MINUTES

1.

It was moved and seconded

That the minutes of the meeting of the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Committee held on Tuesday, September 7^th, 2005, be adopted as circulated.

CARRIED

DELEGATIONS

2.

Barrie Jones, Richmond Art Gallery Association, extended an invitation to the Association’s 25^th Anniversary gala celebration scheduled for October 20^th, 2005.  He advised that the Association had been meeting with staff and other stakeholders concerning an agreement for the Gallery.  He also advised that during Strategic Planning meetings it was agreed that the Gallery needed a full-time Development Officer to work on their Fundraising Plan and he requested that the City help fund this position for six months, at which time, the position should become self-supporting.

In response to queries from the Committee, Mr. Jones advised that:

-          the Association had 125 members;

-         the Association requested that the City fund $25,000 for the Development Officer position;

-         this position would work with staff, the Association’s Board and its members to develop integrated funding material and a fund raising plan;

-          the Association had raised over $200,00 in funds to date;

-          a large number of visitors visited the Art Gallery; and

-          the Gallery had received increased funding from the Federal Government to maintain and promote its sustainability.

It was moved and seconded

That staff prepare an additional level request for Council consideration for $25,000.

CARRIED

Staff were also requested to work with the Richmond Art Gallery on ways to increase their street presence and promote their identity. 

COUNCILLOR HAROLD STEVES, CHAIR

3.

RENAMING OF DON AND LION ISLANDS TO OIKAWA AND SATO ISLANDS

(Report:  September 22^nd , 2005, File No.: 06-2270-01) (REDMS No. 1662990, 1328027)

Mr. Stan Fukawa, Chair, Suian Maru Centennial Committee, briefly described the history of the Suian Maru Voyage of 1906, and spoke of the historical significance of the Don and Lion Islands.  He then introduced members of the Centennial Committee who had accompanied him and thanked Committee for supporting the renaming of the islands.

It was moved and seconded

That the City take appropriate steps and work with the GVRD to rename Don and Lion Islands to their local historical names, Oikawa and Sato Islands.

CARRIED

PARKS, RECREATION AND CULTURAL SERVICES DIVISION

4.

YOUTH STRATEGY UPDATE

(Report:  September 12^th, 2005, File No.: 07-3425-02) (REDMS No. 1655778, 109100)

Ms. Kate Sparrow, Director, Recreation and Cultural Services, briefly reviewed the Youth Strategy Update report stating that the City Strategy for Youth Services was one of the priorities of the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Master Plan.

Mr. Wayne Yee, Advisor, Youth Services, reviewed the role of Parks and Recreation in this strategy.  He advised that a concentrated effort was being made to establish working relationships with other organizations in the Community such as the RCMP, school counsellors and Health Services.  He then showed a 6 minute video of the City’s Youth Services program.

Mr. Ward Clapham, OIC, RCMP, then stated that the RCMP was very pleased with the program and noted that they received enquiries regularly about this program from municipalities throughout the region.

In response to a query from the Committee, Kate Sparrow indicated that after the Master Plan was approved, a Steering Committee on Youth Strategy would be formed and this would include the RCSAC, RCMP, Volunteer Richmond and other community groups.  She noted that presently Volunteer Richmond had launched a program Volunteer Now, for the 19-25 year age group which involved mentoring and creation of opportunities to volunteer.  Discussion ensued about this issue and a suggestion was made that staff look into the Grade 8 –10 age group to see if a similar type of program could be created.  In response to a query from Committee, Ms. Sparrow stated that the Youth Service Plan should be completed by the first six months of 2006.

It was moved and seconded

That staff be directed to work collaboratively with community partners and stakeholders to proceed with the development of a 3-year Youth Service Plan and report back to Council with the completed Plan.

CARRIED

5.

City Float

(Oral Report)

Councillor Sue Halsey Brandt stated her concern that the City did not have a float at the Salmon Festival Parade and asked whether a float to advertise the 2010 Olympic Games at community events would be of value to the City.  Discussion then ensued on this matter and it was noted that the City had provided a grant to the Steveston Community Association to build a float but that the money provided was not enough.

It was moved and seconded

That staff report as soon as possible on the feasibility of providing a City float to advertise the 2010 Olympic Games, and that the options provided address:

(a)

the feasibility of seeking financial support from the Richmond Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Richmond; and

(b)

the issue of whether the Steveston Community Association should be provided with sufficient funds to construct the float, or alternatively, whether the City should assume its responsibility.

CARRIED

5.

MANAGER’S REPORT

Mike Redpath announced the opening of Garden City Park on October 8^th, 2005.

ADJOURNMENT

It was moved and seconded

That the meeting adjourn (5:25 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 27^th, 2005.

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Councillor Harold Steves
Chair

Desiree Wong
Committee Clerk