Date:

Tuesday, February 28, 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

Mayor Malcolm Brodie (entered at 4:03 p.m.)

Also Present:

Councillor Chak Au (entered at 4:02 p.m.)

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, January 24, 2012, be adopted as circulated.

CARRIED

NEXT COMMITTEE MEETING DATE

Tuesday, March 27, 2012 (tentative date) at 4:00 p.m. in the Anderson Room.

PROJECT DEVELOPMENT AND FACILITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT

1.

Steveston Interurban Tram Structure – Proposed Colour for Exterior Siding

(File Ref. No. 06-2052-25-TRAM1) (REDMS No. 3468621)

In reply to queries from Committee, Greg Scott, Director, Project Development advised that (i) all three red colours examined belong to the historic colour palette; and (ii) the City of Burnaby did not paint their tram structure, but instead stained it.

It was moved and seconded

That the Steveston Interurban Tram Structure exterior be painted with ‘Deep Rose’ exterior paint colour.

CARRIED

Councillor Au entered the meeting (4:02 p.m.).

PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT

2.

City Centre Community Centre Revised Program and Project Update

(File Ref. No.) (REDMS No. 3476312)

Vern Jacques, Acting Director, Recreation, provided background information and noted that the City Centre Community Centre project has been a collaborative effort between the City, the developer, the City Centre Community Centre Association and Trinity Western University.

Mayor Brodie entered the meeting (4:03 p.m.).

With the aid of architectural renderings, Mary Chow, Associate, CEI Architecture Planning Interiors, reviewed the proposed community centre interior layout and noted the following information:

§          

the community centre is part of the Quintet residential development located at the corner of Firbridge Way and Minoru Boulevard;

§          

the community centre will be located on the first two floors of the four-storey building, with Trinity Western University occupying the third and fourth floors of the building;

§          

the community centre will share a common lobby with Trinity Western University, with an elevator and stairs leading to the University space; and

§          

there are two main entries to the community centre, one off of Minoru Boulevard and the second from the covered parking area.

Ms. Chow spoke of the extensive public consultation process undertaken to develop the program requirements for the community centre including (i) eleven focus group meetings with stakeholders; (ii) the development of a website; (iii) the distribution of a survey; and (iv) a public open house.  She further commented on the interior layout, highlighting a community living room, multipurpose rooms, and a large fitness area.

Paige Robertson, Director, City Centre Community Association, thanked staff and City Council for their ongoing support for this project.  She wished to recognize other members of the City Centre Community Association and Councillor Halsey-Brandt, Liaison to the Association for their continued efforts on this project.  Ms. Robertson advised that the City Centre Community Association Board fully supports the project and is confident that the space and programming will meet the needs of the community.

Discussion ensued regarding the configuration of the community living space as it relates to the access to the multipurpose room directly adjacent to it.  It was noted that the entrance to the multipurpose room appears limited as it is located within the community living space, and thus may disrupt activities in the community living space.  Ms. Chow advised that the concept for the community living space is that it also be utilized for programming and as such, this configuration allows for activities from one area to spill into the other.  She stated that she did not believe that this configuration would disrupt programming in the community living space.  Mr. Jacques commented that this concept has been successfully developed in other community centres, however staff would further explore this matter. 

In reply to a query from Committee, Mr. Jacques advised that staff are currently working on a framework that would address how the City collaborates with various community organizations and addresses their community space needs.

Discussion further ensued regarding the configuration of the community living space as it relates to the multipurpose room and it was noted that much of the frontage of the community centre is glass and therefore limits the location of certain rooms, such as storage rooms.

It was moved and seconded

That the City Centre Community Centre Program, as outlined in the City Centre Community Centre Revised Program and Project Update report, dated February 14, 2012 from the Acting Director, Recreation be endorsed.

CARRIED

3.

Canada Day Ships to Shore 2012

(File Ref. No. 06-2345-00) (REDMS No. 3472643)

Mike Redpath, Senior Manager, Parks, played a retrospective video of the Ships to Shore Steveston 2011.

In reply to queries from Committee, Mr. Redpath advised the following:

§          

staff do not believe that additional funding be required for roving entertainment as many entertainers attend at their own volition for the honorariums;

§          

although Monday, July 2^nd is a holiday, staff do not feel that the event should be extended as many ships may head south to attend July 4^th festivities in the United States;

§          

staff are aware of the depths of the channel and as such, have only invited ships that can easily manoeuvre in those depths; and

§          

staff anticipate developing a communication plan to inform residents living in proximity to Imperial Landing of the event.

Discussion ensued regarding transportation to the event and it was requested that staff work with TransLink to increase the number of buses from the Canada Line to Steveston Village.  Also, it was requested that the Steveston Harbour Authority be apprised of the event as it develops.

It was moved and seconded

That:

(1)

the proposed Canada Day Ships to Shore 2012 program, as detailed in the report, “Canada Day Ships to Shore 2012,” dated February 13, 2012 from the General Manager, Parks and Recreation, be approved; and

(2)

up to $115,000 be approved from the Major Events Provisional Fund for the proposed 2012 Ship to Shore Program and 2013 Tall Ship Recruitment program.

CARRIED

4.

City-owned Floats at Imperial Landing

(File Ref. No. 06-2345-20-ILAN1) (REDMS No. 3472295)

In reply to a query from the Chair, Serena Lusk, Manager, Parks Programs, advised that Scotch Pond may also be considered for programming such as those proposed for Imperial Landing.

Discussion ensued regarding staff referrals as they relate to Imperial Landing and it was noted that they be considered in conjunction with one another.

It was moved and seconded

That:

(1)

the program for operation of the city-owned floats at Imperial Landing as detailed in the report, “City-owned Floats at Imperial Landing,” from the General Manager, Parks and Recreation dated February 10, 2012, be approved; and

(2)

a request for expressions of interest be issued for the operation of a kayak instruction and tour service from the city-owned floats at Imperial Landing to determine market interest and feasibility.

CARRIED

5.

TRANSLINK 2012 CAPITAL PROGRAM COST-SHARING SUBMISSION – ADDITIONAL PROJECT FOR THE BICYCLE INFRASTRUCTURE PROGRAM

(File Ref. No. 01-0154-04) (REDMS No. 34446076)

Discussion ensued regarding the opportunity to integrate pedestrian and cycling access with access for other wheeled-devices along the Railway Avenue Corridor Greenway.

In reply to queries from Committee, Mr. Redpath advised the following:

§          

staff anticipate submitting the proposed project to TransLink as soon as possible;

§          

as in most Parks projects, staff anticipate substantial completion of the greenway by the Fall; and

§          

as part of the design process, various neighbourhood and community associations will be invited to provide input.

That:

(1)

the submission of the Railway Avenue Corridor Greenway pedestrian and bicycle facility improvement for cost-sharing as part of the TransLink 2012 Bicycle Infrastructure Capital Cost-Sharing Program, as described in the report dated January 11, 2012 from the General Manager, Parks and Recreation, be endorsed; and

(2)

should the above submission be successful, the Chief Administrative Officer and General Manager, Parks and Recreation be authorized to execute the funding agreements and the 2012 Capital Plan and the 5-Year Financial Plan (2012-2016) be updated accordingly to reflect the external grant dependant on the timing of the budget process.

CARRIED

COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT

6.

Richmond Public Art Program 2011 Annual Report and Public Art Advisory Committee 2012 Work Plan

(File Ref. No. 11-7000-09-01) (REDMS No. 3463784)

Eric Fiss, Public Art Planner, provided background information and introduced Willa Walsh, Chair of the Public Art Advisory Committee.

Discussion ensued regarding maps that highlight Richmond’s public art pieces and it was noted that a map showcasing Richmond’s public art collection by area may be helpful. 

Kim Somerville, Manager, Arts Services, advised that the City’s website has interactive and downloadable maps that feature Richmond’s public art collection.  Also, she noted that there are other pieces of material related to public art as it relates to development.

Discussion ensued regarding public art for the end of the Canada Line and Mr. Fiss advised that staff have encountered delays in relation to the access agreement.  He noted that a staff report is anticipated to be before Council in the near future.

Discussion further ensued and it was noted that the end of the Canada Line is in need of public art.

In reply to a query from Committee, Mr. Fiss spoke of the various public art projects underway, noting that much of the costs associated with those projects are associated with completing projects in the Richmond Olympic Oval precinct.  Also, he commented that there are many large-scale developments currently occurring in Richmond, thus contributing to the Public Art Reserve fund.

It was moved and seconded

That the Richmond Public Art Advisory Committee 2012 Work Plan be approved.

CARRIED

7.

Transitions Vancouver Coastal Health Community Public Art Project

(File Ref. No. 11-7000-09-20-120) (REDMS No. 3469246)

Mr. Fiss introduced Tiana Kaczor, artist for the proposed Transitions Vancouver Coastal Health Community Public Art Project.

In reply to a query from Committee, Ms. Kaczor commented on the participants’ access to cameras and advised that once all the photos have been collected, her role would be to make all the different photos work together.

It was moved and seconded

That the concept proposal for the Transitions Vancouver Coastal Health Community Public Art Project “Transitions” by artist Tiana Kaczor, as presented in the staff report from the Director, Arts, Culture & Heritage Services dated February 13, 2012, be endorsed.

CARRIED

8.

Richmond Multicultural Community Services Community Public Art Project

(File Ref. No. 11-7000-09-20-120) (REDMS No. 3468397)

Mr. Fiss introduced Zoë Kreye, artist for the proposed Richmond Multicultural Community Services Community Public Art Project and Jasmine Rezaee, representative of the Richmond Multicultural Community Services.

In reply to a query from Committee, Ms. Kreye advised that she would be pleased to have members of Council participate in the proposed events.

Ms. Rezaee stated that Richmond Multicultural Community Services fully supports the proposed public art project.

It was moved and seconded

That the concept proposal for the Richmond Multicultural Community Services Community Public Art Project “EAT.TALK.DANCE.” by artist Zoë Kreye, as presented in the staff report from the Director, Arts, Culture & Heritage Services dated February 13, 2012 be endorsed.

CARRIED

9.

City of Richmond Public Art Program Participation in the 2013-2015 Vancouver International Sculpture Biennale

(File Ref. No. 11-7000-09-20-099) (REDMS No. 3468373)

In reply to a query from Committee, Mr. Fiss advised that Richmond’s participation in the 2009-2011 Vancouver International Sculpture Biennale cost approximately $125,000 and was funded from the Public Art Reserve fund and developer contributions.

Mr. Fiss stated that the Biennale has requested that the City commit $200,000 for the proposed participation in the 2013-2015 Vancouver International Sculpture Biennale.  He stated that should Council endorse participation, staff would review funding options and report back to Council for approval.

Discussion ensued regarding Richmond’s participation in the 2013-2015 Vancouver International Sculpture Biennale and Committee cited concerns with regard to control over the selection of Biennale art pieces and control over the placement of Biennale art pieces.

It was noted that Committee wished to see public art pieces specific to Richmond.  Also, Committee queried what the City of Vancouver has been requested to commit for participation in the 2013-2015 Vancouver International Sculpture Biennale.

Committee queried the specifics of participating in the 2013-2015 Vancouver International Sculpture Biennale and further expressed concerns with regard to control over the selection of Biennale art pieces and control over the placement of such pieces.

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

It was moved and seconded

That staff be authorized to investigate participating in the 2013 –2015 Vancouver International Sculpture Biennale, such as locations, financial implications, terms of conditions, and selection of art pieces, and report back.

CARRIED

10.

Public Art Policy Review for Non-retail Warehouse and Industrial Storage

(File Ref. No. 11-7000-09-00) (REDMS No. 3462057)

It was moved and seconded

That the staff report entitled “Public Art Program Policy for Non-retail Warehouse and Industrial Storage” dated February 13, 2012, from the Director, Arts Culture and Heritage, be received for information.

CARRIED

11.

Maritime Festival 2012

(File Ref. No.) (REDMS No. 3474394)

It was moved and seconded

That:

(1)

up to $200,000 be authorized from the Major Events Provisional Fund to the Maritime Festival account to provide funding in support of the 2012 Maritime Festival, as outlined in the report from the Director, Arts, Culture and Heritage Services dated February 13, 2012; and

(2)

any grant funding approved would offset the City contribution and those funds returned to the Major Events Provisional Fund for future festival development.

CARRIED

12.

requests made by the richmond potters club

(File Ref. No. 11-7000-09-01) (REDMS No. 3463784)

Councillor McPhail left the meeting (5:40 p.m.) and did not return.

Jane Fernyhough, Director, Arts, Culture & Heritage and Ms. Somerville provided an update on staff’s most recent meeting with the Artist Guild, Photo Club, Potters Club, Gem and Mineral Club, and Riverside Art Circle.

It was moved and seconded

That the staff report entitled “Requests made by the Richmond Potters Club” dated February 13, 2012 from the Director, Arts, Culture and Heritage Services, be received for information.

CARRIED

13.

MANAGER’S REPORT

(i)

Richmond Animal Shelter

Ms. Lusk advised that throughout January 2012, the Richmond Animal Protection Society (RAPS) took in 52 animals and adopted 59 animals; however, the shelter continues to operate at full capacity.  She noted that 49 animals received medical attention through free veterinary services and 92 volunteers contributed 545 hours to the shelter.

(ii)

Tree Removal Request

Mr. Redpath spoke of a request from a resident to remove a 50-year-old Poplar tree that belongs to the City.  He noted that the City arborist has evaluated the tree and has found it to be healthy; therefore, the tree will not be removed.

(iii)

Governor General's Award in Visual and Media Arts

Ms. Somerville announced that Richmond performance artist Margaret Dragu has won the Governor General's Award in Visual and Media Arts.

ADJOURNMENT

It was moved and seconded

That the meeting adjourn (5:55 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, February 28, 2012.

_________________________________

_________________________________

Councillor Harold Steves

Chair

Hanieh Berg

Committee Clerk