February 28, 2023 - Minutes

Date:

Tuesday, February 28, 2023

Place:

Council Chambers
Richmond City Hall

Present:

Councillor Chak Au, Chair

Councillor Michael Wolfe (by teleconference)
Councillor Laura Gillanders
Councillor Andy Hobbs
Councillor Bill McNulty
Mayor Malcolm D. Brodie

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 31, 2023, be adopted as circulated.

CARRIED

COMMUNITY SERVICES DIVISION

1.

STEVESTON COMMUNITY CENTRE AND LIBRARY SIGNATURE OUTDOOR ARTWORK TERMS OF REFERENCE

(File Ref. No. 11-7000-09-20-334) (REDMS No. 6966795)

It was moved and seconded

That the Terms of Reference for the Steveston Community Centre and Library Signature Outdoor Artwork as presented in the report titled, “Steveston Community Centre and Library Signature Outdoor Artwork Terms of Reference,” dated January 18, 2023, from the Director, Arts, Culture and Heritage Services, be approved.

The question on the motion was not called as staff responded to a query from the Committee, advising that if the artwork included the need for an electrical connection (e.g. lighting) as part of the artistic concept then those costs would be part of the overall budget for the project; anything beyond would be part of the general construction.

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

2.

RICHMOND PUBLIC ART PROGRAM 2022 ANNUAL HIGHLIGHTS AND PUBLIC ART ADVISORY COMMITTEE 2023 WORK PLAN

(File Ref. No. 11-7000-09-01) (REDMS No. 7085185)

Staff noted the Public Art Program’s collection has grown since the date of the report to 367 public art works, of which 196 are permanent installations.

It was moved and seconded

That the Richmond Public Art Advisory Committee 2023 Work Plan, as presented in the staff report titled “Richmond Public Art Program 2022 Annual Highlights and Public Art Advisory Committee 2023 Work Plan”, dated January 18, 2023, from the Director, Arts, Culture and Heritage Services, be approved.

The question on the motion was not called as a brief discussion ensued with respect to opportunities for the donation and utilization of artwork supplies.

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

3.

TREE, BENCH AND PICNIC TABLE DEDICATION PROGRAM UPDATE

(File Ref. No. 11-7200-20-MBEN1) (REDMS No. 7107193)

In reply to queries from Committee, staff advised when planning new parks, an important component is working with the planning group in Parks Planning, Design and Construction, to identify opportunities for future expansion in the tree, bench and picnic table dedication program.

Discussion ensued with respect to (i) the challenges in striking a balance for areas in high demand without distracting from the overall experience, (ii) expired dedication terms and renewal options, (iii) providing contact information on the City’s website and park sites for inquiries/concerns regarding the program, and (iv) an interactive map of bench and picnic table locations, and specific tree dedications within City parks.

It was moved and seconded

That the Report titled “Tree, Bench and Picnic Table Dedication Program Update” dated February 01, 2023 from the Director, Parks Services, be received for information.

CARRIED

4.

MANAGER’S REPORT

(i)

Tree Replacement for YVR Property On Sea Island

It was advised that there is a site on a berm along Russ Baker Way that may require tree replacement.  It was noted that this particular property is owned by YVR and that some trees initially planted on-site did not survive and subsequently were not replaced.

Discussion ensued with respect to the City having the ability to plant new trees in the area.  Staff noted that as the property is under YVR’s jurisdiction the City is unable to plant any trees on that property.  Staff further noted they are, and will continue to be, in active communication with YVR staff regarding the matter, and that the City will look at opportunities for planting more trees on the City lands in the area.

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

It was moved and seconded

That the City write a letter to the Chair of the YVR Board of Directors, with a copy to the City’s representative on the Board, asking that the situation of the trees along Russ Baker Way be addressed, including replanting if necessary.

CARRIED

(ii)

Spring Break Recreation Opportunities

Staff noted the various recreation and arts opportunities offered for Richmond children and families throughout the upcoming spring break (March 11-26), including a variety of skating and swimming drop in activities.  To date, over 2,200 preschool children and youth have been registered for a number of full day and half day options in a variety of areas from arts, sports, nature and science.  Further information on the matter is available on the City’s website.

ADJOURNMENT

It was moved and seconded

That the meeting adjourn (4:30 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 28, 2023.

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Councillor Chak Au
Chair

Lorraine Anderson
Legislative Services Associate