February 27, 2018 - Minutes

Date:

Tuesday, February 27, 2018

Place:

Anderson Room
Richmond City Hall

Present:

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

Absent:

Councillor Linda McPhail

Also Present:

Councillor Alexa Loo

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 January 30, 2018, be adopted as circulated.

CARRIED

NEXT COMMITTEE MEETING DATE

March 27, 2018, (tentative date) at 4:00 p.m. in the Anderson Room

PRESENTATION

1.

Jamie Esko, Manager, Parks Planning, Design and Construction, with the aid of a PowerPoint presentation (copy on file, City Clerk’s Office) provided the following information:

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in September 2017, Richmond was invited to attend the 11^th International Garden Festival in Zhengzhou;

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during a tour of Zhengzhou it was noted that the financial centre was constructed in a short time to support the airport economy zone;

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the city of Zhengzhou has a population of nine million people and is the capital of Henan Province;

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an intricate network of cycling and pedestrian corridors line the major routes in Zhengzhou;

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74 cities from China and 11 international cities were invited to attend the exposition;

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following the exposition, the Garden will become a public park;

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the Richmond garden component has many design elements, such as water to represent the Fraser River, geometric shapes to evoke the grid of both city and agricultural patterns characteristic of Richmond, and panels of images of Richmond and Vancouver to give visitors a greater understanding of local landmarks and landscapes;

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international visitors were invited on a tour of historical cities, such as Dengfeng, home of Shaolin  Buddhism and Kung Fu, and the temple where it is believed that Shaolin Buddhism began;

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Kaifeng, once the capital of China,  is renowned for its Chrysanthemum Festival; and

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the Chrysanthemum  Festival site is a park that projects out into a lake, crowned by a historic temple.

Ms. Esko then noted that the relationship between the City and Zhengzhou will move to the next phase. As a result, she noted that 1,600 square metres of Aberdeen Park will be developed into the Zhengzhou garden according to concepts provided by the Chinese Society of Landscape and Architecture and the Chinese Association of Parks.  She then advised that the design is based on a Zen Buddhist garden philosophy and will include water features and a pavilion and will encourage quiet contemplation.  Ms. Esko noted that plants and materials similar and native to the Henan Province will be incorporated into the garden.  She then advised that the Zhengzhou garden will be constructed once detailed design and cost estimates have been completed by the City and is anticipated to open in 2019.

COMMUNITY SERVICES DIVISION

2.

Moorage at Steveston Harbour 
(File Ref. No. 06-2345-20-ILAN1) (REDMS No. 5677600 v.13)

Marie Fenwick, Manager, Museum and Heritage Services, advised that the draft business plan for the Britannia Shipyards has been received and is currently with the Britannia Heritage Shipyard Society for comments.

In reply to queries from Committee, Serena Lusk, General Manager, Community Services, advised that the business plan was forwarded to the Britannia Heritage Shipyard Society to seek community input and consultation prior to presenting it to Council.

In reply to a query form Committee, Jane Fernyhough, Director, Arts, Culture and Heritage Services, advised that a report is forthcoming on the Phoenix Gillnet Loft. 

Ms. Lusk noted that a memorandum will be provided to Committee with information on contracts for the Britannia Heritage Shipyard Society and Steveston Historical Society.

Discussion took place with regard to the Britannia Shipyards business plan and Committee requested that the plan be forwarded to the Steveston Historic Sites Building Committee for review.

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

It was moved and seconded

(1)

That the staff report titled “Moorage at Steveston Harbour”, dated February 6, 2018, from the General Manager, Community Services, be received for information; and

(2)

That staff forward the Britannia Shipyards business plan to the Steveston Historic Sites Building Committee for review.

CARRIED

3.

Tree, Bench and Picnic Table Dedication Program
(File Ref. No. 11-7200-30-ADON1) (REDMS No. 5690948 v.18)

In reply to queries from Committee, Paul Brar, Manager, Parks Programs, advised that the renewal fee for a bench or table ensures replacement should they be in disrepair.  Mr. Brar noted that should the bench or table be in good condition, restoration would be delayed until necessary, however the renewal fee would still be collected for future repairs. . 

Ted deCrom, Manager, Parks Operations, advised that staff conduct an inventory review annually to ensure that all parks furniture is in proper condition.

Mr. Brar noted that many new benches are being added around the City and that staff make an effort to include as many as possible to fit with park designs.

In reply to a query from Committee, Elizabeth Ayers, Manager, Community Services Planning and Projects, advised that memorial benches indoors, has not been considered thus far as there is higher usage of the equipment thereby resulting in more frequent replacement.; however noted that staff can examine the matter. 

Mr. Brar advised that four memorial plaques may be placed on a picnic table; however picnic tables are not as popular a location as benches.  He noted that other municipalities only incorporate up to two plaques on each table or bench, therefore the City of Richmond only recommends two plaques per location.

It was moved and seconded

(1)

That Policy 7019 “Tree, Bench and Picnic Table” be amended as proposed in Attachment 1 of the staff report titled “Tree, Bench and Picnic Table Dedication,” dated February 19, 2018, from the General Manager, Community Services; and

(2)

That Fee Schedule 7019.01 “Tree, Bench and Picnic Table” be updated to reflect 2018 operating and maintenance costs for the Tree, Bench and Picnic Table Dedication program as detailed in the staff report titled “Tree, Bench and Picnic Table Dedication,” dated February 19, 2018, from the General Manager, Community Services.

CARRIED

4.

Garden City Lands Project Update
(File Ref. No. 06-2345-20-GCIT1) (REDMS No. 5736429 v.3)

With the aid of a visual presentation, Alexander Kurnicki, Research Planner 2, noted that the work completed in 2017 will allow for the recreational and agricultural use of the land and as a result, active use of the site can begin this year. He advised that Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) will begin farming in Spring 2018 and stated that all activities underway have been approved by the Agricultural Land Commission (ALC) and is consistent with their guidelines and policies.

In reply to queries from Committee, Mr. Kurnicki advised that all water in the pond is only being filled with precipitation.  He noted that (i) the soil that was imported in 2017 to the site is not contaminated, (ii) a soil amendment plan developed and created by McTavish Resource and Management Consultants Ltd.  has been submitted to the ALC, (iii) the ALC has reviewed the plan and is supportive of implementing it, (iv) a cover crop was planted and it has germinated, and (v) compost, manure, and peat will be added to the soil to improve the quality of the soil to be consistent with the approved McTavish plan.

In reply to further queries from Committee, Mr. Kurnicki advised that staff are confident (i) with McTavish Resource and Management Consultants Ltd.’s assessment of the site, and (ii) that the soil as described in the report can be amended to meet the appropriate criteria.

Ms. Lusk advised that any other non-farm use permits for the site will go through the City’s development applications process.

It was moved and seconded

That the staff report titled “Garden City Lands Project Update,” dated February 14, 2018, from the General Manager, Community Services be received for information.

CARRIED

5.

West Cambie Neighbourhood Park Master Plan and Public Art Capital Project
(File Ref. No. 06-2345-20-WCAM1) (REDMS No. 5703728 v.9)

Ms. Esko, with the aid of a visual presentation, provided an overview of the West Cambie Neighbourhood Park Master Plan, noting that it incorporates some of the existing features of the current park.  She advised that a public consultation was conducted with the surrounding neighbourhood and constructive feedback was received.  Ms. Esko highlighted that the park will feature a gathering area, an amphitheatre, and public art.  She also noted that pedestrian and cycling routes in the park.  She advised that there will be lots of children’s play and natural play areas as well as a fenced off -leash dog area.  Ms. Esko then noted that many trees and shrubs will be planted to ensure habitats for a range of species as well as a meadow for pastoral landscape.  She then advised that there is an opportunity for future expansion of the Alexandra District Energy Utility building and the Geoexchange field.

Photographs of pergolas at the Getty Museum in Los Angeles were distributed (attached to and forming part of these Minutes as Schedule 1) and discussion ensued on the pergola structure for the West Cambie Neighbourhood Park. It was noted that laminated veneer lumber may not be sustainable.

In reply to queries from committee, Eric Fiss, Public Art Planner, advised that the design team identified laminated veneer lumber as a sustainable product for the pergola garden structure.  He advised that staff can continue to work with the design team to ensure the most sustainable products are used for longevity.

 Discussion took place on Part (3) of the staff recommendation, and it was noted that it would be  valuable to reference the funding source for the West Cambie Neighbourhood Park Public Art Project as the project will be funded from funds from previous private development public art contributions for the West Cambie Alexandra Neighbourhood.

It was moved and seconded

(1)

That the West Cambie Neighbourhood Park Master Plan, as detailed in the staff report titled “West Cambie Neighbourhood Park Master Plan and Public Art Capital Project,” dated February 6, 2018, from the General Manager, Community Services, and the Director of Arts, Culture and Heritage Services be approved;

(2)

That the concept proposal for the proposed public artwork for the West Cambie Neighbourhood Park, titled “Pergola Garden,” by the artist team Polymétis Projects, as detailed in the staff report titled “West Cambie Neighbourhood Park Master Plan and Public Art Capital Project,” dated February 6, 2018, from the General Manager, Community Services, and the Director of Arts, Culture and Heritage Services, be endorsed;

(3)

That the West Cambie Neighbourhood Park Public Art Project for $725,000 be approved and included in the 2018 Capital Budget; and

(4)

That the City’s 5-Year Financial Plan (2018–2022) be amended to include the $725,000 for the West Cambie Neighbourhood Park Public Art Project funded by the Public Art Reserve.

CARRIED

Opposed: Cllr. Day

6.

Capstan Village Public Art Plan
(File Ref. No. 11-7000-00) (REDMS No. 5699193 v.5)

It was moved and seconded

That the staff report titled “Capstan Village Public Art Plan,” dated January 23, 2018, from the Director, Arts Culture and Heritage Services, developed as a guide for the placement of public art in Capstan Village, be approved.

CARRIED

7.

Richmond Public Art Program 2017 Annual Report and Public Art Advisory Committee 2018 Work Plan
(File Ref. No. 01-0100-30-RPAR1-01) (REDMS No. 5728425 v.2)

It was moved and seconded

That the Richmond Public Art Advisory Committee 2018 Work Plan, as presented in the report titled “Richmond Public Art Program 2017 Annual Report and Public Art Advisory Committee 2018 Work Plan,” dated February 8, 2018, from the Director, Arts, Culture and Heritage Services, be approved.

CARRIED

8.

MANAGER’S REPORT

(i)

Erase Bullying Day

David Ince, Manager, Community Recreation Services, advised that February 28, 2018 is Erase Bullying Day.  He noted that City staff and the Richmond School District have collaborated and put on poster and video contests.   Mr. Ince then advised that there are opportunities around the city to participate in bullying prevention activities and that staff and instructors will be wearing pink.

(ii)

Staff Introduction

Ms. Esko introduced Kevin Fraser, Park Planner, noting that he has a master’s degree in Urban Planning and Landscape Architecture. 

ADJOURNMENT

It was moved and seconded

That the meeting adjourn (4:53 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 27, 2018.

_________________________________

_______________________________

Councillor Harold Steves
Chair

Sarah Kurian
Legislative Services Coordinator