MINUTES

1.

It was moved and seconded

That the minutes of the meeting of the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Committee held on Tuesday, July 25, 2006, be adopted as circulated.

CARRIED

2.

Garratt Community Wellness Centre Update, and Licence to Occupy Renewal

(Report:  September 12, 2006, File No.:  06-2280-20-137) (REDMS No. 1795639, 2018722)

David McBride, Manager, Aquatic advised, in response to a question, that the few changes in the August, 2004 contract granted to Vancouver Coastal Health – Richmond Health Services for Garratt Community Wellness Centre, and the September, 2006 contract recommended to be renewed for a five year term ending on August 15, 2001, were made to bring the contract in line with the Licence to Occupy. He added that the health department is on board with the few changes, and further, that when they reviewed the changes, Vancouver Coastal Health – Richmond Health Services provided concurrence and support.

In response to a question Alison Dennis, Fitness and Wellness Services Coordinator explained that the City contributes to specialized program delivery costs. These costs are offset by participant program fees.

Mr. McBride responded to a question by advising that the Centre is not at capacity and that there is an opportunity to expand the facility.

It was moved and seconded

That the current Licence to Occupy agreement between the City of Richmond and the Vancouver Coastal Health Authority for the use of the Garratt Community Wellness Centre be renewed for a five year term, ending August 15, 2011.

CARRIED

3.

Richmond Boxing Athletic Commission Bylaw No. 8035

(Report:  September 14, 2006, File No.:  12-8060-20-8035) (REDMS No. 2017878, 2015045)

Discussion ensued among Committee members and Dave Semple, Director of Parks and Public Works Operations and Mike Redpath, Manager, Parks -  Programs, Planning & Design on this matter, with information being provided that:

·         

the establishment of the Commission would permit the hosting of professional boxing competitions in the City of Richmond; amateur boxing events do not come under the proposed Athletic Commission Bylaw;

·         

at the Provincial level, discussions are on-going in the Ministry of Tourism, Sport and the Arts regarding the idea of establishing a provincial Athletic Commission;

·         

if the Province establishes an Athletic Commission, that would not negate any community level athletic commissions that have been established in individual communities.;

·         

at a meeting between City Councillors and area MLA’s in the near future, the subject of Athletic Commissions can be put on the table for discussion and to alert the MLA’s that Richmond is committed to the concept of Athletic Commissions;

·         

any risk is mitigated by the establishment of the Commission as an entity, and by the promoter/operator of any professional boxing event;

·         

recommended liability insurance for a proposed professional boxing event is $10 million;

·         

the Commission would investigate and decide upon the amount of liability insurance for a proposed professional boxing event;

·         

the amount of liability insurance has no effect on the level of competition for a professional boxing event;

·         

the proposed fee of $.50 per occupied seat is a fair and reasonable fee;

·         

although no date is set for any upcoming events, it is possible that one event may happen during the winter of 2006/2007;

In response to a question regarding the appointment of members, Jim Lamond, Chair Richmond Sports Council, advised that no problem was foreseen if members of Richmond’s Sports Council applied to sit on the proposed Richmond Boxing Athletic Commission.

It was moved and seconded

(1)

That the Richmond Athletic Commission Bylaw 8035 be introduced and given first second and third readings.

(2)

That upon completion of final reading of Bylaw 8035, staff initiate a process for advertising to solicit applications for membership of the Richmond Boxing Athletic Commission; and

(3)

That funding in the amount of $5000.00 be dedicated from the 2006 Council Contingency account to facilitate the implementation of the Richmond Boxing Athletic Commission.

CARRIED

4.

Hamilton Child Care Facility - expanded uses

(Report:  August 30, 2006, File No.:  07-3070-03-03/Vol 01) (REDMS No. 2015671)

Discussion ensued among Committee members on this matter, and Serena Lusk, Planner II, provided the following information:

·            

the Provincial funding is allocated to the Richmond Society for Children’s Centres, and the time frame for use of this funding is four months, starting from the date of the signing of the agreement between the two parties;

·         

the Provincial Government’s Target Major Capital Funding program provided funding for the Society for a proposed building to accommodate 79 child care spaces, and City staff did not want to approach the Province with any possible delays, following the advise of legal counsel, because they did not want to alter the relationship or funding with the Province;

·         

other City-owned property in the Hamilton neighbourhood includes a vacant lot east of Highway 91, the school park site and McLean Park.

The Chair invited delegations from the floor to address the Committee.

Wolf Streko, a member of the Hamilton Community Association made two points:

·         

the Association evaluated the opportunity and decided that, due to the severely limited parking opportunities at the site, adding community space to the proposed centre was not a wise investment;

·         

the Planning Committee’s June 27, 2006 recommendation that staff examine opportunities for other facilities in the community drove the Association’s process of examining different strategies, and exploring relationships with different partners; as a result the Association was able to crystallize and identify its needs.

Janice Barr, a representative from the Richmond Society of Community Living, distributed a statement on behalf of the HUB agencies (Schedule 1). She was accompanied by Nikki Byers, Chair of the Society of Richmond’s Children’s Centres.

Ms. Barr advised the Committee that the HUB agencies comprised: Touchstone Family Association, Richmond Society for Community Living, Vancouver Coastal Health, Volunteer Richmond Information Services and the Society of Richmond Children’s Centres.

Ms. Barr summarized the response of the HUB agencies to the Hamilton Child Care Facility - Expanded Uses report by saying that the agencies respect the decision put forward, and although the agencies were hopeful that the space at the current Fire Hall in Hamilton could be used for child care spaces, they believe that the development of new spaces and services will proceed during the coming months and that children and families in Hamilton will benefit.

In response to a question, Ms. Byers stated that the HUB agencies would not put any limitations on other agencies with whom they would cooperate, and stated that there are many examples of child care services co-locating with a variety of organizations, including libraries.

In response to a second questions, Ms. Byers confirmed that the two greatest concerns the HUB agencies had with the current Fire Hall in Hamilton were: the limited parking and the lack of a sidewalk.

Cathryn Volkering Carlile, General Manager - Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services, advised the Committee that the Facilities and Amenities Study, to be brought forward to the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Committee in November, 2006, could include information on amenities and priorities in the Hamilton area, if the Committee referred the issue to staff for exploration.

It was moved and seconded

That the planned Child Care facility at 23031 Westminster Highway not be expanded for additional community use.

CARRIED

It was moved and seconded

That staff pursue and investigate additional resources in the Hamilton neighbourhood in order to increase community amenities and facilities.

CARRIED

5.

Richmond Youth Soccer

Roger Barnes and Mr. Aiman El-Ramly, announced that six acres of artificial turf had been installed at the Richmond Soccer Centre at the Hugh Boyd Artificial Turf Complex, and had been in use since September 22, 2006. The Official Kick-Off party to celebrate the artificial turn is on Sunday, October 15, 2006 (rain or shine). Mr. Barnes thanked the Committee, City staff and the work crew for their efforts. He reported that there has been a six per cent increase in the number of youth and adults applying to play soccer, which translates to over 200 additional players this season over last season.

In response to a question, Mr. Barnes advised that the “Everyone Can Play” program is a success, and has attracted approximately 74 youth who were recommended by a variety of social agencies.

The Chair thanked Mr. Barnes, Mr. El Ramly and the Richmond Soccer Alliance for their successful efforts in bringing this project to fruition.

6.

In response to concerns raised regarding the condition of the fishing pier at the foot of No. 2 Road, Dave Semple, Director of Parks and Public Works Operations, advised that he would direct a crew to replace the missing planks, secure other planks that are loose, and inspect any other problems at the site.

In addition, Mr. Semple advised that he would look into the condition of the gate at the fishing float at the Packers’ site.

ADJOURNMENT

It was moved and seconded

That the meeting adjourn (4:49 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 26, 2006.

_________________________________

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Councillor Bill McNulty
Chair

Sheila Johnston
Committee Clerk