MINUTES

1.

It was moved and seconded

That the minutes of the meeting of the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Committee held on Tuesday, March 25^th, 2003, be adopted as circulated.

CARRIED

DELEGATION

2.

Joan Cowderoy, Executive Director, CHIMO Crisis Services, to make a presentation on the New Directions in Crisis Prevention and Response Initiative, a three year community development project which is just beginning in Richmond.  (File No. 3000-01)
 

Ms. Joan Cowderoy, Executive Director, CHIMO Crisis Services, provided information on the formation of CHIMO and the programs offered by the organization as part of its mandate to undertake crisis response and intervention in conjunction with other organizations in the City.  She also talked about the New Directions in Crisis Prevention and Response Initiative, and explained how the program had been developed.  A copy of her submission is attached as Schedule A and forms part of these minutes.

Discussion then ensued among Committee and the delegation on the program, and in response to questions, the following information was provided:

with reference to the survey currently being conducted by the Richmond Community Services Advisory Council (RCSAC), CHIMO would use the available data from that survey as a starting point and build on that information, and did not proposed to reinvent the wheel

how the initiative was introduced would be dependent on (i) the neighbourhood chosen, and (ii) the issues within that neighbourhood; consideration would be given to perhaps introducing the initiative through community centres and schools, and would be done in conjunction with the partner organizations and established networks

it was critical that consideration be given to the variety of different ages and cultural issues which exist

implementation of the initiative would have everybody working together and heading in the same direction; would provide an opportunity to maximize energy, and help to reduce the duplication of services

CHIMO intended to report periodically to the City throughout the three year life span of the initiative with interim evaluation reports

CHIMO was a member of the RCSAC and would be reporting on the project to that agency with a request for feedback; it was possible that other community agencies would want to become involved and there would be ways in which that could happen, however, CHIMO needed to start small with key resources; although CHIMO did not intend to participate with the Intercultural Advisory Committee at this time, a copy of the report could be provided to them

the potential existed for the SUCCESS agency to become involved with the project, and Richmond Family Place had indicated an interest, depending on which community was selected first.
 

During the discussion, the importance of early intervention was stressed as it was felt that this was the best way to resolve problems.  Questions were also raised about, and a brief discussion ensued on, whether the first step should be to catalogue available services to determine those programs were which were already funded by the City.

A brief discussion ensued on the appropriate action to take, and as a result, the following motion was introduced:

It was moved and seconded

(1)

That the City enter into a partnership with CHIMO with respect to Crisis Prevention and Response: New Directions in Richmond Initiative, (in accordance with the terms outlined in the correspondence dated April 23^rd, 2003, from Ms. Joan Cowderoy, Executive Director); and

(2)

That the matter be referred to staff for comment and the process to follow to implement Part (1) above.

CARRIED

2A.

TALL SHIPS 2005
(Letter:  Apr. 28/03)

Ms. Janice Podmore, representing the Richmond Tall Ships 2005 Steering Committee, advised that she wished to provide an update on the activities of the steering committee since Councils approval on March 10^th, 2003, That the City encourage the establishment of a non-profit society that would combine private sector and community interest, to host Tall Ships 2005.

Ms. Podmore advised that the mandate of the committee was to (i) create a not-for-profit society which would combine private sector and community interests; (ii) identify key individuals for the proposed Board of Directors and other positions; (iii) begin the planning process for the 2005 event, including the development of a business plan, negotiation of the ASTA contract, development of print and other materials, possibly including the contracting out of needed expertise; and (v) upon the formation of the Society, inviting the members of the Steering Committee to become Directors of that Society.

Ms. Podmore further advised that the Steering Committee was submitting a request to the City for seed funding in the amount of $36,000 to cover the cost of the first year of operations, the development of the business plan, the cost of entering into the contract with ASTA, and miscellaneous expenses.  She added that the Committee was also approaching Tourism Richmond for a significant amount.

Discussion took place among Committee members, the delegation and staff on the request.  Reference was made to a report being prepared by staff on the matter of the City hosting major events.  In response to questions, advice was given that the report would be submitted to the next meeting of the Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services Committee, and that the request of the Steering Committee, if referred to staff, could be returned to the same meeting.

During the discussion, concern was expressed about the request for funding without the existence of a business plan.  Reference was made to the problems experienced by the City with regard to the hosting of the 2002 Tall Ships event, and questions were raised as to how things would be done differently for the 2005 event.  In response, advice was given that the Steering Committee was proposing that the Tall Ships Society host the event rather than the City; and that the Society be responsible for risk and liability.  However, advice was given that the Steering Committee would like the City to be a significant partner in the event.

With reference to the question raised as to whether the City could host the Tall Ships event in 2005 without ASTA, advice was given that that option could be considered.  However, it was the opinion of the Steering Committee that the best opportunity to produce another successful event would be with the assistance of ASTA because of community and sponsorship expectations that the 2005 event would be just as successful, if not more so, than the 2002 event.

Written information was requested during the discussion on the improvements which the Steering Committee would make to improve the manner in which the 2005 event would be organized and managed.  Advice was given that the information being requested would be included in the business plan, and Ms. Podmore indicated that she did not want to make assumptions on how the event might be managed before the business plan had been prepared.  She stressed that the development of the business plan was critical to the future success of the event.

Discussion continued briefly on the matter, as a result of which, the following referral motion was introduced:

It was moved and seconded

That the request for funding received from the Tall Ships 2005 Steering Committee, be referred to staff for the preparation of a report and recommendations on the request, and that the report include:

(1)

a detailed budget, including the request of $36,000; and

(2)

any other potential financial expenditures, including facility use and management, staff time, etc.
 

Prior to the question on the motion being called, staff were asked to liaise with other cities to determine if those cities had sponsored a particular major event for a second time.

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

PARKS, RECREATION AND CULTURAL SERVICES DIVISION

3.

2010 Trails Strategy
(Report:  April 17/03, File No.:  2400-05) (REDMS No. 996915)

The Director, Parks Operations, Dave Semple, accompanied by Park Planner, Yvonne Stich, briefly reviewed the report and provided information on the preparation of the Trails Strategy to the Committee.  A PowerPoint presentation, which summarized the strategy, was presented to the Committee.

Following the conclusion of the PowerPoint presentation, staff were congratulated on an excellent report.  Discussion then ensued among Committee members and staff on:

the challenge of finding the funds to implement the more than 300 recommendations contained within the 20 year strategy; and potential funding sources

how the strategy would be implemented and the need for a coordinated approach

the meaning of the word infostructure

the proposed blue waves program, eco corridors and increase in passive recreation.

(Councillor Dang left the meeting at 5:10 p.m., during the above discussion, and did not return.)

During the discussion, comments were made that while the members supported the overall initiative, there were specific areas of concern, and questions were raised as to whether adoption of the strategy would automatically approve the projects within the strategy.  Advice was given that Council approval would be obtained annually for those projects which were planned within that year, and Committee members expressed satisfaction with that plan of action.

Suggestions were made during the discussion that (i) developers should be encouraged to add greenway treatments which would connect sidewalks and create walkable neighbourhoods; (ii) the City could consider providing assistance to existing residential strata units to add those developments to the walkable neighbourhood trail system; and (iii) staff explore the feasibility of seeking sponsorship of trail signs, etc., through public and private contributions.

The Chair commented on the report, during which he provided information to staff on:

the request of the Gulf of Georgia Cannery to develop the lane behind Third Avenue as a trail with memorial tree planting, and the interest of other societies in the same area

the proposed development of the triangular green space on Railway Avenue, south of Moncton Street (suggested that no action be taken until a decision was made on the proposed LRT project)

the proposal to negotiate with CPR on the future use of the Railway Avenue corridor (again suggested that no action be taken until a decision was made with respect to the future LRT project)

the proposal to establish a short and long term land use plan in conjunction with the North Fraser Port Authority (suggested that this documentation be referred to the Vancouver Parks Board for its information)

the bog forest and whether the Boy Scouts camp was to be relocated from its present site to an area of the bog forest as this was not mentioned in the report

the proposal to negotiate with the Ministry of Transportation & Highways for a trail in their right-of-way on the east side of Highway 99 (suggested that negotiations be delayed until a decision had been made on the LRT)

the proposed Sea Island Trails, and the request was made that staff include the McDonald Farm Orchard.

Discussion then ensued on the development of the master plan for park area in the North-west Quadrant of Terra Nova.  Information was provided by staff that a public process would be initiated, followed by a report to Council through Committee with an appropriate plan of action on what could be accomplished with available funds.

Also discussed briefly was the feasibility of using drop curbs rather than cut curbs, during which comments were made on the problems caused to pedestrians by cut curbs.

It was moved and seconded

(1)

That the 2010 Richmond Trails Strategy, (as outlined in the document attached to the report dated April 17^th, 2003, from the Director, Parks Operations), be endorsed in principle;

(2)

That staff seek public input on the 2010 Trails Strategy.

CARRIED

COMMUNITY SAFETY DIVISION

4.

FRASER BASIN COUNCIL:  STATE OF THE FRASER BASIN REPORT
(Report:  Apr. 7/03, File No.:  6150-05 ) (REDMS No. 991847)

The Assistant Manager, Environmental Programs, Margo Daykin, accompanied by Planner Rob Innes, reviewed the report with the Committee.  During the brief discussion which ensued, in response to questions, advice was given that the Advisory Committee on the Environment (ACE) would next update their State of the Environment report beginning in 2004. 

It was moved and seconded

That (as outlined in the report dated April 7^th, 2003, from the Manager, Emergency & Environmental Programs):
 

(1)

a letter be sent on behalf of Council to the Fraser Basin Council (FBC) to:

(a)

commend them on their report entitled, A Snapshot on Sustainability: State of the Fraser Basin report, January 2003  

(b)

convey Richmond's continued support for the Fraser Basin Councils work on the comprehensive reporting of the health the Fraser Basin; and

(c)

provide input to strengthen future State of the Basin reporting.

(2)

Staff continue to explore and report to Council on strategies for advancing sustainability (i.e. long-term economic, social and environmental well-being) in Richmond.

(3)

Staff incorporate relevant findings of the report into the City's Environmental Management Strategy and other relevant strategic initiatives (e.g, Flood Management Strategy, State of Environment (SOE), Economic Development Strategy, Waterfront Development Strategy, Trails Strategy, etc.).

CARRIED

URBAN DEVELOPMENT DIVISION

5.

THE WALKABLE RICHMOND ACCORD
(Report:  April 17/03, File No.:  4050-08) (REDMS No. 996176)
 

It was moved and seconded

(1)

That the Walkable Richmond Accord (Attachment 2 to the report dated April 17^th, 2003, from the Manager, Policy Planning), be approved;

(2)

That the Walkable Richmond Accord be referred to the Richmond School District and Richmond Health Services Society for approval and signature, and then to the Mayor and City Clerk for signature; and

(3)

That the City work with the Richmond School District and Richmond Health Services to preserve, develop and improve Richmond's pedestrian environment for residents of all ages and abilities by creating a more liveable and safe walking environment in Richmond.

The question on the motion was not called, as discussion ensued among Committee members, the Manager, Policy Planning, Terry Crowe, and Senior Planner Kari Huhtala, on the report.  It was noted that staff proposed working with the School District and Richmond Health Services on the City's pedestrian environment, and questions were raised and addressed about whether this would be extended to include private centres.  Staff were also reminded to consider the use of drop curbs in sidewalks, especially as the planning process was now being implemented.

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

PARKS, RECREATION & CULTURAL SERVICES DIVISION

6.

Scotch pond heritage COOPERATIVE UPDATE ON 2002 CAPITAL PROJECT WORK
(Oral report)  (Delegation:  Joe Bauer, President)

Mr. Joe Bauer, President of the Scotch Pond Heritage Cooperative, accompanied by the Coordinator, - Heritage Sites, Connie Baxter, spoke about the work undertaken to repair the Scotch Pond pier.  At the same time, sketches were circulated to the Committee, to explain the deterioration of the pier and to help illustrate the work which had been completed to repair the damage.  Also circulated were before and after photographs of the pier.

Discussion ensued among Committee members and the delegation on such matters as (i) the work to restore the Scotch Pond pier and building; and (ii) the silting which was occurring in the area and the impact if any, on Scotch Pond.  The Scotch Pond Heritage Cooperative was thanked during the discussion for its efforts in restoring and preserving the building and pier.  The suggestion was also made that the photographs circulated to the Committee should be erected at the site as infostructures to show how the repair work had been undertaken, and discussion ensued on this proposal.

It was moved and seconded

That the oral report made by Mr. Joe Bauer, President of the Scotch Pond Heritage Cooperative, regarding the repairs to the Scotch Pond Pier be received for information, and that a letter be sent to the Cooperative, thanking the members for their hard work.

CARRIED

7.

Richmond Night Market Street Banner Sponsorship
(Report:  April 11/03, File No.:  7200-01) (REDMS No. 994792)
 

It was moved and seconded

That staff develop a contribution agreement with Target Event Promotions for the sponsorship of 26 street banners for the Richmond Night Market from May 2003 to October 2003.

The question on the motion was not called, as discussion ensued on whether the street banner program could be incorporated into local neighbourhoods.  Also discussed was the City's adopt-a-street program and whether the City provided equipment to the volunteers to carry out cleanups.  The suggestion was made during the discussion that photographs should be taken of the garbage dropped at bus stops and the producers of that product approached about the companies adopting the area around their establishments. 

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

8.

SOUTH DYKE Community Garden
(Report:  April 4/03, File No.:  7200-20-CGAR1) (REDMS No. 977376)
 

It was moved and seconded

That staff implement the design and construction of a community garden to be located at the vacant land adjacent to the City Tree Nursery at 13871 No. 3 Road.

The question on the motion was not called, as discussion ensued among Committee members and staff on whether the annual rental fee for a garden plot should be increased from $35 to $50.  The discussion concluded without support for a change in the current rental fee.

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

9.

MANAGERS REPORT

(a)

The Manager, Parks Operations, Gord Barstow, displayed four bags of bulbs, which represented a total of 4,000 bulbs purchased for a cost of $3,000 CAN.  He stated that the retail value of the bulbs would have been $48,000 US.  The suggestion was made that if Mr. Barstow was looking for assistance in planting the bulbs that he contact the Coordinator, Youth Services Wayne Yee.
 

(b)

Mr. Barstow reported that due to the recent wet weather and the Easter long weekend, grass cutting was behind schedule and complaints were being received from the public.  He stated, however, that every effort was being made to get back on schedule. 
 

(c)

The Manager, Parks Programs, Planning & Design, Mike Redpath, advised that the official opening of the new children's playground equipment at Steveston Park would take place on Sunday, May 4^th, 2003.
 

(d)

The Manager of Cultural & Heritage Services, Jane Fernyhough, reported that the next topic in the Lulu Series:  Art in the City series would be a discussion on the revitalization of downtown Tacoma.

ADJOURNMENT

It was moved and seconded

That the meeting adjourn (6:30 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, April 29^th, 2003.

_________________________________

_________________________________

Councillor Harold Steves
Chair

Fran J. Ashton
Executive Assistant, City Clerks Office