Date:

Monday, June 8, 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 Ken Johnston

Councillor Bill McNulty

Councillor Harold Steves

Call to Order:

The Chair called the meeting to order at 5:48 p.m.

1.

2010 Games Strategic Operational Plan Update

(File Ref. No.:  01-0340-25-OBUS1/2009-Vol 01) (REDMS No. 2618028)

It was moved and seconded

That the staff report dated May 27, 2009, from the Director of Richmond Olympic Office, entitled 2010 Games Strategic Operational Plan Update, be received for information.

CARRIED

2.

olympic expo - richmond 2010

(File Ref. No.:  01-0005-01/2009-Vol 01) (REDMS No. 2653307)

It was moved and seconded

That the staff report dated June 4, 2009, from the Director, Richmond Olympic Business, entitled Olympic Expo – Richmond 2010, be received for information.

The question on the motion was not called as a discussion ensued during which staff provided the following advice:

§      

the Olympic Expo - Richmond 2010 was proposed to begin prior to the Olympics and continue for the duration of the Olympics; 

§      

the Olympic Expo would provide a valuable opportunity to showcase Richmond and attract people to the Ozone;

§      

securing sponsorship for the Olympic Expo had become a challenge as a result of the economic downturn, although sponsorship monies were being raised; 

§      

the Olympic Expo would provide and opportunity for people to see the iconic symbols of the Games, such as the Olympic torches, and medals, as well as the evolution of the sporting equipment; 

§      

at this point in time, the Expo was proposed as a ticketed event with an associated cost of $7.00 per adult and $24.95 per family, and the revenue from the tickets would not cover the costs of the Expo;

§      

in order for the Olympic Expo to take place funding from the City would be required;

§      

school curriculum was being developed around the theme of the Olympics, therefore, the Expo would be a real draw for school groups;

§      

June 30, 2009, was the deadline for a decision about the Olympic Expo. 

During the discussion Committee members expressed various concerns and questioned staff as to how they could be certain that the Olympic Expo would actually draw enough people to be a success.  Also, in response to concerns about the costs associated with making it a ticketed event, staff advised that it would be possible to make it a free event if enough sponsorship funds were raised.

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

ADJOURNMENT

It was moved and seconded

That the meeting adjourn (6:17 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 8, 2009.

_________________________________

_________________________________

Mayor Malcolm D. Brodie

Chair

Shanan Dhaliwal

Executive Assistant, City Clerk’s Office