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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000-02-07 Adopted Committee of the Whole Minutes.pdfFebruary 7, 2000 12:30 p.m. Council Chamber PRESENT: Elected Officials Mayor A. Hogarth Councillor C. Gordon Councillor J. Harris Councillor F. Isaac Councillor L. King Councillor K. Morse Councillor C. Speirs Corporation of the District of Maple Ridge COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING MINUTES Appointed Staff R. W. Robertson, Chief Administrative Officer T. Wingrove, Municipal Clerk J. Rudolph, General Manager of Public Works and Development M. W. Murray, General Manager of Community Development, Parks and Recreation Services P. Gill, General Mngr. of Corporate and Financial Services T. Fryer, Director of Current Planning S. Karasz, Confidential Secretary Other Staff as Required F. Quinn, Municipal Engineer D. Pollock, Director of Engineering-Projects J. Bastaja, Director of Long Range Planning M. Rossi, Planner B. McDonald, Director of Permits and Licencing Acting Mayor King chaired the meeting. She explained that the practice is for the current Acting Mayor to chair Committee of the Whole meetings. 1. DELEGATIONS/STAFF PRESENTATIONS 1.1 Ministry of Transportation and Highways (MoTH)-Fraser Bridge Crossing Planning and Evaluation Study Presenters: MoTH South Coast Region Ms. Christine Legault, Manager Highway Planning Mr. Andrew Hind, Corridor Planning Engineer Dillon Consulting Limited Mr. Steve Pellerin, Partner. Reference material was provided in the Agenda in the form of an executive summary of the Fraser Bridge Crossing Planning and Evaluation Study. The delegation also provided the District with several copies of the entire study. Committee of the Whole Minutes February 7, 2000 Page 2 Mr. Hind advised that the Fraser River Bridge Crossing Planning and Evaluation Study is one of four major studies being undertaken in the South Coast Region and it frames the recommendations of the Transportation 2021 Report and the Greater Vancouver Regional District's Livable Region Strategic Plan. Mr. Hind emphasized that no decisions have • been made with respect to the recommendations arising out of this study and consultation will have to take place with Translink prior to any decisions being made. Mr. Pellerin gave a power point presentation which is summarized as follows: Obiectives o(the Study ■ Update Planning information on a number of historical Fraser River crossmg concepts. ■ Assess the nature of the travel demand for a new crossing ■ Incorporate contemporary planning processes in the lower mainland ■ Obtain input from other agencies such as the Airport Society, Agricultural Land Commission, Fraser River Harbour Commission, etc. • Organize the information to develop a comparative evaluation of all the options. Options Mr. Pellerin explained that high level options are defined as those that meet the established role and function for an additional Fraser River Crossing, namely to serve regional and provincial mobility along an urban expressway. The crossing structures must also meet navigable water requirements. The study recognizes that the existing Albion Ferry operation has been transferred to the GVTA (Translink) The concept of a low level/low cost crossing is considered to be a short to long term solution for replacing and improving the existing Albion Ferry service. ■ Low level options are defined in two ways: ■ Low level options may employ smaller, less costly structures which may not conform to regulated marine clearance and/or they may employ moveable bridge spans to facilitate all marine movements; and ■ Low level options may be a two lane facility. Mr. Pellerin displayed maps and explained the bridge crossing options that were studied as noted below High Level Options Barnston Crossing -Alignment A3 -four-lane divided urban expressway. Meets navigable water clearance requirements and requires tunneling beneath the main arm of the Fraser. 200 Street -Alignment B -four-lane divided urban expressway. Meets navigable water clearance requirements. ) / Committee of the Whole Minutes February 7, 2000 Page 3 Cottonwood Crossing -Alignment C3 -four-lane divided urban expressway. Meets navigable water clearance requirements. Low Level Options Albion Crossing -Alignment D-2 -uses predominantly ex1stmg infrastructure (including the existing ridge over Bedford Channel) -requires moveable bridge spans for facilitating passage of large marine vessels. Significant traffic impacts to Fort Langley and operational difficulties are expected to remain. Albion Crossing -Alignment D5 -uses existing infrastructure but includes a substantial by-pass to the west and south of Fort Langley; requires a new structure with a similar low profile to that of the existing Bedford Channel bridge. Cottonwood Crossing -Alignment C3 (low profile) -two opposing lanes -at-grade intersections with the supporting road network, grade separation of the CPR lines, Haney By-pass and Lougheed Highway, uses moveable spans. Would avoid significant traffic impacts to Fort Langley and large vessel marine traffic is expected to decline. Evaluation Mr. Pellerin explained the evaluations and sensitivity tests that were done with respect to risk and opportunities for the proposed options which are detailed in the study. He highlighted the following observations that were made with respect to forecasted demand: • Indications are that there is a significant and relatively consistent demand in the peak direction over each of the crossing options (3900 to 4450 vehicles per hour on the high level facilities and 2250 on the low level facilities). • Peak direction is southbound across the Fraser River and predominantly comprises trips from Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows to Surrey and Langley. He provided further information on the Multiple Account Evaluation, which included financial, customer service, socio/community, economic development and environmental considerations as detailed in the study. He highlighted the following observations: ■ The preferential options for further consideration are the 200 Street and Cottonwood options. Both will serve the demand well. ■ The Barnston crossing option is the most costly and risky to implement and poses significant environmental issues. This location should be dropped from further consideration. ■ The 200 Street option is better aligned to a balanced north/south travel line and less likely to induce pressure to expand urban growth in Pitt Meadows and Maple Ridge. ■ The Cottonwood option is attractive because it may be achieved at lower cost. Risks are that it may contribute to a longer trip to the Trans-Canada Highway westbound. ■ The Albion options severely impact on Fort Langley and should be dropped from future consideration. Implementation Scenarios Committee of the Whole Minutes February 7, 2000 Page 4 Mr. Pellerin advised that the following implementation scenarios are recommended for further review: 200 Street B2 High Level by 2021 Stage 1 ~ high level crossing with arterial functioning route between the Trans Canada Highway and Lougheed Highway before 2006 and upgrade. Stage 2 -urban expressway function between Trans-Canada Highway and Lougheed by 2021. Cottonwood C3 High Level by 2021 Stage 1 Lougheed to 96 Avenue before 2006 and upgrade Stage 2 -96 A venue to Trans Canada Highway by 2021 Cottonwood C-3 Oow proOle) -before 2006 and high level upgrade in 2021 Cottonwood C-3 Oow proOle) -before 2006 and 200 Street B2 high level by 2021 Councillor Morse questioned if there is further information available for Maple Ridge, noting that the study provides considerable information on Fort Langley but very little on the north side of the river and the impact of traffic on Maple Ridge, particularly at the point where the bridge ends. Mr. Pellerin advised that the scope of the study did not undertake any traffic impact assessme:P-.ts of the crossings except for Fort Langley. Further work in that regard will be done following the study. He also clarified for Comicillor Hcl,rris that further study will be required with respect to the marine issues. Councillor Gordon questioned what the next steps are, noting that she is very interested in where the bridge will touch down in our community and the impact it will have on the affected neighbourhoods. Mr. Hind advised that the recommendations in the study have to be formally presented to Translink to see what they will be in favour of. Mr. Pellerin added that the study talks about future engineering and planning costs; there is considerable work to be done yet before they can answer specific questions on the impact of the crossings on neighbourhoods. Acting Mayor King stated that the District needs information on the amount of land that would be required at the end of the bridge so that they can incorporate that knowledge into their own transportation plan. The delegation departed at this point in the meeting. The Mayor advised those in attendance that there is a Translink open house in the Council Chamber on Thursday evening which is a good tie-in to the bridge crossing study and they may wish to attend that meeting also. Committee of the Whole Minutes February 7, 2000 Page 5 1.2 Ministry of Forests -1999-2000 Forest Redevelopment Plan for Blue Mountain Messrs. Gerry Kenna, District Manager, and Murray Sluys, Small Business Forester of the Chilliwack Forest District, were in attendance to provide further information on the above noted matter. Mr. Sluys advised that legislation requires that they prepare a five year plan prior to doing any forest harvesting. They are in the process of preparing that plan and are required to consult with other government agencies on their plans for the next few years. He displayed an overhead of the Alouette Lake area and two adjacent blocks of timber that will be affected by their five year plan. He explained that the timber is question is second growth and the proposed harvesting will be done by the patch method or homogeneous thinning. It is estimated that a total of 450 truck loads of timber will be taken out. They will have to do an assessment on the ground to determine biologically what is best for that area. They will mark the trees to be cut in the field for the loggers to identify. They will operate in the winter months to avoid the peak hours when the park is being used. The visual impact will be less than 2% of the land scope as viewed from the day use area. It is heavily forested and it will take a trained eye to even see that it has been harvested. Mr. Sluys further advised that they will be doing an archaeological study with the Katzie First Nation and will also do a geotechnical study if necessary, although it is not a steep area. The existing road will be upgraded to forest practices standards. They will also do a wind-throw assessment. The Mayor questioned what route the trucks will be taking. Mr. Sluys responded that it will be 256 Street to Dewdney Trunk Road and then to the east or the west depending on where the logs are going. The work will be spread out over 2 years and will amount to around three truck loads a day. Councillor Isaac asked if the revenue from the trees will go to the Ministry or if it wiH be put back into this community. She also questioned if the District will be compensated for the use of its roads by the heavy truck traffic. Mr. Sluys advised that the revenue will go into the general revenue of the Province. He further noted that the trucks pay a considerable licencing fee to the Province. Councillor Gordon questioned if the Forests Ministry staff had consulted with the Parks Ministry on their plan. Mr. Sluys responded that they have referred the plan to the Parks Ministry and will also be meeting on site with them. The Parks Ministry wants the edge of the park protected from wind-throw and the park boundary surveyed so that the harvesting activity does not come anywhere near it. Councillor Speirs asked if the Ministry of Forests is obligated to inform the District if there are any changes to the plan, particularly if the scope of the work is more than 2%. Mr. Sluys advised that it is not mandatory for them to notify the District of changes but they would do so out of common courtesy. There will be no surprises; if this plan does not work out they will not proceed with it. He noted that they have management objectives in a higher level plan that restricts them for going higher than the 2%. Committee of the Whole Minutes February 7, 2000 Page 6 The Acting Mayor thanked the delegation for their presentation and they departed at this point in the meeting. 2. PUBLIC WORKS AND DEVELOPMENT SERVICES 2.1 SD/38/99-132 Avenue and 236 Street-Development Cost Charge Forgiveness Reference was made to the staff report dated January 4, 2000 and the Committee concurred with the following recommendation contained therein: RECOMMENDATION That with respect to Subdivision 38/99, be it resolved that in view of having constructed Development Cost Charge waterworks in the vicinity of 132 Avenue and 236 Street, the water component of the Development Cost Charges payable by the developer be reduced by $31,470.00 2.2 RZ/15/98 -11566 -224 Street -RS-1 to CRM -Request for One Year Extension-By- law No. 5736-1998 Reference was made to the staff report dated January 19, 2000 and the Committee agreed to the following recommendation contained therein: RECOMMENDATION That pursuant to Maple Ridge Development Procedures By-law No. 5632-1997 (as amended) that a one year extension be granted to Rezoning Application RZ/15/98 to permit a two storey office building at 11566 -224 Street. 2.3 RZ/52/99-24103 and 24127-102 Avenue-By-laws No. 5864-1999 and 5865-1999 Reference was made to the staff report dated December 20, 1999 recommending that the subject by-laws to create approximately 84 lots not less than 213 m2 be read a first time. The Director of Current Planning displayed an overhead map of the site. Councillor Speirs questioned if there will be access to the park to the north. The Director of Current Planning advised that it will be passive park space to protect the creek system through the area and access will be discouraged for that reason. The park will be extended further to the west and if it is appropriate, there may be some opportunities to go into that area from a collector road close to that park site .. He further clarified for Councillor Speirs that 102 A venue will be an arterial street and will have sidewalks and street trees. Committee of the Whole Minutes February 7, 2000 Page 7 Councillor Gordon noted that the whole neighbourhood is being developed to a high density with small lot subdivisions and questioned if there will be any relief from those housing patterns through the green areas or pathway systems. She would like to see what the whole area will look like when it is built out. The General Manager of Public Works and Development Services advised that there is a guide plan for the area that staff has been using as a template and they can bring it forward to next week's Council Meeting. The Mayor expressed concern that so many roads are going into the proposed Albion Village Centre, noting that one plan shows a dead-end lane going right into it. He questioned why there are so many roads going into the Village Centre if the intention is for this to be a pedestrian oriented area. The Director of Current Planning displayed a plan of the proposed Village Centre and noted that the linkages are critical so that not all the traffic comes into the Village Centre off 102 A venue. The Acting Mayor asked if Council could have a closer look at the Village Centre concept at the Council Meeting. Councillor Morse asked for an overlay to show what exists and what is proposed. The Acting Mayor asked if it would be possible for Council to visit a similar development elsewhere that has been completed by the proponents which also includes a village centre component. ACTION REQUIRED -that staff bring forward to the January 25th Council meeting the guide plan for the area as well as plans of the Albion village centre. The Committee agreed to the following recommendations: RECOMMENDATION That Maple Ridge Zone Amending By-law No. 5864-1999 be read and first time. That Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Amending By-law No. 5865-1999 be read a first time. 2.4 RZ/68/99-12742-228 Street-RS-3 to RS-1 and RS-lb Reference was made to the staff report dated January 11, 2000 recommending that the subject application to permit subdivision into 10 lots be forwarded to Public Hearing subject to the conditions specified in the report. Councillor Speirs expressed his preference for a lane rather than the cul-de-sacs shown in the plan. He questioned if there is the possibility to put a lane at the back of the properties. The Director of Current Planning displayed an overhead map of the proposed development and confirmed the need for a cul-de-sac as the parcel at the end of the Committee of the Whole Minutes February 7, 2000 Page 8 subdivision touches directly onto Agricultural Land Reserve property which contains an existing house. He further clarified for Councillor Gordon that it is not felt than a buffer between the properties is needed as they are both residential properties. The Committee agreed to the following recommendation: RECOMMENDATION That Application RZ/68/99 (for property located at 12742 -228 Street) to rezone property described in the staff report dated January 11, 2000 from RS-3 (One Family Rural Residential) to RS-1 (One Family Urban Residential) and RS-lb (One Family Urban [medium density] Residential) be forwarded to Public Hearing, noting that the conditions to be met prior to Public Hearing and prior to final consideration of the Zone Amending By-law are detailed in that report. 2.5 RZ/78/99-20141 Telep Avenue-RS-2 to RS-lb Reference was made to the staff report dated January 10, 2000 recommending that the subject application to permit subdivision into 23 lots be forwarded to Public Hearing subject to the conditions specified in the report. On question from Councillor Speirs, the Director of Current Planning confirmed that this site has a First Nations interest in it. A condition of final approval is that an archaeological report must be obtained which summarizes the archaeological investigation and clears the site for development. The Committee agreed to the following recommendation: RECOMMENDATION That Application RZ/78/99 (for property located at 20141 Telep Avenue) to rezone property described in the staff report dated January 10, 2000 from RS-3 (One Family Rural Residential) to RS-lb (One Family Urban .[medium density] Residential) be forwarded to Public Hearing, noting that the conditions to be met prior to Public Hearing and prior to final consideration of the Zone Amending By- law. 2.6 RZ/83/99-12271, 12273 and 12275-224 Street Reference was made to the staff report dated January 7, 2000 recommending that the subject application, to permit a market housing apartment building with self-contained and continuous care units for seniors, be forwarded to Public Hearing subject to the conditions specified in the report. The Mayor questioned if the units will be accessible for wheelchairs and walkers. The Director of Current Planning explained that the applicants will have to construct the facilities in conformance with all the standards required for Level I and II care for senior Committee of the Whole Minutes February 7, 2000 Page 9 citizens. Levels I and II require modified doorways, the proper turning radius for wheelchairs, an accessible elevator, etc. Acting Mayor King suggested that the application be referred to the Municipal Committee on Accessibility Issues, noting that there could be other issues to address besides mobility such as sight and hearing impediments. The Director of Current Planning explained that there is a requirement for the application to be reviewed by the Advisory Design Panel as it is in a Development Permit area. A member of the Accessibility Committee also sits on the design panel. Councillor Speirs asked if there will be gardening opportunities for the residents. The Director of Current Planning reviewed the landscaped areas and commented that it does not appear that there is a large enough area for the owners of the building to off er the residents an opportunity to do gardening. ~ouncillor Speirs responded that he would like to see more dialogue take place on that issue. The Committee agreed to the following recommendation: RECOMMENDATION That Application R/83/99 (for property located at 12271, 12273 and 12275 -224 Street) to rezone property described in the staff report dated January 7, 2000 from RS-1 (One Family Urban Residential) to CD-1-00 be forwarded to Public Hearing, noting that the conditions to be met prior to Public Hearing and prior to final consideration of the Zone Amending By-law are detailed in that report. 2.7 RZ/84/99-23175HaneyBy-pass-RS-3 to CS-1 Reference was made to the staff report dated January 24, 2000 recommending that the subject application to rezone a rural residential lot to service commercial use be forwarded to Public Hearing subject to the conditions specified in the report. The Mayor noted that the property has been designated Service Commercial for quite some time. He is concerned about the form and character of the proposed use; although it is at a busy intersection, there are houses close to this site and there are residential units looking into it from across the highway. He would like to see a more sensitive architectural style. He questioned how the concrete block wall will be finished, noting it should be something with more character. Acting Mayor King questioned if the proposal meets the criteria of the proposed new commercial-residential interface policy being considered by Council. t r, The Director of Current Planning advised that a requirement prior to first reading is that the proposal must be reviewed by the Advisory Design Panel. The concerns raised by the Mayor can be considered at that time. The proposed commercial-residential interface policy which has not yet been adopted by Council can certainly be incorporated into this Committee of the Whole Minutes February 7, 2000 Page 10 proposal. He further noted that this site is limited in terms of its ability to have a drive- through window. The Acting Mayor asked that the following action be taken: ACTION REQUIRED -That where applicable, the pending commercial-residential interface policy be attached to development application reports submitted to Council for consideration. Councillor Gordon agreed, noting that she wants to make sure the applications meet the new policy whether it has been adopted or not. She would like to see the policy brought back to Council soon. The Director of Current Planning advised that he feels that this site will be able to adhere to the interface policy in term of setbacks, etc. and he will share the policy with the architect. The Committee agreed to the following recommendation: RECOMMENDATION That Application RZ/84/99 (for property located at 23175 Haney By-pass) to rezone property described in the staff report dated January 24, 2000 from RS-3 (One Family Rural Residential) to CS-1 (Service Commercial) be forwarded to Public Hearing, noting that the conditions to be met prior to Public Hearing and prior to final consideration of the Zone Amending By-law are detailed in that report and that the accompanying Official Community Plan Amending By-law be forwarded to the same Public Hearing. 2.8 RZ/2/00-23039 -117 Avenue -RS-1 to R-1 Staff report dated January 25, 2000 recommending that the subject application be forwarded to Public Hearing subject to the conditions specified in the report. RECOMMENDATION That Application RZ/2/00 (for property located at 23039 -117 Avenue) to rezone property described in the staff report dated January 25, 2000 from RS-1 (One Family Urban Residential) to R-1 (Residential District) be forwarded to Public Hearing, noting that the conditions to be met prior to Public Hearing and prior to final consideration of the Zone Amending By-law are detailed in that report and that the accompanying Official Community Plan Amending By-law be forwarded to the same Public Hearing 2.9 Garibaldi Heights Reservoir Contract Award Reference was made to the staff report dated February 1, 2000 and Council agreed to the following recommendation contained therein: Committee of the Whole Minutes February 7, 2000 Page 11 RECOMMENDATION That Contract No. E03-010-041 Garibaldi Reservoir Construction be awarded to Stanco Project Ltd. in the amount of $189,946.40 and that this contract become binding on the District upon the signature of the Mayor and Municipal Clerk. 2.10 On Site Innovative Sewage Systems The Municipal Clerk reviewed his report dated January 31, 2000 ( circulated separately) recommending that approval for all on-site sewage disposal systems continue to remain under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Health and that staff review the Provincial Sewage Regulations when available and report on their implications to the District. The report was submitted in response to a recent request from Dextras Engineering to Council to adopt a by-law to permit innovative sewage systems, particularly to facilitate their development in Whispering Falls. He added that innovative sewage systems are still in their infancy in this region. They may be the way of the future but staff feels until such time as the new Provincial regulations have been processed by the Ministry of Health, it is premature to look at adopting a Municipal by-law. Mr. Dextras was in attendance and spoke in support of his letter of February 4, 2000 to the Mayor and Council asking that Council defer the staff recommendation as he anticipates receiving extremely relevant information within the next few weeks from the Ministry of Health. He also refuted some of the observations made by Municipal staff with respect to the performance of the systems and liability that could occur to the District. Councillor Morse stated that she is generally in favour of innovative things and agrees that these systems may be the way of the future but she is concerned about the liability to the District, noting that it is common in today's world for people to look for someone else to blame if things go wrong. Councillor Gordon, Councillor Speirs and Acting Mayor King expressed agreement with Councillor Morse. The Committee agreed with the following recommendation: RECOMMENDATION That the staff report dated January 31, 200 entitled On-site Innovative Sewage Disposal Systems, and further that the approval for all on-site sewage disposal systems continue under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Health; and that staff be directed to review the revised Provincial Sewage Regulations when available and provide a report on the implications of same to the District of Maple Ridge. Committee of the Whole Minutes February 7, 2000 Page 12 2.11 1999 Business and Employment Inventory Update Reference was made to the staff report dated January 25, 2000. The Director of Licencing and Permits (formerly the Director of Director of Community Services and Business Relations) provided some highlights from the Inventory with respect to floor space totals, jobs to labour force ratios, vacancies, etc. The General Manager of Public Works and Development Services advised that the inventory was undertaken to give the economic side of the organization a sense of where we are at and it also provides the economic development community with some data on Maple Ridge. The District wants to be pro-active and help the business community. The report can also be used in the Official Community Plan review. The Director of Permits and Licencing confirmed that now that Council has seen the report, it can be released to the public. The Acting Mayor requested that the following action be taken: ACTION REQUIRED -that the inventory be forwarded to the Chamber of Commerce and the Economic Advisory Commission for their comments. The Committee agreed to the following recommendation: RECOMMENDATION That the report entitled 1999 Business and Employment Inventory Update be received for information. 2.12 Forest Harvesting on Blue Mountain Reference was made to the staff report dated January 17, 200 and the Committee agreed to the following recommendation contained therein: RECOMMENDATION That the staff report entitled Forest Harvesting on Blue Mountain dated January 17, 2000 be received for information. 3. FINANCIAL AND CORPORATE SERVICES (including Fire and Police) 3.1 SPCA Contract for Service Reference was made to the staff report dated January 2 7, 2000 and the Committee agreed to the following recommendation contained therein: RECOMMENDATION Committee of the Whole Minutes February 7, 2000 Page 13 That the Corporation of the District of Maple Ridge enter into an agreement with the British Columbia Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and that the Mayor and Municipal Clerk be authorized to sign and seal the agreement on behalf of the Corporation of the District of Maple Ridge. 3 .2 Committee Appointments Reference was made to the report from the Municipal Clerk dated February 3, 2000 (circulated separately) and the Committee agreed to the following recommendation: RECOMMENDATION That the report from the Municipal Clerk dated February 3, 2000 entitled Committee Appointments be received, and further that the following appointments be approved: l. Committee Members Business Planning Committee Information Technology Steering Committee 2. Liaisons to Community Organizations Fraser Regional Corrections Centre Citizens Advisory Board • Albion Fairgrounds Advisory Board Royal Canadian Legion (Branch No. 88) Councillor Candace Gordon Councillor Kathy Morse Councillor Linda King Councillor Kathy Morse Councillor Kathy Morse 4. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND RECREATION SERVICES 4.1 GVRD Cultural Plan -Strategies for Regional Arts and Cultural Development in Graver Vancouver: Next Steps Reference was made to the staff report dated January 17, 2000 and the Committee agreed to the following recommendation contained therein: RECOMMENDATION That the recommendations outlined in the Greater Vancouver Regional District report titled Strategies for Regional Arts and Cultural Development in Greater Vancouver: Next Steps be endorsed; and further that Maple Ridge Council participate where appropriate in the business planning process for the project. Committee of the Whole Minutes February 7, 2000 Page 14 4.2 Communities in Bloom Committee -Terms of Reference Reference was made to the staff report dated January 18, 2000 recommending that the above terms of reference be endorsed. Councillor Morse expressed approval of the Terms of Reference and noted that this is a real step forward for the Committee which is on its way to becoming a more organized committee. The General Manager of Community Development, Parks and Recreation Services explained that the Committee will operate under the Terms of Reference but will not be subject to a Municipal by-law as the Committee members will come from a variety of groups rather than being appointed by Council. Councillor Gordon noted that the Committee is modeled more as a community based committee rather than a Council committee which she feels is appropriate in this case. The Committee agreed to the following recommendation: RECOMMENDATION That the draft Terms of Reference for the Communities in Bloom Committee be endorsed, noting that further adjustments may be required following review by the Communities in Bloom volunteers. 4.3 Parks and Leisure Services Commission Open Meeting Minutes -November 25, 1999 Reference was made to the staff report recommending that the above Minutes be received for information. The Mayor questioned how much space is needed for the proposed skateboard park and if it would not be more appropriate to locate it closer to the proposed new youth centre rather than at the Fairgrounds as was recommended to the Commission. The General Manager of Community Development, Parks and Recreation Services advised that plans for the skateboard park are at the conceptual stage and staff has to meet with the Agricultural Association and the proponents to look at the Fairgrounds site to see if it will be appropriate. This will be an outdoor facility, which requires a large amount of space. There will be some indoor skating activity in the youth centre. The Mayor suggested working with the youth to have them design the facility and perhaps be included in its construction. The Acting Mayor noted that all the proposals for a skateboard facility in Maple Ridge that have ever been received have come from young people. The Committee agreed to the following recommendation: Committee of the Whole Minutes February 7, 2000 Page 15 RECOMMENDATION That the Minutes of the November 25, 1999 open meeting of the Parks and Leisure Services Commission be received for information. 5. OTHER ISSUES Nil 6. ADJOURNMENT Acting Mayor L. King, Presiding Member of the Committee /sk Committee of the Whole Minutes February 7, 2000 Page 16 Acting Mayor Presiding Member of the Committee /sk