MINUTES

1.

It was moved and seconded

That the minutes of the meeting of the General Purposes Committee held on Monday, January 5^th, 2004 and on Wednesday, January 7^th, 2004, be adopted as circulated.

CARRIED

PARKS, RECREATION AND CULTURAL SERVICES DIVISION

2.

Update on parks, recreation and cultural services master plan
(Oral Report)

The General Manager, Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services, Cathy Volkering Carlile, explained that the purpose of the Master Plan was to guide the City's strategic and operational decisions for the next ten years.  She stated that the plan would identify what was needed, where the focus should be, identify processes and frameworks for decisions, and provide a road map for facilities, services and resources.

Ms. Carlile then reviewed in detail with the Committee,

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the timeline

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who was involved in the process

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how communication was being handled

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what had been the direction of Council

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the four phases of the review process:  Creating the Future Vision; Confirming the Current Reality; Identifying What Needs to Happen; Identifying the Required Resources

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the status of the Community Working Group

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what was next.

Discussion then ensued among Committee members and Ms. Carlile on:

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financial sustainability and how this issue was going to be addressed as part of the process

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the consultation process and how those Richmond residents who did not use City facilities on a regular basis were being reached to provide their input

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whether there was funding available to continue with the proposed workshops and meetings to be held in February and March, and whether these workshops would be necessary.
 

In concluding the discussion, the Mayor thanked Ms. Carlile for her presentation.

3.

CAOS REPORT
 

(a)

Extended Hours for Liquor Establishments

The General Manager, Finance & Corporate Services, Jim Bruce, reported that nine applications had been received for extended hours from the owners of premises which served liquor, and that due to a lack of understanding regarding the process to be followed, JP Malones Neighbourhood Pub had received a four month temporary permit to remain open until 3:30 a.m. 

Discussion then ensued among Committee members and staff on how JP Malones had obtained a temporary permit for extended hours, during which concern was expressed about approval of the permit.  During the discussion, Mr. Bruce reviewed and commented on the process followed the Liquor Control & Licencing Branch, and spoke about the input required from the City regarding each application. 

(Cllr. Barnes entered the meeting at 4:21 p.m., during the above discussion.)

In response to questions, City Solicitor Paul Kendrick provided his comments on whether the City could take any action at this time regarding the temporary permit issued to JP Malones Neighbourhood Pub.  Discussion continued, with questions being raised about the likelihood that the temporary permit could become permanent, the results of the neighbourhood survey which had been undertaken, and possible action which could be taken by the City with respect to this matter. 

During the discussion, advice was given that staff were currently preparing a report to Council which would provided additional information on the process and outline a number of options which were available.  The request was made that the report also contain information on how the temporary permit should be handled.

Discussion continued, with information being provided in response to questions, that the City had ninety days to review each application received, and could apply for an extension if more time was needed to make a decision. 

Reference was made to the report being prepared by staff for presentation to Council, and the suggestion was made that a special meeting of the General Purposes Committee should be held to address the matter more fully rather than the report going directly to Council. 

In concluding the discussion, the Chair expressed his disappointment about the extension of liquor establishment operating hours, and referring to the problems occurring in Vancouver as a result of that City Councils approval of extended hours with respect to increased policing costs.  He advised that Council had been very clear in its decision not to support the extension of hours for liquor establishments, and he stated that he found the present situation totally unacceptable.

(b)

RAVCO Review of Evaluation Material

Reference was made to the meeting to be held with representatives of RAVCO to review the evaluation material for the proposed rapid transit line.  Following a brief discussion, it was agreed that the meeting would be held at 6:30 p.m., on Monday, February 2^nd, 2004, with 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, February 3^rd, and 4:00 p.m., Wednesday, February 4^th being the second and third alternate dates in that order.

4.

2006 INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION OF BROOMBALL ASSOCIATIONS WORLD BROOMBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS
 

It was moved and seconded

That the Mayor be authorized to send a letter of support to the Greater Vancouver Broomball Association for the 2006 International Federation of Broomball Associations World Broomball Championships.

CARRIED

ADJOURNMENT

It was moved and seconded

That the meeting adjourn (4:47 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, January 19^th, 2004.

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Mayor Malcolm D. Brodie
Chair

Fran J. Ashton
Executive Assistant, City Clerks Office