July 24, 2014 - Minutes

Date:

Thursday, July 24, 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

Call to Order:

The Chair called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m.

AGENDA DELETION

It was moved and seconded

That Item No. 3 “Richmond Sports Wall of Fame” be deferred to the September 15, 2014 General Purposes Committee meeting.

The question on the motion was not called as Serena Lusk, Senior Manager, Recreation and Sport Services, advised that the deferral would allow discussions to continue with the Richmond Sports Council in order to receive its support prior to moving forward with the staff report.

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

MINUTES

It was moved and seconded

That the minutes of the meeting of the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Committee held on Tuesday, June 24, 2014, be adopted as circulated.

CARRIED

NEXT COMMITTEE MEETING DATE

Tuesday, September 23, 2014, (tentative date) at 4:00 p.m. in the Anderson Room

DELEGATION

1.

Gordon McLennan, Filmmaker, accompanied by Kelvin Higo, Richmond resident, spoke to the Japanese-Canadian film/media project titled “Nikkei Stories of Steveston” (Stories) and provided the following information:

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the Stories is a celebration of the people and places important to the social, economic, and cultural life of the Japanese Canadian community in Steveston;

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the project will be widely accessible through websites, permanent displays or kiosks, mobile devices, and schools across British Columbia;

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the Stories will be similar in functionality and design to BlackStrathcona; and

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the budget for the project is approximately $125,000; a contribution from the City of Richmond in the amount of $50,000 is being requested.

Mr. Higo commented that the project has great merit and adds an additional layer to the Steveston mosaic. He noted that the Japanese footprint can be seen throughout Steveston and listed a few examples, such as a few examples being the Kuno Japanese Garden, the Martial Arts Centre, the Japanese-Canadian Cultural Centre, the Murakami House at the Britannia Heritage Shipyard, and the Nikkei Fishermen Memorial.  Also, Mr. Higo was of the opinion that the project will further highlight contributions made by Japanese-Canadians in the face of prejudice and injustice.

In response to queries from Committee, Mr. McLennan provided the following additional information:

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material for individual stories will come from a variety of sources including the Nikkei National Museum and Cultural Centre in Burnaby and archive documents and photographs;

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it is intended that the stories will mirror the quality of those produced in the BlackStratcona series;

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the first ten stories can be considered a pilot project; if successful, another ten stories can follow;

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community members will identify stories to be told, such as the disappearance of 2,200 Japanese Canadians during World War II and their subsequent return in 1949;

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apart from a City contribution, corporate and private sponsorship is being pursued; and

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the project can move forward with contributions in the amount of $75,000.

In reply to a query from Committee, Jane Fernyhough, Director, Arts, Culture and Heritage Services, identified the Council Contingency Account and the Council Provisional Account as possible funding sources for the Stories project.  It was noted that any funds allocated from the Council Provisional Account would require an amendment to the City 5-Year Financial Plan (2014-2018) Bylaw No. 9100.

Discussion ensued regarding the project’s significance to the community and the need for financial support.  As a result of the presentation and discussion, the following motion was introduced:

It was moved and seconded

That $75,000 from the Council Provisional Account be allocated to fund the Japanese-Canadian Film/Media Project - Nikkei Stories of Steveston.

The question on the motion was not called as discussion ensued regarding the educational and tourism components, as well as the historical and cultural significance of the project.  Committee expressed interest in incorporating the Stories into the exhibits at the Japanese Fisherman’s Benevolent Society Building.

In response to queries from Committee, Mr. McLennan advised that (i) the project can be completed for $75,000, should no further funding be acquired, and (ii) it is anticipated that the Stories be available in the spring of 2015.

CARRIED

COUNCILLOR LINDA BARNES

2.

With the aid of a video presentation, Councillor Linda Barnes spoke on Mystic Seaport Best Practices and read from a written submission (attached to and forming part of these minutes as Schedule 1).

Lorne Slye, 11911 3^rd Avenue, Chair of the Steveston Historical Society, commented that members have visited Mystic, Connecticut and other eastern seaboard locations with the intention to promote Steveston as the maritime centre of the Pacific.  He commented that his role with the Gulf of Georgia Cannery and the Steveston Historical Society has focussed on achieving formal recognition by Heritage Canada for Steveston Village.  Mr. Slye was of the view that incorporating the practices developed in Mystic and other eastern communities would assist in moving forward in the promotion of Steveston.

Jim Kojima, 7611 Moffatt Road, spoke of his visit to Mystic in November 2013, noting that it covers an approximate area of 20 acres and has approximately 50 buildings and 400 boats.  Also, he noted that the shipyard has 17 full-time employees and over 1,000 knowledgeable volunteers.  He further noted that Mystic Seaport, while starting with little funds, currently has an Endowment Fund of approximately $47 million.  Mr. Kojima expressed the view that much can be done to promote the historical roots of Steveston if the community has the mind and will to make it happen.

The Chair commented on archives found at the Mystic Seaport Archives, noting that the documents contain information related to B.C.’s history.

It was moved and seconded

That the Mystic Seaport Best Practices presentation be received for information.

The question on the motion was not called as discussion ensued regarding many of Mystic best practices having been integrated into the Britannia Heritage Shipyard Strategy Plan.

In response to a query from Committee, Marie Fenwick, Manager, Parks Programs, advised that a next step in moving forward with the Strategy Plan is to expand the Internship programming, an educational platform through the University of British Columbia, particularly in developing the non-profit and private corporations contribution component (i.e., Paddle Wheel River Boat Tours and Shanghai Holocaust Exhibit).

Councillor Barnes noted that it was important to include Tourism Richmond in the promotion of the Steveston experience to residents and visitors as the Britannia Heritage Shipyard is already a maritime museum for the west coast.

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

COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT

3.

Richmond Sports Wall of Fame
(File Ref. No. 11-7000-10-01) (REDMS No. 4237135)

Please see Page 1 for action on this Item.

4.

City of Richmond Utility Box Art Wrap Program
(File Ref. No. 11-7000-09-20-101) (REDMS No. 4271007)

It was moved and seconded

That the opportunity to integrate public artwork on City of Richmond utility boxes, as outlined in the staff report titled City of Richmond Utility Box Art Wrap Program, dated July 2, 2014, from the Director, Arts, Culture and Heritage Services, be endorsed.

The question on the motion was not called as Committee expressed appreciation for the City’s Utility Box Art Wrap program, noting that, with minimal effort, an attractive landscape can be created.  Committee suggested that staff consider wrapping the utility box at Garden City Park.

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

5.

Update on Hunting in Richmond
(File Ref. No. 01-0060-20-RRGC1) (REDMS No. 4276966)

In response to queries from Committee, Doug Long, City Solicitor, provided the following information:

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under the terms of a lease agreement a property owner can permit the lessee or occupier to hunt or to permit a third party to hunt; however, the lease agreement is a private document and not registered on title, thus creating difficulty in validating that permission has been granted;

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As per Bylaw No. 4183 Regulating the Discharge of Firearms, a registered owner is required to sign a permission pass, which can easily be verified through a title search;

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should Bylaw No. 4183 be amended to permit the owner, lessee, or occupier to consent to third party hunting on the property, it may create challenges in enforcing provisions of said bylaw;

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the BC Wildlife Act extends the right to grant permission to the owner, lessee or occupier; however, it does not address any property rights or insurance indemnity issues raised with said permission;

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while it is possible for the Richmond Rod and Gun Club (RRGC) to obtain permission from each of the property owners to allow third party hunting, maintaining valid permission may be challenging for the Club; and

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lessee or occupier authority will be determined under the terms of the permitted use clause of the lease agreement which sets out the scope of what a lessee or occupier can and cannot do on the property to be leased or occupied.

In response to a query from Committee, Michael Thorne, President, RRGC, advised that the requirements for hunting in Richmond include obtaining (i) a Core licence, (ii) a Lower Fraser Valley Special Insurance licence, (iii) a Migratory Gaming licence, (iv) an annual hunting licence, (v) $5 million in liability insurance, and (vi) a hunting by permission pass granted by the RRGC that requires the signature of a property owner.  It was noted that local farmers and the Richmond RCMP are contacted prior to any hunting on a property.

Discussion ensued regarding the City’s current bylaw, noting that as most farms have absentee owners, this effectively limits hunting throughout the City; this may have negative effects on agricultural uses.

It was moved and seconded

That the staff report titled Update on Hunting in Richmond, dated June 4, 2014, from the Senior Manager, Recreation and Sport Services, be received for information.

CARRIED

6.

City Centre Community Centre – Service Levels
(File Ref. No. 11-7125-01) (REDMS No. 4276403)

Paige Robertson, Vice President, accompanied by Jose Gonzalez and Ian Scott, Board Members, City Centre Community Association (CCCA), thanked staff and Councillor Halsey-Brant for their efforts and support throughout the building, design, programming, and service level process.  Ms. Robertson commented that the CCCA Board fully supports the staff recommendation.

Councillor Halsey-Brandt, Council Liaison, recognized the Board’s insight, commitment, and collaboration with staff and the community at large throughout the development of the new City Centre Community Centre facility.

It was moved and seconded

That:

(1)

the service levels associated with Option 1 for the City Centre Community Centre, as described in the attached Business Plan of the staff report titled City Centre Community Centre – Service Levels, dated July 3, 2014, from the Senior Manager, Recreation and Sport Services, be endorsed for consideration in the 2015 Operating Budget;

(2)

the material terms for an operating agreement, as described in the attached Business Plan of the staff report titled City Centre Community Centre – Service Levels, dated July 3, 2014, from the Senior Manager, Recreation and Sport Services, be negotiated with the City Centre Community Association and brought back to Council for approval in early 2015;

(3)

the Position Complement Controls for the six positions included in the OBI Option 1 for the City Centre Community Centre, as described in the attached Business Plan of the staff report titled City Centre Community Centre – Service Levels, dated July 3, 2014, from the Senior Manager, Recreation and Sport Services be endorsed for consideration in the 2015 Operating Budget; and

(4)

Lang Centre continue to operate as a community facility as part of the delivery of recreation services in City Centre.

CARRIED

7.

MANAGER’S REPORT

(a)

Community Services Department Updates

Ted DeCrom, Manager, Parks Operations, advised that staff, in conjunction with Richmond Fire-Rescue, is working to minimize fire hazards in parks and trails.  Mr. DeCrom distributed information on best practices (attached to and forming part of these minutes as Schedule 2), noting that, depending on the severity of the fire hazard rating, precautions may include (i) posting no smoking signs near parks and trails, (ii) placing aggregate on specific areas, and (iii) at extreme levels, posting closure notices.

Marie Fenwick commented that the Garden City Bike Terrain Park will open on Wednesday, July 30, 2014 at 6:30 p.m.

Ms. Fernyhough noted that the Canada Council for the Arts has approved the Writer-in-Residence grant for Mark Young.  Mr. Young will be working primarily at the Brighouse Library, Cultural Centre, and Minoru Seniors Centre during September and November 2014.

(b)

Dog Off Leash Program

Mike Redpath, Senior Manager, Parks, advised that Council endorsed the expansion of the pilot Dog Off Leash Program to three sites (South Arm Community Park, a City-owned vacant lot, and Garden City Community Park) and that the temporary area at Dover Park has been relocated to the Railway Road corridor.  Staff has received a petition from community members opposing the pilot project at the South Arm Community Park.  Additionally, staff is aware that residences opposed to the removal of the Dog Off Leash area at Dover Park will be delegating at the Monday, July 28, 2014 Council meeting.

Committee advised staff to consider dog off leash initiatives early in the development of any new community parks.

(c)

Lang Community Park

Mr. Redpath accompanied by Kevin Connery, Park Planner, provided an update on the public engagement process and design concepts (i.e. canopy area, play elements, and animated water feature) related to the revitalization of Lang Community Park.  It is anticipated that a staff report on design options and costs will be brought before Committee in the fall.

Committee commented that staff be mindful in providing timely updates on long-term projects such as the revitalization of Lang Community Park.  Committee advised staff to closely examine the changing demographics and needs in the downtown core, particularly those of the homeless and youth, when considering future programming for the Lang Community Centre.

(d)

Memorial Gardens

Councillor Barnes submitted an advertisement from the Richmond Funeral Home and Valley View Memorial Gardens welcoming the new Dragon Memorial Gardens for staff review further to the March 2014 referral from the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Committee regarding the Richmond Community Memorial Garden Site Selection Review.

ADJOURNMENT

It was moved and seconded

That the meeting adjourn (5:35 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 Thursday, July 24, 2014.

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Councillor Harold Steves
Chair

Heather Howey
Committee Clerk