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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPLSC 2005-05-19 minutes.pdfJ 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 Blaney Room, Maple Ridge Municipal Hall, 11995 Haney Place, Maple Ridge, BC British Columbia, on Thursday, May 19, 2005 at 7:00 pm. COMMISSIONERS PRESENT Commissioner Kathy Morse, Chair Commissioner Cheryl Ashlie Commissioner Debra Eisel Commissioner Don MacLean Commissioner Kathie Ward Commissioner Ernie Daykin Commissioner Faye Isaac District of Maple Ridge, Mayor School District No. 42, Trustee Chair District of Pitt Meadows, Councillor District of Pitt Meadows, Mayor School District No. 42, Trustee District of Maple Ridge, Councillor District of Maple Ridge Councillor COMMISSION MEMBERS AT LARGE PRESENT Commissioner Ian Brown Commissioner Bunny Horne Commissioner Keith Nightingale Commissioner Jo Anne ten Brink Commissioner Gerry Trerise Member at Large, Maple Ridge Member at Large, Pitt Meadows Member at Large, Pitt Meadows Member at Large, Maple Ridge Member at Large, Maple Ridge STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT Mike Murray David Boag GM Community Development, Parks & Recreation Director, Parks & Facilities Don Cramb Lex Tierney Ingrid Kraus REGRETS Commissioner Gwen O'Connell Commissioner Dave Rempel Commissioner Kathy Reinheimer Recreation Manager, West Recreation Manager, Central Executive Assistant District of Pitt Meadows, Councillor School District No. 42, Trustee 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 Minutes Page 1 of7 Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows Parks & Leisure Services Commission Regular Meeting Minutes May 19, 2005 1. Adoption of the Agenda Delete: 4.4 Iron Horse Youth Clinic Replace with GVRD Green Spaces Report Add: 3.2 BCRP A Conference Presentation -Commissioner ten Brink MOVED BY: SECONDED BY: Commissioner Jo Anne ten Brink Commissioner Kathy Ward That the Agenda for May 19, 2005 be adopted as amended. CARRIED 2. Minutes of the Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows Parks & Leisure Services Commission Regular Meeting MOVED BY: SECONDED BY: Commissioner Bunny Home Commissioner Faye Isaac That the Minutes of the Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows Parks & Leisure Services Commission April 14, 2005 Regular Meeting be adopted as circulated. 3. Delegations or Presentations 3.1 Lex Tierney Re: First Quarter Report CARRIED Mr. Tierney provided a report and PowerPoint presentation on the statistics for the first quarter of 2005. Some of the highlights include: -Youth Skateboard Park planning underway -Electronic Registrations have increased from 10% to 17% -Second Indoor Pool recommendations have been adopted -Introduction of the new flexi-pass allows users to access facilities in both municipalities -Ms. Erin Guelph (Jr. Lifeguard) receives 3 Lifesaving Awards at the Provincial Rescue Awards -The Maple Ridge Museum Expansion RFP has closed and Studio Senbal was awarded the contract Mr. Tierney was asked whether there was an indication as to why the drop-off for the youth centre is seen as unsafe. He explained that the doors for the Youth Centre are on the mall side vs. the ring road unlike the Leisure Centre and perhaps that creates some concerns for parents. Possibly access could be arranged from the underground parkade directly into the youth centre since there are garage doors in that location. Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows Parks & Leisure Services Commission Regular Minutes Page 2 of7 Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows Parks & Leisure Services Commission Regular Meeting Minutes May 19, 2005 Mr. Tierney was thanked for the detailed presentation and asked if cyclical changes could be included in future presentations. 3.2 The Commission viewed a CD presentation from the BCRPA Conference entitled, "Parks and Recreation Benefits Your Community-Together We Can Make a Difference". Commissioner ten Brink attended the Commissioner workshop held on May 11, prior to the conference, and shared her report which was distributed to the Commission members. Ms. ten Brink was thanked for her excellent and comprehensive report. 4. Decision Items 4.1 Archery Request for Albion Sports Complex Lighting The Maple Ridge Archery Club has requested that they be permitted to have the lights on at Albion Sports Complex until midnight on July 2, 2005. MOVED BY: Commissioner Don MacLean SECONDED BY: Commissioner Kathie Ward That the Parks and Leisure Services Commission approve the request to extend the field light time from 10:30pm to 12:00 midnight for this night owl tournament for 2005, and for future dates for this annual event, subject to the review of any complaints or other problems associated with this event. This is the third year the Club has hosted this tournament and without incident. Staff suggested rather than having to come forward to the Commission each year, that approval be given for this annual tournament subject to the reviews stipulated. 4.2 Arts Centre Operating Agreement MOVED BY: SECONDED BY: Commissioner Faye Isaac Commissioner Cheryl Ashlie CARRIED Mr. Murray circulated amendments on two pages of the agreement and reviewed the additional changes made. That the Chair and General Manager, Community Development, Parks and Recreation Services be authorized to execute the Ridge Meadows Community Arts Council Fee for Service Agreement -2005 to 2008. That a recommendation be forwarded to Maple Ridge Council that the Mayor and Municipal Clerk be authorized to execute the Ridge Meadows Community Arts Council Lease Agreement -2005 to 2008. CARRIED Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows Parks & Leisure Services Commission Regular Minutes Page 3 of7 Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows Parks & Leisure Services Commission Regular Meeting Minutes May 19, 2005 4.3 Whonnock Lake Aquatic Safety Considerations Commission requested that the viability of putting lifeguards on the beach at Whonnock Lake be reviewed as the last few summers have been very busy. In the process of considering the lifeguard option other aquatic safety measures were also considered. (a) That the Parks & Leisure Services Commission direct staff to implement safety enhancement measures 5 through 10 as outlined in the 2005 04 27 report. (b) That funding be considered for life guarding at Whonnock Lake in the 2006 business plan and that the various other safety enhancement measures outlined in the 2005 04 27 report on this subject be implemented in 2005. MOVED BY: SECONDED BY: To approve Option (a): Commissioner Don MacLean Commissioner Bunny Horne That the Parks & Leisure Services Commission direct staff to implement safety enhancement measures 5 through 10 as outlined in the 2005 04 27 report. The Commission inquired as to whether there have been accidents? Staff confirmed that there have been none however, the water levels are changing which exposes more rocks and diving becomes an increasing concern. There was a discussion on whether the rocks can be removed and staff confirmed that they can be when seen. Commissioner ten Brink thanked Mr. Tierney for the report. CARRIED 4.4 Iron Horse Youth Clinic Request for Waiver of Rent -this item is deleted and to be tabled. 4.4 GVRD Green Spaces Report This report is part of the GVRD' s sustainable initiatives for the Parks system. The GVRD hosted workshops in Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows in May. Mr. Murray reported that there have been considerable discussions on this report and everyone in the group that he was involved with has endorsed it. One point was Blue Mountain - Kanaka Creek Park regarding recreational use. It was suggested that in situations like this it would be appropriate for the GVRD to partner with others in the community. Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows Parks & Leisure Services Commission Regular Minutes Page 4 of7 Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows Parks & Leisure Services Commission Regular Meeting Minutes May 19, 2005 A recommendation to amend page 8 of the report, strategy 2 was reviewed. MOVED BY: SECONDED BY: Commissioner Bunny Horne Commissioner Gerry Trerise That a suggestion be forwarded to the GVRD Parks Committee that the Sustainable Region Initiative Parks Report include a role for GVRD Parks to accept management responsibility for the recreational use of Ministry of Forest lands situated immediately adjacent to GVRD Parks. CARRIED 4.5 Delegation of Authority to enter into Caretaker Agreements (verbal report) Mr. Murray explained that staff enters into these contracts within the budget established. A legal opinion was sought as to whether these contracts must be brought forward to the Commission every time they expire or when a caretaker resigns or, whether staff can be given the authority to proceed as required. The legal opinion indicated that permission can be granted through a by-law approved by both Municipal Councils. As there are at least a dozen contracts, the request is to proceed with a by-law and Mr. Murray will bring forward to both Councils. The Commission concurred with this approach. 5 Information Items 5.4 Letter from Virtues 'R' Reality Youth Society 5.5 Anonymous Letter re the Leisure Centre 5.6 Spirit of 2010 Communities -April 2005 Update 5. 7 First Quarter Report 5.8 Epic Homes -Press Release 5.9 MRSS Tennis Court and Lacrosse Box Draft layout MOVED BY: SECONDED BY: Commissioner Cheryl Ashlie Commissioner Ernie Daykin That the above information items be received. There was no further discussion on the correspondence. CARRIED 6. Commission Liaison Reports Commissioner Brown -is assisting with a database of Founding dates for various local sport and recreation groups to assist the Commission in tracking organization anniversaries. Commissioner Horne met with Ms. Shayna Funk-Larmor re Mental Health issues in both communities. Staff is currently assessing clients who are dealing with depression. The Winter Blues program funding was $450 for three months and staff had to tum people away as the demand was too great. Application will be made for a $10K grant to help educate those in need for a three-month program (covers topics such as proper nutrition, sunshine, vitamins, etc.) The Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows Parks & Leisure Services Commission Regular Minutes Page 5 of7 Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows Parks & Leisure Services Commission Regular Meeting Minutes May 19, 2005 suggestion was made to contact MLA Michael Sather for assistance as he has expertise in this area. Commissioner Nightingale -The Archery Club has a verbal agreement with the new owners of Meadowland School to hold their regular outdoor training activities and they are looking for an alternate location in case this falls through. Cottonwood Park in Pitt Meadows was suggested and while it is too small and is used primarily for the BMX track -they may have a way of accommodating the tournament. There is a Homework Club that is conducted in Grace Church however they are now having some difficulty with Fraser Health with regard to licensing. As a result of a complaint, they may not be able to continue. There was some discussion on the possibilities of partnerships with day care and home work clubs as well as with youth centres. Suggestions were made to contact MLA Randy Hawes, former MLA Ken Stewart and also Ms. Valerie Spurrell, Fraser Health. Mr. Murray will obtain the details from Commissioner Nightingale. MLA Michael Sather was also suggested as a contact to look into this problem. Pitt Meadows Outdoor Pool -Commissioner Nightingale spoke on his concerns for the proposed indoor pool and saving the outdoor pool. There was a discussion on the process and that the first step will be for Commissioner Nightingale to bring this item forward to Pitt Meadows Council. Council will then refer this item back to the Commission. In this case, time is of the essence since holding a referendum requires appropriate research and procedures. 7. Staff Liaison Reports Mr. Murray advised that the survey results are in and the first review indicates that overall satisfaction is very high. These results will be made available at the next meeting. The June Parks Commission meeting will be set aside as a workshop to begin discussions on the 2006 business plan. Mr. Murray indicated that while the pilot project will proceed based on the letter agreement attached to the agenda Commissioner Brown has offered to look at longer term contracts from ERA for ecosystem restoration. The latest walking group that has been established is the "Willow Walkers". Staff supports the program with the assistance of a volunteer to go for these weekly walks with the seniors. Mr. Boag reported that twelve trees were planted at the Fairgrounds 'in April (Arbor Day). The suggestion has been made to move the location to Bonson and begin planting trees in that area in 2006. Mr. Tom Cameron and Mrs. Lorraine Bates have agreed to coordinate this and look for sponsors. Mayor MacLean asked whether any consideration will be given to Harris Road Park Staff indicated that trees could not be planted along the highway due to the right of way access for underground services. Mr. Boag indicated that it is already in the Parks Department's plan to plant some additional trees around the spray park and seating areas and this work would be done this year. Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows Parks & Leisure Services Commission Regular Minutes Page 6 of7 J Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows Parks & Leisure Services Commission Regular Meeting Minutes May 19, 2005 Mr. Boag also reported on enhancements that are being made to the Rose Garden and entrance of the Maple Ridge Cemetery. Kin Park has suffered significant vandalism to the playground equipment. As the equipment is older it will be more difficult to replace. There are also a number of complaints and concerns raised by the neighboring property owners. The Strata Council to the west would like the gateway closed off due to fence and property damage. The Condo owners to east have asked for lighting. Mr. Boag has contacted the RCMP to assist with some interaction with residents and police presence in the area. It was suggested that he contact Mr. Cleave of the School District to see whether some of the Anti-Vandalism initiatives might be of help. 8. Question Period Commissioner Ashlie asked whether there was room for spectator seating at the Lacrosse Box. Staff explained the proposed layout doesn't indicate an allowance for bleacher seating. Staff will review the layout to determine if it can be accommodated. There is a public meeting underway this evening to begin planning for the Youth Action Park which will take possible locations into consideration, one of which is MRSS. Once two or three sites have been identified, they will be prioritized and investigated further. 9. Motion to Adjourn MOVED BY: SECONDED BY: Commissioner Faye Isaac Commissioner Cheryl Ashlie 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 The Regular Meeting adjourned at 8:30 pm. /ik Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows Parks & Leisure Services Commission Regular Minutes Page 7 of7