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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPLSC 2004-04-15 minutes.pdfCorporation of the District of Maple Ridge and the Corporation of the District of Pitt Meadows 1\1APLE RIDGE and PITT MEADOWS PARKS & LEISURE SERVICES COA1A1ISSION REGULAR MEETING The Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows Parks & Leisure Services Commission, held at Maple Ridge Municipal Hall, 11995 Haney Place, Maple Ridge, British Columbia, on Thursday, April 15, 2004 at 7:00 pm. COMMISSIONERS PRESENT Commissioner Kathy Morse . Co1mnissioner Don Maclean Commissioner Cheryl Ashlie Commissioner Judy Dueck Commissioner Debra Eisel Commissioner Craig Speirs Commissioner Dave Rempel Co1mnissioner Kathie Ward District of Maple Ridge, Mayor District of Pitt Meadows, Mayor School District No. 42, Trustee Chair District of Maple Ridge, Councillor District of Pitt Meadows, Councillor District of Maple Ridge, Councillor School District No. 42, Trustee School District No. 42, Trustee COMMISSION MEMBERS AT LARGE PRESENT Commissioner Dave Roemer Commissioner Ge1Ty Trerise Commissioner Jo Anne ten Brink Commissioner Kathy Reinheimer Co1m11issioner Bunny Horne STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT Mike Murray David Boag Jaynne Aster DELEGATIONS Maple Ridge, Member at Large Maple Ridge, Member at Large Maple Ridge, Member at Large Maple Ridge, Member at Large Pitt Meadows, Member at Large GM Community Development, Parks & Recreation Manager, Parks & Open Space Co1mnittee Clerk Mr. Jim Stewart, President, Ridge Meadows BMX Association Ms. Sandy Jensen, BC Cycling Association, Volunteer of the Year Mr. Dan Olson, Festival Society Spokesperson Ms. Shayna Funk-Larmor, Mental Health Services Access Councillor REGRETS Commissioner Faye Isaac Commissioner Jon Hanis Commissioner Gwen O'Connell Commissioner Katherine Wagner Commissioner John Appleton District Qf Maple Ridge, 1st Alternate Councillor District of Maple Ridge, 2nd Alternate Councillor District of Pitt Meadows, Alternate Councillor School District No. 42, Alternate Trustee District of Pitt Meadows, Councillor Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows Parks & Leisure Services Commission Regular Minut_es Page 1 of8 Maple Ridge and Pitt Mea dows Parks & Leisure Services Commission Regular Meeting Minutes April 15, 2004 Commissioner Candace Gordon Commissioner Keith Nightingale District of Maple Ridge, Councillor Pitt Meadows, Member at Large There being a quorum present, the Chair called the meeting to order at 7:05 pm. 1. Adoption of the Agenda Amendment Move item 5.1 to 3. 2 MOVED BY: Commissioner Ashlie SECONDED BY: Commissioner Speirs That the Agenda for April 15, 2004 be adopted as amended. CARRIED 2. Minutes of the Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows Parks & Leisure Services Commission Regular Meeting MOVED BY: Commissioner Eisel SECONDED BY: Commissioner Morse That the Minutes of the Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows Parks & Leisure Services Commission March 11, 2004 Regular Meeting be adopted as circulated. CARRIED 3. Delegatious or Presentations 3.1 Mr. Jim Steward, President, Ridge Meadows BMX Association J. Steward introduced Sandy Jensen, BC Cycling Association Volunteer of the Year. S. Jensen spoke about the development of BMX activities over the years. The Ridge Meadows BMX Association is a non-profit organization. BMX is recognized as an Olympic sport in the 2008 games and there is continued and significant growth in membership here and all over. BMXing is also a premier family sport with all family members paiiicipating. Races held here have been extremely successful, bringing riders from all over North America to Pitt Meadows and Maple Ridge. The Maple Ridge track is famous as a top recreational facility in Canada, used by world champions. S. Jensen emphasized how they have gained a reputation as the best organization in Canada. Thanks were given by the organization to M. Murray, D. Boag, Kevin Gilbraith ai1d staff for their support in the past. The organization's goal is to pave the comers and place a permanent cover over track. A power point presentation was given showing the track and racers, with some shots of what comers they desire to be paved. Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows Parks & Leisure Services Commission Regular Minutes Page 2 of 8 j Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows Parks & Lersure Savices Commission Regular Meeting Minutes April 15 , 2004 Upon question as to the benefits of paving it was explained it improves safety, maintenance, and provides a lot more traction, noting that if it rains the races are cancelled anyway. The roof over the track is expected to cost approximately $100,000 and the organization is looking for funding from community service groups. The roof is removable and can be put up and taken down in 8 hours. With a roof it makes the track available for year-round usage. Signage is important as well from a tourism perspective. Upon question as to insurance for the property, structure, etc. it was noted the organization requires a certain amount of liability and will be the name on the insurance document. J. Stewart reported the organization has $5 million in liability now. M. Mmrny gave kudos to the group noting they are a very independent organization. M. Murray stated the Commission wants as specific a request as possible in the fonn of a letter from the organization from whence a repo1i with a recommendation will be prepared for the Commission to vote on at their next meeting. Specifically we need to know what are the standards and what is being built. There are issues as to length of time of agreements. A brief report will be brought forward to make sure the Commission is comfortable with what is being discussed before finalizing. 3.2 Festival Society Insurance Update Dan Olsen is a volunteer festival and parade organizer and reported the insurance for festivals is becoming a serious issue and threatening the viability of many festivals and events in town. S. Jorde provides a factual report under Information Items. Mr.Olsen gave examples of the huge increases being faced, noting individuals are taking the financial risk by paying for the insurance hoping the fund raising pays it back. Excessive fundraising from local businesses may have a negative effect. Dan noted these are enjoyable social events for the volunteers, participants, and citizens, and they affect businesses and the local economy. He noted the Festival Society has a five-year record without one insurance claim. He then asked for support to create a greater group to increase buying power for insurance, and that his main focus is to spread awareness · of this issue. It was questioned how other communities · are handling this and noted that it is not isolated to Maple Ridge. It was also noted the insurance rate is based on risk, and there are no volume discounts in insurance because it is based on the number of people, rides, alcohol, etc. M. Murray reported the Municipal Insurance Association doesn't cover these events unless the group is being directed by the municipality, with volunteers taking direction from and reporting to municipal staff. The next option is to reduce coverage but it is felt this is irresponsible. The other option is for the organizations to try to reduce total costs, come up with additional funds or not do the event. Additional resources are not in the municipal budget. It was noted all of these organizations are in planning mode for their events and festival season is just around the corner. We don't know who is jeopardy and who isn't. Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows Parks & Leisure Services Commission Regular Minutes Page 3 of 8 Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows Parks & Leisure Services Commission Regular Meeting Minutes April 15, 2004 Upon question whether the volunteers can be under the direction of the municipality it was noted the societies would have to be dissolved and it would mean on-site supervision with municipal employees. Our desire is to increase the independence of these groups and this would have the opposite effect. It was noted that insurance costs are cyclical and this could all change next year. The Commission will take the direction of this discussion and report back, looking at what other municipalities are doing to address this and what is MIA's definition of a volunteer. Thanks where given to Mr. Olsen for his presentation. 4. Decision Items 4.1 J\1ental Health Services Contract -Ms. Shayna Funk-Lannor MOVED BY: Commissioner Rempel SECONDED BY: Commissioner Eisel That the contract with the Ministry of Health -Fraser Health Region for Integrated Recreation be renewed for a period of one year commencing April 1, 2004. CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY M. Murray credited S. Funk-Lannor for the work she's done. 4.2 Extended Hours at Albion Sports -Maple Ridge Archery Club Event MOVED BY: Commissioner Rempel SECONDED BY: J. Dueck That the Maple Ridge Archery Club use the Albion Sports Complex field #1 , for the purposes of a nighttime archery tournament with use of the flood lights until midnight. CARRIED 4.3 BC Disability Sports -Bid to Host 2006 -2009 BC Disability Games MOVED BY: Commissioner Rempel SECONDED BY: Commissioner Morse Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows Parks & Leisure Services Commission Regular Minutes Page 4 of 8 l'v1aple Ridge and Pitt Meadows Parks & Leisure Services Commission Regular Meeti ng Minutes April 15, 2004 That a recommendation be forwarded to both Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows Councils that a bid be prepared to host the 2006 or 2007 BC Disability Games noting that a one time budget commitment of $90,000 to be shared proportionately according to population between Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows is required and noting that the bid submission is subject to endorsement by School District No. 42 and obtaining full support from the appropriate local amateur sports organizations. CARRIED C. Speirs noted the Municipal Advisory Committee on Accessibility Issues had also just passed a resolution to support the bid to host. 4. 4 .Mun icipal Position on Blue Mountain Provincial Forest MOVED BY: Commissioner Rempel SECONDED BY: Commissioner Speirs That a recommendation be fonvarded . to Maple Ridge Council that a letter be forwarded to the Minister of Forests and the Minister of Sustainable Development supporting a) the addition of the area identified in the map attached to the 2004 04 07 report on this subject as an addition to Kanaka Creek Regional Park; and b) the addition of lands on the eastern slopes of Alouette Lake in Blue Mountain Provincial Forest to Golden Ears Provincial Park; and c) the remainder of the Blue Mountain Provincial Forest being managed in a sustainable manner for timber harvest and recreation, with better identification and protection of environmentally . sensitive features, particularly those related to the hydrology of Kanaka Creek and the regional parks/greenways program, and appropriate recreation management. An interested group of citizens in attendance posted maps and pictures of area. M. Murray presented the three parts of the resolution. Commission members reviewed the resolution in depth and raised a number of questions particularly to do with the 3rd part of the resolution. Concerns included appropriate levels of management, mixed use, the definition of sustainability, park maintenance and liability issues. Other issues included whether we suppo1i all forms of recreation, time line concerns, harvesting and forestry re gulations. Poor forestry practices are a particular issue of concern for the citizens' group. M. MmTay stated the report does not identify the details of sustainable forestry because we haven't got the technical expe1iise to do that. This is crown land and our input is a letter of suppmi for these three issues, and to say in general tern1s our expectations is that it will be restorative, sustainable, etc. MOVED BY: Commissioner Speirs SECONDED BY: Commissioner Rempel Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows Parks & Leisure Services Commission Regular Minutes Page 5 of 8 !\faple Ridge and Pitt Meadows Parks & Leisure Services Commission Regular Meeting Minutes April 15, 2004 Motion to split the resolution into three parts, known as A, B, and C, and vote on them separately. The Chair called for a vote in favour of Part A. The Chair called for a vote in favour of Part B. MOVED BY: Commissioner Rempel SECONDED BY: Commissioner Speirs CARRIED CARRIED CARRIED To amend Part C of resolution to remove the words "timber harvest and", and defer decision of the timber harvest issue to Council. CARRIED The main motion as amended was then carried. It was noted this is only a recommendation to go forward and it's not the end of the discussion. Delegates and citizens left the meeting at this point. 4.5 BCRPA Annual General JV!eeting-Proxy Appointments (verbal discussion) MOVED BY: Commissioner Morse SECONDED BY: Commissioner Rempel That three representatives from the Parks & Leisure Service Commission attend the BCRPS Annual General Meeting. CARRIED 4. 6 Albion Park Plan Open House (verbal update) D. Boag presented an update on the progress of Albion Park presenting a map of the area and describing the trails and recreational areas. He has met with a variety of stakeholders groups and a concept plan has been developed which include equestrian trail links, skill development areas, and a spray water park. A new baseball diamond will be built at the new school. D. Boag reported there is a lot of interest to make sure we maintain and protect more sensitive bog-type areas and general preservation of the forest. There is the potential for a skateboard park and input from RCMP on position of a skateboard park was valuable, however the stakeholders group were concerned the skateboard park Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows Parks & Leisure Services Commission Regular Minutes Page 6 of 8 Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows Park.s & Leisure Services Commission ~,. Regula1· Meeting Minutes April 15, 2004 ) ') wouldn't be a good fit. It was noted that skateboard parks are getting more popular every year and if one is built it will be very well used. MOVED BY: C. Speirs SECONDED BY: J. ten Brink That the concept plan for Albion Park be forwarded to a public open house. CARRIED 4. 7 May TForkshop -2005 Business Plann;ng (verbal discussfon) The Commission needs to have a strategic planning session. At this time the regular meeting will continue with a proposal to put forth a time to do the business planning. MOVED BY: C. Ashlie SECONDED BY: D. Eisel Motion to conduct the 2005 Business Planning Session on Thursday May 20th at the Pitt Meadows Municipal Hall. 5. Information Items MOVED BY Commissioner Rempel SECONDED BY Commissioner Dueck That the information items be received as circulated. 5. I Festival Society Insurance Update CARRIED CARRIED 5. 2 Alouette River klanagement Society re: Article ·'Red Fish Up River, Again" 5. 3 Letter -1vlr. Andy Clev;n re: Meado·wland School Sile Use 5. -4 Copy: Haney Horsemen Association re: Letter to the Editor 5.5 Sanitary Sewer Extension through Crosses Cabins 5. 6 PERC Submissfon: Pitt kfeadows Indoor Pool Fewdbility Study 6. Commission Liaison Reports -Nil 7. Staff Liaison Reports D. Boag reported the first Arbor Day celebration in Maple Ridge will take place on April 22 nd at 6 p.m. with the planting of 23 trees at the Agricultural Fair Grounds. Invitations have been sent out. All the trees have been donated by individuals or groups. Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows Parks & Leisure Services Commission Regular Minutes Page 7 of 8 Maple Ridge and Pin Meadows Parks & Leisure Services Commission Regu lar Meeting Minutes Arri I I 5, 2004 8. Question Period 9. Motion to Move illto Closed Session MOVED BY Commissioner Rempel SECONDED BY Commissioner J. Dueck That the meeting be closed to the public pursuant to Sections 242.2(1)(*) of the Local Government Act. CARRIED Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows Parks & Leisure Services Commission Regular Minutes Page 8 of 8