MINUTES

1.

It was moved and seconded

That the minutes of the meeting of the General Purposes Committee held on Monday, February 3^rd, 2003, be adopted as circulated.

CARRIED

It was moved and seconded

That the order of the agenda be varied to deal with Item No. 3 at this time.

CARRIED

PARKS, RECREATION & CULTURAL SERVICES DIVISION

3.

PARKS, RECREATION AND CULTURAL SERVICE DELIVERY SYSTEM
(Report:  Feb. 11/03, File No.:  0340-20-CSER1) (REDMS No. 961860, 943632)

The General Manager, Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services, Cathy Volkering Carlile, accompanied by the Director, Recreation & Cultural Services, Kate Sparrow, and the Director of Parks Operations, Dave Semple, reviewed the report with the Committee.

Discussion then ensued among Committee members and staff on such issues as:

the purpose of the proposed new service delivery model

whether a cost benefit analysis had been undertaken, and if not, at what point in the process would such an analysis be completed

the impact of adopting the recommendations now before the Committee, and whether adoption of Recommendation No. 1 would preclude input and participation from the existing partners and the community in redefining their roles within the new system

the process which would be followed subsequent to the adoption of the Guiding Principles

the need to ensure that a thorough discussion took place not only with the current partners, but also with the broader stakeholders in the community

the need to ensure the creation of focus groups to address those issues which were identified by the public during the initial open houses as being important to them

potential results of the new service delivery model, such as allowing Richmond residents to purchase a pass which would give them access to all recreational facilities located in the City

the role which recreation played in the community at the present time and what could be done to improve this service for the future.
 

Ms. Julie Halfnights, of 5184 Sapphire Place, spoke to the Committee on the City's proposal to change its method of delivery of recreation services to the community.  In recognition of the short amount of time available at this meeting, Ms. Halfnights shortened her submission, however, the entire presentation is attached as Schedule A and forms part of these minutes.

Discussion then ensued among Committee members and Ms. Halfnights on Recommendation 2, during which Ms. Halfnights expressed the belief that City staff were of the opinion that the current model was broken and could not be fixed.  She suggested that a comparison should be made with other municipalities to determine how those agencies provided recreational services to their residents.  During the discussion Ms. Halfnights talked about the improvements which had been made at the Thompson Community Centre in response to the needs of that particular community.  She also responded to questions from Committee members on (i) whether she would be willing to assist with the development of a new model if the decision was made that the current system was no longer practical, (ii) the ethnic composition of the Board of Directors for the Thompson Community Centre; and (iii) the proposed Guiding Principles. 

Mr. Bob Ransford expressed the belief that the current system was not broken but simply required redefinition.  He suggested that instead of adopting Recommendation 2, that the Committee should simply adopt the guiding principles as proposed in Recommendation 1, and proceed from there.  Mr. Ransford voiced the opinion that allowing sixty days for community input was a little ambitious and suggested that a broader discussion should be held with the community as a whole.

Mr. Ransford stated that staff should determine why the needs of the community were not being met and suggested that a consultation plan should be prepared which would involve the entire community.  In response to questions, Mr. Ransford stated that a determination was needed on how far the City wanted to expand the parameters of recreation in the City.

It was moved and seconded

That the meeting of the General Purposes Committee be recessed and reconvene at 5:30 p.m., in the Council Chambers, on Wednesday, February 19^th, 2003.

CARRIED

The General Purposes Committee meeting reconvened at 5:32 p.m. on Wednesday, February 19^th, 2003, with all members of the Committee present except Councillor Kiichi Kumagai.  Councillor Sue Halsey-Brandt entered the meeting at 5:50 p.m.

The General Manager, Parks, Recreation & Culture, Cathy Volkering Carlile, provided Committee members with a copy of the revised time frame for the feedback process, and she reviewed this outline with the Committee.  A copy of this time frame is on file in the City Clerks Office.

Discussion ensued among Committee members and Ms. Carlile on such issues as the future of the  revenue currently in the hands of the community associations, during which the Mayor stated that that money was the property of the associations and that the City had no intention of requesting the associations to turn this revenue over to the City.  During the discussion, the request was made that when City staff reported to Council with the results of the feedback from the community, that (i) a breakdown of the cost of implementation of the new delivery model be provided; (ii) that the report include recommendations on how staff would address the comments that the current model was not working; and (iii) how the City could best serve Richmond residents with recreation programs.

Mr. Greg Robertson, of #156 7471 Minoru Boulevard, former President of the South Arm Community Association, reported that the Executive was prepared to support the proposed principles as presented.  He stated that the Association viewed the new model as a partnership and indicated that they looked forward to developing and improving the system. 

Mr. Robertson also advised that the Association felt that two months was not sufficient time to obtain input from the community, and that the amended timeline would provide more time to obtain this information.

Mr. Robertson also stated that the Association was of the view that the current system was not broken, and he commented that it was not always the fault of City staff or associations for the problems which had occurred regarding the delivery of recreation services.  He expressed concern that City staff were recommending the cancellation of the current system without any discussion and without a replacement model in place.  Mr. Robertson commented further that overall, the current system did work and should only be changed to address existing problems.

Discussion ensued between Councillor Evelina Halsey-Brandt and Mr. Robertson, during which he advised in response to questions, that if the City could find a better system which the Association felt was workable, the Association would support that new system.  However, he added that the current system functioned through the use of a large volunteer network and that he was not sure that future plans included the use of volunteers in a centralized system.  Mr. Robertson added that full consultation was required and questioned how Council could adopt a new delivery model without knowing what it was.

(Cllr. Sue Halsey-Brandt entered the meeting at 5:50 p.m.)

Mr. Hans Havas, President, accompanied by member Richard Scott, of the West Richmond Community Association, spoke about the programs offered at the facility, during which he noted that his Association was one of the first to sign a working agreement with the City.  He also noted that a great deal of work had gone into the preparation of the documents now being reviewed by the City's community associations and other recreation organizations, and he expressed support for the extended timeline to allow City staff and the community to work together.  Mr. Havas advised that people were concerned about the future of their jobs, and that his Association had a great working relationship with their staff and did not want to change that.  He noted that some change was necessary but did not believe that the system was broken.  Mr. Havas stated that his Association was prepared to sit down with City staff to find a positive solution which would provide better service; however he noted that each area was different and that no programs were the same. 

Mr. Scott spoke further on the documents now being considered, and stated that a legitimate process should be in place with full input from all of the City partnerships.  He added that there had to be opportunities given to understand the concerns outlined in the report and to determine where these concerns were common, and he questioned whether the proposed solution was the right one.

Discussion ensued among Committee members and the delegation on whether the current service delivery model was working to meet the needs of Richmond residents, during which Mr. Havas indicated that the West Richmond Community Association was more than willing to sit down to work with City staff, but could not agree with the service delivery model now being proposed. 

Reference was made to problems which had occurred in the past, and Mr. Havas voiced the opinion that these problems had been resolved, that his association was still working together and had a good working relationship with the City.  He stated that if people worked together and not as individuals, unity would result.

Mr. Phil Brown, of 10851 Roseland Gate, a volunteer at the Thompson Community Association, expressed concern about the impact of adoption of the proposed model on the future of volunteers.  He questioned who would be responsible for the repairs to tables, chairs and other equipment if the City assumed control of the operation of the community centres.  He also questioned the future of exercise equipment purchased by individual community associations for use in their facilities.

Mr. Brown also referred to statements made previously about problems with the current system, and questioned why City staff had not contacted the associations to address these issues.  He also spoke about the differences between the various community associations, noting that some associations generated more revenue than some of the smaller organizations.  In concluding his statements, Mr. Brown noted that volunteers had to enjoy what they were doing and had to be rewarded in someway through self‑satisfaction or in recognition of a job well done.

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

It was moved and seconded

(1)

That the Guiding Principles for the Service Delivery System be adopted;

(2)

That staff seek community feedback on the Community Involvement Model, Planning Framework and Proposed Service Delivery System (as outlined in the report dated February 11^th, 2003, from the General Manager, Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services), through the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Master Plan process, and report to Council in June, 2003.
 

The question on the motion was not called, as Committee members spoke in support of the proposed resolution.  During the discussion on this recommendation, Mayor Brodie clarified that the intent of the resolution was to measure the status quo against the model being proposed by staff. 

Committee members also stressed the importance of having the community involved to ensure that the end result was the best model possible to deliver recreation services to the community as a whole.

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

The Chair directed that the meeting would take a short recess and reconvene in the Anderson Room (6:46 p.m.).

The General Purposes Committee meeting reconvened at 6:55 p.m., in the Anderson Room, with all members of the Committee except Councillor Kumagai in attendance.

FINANCE & CORPORATE SERVICES DIVISION

6

2.

2003 OPERATING BUDGET REFERRALS II
(Report:  Feb. 13/03, File No.:  0970-01-2003) (REDMS No. 951055, 954809)

Discussion ensued among Committee members, the General Manager, Finance & Corporate Services, Jim Bruce, the Director of Finance, Andrew Nazareth, and other staff members, on the appendices attached to the report, namely:

the request for a full-time Plumbing/Gas Inspector; Building Inspector and Plans Processing Clerk

Noise Bylaw enforcement

the Wooden Boat Festival and related events

the Youth Outreach Program

the Parking Program

the Intercultural Advisory Committee

the Volunteer Management Co-ordinator

RCMP staffing levels, and

the Confined Space Rescue Program.

(Councillor Dang left the meeting at 7:50 p.m. and did not return.)

Also reviewed by the Committee and staff, was the Priority Listing of Additional Level Items.  As a result of the discussion, the following motions were introduced:

It was moved and seconded

That the report (dated February 13^th, 2003, from the Director, Finance), regarding the 2003 Operating Budget Referrals II, be received for information.

CARRIED

It was moved and seconded

That the 2003 Operating Budget Final Draft, be approved as the basis for preparing the 5 Year Financial Plan (2003 2007).
 

The question on the motion was not called, as the following amendments were introduced:

It was moved and seconded

That Ranking No. 3 on the Priority Listing of Additional Level Items Audio/Video Equipment Maintenance, be referred to staff for a breakdown of the proposed maintenance costs.

DEFEATED

OPPOSED:  Mayor Brodie
Cllr. Barnes
E. Halsey-Brandt
S. Halsey-Brandt
Howard
Steves

It was moved and seconded

That Ranking No. 3 on the Priority Listing of Additional Level Items Audio/Video Equipment Maintenance, be reduced to $54,500.

CARRIED

OPPOSED:  Cllr. Barnes
E. Halsey-Brandt
McNulty
 

It was moved and seconded

That with respect to Ranking No. 4 - Confined Space Rescue Program:
 

(1)

the designation of $60,000 in the capital budget, with funding to be provided from the 2002 surplus; and

(2)

the inclusion of $6,000 in the operating budget as an additional level.

CARRIED

It was moved and seconded

That staff continue negotiations with Richmond Health Services regarding the provision of noise bylaw enforcement through that agency.

CARRIED

It was moved and seconded

That the three personnel positions proposed within Ranking Nos. 7, 8 and 9 Plumbing/Gas Inspector; Building Inspector; and Plan Processing Clerk, respectively, be temporary fulltime, fixed term, positions.

DEFEATED

OPPOSED:  Cllr. Barnes
E. Halsey-Brandt
S. Halsey-Brandt
Steves
 

It was moved and seconded

That the Crime Analyst position be approved, with funding to be provided from the anticipated $700,000 surplus which is included in the existing 2003 RCMP budget allocation, and that the RCMP be authorized to fill the position.

CARRIED

It was moved and seconded

That the RCMP request to fund 6 additional officers from the anticipated 2003 surplus not be authorized until a full report on the Police Services 5 Year Plan has been considered by the Community Safety Committee and subsequently approved by Council.

CARRIED

It was moved and seconded

That Ranking No. 15 Volunteer Management Coordination Emergency Program, be included in the additional levels for 2003.

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

It was moved and seconded

That the main motion be amended by adding the following, as well as the contract position to work with staff on the coordination of the Wooden Boat Festival Program and sponsorships.

DEFEATED

OPPOSED:  Mayor Brodie
Cllr. E. Halsey-Brandt
S. Halsey-Brandt
Howard
McNulty

The question on the main motion was then called, and it was CARRIED with Mayor Brodie, and Cllrs. McNulty and Steves opposed.

(Cllr. Steves left the meeting at 9:25 p.m., and did not return.)

It was moved and seconded

That the operational efficiencies identified by staff, totalling $200,000, be incorporated into the budget to reduce the overall tax increase.

CARRIED

It was moved and seconded

That $200,000 be taken from the 2003 Casino revenue account to reduce the tax increase, and allocated to the Minor Capital Construction Program.

CARRIED

OPPOSED:  Cllr. McNulty

It was moved and seconded

That the $500,000 of remaining casino revenue be reallocated to the Council Provision Account.

CARRIED

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

ACTING CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER

4.

COUNCIL TERM PRIORITIES
(Report:  Feb. 11/03, File No.:  0105-07) (REDMS No. 961817)
 

The Chair directed that due to the lateness of the meeting, that this item would be deleted from the agenda.
 

The Chair advised that the Committee meeting would recess for 15 minutes (9:33 p.m.).
 

The General Purposes Committee meeting reconvened at 9:49 p.m. with Mayor Brodie, and Cllrs. Barnes, E. Halsey-Brandt, Howard and McNulty present.
 

URBAN DEVELOPMENT DIVISION

5.

CHANGES TO THE LIQUOR CONTROL AND LICENCING ACT
(Report:  Feb. 3/03, File No.:  8275-05) (REDMS No. 956366, 961560)
 

It was moved and seconded

That staff prepare the necessary Policy and Bylaw changes to bring into effect Option A No extensions to 4:00 a.m. permitted (as outlined in the report from Manager of Zoning, dated February 3rd, 2003.)

CARRIED

6.

FEASIBILITY OF REQUIRING HOMEOWNERS WHO RENT THEIR DWELLINGS TO OBTAIN BUSINESS LICENCES
 

It was moved and seconded

That staff investigate the feasibility of requiring those owners who rent out their rental properties in Richmond to obtain business licences in order to operate.

CARRIED

7.

PRIVATIZATION OF THE BC LIQUOR DISTRIBUTION BRANCH
 

Mr. Kevan Parks, representing the BCGEU, circulated additional material to the Committee, and spoke about the pending closure of BC Liquor stores.  (A copy of the material provided by Mr. Parks is on file in the City Clerks Office.)  Mr. Parks spoke at length about the impact of these closures on BC communities, stating that privatization would result in more liquor retail outlets in communities, which would result in more alcohol consumption, which would lead to adverse health effects, as well as increased drunk driving, suicides, etc.
 

A brief discussion ensued among Committee members and the delegation on the material submitted by Mr. Parks and on the fourteen applications made to open retail liquor outlets in the City.
 

(Councillor McNulty left the meeting at 10:04 p.m.)
 

Discussion continued briefly on the matter of privatization of BC liquor distribution centres.
 

The Chair thanked Mr. Parks for his presentation.

ADJOURNMENT

It was moved and seconded

That the meeting adjourn (10:09 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 17^th, 2003 and Wednesday, February 19^th, 2003.

_________________________________

_________________________________

Mayor Malcolm D. Brodie
Chair

Fran J. Ashton
Executive Assistant