MINUTES

1.

It was moved and seconded

That the minutes of the meeting of the General Purposes Committee held on Monday, July 19th, 2004, be adopted as circulated.

CARRIED

CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE

2.

ECONOMIC ADVISORY COMMITTEE TERMS OF REFERENCE(Report:  Aug. 12/04, File No.:   0100-20-EADVI-01) (REDMS No. 1322401, 1322400)
 

Discussion ensued among the Committee and Ms. Freeman on the Terms of Reference, with concern being expressed that the Terms of Reference created by the Task Force were significantly different that the Terms of Reference now being considered. 

Reference was made to material circulated by Cllr. Howard which reflected the terms of reference developed by the Task Force and approved on November 24, 2003, and the suggestion was made that these terms should be incorporated into the terms now being considered, to reflect the importance placed on them by the Task Force.  The opinion was expressed that the terms of reference should be more specific rather than broader in nature, as it will be a major challenge to properly focus on the many projects outlined in the work plan.

Reference was also made to the ‘financial impact’ section in the staff report, and information was requested on (i) specific costs of advertising, meeting expenses and staff time, (ii) whether there was a proposed budget for the committee, and (iii) whether any funding had been allocated.  In response, advice was given that funds had been allocated for the implementation of the work plan, however, it was felt that the financial impact would be dependent on the nature and scope of the work.  Ms. Freeman further advised that the number of meetings held and specific projects would impact staff time, and that any project with a significant financial impact would be submitted to the Committee and Council for approval.

Discussion continued on specific issues, with general agreement being expressed by Committee members about incorporating the changes proposed by Cllr. Howard.

The question of advertising for members to the advisory committee was addressed, and there was consensus that there were many business people who could represent specific areas of Richmond without having to advertise for individuals.  The comment was also made however, that the process for appointing members to this committee should be the same as for the City’s other advisory committees, but, at the same time, suggestions could be made regarding potential candidates.

Regarding the ‘Objectives’ of the proposed Terms of Reference, the following amendments were proposed:

- Objective No. 2 - add the words ‘and our priorities’, to the end of the sentence; and

- Objective No. 3 - add the words ‘including benchmarking and tracking for initiatives’, to the end of the sentence.

Regarding ‘Membership’, an amendment to the third line of the third paragraph, to insert the words ‘and port’ after ‘airport’.

Discussion continued, with suggestions being made that:

- regarding ‘Membership’, that advisors to the industry sectors also be considered as candidates.

- the Chair of the Economic Advisory Committee should be chosen by the Committee and not by Council. 

- that the term of the Committee be deleted from the term of reference, and that the terms of the member appointments be for a staggered two year period.

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

It was moved and seconded

That the report dated August 12^th, 2004, from the Manager, Economic Development), regarding the Economic Advisory Committee Terms of Reference, be referred to staff for consideration of the comments made by the Committee with respect to the content of the proposed Terms of Reference.
 

Prior to the question on the motion being called, discussion continued briefly with it being stressed that it was important the Chair of the Committee, following his or her appointment, be made aware of what was taking place in the City with regard to the Official Community Plan and to keep Council apprised of any changes in development.

The suggestion was also made that the second sentence under ‘Membership’ should be deleted in its entirety.

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

3.

INSPECTION OF FORMER ‘GROW OP’ RESIDENCES
 

Councillor McNulty spoke about the need to require property owners to be responsible for the inspection of their properties, and a brief discussion ensued on this matter. 

It was moved and seconded

That staff research and comment on the initiatives implemented by Chilliwack and Surrey in relation to (i) enforcement against ‘grow ops’, and (ii) the cost of such enforcement; and further, that staff report on the development of bylaws which are specific to Richmond ‘grow ops’ which would make property owners responsible and allow property owners to be fined for lack of inspection.

CARRIED

ADJOURNMENT

It was moved and seconded

That the meeting adjourn (4:36 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, August 23^rd, 2004.

_________________________________

_________________________________

Mayor Malcolm D. Brodie
Chair

Fran J. Ashton
Executive Assistant, City Clerk’s Office