Date:

Monday, March 7, 2011

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 4:01 p.m.

MINUTES

It was moved and seconded

That the minutes of the special meeting of the General Purposes Committee held on Monday, February 28, 2011, be adopted as circulated.

CARRIED

PROJECT DEVELOPMENT AND FACILITIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT

1.

2010 Annual Report and 2011-2013 Work Program: Richmond Sister City Committee

(File Ref. No.:  ) (REDMS No. 3130517)

Richard Toda, Manager, Customer Service was available to answer questions.  Sylvia Gwozd, Chair, Richmond Sister City Committee introduced the Sister City Committee members and thanked City Council for its support continued support.

Ms. Gwozd reviewed the Committee’s mandate and stated that the Committee was excited about the proposed Work Plan for the three upcoming years.  She noted that the Committee’s work in promoting, advocating, connecting and supporting City goals, as well as the measures taken by the Committee to build networks and relationships, are the most important part of the Committee’s mandate. 

Ms. Gwozd made reference to three comments made in the staff report entitled Richmond Sister City Committee 2011-2013 Work Program, and responded as follows:

(1)

“the primary mandate of the committee should not include responsibility for promoting Economic Development and Tourism” -  Ms. Gwozd clarified that the Committee is not responsible for any particular area of activity as a primary function, such as culture, education or Economic Development and Tourism in the City.  She further stated that she hoped the mandate would reflect the importance of bringing together people in a wide range of areas rather than a particular area, and suggested that the mandate also reflect building towards City identified goals.

(2)

“the makeup and size of Official delegations should encourage Council participation” - Ms. Gwozd advised that the Committee encourages  participation from as many members of Council as possible.  She spoke about the importance of the Sister City Committee’s participation to provide assistance with translation as well as other tasks such as gift giving when hosting delegations.  Committee members also support many other ongoing activities related to the Sister City relationship.  Ms. Gwozd stated that it was unrealistic to expect Council members to be the main hosts to visiting delegations. 

(3)

“an approval process of sub committees should be developed” - Ms. Gwozd advised that the Committee works hard to ensure that Council is provided with information about the Committee’s projects and involvement.  She stated she was concerned that an approval process may become challenging to have people work on a Sister City sub-committee.  She concluded by stating that the Committee wished to work with City staff for support and awareness rather than having an approval process.

A discussion then took place about:

§       

the surplus of $1,969 from the 2008-2010 program budget that will be carried forward;

§       

the committee’s success in raising funds to offset the costs of events and activities;

§       

the Committee’s preparations in anticipation of upcoming delegations, including the Vice Mayor of Xiamen, a business group from Xiamen, and an artist delegation;

§       

the Committee’s leadership role.  It was noted that the Committee had been invited to share its model with the City of New Westminster;

§       

requests made for other potential Sister and Friendship cities, including India, Korea, the Philippines and Holland;

§       

additional resources required to carry out the Committee’s proposed Work Plan for 2011-2013;

§       

the Committee’s plans to commemorate events through gardens, public art, community plaque, or naming.  It was noted that Pierrefonds had recognized Richmond in numerous ways and that the recognition needed to be reciprocated in the same manner;

§       

the challenges related to sustaining a Sister City relationship;

§       

the feasibility of reviewing the Committee’s Terms of Reference about how to approach new and potential countries, as well as giving consideration to including some of the struggling countries that may benefit from Richmond’s help; and

§       

endorsing the proposed Work Plan in principle until further information is available regarding the 2010 Surplus funds. 

It was moved and seconded

(1)

That the Richmond Sister City Committee 2011-2013 Work Program be endorsed in principal, as outlined in the staff report dated February 23, 2011 from the General Manager, Project Development & Facilities Services, entitled 2010 Annual Report and 2011-2013 Work Program: Richmond Sister City Committee;

(2)

That funding for the Work Program be considered for allocation from the 2010 Surplus;

(3)

That staff provide an analysis and report back on:

(1)

other countries and cities for potential twinning or friendship relationships;

(2)

potential recognition for special anniversaries; and

(3)

appropriate staffing levels.

The question on the motion was not called, as in answer to a query, staff advised that a report related to the 2010 Surplus funds was anticipated to be forthcoming in June 2011.

In response to concerns about whether the Committee would have sufficient funding to host the upcoming delegations, staff advised that the Committee had surplus funds in its budget, and that should additional resources be required, the Committee may bring the matter back to City Council. 

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

ENGINEERING AND PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT

2.

Lansdowne Forcemain Emergency Replacement

(File Ref. No.:  10-6340-01/2011-Vol 01) (REDMS No. 3171042)

It was moved and seconded

That funding of $480,000 from the Sanitary Utility Reserve be included in the 5 Year Financial Plan (2011-2015) to complete the Lansdowne Forcemain Emergency Replacement Project (2011).

CARRIED

ADJOURNMENT

It was moved and seconded

That the meeting adjourn (4:55 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 7, 2011.

_________________________________

_________________________________

Mayor Malcolm D. Brodie

Chair

Shanan Dhaliwal

Executive Assistant

City Clerk’s Office