October 22, 2014 - Minutes

Date:

Wednesday, October 22, 2014

Place:

Anderson Room
Richmond City Hall

Present:

Councillor Linda Barnes, Chair
Councillor Chak Au
Councillor Linda McPhail
Councillor Harold Steves

Mayor Malcolm Brodie (entered at 4:01 p.m.)

Absent:

Councillor Derek Dang

Call to Order:

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

MINUTES

It was moved and seconded

That the minutes of the meeting of the Public Works & Transportation Committee held on Wednesday, September 24, 2014, be adopted as circulated.

CARRIED

Mayor Brodie entered the meeting 4:01 p.m.

NEXT COMMITTEE MEETING DATE

Wednesday, November 19, 2014, (tentative date) at 4:00 p.m. in the Anderson Room

The Chair advised that the order of the Agenda would be varied to consider Item No. 3 – Multi-Material BC – Financial Incentive Status Update last.

PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT

1.

PROPOSED CITY OF RICHMOND-TRANSLINK TRAVELSMART PARTNERSHIP
(File Ref. No. 01-0154-04) (REDMS No. 4307325 v.2)

Donna Chan, Manager, Transportation Planning, introduced Dave Lewin, Senior TravelSmart Specialist, and Adrian Bell, Manager, Customer Programs and Implementation, TransLink.

In reply to a query from the Chair, Mr. Lewin advised that he would be pleased to present on the City of Richmond-TransLink TravelSmart Partnership at the upcoming Council meeting.

Mayor Brodie left the meeting (4:05 p.m.).

In reply to queries from Committee, Ms. Chan advised that for 2015, staff propose to increase the number of cycling education courses by stretching resources so that more schools can benefit from the programs.  Also, Ms. Chan advised that staff can report back to Committee on the proposed marketing and public awareness campaign.

In reply to comments made by Committee regarding the capacity of the Canada Line, Mr. Lewin advised that, in addition to the promotion of cycling as a viable transportation alternative, other modes of transport, such as carpooling, car sharing, and walking, are also promoted; therefore, these other modes of transport are not anticipated to affect Canada Line ridership.  Also, Mr. Bell noted that as part of the TravelSmart program, feedback is provided to TransLink’s operational and policy teams with regard to any concerns related to the Canada Line’s capacity and cyclists’ safety.

It was moved and seconded

(1)

That the City’s proposed partnership with TravelSmart to support and promote the City’s goals to increase sustainable transportation choices for the community be endorsed;

(2)

That the Chief Administrative Officer and the General Manager, Planning and Development, be authorized to negotiate and execute a Memorandum of Understanding based on the attached draft (Attachment 1 to the staff report titled Proposed City of Richmond-TransLink TravelSmart Partnership dated September 23, 2014 ) on behalf of the City with TransLink regarding the TravelSmart partnership; and

(3)

That a copy of the above staff report be forwarded to the Richmond Council-School Board Liaison Committee for information.

CARRIED

2.

TransLink 2015 Capital Program Cost-Sharing Submissions
(File Ref. No. 01-0154-04) (REDMS No. 4289061)

It was moved and seconded

(1)

That the submission of:

(a)

road and bicycle improvement projects for cost-sharing as part of the TransLink 2015 Major Road Network & Bike (MRNB) Upgrade Program; and

(b)

transit facility improvements for cost-sharing as part of the TransLink 2015 Transit-Related Road Infrastructure Program;

as described in the staff report titled TransLink 2015 Capital Program Cost-Sharing Submissions dated September 23, 2014 from the Director, Transportation, be endorsed; and

(2)

That, should the above submissions be successful and the projects receive Council approval via the annual capital budget process, the Chief Administrative Officer and General Manager, Planning and Development be authorized to execute the funding agreements and the 2015 Capital Plan and the 5-Year Financial Plan (2015-2019) be updated accordingly dependant on the timing of the budget process.

CARRIED

ENGINEERING AND PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT

3.

Multi-Material BC – Financial Incentive Status Update
(File Ref. No. 10-6370-03-01) (REDMS No. 4351873)

Please see Page 11 for action on this matter.

4.

2014 Enhanced Pesticide Management Program
(File Ref. No. 10-6125-04-01) (REDMS No. 4366543 v. 5)

In reply to queries from Committee, Lesley Douglas, Manager, Environmental Sustainability, advised that (i) in the absence of provincial legislation, the continuation of the City’s Enhanced Pesticide Management Program is valuable, (ii) the Minister of Environment is currently reviewing draft revisions to the Integrated Pest Management Act, which do not include a provincial ban on the use of pesticides for cosmetic purposes, (iii) staff received four Pesticide Use Control Bylaw No. 8514 related complaints, whereby no fines were issued, and (iv) staff can liaise with Harvest Power with regard to potential contamination of compost and update Council accordingly.

Mayor Brodie returned to the meeting (4:11 p.m.).

It was moved and seconded

(1)

That the City’s Enhanced Pesticide Management Program, including the Temporary Full-Time Environmental Coordinator, be continued on a temporary basis until December 31, 2015; and

(2)

That staff report back with any proposed changes or updates to the Provincial Integrated Pest Management Act.

CARRIED

5.

Municipal Access Agreement with JET Engineered Telecommunication Technologies Corp. (Carrying on Business as “JETT Networks”)
(File Ref. No. 10-6060-01) (REDMS No. 4366553)

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 JET Engineered Telecommunication Technologies Corp containing the material terms and conditions set out in the staff report titled Municipal Access Agreement with JET Engineered Telecommunication Technologies Corp. (Carrying on Business as “JETT Networks”), dated October 6, 2014, from the Director, Engineering.

CARRIED

6.

City Centre North District Energy – Request for Expression of Interest
(File Ref. No. 10-6600-10-01) (REDMS No. 4364030 v. 6)

It was moved and seconded

That the issuance of a Request for Expressions of Interest by Lulu Island Energy Company for a utility partner to design, build, finance and operate a District Energy Utility (DEU) in the City Centre North area on the basis of the following guiding principles be endorsed:

(1)

the DEU will provide end users with energy costs that are competitive with conventional energy costs based on the same level of service; and

(2)

Council will retain the authority of setting customer rates, fees and charges for DEU Services.

CARRIED

ENGINEERING AND PUBLIC WORKS & COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENTS

7.

Minoru Complex Floor Plan and Preliminary Form/Character
(File Ref. No. 06-2052-55-01) (REDMS No. 4362822 v. 6)

Jim Young, Senior Manager, Project Development, accompanied by Serena Lusk, Senior Manager, Recreation and Sport Services, provided background information and the following information was highlighted:

§   

a robust public engagement process was undertaken with regard to the Minoru Complex, including (i) meetings with nine stakeholder groups, (ii) meetings with the Stakeholder and Building/Technical Advisory Committees, (iii) four public consultation events, (iv) online engagement utilizing Let’s Talk Richmond, and (v) meetings with the City’s Construction Manager;

§   

over 2,000 community members participated in the public engagement process, with 300 surveys submitted to the City; and

§   

the public engagement process identified three areas that require further examination: (i) the amount of water space and types of water space sufficient to meet the needs of the community now and into the future, (ii) the degree of separation required between the facility lobby and the dedicated older adults’ reception desk, and (iii) the most appropriate proportion of universal to gender-specific change rooms.

With the aid of various artist renderings, Darryl Condon, Architect, Hughes Condon Marler Architects (HCMA), provided an overview of the proposed Minoru Complex floor plan and preliminary form and character, and the following information was noted:

§   

the building’s two elevators have been situated in such a manner to support each other in the event one elevator is down;

§   

Level 2 of the proposed building is comprised mostly of small to large multi-purpose rooms with the older adults fitness area integrated with the other fitness space;

§   

a total of seven bodies of water are included in the proposed plans; various pool configurations were explored and two six-lane pools were identified as the preferred configuration; and

§   

connections to the outdoors have been considered and activities that most benefit from adjacent outdoor space have been located appropriately.

In reply to queries from Committee, Mr. Young advised that, if the proposed Minoru Complex floor plan and preliminary form and character were approved by Council, staff would proceed with further public consultation with regard to refining the proposed design and report back to Council with a detailed design.

In response to a query from Committee with regard to the potential to reconfigure the proposed floor plan to accommodate a 50-metre pool, Robert Gonzalez, General Manager, Engineering and Public Works, advised that, if Council so chooses, the proposed floor plan can be reconfigured to include a 50-metre pool. However, Mr. Gonzalez noted that such a change in the scope of the project would result in approximately $8 to $10 million in additional costs.  Also, he noted that as a 50-meter pool would be suited for competitions, additional parking would be required; in order to facilitate such additional parking, either the proposed footprint of the building would have to be increased, thereby, shifting the building closer to Granville Avenue; furthermore, additional parking would have to be secured elsewhere in the vicinity.  Alternatively, he stated that if there is a desire to maintain the proposed footprint of the building, the proposed floor plan could be altered; however, this would impact the size of the older adults’ space.  Also, Mr. Gonzalez noted that he has not commented on operational and functional impacts to the proposed Minoru Complex should a 50-metre pool be pursued.

In reply to further queries from Committee, Mr. Gonzalez stated the following:

§   

staff can proceed on the proposed Minoru Complex floor plan and preliminary form and character in any manner that Council directs staff; however, if a modification were to be pursued, it would impact costs and the proposed completion schedule;

§   

if a modification were to be pursued, and in an effort to maintain the proposed building footprint, some older adults’ functions proposed for the ground floor could potentially be relocated to the second floor; alternatively, the proposed footprint of the building could be increased, however, it would shift the building closer to Granville Avenue; and

§   

additionally, parking would need to be increased in order to facilitate the needs of a 50-metre competition pool.

Ian MacLeod, Chair of the Richmond Aquatic Services Board, spoke in favour of the proposed Minoru Complex floor plan.  He cited concern with regard to comments on the potential to reconfigure the building to accommodate a 50-metre pool, stating that such a pool would not serve the needs of the community.  Mr. MacLeod stated that a competition pool is available at the Watermania Aquatic Centre (WAC), thus was of the opinion that one is not needed in the city centre.  Also, he commented on staff and community efforts with regard to the proposed configuration, and queried why a change in scope would be considered at this point in the process. 

Mr. MacLeod spoke of programming options for a 50-metre pool, and noted that it is not preferred due to the use of bulkheads to divide the pool space and the temperature of the pool is not suitable for children and seniors.  Also, he commented on the cost of utilities, noting that, following the cost of staff, they are the highest cost to pool operations.

Rosemary Nickerson, Vice-Chair of the Richmond Aquatic Services Board, stated that the proposed aquatic facility is to replace the existing Minoru Aquatic Centre (MAC), which has long served the community for recreational purposes.  She stated that the WAC meets the community’s need for a competitive pool.  Also, Ms. Nickerson spoke of the proposed Minoru Complex floor plan, noting that two 25-metre pools facilitate a range of programs that could not be accommodated in a 50-metre pool.  She concluded her comments by speaking in favour of the proposed Minoru Complex floor plan, noting that it meets the needs of today’s community and that of the future’s.

Kathleen Holmes, President of the Minoru Seniors Society, expressed concern with regard to the discussion on the potential for a 50-metre pool.  She stated that many seniors have mobility challenges and therefore, relocating older adults’ programs to the second level of the proposed building in order to accommodate a 50-metre pool would potentially negatively impact users.  Also, she cited concern with regard to the proposed elevator.  Also, Ms. Holmes spoke on the number of parking passes recently issued for the Seniors’ Centre, noting that driving is a key component of independence for many older adults.  She spoke in favour of the proposed two 25-metre pools as these pools are typically warmer and provide a soothing element to older adults, many of whom suffer from arthritis.

In reply to queries from Committee, Mr. Gonzalez and Ms. Lusk provided the following additional information:

§   

the shallow end of the 50-metre pool at the Hillcrest Aquatic Centre in Vancouver has been utilized for seniors programs, with bulkheads being used to divide the space;

§   

if staff is directed to examine the potential to accommodate a 50-metre pool, various options would be examined, including but not limited to (i) maintaining the proposed footprint by relocating older adults’ programs to the second floor, (ii) increasing the proposed footprint by shifting the building towards Granville Avenue to keep older adults’ programs on the ground floor, and (iii) seeking additional space to meet parking needs;

§   

throughout the public consultation process, several water space configurations were illustrated; six comments specific to a 50-metre pool were received, with the majority of the comments focussed on lap swimming space;

§   

if a 50-metre pool were pursued, additional parking would be required in order to meet the demands of a competitive pool; 

§   

additional parking would not be required on a daily basis, however the need would arise in the event of competitions; and

§   

parking arrangements could potentially be made for meet competition parking needs.

Alexa Loo, Richmond resident, inquired about the process that was followed to reach the proposed floor plan configuration and spoke of the potential for the proposed Minoru Complex to create a legacy for the City.  She commented on the potential to utilize new technology, such as electronic bulkheads to divide the water space or a pool that can accommodate multiple temperatures simultaneously, to suit the needs of all users.

Mr. Gonzalez spoke of the City’s planning process thus far with regard to the proposed Minoru Complex, and stated that, in order to accommodate a 50-metre pool, ancillary spaces of water currently proposed would have to be removed.

In reply to queries from Committee, Mr. Young advised that a parkade structure would cost approximately $10 million. 

In response to a further query from Committee, Cathryn Volkering Carlile, General Manager, Community Services, advised that staff have been planning for the replacement of the Seniors’ Centre and the MAC since 2007.  Also, Ms. Carlile stated that if a 50-metre pool were to be considered within the proposed footprint, additional deck space would be required for assembly use if the facility is to meeting FINA, the International Swimming Federation, standards for national and international competitions.

Discussion ensued regarding the WAC expected life cycle, and Mr. Gonzalez stated that the City’s lease is anticipated to expire in 12 years.  Also, Mr. Gonzalez advised that operational costs for a 50-metre pool would be higher than that of what is proposed as there would be additional utility costs, and mechanical costs associated for proper air handling.

It was moved and seconded

That the Minoru Complex floor plan and preliminary form/character design as outlined in the staff report Minoru Complex Floor Plan and Preliminary Form/Character, dated October 10, 2014 from the Senior Manager, Project Development and Senior Manager, Recreation and Sports Services, be endorsed.

The question on the motion was not called as discussion ensued the following Committee comments were noted:

§   

the notion of a 50-metre pool has been heard repeatedly with little community support;

§   

the WAC can meet the need for a 50-metre pool for another 12 years;

§   

the City of Surrey and the University of British Columbia are each constructing aquatic facilities that meet the needs of competitions;

§   

the planning process, including extensive community feedback and the expertise of the Stakeholder and Building/Technical Advisory Committees should be respected;

§   

utilizing green space to increase parking to accommodate the needs of a 50-metre pool is not favourable;

§   

the potential to re-configure the proposed Minoru Complex to include a 50-metre pool should remain available; and

§   

the notion of a 50-metre pool would have significant impact to the proposed budget and would require additional land,

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

Mayor Brodie left the meeting (5:25 p.m.) and did not return.

ENGINEERING AND PUBLIC WORKS & LAW AND COMMUNITY SAFETY DEPARTMENTS

8.

Brighouse Fire Hall No. 1 – Floor Plan and Preliminary Form/Character
(File Ref. No. 06-2052-25-FHGI1) (REDMS No. 4371528 v. 5)

With the aid of various artist renderings, Mr. Condon, Architect, HCMA, provided an overview of the proposed Brighouse Fire Hall No. 1 floor plan and preliminary form and character.

In reply to queries from Committee, Mr. Condon advised that Richmond Fire-Rescue (RFR) staff provided input with regard to the proposed design; also, feedback from community members was sought as part of the public consultation process.

In reply to a query from the Chair, Deputy Fire Chief Kim Howell, RFR, advised that administrative functions such suppression, administration, community education, and fire prevention will remain at Fire Hall No. 1; however, training and emergency vehicle technical functions will be relocated to Fire Hall No. 3.

With regard to the proposed form and character of Fire Hall No. 1, Mr. Condon advised that it can be modified to meet Council’s vision.  He commented on synergies with the adjacent Minoru Complex, noting that additional design development will aim to reflect the needs of both facilities. 

Also, Mr. Condon stated the proposed design of Fire Hall No. 1 is targeting LEED Gold standards, and potentially, Net Zero standards, and that the proposed new fire hall will meet the City’s needs for the foreseeable future.

It was moved and seconded

That the Brighouse Fire Hall No. 1 floor plan and preliminary form/character as outlined in the staff report titled Brighouse Fire Hall No. 1 Floor Plan and Preliminary Form/Character, dated October 3, 2014 from the Director, Engineering and Fire Chief, Richmond Fire-Rescue, be endorsed.

CARRIED

9.

Cambie Fire Hall No. 3 - Floor Plan and Preliminary Form/Character
(File Ref. No. 06-2052-55-01) (REDMS No. 4367223 v. 6)

With the aid of various artist renderings, Robert Lange, Architect, DGBK, provided an overview of the proposed Cambie Fire Hall No. 3 floor plan and preliminary form and character.

Mr. Lange highlighted that the proposed facility will combine RFR and BC Ambulance Service (BCAS) under one roof.  He stated that the integrated facility will house two fire apparatus bays, two ambulance bays, and two mechanical bays for emergency vehicle technicians.  Also, Mr. Lange spoke of administrative space, located in the mezzanine, adjacent to the emergency vehicle technicians’ area

In reply to queries from Committee, Deputy Fire Chief Howell commented on noise mitigation efforts such as landscaping, noting that certain activities have been strategically located furthest away from adjacent residential properties.  Also, she spoke on BCAC dispatch protocols, noting that ambulances are dispatched over the telephone.

It was moved and seconded

That the Cambie Fire Hall No. 3 floor plan and preliminary form/character design as outlined in the staff report titled Cambie Fire Hall No. 3 Floor Plan and Preliminary Form/Character, dated October 6, 2014 from the Director, Engineering and Fire Chief, Richmond Fire-Rescue, be endorsed.

CARRIED

Discussion ensued regarding the City’s extensive efforts with regard to the replacement or refurbishment of emergency services’ buildings, including fire halls and the community safety building.  As a result of the discussion, the following referral was introduced:

It was moved and seconded

That staff bring forward a report to the Community Safety Committee that details the City’s efforts in ensuring that the City is safe with the reconstruction of fire halls and the community safety building.

CARRIED

3.

Multi-Material BC – Financial Incentive Status Update
(File Ref. No. 10-6370-03-01) (REDMS No. 4351873)

In reply to queries from Committee, Suzanne Bycraft, Manager, Fleet and Environmental Programs, provided background information, noting that the future of Metro Vancouver’s Waste-to-Energy Facility is unknown due to the provincial government’s rejection of Bylaw No. 280.  She noted that, with waste being transported outside the region, the waste stream cannot be monitored, thus fines cannot be levied for non-compliance.

In response to a query from the Chair, Ms. Bycraft advised that staff can report back to Council with a look at how this will affect the region as a whole and specifically how it will affect the City.

It was moved and seconded

That the staff report titled Multi-Material BC – Financial Incentive Status Update, dated September 15, 2014 from the Director, Public Works Operations, be received for information.

CARRIED

10.

MANAGER’S REPORT

(i)

River Road Realignment

Victor Wei, Director, Transportation, referenced a memorandum dated October 14, 2014 regarding the realignment of River Road between Hollybridge Way and Gilbert Road (copy on file, City Clerk’s Office), and spoke to immediate and short term improvements to ameliorate traffic delays at the new River Road / Gilbert Road intersection.  Also, Mr. Wei stated that staff will continue to place a high priority on monitoring the area’s traffic conditions and to expedite the implementation of any other necessary traffic control enhancements to further minimize any delays or confusion of motorist.

In reply to queries from Committee, Mr. Wei advised that Transportation staff are working with Parks staff to develop a communication strategy with regard to the waterfront park, and noted that the development of the park is driven by the adjacent development.  Also, he commented on the design of the temporary reconfiguration, noting that, although it is awkward, it is functional and safe.

(ii)

Sustainability

Discussion took place regarding the possibility of banning certain plastic items from the City  Also, Committee queried about the As a result of the discussion, the following referral was introduced:

It was moved and seconded

(1)

That the City of Richmond examine banning plastic cups, plastics plates, plastic utensils, and plastic bags in all City parks, community centres, City facilities, at public events held on land owned by the City, and from City-licensed food carts and report back; and

(2)

That staff provide an update on the City’s Environmental Purchasing Guide.

CARRIED

ADJOURNMENT

It was moved and seconded

That the meeting adjourn (6:02 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, October 22, 2014.

_________________________________

_________________________________

Councillor Linda Barnes
Chair

Hanieh Berg
Committee Clerk