MINUTES

It was moved and seconded

That the minutes of the meeting of the General Purposes Committee held on Monday, July 19, 2010, be adopted as circulated.

CARRIED

PARKS & RECREATION DEPARTMENT

1.

2011 Tall Ships Maritime Festival Infrastructure

(File Ref. No.:) (REDMS No. 2914343)

It was moved and seconded

That a capital submission in the amount of $1.10 million for the infrastructure development at Garry Point Park, as recommended, be considered as part of the 2011 Capital Budget process.

The question on the motion was not called as discussion ensued and in reply to queries from Committee, staff provided the following information:

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the timber and steel float structure, as recommended under Option 1,  could be utilized for other future events at the Britannia Heritage Shipyard, Garry Point Park, and even in front of the former BC Packer’s site;

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staff are exploring possibilities of acquiring some floats that are currently in the Steveston area; and

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the lifespan of a timber and steel float and concrete float are both typically 20 to 30 years.

With the aid of photographs of various types of floats, Marcus Liu, Parks Technologist, highlighted the differences between timber and steel floats and concrete floats.  Also, Mr. Liu noted that repairs and maintenance for each type of float structure depends on the type of damage.

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

2.

Middle Arm Waterfront Greenway Enhancements

(File Ref. No.:  06-2400-20-MARM1-01) (REDMS No. 2962958)

It was moved and seconded

That $312,000 be funded from Parks DCCs and be included as part of the 2010 Five Year Financial Plan Bylaw amendment to augment the Middle Arm Waterfront Greenway budget for enhanced recreational opportunities.

The question on the motion was not called as in reply to queries made by Committee, staff advised that (i) no other projects would be displaced if the proposed funding were to be endorsed; (ii) the pier will be broad and have benches to indicate that this is public space; and (iii) much of the enhancements have been funded from various other sources such as grants from both the federal and provincial government.

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

3.

Social Financial Hardship Assistance Fund

(File Ref. No.:  03-0900-01) (REDMS No. 2971360)

It was moved and seconded

That an interest-free loan of $25,000 from the City’s Social Financial Hardship Assistance Fund to the Richmond Therapeutic Equestrian Society, with full repayment to be made to the City six months subsequent to the advance of the loan, be approved.

The question on the motion was not called as Committee noted that in the event that the loan is not paid back in full by the six month deadline, that the matter be brought back before Council for a final decision on any consequential action.

Also, a comment was made that if the funds are not absolutely critical to the group’s continued operation, then it might be better to not use the funds, noting that the City could provide the group with a letter of assurance citing that the funds could be made available on very short notice.

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

ADJOURNMENT

It was moved and seconded

That the meeting adjourn (4:33 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 Tuesday, September 7, 2010.

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Mayor Malcolm D. Brodie

Chair

Hanieh Floujeh

Acting Executive Assistant

City Clerk's Office