July 23, 2024 - Minutes (Special Open)

Place:

Anderson Room
Richmond City Hall

Present:

Mayor Malcolm D. Brodie
Councillor Chak Au
Councillor Carol Day
Councillor Laura Gillanders (by teleconference)
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 4:00 p.m.

RES NO.

ITEM

COUNCILLOR KASH HEED

1.

DISCUSSION OF METRO VANCOUVER GOVERNANCE

(File No. 01-0157-01) (REDMS No.)

Mayor Brodie provided an overview of the functions and challenges of Metro Vancouver, noting details surrounding (i) the composition of the Board of Directors and Committees, (ii) remuneration and expenses for board and committee members, (iii) basic services performed such as parks, regional planning, sustainability, and air quality, and the associated costs on utility bills, (iv) the process in which issues are brought forward to Committees and the Board, (v) solid waste, water, and liquid waste utilities, (vi) the North Shore Wastewater Treatment Plant and a forthcoming report to the Greater Vancouver Sewerage and Drainage District Board regarding an independent performance audit, and (vii) future upgrades to the Iona Island Wastewater Treatment Plant.

Mayor Brodie noted that the Board consists of 41 Directors representing 21 Municipalities, one Electoral Area, and one treaty First Nation. Directors are members of Municipal or First Nation council who have been appointed to the Board by their respective councils, and the number of directors appointed to the Board depends on the population of the Municipality, Electoral Area, or First Nation. Directors are allowed one vote for every 20,000 people in their Municipality, Electoral Area, or First Nation, up to a total of five votes.

Discussion ensued regarding (i) recent calls for public inquiry into Metro Vancouver operations and costs, (ii) a performance audit for the North Shore Wastewater Treatment Plant and the recommended appointment of an Independent Advisor for the North Shore Wastewater Treatment Plant Program, (iii) fiduciary duties of elected officials to serve the public interest, and (iv) the Metro Vancouver Board in Brief providing an accurate and extensive summary of Metro Vancouver meetings.

It was noted that all open Board and Committee agendas and minutes are available on the Metro Vancouver website, and open meetings are live streamed and can be viewed on the Metro Vancouver website. Additionally, materials relating to any of the items noted in the Board in Brief are available on request from Metro Vancouver.

ADJOURNMENT

SP24/6-1

It was moved and seconded

That the meeting adjourn (5:17 p.m.).

CARRIED

Certified a true and correct copy of the Minutes of the Special meeting of the Council of the City of Richmond held on Tuesday, July 23, 2024.

_________________________________

_________________________________

Mayor (Malcolm D. Brodie)

Corporate Officer (Claudia Jesson)