MINUTES

1.

It was moved and seconded

That the minutes of the meeting of the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Committee held on Tuesday, May 28^th, 2002, be adopted as circulated.

CARRIED

PARKS, RECREATION AND CULTURAL SERVICES DIVISION

2.

Terra Nova North-West Quadrant Landscape, Biophysical and Heritage Resources Study
(Report:  May 21/02, File No.:  7200-01) (REDMS No. 722099)

The Manager, Parks Programs, Planning & Design, Mike Redpath, introduced Mike McPhee of Quadra Planning Consultants Ltd., Denise Cook of Denise Cook Cultural Resource Planning and Doug Shearer, of Sharp & Diamond Landscape Architecture & Planning.  Mr. Redpath briefly reviewed the report with the Committee, and then gave a short PowerPoint presentation on the Terra Nova North-West Quadrant.

(Mayor Brodie entered the meeting at 4:10 p.m., during the PowerPoint presentation.)

Following the conclusion of the PowerPoint presentation, Mr. McPhee provided information on the areas examined by the botanical group and the areas of concern which the consulting group felt should be addressed.  Ms. Cook then elaborated on the heritage inventory and analysis which she undertook as part of the study.  Mr. Shearer spoke about the landscape plan proposed for the North-West Quadrant of Terra Nova and briefly reviewed the landscape character, public access and use recommendations which were being proposed.  

Discussion then ensued among Committee members, the delegation and staff on:

the total acreage of the park; the number of properties still to be acquired by the City in the area; the rental agreements with some of the owners of the properties acquired by the City and the provision of public access to those properties being rented

the length of the rental agreements with the former property owners

the rationale for the removal of invasive vegetation, including ivy, blackberry and purple loosestrife from specific areas within the North‑West Quadrant, and the impact which this removal could have on preserving the naturalness of the park

whether any consideration had been given to allowing farmers to mow some of the areas within the North-West Quadrant to expose voles and other small rodents to hawks; or, alternatively, allowing farmers to farm part of the area.

The Chair suggested during the discussion that staff should consider constructing a barn in the area and allow farming to take place.

It was moved and seconded

( 1 )

That the report: Terra Nova North-West Quadrant Landscape, Biophysical and Heritage Resources Study be received for information.

( 2 )

That staff undertake preliminary site management of invasive plants at portions of the Terra Nova North-West Quadrant site and that $30,000 from the existing capital project 40805 be utilized for this purpose.

CARRIED

URBAN DEVELOPMENT DIVISION

3.

BC PACKERS HERITAGE PLAN

The General Manager, Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services Division, Cathy Volkering Carlile, that the matter had been placed on the agenda for todays meeting in response to concerns expressed about the proposed heritage plan and the Steveston tram, and that City staff were in attendance to respond to any questions which the Committee might have.

The Manager, Development Applications, Joe Erceg, advised that the work now under construction on the site of the former BC Packers property was being carried out in accordance with the servicing and development agreements recently approved by Council.  He referred to the alignment of the tram and advised that this alignment had been incorporated into the servicing/development agreements. Mr. Erceg stated that the Official Community Plan (OCP) required that any future tram alignment be kept within existing and new road allowances, and he then provided information on the alignment.  He added that BC Packers was not required to construct the tram route as part of the rezoning.

In response to questions from the Chair, Mr. Erceg provided the following information:

the two tanks chosen for the heritage plan were part of the detailed park design plans, however, they may not have been costed separately for Council; but the cost to refurbish and relocate the tanks had been included as part of the overall park construction cost;

some concepts provided by BC Packers showed the tram operating to the Fraser River and returning; however, the servicing agreement and final park plans showed the tram alignment as running along Bayview Street, Westwater Drive and Railway Avenue in accordance with the OCP  rather than along the waterfront.  It was noted that the detailed park, dyke, servicing and heritage interpretation plans had been tabled in the Councillors Lounge prior to approval of the Servicing and Development Agreements.

Discussion then ensued between the Chair and Mr. Erceg on the tram alignment and the correctness of the final plans which been approved by Council. 

Mike Redpath then used an artists rendering to provide an overview of the proposed park plan.

Planner Jenny Beran provided information on the Heritage Interpretation Plan and how the two tanks came to be selected as a visible reminder of the entry to the site.  She explained that the tanks would help to remind visitors about the history of the area over the past 60 years.  Ms. Beran stated that the detailed park drawings also provided information on the improvements which would be made to the tanks, and she then provided information on the restoration to be undertaken to these tanks.  She added that the tanks would blend in with the surrounding area once construction of the development had been completed.

The Chair requested that copies of the approved Servicing and Development Agreement plans be provided to all members of Council as the plans which he had in his possession did not indicate the tanks.  He also questioned why the compressor building had been demolished.  In response, Mr. Erceg advised that a set of the detailed drawings which comprised the documents required for adoption would be placed in the Councillors Lounge.  Discussion then ensued between the Chair and Mr. Erceg about the accuracy of the plans being displayed by Cllr. Steves to the Committee in comparison to the plans which had been approved by Council. 

In response to questions about the relocation of the tanks, advice was given that the work to refurbish and prepare the tanks for installation at their new location had been put on hold. 

Discussion continued among Committee members and staff on the discrepancies in the plans with respect to the tram alignment and the information about this route in the servicing agreement, and whether the plans now being reviewed reflected what Council had thought it had approved. 

In response, Mr. Erceg noted that the BC Packers project was a large and complex rezoning project, and suggested that in the future, as the Development Permit applications were considered, that Council be provided with copies of the servicing and development agreement plans

Discussion continued on the alignment of the tram as detailed in the servicing agreement, the rationale for the change from the original design which proposed the operation of the tram along a portion of the dyke, and how the tram route could be accommodated on Bayview Street. 

The Co-ordinator, Heritage Sites, Connie Baxter, then provided a status report on the Steveston Interurban Tram Feasibility Study.  During her report, she advised that there were five components to the study, namely, Transportation/Engineering; Market Feasibility Study; Management Models; Economic Impact; and Financial Implications.  Ms. Baxter explained that four different options were being considered for the alignment of the tram route as well as two options for building placements.

Discussion ensued among Committee members and staff on:

the tram route alignment options being considered and the route which had thought to have been approved by Council;

where the route should stop;

the timing of when the final report on the feasibility study would be submitted to the Committee and whether information could be made available to Council in two weeks time;

anticipated cost estimates;

the impact, if any, of the routing of the tram and the preservation of the tram alignment on the Development Permits considered by Council on June 24^th, 2002

Advice was given during the discussion that the four options being considered for the tram route were on City owned property as staff did not want to acquire property for any proposed alignment.

In concluding the discussion, the Chair requested staff to provide plans which show the location of the tram route in relation to the proposed development.

4.

"Dog Sculptures" at the South Dyke Off Leash Area
(Report:  June 10/02, File No.:  7000-09-10) (REDMS No. 727511)

Senior Planner Kari Huhtala briefly reviewed the report with the Committee.  In response to questions from the Committee, advice was given that (i) the $22,000 cost would provide for the manufacture and installation of the dog sculptures; (ii) the 25 sculptures would be interspersed in small groups throughout the off-leash area; (iii) the sculptures would be specially painted to withstand the corrosive effect of dog urine; (iv) the sculptures would be anchored in concrete footings to prevent removal; and (v) features such as drinking bowls, fire hydrants and benches could be added to further enhance the sculptures.

Discussion then ensued on the proposal, during which concern was expressed about the attitude of some of the dog owners who utilized the area that this area was strictly for dog owners and that horses, joggers and walkers should not be using the park.  The comment was made that the dog sculptures would only reinforce that attitude.  The suggestion was made during the discussion that the number of dog sculptures should be decreased and that other animals, such as cows and horses, should be designed in a similar style to the dog sculptures for inclusion in the area, as well as the sculpture of a jogger. 

As a result of the discussion, the following referral motion was introduced:

It was moved and seconded

That the report (dated June 10^th, 2002, from the Manager, Policy Planning), regarding Dog Sculptures at the South Dyke Off-Leash Area, be referred to staff to (i) reduce the number of dog sculptures in the project; and (ii) create other whimsical animals and people, such as joggers, for the area, and report to Committee.

CARRIED

5.

ART AT THE INTERSECTION AN ENVIRONMENTAL ART PROJECT
(Report:  June 10/02, File No.:  7000-09-01) (REDMS No.  711364)

Park Planner Ms. Jamie Esko, accompanied by Mr. Huhtala, used a site plan (copies of which were circulated to the Committee) to explain the proposal to the Committee.  A copy of the site plan is on file in the City Clerks Office. Mr. Huhtala then provided information on the intent of the report.

Considerable discussion then ensued among Committee members and staff on:

the process which would be followed to select the artist

the rationale for requiring $25,000 at this time; the costs which would be covered by this amount; and the account from which the funds for the development of the artwork would be taken

whether the amount of $25,000 was necessary, and whether a reduced amount to cover project administration expenses would be sufficient at this time

the type of artwork which staff felt could be appropriate for the area; how this artwork would be chosen, the involvement of staff in the process; and when Council would be given the opportunity to make a decision

who would own the artwork once it had been created, whether an ownership clause could be included in any contract entered into between the City and the chosen artist; also, whether a disclaimer clause would be included in the contract.

Advice was given in response to questions about the requested amount of $25,000, that that amount was needed to entice experienced artists who would be most likely to work with a mixed team of engineers, parks and road staff, to develop the artwork. 

Discussion continued, during which concern was expressed about the expenditure of funds at a time when service level reviews were being undertaken on the City's operations.  With reference to the requested amount of $25,000 and to Step 7 of the decision-making process, advice was given that at that point, only the $500 fee would have been paid to each of the artists who had been short listed.

Concern was expressed about the possible safety hazard which could result from the location of artwork at the Garden City Road/Sea Island Way and Bridgeport Road intersections.  In response, advice was given that a team of engineers, parks and traffic staff would ensure that any traffic and safety issues were addressed.  The comment was made by the Chair however, that a traffic study should be initiated prior to the selection of any artwork, to determine if artwork at these intersections could prove to be a safety hazard. 

The Chair also suggested that consideration should be given to sponsorship of the art, and a further suggestion was made that consideration should be given to the location of the City of Richmond signs created by a staff member of the City's Sign Department, at these intersections.

It was moved and seconded

That Council endorse an allocation of $25,000 from the Project #40802, originally approved in the 2001 Capital Plan, for the development of the Art at the Intersection Environmental Art Project, as per the report dated June 10th, 2002 from the Manager, Policy Planning.

The question on the motion was not called, as discussion ensued among Committee members on the proposed expenditure of $25,000 and the possible impact which a reduction in the amount to $3,000 might have on the types of artists who might submit a proposal.  During the discussion, concerns were expressed by Ms. Volkering Carlile about the significant amount of time invested by staff in the project. 

The suggestion was made that the motion be amended to include the words subject to the review of the project after the word Council, however, as a result of a brief discussion, the proposed amendment was withdrawn.

The question on the motion was then called, and it was DEFEATED ON A TIED VOTE with Mayor Brodie and Cllrs. McNulty and Steves opposed.

It was moved and seconded

That the administrative support costs required in connection with the Art at the Intersection An Environmental Art Project be approved to a maximum of $5,000.

CARRIED

6.

NO. 1 ROAD PUMP STATION PUBLIC ART PROJECT
(Report:  June 9/02, File No.:  7000-09-01) (REDMS No. 725469)

The Manager, Engineering Design & Construction, Robert Gonzales, and Kari Huhtala, indicated that they were available to respond to questions from the Committee on this matter.

Discussion ensued among Committee members and staff on the proposed art project, during which the suggestion was made that the bronze model of three persons representing the fishing industry (on display in the Anderson Room) would be an ideal art project for the site.  The Chair noted that the site was at the entrance to the former BC Packers site and would be preferable to the tanks which were being proposed.  The suggestion was also made that instead of artwork, flowers could be planted around the pump station and would be less expensive.

Reference was made to the design of the pump station, and advice was given that a two tier lookout would be constructed over the roof of the building, and that a portion of the building itself would be constructed with clear walls to provide the public with a view of the pump station equipment.  In addition, staff would be endeavouring to incorporate old timbers into the site.  In response, the Chair suggested that the pump station should be a wooden structure with clapboard siding, and painted to resemble a cannery building.

As a result of the discussion, the following referral motion was introduced:

It was moved and seconded

That the report (dated June 9,  2002 from the Manager, Policy Planning), regarding the No. 1 Road Pump Station Public Art Project, be referred to staff to review the proposed installation of the Three People artwork at the site of the No. 1 Road pump station.

CARRIED

It was moved and seconded

That staff contact Onni Development Corporation to determine if they would be in favour of making a contribution to the City's Public Art Program in lieu of providing the two tanks on their property.

Prior to the question on the motion being called, in response to concerns about whether the refurbishing of the tanks had been completed, advice was given by the General Manager, Urban Development, David McLellan, that work on the tanks had been put on hold because of the concerns which had arisen about the tanks.  The suggestion was made by the Chair during the brief discussion which ensued, that pictures of the tanks could be incorporated into the design of the pump station.

The question on the motion was then called, and it was CARRIED.

(Mayor Brodie left the meeting at 6:37 p.m., and did not return.)

7.

STEVESTON men's FASTBALL LEAGUE OUTFIELD SIGNAGE SPONSORSHIP PROGRAM PILOT PROJECT REVIEW
(Report:  June 20/02, File No.:  7200-01) (REDMS No. 600423)

It was moved and seconded

That a contribution agreement with the Richmond Senior men's Fastball League for seasonal outfield sponsorship signage be developed for a period of two years, and reviewed by staff on an annual basis.

Prior to the question on the motion being called, a brief discussion ensued on the rationale for requiring a review on an annual basis when the proposed agreement would be for a two year period.

The question on the motion was then called, and it was CARRIED.

8.

MANAGERS REPORT

Mr. Redpath unveiled the new Tall Ships banner, and a brief discussion ensued on the feasibility of the City selling the banners to the public.

9.

Service level review

It was agreed that the service level review of the Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services Division would take place on Wednesday, July 3^rd, 2002, from noon until 4:00 p.m., in the Anderson Room.

ADJOURNMENT

It was moved and seconded

That the meeting adjourn (6:47 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, June 25^th, 2002.

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Councillor Harold Steves
Chair

Fran J. Ashton
Executive Assistant, City Clerks Office