MINUTES

1.

It was moved and seconded

That the minutes of the meeting of the Public Works & Transportation Committee held on Wednesday, January 18^th, 2006, be adopted as circulated.

CARRIED

NEXT COMMITTEE MEETING DATE

2.

The next meeting of the Public Works & Transportation Committee is scheduled to be held on Wednesday, March 15^th, 2006 at 4:00 p.m. in the Anderson Room. 

POLICIES / STRATEGIES (0 ITEMS)

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DECISIONS / ACTIONS (6 ITEMS)

ENGINEERING & PUBLIC WORKS DIVISION

3.

AMENDMENT TO REPORT ON HYBRID ELECTRIC PILOT TO INCLUDE “SMART CAR TECHNOLOGY”

(Report:  Jan. 20/06, File No.:   02-0780-01) (REDMS No. 1743690)

It was moved and seconded

That the purchase policy of Hybrid Electric Vehicles be amended to include “Smart Car Technology”.

CARRIED

4.

BOULEVARD AND ROADWAY PROTECTION AND REGULATION BYLAW NO. 6366, AMENDMENT BYLAW NO. 8030
(Report:  Jan. 31/06, File No.:  12-8060-20-8030) (REDMS No. 1746292, 173421, 1754974, 2358)

The Manager, Engineering Design & Construction, Jim Young, advised that the proposed bylaw amendments would address the deficiencies contained in the current bylaw, and would allow staff to recover costs to clean roads, as well as making roads safer and reducing the City’s liability.  He added that the amendments would expand the current bylaw to include all construction, not just building construction and demolition, and would now require the posting of a secure Letter of Credit.

Discussion ensued among Committee members and staff on the proposed amendments and whether there would be any impact on the agricultural community.  Information was provided that the proposed amendments were not intended to impose any further restrictions on the farming community, however, if the owner chose to infill his agricultural property, then the regulations contained in the bylaw would be applied. 

Reference was made to the requirement of a secure Letter of Credit, and information was provided that the City would have the ability to use this Letter of Credit to clean dirty roads which resulted from a construction project, and for which the project manager refused to accept responsibility for the cleanup. 

In response to further questions, advice was given that adoption of the proposed bylaw amendments would help to address some of the issues relating to the dumping of fill on agricultural lands.  Reference was made to the amount ($10,000) of the required Letter of Credit, and information was provided that this amount was intended to provide a level of security to clean roads, and that staff were hopeful that the $10,000 per day would be adequate.

Discussion continued on the possible impact which the proposed amendments could have on the agricultural community.  In response to a question about whether this matter would be forwarded to the Farmers’ Institute and the Agricultural Advisory Committee, advice was given that discussions would be held with both organizations about the proposed amendments.

It was moved and seconded

(1)

That Boulevard and Roadway Protection and Regulation Bylaw No. 6366, Amendment Bylaw No. 8030 be introduced and given first, second and third readings; and

(2)

That staff begin enforcing Boulevard and Roadway Protection and Regulation Bylaw No. 6366, Amendment Bylaw No. 8030 on May 1, 2006 to allow public and industry notification following adoption.

CARRIED

URBAN DEVELOPMENT DIVISION

5.

PROPOSED ADDITIONS TO ON-STREET CYCLING NETWORK PLAN
(Report:  Jan. 30/06, File No.:  10-6360-16-01) (REDMS No. 1747437)

It was moved and seconded

(1)

That the designation of the following streets as proposed cycling routes be added to the City’s On-Street Cycling Network Plan:

(a)

No. 3 Road (Granville Avenue to River Road);

(b)

Van Horne Way (Great Canadian Way to River Road);

(c)

(Capstan Way (River Road to Garden City Road); and

(d)

Lansdowne Road (Hollybridge Way to Garden City Road), and

(2)

That the appropriate authorities be advised that Richmond City Council strongly endorses the above cycling routes, particularly along No. 3 Road, as they provide connectivity to other cycling routes in the City.

CARRIED

6.

TRAFFIC SAFETY AWARENESS WEEK – MARCH 6-10, 2006

(Report:  Jan. 30/06, File No.:  10-6450-09-01) (REDMS No. 1746853)

Mr. Wei introduced Lindsey Pagnucco of the Richmond District Parent Association and Transportation Planner Joan Caravan to the Committee.

Questions were raised about the response of school initiatives as they related to secondary schools.  In response, advice was given that elementary schools had been the focus of current initiatives, however, information was sent to local high schools, and the parent advisory committees for these schools attended the Richmond District Parents Advisory (RDPA) meetings.  As well, the RDPA newsletter was sent to all high schools. 

Further advice was provided that resource kits, which would include information on CARS BC which targets teenage drivers, and the BEST’s Off Ramp Program, which encourages high school students to take alternate methods to get to and from school other than driving, would soon be sent to local high schools. 

Michael Wolfe, 9731 Odlin Road, referred to the previous item entitled “Amendment to Report on Hybrid Electric Pilot to include ‘Smart Car Technology”, and stated that the ‘smart car’ still took up space on roads, still used fuel, and still polluted Richmond and cyclists in particular.  He added that problems were only going to increase because of the number of vehicles on the road.

Mr. Wolfe then referred to ‘Traffic Safety Week’, and expressed appreciation that the City was beginning to target high school students, however, he stated that everyone should be targeted, not just students.  He suggested that streets should be closed and bicycling made mandatory.  Mr. Wolfe also expressed support for the development of a bicycle path on No. 3 Road, and talked briefly about the dangers to cyclists who were stopped at street corners when motorists were making right turns. 

Questions were raised about the availability of bicycle route maps, and information was provided that on-street cycle route maps were published every June as a way of encouraging people who would like to try cycling.  In addition, off-street bicycle route maps prepared by the Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services Division were also available.

Discussion then ensued on the need for more route markers on the bicycle routes, and information was provided on improvements which were being made to the routes, including the addition of route markers

Mr. Wolfe thanked the Committee for the many suggestions put forward, and in closing suggested that City staff should review North Vancouver’s ‘green necklace’ as something which might be feasible for Richmond.

It was moved and seconded

(1)

That the following activities be endorsed:

(a)

the 2006 Traffic Safety Awareness Week (March 6-10, 2006) 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 Better Environmentally Sound Transportation, (as outlined in the report dated January 30^th, 2006, from the Acting Director, Transportation); and

(b)

staff involvement in the 2006 Traffic Safety Awareness Week activities as part of the City’s on-going traffic safety education strategy.

(2)

That the report be referred to the Council/School Board Liaison Committee for information.

CARRIED

7.

SAFER TRAFFIC AROUND RICHMOND SCHOOLS (STARS) INITIATIVE

(Report:  Jan. 20/06, File No.:  10-6450-09-01; xr 01-0100-20-TSAD1-01) (REDMS No. 1724580)

Mr. Wei introduced Cpl. Dave Williams, Lindsey Pagnucco and Alex Lee, of ICBC, members of the Traffic Safety Advisory Committee.

A brief discussion ensued, with the Chair expressing continued support and thanks for the Traffic Safety Advisory Committee’s efforts in working together cooperatively to address traffic safety issues, such as the initiative now being proposed.

It was moved and seconded

(1)

That the Traffic Safety Advisory Committee’s proposed Safer Traffic Around Richmond Schools (STARS) initiative, (as outlined in the report dated January 20^th, 2006, from the Acting Director, Transportation), be endorsed; and

(2)

That staff provide an update on the effectiveness of the STARS initiative after one year.

CARRIED

8.

SUBMISSION TO PROVINCIAL 2006/07 CYCLING INFRASTRUCTURE PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM – WESTMINSTER HIGHWAY BIKE ROUTE (NO. 8 ROAD TO NELSON ROAD)
(Report:  Jan. 18/06, File No.:  1087-18-01) (REDMS No. 1740868)

Discussion ensued among Committee members and staff on how staff kept track of the amount of usage of City bicycle routes.  Information was provided that municipalities were now required to maintain records which would indicate the number of cyclists on a particular route, before and after the completion of a project, to determine whether the number of cyclists using that route had increased or decreased, or maintained a status quo.  Advice was given that bicycle routes were constructed with the objective that they would exist for many years to allow the next generation to have the opportunity to use bicycles.

The Chair commented that for the future, it would be good to track the usage of bicycle routes over a period of time, such as for the next fifteen years.  She stated that as our population changed so would usage of the bicycle routes.  Cllr. Barnes cautioned staff however that this request was not an expectation for staff to count bicycles, and suggested that volunteers could provide assistance in this regard.

It was moved and seconded

(1)

That the submission for 50/50 cost-sharing to the Province’s 2006/07 Cycling Infrastructure Partnership Program to improve the Westminster Highway bicycle route from No. 8 Road to Nelson Road, (as described in the report dated January 18^th, 2006, from the Acting Director, Transportation), be endorsed.

(2)

That should the above application be successful, staff be authorized to execute the provincial cost-share agreement.

CARRIED

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INFORMATION / AWARENESS (2 ITEMS)

ENGINEERING & PUBLIC WORKS DIVISION

9.

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

(Report:  Feb. 2/06, File No.:  10-6650-02/2006-Vol 01) (REDMS No. 1744649)

The Manager, Engineering Planning, Siu Tse, advised that a recent review of the participants in the 2004 mandatory water metering program had indicated that approximately two-thirds were saving money on their water bills.

Information was provided in response to questions, that the cost savings were calculated prior to including the billing fee, and the comment was made that it was important that this information be conveyed to the public.  Information was then provided on an open house to be held on March 30^th, 2006, to be hosted by Neptune, to raise awareness about the benefits of water metering.  As well, information would be included with the mail out of the 2006 utility bills.  The suggestion was then made that the mail out include a comparison of what the homeowner was now paying for metered water in relation to what they would have been paying prior to entering the program.

It was moved and seconded

That the report (dated February 2^nd, 2006, from the Director, Engineering), regarding the Richmond Long Range Drinking Water Management Plan:  Volunteer Water Metre Program Update, be received for information.

CARRIED

10.

AGEING FACILITY INFRASTRUCTURE - UPDATE

(Report:  Feb. 3/06, File No.:  06-2050-01) (REDMS No. 1755987)

Discussion ensued among Committee members and the Manager, Facilities Planning & Construction, David Naysmith, on:

§            

the frequency of the updates to Committee – the request was made that in future, the updates take place prior to the commencement of budget discussions

§            

the need for further annual contributions to the Infrastructure Reserve account to combat the competing infrastructure needs of City facilities and other infrastructure throughout the City

§            

increased construction costs and how they related to the projects currently proposed for construction, and the need to examine the City’s long term financial strategy

§            

how the long term financial strategy would become a component of the City’s master plan; how it would be determined whether or not some of the aging facilities should be retained; and the need to include in a future report, information on the future of a particular building and the needs proposed for that facility

§            

the options proposed in the report, and the difficulty in considering these options when the report did not include a ‘needs’ component

§            

whether the report now being considered should be referred to the Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services Division for review

With reference to the recommendation that contributions to the Infrastructure accounts be increased, advice was given that because of increases in the budget to date, City staff had been able to make a significant impact on important projects because of these increases.  It was noted that in 2002, samples had been taken from 23 buildings, as opposed to the 76 buildings which now comprise the City’s inventory, and the information obtained was even more accurate.  Further, historical buildings had not been included because these buildings ‘skewed’ the data, and City Hall had been included for the first time .  Comments were made that staff were of the view that the general condition of the buildings was ‘good to fair’, however there were other groups of buildings in the 20 to 40 year range which would require action in the near future.  In response to further questions, staff reviewed the list of variables and assumptions with the Committee.

Discussion continued on this issue, with concern being expressed about whether there had been a significant contribution to the City’s reserve accounts.  Reference was made to the on-going increase in construction costs, and discussion ensued on whether the variables and assumptions used by staff were realistic. 

During the discussion, with reference to the inclusion of the report within the City’s overall Master Plan, advice was given that this report was intended to provide an overview of the City’s public facilities, and would become part of the Master Plan.  Further advice was given that staff would report to Committee in the future on areas where additional funding would be required.

It was moved and seconded

That the report (dated February 3^rd, 2006, from the Director, Engineering), regarding Ageing Facility Infrastructure – Update, be received for information.

CARRIED

11.

MANAGER’S REPORT

Mr. Young reported that the City had been contacted by CBC Television and an interview given on the City’s method of undertaking sewer maintenance.  He added that a copy of the segment was to be provided to the City.

Mr. Young referred to a petition received from residents in the Aintree subdivision, on the removal of illegal boulevards, and advised that of the residents who signed the petition, only one of these illegal boulevards would be returned to boulevard gravel/grass.  He further advised that work crews would be using a different construction technique on this project –segmented pipe, which would reduce the impact of the water and storm sewer installation on the surrounding area.

With reference to the segment being aired by CBC Television, staff were requested to advise Council when this piece would air, and the Chair suggested that the segment be presented at the upcoming open house, or at a future Committee meeting.

Cllr. Howard referred to ‘wireless networking’ and questioned whether the City was considering the availability of low voltage areas to provide low cost access to those individuals who otherwise could not afford internet access.  Information was provided on discussions which had been held with the IT Department on this matter.  As well, information was provided that City staff were endeavouring to find the most inexpensive and cost effective system; however the biggest expense was related to administrative of the system.  Advice was given that staff would be monitoring the Vancouver program.  In response to further comments, advice was given that staff would provide an update once their review had been completed.

The Chair referred to the lack of an off-street bus station in the Steveston area, and the following referral motion was introduced:

It was moved and seconded

That City staff work with TransLink to help TransLink acquire property for an off-street bus exchange in the Steveston area.

CARRIED

ADJOURNMENT

It was moved and seconded

That the meeting adjourn (5:13 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 15^th, 2006.

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Councillor Linda Barnes
Chair

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