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 28^th, 2003, be adopted as circulated.

CARRIED

PARKS, RECREATION AND CULTURAL SERVICES DIVISION

2.

RICHMOND NATURE PARK - ACCESSIBLE WASHROOM/INTERPRETATION KIOSK

(Report:  February 7/03, File No.:  2345-20-NPAR1 ) (REDMS No. 961594)

The Project Manager, Mary Brunet, was present and briefly reviewed the information contained in the report.  In response to a question on the cost of the project, Ms. Brunet said the costs were based on the actual cost of smaller trail washrooms built to commercial and vandalism standards.  In addition, the existing soil conditions had implications on the foundation of the building, necessitating both support and floating foundations, and on the use of a typical septic tank, which would not be viable. 

The Manager, Facilities, David Naysmith, and the Manager, Parks Programs and Design, Mike Redpath, provided the information that the typical trail washroom as provided on the west dyke, without the kiosk, cost $90,000.  In addition, Mr. Naysmith said that the 2002 Capital Project submission of $150,000 was assuming the worst case scenario, with a plus or minus 20% variance factor.  In response to concern being expressed that the actual cost could increase by 20% Mr. Naysmith said that the two available options should that happen would be to reduce the scope of the project by eliminating such components as the covered meeting area, or by the submission of a request for additional funds.  Further discussion then ensued on the tendering process that would be undertaken, during which the Director, Engineering, Steve Ono, said that the lowest cost of the project would not be known until the detailed design went to market. 

It was moved and seconded

That the staff recommendation as proposed be amended by adding Part 2 as follows:

That the results of the tendering process be presented to Council prior to the project proceeding.

Prior to the question being called further discussion ensued on the tendering process during which the General Manager, Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services, Cathy Volkering Carlile, noted that 100,000 people attend the Nature Park on an annual basis, predominantly in family groups, and that at present washroom facilities were only available during staff hours. 

The question on the amendment was then called and it was CARRIED with Cllr. Barnes opposed. 

It was moved and seconded

1)

That the Richmond Nature Park Accessible Washroom/Interpretation kiosk project proceed as approved in the 2003 Capital Plan.

2)

That the results of the tendering process be presented to Council prior to the project proceeding.

Prior to the question being called discussion continued on the tender amount which resulted in the following amendment:

It was moved and seconded

That main motion be amended by adding Part 3 as follows:

That the tender process not exceed $100,000.

Prior to the question being called, in response to questions, Mr. Naysmith referred to Page 14 of the staff report and noted that the actual construction cost of the proposed facility was less that $100,000. but that the associated soft costs were not included in that figure.  In addition, Mr. Naysmith clarified that the $90,000. figure previously provided as the cost of the typical trail washroom was the total cost, but did not include the interpretation kiosk included in the Nature Park facility design.

The question on the amendment adding Part 3 was then called and it was CARRIED with Cllrs. Barnes and McNulty opposed.

The question the main motion as amended was then CARRIED with Cllr. Barnes opposed.

3.

HISTORY AND HERITAGE IN CITY HALLl

(Report:  February 11/03, File No.:  0105-01) (REDMS No. 961909)

The Manager, Heritage and Cultural Services, Jane Fernyhough, was present.

It was moved and seconded

That:

(1)

a photographic exhibition of former Reeves/Mayors and City Councils be mounted on the glass walls outside Council Chambers as outlined in Option 1;

(2)

the photographs of current Mayor and Council be mounted on the concrete pillar outside Council Chambers;

(3)

brushed aluminium plaques with names of Council members by decade be mounted on the concrete pillars in front of the photographic exhibition; and,

(4)

Council allocate the necessary funding for the above from Council Contingency Expenses.

CARRIED

4.

RICHMOND TALL SHIPS 2005

(Report:  February 13/2003, File No.: 7400-20-TALL1 ) (REDMS No. 959536)

The General Manager, Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services, Cathy Volkering Carlile was present and responded to questions on the options provided in the report.  The points raised during the ensuing discussion included the following:

-

the American Sail Training Association would request an expression of interest for hosting a 2005 Tall Ship event within the month;

-

the American Sail Training Association required a three party agreement as a condition of hosting a Tall Ships event;

-

a suggestion from the General Manager, Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services, that the formation of a non-profit society should not be directed by the City;

-

when the decision to include the City as a host location could be expected;

-

the advantages of a non-profit society accessing government funds;

-

the strong determination that the City maintain a minimal financial exposure to the event.

It was moved and seconded

That the City encourage the establishment of a non-profit society that would combine private sector and community interest, to host Tall Ships 2005.

Prior to the question being called further discussion ensued on the need to quantify the commitment of the City to the event.  In response, the General Manager, Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services, said that the non-profit society would determine the scope and target of the event prior to the City's being approached for its support, i.e. in kind expenses or fundraising support.

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

5.

MEMORIAL GARDEN FEASIBILITY STUDY

(Report:  February 14, 2003, File No.:  2345-01) (REDMS No. 964922)

The Manager, Park Programs and Design, Mike Redpath, and Jamie Esko, Park Planner, were present.

Mr. Bob Ransford said that an unsolicited proposal had generated the report provided by staff.  Mr. Ransford said that his interest in a memorial garden in the City had arisen after the death of his grandfather, who, after spending his entire life in Richmond, had to be buried outside of the City due to the lack of a local amenity being available because of the geographical conditions and the high water table.  Mr. Ransford then elaborated on a community in New Orleans that has an above ground cemetery; and, his discussions with Bob Cowie, who has worked with a number of municipalities on the development of memorial gardens.  A cash flow pro forma had been previously submitted to the City based on the revenue potential of such a facility as provided by Mr. Cowie.  Mr. Ransford suggested that the City look at generating income from one of its properties and inviting private sector interest for operating and construction of the facility. 

The Manager, Parks Programs and Design, Mike Redpath, said that subsequent to additional background research and report, a report would come forth with recommendation of an operating model.  The Director, Parks, Dave Semple, spoke about the sensitivities that would arise during the feasibility study and the need for inclusive response from not only the various ministries located in the City, but also from its citizens.

Mr. Ransford clarified that the proposal had not been advanced as a private sector proposal, nor would he be involved in such a proposal.  Mr. Ransford noted that the facility would not include internment, but rather memorial walls for plaques or niches for ashes.  Of the sites that had been reviewed, the Scout Park at the south end of No. 5 Road, and the City land at River Road and Hazelbridge (in combination with a city centre park), were considered the most viable.  An alternate suggestion of the ALR land at Gilbert Road and River Road, was also provided.  In response to a question on the suggestion of a 10 acre site, information was provided that the needs of the City could be accommodated for 200 years on such a site.

The Chair questioned the possible re-uses of the Boy Scout Camp and the possible use of the foot of No. 2 Road by the Sea Scouts.

It was moved and seconded

That Staff undertake a phased feasibility study examining the issues and options around the  potential of locating a memorial garden in Richmond.

CARRIED

6.

DELIVERY OF YOUTH RECREATION SERVICES

(Report:  February 13, 2003, File No.:  3425-01) (REDMS No. 963280)

The Director, Recreation and Cultural Services, Kate Sparrow, and Wayne Yee, Co-ordinator, Youth Recreation Services, were present.

The discussion that ensued included: the incorporation of the voice of youth in the review process; the involvement of youth in delivering the services to youth; the need for communication between the various youth agencies;  the need for alternate programs such as drop in centres at each community centre;  the relationships with school personnel;  and, the affect that the reorganization of Richmond Youth Services would have on connections with youth requiring services.

It was moved and seconded

1)

That the report, dated February 13, 2003 from the Director, Recreation and Cultural Services, reviewing the delivery of recreation and cultural services to youth and the role of community youth workers, RCMP and School Liaisons in provision of services, be received for information.

2)

That the report be presented to the Council/School Board Liaison Committee in support of schools being included in the delivery model of youth services.

CARRIED

7.

MANAGERS REPORT

The Manager, Heritage and Cultural Services, Jane Fernyhough, and Connie Baxter, Co-ordinator Heritage Sites, provided an update on the Interurban Tram that included the distribution of a memorandum, dated February 24, 2003, from Ms. Baxter, to Mayor and Council.  A copy of the memorandum is attached as Schedule 1 and forms a part of these minutes.  The information was then reviewed by Ms. Baxter, who said that a staff report would be forthcoming at the completion of the Waterfront Visioning Process.  

Mr. Ransford encouraged the continuation of the process and spoke about the project being seen as a revenue and market centre that tied together the various landmarks and amenities in the area while generating funds for the City.  Mr. Ransford also suggested that the City look at possible opportunities of i) tying the project into the Richmond Airport-Vancouver Rapid Transit proposal in recognition of the history of City's rapid transit connection to Vancouver; ii) generating assets out of the City's water lots; and, iii) invigorating the Steveston Interurban Tram Society by the removal of some of the obstacles in the way of determining the route i.e. the housing of the tram at London Landing.

Mr. Dana Westermark, said that similar arguments given to the benefit of having a non-profit society running the Tall Ship event could be applied to the tram, which would result in the lessening of the infrastructure cost.  Mr. Westermark said that he was working with the existing tram society and such individuals as Mr. Ransford, in an attempt to advance the program.

The Director of Parks, Dave Semple, responded questions from Cllr. Evelina Halsey-Brandt on the timing of the replacement of the caps on the metal stands on the walkway of the landing and the location of the baby change table in the Garry Point Park washroom facility.

ADJOURNMENT

It was moved and seconded

That the meeting adjourn (6:19 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 25^th, 2003.

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Councillor Harold Steves
Chair

Deborah MacLennan
Administrative Assistant