March 23, 2022 - Minutes

Date:

Wednesday, March 23, 2022

Place:

Council Chambers
Richmond City Hall

Present:

Councillor Chak Au, Chair
Councillor Andy Hobbs (by teleconference)
Councillor Linda McPhail (by teleconference)
Councillor Michael Wolfe (by teleconference) 
Councillor Alexa Loo (entered at 4:02 p.m. by teleconference)

Also Present:

Councillor Carol Day (by teleconference)

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 and Transportation Committee held on February 23, 2022, be adopted as circulated.

CARRIED

NEXT COMMITTEE MEETING DATE

April 20, 2022, (tentative date) at 4:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers

PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT DIVISION

1.

ICBC-City of Richmond Road Improvement Program – 2022 Update 
(File Ref. No. 01-0150-20-ICBC1-01) (REDMS No. 6817741)

Cllr. Loo entered the meeting (4:02 p.m.).

Discussion ensued with regard to resolution of traffic cameras and on-going studies related to traffic calming measures.

It was moved and seconded

(1)

That the list of proposed road safety improvement projects, as described in Attachment 2 of the staff report titled “ICBC-City of Richmond Road Improvement Program – 2022 Update,” dated February 2, 2022 from the Director, Transportation be endorsed for submission to the ICBC 2022 Road Improvement Program for consideration of cost-share funding; and

(2)

That should the above applications be successful, the Chief Administrative Officer and General Manager, Planning and Development be authorized to execute the cost-share agreements on behalf of the City, and that the Consolidated 5 Year Financial Plan (2022-2026) be amended accordingly.

CARRIED

ENGINEERING AND PUBLIC WORKS DIVISION

2.

Provincial Watershed Security Strategy and Fund 
(File Ref. No. 10-6125-01) (REDMS No. 6834052)

Discussion ensued with regard to (i) best practices for reducing contamination from construction, industrial and agricultural activities, (ii) the water treatment process for water discharged from excavation sites, (iii) advocating for the restriction of certain activities in areas near watersheds, (iv) retention and protection of the peat soil areas in the city, (v) supporting improved habitats in aquatic ecosystems, and (vi) continued consultation with the Province during their review of watershed policies.

In reply to queries from Committee, staff noted that City comments related to the protection of retention of peat soil areas can be included in the submission to the Province.

It was moved and seconded

That the comments outlined in the staff report titled “Provincial Watershed Security Strategy and Fund”, dated February 16, 2022, from the Director, Sustainability and District Energy and the Director, Engineering, be endorsed and submitted to the provincial Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy.

CARRIED

2A.

No. 6 Road Traffic Safety 
(File Ref. No.)

Discussion ensued with regard to (i) reducing the speed limit in 60 km/h sections of No. 6 Road, (ii) installing traffic calming signage, (iii) enforcing speed limits along No. 6 Road, (iv) investigating complaints related to street racing and engine brakes, and (v) reviewing the potential of a city-wide reduction of speed limits.

In reply to queries, staff noted that staff can review traffic calming signage and areas in the city where the speed limit is 60 km/h. Staff added that lowering speed limits and adding signage can be considered, however enforcement of such limits would be a key factor to lowering actual vehicle speeds.

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

It was moved and seconded

(1)

That staff provide background information on the speed limit, traffic signs and other related issues along No. 6 Road and prepare a preliminary report highlighting other roads; and

(2)

That staff request information on the enforcement of vehicle speed, application of engine brakes and street racing from the Richmond RCMP;

and report back.

CARRIED

3.

MANAGER’S REPORT

(i)

Capstan Station Construction

Staff noted that installation of sanitary lines has been completed. As a result, the two-lane closure of No. 3 Road has ended and has returned to the regular road closure of one northbound lane.

(ii)

Rail Works along Shell Road and Williams Road

CN Rail is in the process of completing rail works along Shell and Williams Road and the City will be activating the intersection traffic signal in the coming week.

(iii)

South Dike Clean Up

It was noted that debris was recently cleaned up along the South Dike.

(iv)

2022 Mosquito Abatement Program

Staff noted that Richmond will be participating in Metro Vancouver’s Mosquito Abatement Program. The program will commence in May 2022 and will include target sites along the West Dike for larvae treatment.

(v)

Richmond Bee City Application

Staff noted that Richmond’s application to be a designated Bee City has been successful and Richmond is now Bee City certified.

(vi)

Hamilton Area Street Banners

Staff will be following up with Banner program staff on installing banners along Gilley Road and Westminster Highway.

ADJOURNMENT

It was moved and seconded

That the meeting adjourn (4:55 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, March 23, 2022.

_________________________________

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Councillor Chak Au
Chair

Evangel Biason
Legislative Services Associate