February 26, 2024 - Minutes

Place:

Council Chambers
Richmond City Hall

Present:

Mayor Malcolm D. Brodie
Councillor Chak Au
Councillor Carol Day
Councillor Laura Gillanders
Councillor Kash Heed
Councillor Andy Hobbs
Councillor Alexa Loo
Councillor Bill McNulty
Councillor Michael Wolfe

Corporate Officer – Claudia Jesson

Call to Order:

Mayor Brodie called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.

RES NO.

ITEM

MINUTES

R24/4-1

1.

It was moved and seconded

That:

(1)

the minutes of the Regular Council meeting held on February 12 and February 13, 2024, be adopted as circulated; and

(2)

the minutes of the Regular Council meeting for Public Hearings held on February 20, 2024, be adopted as circulated.

CARRIED

AGENDA ADDITIONS & DELETIONS

The presentation from Gateway Theatre be deleted from the Council agenda and rescheduled to a future meeting.

PRESENTATION

Staff presented an award from NAIOP Vancouver given to the City for being the “Most Business Friendly.”  The City received this award due to its municipal fees and approval timelines for industrial development remaining generally consistent and transparent.

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

R24/4-2

2.

It was moved and seconded

That Council resolve into Committee of the Whole to hear delegations on agenda items (7:03 p.m.).

CARRIED

3.

Delegations from the floor on Agenda items

Item No. 14 – Options for Enforcement of Escort Services and Body Rubs

Crystal Laderas, SWAN Vancouver, read a statement on behalf of Executive Director of SWAN Vancouver, Angela Wu, expressing Ms. Wu’s concerns regarding the escalated bylaw enforcement and increase in bylaw fines at body rub studios.  She voiced her concerns that moving forward with these recommendations will endanger these women and that the licenced body rub businesses are the safest places for these women to work.  Ms. Wu suggested that staff speak with Community based organizations and learn from other municipalities that have adopted sex work guidelines.

In response to queries from Council, the delegate noted that (i) the sex worker guidelines and the BC Association of Chiefs of Police sex work enforcement guidelines are closely aligned, (ii) the guidelines encourage compassionate interactions with workers to build trust with that community, (iii) bylaw fines issued in Richmond are for unregistered employees, but it is important to review why there is not compliance in this area, and (iv) women working in body rub studios are willing to register but are fearful of the stigma and invasion of their privacy this may bring.

Bronwyn McBride, provided a summary on how enforcement of massage parlours impacts women’s safety and their ability to trust and access police protections. Ms. McBride expressed that licensed workplaces are the safest spaces for women in this work environment.  The motions put forward will undermine the safety of women as the increase in enforcement will displace women to unlicensed workplaces putting them at greater risk of violence.

In response to queries from Council, the delegate noted that (i) a licenced indoor space with other workers and security supports in place is important to ensure safety of women working in the sex trade, (ii) sex work cannot be legislated away it can be made safer or less safe, and (iii) these policy and bylaws should be based on consultation with the effected communities to understand what is required to ensure their safety.

R24/4-3

4.

It was moved and seconded

That Committee rise and report (7:30 p.m.).

CARRIED

CONSENT AGENDA

R24/4-4

5.

It was moved and seconded

That Items No. 6 through No. 13 be adopted by general consent.

CARRIED

6.

COMMITTEE MINUTES

That the minutes of:

(1)

the Community Safety Committee meeting held on February 13, 2024;

(2)

the General Purposes Committee meeting held on February 20, 2024;

(3)

the Planning Committee meeting held on February 21, 2024; and

(4)

the Public Works and Transportation Committee meeting held on February 21, 2024;

be received for information.

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

7.

CONTRACT RENEWAL 6722P - SUPPLY AND DELIVERY OF COMPUTER EQUIPMENT AND RELATED SERVICES

(File Ref. No. 03-1000-20-6722P) (REDMS No. 7537976)

(1)

That contract 6722P – Supply and Delivery of Computer Equipment and Related Services, approved by Council on November 23, 2020 for a three-year term be extended for the optional two-year term, to a maximum five-year contract term, thereby expiring November23, 2025; and

(2)

That Contract 6722P Supply and Delivery of Computer Equipment and Related Services for Compugen be increased by $1,279,084.00 excluding taxes, to fund the renewal of that two-year term; and

(3)

That the Chief Administrative Officer and the General Manager, Finance and Corporate Services be authorized to execute the amendment to the contract with Compugen Inc.

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

8.

REGULATION OF MATERIAL ON HIGHWAYS AND PUBLIC PLACES PURSUANT TO SECTION 46 OF THE COMMUNITY CHARTER

(File Ref. No. 12-8060-20-010226; 12-8060-20-010227; 12-8060-20-010228; 12-8060-20-010229) (REDMS No. 6448911, 6575576,  6575582, 6575579, 7356654, 7356654, 7591656)

(1)

That Regulation of Material on Highways Bylaw No. 10226, be introduced and given first, second and third readings;

(2)

That Consolidated Fees Bylaw No. 8636, Amendment Bylaw No. 10227, be introduced and given first, second and third readings;

(3)

That Municipal Ticket Information Authorization Bylaw No. 7321, Amendment Bylaw No. 10228, be introduced and given first, second and third readings; and

(4)

That Notice of Bylaw Violation Dispute Adjudication Bylaw No. 8122, Amendment Bylaw No. 10229, be introduced and given first, second and third readings.

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

9.

APPLICATION BY FIREWORK PRODUCTIONS LTD. FOR A TEMPORARY COMMERCIAL USE PERMIT AT 8351 RIVER ROAD, DUCK ISLAND (LOT 87, SECTION 21 BLOCK 5 NORTH RANGE 6 WEST PLAN 34592) AND 8411, 8431 AND 8451 WEST ROAD

(File Ref. No. 08-4105-20- TU 23-033092) (REDMS No. 7528003)

(1)

That the application by Firework Productions Ltd. for a Temporary Commercial Use Permit for the properties at 8351 River Road, Duck Island (Lot 87, Section 21 Block 5 North Range 6 West Plan 34592) and 8411, 8431 and 8451 West Road be considered at a Public Hearing to be held March 18, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of Richmond City Hall; and that the following recommendations be forwarded to that meeting for consideration:

“That a Temporary Commercial Use Permit be issued to Firework Productions Ltd. for the property at 8351 River Road and Duck Island (Lot 87, Section 21 Block 5 North Range 6 West Plan 34592) and 8411, 8431 and 8451 West Road for the purposes of permitting the following:

a)      Night market event between April 26, 2024 to October 20, 2024 (inclusive) to allow for a maximum of 84 event operational days in accordance with identified dates and hours as outlined in Schedule C attached to the Temporary Commercial Use Permit;

b)     Night market event between April 25, 2025 to October 19, 2025 (inclusive) for a maximum of 83 event operational days in accordance with identified dates and hours as outlined in Schedule C attached to the Temporary Commercial Use Permit;

c)      Night market event between April 24, 2026 to October 18, 2026 (inclusive) for a maximum of 82 event operational days in accordance with identified dates and hours as outlined in Schedule C attached to the Temporary Commercial Use Permit; and

d)     The night market event as outlined in the report dated February 5, 2024 from the Director, Development be subject to the fulfillment of all terms, conditions and requirements outlined in the Temporary Commercial Use Permit and attached Schedules”.

(2)

That the Public Hearing notification area be extended to include all properties to the north of Bridgeport Road and West of Great Canadian Way as shown in Attachment 4 to the staff report dated February 5, 2024.

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

10.

APPLICATION BY LUCAS HOGLER FOR AN AGRICULTURAL LAND RESERVE NON-ADHERING RESIDENTIAL USE AND REZONING OF A PORTION OF 12900 STEVESTON HIGHWAY & 11311 RICE MILL ROAD FROM “AGRICULTURE (AG1)” TO “AGRICULTURE (AG3)”

(File Ref. No. 08-4105-20- AG 22-011619; 12-8060-20-010533, RZ 22-011635) (REDMS No. 7471144, 7558619, 7495949)

(1)

That the application by Lucas Hogler for an Agricultural Land Reserve Non-Adhering Residential Use to allow seasonal farm labour accommodation at 12900 Steveston Highway & 11311 Rice Mill Road be forwarded to the Agricultural Land Commission; and

(2)

That Richmond Zoning Bylaw 8500, Amendment Bylaw 10533, for the rezoning of a portion of 12900 Steveston Highway & 11311 Rice Mill Road from “Agriculture (AG1)” to “Agriculture (AG3)”, and a zoning text amendment to the “Agriculture (AG3)” zone in order to permit more than one seasonal farm labour accommodation located on a lot without an existing single detached housing, be introduced and given first reading.

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

11.

APPLICATION BY JASON LEVELTON FOR AN AGRICULTURAL LAND RESERVE NON-ADHERING RESIDENTIAL USE AND REZONING AT 18431 WESTMINSTER HIGHWAY FROM “AGRICULTURE (AG1)” TO “AGRICULTURE (AG3)”

(File Ref. No. 08-4105-20- AG 22-009023; 12-8060-20-010534, RZ 22-009024) (REDMS No. 7554911, 7556202)

(1)

That the application by Jason Levelton for an Agricultural Land Reserve Non-Adhering Residential Use to allow seasonal farm labour accommodation at 18431 Westminster Highway be forwarded to the Agricultural Land Commission; and

(2)

That Richmond Zoning Bylaw 8500, Amendment Bylaw 10534, for the rezoning of 18431 Westminster Highway from “Agriculture (AG1)” to “Agriculture (AG3)”, be introduced and given first reading.

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

12.

HAMILTON AREA TRAFFIC CALMING

(File Ref. No. 10-6450-09-01; 12-8060-20-005870) (REDMS No. 7514752)

(1)

That traffic calming measures outlined in Option 3 for Westminster Highway, as described in the staff report titled “Hamilton Area Traffic Calming”, dated January 12, 2024 from the Director, Transportation, be endorsed;

(2)

That speed limits on local roads in Hamilton be reduced from 50 km/h to 30 km/h as described in the staff report titled “Hamilton Area Traffic Calming”, dated January 12, 2024 from the Director, Transportation; and

(3)

That staff bring forward amendments to Traffic Bylaw No. 5870 to reflect speed limit reductions for local roads in Hamilton.

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

13.

SWIFT ECO-WASTE MANAGEMENT INC. SOLID WASTE LICENCE APPLICATION - COMPOSTING FACILITY

(File Ref. No. 10-6370-10-02) (REDMS No. 7552849)

That, as outlined in the staff report titled "Swift Eco-Waste Management Inc. Solid Waste Licence Application - Composting Facility" dated January 24, 2024, from the Director, Sustainability and District Energy, and the Director, Public Works Operations, Metro Vancouver be advised that the City of Richmond does not approve the issuance of a Solid Waste Facility Licence application to Swift Eco-Waste Management Inc., and that the preliminary solid waste and air quality comments be forwarded to Metro Vancouver.

ADOPTED ON CONSENT

CONSIDERATION OF MATTERS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA

NON-CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS

COMMUNITY SAFETY COMMITTEE

Councillor Alexa Loo, Chair

14.

OPTIONS FOR ENFORCEMENT OF ESCORT SERVICES AND BODY RUBS

(FILE REF. NO. 12-8275-11) (REDMS NO. 7529119, 7578728, 7578731, 7578723, 7578724, 7578755, 7578731, 7599172, 7591915, 7599395 )

R24/4-5

It was moved and seconded

(1)

That Option 2 as described in the staff report titled "Options for Enforcement of Escort Services and Body Rub Studios" dated January 16, 2024 from the General Manager, Community Safety be endorsed;

(2)

That staff amend the Business Licence Bylaw 7360, the Business Regulation Bylaw No. 7538, the Municipal Ticket Information Authorization Bylaw No. 7321, and the Notice of Bylaw Violation Dispute Adjudication Bylaw No. 8122.

The question on the motion was not called as discussion ensued with respect to further researching and reviewing the bylaw amendments and consulting with experts and other municipalities as to their guidelines.

In response to queries from Committee, staff advised that (i) staff follow a standard procedure when conducting inspections, there is a number of different violations that are listed in detail in the bylaws and staff review for compliance for all of those provisions, (ii) the language of “escort service” is no longer used, (iii) staff will provide a memorandum outlining the service use categories within the tourism bylaw as it relates to escort service business types, (iv) the intent of the regulations is to keep workers and customers safe, and (v) as a result of the inspection activity there has been increased compliance from businesses registering their employees.

The question on the motion was then called and it was CARRIED with Cllrs. Gillanders and Wolfe opposed.

PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS

Mayor Brodie read out a statement regarding the resolution adopted by City Council on February 13, 2024 to study the feasibility of a supervised consumption site located at Richmond Hospital confirming that the City would not be proceeding with this matter.

Mayor Brodie announced that:

Olivia Hui was appointed to the Vancouver International Airport Environmental Advisory Committee as the representative from the Advisory Committee on the Environment, for a one-year term to expire on December 31, 2024; and

Cynthia Zhou was appointed to the Richmond Food Security and Agricultural Advisory Committee as the representative from the Advisory Committee on the Environment, for a two-year term to expire on December 31, 2025.

BYLAW FOR ADOPTION

R24/4-6

It was moved and seconded

That Revenue Anticipation Borrowing (2024) Bylaw No. 10532 be adopted.

CARRIED

PUBLIC DELEGATIONS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS

R24/4-7

15.

It was moved and seconded

That Council resolve into Committee of the Whole to hear delegations on non‑agenda items (8:40 p.m.).

CARRIED

Chuck Puchmayr, Civic Visions Inc and Kenny Gu, owner Zodiac Karaoke Club, 8191 Alexander Road, referred to their submission (copy on file, City Clerk’s Office) requesting an extension to their operating hours from 2:00 am to 3:00 am. Noting their observations that young professionals are enjoying entertainment at later hours as many work late and therefore, like to dine and experience leisure and entertainment at a later time. 

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

R24/4-8

It was moved and seconded

That staff review the material provided by the delegation and examine the hours of operation of karaoke clubs and night clubs and report back.

The question on the motion was not called as discussion ensued with respect to (i) safety and security at karaoke clubs, (ii) the petition submitted by four karaoke clubs to extend their operating hours, and (iii) current hours of operation.

The question on the motion was then called and it was CARRIED with Cllr. Wolfe opposed.

R24/4-9

16.

It was moved and seconded

That Committee rise and report (8:51 p.m.).

CARRIED

ADJOURNMENT

R24/4-10

It was moved and seconded

That the meeting adjourn (8:52 p.m.).

CARRIED

Certified a true and correct copy of the Minutes of the Regular meeting of the Council of the City of Richmond held on Monday, February 26, 2024.

_________________________________

_________________________________

Mayor (Malcolm D. Brodie)

Corporate Officer (Claudia Jesson)