MINUTES

1.

It was moved and seconded

That the minutes of the meeting of the General Purposes Committee held on Monday, June 5^th, 2006, be adopted as circulated.

CARRIED

DELEGATION

2.

Larry Berg, President and Chief Executive Officer, Vancouver International Airport Authority, Anne Murray and Peter Dhillon, to provide an update on airport issues and developments, including economic impact study results; airport results for 2005; initiatives for 2006; the Airport’s Capital Program and Environmental Management.  (File No.:  0153-01)

Peter Dhillon, City appointee to the Vancouver International Airport Authority, Larry Berg, President and Chief Executive Officer, and Anne Murray, Vice President, Community & Environmental Affairs, spoke to Committee regarding issues relating to the airport.

Mr. Dhillon advised that the reason for today’s visit was to present the Authority’s Annual Report to the City.  He then spoke about the mission of the Airport Authority to serve the community by building better airports, and provided information on the results of a survey undertaken with Richmond residents regarding their views about the airport and the Authority.

Mr. Berg referred to the Authority’s 4^th annual economic report, and provided information on such matters as:

·            

the number of direct jobs, direct wages, tax revenues and total economic output generated by the airport

·            

the number of passengers, take-offs and landings

·            

the YVR Gateway strategy as it related to infrastructure; government policy and long-term planning

·            

the number of passengers expected in 2010

·            

the airport’s four year construction program, which included a new wing to the international terminal, a link building and construction of the Canada Line on Sea Island.

Ms. Murray then spoke about sustainability and aircraft noise management; the Aeronautical Noise Management Committee; and noise monitoring and flight tracking.  She advised during her presentation that north runway departures would commence within the next two weeks, with departures occurring between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., seven days a week as required to reduce delays.

Discussion then took place among Committee members and the delegation on:

·            

how the Authority coped with the rapid increase in growth of the airport

·            

whether the number of construction workers at the airport had been included in the overall employee statistics referred to during the presentation

·            

the gateway to the Asian market

·            

the reduction in the amount of rent paid by the Authority to the Federal Government

·            

the public open meetings which had been held by the Authority, and the number of people who had attended these meetings

·            

the anticipated period of time that the north runway would be used for departures

·            

cost efficiencies and how these efficiencies were achieved

·            

the improvement in communication between the City and the YVR

·            

whether the YVR was the fastest growing airport in Canada

·            

the involvement of the Authority in the community

·            

the proposed expansion of the airport, where on airport property the expansion would take place, and whether there would be any environmental impacts resulting from this expansion

·            

current runway capacity at the airport and the need for planning on a regional level; whether there would be more of a regional approach, and whether the Abbotsford Airport could have an influence on YVR in the future

·            

the environmental report and the initiatives which were being undertaken by the airport to address air pollution from land equipment, including forklifts, baggage carriers, and taxi cabs

·            

the amount of airport land which could be available for agricultural or industrial uses.

The Chair thanked the delegation for their presentation, and they then left the meeting.

CORPORATE SERVICES DEPARTMENT

3.

NEW LIQUOR LICENCE APPLICATIONS – EMPRESS LOUNGE LTD., 8700 ALEXANDRA ROAD; AND KING OF KARAOKE BOX, UNIT 110 – 4160 NO. 3 ROAD

(Report:  May 24/06, File No.:  12-8275-30-001/2006-Vol 01) (REDMS No. 1814079, 1788524, 1509536, 1872118, 1315355, 1505204, 1771258)

Manager Anne Stevens advised that the licence for the Empress Lounge would not be issued until construction of the facility had been completed.  Reference was made to an inconsistency between the person capacity of the licenced area (70 persons) and the identified occupant load of 140 between the 1^st and 2^nd floors of the Empress Lounge, and advice was given that this issue would be resolved when the capacity of the building was known when construction had been completed.

With respect to the Empress Lounge, concern was voiced about the possibility of access to elevators and doors being blocked in the event that the RCMP wished to undertake an inspection. 

Reference was made to the King of Karaoke Box establishment, and concern was expressed about the fact that the kitchen was not currently equipped to prepare the proposed food items. 

In response, with reference to the Empress Lounge, advice was given that the main purpose of the establishment, which holds a Liquor Primary Licence, was to serve alcohol.  With regard to access to the second floor, management would be responsible to ensure that access was provided.  Further advice was given that allowing a temporary licence would provide the opportunity to determine how management dealt with these issues.

Discussion continued, with the suggestion being made that the City should be requiring the provision of a $20,000 bond as an expression of good faith on the part of the applicant.  Staff responded to the suggestion for a bond, with information being provided that a determination would have to be made on the purpose of the bond.  The comment was made that ‘good behaviour’ would not be a reason to request a bond.

Reference was made to the proposed hours of operation of both karaoke facilities, and information was provided that if the establishment in question did not possess a licence to serve liquor, the City did not regulate the hours of operation for this type of facility.

Discussion then ensued on whether a policy should be prepared which would allow staff to deal with these applications, and reference was made to Part (4) of the staff recommendation which it was felt, would address this proposal.

Mr. Michael Wu, President, Empress Lounge, advised that he was available to answer questions.

A brief discussion took place regarding access to the second floor of the Empress Lounge and whether a blocked access could be considered a criminal charge.  As a result of the discussion, staff were requested to review the issue from an emergency situation perspective, i.e. if an emergency personnel were required for any reason, and they were denied access to the second floor.

It was moved and seconded

(1)

That the application by Empress Lounge Ltd for a new Liquor-Primary licence at 8711 Alexandra Road, be supported on a Temporary Basis, with hours of liquor sales ending at midnight Mondays through Sundays, (for the reasons outlined in the staff report dated May 24, 2006, from the Manager).

(2)

That the application by 689261 BC Ltd, doing business as “King of Karaoke Box”, for a new Food-Primary licence with a Patron Participation Entertainment Endorsement at unit 110-4160 No. 3 Road, be supported on a Temporary Basis with hours of liquor sales ending at midnight Mondays through Sundays, (for the reasons outlined in the staff report dated May 24, 2006, from the Manager).

(3)

That a copy of the resolution and all relevant documents associated with the applications be forwarded to the LCLB in accordance with the legislative requirements.

(4)

That staff investigate options for regulating hours of operation of karaoke establishments in the City.

CARRIED

4.

DAE JANG GEUM RESTAURANT LTD, 8251 ALEXANDRA ROAD

FOOD - PRIMARY LIQUOR LICENCE AMENDMENT - CHANGE TO HOURS OF SALE

(Report:  May 30/06, File No.:  12-8275-30-025/Vol 01) (REDMS No. 1814083, 1509536)

Ms. Stevens advised that staff were recommending the issuance of a temporary permit to allow the residents who live behind the subject property on Odlin Road, to voice any concerns that they may have about this establishment.  In response to questions, advice was given that the renovations to the building would address outstanding Building Code violations.

It was moved and seconded

(1)

That the application by Dae Jang Geum Restaurant Ltd (doing business as “Yuu & Homayi Restaurants”) to amend their Food-Primary Liquor Licence be supported on a temporary basis, with the following hours of sale:

(a)

9:00 am until 1:00 am, Mondays through Saturdays,

(b)

9:00 am until midnight, on Sundays,

(for the reasons outlined in the staff report dated May 30, 2006, from the Manager).

(2)

That a copy of the resolution and all relevant documents associated with the application be forwarded to the LCLB in accordance with the legislative requirements.

CARRIED

BUSINESS & FINANCIAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT

5.

RICHMOND ECONOMIC ADVISORY COMMITTEE REPORT AND WORKPLAN

(Report:  June 19/06, File No.:   0100-20-EADV-01) (REDMS No.  )

The Manager, Economic Development, Lee Malleau, introduced Co-Chairs of the Richmond Economic Advisory Committee, Florence Gordon and Joe Zallen, to the Committee.  Ms. Malleau then spoke briefly about the history of the Committee and the development of the work plan.

Ms. Gordon reviewed the history of the work plan, which had been prepared based on the recommendations of the Economic Advisory Task Force.  She spoke briefly about the Consultant’s report and then reviewed the updates which had been made to the work plan. 

Ms. Gordon also talked about the positive results of a recent workshop held to provide Committee members with an understanding of economic development issues and opportunities in Richmond.  She then reviewed the Committee recommendations.

Mr. Zallen spoke about the many pressures faced by the City which were dictating its future, such as the tremendous economic pressure from the Asian market and the 2010 Olympic Winter Games.  He also spoke about the need ‘to take care of the little things’ and stated that if these issues, which included road infrastructure, traffic congestion, public transit, parking tax, etc., were not addressed, then the City would not be able to take advantage of future business prospects.

Ms. Gordon talked further about the need to provide City Council with new opportunities, and stated that as a result, the Committee had reviewed the gateway opportunities offered by the senior levels of government.  She suggested that partnerships could be entered into with other organizations to undertake further investigations on this matter.  In concluding her comments, Ms. Gordon advised that the next step for the Committee would be to prioritize the recommendations and report to the General Purposes Committee in approximately three to four months time.

Mr. Zallen concluded his comments by stating that he had been most impressed with the discussion about the need for a regional approach and that it was important that Ms. Malleau be involved in this project.

The Chair, on behalf of the Committee, thanked Ms. Gordon, Mr. Zallen and the members of the Richmond Economic Advisory Committee for their hard work.  She also commended the Committee for the preparation of an excellent report.

Discussion then took place among Committee members, the delegation and staff on:

·            

the services provided by the City and the time taken to process development applications

·            

the strategies identified in the consultant’s report relating to business retention and expansion issues; the implementation of the ‘Synchronist’ software package, and the length of time which would be required to develop the database for this program

·            

the need to address road and transportation issues

·            

whether there would be sufficient land available to accommodate projected growth targets; and whether the infrastructure would be available to support an increase in business, etc.

·            

the importance of the film industry to the City and the need to make this industry a priority

·            

how businesses from other areas could be attracted to Richmond

·            

what the City was prepared to do to address some of the issues brought forward by the Richmond Economic Advisory Committee; would bylaws be reviewed to make it easier for businesses to relocate to the City, and what would be done to keep businesses in Richmond

·            

the need to identify who would be responsible for the various initiatives which had been proposed

·            

the impact of having Kwantlen University College in the City and whether any assistance was being provided to help this organization to expand its facility.

(Cllr. Evelina Halsey-Brandt left the meeting at 5:45 p.m., during the above discussion, and returned at 5:48 p.m.)

(Cllr. Howard left the meeting at 5:49 p.m., during the above discussion, and returned at 5:51 p.m.)

With reference to the need to set priorities, Ms. Gordon advised that the Committee, at its next meeting, would be ‘prioritizing the priorities’.  A brief discussion ensued on land use and ‘highest and best use’, and whether the Committee would be addressing that matter.

In concluding the discussion, the Chair thanked the Committee for its hard work and dedication.

It was moved and seconded

(1)

That the Report and Workplan from the Richmond Economic Advisory Committee (attached to the report dated June 19^th, 2006, from the Manager, Economic Development), be received for information; and

(2)

That the Economic Advisory Committee’s Workplan (Pages 11 and 12 of Attachment 1 to the Advisory Committee’s report), be approved.

CARRIED

It was moved and seconded

That the report (dated June 19^th, 2006, from the Manager, Economic Development), regarding an Update on the Trade and Exhibition Centre, be added to the agenda as an additional item.

CARRIED

6.

TRADE AND EXHIBITION CENTRE

(Report:  June 19/06, File No.:   4105-10-04) (REDMS No.  ) 

It was moved and seconded

(1)

That the report (dated June 19^th, 2006, from the Manager, Economic Development), regarding an Update on the Trade and Exhibition Centre, be received for information; and

(2)

That Tourism Richmond be provided with an extension on the project timeline until such time as a decision on the availability of the land is rendered.

CARRIED

OPPOSED:  Cllr. Steves

ADJOURNMENT

It was moved and seconded

That the meeting adjourn (6:37 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, June 19^th, 2006.

_________________________________

_________________________________

Councillor Linda Barnes
Chair

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