MINUTES

1.

It was moved and seconded

That the the minutes of the meeting of the Public Works & Transportation Committee held on Wednesday, June 23rd, 2004, be adopted as circulated.

CARRIED

POLICIES / STRATEGIES (1 ITEM)

URBAN DEVELOPMENT DIVISION

2.

CITY CENTRE NORTH TRANSIT AND TRANSPORTATION TASK FORCE – FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS OF RECOMMENDATIONS AND REQUESTS
(Report:  July 9/04, File No.:  01-0100-20-CCNT1-01/2004-Vol 1) (REDMS No. 1307652)

Discussion ensued between the Acting Director, Transportation, Victor Wei, and Councillor Kumagai on Recommendation No. 3 of the Task Force recommendations.

It was noted that Recommendation 3 indicated that on-street parking should be managed through time limits, rather than payment, on streets in close proximity to retail malls, and that pay parking should be permitted along Alexandra Road and other more remote streets in the area.  Discussion ensued on this issue, with information being provided by Mr. Wei on the intent of the recommendation.  He added that the use of time limits and pay parking along Alexandra Road would be reconsidered in the future as part of the pay parking program review.

Reference was made to the proposal that net pay parking revenues generated in the City Centre north area be allocated to fund the road, parking and pedestrian improvements recommended by the Task Force, and Cllr. Kumagai voiced his opposition to this.  He stated that this could have a major impact on future budgets, and indicated that this type of recommendation had never been accepted in the past.  Cllr. Kumagai stated that the various projects would be considered during the budget review process and the merits considered, of providing funding from the overall budget, but not from a specific revenue source.  He expressed concern that this could set a dangerous precedent.

Discussion continued briefly on Recommendation No. 3, with the request being made that information be provided on the impact which the implementation of the recommendation could have on the City’s budget.  It was noted that pay parking had been established in the downtown area to keep vehicles moving so that retailers did not get caught up in all day parking situations.

Recommendation No. 14, ‘review feasibility of removing complete ban on right-turns at red lights at selected intersections on No. 3 Road’, was reviewed, and information provided that the Task Force was of the opinion that there was no longer a need to restrict right turns on red lights at the intersections of certain side streets.  Staff were requested to provide clarification on this recommendation to the August 30^th Regular Council Meeting and to highlight the intersections where right turns on red lights would be permitted.

Also discussed was the issue of allowing permit parking on Alexandra Road for employees working in the area, with it being noted that the area was not heavily utilized and that the suggestion had been made that area, which only had ‘cash only’ parking meters, could be made available for employee parking.

The Chair referred to the proposed dedicated source of revenue recommendation, and stated that this recommendation had been made as a way to encourage merchants in the area to be more supportive of the parking fees.  It was felt that merchants might be more willing to support pay parking if they knew that some of the revenue would be returned to their area.

It was moved and seconded

(1)

That the 29 recommendations and Requests No. 2 and 3 of the City Centre North Transit and Transportation Task Force, (as outlined in Attachments 1 and 2 respectively of the report dated July 9^th, 2004, from the Acting Director, Transportation), be endorsed with the understanding that in implementing these recommendations and requests:
 

(a)

no further funding is required from the current City capital and operating budgets; and

(b)

any requirement for future capital and operating funding shall be subject to the annual budget review by Council.
 

(2)

That Request No. 1 from the City Centre North Transit and Transportation Task Force, (as outlined in Attachment 2), be considered as a separate item in Council’s future review of the City Pay Parking Program and operating budget.

CARRIED

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DECISIONS / ACTIONS (4 ITEMS)

URBAN DEVELOPMENT DIVISION

3.

CRESTWOOD COMMUNITY SHUTTLE – PROPOSED SERVICE PLAN
(Report:  July 29/04, File No.:  10-6480-03-01/2004-Vol 01) (REDMS No. 1307654, 1311175) 

Mr. Wei introduced Matt Craig, of Coast Mountain Bus, who indicated that he had nothing further to add to the staff report.

A brief discussion ensued during which Cllr. McNulty spoke about the success of other community shuttle services within the City.

It was moved and seconded

That the proposed transit service plan of the Crestwood Community Shuttle scheduled for implementation in December 2004 by TransLink, be endorsed, with the use of McNeely Drive, Jack Bell Drive, Jacombs Road, Wireless Way, and Commerce Parkway as part of the proposed routing of this new community shuttle service.

CARRIED

ENGINEERING & PUBLIC WORKS DIVISION

4.

FRASER RIVER FLOOD HAZARD EVALUATION
(Report:  July 5/04, File No.:  10-6045-01) (REDMS No. 1307359)
 

It was moved and seconded

That the City contribute $15,000 from the 2004 Public Works Minor Capital program to support funding of the Lower Fraser River Flood Hazard Evaluation proposed by the Fraser Basin Council.

The question on the motion was not called, as information was provided that the City would be providing a letter of commitment regarding the financial contribution to be made by the City to the Fraser Basin Council, and that the City only provide its contribution when the Fraser Basin Council had sufficient funding to proceed with the project.

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

5.

REVISED WATER SHORTAGE RESPONSE PLAN (SPRINKLING RESTRICTIONS)
(Report:  July 15/04, File No.:  12-8060-20-7784/7785; xr: 10-6650-08-01) (REDMS No. 1311127, 1314319, 1311938)

In response to questions, the Director, Operations, Eric Gilfillan, provided information on the process which was followed when a complaint was received about homeowners who were not following sprinkling regulations.

Reference was made to the difference in fine amounts proposed in the Water Use Restriction Bylaw for first and second or subsequent convictions as compared to the amount proposed in the Municipal Ticket Information Authorization Bylaw, and staff were requested to provide clarification on this issue for the August 30^th, 2004 Regular Council Meeting.

It was moved and seconded

That the following bylaws, which implement the GVRD Water Shortage Response Plan (Sprinkling Restrictions), each be introduced and given first, second and third readings:
 

(a)

Water Use Restriction Bylaw No. 7784; and

(b)

Municipal Ticket Information Authorization Bylaw No. 7321, Amendment Bylaw No. 7785.

CARRIED

6.

RAINWATER BARREL PROGRAM
(Report:  July 21/04, File No.:  10-6650-01) (REDMS No. 1299651)

The Manager, Water Services, Steve McClurg provided information on the ability of owners to use rainwater collected in the barrels for other purposes than just watering gardens through the addition of a pumping system.  Also addressed was the question of whether the program would prove to be so popular that there would not be a sufficient of barrels available.  Advice was given that staff would be reporting to Council if the program surpassed its limit.

It was moved and seconded

That a subsidized rainwater barrel distribution program be initiated by the City to increase water conservation awareness and complement the residential metering program.

CARRIED

Reference was made to the issuance of the second billing under the water metering program, and specifically to the $10 charge on the invoice for ‘meter rental and maintenance’.  Comments were made about the number of complaints being received from homeowners participating in the program about this charge, and staff were requested to examine and report to the Committee on the feasibility of incorporating this charge into the basic water rate.

A brief discussion ensued, during which it was noted that one option would be to have separate rates for residential and commercial users.  The Chair advised that the General Manager, Engineering & Public Works, Jeff Day, had indicated that inclusion of this charge in the water rate would give an inflated rate when compared to other jurisdictions.

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INFORMATION / AWARENESS (3 ITEMS)

URBAN DEVELOPMENT DIVISION

7.

GREAT CANADIAN WAY (GARDEN CITY ROAD EXTENSION) – TRAFFIC FLOW CHANGES AND PROPOSED CITY CENTRE ROAD SIGNAGE PLAN
(Report:  July 30/04, File No.:  10-6340-20-P.01202/Vol 01) (REDMS No. 1245603)
 

Discussion ensued among Committee members and staff on the proposed new signage, with the comment being made that it was important that to ensure that Garden City Road was marked as continuing south to the City Centre.
 

A suggestion was made about the feasibility of placing three signs on Sea Island Way as motorists exited the Oak Street Bridge via the Garden City Road off ramp (and possibly located in the area of the Husky gas station, on the south side of the road) and just before Great Canadian Way to indicate the direction to take to (i) the Riverport Casino, (ii) the City Centre, and (iii) the airport.  Information was provided during the discussion that Bridgeport Road/Sea Island Way interchange was under provincial jurisdiction and the City was required to consult with the Ministry of Transportation & Highways before any signs were erected.  As well, the cost of erecting overhead signs was $12,000 to $15,000 each, while the installation of road shoulder signs was considerably less. 

Cllr. Kumagai referred to the provision of an overhead sign to indicate the direction of Great Canadian Way, and advised that the owners of the Great Canadian Casino had agreed to provide the funding (up to $12,000) for this sign.

Mr. Peter Mitchell, 6271 Nanika Crescent, expressed concern that some of the existing signage in the area was out of date, and commented that signage still could be improved.  He indicated that he was primarily concerned with the fact that none of the signs indicated the route to take to reach Highway 91, and suggested that one of the proposed signs to be erected on Sea Island Way should be amended to provide direction to both Highway 99 South and Highway 91 East.

In response, Mr. Wei indicated that he would be discussing with the Ministry of Transportation & Highways, the suggestions made by both Cllr. McNulty and Mr. Mitchell as they were all valid suggestions. 

Mr. Mitchell continued, indicating that he was also concerned with the lack of signs southbound on Garden City Road and westbound on Alderbridge Way indicating the routes to take to reach the City Centre.  He also suggested that staff should be meeting with the Chamber of Commerce about indicating ‘Golden Village’ on a City Centre North directional sign. 

The Chair commented briefly on Mr. Mitchell’s suggestion on putting the words ‘Golden Village’ on a City Centre directional sign, stating that it could set a precedent.

It was moved and seconded

That the report (dated July 30^th, 2004, from the Acting Director, Transportation), regarding Great Canadian Way (Garden City Road Extension) – Traffic Flow Changes and Proposed City Centre Road Signage Plan, be received for information.

CARRIED

ENGINEERING & PUBLIC WORKS DIVISION

8.

INFRASTRUCTURE REVIEW
(Report:  July 29/04, File No.:  10-6060-01) (REDMS No. 1299725)

The Director, Engineering, Robert Gonzales, spoke briefly about redevelopment and its effect on existing infrastructure.  He indicated in response to a question, that staff would be providing to Committee, a map which would indicate the location of servicing throughout the City and those developments which were deficient.

It was moved and seconded

That the report (dated July 29^th, 2004, from the Director, Engineering and the Director of Development), regarding Infrastructure Review, be received for information.

CARRIED

9.

ALTERNATIVE FUEL VEHICLES
(Report:  Aug. 03/04, File No.:   02-0780-01) (REDMS No. 1175557)
 

It was moved and seconded

That the report (dated August 16^th, 2004, from the Manager, Fleet Operations), regarding Alternative Fuel Vehicles, be received for information.
 

The question on the motion was not called, as staff were requested to provide the Canadian Natural Gas Vehicle Alliance with a copy of the report.  Mr. Gilfillan confirmed that even though he was retiring, the Operations Department intended to stay ahead of technology and would be reporting to the Committee if an initiative arose which would be of benefit to the City.

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

10.

MANAGER’S REPORT

(1)

The Manager, Engineering Planning, Siu Tse, reported that the second billing cycle for the volunteer water metering program had now been completed.  He advised that 85% of the volunteers and 61% of the non-volunteer program were now paying less than the flat water rate; and that 6% and 4% respectively were paying the minimum $10 charge.
 

(2)

The Manager, Facilities Planning & Construction, David Naysmith, reported that the City had received a grant from the Greater Vancouver Regional District for $12,500 for its solar energy project at Watermania.  He advised that 60% of the funding had now been achieved and that staff were expecting to be successful in obtaining a grant from NR Canada.
 

Mr. Naysmith also reported that the recent renovations to the former City Hall building to house the Provincial Courthouse facility had been featured in the July/August edition of the Professional Engineers and Geoscientist of BC magazine “Innovation”, which showcased projects undertaken during the past year which exemplified BC based engineering achievements.
 

Mr. Naysmith further advised that a two tours of City Hall had been undertaken within the past two weeks, the first a delegation from Shanghai, and the second members of the Washington State Tribal Council.
 

(3)

Planner Ken Sorenson reported on the status of the RAV project, indicating that the BFO process was two-thirds complete and should be finalized by the end of September.  He noted that City staff had been invited to attend meetings with the proponents, and would be reporting to Committee as soon as definitive information was available.
 

Discussion ensued between the Chair and Mr. Sorenson on the project and the location of stations, and the lack of discussion at the Council level on what a precinct would comprise.
 

(4)

Transportation Engineer Donna Chan introduced the newest member of the Department, Fred Lin, to the Committee.
 

(5)

The Chair referred to correspondence received from the GVRD regarding a “Model Municipal Anti-Idling Bylaw”, and advice was given by Mr. Gilfillan that staff were reviewing the proposal and if it was viable for the City, staff would be reporting to the Committee with a recommendation.  He stated that one of the issues being assessed was the annual potential cost savings to the City with respect to the fuel budget. 
 

A brief discussion ensued, during which the request was made that the report to Committee distinguish between GNC vehicles and regular fuel vehicles.  It was noted that with some GNC vehicles, it was necessary to keep them idling or the batteries would soon run dry.  Mr. Gilfillan confirmed that this was another issue which was being addressed.

ADJOURNMENT

It was moved and seconded

That the meeting adjourn (4:59 p.m.).

CARRIED

Certified a true and correct copy of the Minutes of the meeting of the Public Works & Transportation Committee of the Council of the City of Richmond held on Wednesday, August 25^th, 2004.

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Councillor Rob Howard
Chair

Fran J. Ashton
Executive Assistant, City Clerk’s Office