MINUTES

1.

It was moved and seconded

That the minutes of the meeting of the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Committee held on Tuesday, August 26^th, 2003, be adopted as circulated.

CARRIED

At this point the Chair indicated that an additional item, The Steveston Project, would be added to the agenda as Item 5.

PARKS, RECREATION AND CULTURAL SERVICES DIVISION

2.

RAISE THE ROOF PROGRAM PRESENTATION MULTI-MEDIA FORMAT

The Coordinator Youth Services, Wayne Yee, presented the Raise the Roof program, a free drop-in program led by the City's outreach workers, that had been taken into seven assisted-rental housing complexes during the past summer. 

In response to questions Mr. Yee provided the following information:

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the free loot bags that were distributed contained resource information provided by ICBC, The Boys and Girls Club, and the City in addition to an invitation to the event;

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the assisted-rental housing complexes, each of which contained a minimum of 40 units, were located throughout the City; and

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the success of the program had resulted in a possible implementation of free park summer programs utilizing a similar service delivery model.

It was moved and seconded

That the oral report and presentation be received for information.

CARRIED

3.

OPTIONS TO PROTECT TREES ON PRIVATE PROPERTY
(Report:  September 18/03, File No.:  6550-04) (REDMS No. 1065337)

The Director of Parks, Dave Semple, the Manager, Policy Planning, Terry Crowe, and Jenny Beran, Planner, were present.

In response to questions, information was provided that:

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approximately 600 trees are planted each year by the City in addition to the approximate 400 trees planted through development;

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the cost to the City of maintaining a tree was $20. per year; the cost of a 7 8 calliper boulevard tree at planting was $200. - $300;  the 4-year cost of a tree grown at the City nursery was $75.;

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the Pacific Crabapple and Shorepine, two tree species indigenous to the City, continue to be planted in natural settings;

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the Development Permit process required by multi-family development (but not single-family development) included the provision of a tree survey and arborist report on existing trees in addition to the inclusion of new trees to be planted on the landscape plan;

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a tree survey and arborist report would cost approximately $1,000.;

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approximately 30% of existing trees are retained during development of multi-family sites, however, most single-family lots being developed are clear cut;

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a Bonded Tree Plan would be required should the City require that frontage trees be retained during development;

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it was suggested that hedges over 6 ft. in height be included on a landscape plan;

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a bylaw would not aid in the determination of ownership of trees located on a lot line;

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the City encouraged that live plant material cover a minimum 20% of a lot but that this did not prevent future paving;

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a change in grade and/or a change to the level of the water table during construction could be devastating to existing trees;

Ms. Erika Simm, 4991 Westminster Highway, who supported Option 3B of the report, read a written submission which is attached as Schedule 1 and forms a part of these minutes.

Ms. V. Gwillim, 5891 Easterbrook Road, read a written submission that is attached as Schedule 2 and forms a part of these minutes, and circulated a number of photographs of her property.  In addition, Ms. Gwillim submitted a petition on behalf of residents in favour of a tree bylaw, a copy of which is attached as Schedule 3 and forms a part of these minutes.

Ms. E. Feller, a member of the Advisory Committee on the Environment but speaking as a private citizen, said that a look at Shady Island would provide a an example of the evolution of process and the potential of this area to produce magnificent natural trees.  Ms. Feller also spoke about the need to replace natural habitat where possible.  Ms. Feller felt that the City should aim for a no net loss of tree policy that included bonding or fines if necessary.

Ms. B. Baanders, 7520 Bridge Street, cited her concerns relating to the possible development of a property adjacent to her property that could include the potential loss of a several significant trees.  Ms. Baanders was in favour of a Bonded Tree Plan that would provided incentive for the retention of trees.

Ms. M. Louth read a written submission provided by Mr. D. Louth, a copy of which is attached as Schedule 4 and forms a part of these minutes.

Mr. G. Kibble, 11171 4^th Avenue, a member of the Advisory Committee on the Environment (ACE), indicated that ACE had discussed the issue at a preliminary level but could do so in more extensive terms.  In addition, speaking as a resident, Mr. Kibble said that a mechanism that would prevent removal of significant trees should be in place. 

Ms. B. Philips, 7460 Moffatt Road, submitted a petition from residents in favour of the implementation of a bylaw to prevent the destruction of trees on private property, a copy of which is attached as Schedule 5 and forms a part of these minutes.  In addition, Ms. Philips spoke about the recent clear cutting, with the exception of one tree, of the property adjacent to her complex.

It was moved and seconded

That Option 3B of the report dated September 18^th, 2003 from the Director of Parks, be endorsed.

DEFEATED

Opposed:  Mayor Brodie
Cllr. Barnes
Cllr. Dang
Cllr. McNulty

It was moved and seconded

That the report, dated September 18^th, 2003 from the Director of Parks and the Manager, Policy Planning, be referred to:

(a)

the Advisory Committee on the Environment for:

i)

a review of the options contained in the report with a view to a City-wide policy of no net loss of trees; and 

ii)

the suggestion of educational options.

(b)

the Urban Development Institute, the Greater Vancouver Home Builders Association and City staff for their comment.

Prior to the question being called Councillor Howard left the meeting 6:15 p.m.

The question was then called and it was CARRIED.

4.

AWARD OF CONTRACT  T.1557 CAMBIE BRANCH LIBRARY TENANT IMPROVEMENTS

(Report:  September 18/03, File No.:  1000-20.T.1557) (REDMS No. 1067000)

The Chief Librarian, Greg Buss, was present.

It was moved and seconded

That the report (dated September 18^th, 2003 from the Chief Librarian) recommending award of Contract T.1557 Cambie Branch Library Tenant Improvements for the new branch library in the leased premises at Unit 150, 11590 Cambie Road to the lowest bidder, Parkwood Construction Ltd., be approved.

CARRIED

5.

THE STEVESTON PROJECT
(Report:  September 19/03, File No.:  2000-20-005) (REDMS No. 1067876)

The Director of Parks, Dave Semple, was present.

It was moved and seconded

That:

(1)

The Steveston Project as outlined in the report (dated September 19, 2003 from the Director Parks) be endorsed in principle;

(2)

a letter of support for The Steveston Project from Council be written for fund raising purposes; and

(3)

staff report back with siting and contribution plans for Council to consider at the appropriate time.

CARRIED

6.

MANAGERS REPORT

There were no reports.

ADJOURNMENT

It was moved and seconded

That the meeting adjourn (6:20 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, September 23^rd, 2003.

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Councillor Harold Steves
Chair

Deborah MacLennan
Administrative Assistant