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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPLSC 2005-04-14 minutes.pdf) Corporation of the District of Maple Ridge and the Corporation of the District of Pitt Meadows MAPLE RIDGE and PITT MEADOWS PARKS & LEISURE SERVICES COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING The Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows Parks & Leisure Services Commission, held in the Council Chambers, Pitt Meadows Municipal Hall, 12007 Harris Road, Pitt Meadows, British Columbia, on Thursday, April 14, 2005 at 7:00 pm. COMMISSIONERS PRESENT Commissioner Kathy Morse, Chair Commissioner Cheryl Ashlie Commissioner Debra Eisel Commissioner Randy Cooke Commissioner Kathie Ward Commissioner Ernie Daykin Commissioner Faye Isaac Commissioner Gwen O'Connell Commissioner Dave Rempel District of Maple Ridge, Mayor School District No. 42, Trustee Chair District of Pitt Meadows, Councillor District of Pitt Meadows, Councillor (Alternate) School District No. 42, Trustee District of Maple Ridge, Councillor District of Maple Ridge Councillor District of Pitt Meadows, Councillor School District No. 42, Trustee COMMISSION MEMBERS AT LARGE PRESENT Commissioner Ian Brown Commissioner Bunny Home Commissioner Kathy Reinheimer STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT Mike Murray David Boag Don Cramb Shelley Jorde Cheryl Brewster REGRETS Commissioner Don MacLean Commissioner Keith Nightingale Commissioner Jo Anne ten Brink Commissioner Gerry Trerise Member at Large, Maple Ridge Member at Large, Pitt Meadows Member at Large, Maple Ridge GM Community Development, Parks & Recreation Director, Parks & Facilities Recreation Manager, West Recreation Manager, East Committee Clerk District of Pitt Meadows, Mayor Member at Large, Pitt Meadows Member at Large, Maple Ridge Member at Large, Maple Ridge There being a quorum present, the Chair called the meeting to order at 7:05 pm. Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows Parks & Leisure Services Commission Regular M inutes Page 1 of 10 Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows Parks & Leisure Services Commission Regular Meeting Minutes April 14, 2005 I. Adoption of the Agenda MOVED BY: SECONDED BY: Commissioner Dave Rempel Commissioner Gwen O'Connell That the Agenda for April 14, 2005 be adopted as circulated. CARRIED 2. Minutes of the Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows Parks & Leisure Services Commission Regular Meeting MOVED BY: SECONDED BY: Commissioner Faye Isaac Commissioner Ian Brown That the Minutes of the Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows Parks & Leisure Services Commission March 17, 2005 Regular Meeting be adopted as circulated. CARRIED 3. Delegations or Presentations 3.1 Youth Park Process Update -Mr. Tony Cotroneo, Youth Services Coordinator presented a Power Point presentation called Action Park Process advising that parks are no longer just for the youth; that there should not be a separation between youth parks and municipal parks (e.g., that they should all fit into the existing system); and that Action Sports have gained recognition as acceptable, healthy sport activities. He reported that of the 325 existing Action Parks in Canada, each one has doubled its user capacity during peak times and concluded by saying that the community has made it very clear it wants a skate park. Mr. Cotroneo noted the impressive and diverse participation of the first workshop (over fifty participants) which was to define the Action Park components for the different levels of parks. Priorities are outdoor skateboarding parks and activities at a community level that are easily and safely accessible by children and youth. It was proposed that eventually there would be 5 community level parks across both the Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows communities -with Albion being targeted as "the destination park." Mr. Murray noted that the Albion Park Master Plan has already identified this area as a potential location. Another workshop is planned, with the hopes of forming a committee to determine the feasibility of potential sites and completion of the community process. The goal is to begin construction no later than the fall of 2005. He noted that what is very evident is the paradigm shift in the community in acceptance of Action Sports -even seniors are demanding sports parks for kids and concluded by saying that "Action Sports are here Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows Parks & Leisure Services Commission Regular Minutes Page 2 of JO ) Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows Parks & Leisure Services Commission Regular Meeting Minutes April 14, 2005 3.2 to stay -the community is letting us know that these sports must be accommodated in all park planning including existing and future parks." Commissioner Bunny Home asked about retrofitting parks to make them more challenging as kids' skills increased. In discussion, it was noted that when and if retrofits were required, a committee could be formed to study the issue further. Mike Murray commented that the prime partner in these areas is the school district, noting Maple Ridge Senior Secondary as a possible location because it is visible to the street and has many of the desired elements. Commissioner Randy Cooke asked about the feasibility study and long term capital locations being on budget (e.g., capital costs are one thing but long term operating budget is another). David Boag advised that $200,000 has been identified and is available, the youth are also raising money, and until firm decisions regarding location, etc., are established final budget figures cannot be established. Commissioner Cheryl Ashlie asked for a timeline clarification since the MRSS site is bare and waiting. Mr. Mike Murray advised that there are also two other amenities planned for this site -lacrosse box and tennis courts and suggested the need to come up with a preliminary layout first to bring to the board. ACTION REQUIRED: Staff to identify preliminary layout for the next meeting. Commissioner Kathie Ward asked about increased liability and David Boag who attended a risk management meeting recently advised that there is less risk associated with skate boards than playing golf and that the level of skate boarding claims is significantly lower. Commissioner Ernie Daykin suggested that the Youth Council connect with the group that came forward last year and suggested that Mr. Cotroneo liaise with Cheryl Ashlie for other events taking place within school district. Commissioner Ashlie agreed and suggested that Mr. Cotroneo make a presentation to principals and vice-principals within the school district, to get them up to speed, understanding liability, etc., emphasizing the importance of being prepared and proactive. Chair Kathy Morse thanked Mr. Cotroneo for the presentation and asked that as more information becomes available, it be brought to the Commission, including hours of use, etc. Mental Health Integrated Recreation Contract -Ms. Shayna Funk-Larmor, Access Councillor presented an overview of the last fiscal period -April 2004 to March 31, 2005, noting that 1 in 5 Canadians will have a mental health problem at some time. Ms. Funk-Larmor reviewed how the Leisure Access Program encourages participation Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows Parks & Leisure Services Commission Regular Minutes Page 3 of JO Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows Parks & Leisure Services Commission Regular Meeting Minutes April 14, 2005 despite limitations, noting that adults are referred to the program, which is currently funded to include 18.5 hours of service per week. She reviewed 2004-2005 referrals and use, with an overview of Leisure Education Sessions provided, including those at community service and health care facilities. General discussion included usage increase from last year and the types of illnesses being seen. Commissioner Gwen O'Connell commented that with few or no beds available in the hospital psychiatric ward, many people are falling through the cracks and asked if there was an additional presentation that could be made to help create more awareness. ACTION REQUIRED: Staff advised he would take the discussion to his staff to determine if a case could be put together for additional funding -such as a letter or a meeting with Fraser Health Representatives . Commissioner Bunny Home stressed the importance of this area, noting that many people suffer in silence for decades, especially given the taboo that is associated with mental illness. Mike Murray commented that since the program works by refe1Tal only, the opportunity to advertise the service really isn't there. Discussion took place around what may be available in terms of outreach as next Thursday, April 21, is Mental Health & Addictions Services Planning Day -a good avenue to bring concerns and priorities to the table. Commissioner Bunny Home will liaise with Ms. Funk-Larmor in regards to further investigating an outreach program. Chair Kathy Morse thanked Ms. Funk-Larmor for the presentation and the inspiring quote by a program user, noting that the program is a good example of how to negotiate and maintain a program with provincial funding. 4. Decision Items 4.1 Mental Health Services Agreement -Integrated Recreation Contract Based on the presentation and discussion above, MOVED BY: SECONDED BY: Commissioner Randy Cooke Kathy Reinheimer 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 4.2 BC Seniors Games Bid Invitation 2007-2008 Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows Parks & Leisure Services Commission Regular Minutes Page 4 of JO Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows Parks & Leisure Services Commission Regular Meeting Minutes April 14, 2005 Mike Murray reviewed the letter of invitation outlining the two main reasons why staff would recommend the Commission not participate with the bidding process: 1) the area is already hosting the 2008 Disability Games and 2) the reason the Commission was unsuccessful in being awarded the Seniors Games in previous years hasn't changed - adequate accommodation facilities to handle the number of out of town competitors do not currently exist. MOVED BY: SECONDED BY: Commissioner Debra Eisel Commissioner Kathy Ward That Mike Murray, on behalf of the District, submit the appropriate response in declining the invitation to submit a bid to host the BC Seniors Games. CARRIED 4.3 Pitt Meadows/Maple Ridge Sector Recreational Greenways Plan Mike Murray discussed the critical pages of the report which were amended in light of the Commission's previous discussion of the report. He highlighted page 4 where the content covers what the Commission was looking for -e.g., clarifying that the routes shown are general corridors rather than specific routes. It was noted that the wording does need further clarification but the intent is correct. Mike will ask the authors to make the requested change before bringing the plan to the two Councils. Page 39 deals with the other concern previously raised by the Commission which has to do with implementation, to ensure it is understood that each authority will need to act independently to determine when they can follow through on their obligations. MOVED BY: SECONDED BY: Commissioner Debra Eisel Commissioner Ernie Daykin That a recommendation be forwarded to both Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows Councils that the Pitt Meadows -Maple Ridge Sector Recreational Greenway Plan be endorsed. CARRIED 4.4 Park Site Lot #21 (Boundary Park) -report to be distributed & reviewed at the meeting Mr. Bruce McLeod outlined the park site location on the north of Dewdney Trunk Road - a parcel of land covering approximately 2.5 acres. A Steering Committee of 8 was formed last November to develop a concept plan and list of elements the community wanted in the park. In a January walk-about, these elements were prioritized, with focus on providing separate play areas for younger children, older children and family amenity Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows Parks & Leisure Services Commission Regular Minutes Page 5 of JO Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows Parks & Leisure Services Commission Regular Meeting Minutes April 14, 2005 space for residents. The concept plan has good support from the steering committee and it is now time to go back to the community to review the results. The concept includes play areas for different ages, an asphalt pathway, shrubs and plants, a future right of way for Abernathy connector, with a sport court having a high element of desire. General discussion in regards to the presentation: Commissioner Cheryl Ashlie questioned the suitability of swing sets which can be high maintenance with swings constantly getting wrapped around the cross member. She noted that whenever school consultation takes place in regards to play areas, swings are the first thing people want but the most nuisance, causing a real rift between age groups. Mr. Murray noted that all playground equipment is CSA approved, and that because this was a neighbourhood park setting and not adjacent to a school, it might work much better. There will be far fewer children attempting to use the equipment at one time than would typically be the case on a school ground. Commissioner Randy Cooke asked if any consideration had been made to air quality due to high traffic volume at ground level on the adjacent connector and Debra Eisel asked about bike racks -Mr. McLeod advised that both issues had been reviewed to ensure the highest quality and accessibility. Buffering has been incorporated into the design. Commissioner Faye Isaac asked about tennis courts in the park and Mr. McLeod advised that in neighbourhood feedback so far, tennis courts have come in as a low priority. There is the possibility of future additions, however the project is somewhat constrained due to the berm and grading. Asphalt is currently designated for basketball and road hockey. General discussion included comments on the attractiveness of the circular pattern, low shrubbery to avoid obstructing the view and the inclusion of park benches to enjoy the v1ewscape. Commissioner Ernie Daykin asked if there would be irrigation along the connector to help maintain the shrubbery and Mr. Murray advised he is currently exploring this question with Translink since the road takes up part of the land the District of Maple Ridge has just purchased and that there is an opportunity for some development costs to be shared. Timeline to begin work is this summer. Chair Kathy Morse thanked Mr. McLeod for his thorough presentation. MOVED BY: Commissioner Daykin Commissioner Gwen O'Connell SECONDED BY: Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows Parks & Leisure Services Commission Regular Minutes Page 6 of JO ~ f. ! 1,, Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows Parks & Leisure Services Commission Regular Meeting Minutes April 14, 2005 That a recommendation be forwarded to Maple Ridge Municipal Council that the concept plan attached to the April 14th, memorandum on development of the park site situated at 201 Street and 123rd Avenue be endorsed. CARRIED 4.5 Parks Commission Strategic Plan meeting (verbal update) Mr. Murray advised that while the original intent was to conduct a planning meeting in April, it has been postponed until June -most likely an extended regular meeting rather than a separate one. 4. 6 Parks Tour -establish date and time Mr. David Boag confirmed after discussion, that the second week in September may be the best date to complete the Parks Tour (most likely from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., including a picnic for lunch), and will reconfirm the final date at the next meeting. 5. Information Items 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5 Parks & Leisure Services Customer Satisfaction Survey - Ms. Kelly Swift, Manager, Marketing & Customer Service Parks Commissioner Job Description Final GVRD Invitation to Sustainable Region Initiative Presentation - April 26, Meadow Gardens GVRD Report -Greenspace: More Than Just a Pretty Place Indoor Air Quality in Ice Arenas MOVED BY: Commissioner Rempel Commissioner Ward SECONDED BY: That the above information items be received. CARRIED 5.1 Parks & Leisure Services Customer Satisfaction Survey-Mr. Murray advised the addition of a couple of things including: 1) trying to determine the general level of physical fitness within the community and 2) trying to establish the level of use of seniors facilities. He stressed the importance of keeping definitions simple. A press release will be made shortly to introduce the survey. 5 .2 Parks Commissioner Job Description -the final description was reviewed and accepted. Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows Parks & Leisure Services Commission Regular Minutes Page 7 of 10 Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows Parks & Leisure Services Commission Regular Meeting Minutes April 14, 2005 5.3 GVRD Invitation to Sustainable Region Initiative Presentation Chair Kathy Morse noted that with April 26 being a council night for Maple Ridge, a second meeting was to be held on May 5, location TBA. Mr. Murray noted that he hoped something helpful would come from the meeting in regards to Regional Parks. 5.4 Indoor Air Quality in Ice Arenas -Commissioner Randy Cooke noted that all indoor facilities (e.g., swimming pools, etc.), should be regulated with regards to air quality (e.g., not just ice rinks in regards to CO2 levels). 6. Commission Liaison Reports Commissioner Bunny Hom reported on the 5K run taking place on August 6, 2005, noting that the website is now complete and that documentation is currently going out to the leisure centre, schools, etc., All children and youth run for free, the Run has received good sponsorship and Commissioner Hom will contact P&LSC to link to their website. 7. Staff Liaison Reports David Boag advised that the seasonal openings for baseball and softball fields are all going very well and that soccer field retrofits are currently ahead of schedule. A minor problem with some impromptu baseball diamonds showing up impacted fields and also resulted in additional parking problems (impacting neighbourhood streets) Mr. Murray commented that parking adjacent to ball diamond sites is tight enough without extra unapproved diamonds popping up. An update is to come at next meeting from liaisons David Boag and Ian Brown. Discussion took place around the many organizations in Maple Ridge and how old they are-Chair Kathy Morse asked if we have access to that type of information and what is done with it, noting that key events like 50th Anniversaries, etc., are excellent forums for acknowledging organizations and individuals within the community. Commissioner Gwen O'Connell remarked that an area resident recently received a Coach of the Year award, which is very significant and should be recognized. Ian Brown volunteered to take on the task of gathering and organizing this type of data so that future recognition does not get missed. Bruce McLeod is currently interviewing contractor candidates for the Caretaker position at Harris Road Park and estimates final selection will be completed next week. David Boag and Cheryl Ashlie reported on the School District's Vandalism Conference coming up on April 25 2005 where over 200 delegates have signed up for the conference Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows Parks & Leisure Services Commission Regular Minutes Page 8 of JO ) Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows Parks & Leisure Services Commission Regular Meeting Minutes April 14, 2005 8. to date -Parks have assisted with sponsorship on this project which will cover vandalism issues. Also included is a trade show, speakers, various initiatives and maintenance facilities. Next week is Volunteer Appreciation week with various events taking place throughout the week, including the Wed., April 20th Volunteer Appreciation event at The Act. Mr. Mark Taylor, the new executive director for the Arts Council started April 1st Kelly Swift is starting to work on the allocation policy for fields and facilities that will be fair to all considering the limited resources and people available. Kathy Reinheimer and Ian Brown volunteered to help work on Field Allocation Project. Question Period Commissioner Cheryl Ashlie noted sidewalk inconsistencies and heavy traffic on 104th Street to get to the Rotary Field and cited safety concerns for this area, especially at night with the fields lit for evening events. Mr. Murray recommended the concern be taken to the traffic safety group. She also asked what considerations have been made in regards to problems with some of the fields e.g., at the 18 th yard box and Thomas Haney continually being closed down because of too much use, etc. David Boag advised that the placement of artificial turf inside the 6 yard and 18 yard box is one of the potential solutions previously considered by parks, was found to be cost prohibitive. Some better equipment is on board now to help with the situation. He confirmed that each problem will be addressed as the season progresses. Randy Cooke noted parking problems in Pitt Meadows, particularly at S. Bonson. It was noted that 47 parking stalls are to be added with an estimated $75,000 identified for parking use between the arena and tennis courts. In the entire park system, Pitt Meadows has the biggest challenge -Albion is fine so far unless extra fields are added. 9. Motion to Adjourn MOVED BY: SECONDED BY: Commissioner Cheryl Ashlie Commissioner Ernie Daykin That the Parks and Leisure Services Commission move into a Closed Meeting pursuant to 242(1)(b) of the Local Government Act as the subject matter being considered relates to personal information about an identifiable individual who is being considered for a municipal award or honour, or who has offered to provide a gift to the municipality on condition of anonymity; and Section 242 (l)(e) as the subject matter being considered relates to the acquisition, disposition or expropriation of land or improvement. CARRIED Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows Parks & Leisure Services Commission Regular Minutes Page 9 of 10 Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows Parks & Leisure Services Commission Regular Meeting Minutes April 14, 2005 The Regular Meeting adjourned at 8:30 pm. /cb Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows Parks & Leisure Services Commission Regular Minutes Page 10 of JO