MINUTES

1.

It was moved and seconded

That the minutes of the meeting of the Public Works & Transportation Committee held on Wednesday, January 19^th, 2005, be adopted as circulated.

CARRIED

It was moved and seconded

That the order of the agenda be varied to deal with Item No. 8 at the beginning of the agenda.

CARRIED

8.

NO. 8 ROAD TRUCK RESTRICTIONS

(Report:  Feb. 8/05, File No.:  10-6450-01/2005-Vol 01) (REDMS No. 1427165, 1391824)

The Acting Director, Transportation, Victor Wei, circulated a map to the Committee which showed the location of the proposed speed humps on No. 8 Road.  He also circulated copies of an email received from Mr. Ron Emerson, on behalf of Bontebok Holdings Ltd. (Kingswood Industrial Park), who asked that a meeting be held of all stakeholders before a decision was made on this matter.  Mr. Emerson indicated that a number of stakeholders (including Telus, Intram Micro, Lafarge Canada, and Beedie Group) had not participated in the survey. 

Mr. Emerson further advised that his company was currently negotiating with a number of potential tenants for Kingswood Industrial Park, and that all these tenants were making their decision based on the ability to access the area by two roads rather than one.  He requested that another stakeholders’ meeting be held prior to making a decision.

Discussion ensued among Committee members and Mr. Wei on the concerns expressed by Mr. Emerson, during which advice was given that staff had not had the opportunity to verify how many of the companies named by Mr. Emerson were existing tenants.  Further information was provided that use of No. 8 Road would not be restricted to smaller trucks and vans which did not exceed the five ton load limit.  As well, information was provided that of the thirteen stakeholders who participated in the survey, three had been opposed to the proposed restrictions.

Ms. Dee Hodson, of 6220 No. 8 Road, advised that Lafarge Cement only used Nelson Road to access its plant, and questioned how consideration could be given to a ‘supposed tenant’.  Ms. Hodson also stated that the proposed five ton load limit still posed a problem, and suggested that the proposed speed bumps should be similar to the speed humps located north of the Richmond RCMP offices.  She also expressed concern for the safety of pedestrians walking along No. 8 Road because there was nowhere for them to go in the event of on-coming traffic.  Ms. Hodson, in concluding her presentation, indicated that she supported the proposed staff recommendation.

During the discussion which ensued with Ms. Hodson, Ms. Hodson indicated that the proposed speed bumps should be higher.  She also stated that the 50 km/h was still too fast when there was nowhere for pedestrians to move.  Ms. Hodson expressed agreement with statements made that the extension of Blundell Road would be a long term solution to the problem.

It was moved and seconded

That:

(1)

trucks be prohibited on No. 8 Road between Westminster Highway and the Granville Avenue road right-of-way (northern boundary of the Fraserport Lands) by placing a 5-tonne load limit on this section of the roadway (as outlined in the report dated February 8^th, 2005, from the Acting Director, Transportation).

(2)

two additional speed humps and associated signage, designed for 50 km/h operating speed, be placed south of the existing speed hump location on No. 8 Road. 

(3)

the following traffic signs be placed:

(a)

Two additional 50 km/h speed limit signs, one northbound and one southbound on No. 8 Road;

(b)

Two “Respect Slow Moving Farm Vehicles” signs on Nelson Road as requested by the Agricultural Advisory Committee to remind truck drivers of the presence of farm vehicles on the roadway.

(4)

the funding source for the estimated cost of the above recommended improvements, totalled $10,800, be the Neighbourhood Traffic Safety Account of the 2004 Capital Budget.

Prior to the question on the motion being called, discussion took place on the type of speed hump currently installed on No. 8 Road and the speed humps located north of the RCMP Detachment.  Staff were requested to monitor the success of the speed humps for one month after their installation.  Also addressed was the impact of the heavy container trucks on the road surface of No. 8 Road and the tight turning radius for large trucks at the intersection of No. 8 Road and Westminster Highway.

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

Staff were requested to report to Council prior to the regular February 28^th, 2005 meeting, on the issues raised, specifically (i) what was the feedback received from the stakeholders, and (ii) the status of those stakeholders who were not contacted.

POLICIES / STRATEGIES (1 ITEM)

ENGINEERING & PUBLIC WORKS DIVISION

2.

SNOW AND ICE REMOVAL POLICY NO. 7013

(Report:  Feb. 1/05, File No.:  10-6360-00) (REDMS No. 1418602, 1423722, 113918, 1424007)

It was moved and seconded

That the Roadways – Ice and Snow Removal Policy 7013 be amended by:

(1)

deleting the following paragraph:

“In extraordinary circumstances, the Chairman of the Public Works and Services Committee or, in his absence, the Mayor, is authorized to order the removal of snow from subdivision streets, following consultation with members of the Public Works and Services Committee who are readily available.”; and

(2)

substituting the following:

“In extraordinary circumstances, the General Manager of Engineering and Public Works or his designate is authorized to order the removal of snow from subdivision streets.”

CARRIED

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DECISIONS / ACTIONS (6 ITEMS)

ENGINEERING & PUBLIC WORKS DIVISION

3.

HYBRID ELECTRIC PILOT

(Report:  Feb. 7/05, File No.:   02-0780-01) (REDMS No. 1306101)

It was moved and seconded

That the City purchase Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs) rather than standard compact vehicles.

Prior to the question on the motion being called, discussion ensued with the Director of Operations, Greg Scott on whether the Federal Government was tracking these initiatives, and staff were requested to pursue the matter as the issue became clearer.  Also addressed was the cost effectiveness of hybrid vehicles, and information was provided on the steps being taken by the Regional District to compile the initiatives of the various municipalities for subsequent forwarding to the Federal Government.

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

Cllr. Barnes thanked the Manager, Fleet Operations, Ken Fryer, and the Assistant Manager, Environmental Programs, Margot Daykin, on the preparation of a thorough report.

4.

SEA ISLAND AND HAMILTON FIRE HALLS – AWARD OF CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT

(Report:  Feb. 14/05, File No.:  03-1000-20-T.1571) (REDMS No. 1364463)

The Manager, Facilities Planning & Construction, David Naysmith, accompanied by Project Manager Odd Bell, indicated that he was available to answer questions.

The Chair then circulated material to Committee members which provided additional information on construction cost details of the fire halls, along with a newsletter prepared by the BTY Group, entitled “Market Intelligence Newsletter – 4^th Quarter Indices Report”.  A copy of this material is on file in the City Clerk’s Office.

Discussion then ensued among Committee members and staff on:

§           

some of the costs being eliminated from the project

§           

the impact of the elimination of the geothermal component from the new Sea Island Fire Hall, and the cost of such a proposal, both now and in the future

§           

the proposal to alter the final construction of the tower from concrete to steel frame with metal cladding, and the impact which this change could have on the life expectancy of the tower

§           

whether there was any funding available from another source which could be used to allow the geothermal equipment to be installed in the Sea Island Fire Hall  (reference was made to the possibility of funding in the Federal budget for air quality and the suggestion was made that staff should review this to determine if funding was available)

§           

the degree to which the ‘LEED’ principles would be applied to the Sea Island Fire Hall even though the geothermal equipment would not be installed, and construction of the Hamilton Fire Hall to the ‘LEED’ silver standard

§           

the Sustainable “High Performance” Building policy recently adopted by Council and the rationale for not applying the principles of this policy to the Sea Island Fire Hall construction project

§           

the availability of the Green Municipal Enabling Fund (GMF) grant funding to only the Hamilton Fire Hall and not the Sea Island Fire Hall

§           

whether construction of the Hamilton Fire Hall would achieve a ‘silver’ or ‘gold’ standard.

During the discussion, staff were requested to provide information about the cost benefits and why Sea Island Fire Hall was not being constructed to the ‘LEED’ silver standard.

Advice was given during the discussion that the Sea Island Fire Hall, while not certifiable as being constructed to a ‘LEED’ silver standard, would be a sustainable building which would be constructed to LEED principles but would not meet all of the requirements.

Deputy Chief Ron Beaman, in response to questions about the tower, indicated that he was not aware of other fire departments which had towers constructed in the material being proposed.  He explained that the towers at Richmond’s existing fire halls were of concrete construction, and expressed concern that the steel cladding might not be as durable as concrete.  Deputy Chief Beaman, in answer to further questions, stated that concrete would be preferable because that material was durable and maintenance free.

It was moved and seconded

That:

(1)

Additional funding of $400,000 (as proposed in Option 3 of the report dated February 14^th, 2005, from the Director, Engineering) be approved for Sea Island Fire Hall from the Community Safety Building Replacement fund;

(2)

The 5 year Capital Plan 2005–2009 be amended accordingly; and

(3)

The contract for the construction of the two replacement fire halls at Sea Island and Hamilton be awarded to Mi-Dan Construction Ltd. for a total tendered price of  $5,606,384 plus GST.

The question on the motion was not called, as concern was expressed by Cllr. Barnes about the elimination of the geothermal component from the new Sea Island Fire Hall.  Other Committee members expressed support for the staff recommendation, but staff were requested to provide an analysis of the resulting impact on future maintenance costs, the rationale for proposing the elimination of the geothermal component and the options available.

The question on the motion was then called, and it was CARRIED with Cllr. Barnes opposed.

Mayor Brodie left the meeting at 5:02 p.m. and did not return.

5.

RECOMMENDED HARMONIZED APPROACH FOR ADDRESSING FISHERIES LEGISLATION – RIPARIAN AREAS REGULATIONS/FISHERIES ACT

(Report:  Feb. 11/05, File No.:  10-6125-01) (REDMS No. 1419371)

The Assistant Manager, Environmental Programs, Margot Daykin, accompanied by the Manager, Policy Planning, Terry Crowe, advised that because the Provincial Government had not made any progress on the development of implementation measures, the UBCM had written a letter indicating that municipalities were not prepared.  She indicated that a conference would be held in Richmond on March 2^nd and 3^rd with the UBCM to discuss the matter further.

During the brief discussion which ensued, advice was given that the Minister of Water, Land & Air Protection would be at the conference on March 2^nd at 9:30 a.m. to respond to questions, and City Council members were urged to attend this session to express their concerns directly to the Minister.  The comment was made that there was a fear that staff concerns on this matter would be ignored and it was felt that a ‘politician to politician’ scenario might have more impact.

The Chair asked that Mr. Crowe provide a brief memorandum to all Council members about the upcoming conference, and stated that this issue was very significant and would have a major impact on the City.

It was moved and seconded

That:

(1)

the Minister of Water, Land and Air Protection be notified that because its implementation measures are not in place, an extension is required on the date for when the Riparian Areas Regulation (RAR) comes into effect.

(2)

this notification be copied to the Premier, local MLAs and the Union of BC Municipalities.

(3)

staff proceed with preparing a proposed Memorandum of Understanding with the Provincial Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection and Federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans to develop a strategic approach for coordinating federal and provincial fisheries legislation with City interests.

(4)

staff investigate the measures required to bring the City of Richmond into compliance with the RAR in the event the Minister of Water, Land and Air Protection does not grant the extension or is not receptive to the proposal to develop a Memorandum of Understanding.

CARRIED

URBAN DEVELOPMENT DIVISION

6.

RICHMOND PARKING ADVISORY COMMITTEE – PROPOSED 2005 WORK PROGRAM
(Report:  Feb. 5/05, File No.:  0100-20-RPAD1-01) (REDMS No. 1374950)

Mr. Wei, accompanied by the Manager, Community Bylaws, Don Pearson, introduced Co-Chair of the Richmond Parking Advisory Committee, Lorelei Guthrie.

In response to a question from the Chair, Mr. Wei spoke about the ranking (#5) of the implementation of past Task Force recommendations.

It was moved and seconded

That the proposed 2005 work program for the Richmond Parking Advisory Committee, (as outlined in the report dated February 5^th, 2005, from the Acting Director, Transportation and the Manager, Community Outreach), be endorsed.

CARRIED

7.

TRAFFIC SAFETY AWARENESS WEEK – MARCH 7 TO 11, 2005
(Report:  Feb. 9/05, File No.:  6450-09-01) (REDMS No. 1417048)

Mr. Wei, accompanied by Transportation Planner Joan Caravan, introduced Ms. Lindsey Pagnucco, traffic safety representative for the Richmond District Parent Association.

Discussion ensued among Committee members, staff and Ms. Pagnucco on whether the problems which had been occurring in front of elementary schools, with parents allowing their vehicles to idle unnecessarily and parking in ‘no stopping’ zones, were decreasing as drivers became more aware of driver etiquette, and more children walked to school rather than being driven by their parents.  It was noted that while elementary schools were doing a good job of addressing these issues, secondary schools were still experiencing problems.

(Cllr. Barnes left the meeting – 5:25 p.m., and did not return.)

It was moved and seconded

(1)

That the following activities and staff participation be endorsed:

(a)

the 2005 Traffic Safety Awareness Week (March 7-11, 2005) activities initiated by the Richmond District Parents Association, sponsored by ICBC, the Autoplan Broker Road Safety Program and the Richmond School Board with the participation of the Way to Go! School Program, CARS BC and the Off Ramp Program of Better Environmentally Sound Transportation, (as outlined in the report dated February 9th, 2005, from the Acting Director, Transportation); and

(b)

staff involvement in the 2005 Traffic Safety Awareness Week as part of the City’s on-going traffic safety education strategy; and

(2)

That the report (dated February 9^th, 2005 from the Acting Director, Transportation) be referred to the Council/School Board Liaison Committee for information.

CARRIED

8.

NO. 8 ROAD TRUCK RESTRICTIONS

(Report:  Feb. 8/05, File No.:  10-6450-01/2005-Vol 01) (REDMS No. 1427165, 1391824)

Please see Page 1 of these minutes for action taken on this matter.

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INFORMATION / AWARENESS (1 ITEM)

ENGINEERING & PUBLIC WORKS DIVISION

9.

RICHMOND LONG RANGE DRINKING WATER MANAGEMENT PLAN: VOLUNTEER WATER METER PROGRAM UPDATE

(Report:  Feb. 7/05, File No.:  10-6650-02/2005-Vol 01) (REDMS No. 1424665)

It was moved and seconded

That the report (dated February 7^th, 2005, from the Director, Engineering), regarding the Richmond Long Range Drinking Water Management Plan: Volunteer Water Meter Program Update, be received for information.

Prior to the question on the motion being called, Cllr. Kumagai thanked staff for implementation of the volunteer water meter program.  He asked that information be provided to the Committee on the number of volunteer users who have saved money on their water bills as a result of enrolling in the program.

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

10.

MANAGER’S REPORT

(a)

The Manager, Engineering Planning, Siu Tse, reported that the City would be applying for a grant from the BC Community Water Improvement Program for two or three projects, (i) expansion of the Volunteer Water Meter Program; (ii) sanitary sewers for the West Cambie and Hamilton area; and (iii) development of a fisheries conservation program.  He advised that in all likelihood, staff would be submitting applications for the first two projects.

(b)

The Director, Engineering, Robert Gonzalez, advised that staff were proposing that the Annual Open House to review Capital Works Projects for 2005 be held on April 14^th, 2005.

(c)

At the request of the Chair, Mr. Gonzalez provided a brief update on the status of the Richmond component of the RAV project.  Mr. Wei added that staff were proposing to submit two reports to the March 7^th, 2005 General Purposes Committee meeting on this subject, and that staff were hoping to hold a workshop with Council regarding the work that has taken place to date.

ADJOURNMENT

It was moved and seconded

That the meeting adjourn (5:27 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, February 23^rd, 2005.

_________________________________

_________________________________

Councillor Rob Howard
Chair

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