December 16, 2019 - Minutes

Date:

Monday, December 16, 2019

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 2, 2019, be adopted as circulated.

CARRIED

ENGINEERING AND PUBLIC WORKS DIVISION

1.

Parking Stall Fees at City-Owned Electric Vehicle Charging Stations 
(File Ref. No. 10-6460-03) (REDMS No. 6346506 v. 15)

In reply to queries from Committee, staff noted that (i) the proposed charging fees would discourage extended use of the stations, (ii) the fees are accrued in one minute increments, (iii) a $75 fine is levied to non-electric vehicles that park on the stall, and (iv) the charging stations are not compatible with e-bikes.

Discussion ensued with regard to cost recovery and it was suggested that staff consult with Plug-in Richmond with regard to the charging stations and provide information related to cost recovery options.

It was moved and seconded

(1)

That, as described in the staff report titled, "Parking Stall Fees at City-Owned Electric Vehicle Charging Stations” dated November 20, 2019, from the Manager, Sustainability, a cost recovery approach for public electric vehicle charging be introduced;

(2)

That each of the following Bylaws be introduced and given first, second and third readings in order to implement parking stall fees, including new ticketing provisions:

(a)

Consolidated Fees Bylaw No. 8636, Amendment Bylaw No. 9926;

(b)

Traffic Bylaw No. 5870, Amendment Bylaw No. 9924;

(c)

Parking (Off-Street) Regulation Bylaw No. 7403, Amendment Bylaw No. 9923; and

(d)

Notice of Bylaw Violation Dispute Adjudication Bylaw No. 8122, Amendment Bylaw No. 9925;

(3)

That the Consolidated 5 Year Financial Plan (2020-2024) be amended accordingly;

(4)

That the creation of a PCC and regular full-time position be brought forward for consideration in the 2021 budget process following analysis of operational demand in 2020; and

(5)

That staff review the initiative in six months and report back.

CARRIED

COMMUNITY SERVICES DIVISION

2.

Referral Response: Proposed Plan for Major Events and Programs in 2020 
(File Ref. No. 11-7400-01) (REDMS No. 6338676 v. 3)

Discussion ensued with regard to the following:

§   

restoring funding allocated to the Steveston Salmon Festival;

§   

distinguishing the City’s contribution to the Steveston Salmon Festival and reviewing the partnership with the Steveston Community Society;

§   

escalating costs of the Steveston Salmon Festival to accommodate for higher attendance;

§   

relocating the Richmond World Festival to other venues including the Highway to Heaven along No. 5 Road;

§   

cancelling the 2020 Richmond World Festival and replacing the event with a multi-fest style event with an arts festival component in 2021;

§   

reviewing the budget allocated for the Richmond World Festival;

§   

evaluating the attendance at Farm Fest at Garden City Lands;

§   

reviewing options to incorporate Farm Fest with various farmer’s market events;

§   

varying the Richmond Maritime Festival to a biennial schedule;

§   

reviewing the Richmond Maritime Festival’s budget to account for costs related to ship recruitment; and

§   

reviewing the Richmond Maritime Festival’s organizational structure.

In reply to queries from Committee, staff noted the following:

§   

staff can explore options to replace the Richmond World Festival, however redesigning the event for the 2020 event cycle may not be feasible;

§   

staff will return unused Program Contingency Funds to the City’s Rate Stabilization Account;

§   

continuity of the Richmond World Festival is critical to maintaining event sponsors;

§   

staff have approached the Steveston Farmers and the Artisans market to develop an event that could replace Farm Fest and this group has not expressed interest in pursuing the opportunity; and

§   

the report reviewing the City’s event strategy is forthcoming.

As a result of the discussion staff were directed to provide a memorandum on information related to the ship recruitment budget of the Richmond Maritime Festival and contact information of the primary organizers of all City events.

It was moved and seconded

(1)

That, "Option 3- Reduced Event Program and Elimination of Richmond World Festival Mainstage," as outlined in the staff report titled "Referral Response: Proposed Plan for Major Events and Programs in 2020" dated November 5, 2019 from the Director, Arts, Culture and Heritage Services, be approved for the 2020 Major Events Program;

(2)

That expenditures totaling $1,332,000 for Major Events and Programs in 2020, with funding of $1,040,000 from the Rate Stabilization Account and $292,000 from projected sponsorships and earned revenue, be included in the 2020 budget process; and

(3)

That the development of a new City Events Strategy as outlined in the staff report titled "Referral Response: Proposed Plan for Major Events and Programs in 2020" dated November 5, 2019, from the Director, Arts, Culture and Heritage Services, be approved.

The question on the motion was not called as discussion ensued with regard to (i) options to eliminate the Richmond Maritime Festival or combine the event with the Steveston Salmon Festival, (ii) reallocating event funds to restore heritage sites in Steveston, and (iii) options for a sustainable Farm Fest event.

As a result of the discussion, the following amendment motion was introduced:

It was moved and seconded

That the proposed budget for the Steveston Salmon Festival be reinstated to status quo funding which includes an additional $25,000 of City funding and $13,000 of projected grants and sponsorship funding for a total event program budget of $388,000.

The question on the motion was not called as discussion ensued with regard to incorporating tall ships into the Stevston Salmon Festival.

In reply to queries from Committee, staff commented on the Richmond Maritime Festival’s organizational structure, noting that the City co-produces the event with community partners and that staff can update Council on the event’s planning process.

The question on the amendment motion was then called and it was CARRIED with Cllrs. Steves and Wolfe opposed.

Discussion then took place with regard to Richmond World Fest and considerations to cancel the event and replace it with a multi-fest style event.

As a result of the discussion, the following amendment motion was introduced:

It was moved and seconded

(1)

That the 2020 Richmond World Festival be removed, with funding allocated for the event remaining in place; and

(2)

That staff consider replacing the Richmond World Festival with a multi-fest style event for 2020 and report back on options.

The question was not called as it was suggested that staff examine themes and priority actions related to the City’s Cultural Harmony Plan.

Discussion ensued with regard to the Richmond World Festival’s branding and maintaining the food truck component of the event.

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

It was moved and seconded

(1)

That funding for the 2020 Richmond World Festival remain in place; and

(2)

That the Richmond World Festival be referred to staff for event options.

The question on the referral motion was not called as staff noted that challenges to secure sponsorships may occur by further delaying the planning process. Staff added that the Richmond World Festival name is well established and it is recommended that its name remain unchanged to provide continuity.

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

Discussion then ensued with regard to the event budget for the Richmond Maritime Festival, and as a result, the following amendment motion was introduced:

It was moved and seconded

That the proposed budget for the Richmond Maritime Festival be reinstated to the status quo with a City contribution of $300,000 and $90,000 of projected grants and sponsorship funding for a total event program budget of $390,000.

The question on the amendment motion was not called as discussion ensued with regard to (i) the ship recruitment process, (ii) incorporating inflationary costs into the event budget, and (iii) adjusting the event’s budget based on ship recruitment.

In reply to queries from Committee, staff noted that staff have been in contact with previous participating ships and can initiate the process to secure the ships, however the availability of ships vary and securing certain ships may not be feasible.

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

It was moved and seconded

(1)

That the Richmond Maritime Festival, including the following amendment:

That the proposed budget for the Richmond Maritime Festival be reinstated to the status quo with City funding of $300,000 and $90,000 of projected grants and sponsorship funding for a total event program budget of $390,000;

be referred back to staff for event options including information on the ship recruitment strategy; and

(2)

That the revised funding for the 2020 Richmond Maritime Festival remain in place.

The question on the referral motion was not called as discussion ensued with regard to the timeline of the event planning.

The question was then called and it was DEFEATED with Mayor Brodie and Cllrs. Au, Day, Greene, Loo, McPhail and Wolfe opposed.

The question on the amendment motion was then called and it was DEFEATED with Cllrs. Day, Greene, McNulty, Steves and Wolfe opposed.

Discussion then ensued with regard to event options for Farm Fest including integration of the event with Kwantlen Polytechnic University’s (KPU) farming operations through Doors Open, and as a result the following amendment motion was introduced:

It was moved and seconded

That the 2020 Farm Fest at the Garden City Lands and its event funding be cancelled.

Discussion ensued with regard to (i) organizing a farm-related event, (ii) the historical budgets of previous Farm Fests and participation by local farmers, and (iii) collaborating with KPU and farmers on Farm Fest programming and scheduling.

The question on the motion was then called and it was DEFEATED with Mayor Brodie and Cllrs. Au, Day, Loo, McNulty, McPhail, Steves and Wolfe opposed.

Discussion then took place on community consultation for Farm Fest, and as a result, the following motion was introduced:

It was moved and seconded

That staff be directed to consult with the Richmond Food Security and Agricultural Advisory Committee on Richmond Farm Fest at the Garden City Lands for event options.

CARRIED

In reply to queries from Committee, staff noted that information on the co-production of the Steveston Salmon Festival can be provided to Council.

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

Discussion ensued with regard to recruitment of the Japanese ship Kaiwo Maru  for future City events, and as a result, the following motion was introduced:

It was moved and seconded

That the City make plans to pursue having the Japanese ship Kaiwo Maru as part of the ship recruitment plan for future events.

CARRIED

Discussion then took place on event options for the Richmond Maritime Festival, and as a result, the following motion was introduced:

It was moved and seconded

That staff:

(1)

review the possibility of having more ship recruitment events;

(2)

provide information on details of ship recruitment;

(3)

examine the dates for the Richmond Maritime Festival; and

(4)

review the involvement of the BC Packers gill net loft.

CARRIED

LEGAL AND LEGISLATIVE SERVICES DEPARTMENT

3.

Council and Committee 2020 Meeting Schedule and Agenda Distribution options 
(File Ref. No. 01-0105-00) (REDMS No. 6360444)

Discussion ensued with regard to the option to reduce Planning Committee to one meeting per month and the potential effect of longer meetings.

In reply to queries from Committee, staff noted that urgent items can be brought forward at a Special Planning Committee meeting or be added to another Committee’s agenda.

It was moved and seconded

(1)

That the 2020 Council and Committee meeting schedule Option 2 (One Monthly Planning Committee), as shown in Attachment 1 to the staff report dated November 8, 2019, from the Director, City Clerk's Office, be approved with the following revisions as part of the regular August meeting break and December holiday season:

(a)

That the Regular Council meetings (open and closed) of August 10, August 24, and December 28, 2020 be cancelled;

(b)

That the August 17, 2020 Public Hearing be rescheduled to September 8, 2020 at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Richmond City Hall; and

(c)

That the December 21, 2020 Public Hearing be rescheduled to December 14, 2020 at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Richmond City Hall;

(2)

That the Agenda Distribution Option 2 (seven (7) Business Days in Advance for Committees and Wednesday Single Council Distribution) be approved as the preferred agenda distribution option as described in the staff report titled "Council and Committee 2020 Meeting Schedule and Agenda Distribution Options" dated November 8, 2019, from the Director, City Clerk's Office; and

(3)

That the Council and Committee Meeting Schedule and Agenda Distribution be reviewed in six months.

CARRIED

ADJOURNMENT

It was moved and seconded

That the meeting adjourn (6:01 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 16, 2019.

_________________________________

_________________________________

Mayor Malcolm D. Brodie
Chair

Evangel Biason
Legislative Services Coordinator