September 24, 2014 - Minutes

Date:

Wednesday, September 24, 2014

Place:

Anderson Room
Richmond City Hall

Present:

Councillor Linda Barnes, Chair
Councillor Chak Au
Councillor Derek Dang
Councillor Harold Steves

Absent:

Councillor Linda McPhail

Call to Order:

The Chair called the meeting to order at 3:30 p.m.

MINUTES

It was moved and seconded

That the minutes of the meeting of the Public Works & Transportation Committee held on Wednesday, July 23, 2014, be adopted as circulated.

CARRIED

NEXT COMMITTEE MEETING DATE

Wednesday, October 22, 2014, (tentative date) at 4:00 p.m. in the Anderson Room

ENGINEERING AND PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT

1.

Toilet and Clothes Washer Rebate Program Update
(File Ref. No. 10-6060-02-01) (REDMS No. 4333310)

It was moved and seconded

That:

(1)

the City allocate $20,000 from existing Water Utility operating accounts to the Clothes Washer Rebate Program; and

(2)

the CAO and the General Manager, Engineering and Public Works, be authorized to update the agreement with BC Hydro to include the additional funding.

CARRIED

2.

Municipal Access Agreement with TeraSpan Networks Inc.
(File Ref. No. 10-6060-01) (REDMS No. 4267964)

In reply to queries from Committee, Lloyd Bie, Manager, Engineering Planning, advised that (i) the proposed Municipal Access Agreement is typically utilized for agreements with utility companies related to telecommunication infrastructure, and (ii) TeraSpan is a federally regulated telecommunications company that provides services to local companies across Canada.

It was moved and seconded

That the Chief Administrative Officer and the General Manager, Engineering & Public Works be authorized to execute, on behalf of the City, a Municipal Access Agreement between the City and TeraSpan Networks Inc. containing the material terms and conditions set out in the staff report titled Municipal Access Agreement with TeraSpan Networks Inc., dated August 11, 2014, from the Director, Engineering.

CARRIED

3.

MANAGER’S REPORT

(i)

Introduction of Manager, Public Works Administration

Tom Stewart, Director, Public Works, introduced Jatinder Johal, Manager, Public Works Administration and commented on Mr. Johal’s tenure with the City.

Committee welcomed Mr. Johal, noting that he is joining a great team of engineering and public works staff.

(ii)

Transportation Division Updates

Victor Wei, Director, Transportation, stated that in response to recent complaints from Burkeville residents, staff are corresponding with area residents to address concerns related to speeding and uncontrolled intersections.  He stated that a letter will be sent to residents seeking their support for the installation of traffic calming measures at approximately eight intersections.

In reply to a query from the Chair with regard to a memorandum dated August 19, 2014 regarding the River Road realignment between Hollybridge Way and Gilbert Road (copy on file, City Clerk’s Office), Mr. Wei advised that staff have placed a high priority on continuing to make any necessary traffic control enhancements to this area in order to minimize any delays or confusion experienced by road users through this road pattern transition period.  Also, Mr. Wei commented on a tool on the City’s website that shows traffic in real time at various intersections, which can assist motorists in route planning.

In reply to queries from Committee, Mr. Wei stated that as a result of development requirements of projects adjacent to the Dinsmore Bridge, River Road will be widened to four-lanes, which will further reduce delays.  Also, he commented that staff have been monitoring school traffic queues and volumes and, in comparison to traffic delays recorded prior to the opening of schools, traffic delays have remained relatively the same.

In reply to further queries regarding complaints related to the River Road realignment, Mr. Wei spoke on the objective of the realignment, noting that it is a key component of the City Centre Area Plan as it supports the improvement of public open space and access to the river by establishing and expanding the Middle Arm Waterfront Park, as well as placing a priority on active transportation.  He noted that staff are continuously monitoring live traffic cameras at key intersections to adjust signal timings in an effort to accommodate changing demands from all approaches.  Also, staff have installed additional signage to minimize any confusion experienced by motorists.  Mr. Wei commented on the geometry of the realignment and the average time delay, and stated that staff will continue to monitor this area in an effort to manage traffic flow during this adjustment period.

(iii)

Compliments to Staff

The Chair referenced correspondence (copy on file, City Clerk’s Office), congratulating Roads staff on excellent customer service.  Also, she congratulated staff for the receipt of the Bronze Quill Award of Excellence from the International Association of Business Communicators for the Green Cart Program.

(iv)

Deep Dredging of the Fraser River

Discussion ensued regarding the article titled ‘Plan for deeper dredging in Fraser River could have high environmental price’ published April 22, 2014 in Business In Vancouver and in reply to a query from Committee, Robert Gonzalez, General Manager, Engineering & Public Works spoke of the staff referral, noting that staff reported back on the referral at the July 23, 2014 Public Works and Transportation Committee.

Councillor Steves requested that a copy of the staff report and any related information be provided to him in anticipation of a forthcoming meeting with the Surrey Chamber of Commerce.

(v)

Climate Action at the UBCM Convention

Discussion ensued regarding climate action discussions at the UBCM Convention and it was noted that, in this regard, Richmond is far ahead of other municipalities.  It was suggested that staff assemble a package regarding all the City’s efforts to address climate action, including parks and urban agriculture efforts and present it to Council.  Committee then thanked staff for their efforts with regard to climate action.

In response to a comment made by Committee, Dave Semple, General Manager, Community Services, advised that the Works Yard is equipped with shower facilities for staff who wish to cycle to work.

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

It was moved and seconded

That staff assemble a cross-departmental package showcasing Richmond’s efforts with regard to climate action and present it to Council.

CARRIED

ADJOURNMENT

It was moved and seconded

That the meeting adjourn (3:52 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, September 24, 2014.

_________________________________

_________________________________

Councillor Linda Barnes
Chair

Heather Howey
Committee Clerk