September 24, 2014 - Minutes

Date:

Wednesday, September 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.

MINUTES

It was moved and seconded

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

CARRIED

NEXT COMMITTEE MEETING DATE

Tuesday, October 28, 2014, (tentative date) at 4:00 p.m. in the Anderson Room

DELEGATION

Sophika Kostyniuk, National Organizing Manager, David Suzuki Foundation, accompanied by Gavin Li, Canadian Youth Leadership, and Carolyn Quirt, Member, Richmond Blue Dot, provided background information with respect to the Richmond Blue Dot initiative to pursue a municipal declaration that recognizes residents’ rights to access fresh air, clean water, and healthy foods.

Mr. Li commented that, as an immigrant from China, where many areas of the country do not have access to clean water, it is important to do everything possible to protect Canada’s environment and that he fully supports the Richmond Blue Dots’ initiative.

Ms. Kostyniuk noted that the City of Richmond was selected as the pilot municipality for the Blue Dot initiative for a variety of reasons and referenced environment threats (e.g. potential Trans Mountain Pipeline leaks and reduction in air and water quality through the proposed Fraser Surrey Docks expansion), and City Council’s leadership role in (i) supporting the Children’s Charter, (ii) championing a genetically modified free zone, and (iii) continuing to make sustainable transportation and ecodensity a priority in Richmond.  Ms. Kostyniuk was seeking Council’s support in being the first Canadian municipality to adopt the declaration as a visionary document and guiding principle for the future of Richmond.

Discussion ensued regarding climate action discussions at the UBCM Convention and it was noted that, in this regard, Richmond is far ahead of other municipalities.

In reply to queries from Committee, Ms. Kostyniuk advised that, while municipalities have significant control over what happens in their boundaries and public supports resonates at the local level, it is recognized that there are overlapping jurisdictions with senior levels of government and long term plans include campaigns targeting provincial governments.

Discussion ensued regarding notifying all Members of Parliament and of the Provincial Legislative Assembly with the decision of Council.

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

It was moved and seconded

That the Declaration ‘The Right To A Healthy Environment’ be adopted.

The question on the motion was not called as discussion ensued and Committee requested that staff review the proposed declaration prior to its consideration at an upcoming Council meeting.

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

COUNCILLOR HAROLD STEVES

1.

steveston community centre space needs
(File Ref. No. 11-7140-20-SCCE1) (REDMS No. 4331467)

The Chair recommended that the correspondence from the Steveston Community Society (SCS), dated September 2, 2014, regarding ‘Steveston Community Centre Space Needs’ be referred to staff for review and to examine options for the relocation of the Steveston Library branch.

Jim Kojima, 7611 Moffatt Road, Past President, SCS, accompanied by Dan Allen, Richmond resident, spoke to the urgent need for programmable space within the Steveston Community Centre.  He stated that, due to the size constraints for the fitness area, SCS members have visited other fitness centres to explore the costs and benefits associated with a new fitness facility.  Mr. Kojima acknowledged the extensive discussions taking place amongst community stakeholders regarding the relocation of the Steveston Library, but emphasised the SCS’s desire for Council to take action in order for the Community Centre to utilize the space.

Discussion ensued with regard to (i) the Richmond Library Board’s pending service level review and the Board’s priority for the relocation of the Steveston branch, (ii) constructing new versus renovating or expanding the existing community centre facility, (iii) alternative library locations (e.g. City property, ONNI site, and temporary store front properties), and (iv) the exploration of community partnerships (e.g.: Vancouver Coastal Health and the Buddhist Church) in any future replacement proposal.

In reply to a query from Committee, Cathryn Carlile, General Manager, Community Services, advised that staff held discussions with ONNI regarding the proposed library site and that an update on the negotiations can be provided at an upcoming Committee meeting.

Dave Semple, General Manager, Community Services, spoke to the zoning issues related to the ONNI and City-owned properties, and to the ongoing discussions with regard to the priority for suitable library and fitness facilities.

Discussion ensued regarding the (i) development of the City-owned property for Senior’s Housing, Community Centre, and Library, and (ii) various options related to community partnerships and funding options (e.g. sale of the existing land or development contributions).

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

It was moved and seconded

That the Steveston Community Society correspondence, dated September 2, 2014, be referred to staff to examine:

(1)

the space issue in the Steveston Community Centre and/or replacement of the Steveston Community Centre, including  development partnerships (e.g. Vancouver Coastal Health, the Buddhist Church, etc.), other City property, and other options; and

(2)

short term options for the relocation of the Steveston Library.

The question on the referral was not called as discussion ensued concerning (i) an appropriate timeframe for the staff report, and (ii) the inclusion of funding options. Committee requested that the SCS envision the future needs of the Community Centre in order to better assist Council in the decision process.

There was agreement to add the following text to the end of Part 1 of the proposed referral: ‘and report back to Committee within 12 months;’ and to add the following text to the end of Part 2 of the proposed referral: ‘and report back to Committee within six months.’

The question on the referral, which now reads,

That the Steveston Community Society correspondence, dated September 2, 2014, be referred to staff to examine:

(1)

the space issue in the Steveston Community Centre and/or replacement of the Steveston Community Centre, including development partnerships (e.g. Vancouver Coastal Health, the Buddhist Church, etc.), other City property, or other options and report back to Committee within 12 months; and

(2)

short term options for the relocation of the Steveston Library and report back to Committee within six months.

was then called and it was CARRIED.

COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT

2.

Branscombe Future Uses
(File Ref. No. 11-7000-01) (REDMS No. 4244989)

In response to queries from Committee, Jane Fernyhough, Director, Arts, Culture and Heritage Services, provided the following information:

§   

it is anticipated that the second floor renovations will be completed and an occupancy permit issued by the end of October 2014;

§   

the main floor can be arranged for exhibitions; other proposed uses include rentals for receptions, meetings, workshops, and small weddings;

§   

staffing would be the responsibility of the rental operator;

§   

staff will be developing a proposal for community input related to uses for the Branscombe House, at which point a Studio-in-Residence could be explored; and

§   

Council has the opportunity to review and change the proposed uses; in the short term, the rental income will be used for the maintenance of the property.

It was moved and seconded

That the proposed uses for Branscombe House as outlined in the staff report titled Branscombe Future Uses, dated September 2, 2014, from the Director, Arts, Culture and Heritage Services be received for information.

CARRIED

3.

Capstan Sanitary Pump Station Plaza Public Artwork
(File Ref. No. 11-7000-09-20-121) (REDMS No. 4322840)

It was moved and seconded

That the concept proposal and installation of the artwork proposed for the Capstan Sanitary Pump Station Plaza, for the City of Richmond, as presented in the staff report titled Capstan Sanitary Pump Station Plaza Public Artwork, dated September 2, 2014, from the Director, Arts, Culture and Heritage Services, be approved.

CARRIED

4.

Draft 2015-2020 Youth Service Plan
(File Ref. No. 07-3425-02) (REDMS No. 4330467)

With the aid of a video presentation, Kate Rudelier, Coordinator, Youth Services, provided background information on the ‘Draft 2015-2020 Youth Service Plan’ and acknowledged the work of Emily May, volunteer, in the development of the presentation.

In response to queries from Committee, Ms. Rudelier provided the following information:

§   

the Youth Services Street Team travelled throughout Richmond and attended community events in order to engage with youth of all ages and to raise awareness of youth activity opportunities;

§   

creating awareness for inter-generational connections and volunteer opportunities will be achieved through messaging and programming; and

§   

building stronger relationships and engaging the commercial sector on youth related issues will be developed over time.

Committee thanked staff for their efforts in developing the Draft 2015-2020 Youth Service Plan.  Discussion ensued regarding (i) the need to develop programming to aid youth transitioning from the educational system into the workforce, and (ii) circulating the Draft Plan to the Council/School Board Liaison Committee and other community partners, such as the Richmond RCMP, Vancouver Coastal Health, and the Richmond Community Services Advisory Committee.

It was moved and seconded

(1)

That the Draft 2015-2020 Youth Service Plan, presented as Attachment 1 to the staff report titled Draft 2015-2020 Youth Service Plan dated September 2, 2014, from the General Manager, Community Services, be received for information; and

(2)

That the Draft 2015-2020 Youth Service Plan, presented as Attachment 1 to the staff report titled Draft 2015-2020 Youth Service Plan dated September 2, 2014, from the General Manager, Community Services, be circulated to the East Richmond Community Association, the City Centre Community Association, the Hamilton Community Association, the South Arm Community Association, the Thompson Community Association, the Steveston Community Society, the West Richmond Community Association, the Sea Island Community Association, the Council/School Board Liaison Committee, the Richmond RCMP, Vancouver Coastal Health, and the Richmond Community Services Advisory Committee for comment.

The question on the motion was not called as discussion ensued regarding (i) petitioning the Province to make physical education a mandatory component of the educational system, and (ii) the need for a youth drop-in centre in order to reach unconventional youth in Richmond.

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

5.

Lang Park Redevelopment Concept Plan
(File Ref. No. 06-2345-20) (REDMS No. 4329539)

In response to a query from Committee, Kevin Connery, Park Planner, commented that public consultation supported the proposed food truck service. He further commented that the proposed service is a pilot, in conjunction with several operational changes, to explore alternatives that would enhance the appeal of the park.

It was moved and seconded

That the Lang Park Redevelopment Concept Plan, as illustrated in Attachments 1, 2 and 3 of the staff report titled Lang Park Redevelopment Concept Plan dated September 3, 2014, from the Senior Manager, Parks, be received for information.

The question on the motion was not called as Committee thanked staff for their efforts to address the concerns identified during the public consultation process and anticipated a future staff report with regard to the capital expenditure required for the project.

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

6.

Major Events and Festivals 2015
(File Ref. No. 11-7000-01) (REDMS No. 433596 v. 5)

Ms. Fernyhough, accompanied by Bryan Tasaka, Manager, Major Events and Film, provided background information and commented that a request for funding will be brought forward during the upcoming annual budget process.

Discussion ensued regarding a proposed location and a multi-cultural theme, showcasing the food, music, dance, and art of a diversity of cultures, for the proposed City Centre major event.  The success of past events, such as kaleidoscope and those held at Garry Point Park, was referenced.  Also, Committee discussed the need to integrate the Ships to Shore and Salmon Festival events and to expand the events to make use of the area from Britannia to Garry Point Park.

In reply to queries from Committee, Ms. Fernyhough, Mr. Tasaka, and Mike Redpath, Senior Manager, Parks, provided the following information:

§   

the brand or theme of the proposed City Centre major event has yet to be developed; however options include multi-cultural elements;

§   

a co-production team consisting of Salmon Festival organizers and the City’s Corporate Communications division, developed co-branding and co-marketing schemes to market the Ship to Shores and Salmon Festival events; staff anticipate continuing to build on the co-relationship moving forward into 2015; and

§   

in terms of the Ships to Shore and Salmon Festival events, discussion may be initiated with event organizers to expand the events to encompass Britannia through to Garry Point Park.

It was moved and seconded

That the staff report titled Major Events and Festivals 2015 dated September 2, 2014 from the Director, Arts, Culture and Heritage Services be received for information.

CARRIED

7.

MANAGER’S REPORT

(i)

Community Services Department Updates

Ms. Fernyhough commented on the upcoming Cultural Days event to be held on September 26, 27, and 28, 2014, particularly highlighting the official kick off for the re-created Steveston Tram to be run on a volunteer basis.

Gregg Wheeler, Manager, Sports and Community Events, commented that staff have met with the members of the Richmond Rod and Gun Club, the Ministry of the Environment, and Community Bylaws with regard to hunting under Richmond’s Regulating the Discharge of Firearms Bylaw No. 4183.  He further commented that a short hunting season was permitted between September 5^th to 13^th and the next season will commence on October 10, 2014.

In reply to a query from Committee, Mr. Wheeler advised that the suggestion for individuals to post signs prohibiting hunting on their lands was well received.

Elizabeth Ayers, Manager, Community Services Planning and Projects, provided an update with regard to the positive and constructive feedback received through the stakeholder meetings, public open houses, Let’s Talk Richmond, and public surveys for the Minoru Older Adults and Aquatic Centre.  It was noted that design revisions will commence once the public consultation period closes on Sunday, September 28, 2014.

Committee requested that details on parking spaces and traffic flow, particularly with regard to any drop-off areas and vehicular/pedestrian circulation, be included in the revised drawings.

In reply to a query from Committee, Ms. Ayers commented that the Richmond Community Fall Workshop will take place on Saturday, November 22, 2014 and the meeting between Project Development and Community Association Board Members is scheduled to be held on Wednesday, October 22, 2014 at the South Arm Community Centre.

Marie Fenwick, Manager, Parks Programs, announced the upcoming Grand Opening of the Terra Nova Adventure Play Environment to be held on Saturday, September 27^th between 11:00 a.m. and 1 p.m. with the theme for the event being play and sustainability.

In reply to queries from Committee, Ms. Fenwick provided the following information:

§   

it is anticipated that the Terra Nova Nature Preschool will move back into the site at the end of October 2014; and

§   

staff is currently updating the City’s Dog’s Off-Leash brochure, which will assist as a community educational tool.

Mr. Semple noted that additional “No Dogs Allowed” signage has been installed at the park and Community Bylaws will continue to monitor the area for dog violations.

As a means to assist Community Bylaws, Committee directed staff to explore the use of community volunteers as ‘Park Ambassadors’ that will provide information on the location of dog parks and off-leash areas within the City.

Eric Fiss, Public Art Planner, circulated a memorandum dated September 18, 2014 (copy on file, City Clerk’s Office) with regard to the installation of the first public artwork for the Art Plinth at Brighouse Station and commented that staff is working with the City’s Corporate Communications division to develop a wide range of methods, including bus shelter ads, banners, Canada Line advertising panels, media campaigns, Let’s Talk Richmond, and social media contests, in order to gather public response on art in general and the Art Plinth display.

Mr. Redpath advised that the Minoru Sport Field construction will commence at the end of September and that it is anticipated that construction will be substantially completed by the end of October 2014.

Further to a memorandum dated September 9, 2014 (copy on file, City Clerk’s Office), Serena Lusk, Senior Manager, Recreation and Sport Services, accompanied by Grant Fengstad, Director, Information Technology, demonstrated the City of Richmond Mobile Application that will improve the availability and accessibility of facility and program information to the community.  It was noted that the free mobile application is in the final development stages and that it is anticipated to be released via Apple and Google App stores in October 2014.

In response to a query from Committee, Mr. Fengstad advised that the framework for the mobile application will allow additional programming, functionality and enhancements.

Mr. Semple displayed a map of the City of Richmond indicating the westerly boundary of the City extends approximately 9.25 kilometres west of No. 1 Road and commented on the significance of the boundary in determining the City’s jurisdiction and ‘first right of refusal’ over the lands and waterway.

(ii)

Compliments to Staff

Councillor Barnes referenced correspondence (copy of file, City Clerk’s Office), congratulating Parks staff for (i) a job well done on the railway greenway and street boulevards, and (ii) the excellence customer service provided by Community Centre staff.

ADJOURNMENT

It was moved and seconded

That the meeting adjourn (5:47 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, September 24, 2014.

_________________________________

_________________________________

Councillor Harold Steves
Chair

Heather Howey
Committee Clerk