Date:

Monday, March 2, 2009

Place:

Anderson Room

Richmond City Hall

Present:

Mayor Malcolm D. Brodie, Chair

Councillor Linda Barnes

Councillor Derek Dang

Councillor Evelina Halsey-Brandt

Councillor Greg Halsey-Brandt

Councillor Sue Halsey-Brandt

Councillor Bill McNulty

Councillor Harold Steves

Absent:

Councillor Ken Johnston

Call to Order:

The Chair called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m.

MINUTES

1.

It was moved and seconded

That the minutes of the meeting of the General Purposes Committee held on Monday, February 16, 2009, be adopted as circulated.

CARRIED

PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT

2.

2009 City Grant Program

(Report:  February 4, 2009, File No.:) (REDMS No. 2568060, 2490748, 2438700, 2568532, 2570489, 2570493, 2503269, 2568485)

The Manager of Policy Planning, Terry Crowe, accompanied by Lesley Sherlock, Social Planner, indicated that the 2009 grants applications were the first to be submitted under the new City of Richmond Grant Program.

A discussion ensued, and the following was noted:

§                 

Richmond Addiction Services (RAS) was spending grant funds for the intended purposes;

§                 

there was some duplication in delivery of mental health services between the Richmond Chinese Mental Wellness Association and other service providers.  However, staff concluded that the level of duplication was acceptable due to the high volume of requests for assistance;

§                 

school-based programs were carefully administered under a cautious set of rules; and

§                 

the Richmond City Centre Community Association (RCCCA) was seeking funds for an early dismissal program for City Centre schools as there was no space at City Centre.

At this point, the Chair called for delegations.

Brian Wardley, Heart of Richmond Aids Society, indicated that the current grant level was very helpful for paying rent.  He then highlighted an educational HIV prevention program, currently offered at the grade 11 level.  The program had been well received by teachers, school nurses and students, and the Society was seeking funding to present the program at the grade 9 level. 

In answer to queries, Mr. Wardley advised that the Richmond Board of Education provided facilities and staff for the HIV prevention program, but no funding towards the program.  He also mentioned that the Society received funding from Vancouver Coastal Health for outreach work. 

Ahlay Chin, Executive Director, Chinese Mental Wellness Association of Canada, expressed her appreciation to Committee members for previous funding, and requested an additional $10,000 to help out, as she believed the Association may not have enough funds to cover its rental expenses.  Ms. Chin also circulated a letter written by Edwin Tam, President of the Chinese Mental Wellness Association of Canada (Schedule 1).

De Whalen, Richmond Women’s Resource Centre Association, thanked the Committee for the current grant, and stated the funds would help with rent and programming.  Ms. Whalen then shared success stories about “Hot Ink”, a creative writing program for teenage girls, and requested an additional $800 to produce the “Hot Ink” journal, which highlights the creative writing work of the teenage girls involved in the program.

David Reay, circulated a list of projects undertaken by the Richmond Poverty Response Committee (Schedule 2), and spoke about awareness about homelessness.  Mr. Reay highlighted the efforts made, and difficulties encountered by St. Albans shelter during the past holiday season, and indicated that the Shelter would be seeking assistance.  He also spoke about other initiatives undertaken to help people get “back on their feet” such as assistance with dental work.

In answer to a question, staff advised that late applications would not be considered as part of the grant review process, and staff would need to investigate if any money was available on an individual basis. 

It was moved and seconded

That, as per the report from the General Manager, Planning and Development, dated February 25, 2009, the 2009 City Grants be allocated as follows (see Attachment 2):

(1)

The organizations in the Health, Social and Safety Services category be awarded the recommended grant amounts and cheques disbursed for a total of $436,850; and

(2)

The organizations in the Cultural and Community Events category be awarded the recommended grant amounts and cheques disbursed for a total of $72,650.

Provided that the Richmond City Centre Community Association receive funding in the amount of $2000 to run the Early Dismissal Program.

The question on the motion was not called, as discussion ensued about grant eligibility for RCCCA’s early dismissal program, as it may be considered a school-based program.  It was mentioned that the RCCCA ran programs at school facilities due to a lack of space.  It was noted that a detailed definition of the term “school-based program” may be helpful in determining who was responsible for contributions to such programs.

Discussion also took place about the possibility of reducing the grant amount to the RCCCA from $2000 to $1200 to allow the Richmond Women’s Resource Centre Association to receive $800 for printing the “Hot Ink” publication.  As a result of the discussion, the following amendment was introduced:

It was moved and seconded

That the main motion be amended to state that the Richmond City Centre Community Association receive funding in the amount of $1200 to run the Early Dismissal Program, and the Richmond Women’s Resource Centre Association receive $800 to print the “Hot Ink” publication.

The question on the motion was not called, as discussion took place about a referral to staff to investigate the possibility of having the City’s Production Centre assist with the printing of the “Hot Ink” publication rather than using grant funding. 

Further discussion ensued around the amendment motion, and whether it should be withdrawn or whether it should stand as-is in order to allow enough time for staff to investigate the in-kind assistance to print the “Hot Ink” publication.  It was generally agreed that the amendment would stand with the understanding that a referral motion would follow. 

The question on the amendment was then called, and it was CARRIED with Cllr. G. Halsey-Brandt opposed.

The question on the main motion as amended, which reads as follows:

‘That, as per the report from the General Manager, Planning and Development, dated February 25, 2009, the 2009 City Grants be allocated as follows (see Attachment 2):

(1)

The organizations in the Health, Social and Safety Services category be awarded the recommended grant amounts and cheques disbursed for a total of $436,850; and

(2)

The organizations in the Cultural and Community Events category be awarded the recommended grant amounts and cheques disbursed for a total of $72,650.

Provided that the Richmond City Centre Community Association receive funding in the amount of $1200 to run the Early Dismissal Program, and the Richmond Women’s Resource Centre Association receive $800 to print the “Hot Ink” publication’.

was then called, and it was CARRIED.

The following referral motion was then introduced: 

It was moved and seconded

That staff investigate and provide comments on the following matters:

(1)

the definition of what would be considered school based versus programs in the school;

(2)

possible City assistance that may be provided to the Women’s Resource Association for printing their “Hot Ink” publication; and

(3)

assistance for funding an early dismissal program in the City Centre area, and reporting back to the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Committee.

The question on the motion was not called, as staff advised that community centre programs are usually funded by the Community Association and Societies, and not by the City.

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

3.

PROPOSAL TO ABANDON OFFICIAL COMMUNITY PLAN AND ZONING BYLAWS – APPLICATION BY ANDREW CHEUNG ARCHITECTS INC. FOR REZONING AT 3131, 3171, 3191, 3211, 3231, 3251, 3271, 3291, 3331, 3371, 3391 & 3411 SEXSMITH ROAD AND 3200, 3220, 3240, 3280, 3300 & 3320 NO. 3 ROAD FROM SINGLE-FAMILY HOUSING DISTRICT, SUBDIVISION AREA F (R1/f), 3360 NO. 3 ROAD FROM ROADSIDE STAND (CLASS C) DISTRICT (RSC), AND 8511 CAPSTAN  WAY FROM AUTOMOBILE-ORIENTED COMMERCIAL DISTRICT (C6) AND GAS STATION DISTRICT (G1) TO SCHOOL AND PUBLIC USE (SPU), COMPREHENSIVE DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT (CD/181), AND COMPREHENSIVE DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT (CD/182)  

(Report:  December 17, 2008, File No.:  RZ 03-254977, 12-8060-20-7882, 12-8060-20-8117/7883/8113, SD07-375988) (REDMS No. 2545667, 2545667, 2553471, 2579311)

Excerpt from the Minutes of the January 6, 2009, General Purposes Committee Meeting

Memorandum from Brian J. Jackson, Director of Development, dated February 26, 2009 also included.included.

The General Manager, Planning and Development, Joe Erceg, accompanied by the Director of Development, Brian Jackson, advised that several meetings had taken place between the applicants and City staff since the General Purposes Committee meeting of January 6, 2009, (during which this matter had been tabled), and that sufficient progress to meet rezoning conditions associated with the application had not been made.  He further advised that  staff was still in support of the recommendation to abandon the bylaws related to the Rezoning Application RZ 03-254977.

Further advice was provided that the applicants had changed their proposal related to affordable housing, and agreed to provide the required affordable housing only if they would be able to re-coup the associated costs from third parties. 

Peter Webb, Concord Pacific Group Inc., and one of the minority developers for Rezoning Application RZ 03-254977, expressed his belief that a good deal of progress had been made, and the applicants had sorted out their previous differences.  Mr. Webb expressed concern about the economic viability of the project in the current economic environment, and stated that efforts should be made to continue the process.  He also mentioned that the Development Cost Charges (DCCs) had been paid, and the applicants were committed to the project.

During the ensuing discussion, and in answer to questions, Mr. Webb shared the following views:

§                 

matters such as affordable housing may be re-visited;

§                 

the decline in the number of development projects across the municipalities was staggering; 

§                 

if the obligations for a third reading had been met, the process should be continued, allowing for a flexible approach to the details related to various outstanding requirements;

§                 

the applicant had agreed to purchase a City lot at current rates;

§                 

the developers would move forward with the project as soon as the market indicated that it is financially viable to do so;

§                 

the applicant was still committed to providing servicing for the project, however a capital analysis would be required; and

§                 

a new application would result in higher affordable housing requirements, lower density, and higher DCC’s.

In conclusion, Mr. Webb suggested a one-year extension to allow the applicants to work with City staff to come up with an approach to meet the rezoning conditions.

It was noted that rezoning applications normally receive one year after third reading to make significant progress in meeting rezoning conditions, this application was approaching the two year mark.

The Chair then highlighted the following excerpt from the minutes of the General Purposes Committee meeting held on January 6, 2009 (at which time the applicants were granted a two month extension, and the matter was tabled): “There was general agreement amongst Committee members that this was a one time only extension.  Satisfaction of rezoning conditions, including financial arrangement acceptable to the City for future contributions to the Capstan Canada Line Station must be decided upon by that time and substantial progress made on all other issues.”

In response to the excerpt from the January 6, 2009 minutes of the General Purposes Committee meeting, Mr. Webb concurred that significant progress had not been made. 

Staff advised that the matter would not be ratified until the next Regular Council meeting, scheduled to be held on Monday, March 9, 2009.

It was moved and seconded

(1)

That Official Community Plan Amendment Bylaw No. 7882, to:

(a)

redesignate 3200, 3220, 3240, 3280, 3300, 3320 & 3360 No. 3 Road, 3131, 3171, 3191, 3211, 3231, 3251, 3271, 3291, 3331, 3371, 3391 & 3411 Sexsmith Road, 8511 Capstan Way, and a portion of City Road Right-of-Way North of Capstan Way from “Mixed Use” to “High Density Mixed Use” in Attachment 1 (Generalized Land Use Map) to Schedule 1 of the Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7100, and to revise the map in section 3.1, Neighbourhoods & Sense of Community, Neighbourhoods in Richmond, City Centre, accordingly; and

(b)

redesignate 3200, 3220, 3240, 3280, 3300, 3320 & 3360 No. 3 Road, 3131, 3171, 3191, 3211, 3231, 3251, 3271, 3291, 3331, 3371, 3391 & 3411 Sexsmith Road, 8511 Capstan Way, and a portion of City Road Right-of-Way North of Capstan Way from “Detailed Land Use Study Required” to “Mixed Use – High Density” and “Park – Configuration and location to be determined” in the “Land Use Map” in Schedule 2.10 of Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7100 (City Centre Area Plan), together with associated amendments to the accompanying “Development Permit Guidelines”,

be abandoned;

(2)

That Bylaw No. 8117, for the rezoning of a portion of the subject site as indicated in Schedule A to the said bylaw from “Single-Family Housing District, Subdivision Area F (R1/F)”, “Roadside Stand (Class C) District (RSC)”, “Automobile-Oriented Commercial District (C6)”, and “Gas Station District (G1)” to “School and Public Use District (SPU)”, be abandoned;

(3)

That Bylaw No. 7883, to introduce a new “Comprehensive Development District (CD/181)” and for the rezoning of a portion of the subject site as indicated in Schedule A to the said bylaw from “Single-Family Housing District, Subdivision Area F (R1/F)”, “Roadside Stand (Class C) District (RSC)”, “Automobile-Oriented Commercial District (C6)”, and “Gas Station District (G1)” to “Comprehensive Development District (CD/181)”, be abandoned;

(4)

That Bylaw No. 8113, to introduce a new “Comprehensive Development District (CD/182)” and for the rezoning of a portion of the subject site as indicated in Schedule A to the said bylaw from “Single-Family Housing District, Subdivision Area F (R1/F)”, “Roadside Stand (Class C) District (RSC)”, “Automobile-Oriented Commercial District (C6)”, and “Gas Station District (G1)” to “Comprehensive Development District (CD/182)”, be abandoned;

(5)

That staff bring forward a bylaw to repeal Highway Closure and Removal of Highway Dedication Bylaw No. 8220, to close a lane right-of-way on the north side of Capstan Way between Sexsmith Road and Hazelbridge Way and portions of Sexsmith Road to allow for their consolidation with the subject site; and

(6)

That Subdivision Application SD 07-357988, to consolidate and subdivide 3200, 3220, 3240, 3280, 3300, 3320 & 3360 No. 3 Road, 3131, 3171, 3191, 3211, 3231, 3251, 3271, 3291, 3331, 3371, 3391 & 3411 Sexsmith Road, 8511 Capstan Way, and a portion of City Road Right-of-Way North of Capstan Way to create 8 lots (including one for use as park) and an extension of Hazelbridge Way, be closed.

The question on the motion was not called, as Committee members expressed concerns about the lost opportunity if the project did not proceed.  Comments were made about the importance of supporting the conditions set out and approved during the Public Hearing when the application had received third reading.  There was general agreement that since the applicants were unable to meet the rezoning conditions, the staff recommendation to abandon the bylaws associated with Rezoning Application RZ 03-254977 should be supported.

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

ADJOURNMENT

It was moved and seconded

That the meeting adjourn (5:40 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, March 2, 2009.

_________________________________

_________________________________

Mayor Malcolm D. Brodie

Chair

Shanan Dhaliwal

Executive Assistant, City Clerk’s Office