October 29, 2019 - Minutes

Date:

Tuesday, October 29, 2019

Place:

Anderson Room
Richmond City Hall

Present:

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

Also Present:

Councillor Carol Day

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 September 24, 2019, be adopted as circulated.

CARRIED

NEXT COMMITTEE MEETING DATE

November 26, 2019, (tentative date) at 4:00 p.m. in the Anderson Room

DELEGATIONS

1.

With the aid of a PowerPoint presentation (copy on-file, City Clerk’s Office) Lyda Salatian, Founder and Executive Director, Green Teams of Canada, presented a proposal for a fee-for-service partnership between the City of Richmond and Green Teams of Canada, noting that (i) Green Teams organize environmentally related events such as park clean up and invasive species removal in various communities in the Lower Mainland, (ii) a summary report of each event is typically provided, (iii) the proposed partnership would be for a two-year term and cost approximately $20,000, (iv) other communities in the Lower Mainland have partnered with Green Teams, and (v) Federal funding grants for Green Teams could only be secured during the group’s initial phases.

Discussion ensued with regard to (i) participation by Richmond residents, (ii) the Green Team’s organizational and funding structure, (iii) identifying potential projects in Richmond, and (iv) collaborating with existing community environmental programs.

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

It was moved and seconded

(1)

That the partnership proposal from the Green Teams of Canada be referred to staff; and

(2)

That staff examine potential environmental-related projects in Richmond;

and report back.

CARRIED

AGENDA ADDITIONS

The Chair advised that The Dugout Club will be considered as Item No. 2A, Richmond 140th Anniversary Gala and Awards Ceremony as Item No. 2B, Update of Tree Protection Bylaw No. 8057 as Item No. 2C, Steveston Harbour Authority Archway Along Sixth Avenue as Item No. 2D, “Parks Afloat” Moorage at Imperial Landing as Item No. 2E, and “Parks Afloat” Garry Point Legacy Pier, Moorage at Garry Point Park as Item No. 2F.

COMMUNITY SERVICES DIVISION

2.

Steveston Heritage Sites Update 
(File Ref. No. 11-7000-01) (REDMS No. 6319822 v. 3)

Discussion ensued with regard to (i) incorporating representatives from Richmond heritage organizations in the Richmond Museum Society Board, (ii) strengthening existing heritage sites, (iii) incorporating native plants in the historical sites, and (iv) the financial impact of development and preserving heritage sites.

In reply to queries from Committee, staff noted that there will be collaboration opportunities with community groups such as the Steveston Historical Society and the Richmond Museum Society on future development of heritage sites, and there is program capacity in the sites to accommodate an increase in interest from school groups.

Cllr. Day left the meeting (4:37 p.m.) and returned (4:39 p.m.).

It was moved and seconded

That staff develop a Steveston Heritage Sites Interpretive Plan to guide the future conservation, interpretation, exhibit and program development of City-owned heritage sites in Steveston, as described in the staff report titled “Steveston Heritage Sites Update,” dated October 4, 2019, from the Director, Arts, Culture and Heritage Services.

The question on the motion was not called as discussion ensued with regard to improving signage of the heritage sites and it was suggested that heritage signage be standardized throughout the city.

As a result of discussion staff were directed to examine changing the terminology of “Steveston Heritage sites” to “Steveston Heritage belt.”

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

The Chair referenced a referral motion introduced at the May 7, 2018 General Purposes Committee to examine the possibility of creating a new museum group with representatives from all individual heritage sites and suggested that another referral on the matter be introduced.

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

It was moved and seconded

That staff look at possibility of restoring the original Richmond Museum Board to include representatives of other heritage sites.

The question on the motion was not called as staff noted that the various Richmond Heritage groups have advised their preference to participate the Richmond Museum Board’s Annual General Meeting.

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

2A.

the dUGoUT cLUB 
(File Ref. No.)

A letter from the Dugout Club, dated October 28, 2019, requesting the City’s support for the Dugout Club’s proposed grant application to the Vancouver Canadians Baseball Foundation was distributed (attached to and forming part of these minutes as
Schedule 1). It was noted that should the application proceed, the grant would provide $50,000 and would help fund baseball playing field improvements in the East Richmond community.

Discussion ensued with regard to potential materials such as artificial turf that can be used for the playing field improvements and the timeline for the application submission.

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

It was moved and seconded

That the request for City support from the Dugout Club be referred to staff and that staff work with the Dugout Club on the documentation required, including a letter of support, for their grant application to the Vancouver Canadians Baseball Foundation.

The question on the referral motion was not called as discussion ensued with regard to safety concerns related to artificial turf.

In reply to queries from Committee, Serj Sangara, Director, The Dugout Club, noted that there are concerns with field maintenance and natural field conditions during inclement weather. He added that alternatives to artificial turf can be examined or the funds could be used for more general improvements.

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

2B.

Richmond 140^th Anniversary Gala and Awards ceremony 
(File Ref. No.)

Information on the proposal from the North American Artists Association to organize a Richmond 140^th Anniversary Gala and Awards Ceremony was distributed (attached to and forming part of these minutes as Schedule 2).

It was noted that the proposed event, scheduled for December 15, 2019 at the River Rock Casino would celebrate Richmond’s 140^th anniversary and would recognize individuals who have made contributions to the city.

Representatives from the North American Artists Association, spoke on the event, noting that (i) the organizing group is seeking input from the City on aspects of the city’s history and assistance to promote the event, (ii) the event is funded privately, and (iii) performances would include singing and dancing and would showcase all of Richmond’s cultures.

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

It was moved and seconded

That proposal from the North American Artists Association to organize a Richmond 140^th Anniversary Gala and Awards Ceremony be referred to staff to consider the City providing expertise in the planning of the proposed event program.

The question on the motion was not called as discussion ensued with regard to (i) incorporating cultural groups and the First Nation in the event, (ii) the limited timeline to organize the event and (iii) the proposed award nomination process.

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

2C.

uPDATE OF TREE PROTECTION bYLAW NO. 8057 
(File Ref. No.)

Information related to the proposed resolution on the updating the Tree Protection Bylaw No. 8057 was distributed (attached to and forming part of these minutes as Schedule 3).

Discussion ensued with regard to updating the Tree Protection Bylaw No. 8057 to focus on tree retention and maintaining the city’s tree canopy

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

It was moved and seconded

WHEREAS, Richmond has policies to protect trees, yet the trend is that our tree canopy is declining rapidly on residential, industrial, commercial, and agricultural lands, in addition to loses in the remaining natural spaces known as Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESAs);

WHEREAS, the priority has been on tree replacement, not tree retention, as the new trees are often limited in their root expansion potential due to hard packed fill. The infraction rates are also too low to deter landscaping techniques that cause tree mortality. There are exemptions that result in tree injury and a lack of habitat enhancement regulations, such as preserving low vegetation species and carbon-sequestering covers that offer high permeability;

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Richmond hereby supports the advice from the Advisory Committee on the Environment, to update the Tree Protection Bylaw No. 8057,  for evaluation and public consultation to modernize it and bring it into line with community expectations and the better practices to retain and grow our urban forest.

The question on the resolution was not called as discussion ensued with regard to referral of the resolution to the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Committee and Planning Committee or the General Purposes Committee.

In reply to queries from Committee, staff noted that a report on the Public Tree Management Strategy is forthcoming in November 2019.

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

It was moved and seconded

That the aspects of the following resolution related to Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services

WHEREAS, Richmond has policies to protect trees, yet the trend is that our tree canopy is declining rapidly on residential, industrial, commercial, and agricultural lands, in addition to loses in the remaining natural spaces known as Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESAs);

WHEREAS, the priority has been on tree replacement, not tree retention, as the new trees are often limited in their root expansion potential due to hard packed fill. The infraction rates are also too low to deter landscaping techniques that cause tree mortality. There are exemptions that result in tree injury and a lack of habitat enhancement regulations, such as preserving low vegetation species and carbon-sequestering covers that offer high permeability;

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Richmond hereby supports the advice from the Advisory Committee on the Environment, to update the Tree Protection Bylaw No. 8057,  for evaluation and public consultation to modernize it and bring it into line with community expectations and the better practices to retain and grow our urban forest.

be referred to Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services staff for consideration.

CARRIED

2D.

Steveston Harbour Authority Archway Along Sixth Avenue 
(File Ref. No.)

A letter from the Steveston Harbour Authority regarding a funding request for $50,000 towards a proposed archway along Sixth Avenue, dated October 28, 2019 was distributed (attached to and forming part of these minutes as Schedule 4).

The Chair spoke to the funding request from the Steveston Harbour Authority (SHA) and referenced a referral previously introduced at the September 25, 2018 Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Committee meeting related to staff consideration of a new archway on City property at Sixth Avenue, including options to showcase the heritage value of the proposed archway location. He suggested that staff consider the funding request from SHA in conjunction with the previous referral on the matter.

Discussion ensued with regard to potential funding opportunities for the proposed archway.

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

It was moved and seconded

That the letter from the Steveston Harbour Authority, dated October 28, 2019, on the proposed Archway along Sixth Avenue, be referred to staff to consider potential funding opportunities, and report back.

CARRIED

2E.

“Parks Afloat” Moorage at Imperial Landing 
(File Ref. No.)

The Chair distributed information related to a potential moorage at Imperial Landing (attached and forming part of these minutes as Schedule 5) and referenced a report to the February 27, 2018 Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Committee meeting on the matter.

Discussion ensued with regard to previous referrals to staff to examine dredging the area between the Imperial Landing float and the shore to accommodate small water craft and moorage options for boats.

As a result the following referral motion was introduced:

It was moved and seconded

(1)

That staff investigate the actual depth between the east wing of the Imperial landing float and the dyke to determine if it is deep enough for small boats;

(2)

That staff determine how deep the area can be dredged without requiring sheet piling;

(3)

That staff investigate the possibility of using used floats and estimate the costs for constructing floats for small craft;

(4)

That staff prepare an accurate estimate for the cost of sheet piling if required; and

(5)

That staff consider the optimal model for mooring boats on a City waterfront.

CARRIED

2F.

“Parks Afloat” GARRY POINT LEGACY PIER, MOORAGE AT GARRY POINT PARK 
(File Ref. No.)

The Chair distributed information related to a Garry Point Legacy Pier, Moorage At Garry Point Park (attached and forming part of these minutes as Schedule 6) and referenced a referral on matter made to staff in 2014.

Discussion ensued with regard to (i) options to develop a permanent float on the City owned water-lot in Garry Point, (ii) potential uses of the float, and (iii) cost estimates of float development.

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

It was moved and seconded

(1)

That staff prepare a revised plan for the Garry Point Legacy Pier containing it entirely on City owned land and water-lot; and

(2)

That staff prepare cost estimates for a float containing both two and three sections of the four section float originally proposed.

The question on the motion was not called as discussion ensued with regard to cost mitigation and recovery options.

In reply to queries from Committee, staff noted that a previous report on options for a permanent float was presented to Council but was not recommended by staff due to estimated project costs. It was suggested that the feasibility of the project could be improved through design adjustments to the proposal that could reduce costs.

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

3.

MANAGER’S REPORT

(i)

Manager of Museum and Heritage Services

Rebecca Clarke was introduced as the new Manager, Museum and Heritage Services.

(ii)

Halloween Events

Staff noted that various Halloween events will be taking place at the City’s recreation facilities and that public community firework displays are scheduled for Halloween night. Staff added that City staff, including Richmond Fire-Rescue, Bylaws staff, alongside the Richmond RCMP will be active to ensure a safe Halloween night for residents. It was further noted that residents can call the Richmond RCMP’s non-emergency line to report illegal fireworks.

(iii)

New Recreation Program and Facility Booking Registration System

Staff noted that the new Recreation Program Registration System will be operational on November 6, 2019. Staff added that in the two days leading to the system’s launch, the current system will be unavailable. It was noted that participants will still be able to attend programs during the shutdown, however will not be able to register in new programs and that additional staff will be available to assist registrants on launch day.

(iv)

Garden City Lands

Staff noted that a report on the Garden City Lands is forthcoming in November 2019.

Cllr. Day left the meeting (5:45 p.m.).

ADJOURNMENT

It was moved and seconded

That the meeting adjourn (5:46 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, October 29, 2019.

_________________________________

_________________________________

Councillor Harold Steves
Chair

Evangel Biason
Legislative Services Coordinator