Date:

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Place:

Anderson Room

Richmond City Hall

Present:

Councillor Harold Steves, Chair

Councillor Sue Halsey-Brandt

Councillor Bill McNulty

Absent:

Councillor Evelina Halsey-Brandt, Vice-Chair

Councillor Ken Johnston

Also Present:

Councillor Linda Barnes (she left the meeting at 5:00 p.m.)

Call to Order:

The Chair 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, March 1, 2011, be adopted as circulated.

The question on the motion was not called, as the request was made that the Minutes be amended on Page 1. to substitute Councillor Greg Halsey-Brandt for Councillor Evelina Halsey-Brandt as also present. 

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

NEXT COMMITTEE MEETING DATE

Wednesday, May 25, 2011 (tentative date) at 4:00 p.m. in the Anderson Room.

DELEGATIONS

(1)

Metro Vancouver MAXguide Presentation by Judy Robertson

Ms. Robertson gave a demonstration of Metro Vancouver’s newly launched online arts and culture guide. She noted that it gives the public directions to venues, and has links to events, tickets, reviews and cultural associations.

Ms. Robertson advised that the MAXguide is a free tool for both large and small arts organizations, and for individuals who want to promote their events, venues and groups.

A brief discussion ensued between Ms. Robertson and Committee, and especially on: (i) the increasing traffic on the site since it launched two months ago; (ii) the site does not generate revenue; and (iii) the site is linked to the City of Richmond’s website.

It was moved and seconded

That the Metro Vancouver MAXguide presentation by Judy Robertson be received for information.

CARRIED

(2)

Gulf of Georgia Cannery Society’s 2010 Annual Report and 2011 Business Plan, presented by Marie Fenwick, Executive Director

Jim Kojima, Treasurer, Board of Directors, Gulf of Georgia Cannery Society joined Marie Fenwick, and they presented highlights from the Gulf of Georgia Cannery Society’s annual report and business plan. These included: (i) 2010 was a year of exceptional growth for the Cannery; (ii) 48,000 visits in 2010 was a record; and (iii) programs relevant to the local community were added and were met with success.

A brief discussion ensued between the delegation and Committee, and especially on: (i) the importance of attracting first time visitors; (ii) how the Cannery funds programs and how it generates revenue; and (iii) the Cannery’s collection of 5000 photographs has been scanned and many of the photographs were used in the 2010 Annual Report and 2011 Business Plan.

It was moved and seconded

That Gulf of Georgia Cannery Society’s 2010 Annual Report and 2011 Business Plan be received for information.

CARRIED

COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT

1.

METAL VOLLEYBALL PLAYER SCULPTURE DONATION BY MANDER FAMILY

(File Ref. No. 11-7000-09-20-118) (REDMS No. 3193947)

In response to a query Eric Fiss, Public Art Planner, advised that the proposed volleyball player sculpture is to be created by artist Cory Fuhr, who is the same artist who created the metal speed skater sculpture.

It was moved and seconded

That the Mander family donation of the proposed metal Volleyball Player sculpture by artist Cory Fuhr and installation within the Richmond Olympic Oval, as presented in the staff report dated April 12, 2011 from the Director, Arts, Culture & Heritage Services, be endorsed.

CARRIED

2.

PESTICIDE MANAGEMENT UPDATE

(File Ref. No.) (REDMS No. 3197728)

A brief discussion took place among Committee, Mike Redpath, Ted deCrom, Foreman - Horticulture (City Centre) Senior Manager, Parks, and Dave Semple, General Manager, Parks and Recreation, and in particular on:

·         

staff explores and examines all types of ground covers, and looks at all methods, tools, etc., to maintain the City’s parks and green space;

·         

during the past five years the number of volunteers participating in the City’s Adopt a Park Program has grown, and there are many neighbourhood where residents tend to planted areas; and

·         

staff will bring forward a request for a one time additional level of 3.4% of the Parks Operations budget, from the City’s 2010 surplus, to achieve the goal of maintaining the City’s parks and green spaces.

It was moved and seconded

That the staff report entitled “Pesticide Management Update” dated April 8, 2011 from the General Manager, Parks and Recreation, be received for information.

CARRIED

3.

STEVESTON TRAM BUILDING PROJECT

(File Ref. No.) (REDMS No. 3201354)

Elizabeth Ayers, Manager, Community Recreation Services, and Greg Scott, Director, Project Development, used display boards to provide background information regarding the proposed tram building project.

Discussion ensued between Committee and staff regarding the following details of the project:

·          

whether the one bathroom in the facility is open to the public;

·          

the facility’s meeting room measures 14 feet by 20 feet;

·          

the appearance of the building’s roof pitch, cladding, the colour scheme of the walls and trim, and overall design;

·          

the stakeholder groups staff met with and their feedback;

·          

the need for an operating agreement, or a memorandum of understanding, for the operation and maintenance of the building;

·          

staff needs and volunteer opportunities once the building is up and running; and

·          

the difference in elevation between (i) where tram is to be placed and (ii) the occupyable space.

(Councillor Linda Barnes left the meeting at 5 p.m. and did not return.)

Sandra Moore, Project Architect, Birmingham & Wood Architects, advised that the guiding architecture principles for the proposed structure were drawn from the Federal Government’s guidelines for heritage structures. She noted that the heritage nature of the Steveston Village was also considered during the design phase.

In response to a query from the Chair, advice was given that during the design phase the architect also drew from the City’s Steveston Area Plan Development Permit Guidelines.

Discussion ensued among Committee, staff and the architect regarding how to achieve some semblance of the original tram building. A comment was made that though both green paint and red paint for the exterior were considered, Steveston’s canneries used red paint, with white trim.

The Chair submitted for Committee and staff’s consideration two illustrations, one colour and one black and white, with regard to the discussion of: (i) the roof pitch, and (ii) the exterior colour palette for the proposed tram building (on file in the City Clerk’s Office).

Jim Kojima, Steveston Community Society, addressed Committee and stated that all Community Centres are operated under an operating agreement, and that he was concerned that without an operating agreement the future of the tram building could involve disagreements between parties involved in its operation. He stated the opinion that an operating agreement is vital to: (i) the operation of the building; and (ii) future programs at the building.

Mr. Kojima then discussed the idea of pulling the tram out from the building, from time to time, and that the provision of an electrical, cable, winch or other system, would ensure the tram could move.

A brief discussion ensued between Committee and Mr. Kojima regarding artefact preservation and the need for a smoothly operating building.

In response to a query regarding whether an operating agreement should be in place before the construction of the proposed building, Vern Jacques, Acting Director, Recreation, advised that the present operating agreement between the City of Richmond and the Steveston Community Society, related to all City buildings in the vicinity of the proposed tram building, and could be revised to include the proposed building, and if directed to do so by Committee, staff can work on the revision of the current operating agreement.

A brief discussion between Committee and staff ensued, regarding the idea to modify the tram building design by applying the standards and guidelines of the Steveston Area Plan that adopted by Council in June, 2009.

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

It was moved and seconded

That staff report back to the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Committee regarding:

(1)

authorization to proceed with the Steveston Tram Building Project based on a modified conceptual design at a cost of $1.973M;

(2)

the allocation of $372,600 from the approved Interurban Tram Restoration (2011) project to fund the Steveston Tram Building Project (2011);

(3)

the allocation of $427,400 from the Steveston Road Ends to fund the Steveston Tram Building Project (2011);

(4)

that the 5 Year Financial Plan Bylaw (2011-2015) be amended accordingly;

(5)

the development of an operating agreement for the Steveston Tram Building, (i) subject to the approval of the Steveston Community Society and (ii) pending approval of an amendment to the present operating agreement in place between the City of Richmond and the Steveston Community Society; and

(6)

modification of the Steveston Tram Building design to meet the City’s Official Community Plan-Steveston Area Plan Development Permit Guidelines specifically for the Steveston Village Conservation Program.

CARRIED

4.

RICHMOND 2010 HERITAGE UPDATE

(File Ref. No. 06-2025-01) (REDMS No. 3194873)

Jane Fernyhough, Director, Arts, Culture & Heritage Services, and Connie Baxter, Supervisor, Richmond Museum and Heritage Services presented 2010 highlights for Museums and Heritage in Richmond, and, in relation to programming, mentioned in particular:

·          

the success of the Opera Nights at the Minoru Chapel;

·          

the Citizenship Ceremony held at the Richmond Museum; and

·          

the new spin given Richmond Maritime Festival when it joined with the Steveston Dragon Boat Festival. 

Discussion ensued between staff and Committee, especially regarding aspects of conservation, as well as on-going maintenance of the City’s 27 heritage buildings.

It was moved and seconded

That the Richmond 2010 Heritage Update be received for information.

CARRIED

5.

MANAGER’S REPORT

(a)

Richmond Lawn Bowling Club

Councillor Bill McNulty referred to a letter dated April 12, 2011, addressed to City Council, and signed by the President of the Richmond Lawn Bowling Club (on file in the City Clerk’s Office), wherein the Club requested that the Council consider providing funds for the building of a new clubhouse. It was noted that the Club is committed to raising $30,000 toward the building of a new clubhouse

A brief discussion ensued regarding the Lawn Bowling Club’s letter of request, and as a result of the discussion the following referral motion was introduced:

It was moved and seconded

That the request by the Richmond Lawn Bowling Club for funds for the Club’s new clubhouse be referred to staff.

CARRIED

(b)

Community Events and Sports Tournaments Worth Noting – May to November 2011

Eric Stepura drew Committee’s attention to the events and tournaments being held in rinks, at schools, at sports fields and at the Richmond Olympic Oval between May and November of 2011.

(c)

Hamilton Child Care Facility

Elizabeth Ayers provided details on the progress of the Hamilton Child Care Facility, and remarked that the equipment has arrived and that a soft opening is planned, before the Grand Opening, timed for the end of May, 2011.

(d)

Community Garden Program

Dee Bowley-Cowan, Acting Manager, Parks Programs, reported on the community garden site at Moncton Street and Railway Ave., and advised that on Sunday, May 1, 2011, a community build event will take place at the site. She mentioned that the community garden site at Paulik Park is also scheduled to be implemented in the summer, 2011.

In response to a query, Ms. Bowley-Cowan advised that the City currently has approximately 250 community garden plots, and that 72 new plots are coming on line, and that number includes 8 “senior” plots measuring 5 feet by 20 feet.

(e)

Fantasy Garden Site

Mike Redpath reported that the Fantasy Garden site at No. 5 Road and Steveston Highway is undergoing a clean up, and will be made safer as a result. Staff is awaiting clearance before going onto the site for community gardens.

(f)

Floats at Britannia Heritage Shipyard

Mr. Redpath stated that floats have arrived from Duncan, B.C. In addition, rails and ramps have been installed, and 12 piles will soon be added to the worksite.

Mr. Redpath added that a forthcoming staff report would explain a proposed joint management program between the Steveston Harbour Authority and the City.

(g)

Ships to Shore Event

Mr. Redpath stated that planning for the Ships to Shore event is on going, and that the City has received a verbal approval from Ottawa. The program team is readying itself to start marketing for day sales. Mr. Redpath further advised that sponsorship prospects look promising. and that staff is preparing a memorandum detailing the events for the June 3 to 7, 2011 event, with a ribbon cutting ceremony planned for Saturday, June 4, 2011.

(h)

Maintenance of Parks

Mr. Redpath reported that a major clean up is taking place at Garry Point Park, and the beach is being cleared of debris. Additionally, the City’s grass cutting program has begun.

(i)

Cultural Events

Jane Fernyhough reported that: (i) the final Opera Night at Minoru Chapel of the spring series is May 4, 2011; (ii) the 2011 Doors Open Richmond event is scheduled to take place  May 7 and 8; and (iii) the annual Heritage Fair is on May 6 and 7, 2011.

(j)

Walk With the Mayor

Vern Jacques reported that on May 11, 2011, at Garden City Park, a Walk with the Mayor is one event scheduled for Health Day.

ADJOURNMENT

It was moved and seconded

That the meeting adjourn (5:59 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, April 27, 2011.

_________________________________

_________________________________

Councillor Harold Steves

Chair

Sheila Johnston

Committee Clerk