Community Services Committee Meeting Minutes - November 15, 2000

Date:

Wednesday, November 15, 2000

Place:

Anderson Room

Richmond City Hall

Present:

Councillor Harold Steves, Chair

Councillor Derek Dang, Vice-Chair

Councillor Malcolm Brodie

Councillor Linda Barnes

Absent:

Councillor Ken Johnston

Also Present:

Mayor Greg Halsey-Brandt

Councillor Lyn Greenhill

Call to Order:

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

It was MOVED and SECONDED

That the minutes of the meeting of the Community Services Committee held on Tuesday, October 11, 2000, be adopted as circulated.

CARRIED

(Report: November 2/00, File No.: 1085-01) (REDMS No. 212428)

The Director, Recreation and Cultural Services, Kate Sparrow, introduced Special Needs Coordinator, Sean Davies, who reviewed the report.

A discussion then ensued on the various options available to address this unprecedented request. Ms. Sparrow stated that grant policies were not feasible. In response to a question from Mayor Halsey-Brandt the Director of Finance, Danley Yip, said that the City currently has no loans provided to outside agencies or parties. Concern was expressed for the precedent created if this loan were granted. Frances Clark advised the Committee that the Society’s ability to have enough funds to cover the December 1 rent was questionable.

It was moved and seconded

That Council approve a loan from the Council Contingency Fund, in the amount of $15,000 which would be paid out in increments of $5,000. in December 2000, January 2001, and February 2001, and to be repaid March 15, 2001.

CARRIED

(Report: November 6/00, File No.: 2050-20-TCC) (REDMS No. 206154)

The Director, Engineering, Jeff Day, reviewed the report.

It was moved and seconded

CARRIED

(Report: November 3/00, File No.: 2045-01) (REDMS No. 214917)

The Director of Parks, Dave Semple, and the Manager, Parks Administration and Programs, Mike Redpath, reviewed the report.

During the discussion that ensued it was determined that the approximate cost of relocating the portable facility would be $10,000. Mr. Semple stated that he believed the Land Agreement with the YVR is good for two to three years, however, a contingency is in place if this Agreement is not renewed.

It was clarified that installation of shower facilities at the current clubhouse is not possible. Security for the facility was questioned, and the possibility of vandalism was discussed.

It was moved and seconded

That the issue of the playing fields on Sea Island be referred to staff for report to the Community Services Committee on the following:

a)

identification of potential users of the site;

b)

confirmation of the Richmond Rugby Club’s contribution to the maintenance costs of the facility; and

c)

determination of the cost differential between a washroom only facility and a washroom/shower facility.

CARRIED

(Report: November 6/00, File No.: 2400-01) (REDMS No. 214783)

The Director of Parks, Dave Semple, introduced Yvonne Stich, Parks Planner, who summarized the report.

A brief discussion took place during which the demand for watercrossings was questioned. The Chair mentioned the City as having presented a trail plan 30 years ago, many years prior to the GVRD’s involvement.

It was moved and seconded

That Council approve as a planning tool the Greater Vancouver Regional District Burrard Peninsula/Richmond Sector Recreational Greenway Plan dated June 2000.

CARRIED

MANAGER’S REPORT

The Manager, Business Liaison and Development, Marcia Freeman, reported on the "Rave" like event held Friday, November 10, 2000 at 11460 Horseshoe Way. A Memorandum on the issue was distributed to the Committee, a copy of which is on file in the City Clerk’s department. Ms. Freeman spoke of the increased frustration of a business owner located across the street from the party location. The RCMP was asked to attend at the party and the Fire Department was asked to review patron capacity. A letter requesting feedback was being prepared by the Manager, Zoning, for distribution in the area. Resultant damage from these events was noted to be property damage, broken glass, burned picnic tables and damaged landscaping. In addition to this evening workers in the area find it uncomfortable to leave their work place when an event is underway.

The Manager, Policy and Research, Lauren Melville, said that a report was being prepared for the General Purposes meeting which would include items on licencing/bonding and insurance. Ms. Melville said that no business licence had been required as it was a non-profit event. The Manager, Zoning, Alan Clark, was investigating this and it was hoped that the information would also be included in the report to General Purposes Committee.

Mayor Greg Halsey-Brandt asked that the City Solicitor review the business licence process and also provide the definition for non-profit agency.

The Manager, Parks Operations, Gord Barstow then distributed a Memorandum to the Committee, a copy of which is on file in the City Clerk’s department, on the "Removal of Trees on Minler Road". A display board of photographs of the affected trees was also provided. It was noted that several of the trees posed a significant hazard and required removal. The deterioration in the health of the trees was thought to be attributed to construction in the area. Also mentioned was a similar circumstance on Seafair Drive where a number of, 4 or 5, plum trees will need to be removed.

The Director, Recreation and Cultural Services, Kate Sparrow, gave an update on the registration process review. A workshop held in October was attended by most of the community associations. Issues were raised on the registration process/refunds and also the effect the process will have on community association issues. Workshops on creating strategies for volunteering, broader membership and community group identity will take place in the New Year.

The Public Art project is nearing completion and the Community Arts Council has questioned where the project will be placed. A report on the subject is being prepared by the beautification team. Councillor Greenhill asked for a report on when this item came to Committee.

The Manager, Parks Administration and Programs, Mike Redpath, reported that the winners of the street banner contest would be presented to Council on November 28. The banners will be displayed at Lansdowne Mall.

The Director of Parks, Dave Semple, advised of a current conflict between the Richmond Gymnastics Club and Richmond based private gymnastics club. Staff was asked to meet with both parties to investigate the issues and offer resolution.

It was MOVED and SECONDED

That the meeting adjourn (5:50 p.m.).

CARRIED

Certified a true and correct copy of the Minutes of the meeting of the Community Services Committee of the Council of the City of Richmond held on Wednesday, November 15, 2000.

_________________________________

_________________________________

Councillor Harold Steves

Chair

Deborah MacLennan

Administrative Assistant