April 28, 2015 - Minutes

Date:

Tuesday, April 28, 2015

Place:

Anderson Room
Richmond City Hall

Present:

Councillor Harold Steves, Chair
Councillor Carol Day
Councillor Linda McPhail

Absent:

Councillor Ken Johnston
Councillor Bill McNulty

Call to Order:

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

AGENDA ADDITIONS

It was moved and seconded

That (i) the Potential for a Recreational Vehicle Park, (ii) the Garden City Lands Hydrology Report, (iii) the Lubzinski Collection, (iv) Cyclists and Off-Leash Dog Park, and (v) the potential of a Sanitary Dump for Recreational Vehicles  be added to the agenda as Items No. 1A through 1E.

CARRIED

MINUTES

It was moved and seconded

That the minutes of the meeting of the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Committee held on Tuesday, March 24, 2015, be adopted as circulated.

CARRIED

NEXT COMMITTEE MEETING DATE

Tuesday, May 26, 2015, (tentative date) at 4:00 p.m. in the Anderson Room

COMMUNITY SERVICES DIVISION

1.

Update to the Older Adults Service Plan
(File Ref. No. 07-3400-01) (REDMS No. 4498656 v. 6)

With the aid of a video presentation, Mandeep Bains, Project Manager, Performance, accompanied by Eva Busich-Veloso, Senior Services Coordinator, provided an update to the Older Adults Service Plan.

In response to queries from Committee, Ms. Bains and Ms. Busich-Veloso provided the following information:

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the development and implementation of a benefits-based engagement campaign would articulate the clear and tangible results of the services provided;

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City materials are translated into Chinese, Punjabi, Tagalog, and Russian;

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community preference on the use of “Older Adult” and/or “Seniors” has been unclear;

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statistics provided by the Arthritis Society indicate that 41% of older adults in Richmond live with arthritis; however, this may be attributed to early diagnosis; and

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older adult programming, in recognizing Richmond’s rich diversity, is tailored to meet the needs of the community.

It was moved and seconded

(1)

That the staff report titled Update to the Older Adults Service Plan, dated April 8, 2015, from the General Manager, Community Services, be circulated for comment to a wide array of partners and community organizations that the Community Services Division works with in service provision to older adults; and

(2)

That the Draft 2015-2019 Older Adults Service Plan be brought back for Council consideration following the final consultation.

CARRIED

1A.

potential recreational vehicle park
(File Ref. No.)

Councillor Day circulated background information regarding the potential for a Recreational Vehicle (RV) park in Richmond (copy on file, City Clerk’s Office) and spoke to its potential benefit and location.

David Semple, General Manager, Community Services, advised that an RV park at McDonald Beach would be challenging due to (i) space limitations, (ii) its proximity to the Sea Island Conservation Area, and (iii) costs associated with the provision of a sanitary dump area. He further advised that, with regard to the Iona Beach Regional Park as a potential site, discussion with and approval from Metro Vancouver would be necessary.  Mr. Semple stated that background material would be provided to Council.

Discussion ensued regarding potential RV park sites and staff was directed to provide information on plans considered for a previous proposal at either McDonald Beach or lands now home for the Richmond Olympic Oval.

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

It was moved and seconded

That staff explore the feasibility of and potential locations for a recreational vehicle park and report back to Committee.

CARRIED

1B.

Garden City Lands Hydrology report
(File Ref. No.)

The Chair circulated material regarding a “Biophysical Inventory and Evaluation of the Lulu Island Bog” prepared for the Richmond Nature Park Society (copy on file, City Clerk’s Office).   He referenced the depth below grade to groundwater surface results recorded during 2002 to 2006, and expressed concern regarding the City proceeding with the perimeter work scheduled for 2015 and granting Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) access to the Garden City Lands, for the development of a proposed educational farm, prior to Council’s consideration of the pending hydrology report.

In reply to queries from Committee, Jamie Esko, Park Planner, provided an update on the hydrology testing being conducted on the Garden City Lands and advised that:

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the Parks Program 2015 Capital Budget submission included Garden City Lands Phase 1 design and construction for the perimeter trail system;

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the hydrology report will provide critical information related to water levels and movement within the bog; and

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the perimeter trail will be constructed outside of the bog, and will not impact the existing drainage inlets parallel to Garden City Road.

In reply to queries from Committee, Marie Fenwick, Manager, Parks Programs, advised that KPU has been kept apprised on the status of the hydrology works and that the proposed location for the educational farm may be temporary.   She further advised that a staff report allowing KPU access to the site will be brought forward for consideration at a future Committee meeting.

Discussion ensued regarding (i) granting KPU access to the site, and (ii) a communication strategy to provide updates on the Garden City Lands project in an effort to address public perception that the project is not moving forward.

Cathryn Volkering Carlile, General Manager, Community Services, commented that staff would prepare a report providing background information on the current research and project timelines for a future Committee meeting.  Also, she commented that the Garden City Lands Legacy Landscape Plan identified multiple internal trails, as well as the perimeter trail, which was not to disturb the land.

1C.

lubzinski collection
(File Ref. No.)

In response to a query from Committee, Dee Bowley-Cowan, Britannia Site Supervisor, advised that a portion of the Lubzinski collection has been re-installed at the Britannia Shipyard - Phoenix Seine Net Loft building. She further advised that staff have worked extensively with Larry Tolton to document installation procedures for a fully operational exhibit and that the balance of the collection would be installed in spring 2016.

Jane Fernyhough, Director, Arts, Culture and Heritage Services, stated that Steve Wolfe has prepared a proposal to complete a portion of the collections ship wheels.

In reply to a query from Committee, Ms. Bowley-Cowan commented that staff would report back to Committee on referrals related to an ‘economuseum’.

1D.

cyclists and off-leash dog park
(File Ref. No. 11-7200-20-DPAR1-02)

Councillor Day spoke to public concerns raised regarding cyclists and off-leash dog walkers along trails adjacent to off-leash dog parks and questioned the feasibility of (i) upgrading the bike path along Finn Road, and (ii) designating a portion of the north trail for cyclist use only.

Ms. Fenwick stated that there is signage at the park directing dog walkers to the south trail and cyclists to the north trail; however, staff could examine other options for the area.

Discussion ensued regarding directing cyclists to Finn Road and the need for an update to the Richmond Trails and Cycling map to reflect both the walking and cycling trail for the area.

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

It was moved and seconded

That staff investigate options for a two-tier system for cycling and pedestrian traffic at the South Dyke Trail and Dogs Off-Leash Park and report back to Committee.

The question on the referral was not called as discussion ensued regarding options including but not limited to (i) a paved path for cyclist through the Park, (ii) alternative routes, (iii) additional signage, and (iv) the City’s Transportation Department updating the Richmond Trails and Cycling map with the north/south designations.  The question on the referral was then called and it was CARRIED.

1E.

Sanitary dump for Recreational Vehicles
(File Ref. No. 10-6400-01)

Councillor Day raised a concern with the lack of a sanitary water dump for RVs in Richmond and suggested that the matter be referred to staff to explore options for a sanitary dump on private or public lands.

Mr. Semple circulated a staff report dated October 4, 2012 and a memorandum dated March 4, 2013 (copies on file, City Clerk’s Office) and provided background information on a past sanitary dump station initiative.

Committee directed staff to provide information related to the (i) feasibility of connecting a sanitary dump station to the City’s Sewage Treatment Plant, and (ii) City operated sanitary dump station at the former Minoru sewage treatment plant.

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

It was moved and seconded

That staff investigate and report back to Committee on the feasibility and options for a sanitary water dump for RV’s in Richmond including but not limited to a site at the sewage treatment plant on the south arm of the Fraser River or at other commercial operations.

CARRIED

2.

MANAGER’S REPORT

(i)

Proposed Public Parks and School Grounds Regulation Bylaw 7310, Amendment Bylaw No. 8771

In response to a query from Committee, Ms. Fenwick commented that discussions have been held with members of the Richmond RC Flyers Club and that a public consultation process will be held at a future date.  Ms. Fenwick provided background information on Transport Canada’s Canadian Aviation Regulations and Advisories regarding the recreational model aircraft nine-kilometre no fly zone from an airport.

Mr. Semple advised that the matter had been forwarded for consideration at the next scheduled Council/School Board Liaison Committee meeting.

(ii)

Community Services Division Updates

Ms. Fenwick provided an update on the Dog Off-Leash program highlighting that four additional designated areas were installed in August 2014 as part of a pilot program.  In June 2015, signage will be posted in the said areas providing 30 days notice of the termination of the pilot program, and requesting public comment.

Serena Lusk, Senior Manager, Recreation and Sport Services, commented that the staff report on the Minoru complex is anticipated to be presented for Council’s consideration at a future General Purposes Committee meeting.  Ms. Lusk advised that the 2009 Community Needs Assessment, a report that examined participation levels, satisfaction, and needs with the City’s Parks, Recreation and Cultural programs and services, will be updated in 2015 and that a marketing campaign will commence in May.  Also, she advised that ‘Move for Health’ Week is from May 4 to 8, 2015 and culminates with a family friendly event at Minoru Park on Friday, May 8, 2015 at 6:30 p.m.

David Ince, Manager, Community Recreation Services, provided an update on the operating agreements with the Community Centre Associations, noting that a draft agreement is being prepared for the Associations review and comment.

Ms. Bowley-Cowan circulated a memorandum titled ‘Sea Scouts at Britannia Shipyards National Historic Site’ (copy on file, City Clerk’s Office) and provided background information regarding a sailing school program for Summer 2015.

Ms. Fernyhough advised that the Richmond Regional Heritage Fair, exhibiting over 100 projects, will be held at the Richmond Cultural Centre from May 1 to 2, 2015.

Ted DeCrom, Manager, Parks Operations, provided an update on the vandalism and steel cable repairs to the playground equipment at Terra Nova Rural Park.

ADJOURNMENT

It was moved and seconded

That the meeting adjourn (5:19 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, April 28, 2015.

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Councillor Harold Steves
Chair

Heather Howey
Committee Clerk