Board Meeting Highlights
May 1, 2006
The following information is intended to provide quick highlights of this scheduled Board meeting. Every attempt has been made to summarize these highlights as accurately as possible; however, the complete and official minutes will be posted on the web site on the Monday one week prior to the next scheduled Board meeting.
Meeting Agenda - May 1, 2006
CHAIR'S REPORT
The Chair thanked the Strathcona Community Centre for hosting the first in the 2006 series of Community Board Meetings. Last week, the Park Board co-hosted the BC Recreation and Parks Association (BCRPA) annual symposium, which focused on exploring effective partnerships and sustainable alliances. General Manager Susan Mundick is outgoing President of BCRPA. The 57 member Park Board Sun Run Team placed second amongst 39 corporate teams in the Government Division in the annual fun fitness event. This week, the Volunteer Appreciation Dinner will recognize the efforts of many community heroes.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
On the Planning Committee agenda were Dog Task Force terms of reference, Air Show at Spanish Banks, and Burrardview Park Day Care. On the Finance Committee agenda was the 2006 Operating Budget.
GENERAL MANAGER'S REPORT
Park Board-related items on Council and Committee agendas this week are the Draft Strategic Plan for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games and the naming of Yaletown Canada Line Station.
STAFF REPORTS
Concession Strategy
Study
The Board approved the implementation strategy
contained in the Concession Strategy Study
prepared by the JF Group, for changes to Park
Board food delivery. A different, more entrepreneurial
relationship is recommended to address expectations
by customers for more food and service choice,
to rebuild the aging concession infrastructure
and to provide a good financial return to the
Park Board. Among the plans are a new restaurant
in Harbour Green Park near the convention centre
expansion, a new concession on English Bay,
a partnership for the Aquarium Plaza location,
bundling of the group of concessions for Point
Grey sites, developing a business case for
Sunset, Second and Third Beach concessions,
and phasing out of the warehouse/distribution
centre.
2006 Operating
Budget
The Park Board Global Budget for 2006 was
approved at $54,878,800, representing an
increase of 2.7% over last year. This includes
$956,800 for Added Basic costs and one time
adjustments, and the New and Non-Recurring
(NNR) budget of $370,000. The level reflects
a reduction of $400,000 as directed by Council
which will be achieved through operating
efficiencies in such areas as arboriculture,
irrigation, park amenities maintenance, administrative
support in community centres, and wildlife.
In addition there will also be a reduction
in funding in the implementation of the Ethical
Purchasing policy; reduction for the Park
Board's share of city-wide increase in allocated
turnover savings, and reduction for the graffiti
management program. The budget allows the
Board to maintain the current level of park
and recreation services with minimal adjustments.
Active Communities
The "Active Communities - Action Plan for Vancouver" report
was approved; the Board requested Council approve the
action plan and request consideration of funding to
support implementation. Staff will also seek additional
support from other levels of government and partner
organizations to fully implement the recommendations,
and report back to the Board on annual report as to
progress of the initiative. New Active Communities
programs will include the Fitness and Adventure Passport
aimed at school aged children and other groups, Step
Out walks throughout the city, key annual events such
as Active Communities Month in October, and an Athletes
in Vancouver program. Existing active living programs
such as the GetOut! youth initiative and Go Play!
recreation marketing will be enhanced. The Active Communities
program will enable Vancouver to lead the province
in achieving the goal of increasing physical activity
levels of residents 20% by 2010.
Conceptual Plan
for Nelson Park
After extensive consultation with the public
and the Vancouver School Board, the conceptual
design for Nelson Park, prepared by Durante
Kreuk landscape architects, was approved.
The redevelopment will include a water
feature, plaza, off-leash dog section,
entry areas and lighting. Next steps will
be detailed designs and construction drawings
with a target to install the upgrade this
summer.
Memorial South
Park Field House
The small and aging field house in Vancouver
East's Memorial South Park will be decommissionerd
and the 1,600 square foot area restored
to greenspace.
MOTION
Commissioner Herbert moved that the Park Board request Council to reconsider its decision on the elimination of the Child and Youth Advocate and Youth Advocate Mentor position. The Motion was deferred to the next meeting.
NEXT MEETING
The next regular meeting of the Park Board will be held at 7:00 pm on Monday, May 15, 2006 at Kensington Community Centre.
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