MINUTES

It was moved and seconded

That the minutes of the meeting of the Public Works & Transportation Committee held on Wednesday, February 22, 2012, be adopted as circulated.

CARRIED

NEXT COMMITTEE MEETING DATE

Wednesday, April 18, 2012 (tentative date) at 4:00 p.m. in the Anderson Room

ENGINEERING AND PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT

1.

BC STEWARDSHIP REGULATION RELATING TO PACKAGING AND PRINTED PAPER

(File Ref. No. 10-6370-00) (REDMS No. 3486556)

Suzanne Bycraft, Manager, Fleet & Environmental Programs, advised that the Recycling Regulation of the Environmental Management Act has been amended to include a stewardship program for Post-Consumer Packaging and Printed Paper in British Columbia.

Ms. Bycraft noted that Multi-Materials BC (MMBC) is a non-profit agency established by the producers to respond to the stewardship plan and implementation requirements.

Discussion ensued and Committee expressed concerns related to MMBC’s role and how Richmond’s concerns would be addressed.  Ms. Bycraft advised that staff attended a workshop in February 2012 and provided comments on a steady state assessment document, which asked that staff confirm information regarding Richmond’s current recycling program.  She noted that staff were not requested to provide comments on the potential design options as presented in a separate document at the workshop.

Committee further expressed concerns regarding the direction of the stewardship plan and the implementation requirements.  Ms. Bycraft stated that the impacts of the new regulation for Richmond is unknown at this time.

In reply to a query from Committee, Ms. Bycraft advised that Richmond collects approximately $400,000 in net revenue from paper recycling commodities.  She highlighted that this revenue is budgeted and used to help offset rates for services.

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

It was moved and seconded

(1)

That:

(a)

Whereas recycling rates for residential homes in Metro Vancouver is currently at 44%;

(b)

Whereas in Metro Vancouver, the municipal blue box curbside service is the most established and successful aspect of the waste stream in terms of diversion;

(c)

Whereas recyclable materials represent a potential revenue stream for municipalities;

(d)

Whereas public policy priorities to drive zero waste should focus on much diverting waste from multi-family dwellings, and the commercial and industrial sectors;

(e)

Whereas the Province has amended the Recycling Regulation to include extended producer responsibility for paper and packaging by 2014;

(f)

Whereas municipalities have the most knowledge about the recycling system in their communities;

(g)

Whereas the new stewardship program doesn’t require municipal pick up and could eliminate publicly controlled residential collection of paper and packaging; and

(h)

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Province amend the Recycling Regulation so that stewardship organization fund recycling programs through local governments;

(2)

That the foregoing be forwarded to the Lower Mainland Local Government Association and Metro Vancouver for information.

The question on the motion was not called as Committee further expressed concerns regarding MMBC’s role and what impacts the proposed product stewardship plan would pose for Richmond.

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

2.

FLOOD PLAIN DESIGNATION AND PROTECTION BYLAW 8204, AMENDMENT BYLAW 8876

(File Ref. No. 10-6060-04-01) (REDMS No. 3477400)

It was moved and seconded

That Flood Plain Designation and Protection Bylaw 8204, Amendment Bylaw 8876 be introduced and given first, second and third reading.

CARRIED

3.

RESIDENTIAL WATER METER PROGRAM UPDATE

(File Ref. No. 10-6650-02) (REDMS No. 3486556)

It was moved and seconded

That the options for alternate water utility rate structures that enhance water conservation and equity be brought forward for consideration in 2012 prior to the annual utility rates report.

The question on the motion was not called as in reply to a query from Committee, Lloyd Bie, Manager, Engineering Planning, advised that staff would report back on how to proceed with the residential water meter programs.

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

4.

MANAGER’S REPORT

None.

ADJOURNMENT

It was moved and seconded

That the meeting adjourn (4:17 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, March 21, 2012.

_________________________________

_________________________________

Councillor Chak Au

Vice-Chair

Hanieh Berg

Committee Clerk