MINUTES

1.

It was moved and seconded

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

CARRIED

PARKS, RECREATION AND CULTURAL SERVICES DIVISION

3.

RICHMOND NATURE PARK INTERPRETATION KIOSK / ACCESSIBLE WASHROOM
(Report:  Feb. 13/04, File No.:  2345-20-NPAR) (REDMS No. 1124056)
 

It was moved and seconded

That the report (dated February 13^th, 2004, from the Director, Engineering), regarding the Richmond Nature Park Interpretation Kiosk / Accessible Washroom, be received for information.
 

The question on the motion was not called, as a question was raised as to why an amount of $15,000 had been budgeted for with respect to City Costs Including Overheads and the amount submitted by the tenderer was $8,188.  Advice was given that the City figure was only an estimate, and that the amount of $8,188 represented the actual cost.

In response to further questions, staff confirmed that MGM Construction Ltd. had worked with the City on other projects, and that they were confident that the company could complete the project satisfactorily.  Advice was also given that the proposed construction represented a design build project with an unconventional design, and that of the $117,700 actual cost, $15,000 represented the Contingency amount.

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

4.

MCLEAN PARK GRASS CUTTING
(Report:  Feb. 12/04, File No.:   2345-20-MCMC1) (REDMS No. 1084715)
 

It was moved and seconded

That the present level of grounds maintenance for McLean Park in the Hamilton area be retained.
 

The question on the motion was not called, as in response to questions, the Manager, Parks Operations, Gord Barstow, advised that McLean Park was not treated any differently than other City parks.  He further advised that a decision had been made approximately ten years ago to incorporate natural areas into City parks.  Mr. Barstow also advised that rather than planting wild flowers, bulbs were now being planted and that it was hoped that bulb planting would be an annual project.

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

2.

RICHMOND ART STRATEGY
(Report:  Feb. 12/04, File No.:  7000-01) (REDMS No. 1123878)

The Director, Recreation & Cultural Services, Kate Sparrow, spoke briefly about the purpose of the Art Strategy.  The Manager, Heritage & Cultural Services, Jane Fernyhough, introduced the members of the Steering Committee who were present at the meeting.  Ms. Fernyhough then gave a short PowerPoint presentation on the Arts Strategy.  A copy of this presentation is on file in the City Clerks Office.

Discussion then ensued among Committee members and staff on:

whether some of the goals listed for completion in 2004 could be achieved

whether funding was being shifted within various current programs to provide funding for the new programs

whether new funding would be required for those programs in which the City would be taking a lead role advice was given that funding was not required in 2004 and that a report would be submitted to Council for those strategies which did require additional funding in the future

whether major events were being planned for 2004 advice was given that staff were examining the feasibility of holding a signature arts festival in 2005

goal #4, to expand public awareness and understanding of the value of the arts, with the comment being made that the actions proposed as part of this goal were very realistic

who was going to be responsible for the implementation of goal #4 advice was given that it was intended that the City would be responsible for the marketing strategy but not in the marketing of initiatives; it was expected that all of the groups would participate in the marketing;

how the public would be encouraged to expand its awareness and understanding of the arts in Richmond, especially when many families were dealing with financial issues and to them, art would be a frill

the importance of including youth in the art strategy.

During the discussion, staff and the Steering Committee were complimented on the preparation of a well-written report.  As well, the importance of arts in the community was stressed by several members of the Committee.

(Councillor Rob Howard entered the meeting at 4:25 p.m., during the above discussion.)

Staff commented during the discussion that while the strategy would be implemented over time, the arts community had stated that it was important for the City to show its support for art in the City. 

A suggestion was made during the discussion that a flyer should be prepared on the importance of art, and that a catalogue or brag book created on art in the City.  A question was raised about whether there was an art circuit in Richmond, and Councillor Barnes, as Councils Liaison Representative to the Community Arts Council, provided information on this matter.

Councillor Barnes spoke further on the Art Strategy report and on the participation of staff, community groups and the Arts Strategy Steering Committee in preparing an excellent report.  She stated that the preparation of the strategy had shown that art was good for the people and the economy of Richmond.

Reference was made by the Chair to the proposed rapid transit route to be constructed in Richmond, and he provided information on the civic art which had been placed at each of the stations along the Portland, Oregon rapid transit line.

Cllr. Steves also suggested that a theme for outdoor art could be good as it would lead to an appreciation of other art if it was done right and did not negatively reflect on art.  Reference was made to the City's trail system and the potential for the provision of art along these trails, and the hope was expressed for the development of a plan which would allow this display of art.

Reference was made to an article in a magazine regarding the Cultural Capitals of Canada awards and to the funding offered as a prize, and questions were raised about whether Richmond could submit an application as the amounts of the funding were quite significant.  Advice was given that the deadline for the submission of applications was March 31^st; required a significant contribution from the City, and required the City to set out various projects to which a commitment had to be given for completion.  Ms. Fernyhough indicated that she would provide Cllr. Sue Halsey-Brandt with the criteria for the award.

Ms. Jullin OScheaur, a member of the Art Strategy Steering Committee, spoke about the need for structure within the arts community, noting that the various groups had limited budgets and resources and could be more powerful if they were unified.  She added, however, that this unification could only come from the City taking leadership. 

A brief discussion ensued on the need to garner support for the strategy, and how the strategy could be implemented without stepping on toes.  It was noted during the discussion that one of the actions of the strategy was to host an annual forum to which all of the arts groups would be invited.

It was moved and seconded

That staff seek public and stakeholder input on the draft Arts Strategy (attached to the report dated February 12^th, 2004, from the Director, Recreation & Cultural Services.)

CARRIED

Ms. Fernyhough spoke briefly about an upcoming conference Creative Cities Network, and provided information on some of the topics to be discussed at the conference.

Councillor Barnes asked that the PowerPoint presentation made at the beginning of this item be presented at the March 8^th, 2004 Regular Council Meeting.

5.

AWARD OF CONTRACT T.1559, BRITANNIA HERITAGE SHIPYARDS - SEINE NET LOFT, JAPANESE DUPLEX , CANNERY OFFICE

Please see Page 1 of these minutes for action taken on this matter.

6.

MANAGERS REPORT

The Director, Parks Operations, Dave Semple, reported to Committee on:

(a)

the development of the Terra Nova Park Plan and the inclusion of art into public parks;

(b)

the inclusion of the Middle Arm of the Fraser River in the Master Plan advice was given that staff would be talking to the Rowing Club;

(c)

the Terra Nova Park process advice was given that public meetings had been held with approximately 200 people in total in attendance; however, as concerns had been expressed about not being aware of these meetings, a further meeting was being proposed to be held at Terra Nova Elementary School and that interpreters were working with staff to ensure that everyone had the opportunity to participate; and

(d)

the completion of the lighting technology for Minoru and London Parks.
 

Councillor Barnes thanked the Parks Department for their cooperation and effort in the development of the Art Strategy, and including artists and art as part of the process of park planning.  She also asked that the Engineering & Public Works Department consider the arts strategy when developing new structures, such as pump stations.

In response, the Manager, Engineering Design & Construction, Robert Gonzales, advised that the design of the pump station at the west end of Francis Road would include art, and that staff were considering different options for art projects, including sewer grates.

In concluding the discussion, Councillor Barnes asked that copies of the Art Strategy be provided to the Economic Task Force.

ADJOURNMENT

It was moved and seconded

That the meeting adjourn (5:02 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 24^th, 2004.

_________________________________

_________________________________

Councillor Harold Steves
Chair

Fran J. Ashton
Executive Assistant, City Clerks Office