February 24, 2015 - Minutes

Date:

Tuesday, February 24, 2015

Place:

Anderson Room
Richmond City Hall

Present:

Councillor Harold Steves, Chair
Councillor Ken Johnston
Councillor Carol Day (entered at 4:02 p.m.)
Councillor Bill McNulty
Councillor Linda McPhail

Call to Order:

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

AGENDA ADDITIONS

It was moved and seconded

That the Blue Dot Campaign and Sea Scout group be added to the agenda as Items No. 4A and 4B.

CARRIED

MINUTES

It was moved and seconded

That the minutes of the meeting of the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Committee held on Tuesday, January 27, 2015, be adopted as circulated.

CARRIED

NEXT COMMITTEE MEETING DATE

Tuesday, March 24, 2015, (tentative date) at 4:00 p.m. in the Anderson Room

Councillor Day entered the meeting at 4:02 p.m.

DELEGATION

1.

Keith Liedtke, Chair, Richmond Museum Society (RMS), accompanied by Dr. Henry Yu and Winnie Cheung, Pacific Canada Heritage Centre – Museum of Migration Society (PCHC-MoMS), presented on the potential collaboration with the PCHC–MoMS for a destination museum and read from his submission (attached to and forming part of these minutes as Schedule 1).

With the aid of a PowerPoint presentation (attached to and forming part of these minutes as Schedule 2), Dr. Yu provided background information regarding the vision of the PCHC-MoMS.

In reply to queries from Committee, Mr. Liedtke, Ms. Cheung, and Dr. Yu provided the following information:

§   

the PCHC-MoMS is a group of like-minded professionals and retirees dedicated to articulating and refining the concept for a pacific heritage centre and migration museum;

§   

it is anticipated that funding for the PCHC-MoM will be provided through research and program grants; additionally, the Society is looking for private and public contributions for building and capital investments;

§   

the Richmond Museum Feasibility Study included recommendations on the investigation of potential partnerships; PCHC-MoM is one such partnership that would broaden the scope of the Richmond Museum while attracting a range of funding opportunities through federal, provincial, university, and corporate interests in the migration history of western Canada;

§   

the intent is to maintain a multifaceted museum concept rich with the history of Richmond, space technology, aviation, and other areas of interest; the partnership with PCHC-MoMS would bring a migration component to the proposed museum;

§   

the RMS is seeking Committee’s feedback on the potential collaboration partnership; and

§   

the PCHC-MoMS has consulted widely at the grassroots level in order to refine the concept for a heritage centre and migration museum that would be inclusive of all cultural groups and have international appeal.

Discussion ensued regarding the need for a destination museum of this nature in view of the existing museums and historical/heritage sites located at the Britannia Heritage Shipyards, Gulf of Georgia Cannery, and London Heritage Farm.  Committee expressed support for (i) collaboration with other interest groups, (ii) the potential to build on the existing historical foundation laid by the City, and (iii) the importance of maintaining Richmond-specific components to the museum. Committee raised concern with the vision for a “destination” museum and with the Canada-wide approach being a major diversion from the original vision.   It was noted that, to date, Council had not determined the scope and nature of the museum and that a staff review of the proposed collaboration would be in order.

Committee referenced a Council resolution made at the April 8, 2013 Council meeting regarding the preparation of an updated Corporate Facility Implementation Plan, including the incorporation of a museum into the Plan, and that staff investigate a location for a destination museum with the Vancouver Airport Authority.  Also, it was noted that three locations for a destination museum were identified in the 2011-2014 Council Term Goals, which may continue into the 2015-2018 Council Term Goals.  A staff review must consider how the proposed collaboration fits within said Plan and the Council Term Goals.

In reply to a query from Committee, Mr. Liedtke advised that the Britannia Heritage Shipyard and others are not represented on the RMS Board due to a change in the Society’s Constitution, which focussed the Board’s operations towards a business approach.  Satellite museums, such as the Britannia Heritage Shipyard and London Farm, attend a RMS Board meeting on an annual basis to provide an update on their respective operations.

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

It was moved and seconded

That the potential collaboration between the Richmond Museum Society and the Pacific Canada Heritage Centre – Museum of Migration Society for a destination museum be referred to staff to:

(1)

examine how the presentation meets the City’s plans;

(2)

explore other potential partnerships for a “museum”; and

(3)

examine the function and role of the Richmond Museum Society model as a “business” Board.

The question on the referral was not called as discussion ensued regarding the (i) participation and collaboration of the community on the development of a future museum, and (ii) need to explore next steps including tangible funding sources.

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

COMMUNITY SERVICES DIVISION

2.

2015-2020 Youth Service Plan
(File Ref. No. 07-3425-02) (REDMS No. 4493256 v. 2)

Kate Rudelier, Coordinator, Youth Services, accompanied by John Foster, Manager, Community Social Services, provided background information on the 2015-2020 Youth Service Plan.

In response to a query from Committee, Cathryn Volkering Carlile, General Manager, Community Services, advised that next steps include taking the proposed Plan to various interest groups to determine their level of involvement in its implementation.

Discussion ensued regarding the importance of several components of the proposed Plan, such as (i) the potential to engage youth in local government processes through representation on Advisory Committees, (ii) the use of youth forums, (iii) youth input on discussions between the City and TransLink, (iv) potential opportunities for youth to network with young professionals, (v) funds related to the Richmond Youth Media Program (RYMP), and (vi) the development of a youth marketing plan for a tech-savvy audience.

In response to a query from Committee, Kim Somerville, Manager, Arts Services, advised that staff is continuing to explore avenues of funding for the RYMP through the “Smart Fund”, the extension of sponsorships, and other sources.  Staff is currently developing a five-year business plan for the RYMP in an effort to off-set expenses.

It was moved and seconded

That the Community Services Youth Service Plan: Where Youth Thrive 2015-2020, presented as Attachment 1 in the staff report titled 2015-2020 Youth Service Plan, dated February 4, 2015, from the General Manager, Community Services, be adopted.

CARRIED

3.

Framework for Recreation in Canada
(File Ref. No. 11-7375-01) (REDMS No. 4501300 v. 5)

In response to queries from Committee, Serena Lusk, Senior Manager, Recreation and Sport Services, commented that the City’s Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Master Plan aligns with the National Framework for Recreation in Canada, highlighting that the City could take an important leadership role with communities without such a framework.

Discussion ensued regarding the potential to seek recreational funding opportunities that may arise under the National Framework.  As a result of the discussion, Committee requested that letters also be sent to local Members of Parliament.

It was moved and seconded

(1)

That the staff report titled, Framework for Recreation in Canada, dated February 10, 2015, from the Senior Manager, Recreation and Sport, be received for information; and

(2)

That letters be sent to local MPs, MLAs and to the Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development expressing the City’s support for the “Framework for Recreation in Canada.”

CARRIED

4.

Manhole Cover Art Program Implementation
(File Ref. No. 11-7000-09-20-100) (REDMS No. 4494045 v. 2)

Eric Fiss, Public Art Planner, referenced a staff memorandum regarding the manhole cover art contest (copy on file, City Clerk’s Office), noting that it was provided for clarification.

In reply to queries from Committee, Mr. Fiss accompanied by Lloyd Bie, Manager, Engineering Planning, provided the following information:

§   

all manhole covers will be developed with equal vibrancy regardless of the graphics quality;

§   

paint was not considered a viable option for the manhole cover art design as it fades over time; and

§   

in addition to a gift card, youth artists will be recognized on the City’s website.

Ms. Carlile commented that staff could canvas for a youth category in the Manhole Cover Art Program contest in the future.

Committee commented that (i) other industries, such as agriculture and transportation, should be represented in future designs, and (ii) staff develop specific design criteria prior to any future art contest.

It was moved and seconded

That the implementation of the public art program for integrating artwork on sanitary sewer and storm drainage manhole covers, as outlined in the staff report titled Manhole Cover Art Program Implementation, dated February 3, 2015, from the Director, Engineering, and Director, Arts, Culture and Heritage Services, be endorsed.

CARRIED

4A.

Blue Dot Campaign
(File Ref. No.)

Councillor McPhail referenced a proposed resolution on the enactment of a provincial environmental bill of rights (attached to and forming part of these minutes as Schedule 3) from the David Suzuki Foundations Blue Dot movement.  The Foundation is seeking the City’s assistance in putting forward the resolution to the Lower Mainland Local Government Association (LMLGA) and to the Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM).

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

It was moved and seconded

That the proposed resolution for a provincial environmental bill of rights from the David Suzuki Foundations Blue Dot movement be referred to staff for comment.

The question on the referral was not called as discussion ensued regarding the potential for the City’s Sustainability Department taking the lead on this matter and the need for a timely response in order to meet the LMLGA submission deadline of March 20, 2015.

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

4B.

Sea Scout Group
(File Ref. No.)

The Chair circulated correspondence from the Sea Dragon Sea Scouts Group, dated February 13, 2015 (attached to and forming part of these minutes as Schedule 4), requesting the use of the Britannia Heritage Shipyard to conduct weekly Sea Scout meetings and to moor the Sea Scouts Newport 26 sailboat.

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

It was moved and seconded

That the City investigate the potential for:

(1)

 establishing a Sea Scout group at the Britannia Heritage Shipyard; and

(2)

developing a sail training program.

CARRIED

5.

MANAGER’S REPORT

(i)

Community Services Division Updates

David Ince, Manager, Community Recreation Services, stated that Wednesday, February 25, 2015 is Anti-bullying Day, noting that the City and the Richmond School District have collaborated on several initiatives to erase bullying under the theme called “A Respectful City.”

Also, Mr. Ince spoke of operating agreements with the Community Centre Associations and noted that the City has communicated with the community partners of its intent to update the agreements with their full participation.

Marie Fenwick, Manager, Parks Programs, advised that the monitoring devices for the hydrogeology study on the Garden City Lands have been installed and that the data collected will play an important role in the future planning for the site.

In response to a query from Committee, Ms. Fenwick commented on the ongoing discussions with Kwantlen Polytechnic University concerning the Garden City Lands and a staff report on the matter is forthcoming.

Mike Redpath, Senior Manager, Parks, provided an update on the London/Steveston Neighbourhood School Park process, noting that comments received at the public idea sessions will be used to formulate three concept plans that will be presented at an open house to be held on March 5, 2015.  Based on the feedback from the open house, a final concept plan is anticipated to be completed by March 31, 2015 following with a staff report to Committee.

In reply to queries from Committee, Mr. Redpath advised that staff will engage the School District directly through the Secretary-Treasurer and that the March 5, 2015 open house is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.

ADJOURNMENT

It was moved and seconded

That the meeting adjourn (5:22 p.m.).

CARRIED

Certified a true and correct copy of the Minutes of the meeting of the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Committee of the Council of the City of Richmond held on Tuesday, February 24, 2015.

_________________________________

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Councillor Harold Steves
Chair

Heather Howey
Committee Clerk