March 16, 2021 - Minutes
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Public Works and Transportation Committee
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Date: |
Tuesday, March 16, 2021 |
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Place: |
Council Chambers |
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Present: |
Councillor Chak Au, Chair |
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Call to Order: |
The Chair called the meeting to order at 4:01 p.m. |
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MINUTES |
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It was moved and seconded |
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That the minutes of the meeting of the Public Works and Transportation Committee held on February 17, 2021, be adopted as circulated. |
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CARRIED |
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NEXT COMMITTEE MEETING DATE |
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April 20, 2021, (tentative date) at 4:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers |
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AGENDA ADDITION |
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It was moved and seconded |
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That Invasive Species Removal be added to the agenda as Item No. 4A. |
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CARRIED |
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DELEGATION |
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1A. |
Richard Schwartz, Richmond resident, discussed the need for a crosswalk along Springmont Drive to allow safe pedestrian access to the west side of Manoah Steves Park as it is a high-traffic area along a major bus route. |
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As a result of the discussion, the following referral motion was introduced: |
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It was moved and seconded |
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(1) |
That staff review the potential installation of a crosswalk on the west side of Manoah Steves Park along Springmont Drive; and |
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(2) |
That the potential installation of a crosswalk on the west side of Manoah Steves Park along Springmont Drive be referred to the Council/School Board Liaison Committee for information. |
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CARRIED |
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PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT DIVISION |
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1. |
TransLink 2019 Transit Network Review - Consultation Results |
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Staff noted that the investment plan has been delayed until approximately 2022, which will affect the proposed changes identified in the report. |
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In reply to queries from Committee, staff noted that (i) the delay has been communicated via the TransLink website and can be posted on Richmond’s social media channels, (ii) a memo will be provided to Council on the current status of the Chatham bus loop, and (iii) further discussion can take place with TransLink regarding bus route 408. |
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It was moved and seconded |
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That the report titled “TransLink 2019 Transit Network Review - Consultation Results” dated January 26, 2021, from the Director, Transportation be received for information. |
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CARRIED |
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ENGINEERING AND PUBLIC WORKS DIVISION |
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2. |
2021 Liquid Waste Management Plan Biennial Report |
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In reply to queries from Committee, staff noted that (i) the map identifies City of Richmond facilities and odour control facilities would be owned and operated by Metro Vancouver, (ii) based on the Metro Vancouver classification there is no change to the riparian status itself and the City now has a Watercourse Crossing Bylaw to support Riparian Management Areas, (iii) greenhouse gas emissions have decreased due to improved efficiency of systems and operations, and (iv) the Integrated Rainwater Resource Management Strategy is an ongoing initiative. |
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Committee requested that staff provide a memo summarizing their responses. |
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It was moved and seconded |
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That the staff report titled “2021 Liquid Waste Management Plan Biennial Report,” dated February 12, 2021, from the Director, Engineering, be submitted to Metro Vancouver. |
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CARRIED |
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3. |
Lower Mainland Flood Management Strategy Update |
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In reply to queries from Committee, staff noted that (i) dike raising does not affect the salt wedge inland and salt levels are continually monitored, (ii) the City has inland pump stations along Steveston Highway, and (iii) Richmond’s flood protection management strategy is ahead of the curve and the issues are dealt with at the local level. |
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Discussion took place on opportunities to express concern with regard to the flood protection management strategy. |
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It was moved and seconded |
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(1) |
That the staff report titled “Lower Mainland Flood Management Strategy Update”, dated February 19, 2021, from the Director, Engineering, be received for information; and |
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(2) |
That staff prepare options and recommendations for further communications to the various levels of government that highlight the City’s concerns, and report back. |
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CARRIED |
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4A. |
invasive species removal |
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In reply to queries from Committee, staff noted that (i) they have established Council-approved budgets and service levels for response to invasive species, (ii) Scotch broom removal at Garry Point Park was an ongoing Parks initiative, (iii) the City has an Invasive Species Action Plan where priority species have been identified, and an update is expected from the Invasive Species Council of BC, (iv) there are challenges associated with finding volunteers for community activation and participation, and (v) the approved Capital program includes environmental remediation which involves addressing invasive species. |
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4. |
MANAGER’S REPORT |
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(i) |
River Parkway |
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Staff noted that (i) River Parkway between Gilbert Road and Cambie Road opened to the public on March 6, (ii) the Parkway includes a 2-lane road with bike lanes protected with delineators for enhanced safety, (iii) new traffic signals and crosswalks at Leslie Road and Cambie Road were installed, as well as paved pedestrian walkways and LED lights, (iv) access to River Road from Gilbert Road is now permanently closed, and (v) remaining works include the construction of a cul-de-sac at the southwest end of River Road, the addition of traffic control devices at Cedarbridge Way, and traffic signal optimization at No. 3 Road and Cambie Road. |
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(ii) |
Lulu Island Renewable Natural Gas Facility at Metro Vancouver’s Lulu Island Wastewater Treatment Plant |
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Staff highlighted that Metro Vancouver announced their successful partnership with FortisBC to implement a Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) system at the Lulu Island Wastewater Treatment Plan and the anticipated completion date is April 2021. Also, staff advised that RNG is odor-free and fully contained so there are no expected impacts to the community and is a product of wastewater treatment, which supports many objectives of the region, the City, and FortisBC to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. |
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In response to queries from Committee, staff noted that (i) the metric of heating 600 homes is used to show residents the impact of the project, and that it will be integrated into the grid and used by multiple parties in the network, and (ii) some gas is recovered, otherwise the material would be flared. |
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ADJOURNMENT |
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It was moved and seconded |
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That the meeting adjourn (5:02 p.m.). |
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CARRIED |
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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 Tuesday, March 16, 2021. |
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_________________________________ |
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Councillor Chak Au |
Shannon Unrau |