Date:

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Place:

Anderson Room

Richmond City Hall

Present:

Councillor Harold Steves, Chair (arrived at 4:15 p.m.)

Councillor Evelina Halsey-Brandt, Vice-Chair

Councillor Sue Halsey-Brandt

Councillor Bill McNulty

Mayor Malcolm Brodie

Absent:

Councillor Ken Johnston

Also Present:

Councillor Greg Halsey-Brandt

Councillor Linda Barnes (arrived at 4:50 p.m. and left at 6:25 p.m.)

Call to Order:

The Acting Chair, Mayor Malcolm Brodie, called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m.

MINUTES

It was moved and seconded

That the minutes of the meeting of the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Committee held on Tuesday, April 27, 2010, be adopted as circulated.

CARRIED

NEXT COMMITTEE MEETING DATE

Tuesday, June 29, 2010 (tentative date) at 4:00 p.m. in the Anderson Room.

DELEGATIONS

1.

(1)

Bonnie Beaman, Chairperson, Richmond Fitness and Wellness Association, to report on the Association’s accomplishments

Bonnie Beaman, Chairperson, Richmond Fitness and Wellness Association (RFWA), provided background information on the Association’s accomplishment report for the last six years and highlighted the following:

§          

RFWA raised funds for its Carrie Beaman Fitness Instructors Bursary through fees earned from its fitness classes and to date, has awarded over $1,000 to fitness leaders in Richmond;

§          

the Association has carried on with its Walk Richmond program which started in 2007 through a grant from the City;

§          

Walk Richmond has been a highly successful program and RFWA hired a coordinator in  2009 and 2010; and

§          

RFWA recently received a $5,000 grant from the British Columbia Recreation and Parks Association.

In response to queries from the Committee, Ms. Beaman advised the following:

§          

150 new walkers joined the program since the beginning of 2010 and brought the total of  new participants to a high of 848 walkers;

§          

walks are led by volunteers which undergo rigorous training, including First Aid and CPR which are funded by RFWA;

§          

Walk Richmond is not targeting a specific group although it  has Cantonese walk leaders and a walking guidebook translated into Chinese; and

§          

the success of the program could be attributed to RFWA’s strong promotional activities.

Councillor Steves arrived at 4:15 p.m. and assumed the Chair.

Carol Lepine, staff liaison to RFWA, mentioned that the City has extended strong support to RFWA’s Walk Richmond program through advertising, publication of the walking guidebook and other promotional activities.  She added that Walk Richmond is branching out into other target areas such as pre-schools and senior centres.

It was moved and seconded

That the report be received for information.

CARRIED

(2)

Katherine Knaus, Associate Vice President, Ipsos Reid, to report the results of the 2010 Recreation & Physical Fitness Survey

Lucy Tompkins, Acting Manager, Programs and Projects,  introduced Katherine Knaus, Associate Vice President, Ipsos Reid.  With the aid of a PowerPoint presentation, Ms. Knaus reported on the results of the 2010 Recreation and Physical Fitness Survey which was conducted by Ipsos Reid in the City from January 29 to February 10, 2010.

Comments were made on the survey’s methodology and the use of English only considering the City’s large ethnic population.  In response to said comments, Ms. Knaus stated that past surveys conducted by Ipsos Reid which include language options show that most of the participants prefer the use of English in surveys. Ms. Tompkins added that last year’s Community Needs Assessment conducted  in five languages and the recent recreation and physical fitness survey in English yielded similar results.

The Committee noted that the survey results are largely positive and show that the City is on the right track with regard to meeting the recreation and physical fitness needs of its residents. 

A suggestion was made that staff should disseminate the survey results to the media and various community associations. In response to a query on the kind of groups that could use the valuable information contained in the survey, Dave Semple, General Manager, Parks and Recreation, advised that the survey data would be useful to community groups and associations in programming cultural activities, wellness strategies, and physical activities for children.

The Chair commented that a survey on children’s diet would be useful as it would complement the children’s physical activities survey.  In response to said comment, Vern Jacques, Director, Recreation, mentioned that the City has programs in place to promote healthy diet among children.

It was moved and seconded

That:

(1)

the 2010 Recreation and Physical Fitness Syndicated  Survey Report be received for information;

(2)

the report be referred to staff for dissemination to various  community groups and the media; and

(3)

the report be referred to the Council/School Board Liaison Committee  for  information  with regard to school programs on children’s wellness and healthy diet.

CARRIED

(3)

Mrs. Rollet de Darantes regarding South Arm Park Development

Mrs. Rollet de Darantes, a resident of South Arm community, stated the following:

§          

the residents around South Arm Park did not receive notification of the planned changes for the park and there was no information posted at the community centre;

§          

300 residents and park users have supported the petition opposing the development of the park, including the construction of  basketball courts as this will destroy the green space and the serenity of the park; and

§          

she learned about the planned development in Richmond Review only on  December 17, 2009 and saw the project signage only after she had made repeated representations with the South Arm Community Centre and the Parks Board.

The Chair requested Mrs. de Darantes to provide the Committee a copy of the signed petition.

Serena Lusk, Manager, Parks –  Planning and Design, advised the following:

§          

the South Arm Park vision was approved by Council in December 2009 and included in the list of priority projects was the construction of  basketball courts which has significant funding support from the South Arm Community Association;

§          

staff put forward the basketball courts as a project for the 2010 capital program and public notification was done though the installation of signage at the potential site and in the community centre and advertising in the local newspaper in January 2010;

§          

very little feedback was received after public notification; however, there was  strong  support for the basketball court project from the South Arm Community Association as well as other user groups in the area; and

§          

based on the result of the consultation program, staff proceeded with the project.

In response to queries from the Committee, Ms. Lusk further advised that:

§          

the previously proposed artificial turf field project in South Arm Park was not implemented due to opposition from the community;

§          

information on questionnaires completed by community residents helped inform the development of  the new South Arm Park vision;

§          

a needs assessment survey was commissioned by the South Arm Community Association in 2007 which was a thorough assessment of the facilities needed by the community; and

§          

the location of the basketball court project provides greater visibility and better connection to the community centre.

As a result of the discussions, the following referral motion was introduced:

It was moved and seconded

That the delegation opposing the South Arm Park Development be received for information and the signed petition (once received) be referred to staff.

The question on the motion was not called as a representative of the South Arm Community Association pointed out the advantages of the location of the basketball court and the noise-mitigating materials used for its construction.

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

PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT

2.

Paulik Gardens Neighbourhood Park Completion

(File Ref. No.:  06-2345-20-MCLS1) (REDMS No. 2894299)

In reply to queries, Ms. Lusk and Jamie Esko, Park Planner, Parks Planning and Design, advised that (i): the blueberry field will be maintained; (ii) the Garden Club is in favour of the project; and (iii) there is water connection and access to washroom in the area.

It was moved and seconded

That the Paulik Park community gardens be located as per Option 2 shown in Attachment 4 of the staff report entitled “Paulik Gardens Neighbourhood Park Completion” dated May 10, 2010 from the General Manager, Parks and Recreation.

CARRIED

3.

Thompson Youth Park Contribution Agreement

(File Ref. No.:  06-2345-20-BTHO1) (REDMS No. 2896127)

It was moved and seconded

That:

(1)

the Chief Administrative Officer and the General Manager, Parks and Recreation be authorized to finalize and execute an Agreement with the Thompson Community Association for a $250,000 contribution to fund Phase 1 of the Thompson Youth Park; and

(2)

a letter be sent on behalf of the City to the Thompson Community Association thanking them for their financial contribution to the park project.

CARRIED

4.

Community Garden at Railway Avenue and Brunswick Drive in Steveston

(File Ref. No.:  11-7375-00) (REDMS No. 2895536)

Dan Hume, who resides on Railway Avenue facing the proposed community garden, distributed copies of photographs of the site (attached to and forming part of these Minutes as Schedule 1).  Mr. Hume expressed concerns on the unsightly appearance of the site and the possible increase in traffic and parking congestion in the area before and after school hours. He further stated that in view of these concerns, he is opposed to the proposed location of the project and asked the Committee that if the project does move forward, some form of cover to the garden plots be installed.

A representative from the Tomekichi Homma Elementary School teaching staff expressed the staff’s support for the  project and in response to queries from the Committee advised that (i) the project will supplement students’ lessons on nutrition and growing their own foods; (ii) some of the garden plots will be for the students of the school; and (iii) some parents will take care of the garden plots during the summer months.

A comment was made that parking and traffic concerns would be mitigated  if the school would allow the use of its parking lot to community garden users during non-school hours.

Franco Mamarela, 12880 Railway Avenue, spoke in favour of the project and stated the following:

§          

the project will give valuable lessons to children about food growing;

§          

it will provide a meeting place for senior citizens;

§          

the parking problem could be alleviated if Steveston residents are given first priority for the garden plots; and

§          

the concern on the appearance of the garden plots could be alleviated through measures such as installation of fences.

Arzeena Hamir, Coordinator, Richmond Food Security Society (RFSS), advised the following in support of the project:

§          

the community identified the site for the community garden and connected with staff and RFSS to make their vision happen;

§          

having a community garden in a subdivision is ideal as it will reduce traffic in the area and ensure that the garden is maintained;

§          

a study conducted by UBC students reveal that Steveston has the highest demand for community garden plots;

§          

concerns about traffic can be addressed as the Terra Nova experience shows that most of the gardeners come in the evenings after work and during weekends;

§          

RFSS appreciates the school for connecting with the garden;

§          

hedging or fencing of garden plots should be low; and

§          

edging of the garden plots is not advisable as it is expensive and will set precedents for other community gardens in the City.

In response to queries from the Committee, Ms. Hamir advised that the City sets out the regulations for the use of garden plots while RFSS provides the educational component and encourages plot holders to self-regulate and form councils.

Jodie Shebib, Manager, Parks and Programs, and Ms. Lusk, in response to queries from the Committee pointed out that:

§          

there are regulations against installing certain types of structures in garden plots; and

§          

common edging of garden plots in Steveston is recommended because (i) the project is in an urban centre; (ii) it will mitigate the concerns of neighbours regarding the appearance of garden plants; and (iii) will prevent plants from creeping into other garden plots and pathways.

Jim Kojima, President of the Steveston Community Society, expressed the society’s strong support for the project and stated that community gardens have been on the agenda of the community centre in the last two years and that schools in the Steveston area have also expressed interest in having community gardens as an educational tool. He mentioned that Steveston residents who are plot holders at Terra Nova should be given an option to relocate in Steveston community garden and suggested that funds for the maintenance of garden plot edges could be sourced from fees charged to garden users.

A representative from the Farmer’s and Artisan’s Market spoke in favour of the project and stated that: (i) he had discussed with City staff regarding concepts and possible locations of community gardens; and (ii) walking to garden plots is encouraged to ease traffic congestion.

Geoff Snell, a Steveston resident, provided the Committee with a copy of the signatures of residents in the immediate vicinity of the proposed community garden (attached to and forming part of these Minutes as Schedule 2) who are supportive of the project. Mr. Snell informed the Committee of the enthusiastic response to the project by his daughter and classmates at Tomekichi Homma Elementary School and by his neighbours as well.

It was moved and seconded

That:

(1)

the proposed community garden at Railway Avenue and Brunswick Drive in Steveston be approved;

(2)

staff work with Richmond RCMP and Tomekichi Homma Elementary School regarding traffic and parking issues in the area related to the project; and

(3)

staff consider appropriate shrubs or fencing along Railway Avenue to buffer the garden plots.

The question on the motion was not called as Ms. Shebib, in response to further queries, mentioned the provision of necessary structures and services for the community garden.

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

5.

Implementation of the Professional Dog Walker Program

(File Ref. No.:  12-8060-02-09) (REDMS No. 2706820)

Tracy Odell, owner of Ruff Stuff Dog Services and Joanne Mantie, owner of Bark N’Fly spoke in favour of the staff report but questioned the proposed $5 million liability insurance requirement for professional dog walkers in Richmond which is substantially  higher than the $2 million liability insurance required  in Metro Vancouver, North Vancouver and West Vancouver.

Ms. Shebib stated that the liability insurance set by the Risk Manager is the current City standard for the type of enterprise.

In responses to queries from the Committee, Ms. Odell provided the following information:

§          

annual premium for a $2 million liability insurance is $800;

§          

she has not heard of  dog attacks in off-leash areas in the Lower Mainland;

§          

license fee for professional dog walkers in Metro Vancouver  is approximately $800 per year; and

§          

the proposed license fee of $100 in Richmond is lower than what was expected.

A discussion ensued between staff and the Committee regarding the damages done by dogs at McDonald Beach Park and different levels of liability insurance required by the City. 

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

It was moved and seconded

That:

(1)

the report be referred back to staff to study further the appropriate amount of license fee to be charged for professional dog walkers;

(2)

staff conduct a  risk analysis to determine the appropriate level of general liability insurance to be required from  professional dog walkers; and

(3)

staff to look into the damages caused by dogs in the McDonald Beach Park designated off-leash area and investigate the charging of a fee to all users of said area to provide funds for the Park’s maintenance.

CARRIED

6.

Prohibition of dogs at Terra Nova Park

(File Ref. No.:  11-7375-00) (REDMS No. 2893610)

It was moved and seconded

That:

(1)

the Public Parks and School Grounds Regulation Bylaw No. 7310, Amendment Bylaw No. 8612 (Attachment 1) be introduced and given first, second and third readings; and

(2)

the Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw  No. 7321, Amendment Bylaw No. 8613 (Attachment 2) be introduced and given first, second and third readings.

CARRIED

7.

MANAGER’S REPORT

(1)

Snow Geese

Ms. Lusk reported to the Committee that staff will report back to the Committee in June on the snow geese referral. 

(2)

Modular Learning Centres

Ms. Shebib informed the Committee that staff is prepared to answer questions from the Committee regarding the modular learning centres and the community garden at Brighouse Park. In response to a query, she stated that the preliminary staff report on the referral regarding age-appropriate equipment in parks will be available at the end of June.

8.

other items

Experience the Fraser Project

The Chair reported that he was surprised to learn in a recent meeting that he attended that Richmond is not involved in the Experience the Fraser, a joint project of the Province, Metro Vancouver and Fraser Valley Regional District which envisions a trail system along the Lower Fraser River.  He then showed to the Committee a pamphlet and a flyer on the project (attached to and forming part of these Minutes as Schedule 3).

It was moved and seconded

That staff investigate the involvement of the City in the ‘Experience the Fraser’ Project.

CARRIED

ADJOURNMENT

It was moved and seconded

That the meeting adjourn (6:36 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 Wednesday, May 26, 2010.

_________________________________

_________________________________

Councillor Harold Steves

Chair

Rustico Agawin

Committee Clerk