Community Services Committee Meeting Minutes - November 29, 2000

Date:

Wednesday, November 29, 2000

Place:

Anderson Room

Richmond City Hall

Present:

Councillor Derek Dang, Acting Chair

Councillor Malcolm Brodie

Councillor Ken Johnston

Councillor Linda Barnes

Mayor Greg Halsey-Brandt

Absent:

Councillor Harold Steves, Chair

Also Present:

Councillor Lyn Greenhill

Councillor Bill McNulty

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, November 15, 2000, be adopted as circulated.

CARRIED

POVERTY IN RICHMOND: A SENSE OF BELONGING

Ms. Lois Carson Boyce read a submission, which is attached as Schedule 1 and forms a part of these minutes, to the Committee.

In response to a question from the Mayor as to why a two step approach had been taken, Helen Davidson explained that this had been a deliberate choice. The first step was to create awareness of the issues; the second step would then be to hear from all groups on initiatives that would address the issues. It was hoped that the implementation of the recommendations would be a result of partnership between the different groups involved that would allow for the groups to act independently.

The Committee thanked the Child and Family Issues Advisory Committee of the Richmond Community Services Advisory Committee for their comprehensive report.

It was moved and seconded

That the report "Poverty in Richmond: A Sense of Belonging" be received for information.

CARRIED

(Report: Oct. 2/00, File No.: ..) (REDMS No. 204164,205732)

Fire Chief Jim Hancock advised the Committee of the Year One achievements in the department, namely: better management, improved morale, increased career development, a review of key services and the implementation of new initiatives. Captain Hancock also noted that improved technology was a priority for Year Two and that he hoped that the role of Ecom liaison would continue after Captain Mason's retirement.

It was moved and seconded

That the report "Richmond Fire/Rescue Operational Action Plan - Final Report, October 31, 2000", (attached to the report dated October 2^nd, 2000 from the Fire Chief), be received for information.

CARRIED

MANAGER’S REPORT

Fire Chief Hancock announced the appointments of Dave Scorgy, as the new Deputy Fire Chief, and Captain Gill, as the new Community Relations officer. Chief Hancock also noted the second Deputy Fire Chief position would be filled by Wayne Stevens, of Ajax, Ontario, as of February 5, 2001. Congratulations were given to the new people and also to Captain Sly on his retirement. Captain Sly was commended by the Committee for the immen'se benefit he has had not only on the Fire Department but also the City.

The Director of Parks, Dave Semple, reported that he had met with the Steveston Tram Society. Mr. Semple said that a report would be complete in January which would identify the options and possible locations of the tram. Also noted was the $750,000. value of the tram and the interest other communities have shown in the tram.

A report on the various options for placement of the recently completed Public Art sculptures will be submitted to the Community Services committee in January.

The Manager, Parks, Gord Barstow, commended the Roads Department for their work on the west dyke.

The Manager, Parks Administration and Programs, Mike Redpath, reported that most of the Christmas lighting for City Hall, the wreaths and the tree on the Number Two Road bridge were in place, although some work on the timers was being undertaken by the Electrical Department.

The Manager, Arena Services, Vern Jacques, reported on the appearance of James Waller into the community as a sex offender. During the discussion that followed it was noted that the information that had been released was an extraordinary circumstance due to the length of history, refusal of treatment and the violence of the attacks of this offender. No further information would be released due to the Privacy Act, and the need for continued vigilance was noted.

Councillor McNulty then referred to the presentation Tourism Richmond made to Council in regard to the Ministry of Transport lands. The brief discussion that ensued concluded that the referral to staff was conclusive and required no amendment.

It was MOVED and SECONDED

That the meeting adjourn (5:00 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 29, 2000.

_________________________________

_________________________________

Councillor Derek Dang

Acting Chair

Deborah MacLennan

Administrative Assistant