Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services Committee Meeting Minutes - March 13, 2001

Date:

Tuesday, March 13, 2001

Place:

Anderson Room

Richmond City Hall

Present:

Councillor Harold Steves, Chair

Councillor Derek Dang, Vice-Chair

Councillor Linda Barnes

Councillor Malcolm Brodie

Councillor Ken Johnston 4:12

Councillor Bill McNulty

Also Present:

Mayor Greg Halsey-Brandt, 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, January 23, 2001, be adopted as circulated. (last meeting)

CARRIED

(Report: March 1/01, File No.: 5350-01) (REDMS No. 300246)

Acting Superintendent Al Speevak, accompanied by Inspector Tonia Enger, responded to questions on the following issues: (i) the increase in property crime, (ii) residential B & E’s, (iii) the panelling of offenders (iv) the bike squad and (v) hard drugs.

Mr. Speevak also confirmed that statistics were being prepared on the number of calls received that pertain to mental health.

It was noted that an awards ceremony for the detachment would be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 15, 2001.

It was moved and seconded

That the RCMP Monthly Report - December 2000 be received for information.

CARRIED

(Report: February 23/01, File No.:0100-20-RCDI1) (REDMS No. 294819,185866)

The Director of Recreation and Cultural Services, Kate Sparrow, reported that Sean Davies, in cooperation with James Sullivan of the Disability Resource Centre, drafted a proposal which was then taken to the Richmond Committee on Disability for discussion. The Richmond Committee on Disability concurred with the information outlined in the philosophy.

Mr. Davies and Mr. Sullivan are currently working on a number of initiatives, and Mr. Davies is conducting the interview process for the Special Needs Programmer position.

Ms. Sparrow then responded to questions pertaining to:

• the role the Disability Resource Centre will undertake in support of the programs;

• the source of funds for the Special Needs Programmer position; and

• how the different venues will facilitate the philosophy.

Frances Clark, Chair, Richmond Committee on Disability, voiced concern over the length of time taken to fill the Programmer position. Ms. Clark stated that the RCD was committed to working with the Special Needs Department in all possible ways including the identification of the needs in the community and the resources that would meet those needs. A partnership with Volunteer Richmond was suggested as a means of providing assistance to those people unable to attend a program independently.

Ms. Clark indicated that this report did not address the financial impact the working philosophy might have on the Richmond Committee on Disability.

Ms. Clark noted the composition of the Richmond Committee on Disability included individuals with various forms of disability. It was also noted that (i) the RCD had reviewed the partnerships of the Disability Resource Centre and (ii) that the 2001 Work Plan had been submitted to Mayor and Council in November of last year.

It was moved and seconded

That the report (Recreation and Cultural Services and Richmond Committee on Disability Working Philosophy dated February 23, 2001 from the Director, Recreation and Cultural Services) which clarifies the philosophy of how the Recreation and Cultural Services Department and the Richmond Committee on Disability can work together to ensure recreation and cultural opportunities are available and accessible for people with disabilities, be received for information.

CARRIED

(Report: February 27/01, File No.: 1070-01) (REDMS No. 297438,190198)

The Director, Recreation and Cultural Services, Kate Sparrow, reviewed the report.

Councillor Dang reported that, due to a 3% increase, swim teams felt that they were being priced out. Ms. Sparrow responded by noting that staff were aware that at the same time that expenses were increasing the market was at its limit, and that this would create a challenge for the future.

It was moved and seconded

That the report (dated February 27, 2001 from the Director, Recreation and Cultural Services) 2001 Aquatic and Arena Fees and Charges be received for information.

CARRIED

(Report: February 28/01, File No.: 0100-20-SADV1-01) (REDMS No. 272361)

The Manager, Policy Planning, introduced Aileen Cormack of the Senior Advisory Council, who then presented the 2000 Annual Report.

It was moved and seconded

That the Richmond Seniors Advisory 2000 Annual Report (attached as Appendix A to the report dated February 28, 2001 from the Manager, Policy Planning) be received for information.

That the Richmond Seniors Advisory Year 2001 Work Plan (attached as Appendix B to the report dated February 28, 2001 from the Manager Policy Planning) be endorsed.

CARRIED

MANAGER’S REPORT

The Director, Recreation and Cultural Services, Kate Sparrow, reported on the results of the February 17 Board Workshop "Working Together for a Positive Future".

The Director, Parks, Dave Semple, and the Manager, Parks, Mike Redpath, reported on the multi-phase Millennium Botanical Garden and Arboretum project, noting that the project should be substantially complete by the end of May. A web site was created to promote the development of the garden and a kit was prepared for the main sponsor groups. It was suggested that an event be organized, after remediation of the site is complete, for the ground breaking ceremony and that this would include the major sponsors.

The Manager, Parks, Mike Redpath reported that construction on the Garry Point Concession was underway. An opening day event coordinated with spring clean up was hoped for.

Mr. Redpath also advised that the RCA Forum was now closed and that the user groups were operating out of Sportstown BC (the Western Indoor Tennis Centre). Mr. Semple said that the YVR was accommodating the rugby teams and that he would be reporting on alternative sites in the near future. A report on washroom/shower facilities could also be expected.

The Director, Parks, Dave Semple reported on the wharf and building at Scotch Pond. The building was noted to be fairly weak. Three perspectives were being prepared that would address the issue. An update on the safety of the wharf structure, and the financial implications of improvements, was to be provided by Mr. Semple.

Mr. Semple advised that he had received two requests for a plaque or bench dedication on the City Hall site.

It was MOVED and SECONDED

That the meeting adjourn (5:22 p.m.).

CARRIED

Certified a true and correct copy of the Minutes of the meeting of the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Committee of the Council of the City of Richmond held on Tuesday, March 13, 2001.

_________________________________

_________________________________

Councillor Harold Steves

Chair

Deborah MacLennan

Administrative Assistant