January 26, 2016 - Minutes

Date:

Tuesday, January 26, 2016

Place:

Anderson Room
Richmond City Hall

Present:

Councillor Harold Steves, Chair
Councillor Ken Johnston
Councillor Carol Day (entered at 4:03 p.m.)
Councillor Bill McNulty
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 November 24, 2015, be adopted as circulated.

CARRIED

NEXT COMMITTEE MEETING DATE

February 23, 2016, (tentative date) at 4:00 p.m. in the Anderson Room

DELEGATIONS

1.

(1)

With the aid of a PowerPoint presentation (copy on file, City Clerk’s Office) and referencing speaking notes (attached to and forming part of these minutes as Schedule 1) Linda Barnes and Marina Szijarto, representing the Richmond Arts Coalition (RAC), briefed Committee on the Richmond Arts Coalition Strategic Plan.

Cllr. Day entered the meeting (4:03 p.m.).

Discussion ensued with respect to (i) the need for local art spaces, (ii) utilizing non-traditional spaces, such as restaurants for art space, and (iii) the economic benefits of the arts.

As a result of the discussion, staff were encouraged to seek comment from the Richmond Arts Coalition on matters related to future proposed City public art projects and that information on the Richmond Arts Coalition be posted on the City website.

Discussion then ensued with regard to the proposed Phoenix Net Loft Artists’ Market on the B.C. Packer site.

In reply to queries from Committee, Ms. Barnes noted that (i) the RAC is working with staff on opportunities for art space in the city, (ii) the RAC is doing outreach to encourage an increase in membership, and (iii) the RAC would express interest to be involved in proposed City arts projects such as the Phoenix Net Loft Artists’ Market.

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

It was moved and seconded

(1)

That the Richmond Arts Coalition Strategic Plan be referred to staff for information; and

(2)

That the report titled, Phoenix Net Loft Artists’ Market, from Mark Glavina and Associates, be forwarded to the Richmond Arts Coalition.

CARRIED

(2)

Dr. Kent Mullinix, Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU), spoke on the Southwest British Columbia Bioregional Food Study conducted by KPU, highlighting the following:

§   

the project is seeking support from municipalities in the region;

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the project focuses on Southwestern British Columbia and aims to explore the food self-reliance potential in region;

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information gathered from the project can be utilized by municipalities, the farming community and entrepreneurs;

§   

approximately $700,000 has been raised towards the project to complement contribution from universities; and

§   

the project is seeking endorsement and a staff liaison from the City.

In reply to queries from Committee, Dr. Mullinix, noted that (i) results from the project would be used in future sustainability programs, (ii) the project is in the final stages and results from the study will be released in the upcoming months, and (iii) the project is fully funded, however additional contribution would enhance the research.

Discussion ensued with regard to (i) historical food self-sufficiency capabilities in the city, (ii) the regional food production system, (iii) future food production, and (iv) how individuals and small scale farmers can utilize the information gathered from the study.

In reply to queries from Committee, Dr. Mullinix noted that (i) KPU’s Farm School program provides information for small scale farmers, (ii) the project has engaged with the Provincial Health Unit, and (iii) the Agricultural Advisory Committee has endorsed the project.

Discussion then ensued regarding the amount of land left unfarmed in the city and the farming history of Richmond.

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

It was moved and seconded

(1)

That the Southwest British Columbia Bioregion Food System Design Project be endorsed; and

(2)

That a staff liaison be assigned for the Project.

CARRIED

COMMUNITY SERVICES DIVISION

2.

Storeys Public Artwork Concept Proposal
(File Ref. No. 11-7000-09-20-183) (REDMS No. 4783628 v. 5)

It was moved and seconded

That the concept proposal and installation for the Storeys integrated public artwork by artist Richard Tetrault, as presented in the report titled “Storeys Public Artwork Concept Proposal,” from the Director, Arts, Culture and Heritage Services, dated January 6, 2016, be endorsed.

The question on the motion was not called as discussion ensued with respect to the dimensions of the art project.

In reply to queries from Committee, Eric Fiss, Public Art Planner, noted that the art piece will be approximately 80 feet long and will not visually obscure the building signage.

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

3.

MANAGER’S REPORT

(i)

Garden City Lands Update

Mike Redpath, Senior Manager, Parks, provided an update to the Garden City Lands (GCL), noting that (i) the design and construction of the trail and water management infrastructure will take place in phases, (ii) approximately five to ten acres will be allocated to KPU for farm use, (iii) the City is the process of developing the GCL’s farm management strategy, and (iv) the communication strategy will engage the community and stakeholders.

In reply to queries from Committee, Jamie Esko, Manager, Park Planning and Design, noted that staff are anticipating that the water resource management strategy for the GCL will be completed in February 2016 and once the hydrology study is completed, more information can be provided to the community and stakeholders.

Discussion ensued with regard to (i) consultation of KPU and other stakeholders on the project, (ii) restoring the GCL site as one parcel, and (iii) the timeline for farming on the GCL.

In reply to queries from Committee, Mr. Redpath advised that staff are in close contact with KPU and that KPU is currently working on funding strategies. He added that KPU is preparing the farm management plan and that he anticipates that the water and ecological management strategy will be completed by June 2016.

Discussion then ensued with respect to (i) the hydrological condition of the GCL, (ii) the phases of consultation and development, (iii) farming portions of the GCL prior to completion of the trail network, and (iv) consulting local farmers on the project.

In reply to queries from Committee, Mr. Redpath noted that the City works closely with KPU and consults with the Agricultural Advisory Committee on matters related to the GCL project.

As a result of the discussion, staff were directed to provide an update Committee on the Garden City Lands at every Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Committee meeting.

(ii)

Minoru Complex Engagement Plan

Elizabeth Ayers, Manager, Community Services Planning and Projects, updated Committee on the Minoru Complex engagement plan, noting that approximately 400 people attended the engagement sessions and that positive feedback was received.

(iii)

Relocation of Richmond Gymnastics Association and Richmond Rod and Gun Club

Gregg Wheeler, Manager, Sport and Community Events, briefed Committee on the relocation of the Richmond Gymnastics Association and the Richmond Rod and Gun Club, noting that leases for their current location will expire in February 2016, prior to the availability of the new location at 7400 River Road in 10 to 12 weeks. He added that staff are working with both organizations on facility arrangements.

ADJOURNMENT

It was moved and seconded

That the meeting adjourn (5:03 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, January 26, 2016.

_________________________________

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Councillor Harold Steves
Chair

Evangel Biason
Legislative Services Coordinator