inventory of social services in Richmond and outline a strategy ensuring co-ordination among social service groups in the delivery of services and the procurement of funds, and
 

(2)

approve the 2003 grant amounts (identified in the report dated January 27^th, 2003, from the Manager, Customer Services) for Health, Social Services, Cultural and Community Promotions, with:

(a)

an increase in the amount of the grant to the Hamilton Community Association from $500 to $700; and
 

(b)

the awarding of a grant to Caring About Kids in the amount of $1,000; and
 

(3)

the cheques disbursed for a total of $293,750.
 

The question on the motion was not called, as discussion continued on the need to (i) implement a strategy would ensure coordination with all local organizations, and (ii) ensure that the correspondence sent to these organizations stressed the need for such coordination. 

During the discussion, concern was expressed about the recommendation to award a grant to Caring About Kids without coordinating their efforts with other similar organizations.  Reference was made to the work carried out by Big Sisters, and concern was expressed about the possibility of reducing the amount of the grant to that organization.

Questions were also raised about the length of time which would be required by the RCSAC to complete the proposed inventory of services, and as a result of the discussion, the following amendment was introduced:

It was moved and seconded

That Part (1) of the main resolution be amended by adding after the words procurement of funds, the words prior to September 1^st, 2003.

CARRIED

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

4.

BUSINESS LICENCING AND BUSINESS LIAISON AND DEVELOPMENT 2003 WORK PLAN
(Report:  Jan. 29/03, File No.:  0340-20-FCSE1) (REDMS No. 952623)

The Acting Chief Administrative Officer, David McLellan, spoke briefly about the report, and circulated to Committee, draft terms of reference for the Richmond Economic Opportunities Forum Task Force.   Also circulated to the Committee was a proposal prepared by Councillor Howard relating to the Richmond Economic Advisory Task Force.

Discussion ensued among Committee members, the Manager, Business Liaison & Development, Marcia Freeman, the General Manager, Finance & Corporate Services, Jim Bruce and Mr. McLellan on the formation of the proposed task force, the timing of the report to Committee with recommendations on candidates and whether advertising for potential candidates should be undertaken.  The proposed models circulated by Cllr. Howard and Mr. McLellan were both reviewed during the discussion, with comments being made about the rationale for proposing to hire an external facilitator. 

Also discussed were specific projects proposed within the 2003 Work Plan, such as the creation of a Special Events Business Licence and Air Canada (Business Licence Dispute).

Discussion also centred on the anticipated tasks of the Task Force, and in particular, the establishment of benchmarks for measuring the effectiveness of the economic development strategy and plan.  Comments were made during the discussion about the need to create long term economic sustainability for the City.  Questions were also raised on what the Task Force would be reviewing and reporting, the documents which would be given to the Task Force as resource information, and the direction which the Task Force might take.  During the discussion, comments were made that a list of priorities of key projects, a communication plan, accountability, and benchmarks were all essential components of the strategic plan.

Also discussed with reference to the proposed Task Force was the issue of whether an individual should be hired to document discussion and prepare reports.  A brief discussion also centred on whether the Task Force should have a Council Liaison appointed, and it was agreed that such a representative was not required.  As a result of the discussion, the following referral motion was introduced:

It was moved and seconded

That the matter of the Task Force be referred to the meeting of the Finance Select Committee scheduled for 4:00 p.m., Wednesday, February 5^th, 2003.
 

Prior to the question on the motion being called, staff were requested to review the mandates of the models submitted by Cllr. Howard and Mr. McLellan, and to submit recommendations to the February 5^th meeting.

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

It was moved and seconded

That the report (dated January 29^th, 2003, from the Manager, Business Liaison & Development), regarding Business Licencing and the Business Liaison and Development 2003 Work Plan, be referred to staff for report to the General Purposes Committee in one months time with a draft strategic plan, including budget implications.
 

The question on the motion was not called, as discussion ensued on the proposed Business Development Coordinator, the duties which this individual would assume, and whether such a position was premature at this time. 

(Cllr. Dang left the meeting at 5:32 p.m. and did not return to the open meeting.)

Also discussed briefly was the need for long term economic sustainability.

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

ADJOURNMENT

It was moved and seconded

That the meeting adjourn (5:35 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, February 3^rd, 2003.

_________________________________

_________________________________

Mayor Malcolm D. Brodie
Chair

Fran J. Ashton
Executive Assistant