February 25, 2020 - Minutes

Date:

Tuesday, February 25, 2020

Place:

Anderson Room
Richmond City Hall

Present:

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

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 January 28, 2020, be adopted as circulated.

CARRIED

NEXT COMMITTEE MEETING DATE

March 24, 2020, (tentative date) at 4:00 p.m. in the Anderson Room

COMMUNITY SERVICES DIVISION

1.

Recognition of World War II Richmond Veterans 
(File Ref. No. 11-7000-01) (REDMS No. 6386576 v. 4)

Discussion ensued with regard to (i) additional initiatives to recognize Richmond veterans such as provisions for free parking, (ii) events related to the recognition of veterans held by the Richmond School District No. 38, and (iii) recognition of other groups such as the Royal Canadian Legion and Cadets.

In reply to queries, staff noted that Richmond veterans were provided free parking in 2006.

It was moved and seconded

That the staff report titled, “Recognition of World War II Richmond Veterans”, from the Director, Arts, Culture and Heritage Services, dated January 21, 2020 be received for information.

CARRIED

2.

Alexandra Greenway Integrated Public Art Project Terms of Reference 
(File Ref. No. 11-7000-09-20-281) (REDMS No. 6359313 v. 2)

Discussion ensued with regard to incorporating the biodiversity of the Alexandra Greenway into the public art project.

In reply to queries from Committee, staff noted that the material used for the art project is similar to the materials used to delineate cycling lanes and has an anticipated lifespan of approximately 15 years. Staff added that additional information on the material can be provided to Council.

It was moved and seconded

(1)

That the Alexandra Greenway Integrated Public Art Project for $50,000 be approved and funded by the Public Art Reserve;

(2)

That the Consolidated 5 Year Financial Plan (2020-2024) be amended accordingly; and

(3)

That the Alexandra Greenway Integrated Public Art Project Call to Artists provided in Attachment 4 in the staff report titled, “Alexandra Greenway Integrated Public Art Project Terms of Reference”, dated January 6, 2020, from the Director, Arts, Culture and Heritage Services, be approved.

CARRIED

3.

Richmond Public Art Program 2019 Annual Highlights and Public Art Advisory Committee 2020 Work Plan 
(File Ref. No. 11-7000-09-01) (REDMS No. 6344647 v. 2)

Discussion ensued with regard to utilizing local artists in public art projects.

It was moved and seconded

That the Richmond Public Art Advisory Committee 2020 Work Plan, as presented in the staff report titled “Richmond Public Art Program 2019 Annual Highlights and Public Art Advisory Committee 2020 Work Plan”, dated January 27, 2020, from the Director, Arts, Culture and Heritage Services, be approved.

CARRIED

Cllr. Au left the meeting (4:13 p.m.).

4.

Standard of Vegetation Maintenance for Parks and Boulevards 
(File Ref. No. 11-7200-01/2019) (REDMS No. 6292574 v. 25)

Cllr. Au returned to the meeting (4:14 p.m.).

Staff briefed Committee on options to vary the frequency of vegetation maintenance to respond to public feedback to enhance vegetation maintenance.

Discussion ensued with regard to retaining taller grass in certain areas of parks to support wildlife in the area and maintenance of paved trail edges.

It was moved and seconded

That the staff report titled “Standard of Vegetation Maintenance for Parks and Boulevards”, dated January 28, 2020, from the Director, Parks Services, be received for information.

CARRIED

The Chair advised that members of the public will have the opportunity to speak to matters related to the tree removal process along the River Road dikes.

Steven Easterbrook, Richmond resident, expressed concern with regard to the tree removal process along the River Road dikes, noting that he has observed wildlife in the area such as eagles and herons. Also, he expressed that public notice of the tree removal was not adequate and encouraged the City to consider alternatives to upgrade the dikes without removing trees in the area.

Staff spoke on the tree removal related to dike maintenance along River Road, noting that (i) staff will review options to enhance communication protocols with area residents including direct mail notification, (ii) the roots of cottonwood trees are associated with erosion along the dike which could lead to dike failure, (iii) maintenance of this portion of the dike is critical prior to the upcoming spring runoff, (iii) replacement of the trees will be completed with a three to one ratio, (iv) the current maintenance of this section of the dike is not related to future upgrades of Richmond’s dike system, (v) environmental professionals have assessed the site and recorded the wildlife in the area, (vi) there are special protocols to relocate wildlife and restrictions to remove trees occupied by certain types of wildlife, (vii) options to retain the cottonwood trees are constrained by the amount of required land, and (viii) that staff will be providing more information related to future upgrades to Richmond’s dike system.

Discussion ensued with regard to (i) options to pause maintenance work to protect wildlife habitat in the area, (ii) options to retain the trees in future maintenance work, (iii) selecting suitable replacement tree species, (iv) enhancing communication strategies, including direct mail notification and signage, (v) options to install artificial nesting roosts, (vi) historical incidents of dike failure in the province, and (vii) the timeline to upgrade Richmond’s dikes.

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

It was moved and seconded

That staff prepare:

(1)

a communication plan for future tree removal associated with the dike maintenance and upgrades; and

(2)

a mitigation plan for future dike maintenance and upgrades;

and report back.

CARRIED

5.

Community Services Pricing Policy Progress Update and Guiding Principles 
(File Ref. No. 11-7000-00) (REDMS No. 6359181 v. 18)

Staff reviewed the proposed Policy and Guiding Principles, noting that (i) staff will be leading the work on development of policies and volunteer community stakeholders will be able to provide input, (ii) stakeholders were able to provide input on environmental considerations in the proposed Guiding Principles, and (iii) building facility supplies are typically provided by the City and that Community Associations are typically involved in funding supplies related to programming.

Discussion ensued incorporating environmentally sustainable purchasing policy into the Guiding Principles, and as a result, it was requested that staff provide a memorandum on the City’s current purchasing guidelines related to community facilities.

Cllr. Day left the meeting (5:18 p.m.) and returned (5:19 p.m.).

Guy Anderson, President/Director, Thompson Community Association, spoke on the proposed Pricing Policy and Guiding Principles, noting that the Thompson Community Association supports the efforts toward development of the policies including the process to set fees. Also, Mr. Anderson spoke on documenting the current policy development process and the consideration of volunteer time commitments for association members.

Discussion then ensued with regard to (i) periodic review of fees and policy, (ii) comparing current policies to proposed policies, (iii) receiving feedback from volunteers, and (iv) time commitment of volunteers.

In reply to queries from Committee, staff noted that staff will provide regular updates on the matter every three to four months.

Cllr. Day left the meeting (5:31 p.m.) and did not return.

It was moved and seconded

That the Community Services Pricing Policy Guiding Principles as detailed in the staff report titled “Community Services Pricing Policy Progress Update and Guiding Principles”, dated January 28, 2020, from the Director, Recreation and Sport Services, be endorsed.

CARRIED

6.

MANAGER’S REPORT

(i)

Terra Nova Beavers

Staff updated Committee on management of beavers in the Terra Nova area and options to mitigate damage to trees and potential flooding. Staff added that the City has discussed options with the Province, noting that the relocation of the beavers is not a viable option.

(ii)

Staff Retirement

Staff announced the upcoming retirement of Jamie Esko, Manager, Parks Planning, Design and Construction and David Ince, Manager, Community Recreation Services and Committee commended their work for the City.

(iii)

Fishing in Imperial Landing

Staff updated Committee on fishing activities in Imperial Landing, noting that there are specific areas on the dock designated for fishing and mooring and that the City will monitor and enforce the areas restricted to fishing.

ADJOURNMENT

It was moved and seconded

That the meeting adjourn (5:34 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 25, 2020.

_________________________________

_________________________________

Councillor Harold Steves
Chair

Evangel Biason
Legislative Services Coordinator