December 17, 2018 - Minutes

Date:

Monday, December 17, 2018

Place:

Anderson Room
Richmond City Hall

Present:

Mayor Malcolm D. Brodie, Chair
Councillor Chak Au
Councillor Carol Day
Councillor Kelly Greene
Councillor Alexa Loo
Councillor Bill McNulty
Councillor Linda McPhail
Councillor Harold Steves
Councillor Michael Wolfe

Call to Order:

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

MINUTES

It was moved and seconded

That the minutes of the meeting of the General Purposes Committee held on December 3, 2018, be adopted as circulated.

CARRIED

COUNCILLOR ALEXA LOO

1.

(File Ref. No. 12-8060-01)

Councillor Loo spoke to potential changes to bylaws that would render operating massage parlours challenging.  As a result, the following referral motion was introduced:

It was moved and seconded

That staff be directed to review existing bylaws for unregulated massage service providers and report back with recommendations.

CARRIED

COMMUNITY SAFETY DIVISION

In accordance with Section 100 of the Community Charter, Councillor Carol Day declared to be in a conflict of interest as her husband owns a bed and breakfast and left the meeting (4:05 p.m.)

2.

One-Year Review and Bylaw Amendments for Short-term RentaLS
(File Ref. No. 12-8275-09; 12-8060-20-009899/009898) (REDMS No. 5868680 v. 11; 5962960; 5878824; 5878827)

In reply to queries from Committee, Carli Williams, Manager, Community Bylaws and Licencing, advised that (i) all short-term rental complaints, including those in multi-family dwellings, are received through a centralized complaints line that allows staff to examine a variety of enforcement options depending on the alleged contravention, (ii) residents of multi-family dwellings are encouraged to seek solutions through their Strata Corporations and (iii) tickets issued under the City’s Notice of Bylaw Violation Dispute Adjudication bylaw are capped at a maximum of $500 in accordance with the Community Charter.

It was moved and seconded

(1)

That Notice of Bylaw Violation Dispute Adjudication Bylaw No. 8122, Amendment Bylaw No. 9899, to add penalties related to short-term rentals, be introduced and given first, second and third readings;

(2)

That Richmond Zoning Bylaw No. 8500, Amendment Bylaw No. 9898, to reinstate a provision to allow a 5-room bed and breakfast business at 13333 Princess Street, be introduced and given first reading; and

(3)

That staff be instructed to report back on a licencing program, including an analysis of resources for its implementation, to regulate boarding and lodging in order to create a public registry.

CARRIED

Councillor Day returned to the meeting (4:09 p.m.)

3.

Application for a New Liquor Primary Liquor Licence From Monster L Karaoke Ltd, at 8400 Alexandra Road Unit 130
File Ref. No. 12-8275-30-001) (REDMS No. 6038880)

It was moved and seconded

(1)

That the application from Monster L Karaoke Ltd., for a new Liquor Primary Liquor Licence to operate a karaoke lounge establishment, at premises located at 8400 Alexandra Road Unit 130, with liquor service, be supported for:

(a)

a new Liquor Primary Liquor Licence with primary business focus of entertainment, specifically a karaoke lounge with total person capacity of 50 occupants; and

(b)

liquor service hours for Monday to Sunday, from 9:00 AM to 2:00AM;

(2)

That a letter be sent to Liquor Control and Licensing Branch advising that:

(a)

Council supports the applicant’s new Liquor Primary Liquor Licence application and the hours of liquor service with the conditions as listed above;

(b)

the total person capacity set at 50 occupants is acknowledged;

(c)

Council's comments on the prescribed criteria (Section 71 of the Liquor Control and Licencing Regulations) are as follows:

(i)

the impact of additional noise and traffic in the area of the establishment  was considered;

(ii)

the potential impact on the community was assessed through a community consultation process;

(iii)

given that this is a new business, there is no history of non-compliance with this establishment;

(d)

as the operation of a licenced establishment may affect nearby residents, businesses and property owners, the City gathered the views of the community through a community consultation process as follows:

(i)

residents, businesses and property owners within a 50 metre radius of the establishment were notified by letter. The letter provided information on the application with instructions on how to submit comments or concerns; and

(ii)

signage was posted at the subject property and three public notices were published in a local newspaper. The signage and public notice provided information on the application with instructions on how to submit comments and concerns;

(e)

Council’s comments on the general impact of the views of residents, businesses and property owners are as follows:

(i)

the community consultation process was completed within 90 days of the application process; and

(ii)

that based on the number of letters sent and no opposed responses received, Council considers that the approval of this application is acceptable to the majority of the residents, businesses and property owners in the area and the community.

CARRIED

FINANCE AND CORPORATE SERVICES DIVISION

4.

Sister City Advisory Committee Four-Year Activity Plan (2019-2022) 
(File Ref. No. 01-0100-30-SCIT1-01) (REDMS No. 6027517)

In reply to queries from Committee, Mike Romas, Manager, Customer Services, provided the following information:

§   

a recommendation on a proposed additional Sister City from the Sister City Advisory Committee is anticipated in early 2019;

§   

the Sister City Advisory Committee recognizes the need to expand the sport exchange program, and has presented to the Richmond Sports Council on this initiative;

§   

in addition to funding provided, the Sister City Advisory Committee supports school exchanges by facilitating programming events like receptions and tours; and

§   

there is an opportunity to highlight the City’s 140^th anniversary through the annual City-to City recognition program activity.

Discussion took place and the Sister City Advisory Committee’s efforts on the proposed art and photo exchange programs were recognized; also, it was noted that staff be mindful of the current political climate between Canada and China.

In response to queries regarding the proposed financial impact, Andrew Nazareth, General Manager, Finance and Corporate Services, advised that the Sister City Program has an annual operating budget of $11,000, which is part of the City’s annual base budget and allocated from property taxes; as the Sister City Advisory Committee’s activity plan is on a four-year cycle, the remainder of the proposed program budget has been considered as part of surplus allocations, thereby preventing a tax increase in the year the program budget is considered by Council.

Discussion ensued on potentially increasing the annual operating budget in an effort to move away from utilizing surplus allocations to fund the Sister City Program; the Chair directed staff take Committee’s comments under advisement and examine how the Program’s budget is administered.

Discussion then took place on sourcing corporate sponsorships to offset costs and it was noted that discounts were extended by organizations for travel costs in the past.

As a result of the discussions, the following motion was introduced:

It was moved and seconded

(1)

That the staff report titled “Sister City Advisory Committee Four-Year Activity Plan (2019-2022)”, dated November 23, 2018, from the Manager, Customer Service, be received for information;

(2)

That the 2019-2022 Sister City Advisory Committee Program Activity budget of $239,050 be referred to the budget process including timing and the source of funds for consideration; and

(3)

That staff liaise with the Sister City Advisory Committee for potential travel including budget and program details and report back.

CARRIED

COMMUNITY SERVICES DIVISION

5.

Richmond Lawn Bowling Clubhouse Site and Program UpdaTE
(File Ref. No. 06-2052-25-LBOW1) (REDMS No. 6030445 v. 54; 6036730; 6045609)

Elizabeth Ayers, Director, Recreation and Sport Services, accompanied by Jim Young, Senior Manager, Capital Buildings Project Development, remarked that staff is seeking Council direction on three matters: (i) the location of the lawn bowling greens, (ii) the location of the replacement Clubhouse, and (iii) programming for the replacement Clubhouse.

In reply to queries from Committee, staff provided the following information:

§   

the Richmond Lawn Bowling Club pledged $90,000 towards the construction of the replacement Clubhouse; however staff are unaware of the Club’s fundraising capacity for additional funds;

§   

the Club prefers a 4,900 square foot Clubhouse as they would like additional space to host banquets and increase the number of lockers; however, staff believe that this can be achieved through thoughtful design with a 4,300 square foot Clubhouse;

§   

each of the proposed options can accommodate the Club’s current membership; however the Club prefers the largest option for its Clubhouse in order to accommodate special events;  in an effort to address the Club’s desire to host special events, staff have suggested utilizing the Minoru Centre for Active Living, which has a full service catering kitchen;

§   

the pan-abode structure poses challenges in expanding the current Clubhouse;

§   

relocating the two lawn bowling greens is estimated to cost approximately $980,000; resurfacing the two lawn bowling greens is estimated to cost approximately $350,000;

§   

the existing lawn bowling facility does not accommodate the Club’s current membership; for instance, there are no change facilities, lockers are inadequate with some being situated in sheds;

§   

staff support upgrading lawn bowling amenities as the sport is popular among the City’s growing older adult population and meets several of the City’s recreation framework initiatives as it is a very social sport, and provides community connections particularly for older adults;

§   

it is anticipated that a larger Clubhouse will present opportunities to expand on the Club’s current membership;

§   

through the design process, any future Clubhouse layout would be more efficient, thereby accommodating more people; and

§   

the current Clubhouse’s pan-abode structure does not lend itself well to renovations or expansions.

Discussion took place and the following Committee comments were noted:

§   

the proposed updates for the existing lawn bowling amenities present the City an opportunity to build a first class facility that can attract provincial and international events;

§   

the relocation or replacement of approximately 19 trees is concerning;

§   

the need for the largest Clubhouse option cannot be justified in light of the Club’s membership numbers and the proximity of the Minoru Centre for Active Living as an alternate space for the Club to host large events; and

§   

there is a need to examine the overall plan for Minoru Park in conjunction with the lawn bowling amenities.

Ivan Wong, Vice-President of the Richmond Lawn Bowling Club, stated that the current Clubhouse was built in 1963 and is very small as it can only accommodate 60 people comfortably.  The Club prefers a larger Clubhouse in an effort to attract and host provincial and international events.

As a result of the discussions, the following referral motion was introduced:

It was moved and seconded

That the staff report titled “Richmond Lawn Bowling Clubhouse Site and Update,” dated November 29, 2018, from the Director, Recreation Services and the Senior Manager, Capital Buildings Project Development be referred back to staff to examine more green options that would allow for the potential re-use and expansion of the Clubhouse and avoid removing trees.

DEFEATED
Opposed: Mayor Brodie
Cllrs. Au
Loo
McPhail
McNulty

It was moved and seconded

That, subject to the budget process,

(1)

Attachment 1 – South Green Relocated be selected as the preferred location for the lawn bowling greens, as described in the staff report titled “Richmond Lawn Bowling Clubhouse Site and Update,” dated November 29, 2018, from the Director, Recreation Services and the Senior Manager, Capital Buildings Project Development;

(2)

the Clubhouse to the east of the relocated lawn bowling greens as shown in Attachment 1 be selected as the preferred site for the Richmond Lawn Bowling Clubhouse, as described in the staff report titled “Richmond Lawn Bowling Clubhouse Site and Program Update,” dated November 29, 2018, from the Director, Recreation Services and the Senior Manager, Capital Buildings Project Development; and

(3)

That Program Option 3 be selected as the preferred program for the Richmond Lawn Bowling Clubhouse, as described in the staff report titled “Richmond Lawn Bowling Clubhouse Site and Program Update,” dated November 29, 2018, from the Director, Recreation Services and the Senior Manager, Capital Buildings Project Development.

The question on the motion was not called as discussion took place on the preferred location for the lawn bowling greens and program options for the Clubhouse. 

The question on Part (1) of the motion was then called and it was DEFEATED with Cllrs. Au, Day, Green, Loo, Steves and Wolfe opposed.

It was moved and seconded

That, subject to the budget process, the lawn bowling greens be resurfaced but not be relocated, as described in the staff report titled “Richmond Lawn Bowling Clubhouse Site and Update,” dated November 29, 2018, from the Director, Recreation Services and the Senior Manager, Capital Buildings Project Development.

CARRIED
Opposed: Cllrs. McNulty
McPhail

It was moved and seconded

That, subject to the budget process, Clubhouse Site Option 2 as shown in Attachment 3 be selected as the preferred site for the Richmond Lawn Bowling Clubhouse, as described in the staff report titled “Richmond Lawn Bowling Clubhouse Site and Program Update,” dated November 29, 2018, from the Director, Recreation Services and the Senior Manager, Capital Buildings Project Development

The question on the motion was not called as discussion took place on the footprint of the proposed new Clubhouse and in particular, whether a narrower building would allow for pedestrian circulation around the Clubhouse.  The Chair remarked that the final configuration of the Clubhouse would be of interest to Council.

The question on the motion was then called and it was CARRIED with Cllrs. Loo, McNulty, McPhail and Wolfe opposed.

The following amendment motion was introduced:

It was moved and seconded

That Part (3) of the main motion be amended to read as follows:

“That Program Option 2 be selected as the preferred program for the Richmond Lawn Bowling Clubhouse, as described in the staff report titled “Richmond Lawn Bowling Clubhouse Site and Program Update,” dated November 29, 2018, from the Director, Recreation Services and the Senior Manager, Capital Buildings Project Development.”

DEFEATED
Opposed: Cllrs. Au
Day
Greene
Steves
Wolfe

The following amendment motion was introduced:

It was moved and seconded

That Part (3) of the main motion be amended to read as follows:

“That Program Option 1 be selected as the preferred program for the Richmond Lawn Bowling Clubhouse, as described in the staff report titled “Richmond Lawn Bowling Clubhouse Site and Program Update,” dated November 29, 2018, from the Director, Recreation Services and the Senior Manager, Capital Buildings Project Development.”

DEFEATED
Opposed: Mayor Brodie
Cllrs. Loo
McNulty
McPhail
Wolfe

The question on Part (3) of the main motion was then called and it was DEFEATED with Mayor Brodie and Cllrs. Au, Day, Greene, Steves, and Wolfe opposed.

It was moved and seconded

That staff report back on additional options for the size of the Lawn Bowling Green Clubhouse and program.

The question on the referral motion was not called as Committee requested that staff provide information regarding what other municipalities have for lawn bowling amenities.

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

ADJOURNMENT

It was moved and seconded

That the meeting adjourn (5:22 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, December 17, 2018.

_________________________________

_________________________________

Mayor Malcolm D. Brodie
Chair

Hanieh Berg
Legislative Services Coordinator