Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services Committee Meeting Minutes -February 26, 2002

Date:

Tuesday, February 26, 2002

Place:

Anderson Room

Richmond City Hall

Present:

Councillor Harold Steves, Chair

Councillor Linda Barnes, Vice-Chair

Councillor Lyn Greenhill

Councillor Sue Halsey-Brandt

Councillor Bill McNulty

Call to Order:

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

MINUTES

1.

It was moved and seconded

That the minutes of the meeting of the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Committee held on Tuesday, January 29, 2002, be adopted as circulated.

CARRIED

At this point the Chair requested that the order of the agenda be varied in order that item 4 be heard first.

PARKS, RECREATION AND CULTURAL SERVICES DIVISION

4.

BIKE TERRAIN PARK PILOT PROJECT AT 13100 to 13200 No. 2 Rd.
(Report: February 12/02, File No.: 2345-04) (REDMS No. 616234)

The Manager, Parks Administration and Programs, Mike Redpath, briefly reviewed the report. Jamie Esko, Park Planner, was also present.

Discussion then ensued on the effect volunteer efforts and in kind donations would have on the projected base development costs, and also the significant efforts that will be required to cut back the blackberry bushes on the eastern edge of the site. It was noted that once the initial development is complete future expansion of the project will take place as additional sponsorships or donations are received. Appreciation was expressed by the Committee for the hard work and effort put forth by the group. Councillor Steves cautioned the group that recent developments indicate that future re-development in the area, which could include the subject property, could take place earlier than previously anticipated.

Mr. Ryan Stickler, one of the youth involved in the development of the project, displayed a model of the dirt jump 1^st phase and also a model of the wood sections 2^nd phase. In response to questions Mr. Stickler provided the information that i) the project was planned to incorporate the needs of three levels of riders; ii) clean up of the site and the use of helmets would be monitored by the group.

Mr. Jack Evans provided information on the fundraising process to date. It was Mr. Evans opinion that the City budget for the project should be reduced to almost nil as a result of the donations and sponsorships received.

Mr. Trevor Stickler, the owner of a small business in Richmond, provided additional information on services and material donations that have been received or offered to date. Mr. Stickler asked that the City provide assistance with both the removal of the blackberry bushes on the site and site drainage. Mr. Redpath was to designate staff to project manage for on site construction.

It was moved and seconded

That:

(1)

the parcel of land located at 13100 to 13200 No. 2 Rd. be used for a Bike Terrain Park Pilot Project from March 2002 and for two years thereafter, to be reviewed in January 2004.

(2)

staff proceed with construction of the base level development for the Bike Terrain Park Pilot Project located at 13100 to 13200 No. 2 Rd. beginning in March, 2002.

CARRIED

2.

STEVESTON INTERURBAN TRAM FEASIBILITY STUDY
(Report: February 12/02, File No.: 6510-05) (REDMS No. 631939)

The Manager, Cultural Services, Jane Fernyhough, and the Co-ordinator of Heritage Sites, Connie Baxter, were present.

Discussion ensued on various aspects of the report and included:

-

a request that the City's contributions to the tram to date be identified and recognized by the Steveston Interurban Tram Restoration Society;

-

a request that a route along the dyke be considered promptly in light of the dyke reconstruction to take place this summer;

-

consideration on the use of the $200,000 legacy from BC Packers for the construction of a shop to house the tram on the BC Packers site; and

-

whether funds recently received from the sale of a heritage property at London Landing could support heritage development, e.g. the tram.

It was moved and seconded

That a Transportation, Tourism and Engineering study reviewing the feasibility of restoring and operating Interurban Tram #1220 in Richmond be commissioned, (based on the Terms of Reference attached to the report dated February 12, 2002 from the Manager, Cultural Services).

CARRIED

3.

UBC ROWING CLUB LEASE FOR CLUBHOUSE SITE AT 7411 RIVER ROAD
(Report: February 12/02, File No.: 1000-14-084) (REDMS No. 636308)

The Manager, Parks Operations and Administration, Mike Redpath, reviewed the report and then introduced Mr. Mike Pearce, Head Coach of the UBC men's Rowing Program, and Mr. Craig Pond, Head Coach of the UBC Women's Rowing Program, to the Committee.

Mr. Pearce provided information on the benefits a move to this location would have for the UBC rowing program. Discussion then ensued on how the facility will benefit the residents of Richmond and also how the parking requirements for special events will be met.

It was moved and seconded

That a memorandum of understanding with the University of British Columbia Department of Athletics, Thunderbird Rowing Club, that outlines the necessary planning and permit approvals for leasing a portion of the lands known as Lot N- the Water Lot located at 7411 River Road for a rowing clubhouse facility, be developed.

CARRIED

5.

MANAGERS REPORT

The Manager, Parks Administration and Programs, Mike Redpath, reported on the Regional Greenways Water Crossing. The possibility of the No. 3 Road pier, as opposed to the foot of No. 5 Road, for the connection was discussed. A report will be made on the matter in April.

In response to a question from Councillor S. Halsey-Brandt, Mr. Redpath gave a brief report on the Japanese Fishermans Memorial, a proposed gift to the City from the Nikkei Fishermen's Committee.

Mr. Redpath noted that the Richmond Sports Council would meet this evening at 7:30.

Mr. David McBride, Manager, Aquatic Services, provided an update on the further implementation of the Book-It program. The expansion of the program is expected to significantly improve the levels of service offered by the City.

Mr. McBride also advised the Committee that the consultant was nearing the completion of the Community Needs Assessment report which would then be presented to the April meeting of the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Committee.

ADJOURNMENT

It was moved and seconded

That the meeting adjourn (5:15 p.m.).

CARRIED

Certified a true and correct copy of the Minutes of the meeting of the Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services Committee of the Council of the City of Richmond held on Tuesday, February 26, 2002.

_________________________________

_________________________________

Councillor Harold Steves

Chair

Deborah MacLennan

Executive Assistant