June 25, 2019 - Minutes

Date:

Tuesday, June 25, 2019

Place:

Anderson Room
Richmond City Hall

Present:

Councillor Harold Steves, Chair
Councillor Chak Au
Councillor Bill McNulty
Councillor Linda McPhail
Councillor Michael Wolfe

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 May 28, 2019, be adopted as circulated.

CARRIED

NEXT COMMITTEE MEETING DATE

Wednesday, July 17, 2019, (tentative date) at 4:00 p.m. in the Anderson Room

The Chair advised that “Memorials for Richmond Veterans” be added to the agenda as Item No. 3A.

COMMUNITY SERVICES DIVISION

1.

Richmond Arts Strategy 2019-2024
(File Ref. No. 01-0340-35-CSER5) (REDMS No. 6189917 v. 3; 6162159)

In reply to queries from Committee, Liesl G. Jauk, Manager Arts Services, advised that (i) adapting and re-purposing spaces, such as shopping malls, has been used in the past for various events and that staff continue to build those relationships for new opportunities, (ii) staff received positive feedback from the Richmond School District with regard to creative tools and resources for youth, (iii) as the Media Lab grows and relocates to a new space, staff will work with their partners to provide more opportunities, and (iv) free space is provided when available, such as during Culture Days.

Discussion took place regarding including Richmond Farmers in the City’s festivals and events.

It was moved and seconded

(1)

That the Richmond Arts Strategy 2019–2024, and companion documents, as outlined in the report titled “Richmond Arts Strategy 2019–2024,” dated June 6, 2019 from the Senior Manager, Arts, Culture and Heritage Services, be adopted; and

(2)

That staff report on progress annually through the Arts Services Year in Review, as outlined in the report titled “Richmond Arts Strategy 2019–2024,” dated June 6, 2019 from the Senior Manager, Arts, Culture and Heritage Services.

CARRIED

2.

Richmond Cultural Centre Proposed Community Mural Public Art Project
(File Ref. No. 11-700-09-20-268) (REDMS No. 6190774 v. 4; 6039766; 6197128)

 In reply to queries from Committee, Biliana Velkova, Public Art Planner, advised that (i) the mural will be on the entire length of the exterior façade and on the columns, (ii) as part of the Terms of Reference, the design of the mural will be decided in consultation with community members, and (iii) the artist was selected based on their qualifications, past experience and project feasibility.

Discussion took place on locations that are suitable for murals throughout the City and it was suggested that staff provide a list of appropriate locations and themes for murals in Richmond for Committee’s information.

It was moved and seconded

That the concept proposal for the Richmond Cultural Centre Community Mural Public Art Project by the artist team Richard Tetrault and Jerry Whitehead, as presented in the staff report titled “Richmond Cultural Centre Proposed Community Mural Public Art Project,” dated May 14, 2019, from the Senior Manager of Arts, Culture and Heritage Services, be endorsed.

CARRIED

In accordance with Section 100 of the Community Charter, Councillor Linda McPhail and Councillor Harold Steves declared to be in a conflict of interest as members of their family have memorial benches and tables, and left the meeting – 4:14 p.m.

Councillor Chak Au assumed the role of Vice-Chair.

3.

Tree, Bench and Picnic Table Dedication Program – Renewals, Term Lengths, Available Spaces, and Number of Plaques
(File Ref. No. 11-7200-30-ADON1) (REDMS No. 6204070 v. 10; 6206016; 6206018; 6206024; 6206045; 6207522; 6206047; 6205289; 6205300)

In reply to queries from Committee, Paul Brar, Manager, Parks Programs, advised that staff are recommending Option 2 as outlined in the staff report, to execute the existing policy but providing a 10-year dedication term extension for the 357 existing program participants.

Discussion took place on potential increasing the renewal fee for dedicated benches and picnic tables and in response to questions from Committee, Mr. Brar noted that (i) the fees were calculated based on cost and maintenance of the tables and benches in 2018, (ii) adding a third plaque to the benches would not permit individuals to sit on a bench without obstructing the plaque, (iii) a 6-month window would be provided to existing program participants to notify staff of their interest in continuing with the program, and (iv) fees are adjusted as costs change.

As a result of the discussion, a motion to increase the renewal fees for dedicated benches and picnic tables was introduced; however failed to receive a seconder.

Discussion further took place on increasing the number of plaques on picnic tables and in response to queries from Committee, Mr. Brar noted that staff are recommending four plaques per picnic table as this is a new program that has been introduced; therefore there is not much demand for more at this time.

It was moved and seconded

(1)

That Option 2 be approved as described in the staff report titled “Tree, Bench and Picnic Table Dedication Program – Renewals, Term Lengths, Available Spaces, and Number of Plaques,” dated June 3, 2019, from the Director, Parks Services;

(2)

That the maximum number of plaques per bench be increased to three and the maximum number of plaques per picnic table be increased to four, as described in the staff report titled “Tree, Bench and Picnic Table Dedication Program – Renewals, Term Lengths, Available Spaces, and Number of Plaques,” dated June 3, 2019, from the Director, Parks Services;

(3)

That Policy 7019 “Tree, Bench and Picnic Table” be amended as proposed in Attachment 7 of the staff report titled “Tree, Bench and Picnic Table Dedication Program – Renewals, Term Lengths, Available Spaces, and Number of Plaques,” dated June 3, 2019, from the Director, Parks Services; and

(4)

That the moratorium on the Tree, Bench and Picnic Table Dedication Program be lifted.

The question on the motion was not called, as the following amendment motion was introduced:

It was moved and seconded

That Part 2 be amended to increase the maximum number of plaques per picnic table to eight.

CARRIED

The question on the main motion as amended, which reads as follows:

(1)

That Option 2 be approved as described in the staff report titled “Tree, Bench and Picnic Table Dedication Program – Renewals, Term Lengths, Available Spaces, and Number of Plaques,” dated June 3, 2019, from the Director, Parks Services;

(2)

That the maximum number of plaques per bench be increased to three and the maximum number of plaques per picnic table be increased to eight, as described in the staff report titled “Tree, Bench and Picnic Table Dedication Program – Renewals, Term Lengths, Available Spaces, and Number of Plaques,” dated June 3, 2019, from the Director, Parks Services;

(3)

That Policy 7019 “Tree, Bench and Picnic Table” be amended as proposed in Attachment 7 of the staff report titled “Tree, Bench and Picnic Table Dedication Program – Renewals, Term Lengths, Available Spaces, and Number of Plaques,” dated June 3, 2019, from the Director, Parks Services; and

(4)

That the moratorium on the Tree, Bench and Picnic Table Dedication Program be lifted.

was then called and it was CARRIED with Cllr. McNulty opposed.

Councillor Linda McPhail and Councillor Harold Steves returned to the meeting – 4:28p.m.

Councillor Harold Steves resumed the role of Chair.

COUNCILLOR CHAK AU

3A.

memorials for Richmond veterans

Councillor Au distributed a news article from the Richmond News regarding Tommy Wong, a Chinese-Canadian on the Royal Canadian Air Force (attached to and forming part of these Minutes as Schedule 1) and noted that it is important to recognize these Richmond heroes for their service.

Discussion took place on recognizing other Richmond veterans that took part in World War 2 and examining manners in which to honour them and history.

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

It was moved and seconded

That staff explore options to recognize Richmond Veterans and others who played a significant role during World War II.

CARRIED

4.

MANAGER’S REPORT

(i)

Municipal Support for Increased Library Access to Digital Publications

Robin Leung, Library Board Chair, and Susan Walters, Chief Librarian, spoke to municipal support for increased library access to digital publications and noted the following information:

§   

libraries are struggling to obtain digital publications due to cost and strict licensing;

§   

libraries and early literacy programs are integral to developing proficient readers and ensuring that kids succeed in school;

§   

literacy programs run by public libraries also help ensure that citizens can contribute to and participate in the digital world; and

§   

digital publication is a crucial tool for participation in the community, as it supports individuals with their education, allows them to seek employment, and learn about Canadian culture.

Discussion took place on supporting increased library access to digital publications and the difficulties faced by the Richmond Public Library.

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

It was moved and seconded

(1)

That the City of Richmond support the draft resolution “Increased Library Access to Digital Publications” provided to the Richmond Public Library by The Canadian Urban Libraries Council  and which is being passed by municipalities across Canada; and

(2)

That the City of Richmond send letters of support for the adopted resolution to local Members of Parliament of the Provincial Legislative Assembly, local Federal Election Candidates, and the Federal Minister of Canadian Heritage.

CARRIED

(ii)

Salmon Festival

Bryan Tasaka, Manager, Major Events and Film, highlighted that the Salmon Festival is taking place on Monday, July 1, 2019, and noted that a Staff Memorandum was distributed to Council with the itinerary.

(iii)

Summer Day camp Programs

David Ince, Manager, Community Recreation Services, highlighted that South Arm hosted a training session on June 22, 2019 for all staff and volunteers for the summer day camps and it was a tremendous success. He advised that the sessions were conducted by City staff and provided leadership skills, inclusion training for special needs, creative programming, designing activities to challenge children physically, water safety and regulatory compliance training.

(iv)

Richmond Walks Program

Elizabeth Ayers, Director, Recreation and Sport Services, highlighted that both the Community Wellness Strategy and Recreation and Sport Strategy envision an active and connected community and showed a video from  Global News that highlighted the Richmond Walks Program and illustrated the importance of physical exercise.

In reply to queries from Committee regarding the Steveston Community Centre report and the report on fishing of the piers in Steveston Village, staff advised that they are anticipated to come forward after the summer break.

ADJOURNMENT

It was moved and seconded

That the meeting adjourn (4:48p.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, June 25, 2019.

_________________________________

_________________________________

Councillor Harold Steves
Chair

Sarah Goddard
Recording Secretary

_________________________________

Councillor Chak Au
Vice-Chair (Item 3 Exclusively)