Date:

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Place:

Anderson Room

Richmond City Hall

Present:

Councillor Harold Steves, Chair

Councillor Ken Johnston, Vice-Chair

Councillor Linda Barnes

Councillor Evelina Halsey-Brandt

Councillor Bill McNulty

Also Present:

Councillor Linda McPhail

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, November 29, 2011, be adopted as circulated.

CARRIED

NEXT COMMITTEE MEETING DATE

Tuesday, February 28, 2012 (tentative date) at 4:00 p.m. in the Anderson Room

DELEGATION

Bonnie Beaman, Chairperson, Hayley Huculak, Coordinator, and Donna Bishop, Secretary, Richmond Fitness & Wellness Association, provided an update on the Walk Richmond Program, and highlighted the following:

·          

Walk Richmond is a programme of free guided walks for people who live, work or play in Richmond, and it targets sedentary individuals, families, seniors and new immigrants;

·          

the program has been running since 2007, and has 21 different routes across the City;

·          

in 2011 there were 44 walks, with a total of 867 participants, and 12 volunteers are involved in the program; and

·          

funding is required to sustain the program, and an application for a grant has been prepared.

During a brief discussion between the delegation and Committee, advice was provided that when the Walk Richmond program started in 2007, the Richmond Fitness & Wellness Association had $35,000 in hand for the start up, and with current expenses at $17,000 the Association is seeking a grant of $10,000.

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

It was moved and seconded

That the Walk Richmond Program presentation be received for information.

CARRIED

COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT

1.

RICHMOND 2011 ARTS UPDATE

(File Ref. No.) (REDMS No. 3428841)

Kim Somerville, Manager, Arts Services, accompanied by Jane Fernyhough, Director, Arts, Culture and Heritage provided background information and highlighted the following:

·          

local artists enjoyed opportunities to raise their profiles by participating in such events as the 8th Annual Maritime Festival and Culture Days, among others;

·          

two additions were made to the Library/Cultural Centre: (i) the Rooftop Garden and (ii) the Media Lab;

·          

the Art Gallery expanded its programs, and presented artwork by regional, national and international artists;

·          

the Art Centre launched a number of innovative programs;

·          

the Public Art Program unveiled several new artworks;

·          

Gateway Theatre continued to provide (i) professional theatre productions and (ii) training opportunities; and

·          

the Arts, Culture and Heritage Services partnered with the Walk Richmond program.

A brief discussion ensued between staff and Committee, and especially on the success of the performance piece "Salmon Row" at Britannia, commissioned and performed by Mortal Coil. Ms. Fernyhough advised that there is the will to do more of this type of performance piece, but that the costs can be high.

It was moved and seconded

That the Richmond 2011 Arts Update be received for information.

CARRIED

Committee suggested that a presentation of the Richmond 2011 Arts Update be made at a future Council meeting. As a result, the following motion was introduced:

It was moved and seconded

That the visual presentation of the Richmond 2011 Arts Update be presented at a future Council meeting.

CARRIED

2.

RICHMOND POTTERS CLUB'S CONCERNS AT THE RICHMOND ARTS CENTRE

(File Ref. No.) (REDMS No. 3430731 v.3)

Ms. Somerville and Ms. Fernyhough responded to questions from Committee regarding:

·          

the number of members who belong to the Richmond Potters Club (RPC);

·          

the number of studio usage hours per week by the RPC; and

·          

the growing demand for space at the Richmond Arts Centre, a facility built in 1993, and one that has not been expanded since it was built.

Arlene Skelton, President, accompanied by Mary MacNeil, Vice-President, the Richmond Potters Club, addressed Committee and spoke about:

·          

the history of the Club, and its founding in 1969;

·          

resident art group rates;

·          

studio hours;

·          

working with City staff; and

·          

they concluded their remarks by requesting, among other things, that: (i) there be no charge for adult class time; (ii) compensation of $1300 to be continued as a rental deferral for the City’s use of the Club’s equipment for children’s classes; (iii) no reduction of Club studio space; (iv) no surcharge for studio electricity unless there is a metre in place which shows excess cost to the City from the Pottery Club Kiln use; and (v) no further reduction of Club studio hours.

Discussion ensued between Committee and the RPC representatives and particularly on:

·          

the number of members who belong to the RPC;

·          

how the number of members in the studio at any given time fluctuates;

·          

the nature of the art of pottery making;

·          

the success of the two pottery sales hosted each year by the RPC;

·          

the demographics of the RPC’s members, and their ability to pay the annual membership fee;

·          

adult, not children’s classes, are offered by the RPC; and beginner’s classes, not advanced classes, are offered by the RPC;

·          

pottery equipment ownership;

·          

the desire on the part of the RPC to cooperate with the City;

·          

the location of the studio within a City facility and how that limits the RPC from offering more classes;

·          

the RPC’s scholarship award; and

·          

how time is allocated in the studio for use by RPC members.

Discussion ensued among Committee and especially regarding some of the requests made by the RPC.

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

It was moved and seconded

That:

(1)

the staff report entitled “Richmond Potters Club’s concerns at the Richmond Arts Centre” dated January 10, 2012 from the Director, Arts, Culture and Heritage Services, be received for information; and

(2)

staff provide information regarding the following requests made by the Richmond Potters Club:

(a)

no charge for adult class time;

(b)

compensation of $1300 to be continued as a rental deferral for the City’s use of the Richmond Potters Club’s equipment for children’s classes;

(c)

no reduction of Club studio space;

(d)

no surcharge for studio electricity unless there is a meter in place which shows excess cost to the City from the Pottery Club Kiln use; and

(e)

no further reduction of Club studio hours.

CARRIED

3.

CURRENT ISSUES THAT MAY BE IMPACTING RICHMOND ADOLESCENTS

(File Ref. No.) (REDMS No. 3400664 v.3)

John Foster, Manager, Community Social Development, introduced Kate Rudelier, Youth Services Coordinator.

A brief discussion took place between staff and Committee during which advice was provided regarding: (i) how the City works with Vancouver Coastal Health, public health nurses, youth clinics, and the school system on adolescent issues; and (ii) the difference between the City’s initiatives and those of the school board.

It was moved and seconded

(1)

That the report dated January 9, 2012, Current Issues That May Be Impacting Richmond Adolescents, be received for information; and

(2)

That a copy of the report be sent to the Council/School Board Liaison Committee for information.

CARRIED

PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT

4.

RICHMOND ATHLETIC COMMISSION UPDATE

(File Ref. No. 01-0100-20-RATH1) (REDMS No. 2724801)

In response to a query, Mike Redpath, Senior Manager, Parks, advised that any money made by the Commission is directed to a scholarship fund established by City Council.

It was moved and seconded

That the staff report entitled “Richmond Athletic Commission Update” from the Senior Manager, Parks be received for information.

CARRIED

5.

INCUBATOR FARMING

(File Ref. No. 08-4040-08-01) (REDMS No. 3381720)

Serena Lusk, Manager, Parks Programs, and Mr. Redpath responded to queries from Committee on the subject of the incubator farming initiative that provides new farmers with an environment in which to learn the farming profession, at a 4.5 acre site at the south end of No. 3 Road. Discussion centred upon:

·          

additional uses of the site, such as a temporary event site, and the requirement of prior written approval from the City;

·          

the difference between “licensing” and “leasing” the site;

·          

the proposed term of agreement of three years with the Richmond Food Security Society (RFSS);

·          

the typical land price per acre;

·          

the Wright family, and their seed potato and local hay activities;

·          

the idea that the RFSS might consider donating produce from the site to the Richmond Food Bank; and

·          

the $12,000 for funding is available in the Council Contingency Fund.

Arzeena Hamir, Chair, RFSS, accompanied by Alissa Ehrenkranz, Kwantlen Polytechnic University’s Richmond Farm School program, gave background information on the issue of incubator farming as an important step in providing new farmers with a supportive, cost-effective environment in which to learn the profession, and also noted:

·          

the RFSS supports the staff report;

·          

produce farmed on the incubator farm site is for sale, but giving back to the community, with food donations, educational opportunities, and so on, is part of the RFSS’s plans;

·          

in addition to the seven new farmers waiting to farm the site at No. 3 Road, there is a waitlist; and

·          

there is a real opportunity for an international program, to host visiting farm students from around the world who will come to Richmond’s incubator farm.

A comment was made that staff and the RFSS could report back in a year’s time regarding: (i) the success of the program; and (ii) the financial aspects of the endeavour.

It was agreed that Part (5) would be added to the staff recommendation, to reflect the general agreement on the idea of an update report in January 2013.

It was moved and seconded

That:

(1)

the license of approximately 4.5 acres of land at 13871 No. 3 Road and 13891 No. 3 Road to the Richmond Food Security Society for the purposes of incubator farming at a rental rate of $250 per acre per year for a three-year term be approved as identified in the attached report, Incubator Farming, from the Senior Manager, Parks;

(2)

staff be authorized to take all necessary steps to complete all matters detailed herein including authorizing the Chief Administrative Officer and the General Manager, Parks and Recreation to negotiate and execute all documentation required to effect the transaction;

(3)

staff continue to work with Kwantlen Polytechnic University to identify and secure the use of both public and private lands for the purposes of Incubator Farming in relation to its Farm School program; and

(4)

$12,000 be allocated from the Council Contingency Fund to the Richmond Food Security Society (RFSS) should its application to the Real Estate Foundation of BC for a grant of $35,000 to support the RFSS’s Richmond Foodlands Strategic Plan be successful.

(5)

staff and the Richmond Food Security Society report back to Council in January 2013, to provide an update on the incubator farming project activities and finances.

CARRIED

5A.

COUNCILLOR LINDA BARNES

Councillor Linda Barnes remarked that the feasibility of beekeeping on City premises, including City Hall, should be explored. She noted that other municipalities have explored the issue of beekeeping on their own City sites.

A brief discussion ensued and a comment was made that other City buildings, besides City Hall, could be considered for beekeeping activity. Staff advised that there are beekeeping activities at Terra Nova Park, London Farm, and at the Nature Park.

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

It was moved and seconded

That staff explore the feasibility of beekeeping at City buildings, including City Hall

CARRIED

6.

MANAGER’S REPORT

(a)

Floating Net Shed

Bryan Klassen, Britannia Site Supervisor, provided an update on the December 2011 referral regarding the floating netshed at Scotch Pond. He stated that staff will bring forward a report at a future Committee meeting.

The Chair queried the Scotch Pond Historical Cooperative component of the issue, and suggested that the east end of the Pond be cleaned up. He added that the Sakamoto Boat is the last remaining fully operational heritage fishing boat in Steveston Harbour, and that staff should speak with Bud Sakamoto.

(b)

Upcoming Arts and Heritage Events

Jane Fernyhough provided information on: (i) an upcoming Richmond Art Gallery exhibit opening; (ii) a reception to welcome Caroline Adderson of the Richmond Arts Centre, Minoru Place Activity Centre and Richmond Public Library’s joint Writer-in-Residence program; and (iii) the Richmond Museum’s exhibit opening.

(c)

Snow Angels Program

Serena Lusk, Manager, Parks Programs, advised that during the recent snow event people needing snow-clearing assistance were successfully matched with people who could provide that assistance.

(d)

Rick Hansen’s 25^th Anniversary Relay

Eric Stepura, Manager, Sports & Community Events, advised that the Rick Hansen 25^th Anniversary Relay started in August 2011 in Newfoundland, is now in Manitoba, and is scheduled to be in Richmond on Sunday, May 20 for an overnight stay. City staff is planning an event, and in February 2012 will come to Committee with a report seeking direction for the size and scope of the planned event, and funding.

(e)

Parks Operations Manager

Mike Redpath, Senior Manager, Parks advised that long time serving City staff member Ted deCrom has been appointed Manager, Parks Operations.

7.

CURRENT REFERRALS

The Chair, in regard to Current Referrals, provided some information, and requested updates from staff, in relation to the following Referrals:

(i)

Wetlands at No. 6 and Blundell Roads Owned by Ecowaste;

(ii)

Britannia Shipyard National Historic Site;

(iii)

Jim Ratsoy's Antique Car Collection; and

(iv)

Estuary Interpretation Centre at Garry Point

ADJOURNMENT

It was moved and seconded

That the meeting adjourn (6:12 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, January 24, 2012.

_________________________________

_________________________________

Councillor Harold Steves

Chair

Sheila Johnston

Committee Clerk