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 31, 2004. be adopted as circulated.

CARRIED

PARKS, RECREATION AND CULTURAL SERVICES DIVISION

2.

PROBLEM BOULEVARD TREES
(Report:  September 14/04, File No.:  10-6650-00) (REDMS No. 1218018, 1320312, 1220630)

The Manager, Parks Operations, Gord Barstow, was present.  Discussion ensued among Committee members and staff on several issues, and in particular on:

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the reallocation of monies and resources that would be required to better manage problem trees;

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the problems associated with tree sponsorship;

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the possibility of using evergreen trees as replacement trees;

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the tree replacement standards required of developers;

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boulevard tree replacement would occur over a complete block; and

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that the identified boulevard tree species considered problematic would continue to be used in appropriate areas of City parks.

Mr. Glenn Lilly, representing his neighbours from Stefanko Place, provided copies of previous correspondence submitted to the City on this matter.  A copy of the correspondence is on file in the City Clerk’s Office.  Mr. Lilly spoke about the pervasive problem of one tree species that leeches sap onto vehicles, and the extensive effort undertaken by City staff to address the problem trees, with minimal success achieved.

Mr. Doug Louth, 4140 Dallyn Road, said that he thought the City had done its fair share of planting trees and tree maintenance.  Mr. Louth directed questions to staff pertaining to the costs associated with tree removal and replanting, and, the amount of provision in the budget for this expense.  Mr. Louth supported the idea of tree sponsorship, and said that he felt the cost to the public of watering trees was not onerous.  A suggestion was put forth by Mr. Louth that landscape design companies be advised of the City’s policies regarding tree replacement species and requirements.

It was moved and seconded

That:

( 1)

Option 3 as outlined in the report (dated September 14, 2004 from the Director of Parks Operations), be approved;

( 2)

the changes in the Urban Forestry Management Strategy Tree removal and replacement policies as outlined in this report (dated September 14, 2004 from the Director of Parks Operations), be approved;

(3)

a priority list for the replacement of problem trees be established.

CARRIED

3.

WEST RICHMOND COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION - COMMUNITY PUBLIC ART PROPOSAL
(Report:  August 24/04, File No.:  11-7000-09-20-6040) (REDMS No. 1325805, 1300610)

The Manager, Policy Planning, Terry Crowe, and Ms. Suzanne Greening of the Richmond Art Gallery were present, and, in response to questions, provided the information that any additional funds would occur as a result of fund-raising efforts or in-kind donations; and, that space would be allocated within the West Richmond Community Centre for the project.

It was moved and seconded

That an allocation of $5,000 for the development of a Community Public Art Project at the West Community Centre, as presented in the report (dated August 24th, 2004 from the Manager, Policy Planning), be approved.

CARRIED

4.

CREATION OF LEISURE FACILITIES STATUTORY RESERVE FUND
(Report:  August 11/04, File No.:  8060-20-7812) (REDMS No. 1320895, 1324721)

The Manager, Heritage and Cultural Services, Jane Fernyhough, in response to questions from Committee members, said that the intent of the fund was to provide for capital development of facilities only and not park development; that decisions about recreation and facilities in the City Centre would be included in the master plan; and, that funds collected since early 2004 in contribution to the cash-in-lieu of indoor amenity space fund would be transferred to the reserve account.

It was moved and seconded

That Bylaw No. 7812, which creates a new statutory reserve fund for Leisure Facilities, be introduced and given first, second and third readings.

CARRIED

5.

MANAGER’S REPORT

The Director, Recreation and Cultural Services, Kate Sparrow, gave an update on IWALK, which will take place October 4^th thru 8^th, in partnership with City schools.  The focus of this years event will be to increase awareness of the benefits of physical activity and to encourage children and parents to walk more. 

Vern Jacques, Manager, Community Recreation Services, reported on a workshop on a Community Health Project that will be held on September 30^th and October 2^nd at the East Richmond Community Centre.

Cllr. Barnes referred to a letter recently received from Mr. Ron Schuss, President of the Richmond Heritage Railroad Society, a copy of which is on file in the City Clerk’s Office, following which the following referral motion was introduced:

It was moved and seconded

That the letter dated September 21, 2004 from Mr. Ron Schuss, President, Richmond Heritage Railroad Society, be referred to staff for follow up.

CARRIED

Cllr. Barnes also referred to a letter, dated September 7, 2004, received from Vancouver Condominium Services Ltd. on behalf of the Nautica South Strata Development, a copy of which is on file in the City Clerk’s Office, within which concern was expressed about the effects on Nautica South which resulted from the nearby bike park.  In response, the General Manager, Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services, Cathy Volkering Carlile, said that the Director of Parks Operations, Dave Semple, had spoken to the Strata Council and that further follow-up would occur.

Ms. Volkering Carlile also responded to a request from Cllr. Barnes for information on the inclusion of workplace literacy in the 2010 Legacies Now program.

The Manager, Parks Operations, Gord Barstow, gave an update on the improvements that had been made to City tennis courts.

ADJOURNMENT

It was moved and seconded

That the meeting adjourn (4:58 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 28^th, 2004.

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Councillor Harold Steves
Chair

Deborah MacLennan
Administrative Assistant