February 3, 2020 - Minutes

Date:

Monday, February 3, 2020

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.

AGENDA ADDITION

It was moved and seconded

That Diversification of the City’s Investment Portfolio be added to the agenda as Item No. 8A.

CARRIED

MINUTES

It was moved and seconded

That the minutes of the meeting of the General Purposes Committee held on January 20, 2020, be adopted as circulated.

CARRIED

COUNCILLOR CAROL DAY

1.

BIRTH TOURISM 
(File Ref. No.)

Cllr. Day distributed information on birth tourism including newspaper articles and historical petitions to Parliament to restrict the practice (attached to and forming part of these minutes as Schedule 1). Also, Cllr. Day spoke on historical attempts in Canada and in other countries to restrict birth tourism activities.

Discussion ensued with regard to advocating measures restricting birth tourism activities to the Province, and as a result, it was suggested that copies of the letter be sent to Richmond Members of the Legislative Assembly and Vancouver Coastal Health.

It was moved and seconded

(1)

That Richmond City Council write a letter to the Federal Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, with copies to the Prime Minister, Richmond Members of Parliament, the Premier, the BC Minister of Health, the BC Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Richmond Members of the Legislative Assembly, and Vancouver Coastal Health requesting immediate permanent changes to the Canadian immigration laws which would end automatic Canadian citizenship being bestowed on babies born in Canada to non-resident parents who are not citizens of Canada; and

(2)

That staff provide information on:

(a)

the City’s rental bylaws and how it relates to birth tourism; and

(b)

the birth tourism businesses operating in the city and enforcing such activities through business licenses;

and report back.

The question on the motion was not called as discussion then ensued with regard to:

§   

reviewing long-term rental regulations as it relates to illegal birth tourism services;

§   

potential impact of birth tourism to local medical services;

§   

reporting illegal businesses to the Canada Revenue Agency; and

§   

provisions that could limit acquisition of Canadian citizenship by birth.

In reply to queries from Committee, staff noted that birth tourism services is not a recognized business in Richmond so enforcement can be done through ancillary unlicensed activities such as tutoring, food services and chauffer services. Also, staff noted that staff can provide a memorandum on the City’s ability to enforce illegal operations that are not under municipal jurisdiction as well as the City’s ability to regulate illegal birth tourism activities through rental bylaws.

Discussion ensued with regard advocating for vulnerable persons such as refugees and stateless individuals, and as a result, the following amendment motion was introduced:

It was moved and seconded

That the phrase “with protection for vulnerable people such as stateless persons and refugees” be added to the motion following the word “Canada”.

DEFEATED 
Opposed: Mayor Brodie 
Cllrs. Au 
Day 
Loo 
McNulty 
McPhail 
Steves

The question on the main motion was then called and it was CARRIED with Cllr. Greene opposed.

COMMUNITY SERVICES DIVISION

2.

Kaiwo Maru Tall Ship Recruitment – Proposed Delegation to Japan National Institute for Sea Training 
(File Ref. No. 11-7400-01) (REDMS No. 6392279 v. 10)

Mayor Brodie provided a correction in the staff report, noting that the ship Kaiwo Maru visited Richmond in 2004 instead of 2005.

In reply to queries from Committee, staff noted that Richmond established contacts with Kaiwo Maru officials during the Ship’s previous visit, however these contacts may no longer be current. Staff added that establishing personal relationships with Ship officials would aid in recruiting the Ship. Also, staff added that the Ship is a member of the Japanese Navy and requires additional time to organize a visit.

Discussion ensued with regard to (i) options to reduce delegation costs by sourcing local translator services in Japan or utilizing video conferencing options, (ii) estimating the costs of hosting the Ship, (iii) strengthening Richmond’s relationship with its Sister City Wakayama, and (iv) seeking assistance from the Consul General of Japan in the recruitment of the Ship.

A letter of invitation from the Nagasaki Tall Ships Festival Executive Committee to invite a delegation from Richmond to attend the 2020 Nagasaki Tall Ships Festival was distributed (attached to and forming part of these minutes as Schedule 2).

It was moved and seconded

(1)

That a delegation comprising of Councillors Bill McNulty and Harold Steves be sent to Japan in April 2020 to pursue recruitment of the Kaiwo Maru as outlined in the staff report titled “Kaiwo Maru Tall Ship Recruitment – Proposed Delegation to Japan National Institute for Sea Training,” dated January 22, 2020, from the Director, Parks Services; and

(2)

That delegation travel costs of up to $40,000 be funded from the Council Contingency account.

The question on the motion was not called as discussion ensued with regard to options to reduce delegation costs, and as a result, the following referral motion was introduced:

It was moved and seconded

That the staff report titled “Kaiwo Maru Tall Ship Recruitment – Proposed Delegation to Japan National Institute for Sea Training,” dated January 22, 2020, from the Director, Parks Services, be referred back and that staff provide information on:

(1)

communication with the Consul General of Japan for recruitment support;

(2)

the potential cost of hosting the Kaiwo Maru; and

(3)

the breakdown of delegation travel costs;

The question on the referral motion was not called as discussion ensued with regard to dolphin hunting activities in Japan.

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

The question on the main motion was then called and it was CARRIED with Cllrs. Au, Day, Greene and Wolfe opposed.

Discussion ensued with regard to the cost of hosting the Kaiwo Maru, and as a result, staff were directed to provide a memorandum related to historical budgets of hosting the Ship, in time for the next Council meeting.

It was then noted that the date of the proposed delegation would be scheduled for April 16 to 24, 2020.

3.

2020 Arts and Culture Grant Program 
(File Ref. No. 11-7125-01) (REDMS No. 6360660 v. 4)

Staff spoke on the Program, noting that the City will continue to host grant writing workshops to support potential Program applicants.

Discussion ensued with regard to (i) the Program selection process and eligibility requirements, (ii) source funding from gaming revenues and (iii) increasing funding for community arts programs.

Cllr. Greene left the meeting (4:58 p.m.) and returned (5:00 p.m.).

In reply to queries related to gaming funding allocation, staff noted that staff will be reviewing such allocations to account for variance in gaming revenues and reporting back to a future meeting.

Cllr. Day left the meeting (5:05 p.m.).

It was moved and seconded

That the 2020 Arts and Culture Grants, less the proposed grant to the Caravan Stage Society, be awarded for the recommended amounts and cheques disbursed for a total of $114,315, as identified in Attachment 1 of the staff report titled “2020 Arts and Culture Grant Program” dated December 17, 2019 from the Director, Arts, Culture and Heritage Services.

CARRIED

In accordance with Section 100 of the Community Charter, Cllr. McPhail declared to be in a conflict of interest as her husband has business interests in the Caravan Stage Society, and Cllr. McPhail left the meeting – 5:07 p.m.

It was moved and seconded

That the grant to the Caravan Stage Society be awarded for the recommended amount and cheque disbursed for a total of $2,500, as identified in Attachment 1 of the staff report titled “2020 Arts and Culture Grant Program” dated December 17, 2019 from the Director, Arts, Culture and Heritage Services.

CARRIED

Cllr. McPhail returned to the meeting –5:08 p.m.

4.

2020 Parks, Recreation and Community Events Grants 
(File Ref. No. 11-7000-01) (REDMS No. 6360043 v. 12)

Cllr. Day returned to the meeting (5:08 p.m.).

Discussion ensued with regard to funding requests submitted by the Hamilton Community Association and the Richmond City Centre Community Association and staff noted that recommended allocations are based on the 2020 Parks, Recreation and Community Events Grant budget.

Discussion then ensued with regard to source funding to upgrade the Richmond Curling Centre building from the City’s Capital Fund and staff noted that detailed costs for building upgrades are currently being worked on.

Cllr. Au left the meeting (5:10 p.m.) and returned (5:12 p.m.).

Discussion took place with regard to the terminology used in the application by the Richmond Fitness and Wellness Association that refers to the utilization of consultant fees and it was suggested that alternative terminology be used to describe such fees in future applications.

Cllr. Au left the meeting (5:16 p.m.) and returned (5:19 p.m.).

It was moved and seconded

That the 2020 Parks, Recreation and Community Events Grants, less the proposed grant to KidSport, be awarded for the recommended amounts and funding cycles, and cheques disbursed for a total of $88,100, as identified in Attachment 1 of the staff report titled “2020 Parks, Recreation and Community Events Grants,” dated January 2, 2020, from the Director, Recreation and Sport Services.

The question on the motion was not called as discussion ensued with regard to increasing the proposed grants to Hamilton Community Association and the Richmond City Centre Community Association.

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

It was moved and seconded

That the balance of the remaining funds from the 2020 Parks, Recreation and Community Events Grants, in the amount of $728.32, as identified in Attachment 1 of the staff report titled “2020 Parks, Recreation and Community Events Grants,” dated January 2, 2020, from the Director, Recreation and Sport Services, be distributed evenly ($364.16 each) and added to the recommended grant amounts for Hamilton Community Association and the Richmond City Centre Community Association.

CARRIED

The question on the main motion, which reads as follows:

That the 2020 Parks, Recreation and Community Events Grants, less the proposed grant to KidSport, be awarded for the recommended amounts and funding cycles, and cheques disbursed for a total of $88,828.32 as identified in Attachment 1 of the staff report titled “2020 Parks, Recreation and Community Events Grants,” dated January 2, 2020, from the Director, Recreation and Sport Services.

was then called and it was CARRIED.

In accordance with Section 100 of the Community Charter, Cllr. Loo declared to be in a conflict of interest as she is involved in KidSport fundraising activities, and Cllr. Loo left the meeting – 5:20 p.m.

Discussion ensued with regard to the recommended grant to KidSport and it was suggested that the $5,000 from the proposed grant of $24,000 be allocated for sports not recognized by the KidSport organization.

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

(1)

That the grant to KidSport be awarded and a cheque disbursed for the amount of $19,000; and

(2)

That $5,000 be held back and allocated to sports groups not recognized by KidSport and that this be administered by staff.

CARRIED

Cllr. Loo returned to the meeting – 5:21 p.m.

Staff commented on the distribution of gaming revenue for grants, noting that of the 15% of the gaming revenue received, approximately 75% of that funding is allocated for Health, Social and Safety Grants, 12.5% is allocated for Arts and Culture Grants, and 12.5% is allocated for Parks, Recreation and Community Events Grants. Staff was requested to provide a memorandum outlining the breakdown and allocation of the casino gaming revenue.

PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT DIVISION

5.

2020 Health, Social and Safety Grants 
(File Ref. No. 03-1085-01) (REDMS No. 6367626 v. 3)

In reply to queries from Committee, staff noted that the remaining balance from the proposed Grants would typically go to the Grant Provision Account for use in future grant programs. Staff were then directed to provide a memorandum on information related to unallocated funds.

It was moved and seconded

That the 2020 Health, Social and Safety Grants be awarded for the recommended amounts and funding cycles, and cheques be disbursed for a total of $593,133 as per the staff report titled “2020 Health, Social and Safety Grants”, dated December 19, 2019, from the Director,  Community Social Development.

The question on the motion was not called as discussion ensued with regard to the unallocated funds from 2019. Staff noted that the 2019 unallocated funds stated in the staff report was not accurate and staff can provide an updated figure to Committee.

Discussion then ensued with regard to the application submitted by the Parish of St. Albans and their community programs. Staff noted that a memorandum would be prepared providing more information on St. Albans’ programs including the Friday meal program. Staff added that St. Albans no longer provides extreme weather shelter services and that the Salvation Army has taken over operations of such services.

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

It was moved and seconded

That $14,700 be added to the proposed grant of $15,300 to the Parish of St. Albans, for a total of $30,000.

The question on the motion was not called as it was suggested that any additions to the grant for St. Albans be considered once the memorandum on the unallocated funds related to the Health, Social and Safety Grants and more information on a breakdown of St. Albans’ budget is provided to Council. As a result there was agreement from the mover, the seconder and all members present to withdraw the amendment motion, and the amendment motion was WITHDRAWN.

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

6.

2020 Child Care Grants 
(File Ref. No. 07-3070-01) (REDMS No. 6356676 v. 4)

It was moved and seconded

That, as per the staff report titled “2020 Child Care Grants,” dated December 11, 2019, from the Director, Community Social Development:

(1)

The Child Care Capital Grants be awarded for the recommended amounts and cheques be disbursed for a total of $50,000; and

(2)

The Child Care Professional and Program Development Grant be awarded for the recommended amount and a cheque be disbursed for a total of $4,000.

CARRIED

LEGAL AND LEGISLATIVE SERVICES DEPARTMENT

7.

Amendments to the Council Procedure Bylaw In Relation to Agenda Preparation and Distribution 
(File Ref. No. 12-8060-20-010124) (REDMS No. 6367198)

It was moved and seconded

That Council Procedure Bylaw No. 7560, Amendment Bylaw No. 10124, which introduces amendments relating to agenda preparation and distribution, be introduced and given first, second and third readings.

CARRIED

8.

Appointment of Acting Corporate Officer 
(File Ref. No. 05-1400-01) (REDMS No. 6386303)

It was moved and seconded

That Matthew O’Halloran, Manager, Legislative Services, be appointed as an Acting Corporate Officer for the purposes of carrying out statutory duties prescribed in section 148 of the Community Charter in the absence of, or as directed by, Claudia Jesson, Director, City Clerk’s Office (Corporate Officer).

CARRIED

8A.

Diversification of the City’s Investment Portfolio 
(File Ref. No.)

Discussion ensued with regard to the City’s Investment Portfolio including reviewing appropriate socially responsible types of investments.

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

It was moved and seconded

That staff review the City’s investment policy and portfolio and report back on recommendations.

CARRIED

ADJOURNMENT

It was moved and seconded

That the meeting adjourn (5:44 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, February 3, 2020.

_________________________________

_________________________________

Mayor Malcolm D. Brodie
Chair

Evangel Biason
Legislative Services Coordinator