MINUTES

1.

It was moved and seconded

That the minutes of the meeting of the Public Works & Transportation Committee held on Wednesday, March 19, 2008, be adopted as circulated.

CARRIED

NEXT COMMITTEE MEETING DATE

2.

Thursday, May 22, 2008 (tentative date) at 4:00 p.m. in the Anderson Room.

PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT

3.

PROPOSED WALKWAY ON FOURTH AVENUE IN STEVESTON

(Report:  April 3, 2008, File No.:  10-6360-12-01) (REDMS No. 2298701)

It was moved and seconded

That the concept of the proposed pedestrian walkway to be constructed on the west side of Fourth Avenue between Steveston Highway and Chatham Street, as described in the report from the Director, Transportation dated April 3, 2008, be forwarded to the area residents for comments and indication of support by means of a mail-out questionnaire survey.

CARRIED

4.

AWARD OF 2008 PAVING CONTRACT T.3181

(Report:  April 16, 2008, File No.:  03-1000-20-T.3181) (REDMS No. 2401545)

It was moved and seconded

That the report from the Manager, Engineering Design and Construction regarding the award of Contract T.3181 – 2008 Asphaltic Concrete Paving to the lowest bidder, Columbia Bitulithic Limited, be received for information.

CARRIED

OLYMPIC BUSINESS AND MAJOR PROJECTS

5.

NO. 3 ROAD RESTORATION – INNOVATIONS FUND

(Report:  April 4, 2008, File No.:  10-6525-01) (REDMS No. 2359081)

Greg Scott, Director, Major Projects, advised that the City’s grant application to the Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM) on the allocation of revenues collected through gas tax was accepted. 

Mr. Scott noted the funds received through the grant do not cover the entire No. 3 Road Restoration shortfall.  In reply to a query with regard to “any agreement necessary”, Mr. Scott advised that any agreement would only relate to this specific project.

Discussion ensued and it was suggested that staff create an ongoing tally of the No. 3 Road Restoration project, illustrating funds received and the corresponding shortfall.

It was moved and seconded

That the General Manager of Olympic Business and Major Projects or his delegate be authorized to execute any agreement necessary to accept $2,037,400 “Innovations Fund” funding under the agreement on transfer of federal gas tax revenues as administrated by the Union of British Columbia Municipalities.

CARRIED

6.

NO. 3 ROAD RESTORATION PROJECT – SPECIAL EFFECT LIGHTING UPDATE

(Report:  February 18, 2008, File No.:  10-6525-07-09) (REDMS No. 2343684, 2344995)

Mr. Scott advised that test lights have been installed along the Canada Line guideway and will be in place until Sunday.  Mr. Scott also noted staff are soliciting feedback from the public through various measures.

With the aid of a power point presentation (copy on file, City Clerk’s Office), Mr. Scott provided the following information:

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integrated public art opportunities such as ‘Green Screens’ and ‘Art Wraps’ would be implemented on a number of guideway columns;

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Lightworks is a company that designs and supplies performance lighting solutions; and

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Lightworks recently tested Special Effect Lighting and found that (i) reflection angle, colour selection and placement of lights are important; (ii) baffles are required to shield the light source from vehicle traffic; and (iii) colour wash intensity and uniformity requires improvement.

Discussion ensued and the following information was noted:

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the Special Effect Lighting project is not part of the Canada Line budget;

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the integrated public art opportunities may cause difficulties in locating business on the east side of No. 3 Road;

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the Special Effect Lighting treatments would only be applied to several guideway columns and LED (light-emitting diode) lighting would be used; and

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staff are investigating ‘way finding’ signage to aid pedestrians and businesses along No. 3 Road.

In reply to a query, Mr. Scott indicated that he anticipates providing an update in approximately two months, at which time the majority of tenders for the No. 3 Road Restoration will have been procured.

It was moved and seconded

That staff report entitled No. 3 Road Restoration Project - Special Effect Lighting Update, dated February 18, 2008 be received for information.

CARRIED

7.

MANAGER’S REPORT

(a)

Jim Young, Manager Engineering Design and Construction, highlighted that Environmental Science and Engineering Magazine has published an article recognizing the City for its innovative Grease Discharge Enforcement Program. 

In reply to a query, Mr. Young advised that the Grease Discharge Enforcement Program is underway.  Mr. Young also noted that Richmond restaurant owners have been provided with a newly created brochure containing contact information for multiple companies who purchase grease. Mr. Young advised that staff are investigating opportunities to create a grease recycling program.

(b)

Mr. Young advised that the City has won the project of the year award from the American Public Works Association for its dyke project located between No. 7 Road and No. 8 Road.

(c)

Robert Gonzalez, General Manager, Engineering and Public Works, provided an update on the Metro Vancouver’s (MV) Liquid and Solid Waste Plans and noted the following points:

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the public meeting held on April 15, 2008 was well received and demonstrated strong public support on the different initiatives that MV is bringing forward;

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details on financial implications are unknown;

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the City is establishing the status of its utilities, funds it collects annually, and its targets based on MV’s initiatives; and

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MV has committed to release financial information shortly, at which time staff will be able to address financial implications specific to Richmond.

In reply to a query, Mr. Gonzalez stated that utility rates are projected to double over the next decade.  Therefore, in order to support the regional program, staff must look at the City’s current operations and possible implications to municipal operating costs.

ADJOURNMENT

It was moved and seconded

That the meeting adjourn (4:56 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, April 23, 2008.

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Councillor Derek Dang
Chair

Hanieh Floujeh
Committee Clerk