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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPLSC 2014-09-11 Minutes.pdfDistrict of Maple Ridge and the City 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 Meadows Room at Pitt Meadows City Hall, 12007 Harris Road, Maple Ridge, British Columbia, on Thursday, September 11, 2014 at 6:30 pm. COMMISSIONERS PRESENT Commissioner Don Mitchell, Chair Commissioner Ernie Daykin Commissioner Al Hogarth Commissioner Deb Walters Commissioner Gwen O'Connell Commissioner Dave Rempel Commissioner Eleanor Palis Commissioner Shannon Roberts Commissioner Alanna Carmichael Commissioner Mike Murray STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT Ms. Kelly Swift Ms. Wendy McCormick Mr. David Boag Ms. Sue Wheeler Ms. Christa Balatti Mr. Geoff Mallory Ms. Kathryn Baird Ms. Ingrid Kraus COMMISSIONERS ABSENT Commissioner Michael Morden Commissioner David Murray Commissioner Garett MacDonald, Vice-Chair Commissioner Stefany Tunshell Commissioner Michael Jacob GUESTS: Mr. Dave Fossum 1. Welcome & Introductions Member at Large, Maple Ridge Mayor, District of Maple Ridge Councillor, District of Maple Ridge Mayor, City of Pitt Meadows Councillor, City of Pitt Meadows Trustee, School District No. 42, Board of Education Trustee, School District No. 42, Board of Education Member at Large, Pitt Meadows Member at Large, Maple Ridge Chair, School District No. 42, Board of Education General Manager, Community Development, Parks & Recreation Services Director Recreation Director Parks & Facilities Director Community Services Manager, Health & Wellness Manager Parks and Open Space Coordinator Festivals & Volunteers Executive Assistant Councillor, District of Maple Ridge Councillor, City of Pitt Meadows Member at Large, Pitt Meadows Member at Large, Maple Ridge Member at Large, Maple Ridge Nustadia There being a quorum present, Commissioner Don Mitchell called the regular meeting to order at 6:35 pm. Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows Parks & Leisure Services Commission Regular Minutes Page 1 ot6 Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows Parks & Leisure Services Commission Regular Meeting Minutes -September 11, 2014 Final 2. Adoption of the Agenda Item 2 -Video to be moved after approval of the minutes. R14-047 It was moved and seconded That the Agenda for September 11, 2014 be adopted as amended. CARRIED 3. Minutes of the Commission Regular Meeting -July 10, 2014 R14-048 It was moved and seconded That the Minutes of the Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows Parks & Leisure Services Commission Regular Meeting of July 10, 2014 be adopted as circulated. CARRIED 4. Video A video clip that will be posted on the Parks & Leisure Services website was shown. 5. Delegations 5.1 Nustadia Recreation Mr. Dave Fossum, General Manager, operating the Pitt Meadows Arena for Nustadia Inc., showed a PowerPoint and provided an update on the arena operations. Mr. Fossum shared that new scoreboards were donated and the old ones have in turn been donated to Pitt Meadows Senior Secondary School. Mr. Fossum responded to a number of questions and was congratulated on the recent accomplishments. 6. Staff Presentations 6.1 Festival Update Ms. Kathryn Baird provided an update on the highlights of this year's festival season and showed a video presentation. Commissioner Daykin shared one of the promotional activities at the Blue Grass Festival which was a draw for prizes, using receipts from local restaurants and shops, which contributed to measuring the economic benefit of this festival. Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows Parks & Leisure Services Commission Regular Minutes Page 2 of6 Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows Parks & Leisure Services Commission Regular Meeting Minutes -September 11, 2014 Final 7. Discussion Items 7 .1 Sport Strategy Christa Balatti introduced the sport strategy development process and a draft of the sport policy guidelines developed with the input of our sport community. A PowerPoint was used to review the highlights and key points. Commissioner Eleanor Palis left the room at 7:00 pm. The draft policy statement was circulated to the Commissioners. This policy will be introduced to the stakeholder groups at a forum being hosted on October 2 and the next steps will be to build the strategy in 2015. Following a discussion, staff noted the additional comments and feedback from Commissioners. The report and final draft policy will be brought back to Commission for approval. 7.2 Email: Beach Volleyball Courts Request Mr. David Boag introduced a request to convert the two horseshoe pits in Maple Ridge Park into a beach volleyball area. Staff indicated that as this would be located under a tree canopy, it would be difficult to maintain the area for this purpose. As an alternative, work has started at Whonnock Lake and staff are suggesting that it could be easy to incorporate a volleyball court at that location. Staff are also monitoring to determine how many residents are interested in utilizing this option. Following a discussion it was suggested to proceed with investigating the potential for inclusion at the Whonnock Lake site. Mr. Boag also reported that the club that made use of the horseshoe pits is no longer in existence and the pits themselves are past their use. As this is one of the busiest park areas, staff will look into removing them and adding more picnic tables. Commissioner O'Connell mentioned she has received inquiries about the potential for horseshoe pits at the Pitt Meadows Seniors Centre and staff will follow up. 7.3 Email: Covered Playground Request Mr. David Boag introduced a suggestion to consider covered playgrounds and showed some photo examples. A number of questions were asked regarding: • the costs for such a project, • what would determine an appropriate location • what type of material is used for the canopy • maintenance requirements • safety and liability issues • is there an option to look at tree canopies in some areas • concerns around potential for negative and inappropriate use of a covered area Following the discussion it was agreed there was enough interest to investigate the possibilities of having a covered playground in each community. Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows Parks & Leisure Services Commission Regular Minutes Page 3 of 6 Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows Parks & Leisure Services Commission Regular Meeting Minutes -September 11, 2014 Final 8. Decision Items R14-049 R14-050 8.1 Policies 8.1.1 Park Gift Program Mr. Geoff Mallory reviewed the history of the program and the need to update the policy to reflect current practices and actual costs to install and maintain the benches. Commissioner Roberts asked that the Commission reconsider allowing dates to be added to the plaque. Following a discussion it was agreed to reword the following item under Dedication plaques to allow for birth/death dates to be included: (d) Donated park amenities should not serve as memorials. Wording oannot include bi Fth/death dates. It was moved and seconded That the Park Gift Program Policy P128, dated September 11, 2014 be approved as amended. CARRIED 8.1.2 Volunteer Policy Ms. Sue Wheeler provided an overview and history on the Volunteer Policy and the need to update it to meet current needs. A discussion followed and some suggestions around appreciation events and ways to include volunteers were shared. It was moved and seconded That the Volunteer Policy P127 dated September 11, 2014 be approved. CARRIED 8.2 Golden Ears Winter Club Ms. Wendy McCormick reminded that the Club provided an update to the Commission in January and then reviewed the staff report. The Club is currently in arrears mainly due to the cost of utilities and staff have been working with them to come up with solutions for both the short and longer term. Eleanor Palis returned to the meeting at 7:50 pm Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows Parks & Leisure Services Commission Regular Minutes Page 4 of6 .J Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows Parks & Leisure Services Commission Regular Meeting Minutes -September 11, 2014 Final R14-051 It was moved and seconded That staff be directed to prepare a two-year operating agreement that includes funding equal to 40% of utility operating costs of the Golden Ears Winter Club, funded through the existing operating budget, and, that the agreement and funding be dated retro-active to include the 2013- 14 and 2014-15 seasons, and that the 2013-14 funding be applied against Golden Ears Winter Club's current debt with the City of Maple Ridge . That the Golden Ears Winter Club be invited to attend a Commission meeting to present their business plan for 2015 addressing solutions to current budget shortfalls and a multi-year debt reduction plan. A discussion followed on the value of the sport and services the Club provides to the community. Opportunities to involve the School District more, membership fees, working with key stakeholders to look at efficiencies and other ways to grow the sport for all ages to continue to keep the operations viable were reviewed The motion was amended as follows: R14-052 It was moved and seconded That staff be directed to prepare a two-year operating agreement that includes funding equal to 40% of utility operating costs of the Golden Ears Winter Club, funded through the existing operating budget, and, that the agreement and funding be dated retro-active to include the 2013- 14 and 2014-15 seasons. That the Golden Ears Winter Club be invited to attend a Commission meeting to present their business plan for 2015 addressing solutions to current budget shortfalls and a multi-year debt reduction plan. CARRIED A question was raised regarding Planet Ice and its operations and a discussion followed. 9. Information Items 9.1 Pitt Meadows Bike Skills Park -ALC Letter Mr. David Boag provided an update on the letter and status of the bike skills park in Pitt Meadows . Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows Parks & Leisure Services Commission Regular Minutes Page 5 of6 Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows Parks & Leisure Services Commission Regular Meeting Minutes -September 11, 2014 Final 9. Commission Liaison Reports Commissioner Alanna Carmichael commented on the Dog Days of Summer off Leash Park trials taking place and has heard some positive feedback on Tolmie Park. Mr. Geoff Mallory confirmed the dates for the remaining trails and how comments were being collected. A report is expected to come back to the Commission in November. 10. Staff Liaison Reports -Nil 11. Question Period -Nil 12. Adjourn The regular meeting adjourned at 8:50 pm. Chairperson /ik Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows Parks & Leisure Services Commission Regular Minutes Page 6 of 6