Date:

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Place:

Anderson Room

Richmond City Hall

Present:

Councillor Linda Barnes, Chair

Councillor Sue Halsey-Brandt, Vice-Chair

Councillor Ken Johnston

Councillor Harold Steves

Mayor Malcolm Brodie

Absent:

Councillor Derek Dang

Also Present:

Councillor Greg Halsey-Brandt

Call to Order:

The Chair called the meeting to order at 4:30 p.m.

MINUTES

1.

It was moved and seconded

That the minutes of the meeting of the Public Works & Transportation Committee held on Wednesday, March 25, 2009, be adopted as circulated.

CARRIED

NEXT COMMITTEE MEETING DATE

2.

Thursday, May 21, 2009 (tentative date) at 4:30 p.m. in the Anderson Room.

The Chair announced that the Agenda would be varied to hear Items 4 and 8 first.

PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT

4.

TRANSLINK AND COAST MOUNTAIN BUS COMPANY’S CANADA LINE BUS INTEGRATION PLAN: COMMENTS FROM THE CITY OF RICHMOND

(Report:  April 7, 2009, File No.:  01-0154-04) (REDMS No. 2588015)

With the aid of a PowerPoint presentation, George Sali, Service Planner, Coast Mountain Bus Company, provided the following information regarding the proposed Canada Line Bus Integration Plan (CLBIP):

§      

objectives are to maximize rapid transit, improve local bus service, and optimize cost of delivery;

§      

strategies include minimizing duplication of services, and providing local service through buses;

§      

a detailed planning process began in 2007 and a draft service proposal was developed;

§      

twelve internal and public open houses were held with approximately 3,400 attendees and with the information gathered from these consultations a detailed analysis was conducted and provided costing figures; and

§      

the CLBIP will be executed with two phases – Phase I begins with the Canada Line opening and resources from truncated and discontinued routes will be reallocated; and Phase II proposes post-Olympic plans and additional resources to fine tune services.

In reply to queries from Committee, Mr. Sali advised that Bus Route 401 is proposed to operate every six to eight minutes during peak hours and that staff at CMBC will monitor and if possible, reassess routes affecting Burkeville residents.

In reply to a query from Committee, Victor Wei, Director, Transportation, explained the process of implementing the proposed plan should it be approved. 

It was moved and seconded

That:

(1)

TransLink and Coast Mountain Bus Company (CMBC) be advised that the City of Richmond endorses the Canada Line Bus Integration Plan in principle and requests that the issues summarized in Section 4 of the attached report from the Director of Transportation be addressed as part of the implementation of the Plan;

(2)

the use of sections of Sexsmith Road, Charles Street, Saba Road, and Buswell Street as part of the new routings for bus services to support the Canada Line Bus Integration Plan, as described in the attached report, be endorsed;

(3)

the proposed transit service plan of the Richmond Skating Oval-Richmond Centre Community Shuttle scheduled for implementation in September 2009 by TransLink and CMBC with the use of sections of Elmbridge Way, Hollybridge Way, River Road, and Lynas Lane, as described in the attached report, as part of the proposed routing of this new community shuttle service be endorsed; and

(4)

the attached report be forwarded to TransLink and CMBC for their consideration in the finalization of the Canada Line Bus Integration Plan for implementation.

The question on the motion was not called as discussion ensued about the proposed CLBIP and it was noted that the proposed plan severely affects west Richmond residents with the elimination of Express buses and does not consider user convenience.

Further discussion ensued regarding a shift in transportation and staff, along with CMBC and TransLink should closely monitor services to ameliorate customer experience.  It was also noted that a presentation should be done before Council.

CARRIED

Opposed: Cllrs. S. Halsey-Brandt

Steves

ENGINEERING AND PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT

8.

PESTICIDE USE MANAGEMENT IN RICHMOND

(Report:  April 3, 2009, File No.:  ) (REDMS No. 2537280)

Suzanne Bycraft, Manager, Fleet & Environmental Programs, provided background information and spoke of two recently released Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM) resolutions regarding pesticide use and local governments’ authority around its use.

In reply to queries from Committee, staff advised that (i) additional parks labour staff would be required for hand weeding as well as an additional Bylaws Officer for enforcement; (ii) there are organic forms of pesticides, such as household vinegar, however it is still a pesticide; (ii) it is difficult to measure pesticide ban success rates as pesticides sales data is unavailable.

With the aid of a PowerPoint presentation, Dr. James Lu, Medical Health Officer, Richmond Health Services, Vancouver Coastal Health, spoke in favour of staff’s recommendation and was of the opinion that (i) reducing unnecessary pesticide use is a good thing to pursue; (ii) local government can provide leadership in reducing pesticide use through public education campaigns, public notification requirements, restrictions, and bans; and (iii) evidence remains uncertain regarding the effects of pesticides.

Dr. Lu concluded by recommending that pesticide use and policies be reviewed regularly.

Michelle Li, 6100 Tiffany Boulevard, was opposed to staff’s recommendation and stated that she wished to see a pesticide ban.  Ms. Li spoke of various concerns related to the use of pesticides on fields and strata properties.  She was of the opinion that the Pesticide Risk Reduction Policy did not carry out its stated objectives, and children face an undeniable risk to pesticide exposure.  Ms. Li concluded by urging Council to enact change now.  A copy of Ms. Li’s submission forms part of these minutes and is attached as Schedule 1.

With the aid of a PowerPoint presentation, Ashley Duyker, Community Action Coordinator, Canadian Cancer Society, provided the following information:

§      

Health Canada registers products if they do not pose an unacceptable level of risk when used as directed; however, it does not claim that these products are safe;

§      

according to the David Suzuki Foundation, 6,000 Canadians and 2,800 children under the age of six suffer from acute pesticide poisoning annually;

§      

cumulative risk refers to the amount and combination of pesticides one is exposed to and experts agree that reducing exposure to pesticides would reduce health risks;

§      

Halifax Regional Municipality reduced pesticides use by 51-70% within the first year of implementing a bylaw and education program;

§      

best results have been seen from a combination of education and enforcement, costing approximately $0.50 to $1.00 per person, per year, decreasing over time; and

§      

sustainable, non-toxic options for healthy lawns and gardens exist, public and private residential lands should not have the option to use pesticides for cosmetic purposes.

Ms. Duyker distributed some information regarding pesticides (Schedule 2) and spoke of tobacco related illnesses and noted that if we knew then what we know now about tobacco, we would have acted sooner.

In reply to a query from Committee, Ms. Duyker advised that her organization is lobbying senior levels government for pesticide bans.

Wendy McDonnell, 10440 Hollymount Drive, supported a City wide pesticide ban.  She spoke of the City’s stated visions regarding health, sustainability, and the environment.  She was of the opinion that pesticides are mildly to extremely toxic and that the allowance of pesticide use in the City contravenes the City’s stated visions.  Ms. McDonnell provided examples of cases and studies demonstrating the toxicity of pesticides and concluded by stating that a bylaw is the only way to protect the City and its residents from the effects of pesticides.  A copy of Ms. McDonnell’s submission forms part of these minutes and is attached as Schedule 3.

Betty Christensen, 10620 Aragon Road, was concerned with the safety of children in parks and playgrounds.

Arzeena Hamir, 8480 Dayton Court, was in favour of a City wide pesticide ban and mentioned that as an Agrologist, she has never used synthetic pesticides.   Ms. Hamir spoke of the dangers pesticides pose for anybody who is exposed to them.  She also mentioned that although there are workshops for those interested in learning about pesticide free lawns and gardens, often those who attend are already aware of the harm pesticides cause.

In reply to a query from Committee, Ms. Hamir suggested that a bylaw would get noticed due to its coverage in the local media.

Dave Semple, Director of Parks and Public Works Operations, advised that playgrounds and sports fields are not sprayed with pesticides and the Parks Department has significantly reduced its use of pesticides.

As a result of the discussion, the following motion was introduced:

It was moved and seconded

(1)

That the staff report dated April 16, 2009 from the Director of Parks and Public Works Operations, entitled “Pesticide Use Management in Richmond” be received for information;

(2)

That Option 4 (as outlined in the staff report dated April 16, 2009 from the Director of Parks and Public Works Operations, entitled “Pesticide Use Management in Richmond”), be enacted and related policies and procedures be reviewed in one year to measure its effectiveness and improve it; and

(3)

That the timing of budgetary implications be reviewed.

The question on the motion was not called as discussion ensued regarding costs associated to the motion and staff was directed to investigate financial options for this motion, while concurrently drafting the bylaw.

Robert Gonzalez, General Manager, Engineering and Public Works, advised that this project would be included in the 2010 budget process for Council considerationand in the meantime, be included as an option for the 2009 Surplus Funding Review for Council consideration.

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

Mayor Brodie left the meeting (6:54 p.m.) and did not return.

COUNCILLOR GREG HALSEY-BRANDT

3.

MULTI FAMILY RATES FOR WATER AND SEWER SERVICES

(Report:  March 19, 2009, File No.:  03-0930-02-03) (REDMS No. 2589495)

Councillor Greg Halsey-Brandt provided background information, emphasizing that the majority of townhouses and apartment buildings in Richmond cannot accommodate individual water meters.  Councillor G. Halsey-Brandt distributed several pieces of correspondence received from residents expressing support for individual water meters for townhouse and apartment dwellings (Schedule 4) and believed that the problems should be examined to uncover a solution.

It was moved and seconded

That:

(1)

Council form a Task Force comprised of 5 citizens representing different ownership and build models of townhouse and apartment water users and 2 Council members, along with staff support, to examine problems experienced by townhouse and apartment properties in taking advantage of the City’s water metering programme; and

(2)

the Task Force bring forward recommendations to Council through the Public Works and Transportation Committee by the end of September 2009 on how these types of properties might take advantage of the programme or if metering is not feasible or practical, options to re-structure the water and sewer utility charges to make the rates charged to these types of properties as equitable as possible with other types of metered residential properties in Richmond.

The question on the motion was not called as discussion ensued regarding water service equity for all Richmond residents.

Mr. Gonzalez advised that the current volunteer water meter program is coming to an end and a staff report regarding water meters is anticipated to be brought before this Committee in May 2009.  He noted that in addition to the upcoming staff report, staff could investigate options for the composition of a stakeholders group.

As a result of the discussion, the following referral motion was made:

It was moved and seconded

That the Multi Family Rates For Water And Sewer Services report be referred back to staff to be brought back to the May 2009 Public Works and Transportation Committee meeting along with the anticipated staff report regarding the Volunteer Water Meter Program.

CARRIED

ENGINEERING AND PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT

5.

MID ISLAND DIKE SCOPING STUDY

(Report:  April 2, 2009, File No.:  10-6340-20-P.08309) (REDMS No. 2579609)

In reply to a question from Committee, Jim Young, Manager, Engineering Design and Construction advised that staff are preparing an application for the 2009 Flood Protection Program Funding.

It was moved and seconded

(1)

That, while the perimeter dikes and a future Mid Island Dike are recognized as two critical components of the City’s flood protection strategy, the improvement of perimeter dikes is endorsed as a priority over construction of a Mid Island Dike;

(2)

That the Mid Island Dike be recognized as a critical component to the City’s 2008 –2031 Flood Protection Strategy; and

(3)

That a letter be sent to the Provincial Government presenting the Mid Island Dike Scoping Study Report and requesting;

(i)

Provincial acknowledgement that perimeter dike improvements are a priority over the construction of the Mid Island Dike, and

(ii)

Provincial funding be dedicated to complete the perimeter dike improvements and construction of the Mid Island Dike.

CARRIED

6.

SEA LEVEL RISE

(Report:  March 30, 2009, File No.:  10-6045-01) (REDMS No. 2594708)

In reply to a query from Committee, Mr. Young advised that staff are aware of similar projects in other lower mainland municipalities with waterfronts.

Neil Smith, 3780 Pacemore Avenue, spoke of current environmental concerns and noted that scientists have significantly underestimated projected numbers regarding these concerns.  He urged Council to give serious consideration to its growth strategy, and in particular its forecast level of growth.  Mr. Smith also mentioned that the City’s Emergency Preparedness Plan should be reviewed to ensure it can withstand a significant event.

It was moved and seconded

That:

(1)

a letter under the Mayor’s signature be sent to the Premier requesting that the Province fund and complete a sea level rise policy specific to the Lower Fraser Delta by December 31, 2009 and identify funding that will allow the City to address any increased risk; and

(2)

a letter under the Mayor’s signature be sent to the Fraser Basin Council Executive Director to seek their support that the Province fund and complete a sea level rise policy specific to the Lower Fraser Delta.

CARRIED

7.

ENERGY MANAGEMENT PROGRAM UPDATE

(Report:  April 2, 2009, File No.:  10-6125-05-01) (REDMS No. 2597396)

Philip Hogg, Manager, Facilities Operations and Maintenance, advised that the results of a third-party 2008 Energy Management System Assessmentreport demonstrate that out of 84 North American cities, Richmond ranked in the top 10%.

In reply to queries from Committee, Mark Roozbahani, Energy Manager, advised that the Community Energy and Greenhouse Gases Reduction Plan is mostly financed through external funding such as grants, and staff are investigating partnerships with other organizations in Richmond.  Mr. Roozbahani also commented on the Plan’s public awareness and education campaign.

Discussion ensued and it was noted that a copy of the 2008 Energy Management System Assessment report be provided to Council.

It was moved and seconded

That the staff report dated April 2, 2009 from the Director of Engineering entitled “Energy Management Program Update” be received for information.

CARRIED

9.

T.2988 – REQUEST FOR CONTRACT AMENDMENT DUE TO ECONOMIC DOWNTURN IN RECYCLING COMMODITY MARKETS

(Report:  , File No.:  ) (REDMS No. )

It was moved and seconded

(1)

That the General Manager of Engineering and Public Works be authorized to execute an amendment to Contract T.2988, Residential Garbage and Recycling Collection Services as follows:

(a)

Amend the schedule of quantity and prices to:

(i)

reflect proposed increases in recycling material processing costs;

(ii)

eliminate the fixed revenue portion of the Contract;

(b)

Amend Schedule A to reflect financial benefit to the City from increases in commodity market revenues based on market indicators above fixed amounts; and

(2)

That the additional estimated cost of $520,000 in 2009 be funded from the 2009 Sanitation and Recycling rate stabilization account.

CARRIED

10.

METRO VANCOUVER'S ZERO WASTE CHALLENGE

(Report:  March 24, 2009, File No.:  10-6405-04-02) (REDMS No. 2592200)

It was moved and seconded

That the Metro Vancouver Board be advised of the City of Richmond’s comments relative to the Zero Waste Challenge Goals, Strategies and Actions document as contained in their March 13, 2009 letter as follows:

(1)

the City of Richmond generally supports the overall intent of the Zero Waste Challenge to further waste reduction and enhance recycling;

(2)

the cost implications of the Zero Waste Challenge should be more clearly defined and considered prior to adoption of the strategies and actions;

(3)

a strategy and supporting actions to foster market development for recycled materials should be added to the Zero Waste Challenge.  This should include a regional role in processing and marketing, a potential non-agricultural land acquisition strategy for required recycling facilities, and enhanced policy-based initiatives to promote local recycled content in consumer goods; and

(4)

that Metro Vancouver evaluate whether economies of scale could be realized for a regionally-controlled recycling program for the Industrial, Commercial and Institutional sector.

The question on the motion was not called as the Chair made reference to a recently published article (Schedule 5) regarding contaminants in electronics.  The question on the motion was then called and it was CARRIED.

11.

2008/2009 EXTREME WEATHER AND SNOW RESPONSE OPERATIONS

(Report:  April 5, 2009, File No.:  ) (REDMS No. 2597418)

In reply to a query from Committee, Dan Mooney, Manager of Roads and Construction, spoke of the City’s current bylaw regarding snow removal.

Discussion ensued and Committee thanked all the Roads staff and crews for all their hard work and long hours particularly over the holidays during the heavy snow fall this past winter.

It was moved and seconded

That:

(1)

staff bring forward amendments to Traffic Bylaw No. 5870 to require owners of commercial, industrial, or multi-family properties to clear snow from sidewalks adjacent to their property, seven days per week;

(2)

 a “Snow Angels” volunteer registry for residents and volunteers be developed to promote snow clearing and related assistance to seniors and others during major snow events; and

(3)

staff explore community partnership opportunities for the development and management of a “For Hire” listing of individuals and private contractors that would be available to provide snow removal services in areas not covered under the City’s Snow Response Policy, on a fee for service basis.

CARRIED

Councillor Steves left the meeting (7:20 p.m.) and did not return.

3.

MANAGER’S REPORT

(a)

Liquid Waste Plan

Mr. Gonzalez advised that a staff report is forthcoming regarding staff’s position on the Regional Liquid Waste Plan.

(b)

Solid Waste Plan

Mr. Gonzalez spoke of the Solid Waste Plan’s targets being raised and how the balance would be dealt with.

(c)

Accessible Pedestrian Signals

Mr. Wei noted that Accessible Pedestrian Signals (APS) will installed at several key intersections in the forthcoming weeks.

ADJOURNMENT

It was moved and seconded

That the meeting adjourn (7:22 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 22, 2009.

_________________________________

_________________________________

Councillor Linda Barnes

Chair

Hanieh Floujeh

Committee Clerk