November 29, 2016 - Minutes

Date:

Tuesday, November 29, 2016

Place:

Anderson Room
Richmond City Hall

Present:

Councillor Harold Steves, Chair
Councillor Ken Johnston
Councillor Carol Day
Councillor Bill McNulty
Councillor Linda McPhail

Also Present:

Councillor Chak Au (entered at 5:29 p.m.)
Councillor Derek Dang

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 October 25, 2016, be adopted as circulated.

CARRIED

NEXT COMMITTEE MEETING DATE

December 21, 2016, (tentative date) at 4:00 p.m. in the Anderson Room

The Chair advised that Minoru Chapel will be considered as Item No. 6A.

DELEGATIONS

1.

(1)

With the aid of a PowerPoint presentation (copy on file, City Clerk’s Office) Eyal Lichtmann, Executive Director of Richmond Animal Protection Society (RAPS), briefed Committee on RAPS’ activities and recent initiatives.

In reply to queries from Committee, Mr. Lichtmann noted that (i) profits from the veterinarian clinic are returned to the organization and helps support veterinarian services for low-income families, (ii) some cats from the cat sanctuary may not be adoptable due to illness, and (iii) any domesticated animals such as guinea pigs or birds can be surrendered to the shelter.

Discussion then ensued with regard to amending bylaws to streamline adoption process of animals and Provincial regulations related to the protection of wild rabbits.

(2)

Linda Barnes and Debbie Tobbin, representing Richmond Arts Coalition (RAC), referenced speaking notes (attached to and forming part of these minutes as Schedule 1) and spoke on RAC’s activities, highlighting that (i) RAC is actively promoting art on social media, (ii) the RAC has developed new community partnerships, (iii) the RAC is involved in community events such as the Richmond Maritime Arts Festival, and (iv) the RAC is seeking to hire an executive director in the future.

Discussion ensued with regard to working with the City and local businesses to increase art space in the community and increasing the RAC’s membership fees.

In reply to queries from Committee, Ms. Barnes noted that the Art at Work Workshops is a resource for artists in the community and is organized in partnership with the Richmond Art Gallery.

COMMUNITY SERVICES DIVISION

2.

baseball facility development in Richmond
(File Ref. No. 11-7000-01) (REDMS No. 5215345 v. 4)

In reply to queries from Committee, Gregg Wheeler, Manager, Sport and Community Events, noted that (i) the baseball program at King George Park will be continuing, (ii) repurposing softball diamonds for baseball at Palmer/Garden City Neighbourhood School Park was discussed at a recent Sports Council meeting, and (iii) the Richmond Boys Fastball Association has advised the City that they will not be using the playing fields at Palmer/Garden City Neighbourhood Park and will be moving the older age group to Steveston Park.

Discussion then ensued with regard to the consistency of the term agreements with sport groups and the changing demographics of participants in baseball and softball in the city.

It was moved and seconded

That staff develop an Operating Agreement with Richmond City Baseball Association for the operation and management of the concession at Palmer/Garden City Neighbourhood School Park, as detailed in the staff report titled “Baseball Facility Development in Richmond,” dated November 8, 2016, from the Senior Manager, Recreation and Sport Services.

CARRIED

3.

2016 metro vancouver regional food system action plan
(File Ref. No. 11-7000-01) (REDMS No. 4838223 v. 3)

Marie Fenwick, Manager, Parks Programs, reviewed the 2016 Metro Vancouver Regional Food System Action Plan, noting that an offer of sponsorship for the proposed tractor at the Sharing Farm has been received and will be brought to Council as part of the 2016 budget process.

In reply to queries from Committee, Mike Redpath, Senior Manager, Parks, noted that staff can discuss forwarding the Action Plan to the Premier with Metro Vancouver.

Discussion ensued with regard to (i) the efficient distribution of perishable food, (ii) collaborating with other municipalities on the matter, and (ii) the Water Seminar hosted by Kwantlen Polytechnic University.

Anita Gregory, representing the Richmond Food Security Society, expressed support for the Action Plan and commented on (i) increasing the dietary consumption of fruits and vegetables. (ii) the high demand of community garden plots, and (iii) supporting local farming efforts.

Anne Swan, representing Vancouver Coastal Health, expressed support for the Action Plan and commented on food security and advocating for access to healthy food.

It was moved and seconded

That the 2016 Metro Vancouver Regional Food System Action Plan, provided as Attachment 1, as detailed in the staff report titled “2016 Metro Vancouver Regional Food System Action Plan,” dated November 8, 2016, from the Senior Manager, Parks, be endorsed as a guide for future planning purposes.

CARRIED

4.

maritime vessel management and operational plan at britannia shipyards national historic site
(File Ref. No. 11-7140-20-BSHI1) (REDMS No. 5210763 v. 9)

Discussion ensued regarding the M.V. Fleetwood in relation to (i) the proposed restoration options and costs, (ii) its historical significance, and (iii) its current condition.

The Chair distributed historical information on the M.V. Fleetwood (attached to and forming part of these minutes as Schedule 2).

In reply to queries from Committee, Mr. Redpath and Dee Bowley-Cowan. Britannia Site Supervisor, noted that (i) staff are recommending that the M.V. Fleetwood’s ownership be transferred to the City, (ii) the M.V. Fleetwood is currently in dry land storage, and (iii) insurance is not required for the M.V. Fleetwood.

Discussion ensued with regard to (i) the status and restoration of the M.V. Burnaby, (ii) the condition of and maintenance required for the historical vessels, (iii) utilizing the Public Art Reserve Fund to restore the M.V. Fleetwood as a public art project as per the referral, (iv) hiring a shipwright for the restoration project, and (v) the long-term plan of the Britannia Shipyards National Historic Site.

Discussion then took place regarding options to restore or display the historical boats and it was suggested that staff provide Council with information on the status of all the historical vessels.

It was moved and seconded

(1)

That the City of Richmond Maritime Vessel Management and Operational Plan as detailed in the staff report titled “Maritime Vessel Management and Operational Plan at Britannia Shipyards National Historic Site” dated November 9, 2016, from the Senior Manager, Parks, be approved;

(2)

That the City of Richmond accept the transfer of asset of the M.V. Fleetwood from the Britannia Heritage Shipyard Society; and

(3)

That the M.V. Burnaby restoration program as detailed in the staff report titled “Maritime Vessel Management and Operational Plan at Britannia Shipyards National Historic Site” dated November 9, 2016, from the Senior Manager, Parks, be approved.

CARRIED
Opposed: Cllr. Johnston

Cllr. Dang  left the meeting (5:13 p.m.) and returned (5:15 p.m.).

5.

richmond school board – school closure process
(File Ref. No. 11-7200-01) (REDMS No. 5208965 v. 7)

It was suggested that the letter to Province express the City’s strong support for Richmond School District No. 38 and advocate to increase funding and maximize use of existing school facilities.

It was moved and seconded

That a letter be sent to the British Columbia Premier, the British Columbia Minister of Education, and the Richmond Members of the Legislative Assembly, in support of School District No. 38 (Richmond)’s request for seismic remediation funding for all schools in Richmond in need of seismic upgrades to ensure the long-term safety of students and school staff, as detailed in the staff report titled “Richmond School Board – School Closure Process,” dated November 8, 2016, from the Senior Manager, Parks.

CARRIED

6.

SOUTH ARM COMMUNITY CENTRE UPGRADES
(File Ref. No.:  11-7125-01) (REDMS No. 4911243 v. 48)

Discussion ensued with regard to the funding contributions from senior levels of government.

It was moved and seconded

That $500,000 from the Council Community Initiatives Fund be considered in the 2017 budget process to assist in funding renovations to the South Arm Community Centre fitness centre as described in the staff report titled, “South Arm Community Centre Fitness Centre Upgrades,” dated November 15, 2016, from the Senior Manager, Recreation and Sport Services.

CARRIED

Cllr. Au entered the meeting (5:29 p.m.).

6A.

MINORU CHAPEL
(File Ref. No.)

Information on the Minoru Chapel and other local facilities was distributed (attached to and forming part of these minutes as Schedule 3) and discussion ensued with regard to (i) the rental rate of the Minoru Chapel in comparison to other local facilities, (ii) reducing the rental rate for Richmond residents or during non-peak times, and (iii) reviewing rental rates of other facilities in the city.

In reply to queries from Committee, Jane Fernyhough, Director, Arts, Culture and Heritage Services, noted that the operator of the Minoru Chapel offers above rate packages that includes items and amenities such as janitorial service, music, officiants and décor. She added that the rates are comparable to other facilities when the additional amenities are considered.

Discussion then ensued with regard to the operation of the Minoru Chapel and the role of City in setting rental rates.

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

It was moved and seconded

(1)

Whereas the Minoru Chapel is an Iconic Richmond heritage Building and many Richmond residents cannot afford to pay the $2,800 to $3,300 fee for a 90 minutes wedding booking; and

(2)

Whereas the bookings of the Minoru Chapel have been contracted to “the Chapel Group”, a Vancouver based company that books venues such as the Stanley Park Chapel and Queen Elizabeth chapel;

(3)

That staff be directed to report to Council:

(a)

the total for rental booking in the last 3 years and the profits paid to “The Chapel Group”;

(b)

the options for affordable Minoru Chapel booking rates that give priority to lifelong Richmond residents and offers favourable rates during non-peak times and weekdays; and

(c)

a review of the wedding rental rates of other facilities in the city.

DEFEATED
Opposed: Cllrs. Johnston
McNulty
McPhail

7.

COMMITTEE STANDING ITEM

(i)

Garden City Lands

Jamie Esko, Manager, Parks Planning, Design and Construction, provided an update on the Garden City Lands, noting that some work on the site has been suspended due to the weather.

In reply to queries from Committee, a representative from Tetra Tech noted that gravel was chosen as the material for the central trail instead of clay because of its constructability, resistance to water, and availability.

Discussion ensued with regard to uses for the central trail and future farming use.

8.

MANAGER’S REPORT

None.

ADJOURNMENT

It was moved and seconded

That the meeting adjourn (5:40 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, November 29, 2016.

_________________________________

_________________________________

Councillor Harold Steves
Chair

Evangel Biason
Legislative Services Coordinator