January 20, 2014 - Minutes
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General Purposes Committee
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Date: |
Monday, January 20, 2014 |
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Place: |
Anderson Room |
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Present: |
Mayor Malcolm D. Brodie, Chair |
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Absent: |
Councillor Ken Johnston |
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Call to Order: |
The Chair called the meeting to order at 4:01 p.m. |
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MINUTES |
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It was moved and seconded |
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That the minutes of the meeting of the General Purposes Committee held on Monday, January 6, 2014, be adopted as circulated. |
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CARRIED |
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FINANCE AND CORPORATE SERVICES DEPARTMENT |
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1. |
Business Licence Bylaw Amendment Bylaw 9090 |
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It was moved and seconded |
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That Business Licence Bylaw No. 7360, Amendment Bylaw No. 9090, to increase the maximum number of Class A Taxicabs to 97, be introduced and given first, second and third readings. |
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CARRIED |
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2. |
SPIRIT HOSPITALITY INC., DOING BUSINESS AS MILLTOWN BAR AND GRILL 9191 BENTLEY STREET |
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It was moved and seconded |
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That the Liquor Control and Licensing Branch be advised that Richmond City Council does not wish to provide comments or recommendations to the Liquor Control and Licensing Branch with regard to the application submitted by Spirit Hospitality Inc., doing business as Milltown Bar and Grill, on a Food Primary liquor licence with the operating hours of Monday to Sunday 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. |
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CARRIED |
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ENGINEERING AND PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT |
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3. |
Community Energy and Emissions Plan – Phase 2 |
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With the aid of a video presentation, developed in partnership with the University of British Columbia and funded primarily by B.C. Hydro through a grant program, Peter Russell, Senior Manager, Sustainability and District Energy, highlighted the Community Energy and Emissions Plan for the City of Richmond. The plan focuses on (i) reducing energy demands, (ii) smart land use, (iii) transportation, and (iv) building practices. The draft plan was reviewed and received general support by the Advisory Committee on the Environment (ACE) on January 15, 2014. |
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Discussion ensued regarding communication strategies in which Mr. Russell advised that staff is working to complete the sustainability framework in order to provide a full report to Council on performance levels for the City. The report would provide the basis for a larger communication program on key elements of the energy plan. Other initiatives include strategic communication around policy and programs targeting a specific audience. Committee directed that the video presentation be shown at the next regular meeting of Council. |
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Discussion continued concerning amending the Richmond Zoning Bylaw to require solar panels for all new residential development in order to preserve farmland and other natural resources impacted by electrical power installations. Joe Erceg, General Manager, Planning and Development, advised that the City of Richmond was one of the first municipalities to adopt requirements that single-family housing be designed to be solar-ready. Further research would be required prior to establishing a requirement for the installation of solar panels in new buildings. |
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With regard to sewer heat recovery projects, Mr. Russell advised that the Gateway Theatre project is nearing a full year of operation and staff will be preparing a report for Council which will include other possible projects (i.e. Minoru area). |
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Committee emphasized that when speaking in terms of Richmond as a sustainable community the communication plan is important and that any communication material must demonstrate the benefits and cost recovery period for any upgrades. The material should provide homeowners with specific action plans that would meet the City’s energy and emission objectives. The development of City incentives in order to encourage participation in reducing energy and emissions was discussed by Committee. A reduction in taxes as an incentive would likely not be supported under the British Columbia Community Charter. |
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In response to queries regarding the success of the electrical vehicle recharging stations, the Lulu Island water treatment plant retrofit, and steps that can be taken to ensure continued advancement towards reaching the City objectives, Robert Gonzalez, General Manager, Engineering and Public Works, stated that statistics on the use of the electrical vehicle recharging stations would be included in the yearly sustainability report, however, preliminary data indicated that the recharging stations at City Hall and in Steveston are used more than others. The Lulu Island retrofit will take two or three years to complete and discussions are being held with Metro Vancouver regarding the benefits of a heat recovery project being undertaken in association with the retrofit. In terms of continued advancement in meeting the City objectives, staff continually reviews current policy as new government standards are introduced and ensure that new construction designs meet the new requirements. |
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At the conclusion of the discussion the following motion was introduced: |
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It was moved and seconded |
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That the Community Energy and Emissions Plan, as provided in the staff report titled Community Energy and Emissions Plan – Phase 2 from the Director, Engineering, dated January 13, 2014, be approved. |
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CARRIED |
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COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT |
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4. |
Richmond Olympic Experience Update |
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With the aid of a PowerPoint presentation (attached to and forming part of these minutes as Schedule 1) and a virtual simulation, Jane Fernyhough, Director, Arts, Culture and Heritage Services, and Jason Kita, Manager, Enterprise Services, provided an overview of the Richmond Olympic Experience (ROE). The vision of the ROE is to: (i) re-ignite the excitement felt by residents and visitors during the Games; (ii) inspire viewers to excellence; (iii) educate youth in the science, art, culture and power of sport; and (iv) create a permanent lasting legacy of the Games. The ROE is designed to be a multifaceted, multidimensional, highly interactive experience that will engage all ages through a transformative exhibit experience that inspires excellence in sport, promotes community and motivates everyone to dream big. |
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Discussion ensued regarding the space being utilized by the ROE, the inclusion of both summer and winter Olympic sports, and the incorporation of more interactive elements to the experience. Mr. Kita advised that the ROE space on all three levels is approximately 12,000 sq. ft. with the mezzanine area on the 3rd level comprising 9,800 sq. ft. of the total space. The intent of the ROE was to celebrate all Olympics and include all aspects of sports. |
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George Duncan, Chief Operating Officer, Richmond Oval Corporation, stated that it was not feasible to include an interactive bobsled element due to the risk and cost associated with the project. A speed skating simulation was considered but the simulations available did not meet standards. However, the door is still open to add these types of interactive simulators in the future. Staff was encouraged to continue to explore interactive activities for the ROE. |
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In response to a query, Mr. Kita indicated that no programmable space was eliminated due to the ROE. The mezzanine area was extended to create more programmable space and any spaces relocated due to the ROE were upgraded at that time. |
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With respect to the torch relay and cauldron project, Ms. Fernyhough informed Committee that a torch stop, exclusive to Richmond, was added to the route. The cauldron is in the development stage and as a public art project it would come back before Council for approval. Mr. Duncan noted that over $200,000 of sponsorship has been obtained for the torch relay project. |
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Discussion continued regarding the interactive and educational components, the volunteer element, the area free to the public, and the number of visitors the ROE can accommodate. Mr. Kita advised that the temporary exhibits would accommodate any travelling exhibits throughout the Olympic network. In terms of the number of visitors, the theatre experience is limited to 56 visitors for a period of eight to ten minutes as a time. The “Core Experience” on the mezzanine level can accommodate 270 visitors at any given time; however, 190 visitors would be a more comfortable number. The pricing structure will be developed during the operational plan phase. |
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With regard to the request for Olympic material, Ms. Fernyhough noted that staff has been contacted twice and that any type of multimedia footage would be welcome. |
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At the conclusion of the discussion the following motion was introduced: |
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It was moved and seconded |
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That the staff report titled Richmond Olympic Experience Update from the Director, Arts, Culture and Heritage Services dated January 6, 2014, be received for information. |
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CARRIED |
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ADJOURNMENT |
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It was moved and seconded |
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That the meeting adjourn (5:18 p.m.). |
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CARRIED |
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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, January 20, 2014. |
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_________________________________ |
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Mayor Malcolm D. Brodie |
Heather Howey |
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