February 21, 2018 - Minutes

Date:

Wednesday, February 21, 2018

Place:

Anderson Room
Richmond City Hall

Present:

Councillor Chak Au, Chair
Councillor Harold Steves
Councillor Derek Dang
Councillor Carol Day
Councillor Alexa Loo

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 meetings of the Public Works and Transportation Committee held on November 22, 2017 and January 24, 2018, be adopted as circulated.

CARRIED

NEXT COMMITTEE MEETING DATE

March 21, 2018, (tentative date) at 4:00 p.m. in the Anderson Room

ENGINEERING AND PUBLIC WORKS DIVISION

1.

Flood Protection Programs Update
(File Ref. No. 10-6000-01) (REDMS No. 5722579 v.3)

In reply to queries from Committee, Lloyd Bie, Manager, Engineering Planning, advised that (i) the east side of Lulu Island is protected by New Westminster dikes, (ii) staff are in constant communication with New Westminster regarding the condition of the dikes and ensuring they are moving in the same direction as the City, and (iii) should they fall behind or staff have any concerns, the City would consider separating from them. Mr. Bie then noted that the microbe based soil stabilization process is a process from Holland whereby chemicals are integrated into the soil to stabilize it and prevent liquefaction.

John Irving, Director, Engineering advised that the current priority is the perimeter dike; however the existing flood management plan identifies a mid-island dike as a future strategy. Mr. Irving stated that there have been many changes since the plan was brought forward in 2008 and he was of the opinion that the mid-island dike will be achieved through current development. 

It was moved and seconded

That the process to update the 2008 – 2031 Richmond Flood Protection Management Strategy as identified in the report titled “Flood Protection Programs Update,” dated January 22, 2018, from the Director, Engineering, be endorsed.

CARRIED

2.

2018 Ecological Network Management Strategy Update
(File Ref. No. 10-6125-11-01) (REDMS No. 5682075 v.3)

In reply to queries from Committee, Chad Paulin, Manager, Environment, advised that staff are working to manage the elodea plant invasion in Mariners Village while providing consistent updates to the Strata, and noted that staff will be providing Council with an update.  Mr. Paulin stated that there is no current plan to ban the plant; however there are outreach programs to educate garden centres and pet stores on their products.  

Discussion took place on the Snow Goose Cover Crop Program, and in response to queries from Committee, Jamie Esko, Manager, Parks Planning, Design and Construction, advised that staff are working with YVR and the Farmers Trust to divert snow geese from the airport.  She noted that the Nature Park Society has an outreach program to educate students and teachers on snow geese and that staff are working with the Richmond School District regarding the snow goose droppings on school grounds.  Ms. Esko advised that more information regarding any monitoring measures can be provided to Committee.

Committee requested that the 2018 Ecological Network Management Strategy Update report be forwarded to the Council/School Board Liaison Committee.

It was moved and seconded

That the staff report titled “2018 Ecological Network Management Strategy Update” dated January 25, 2018, from the Director, Engineering, be received for information.

CARRIED

3.

Richmond Carbon Market and Carbon Neutrality Update
(File Ref. No. 10-6125-05-01) (REDMS No. 5724399 v.9)

In reply to queries from Committee, Levi Higgs, Corporate Energy Manager, advised that Pacific Gateway Hotels, Lafarge Canada and Paneva Services Ltd. came forward during the second call for projects. He noted that the Richmond Carbon Market Program posted a Notice of Opportunity on BC Bid, provided direct information to Richmond business through the City’s Economic Development Office monthly newsletter and social media page, and solicited directly some of the participants that were involved in the City’s original pilot program.

It was moved and seconded

(1)

That the staff report titled, “Richmond Carbon Market and Carbon Neutrality Update,” from the Director of Engineering, dated January 26, 2018 be received for information; and

(2)

That the Chief Administrative Officer and the General Manager, Engineering and Public Works be authorized to negotiate and execute agreements to purchase carbon credits to maintain the City’s corporate carbon neutrality status.

CARRIED

PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT DIVISION

4.

Richmond Active Transportation Committee – Proposed 2018 Initiatives
(File Ref. No. 01-0100-20-RCYC1) (REDMS No. 5673705 v.2)

Victor Wei, Director, Transportation, introduced Derek Williams, Co-Chair, Richmond Active Transportation Committee (RATC).  Mr. Williams thanked Council and staff for their support, noting that the Committee is made up of enthusiastic and dedicated people. Mr. Williams remarked that the bike share program will be a great addition and beneficial to the City.

In reply to queries from Committee, Mr. Wei advised that the pocketsize trail and cycling maps can be found at City Hall, and Richmond community centres, libraries, arenas and ice rinks. It was noted that maps can be distributed to the Richmond Oval.

Lynda Parsons, 2491 No. 8 Road, expressed concern regarding cyclists along River Road. She noted that the Richmond Active Transportation Committee should be aware of all factors when considering road safety options on River Road. She advised that scientific studies state that, speed humps increase fuel consumption and emissions, and does not coincide with the City’s emission reduction plans.

It was moved and seconded

(1)

That the proposed 2018 initiatives of the Richmond Active Transportation Committee, as outlined in the staff report titled “Richmond Active Transportation Committee - Proposed 2018 Initiatives” dated January 24, 2018 from the Director, Transportation, be endorsed; and

(2)

That a copy of the report titled “Richmond Active Transportation Committee – Proposed 2018 Initiatives” be forwarded to the Richmond Council-School Board Liaison Committee for information.

CARRIED

5.

River Road – Review of Proposed Alternative Road Safety Enhancement Measures
(File Ref. No. 10-6450-09-01) (REDMS No. 5746643 v.2)

Correspondence regarding Proposed River Road Safety Enhancement Measures was distributed (attached to and forming part of these Minutes as Schedule 1).

Fred Lin, Senior Transportation Engineer, distributed materials (attached to and forming part of these Minutes as Schedule 2), and introduced Tom Baumgartner, Transportation Engineer, Watts Consulting Group.

In reply to queries from Committee, Mr. Wei advised that are currently no speed cushions, which provide a softer vertical deflection compared to speed humps, installed in the City; however he noted that fire trucks are able to easily manoeuver over speed humps along Gilbert Road, which are more abrupt than the speed cushions proposed for River Road. Mr. Lin noted that there are various types of speed humps, depending on the designated speed, and advised that the proposed speed cushions for River Road are designated for a speed of 50km/h. He then stated that the recommended 20 speed cushions would be along the entire stretch of River Road.  Mr. Lin noted that the public consultation would take place in April with two open houses and that all options would be considered.

Discussion took place regarding the removal of speed cushions when dike improvements occur, and in response to queries from Committee, Mr. Lin advised that the speed humps are a short term measure and when dike upgrades occur, the speed humps would need to be removed. Mr. Irving further advised that the average life span of a paved asphalt road is 15 years, and as the raising of dikes would be within that time frame, road improvements would also be required.

Trudy Haywood, 22160 River Road, read from her submission (attached to and forming part of these Minutes as Schedule 3), and expressed concern regarding the (i) misleading and excessive signage along River Road, (ii) installment of speed cushions, and (iii) unsafe cycling on River Road.

Dave Haywood, River Road resident, suggested limiting cyclists from riding on River Road. He noted that since RCMP Officers have been present, traffic has changed immeasurably and was of the opinion that speed cushions would not be necessary.

Arline Trividic, 22600 River road,  read from her submission (attached to and forming part of these Minutes as Schedule 4), and expressed concern with regard to cyclists disobeying cycling regulations along River Road and provided some suggestions for increasing road safety along River Road.

Joanne Fisher, 2420 No. 8 Road, read from her submission (attached to and forming part of these Minutes as Schedule 5), and expressed concern regarding speed humps hindering emergency vehicle access in other municipalities.

Lynda Parsons, 2491 No. 8 Road,  read from her submission (attached to and forming part of these Minutes as Schedule 6), and expressed concern with regard to the integrity of the consultant’s report and requested that a public consultation not be endorsed and that speed cushions not be installed along River Road.

Michael Hedigan, 21340 River Road, expressed concern with the proposed 76 speed cushions, noting that it would increase his travel time significantly. He was of the opinion that speed cushions would increase the traffic along River Road due to vehicles slowing down to travel over the speed cushions.  He was of the opinion that (i) installing speed cushions will increase vehicle fuel consumption and mileage, and (ii) speed reduction will only occur with police presence.  Mr. Hedigan suggested installing one bike lane along River Road for cyclists.

Kelly Savage, 2571 No. 8 Road, commented on the proposed installation of speed cushions along River Road, noting that it would  increase her travel time significantly each day and effect the farming business by hindering the tractors and trucks from travelling over speed cushions. Ms. Savage was of the opinion that only particular cyclists needed to be addressed regarding cycling protocol and that it could be achieved through more police enforcement in the area.

Yves Trividic, 22600 River Road, read from his submission (attached to and forming part of these Minutes as Schedule 7), and expressed concern with the (i) statistics in the consultant’s report, (ii) misleading signage, (iii) operating speeds, (iv) and improper cycling protocol. He was of the opinion that should speed cushions be installed, emergency response time would be hindered. Mr. Trividic was of the opinion that education and police enforcement is important.    

In reply to queries from Committee, Superintendent Ng, OIC, Richmond RCMP advised that RCMP officers have conducted four operations on River Road since February 12^th. He noted that 35 tickets of speeding violations were issued, one vehicle seizure for excessive speed, one ticket for use of electronic device, and three other violation tickets. He advised that Speed Watch volunteers have been out on River Road for three days since February 12^th, and have checked 200 licences and issued 30 warning letters. Superintendent Ng noted that the Integrated Road Safety Unit conducted enforcement on February 16^th and issued 6 violation tickets. He then advised that the Richmond RCMP bike squad volunteers have met with the cycling community and begun their education campaign. He noted that the Integrated Road Safety Unit has been tasked with sustaining pressure on River Road.

Discussion took place on cyclists on River Road, and in response to queries from Committee, Superintendent Ng noted that he believes there is a particular cycling group responsible for the unsafe riding practices and that efforts are being made to educate them on proper cycling protocol.

In reply to queries from Committee, Mr. Wei noted that staff considered installing pavement signs; however concluded that they would not be appropriate for River Road as the road is too narrow.

In reply to queries from Committee, regarding sustainability of enforcement on River Road through the summer months, Superintendent Ng advised that as the weather becomes warmer, RCMP Officers will be busier with numerous events however sustained enforcement along River Road will continue. He noted that a privacy assessment is underway for the 175 Closed Circuit Television cameras approved by Council, and once all aspects have been approved by the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner, staff can examine the potential of installing cameras along River Road.  In the interim, staff can explore the potential of a photo radar device to apprehend speeding vehicles when officers are not available.

Committee noted that residents have expressed their concerns with regard to installing speed cushions along River Road and the negative impacts they may have on day to day operations for local business owners and residents of the area.  

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

It was moved and seconded

(1)

That consideration of  public consultation on road safety measures on River Road between No. 6 Road and Westminster Highway be deferred pending police enforcement through the end of the summer and staff report back on its effectiveness; and

(2)

That staff further examine safety measures other than speed cushions with funding options and report back.

CARRIED

6.

MANAGER’S REPORT

Snowfall Update

Tom Stewart, Director, Public Works Operations, provided an update on snow preparations, noting that the City’s primary and secondary roads have been primed.  He remarked that due to the cold the roads will be slippery in the morning; therefore there will be a full crew out tonight to ensure commuter traffic can safely operate in the morning. He advised that the long-term forecast is cold; however no more snow is expected after this weekend.  

In reply to queries from Committee, Mr. Stewart advised that staff can ensure that all the community centres parking lots and ramps are properly attended to. 

ADJOURNMENT

It was moved and seconded

That the meeting adjourn (5:50 p.m.).

CARRIED

Certified a true and correct copy of the Minutes of the meeting of the Public Works and Transportation Committee of the Council of the City of Richmond held on Wednesday, February 21, 2018.

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Councillor Chak Au
Chair

Sarah Kurian
Legislative Services Coordinator