Date:

Wednesday, May 16, 2007

Place:

Anderson Room
Richmond City Hall

Present:

Councillor Derek Dang, Chair
Councillor Bill McNulty, Vice-Chair
Councillor Linda Barnes
Councillor Evelina Halsey-Brandt
Councillor Harold Steves

Call to Order:

The Chair called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m.

MINUTES

1.

It was moved and seconded

That the minutes of the meeting of the Public Works & Transportation Committee held on Wednesday, April 18, 2007, be adopted as circulated.

CARRIED

NEXT COMMITTEE MEETING DATE

2.

Wednesday, June 20^th, 2007 (tentative date) at 4:00 p.m. in the Anderson Room.

POLICIES / STRATEGIES (0 ITEMS)

***********************************

DECISIONS / ACTIONS (2 ITEMS)

ENGINEERING & PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT

3.

LONG TERM OPERATION OF THE FRASER RIVER DEBRIS TRAP

(Report:  Mar. 28/07, File No.:  10-6150-01) (REDMS No. 2222944, 2069067)

The Manager of Engineering Design and Construction, Jim Young, advised that long term funding for continued support of the Fraser River Debris Trap operation had been secured through the provincial government.

It was moved and seconded

That letters be sent from the City to:

(1)

The Federal Government to request participation in the long term funding to support the continued operation of the Fraser River Debris Trap;

(2)

The Provincial Government expressing appreciation for the long term funding, and for recognizing the value of the Fraser River Debris Trap to the British Columbia economy; and

(3)

The Fraser Port Authority, Lower Mainland Port Authority and North Fraser Port Authority to consider support of the operation of the Fraser River Debris Trap during the amalgamation process of the three port authorities.

The question on the motion was not called, as discussion ensued, and advice was provided that funding secured through the province is $750,000 per annum for a period of five years.

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

4.

FUNDING FOR DISTRICT ENERGY SYSTEM FEASIBILITY STUDY

(Report: May 8, 2007 , File No.:03-1000-20-2856P ) (REDMS No. 2231547 )

The Manager of Facilities Operations and Maintenance, Philip Hogg spoke about BC Hydro’s extensive program to find different methods of reducing future energy loads.

Discussion ensued between Committee members and staff, during which, in response to questions, information was provided that:

§   

the Oval’s production of ice will generate heat; the intent is to tap into that heat, introduce it to a geothermal underground storage system, and transfer it to provide heating and cooling to residences;

§   

the estimated time for the completion of the feasibility study upon commencement is 120 days;

§   

a preliminary study provided by a vendor has indicated that establishment of connections to the residences will provide a revenue to pay back the capital, provide a revenue stream for the City, and provide infrastructure replacement; the vendor has indicated that 100% financing is available for the utility proposal;

§   

this infrastructure will reduce the amount of electricity supplied by BC Hydro, but it will not generate excess energy; and

§   

it is possible that BC Hydro may assist with capital incentives.

During the discussion, reference was made to a report presented at the GVRD Environment Committee meeting of May 15, 2007 about a number of world wide contingencies meeting in Stockholm regarding 100% fossil fuel free sustainability initiatives. As a result, staff was asked to provide a presentation or a follow up from the contingency in Stockholm.

Discussion continued, and various comments were made about the need to expand the district energy system to the west.

It was moved and seconded

(1)

That the General Manager of Engineering and Public Works ( the “GM”) be authorized on behalf of the City to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding generally per the terms attached hereto as Attachment 2 and a Joint Initiative Agreement with BC Hydro, on terms and conditions acceptable to the GM,  to effect the goals set out in the “Funding for District Energy System Feasibility Study” report from the Director, Engineering.

(2)

That funding in the amount of $75,000 be approved from General Contingency for the City’s contribution to the feasibility study and, if the feasibility study supports the financial viability of the district energy utility project, to the annual salary of the project engineer, as outlined in the “Funding for District Energy System Feasibility Study” report from the Director, Engineering.

CARRIED

PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT

5.

“GO GREEN” COMMUNITY EVENTS – MAY AND JUNE, 2007

(Report:  Apr. 19/07, File No.:  10-6460-01/2007-Vol 01) (REDMS No. 2132284)

It was moved and seconded

(1)

That the overall objectives of the 2007 Bike to Work Week, Bike Month and Commuter Challenge campaigns, (as outlined in the report dated April 19^th, 2007, from the Director, Transportation), be endorsed.

(2)

That the City of Richmond participate in various regional and local activities associated with the above campaigns to encourage sustainable transportation options that will contribute to reduced greenhouse gas emissions.

(3)

That this report and all information on event activities be forwarded to the Richmond School Board for their information.

CARRIED

6.

MANAGER’S REPORT

Mr. Young circulated a copy of an article featured in the April 23^rd, 2007 issue of the Journal of Commerce, recognizing the City of Richmond for continued progress in the Shellmont region for horizontal directional drilling.

Mr. Young advised that the north end river dyke inspection has been completed, and the south end inspection is scheduled for Friday, May 18, 2007.

Dave Semple, Director of Parks and Public Works Operations introduced the new Roads Manager, Dan Mooney to the Committee. Mr. Mooney most recently worked for the City of Langley regulating public works operations, and in past years has worked for the City of North Vancouver.

Mr. Semple advised the Committee of a visual lighting demonstration scheduled for Thursday, May 18, 2007 at 9:30 p.m., under the No. 2 Road bridge. The purpose is to demonstrate an example of future possibilities for way-finding and beautifying of the City which would be sustainable at a net zero value.

Mr. Wei stated that he is available to answer any questions about his memorandum circulated to members of Council on Monday, May 14, 2007 regarding a $4.7 million award from the Federal Government.

Jeff Day, General Manager, Engineering & Public Works reminded the Committee of the Open House featuring the world’s largest sand pile on Saturday, May 26, 2007, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., hosted by the Public Works and Parks Division at the City’s Works Yard in celebration of National Public Work’s Week (May 21 – 26).

In response to transportation and traffic related queries, Mr Wei advised that:

§   

the Ministry of Transportation and Highways will be contacted about painting white dotted lines to guide traffic on the Garden City and Sea Island access heading towards the Oak Street Bridge

§   

the two way stop sign has remained in place at the new River Road in order to stabilize the traffic pattern prior to the implementation of permanent traffic control methods. Special signage and painted guidelines have been added to that section of River Road. It was suggested to staff that due to Richmond’s unique demographics, consideration be given to providing bilingual signage.

§   

various options for improvements to the intersection of Garden City Road and Granville Avenue are currently being explored by staff. The proposed changes will be presented to Council with the anticipation of commencing improvements in 2008 / 2009.

Staff was asked to contact the Ministry of Transportation and Highways to provide consistency for the number of passengers on HOV lanes in both directions through the George Massey Tunnel.

Reference was made to an outstanding referral regarding the 24 Hours newspaper, and provisions for recycling containers on the streets of Richmond. Discussion ensued, and staff was asked to update Council with street furniture options for recycling prior to the completion of the Canada Line.

ADJOURNMENT

It was moved and seconded

That the meeting adjourn (4:45 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, May 16, 2007.

_________________________________

_________________________________

Councillor Derek Dang
Chair

Shanan Dhaliwal, Committee Clerk