April 29, 2014 - Minutes

Date:

Tuesday, April 29, 2014

Place:

Anderson Room
Richmond City Hall

Present:

Councillor Harold Steves, Chair
Councillor Ken Johnston
Councillor Linda Barnes
Councillor Evelina Halsey-Brandt
Councillor Bill McNulty

Also Present:

Councillor Chak Au

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, March 25, 2014, be adopted as circulated.

CARRIED

The Chair advised that the Imperial Landing Rezoning will be considered as Item No. 2A and that Off-leash Dog Parks will be considered as Item No. 2B.

COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT

1.

Richmond Arts Update 2013
(File Ref. No. 11-7000-01) (REDMS No. 4197589)

With the aid of a video presentation, Kim Somerville, Manager, Arts Services, highlighted the activities and achievements of arts programs in the city.

Discussion ensued with regard to upcoming art programs scheduled in the city, and in reply to queries from Committee, Ms. Somerville provided the following information:

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Arts Centre programs have wait lists due to high demand;

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staff are creatively using different areas of the facility, such as the atrium and rooftop, to maximize the use of space for programs; and

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initiatives, such as the proposed artist tenancy studio units in the Capstan area, as well as, the manhole cover competition are anticipated to help raise awareness of different art-related events in the city.

Discussion ensued and Committee directed staff to present the Richmond Arts Update 2013 video at an upcoming Council meeting.

In reply to queries from Committee, Ms. Somerville advised that long-term sponsors of the Arts Centre are recognized in a variety of ways such as including their logos in promotional materials and throughout the Art Centre.

Discussion ensued regarding the Children’s Arts Festival and Ms. Somerville commented on future plans for the event, noting that the event will be scheduled around Family Day and the Cultural Centre, the Library and plaza will be utilized. Also, she stated that plans to expand the Children’s Arts Festival will be done in a sustainable manner.

Discussion ensued with regard to the Arts Promotional Campaign and in reply to queries from Committee, Ms. Somerville noted that the City’s return on investment for the campaign was measured by the amount of media exposure received for any given initiative.

It was moved and seconded

That the staff report titled, Richmond Arts Update 2013, dated March 31, 2014, from the Director, Arts, Culture and Heritage Services, be received for information.

CARRIED

2.

City Centre Community Centre Integrated Public Artwork
(File Ref. No. 11-7000-09-20-18) (REDMS No. 4157661)

It was moved and seconded

That the concept proposal and installation for the City Centre Community Centre integrated public artwork by artist Rebecca Bayer, presented in the staff report titled, City Centre Community Centre Integrated Public Artwork, dated  April 7, 2014, from the Director, Arts, Culture and Heritage Services be endorsed.

CARRIED

2A

Imperial Landing Rezoning
(File Ref. No.)

Committee referred to an email, dated April 14, 2014, (copy on file, City Clerk’s Office) regarding the Imperial Landing rezoning. Discussion ensued regarding the placement of a maritime museum on the site and it was noted that the revised staff report regarding the proposed rezoning application will be brought forward to an upcoming Planning Committee meeting; as such, it was suggested that options for a potential maritime museum be examined in conjunction with the forthcoming report.

In reply to queries from Committee, Jane Fernyhough, Director, Arts, Culture and Heritage Services, noted that staff are examining the preliminary aspects required for a potential maritime museum.

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

It was moved and seconded

That staff examine options of using existing City sites to house a maritime museum and report back to the appropriate Standing Committee.

CARRIED

2B

Dog Parks
(File Ref. No.)

In reply to queries from Committee regarding off-leash dog parks available in the City Centre area, Mike Redpath, Senior Manager, Parks, advised that the City Centre area lacks facilities specifically designated for off-leash dogs, however noted that the City continues to seek opportunities to add such facilities in future developments.

Discussion took place regarding (i) the suitable number of off-leash sites for the city, (ii) responsible dog ownership, and (iii) the designation of specific areas for fenced off-leash sites.

Also, Mr. Redpath commented on public support for the addition of off-leash dog sites in the City Centre area.

3.

MANAGER’S REPORT

(i)

Stakeholder Consultation – Minoru Park Upgrades

Serena Lusk, Senior Manager, Recreation and Sport Services briefed Committee on the consultation with stakeholders for the Minoru Park facility additions noting that staff met with various stakeholders and are currently identifying priorities for the Park.

In reply to queries from Committee, Ms. Lusk advised that signs informing the public of the park upgrades will be installed in a later phase of the project. Also, she noted that information about the project will be available on the City website and public information sessions will be scheduled later this year.

Discussion ensued with regard to the inclusion of storyboards on such signs, in an effort to keep the public informed regarding the progression of the project.

(ii)

Richmond Delta Regional Heritage Fair

Ms. Fernyhough advised that the Richmond Delta Regional Heritage Fair is scheduled for May 2 and 3, 2014 and noted that the closing ceremonies will be held on May 3, 2014, from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

(iii)

Parks Division Updates

Mr. Redpath briefed Committee on the Earth Day events, and commented on the timeline of the upgrades to the Minoru Park facilities.

Discussion then ensued with regard to the creation of an informal community garden along Railway Avenue, and Mr. Redpath noted that the City is looking at opportunities to establish formal community gardens in the surrounding area.

Committee referred to an email, dated April 1, 2014 regarding the condition of the outdoor basketball court at the Steveston Community Centre, (copy on file, City Clerk’s Office) and thanked staff for their prompt action in addressing the resident’s concerns.

ADJOURNMENT

It was moved and seconded

That the meeting adjourn (4:42 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, April 29, 2014.

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Councillor Harold Steves
Chair

Evangel Biason
Auxiliary Committee Clerk