MINUTES

1.

It was moved and seconded

That the minutes of the meeting of the Public Works & Transportation Committee held on Wednesday, June 22^nd, 2005, be adopted as circulated.

CARRIED

DELEGATIONS

2.

Dee Gilmore, 6220 No. 8 Road, Richmond

Ms. Gilmore stated her concerns about truck traffic on No. 8 Road.  She advised that traffic signage was poor and requested that staff implement a control gate system to prevent trucks from travelling down No. 8 Road.  She stated that the town of Ladner had a remote control gate system which appeared to be effective, while still allowing farm vehicles and smaller trucks to access roads.

In response to queries from the Committee, Mr. Victor Wei, Acting Director of Transportation advised that overhead barriers and/or extruded curbs with bollards could be installed as a deterrent, however, staff wished to monitor truck traffic for a three month period before a decision was made.  Discussion ensued on this subject and staff was directed to advise major trucking companies in the area about potential action if their trucks continued to use No. 8 Road.

POLICIES / STRATEGIES (0 ITEMS)

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DECISIONS / ACTIONS (2 ITEMS)

ENGINEERING & PUBLIC WORKS DIVISION

3.

MAJOR ROAD NETWORK – OPERATIONAL, MAINTENANCE AND REHABILITATION AGREEMENT

(Report:  August 8^th, 2005, File No.:  10-6375-04) (REDMS No. 1618377, 1625507)

It was moved and seconded

That the Director, City Clerk’s Office and the General Manager of Engineering and Public Works be authorized to execute the Operational, Maintenance and Rehabilitation Agreements between the City of Richmond and TransLink on an annual basis.

CARRIED

4.

REALLOCATION OF FUNDS TO COMPLETE SEWER REPAIRS IN THE BRIDGEPORT AREA

(Report:  July 20^th, 2005, File No.:  10-6400-01) (REDMS No. 1616595)

A request was made that a map of the sewers being repaired in the Bridgeport Area be included when the staff report was forwarded to Council.

It was moved and seconded

That the transfer of $73,000 of excess capital funding from the Jesmond Sanitary Sewer Replacement (project #40625) be approved to allow commencement of sanitary sewer repairs in the Bridgeport area.

CARRIED

URBAN DEVELOPMENT DIVISION

5.

BUSINESS LICENSING OF CLASS A AND CLASS N TAXICABS IN RICHMOND

(Report:  August 15^th, 2005, File No.: 12-8275-02) (REDMS No. 1612777)

In response to queries from the Committee, Mr. Victor Wei, Acting Director of Transportation, advised that the PTB regulates the number of licences in a municipality without formal consultation with the municipality, however, they examined the economical soundness of an applicant, and economical sustainability of business in the municipality prior to issuing a licence .  He stated that staff recommended removing the limit on the number of licences permitted because of the provincial screening process and the potential increase in tourism in the future.  Discussion then ensued on the following topics:

• service levels in the City;

• protection of Richmond’s cab businesses;

• economic viability of a taxicab business if removal of the limit of licences was permitted;

• potential of legal action against the city;

• regulating “pick up” in the City;

• regulating issuing of licences;

Ken Jang, representing Richmond Cabs Ltd. spoke against removing the cap for the number of licences permitted in the City. (Schedule 1)

Mr. A. Sidhu, 7551 – 129 A Street, Surrey, spoke against issuing more cab licences in the City stating that there was not enough business and cabs had to work on a part-time basis. (Schedule 2)

Mr. K. Bagri – 1038 – East 63^rd Avenue, Vancouver, spoke against issuing more cab licences in the City stating that Richmond Cabs already had 73 cabs, 19 of which were not permitted to work in the City unless a fee was paid for the licences.

Discussion ensued on the number of licences Richmond Cabs held and it was suggested that staff discuss the licence issue with all concerned stakeholders.

It was moved and seconded

That the report (dated August 15^th, 2005, from the Acting Director, Transportation) be referred back to staff to further clarify and report on:

(a)

the comparison of municipalities - maximum number of taxicabs per capita;

(b)

mechanisms for limiting future licenses to Richmond enterprises; and

(c)

legal opinion on the restriction of taxicabs and where they work.

CARRIED

6.

CYCLING AND PARKING ISSUES ON ARTERIAL ROADS

(Report:  August 16^th, 2005, File No.:  10-6460-01) (REDMS No. 1605502, 1612239, 1625507)

Mr. O’Hare of O’Hare’s Pub, advised of his concern that staff’s recommendation was detrimental to his business.  He stated that there were other options which could be investigated to find parking for this area.  

Mr. Larry Pamer, 12639 No. 2 Road, spoke in support of staff’s recommendation and stated that a continuation of the existing bicycle lane was needed in this area.

Discussion ensued on this topic and staff were requested to meet with
Mr. O’Hare to get his input and discuss and find other solutions for the parking and cycling problems in this area.

It was moved and seconded

That the report (dated August 16^th, 2005 from the Director, Transportation) be referred to staff to meet with stakeholders to discuss this matter in order to find a mutually acceptable solution to the existing problem. 

CARRIED

7.

CONTRACT T.2720 – DITCH CLEANING HORSESHOE SLOUGH/SHELL ROAD CANAL

(Report:  August 24^th, 2005, File No.:  10-6340-20-P.04301) (REDMS No. 1642034)

Designated Speaker:  Jim Young

It was moved and seconded

That the City enter into a contract with CAP Ventures Ltd., in accordance with Contract T.2720 – Horseshoe Slough/Shell Road Canal Ditch Cleaning for the total amount of $153,000.00.

CARRIED

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INFORMATION / AWARENESS (1 ITEM)

ENGINEERING & PUBLIC WORKS DIVISION

8.

RICHMOND’S ENERGY MANAGEMENT PROGRAM 2005

(Report:  August 16^th, 2005, File No.:  10-6125-05-01) (REDMS No. 1636491, 1590627)

Mr. Phil Hogg, Manager, Facilities Operations and Maintenance, advised that the City had been awarded the Illumination Design Award for the lighting design at Steveston Library.  Chair invited Mr. Hogg to present this award at the regular Council meeting to be held on Tuesday, September 6^th, 2005.

It was moved and seconded

That “Richmond’s Energy Management Program 2005” attached to the staff report (dated August 16^th, 2005, from the Director, Engineering) be received for information.

CARRIED

9.

MANAGER’S REPORT

Robert Gonzales, Acting General Manager, Engineering & Public Works, introduced Ms. Helen Chan, Project Engineer, to Committee.

After the demonstration of the GIS Drawing Look-up Project, staff were congratulated on providing a great example of working smart, by  using technology to decrease operating costs.

Mr. Jim Young, Manager Engineering Design and Construction, advised that the City was successful in obtaining a “Natural Hazards Mitigation Funds” grant.

ADJOURNMENT

It was moved and seconded

That the meeting adjourn (5:37 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 31^st, 2005.

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Councillor Rob Howard
Chair

Desiree Wong
Committee Clerk