Community Services Committee Meeting Minutes - January 23, 2001

Date:

Tuesday, January 23, 2001

Place:

Anderson Room

Richmond City Hall

Present:

Mayor Greg Halsey-Brandt, Acting Chair

Councillor Malcolm Brodie

Councillor Ken Johnston

Councillor Linda Barnes

Councillor Bill McNulty

Absent:

Councillor Harold Steves, Chair

Councillor Derek Dang, Vice-Chair

Also Present:

Councillor Lyn Greenhill,

Call to Order:

The Chair called the meeting to order at 4:03 p.m.

It was MOVED and SECONDED

That the minutes of the meeting of the Community Services Committee held on Tuesday, December 12, 2000, be adopted as circulated.

CARRIED

(Report: December 11, 2000, File No.: 5375-02) (REDMS No. 248120)

Inspector Al Speevak reviewed the reports for the Committee. A discussion then ensued on a number of the statistics in the report.

Grow ops were noted to be the major contributor in the rise of the drug statistic. A 15% increase in property crime was noted. The marked decrease in the number of narcotics detection was thought to be attributable to an increased use of trucking, as opposed to flying, and that several airlines are now flying into Abbotsford airport instead of Vancouver.

It was determined that domestic disputes, while not being broken out in the statistics, are coded, and that if statistics were required for this specific area they could be made available. Inspector Speevak reported, however, that the rates were fairly stable.

Councillor Barnes requested that statistics reflecting the number of health issues the RCMP attend be provided.

In response to a question from the Chair about the Garry Point Park incident, Inspector Speevak stated the matter was under review. Audio tapes are being reviewed and the division has been in contact with the complainant.

Councillor Barnes thanked Inspector Speevak for the opportunity she had been given to "ride along."

It was moved and seconded

That the RCMP Monthly Report for the months of October and November 2000 be received for information.

CARRIED

(Report: January 12, 2001, File No.: 7200-20-CGAR1) (REDMS No. 264902)

The Director, Parks, Dave Semple reviewed the report and the Manager, Parks, Mike Redpath provided a map which identified the expansion of the River Road garden. It was noted that the waiting list for garden lots is approximately 40 - 60 people, and, therefore, this was an opportune time to look at another garden.

Mr. Redpath said that a code of ethics for the garden had been developed after visits were made to several community gardens in other areas. The rules are posted in the community garden shed and gardeners must sign a contract when registering through the Community Garden Association. Maintenance of their lot includes the surrounding one metre border. The Environmental Youth Corp was extremely effective in their enforcement of the rules.

In response to a question from Councillor Brodie, Mr. Redpath said that the waiting list demand for Community Garden lots was determined by the number of phone calls on this issue that were logged by the Cambie Community Association.

It was moved and seconded

That staff continue the existing Community Garden use at 6080 River Road site for an additional two years, to be reviewed in 2003 and on an annual basis thereafter.

That staff develop a strategy and detailed cost estimates for the construction of a future community garden to be located at the vacant land adjacent to the City Tree Nursery at 13871 No. 3 Road.

CARRIED

MANAGER’S REPORT

The Director, Parks, Dave Semple, gave an update on the Millenium Garden.

The demolition of three houses is currently underway with the demolition for the remaining two scheduled for next week. A photoboard was used to show the area under development for the planting of Pacific Rim trees. The community involvement marketing plan is being developed. It was noted that the Millennium grant funds must be used prior to March 31, 2001.

Mr. Semple also reported on an incident that occurred at the BC Packers site. City staff have met with the person involved and are looking at a number of options which would allow for more comfortable passage through the area, such as increased volunteer and bike patrols. Members from the Steveston Police station have also met with the person involved.

Also discussed was the congregation of youths in Garry Point Park on Friday and Saturday nights. More frequent monitoring by the RCMP, including increased bike patrols, was suggested as a means of controlling the activities without discouraging the safe activities.

The Manager, Parks, Mike Redpath, gave an update on the status of the RCA forum. An extension to stay open until February 20, 2001 was noted. Sportstown BC will be operational in the next few weeks, with opening ceremonies scheduled for late spring or early summer.

In response to a question from Councillor Brodie regarding lawn bowling, Mr. Semple advised that his department had been working with the Lawn Bowling Association. Discussions have taken place with Sportstown BC and a report to Committee will be forthcoming.

The Director, Recreation and Cultural Services, Kate Sparrow, gave an update on the East Richmond Task Force. The Task Force evolved from the process of pulling together various agencies, including Richmond Youth Services, in order that a number of youth safety concerns that arose last summer could be addressed. A lack of certain programs and services has been noted in this community and citizens are now being engaged, in a collaborative approach, in the process of determining how to meet their needs. The East Richmond Community Association was noted to be in favor of what has been undertaken.

When interest in a community health centre in the East Richmond area was noted the General Manager, Urban Development, David McLellan, advised the Committee that he had recently resigned as chair of the East Richmond Task Force Facility Group due to his concern over the mounting unrealistic expectation that the City would build a new facility.

Mayor Greg Halsey-Brandt advised that additional program space running out of Lang Park had been requested and that, after researching the need, the Capital budget could be looked at in February.

Councillor Barnes reported that a letter had been received from Delta regarding Regional Debris Management and asked for an update in and around that issue.

Councillor Barnes also requested information on the tax exempt status of the Richmond Foundation.

It was MOVED and SECONDED

That the meeting adjourn (4:53 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 Tuesday, January 23, 2001.

_________________________________

_________________________________

Mayor Greg Halsey-Brandt

Acting Chair

Deborah MacLennan

Administrative Assistant