Date:

Tuesday, June 24, 2008

Place:

Anderson Room
Richmond City Hall

Present:

Councillor Linda Barnes, Chair
Councillor Sue Halsey-Brandt, Vice-Chair

Councillor Cynthia Chen (arrived 4:02 p.m.)
Councillor Bill McNulty
Councillor Harold Steves

Mayor Malcolm Brodie (arrived 4:02 p.m.)

Call to Order:

The Chair called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m.

MINUTES

1.

It was moved and seconded

That the minutes of the meeting of the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Committee held on Tuesday, May 27, 2008, be adopted as circulated.

CARRIED

DELEGATIONS

2.

(1)

Mr. Ravi Hayer, President of the Richmond Rugby Club, regarding the future development of the Club.

Ravi Hayer, President of the Richmond Rugby Club (Club), accompanied by Tania Donaldson, Youth Development Officer of the Club, advised that the Club was founded in 1957 and currently has three Senior Men’s teams, a Senior Women’s team, an Under 19, 17, 16, and 14 team, as well as a Mini-Rugby Program for youth. 

Mr. Hayer advised that for 25 years, the Club’s home site had been at the Sea Island forum, a site that met all the Club’s needs.  Since the late 1990s, the Club’s home site has continually changed.  Mr. Hayer noted the importance of finding a permanent home site for the Club.  A site with two regulation sized rugby fields with proper drainage, an additional half field training area, and a permanent structure with a minimum of four change rooms equipped with showers were listed as a few of the Club’s needs.

In speaking with City staff, Mr. Hayer mentioned that King George Park has been recognized as both a temporary site, and eventual permanent site for the Club.  Mr. Hayer noted that change rooms and showers are minimum requirements for the Club under the British Columbia Rugby Union, however, this site does not provide those amenities.

Discussion ensued regarding the Club’s current and future needs, and the possibility of relocating the portable change rooms and showers located at the Sea Island forum to King George Park.  As a result of the discussion the following referral motion was made:

It was moved and seconded

That the Richmond Rugby Club’s request be referred to staff to work with rugby groups and other stakeholders to report back on the progress, costs, and implications of the Club’s short and long-term needs.

CARRIED

(2)

Ms. Mary Gazetas, regarding the Richmond Fruit Tree Sharing Project – License Agreements.

Mary Gazetas spoke in favour of staff recommendations and expressed gratitude for the license to occupy the lands.  In reply to a query, Ms. Gazetas advised that the Fruit Tree Sharing Project group has been approached by other groups interested in growing crops on sites adjacent to the proposed orchard. 

PARKS, RECREATION AND CULTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT

3.

Richmond Fruit Tree Sharing Project - License Agreements

(Report:  June 11, 2008, File No.:  03-1000-14-137) (REDMS No. 2462645)

Discussion took place regarding potential future property taxes on the site, and the Chair requested staff to further investigate the matter.

It was moved and seconded

That:

(1)

A license from the City to the Richmond Fruit Tree Sharing Project for the use of a portion of the land at Terra Nova Rural Park for a Community Sharing Farm be approved as detailed in the staff report dated June 11, 2008 and other terms as deemed necessary by the City;

(2)

A license from the City to the Richmond Fruit Tree Sharing Project for the use of a portion of the land at the South Dyke Community Garden for the purposes of a community sharing farm and an apple orchard be approved as detailed in the staff report dated June 11, 2008 and other terms as deemed necessary by the City; and

(3)

Staff be authorized to take all necessary steps to complete the matters including authorizing the Manager, Real Estate Services, to negotiate and execute all documentation to effect the transactions, including all license documentation.

CARRIED

It was moved and seconded

That staff be authorized to explore opportunities for the use of remaining City owned lands for agricultural use.

The question on the motion was not called as discussion took place regarding lands at the south end of Gilbert Road.

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

4.

Natural Grass Field User Fees Operating Agreement

(Report:  June 10, 2008, File No.:  03-1000-18-045) (REDMS No. 2461149)

Eric Stepura, Manager, Sports & Community Events, advised that a copy of the proposed agreement has been sent to the School Board, and additional copies have been distributed accordingly.  Mr. Stepura further noted that it is anticipated that the agreement will be before the Sports Council in the near future.

It was moved and seconded

(1)

That the Natural Grass Field User Operating Agreement with the Board of Education (Richmond) be approved and executed; and

(2)

That the Board of Education (Richmond) be advised of Council’s endorsement of the Natural Grass Field User Operating Agreement.

The question on the motion was not called as it was noted that the allocation of fees collected had been agreed to in previous discussions with the parties involved.

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

5.

Richmond Athletic Commission Bylaw 8035, Amendment Bylaw No. 8393

(Report:  May 30, 2008, File No.:  12-8060-20-8393/Vol 01 Xr.: 12-8060-20-8035) (REDMS No. 2460234)

Mike Redpath, Senior Program Manager, Corporate Programs Management Group, acknowledged the amendment bylaw was a ‘housekeeping’ matter.  He then introduced two members of the Richmond Athletic Commission.

Gord Racette, Chair of the Richmond Athletic Commission, advised that due to community support, the Commission has experienced growth and a lot of interest has been generated.

Harry Oppal, highlighted that the Commission has received many compliments from other associations and organizations.

It was moved and seconded

That Athletic Commission Bylaw No. 8035, Amendment Bylaw 8393 be introduced and given first, second and third readings.

CARRIED

6.

Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Master Plan 2008 Annual Progress Report

(Report:  June 11, 2008, File No.: 11-7000-20-01) (REDMS No. 2463076)

Vern Jacques, Acting Director, Recreation and Cultural Services, noted that this was the second annual progress report, which illustrates the achievements related to targeted initiatives.

In reply to a query, Cathryn Volkering Carlile, General Manager - Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services, advised that staff are currently working with Gateway Theatre staff on an operating agreement.  It is anticipated that this agreement will be used as the model operating agreement with organizations that provide a service on behalf of the City.

Discussion ensued and Mr. Jacques stated that initiatives are reaching the needs of much of the community.  Mr. Jacques also mentioned that a comprehensive needs assessment will address the needs of groups such as the frail elderly and the multicultural community.  Staff was requested to provide information on the aforementioned matter.

It was moved and seconded

That the attached Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Master Plan 2008 Annual Progress Report be received for information.

CARRIED

7.

Museum & Heritage Strategy Implementation Plan 2008-2012

(Report:  May 9, 2008, File No.: 11-7000-03) (REDMS No. 2433071, 2462445)

Jane Fernyhough, Manager of Heritage and Cultural Services, reviewed the context of the proposed Plan.

In reply to queries, staff provided the following information:

§          

the museum is listed as the tenth item on the Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services Facilities Strategic Plan;

§          

the Plan will initiate a business, conservation, and interpretative plan for several of the resources listed in the staff report;

§          

staff conducted an informal survey comparing surrounding municipalities and found that Richmond has the most publicly accessible heritage sites;

§          

a conservation plan is currently underway to help protect heritage assets in Steveston Village and to create and implement such a plan throughout the entire City would be a much larger exercise; and

§          

provincial and national conservation standards and guidelines are widely utilized and, upon approval by Council, will be followed when executing the Plan.

Discussion took place regarding business, conservation, and interpretative plans outlined in the report.  There was agreement that the business, conservation, and interpretive plans identified in the staff report will require Council approval.

It was moved and seconded

That the Richmond Museum & Heritage Strategy Implementation Plan 2008 – 2012, be endorsed with amendment to the accompanying report from the Acting Director, Recreation and Cultural Services, dated May 9, 2008 as discussed.

CARRIED

8.

Richmond Arts & Culture Community Scan & Economic Impact Study

(Report:  May 9, 2008, File No.:  11-7000-01/2008-Vol 01) (REDMS No. 2450777)

Ms. Fernyhough advised that the two separate reports have helped identify and better understand the arts community.  Ms. Fernyhough also advised that with the aid of a grant from Legacies Now / Arts Now, the reports are the result of collaboration between the Richmond Art Coalition,, the Richmond Chamber of Commerce (through the Business, Arts and Culture Committee), Gateway Theatre, BC Children’s Art and Literacy Society and the City’s Cultural Services division.

Suzanne Haines, representing the Richmond Arts Coalition (RAC), remarked that the research conducted was a great stepping stone for the arts community and a good opportunity to collect information.  Ms. Haines further noted that there is demand for arts related programs beyond what is offered.

Nicki Roberts, representing the Richmond Chamber of Commerce’s Business, Arts and Culture Committee, hoped that these reports will be a catalyst to create better communication between the business community and the arts and culture community.  Ms. Roberts also expressed interest in further collaborating with the City to encourage more cultural tourism and equitable access to cultural activity.

Discussion ensued and it was noted that the Richmond Arts Coalition does not have a Council liaison.  It was also noted that the RAC has developed a collective website.  A suggestion was made that a link to the City’s website be incorporated into the RAC’s website.

Further discussion took place regarding partnerships, and Ms. Fernyhough stated that there are strong synergies amongst the groups involved in this initiative.

It was moved and seconded

That the information obtained by the Richmond Arts & Culture Community Scan and the Richmond Arts & Culture Economic Impact Study be considered in the update of the Richmond Arts Strategy (2004) and subsequent implementation plan proposed to be prepared in 2009.

CARRIED

9.

Britannia Heritage Shipyard Historic Zone

(Report:  June 19, 2008, File No.: 06-2025-20-003) (REDMS No. 2467857)

Ms. Fernyhough commented that the purpose of this report was to seek clarification from Council on the scope of work and process to follow prior to further work being conducted on the site.  Ms. Fernyhough noted that concerns regarding the use of buildings and the scope of restoration had been expressed in previous discussions. 

Discussion ensued and the following topics were commented on:

§          

past studies conducted on assets at the Britannia Heritage Shipyard;

§          

admission to enter the site;

§          

the scope of restoration; and

§          

the BC Building Code.

A suggestion was made that staff prepare a brief report aimed at elaborating the interpretation of what is being proposed so that Council may have a clear and definitive understanding of the scope of work currently underway at Britannia.

Mary Brunet, Manager, Facilities Planning & Construction, clarified that interior restoration of the assets on the site are not part of this phase, rather the next phase. 

Bryan Klassen, Site Supervisor, advised that establishing admission to the site requires Council’s direction.  Mr. Klassen also mentioned that the site is open all year round, with additional days throughout the summer months.  Mr. Klassen remarked that the buildings required heating due to the nature of the buildings’ contents, i.e. artifacts.

Discussion further ensued and staff was requested to provide a chronological update illustrating past reports and resolutions adopted by Council.

In reply to a query, Ms. Baxter advised that heritage assets have Statements of Significance, which identify what is specifically significant about an asset, for instance, its size, its shape, etc.  Mr. Baxter also mentioned that the Statement of Significance details how to address and conserve such significance.  Staff was requested to provide such information, related to heritage assets at Britannia Heritage Shipyard, to Council.

Staff clarified that drywall installed for fire protection reasons would not be visible.

As a result of the discussion, the following referral motion was made:

It was moved and seconded

That the report entitled ‘Britannia Heritage Shipyard Historic Zone’ be referred back to staff for further analysis and report back with information on the various plans endorsed by Council with respect to the Britannia Heritage Shipyard, including comments on the current scope of work.

The question was not called as further discussion ensued on the project architect’s strategy for the site.

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

10.

MANAGER’S REPORT

(a)

Steveston Village

Dave Semple, Director of Parks and Public Works Operations, advised that concerns related to waste in the area had been addressed.

(b)

Parks

Gordon Barstow, Manager, Parks Operations, noted that the artificial turf project at King George Park is near completion, and that installation of artificial turf will commence shortly at the Minoru Oval.

Mr. Barstow also highlighted that the Richmond Garden Club has generously offered to adopt the Paulik Gardens area.

(c)

Niña

Mr. Klassen remarked that the Niña was docked at Britannia Heritage Shipyard for ten days and attracted over 12,000 visitors.

ADJOURNMENT

It was moved and seconded

That the meeting adjourn (6:29 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, June 24, 2008.

_________________________________

_________________________________

Councillor Linda Barnes
Chair

Hanieh Floujeh

Committee Clerk